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Review of Police handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming

Source: Independent Police Conduct Authority

In a report released today, the Independent Police Conduct Authority has found significant failings in the way in which senior Police responded to serious complaints made against Jevon McSkimming in 2023 and early 2024.

The complaints, formally referred to the IPCA on 10 October 2024, included allegations of sexual interaction without consent, threats to use an intimate visual recording, and misuse of a Police credit card and Police property to further a sexual relationship. Some of the complaints alleged criminal conduct, while others alleged behaviour constituting a potential breach of the Police Code of Conduct.

The allegations arose from a sexual relationship between the complainant and Mr McSkimming that developed in 2016. The complainant was 21 and Mr McSkimming was 42. Each party gives a markedly different account of the nature of the relationship.

Most of the complaints before October 2024 were made through various emails and other Internet communications to individuals, but they were also made by way of:

  • a comment on a Police LinkedIn announcement that Mr McSkimming had been appointed a statutory Deputy Commissioner in April 2023; and
  • three complaints through the Police 105 on-line reporting portal in April 2024.

The Police response to these complaints was characterised by inaction and an unquestioning acceptance of Mr McSkimming’s narrative of events.

While there was no evidence of collusion between officers in this respect, the IPCA has nevertheless found serious misconduct by a number of very senior officers and other senior Police employees during 2023 and early 2024 that has undermined the integrity of the organisation as a whole.

Those findings are made in respect of, among others, the then Commissioner, two Deputy Commissioners and an Assistant Commissioner. In particular:

  • No effective action was taken to investigate the comment on the LinkedIn announcement.
  • A report by the joint Police/Health Fixated Threat Assessment Centre in February 2024 identified the fact that potential criminal and Police Code of Conduct concerns relating to Mr McSkimming were being alleged in the emails and suggested referral to the Police National Integrity Unit and the IPCA with a view to possible investigation. However, the Deputy Commissioner and the Acting Assistant Commissioner (Investigations) to whom this recommendation was directed took no action. Instead, the only investigation that was launched focused on potential offences by the complainant under the Harmful Digital Communications Act, leading to her prosecution.
  • The complaints to the Police 105 reporting line were not immediately acted on and not notified to the IPCA as is required by statute and by agreed processes between Police and the IPCA. There was an unacceptable delay in initiating an investigation, which effectively did not commence until July 2024. When the complaints were eventually referred for a preliminary investigation, the terms of reference were inappropriately worded and did not comply with Adult Sexual Assault Policy.
  • When Police referred the matter to the IPCA in October 2024 then-Commissioner Coster attempted to influence the nature and extent of the investigation and the timeframe for its completion. Those attempts were perceived by some others within Police as designed to bring the investigation to a rapid and premature conclusion so as not to intersect with the Commissioner appointment process and jeopardise Mr McSkimming’s prospects of being appointed as the next Commissioner of Police, notwithstanding the seriousness of the allegations being made.
  • In 2023, while a member of the interview panel for the statutory Deputy Commissioner appointment process, Commissioner Coster failed to disclose to the Public Service Commission his knowledge of Deputy McSkimming’s relationship which had subsequently led to the emails alleging misconduct. This failure clearly fell below what a reasonable person would have expected of a person in his position. Subsequently, Commissioner Coster’s disclosure to the Public Service Commission on 8 October 2024, during the interim Commissioner appointment process, also fell well short of what a reasonable person would have expected, given what he knew at the time.

The serious misconduct identified by the Authority in this report should not tarnish the reputation of those Police staff throughout the country who deal with difficult and risky situations every day with restraint, impartiality and fairness. It is also important to note that the report draws attention to a number of staff who acted with integrity and moral courage in their efforts to do the right thing in the face of considerable pressure from more senior colleagues.

Nevertheless, the findings in this report graphically demonstrate that the integrity system needs to be strengthened in order to ensure that it operates with transparency, fairness and independence when conduct issues arise at any level in Police. While Police have made significant advances towards a more positive culture since the Bazley inquiry in 2008, the settings in place to protect and enhance integrity are still not sufficiently robust to enable the public to have confidence that Police will do their job ‘without fear or favour.’ A sustained plan of action is required to effect further substantial change. There ought to be a focus on leadership, but supported by stronger organisational settings that sustain good practice and protect integrity, including even when leadership fails.

To that end, the IPCA has made a number of fundamental recommendations for change. These include:

  • more specific recognition of who is responsible for the protection of integrity at senior management level;
  • a revamp of Police internal policies and programmes to promote positive culture around integrity issues and ethical behaviour;
  • changes to the Integrity and Conduct Unit within Police to enable it to play a stronger and more independent role and more effectively to act against poor behaviour when it arises;
  • legislative and structural changes to enable more robust criminal and employment processes and outcomes in relation to alleged misconduct by Police officers;
  • a strengthening of the IPCA’s oversight role; and
  • enhanced Ministerial and Parliamentary oversight.

The report describes complaints and allegations made against Mr McSkimming. It does not make any findings as to the truth of these allegations.

We have assessed Police actions solely on the basis of what the officers concerned knew at the time. The outcome of any investigation into those complaints and allegations is irrelevant to the findings in this report, as are any other allegations relating to Deputy Commissioner McSkimming that have subsequently come to light.

The IPCA will not be making any further comment.

Postscript

Today’s report only concerns the first aspect of the Authority’s investigation: the question of whether Police responded appropriately to the allegations made by the complainant, before the formal investigation into these complaints was launched in November 2024. The Authority is still reviewing the adequacy of that investigation. The IPCA will be reporting on this as soon as practicable.

Public Report 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/review-of-police-handling-of-complaints-against-jevon-mcskimming/

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Officer’s failure to recognise conflict of interest led to inappropriate use of Police database

Source: Independent Police Conduct Authority

20 November 2025

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that an officer who was involved in a driving incident while off duty and subsequently used the Police database to obtain information and contact the other driver, failed to recognise that he had a conflict of interest.

On 24 July 2024, an off duty officer was involved in an incident where two cars attempted to merge into the same lane. The officer took note of the other car’s registration and the next day, while on duty, discussed the matter with a senior officer. He believed from that conversation that he was authorised to access the Police database to obtain the other driver’s contact details. He subsequently contacted the other driver to discuss the incident and their manner of driving.

The other driver complained to the Authority that the officer had been aggressive on the telephone and should not have been able to access his personal information. The Authority conducted an independent investigation into the matter.

The Authority accepts the officer was not conscious of his conflict of interest. He believed he had authorisation to obtain information from the Police database. In our assessment, the officer demonstrated poor judgement and decision making, but did not act dishonestly or breach Police policy (because he consulted a senior officer).

Public Report

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/officers-failure-to-recognise-conflict-of-interest-led-to-inappropriate-use-of-police-database/

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Property Market – 2025’s sluggishness carries over into 2026 – Cotality NZ

Source: Cotality NZ

Property values across Aotearoa New Zealand dipped by a minor -0.1% in January, carrying over the broadly flat finish for 2025 into the first part of 2026.

Cotality NZ’s latest Home Value Index (HVI) also shows that the national median value in January of $802,617 was -1.0% lower than a year ago, and still down by 17.5% from the peak in early 2022 – which was $972,743.

Over the past 12 months, standalone houses have seen value falls of -0.7%, with -1.7% for townhouses, and -4.1% for apartments. However, the latter only accounts for 4% of the national dwelling stock.

Trends across the main centres remained patchy in January. Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (-0.3%) and Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington (-0.1%) both saw declines, with Kirikiriroa Hamilton and Ōtautahi Christchurch staying flat. Tauranga rose by 0.3% and Ōtepoti Dunedin by 0.4%.

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson said that the housing market in 2026 has commenced with the same subdued patterns seen at the end of 2025.

“January’s muted result for property values at the national level was simply a continuation of the trends we saw throughout most of last year.”

“New borrowers and also existing mortgage holders will be feeling the benefits of lower interest rates and be more able to act in the market.”

“But there’s still a good stock of listings out there for buyers to choose from and a cautious attitude persists, especially as the recovering economy has yet to improve job security and employment levels.”

“The net result is that buyers aren’t in a rush to bid up prices, although vendors aren’t generally having to drop their expectations much either.”

“In an election year, it’s going to be fascinating to see how policies relating to the housing market evolve and to assess what they might mean for buyers and sellers.”

“The latest lift for inflation and talk about earlier OCR increases will no doubt have some households a bit on edge too.”

Index results for January 2026
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
-0.3%
-1.0%
-2.7%
-23.4%
$1,042,041
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
0.0%
-0.3%
-1.4%
-12.6%
$710,524
Tauranga
0.3%
1.1%
1.6%
-14.9%
$931,499
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*
-0.1%
-0.5%
-1.6%
-25.5%
$784,547
Ōtautahi Christchurch
0.0%
0.5%
2.6%
-3.6%
$684,714
Ōtepoti Dunedin
0.4%
0.7%
0.1%
-10.5%
$620,128
Aotearoa New Zealand
-0.1%
-0.3%
-1.0%
-17.5%
$802,617

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland remains softer than many other parts of the country. While North Shore values edged slightly higher in January, Rodney and Papakura held steady. Other areas saw declines over the past month including Waitakere (-0.3%), Franklin (-0.4%), Manukau (-0.5%), and Auckland City (-0.6%).

“North Shore has been a little more resilient than other parts of the super-city, despite being down -17.9% from the peak, whereas other areas have dropped by more than 20% from their previous highs,” noted Mr Davidson.

“Manukau has been a key location for new townhouse developments in recent years, with that additional supply acting to subdue property values.”

“In Auckland City, the concentration of apartments has been a factor in its underperformance, as buyers for this property type remain cautious amidst a low inflow of new migration to NZ. Anecdotal concerns about build quality as well as body corporate insurance costs may also be putting off some would-be buyers.”

 
 
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Rodney
0.0%
-0.4%
-1.6%
-20.7%
$1,215,160
Te Raki Paewhenua North Shore
0.1%
0.4%
-0.5%
-17.9%
$1,288,688
Waitakere
-0.3%
-0.8%
-1.8%
-24.7%
$917,731
Auckland City
-0.6%
-2.0%
-3.9%
-25.1%
$1,100,831
Manukau
-0.5%
-1.0%
-3.7%
-25.3%
$961,402
Papakura
0.0%
-0.5%
-2.4%
-23.8%
$804,540
Franklin
-0.4%
-1.3%
-3.1%
-22.9%
$916,642
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
-0.3%
-1.0%
-2.7%
-23.4%
$1,042,041

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

The wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area also started 2026 in a muted fashion, with Porirua seeing values down by -0.5%, Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt by -0.3%, and Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt falling -0.2%.

Wellington City itself was flat in January, but still down by -1.0% compared to the same month in 2025.

“Alongside Auckland, the wider Wellington area remains one of the key soft patches for NZ’s housing market. Economic uncertainty in an election year could mean this general trend could remain in play in the capital for much of 2026,” said Mr Davidson.

“Of course, would-be first home buyers won’t be complaining about flat to falling property values. They continue to be a strong presence around Wellington, accounting for a record 37% of purchases in 2025.”

 
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Kāpiti Coast
-0.1%
-0.4%
-4.0%
-23.2%
$778,399
Porirua
-0.5%
-1.5%
-2.1%
-24.1%
$753,764
Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt
-0.3%
0.7%
-2.0%
-24.7%
$699,580
Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt
-0.2%
-1.1%
-2.5%
-27.0%
$666,222
Wellington City
0.0%
-0.2%
-1.0%
-25.2%
$878,702
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
-0.1%
-0.5%
-1.6%
-25.5%
$784,547

Regional results

Outside the main centres, Hawke’s Bay continues to lag a little, with Heretaunga Hastings and Ahuriri Napier both seeing values dip in January, alongside Whanganui. But many other areas either held steady or increased, with Waihōpai Invercargill up again (0.3%), as well as Te Papaioea Palmerston North and Tāhuna Queenstown.

Invercargill, Gore, Timaru, and Ashburton are the only parts of NZ where property values have surpassed their previous peaks.

“Some parts of Southland and Canterbury are rising a bit more than elsewhere due to property values being relatively low, and better affordability means buyers can arguably stretch a little more to secure the deal.”

“Meanwhile, most parts of the farming sector are currently faring well. This will be bolstering economic confidence in the provinces and supporting the housing market to some degree,” Mr Davidson added.

 Region
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Whangārei
0.0%
0.5%
-0.7%
-19.0%
$713,554
Ahuriri Napier
-0.3%
0.1%
0.0%
-18.8%
$706,633
Heretaunga Hastings
-0.4%
-1.4%
0.4%
-18.2%
$698,402
Te Papaioea Palmerston North
0.4%
0.9%
0.2%
-18.0%
$609,681
Tairāwhiti Gisborne
0.0%
0.7%
3.8%
-15.0%
$614,595
Whakatū Nelson
0.1%
-0.7%
-2.6%
-13.7%
$718,951
Rotorua
0.1%
1.5%
0.8%
-11.3%
$630,649
Whanganui
-0.4%
1.4%
1.7%
-11.1%
$499,222
Ngāmotu New Plymouth
0.0%
-0.3%
-0.3%
-5.8%
$705,552
Tāhuna Queenstown
0.8%
1.0%
0.2%
-3.5%
$1,768,507
Property market outlook

Mr Davidson noted that there will be several key themes to keep an eye on in 2026.

“Most expectations are for sales activity to continue to rise this year, bringing down the stock of unsold listings, and contributing to rising house prices.”

“Lower interest rates, a growing economy, and the likelihood of gradually falling unemployment are key factors underpinning that outlook.”

“However, anyone hoping for runaway increases in house prices could be disappointed. After all, the supply of existing property has already risen relative to our population, and dwelling consents now seem to be picking up again.”

“Debt to income ratio limits aren’t binding yet but they’re also a guardrail sitting in the background and will tend to restrain house price growth over the medium term.”

“First home buyers may not always keep such a high share of activity, but they’re likely to remain a strong force in 2026, due in no small part to solid access to low deposit finance at the banks.”

”Meanwhile, investors have also returned to the market but will be keeping a close eye on the politics, particularly around a possible capital gains tax and any discussions about interest deductibility.”

“All in all, it could prove to be another relatively subdued year for housing in 2026,” Mr Davidson concluded.
For more property news and insights, visit www.cotality.com/nz/insights.

Notes:

The Cotality Hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) is calculated using a hedonic regression methodology that addresses the issue of compositional bias associated with median price and other measures. In simple terms, the index is calculated using recent sales data combined with information about the attributes of individual properties such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, land area and geographical context of the dwelling.

 

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/04/property-market-2025s-sluggishness-carries-over-into-2026-cotality-nz/

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A Harry Potter villain is now an unlikely new-year mascot in China

Source: Radio New Zealand

Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter’s privileged teen nemesis in J.K. Rowling’s wildly successful book series, is popping up in festive displays in the country ahead of the Lunar New Year.

The good fortune is in the name: “Malfoy” is transliterated as “Ma Er Fu” in Mandarin. The first word “Ma” means “horse” (马), while the third refers to good fortune (福). Read together, it sounds like horses are bringing good luck.

Videos on Chinese social media show people adorning their homes with red posters carrying well-wishing phrases, known as fai chun or chunlian, in an annual festive ritual.

Only this time, alongside messages wishing for wealth and health is the signature grin of the blond bully from Hogwarts school.

The Year of the Horse begins on 17 February with the end of the Year of the Snake (an animal equally apt for Malfoy, as the symbol of Slytherin, his house at Hogwarts).

The Harry Potter franchise has been a hit in China. Nearly 10 million translated copies of books were sold even before the last instalment was released in 2007, its Chinese publisher told state broadcaster CCTV that year.

When the re-mastered version of the first Harry Potter movie was released again in 2020, the film raked in US$27.6 million (NZ$46m) at China’s box office, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Tom Felton, who played Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series for a decade from 2001, marked his most famous role’s unlikely crossover.

He posted a picture on his Instagram of a giant banner hanging at the atrium of a Chinese shopping mall, featuring the character in a wizard costume.

A short clip on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, shows someone sticking their Malfoy-faced fai chun on their fridge. The video garnered more than 60,000 likes, with another user commenting: “You’re genius.”

Some in China have spotted an opportunity to make a few bucks, selling the posters on Chinese e-commerce platforms.

“The fu has arrived,” one customer wrote on Pinduoduo, another e-commerce platform.

“Bring me some fortune in 2026, young master,” they said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/a-harry-potter-villain-is-now-an-unlikely-new-year-mascot-in-china/

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‘Hero’ saves family of four from drowning

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kai Iwi Lakes. RNZ / Peter de Graaf

A family of four have been saved from drowning by a fast-thinking local man being described by police as a “hero”.

The rescue happened earlier this month at Kai Iwi Lakes, north of Dargaville.

Haruru man Aaron Stott was walking along the beach with his wife, family and a friend one early evening when they saw “a couple of kids in the water and noticed something wasn’t quite right”.

“Then all of a sudden the mum ran in and basically just went under,” he said in a statement released by police on Thursday.

He ran after them, and pulled the mother and a child into shallow water.

“And then I thought, ‘Oh thank goodness, I’ve got them out and they’re okay.’”

Then someone yelled out there were two more people in trouble. Stott could not see anyone, so dove under – and found two more people at the bottom of the lake.

He pulled them up to the surface.

“Someone grabbed the father and he was okay, but I was holding the boy who was blue and unresponsive.

“I carried him up to the beach and whacked him on the back a couple of times before putting him on his side and he started breathing again.”

By then a nurse had arrived on the scene and paramedics were on their way.

“If I was 10 seconds later I think it would have been a really different outcome.”

A Hato Hone St John ambulance crew treated family members at the scene.

“He’s a hero – there’s no two ways about it,” Senior Sergeant Dave Wilkinson said. “He didn’t hesitate, he dove in and rescued four people and he deserves to be recognised for his actions.”

Kai Iwi Lakes. Supplied / NZME

Stott said he hoped sharing the experience would encourage others to stay safe around water.

“Just don’t go in if you’re not experienced in the water, and if you are going on any type of craft then always wear a life jacket.”

Water Safety NZ Interventions lead Esther Hone said while Stott undoubtedly saved lives, not every rescue attempt was successful.

“The instinct to save others is a natural human instinct, however around water it can be very dangerous. Every year we lose New Zealanders who drown attempting to rescue others.”

Hato Hone St John encouraged people to call 111 immediately in water-related emergencies, and urged people to learn first aid and CPR.

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/2026/02/05/hero-saves-family-of-four-from-drowning/

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Wellington surfers fear return of ‘turds in the waves’ era after Moa Point failure

Source: Radio New Zealand

Untreated waste water is leaking onto the capital’s south coast beaches due to the Moa Point Treatment Plant flooding. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Surfers and surf lifesavers are devastated Wellington’s south coast is off-limits while sewage spews into the sea, worrying it’s a return to a time when there were “turds in the waves”.

An equipment failure at the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has flooded the site, and sewage is flowing into the coastline, with no timeline on a fix.

Wellington mayor Andrew Little labelled it a “catastrophic failure” and an “environmental disaster”.

Wellington Water is focusing on cleaning up the flooding so it can safely restore power and allow sewage – still untreated – to be pumped through the long outfall pipe nearly 2km into Cook Strait, rather than into Tarakena Bay close to shore.

People have been told not to swim in the water, RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

That could take days.

In the meantime, people are being urged not to enter the water, collect seafood, or walk their dogs on the beach, and a rāhui is in place.

Jamie McCaskill from Wellington Boardriders told Morning Report he was gutted and devastated.

“We’ve got a few events coming up, this is a bad time for us … it’s just really not a good time, especially at this time of year.”

The worst part was not knowing when the water would be safe, McCaskill said. He wanted clear communication from Wellington Water about that.

McCaskill worried it would be a return to decades prior, before the long outfall pipe was built.

“I’ve been talking to a few of the legend surfers, and kind of before 1989 there was just … raw sewage, smells on the rocks, on the wall, surfing in barrels with turds in the waves,” he said.

“There were sicknesses, ear infections, skin infections, gastro, so we’re just trying to avoid that, that’s for sure.”

Wellington’s Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has been shut down and staff evacuated from the site, after an equipment failure flooded multiple floors. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

There were no other places nearby to surf, he said.

“We could go to Wainuiomata or over to the Wairarapa but it’s just such a long way, it’s a bit of a bummer that we just can’t go locally.”

‘It’s really concerning’

Lyall Bay Surf Lifesaving Club chairperson Matt Flannery said his members were as disappointed as the rest of the community.

“We can’t use what is a beautiful part of the city,” he said.

“It’s really concerning.”

The club has had to reschedule this weekend’s planned competitions, and it has disrupted members’ training for national competitions.

“We’re at the final part of the season where we’ve got very regular use on the beach, with probably 70 or 80 club members in the water on a daily basis, so that’s a fairly big impact,” Flannery said.

“It’s at a time of the year that we’re training for national championships four weeks out, and obviously the uncertainty about when the beach will reopen is of a major concern for us.”

That uncertainty made their rejigged training plans “a bit of a guessing game”, Flannery said.

Lifeguards would not be patrolling the beach this weekend, and a red flag would fly at the club to show the beach was unsafe.

The mayor told Morning Report he shared residents’ anger and frustration.

“This is my neighbourhood, this is where I take my dog for a walk, and along that coastline is where I spend my time, that’s where I go kayaking and swimming,” Andrew Little said.

Wellington Water is taking water samples from a wide area and expected to provide an update later on Thursday.

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/2026/02/05/wellington-surfers-fear-return-of-turds-in-the-waves-era-after-moa-point-failure/

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New survey continues effort to safeguard critically endangered Māui dolphins

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  05 February 2026

With so few Māui dolphins left, every opportunity to understand and protect them matters.

This research, conducted every five years, uses a proven genetic mark-recapture method to estimate the Māui dolphin population along the west coast of the North Island where they live. DNA samples will be collected from live, wild dolphins using a small biopsy dart, providing essential information about population size, genetic diversity, and movement patterns.

The survey is part of the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) ongoing work to understand and protect nature. By tracking Māui dolphin numbers over time, DOC can respond early to changes and make informed decisions to support the species’ long-term survival, says DOC Senior Technical Advisor Kristina Hillock.

“Māui dolphins are critically endangered, and every sighting or sample contributes to our understanding of the species and its future survival.”

The most recent abundance estimate, completed in 2021, indicated there were approximately 54 individual Māui dolphins over the age of one year in the water off the North Island’s west coast (the animals’ known habitat).

This new survey will provide an updated estimate to help track changes in the population and inform conservation efforts. The two-year survey began in February 2025, with the second year scheduled for February 2026. Field teams will operate along the west coast between the entrance to Kaipara Harbour and the Mokau River in Taranaki. This collaborative effort brings together staff from DOC’s Taranaki, Auckland, and Waikato districts and Marine Species Team, the University of Auckland, and Ngaati Te Ata.

The public can also play a role in conservation efforts by reporting any sightings of Māui dolphins to DOC, which helps scientists track where the dolphins are and how they are using their habitat.

People can also help by being aware of the threat toxoplasmosis poses to Māui dolphins, including responsibly disposing of cat litter so the parasite does not enter waterways and the ocean.

Māui dolphins can be identified by their distinctive rounded dorsal fin, often likened to Mickey Mouse’s ear. “Real-time reports help our field teams understand where the dolphins are being seen and improve the success of our survey.

“Naturing is about working together – scientists, communities and everyday ocean users – to give Māui dolphins the best chance of survival,” says Kristina.

Sightings can be reported through the SeaSpotter app, DOC’s hotline at 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), or the online Marine mammal sighting form.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/new-survey-continues-effort-to-safeguard-critically-endangered-maui-dolphins/

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Schools, Education Ministry at odds over what counts as an official school day

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Education Ministry says schools now have to add extra days to the end of the school year to make up for so-called staggered starts. Unsplash/ Taylor Flowe

Schools and the Education Ministry are at odds over whether welcoming new students a day or two before other students return to class counts as an official school day.

The ministry says schools now have to add extra days to the end of the school year to make up for so-called staggered starts – principals say they should not have to.

School websites show multiple secondary schools opted to started with only one or two year levels, such as Year 9 students, present on the first day or two of the school term.

The ministry last year ruled such days could not be counted against the minimum number of half-days they must be open this year – 378 for primary and intermediate schools and 376 half-days for secondaries, assuming they used four government-mandated teacher only half-days.

It said schools were only open for instruction if all year levels were learning, either on or off-site.

The interpretation also meant schools could only require staff to be present by using one of 10 “call-back days” they could use each year for work outside of term time.

Some principals said the ministry’s interpretation was legally incorrect and impossible to comply with during end-of-year exams when senior students were granted exam leave for the duration of the exam period.

Burnside High School principal Scott Haines said his school welcomed 755 new students, most of them Year 9s, on Monday and Tuesday this week with an induction to ensure they got off to a good start.

Burnside High School principal Scott Haines. Supplied / Burnside High School

He said the potential for chaos was too high to risk starting all 2776 students that had enrolled this year on the same day and the days should count as “open for instruction”.

“The well-established, well-trodden path for decades for schools around the country is that yes, we could count those days because students are legitimately at school undertaking legitimate courses of learning, teachers are at work doing the same,” he said.

“But the new guidance from the ministry suggests that in fact no, these can’t be counted as … schools open for instruction and so the ministry’s expectation would be that we would be adding days at the other end of the year.”

Asked if Burnside would count the induction days as days it was open for instruction, Haines said he was still seeking to get to the bottom of the matter.

He said the Secondary Principals Association and Post Primary Teachers Association had legal opinions that the ministry’s interpretation was not enforceable and the ministry was expected to provide further guidance.

Haines said if his school’s first days did not count as being open for instruction, then the same would apply to the senior exam period at the end of the year and that would be totally unmanageable.

“Principals are really worried about this and the potential impacts for students, because we sweat the detail here, we want the very best for our students. No one is going about this trying to, I guess, play the system and not be open for the requisite number of half days,” he said.

Hutt Valley High School principal, Denise Johnson, said the school shortened its usual one-and-a-half-day staggered start for new students to just one day because of the ministry’s ruling.

Hutt Valley High School principal, Denise Johnson. Supplied / Hutt Valley High School

She said the school would not count the day as an official school day and had added an extra day to the end of its year.

But she was not happy about it.

“The teachers that worked that day, which was the majority of the school, were fronting for kids – I would be pretty hard pushed to suggest to them they hadn’t worked their butts off all day. It’s a bit of an anomaly where they suggest it isn’t a day where you’re doing business as usual. You clearly are,” she said.

Johnson said her school was in the midst of a major building project and it would not cope if the ministry’s ruling open for instruction interpretation was applied to the end-of-year exam period.

“I don’t know how we’d do some of those big say Year 12 English exams. We can’t do them if everyone was on-site, we can’t fit. I don’t know where we’d go. We have a hall that only fits probably 350. It’s a physical impossibility,” she said.

Auckland Grammar headmaster Tim O’Connor said the school’s 2800 boys started on the same day, but it took a couple of days before classes started in earnest.

He said students needed to finalise their options and some would be relying on NCEA results to confirm enrolment in limited-entry classes.

O’Connor said the ministry needed to clarify its rules because strictly speaking those days might count as “open for instruction” under the ministry’s interpretation.

“We think it’s pretty reasonable to get on to a full timetable with 2800 students within two days, then full teaching. But is that open for instruction? I guess we need some clarity on what is and what isn’t,” he said.

Auckland Grammar headmaster Tim O’Connor. RNZ Insight/John Gerritsen

Principals said they had been told the Education Review Office would monitor compliance with the rules.

O’Connor said the ministry should actively monitor compliance too.

“What about them actually entering a school and having those conversations and seeing how a school is operating? Those things will actually be meaningful to a school and tell principals across the country including me that this is important and that you’re accountable for student learning,” he said.

The ministry said from this year schools were expected to record the days they were not open for instruction and the reason.

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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/2026/02/05/schools-education-ministry-at-odds-over-what-counts-as-an-official-school-day/

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Inland Revenue standing improves but frustrations persist

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

Tax accountants say interactions with Inland Revenue (IR) are improving but inconsistencies, inflexibility and inexperienced staff continue to be a frustration.

Chartered Accountants (CAANZ) and Tax Management’s (TMNZ) 2025 IR satisfaction survey indicates 82 percent of its tax agents who responded to the survey had clients with unpaid tax debt, though about 75 percent believed they would be able to make their tax payments.

Still, members gave IR’s handling of debt recovery a rating of 5.8 out of 10, which matched last year’s result, though there was a high degree of satisfaction when it came to online digital services.

TMNZ’s strategic advisor Chris Cunniffe said most of the issues with IR arose from one-on-one interactions, as the department stepped up efforts to recover $9.3 billion in unpaid tax.

“They are unsurprisingly throwing a lot of resource at it, which then means there’s a lot of interaction with tax agents,” Cunniffe said.

Debt management issues

Many tax agents said they did not understand IR’s current debt strategy, with inconsistent case handling, delayed follow-ups and misplaced enforcement focus.

The survey found there was a strong perception that outcomes often depended on which IR staff member managed the case, creating uncertainty and inefficiency.

Many respondents believed IR was intervening too late to collect debts, with debts already escalated to unmanageable levels.

Respondents were also concerned that small debts were chased aggressively while larger debts attracted less attention.

Recurring concern with audit and review activity

About 40 percent of tax agents said they were concerned about the standard of IR’s reviews or audits of clients, as inexperienced auditors lacked practical commercial understanding or the confidence to manage reviews effectively.

“Members experienced variation in how similar issues were handled across Inland Revenue teams, and many highlighted the impact of inexperienced staff.

“A further concern was Inland Revenue’s declining ability to understand the issue being raised, despite improved responsiveness. These gaps continue to affect predictability and the quality of the overall experience.”

Members were also concerned by IR’s increased attention on GST, PAYE, land transactions, and emerging activity in crypto-related matters.

“While satisfaction with final outcomes was generally moderate, the process often felt uneven,” the survey indicated.

Working to resolve issues

Cunniffe said CAANZ and TMNZ were working with IR to resolve the issues raised by the survey.

“What we’re looking for here is a collaborative approach . . . and look to get alignment on how tax agents and Inland Revenue can work to address this debt mountain that we face,” he said.

“We don’t see any point in just throwing stones at the Inland Revenue and saying, you’re not good enough.”

IR deputy commissioner Lisa Barrett said IR’s approach had been effective, with more than $4b in debt repaid.

“We’re pleased that accountants have noticed our increased efforts in audit and debt collection and are working with us and their clients to resolve any issues,” she said.

“Any time an organisation rapidly increases activity there are areas to improve, and we’re grateful for CAANZ feedback and their positive attitude to working through those 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/2026/02/05/inland-revenue-standing-improves-but-frustrations-persist/

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From local chef to local legend, man rescues family of four

Source: New Zealand Police

A father of four spending the day lake-side with his family and friends found himself diving headfirst into a rescue operation he never saw coming.

Earlier this month Haruru resident Aaron Stott was at Kai Iwi Lakes with his wife and three of their children when another family ran into trouble in the water.

Aaron says it was early evening when he and his wife and their friend decided to take a walk along the beach.

“We were walking back when my wife saw a couple of kids in the water and noticed something wasn’t quite right.

“Then all of a sudden the mum ran in and basically just went under.”

Aaron says he started running into the water.

“I managed to get the mum and a child into the shallow part of the water.

“And then I thought, ‘oh thank goodness, I’ve got them out and they’re ok’.”

But Aaron says another person nearby yelled out to him that there were two more people in the water.

“But I couldn’t see anyone – so I just dove in and there were two more people and they were at the bottom of the lake.”

Somehow, Aaron managed to take hold of both people and push them up to the lake’s surface.

“Someone grabbed the father and he was ok, but I was holding the boy who was blue and unresponsive.

“I carried him up to the beach and whacked him on the back a couple of times before putting him on his side and he started breathing again.”

He says by this stage his daughter had run for help, a nurse was on the scene and Hato Hone St John ambulance officers were on their way.

“If I was 10 seconds later I think it would have been a really different outcome.”

When asked what was running through his head at the time, Aaron says it was simple.

“Just get them out, get them out of the water.”

In the moments afterwards, Aaron says he went backwards in his mind, thinking about how they ended up there at that exact moment in time.

“To be in that place, and at that time – it’s pretty crazy, and really lucky.

“I just really hope they are all ok.”

He says he hopes sharing this story prompts other families to be safe around the water.

“Just don’t go in if you’re not experienced in the water, and if you are going on any type of craft then always wear a life jacket.”

A Hato Hone St John ambulance crew assessed and treated the family members at the scene.

Whangārei Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Wilkinson, says there’s no doubt Aaron’s actions saved lives, however warns attempts to rescue others can put more people at risk.

“He’s a hero – there’s no two ways about it.

“He didn’t hesitate, he dove in and rescued four people and he deserves to be recognised for his actions.”

Senior Sergeant Wilkinson says everyone heading out to enjoy the water should be prepared.

“Water can be unforgiving and we want everyone to come home safe and well to their family.

“Never overestimate your abilities, many people believe their swimming ability is better than what it really is.

“If you are not experienced in the water, stay where your feet can touch the ground and take extra precautions.”

Water Safety NZ Interventions Lead, Esther Hone, says Aaron’s quick actions saved lives.

But not everyone is so fortunate.

“The instinct to save others is a natural human instinct, however around water it can be very dangerous. Every year we lose New Zealanders who drown attempting to rescue others.”

Water Safety NZ encourages all New Zealanders to know how to stay safe in, on and around water.

•              Actively supervise children in and around the water.

•              Know what your capabilities are. Even strong swimmers drown.

•              Practice your ability to float and understand what to do when things go wrong. Float on your back with your ears in the water to increase your chances of survival. Remember not to panic if you unexpectedly enter the water, relax and focus on controlling your breathing.

•              Know the environment, is it safe to go in? Dangers exist in every river and at the beach. New Zealand’s conditions can change quickly and it is important to expect the unexpected.

•              If swimming at the beach, swim between the red and yellow flags.

•              Always check weather and tide conditions before heading out.

•              When swimming, diving or boating, avoid alcohol and drugs.

•              Tell someone where you are going and when you will come back – this can be crucial information for us to locate you.

Hato Hone St John Mid North Area Operations Manager, Callum Bracey, says Northland ambulance crews frequently respond to water incidents during the summer.

“This event shows how crucial early bystander action is and knowing basic first aid.

“If more people learn how to call 111, perform CPR, and locate the nearest AED, then more lives can be saved in an emergency.”

If there is a water-related emergency, always call 111 immediately and ask for Police.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/from-local-chef-to-local-legend-man-rescues-family-of-four/

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Months of preparation and a shipping container: The kai at Waitangi

Source: Radio New Zealand

From a granola bar to eye fillet steak, the menu at the Treaty Grounds is extensive in the lead-up to Waitangi Day.

Head of visitor experience Shania Howard says it’s taken months of preparation to get kai ready for the commemorations, and very early mornings.

“We’re talking a shipping container full of food and quite a few chillers being brought in,” she says.

“It’s taken months of preparation to get to this point.”

Howard told First Up that people started heading to Waitangi earlier in the week, with her team having the “privilege” of catering hui and gala dinners before Waitangi Day on Friday.

Breakfast buffets included the usuals – scrambled eggs, bacon and “we’ll chuck some rēwena (bread) in there, some tomatoes…”

Formal dinner offerings include eye fillet, prawns and mango salsa, where smaller and more intimate morning teas offer blueberry muffins, quiches and spinach tarts.

“It’s quite a spread of kai. It can be anything from a piece of fruit and a granola bar right up to fine dining options.”

Howard says she is lucky to get to taste some of the food along the way.

“I am a bit of a foodie so that is a little bit of a lucky win for me.”

The team will be setting their alarms for 3am tomorrow morning to make sure everything runs smoothly.

“It is long days, early starts, everyone looks forward to Waitangi Day tomorrow of course, but it’s for the break as well.”

And it’s all hands on deck – no matter who you are or what you do.

“If you can pick up a tea towel, then you will be all hands on deck”

“If it’s swung your way, you need to pick it up and take it. If some dishes are swung your way and you’re told to put them away, that’s what you’re going to do. And if it’s an aunty, who’s going to say no?”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/months-of-preparation-and-a-shipping-container-the-kai-at-waitangi/

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Jigsaw puzzle racing winners crowned at Masters Games

Source: Radio New Zealand

Competitors focus during the jigsaw puzzle racing. RNZ / Tess Brunton

Seven seconds – that was the difference between first and second place as competitors tackled a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle against the clock.

Jigsaw puzzle racing was a new addition at the last Master Games in Dunedin and it sold out within a day when it returned this year.

Individuals have a maximum of six hours to complete it, but the competition is fierce.

Walking through the door, the room is reduced to the clack of puzzle pieces on the table and muffled whispers.

Adrenaline is high and the tension is palpable.

Competitors sit intently focused on the pieces laid out in from of them, some with headphones on and snacks beside them.

The quicker competitors are expected to take between two to three hours, but some have the borders nearly finished within 15 minutes.

Games manager Vicki Kestila watches on.

“It’s very intense, very quiet. You can sort of hear the hearts beating,” she says.

Around the 39 minute mark, all eyes are on two competitors who only have a handful of pieces left to go.

A hand goes up and the room applauds as Dunedin resident Julie Eyles finishes her puzzle in 39 minutes, 38 seconds.

Dunedin resident Julie Eyles wins gold after finishing her puzzle in 39 minutes, 38 seconds. Supplied / Media Matters

Seconds later, another hand goes up and more applause as Karen Easterbrook records a time of 39 minutes and 45 seconds.

Julia Eyles is excited to win gold after competing for the first time about two years ago.

“The good thing is I had no idea it was eight seconds until second place. I was just focused on what I was doing, I had an audiobook going and … I had no idea where anyone else was at,” she says.

“I always do the edges first … I have to do the edge, I can’t go to the middle until I’ve done the edge so I just turn them all up the right way, pull the edge out. Make the edge and then decide where I am going next.”

She is hoping to compete in an international competition in Spain in 2028.

Karen Easterbrook is stoked with silver after travelling down from Whangārei especially to compete.

She was hooked after doing a few Jigsaw Puzzle Association competitions.

“I’m pretty pleased with myself. I’ve done a lot of practice – a 500 piece puzzle pretty much every evening for the last couple of months so I’m pretty proud,” she says.

“I like to listen to a podcast so I’m really just in the zone of looking at all the different puzzle pieces, trying to match the colours mostly for different areas.

“Colours and patterns are the most important, rather than shape, and then I’ll just get a bunch of them together and figure it out.”

Karen Easterbrook was only seven seconds off the leader, recording a time of 39 minutes and 45 seconds. Supplied / Media Matters

The puzzling community is really welcoming and anyone who wants to give it a go can look on the Jigsaw Puzzle Association website for more details, she says.

Bronze goes to Sonja Dobson with a time of 50 minutes and 31 seconds – she only started doing puzzles after arriving in New Zealand just over three years ago.

She got into puzzling to relax while doing a PhD and usually likes to take her time with longer puzzles.

“I came here to do a PhD, I finished my PhD and now I’m puzzle racing,” she says.

“I like animals. I think those are really fun to do, not the biggest fan of most landscapes or really artsy ones cos it’s quite hard to see what the picture is on all the small pieces. I’ve done a few circular ones which are pretty cool.”

Most competitors get their photo taken with the puzzle before it gets scrunched and packed up minutes after finishing.

“You did it. Now what? Sit around, looking at it? Well it’s not as exciting. I guess the exciting part is actually doing the puzzle and then once it’s done, on to the next thing.”

Sonja Dobson gets a bronze medal with a time of 50 minutes and 31 seconds. RNZ / Tess Brunton

Next on her list is a 3000 piece puzzle and she recommends people keep an eye out for puzzles at op shops if they are interested in giving it a go.

Donnalouise Watts took fourth place in 54 minutes and 28 seconds – her best competition time yet.

She travels internationally to compete and loves to meet other puzzlers as it is often a solo activity.

“I’ve always loved jigsaw puzzles and I wanted to use them for art on my walls. Well, when my walls got full, I thought ‘I need to justify buying more puzzles’ so I started a YouTube channel. So that’s what I do now – content creation all about jigsaw puzzles.”

After retiring as an engineer, she now puzzles 40 to 50 hours a week.

Jigsaw puzzle racing started as a fun event in the 2024 Masters Games, but they have since made changes to align with the official racing rules.

Donnalouise Watts welcomes the changes that mean the time is displayed and anyone who does not finish in the allotted time gets all their connected pieces counted up and recorded.

“Imagine they’re nearly done and they have 20 pieces left, you don’t want to give them a ‘do not finish’.”

Dunedin resident Donnalouise Watts got her best competition time yet, finishing in 54 minutes and 28 seconds. RNZ / Tess Brunton

She also completed a 54,000 piece puzzle that was like walking through a gallery with famous artworks on the wall.

“It was in 27 bags of 2000 pieces each so I love ginormous puzzles that just come together and make just a beautiful image.”

It was more than eight metres by two metres and took several months to do.

The group jigsaw puzzle racing is on Thursday.

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State of Origin Game II to be played at Eden Park in 2027 – reports

Source: Radio New Zealand

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow of the Maroons celebrates after scoring a try during the State of Origin game two match between the Queensland Maroons and the NSW Blues. AAP / Photosport

A State of Origin game will be played at Eden Park next year, according to reports in Australia.

The Australian and Code Sports report that a deal, worth about $5 million, has been finalised, with game two of rugby league’s State of Origin series between Queensland and NSW to be held in Auckland in 2027.

The game will reportedly kick off at 9.30pm NZT to suit Australian viewers in Queensland and NSW.

Max King of the Blues. Dave Hunt/ Photosport

Last October it was reported that the New Zealand Government was in talks with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to bring a game to Aotearoa.

The deal is reportedly part of the $70m Events Attraction Package.

ARLC boss Peter V’landys last year said New Zealand was a possible future venue.

“Next year we’re going to the MCG and then 2027 is available, so Origin in New Zealand is on our hit list,” he said.

Brian To’o of the Blues celebrates scoring a try during the State of Origin game one, Brisbane, 2025. DARREN ENGLAND / PHOTOSPORT

State of Origin is an annual three match series between Queensland and New South Wales.

It has been held at neutral venues in recent years with Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne all hosting games.

The last time an Origin match was played outside of Australia was in 1987 when an exhibition game was played in Los Angeles, California.

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Taranaki green hydrogen energy project starts

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction is starting on a sustainable green hydrogen facility in South Taranaki, supported by a $19.9 million government investment, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

“We’ve waited more than five years for this project to begin, after it was delayed by years of red tape and appeals under the previous Resource Management Act consent process,” Mr Jones says.

The project includes supplying renewable electricity to the Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ Kapuni facility in South Taranaki for their site operations and producing green hydrogen for emissions-free transport at Hiringa Energy’s refuelling operations. 

“A delay like this, for a project so important to a regional economy, shouldn’t have happened. I welcome the economic benefits, jobs, and alternative energy source this initiative will bring to Taranaki.” Mr Jones says.

Around 50 jobs are expected to be created during construction, with a further seven permanent roles established post construction at the facility.

“This will be one of the first projects in New Zealand to integrate wind, industrial renewable electricity supply and zero-carbon green hydrogen fuel production at scale.” 

“The initiative unlocks significant local investment and will be a vital contributor to long-term, development in the region and will help diversify the Taranaki economy by supporting new, innovative clean energy industries,” Mr Jones says. 

The $19.9m investment was allocated to the project from the former Provincial Growth Fund in 2020. The full cost of the project will be up to $112.3m, with the additional co-funding supplied from the project partners

The project is a partnership between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Limited, Hiringa Energy Limited, Parininihi ki Waitōtara, and Todd. Construction starts at the facility this month.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/taranaki-green-hydrogen-energy-project-starts/

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Winter Olympics like world champs ‘on crack’ – snowboarder Dane Menzies

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand snowboarder Dane Menzies finishes third in the Aspen Snowmass Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Finals, 2026. MICHAEL REAVES / AFP

New Zealand snowboarder Dane Menzies admits the hype at the Winter Olympics is something special.

Menzies will be one of the first Kiwi athletes in action on Friday morning in qualifying for the Big Air.

“It’s kind of like a world championships on crack,” Menzies told First Up.

“There is a lot of excitement around this one, it was a bit of a gong show when we rocked in, but it has been good.”

Menzies was born in Calgary to a Canadian mother and a New Zealand father.

He initially trained at the Calgary Olympic Park, but his allegiance was with New Zealand and he was now based in Wānaka.

The 20-year-old had been competing globally since late 2022 and was at his first Olympics.

He was enjoying the experience in northern Italy and had nothing to complain about with the accommodation, which did not include the cardboard beds that were a feature of the Tokyo and Paris Summer Olympics.

“Yeh we lucked out hard, we all got our own rooms with non-cardboard beds which is epic – and mine could even be king-sized.”

Dane Menzies from New Zealand in action at the Winter Games at Cardrona. Iain McGregor / PHOTOSPORT

However there were some rules.

“We’ve been told we’re not allowed to trade clothing yet, which is a bit of a bummer.”

While some Canadian gear would be nice, Menzies said: “Mongolia has a crazy looking jacket which would be cool.”

Menzies, Rocco Jamieson and Lyon Farrell were all competing on the Livigno Snow Park on day one with three runs of Big Air qualifying.

“We’ve been training on it for two days and we’ve had some feedback meetings afterwards, so it is shaping up to be a nice one, for sure.”

Slopestyle was Menzies’ preferred event, but he was excited about the Big Air competition.

In slopestyle, athletes slide down and perform acrobatic manoeuvres on a course that contains various features like jumps, boxes and rails.

“I like the steel for sure, it is nice to have jumps in there too as I do like getting in the air, but I am a big fan of rails.”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/winter-olympics-like-world-champs-on-crack-snowboarder-dane-menzies/

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‘Catastrophic failure’: Wellington mayor describes plant’s leak as environmental disaster

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington’s Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has been shut down and staff evacuated from the site, after an equipment failure flooded multiple floors. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

An average of around 70 million litres of untreated wastewater has been pouring into the capital’s South Coast since Wednesday morning.

Wellington’s mayor Andrew Little told Morning Report there must be an independent inquiry into what happened, which he’s labelled a “catastrophic failure” and an “environmental disaster”.

“This is a sewage plant processing the sewage for a big city, and it has completely failed, it just completely stopped,” he said.

“Plants like this should not suffer the kind of catastrophic failure that we’ve seen.”

The volume of water and sewage were within safe working limits, he said.

“There seems to have been a blockage or some other factor that has led to the failure of the system.”

Little said residents’ anger and frustration were justified.

Andrew Little RNZ / Mark Papalii

“I share it with them. This is my neighbourhood, this is where I take my dog for a walk, and along that coastline is where I spend my time, that’s where I go kayaking and swimming,” he said.

“It’s a priority for me personally to get to the bottom of what happened, to ensure that every resource available is going into restoring the plant, and then doing the remedial work on getting the environment cleaned up as well.”

Authorities were doing all they could to ensure people knew the water and beaches were unsafe for swimming, walking dogs and collecting seafood, he said.

But he acknowledged some eager beachgoers might ignore that advice.

“We can’t physically stop people entering the water if that’s what they wish to do, but as long as they are aware of the risk, then it’s our job to make sure they get the right information to assess that.”

Meanwhile, some locals have described a Wellington sewage plant shutdown as gross, sad and unacceptable.

An average of around 70 million litres of untreated wastewater had been pouring into the capital’s South Coast since Wednesday morning.

The Moa Point plant’s lower floors had been completely flooded when sewage backed up in the 1.8km outfall pipe, which normally sent treated wastewater into the Cook Strait.

Wellington Water chief executive Pat Dougherty said it was critical the company understood why the pipe failed.

RNZ went out to Wellington’s South Coast on Wednesday evening.

Lyall Bay on a bright summer evening would normally have been humming with surfers out in the waves and locals on their post-work walks.

But instead, the area was deserted – the only people there were Wellington Water staff members in large fluro coats warning people about the sewage.

RNZ spoke to locals from the safety of concrete paths and car parks.

Angus was planning to go down to the water for a surf, but decided against it after looking at the water.

“I didn’t want to go there because it looked like I don’t know… toilet paper or jellyfish, so I was like I don’t really want to go in on either of those.”

Stacey said she came down to the beach to enjoy the view and that the plant breakdown was “pretty shocking” and “pretty gross”.

She held concerns about how Wellington Water managed the pipes and plants.

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

“Where I live Ngaio there’s water out quite a lot, so this is just sort of on top of ongoing issues that they seem to have with the infrastructure.”

Kristina said the news was horrible.

“Really unacceptable, this is a beach where you might see a lot of surfers and they are all in the water all year around,” she said.

“I think it is pretty toxic.”

Leila Martley told RNZ it was a “hugely sad” situation.

“I really feel for Wellington Water.”

She also felt for Tiaki Wai – the new organisation set to take over Wellington, the Hutt Valley and Porirua’s water operations.

The wastewater plant. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

“It is just an awful thing to set off with.”

Further to the east of the coast at Tarakena Bay Alishba said she was about to go swimming but was warned by a local not to get in the water.

“It is pretty gross; I don’t know how that would happen though.”

A Rahui was in place throughout the South Coast, with people told not to gather food and to keep themselves and their dogs out of the water.

Wellington Water said it was taking water samples from a wide area and was expected to provide an update later on Thursday.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/catastrophic-failure-wellington-mayor-describes-plants-leak-as-environmental-disaster/

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Police hold serious concerns for missing woman Nicola O’Connor

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nicola O’Connor Supplied / NZ police

Police hold serious concerns for a Pāpāmoa woman who has gone missing while travelling around the central North Island in a house bus.

Nicola O’Connor’s grey-coloured Nissan house bus was found on Rapurapu Track in the Kaimai Ranges on Tuesday.

Area Manager Investigations Waikato East Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke said a search and rescue team has been unable to find her after a day of searching the popular walking track near Matamata.

The 42-year-old was known to be travelling in Bay of Plenty and Matamata in the days before her house bus was found.

Clarke said they have serious concerns for the missing woman’s welfare and are appealing to anyone who might have seen her or can help them locate her to come forward.

“We would also like to hear from anybody who was on the Rapurapu track or in that area on Tuesday that may have seen Nicola or any activity that may assist the enquiry to locate her.”

The Rapurapu track is a popular day walk for trampers located off SH29 on the Matamata side of the Kaimai Ranges.

Anyone with information on O’Connor is asked to contact police via 105 quoting file number 260203/1626.

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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/2026/02/05/police-hold-serious-concerns-for-missing-woman-nicola-oconnor/

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Message to house buyers: You’ve got time

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

There is likely to be another six months of little house price movement, property data firm Cotality says.

It has released its latest data, which shows property values fell 0.1 percent in January.

The median value was $802,617, 1 percent lower than a year earlier and 17.5 percent below the early 2022 peak.

Standalone houses fell 0.7 percent over the 12 months to January. Townhouses were down 1.7 percent and apartments 4.1 percent.

Auckland values were down 0.3 percent in January and 1 percent over three months, and Wellington’s were down 0.1 percent and 0.5 percent over three months. Hamilton and Christchurch were flat while Tauranga values lifted 0.3 percent and Dunedin’s 0.4 percent. Queenstown prices lifted 0.8 percent in the month and 1 percent over three months.

Chief property economist Kelvin Davidson said it was a continuation of the flat activity seen through last year.

“At the moment buyers still seem to be in the ascendancy and values are flatlining,” Davidson said.

“New borrowers and also existing mortgage holders will be feeling the benefits of lower interest rates and be more able to act in the market.

“But there’s still a good stock of listings out there for buyers to choose from and a cautious attitude persists, especially as the recovering economy has yet to improve job security and employment levels.

“The net result is that buyers aren’t in a rush to bid up prices, although vendors aren’t generally having to drop their expectations much either.”

He said it would be interesting to see what housing market policies were presented by politicians heading into the election and what that might mean for buyers and sellers.

Davidson said recent talk about the potential for earlier official cash rate increases might have made some households nervous, but weak unemployment data on Wednesday may have changed the picture again.

“For a while there it was a growing view that we’d see OCR increases sooner rather than later but maybe that view’s being back-pedalled a bit off the back of the labour market numbers.

“I think the tone of the commentary is just shifting a bit towards there’s no rush and the OCR increases might not be coming through straight away, so that probably gives some reassurance to the housing market. But at the same time, there’s other possible restraints in the form of debt-to-income ratio limits and housing supply has increased.

He said it was likely that house prices would rise slowly this year.

“It’s not hard ot image things trending sidewards a bit further.

“Sentiment still seems to be fairly cautious… Some of these forces are pushing against each other at the moment. I think probably what it really takes is that economic recovery to get a bit more strength and really start to push the unemployment rate down. That might not be a consideration until maybe the second half of the year.

“It could be a year of two halves in some ways for house prices – the first half of the year is trending sideways.”

He said first-home buyers might not remain such a high share of activity, but were likely to be a strong force this year.

“Meanwhile, investors have also returned to the market but will be keeping a close eye on the politics, particularly around a possible capital gains tax and any discussions about interest deductibility.

“All in all, it could prove to be another relatively subdued year for housing in 2026.”

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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/2026/02/05/message-to-house-buyers-youve-got-time/

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One dead after single-vehicle crash in Tasman District

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

Police say one person has died following a crash in Lower Motuere on Wednesday night.

The single vehicle crash at the intersection of Waiwhero and Edwards Roads was reported at around 8.25pm.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

The road was closed for some time after the crash but has since re-opened.

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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/2026/02/05/one-dead-after-single-vehicle-crash-in-tasman-district/

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Live: PM and other politicians to be welcomed onto Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Source: Radio New Zealand

A pōwhiri is being held this morning as the Prime Minister and other parliamentarians arrive at the lower Treaty Grounds.

The past few years at Waitangi have delivered political fireworks and MPs bracing for, if not necessarily expecting, a reprise when politicians are welcomed with a pōwhiri about 11am.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who was absent from the Treaty Grounds last year, promised to bring a message of unity.

After meeting with Māori leaders at the Iwi Chairs Forum on Wednesday, he said they were “aligned” on issues like localism, devolution and lifting Māori outcomes in health, education and law and order.

Follow our live coverage of all the action through the day at the top of this page.

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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/2026/02/05/live-pm-and-other-politicians-to-be-welcomed-onto-waitangi-treaty-grounds/