Keep your eyes peeled for sea spurge this summer
When you're out and about this summer, look out for the invasive weed sea spurge.
Sea spurge invades the shores just above the high tide mark, disrupts sand dunes, and stops native plants from being able to grow.
The fast spreading weed can ravage a whole area in a short space of time.
The Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries have urged people to report any sightings.
Its sap is toxic to humans and animals and can cause skin irritations, or temporary blindness if you get it in your eyes.
So don't try to remove it if you do spot it.
Sea spurge looks like a small shrub which can grow up to about half a metre high.
It has multiple steams which are reddish at the base and spiky, tightly packed blue/green leaves and greenish flowers.
What to do this summer if you think you've found sea spurge:
Don't disturb the sea spurge plants as it could spread the seeds.
Don't cut sea spurge or try to remove it; its sap is toxic.
Take a photo of the location and a close-up of the plants.
Try and get your location as accurate as possible and note it down.
Call the MPI exotic pest line on 0800 80 99 66.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.3% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.5% Nah - not for me
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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