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Cook Islands reports dengue death, amid increase in outbreak

Source: Radio New Zealand

Aedes aegypti mosquitos spreading the dengue virus between people, people in the Cook Islands, including tourists, have been warned to take precautions. Tony Wills via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0)

A clinician says dengue fever vaccines should be made available in New Zealand as the Cook Islands reports a death from their current outbreak – an outbreak that has seen cases of the disease in Aotearoa grow too.

The country’s health ministry said an elderly patient with underlying conditions had arrived to hospital late in the disease’s progression, and died on 2 February.

Authorities have now announced Operation Namu-26 to raise awareness and promote prevention, including reminding tourists to stay safe.

Dengue is a virus passed between people by mosquitos, and Operation Namu-26 will include an increase in insecticide spraying work on the affected islands, as well as a nation-wide clean up to reduce places where water could pool and mosquito eggs could be.

The Cook Islands declared a dengue outbreak in May 2025, and more than 500 cases have been recorded there since.

In New Zealand, 86 people had been reported to have contracted dengue, with 75 of those cases connected to travel to the Cook Islands.

There had been “a significant increase in dengue cases on Rarotonga at the end of December 2025, and again at the end of January 2026”, the Cook Islands health ministry said. Cases had also been found on the islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia.

Clinician calls for travellers to take precautions, and vaccine to be made available in New Zealand

A vaccine against dengue is essential for New Zealanders to avoid potentially life-threatening bouts of the disease, and should also be made available here too, Auckland doctor Marc Shaw told RNZ.

There is currently no vaccine against dengue currently available in New Zealand, Health New Zealand said.

Shaw is the founder and medical director of Worldwise Travellers Health, and said a dengue vaccine is available in Australia, and has been trailed and tested across most of the world, including in Europe, the US, and South America.

There was strong demand for it in New Zealand, but it needs to be registered by Medsafe in order to be offered here, he said.

Children and older people are more susceptible to dengue fever, Shaw said. And while a first infection is usually not too serious for a healthy adult, the disease is also dangerous for anyone who catches it a second time.

Everyone headed to the Pacific should use the insect repellent permethrin, including spraying their clothes with it, and should wear light coloured clothing, Shaw said.

“The second attack can be a lot more sinister, in that it can cause a lot more potential for death or more serious disease requiring hospitalisation.

“So to this end, it is very important, that if people have had dengue fever in the past, that they take extra precautions for prevention of the disease on the second, third or fourth attack.”

Most types of mosquito are more active at dawn and dusk, but the mosquito species that transmits dengue is active for many hours during the day. It can also transmit other harmful viruses, including Zika and Chikungunya.

“It’s a daytime biting mosquito, and because of that, mosquito repellant is going to be essential for the prevention of diseases at that time,” Shaw said.

“I don’t recommend that people need to necessarily stop going to these wonderful areas that we have on our back doorstep, but to take good precautions – just to be aware of having some good mosquito repellant.

“I and my group are trying to make [a vaccine against dengue] more readily available, because we have a lot of demand for it – and it is this demand I think which is particularly significant at the moment, where the potential of the disease becomes a lot more likely given that people going into a dengue-ridden area can be attacked very easily by mosquito bites.”

Cook Islands tourism spots to take prevention measures

Tourist companies would be providing dengue prevention items to visitors and spraying on their properties following the ministry’s guidelines, the Cook Islands ministry of health said.

Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, headache, joint or muscle pain, or rash should “seek urgent medical attention immediately …so that timely care can be provided”.

New Zealand clinician and University of Auckland lecturer Dr Maryann Heather recently told RNZ that one in four people infected with dengue get sick.

Symptoms include headaches, pain behind the eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, skin rash, lethargy, tiredness, and high fever, and can be severe. The disease can be more dangerous for young children and elderly people.

“If you aren’t improving or concerned, you should seek medical attention, especially if you think you have dengue fever after returning from the islands,” Heather said.

“It’s crucial to educate and warn people travelling back to the islands so they are aware that dengue fever is present, especially since it is seasonal.”

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/2026/02/08/cook-islands-reports-dengue-death-amid-increase-in-outbreak/

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Who is megastar Bad Bunny and why he sings in Puerto Rican Spanish

Source: Radio New Zealand

Bad Bunny is on a roll. Among the three wins at the 68th Grammy Awards, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (I should have taken more pictures) became the first Spanish-language record to win Album of the Year.

On Sunday, Bad Bunny will be the first Latino and Spanish-speaking artist to perform as a solo headliner at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and raised in Borinquen (the Taíno-language name for Puerto Rico), Bad Bunny’s life and music have been marked by political, social and economic crises affecting the archipelago: government corruption, failing infrastructure and debt.

Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Bad Bunny waves a Puerto Rican flag as he takes part of a demonstration demanding Governor Ricardo Rossello’s resignation in San Juan, Puerto Rico on 17 July, 2019.

AFP / Eric Rojas

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/who-is-megastar-bad-bunny-and-why-he-sings-in-puerto-rican-spanish/

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Flames seen in school as smoke rises over Taupō

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo) RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Taupō firefighters are responding to a large fire at Taupo Nui-a-Tia Tia College.

Fire and Emergency NZ said it was called to the already large fire about 2:10pm on Sunday.

Nearby residents were advised to close their doors and windows.

Photos and videos posted on social media showed an enormous plume of black smoke visible from across the lake.

A deluge of posts to an online community page said they could see flames or smoke coming from the school, on Sunday afternoon, while photos showed a large black plume of smoke rising from the town.

“N block fully ablazed ash is coming down all over Motutahae Street,” one person said.

“A significant amount of the school has already burned down,” another said.

Local MP Louise Upston said in a Facebook post the news was “devastating”.

The school is on Spa Road, at the north east end of the town.

Firefighting crews from the Lake Taupō, Taupo, Kinloch, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Greerton, Tauranga and Kaingaroa stations were responding.

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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/2026/02/08/flames-seen-in-school-as-smoke-rises-over-taupo/

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Herzog’s visit to Australia builds conflict not social cohesion

By Wendy Bacon

On the eve of his Australian tour, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog faces huge opposition to his visit.

In a “National Day of Protest”, hundreds of thousands are expected to march in 30 cities around Australia, including every state capital city tomorrow evening.

Herzog’s visit has been opposed by Green Party and several Labor and Independent MPs, some of whom are expected to join the marches.

The NSW Minns government has gone to extraordinary lengths to stop the Sydney protest by declaring it a “major event” under the Major Events Act. The organisers, Palestinian Action Group, will challenge the validity of this action in the Supreme Court tomorrow before the protest.

Herzog’s visit follows the anti-semitic massacre in Bondi on December 14 when 15 people were killed and many more injured by two allegedly Islamic State-inspired gunmen. One gunman was killed and the other is now facing multiple charges of murder.

The idea of bringing Herzog to Australia originated with senior Australian Zionists, including the president of the Zionist Federation of Australia Jeremy Liebler, who is a personal friend of Herzog.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese then invited Herzog to make an official visit “to support the Jewish community at what has been a very difficult time”. He has justified his decision as reflecting a “need to build social cohesion in this country.”

Conflict rather than unity
In fact, the visit was always likely to create conflict rather than unity in Australia.

Scores of community and activist groups, including the progressive Jewish Council of Australia and NSW Council for Civil Liberties, have condemned the Herzog visit.

Amnesty International Australia urged the Australian government “to comply with its international and domestic legal obligations and investigate Herzog for genocide… As President of Israel, Herzog has overseen and legitimised Israel’s genocide and has made statements amounting to genocidal incitement.”

Federal Labor MP Ed Husic, who was previously a Minister in the Albanese government, told The Guardian that he was “uncomfortable” with the visit and did not think it would build social cohesion. He pointed to findings by a United Nations Commission of Inquiry that Herzog and other Israeli officials were “liable to prosecution for incitement to genocide” for comments made after the October 7 attack by Hamas in 2023.

Australian human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti was a member of the UN Commission of Inquiry; he told Michael West Media that:

“There is both a legal scope and a moral duty to arrest Isaac Herzog on arrival.”

Adding to the controversy over his visit, President Herzog will bring with him Doron Almog, a retired Israel Defence Forces major-general. Almog, who is currently chair of the Jewish Agency for Israel, has formerly faced arrest warrants over allegations he committed war crimes in Gaza in 2002.

A coalition of legal groups has asked the Australian federal police to investigate and arrest Almog over war crimes allegations.

War crimes challenge
Members of this coalition, including the Australian Centre for International Justice, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, and the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights have lodged a submission with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) arguing that Almog should be investigated for crimes committed during his time as an IDF Commander between 2000 and 2003.

“Under his command, the Israeli military was responsible for countless and extensive human rights violations and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions inside the illegally occupied Gaza Strip,” the submission alleges.

The AFP has referred the submission to its Special Investigations Command. Almog has previously denied the allegations and a UK warrant for Almog’s arrest was previously withdrawn.

The Zionist community is meanwhile celebrating Almog’s visit.

According to a Zionist Federation of Australia promotion, Almog was due to arrive before Herzog and appear at a conference at a Sydney Synagogue yesterday alongside Zionist Liberal MP Julian Leeser to discuss anti-semitism education.

Protesters stage a sit-in outside the Sydney Town Hall – location of tomorrow’s protest – in 2023 during one of the previous hundreds of pro-Palestian demonstrations. Image: Wendy Bacon

3500 police to flood Sydney’s CBD
 Tension is high in Sydney where Premier Chris Minns has announced a “massive policing presence” to flood the CBD with 3500 armed police during the Herzog visit.

Premier Minns has warned Sydney’s residents against travelling to the CBD even for work on Monday, predicting disruption and even riots, despite the fact that hundreds of pro-Palestinian protests over more than two years have been uniformly peaceful.

Despite his warnings, many thousands are expected to attend a protest at Sydney’s traditional weekday protest place Town Hall Square at 6 pm tomorrow, from which they plan to march to Parliament House.

Popular 2021 Australian of the Year and campaigner against sexual assault Grace Tame and Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi are among the advertised speakers. NSW Labor MP barrister Stephen Lawrence and Cameron Murphy are also attending and expected to speak.

The NSW government tried to deter the protesters by using unprecedented laws passed in late December to declare that no protest permits will be granted to a large swathe of Sydney which includes Town Hall Square. The ban has been in place since the laws were passed.

Although the ban does not stop people peacefully assembling, it grants the police full powers to make “move on” orders to disband protests and prevent marches.

These powers were used when mounted police prevented hundreds of peaceful Deaths in Custody campaigners conducting a short march on the pavement last month.

A coalition of groups including the Palestinian Action Group and Jews Against Occupation 48 has challenged the laws as unconstitutional.

‘Major event’ status
With support for the march growing despite Minns’ warnings, his government took a further extraordinary step yesterday and declared Herzog’s visit a major event under the Major Events Act. The legislation is typically invoked to manage crowds during sporting events or very large festivals.

The act gives the police powers to issue directions to people not to enter an area, and to search people.  Anyone who fails to comply with police directions may face penalties, including fines of up to $5,500.

But the Act states that it is not intended to be used against political protests. Today, the Palestinian Action Group announced that it will make an urgent application to the NSW Supreme Court tomorrow to declare the “major event” declaration invalid.

While in Sydney, Herzog and his delegation will visit families whose family members were killed in the Bondi massacre and will attend an invitation only “Solidarity and Light” event at the ICC centre in Darling Harbour.  He will then travel to Melbourne and Canberra.

On Friday, the independent media outlet Lamestream reported that  Prime Minister Albanese had invited him to visit Parliament although he is not expected to address Parliament.

Wendy Bacon is a Sydney investigative journalist and retired journalism professor, and contributes to many publications, including Michael West Media. She is also a committee member of the Asia Pacific Media Network.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/08/herzogs-visit-to-australia-builds-conflict-not-social-cohesion/

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ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for February 8, 2026

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on February 8, 2026.

Lessons in decolonisation – Minto draws parallels between NZ and Gaza injustices
Asia Pacific Report Speakers contrasted and condemned settler colonialism strategies in Aotearoa New Zealand and Israel’s illegal occupation and genocide in Palestine at a feisty solidarity rally in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau today — a day after Waitangi Day, the national holiday marking the 1840 signing of Te Tititi o Waitangi between 46 chiefs and the

Isaac Herzog is accused of inciting genocide in Gaza. He shouldn’t be welcomed to Australia
Writing in The Guardian on Thursday, UN Commissioner Chris Sidoti laid out the reasons Israeli President Isaac Herzog should not be welcome in Australia, and urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to correct his terrible mistake in inviting him. COMMENTARY: By Chris Sidoti It’s not too late for Anthony Albanese to withdraw the invitation to the

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/08/er-report-a-roundup-of-significant-articles-on-eveningreport-nz-for-february-8-2026/

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Cook Islands reports first dengue death in current outbreak

Source: Radio New Zealand

Aedes aegypti mosquitos spreading the dengue virus between people, people in the Cook Islands, including tourists, have been warned to take precautions. Supplied/ US Centers for Disease Control

The Cook Islands has reported its first dengue-related death of the current outbreak, amid a significant increase in cases, and reminders to tourists to stay safe.

The country’s health ministry said an elderly patient with underlying conditions had arrived to hospital late in the disease’s progression, and died on 2 February.

Authorities have now announced Operation Namu-26 to raise awareness and promote prevention.

Dengue is a virus passed between people by mosquitos, and Operation Namu-26 will include an increase in insecticide spraying work on the affected islands, as well as a nation-wide clean up to reduce places where water could pool and mosquito eggs could be.

The Cook Islands declared a dengue outbreak in May 2025, and more than 500 cases have been recorded there since.

In New Zealand, 86 people had been reported to have contracted dengue, with 75 of those cases connected to travel to the Cook Islands.

There had been “a significant increase in dengue cases on Rarotonga at the end of December 2025, and again at the end of January 2026”, the Cook Islands health ministry said.

Cases had been found on the islands of Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia.

Tourist companies would be providing dengue prevention items to visitors, and spraying on their properties following the ministry’s guidelines, it said.

Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, headache, joint or muscle pain, or rash should “seek urgent medical attention immediately …so that timely care can be provided”.

New Zealand clinician and University of Auckland lecturer Dr Maryann Heather recently told RNZ that one in four people infected with dengue get sick.

Symptoms include headaches, pain behind the eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, skin rash, lethargy, tiredness, and high fever, and can be severe. The disease can be more dangerous for young children and elderly people.

“If you aren’t improving or concerned, you should seek medical attention, especially if you think you have dengue fever after returning from the islands,” Heather said.

“It’s crucial to educate and warn people travelling back to the islands so they are aware that dengue fever is present, especially since it is seasonal.”

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/2026/02/08/cook-islands-reports-first-dengue-death-in-current-outbreak/

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Table tennis in film – from Forrest Gump to Marty Supreme

Source: Radio New Zealand

Table tennis and film have a surprisingly entangled history. Both depended on the invention of celluloid – which not only became the substrate of film, but is also used to make ping pong balls.

Following a brief ping pong craze in 1902, the game largely disappeared and was widely assumed to have been a passing fad. More than 20 years later, however, the British socialite, communist spy and filmmaker Ivor Montagu went to great lengths to establish the game as a sport – a story I explore in my current book project on ping pong and the moving image.

He founded the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and codified the rules of the game in both a book and a corresponding short film, Table Tennis Today (1929).

Timothee Chalamet makes it hard not to laugh at Marty Mauser’s wildly offensive claims and believable conviction.

Central Pictures / A24

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/table-tennis-in-film-from-forrest-gump-to-marty-supreme/

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Car fire at Khyber Pass off-ramp jams SH1 in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

A car fire shut down the SH1 Khyber Pass off-ramp in central Auckland, on Sunday 8 February, 2026. RNZ/ Calvin Samuel

A car fire has closed the State Highway 1 Khyber Pass off-ramp in central Auckland.

Just after 2pm on Sunday an RNZ staff member at the scene said the fire appeared to have been put out.

But traffic had backed up, and was crawling from the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway heading toward the city.

Just before 2pm on Sunday the New Zealand Transport Agency published a warning online that the off-ramp was closed due to the car fire. It said drivers should use avoid the area, and use the Symonds Street off-ramp.

A car fire shut down the SH1 Khyber Pass off-ramp in central Auckland, on Sunday 8 February, 2026. RNZ/ Calvin Samuel

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/2026/02/08/car-fire-at-khyber-pass-off-ramp-jams-sh1-in-auckland/

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‘Rugby’s not done enough’: New Blues CEO on how to fill stadiums again

Source: Radio New Zealand

Karl Budge, Blues CEO Photosport

Fan-centric, fan first – whatever you want to call it, that’s the buzzword around rugby ever since people started rightfully noticing that there were more than a few empty seats at Super Rugby Pacific games. With the season set to start next weekend, new Blues CEO Karl Budge is on a mission to change that. Although he says that simply because Eden Park isn’t packing out like it did in the 90s, it doesn’t mean people aren’t interested.

“The reality is more people watch Super Rugby than any other rugby competition or any other sports competition in New Zealand,” said Budge, pointing to Sky TV’s broadcast figures from last year. They showed overall growth on 2024’s Super Rugby Pacific audience, including a 15 percent increase for the final between the Crusaders and Chiefs.

“That is the cold, hard evidence. That’s not opinion.”

TV audiences are one thing. Eden Park without an All Black test is another.

Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Budge comes into the task of attempting to fill the country’s largest stadium with a fair degree of confidence. For nine years he was the CEO of the ASB Classic, turning it from a tune-up event into one of the most well-regarded tournaments for fan experience on the tennis calendar. His view is, somewhat ironically given the obsession with tinkering with rugby’s rules to deliver a faster game, is that whatever happens on the field shouldn’t be the main focus.

“The ASB Classic went from 16,000 people through the gates when I started to 105,000 in my final year. I don’t think we got any more tennis fans.”

Still, Budge admits that there’s no magic bullet to fill seats during Super Rugby Pacific.

“I certainly don’t have the answers yet. I’ve got a lot of listening and learning to do. I think our job as administrators, particularly with this young wave of people coming through, is to stop putting barriers up and go back to doing what rugby was about bringing communities together. 58 percent of people in Auckland weren’t born here, how do we how do we give this a place for them to see pride in their new home?”

Karl Budge Supplied: SailGP

Then there’s traditional fans, who Budge says will be part of the balancing act of making sure new fans are catered for.

“We don’t want to alienate traditional fans. But what we need to do is do their favourite thing with sprinkles on top.”

The last time the Blues filled Eden Park was when they won the 2024 final against the Chiefs. So while it’s easy to think that success will solve things, it’s worth remembering one other Auckland team that is offering popular game day experiences hasn’t won anything in its entire existence. Still, the Warriors and latterly Auckland FC do not pose a threat, according to Budge.

“We had dinner last night, all three of us (Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker and Warriors CEO Cameron George). We get on great guns…we worked together in a lot of other capacities, a real great amount of respect from each other.

“The more people paying to attend live sport, the better it is for all of us. I do not see that we’re in competition with them.”

Warriors team photo with fans after beating Cowboys, NRL Magic Round. NRL Photos/Photosport

It’s worth noting though that filling Eden Park is a significantly bigger challenge than Mt Smart. Budge points to the fact that fans will find pretty much all the amenities at one that exist at the other, however rugby’s historic position as a cultural monolith makes knocking it the easy discourse in both traditional and social media.

“That’s probably where, as an industry, rugby’s not done enough to endear itself to fans. We’ve had a wonderful product. But I think in 2026, product is not enough. You look at the best sporting occasions around the world, the best of indications are very rarely about the core product.”

Budge says that there’s plenty to be learned outside of sports, too.

“How many people traipse halfway around the world to go to Coachella? It’s the experience, it’s the connection being part of the community, seeing yourself there. All of those things are what make those really special. The artists and the music is almost the bonus.”

“This is the first time I’ve worked in a job where we’ve had too much space. (At the ASB Classic) we were always trying to figure out how you manufacture space. We’ve got plenty of it now and I’m excited by that. I think gives us freedom to dream and look at things differently, there’s no question we need a bigger crowd than other stadiums to create an equal atmosphere.”

“But again, we can hide behind that, or we can go do something about it. We’re a city of 1.9 million people, getting to 30,000 people in a in a stadium shouldn’t be a fantasy.”

Budge’s vision is bold, but with a pragmatic edge.

“I think we have to be really open to failure,” he said.

“And frankly, if we haven’t failed, we probably haven’t gone hard enough.”

Tomorrow: Mark Robinson on the challenges facing engaging fans globally.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/rugbys-not-done-enough-new-blues-ceo-on-how-to-fill-stadiums-again/

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3 Doors Down singer Brad Arnold dies after cancer diagnosis

Source: Radio New Zealand

Brad Arnold, a founder and lead singer of American rock band 3 Doors Down, died on Saturday, nine months after disclosing that he had kidney cancer, the group said. He was 47.

Arnold said in a May 2025 social media video that he had been diagnosed with advanced-stage clear cell renal carcinoma that had spread to one of his lungs. 3 Doors Down cancelled their planned 2025 summer tour because of his illness.

3 Doors Down, formed in 1996 in Escatawpa, Mississippi, rose to popularity in 2000 with the Arnold-penned single ‘Kryptonite’, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other hits included ‘When I’m Gone’ and ‘Here Without You’, both top-five singles on the Billboard Hot 100. The band has been described as post-grunge, alternative rock and hard rock.

“As a founding member, vocalist and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners,” the band said in a statement posted on its official Instagram account.

Arnold died peacefully surrounded by loved ones including his wife Jennifer, according to the statement. The statement did not state where Arnold died.

“Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” the band’s statement said.

“Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith and deep love for his family and friends.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/3-doors-down-singer-brad-arnold-dies-after-cancer-diagnosis/

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Matt Gibb on why nerves are essential to live TV

Source: Radio New Zealand

Matt Gibb has been on New Zealand TV screens for more than 20 years, debuting on the children’s television show Squirt as a teen and currently guiding city dwellers around beautiful rural homes on the property show Find My Country House NZ.

Although the 45-year-old used to struggle with performance anxiety in the past and could go to pieces at auditions, nowadays, he’s learnt how to cope with nervousness and even enjoy the feeling.

“Nervousness gives you that ability to operate at a level that heightens every sense, I think. And you need that in live TV, because anything can happen, you need to be on your toes… If you’re not at least a little bit nervous, then your brain is not going to give you that ability to fire on all cylinders,” Gibb tells Music 101‘s The Mixtape.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/matt-gibb-on-why-nerves-are-essential-to-live-tv/

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Replacement of century-old Canterbury bridges begins

Source: New Zealand Government

The replacement of two century-old South Canterbury bridges will provide safer and more reliable travel on an important inland route, Associate Transport and South Island Minister James Meager says.

Work to remove State Highway 82’s existing Waihao North River and Elephant Hill Stream bridges starts tomorrow, with replacements expected to take about 12 months to construct.

“The condition of these two-lane bridges has reached a point where it is now more cost-effective to replace them than continuing to maintain them,” Mr Meager says.

“Once these end-of-life bridges are removed, modern replacements will then be built to provide safer crossings and assurance to those travelling on SH82. This highway corridor provides important access to popular destinations such as the Canterbury Lakes, the Mackenzie District and Central Otago.

“It also offers the only convenient alternative route to State Highway 1 for people travelling north and south of the Waitaki River.

“The new bridges will also have no load restrictions, which will make life easier for freight companies and help improve productivity across the South Island.”

“I’m thrilled this important infrastructure is being replaced. These new bridges will go a long way in building resilience to our local transport network,” Waitaki MP Miles Anderson says.

“This investment is another example of our Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future, by helping to ensure our people and goods can safely and reliably get from A to B,” Mr Meager says.

Notes to Editor: 

•            The total projected construction costs of each bridge replacement (including contingencies) are as follows:

o           Waihao North River Bridge replacement – $14 million

o           Elephant Hill Stream Bridge replacement – $5.7 million

•            Early/enabling works have been carried out in preparation for the start of work deconstructing the existing bridges. 

•            Due to their close proximity, both bridge replacements are being delivered at the same time, by HEB Construction.

•            Temporary bridges installed at both bridge sites (one Acrow model, and another Bailey model) will allow traffic to continue to flow while the new bridges are constructed. 

•            These two new bridges in South Canterbury are part of the 11 structures included in NZTAs End of Life Bridge Replacement Programme. 

•            NZTA’s bridge replacement programme is prioritised nationally by assessing whether replacement in the short term represents better value than continued maintenance over the medium to long term. This assessment includes the age, condition, and structural performance of individual bridges, and how these factors influence future deterioration, risk, and maintenance requirements.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/replacement-of-century-old-canterbury-bridges-begins/

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Breakthrough in SH2 Waioweka Gorge

Source: New Zealand Government

After three weeks of intensive work, SH2 through Waioweka Gorge will re-open to the public tomorrow Monday 9 February for single-lane controlled access, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Ever since the recent severe weather caused flooding and landslips that completely closed the gorge, NZ Transport Agency and its contractors have been working incredibly hard to re-establish this vital connection between Ōpōtiki (Eastern Bay of Plenty) and Matawai (Tairāwhiti).

“It’s difficult to overstate how big the task has been for the crews on the ground. 

“Crews have been working from both ends of the gorge, clearing massive slips, blocked culverts and widespread debris at 40 sites, including eight sites with severe damage. 

“NZTA has now confirmed one lane will open to the public for essential travel only under piloted convoy conditions at 7am tomorrow 9 February.

“This is really encouraging news, and I’d like to thank all the crews who have been working so hard to make it possible.

“There are a few very important things for locals to keep in mind, though. 

“While geotechnical investigations have confirmed that the road is safe, it’s still an active worksite, people should only travel if they must, and be prepared for the road to close at short notice if weather conditions or risk assessments change. 

“While restoring access is important, doing it safely is critical. This is a vulnerable route and NZTA is actively monitoring for any further slip movement.

“Crews will remain working on the other side of the road, clearing the remaining debris, improving drainage and opening culverts to reduce the risk of further issues. 

“I expect this stretch of SH2 will remain a worksite for some time. People should travel with extreme care and be mindful of workers on the road. Give them a friendly wave as you travel through. 

“Anyone planning to travel in the convoy is advised to allow plenty of extra time to get to the departure point. Convoys will be leaving promptly on schedule.” 

Note to Editors:

Convoys will operate in a single direction, three times daily for each direction, across the 37km stretch of Gorge. Pilot vehicles will control the speed of the convoy.  

Gisborne bound start point is at Historic Tauranga Bridge.

Departing promptly at the following times:

7.00am, 11.00am and 5.00pm

Ōpōtiki bound start point is in Matawai at Te Wera Road intersection.

Departing promptly at the following times: 

9.00am, 1.00pm and 7.00pm

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/breakthrough-in-sh2-waioweka-gorge/

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Winter Olympics live updates: Kiwis Lyon Farrell, Rocco Jamieson, Dane Menzies in Big Air snowboard final

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dane Menzies soards in the Winter Olympics Big Air snowbaord final. KUNIHIKO MIURA/AFP

First-time Winter Olympian Dane Menzies has slipped off the podium late to finish sixth in the men’s snowboard Big Air final at Milano Cortina 2026.

One of three Kiwis in the 12-man final, Menzies, 20, sat third after the opening two runs, one of the few with consistent performances across both attempts.

The door was still wide open for those behind him to improve their standings and he was surpassed by NZ-born American Ollie Martin. Italian favourite Ian Matteoli and eventual winner Kira Kimura from Japan.

Needing a big jump to retain his medal hopes, Menzies could not control his landing, faceplanting hard into the hard snow.

“Super stoked, but pretty bummed at the same time, just to not land that last one,” he told Sky Sport. “Only up from here, so I’m happy.

“It was awesome. Definitely, everyone was pretty locked in, but it was nice to have [teammates] there to chill.

“So far, super special and realising this is a big deal. Definitely hungry for more and looking forward to the next.”

Kimura had the best jump of the opening round, but crashed on landing on his second. He responded magnificently with his third, recording the best score of the night and finishing with the two best for a comprehensive victory.

Teammate Ryoma Kimata finished second, while defending champion Yiming Su of China took the bronze medal.

American-born Kiwi Lyon Farrell was the best of the NZ contingent through the opening round, but could not replicate that performance across the second and third, finishing eighth, while Rocco Jamieson was one place back.

All three will return to competition on Tuesday, 17 February (NZT) for slopestyle qualifying.

Follow the live action here:

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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/2026/02/08/winter-olympics-live-updates-kiwis-lyon-farrell-rocco-jamieson-dane-menzies-in-big-air-snowboard-final/

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Driver asks insurer: How can a 24-year-old car increase in value by two-and-a-half times in a year?

Source: Radio New Zealand

A woman was shocked to discover that her insurance company had increased the value of her car at renewal. 123RF

A woman who was shocked to discover that her insurance company had increased the value of her car at renewal says it is a reminder to people to check what they are agreeing to.

Nicki, who did not want to use her surname, said she had a 2002 Subaru Impreza and a 2012 Suzuki Alto insured with AA Insurance.

But while they were valued at $4000 and $5500 respectively for insurance last year, when it came time to renew this time, the Subaru was proposed to be worth $10,294 and the Suzuki $9600.

She said the maximum excess she was allowed to have had also dropped “massively”.

“We used to be at $2500 per car but the top is now only $1000. I’m unable to get the Subaru’s agreed value reduced back to what it was 12 months ago because they will only insure now for $4375. Allegedly the company feels it must protect us from underinsuring ourselves.”

She was able to reduce the value of the Suzuki.

A higher excess can reduce the premiums that people pay for cover. Nicki was told in an online chat with the insurer that its pricing team had determined $1000 was the most reasonable and accessible amount for customers.

Turners lists a 2009 Subaru Impreza for $5990. A 2014 Suzuki Alto is listed on Trade Me for $5500 and a 2011 model is $4900.

Nicki told the insurer that it was ridiculous that a 24-year-old car would increase in value by two-and-a-half times in a year.

“We cannot be the only ones they’re trying to raise revenue from in these three ways – sum insured increase, excess reduction, refusal to set sum insured appropriately low.”

A spokesperson for AA Insurance said it had recently updated its excess options to ensure that they were “simple and easy for customers to select”.

“Consistent with common industry practice, we rely on an independent third party data provider to provide vehicle values. From time to time, this provider updates their methodology and data sources to ensure the valuations reflect the most accurate and up to date market conditions.

“When this happens, customers may see changes, either increases or decreases, in their proposed agreed values at renewal. We encourage customers to get in touch if they would like to discuss their proposed value or agree on a different value with us.”

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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/2026/02/08/driver-asks-insurer-how-can-a-24-year-old-car-increase-in-value-by-two-and-a-half-times-in-a-year/

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Police happy with Southland road behaviour over long weekend

Source: New Zealand Police

Police want to thank Southland locals and visitors for excellent behaviour on the roads and at events over the Waitangi weekend.

“We’re pleased to say there have been no real issues throughout the Burt Munro event, which is outstanding,” says Southland Area Commander, Inspector Mike Bowman.

“We want to thank our community and people that travelled to Southland for playing their part in keeping our roads safe.”

As the weekend comes to an end, Police are reminding people to take their time and drive to the conditions.

“There will be a significant visible Police presence on our roading network across Te Waipounamu, to monitor our roads and ensure people get home safely.”

Inspector Bowman hopes that the good behaviour continues across the region.

“Stay distraction free, take regular breaks, and wear your seatbelt – if you’re on a motorbike make sure you’re wearing the right gear and make good decisions,” he says.

New and returning riders are urged to explore resources such as Ride Forever.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/police-happy-with-southland-road-behaviour-over-long-weekend/

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Cook Islands reports first dengue death, amid increase in outbreak

Source: Radio New Zealand

Aedes aegypti mosquitos spreading the dengue virus between people, people in the Cook Islands, including tourists, have been warned to take precautions. Supplied/ US Centers for Disease Control

The Cook Islands has reported its first dengue-related death, amid a significant increase in cases, and reminders to tourists to stay safe.

The country’s health ministry said an elderly patient with underlying conditions had arrived to hospital late in the disease’s progression, and died on 2 February.

Authorities have now announced Operation Namu-26 to raise awareness and promote prevention.

Dengue is a virus passed between people by mosquitos, and Operation Namu-26 will include an increase in insecticide spraying work on the affected islands, as well as a nation-wide clean up to reduce places where water could pool and mosquitos could breed.

The Cook Islands declared a dengue outbreak in May 2025, and more than 500 cases have been recorded there since.

In New Zealand, 86 people had been reported to have contracted dengue, with 75 of those cases connected to travel to the Cook Islands.

A senior health protection officer told RNZ Pacific that New Zealand had also reported 40 suspected cases of dengue since May, in visitors returning from the Cook Islands.

There had been “a significant increase in dengue cases on Rarotonga at the end of December 2025, and again at the end of January 2026”, the Cook Islands health ministry said.

Cases had been found on the islands of Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke and Mangaia.

Tourist companies would be providing dengue prevention items to visitors, and spraying on their properties following the ministry’s guidelines, it said.

Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, headache, joint or muscle pain, or rash should “seek urgent medical attention immediately …so that timely care can be provided”.

New Zealand clinician and University of Auckland lecturer Dr Maryann Heather recently told RNZ that one in four people infected with dengue get sick.

Symptoms include headaches, pain behind the eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, joint pain, skin rash, lethargy, tiredness, and high fever, and can be severe. The disease can be more dangerous for young children and elderly people.

“If you aren’t improving or concerned, you should seek medical attention, especially if you think you have dengue fever after returning from the islands,” Heather said.

“It’s crucial to educate and warn people travelling back to the islands so they are aware that dengue fever is present, especially since it is seasonal.”

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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/2026/02/08/cook-islands-reports-first-dengue-death-amid-increase-in-outbreak/

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Two common phrases that don’t help when a child is in pain

Source: Radio New Zealand

It happens in slow motion. Your six-year-old daughter is sprinting across the playground at school drop-off time when her toe catches on uneven ground. She goes down hard.

The playground goes silent. She freezes and looks up, straight at you. In that split second, she scans your face for data. Should she be terrified?

I’ve been there. I’d like to tell you that my pain scientist brain kicks in immediately. But honestly, it’s usually my panicked parent brain that gets there first. My stomach drops and my instinct is to gasp or rush in to fix it.

Easing children back into movement after an injury teaches them our bodies are designed to heal.

Jayson Hinrichsen / Unsplash

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/two-common-phrases-that-dont-help-when-a-child-is-in-pain/

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One dead in crash north of Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo) RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

A person has died at Dairy Flat, north of Auckland, after a motorbike crash.

Emergency services were called to Horseshoe Bush Road about 1:30am on Sunday, police said.

The bike was the only vehicle involved, and the rider died at the scene, they said.

The road was closed after the crash, but had since been reopened.

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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/2026/02/08/one-dead-in-crash-north-of-auckland/

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Wellington SH1 tunnel closures begin

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo) RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Wellington’s Terrace Tunnel will be closing for work overnight this week – from the night of Sunday 8 February through to the morning of Friday 13 February.

The Wellington Transport Alliance regularly closes a tunnel on State Highway 1 for routine maintenance.

First up is the Terrace Tunnel, then Mount Victoria Tunnel on the 16 February, and the Arras Tunnel on Buckle Street on 17 February.

In each case they will be closed from 9pm until 5am.

Work typically carried out during the closures includes cleaning, repairs, replacing lights, clearing drains, keeping emergency systems up to date, maintenance for fire detection and fire suppression systems, and maintenance for ventilation and air quality monitoring systems.

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/2026/02/08/wellington-sh1-tunnel-closures-begin/