Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Sustainable seafood matters to eight in ten consumers, leading to calls for retailers to support sustainable choices

Source: Media Outreach

MSC calls on retailers to increase their offer of sustainable seafood products ahead of the Chinese New Year, in response to insights from consumers

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – As families across Singapore and Malaysia prepare to toss yusheng and serve whole steamed fish for Chinese New Year, new research reveals a striking disconnect: more than eight in ten Malaysians (85%) and nearly three-quarters of Singaporeans (74%) say sustainable seafood matters to them.

Despite actively seeking out sustainable sources, a YouGov survey commissioned by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) found that more than half of Singapore consumers (58%) have never noticed an eco-label when shopping. Recognition of the MSC blue ecolabel label sits at 21%.

With seafood consumption expected to rise during Chinese New Year as celebrations take centre stage, it’s a critical moment for sustainable shopping choices.

Malaysia consumes more than double the global average per capita (49 kg versus 21 kg globally), while Singapore imports most of its seafood supply. Without clear labelling and retailer commitment, consumers who want to make sustainable choices often cannot.

In Malaysia, where fishing remains central to coastal livelihoods, 75% of Malaysians believe support and resources are essential for local fishermen to fish responsibly and sustainably.

In Singapore, where nearly all seafood is imported, consumers look to retailers and regulators for assurance, with 55% citing government standards and 54% citing origin information as key drivers of confidence.

“When asked what sustainable seafood means to them, consumers demonstrated a sophisticated understanding: 62% of Singaporeans and 56% of Malaysians associate it with well-managed fisheries operating under clear rules.

“It’s clear that consumers are ready and willing to seek out credible certification, so we’re urging retailers and businesses to make MSC eco-label products visible and accessible,” saidAnne Gabriel, Program Director for Oceania and Singapore at the Marine Stewardship Council.

The research also highlights expectations of retailers. More than half of Singaporeans (52%) believe supermarkets should commit to sourcing sustainable seafood. Even amid cost-of-living pressures, 38% say they are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced seafood, while many others say clear labelling would help them make better choices within their budget.

The findings suggest that as festive demand peaks, clearer eco-labelling could help consumers align their values with their shopping – without changing what’s on the dinner table.

Shoppers can find MSC certified sustainable seafood at Cold Storage Singapore, FairPrice Group and Prime Supermarket in Singapore, and at AEON Retail, Jaya Grocer and Village Grocer in Malaysia.

Key findings at a glance

  • 85% of Malaysians and 74% of Singaporeans say sustainable seafood is important
  • 63% (MY) and 58% (SG) have never noticed any eco-label on seafood
  • 75% of Malaysians believe fishermen need support to fish sustainably
  • 52% Singaporeans say retailer commitment to sustainable sourcing would encourage them to choose sustainable seafood
  • Malaysia consumes 49kg of seafood per capita annually vs 21kg global average, sources from Malaysia – Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles

About the research
The survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Marine Stewardship Council between 15-19 January 2026. The sample comprised 1,007 adults aged 18+ in Singapore and 1,003 adults aged 18+ in Malaysia. Data was weighted to be representative of the adult population in each country.

Hashtag: #TheMarineStewardshipCouncil #MSC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/sustainable-seafood-matters-to-eight-in-ten-consumers-leading-to-calls-for-retailers-to-support-sustainable-choices/

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Judge Ema Aitken must have known who she was yelling at, NZ First MP Casey Costello says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Judge Ema Aitken is before a Judicial Conduct Panel accused of disrupting the event at Auckland’s Northern Club. RNZ Composite

A gudge accused of disrupting an NZ First event must have known who she was yelling at, a party members says.

Judge Ema Aitken is before a Judicial Conduct Panel accused of disrupting the event at Auckland’s Northern Club, yelling at party leader Winston Peters, calling him a liar, and saying comments he made were disgusting.

The judge argues she did not shout, did not recognise Peters’ voice when she responded to remarks she overheard, and did not know it was a political event.

Appearing on Thursday morning, NZ First MP Casey Costello gave evidence about the night.

She was not appearing as a government Minister, Jonathan Orpin-Dowell, who is assisting Special Counsel for the hearing, said.

Costello recalled being at her table when she heard someone yelling. She assumed they were yelling at her.

“Whatever she was saying, it was loud enough for me to hear and take notice of her,” she said.

“If it had only been in a normal speaking tone, I would not have heard the comments at that distance or taken any notice.”

NZ First MP Casey Costello. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Costello said the judge must have known who she was yelling at.

“From my observation of the events, the judge must have known that it was Winston Peters who was speaking,” she said.

“Mr Peters has, I believe, a distinctive voice, and had been speaking for some time when the judge began yelling.”

She said the judge would have also been able to see Peters through the doorway when she first came down the stairs.

Costello described another incident from the evening where she encountered who she later learnt was Judge Aitken’s husband, Dr David Galler.

Costello said Galler had confronted her, blocking her way and calling her despicable.

NZ First MP Casey Costello’s notes in her diary about the evening’s disruptions. Supplied

“He said ‘you are despicable, I hope you’re ashamed of yourself, you disgust me’,” she said.

Costello could tell the man was drunk by smell and described the altercation as particularly hostile.

“I asked the man why he had that opinion of me, he replied ‘you are responsible for killing hundreds of people, you should be proud’,” she said.

Galler went on to make other comments about Costello paying dues to the tabacco industry, and said she had no medical knowledge.

Costello had faced scrutiny earlier that year for rolling back smokefree laws and giving health officials a document that claimed “nicotine is as harmful as caffeine” and argued Labour’s smokefree generation policy was “nanny state nonsense”.

She said she had made a note in her diary about the evening’s disruptions but particularly about what had happened with Dr Galler.

“As a politician, whenever I have a public interaction with someone who is difficult, I tend to take a note of the interaction at the time, so I have a record of reference should it be needed.”

Judge Aitken’s lawyer David Jones KC cross-examined Costello, questioning whether the judge had in fact directed comments to her.

Judges called as witnesses

Thursday morning began with lead panellist Brendan Brown KC issuing a minute requesting other judges give evidence before the panel.

It comes after Special Counsel for the Inquiry requested the panel ask other District Court judges to give evidence.

KC requested District Court judges David McNaughton and Pippa Sinclair to appear and give evidence.

Those called had been among the people sitting at Judge Aitken’s table at a function of District Court judges that had brought her to the Northern Club that night.

Special Counsel Tim Stephens KC had told the panel earlier in the week some of the Judges and their partners who sat at Judge Aitken’s table may have relevant evidence to give.

Brown KC also indicated he would also call Judge Sinclair’s partner to give evidence, as well as the partner of another judge present.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/judge-ema-aitken-must-have-known-who-she-was-yelling-at-nz-first-mp-casey-costello-says/

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Christchurch terrorist suffered ‘complete destruction of his identity’ in prison, his lawyers say

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fifty-one people were killed in two attacks on mosques in Christchurch in 2019. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

Lawyers acting for the terrorist who massacred 51 worshippers at two Christchurch mosques say their client suffered a “complete destruction of his identity” because of his prison conditions, leading to an irrational decision to plead guilty.

Australian Brenton Tarrant wants the Court of Appeal to overturn his convictions and sentence for the March 2019 shootings at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre.

After initially pleading not guilty in June 2019 to 51 counts of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one of committing terrorism, he changed his pleas in March 2020.

The terrorist was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole in August 2020.

The 35-year-old now claims he pleaded guilty only because he was irrational as a result of the solitary nature of his prison conditions, which were torturous and inhumane.

One of the terrorist’s lawyers, who can only be identified as counsel A, quoted Nelson Mandela in laying out their argument to Justices Christine French, Susan Thomas and David Collins.

“No one truly knows a nation until he’s been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged on how it treats its highest citizens but how it treats its lowest ones,” the lawyer said.

The lawyer argued there were minimum conditions that all prisoners were entitled to, regardless of the crime they were accused of, and the terrorist’s rights had been breached.

“Those conditions apply to everyone. They apply to everyone, even Mr Tarrant, who has been described as the most reviled person in New Zealand. He is entitled to the rule of law and to be treated in accordance with the same standards that attach to all prisoners in New Zealand,” the lawyer said.

“Even in this most terrible of cases there are minimum expectations – minimum – which we say were ignored in this unprecedented case. These principles and standards include the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, as well as international agreements as to how prisoners are to be held and treated.

“It is submitted that we must hold fast to those ideals that form this nation and not be pulled away by the undoubtedly strong and no doubt justified emotions that attach in this particular case. We must hold fast, especially in the most difficult of cases and circumstances which this case undoubtedly is. It is these most difficult of cases which test and strain at the rule of law the most.”

Counsel A claimed that the terrorist had lost all ability to defend himself in court as a result of his prison conditions, including total isolation aside from transactional contact with corrections staff, constant surveillance and limited activity.

“His guilty pleas were not entered voluntarily. They were entered as a direct result of the oppressive conditions in which he was held,” the lawyer said.

“It is said that these oppressive conditions impacted upon his mental health to such a severe extent that it prevented him from being able to participate in court process properly.

“It is Mr Tarrant’s evidence that due to his isolation and the associated conditions, he suffered a complete destruction of his identity. He describes this as nervous exhaustion or a nervous breakdown.”

The court has heard the terrorist initially raised the possibility of pleading guilty on 31 July 2019 – which came as a surprise to one of his then-lawyers – but four days’ later he again changed his mind and maintained his not guilty stance.

On Tuesday his former lawyers Shane Tait and Jonathan Hudson told the court from that point they were clear the terrorist always intended to plead guilty but he wanted to control the timing of his plea.

The terrorist claimed his mental state had declined to such an extent he felt forced into pleading guilty and he feared embarrassing himself at trial.

“It is his evidence that he had lost his sense of who he was and the capacity, the resilience if you like, to be able to run an effective defence by himself,” counsel A told the court on Thursday morning.

“There was also the point made that he believed if he did plead guilty that he might be able to ameliorate or improve those prison conditions under which he was being held.”

On Wednesday the court heard from other lawyers who had previously acted for the terrorist and described his conditions as unsatisfactory.

A psychologist said the terrorist’s prison conditions were not positive but were not as harsh as some prisons globally and did not amount to torture.

The terrorist appearing at the hearing earlier this week. Supplied

The terrorist was housed in the prisoners of extreme risk unit (PERU) at Auckland Prison.

He was cut off from meaningful interaction with other people, including fellow prisoners.

Another lawyer acting for the terrorist, who can only be identified as counsel B, said the conditions her client was held under before pleading guilty were unprecedented in modern New Zealand history.

“Make no mistake, Mr Tarrant’s circumstances are like no other. They are far more extreme, in our submission, than any other prisoner in the PERU or any other prisoner in New Zealand history,” counsel B told the court.

The terrorist, in his own subjective assessment, was not acting rationally at the time of pleading guilty but had only become aware of that with the benefit of hindsight, counsel B said.

The terrorist’s lawyers will continue their submissions on Thursday afternoon.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/christchurch-terrorist-suffered-complete-destruction-of-his-identity-in-prison-his-lawyers-say/

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High Court Judge wins right to have family batch dispute in private court

Source: Radio New Zealand

The case was taken to the High Court but had been referred to independent arbitration. (File photo) RNZ / Dan Cook

A High Court Judge has won the right to have a dispute over a family bach heard in private, rather than open court.

In 2022, Justice Anne Hinton sold her share of the bach to two of her four sisters – but her other sister, Gillian Gatfield and niece, Emma Pearson (who inherited her mother’s share) argued Hinton had, years earlier, promised to transfer her share to them.

They took their case to the High Court, but Hinton successfully applied to have it referred to independent arbitration.

The plaintiffs appealed the arbitration referral in November – but the Court of Appeal dismissed that on Thursday.

Hinton wanted arbitration because it was faster and cheaper than going through the courts – and private.

Her lawyers argued any judge hearing Hinton’s case in court would be put in a difficult position: either risking the perception of favouring a colleague, or ruling against her which would effectively question her credibility.

But Gatfield and Pearson disagreed.

Lawyer Matanuku Mahuika said “significant weight” was placed on Hinton’s role as a judge in her request for arbitration, which was “not appropriate”.

He urged the judges to be mindful of open justice and warned them against being seen to give preference to a fellow judge.

Mahuika also pointed out arbitration had never been ordered – as opposed to agreed to – in a trust dispute.

But in Thursday’s decision, the judges said the Associate Judge who ordered the arbitration was following the correct procedure.

“We consider that the court has power to order that an arbitration take place and to appoint an arbitrator, even when there is no agreement to arbitrate.

“We also consider there is nothing inherently inappropriate in doing so.”

The Judges said it was “unnecessary” to explicitly address all the matters Gatfield and Pearson’s lawyers raised as reasons against private arbitration.

“We agree with the decision made by the High Court,” their judgement said.

Mediation and arbitration were appropriate options in a case involving “strongly felt personal allegations”, it said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/high-court-judge-wins-right-to-have-family-batch-dispute-in-private-court/

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NZ Warriors kick off NRL campaign with pre-season trial against Manly Sea Eagles

Source: Radio New Zealand

Te Maire Martin, Wayde Egan, Leka Halasima, Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad prepare in different ways for their 2026 NRL season. Photosport/RNZ

NRL Pre-season: NZ Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles

Kickoff: 3.40pm Saturday, 14 February

McLean Park, Napier

Live blog updates on RNZ

Analysis: Take a deep breath and soak in the last warmth of summer – this could be as good as it gets for the next nine months of the NRL season.

This is the pre-season, a time when anything still seems possible.

If you’re a player, you feel the fittest, the strongest and healthiest you will be for a long time. Soon enough, you will be back to managing injuries from one week to the next, as each tackle takes its cumulative toll and life becomes a grind.

If you’re a coach, you have made no bad decisions – or at least, none that you know of yet.

If you’re a fan, your team have suffered no defeats and sit equal top of the table with 16 others.

If you’re a Warriors fan, you can still believe THIS is the year your team finally break their championship drought.

Hope springs eternal, but reality will be tested for the first time on Saturday, when the Warriors face Manly Sea Eagles in their opening pre-season trial at Napier.

Coach Andrew Webster is impressed by the individual work his players have put in during their off-season.

“Over the Christmas break, they made a pact to each other that they would go away and enjoy the break, but come back fit and hit their targets,” he said.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen every single player do so and I’m really impressed with that. It’s now about piecing the football fitness together, which we’re doing, and it’s enabled us to do more football, rather than just conditioning.”

The hits are about to get real for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and his Warriors teammates. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who has endured hundreds of pre-season workouts during his 12 NRL campaigns, has already noticed a step up among his teammates.

“My biggest [impression] of the 2026 pre-season is everyone’s moving a lot faster now,” he said. “I think the game is forcing us that way, but it’s good.

“The boys are looking sharp out there, everyone’s moving at a speed that is different to last year already. It’s exciting.”

Webster thinks he more or less knows who will line up for the season-opener against Sydney Roosters at Go Media Stadium on 6 March.

“I reckon 15 players have probably picked themselves,” Webster said. “I reckon two spots are up for grabs, but of those 15 that have their nose in front, things could change quickly.

“We’ve got some decent continuity, we know who we’re thinking, but at the same time, 3-4 weeks is a long time in footy and things could change.

“If you got through each position, we’ve got great depth. Where we’ve got experience, we’ve got great youth knocking on the door behind them.

“Happy to have that headache, but it can also be an Achilles heel. You have great competition, but it’s hard to give people clarity straight away over what their year looks like and where they’re going to be.

“Some payers think it’s the Olympics and round two comes around four years later. If they don’t make round one, their world ends.

“It’s good to have that goal and ambition, and to want that round one position really badly, but round two is only seven days away.”

Here’s a few things to watch for over the next couple of weeks, as the hits become real.

Positional battles

Webster may not agree, but perhaps only Tuivasa-Sheck would seem assured of his backline spot for round one.

Coach Andrew Webster reckons he has 15 of his 17 players sorted for round one against Sydney Rooster – but that could change. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Others may be pencilled in as incumbents, but they will have to defend those positions against legitimate challengers.

These contests become somewhat blurred this week, with seven players away on Māori-Indigenous duty and niggly injuries sidelining others.

Fullback: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is as courageous as they come at the back, but towards the end of last season, some were calling for Taine Tuaupiki to inherit the No.1 jersey fulltime.

Neither are available against Manly – CNK lines up in the halves for the Māori, while Tuaupiki tends to a leg injury – so reserve-grader Geronimo Doyle fills the position.

Wing: RTS seems embedded on one flank (although some still see him as the club’s best fullback, while others consider him the answer to the problems at centre), but Dallin Watene-Zelezniak struggled with injury and form last season.

The arrival of speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira means DWZ must maintain high standards or lose his spot.

Centre: Seven different players started in the midfield last season, with specialists Rocco Berry and Ali Leiataua plagued by injury.

Incredibly, many still don’t consider Adam Pompey an automatic selection, despite playing every minute of every game, but his reliability cannot be overlooked.

Hopefully, Kurt Capewell will not be wasted there this time round. CNK is a better option – he played there for the Kiwis – and powerhouse Leka Halasima fills the void this week against the Sea Eagles, as he did against Penrith Panthers in last year’s playoffs.

Halves: First-choice halfback Luke Metcalf will miss a couple of months, so his position is up for grabs. Tanah Boyd has the inside running, after filling in last season, but Webster has plenty of half options up his sleeve, including Te Maire Martin (who will likely lose his utility value under new interchange rules) and Jett Cleary.

Webster also warns not to sleep on newcomer Jye Linane, once he’s up to speed from knee surgery.

Forwards: At full health, the pack almost picks itself. Front-rower Mitch Barnett should be back near the start of the season, but if he’s not, Jackson Ford or Demitric Vaimauga can deputise ably.

Webster may need to scale back Wayde Egan’s use at hooker to preserve him for later in the season and understudy Sam Healey has proved himself at this level.

Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett is eyeing a return to action by round one, after rehabbing his knee injury. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Dally M Lock of the Year Erin Clark appears ‘locked’ in, but exactly where Englishman Morgan Gannon fits remains to be seen. If Halasima stays at centre, that may open up a spot, but there are plenty of others queuing up to fill it.

Second row is probably where Webster’s biggest selection headaches lie. Who starts, who comes off the bench and who is consigned to NSW Cup may prove contentious.

Injuries

When he talks about how quickly things can change, Webster is referring to the almost inevitable pre-season injury that will alter his line-up for week one.

Last year, Watene-Zelezniak lasted only a few minutes before breaking his wrist.

Back-up fullback Tuaupiki described how he expected specialist winger Ed Kosi to get the call off the bench, but instead was suddenly thrust into a position where he had limited experience – and made it his own.

As DWZ returned to fitness, Tuivasa-Sheck tweaked a hamstring that extended Tuaupiki’s stay in the starting line-up.

“Taine played maybe the first 7-8 games on the wing last year and I think we won five out of those seven,” Webster recalled. “To be part of that and to have that depth, with everyone playing different positions is awesome.”

In fact, Tuaupiki stuck around through nine games, helping his team to a club-best 7-2 start and second place on the table. Soon after he was relegated to reserves, the Warriors began their slide.

The Warriors already have a series of minor injuries, but there’s every likelihood they will lose someone else in the build-up, as bodies adjust to impact again.

Bolters

Ten players have been named as reserves against Manly. None have played first grade, but most, if not all can expect some run this weekend – perhaps not enough to really push for places in the top team immediately, but maybe enough to delay their promotion further.

Tuivasa-Sheck highlighted a couple to watch out for – powerful outside backs Sio Kali and Motu Pasikala. Here’s some more.

Eddie ‘Goggins’ Ieremia-Toeava may be poised for promotion up the Warriors rotation. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Haizyn Mellars: With DWZ and AKP both away on all-star duty, the new kid from Souths gets an immediate chance to impress on the wing.

He has big shoes to fill, following father Vince into the Warriors programme, and is desperate to crack the top team to create a piece of family history.

Eddie Ieremia-Toeava: Often named as 18th man, Ieremia-Toeava finally made his premiers debut against the Dolphins in round 22, logged five games and scored a try against Gold Coast Titans.

He’s renowned for his work ethic at training, earning the nickname ‘Goggins’ after inexhaustible ultra-athlete and former US Navy SEAL David Goggins. He may be ready to jump a few spots in the second-row pecking order.

Kayliss Fatialofa: Maybe the last thing the Warriors need is another second-rower, but the club thinks enough of Fatialofa to secure him for the next two seasons.

He hasn’t played first grade yet, but appeared in every game for the champion reserves last season, logging 80 minutes in 19 of his 22 outings and finishing as equal top tryscoring forward in the NSW Cup. He’ll come off the interchange against the Sea Eagles.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/nz-warriors-kick-off-nrl-campaign-with-pre-season-trial-against-manly-sea-eagles/

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Wellington’s mayor Andrew Little promises to reduce commercial rates

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington’s mayor Andrew Little. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Wellington’s mayor is promising to reduce the city’s commercial rates burden, but admits he doesn’t yet have the council’s backing to do so.

Andrew Little told a Wellington Chamber of Commerce breakfast event that the current commercial rates differential meant that businesses paid 3.7-times the residential rate – thought to be one of the highest in the country.

“That starts to make it challenging for developers when they’re developing inner-city land for commercial purposes. So, if we can address that differential and bring the differential down, then we become more competitive in that regard,” he said.

However, even a modest reduction could push residential rates up by around 4 percent.

Little said the first step was getting council spending under control, before shifting the balance.

“I’m confident that if we do the work on financial planning, budgeting, what have you, that in time we can do this.”

The mayor said reducing the commercial rates differential was a personal commitment.

He said there was no formal proposal yet and any change would need negotiation around the council table.

“There’s no collective council commitment to… I don’t know what the split on council would be. There are plenty who are keen to see it. There are some for whom it’s not the top priority, but that’s the nature of council. It would have to be negotiated through.”

Whether to decrease the commercial rates differential from $3.70 to $3.25 has previously stirred heated debate over the pressure on businesses versus residents.

At a 2023 council meeting a proposal to reduce the differential was voted down [ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/504175/wellington-city-council-votes-in-principle-to-keep-same-rates-for-businesses].

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/wellingtons-mayor-andrew-little-promises-to-reduce-commercial-rates/

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Pharmac seeking feedback on plans to modernise the Pharmaceutical Schedule

Source: PHARMAC

Media release Medicines Hospital devices

Pharmac has begun work to update the Pharmaceutical Schedule to make it easier to use, faster to update, and fit for a modern health system.

“The Pharmaceutical Schedule is a national tool that helps people understand which medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and related products are publicly funded,” says Pharmac’s Director of Strategy, Policy and Performance Michael Johnson.

“It has served New Zealanders for many years, but it now needs to be modernised so it can better support today’s rapidly changing health system.”

Published in 1994, it has not kept up with advances in technology, changes in the health system, or the growth in Pharmac’s responsibilities. Over time, it has expanded from listing medicines funded in the community to include vaccines and the medicines and medical devices used in hospitals.

“The Schedule was not designed to be this big, or this complex, and the digital systems used to manage it are outdated and need replacing.”

“It also needs to align with modern health sector standards and be updated more rapidly when required.”

The redevelopment project aims to make the Schedule clearer, easier to navigate, and simpler to keep up to date.

“This work will help future‑proof the Schedule. By modernising how information is organised and presented, it will be easier for people to find what they’re looking for and understand how funded products can be used,” says Johnson. 

Pharmac is proposing several improvements, including:

  • Reorganising the Schedule into a single online resource, with separate sections for general rules, medicines and related products, and hospital medical devices.
  • Moving to an online‑only format with the capability to update as needed, allowing information to be published more quickly and accessed in different ways.
  • Making funding rules easier to understand by grouping them into funding pathways, which will show people how a product can be funded, such as on a prescription or for use in a hospital.
  • Making identifying medicines and devices easier by ensuring the way they are described is consistent with the rest of the health system.
  • Keeping key processes the same, with no proposed changes to how Pharmac makes decisions, existing clinical criteria beyond routine updates, or claiming processes.

“We want to hear from people about how these changes might work for them. Your feedback helps us understand what we need to consider and what support may be needed during the transition,” says Johnson.

If you would like to provide feedback or share general comments, please email schedule@pharmac.govt.nz or use the online form. Consultation closes 5 pm, Friday 13 March 2026.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/pharmac-seeking-feedback-on-plans-to-modernise-the-pharmaceutical-schedule/

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Person escapes house fire in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Firefighters at a house fire on Balmain Road in Chatswood. RNZ/Paris Ibell

One person has escaped a house fire in North Auckland this afternoon.

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) crews are extinguishing a fire at a two-storey house on Balmain Road in Chatswood.

A FENZ spokesperson said they were called to the scene at about half past 12, and the house was well involved on arrival.

One person who was inside the house was able to get out and wasn’t injured.

RNZ/Paris Ibell

FENZ said the fire isn’t being treated as suspicious, but a fire investigator is on site.

Locals have shared photos of billowing black smoke coming from the area on Thursday afternoon.

A section of Balmain Road has been cordoned off.

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Police clamp down following scooter robbery

Source: New Zealand Police

A man will scoot to court today following an alleged robbery in east Auckland yesterday afternoon.

Just after 4pm, Police were notified of an incident in Point England Road where a person had allegedly been assaulted and their scooter taken.

Auckland City East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun, says the victim was able to provide a detailed description of the alleged offender.

“Staff arrived quickly and were able to obtain a statement from the victim where he advised that the scooter was fitted with an AirTag.

“Based off that information Police attended an address in the nearby area and took one person into custody without issue.”

He says the scooter was also recovered from the property and returned to its rightful owner.

“We’re pleased we were able to locate this person and bring them before the Court to be held to account for their actions.”

A 49-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court today charged with robbery.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/police-clamp-down-following-scooter-robbery/

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Weather News – Wet and windy weekend for many – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 12 – Monday 16 February
 

  • Orange Heavy Rain Watch on Friday for eastern Bay of Plenty/northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti
  • Yellow Heavy Rain Watches on Friday for much of the North Island
  • Lower temperatures expected from Saturday.

MetService is predicting the run of warmer-than-average temperatures will end this weekend, as a front moves over the South Island and a low pressure system starts to develop east of the North Island. Both features are expected to bring rain in their wake, as well as strong winds for the North Island and upper South Island. Thunderstorms with localised downpours are also possible for much of the North Island on Friday. Heavy Rain Watches have been issued over most of the North Island from Friday, with an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti.

MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker states, “Warm and humid conditions over the North Island on Friday are likely to generate thunderstorms, with the potential for localised intense bursts of rain.”

The front moving up the South Island on Friday will bring a burst of heavy rain to western areas, with some rain making it east of the Alps. A southerly moving through on Saturday brings heavy showers and potential thunderstorms for Otago and Canterbury during the second half of the day.

While the low centre developing east of the North Island will be driving much of the weekend weather, its exact position is still uncertain. This means it is tricky to nail down the intensity and location of potential severe weather. The forecast position may change from one day to the next, so if you have plans over the weekend, it’s a good idea to keep checking the forecast.

“We’re currently predicting the rain will stay away until the tail end of Wellington’s Round the Bays on Sunday, which should motivate participants to keep up the pace. However, there will still be strong southerlies during the races, so take advantage of those tailwinds when you can,” advises Bakker.

We still have a couple of days of warmer temperatures and high humidity ahead of us, but things are set to change this weekend as cooler air pushes in from the south. A lot of the South Island will have a cooler-than-average weekend, with a few locations seeing a difference of more than ten degrees between Friday’s and Sunday’s maximum temperatures. Cooler temperatures move up the North Island through Saturday and should stick around into early next week.

For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with one of our meteorologists please call 04 4700 848 or email metcomms@metservice.com

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:

This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/weather-news-wet-and-windy-weekend-for-many-metservice/

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Employment Disputes – New Zealanders warned about escalating NZPFU strike action

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is warning New Zealanders about the increasing threat posed by the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) escalating its industrial relations activity to two one-hour strikes per week. 
Strikes are currently planned between midday-1pm this coming Friday and Monday, with subsequent strike notices in place for 20, 23 and 27 February, and 2 March. 
During the strikes Fire and Emergency will still respond to emergency calls but is warning responses will be delayed in areas covered by professional firefighters as the closest, available volunteers will be responding from their stations. 
“We think striking when both parties are actively involved in facilitation needlessly puts the community at risk,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says. 
“We asked for facilitation as there was a significant gap between what we were offering and the NZPFU’s expectations.
“Our offer at the time amounted to a 6.2 percent average increase over 3 years and compared favourably with equivalent recent public sector agreements, but this was three times less than the NZPFU’s settlement proposal.” 
 Fire and Emergency’s pre-facilitation offer would have taken average senior firefighter salaries from a range of approximately $81,000-$87,000 to $86,000-$93,000 at the end of the period, excluding overtime and allowances, which currently add an average of almost $39,000 to annual remuneration.
Over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent, which is more than 10 percent above the average increase for all workers. 
“We continue to call on the NZPFU to call off its now twice-weekly strikes while the process of facilitation takes place. We remain committed to a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement so we can continue working to keep our communities safe.” 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/employment-disputes-new-zealanders-warned-about-escalating-nzpfu-strike-action/

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Legislation – Still time for NZ First to do the right thing by workers and vote down Fire at Will Bill – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on New Zealand First to stand by New Zealand workers and vote down the most draconian anti-worker legislation since the notorious Employment Contracts Act in 1991.
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill was set to pass today but has now been removed from the Order Paper.
“Now is the time for NZ First to do the right thing and stand by New Zealand workers as this anti-worker bill goes through its final stages in Parliament,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The bill amounts to a radical change to every workplace and fire at will for each worker, it is a recipe for exploitation.
“There is nothing in the Coalition Agreements that would stop NZ First voting against the Bill at the conclusion of the Third Reading expected next week.
“NZ First has talked about being the party of ‘the responsible face of capitalism’. Responsible capitalism means basic protections for workers from unfair treatment which is what personal grievance remedies and contractor protections and are all about.
“The responsible thing to do right now is to vote against this bill which effectively allow employers to fire workers at will.
“NZ First indicated it wanted to make changes to these provisions at the Bill’s committee stages this week, believing they created a power imbalance but chose not to.
“It’s not too late. We urge NZ First to listen to the concerns of unions and workers before this bill becomes law and hands more power to employers to sack workers.
“We have already seen a huge shift in power to businesses. Workers have been penalised by the Government through 90-day trials, the scrapping of pay equity, the suppressing of minimum wage rises, and the axing of Fair Pay Agreements.
“Now is the time for NZ First to support New Zealand workers – the PSA urges NZ First to vote against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill.”
ENDS
Background Employment Relations Amendment Bill
In summary, the changes will:
– mean workers who are legally unfairly dismissed will have no proper remedies if they have contributed to the situation, however minor.
– allow employers to fire at will workers who are unjustifiably dismissed and earn more than $200,000 – they cannot access a personal grievance process for unjustified dismissal.
– remove the provision that automatically enrols new employees in collective agreements for 30 days. This means new workers will risk being exposed to 90-day fire-at-will trials before understanding the protections offered by collective agreements.
– allow employers to deem workers contractors removing their right to holiday and sick pay and means they can be fired at will – the law change written by multi-national ride share company Uber.
Previous statement
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/legislation-still-time-for-nz-first-to-do-the-right-thing-by-workers-and-vote-down-fire-at-will-bill-psa/

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Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek dies aged 48

Source: Radio New Zealand

Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in popular 90s TV show Dawson’s Creek, has died.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” read a statement shared to Van Der Beek’s official Instagram page on Thursday (NZ time).

“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/dawsons-creek-star-james-van-der-beek-dies-aged-48/

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Australian label AROHA changes name following backlash

Source: Radio New Zealand

Australian activewear label AROHA has changed its name after copping heat for using a Māori word despite having no connection to te ao Māori.

“This isn’t a rebrand. It’s a reflection of who we are now,” the brand wrote on their social media account on Tuesday, alongside a tile sharing their new name, VYRA.

“As we’ve evolved, so has our purpose … What once began with love has transformed into resilience, discipline, and power. The brand we started is no longer the brand we are becoming,” they went on.

Australian activewear label once called AROHA has changed it’s name to VYRA.

Instagram

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/australian-label-aroha-changes-name-following-backlash/

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Economy – Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the six months ended 31 December 2025

Source: The New Zealand Treasury

The Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the six months ended 31 December 2025 were released by the Treasury today. The December results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2025 (HYEFU 2025), published on 16 December 2025, and the results for the same period for the previous year.

The key fiscal indicators for the six months ended 31 December 2025 were overall favourable compared to the forecast. The Government’s main operating indicator, the operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx), showed a deficit of $5.2 billion. This deficit was $1.6 billion smaller than forecast. Net core Crown debt was lower than forecast by $2.0 billion at $191.4 billion, or 43.5% of GDP.

Core Crown tax revenue, at $60.0 billion, was $0.1 billion (0.2%) higher than forecast.

Core Crown expenses, at $71.4 billion, were $1.0 billion (1.3%) below forecast, reflecting lower spending across a range of functional classifications.

The operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx) was a deficit of $5.2 billion, $1.6 billion less than the forecast deficit. The ACC deficit was close to forecast. As a result, the OBEGAL deficit was $5.5 billion, $1.6 billion lower than the forecast deficit.

The operating balance was a surplus of $4.3 billion compared to a forecast surplus of $0.2 billion. The variance of $4.1 billion is due to a combination of the OBEGAL variance of $1.6 billion noted above, and stronger valuation gains compared to forecast on non-financial instruments ($2.2 billion) and financial instruments ($0.2 billion).

The core Crown residual cash deficit of $10.1 billion was $1.2 billion smaller than forecast, largely owing to lower-than-forecast net core Crown operating cash outflows of $0.6 billion and higher-than-forecast net core Crown capital cash inflows of $0.6 billion.

Net core Crown debt at $191.4 billion (43.5% of GDP) was $2.0 billion lower than forecast. This variance was largely due to the lower-than-forecast core Crown residual cash deficit of $1.2 billion noted above, as well as higher-than-forecast issuances of circulating currency of $0.6 billion.

Gross debt at $219.6 billion (49.9% of GDP) was $3.3 billion below forecast, largely owing to lower-than-forecast issuances of Euro Commercial Paper (ECP) and Treasury bills of $1.9 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.

Net worth attributable to the Crown at $183.7 billion (41.8% of GDP) was $4.2 billion higher than forecast. This favourable variance largely reflects operating balance discussed previously.

  

  Year to date Full Year
December
2025
Actual1
$m		 December
2025
HYEFU 2025
Forecast1
$m		 Variance2
HYEFU 2025
$m		 Variance
HYEFU 2025
%		 June
2026
HYEFU 2025
Forecast3
$m
Core Crown tax revenue 59,993 59,855 138 0.2 124,198
Core Crown revenue 66,083 66,154 (71) (0.1) 136,919
Core Crown expenses 71,399 72,358 959 1.3 149,047
Core Crown residual cash (10,135) (11,345) 1,210 10.7 (14,802)
Net core Crown debt4 191,440 193,439 1,999 1.0 196,987
          as a percentage of GDP 43.5% 44.0%     43.3%
Gross debt 219,607 222,943 3,336 1.5 227,225
          as a percentage of GDP 49.9% 50.7%     50.0%
OBEGAL excluding ACC (OBEGALx) (5,160) (6,755) 1,595 23.6 (13,852)
OBEGAL (5,494) (7,046) 1,552 22.0 (16,934)
Operating balance (excluding minority interests) 4,277 162 4,115 –  (6,547)
Net worth attributable to the Crown 183,659 179,505 4,154 2.3 172,693
          as a percentage of GDP 41.8% 40.8%     38.0%
  1. Using the most recently published GDP (for the year ended 30 September 2025) of $439,709 million (Source: Stats NZ).
  2. Favourable variances against forecast have a positive sign and unfavourable variances against forecast have a negative sign.
  3. Using HYEFU 2025 forecast GDP for the year ending 30 June 2026 of $454,497 million (Source: The Treasury).
  4. Net core Crown debt excludes the NZS Fund and core Crown advances. Net core Crown debt may fluctuate during the year largely reflecting the timing of tax receipts.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/economy-interim-financial-statements-of-the-government-of-new-zealand-for-the-six-months-ended-31-december-2025/

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I was not prepared for how how deeply disturbing this film was

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mārama, the debut feature from Taratoa Stappard, opens in cinemas across Aotearoa today. It is a bold and chilling Māori gothic horror that interrogates and commits revenge upon the Māoriland era of our history, when Māori culture and our people were collected and traded as romantic curios from a far-flung island nation.

Set in 1859, Mary Stevens (Ariana Osborne) arrives in North Yorkshire at Hawkser Manor, an oppressive grand country house owned by Sir Nathaniel Cole (Toby Stephens) and his granddaughter Anne (Evelyn Towersey).

From the moment Mary crosses its threshold, she is assaulted by visions of violence. So when Sir Nathaniel greets her in te reo Māori, the gesture lands not as connection, but as possession.

MĀRAMA (Ariāna Osborne), ANAHERA (Evelyn Towersey) and PEGGY (Umi Myers) stand infront of the granite headstone.

Marama

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/i-was-not-prepared-for-how-how-deeply-disturbing-this-film-was/

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Samoa authorities detain NZ passport holder following marijuana seizure at airport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Samoa Customs and police found the 43-year-old man in possession of six bottles containing marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. 12 February 2026 Samoa Government

A 43-year-old Samoan national holding a New Zealand passport has been detained in Apia after allegedly being found with 90 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, local authorities said on Thursday.

The man, who resides in Australia, arrived on a Fiji Airways flight on Thursday and was allegedly found in possession of six bottles containing marijuana, along with a cannabis grinder and rolli.ng papers..

He was intercepted during routine border clearance processes at Faleolo International Airport and is in custody for further investigations and questioning, the Ministry of Customs and Samoa Police said in a joint statement.

“The items, which are deemed prohibited goods, were detected during standard screening and examination processes conducted by frontline Customs officers. The substances and associated paraphernalia were seized in accordance with the Customs Act and Narcotics Act,” the statement said.

According to the Samoa Customs CEO, the seizure reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to protecting Samoa’s borders from the importation of illicit drugs and prohibited goods.

“We continue to utilise risk profiling, intelligence, and screening technologies to safeguard our communities from the harmful impacts of drugs,” the Customs CEO was quoted as saying.

The Customs Ministry said the importation of illicit drugs and related paraphernalia into Samoa is strictly prohibited and carry severe penalties under local laws.

It added that travelers to the country are urged to declare all goods accurately and to familiarise themselves with Samoa’s import restrictions prior to travel.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/samoa-authorities-detain-nz-passport-holder-following-marijuana-seizure-at-airport/

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How a 30-year-old from Hawke’s Bay got picked for UAE’s first Winter Olympics

Source: Radio New Zealand

Piera Hudson competing in Switzerland in 2022. Jari Pestelacci/JustPictures / NurPhoto via AFP)

Determination is at the heart of how a Hawke’s Bay-raised athlete became part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) first-ever winter Olympic team.

The small, desert country is fielding two athletes at these Games, including New Zealand-born Piera Hudson, who has had a long, hard journey to fulfilling her Olympic dream.

Hudson also had the honour of being a flagbearer for the UAE during the opening ceremony for the Milano Cortina Olympics.

Hudson will check into the Olympic Village in Cortina in a couple of days as she gets ready to compete in her first event on Sunday, the giant slalom.

The 30-year-old is set to become the first Winter Olympian Hawke’s Bay has ever produced and told Nine to Noon that it didn’t feel real yet.

“I don’t think it will until I’m sort of competing on the day and then it might hit me. The Olympic opening ceremony was just amazing, I was buzzing, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. It was the most surreal feeling to have finally sort of had that ‘I made it’ moment,” Hudson said.

“To be flagbearer on top of that was such a huge honour for my country, so couldn’t have asked for a better way to start it off.”

The alpine skier won multiple national titles and represented New Zealand on the international stage for most of her career. But the heartbreak of missing selection for the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Olympic Games hurt.

In 2022, she tried fighting her non-selection, having made the official qualification mark, but that wasn’t enough for the Sports Tribunal to overturn the decision.

It was about that time she decided to make Dubai her base.

United Arab Emirates’ flag bearer Piera Hudson during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Franck FIFE / AFP

Hudson’s connection with the UAE goes back a couple of decades; she had a lot of family based there and growing up spent many holidays there with her cousins.

“Shortly after Covid I decided to move to Dubai myself just to make it my home instead of having to trek back to New Zealand so frequently.”

When not training in Europe, she trains at the indoor Ski Dubai facility – one of the biggest indoor ski domes in the world, based in the Emirates Mall.

“You walk into the mall and you’re carrying your skis and people are looking at you sideways and then you walk into Ski Dubai and there’s a chair lift …you can set up a course, you can get a good slalom training run in.

“I don’t train there too frequently because it doesn’t quite emulate World Cup and Olympics conditions but it is really lovely to train with the ski club there.”

The UAE Winter Federation welcomed Hudson with open arms when she decided to switch allegiances, but the challenge of getting citizenship and approval to represent the UAE seemed insurmountable at times.

It wasn’t until late last year that the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) approved the nation change, and final acceptance from the International Olympic Committee came very late in the piece.

“It takes years and I knew that going into it, but I also knew it was what I wanted to do. It was going to be worth it …I just knew I wanted to represent that country.

“There’s been a lot of lows with the Olympics in the past, representing New Zealand and not getting that opportunity when I had made qualification in the past and things, it’s a tough time.

“I’m really glad that my parents raised me to be resilient and persistent …I don’t take no for an answer very often so it kind of got me through, which I’m really glad about.”

Piera Hudson in action during an FIS Giant Slalom event in 2024. Iain McGregor / PHOTOSPORT

Hudson has also endured massive injury setbacks during her career, including a horrific leg break and a full rupture of her anterior cruciate ligament in recent years.

She grew up on farm near Tikokino, so how did the mountains come calling?

“I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time in the South Island during the winter school holidays growing up. My Mum is originally from Dunedin and both my parents grew up skiing.

“They sort of chucked my brother and I in the car every winter and we went down to Wānaka and we were on skis from a very early age and both fell in love with it, my brother became a ski instructor for many many years.”

The adrenaline rush of slalom is something that never gets old for Hudson.

“It’s a hugely technical event, but at the same time, you have to have the courage to send it, even though the turns are tight, it is a high-speed event and there’s just a lot coming at you very, very quickly.”

When to watch Piera Hudson from NZ

The women’s giant slalom event will be held at 10pm on Sunday, 15 February (run 1) and 1.30am Monday, February 16 (run 2).

The women’s slalom event will be held at 10pm next Wednesday, 18 February (run 1) and 1.30am next Thursday, February 19 (run 2).

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/how-a-30-year-old-from-hawkes-bay-got-picked-for-uaes-first-winter-olympics/

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Former prison officer turned slavemaster Moeaia Tuai, jailed for more than 16 years

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Former prison officer Moeaia Tuai, who enslaved two young people in Auckland over several years will spend more than 16 years in jail.

Tuai raped and sexually assaulted one of them.

Tuai, 63, was found guilty by a jury last year of two charges of slavery, two counts of rape and a string of other sexual assaults.

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

In a victim statement, one of the complainants said her youthful happiness, and her voice, have been taken from her.

Justice Michele Wilkinson-Smith said Tuai felt entitled to the money the two earned, controlling their finances to fund his lifestyle and threatening them with deportation.

Investigation and prosecution numbers were hard to track down, but Tuai’s slave dealing convictions are believed to be the fifth in New Zealand history.

More to come…

[ https://radionz.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=211a938dcf3e634ba2427dde9&id=b3d362e693 Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter] curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/former-prison-officer-turned-slavemaster-moeaia-tuai-jailed-for-more-than-16-years/

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For $40, you can name a star for your Valentine. But it won’t mean much

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Nicole Driessen, Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio Astronomy, University of Sydney

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, romance is in the air. And what could be more romantic than a picnic under the stars, pointing up to the night sky, and gazing at a star you’ve named for your Valentine?

A quick online search reveals multiple paid services for naming a star, usually accompanied by a certificate and a star map for finding the star.

However, these names are not official and are not used by astronomers. According to the International Astronomical Union’s Working Group on Star Names, the official body that leads selecting star names: “the sky is not owned by anyone”.

So what names do astronomers use for stars and how are official star names selected?

Pay to name a star

Star-naming services offer a range of paid packages – some costing just A$40 – and add-ons to name a star or two.

If you dig into the FAQs you can usually find a disclaimer stating that the star names are recorded in their private database. They have to include this, as the International Astronomical Union explicitly states stars cannot be named after people (except for rare cases). Even without these rules and disclaimers, these websites have too many customers and not enough stars.

Many websites that sell star names claim the star will be visible to the naked eye. For those with excellent vision star-gazing on a dark night, roughly 2,500 stars are visible to the naked eye (5,000 in both hemispheres).

And if you pay for a higher-price package including only “extra bright stars” or visible binary systems (two stars orbiting each other), the number is even smaller.

Yet some of these websites claim to have 100,000-plus, or even 500,000-plus, satisfied customers.

This means that each star has been named at least 20 times. It’s a smidge less romantic when your Valentine’s name is the 20th, or even 100th, name for a star.

The proper process of naming stars

Astronomers never use these purchased names.

Instead we use proper names and designations for stars. Stars can only have one, official proper name, such as the stars Sirius, Betelgeuse and Polaris.

But many have a whole bunch of designations. Designations are unique combinations of letters and numbers used by astronomers when creating surveys and catalogues of stars. Most stars don’t have a proper name, but all known stars have at least one designation.

Fewer than 600 stars have a proper name. This is out of more than one billion stars that have been identified by astronomers.

The International Astronomical Union’s Working Group on Star Names keeps an up-to-date list. New stars were most recently added on December 25 2025. The working group has guidelines and rules for naming stars, sometimes including the public in the process.

Typically, star names are rooted in history and culture. Collecting historical and indigenous constellations is part of the working group’s strategy. For example, one of the most recently named stars is called “Sarvvis”, a name used by the Sami people of Northern Scandinavia.

Designations tell astronomers which telescope saw the star. This tells us information about the star, such as what types of light it emits.

Sirius has more than 60 designations, including 2MASS J06450887-1642566, HIP 32349 and CNS5 1676.

“2MASS” is the Two Micron All-Sky Survey in infrared, so this tells us Sirius emits infrared light. “HIP” refers to the European Space Agency Hipparcos mission, and tells us Sirius is a bright optical star. The “CNS5” is the Fifth Catalogue of Nearby Stars, telling us Sirius is closer than 25 parsec (or 82 light years) from the Sun.

The numbers “J06450887-1642566” are the coordinates of the star, and “32349” and “1676” are unique numbers to identify Sirius specifically in those catalogues.

New star names are rare

I have given many stars new designations in my Sydney Radio Star Catalogue. I also gave the star TYC 8332-2529-1 the new designation MKT J170456.2-482100 when I detected it for the first time using the MeerKAT telescope.

In that case, “MKT” stands for “MeerKAT” and the numbers give the coordinates of the star at the time we detected it. That star only has designations, no proper name. Stars can always get new designations when a new survey of the sky is performed or a new catalogue constructed. This is why some stars have tens of designations.

The International Astronomical Union’s Working Group on Star Names guidelines prohibit commercial, political or military names and even prohibit naming stars after pet animals.

Since official star naming is focused on historical and cultural names, it is rare for new star names to emerge.

Even for naming campaigns open to the public run by the International Astronomical Union, only stars too faint to be seen by the naked eye are considered. A very recent official star name is “Siwarha” – a name suggested by the team that discovered the star. The name means “her bracelet” and is the name for Betelgeuse’s small companion star.

So it is rare, but not impossible, for astronomers to name the stars they discover.

You can’t officially name a star after your Valentine. But you can plan a romantic evening of star-gazing and point out the officially named stars visible at this time of year. Betelgeuse, Sirius and Rigel can be seen in Australia in the early evening on Valentine’s day.

Laura Nicole Driessen is an ambassador for the Orbit Centre of Imagination at the Rise and Shine Kindergarten, in Sydney’s Inner West.

– ref. For $40, you can name a star for your Valentine. But it won’t mean much – https://theconversation.com/for-40-you-can-name-a-star-for-your-valentine-but-it-wont-mean-much-274742

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/12/for-40-you-can-name-a-star-for-your-valentine-but-it-wont-mean-much-274742/