AM-NC – Page 106 – MIL-OSI Export

March 11, 2026

Armed police descend on Kāpiti Coast property

Armed police are at a property on Rangiuru Road. Google Maps

Police say armed officers are at an Ōtaki Beach property on the Kāpiti Coast.

A police spokesperson said the officers are armed as a precaution, as negotiators engage with a person at the property.

They said the person is there alone and there is no risk to the public.

Cordons are in place on Rangiuru Road and people should avoid the area.

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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/2026/03/11/armed-police-descend-on-kapiti-coast-property/

March 11, 2026

Christchurch mosque attack terrorist is ‘like no other witness’, lawyer says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Al Noor Mosque. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The families of victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings say the terrorist is a witness “like no other” and he should not be allowed to give oral evidence at a coronial inquest.

But a lawyer appointed to assist the court said the public deserves the most thorough and rigorous coronial inquest possible to ensure a similar horror does not happen again.

Survivors and families of victims of the March 2019 terror attack are fighting in the Court of Appeal to prevent terrorist Brenton Tarrant from giving evidence at the inquest into their loved ones’ deaths.

They are seeking judicial review of Deputy Chief Coroner Brigitte Windley’s decision to call him as a witness.

The High Court dismissed the application last year.

The second-phase inquest began in October 2024 and is examining how the terrorist came to obtain the guns used in the massacre.

It adjourned part-heard after objections were raised to the terrorist giving evidence.

A lawyer for some of the families, Nikki Pender, told the Court of Appeal on Wednesday that it was highly unusual for a coroner’s decision to be reviewed.

“This is an exceptional case, these are extraordinary circumstances, this particular witness is like no other witness.”

Pender said Sunday marked seven years since the massacres at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre, and the coronial inquest was extremely important to survivors and their families.

Tarrant not only murdered 51 people, he did so by invading and violating “a sacred place” during prayers, she said.

“That has resonated for years for the community.”

The therapeutic nature of the coroner’s court was highly visible in this specific inquest, and calling the terrorist as a witness would breach that, Pender said.

Each phase of the inquest started with a karakia and a recital from the Quran from Al Noor Mosque Imam Gamal Fouda, as well as a roll call of every victim’s name.

“They [the families] are at the heart of this… this is a safe space and therefore any decision to bring in this individual, to have him appear as a witness, needs to take account of the fact just how significant that is to the arena, to the jurisdiction that has been created, and to the safe space that has been created to those family members,” Pender said.

The coroner should have started from a presumption of whether it was absolutely necessary to invite Tarrant as a witness, Pender said.

Calling someone as a witness in an inquest could afford them a degree of mana and could dilute the aims of his life-without-parole sentence, as well as risking platforming his message of hate, she said.

“He has lost his right in public society, in civic society, and yet, if you call him as a witness too readily, what signal does that send?” Pender said.

“He does seem to enjoy the occasion in terms of the questions and answers and the interrogatories, and the community believe that it sends mixed messages – and if they’re a proxy for the public then … [the Coroner has] got to take note of that and just got to be really careful around that.”

The lawyer appointed by the court as a contradictor, Kerry Cook, said the Coroner’s decision to allow written and oral evidence from the terrorist was one that was “lawful, reasonable and proportionate”.

“The Coroner’s Act prioritises the public good associated with a full and independent investigation into the causes of death, and it prioritises that over subjective feelings – no matter how reasonably held – of abhorrence or difficulty in hearing from that particular person.”

Cross-examination was the best tool for testing the terrorist’s claims and excluding that evidence would leave a gap in the inquiry, Cook said.

The process of hearing live evidence and subjecting it to cross-examination might reveal information or bring to light inconsistencies and details otherwise not known, he said.

Coronial inquests were rigorous, fact-finding inquiries and required the coroner to make evidence-based recommendations or comments in public, he said.

Constraining evidence in the inquest risked the coroner making incorrect decisions and the conclusions might reflect only “what was allowed to be seen, rather than what actually occurred”.

“To stop something similar happening in the future, you must clearly understand what caused it to happen in the past,” Cook said.

The community wanted a thorough inquiry and to have all relevant evidence before it, even if it was uncomfortable, he said.

Another lawyer assisting the court, Sarah Jerebine KC, said any oral evidence the terrorist gave in the inquest and the cross-examination could be restricted to suppression orders decided by the coroner.

She said she had huge sympathy for what survivors and families had experienced and the test of deciding whether the terrorist should be orally cross-examined fell on whether the evidence was necessary, whether it met the interests of justice and balanced against the harm done to the families.

Justice Sarah Katz, Justice Jillian Mallon, and Justice Matthew Palmer reserved their decision.

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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/2026/03/11/christchurch-mosque-attack-terrorist-is-like-no-other-witness-lawyer-says/

March 11, 2026

Selwyn District could drastically limit rates rises but it comes at a cost

Source: Radio New Zealand

Selwyn mayor Lydia Gliddon says hard conversations need to be had. Supplied/ Facebook

Selwyn District Council is attempting to drastically limit rates rises this year but the plan comes with some caveats.

Councillors agreed on Wednesday to consult the public on an average rates increase of 5.4 percent.

Ratepayers would also be asked to give feedback on options of 4.9 percent and 6.5 percent – all had different trade-offs.

The preferred option was less than half of last year’s hike of 14.2 percent.

However, all options excluded water charges which were now handled by a separate company – Selwyn Water Ltd.

Councillors were also searching for savings by possibly shifting some costs from general rates to user-pays.

That could result in increases to building consent costs, aquatic and fitness class fees, and dog registration fees.

The council would also have to reduce its library programmes and exhibitions to achieve the 5.4 percent increase.

Selwyn mayor Lydia Gliddon said there would need to be some hard conversations with the community.

“My view around community services is not to try and cut everything but to look at how we do it and work smarter with what we do have to provide benefit for our community as well,” Gliddon said.

Achieving lower rates hikes required careful prioritisation and difficult decisions, Gliddon said.

“This is our first annual plan as a new council and it reflects what we heard clearly during the election – that rates affordability matters and the council must live within its means while continuing to deliver essential services,” she said.

The draft plan said the rates increase could be reduced to 4.9 percent by significantly reducing recruitment at Selwyn District Council for the next year, removing some roles from budgets and significantly reducing consultant costs.

It was not recommended by staff, who said it could affect the council’s ability to meet its legal obligations and deliver services.

The plan included investments in roading upgrades and maintenance, Lincoln’s town centre, replacement of the Whitecliffs Bridge and remediation of the Leeston Medical Centre.

The plan said they were needed to support the district as it was one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

The council was predicting $213.6 million in revenue during the next financial, while it would spend $196.5m on operating expenses and $86m on capital infrastructure.

Consultation opens on Monday.

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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/2026/03/11/selwyn-district-could-drastically-limit-rates-rises-but-it-comes-at-a-cost/

March 11, 2026

Wise Response Society calls for immediate fuel rationing as war continues in Middle East

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Dan Cook

There are calls for fuel rationing following the effective closure of Hormuz Strait as a result of the war in the Middle East which has caused the price of oil to fluctuate.

The Wise Response Society has already said it the government should activate the National Fuel Security Plan, which was released last November to ensure New Zealand would have reliable access to fuel in case of global or domestic disruption.

Chairperson Nathan Surendran told Checkpoint on Wednesday the plan and rationing should be activated as a precaution.

“So rather than waiting for us to hit an issue, if we did not receive one of the deliveries that we are supposedly contracted to do, but which force majeure measures implemented by our suppliers may lead to not arriving, then, yeah, it’s something that we really should take seriously.”

Having an adequate fuel supply was critical for New Zealand’s economy, Surendran said.

“The critical question isn’t what’s here now, it’s whether the next round of deliveries will arrive.

“Australia’s wholesalers are rationing deliveries to petrol stations, despite that nation having 36 days of reserves and two domestic refineries, New Zealand has neither, and I’d rather be accused of raising the alarm too early and being wrong than staying quiet and being right.”

The Wise Response Society was calling for the government to tell the public how much physical fuel was in New Zealand, as well as to activate the National Fuel Security Plan, and begin rationing.

“We’ve got the Petroleum Demand Restraint Act, which gives the government the power to implement rationing by order of the Governor-General,” Surendran said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/wise-response-society-calls-for-immediate-fuel-rationing-as-war-continues-in-middle-east/

March 11, 2026

Some Aucklanders ‘very wound up’ over housing intensification plans

Source: Radio New Zealand

An apartment on Hobson Street in central Auckland. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Aucklanders are having mixed reactions to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s plan to push ahead with intensification in inner-city suburbs.

Last month, the government agreed to reduce Auckland’s minimum housing capacity from roughly two million to 1.6 million in the coming decades. That is still 400,000 more than the 1.2 million under its current Unitary Plan.

Mayor Brown said his council would be asking the government to allow more housing density within 10 kilometres of the city, where there is good public transport and infrastructure.

Sally Hughes, from the Auckland heritage group the Character Coalition, said she was worried about what the council’s plans would mean for suburbs with historic architecture.

“We’re very concerned about Kingsland, Mount Eden, and the North Shore, which are all included in that 10km where intensification isn’t going to be reduced. We’re very unhappy about that decision,” Hughes said.

Auckland Councillors are yet to see any of the more than 10,000 public submissions it received on a future housing plan for Auckland last year.

About 50 council staff were working to summarise the feedback for councillors to review in the next few months.

Mayor Wayne Brown said his council would be asking the government to allow more housing density within 10 kilometres of the city. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Hughes said the public’s concerns should be heard before any decisions are made.

“A number of councillors have expressed concern that they were making this decision, including the arbitrary 10km, without seeing any of the submissions,” she said.

“That’s our concern, too. We fear Aucklanders aren’t being listened to.”

Long-time Parnell resident Laurie Mayne said he, along with two other people, including his wife Stephanie, had brought on a lawyer and an economist to put an alternative proposal to the council and the government.

They are proposing that intensification be restricted to the city centre, metropolitan centres, and within 800 metres of rapid transit stops, with greenfield development making up the rest of the housing capacity required.

“The threat for the likes of my wife and I, and every other Parnell resident and every other Ponsonby and Mount Eden resident, is not that we will be inundated with 15-storey buildings. We’re not concerned about that because that’s not an issue. That will never happen,” Mayne said.

“What we’re concerned about is the theft of our property rights by a developer coming in, being enabled to and encouraged to build a 15-storey apartment building right on my boundary.

“That’s what’s getting people in Auckland, rightly very wound up.”

St Georges Bay Road in Parnell, Auckland. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

He said their proposal could deliver the 1.6 million capacity needed.

But Jon Reeves, of the Public Transport Users Association, welcomed the council’s decision.

He said the government had invested a lot in improving the city’s public transport network, including the City Rail Link, which was due to open later this year.

“It would make logical sense to increase housing and intensification around the public transport nodes. We obviously want more bums on seats to help pay for the investment,” Reeves said.

But he said there was a balance to strike.

“We don’t want to just demolish every heritage area to put up large apartment blocks. Places like Parnell, you have to weigh it up. Do we want to demolish what character is left there or not, and that’s a question that not only the council but residents should have a say about.”

Director of the transport advocacy website Greater Auckland, Matt Lowrie, also agreed with the mayor’s approach.

“It makes sense that the focus of intensification will be in the areas closest to the city centre, on good public transport routes, and in town centres. Those are the areas where there’s the highest amenity and the most attractiveness for development, and also the best transport links to the city centre, where a lot of people are working,” Lowrie said.

“There’s a whole lot of noise that’s gone on from people who have been successful in the past in forcing development out to the fringes in places like Flatbush, leading to people having long commutes because they’ve tried to prevent housing in their areas.

“What we’re seeing now is housing being put in the places where it should be put, which is close to the city.”

He believed people did not need to be fearful about suburbs being taken over by high-rises.

“Just because something is zoned for an apartment doesn’t mean that it’s going to be built.

“For example, we’re already seeing where zoning allows for five-and-six-storey apartments, two to three-storey townhouses are being built instead.

“That’s a key point that often people miss about this. It’s just allowing development, should people want to. But those locations close to train stations and busway stations are ideal for more homes.”

Final decisions about Auckland’s housing needs aren’t expected to be made until mid-2027.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/some-aucklanders-very-wound-up-over-housing-intensification-plans/

March 11, 2026

NRL: NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster responds to Will Warbrick contract rumours

Source: Radio New Zealand

Will Warbrick scores a try for Melbourne Storm in the NRL Grand Final. AAP/Photosport

With his NZ Warriors linked to a high-profile signing across the Tasman, coach Andrew Webster warns to take the NRL rumour mill with a grain of salt.

Australian media reports the Auckland club has made strong advances on Melbourne Storm wing Will Warbrick, who is off contract this season and looking for a landing place in 2027.

Warbrick, 28, is a former All Blacks Sevens star, who won Olympic silver at Tokyo 2020, before switching codes and bringing up 50 games with the Storm last year. When he debuted for NZ Kiwis in 2024, he effectively became a triple international – he had also played for the NZ Aussie Rules side as a teenager.

Webster usually steers well clear of discussing contract rumours and was clearly in neither-confirm-nor-deny mode at the Warriors’ weekly media session, but also urged caution over such speculation.

“If he were to come here or if it were to eventuate, I would comment more, but at this stage, he’s off contract, as are another 40-50-60 players in the NRL,” he said. “Every player we get tagged to, we just can’t be commenting straight away.”

Often, these rumours are simply a case of managers creating a market for their players by driving up demand. If a player is supposedly talking to one club, he can leverage that to ask more from another.

“I honestly believe most of the time it is, but not all the time,” Webster agreed. “Because I’m in the know, I look at it case by case, and I’ll either laugh or say, ‘Jeez, they’re onto something there’.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster. DAVE HUNT/Photosport

“A lot of the time, we’re linked to players that we’re not even close to signing or I get a text message from someone saying, ‘I heard so-and-so is starting tonight’, but no, they’re not.

“I don’t know where it comes from, but sometimes where there’s smoke, there’s fire and sometimes they’re just miles off. Sometimes they’re just trying to pump up the price.”

That same rumour mill has current Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett landing with the Brisbane Broncos next year, when he leaves the club early and returns across the ditch for family reasons.

The Warbrick signing would make sense for the Warriors, with veteran wing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck also off contract this year.

“Will’s career so far has been awesome, going from rugby and given a shot at rugby league with Melbourne,” Tuivasa-Sheck said. “He’s been awesome.

“I can’t fault how he’s been playing and big ups to him for getting these big-deal chats.

“There’s nothing negative about it. I’ll just stay here and make sure I focus on my footy, and see how it all falls out.”

The former All Black will celebrate his 150th game for the club this week against Canberra Raiders and has been linked with a switch back to rugby union for the proposed R360 rebel tournament, which has now moved its launch back to 2028.

The NRL has threatened a 10-year ban on any player signing for the breakaway competition, and Kangaroos and NSW Origin star Zac Lomax has had to switch to Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific in the meantime.

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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/2026/03/11/nrl-nz-warriors-coach-andrew-webster-responds-to-will-warbrick-contract-rumours/

March 11, 2026

Life Sciences Summit 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Thank you for the opportunity to speak here at the Life Sciences Summit today. As Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, I see the contribution our scientists, researchers and innovators make to New Zealand’s life sciences ecosystem. The work you do at the intersection of science, technology and markets matters to our future.

I also want to acknowledge the event organisers – BioTech NZ and NZTech. This summit comes at a pivotal moment. Around the world, advances in biology are converging with powerful new technologies such as AI and Quantum computing. These are reshaping healthcare, transforming food and agricultural systems, and opening new pathways to sustainable growth. For New Zealand, life sciences are important to our economic resilience, our health security and our ability to compete in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Why life sciences matter to New Zealand

New Zealand has long been recognised for the quality of its science and the ingenuity of its researchers. From medical breakthroughs that improve lives, to bio-based innovations that support high value exports, the life sciences sector already delivers real benefits for New Zealanders. It plays a critical role in the backbone of our economy and our living standards. Yet too often world class research has not translated into the scale of impact it should, with promising ideas struggling to move from the lab into the market. This is a challenge that this Government is determined to address.

Reforming and refocusing the science system

Over the past year, I have been undertaking the most significant reform of New Zealand’s science and technology system in more than 30 years to deliver greater focus, impact and long-term direction. These reforms are about ensuring public investment in science delivers outcomes that matter for New Zealand’s economy, our environment and our communities. In a similar structure to other small advanced economies, we have established the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, to provide one-place for strategic oversight and advice on national science priorities. This work will result in clear, actionable research priorities that give researchers and investors, confidence about the long-term direction of the system.

Strategic direction of the science system and streamlined funding

Alongside this strategic direction-setting, we are simplifying how science is funded. Research Funding New Zealand has been established as a single, independent decision maker for most government science, innovation and technology funding. For researchers, it means a clearer pathway to support. For government, it means investment decisions that are better aligned with national priorities and long-term impact.

Strengthening connection and boosting productivity through our PROs

Just as you have come together at this summit to share ideas and make connections, our new Public Research Organisations bring together talent, infrastructure, and capability across the system. The Bioeconomy Science Institute is a key part of this shift. By bringing together our strengths in agriculture, horticulture, food innovation, forestry, biomaterials and ecosystem resilience – the Institute is accelerating innovation across the bioeconomy, in what I am told is the second biggest bioeconomy institute in the world.

This work matters.

I am also committed to extending our science reach through new platforms. That is why we are investing in cutting‑edge science through the Biodiscovery Platform, supported by $42 million over seven years. This platform, hosted by the Bioeconomy Science Institute, will help transform New Zealand’s unique biological resources into high-value products and support innovative Kiwi businesses. New Zealand has 80,000 indigenous flora and fauna, of which only 30,000 are scientifically described. We’ve already seen the success stories, from mānuka in the honey sector to emerging bio-based materials, and nanocellulose from seaweed. I am convinced the next cancer drug and next nutraceutical will be bio-sourced. This platform also speaks to the head start that Māori and matauranga will have with biosourcing.

Health security and resilience

Life sciences are also important for our national resilience. I have newly committed $75 million over seven years to strengthen New Zealand’s preparedness for and resilience to infectious diseases and pandemics. The Infectious Diseases Research Platform, hosted by Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science), builds on the strong foundation of Te Niwha and reflects the lessons of recent global health challenges.

It is encouraging to see the capability of PHF Science recognised. Digital twin platform ALMA won the Trailblazer in AI Innovation award at the Aotearoa AI Awards 2025. This demonstrates how we can leverage advanced technologies to support better decision-making in complex and evolving situations.

Advanced technology and the future of science

The convergence of life sciences with advanced technologies such as AI, synthetic technologies and quantum is transforming how research is conducted – enhancing efficiency, improving decision-making and providing new tools to tackle existing and emerging challenges. To ensure New Zealand captures these benefits technologies, I have established the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology. Through initiatives such as the development of an AI platform, the Institute is building on New Zealand’s existing strengths and enabling cross-sector collaboration that drives productivity and innovation.

Achievements

A year ago, I was tasked as the new Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, to implement the biggest science reforms in 30 years. In the past year, these are 10 actions I have taken:

Amalgamated seven CRIs, including forming one of the biggest bioeconomy institutes in the world, to better serve the needs of industry and the community.
Created a multimillion dollar biodiscovery platform to discover the next generation of cancer drugs.
Funded a new emerging technology organisation for new research, including advanced materials, AI and quantum.
Created and published a national IP policy supporting inventors.
Created and published a national AI strategy to guide uptake.
Deployed a new applied doctorate programme, to better align PhDs with industry and entrepreneurship.
Created Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council as a one-stop national science strategy group, similar to those in other smaller advanced economies.
Created Research Funding New Zealand as a one stop science funding administrator to reduce bureaucracy.
Completed the first ever Memorandums of Co-operation between Antarctica NZ and the United States, and Antarctica NZ and the United Arab Emirates, and advanced new polar research projects to these agreements.
Completed the first reading merging NIWA and Metservice to improve meteorological reporting.

It has been a busy year!

Gene tech reforms

We also know that innovation requires modern, fit for purpose regulation. As part of the Government’s commitment to updating New Zealand’s outdated rules surrounding gene technology, we introduced the Gene Technology Bill to Parliament as a framework to deliver a more modern, risk-proportionate regime.

I have received the Select Committee’s report. It is a complex bill and that reflects that this is a complex issue. I am taking time to consider its recommendations to improve the proposed regime, because this a once-in-a-generation opportunity and it is important that we get it right. Fundamentally, we are 20 years behind the Australian legislation. In real terms, if we don’t change, our competitors will ‘eat our lunch’ by producing quicker and more resilient species. The next step will be for the Gene Technology Bill to proceed to its second reading, with the timing to be confirmed.

Closing remarks

The work represented at this summit reflects excellent New Zealand science. Your research, innovation and collaboration are helping to address some of the most significant challenges we face, while opening new opportunities for growth and prosperity. I wish you a productive summit and look forward to the ideas, partnerships and ambition that will emerge from your discussions.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/life-sciences-summit-2026/

March 11, 2026

AI company Anthropic expands to NZ and Australia

Source: Radio New Zealand

Anthropic insists its technology should not be used for the mass surveillance of US citizens. NIKOLAS KOKOVLIS/AFP

US artificial intelligence company Anthropic is expanding its presence in Australia and New Zealand.

The company, which is in the midst of suing the US government over its retaliation for a dispute about safeguards in its AI technology, says it is opening an office in Sydney.

“The expansion reflects strong demand from businesses in Australia and New Zealand, and will help us better serve the country’s unique AI ecosystem,” says a company statement.

Anthropic says Australia and New Zealand rank 4th and 8th globally in Claude usage, relative to population, according to the company’s latest Economic Index.

It lists current Australia-based clients as Canva, Quantium, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

“We’re excited by the ways organizations in Australia and New Zealand are applying AI to areas of national importance-financial services, agricultural technology, clean energy innovation, healthcare delivery, cutting-edge deep tech and scientific research, along with AI transformation in the enterprise,” said Chris Ciauri, the company’s managing director of international.

Anthropic’s court action against the Pentagon comes after it labelled the company a supply chain risk, which affects how it does business with other firms working with the Department of Defense.

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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/2026/03/11/ai-company-anthropic-expands-to-nz-and-australia/

March 11, 2026

Police investigating threat made towards Timaru school

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Police say there is no information to suggest a threat made towards a Timaru school was credible.

Police were alerted to the message about 7.45pm on Tuesday.

“We will not detail the specifics of the threat, however, investigators are actively pursuing positive lines of enquiry to identify the person responsible for sending the message,” Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker said.

“Officers are providing reassurance patrols in the area, and we are working closely with the school as the investigation progresses.”

Police are unable to comment further.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/police-investigating-threat-made-towards-timaru-school/

March 11, 2026

Preliminary report into Moa Point wastewater plant made private during Crown review

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lyall Bay beach and the rest of Wellington’s south coast has been off limits since the Moa Point treatment plant failed on 4 February. RNZ / Krystal Gibbens

A preliminary report into the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has been handed to Wellington City Council officers, but will not be made public while the Crown review is taking place, Wellington Water says.

Wellington Water said the report it commissioned was handed to staff on Tuesday night.

The plant suffered huge damage in a failure in February, and since then millions of litres of raw sewage have been pumped into Cook Strait.

The government announced a Crown Review Team would investigate the failure under the Local Government Act 2002, in the weeks following the incident.

A rāhui was also put in place on the stretch of southern coast from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay, and was lifted a few weeks later.

The majority of wastewater is being screened and discharged through the long outfall pipe, but excess volumes of unscreened wastewater are going into the sea through the short outfall pipe.

Wellington Water said Moa Point can only pump between 1300 and 1500 litres per second through the long outfall – more than enough for average dry weather flows.

It said a preliminary assessment has been completed, and specialists are working through further assessments following a detailed physical inspection of the plant.

Wellington Water said final assessments are needed to figure out the repair timeframe, and assured the community all parties involved are acutely aware of the need to deliver this as quickly as possible, without jeopardising the quality and accuracy of the recovery.

Initial equipment has also been ordered to keep the plant operating in an interim state.

Wellington Water said not everything will be ordered to get the plant operational again until final assessments have been completed and repair options have been agreed with the council.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/preliminary-report-into-moa-point-wastewater-plant-made-private-during-crown-review/

March 11, 2026

NZ contributes changes to Pacific fisheries

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has secured orange roughy catch limits in the South Pacific for another two years at a Pacific regional fisheries meeting, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

The proposal brought to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) by New Zealand and Australia, was adopted without opposition from other member countries.

“The adoption of New Zealand’s proposal to retain current levels of orange roughy catch in this fishery until 2028 is a vote of confidence in our commitment to commercially viable and sustainable South Pacific fisheries,” Mr Jones says.

“This decision, combined with last year’s agreement at SPRFMO to increase carry forward of unused annual catch, supports jobs in New Zealand and our economy, and makes a real difference for our fishing industry.”

A further proposal by New Zealand to increase the bycatch threshold for coral and sponge before fishers are required to move on from the area was not supported.

“While I’m disappointed there was not agreement on this proposal, New Zealand will be making the same proposal next year. I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure continued access to the South Pacific fishery.

“I reiterate that this proposal is based on the best available scientific information we have, and will ensure our commercial fishers in the South Pacific are not hampered by needlessly restrictive rules, while still preventing significant adverse effects on the marine ecosystem,” Mr Jones says.

New Zealand’s proposal to strengthen measures to protect seabirds in bottom longline and trawl fisheries was adopted at the meeting.

“Many of our taonga seabirds, including albatross and petrels, range across the Pacific. These measures are crucial for their protection. They align with international best practice, as well as the rules that apply for commercial fishers in New Zealand waters,” Mr Jones says.

New Zealand also made progress in the establishment of binding labour standards for crew on fishing vessels operated by member countries in the high seas of the South Pacific. The proposal from New Zealand and the United States recognises the unique work environment on board fishing vessels and the vulnerability of crew to exploitation.

“While no consensus was reached at this meeting, there was good progress on the text of the new rules which establish basic minimum conditions for crew on fishing vessels. “We will continue this important work with the aim of having these adopted in 2027 so fishing crews in the region are protected from exploitation and the same ethical standards apply to all fishers in the region.”

“I remain committed to ensuring New Zealand has access to commercially viable fisheries in the Pacific, and I will continue to advocate for fisheries management that strikes a balance between environmental protections and these economic benefits,” Mr Jones says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/nz-contributes-changes-to-pacific-fisheries/

March 11, 2026

Recap: White Ferns pull off series sweep against Zimbabwe

Source: Radio New Zealand

The White Ferns have pulled off another series sweep against Zimbabwe after winning the third and final One Day International in Dunedin by 200 runs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the White Ferns set the visitors 304 to win thanks to a 94-run knock from Maddy Green and 80 runs from opener Amelia Kerr.

Kerr, the captain, then picked up five wickets.

Earlier, the White Ferns won the T20 series 3-0.

Read back on the action:

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/recap-white-ferns-pull-off-series-sweep-against-zimbabwe/

March 11, 2026

One person dies from e-scooter crash injuries

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. 123RF

A person has died in hospital after crashing off an e-scooter in the town of Twizel late last month.

Police said the e-scooter crash happened on 28 February.

No other vehicle was involved in the incident.

Police said the person passed away in hospital yesterday from their injuries.

The death has been referred to the coroner.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/one-person-dies-from-e-scooter-crash-injuries/

March 11, 2026

Car driven recklessly through Porirua cemetery seized by police

Source: Radio New Zealand

Whenua Tapu Cemetery in Porirua. Supplied / Porirua City Council

A car which was driven recklessly through a cemetery in Porirua has been seized by police.

Police said the blue Ford Falcon and several other vehicles were seen speeding through Whenua Tapu Cemetery for about 15 minutes on Monday evening.

Kapiti-Mana area commander Inspector Renee Perkins said it was lucky that no one was hurt.

“Not only is this a dangerous activity within a cemetery, but it is also incredibly disrespectful for a place where people go to grieve and remember their loved ones who have passed.

“Thanks to information provided by the public, and through our initial enquiries, we were able to seize one of the vehicles and we continue our search for the other vehicles and their drivers.”

Anita Baker Mayor of Porirua said this type of dangerous behaviour would not be tolerated.

“It costs money to fix damage left by unruly drivers.

“We are grateful to members of the public who contacted police at the time the incident was taking place.”

Anybody else who may have witnessed the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact police.

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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/2026/03/11/car-driven-recklessly-through-porirua-cemetery-seized-by-police/

March 11, 2026

Heinz Wattie’s proposes closure of three manufacturing facilities, impacting 350 jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo)

Major food company Heinz Wattie’s has proposed changes to discontinue some manufacturing operations in New Zealand.

The company, said the proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King St, Hastings.

The company said about 350 jobs were expected to be affected.

It outlined plans to axe the sale and production of a number of its products and brands, including frozen vegetables and Gregg’s coffee.

It would also no longer produce dips sold under the Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands.

Heinz Wattie’s said it would consult with staff on the plan, which it said had come about because of increasingly difficult manufacturing conditions.

‘Huge blow to workers’

E tū Union director Finn O’Dwyer Cunliffe told Checkpoint the proposal was a huge blow to workers and a “grim time”.

“It’s not great – this has been dumped on them this afternoon at very short notice.

“It is a huge blow to workers….it is a tough evening.”

He said some people had worked for Heinz Wattie’s or its subsidiaries for several decades.

The union were given just 45 minutes notice of announcements across various sites, he said.

“It hasn’t been handled in the best way.”

It was a tough time across the country for workers in the industry, O’Dwyer-Cunliffe said, and there’d been many closures.

The union was pushing for more time for feedback on the proposal with Heinz Wattie’s.

“The period they’ve proposed is completely inadequate and I think pretty disrespectful really, on top of pulling workers in on such short notice.”

Last October, Wattie’s announced it would further reduce its fruit and vegetable crops it sourced from its home in Hawke’s Bay, citing an ongoing struggle against cheaper imports.

The month before, it announced it would reduce the production of canned peaches.

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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/2026/03/11/heinz-watties-proposes-closure-of-three-manufacturing-facilities-impacting-350-jobs-2/

March 11, 2026

Heinz Watties proposes closure of three manufacturing facilities, impacting 350 jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo)

Major food company Heinz Wattie’s has proposed changes to discontinue some manufacturing operations in New Zealand.

The company said about 350 jobs were expected to be affected.

It outlined plans to axe the sale and production of a number of its products and brands, including frozen vegetables and Gregg’s coffee.

It would also no longer produce dips sold under the Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands.

Heinz Wattie’s said it would consult with staff on the plan, which it said had come about because of increasingly difficult manufacturing conditions.

“Globally high inflation and various industry challenges have all placed ongoing pressure on the commercial performance of the business,” the company said.

Suppliers would also be affected with pea and other vegetable growers, specifically 220 growers in Canterbury supplying the Christchurch site, losing their contracts.

“The decision to start this process was not taken lightly,” Heinz Wattie’s Managing Director Andrew Donegan said.

“Numerous alternatives and options were explored before reaching this phase. It is a necessary step to position our company for the future.”

The proposal is subject to a two-week consultation period with staff, union representatives, growers, suppliers, retail partners and other local stakeholders.

Last October, Wattie’s announced it would further reduce its fruit and vegetable crops it sourced from its home in Hawke’s Bay, citing an ongoing struggle against cheaper imports.

The month before, it announced it would reduce the production of canned peaches.

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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/2026/03/11/heinz-watties-proposes-closure-of-three-manufacturing-facilities-impacting-350-jobs/

March 11, 2026

Fatal crash, Twizel

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash on 28 February.

The single vehicle crash involved an e-scooter.

Sadly, the person passed away on 10 March from their injuries in hospital.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/fatal-crash-twizel/

March 11, 2026

Appeal for information: Fatal crash, SH5, Taupō

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal crash on State Highway 5, Taupō, on Monday.

On Monday 9 March, around 2.10am, Police were called to the single vehicle crash where sadly one person was located deceased.

The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain on going.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the manner of driving of a Green Land Rover Discovery towing a trailer with two motorcycles.

Alternatively, if you have dashcam footage from the State Highway 5, Taupō, or surrounding areas, in the late hours of Sunday 8 March to the early hours of Monday morning, please get in touch.

Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 260309/9199.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/appeal-for-information-fatal-crash-sh5-taupo/

March 11, 2026

Under-35s buying less vapes could be result of tighter regulations

Source: Radio New Zealand

Justin Lester, director of Dot Loves Data said this trend was likely a consequence of tightening restrictions around marketing and flavours. 123rf

Under-35s are spending less on vapes each year, according to an analysis of bank transactions by Dot Loves Data.

Eighteen to 24-year-olds spent $90 million on vape products throughout 2025, down from $105 million in 2024.

And among those aged 25 to 34 – historically the largest spending cohort – spend was down from $122m in 2024, to $113m in 2025.

Justin Lester, director of Dot Loves Data, said those numbers had been trending down since 2023 – and so far, were continuing to fall in 2026.

Dot Loves Data, based in Wellington, was bought by ANZ in 2022, giving it exclusive daily access to ANZ transactions on credit and eftpos cards, which made up 35 percent of transactions nationwide.

Overall, Lester said, vape spend was down, after peaking at $34 million a month in 2025. By this January, that figure had dropped to $32 million.

Annually, New Zealanders spent a total of $401 million on vaping products in 2025, compared with $417 million in 2024.

It was not possible to see what products people were buying based on the data, Lester said, and they didn’t collect data for under-18s.

Lester said this trend was likely a consequence of tightening restrictions around marketing and flavours.

The government had made a range of regulation changes in recent years, including a ban on disposable vapes and a restrictions for marketing and flavours.

However, it was a different story among older demographics. For age groups over 35, spending remained comparatively steady, even increasing in line with price increases.

In general, men spent more on vapes than women.

According to the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey, 11.7 percent of adults were daily vapers, with the highest rates found among those aged 18 to 34, Māori and Pacific people, and adults living in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

Jonathan Devery, chairperson of the Vaping Industry Association (VIANZ), said the figures were encouraging, and pointed to those restrictions targeting young people having an effect.

While data wasn’t available for under-18s, the ASH Year 10 Snapshot Survey of up to 30,000 students each year, showed regular vaping was on the decline.

Devery said those who didn’t experiment with vapes as teenagers were less likely to carry the habit into their twenties.

“Daily and experimental use amongst that age group has been on a steady decline for five years now, so I think you’re seeing a relationship between those under-18s not experimenting or using those products as they were five or so years ago, and those Kiwis falling into the new dataset no longer using those products.”

Devery said, according to retailers, the disposable ban had had the largest impact on sales.

He said research had shown the older generation tended to be the ones who had replaced a smoking habit with vaping, and were not such big users of the disposable, fun-flavoured alternatives.

ANZ data far higher than government estimate

The ANZ number was far higher than the Ministry of Health’s estimated total sales for “notifiable products” (vaping, smokeless tobacco, and herbal smoking products).

In 2024, the most recent year available, it was “at least $280 million”, compared to ANZ’s $401 million. The ministry noted its estimate was based on specialist vape retailers reporting their sales data, and was incomplete.

Data for 2025 was not available for comparison.

Devery explained those estimates relied on retailers and distributors accurately reporting their sales, but that wasn’t always happening, and a better, clearer platform for reporting data might help.

“Retailers, distributors, suppliers are all doing their best with the education and platform that they have available to them.”

A Ministry of Health spokesperson said it continued to work with industry to improve the usability and reliability of the annual returns system.

As the law left a relatively short window in which to submit annual returns, it had taken “a pragmatic approach” to ensure industry participants had enough time to submit complete and accurate information by allowing late or corrected submissions.

“This helps ensure that any information released publicly reflects the most accurate picture of the market,” it said.

But Letitia Harding, chief executive of the Asthma Foundation, said there needed to be harsher consequences for retailers for poor reporting. “It’s got to have enforcement, and that’s definitely been lacking,” she said.

The ministry said for the past year its compliance focus had been on retail practices that presented the greatest potential public health risk, like sales to minors, visibility and advertising restrictions.

“Annual returns reporting remains important for regulatory oversight; however, it has not been an area where limited compliance resources have been heavily directed.”

The ministry said it was unable to comment on the reported discrepancy between its number, and ANZ’s, “as we do not have visibility of how ANZ has collected or calculated its information, including what market segments or assumptions may have been included”.

Regulations may be having an effect, but there’s more still to do: Asthma Foundation

Harding said while there was no doubt regulations were having an impact, she was still concerned by other studies which showed 18 to 24 year-olds maintained a high rate of daily vaping. “They’re the ones we’re concerned don’t have the support to quit vaping.”

She was also cautious the data didn’t show what products people were buying, and how many. “It would be interesting to see what’s going out.”

Box mods, or non-disposables – typically favoured by older generations – tended to be more expensive. But you only needed to buy it once, and then the only ongoing expense was vape juice.

The data on locality, however, was well supported by existing evidence, she said, and it was concerning to see vape spend highest in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/under-35s-buying-less-vapes-could-be-result-of-tighter-regulations/

March 11, 2026

Cathedral square upgrade: Concept design to open for consultation

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cathedral Square was badly damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes. Frank Film

A long-awaited plan for an upgrade to Christchurch’s Cathedral Square will go to the public in coming months, Christchurch City Council says.

Council staff briefed mayor Phil Mauger and councillors on concept design work for the city’s traditional centre on Wednesday.

Cathedral Square – which encircles the moth-balled Christ Church Cathedral in the central city – was badly damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes.

Efforts to upgrade both the cathedral building and surrounding square have floundered for more than a decade.

Council strategy, planning and regulatory general manager John Higgins said the revitalised concept design would go to the public for consultation later this year.

“The current programme has largely focused on surface improvements like upgrading roads and footpaths, paving and landscaping.

“We now have an opportunity to build on the design work done by Regenerate Christchurch to further recognise the role and importance of Cathedral Square as our central civic space.”

The council was seeking expressions of interest for the project.

Previous feedback had shown people want Cathedral Square to be an accessible and vibrant place to gather, Higgins said.

“For many, the square has historically been a gathering place for everyone who calls Christchurch home. We want to acknowledge its role as the heart of our city, connecting all our new and existing facilities and creating a space that reflects that importance.”

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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/2026/03/11/cathedral-square-upgrade-concept-design-to-open-for-consultation/