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Buyers bidding at auction at the Napier Wool Exchange in the 1960s. SUPPLIED/PGG Wrightson Heritage Collection

Major wool broker PGG Wrightson will no longer hold wool auctions in Napier, after more than 140 years.

The Hawke’s Bay city has hosted the firm’s wool auctions since the late 1800s, as a hub for the North Island supply.

In the shadow of historic booms for wool – once considered the backbone of the New Zealand economy – the major broker will consolidate its auctions to a single national auction system in Christchurch, from May.

PGG head of wool Rachel Shearer said the difficult decision was about improving the resilience and sustainability of the wool sector.

“The amount of shearable sheep in the world and in New Zealand is at a record low, which also means the volumes of wool that are coming forward to be traded are also at a record low.”

Shearer said the company’s previous owner, Williams and Kettle, held its first Napier auction in 1880.

“It’s a long heritage which we’re very proud of, but the industry is changing significantly, and we recognise that we need to change with it.”

She said the team of 20 in Napier would not be subject to job losses, but they were disappointed.

“We are ready for the challenge and wanting to do what’s best for our loyal sheep farmers and so understanding the bigger picture of the industry changing and us needing to change is the overarching thought.

“But understandably, some people are disappointed to see the end of an era up in Napier.”

PGG Wrightson acting general manager of wool Rachel Shearer. PGG Wrightson

Further wool industry consolidation

High shearing costs, low profitability and challenging market conditions were driving a decline in the number of sheep in New Zealand.

StatsNZ figures showed there were 6 million fewer sheep in the decade to June last year, falling 21 percent to 23.6m sheep.

Last year, there were a number of structural changes within the sector too.

In September, the new Wool Alliance was established between groups Campaign for Wool NZ, Wool Impact, Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand and Beef and Lamb.

It aimed to collaborate and develop a long-term strategy for the viability of the sector.

A new Wool Alliance aims to deliver better outcomes for strong wool used in carpets and upholstery. Supplied/ Wool Alliance

Then in October, major carpet manufacturer Bremworth announced it entered into a new ownership [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/574771/bremworth-seals-deal-with-world-s-biggest-flooring-company-mohawk-industries

agreement with Floorscape], a wholly owned subsidiary of Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring company.

The deal with the United States-based company – that already owned brands Godfrey Hirst and Feltex – would consolidate carpet manufacturing into a single owner, but it was still subject to regulatory approvals.

In the months prior, under new leadership, the listed company abandoned its commitment from 2020 to using only woollen fibres over synthetic fibres.

Christchurch to host PGG auctions from May

Rachel Shearer said Christchurch was selected as it could attract the greatest number of buyers, including international buyers with access to the airport.

“We want to get growers’ wool in front of the most possible buyers to look at the wool and to get as many buyers as we can in the room to compete for the wool.

“We believe it’s in the best interests of our growers.”

She said its North Island wool would continue to be scoured and stored in Napier, but samples would be shipped down to Ōtautahi for the sales.

PGG’s new system will begin in May.

PGG says they believe the move to Christchurch is in the best interests of the growers. Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life

Wools of NZ to follow suit

Another broker, farmer-owned co-operative Wools of New Zealand also held auctions in Napier and Christchurch on behalf of its growers.

It annnounced this week it will also move to a single national auction system, as PGG was set to do.

Chief executive John McWhirter said structural change was necessary for the sector to remain viable.

“Our growers also expect us to be proactive and to help lead changes that support a strong and sustainable future for New Zealand wool,” he said.

It will discuss the changes with wool growers in the coming weeks.

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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/2026/01/28/pgg-to-end-napiers-historic-wool-auctions-marking-end-of-an-era/

January 28, 2026

Police back recommendations for overhaul of 111 emergency call system

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ Police say they are in the process of establishing a cross agency working group to develop options for addressing the issues raised in the report. 123rf

Police say they back new recommendations for overhauling 111 emergency calling and are working on how to do it.

A report by an Australasian group police is part of, details many shortcomings in the old, fragmented system that it says are hindering the response to routine emergencies and large disasters.

Police said they were not aware of any issues with 111 during the landslide and flood events last week.

“The core technology used by Police Emergency Communications and Dispatch to answer and respond to emergency calls for service functioned throughout, with no significant outages or issues to any of its systems including Inter-CAD,” acting director of Emergency Communications and Dispatch Inspector Mike Higgie said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

However, the latest report by the National Emergency Communications Working Group of Australia and New Zealand has echoed several earlier reports on how the system that has been upgraded here-and-there over the years, often failed to share information and enable operations in a quick, accurate and seamless way.

Police are part of the working group and said they were considering all recommendations in the report.

It called for them to set up two working groups, on tech and on rules and standards.

“NZ Police is in the process of establishing a cross agency working group to develop options for addressing the issues raised in the NECWG white paper,” Higgie said.

RNZ reported its findings and recommendations on Wednesday, for police to take the lead on technological and legislative-regulatory change, and for a strategy to overcome an uncertain future for 111.

Minister Mark Mitchell’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

A push within the emergency agencies for over four years to overhaul 111 has not been funded by government, with police, Fire and Emergency and ambulance operators instead making incremental tech improvements here and there.

Police are also part of the Emergency Communications Service and Inter-operability set up in late 2023.

Its aims included to “improve how emergency services communicate and operate with each other” and build strong partnerships, Higgie said.

The forum’s aim did not include making changes to the 111 service owned and operated by Spark. Spark was not a member of it, he said.

The working group’s 111 report detailed various ways the current system failed to coordinate what was being done between the responders like police, and the telco companies that run some of the tech.

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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/2026/01/28/police-back-recommendations-for-overhaul-of-111-emergency-call-system/

January 28, 2026

Luxon says Peters is wrong about India Free Trade Agreement

Source: Radio New Zealand

Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Prime Minister says Winston Peters is “wrong” about what the India Free Trade Agreement might mean for immigration, with the foreign minister raising concerns about comments by Indian politicians celebrating the deal.

Christopher Luxon was asked about concerns by Peters that the deal would lead to an influx of people arriving in New Zealand, putting pressure on the labour market.

Luxon said he and Peters had different views on the deal.

“He opposed the China FTA. He was wrong then, he’s wrong on this one too,” Luxon said.

The New Zealand First leader criticised the deal when it was announced, withholding his party’s support for it, and saying it was a “bad deal” for New Zealand.

The party had concerns around a range of issues, including that National had “offered far greater access” for India to New Zealand’s labour market than Australia or the United Kingdom had to secure their FTAs, and called it “deeply unwise”.

“By creating a new employment visa specifically for Indian citizens, it is likely to generate far greater interest in Indian migration to New Zealand – at a time when we have a very tight labour market,” Peters said in a press release at the time.

Speaking to Herald Now on Wednesday morning, Peters said “the truth wasn’t being told to the public”.

“Go and dissect what it means. It means we could have tens of thousands of people getting here of right and building up employment opportunities in this country for themselves and taking those opportunities away from New Zealanders.”

Trade Minister Todd McClay. NZME

Luxon rejected that on Wednesday afternoon and Trade Minister Todd McClay said there was nothing in the agreement that said “tens of thousands of people from any country have a right to come to New Zealand, none at all.”

“It gives no right to any Indians to come to New Zealand if they don’t meet their recurrent requirements, the only commitment is 1670 skilled workers we need in the economy.”

McClay said the conditions for that entry to New Zealand would be set by cabinet, not the trade agreement.

Peters was asked again about his comments, and told the Prime Minister said he was incorrect.

“Modi does not say I’m incorrect, he says I’m totally correct.”

He referred reporters to comments by politicians in India, including that the FTA was being celebrated as “unprecedented”, Peters said.

“Go and see what Modi says and see whether Winston Peters is accurately what the Indians are claiming – that they have got an unprecedented deal.”

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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/2026/01/28/luxon-says-peters-is-wrong-about-india-free-trade-agreement/

January 28, 2026

As it happened: Imagery of Mount Maunganui prior to landslide sought by police

Source: Radio New Zealand

The wall of flowers at the cordon has spilled on to the ground. Lauren Crimp / RNZ

Police are asking anyone with video footage and images of the slip at Mt Maunganui to upload it via an online portal.

They are particularly interested in anyone who has footage or images of the campsite and Mount Maunganui between Wednesday night right through to the time the slip happened and the immediate time after the slip.

The request came as one of the victims of the deadly landslide was formally identified as Max Furse-Kee.

At an identification hearing at Tauranga District Court on Wednesday, deputy chief coroner Brigitte Windley formally identified the teen.

Senior Constable Robert Stokes told the court his body was found on Monday, and forensic dental examination has determined his identity.

Max Furse-Kee would have turned 16 today.

Follow how the events of Wednesday unfolded in our blog

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January 28, 2026

Man charged in connection to Palmerston North shooting

Source: Radio New Zealand

The man is due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court on Thursday. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A man has been charged in connection to a shooting Palmerston North after police found him in a stolen car they had spiked.

They had been looking for the man since a shooting on January 12 at Marriner Reserve.

The police said they spiked a car on Railway Road that had been reported stolen on Wednesday and the man was driving it.

They said he ran away but found and arrested him a few hours later.

“[Thursday’s] arrest was a great result for our community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson said.

“It was clear from [Thursday’s] events that this man was very motivated to remain at large, and that he was not going to stop until he was arrested.

“However, police staff’s persistence and patience paid off, and we are now able to hold him to account,” Sergeant Thompson said.

The 33-year-old has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm with firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, failing to stop for police, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

He is due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court on Thursday.

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January 28, 2026

View from The Hill: Nationals rebel stirs the pot but Littleproud is dug in

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

A little-known Nationals MP, Queenslander Colin Boyce, who declared on Wednesday he will move for a spill of the party’s leadership, has tossed a grenade but David Littleproud appears firmly dug in.

Littleproud’s breaking of the Coalition has had a profound impact on conservative politics, further destabilising the Liberals and their leader Sussan Ley. It has divided his own party.

But as of late Wednesday no other challengers were in sight, and there did not seem to be support for a spill.

Boyce announced his move – to be made the Nationals’ Monday meeting – on Sky News, saying he wanted to give colleagues “an option”.

“The reality is, if they follow the course they’re on now, they are going over the political cliff,” he said.

“The National Party is committing political suicide by removing itself from the Coalition.”

Boyce – close to Barnaby Joyce, now ensconced in One Nation – flagged he would run for leader, but he won’t get the chance if he can’t get support for the spill motion.

Littleproud said in a statement,

I stand by my record as Leader of The Nationals and what our Party Room has achieved.

The Nationals held all of its House of Representatives seats at the last election.

The Nationals also fought to keep important policies, including the Regional Australia Future Fund, tougher action on supermarkets with divestiture powers, Universal Service Obligation reform to ensure better mobile phone coverage in regional areas, and dumping net zero while keeping all energy options on the table, including nuclear.

More recently, The Nationals opposed Labor’s hate speech laws, due to the unknown slippery slope of stopping freedom of speech.

Littleproud is protected by two factors: his leadership style, and the lack of an alternative who is both willing and viable.

Littleproud has gone to great lengths to protect his back by tying his colleagues into every decision. A main way he’s done this is by taking every single thing to his party room. Last week the Nationals had numerous meetings, with every incremental development going back to them.

Matt Canavan, the strongest and hardest-line voice in the party who ran against Littleproud after the election, is backing the leader.

In last week’s battle over the anti-hate legislation, Canavan got his way when the Nationals voted against the bill in the Senate. He has no reason to want Littleproud out.

Canavan said on Wednesday: “I’m proud of the team and what it did last week.” He saw “no reason to change leader”, although he could not understand why the Coalition needed to split – why the two parties could not have had different views and move on.

Former leader Michael McCormack voted for that legislation in the House of Representatives, so that would cruel any chance of a return for him.

He told the Canberra Times, “the leadership’s not on offer. The leadership is the gift of the party room, and the party room is very supportive of David.”

Senator Bridget McKenzie said, “this spill motion has come out of the blue. I don’t believe the party room has changed since last week’s events.”

Given how disruptive a force Littleproud is, there would be logic for the Nationals to install current deputy Kevin Hogan, which could facilitate getting the Coalition back together.

Late in last week’s crisis, Hogan had talks with a senior Liberal about a peace plan. It involved:

the senators who had breached shadow cabinet solidarity resigning
their resignations not being accepted
a formal acknowledgement this was an exception and in future shadow cabinet decisions, solidarity would prevail, and
having future blunt conversations between the leaderships of the two parties to iron out problems.

Needless to say, no peace was made.

Hogan ruled out any tilt at the leadership. “David has my overwhelming support and he has the overwhelming support of the [Nationals] room”, he said.

Meanwhile Ley wrote on Tuesday to Littleproud, suggesting a meeting.

She explained in a message to her Liberal shadow ministry colleagues, sent on Wednesday, “I wrote to David Littleproud proposing that we meet along with other senior party officials, without any preconditions and as a priority, ahead of Parliament’s return.

“I reminded him that as the leaders of the Liberal and National parties, we are the stewards of two great movements that exist to serve the Australian people and that maintaining a strong and functioning relationship between our two parties is in the national interest — whether in formal Coalition or not.

“David’s team have just advised mine that his focus is the spill motion he now faces and he is therefore unavailable to meet until after that spill is considered.”

That sounds like a fobb-off rather than a genuine excuse.

Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. View from The Hill: Nationals rebel stirs the pot but Littleproud is dug in – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-nationals-rebel-stirs-the-pot-but-littleproud-is-dug-in-272441

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/01/28/view-from-the-hill-nationals-rebel-stirs-the-pot-but-littleproud-is-dug-in-272441/

January 28, 2026

Auckland FC turn up heat in training to beat Australian temperatures

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC players Nando Pijnaker and Hiroki Sakai feeling the effects of A-League football. photosport

Heat preparedness actions that might have seemed unnecessary a couple of weeks ago could save Auckland FC as soon as this weekend.

Even before the temperatures in Australia were rising to record levels, at their training base in Albany Auckland FC players were training in jackets, reminiscent of raincoats, while the sun shone to ready themselves for hot temperatures during A-League games across the Tasman.

The “heat exposure” jackets and three times a week sauna sessions are part of what the players are doing this season to bridge the gap between home and away conditions.

When the players were spotted in training wearing the jackets earlier this month they understood why they were doing it but with temperatures forecast to be in the early 20 degrees Celsius for that weekend’s games a couple of players were also slightly scoffing at why it was necessary that week.

At the time coach Steve Corica explained the jackets were “to acclimatise to the heat in Australia” and acknowledged it was part of a broader plan that looked beyond just the next game.

On Saturday Auckland are away to Perth Glory where the team believes temperatures could be in the early thirties when they kick off at 6.45pm local time.

This week the preparations for warmer weather have continued and on the eve of leaving for the 13 hour trip to Perth (via a stop-off in Melbourne) defender Louis Verstraete explained that Wednesday was a sauna day – one of at least three they would have in a week.

“We do 30 minutes sauna exposure so we try to get as much heat exposure as possible… we started doing it last year and this is a big help for us.

“We re-create a little bit of the same conditions as in Australia.”

For everything done before game day, Nando Pijnaker said the players also had to pay attention to what they did when the first whistle blew.

“We speak a lot about managing the game because sometimes when the temperature is so hot you can’t be running hard for 90 minutes, there’s got to be times where we play a little bit at a lower intensity but we still want to go out there and we still want to score goals we still want to perform really well and that’s the plan.”

Some weeks multiple A-League games can be impacted extreme heat conditions.

Teams take a drinks break in extreme heat during the A-League Men Round 5 match between Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, 24 November, 2024. AAP / www.photosport.nz

Playing in hot temperatures is not new and in 2017 then Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante questioned the league organisers after the Phoenix had played in 39C.

The A-League has a current heat policy that allows for cooling breaks, better known as drinks breaks, that can last up to three minutes and allow players to leave the field of play to seek shade during the break, take on fluid and other heat management strategies in order to mitigate exposure to heat like wet towels or ice vests.

Breaks are implemented if the ambient temperature is measured at 31C or higher and/or when the Wet Bulb Globe temperature is measured at 26C or higher prior to kick-off, according to the APL who run the A-League.

The number and length of cooling breaks is decided by the match commissioner with team doctors and match officials before the start of the game.

The APL said the heat policy was recognised “as a conservative policy by international standards”.

A ‘Summer Period’ from early December to the end of March is recognised by the league with no kick-offs until 5pm to avoid teams playing through the hottest part of the day in the cities prone to extreme heat across these months.

This season after an off-season analysis on weather patterns across Australia and New Zealand, the ‘Summer Period’ is slightly shorter in Newcastle and Victoria running from Round 7 to 18, where temperatures historically do not exhibit extreme temperatures for as long, the APL said pre-season.

Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix and home games do not fall into this ‘Summer Period’ due to the cooler climate.

“Last season we were quite lucky I don’t know if we had any [cooling] breaks, there were some difficult games regardless Brisbane away was really tough, Western Sydney away was really tough they were close to 30 degrees so I have an idea of what to expect. It’s difficult for us but it’s difficult for the opposition as well,” Pijnaker said.

Corica said he was happy with the A-League heat policy.

“If it’s really hot over there we might have drinks breaks which will help us a little bit more than them I think because they will be used to the heat over there and we haven’t had that kind of heat here at the moment.”

Getting captain Hiroki Sakai back

Hiroki Sakai of Auckland FC goes off with an injury. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Auckland’s club captain Hiroki Sakai has missed several matches as he recovers from a hamstring injury but will take part in Saturday’s game.

Sakai, 35, has travelled to Perth a day earlier than the rest of the squad to give the defender the best chance of getting on the field

Unlike his team mates Sakai had a direct flight to Western Australia.

“So far he has done two sessions fully with the team and he’s got through really well so he’s happy with where he is,” Corica said.

“We’ve got a lighter session in Perth on Friday providing he gets through that I’ll have a conversation with him and then we’ll make some decisions from there. I thought Jake Girdwood-Reich was excellent last week as well so if [Sakai] was to come in it would be a bit tough on him but these are the decisions I have to make.

“[Sakai] is an older player, experienced player and knows his body pretty well so we’ve given him that extra day to travel straight after training [on Wednesday].”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/28/auckland-fc-turn-up-heat-in-training-to-beat-australian-temperatures/

January 28, 2026

Mount Maunganui landslide victim formally identified as Max Furse-Kee

Source: Radio New Zealand

Max Furse-Kee would have turned 16 today. Supplied

One of the victims of the deadly Mount Maunganui landslide has been formally identified as Max Furse-Kee, on what would have been his 16th birthday.

Six people died in the Mauao slip last Thursday.

At an identification hearing at Tauranga District Court on Wednesday evening, deputy chief coroner Brigitte Windley formally identified Max Furse-Kee after hearing evidence provided by Senior Constable Robert Stokes.

Stokes told the court his body was found on Monday, and detailed the forensic dental examination which determined his identity.

Furse-Kee’s body will now be released to his family.

“Sadly, today he would have turned 16,” she said.

Windley told the court the evidence provided to her was the culmination of specialist work by police, forensic pathologists, forensic odontologists, and other experts.

She acknowledged the dedication and skill of those working at the scene.

Windley noted that in disasters, victims can be misidentified – and it has happened overseas – but she is confident that the evidence provided was sufficient and reliable to establish Furse-Kee’s identity.

She expressed condolences to Furse-Kee’s whānau and friends for their loss in “unimaginable circumstances”.

The victims of the landslide have been named as Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, Sharon Maccanico, 15, and Max Furse-Kee, 15.

Only Furse-Kee has been formally identified.

His mother, Hannah Furse, released a statement paying tribute to her son on Sunday.

“My love for Max is impossible to explain, no words are big enough to describe this love or loss,” she said.

“What I can say is from the moment I first looked at his beautiful blue eyes almost 16 years ago he had my whole heart, he was my sunshine.”

Her son was an “incredible, kind, and beautiful human being”, she said.

She said her son was “incredibly close” to his family and life without him was “impossible to imagine”.

The recovery operation at the site of the slip is ongoing.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/28/mount-maunganui-landslide-victim-formally-identified-as-max-furse-kee/

January 28, 2026

US firm trialling Huntington’s disease treatment says it shows promising early results

Source: Radio New Zealand

Huntington’s disease causes progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. 123RF

A treatment for Huntington’s disease being trialled in New Zealand and Australia is showing promising early results, the US biotech company behind the drug says.

Skyhawk Therapeutics began trialling the novel drug, SKY-0515, on New Zealand and Australian patients a year ago and plans to expand globally.

Local disease advocates have described the treatment as a real hope.

Huntington’s disease is a rare degenerative brain disorder with no cure at present, affecting about one in 10,000 people.

Each child of a parent with the disease has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the faulty gene and, if they do, will develop the disease – with symptoms typically emerging between the ages of 35 and 45.

Skyhawk Therapeutics said patients taking its daily pill saw a significant drop in mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) in their blood, which causes symptoms to worsen.

The drug improved their scores on health tests compared to the typical physical decline observed in untreated patients over the same period.

Huntington’s Disease Association Auckland chief executive Jo Dysart said she was lost for words after reading the trial results.

“For our Huntington’s population in New Zealand, it’s amazing, groundbreaking. This is real hope,” she said.

“Our families are very cautious about hope… and we don’t like to use the word cure – I’m not saying this will be a cure by any means – but the fact that we’ve got a tablet that gets over the barrier to the brain in human beings in New Zealand is amazing.”

Dr Greg Finucan, a neuropsychiatrist and chief medical adviser for the Huntington’s Association, said the drug was akin to a stop sign in RNA that prevented the body from reproducing mHTT.

Last year, researchers at University College London’s Huntington’s Disease Centre published results showing an experimental gene therapy slowed disease progression.

That was a positive result but the latest drug from Skyhawk was unbelievable, Finucan said.

“I don’t think we were expecting anything quite as good as this,” he said.

“The [gene therapy trial] showed that a very invasive treatment, involving injections into the brain, slowed down progression to about 25 percent of what it would have been. These preliminary results, from this trial, make it look as though there’s no progression at all, which is quite amazing for a medication.

“It’s just so much more practical to have people at home taking medication than going into a hospital at a huge expense. We calculated the cost of those injections and you could build a new hospital for what it took for that other treatment.”

Finucan said it was important the phase-two trial – now underway – proved there were no serious adverse effects.

“It’s looking very good, but we just need to get the numbers,” he said.

Dysart said families affected by Huntington’s would be keen to know – if the drug was successful – that it would be affordable.

The Huntington’s Disease Association supported 1500 people affected by the disease in Auckland and the North Shore, including people living with Huntington’s, those at risk, and those who were gene-positive, she said.

Skyhawk Therapeutics was working toward testing 520 people at over 52 total sites around the world throughout phase-two and -three of the trial.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/28/us-firm-trialling-huntingtons-disease-treatment-says-it-shows-promising-early-results/

January 28, 2026

Politics with Michelle Grattan: Jonno Duniam on the ‘frenzy’ over hate speech laws and the Coalition split

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Last week, the Coalition fell apart for the second time since the last federal election – which was just eight months ago.

Both the Liberals and Nationals are in crisis. Sussan Ley’s leadership of the Opposition now appears to be terminal. And Nationals MP Colin Boyce today declared he would call for a spill of that party’s leadership next week.

Only weeks ago, it was the Albanese government with its back against the wall, after extensive criticism of its handling of the aftermath of the December 14 Bondi massacre.

But after Parliament returned early to pass restrictions on guns and take further measures against hate speech and organisations promoting hate, it ended up splitting the Liberals and their former Coalition partners, the Nationals.

Liberal Senator Jonathon (Jonno) Duniam, the shadow minister for home affairs, was one of the key players in last week’s events. He joins us today to discuss whether the Liberals will end up facing off against the Nationals at the next election, a surge in public support for One Nation and more.

On vocal concerns that new hate speech laws would limit freedom of speech, Duniam says the bill now has adequate safeguards – and blames “social media influencers” who had “whipped up a frenzy” of misinformation.

One thing that’s become apparent to me over the course of the last three weeks is that there are a huge number of social media influencers who seem more interested in boosting their algorithm and boosting their subscribers or viewer numbers than they are in facilitating passage of true information. And that is something that is very concerning to me.

When you’ve got people suggesting that political parties like One Nation might end up as a hate group, which is just patently false […] it’s just nuts. But yet there are people out there spreading this stuff through their 30-second videos, and of course it has whipped up this frenzy.

On the Coalition split, Duniam says he would like it to be re-formed, but at the moment it’s “impossible”.

I think it is probably a good thing for the Liberals and the Nationals to have time apart. I think that the Nationals have a range of issues they need to work through internally. Some of those were on display for all to see in the last sitting week, as they couldn’t agree amongst themselves on their position on legislation and various elements of those bills.

And let’s not forget, it’s the second time in 12 months that the Nationals have precipitated a separation of this nature […] When the Nationals are willing to be a part of such a coherent opposition then I think that it would be great to have them back. But at this point in time I don’t think they are.

Duniam said Boyce’s new push to spill the Nationals leadership “could indeed change things” – but “we don’t need to rush back into Coalition”, even if that meant Liberals and Nationals running against each other at the next election.

Indeed, that is a possibility. And I’m not going to predict anything here, but on the current course we’re on, that’s what’s going to happen.

On the rise of One Nation in recent polls, Duniam acknowledges there’s more the Liberals could do to win back voters.

I think there’s a job for us in centre-right parties to certainly call out [minor] parties that have been all care and no responsibility […] They can say whatever they like and vote however they do in Parliament, with no regard for some of the bigger problems that come along for parties of government.

We need to be clearer in our communication, we need to be clearer in making sure people understand what it is we stand for. And I take responsibility for this as well. I don’t think we’ve done a very good job with that – not just in the last nine or whatever months it’s been since the election, but the last term, too. That’s why we’re in opposition. That’s why we got smashed at the last election.

On bridging the ideological gulf between the Liberal Party’s moderates and conservatives, Duniam says that divide is not as great as people make out.

I think we have been able to do that quite a lot and it’s lost in the froth and bubble of everything that’s going on at the moment. I mean, let’s look at the last six months. Sussan Ley was able to settle a net zero position where the moderates, as they’re called, while they might have had concerns and issues with particular elements of what we were doing, they came along. They didn’t leave the party.

[…] I don’t think there is quite the gulf. What we do need to do is clearly tell people what we stand for, and why, and how much better off they will be as a result of that. I think we can happily work – conservative and moderate – in our party. Because at the end of the day we’re all Liberals and we all want the best for our country.

[…] And at this point in time, we’re spending a bit too much time talking about ourselves and not the people of Australia. So the sooner that settles down, the better.

– ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Jonno Duniam on the ‘frenzy’ over hate speech laws and the Coalition split – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-jonno-duniam-on-the-frenzy-over-hate-speech-laws-and-the-coalition-split-274516

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/01/28/politics-with-michelle-grattan-jonno-duniam-on-the-frenzy-over-hate-speech-laws-and-the-coalition-split-274516/

January 28, 2026

Police seek motorist following assault

Source: New Zealand Police

Whangārei CIB is seeking a motorist who gave a lift to the victim of an assault in Onerahi early this morning.

That motorist is not being sought over the offending, but their information could help progress enquiries.

“Sometime between 4am and 4.45am, the assault victim has been picked up in the Onerahi area by a member of the public,” Detective Sergeant Pieter Serfontein says.

“Our enquiries are still in the very early stages, but we know that the motorist drove the victim to a property in Raumanga before carrying on.

“The victim had a number of facial injuries at the time, and I’m confident this person will remember this trip.”

Police were notified of the assault by ambulance staff after they were called to the Raumanga property.

“What we don’t know is where the victim was picked up in Onerahi and at what specific time,” Detective Sergeant Serfontein says.

“I’m asking this person to come forward as information they may hold could help us.”

The victim, who is a man, has received treatment at Whangārei Hospital today and is in a stable condition.

“Detectives will speak further with the victim, but we would also like to hear from anyone in the Onerahi area that might have witnessed any fighting in the area early this morning,” Detective Sergeant Serfontein says.

Please update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 260128/8749.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/28/police-seek-motorist-following-assault/

January 28, 2026

Mount Maunganui update – recovery operation continues

Source: New Zealand Police

The recovery effort to reunite loved ones with their families following last week’s landslide at Mount Maunganui is continuing, supported by Police from across the country.

Dog handlers, family liaison officers, specialist search teams and other staff have been arriving in the Bay of Plenty District to provide support to the dozens of staff who have been on the ground since Thursday’s slip.

Inspector Will Loughrin, Acting Bay of Plenty District Commander, says recovery teams are making good progress but they still have days of work ahead of them.

“Police, supported by Urban Search and Rescue and contractor drivers, have reached the area where the ablution block was, and they are continuing the painstaking effort to gently dig through the slip.

“The reason the work is so time consuming is because we are digging millimetres at a time. We can’t rush this work, and we won’t rush it.”

Police are not yet in a position to comment on what has been located to date.

Staff from across New Zealand supporting operation

Each shift, an estimated 70 Police staff are involved in the recovery effort, with a number of Police districts sending resources to assist.

“There is an enormous amount of work, and the people doing that delicate work inside the scene are just the tip of the iceberg. Family liaison officers are in Tauranga to support families, there are staff inputting information, sorting logistics, carrying out interviews and reviewing footage from the public.

“Council, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, local iwi, and businesses are also supporting this recovery – there is an army of people who are focused on doing what they can to help and to support the families.”

Inspector Loughrin praised everyone involved in the effort.

“They’ve put in massive hours, in very dynamic, exhausting conditions. People are getting tired, physically and mentally, but we’re making sure they get the rest and support they need.

“The work they have done is incredible, and they’ve done it with dignity and respect and I’m proud of them.”

Police seek imagery of mountain prior to slip

Police are asking anyone with video footage and images of the slip at Mt Maunganui to upload it via this online portal. We are particularly interested in anyone who has footage or images of the campsite and Mount Maunganui between Wednesday night right through to the time the slip happened and the immediate time after the slip.

We have already received more than 100 video clips and photos through the portal and we want to thank those who have taken the time to send this in.

Privacy request from families

Family members are feeling uncomfortable with receiving multiple requests for comment. We ask that any request for comment is made through the Police Media Centre.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/28/mount-maunganui-update-recovery-operation-continues/

January 28, 2026

Animal rights group wants government to ban all caged hens

Source: Radio New Zealand

Up to 80 chickens can be placed in colony cages. Supplied

Animal rights charity SAFE is calling on the government to follow the UK, where the government is consulting on banning caged hens.

Battery cages have been banned in New Zealand since 2023, however, larger colony cages – which are much larger but house dozens of hens – are still allowed.

In January, the UK government sought public consultation on its proposal to phase out the caging of layer hens by 2032.

SAFE head of campaigns Jessica Chambers said cages had been recognised to cause harm, frustration and distress for hens, and the government should ban them.

“Overseas dozens of countries and states including the UK and the EU are either in the process of ending cruel cage animal farming or are in the beginning stages of that where they’re consulting with the public,” she said.

“In the meantime, over 1.2 million hens in New Zealand remain confined in colony cages every year because our government has failed to act.”

Cages were cruel, Chambers said.

“One colony cage can house up to 80 birds, where they are given space about the size of an A4 sheet of paper. These birds don’t get outside, they don’t see sunlight, their entire lives are spent in dark, crowded cages,” she said.

“It would be very logical for New Zealand to start assessing why these cages are still in use in New Zealand and begin the process of phasing them out. Unfortunately our government hasn’t reviewed these systems in a very, very long time.”

Associate Minister for Agriculture Andrew Hoggard said the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) was reviewing the poultry code at present.

It would initially focus on enabling contingency planning for a possible incursion of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, he said.

“NAWAC will provide its advice to me in due course but there are already plenty of options for people who want to buy cage-free eggs and can afford it,” Hoggard said.

“At a time when the economic recovery is building and people are still battling with the cost of living I don’t think it’s in the best interests of New Zealanders to heap more costs on food producers which will then just get passed on to consumers.”

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/2026/01/28/animal-rights-group-wants-government-to-ban-all-caged-hens/

January 28, 2026

Curtains down for Crusher Collins, one of politics’ leading players

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Analysis: Perhaps now we’ll finally get a Judith Collins’ memoir that actually ‘Pulls No Punches’.

No question a full account of her storied history in New Zealand politics would make a rip-roaring read, one with high highs, low lows and extraordinary comebacks.

Collins’ retirement from politics will close the chapter on a more-than-two-decade stint as one of Parliament’s main characters.

“I’m sort of over it,” she says of the so-called ‘bear pit’ at Parliament. “I’ve done my dash.”

You wouldn’t think that from Wednesday’s media conference, where she displayed her trademark twinkle, dismissing previous scandals as “rubbish” and telling one reporter off for his “naughty” question line.

Collins is one of New Zealand’s most formidable and polarising political figures, an MP who has achieved the status of household name. She is regarded “Mother of the House” as its current longest serving female MP.

Does she leave with regrets? At first, Collins hedges, then reverts to type. “It’s a tough environment,” she says. “You’ve got to be prepared for the rough and tumble.”

Collins entered Parliament in the 2002 intake, along with one John Key, and went straight into Cabinet after National’s 2008 victory.

In little time she built a reputation as a hard-nosed, no-nonsense operator, leaning into a ‘tough-on-crime’ image as Police Minister and winning the enduring moniker of ‘Crusher Collins’ for her crackdown on boyracers.

Collins has mixed feelings about the nickname, but acknowledges it sent a message: “As long as they’re calling you something, it’s probably better than calling you nothing.”

Behind the scenes, her staff often spoke of a softer side, acknowledging her deep loyalty and kindness, characteristics not always seen in Beehive offices.

Collins’ Cabinet portfolios have stacked up over the years, numbering 18 different roles in total – proof she was considered highly competent, even if controversial.

And, yes, she was no stranger to controversy. Collins notes she leaves with some scars on her back.

The first major ruptures came in early 2014 with a series of scandals, including a perceived conflict of interest related to dairy company Oravida and Nicky Hager’s ‘Dirty Politics’ allegations.

Media surround Judith Collins before she enters the debating chamber during the Oravida controversy in 2014. RNZ / Diego Opatowski

The scandals culminated in her resignation from Cabinet after a leaked email suggested Collins had undermined the former head of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

“What a load of rubbish,” Collins says now. “And I was exonerated.”

In late 2015, she was reinstated to Cabinet after an inquiry found no evidence she had been involved in the smear against the SFO boss.

Despite obvious ambitions on the leadership, Collins had great difficulty securing the support of enough of her caucus colleagues to take power.

It took the peculiar circumstances of 2020 for Collins to finally be elevated to the role of Opposition leader, after her predecessor Todd Muller flamed out spectacularly just weeks into the job.

Her stint as leader, however, also proved short and turbulent.

The conditions were far from ideal, with then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the height of her pandemic popularity and the National caucus riven with leaks and ill discipline.

Collins’ own performance left a lot wanting too as she spearheaded what could only be described as a trainwreck of a campaign.

Judith Collins announcing National Party policies during the 2020 election campaign, alongside Simon Bridges (left). RNZ / Simon Rogers

She led National to a crushing election defeat. “Yeah, that wasn’t great,” Collins wryly recalls. “[But] it could have been worse.”

Not by much. The caucus limped on, demoralised and divided.

In late 2021, Collins announced the shock late-night demotion of her rival Simon Bridges in what was seen as an attempt to strengthen her hold on the leadership.

Instead, it brought about its abrupt end, with a caucus vote of no confidence. Christopher Luxon was installed as her replacement days later.

Many politicians would have taken the opportunity to exit.

But Collins was due yet another comeback.

Rather than retreating, she won the friendship and respect of Luxon, returning to Cabinet as one of the most senior ministers, trusted with weighty portfolios like Attorney General and Defence.

It underscores what is perhaps Collins’ most defining political trait: resilience.

“How come I’m so resilient?” Collins says. “Well, actually, it’s because I’ve had to be.”

She is not quite out the door yet. Collins has delayed her departure for several months to avoid the need for a by-election and will remain in her ministerial roles for at least some of that time.

Luxon is no rush to replace her. He was effusive in his praise of Collins on Wednesday but dismissed suggestions her exit would leave an experience gap.

“We’ve got talent coming through our system,” Luxon said.

Chris Penk is widely expected to enter Cabinet and pick up the Defence portfolio.

Collins, meanwhile, will take up a new position as president of the Law Commission.

The move itself is somewhat contentious given the independent nature of the role. Opposition MPs have raised eyebrows, but Collins says she’ll play a straight bat: “I’m a lawyer, you know.”

She says she expects her time will soon be taken up writing a lot of reports: “I won’t be writing anything… too spicy.”

That next book may have to wait a little while then.

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/2026/01/28/curtains-down-for-crusher-collins-one-of-politics-leading-players/

January 28, 2026

As Syria’s new government consolidates its power, the Kurdish minority fears for its future

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

Renewed fighting in Syria in recent weeks between government-aligned forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) isn’t just a local issue. It has serious implications for the stability of the rest of the Middle East.

Syrian government forces launched an offensive in early January into areas of northeastern Syria controlled by Kurdish forces. The operation enabled the government to gain control of key oil and gas fields and major border crossings with Iraq and Turkey.

Of particular concern to Syria’s neighbours, though, is the thousands of former Islamic State (IS) fighters who have been held in prisons run by the SDF in the region. One camp, al-Hol, reportedly held about 24,000 detainees, primarily women and children. There were also diehard IS supporters from around the world at the camp.

Amid concerns the prisoners would escape with the SDF retreat, the US military began moving detainees from Syria to other facilities in Iraq last week. Some prisoners, however, were able to escape.

Though both sides agreed to a ceasefire that would see the SDF forces incorporated into the Syrian armed forces, it remains shaky.

The government’s offensive has also resulted in mass displacement, mistreatment of civilians and what the SDF claims are Islamic State-style killings of its forces and civilians.

And there are concerns the Islamic State will take advantage of the chaos to regroup and try to destabilise the region once again.

A pattern of violence

The fighting has followed a pattern disturbingly similar to other violent episodes following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government to forces led by now-President Ahmed al-Sharaa in late 2024.

Al-Sharaa has pledged to protect minorities in the new Syria he is building, but religious and ethnic minorities have specifically been targeted. This includes the Druze in southern Syria and Alawite communities in the west.

There have been credible reports of summary executions, arbitrary killings and kidnappings.

When the Islamic State controlled large portions of Syria around 2014, its violent actions against civilians – in particular, minorities such as the Yazidis and Kurds – were widely condemned as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In al-Sharaa’s Syria, the violence has allegedly been carried out by government security forces, as well as armed factions affiliated with the government, including foreign fighters.

And al-Sharaa’s government has been supported – or at least tolerated – by international actors, most notably the United States. US President Donald Trump praised al-Sharaa earlier this month for his “tremendous progress”, adding, “I think he’s going to put it all together.”

Trump even met al-Sharaa during a visit to Saudi Arabia in May at the behest of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

As a result, violent actions that once triggered airstrikes and global outrage are now met largely with silence, caution or political justification.

This shift is most stark in the treatment of Kurdish forces, particularly the Syrian Democratic Forces. These forces have been among the US government’s most effective local partners in the fight against Islamic State for years.

Despite this record, violence against Kurdish civilians has elicited little meaningful reaction. Instead, US policy has focused on supporting the Syrian government structure and urging Kurdish leaders to accept the new political order and fully integrate into state institutions.

For Kurdish communities, this demand carries profound risks. The experiences of the Druze and Alawites offer little assurance that disarmament and territorial concessions will be met with protection or political inclusion.

Many Kurds fear laying down arms without security guarantees could expose them to similar attacks.

A return of Islamic State

Another destabilising consequence of the fighting in eastern Syria has been the collapse of the detention network built to prevent the return of IS.

The US has said up to 7,000 detainees could be transferred from Syria to detention facilities in Iraq in its operations.

While framed as a logistical and security necessity, the announcement immediately triggered alarm across Iraq, where memories of the 2014 Islamic State invasion remain vivid. That was fuelled, in part, by prison breaks from poorly secured detention facilities in Iraq and Syria.

In response to these concerns, Iraqi security forces have deployed in large numbers along the Syrian border to prevent escaped IS detainees from infiltrating the country.

US and Turkish agendas

At the centre of this unfolding crisis is the US, which favours a centralised Syrian state under a single trusted authority. This is easier to manage diplomatically and militarily than a fragmented country with competing armed factions.

This approach also aligns with Trump’s broader regional ambitions, including expanding the Abraham Accords by persuading more regional countries to normalise ties with Israel.

Turkey, a NATO member and key US ally, also has a vested interest in the future of Syria. Ankara, a key backer of al-Sharaa, has long viewed any form of Kurdish autonomy in Syria as an existential threat, fearing it would embolden Kurdish demands inside Turkey.

Together, these overlapping agendas reveal why the international response to the fighting in eastern Syria has been so muted. Concerns over civilian protection or the potential regrouping of the Islamic State have been trumped by the strategic realignment taking place with a post-Assad Syria.

Kurdish forces, once indispensable partners, now find themselves caught between shifting alliances and competing regional interests — another casualty of a new international order defined by convenience rather than principle.

Ali Mamouri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. As Syria’s new government consolidates its power, the Kurdish minority fears for its future – https://theconversation.com/as-syrias-new-government-consolidates-its-power-the-kurdish-minority-fears-for-its-future-274110

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/01/28/as-syrias-new-government-consolidates-its-power-the-kurdish-minority-fears-for-its-future-274110/

January 28, 2026

Xi Jinping has dismissed two of China’s most senior generals. What does this mean?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David S G Goodman, Director, China Studies Centre, Professor of Chinese Politics, University of Sydney

Last weekend, China’s Ministry of National Defence announced that the country’s two most senior generals – Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli – would be removed from office and placed under investigation for serious disciplinary violations.

Zhang had been the People’s Liberation Army’s most senior general since October 2022. He was the highest ranking military member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CCP), the party-state’s 24-member executive policy-making body.

Zhang was also the senior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, which controls the armed forces.

Liu was the former commander of the PLA’s Ground Force and had most recently been in charge of the Central Military Commission’s Joint Staff Department.

The reaction to these developments outside China has led to dramatic headlines. A BBC headline initially focused on a “military in crisis”, while the Australian Broadcasting Corporation called it an “astonishing” purge that leaves Chinese leader Xi Jinping almost alone at the top of the world’s biggest army.

Certainly, the moves were surprising. But so little is known about the internal workings of the CCP’s leadership, including Xi’s relations with his colleagues in the Politburo, that interpreting these developments is difficult, if not impossible.

What we know

For historical and political reasons, the PLA is an organisation of the CCP. Both fall under the direct purview of Xi, who is chair of the Central Military Commission, general secretary of the CCP and president of the country.

The removal of Zhang and Liu at least temporarily leaves military leadership under just Xi and General Zhang Shengmin. Three other members of the Central Military Commission have lost their positions since 2024 and not been replaced.

Though the Chinese leadership is notoriously opaque, it is clear there have been disciplinary problems within the military in the last few years, particularly related to corruption and procurement in the more technically advanced departments of the PLA. Some two dozen senior military figures have been dismissed or investigated since 2022.

Zhang and Liu were fairly recent appointments to even more senior positions. Both were also seen as personal supporters of Xi. The fathers of Xi and Zhang had a close relationship dating back to the early days of the CCP in the 1930s before the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Moreover, the removals of Zhang and Liu happened more quickly than other senior military dismissals of recent years – and there were fewer warning signs. Both men had appeared in public as recently as a month ago.

Perhaps of even greater surprise, the Wall Street Journal reported that Zhang is accused of providing the United States with information about China’s nuclear weapons program, alongside allegations of accepting bribes and forming “political cliques”.

So, how to read the tea leaves?

Past practice suggests without a doubt that once a senior figure loses their status or is dismissed – for whatever reason – their downfall results in accusations of a litany of crimes.

The Politburo has also seen its share of intense internal politics in the past, though the precise circumstances of such conflicts usually take years to surface. A good example is the mysterious death of Lin Biao in 1971, another former PLA commander who at the time was Mao Zedong’s designated successor.

Given the broader context at play here with the management of the military and the development of government programs in recent years, as well as the claims Zhang and Liu violated “discipline and the law”, there are two possible explanations for their dismissals.

Both may have had direct involvement in corruption, taking bribes to appoint officials or ensure contracts for suppliers. It is equally likely they are being held responsible for corruption that has undoubtedly occurred in military procurement under their watch.

Then there is the possibility of a difference of opinion within the Central Military Commission and the Politburo on how to deal with corruption, particularly within the military.

Xi has repeatedly stressed the importance of the fight against corruption since he became general secretary of the CCP in 2012.

In recent weeks, he has made this an even more important crusade in the context of the about-to-be-announced 15th Five-year Plan for Economic and Social Development. On January 12, he designated the issue of corruption as a “major struggle” in a speech to China’s top anti-corruption agency:

Currently, the situation in the fight against corruption remains grave and complex […] We must maintain a high-pressure stance without wavering, resolutely punishing corruption wherever it exists, eliminating all forms of graft, and leaving no place for corrupt elements to hide.

To meet China’s developmental goals, he added, the CCP “must deploy cadres who are truly loyal, reliable, consistent and responsible”.

It is difficult to see Zhang and Liu or indeed anyone else currently willing or able to challenge Xi. Or, indeed, that Xi might feel immediately threatened by Zhang, Liu or others.

To that extent, Xi’s personal position is neither strengthened nor weakened by these dismissals.

Other analysts have suggested that the disruptions caused by the dismissals could lower Xi’s confidence in his military. Some have even said the potential for an invasion of Taiwan has now been lowered.

The removal of so many leaders may indicate the PLA is now expected to undergo culture change. At the same time, it would be drawing a very long bow to suggest its military capacity generally or in relation to Taiwan has either been strengthened or weakened.

David S G Goodman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Xi Jinping has dismissed two of China’s most senior generals. What does this mean? – https://theconversation.com/xi-jinping-has-dismissed-two-of-chinas-most-senior-generals-what-does-this-mean-274425

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/01/28/xi-jinping-has-dismissed-two-of-chinas-most-senior-generals-what-does-this-mean-274425/

January 28, 2026

Nearly 40% of voters think Treaty of Waitangi has too much influence on government decisions – poll

Source: Radio New Zealand

The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll asked respondents what they thought about the Treaty of Waitangi in terms of its influence on the government’s decision-making. RNZ / REECE BAKER

More voters think the Treaty of Waitangi has too much influence on government decisions rather than too little, according to the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll.

Voters have also had their say on whether New Zealand’s Prime Minister should be in Waitangi for Waitangi Day commemorations, with a majority thinking attendance is very or somewhat important.

This term has seen Treaty issues come to prominence, and often met with protest.

While ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill, which according to its text sought to define the principles to “create greater certainty and clarity to the meaning of the principles in legislation,” was voted down at second reading last year, ACT leader David Seymour has promised to reignite the debate this election year.

The government is undertaking a separate piece of work, borne out of National’s coalition agreement with New Zealand First, to review references to the Treaty principles in 23 different laws, and will either replace the reference with specific wording that explains their relevance or application, or remove them entirely.

It is also reviewing the Waitangi Tribunal.

A thousand respondents were asked “thinking about the influence the Treaty of Waitangi has over government decision making, do you think it is too much, about the right amount, or too little?”

The most popular response was “too much,” with 38.1 percent, but “about right” was close behind on 31.4 percent.

Just under 17 percent thought the Treaty had “too little” influence, while 11 percent did not know.

Broken down by party lines, it follows a reasonably predictable track.

Just under half of Labour supporters thought it was “about right,” while those thinking it was “too much” or “too little” were relatively split.

That is compared to just over half of National voters who thought the influence was “too much”.

Just under two thirds of New Zealand First supporters also think there is “too much” influence, as do a majority ACT supporters – overwhelmingly on 81.6 percent.

More Green Party and Te Pāti Māori supporters meanwhile believe there is “too little” influence.

Should the PM go to Waitangi?

The Prime Minister is yet to share his plans for Waitangi Day this year.

Last year, Luxon did not attend the National Iwi Chairs Forum on the 4th or the ‘political day’ at Waitangi on the 5th, and spent Waitangi Day itself with Ngāi Tahu at Ōnuku Marae.

That will not be an option this year, with Ngāi Tahu heading to the Treaty Grounds.

Voters were asked “how important is it for New Zealand’s Prime Minister to be in Waitangi on Waitangi Day?”

Most said it was very or somewhat important, with 32 percent saying it was very important the Prime Minister attends, and 29.8 saying it was somewhat important.

Just over 15 percent said it was not very important, while just over 16 percent said it was not at all important.

Supporters of opposition parties were more likely to say it was important for the Prime Minister to attend, with 51.1 percent of Labour voters, 48.5 percent of Green Party supporters, and 55.6 percent of Te Pāti Māori supporters saying it was “very” important.

On the government side, 12 percent of National supporters thought it was very important, along with 10 percent of ACT supporters.

New Zealand First supporters were more evenly split.

This poll of 1000 people was conducted by Reid Research, using quota sampling and weighting to ensure representative cross section by age, gender and geography. The poll was conducted through online interviews between 15-22 January 2026 and has a maximum margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.

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/2026/01/28/nearly-40-of-voters-think-treaty-of-waitangi-has-too-much-influence-on-government-decisions-poll/

January 28, 2026

Roads closed, traffic rerouted in Lower Hutt as $1.5b works continue

Source: Radio New Zealand

Heavy traffic on State Highway 2 and Hutt Rd at Dowse interchange at 5.40pm earlier this week. Phil Pennington/RNZ

A raft of public works in Lower Hutt is causing headaches for commuters, closing roads and rerouting traffic.

It is linked to Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, formerly known as the RiverLink project – with electricity renewal work in the area also underway, as well as council roading maintainence.

The $1.5 billion works included flood protection and river restoration work, improvements to public transport links and walking and cycling routes as well as upgrading the Melling interchange which linked the city to State Highway Two.

A new pedestrian bridge was also planned to link the relocated Melling Railway Station – which closed for an estimated three years in December last year – to the city.

Multiple people say in recent weeks there’s been a marked increase in delays and heavy congestion – extending beyond peak times – around the already busy choke point between the city, hospital and housing on one side Hutt River and the motorway to Wellington City (south) and the Upper Hutt and Wairarapa in the north.

The Melling train line to Wellington continued to run from the Western Hutt Station – further south – and each weekday Metlink bused nearly 370 Melling passengers from line’s former end.

Across the river – towards the city – Block Road as well as a section of Pharazyn Street, north of Marsden Street, were permanently closed earlier this month.

While Queens Drive, between Rutherford Street and High Street, was being prepared for the added traffic expected through the area and would remain closed until 2029.

Heavy traffic on State Hughway 2. Phil Pennington/RNZ

Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi works to carry on through 2031

Jon Kingsbury from Hutt City Council said the full extent of the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi works was not expected to be completed until some time in 2031.

People should expect longer travel times and were encouraged to plan ahead, he said.

“Different elements of the work will be delivered at different times, and disruption will vary as projects moves through scheduled phases.

“We appreciate people’s patience while this critical work is underway. While the disruption is significant, these projects are about making Lower Hutt safer, more resilient and better connected for the long term.”

Kingsbury said the council appreciated the cumulative effect of the multiple works could feel significant especially during peak travel times.

“Project partners are working closely together, alongside local businesses, residents, and transport providers, to plan, sequence and manage disruption as much as possible.

“Traffic management plans and local detours are in place across the city. While alternative routes are available, people should expect longer travel times and are encouraged to plan ahead,” the spokesperson said.

Works overlap regular road maintenance season

The early stages of the work on Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi had also co-incided with Hutt City Council’s road maintenance season.

Beginning in last November and set to continue through the summer to March the program would resurface and reseal around 15 kilometres of road in the area.

Outside of Hutt Central, construction of Tupua Horo Nuku – a 4.4 kilometre seawall and shared path along Marine Drive between Ngau Matau/Point Howard and Eastbourne – had also added to the congestion, with up to three-lane closures, stop/go traffic controls, and a reduced speed limit on the road accessing the Eastbourne Bays.

Later in March, Hutt City Council would also close the intersection of Queens Drive and High Street as the nearby roundabout was removed and replaced by traffic lights.

That piece of the puzzle would be completed near the end of the year and was expected to bring an extra layer of commuter chaos to the city’s centre.

Electricity works clear substations and cables from construction zone

This week – south of the main works – Wellington Electricity also closed the Ewen Bridge on-ramp and a lane across the bridge which linked the city to Alice town, the Hutt Road and the Western Hutt Railway station.

The electricity supplier would be laying trenches for cable removal or installation in the area as cables and substations in the Te Awa Kairangi construction zone were relocated.

Lanes on Market Grove, Marsden Street, and Connolly Street would also be blocked – as new cable was laid down as a part of the project.

Lower Hutt closures at a glance:

Queens Drive is closed between Rutherford St and High St until approximately 2029
The northern section of the Riverbank car park is permanently closed to vehicles and pedestrians.
The Hutt River Trail on the western side of the river (from 800m south of Kennedy Good Bridge to 500m north of Ewen Bridge) is closed.
Pharazyn Street is closed from near Marsden Street to Block Road until approximately 2029
Block Road and the pedestrian crossing from Tirohanga Rd over SH2 to Block Rd are permanently closed.

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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/2026/01/28/roads-closed-traffic-rerouted-in-lower-hutt-as-1-5b-works-continue/

January 28, 2026

NZ Post mistakenly included rural Waikato community’s only post shop on closure list

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Richard Tindiller

A rural Waikato community will not be losing its only post shop after NZ Post admitted it mistakenly included it on the list of almost 150 sites earmarked to close.

But the state-owned company has indicated the service could be on the chopping block in future.

This week, NZ Post confirmed it would be removing 142 service counters in partnering convenience stores, pharmacies and libraries around New Zealand by the end of the year.

A total 567 post shops would remain open nationwide and rural post shops would not be affected.

The Te Kauwhata site was initially listed for closure, sparking bewilderment from the local convenience store owner who runs the service.

For residents, it would have meant the nearest postal store was more than 15 kilometres away.

On Wednesday, NZ Post confirmed the changes do not apply to the Te Kauwhata service.

“Their name appeared on our website in error, and we’ve now corrected this and spoken with them by phone. We remain available and continue to engage with them as needed,” a spokesperson said.

NZ Post said it had provided “early visibility of potential longer term plans” for the Te Kauwhata site.

“As part of the careful, evidence-based approach taken across the retail network, we’ve been transparent that, over time, NZ Post services in their area may move as we develop a future retail network with the right services in the right places,” a spokesperson said.

“This planning involves making sure we’re in the right environment to maintain services in this area, rather than withdrawing services.”

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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/2026/01/28/nz-post-mistakenly-included-rural-waikato-communitys-only-post-shop-on-closure-list/

January 28, 2026

Kiwi Khol Gillies loses leg after fighting in Ukraine

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealander Khol Gillies had to wait days to be evacuated from the battlefield in Ukraine. Supplied

A New Zealander who was severely injured while fighting in Ukraine said he sang Aotearoa’s national anthem to keep himself going as he was rescued.

Twenty-five-year-old Khol Gillies had to wait days to be evacuated from the battlefield, with his foot all but blown off, because fierce fighting made it nearly impossible to reach him.

Gillies, who is originally from Hawke’s Bay, had been in Ukraine for six months fighting as a volunteer.

It’s been three months since he was shot multiple times during a drone and ground attack. He’s now recovering in a hospital in Europe after having his leg amputated.

Gillies told Checkpoint he still hasn’t processed the day he was injured.

“We were manning our positions, and we came under a heavy attack. My comrades’ weapons were destroyed and we were running out of ammunition,” he said.

“Mine was the only functioning firearm, so I had to take point and obviously protect the group. Amongst all that, we started getting hit with drones, artillery bullet fire, small arms fire. My training and instincts really kicked in, and I wasn’t really thinking too much. I was just doing.”

During the attack, Gillies said his ankle was “blown off”, leaving his knee shattered and a 10-to-15-centimetre gash down his leg.

“I knew from then on, we had to really get out of there quick. [But] as we’re making our way out amongst what was happening, I sustained more injuries,” he said.

“My left eardrum had been blown out, so I couldn’t quite hear the drones coming. But I do remember looking down, seeing my injuries and thinking ‘shit, I want to live.’ So, I just started running.

“The adrenaline was pumping and as soon as I got to safety, I just dived in the hole. First thing I did, I reached down and checked my reproductive organs. Those were still intact and so I was very happy.”

He said he had to wait nearly five days in the bunker with his comrades, and waiting for the weather to turn.

“Fog is the only time that you can really manoeuvre around, so the drones can’t use their thermals and all their optics. It’s pretty much a no-fly zone when the fog is out, so that’s all we’re waiting for – some bad weather, which is good weather.”

Despite his injuries, he still did what he could to support his fellow comrades.

“I was still pulling radio and guard duty. I mean, it wasn’t too bad. I was just laying down, watching the door, manning the radio. My comrades were attending to my needs and pretty much being my medics for me.

“At one point, I did think about dying because of the pain. I can’t describe the pain. It was horrible.”

During one of the nights in the bunker, Gillies was woken up by the sound of nibbling.

“I looked down at my leg and I saw two bloody rats there. And I think ‘holy shit, they’re eating my leg,” he said.

Khol Gillies is recovering in a hospital in Europe after having his leg amputated. Supplied

After over four and a half days, Gillies was pulled out of the bunker during a foggy morning on a stretcher by three of his comrades.

“We had to navigate me through a minefield and that was tough,” he said.

He was then placed on a ground drone, a type of vehicle that is used to evacuate wounded soldiers.

“That lasted about four hours to get me out. These things go maybe 10… at the maximum 15km’s an hour. During that trip, I ended up getting hypothermia and it was really cold.”

He said the trip was agonising.

“The machine that I was on was a bit smaller than me, so my legs were hanging out the front, and I had to keep holding them up because they kept getting caught on the dirt and foliage.”

“There were also other enemy drones that would hover above me and I was just wondering, will I get hit and die here or something?”

Gillies sang the New Zealand National Anthem and ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the Bee Gees to pass the time and take his mind off his wounds.

‘I have no regrets about going’

Gillies said he knew instantly from the first day after being hit and staying in the bunker that he was going to lose his leg.

“I had two tourniquets on for those five days, and I lost I think 50 percent of my blood. We couldn’t stop the bleeding.”

“From then on, I just knew that it had to come off, it didn’t look good. But my reproductive organs were good. I still had my hands so I can play the PlayStation. So, I was quite happy, but I was somewhat content with my injuries.”

“I mean it still sucks having no leg. Yeah, it’s not as bad as it could have been. I’m one of the lucky ones.”

But despite his injuries, he said he has no regrets about going to Ukraine.

“Maybe putting my wife through all of this. But no, I have no regrets. My comrades are saying if I didn’t do what I did, they most likely would have died and I would have still had my leg, but I’m very happy that wasn’t the outcome.”

Khol Gillies said one of the reasons why he wanted to serve in Ukraine is because of hearing stories during his childhood from one his grandfathers, the late Sir Robert Bob Gillies.

“That was very inspiring to me and I’ve always just felt good about helping out. I feel like it’s an honour to serve and help, no matter where it is, as long as you know the cause is righteous in some sort of sense.”

“I felt like I had the capacity and the will to do something and me just being back at home, knowing that I had those things and was doing nothing about it was eating away at me and I probably wouldn’t be happy with myself, knowing that I could have helped do something.

‘This was something he felt strongly about.’

Jasmine Gillies, Khol’s wife, supported him when he decided to go to Ukraine. Khol left New Zealand for Ukraine at the end of June last year.

“Initially, when he first told me, I had mixed emotions about it, but I supported what he wanted to do. I knew this was something he felt strongly about.”

Jasmine said a few days after Gillies was injured, she had a feeling that something bad had happened.

“I reached out to one of his friends in his unit and he got back to me, and he confirmed my suspicions that something had happened to Khol,” she said.

“I think he didn’t want to worry me too much, but he did explain to me that it was quite serious and that Khol was in the middle of being evacuated and it had something to do with his leg.”

Although it worried Jasmine that Gillies was overseas fighting in a war, she always believed he would come out alive.

“I booked my tickets within two days of finding out that he had been injured. I just knew I just needed to get there to be with him and support him in any way that I could.”

Jasmine arrived in Europe two weeks ago with help from Kiwi K.A.R.E, a charity led by former NZ Army Colonel Tenby Powell that provides medical aid and evacuations to New Zealand soldiers.

“I was nervous to see him. I hadn’t seen him for six months and I was trying to stay strong for him. I didn’t want to cry when I saw him because I knew he would already be going through it,” she said.

“I [didn’t] want to put any more stress on him or put my emotions on him or anything like that. It was extremely hard.”

She said it has been difficult being away from home and her family.

“We would have been more comfortable; I guess if we were going through this process back at home so he could get visitors and familiar faces.

“It’s been hard just having each other, although I am grateful, we have at least that.”

The journey back home

It’s a long path forward for Khol Gillies.

Once he leaves the hospital, he will be going into rehabilitation to learn how to walk again and to have a prosthetic leg made.

“I’m starting to do as much as I can here now. I will start doing press-ups again just to gain some strength. I’m looking at maybe three months it’ll take me; I’m healing pretty quick.”

Gillies said he’s aiming to come to back to his home in Hawke’s Bay.

“I dearly miss home and everything we have at home; I have such a deeper appreciation for everything in our country.

“Just the way of life, like every little thing that I used to take for granted before, that’s completely vanished. I am thoroughly looking forward to a steak and cheese pie and some pavlova.”

He said he’s been grateful to receive support from the Weatherman Foundation and the Ukrainian military.

“The Weatherman Foundation has helped me a lot, they’ve organised my hospital care. Ukrainian military will be helping me out with the prosthetic because I am under contract with them.”

But he’s got a GiveaLittle page to help fundraise for travel back to New Zealand and things he’ll need to help his recovery back at home.

“Extensions for like [the] shower, bathroom, toilet, just ramps, just stuff I haven’t really thought about at the moment. But I know I’ll need it.”

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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/2026/01/28/kiwi-khol-gillies-loses-leg-after-fighting-in-ukraine/

Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Kiwi Khol Gillies loses leg after fighting in Ukraine

‘I have no regrets about going’

‘This was something he felt strongly about.’

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