Category: AM-NC

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Schools bringing in counsellors to deal with harm caused by social media

Source: Radio New Zealand

There are calls for a ban on social media for under 16’s in New Zealand. (File photo) NurPhoto via AFP

Principals of two Auckland schools say they’ve had to hire counsellors specifically for dealing with the harm caused to children by social media.

The principal of East Auckland’s Riverina Primary School, Bryce Mills told Checkpoint children as young as eight were being exposed to extreme online content.

He said his school hired a counsellor to help deal with the damage and he was not the only one.

Auckland’s Whangaparāoa College had hired the equivalent of five school counsellors last year to help teenagers harmed by social media, it said.

It’s prompted calls to push through a ban on social media for under-16s.

It comes days after Parliament’s Education and Workforce Committee released its final report on the inquiry into the harm social media causes for young people, offering recommendations including banning under-16 year olds from social media.

Saasha Jolley is a teacher at Riverina Primary School and she regularly heard students talk about scrolling Instagram, Tiktok and Snapchat as well as gaming online the night before.

Primary school children were using social media apps like Instagram and Tiktok, a teacher said. (File photo) RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

“Roblox in particular is a big one at the moment, in terms of the chatter that happens, the games they have access to.

“I know that it’s both a platform for kids and adults, they can both access it, they can create the games on there, so I guess that makes it a lot more open.”

What the students see and hear online at night arrived with them at school the next day, she said, and they didn’t always understand what they were repeating.

“They heard it from their friend or they heard it from this person online, so they thought that it was okay to say.”

Last year, research from Te Mana Whakaatu the Classification Office, found young people don’t generally go looking for objectionable content.

But it could be hard to avoid when it came up on social media, in group chats, or was shown around in person.

Some examples of this included pornography and real-world violence.

Riverina Primary School principal Bryce Mills said similar content was being seen by children as young as eight at his school.

“There is the odd occasion unfortunately where you do hear some of that sexual stuff coming through as well,” he said.

The school of 150 students was self-funding its own online security system, which costed them $3000 each year.

But Mills said the school couldn’t control what the students saw once they went home for the day.

“I had a parent the other day say to me, that they got up at one in the morning to go to the bathroom and they could see a glowing light from a bedroom.

A child using the Roblox app. (File photo) MARIJAN MURAT

“Their daughter had gone out and got the phone off the dining room table and was on their phone.

“If they hadn’t gone up to go to the bathroom, they wouldn’t have known that. It [happens] behind those closed doors.”

The situation was similar at Auckland’s Whangaparāoa College.

Principal Steve McCracken said he had to hire the equivalent of five school counsellors last year to help teenagers harmed by social media.

It was costing the school hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“I think that it is largely driven by social media and what they see is cool, the people that they see online with rich backgrounds and fast cars and all the bling.”

Last year, Australia became the first country to implement a social media ban for under 16’s, blocking access to sites like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Where to get help:

  • Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
  • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
  • Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
  • Samaritans: 0800 726 666
  • Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
  • What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
  • Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
  • Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
  • Healthline: 0800 611 116
  • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
  • OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
  • Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

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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/2026/03/09/schools-bringing-in-counsellors-to-deal-with-harm-caused-by-social-media/

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Rugby: Injury-hit Black Ferns Sevens outlast Australia in Vancouver thriller

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s women’s team celebrate with the trophy after defeating Australia to win the HSBC SVNS Vancouver rugby sevens tournament. AFP / DON MACKINNON

An injury-depleted Black Ferns Sevens side pulled off a hard fought victory over Australia in the Vancouver Sevens final on Monday.

Reduced to just three players on their reserves bench with Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Manaia Nuku unavailable, the odds were stacked against the Black Ferns, who have got the better of Australia in three of their four previous title clashes during the series.

Leading 12-5 at halftime, New Zealand appeared to be running out of steam as the Aussies reeled them in level the scores at 17-17 with a couple of minutes left on the clock before a late try Alena Saili sealed the victory for the Black Ferns.

Player of the match Jorja Miller was the crucial point of difference between the two teams.

Miller scored one and set up a second in a full-throttle final as the Black Ferns Sevens held off Australia maintain their perfect winning record in Vancouver.

Miller said the adversity faced by the team during the tournament made the win more meaningful.

“I am so proud of this team, I’m so honoured to wear this black jersey. We’ve had a few girls go down this weekend … it means a lot more to us than just rugby,” the

And, on International Women’s Day she remembered who had inspired her. “When I was younger I was looking up to the greats, amazing players like Portia and Sarah Hirini.

“I hope that, as a team, we can inspire young girls and young boys to play rugby.”

USA beat France in the third-place play-off to end a nine-tournament wait for a podium finish, while Canada got the home crowd on their feet as they claimed fifth, and Japan claimed seventh at the end of an end-to-end play-off against Great Britain.

In the men’s draw, South Africa toppled Spain to take out the title.

South Africa beat and Spain 38-12 in the men’s final.

The All Blacks Sevens failed to reach the semifinal stage after losing to both of the eventual finalists during pool play.

The series now heads to New York for the next weekend’s tournament.

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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/2026/03/09/rugby-injury-hit-black-ferns-sevens-outlast-australia-in-vancouver-thriller/

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Airlines may look to cut flights as fuel prices soar, airline boss says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Duane Emeny, chief operating officer of Air Chathams. Sharon Brettkelly

Airlines may have to cut the number of flights as they grapple with the soaring price of aviation fuel, according to the boss of a New Zealand airline.

The chief executive of Air Chathams says the rising cost of oil is costing the small airline some $140,000 extra a month in fuel.

The conflict in Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route carrying about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas.

It’s pushed the global oil prices higher. The benchmark Brent Crude rose 18 percent or by US$18 to US$110 a barrel shortly after trading resumed on Monday at 11am NZT.

Air Chathams chief executive Duane Emeny told Checkpoint that prices were certainly on their way up.

Emeny said fuel was the company’s third most expensive cost, behind people and maintenance, and it’s causing significant cost increases for the airline.

“Every time the fuel costs go up by 10 cents, for a small airline like Air Chathams, that’s about $300k on to the bottom line for us. As you can imagine, with an increase of about $60 a barrel to what we are seeing at the moment, which is around the $115 mark, you are looking at annual costs of about 1.65 million increase, or $140k a month,” he said.

“So, it’s really, really significant, especially for a small airline.”

Emeny said the airline may have to cut the number of flights should the price of jet fuel remain so high.

“If you can’t afford to put aeroplanes in the air, then you’ve got to look at that and say ‘do I cut back my schedule, do I provide less connectivity because of this cost and then wait until it comes right and eases?’.”

“… All airlines will be looking at this, the big ones and the little ones,” Emeny said.

He’d like the government to look at ways to soften the blow on airlines.

“It’s an uncontrollable. We just have to grin and bear it,” Emeny said.

“I would just say, if there is any opportunity for the government to look at some of the mechanisms they do control – [Civil Aviation Authority] CAA levies, cost of airways, those sort of things – maybe there’s some short-term measures we can look at to support airlines.”

He said pausing those levies would be a welcome relief, saving the airline around $200,000 a month.

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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/2026/03/09/airlines-may-look-to-cut-flights-as-fuel-prices-soar-airline-boss-says/

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Kaikōura farmer fined $35k for failing to register hundreds of cattle

Source: Radio New Zealand

Trevor Bolton, failed to track or register the movements of cattle on and off his farms. (File photo) RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A Kaikōura dairy farmer has been fined $35,000 for failing to register hundreds of cattle or track their movements on and off his farms.

Trevor Ronald Bolton, 59, was sentenced at the Kaikōura District Court on March 6, after pleading guilty to three charges under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Act.

Under the act, the movement of all cattle or deer must be declared to Operational Solutions for Primary Industries within 48 hours.

Animals must also be fitted with a NAIT tag and registered in the system by the time the animal is 180 days old or before it is moved off a farm. 

A Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) investigation found Bolton had not registered 269 animals, failed to declare 571 animals that were moved off-farm and failed to declare the movement of 83 animals onto his two large dairy farms.

He was fined $11,666 for each of the failures.

MPI district manager of animal welfare and NAIT compliance upper south Paul Soper said the system was critical in tracing animals to manage disease or biosecurity incursions.

“This farmer’s failures under the NAIT Act related to almost 1000 animals. As we have learned from our experience with Mycoplasma bovis it only takes one animal to cause a problem,” he said.

Soper said MPI took non-compliance with the animal tracing rules seriously.

“Put simply, when people in charge of animals disregard or fail to live up to their NAIT obligations they put the whole agricultural sector at risk,” he 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/2026/03/09/kaikoura-farmer-fined-35k-for-failing-to-register-hundreds-of-cattle/

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Taihoro reborn: Team NZ launches upgraded AC75 ahead of America’s Cup defence

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emirates Team New Zealand’s new AC75 sailing on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf James Somerset

Team New Zealand’s boat Taihoro is officially out of the shed and ready to hit the water ahead of next year’s America’s Cup.

The team relaunched their AC75 at their Wynyard Point base in Auckland on Monday, a milestone in a campaign that is focussed on securing a historic fourth consecutive victory in Naples in 2027.

While Taihoro is the same vessel that dominated the waters of Barcelona, it has undergone a significant refit to meet the new 38th America’s Cup rules.

Team New Zealand chief executive officer Grant Dalton said “to outsiders, there may not be a huge amount that is apparently different”.

“From the outside it looks similar.”

Under strict cost-containment measures, teams are restricted to their legacy hulls used in the last Cup.

To remain compliant, Team New Zealand’s designers worked within razor-thin margins, limited to three specific modification categories:

  • Cockpit Reconfiguration: Extensive work to transition the deck layout for the new crew requirements.
  • Structural Rebuilds: The team was permitted to rebuild up to 4sqm of the hull using the same shape but different materials, allowing for localised strengthening or weight optimisation.
  • Functional Rebates: Modifications were made to add rebates to maximize aerodynamic efficiency.

Team New Zealand’s head of design Dan Bernasconi said despite the same hulls being used again, the rules still allow for some significant technological developments and improvements in the AC75’s.

“The hulls have always been one of the most noticeable features on an America’s Cup yacht, but because the hulls spend so much time out of the water, there is actually not that much difference in the performance of hulls, maybe five seconds around the race course across all of the boats in Barcelona.

“So the class rule and design parameters still allow for important gains and difference in performance from the foils, sails and control systems for example. As with every iteration of the same class of boat, there is no doubt the racing will be a lot closer this time around between all teams.

“So, as always, winning will be a massive challenge for the whole team.”

Team New Zealand first unveiled Taihoro ahead of the 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona. LLUIS GENE / AFP

Chief operating officer Kevin Shoebridge also expected a step up in performance.

“Internally, our philosophy is to always drive innovation and technology, so we think Taihoro ‘2.0’ will be a great step on from what we saw in Barcelona.” .

The most radical visual transformation lies in the crew pod on either side of the AC75.

The cyclors, who used leg power to provide hydraulic pressure have been retired as per the Protocol. In their place sits a standardised battery system for use across all teams.

This high-capacity battery is now the primary source of power for the yacht’s complex foil and sail control systems.

This technological leap has direct consequences for the crew, moving the challenge from physical exertion to digital discipline, as sailors must manage finite battery limits throughout the race.

Crew sizes have shrunk from eight down to five.

With an odd number of crew, roles are becoming more fluid, or roles like flight control and sail trimming may be further consolidated.

Skipper Nathan Outteridge said there is a lot of anticipation around what the roles of the five sailors will be.

“When you look across all of the teams, the question is who will be in the different positions.

“For us, we have a fresh new team which is an exciting mix of young talent and experience so what that eventually looks like in July next year we don’t know right now. That’s part of what the next block sailing Taihoro is about.”

One certainty in the coming days is Olympic gold and silver medallist Jo Aleh is set to become the first woman to crew an AC75 as a new rule introduced to extend the pathways beyond the AC40’s and Women’s America’s Cup to the America’s Cup itself.

A notable addition to the new layout is a dedicated guest racer pod, designed to allow a non-crew member to experience the raw G-forces of an AC75 at full flight, a feature not seen since the days of the version 5 IACC boats in 2007.

Team New Zealand will be utilising the guest racer spot throughout their sailing block in Auckland over the coming weeks.

The relaunch ceremony was centred around the cultural traditions that have come to define the team’s identity with Iwi Manaaki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei presiding over the event, blessing Taihoro once again.

The blessing reconnected the vessel with its name, meaning “to move swiftly as the sea between both sky and earth”.

Aucklanders and America’s Cup followers will not have to wait long to see the Taihoro in action.

With the AC75 ready to go sailing, the first seen in the 38th America’s Cup cycle, the team will begin an intensive testing block immediately. Over the coming weeks, Taihoro will be a regular fixture on the Hauraki Gulf, flying across the water as the crew acclimates to the new dynamics of the freshly evolved AC75 before the team refocuses on AC40 racing at the first Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari, Sardinia in May.

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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/2026/03/09/taihoro-reborn-team-nz-launches-upgraded-ac75-ahead-of-americas-cup-defence/

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Advocacy – Government needs to close “back-door” method of restricting rights using proposed “move-on orders” – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa

 

PSNA has written to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith today requesting proposed ‘move-on’ laws will specifically continue to allow free speech and the right to protest under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act.

 

The approach to government comes in the wake of last week’s attempt by Christchurch City Councillor, Aaron Keown, to close down Palestine solidarity protests at Christchurch’s Bridge of Remembrance. 

 

As reported on Radio New Zealand Keown is insisting the police are keen to use the proposed new laws to shift protests on:

 

Keown said police told him months ago that they needed powers like the proposed move-on orders, which he believed would help disperse protesters.

Councillor Keown welcomed the newly announced move-on powers, which he believed would “absolutely help” disperse protesters, something Woods (Amnesty International director of advocacy and movement building Lisa Woods) said was of grave concern to Amnesty International.

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa’s Co-chair, John Minto says Keown’s statements contradict assurances made by senior police when a PSNA delegation met with them two weeks ago in Wellington to discuss increasing attacks on Palestine solidarity supporters by IDF soldiers and other elements of the pro-Israel lobby. 

 

“At the meeting police specifically told our delegation these ‘move-on’ orders would NOT be used to restrict protest rights.”

 

“So, there is a mass of confusion around over the proposed new law.”

“We need the Justice Minister to use clear wording, when he introduces legislation into Parliament, that anyone exercising their rights under the Bill of Rights Act will not be included.”

 

“We already have many laws which were introduced for a particular purpose, but which have been used to restrict the right to protest – for example trespass orders and ‘unlawful assembly’ provisions under the Crimes Act,” Minto says.

 

“New Zealanders rights to free speech and right to protest in public are under attack. Last year police and the Independent Police Conduct Authority colluded to propose legislation which would have required police permission to organise a protest”

 

“Authoritarian regimes the world over are putting heavy restriction on the right to protest. Many of them claim to be democracies.  It’s important we resist jack-boot policing here.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/advocacy-government-needs-to-close-back-door-method-of-restricting-rights-using-proposed-move-on-orders-psna/

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Tech – NEW INDUSTRY CODE COMBATS ONLINE SCAMMERS – Tech New Zealand

Source: Tech New Zealand

MARCH 9, 2026 – In a significant milestone for consumer protection, Tech New Zealand has partnered with three of the world’s largest digital platforms to launch the New Zealand Online Scams Code (NZOSC): https://technewzealand.org.nz/the-code/online-scams-code/

Signed by founding signatories Google, Meta and TikTok, the Code entails 38 concrete commitments to combatting online scams, spanning blocking, reporting, takedowns, advertising, email/messaging, law enforcement, intelligence sharing, consumer communications, and future-proofing. The Code aligns New Zealand with international best practice, and is based on Australia’s Online Scams Code, developed by Australian industry association Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI).

Tech New Zealand CEO Graeme Muller said the Code, which is voluntary and open to any digital industry organisation to adopt for its own use, significantly raises the level of digital protection for consumers.

“Scammers are sophisticated, well-resourced and operating at scale and New Zealanders deserve an industry that meets that challenge head on. The New Zealand Online Scams Code is exactly that: a practical, public commitment from the digital industry to protect the people who use our platforms every day.”

The Code was launched at Parliament on 9 March 2026 to a gathering of senior government representatives, policy makers and industry leaders from across Aotearoa’s tech ecosystem, united in their belief that protecting New Zealanders online is a collective responsibility.

“This is what good tech looks like in practice: industry and government working together, proactively raising the bar for every New Zealander,” said Mr Muller.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson, who is also the lead Minister against scams, said the new code is a key action from the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance, launched last year.  

“The Alliance is working to strengthen multiple industry codes of conduct. So far, banks have introduced the Code of Banking Practice, and the telecommunications sector is reviewing its Scam Prevention Code.

“Today’s announcement of the New Zealand Online Scams Code, aimed at digital platforms, provides another tool in the war against scams. We will be monitoring the code’s success, and make adjustments if needed, so that New Zealanders can feel safer online.

“My goal as the lead Minister against scams is to make New Zealand the least attractive target for scammers.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/tech-new-industry-code-combats-online-scammers-tech-new-zealand/

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Legislation – Employment Leave Bill a long-overdue step towards clarity – EMA

Source: EMA

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) says the Employment Leave Bill, which was introduced to Parliament today, marks a significant and long-overdue step towards fixing a Holidays Act that has frustrated employers and employees for more than a decade.
Alan McDonald, Head of Advocacy and Strategy at the EMA, says it is encouraging to see the reform progressing at pace after several previous attempts stalled.
“Successive governments have acknowledged the problems, but this is the first time in years we’ve seen meaningful progress,” he says. 
“It’s good to see the reforms maintaining momentum as this overhaul has been needed for a very long time.”
McDonald says the Bill’s shift to a standard-hours-based calculation is a major improvement, but one that will require employers and employees to work through the practical implications.
“It significantly simplifies the system for both employers and employees, which is what everyone has been asking for. But there’s still a bit for employers to get their heads around, particularly how standard hours apply to existing arrangements and how employment contracts may need to be updated.”
The two-year implementation window for the new legislation is sensible and gives employers and employees time to adjust to new systems, rewrite contracts, and work through transition issues.
“There are questions that need more clarity as implementation approaches,” McDonald says. 
“In particular, how existing leave balances will be treated, how built-up entitlements will roll over to the new system, and how the rules apply to people with variable or commission-based earnings. Those transition details matter, and employers and employees need certainty on how to manage those changes.”
McDonald says EMA members will welcome the pro-rata approach for sick leave entitlements for part-time workers.
“Ten days’ sick leave for all workers, regardless of whether they work one shift or five, was introduced as a Covid-era measure that we didn’t support at the time. Moving to a pro-rated system for part-time workers is fairer and better reflects the reality of modern work.”
McDonald says the Leave Compensation Payment (LCP) is an important offset to the change for part-time and casual workers, but it’s another new concept employers need to manage.
With the Bill now before Parliament and submissions opening shortly, the EMA is encouraging members to back the reforms.
“Now that we have a workable solution on the table, we want to see the base settings stay in place long enough for the new system to bed in,” McDonald says. 
“The old rules were universally seen as unworkable, but no one wants to finally fix it only to have it quickly changed again.”
He says the submission process is the right time for employers to raise technical issues or propose refinements.
“This is the moment to make improvements. The next few weeks will be important, and we’ll be urging our members to submit in support of the Bill.”
Once the Employment Leave Bill has passed its first reading, submissions can be made to Parliament’s Education and Workforce Select Committee.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/legislation-employment-leave-bill-a-long-overdue-step-towards-clarity-ema/

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Luxon: Bad poll result ‘not a major focus’ for National

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Prime Minister continues to insist he has the backing of his party and colleagues, and that he has only discussed last week’s disastrous poll “in passing”.

The Taypayers Union-Curia poll last week put National on 28.4 percent – its lowest result since he became leader.

Speaking at his post-Cabinet media conference this afternoon, Christopher Luxon said polling was not a major focus of discussion with his ministers and fellow National MPs.

He said the media had “gone a bit bananas” on the poll result, and his support amongst the caucus was solid.

He said he did not need to talk to members of his party over the weekend to know he had their support.

“I talk to my ministers and MPs all of the time. In passing I talked about the poll results, but I talked about lots of other things.”

He said the poll had not been a “major focus”.

“I can reassure you I’ll be the leader going into the election on November 7.”

Luxon said the poll result was just one of many, and that only one poll really mattered to him.

“Every day I’m talking to Kiwis and the key thing is their poll – and they tell me they’re frustrated with the cost of living and frustrated with the speed of the economic recovery, and that’s what they want us to do.”

He added that the kinds of numbers seen in last week’s poll were “not going to happen” on Election Day.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Riding the economic shockwaves

Finance Minister Nicola Willis also spoke at this afternoon’s press conference, and sought to give reassurance the government could respond to any economic shocks caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

Willis said the potential impacts to GDP depended on how long the conflict lasted – saying it could be between -0.2 to -0.4 percent, but beyond that it depended on the global trajectory for growth.

She said there were so many different scenarios that she could not give precise figures.

“We are already seeing impacts in the price New Zealanders pay for petrol and we can anticipate a range of potential consequences for supply chains, trade, inflation and future economic activity.”

Willis did say it was unlikely the government will cut fuel excise taxes.

“I’d love to be able to say I can take away the pain right now, but I’m conscious that short term gain could lead to longer term pain, and I’m mindful that any immediate actions do come with a longer term cost.”

She said while there is a lot of volatile in global oil prices, the government does not expect fuel companies to take advantage of rising prices.

“We have asked the Commerce Commission to step up its monitoring of fuel prices and if necessary to call out any suspect pricing behaviour by retailers.”

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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/2026/03/09/luxon-bad-poll-result-not-a-major-focus-for-national/

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Te Papa, botanical gardens added to measles locations of interest

Source: Radio New Zealand

Te Papa was one of the locations visited by the tourist in February. CC4.0

A tourist who was in New Zealand while infected with measles visited Te Papa museum and the Wellington botanical gardens.

On Sunday, Health New Zealand confirmed 13 other measles locations of interest linked to the traveller between 23-27 February.

The case was confirmed after they left the country.

Trains, tourist spots, Parliament tours and both Wellington and Auckland airports are among the locations of interest.

The health agency has added Te Papa and the Wellington Botanical Gardens to the list on Monday afternoon.

The person visited Te Papa Museum on 26 February between 10am and 1pm and Wellington Botanical Gardens on he same day between 1pm and 2.30pm.

Health New Zealand said anyone who suspected they had measles should phone ahead before visiting their doctor so they could take precautions to stop it spreading.

Symptoms include a runny nose, fever, cough, sore watery eyes and a rash that develops a few days after the fever.

“We remind everyone that measles is one of the most highly contagious illnesses of all infectious diseases and spreads very easily. Anyone who was at a location of interest should monitor for symptoms of measles,” said Dr Emma Sherwood, a public health specialist at Health NZ.

“When given after 12 months of age, two doses of the MMR vaccine protects 99 percent of people and gives the best long-lasting protection. It is still possible for people who are vaccinated to get the illness, but it is much less likely.”

Locations of interest

23/02/2026 (7:30am to 8:30am) Train HVL Epuni to Upper Hutt

23/02/26 (9:30pm to 1:00pm) Nga Manu Reserve, Waikanae

23/02/26 (12:15pm to 4:15pm) Adrenaline Forest, Porirua

23/02/2026 (4pm to 5:30pm) Train HVL Upper Hutt to Epuni

24/02/2026 (9am to 10am) Train HVL Epuni to Wellington Station

24/02/2026 (3pm to 4pm) Train HVL Wellington Station to Epuni Station

25/02/26 (5:15pm to 8:30pm) Fraser Park Sportsville / Ricoh Sports Centre

26/02/2026 (8.30am to 9.30am) Train HVL Epuni to Wellington Station

26/02/2026 (10am to 1pm) Te Papa Museum

26/02/26 (12:00pm to 1:30pm) Cable Car, 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington

26/02/26 (1pm and 2.30pm) Wellington Botanical Gardens

26/02/26 (1:30pm to 4:00pm) Parliament Tour (bespoke tour for educational group)

26/02/26 (4:10pm to 8:20pm) Wellington Airport Domestic Terminal

26/02/26 (8:30pm to10:30pm) Auckland Airport Domestic Terminal

26/02/26-27/02/26 (9:00pm to 1:00am) Auckland Airport’s International Terminal

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/09/te-papa-botanical-gardens-added-to-measles-locations-of-interest/

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‘What’s going on?’: Kiwi cricketer Brett Randell on the five-ball blitz that created history

Source: Radio New Zealand

Central Stags paceman Brett Randell captured global headlines after becoming the first player to claim a triple hat-trick in the 254-year history of first class cricket. www.photosport.nz

After taking his fifth wicket in five balls, a perplexed Brett Randell looked to his teammates for an explanation.

“What was going on? I don’t think anyone knew what was going on. We were coming into the huddle after each of the wickets and their reactions were the same as mine, just ‘what’s going on?’”

The Central Districts bowler rewrote the record books on Sunday after becoming the first player to claim a triple hat-trick in the 254-year history of first class cricket.

He achieved the feat during a Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts at McLean Park in Napier.

“It’s a once in a lifetime thing and I’m just going to try and stay grounded and go into next game, just trying to emulate the same plans, but recognising that the same thing’s probably not going to happen again,” Randell said.

The accomplishment had still not fully sunk in for Randell.

“It was pretty crazy. I still can’t really believe it, I don’t think I will for a while.”

He described a surreal feeling as the wickets kept tumbling. Randell’s dismissals read bowled, bowled, caught behind, caught at slip, bowled.

“I was just trying to stay level headed and just keep putting the ball in the same area because it was clearly working. That was about it really, couldn’t believe what was happening, but still trying to stay in the same area that I had been doing for the previous few balls.

“We talk about not really not searching for wickets. So I was just trying to put the ball in the same area because it had got wickets already. So I just thought, why not? I’m just going to keep trying to put it in the same area and see what happens.

“I managed to snaffle another couple. Then the couple in the over after that as well, I was just trying to do the same thing.”

As for his favourite, he said they were all “pretty good”.

“I think the first one I was quite happy with because of the balls proceeding it, I had a plan come to fruition. Then they just kept coming off. So I’d say all of them are pretty equal.”

Commenters online attempted to take the gloss off the feat, questioning whether or not the third wicket was legitimate.

“I thought it hit glove initially. I spoke to Joe (Carter) this morning and he said he would have gone up as well, but he was pretty adamant that he didn’t hit it.

“I mean, at the end of the day, the umpire put his finger up and that’s all there is to it.”

Having captured global headlines, Randell said he was simply trying to enjoy the moment.

“The messages from family and friends have been crazy. Everyone just can’t really believe it. From friends all around the world as well that I’ve played cricket with – it was a really special moment.”

A veteran of the first-class scene, Randell, who represented New Zealand at under-19 level, made his debut for Northern Districts in 2017. He said he still had ambitions of a Black Caps’ call-up.

“I’ve moved around quite a bit, those sorts of selections or recognition will come or they won’t. At the end of the day, I’m just trying to put out some good performances for the Stags and be the best cricketer and best person I can be.”

Though he said he had shared plenty of memorable moments with the Stags, from a personal standpoint, the triple hat-trick sits alone as his finest hour on a cricket pitch.

“I don’t think there is any topping it, unless I can join a fellow teammate of mine Ajaz Patel and get 10 in an innings.”

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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/2026/03/09/whats-going-on-kiwi-cricketer-brett-randell-on-the-five-ball-blitz-that-created-history/

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Former Auckland executive who paid teen $1000 for sex, sentenced to 10 months home detention

Source: Radio New Zealand

The executive has since left his job. (File photo) RNZ/Yiting Lin

A former Auckland executive has been denied permanent name suppression, but still cannot be named after being convicted of paying a teenager $1000 for sex.

The man was charged with receiving “commercial sexual services” from a person aged under 18.

He was sentenced on Monday, to 10-month home detention and ordered to pay $3000 in emotional harm reparation, however an appeal application means he still can’t be named.

MORE TO COME…

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/09/former-auckland-executive-who-paid-teen-1000-for-sex-sentenced-to-10-months-home-detention/

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Woman charged after dog kills 4-year-old

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Angus Dreaver

A woman has a been charged with owning a dog that caused death to a person, after the death of a child last year.

Four-year-old Timothy Tu’uaki Rolleston-Bryan died after a dog attack in Katikati in March 2025.

At the time of his death, spokesperson for Tuapiro Marae Shaan Kingi said he was known as a “boisterous young boy, very playful, adventurous”.

“He was a loving, young, happy-go-lucky boy.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown says a 35-year-old is due to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on 16 March.

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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/2026/03/09/woman-charged-after-dog-kills-4-year-old/

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Politics live: Christopher Luxon responds to poll result

Source: Radio New Zealand

Finance minster Nicola Willis is joining Christopher Luxon at the weekly post-Cabinet media conference, with an update on the economy. But attention is likely to fall on the Prime Minister with questions about his leadership, the polls and Iran.

Follow all the latest news with RNZ’s live blog.

The prime minister is facing disastrous poll numbers, while also dealing with global issues, as missiles continue to tear through Middle Eastern skies.

Pressure is mounting on the Christopher Luxon with a poll result last week putting National in the 20s.

Listen to the PM’s appearance on Morning Report here:

Luxon batted away questions last week about stepping down as party leader following the latest Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll that had National on 28.4 – down nearly 3 points from its poll last month.

Luxon said on Friday evening none of his Cabinet colleagues had told him to reconsider his future, saying “all of them” back him.

He said he was “absolutely not” considering standing down and said he had the skills to lead the National Party and the country.

Luxon also made a personal explanation in the House on Tuesday night, after he stated incorrectly the government was automatically extending visas for people in New Zealand affected by the war in Iran.

RNZ / Angus Dreaver

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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/2026/03/09/politics-live-christopher-luxon-responds-to-poll-result/

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Iran conflict sparks freight chaos: New Zealand faces soaring costs and months‑long delays

Source: Radio New Zealand

Freight was being disrupted due to the conflict in Iran. (File photo) Bryan Crump

A freight company is warning New Zealand faces sharply higher freight prices, rising living costs, and months‑long delivery delays as the impact of the Iran conflict spreads through global supply chains.

Rocket Freight said local road transport carriers had already increased fuel charges by more than 30 percent.

Director Lisa Coleman said the escalating costs would hit consumers across the board.

“It’s everywhere, it’s affecting everyone, and it will come down to the last dollar for every single person in New Zealand,” she said.

“Every product that arrives on shelves will be affected.”

Coleman said air freight was also squeezed.

Air and sea freight was being squeezed. (File photo) Luis Boza / NurPhoto via AFP

Dubai-based Emirates – the largest air freight operator in the country – had halted operations, and remaining carriers had immediately added war and fuel surcharges, she said.

With only two main air freight providers still serving New Zealand, and a number of airlines yet to return after the pandemic, Coleman said competition was limited and prices had jumped, particularly for outsized cargo.

While she said some increases were understandable, “a lot of it looks like a marketing ploy and a money grab”.

Seaborne freight also disrupted

Ocean freight faced similar pressures.

Coleman said international shipping lines had introduced a “war risk surcharge” of up to 50 percent on marine transit policies.

Many vessels were avoiding the Middle East entirely, re-routing around southern Africa – adding up to 40 days to transit times and significantly increasing fuel costs.

The closure of Dubai – a critical global hub – had thrown container schedules into disarray, leaving vessels out of position and disrupting logistics chains.

Explosions from the interception of an Iranian projectile are seen in the sky over Dubai. (File photo) AFP / Giuseppe Cacace

“All the trade routing we would normally use is changing. It’s all fluctuating – nobody knows when cargo is going to get here,” Coleman said.

Some shipping lines also invoked force majeure, the contractual mechanism that freed them from delivery obligations during events such as war, natural disasters, or government action.

In several cases, Coleman said cargo had been offloaded at the nearest safe port.

“Then you have to negotiate to get that container picked up from wherever it ended up, put on a different ship, and get it over here.”

Force majeure events were not covered by insurance, because they were treated as acts of war.

The only stable spot, for now, was freight to Australia and China – though Coleman expected prices on those routes to rise as fuel costs continued to climb.

Delays, fuel concerns, and the risk of rationing

Coleman said US-bound freight was already chaotic under the existing tariff environment, but she was increasingly worried about New Zealand’s ability to draw down fuel reserves at an affordable cost if the crisis intensified.

“The supply is obviously going to be our biggest worry. This country will absolutely stop if we have to start fuel‑rationing,” she said.

Coleman said rising transport costs would ripple through every part of the supply chain.

“It comes down to that loaf of bread – it’s going to increase dramatically just because of transport costs.”

Consumers and businesses should expect higher prices and significant delays, she said, warning major household goods not currently in stock could now take months to arrive.

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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/2026/03/09/iran-conflict-sparks-freight-chaos-new-zealand-faces-soaring-costs-and-months-long-delays/

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Fine handed down after acquisition of wood shavings company lessened competition

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The High Court has penalised two companies $420,000 over an acquisition that substantially lessened competition in the wood shavings market.

The Commerce Commission filed proceedings against Alderson Logistics and associated company Supa Shavings, over the acquisition of ABS Carriers in 2022.

Pre-acquisition, ABS and Supa Shavings were the largest suppliers of bulk wood shavings in Waikato.

“The companies were each other’s closest competitors and, when those assets were acquired, that competition was eliminated,” commission chair John Small said.

“The Commission was not notified about the acquisition, so this case is an important reminder that while our clearance regime is voluntary, we can take action against mergers or acquisitions where clearance was not sought.”

The case also marked the first time the commission asked a business to divest the acquired assets.

However, the commission said a deal to sell ABS fell through, meaning the divestment did not happen.

In her judgement, Justice Gardiner noted Alderson and Supa Shavings accepted they gained commercially from the deal for about 13 months, until a shavings supply shock in June 2023 affected their profitability.

Small said it was vital for firms to understand their obligations under the Commerce Act.

“While divestment was unsuccessful in this case, this shows the array of enforcement actions available to us,” he said.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/09/fine-handed-down-after-acquisition-of-wood-shavings-company-lessened-competition/

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Senior first responder facing child exploitation charges continues to keep name a secret

Source: Radio New Zealand

The man appeared via audio-visual-link at the Christchurch District Court on Monday. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A senior first responder facing child exploitation charges has elected to have a judge-alone trial.

The man, whose name and occupation are suppressed, has pleaded not guilty to five charges relating to the possession and exportation of child exploitation material brought by Customs last year.

The man appeared via audio-visual-link at the Christchurch District Court on Monday.

He had previously elected a trial by jury but has now opted for a judge-alone trial.

At a court appearance in September, it was revealed the man had been fired from his job.

His lawyer Craig Ruane said the man’s employment had been terminated because the charges “brought his employer into disrepute”.

Ruane said his client had highly developed skills in his industry and publication would hinder him from obtaining employment.

Judge Elkin agreed to extend the man’s interim name suppression until his trial because publication would cause extreme hardship.

The man is on bail ahead of his next court appearance in April.

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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/2026/03/09/senior-first-responder-facing-child-exploitation-charges-continues-to-keep-name-a-secret/

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Politics live: Christopher Luxon faces grilling after disastrous week

Source: Radio New Zealand

Finance minster Nicola Willis is joining Christopher Luxon at the weekly post-Cabinet media conference, with an update on the economy. But attention is likely to fall on the Prime Minister with questions about his leadership, the polls and Iran.

Follow all the latest news with RNZ’s live blog.

The prime minister is facing disastrous poll numbers, while also dealing with global issues, as missiles continue to tear through Middle Eastern skies.

Pressure is mounting on the Christopher Luxon with a poll result last week putting National in the 20s.

Listen to the PM’s appearance on Morning Report here:

Luxon batted away questions last week about stepping down as party leader following the latest Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll that had National on 28.4 – down nearly 3 points from its poll last month.

Luxon said on Friday evening none of his Cabinet colleagues had told him to reconsider his future, saying “all of them” back him.

He said he was “absolutely not” considering standing down and said he had the skills to lead the National Party and the country.

Luxon also made a personal explanation in the House on Tuesday night, after he stated incorrectly the government was automatically extending visas for people in New Zealand affected by the war in Iran.

RNZ / Angus Dreaver

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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/2026/03/09/politics-live-christopher-luxon-faces-grilling-after-disastrous-week/

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If you drink, don’t drive. It’s a decision that can save a life

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police remind motorists that drink driving is never worth the risk.

If you’re heading out to enjoy an event, a gathering, or a night with friends, plan a sober ride home for your safety, and for everyone else on the road.

Over the weekend, several well‑attended events were held across rural Canterbury, including at the Lincoln Domain on Saturday evening and in Waipara on Sunday.

Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker says Police were pleased that the events were largely trouble‑free, but that it was disappointing to see that some drivers still chose to consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel.

“These decisions put themselves, their passengers and other road users at serious risk.”

Police commend the many motorists who made the right call by arranging safe transport and driving responsibly but have seen enough when it comes to impaired driving.

“The consequences of crashes caused by alcohol or drugs are devastating,” says Senior Sergeant Walker.

“For whānau, communities and for the emergency responders who attend them.

“Our staff will continue to maintain a strong presence on the roads to educate drivers and prevent harm.

“We see the damage so we’re unapologetic about prevention.”

With several major events coming up, including Supercars, Super Rugby fixtures and two busy long weekends with Easter and ANZAC Day, Police urge everyone to plan before heading out.

“If you’re drinking or using drugs, legal or illegal, don’t drive.

“Choose a sober driver. Call a taxi. Use public transport. Stay the night.

“One decision can save a life.” 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/if-you-drink-dont-drive-its-a-decision-that-can-save-a-life/

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Woman summonsed following fatal dog attack, March 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police have today summonsed a 35-year-old woman in relation to the death of four-year-old Timothy Rolleston, following a dog attack in Katakati in March 2025.

The woman faces a charge of owning a dog that causes death to a person.

She is due to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on Monday 16 March.

Timothy’s family have been notified of this outcome.

Our thoughts remain with them, and we continue to offer them the necessary support.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/woman-summonsed-following-fatal-dog-attack-march-2025/