Category: AM-NC

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How Aucklanders can better prepare for flooding and storms

Source: Auckland Council

A new Auckland Council commissioned report shows that many Aucklanders are making assumptions about flood risk that could put them in danger.

The Renting and Climate Change in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland report found that renters often expect landlords to tell them about hazards, but this doesn’t always happen. It also shows that many renters, landlords and property managers rely on their memory of past storms instead of using up‑to‑date flood information.

The report points to simple tools that can help, including Flood Viewer and the updated Auckland Climate Action website.

Nancy Baines, Auckland Council Principal Flood Risk, says the findings highlight the need for clear, easy information.

“Aucklanders want to make good decisions about their homes, whether they’re renting, buying, or managing a property. Tools like Flood Viewer help people get a clearer picture of potential flooding risks, and the Auckland Climate Action website makes it easier to plan with confidence.”

Flood Viewer gives clear, local information about possible flooding and includes videos and guides on what steps people can take to prepare.

The Auckland Climate Action website offers practical advice to help renters find and maintain healthier, more climate-ready homes. It includes tips on what to look for in a rental and how to manage dampness, heat and energy use.

“These resources give everyone – tenants, landlords, and property managers – the same starting point,” Nancy says. “It’s about helping Aucklanders make informed decisions and feel safer in their homes.”

The report also found that while many people prepare for storms in simple ways — like keeping emergency supplies or checking drainage — fewer know about longer-term steps they can take. Cost, confusion, and limited guidance were common barriers.

The refreshed Auckland Climate Action website aims to close this gap by offering practical tips on building resilience over time.

You can read the full report on Knowledge Auckland.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/how-aucklanders-can-better-prepare-for-flooding-and-storms/

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Employment Disputes – Fire and Emergency received calls for 10 incidents during today’s NZPFU strike

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand received calls for 10 incidents between 12pm and 1pm today, Monday, 2 March, the fifteenth time the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has taken strike action.
Of the 10 incidents, eight were in areas impacted by the strike.
Four of these were fire alarms which did not result in a fire.
One was a medical incident, to which Hato Hone St John responded as per existing contingency plans.
Two were small fires in a bin and a bush, and one was a motor vehicle crash.
Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper thanked Fire and Emergency’s 11,800 volunteers across the country, particularly those volunteers who were called to attend events in areas impacted by the strike.
“I would also like to thank our Operational Commanders and Communication Centre Managers who contributed to the response.”
Ken Cooper also thanked New Zealanders for their extra care during the strike hour.
“It is disappointing the NZPFU continues to escalate its industrial action while we are in facilitation.
“We’ve seen the devastating outcome of fires in Pakuranga and Northcote College in recent weeks during strikes by paid firefighters. The NZPFU continues to gamble with public safety each time they strike,” Ken Cooper says.
“Fire and Emergency has also been seeking an agreed process with NZPFU on how we can respond to emergency situations during these strikes. These NZPFU has rebuffed by these attempts.”
“Fire and Emergency and the NZPFU are currently in a process of facilitation with the Employment Relations Authority’s independent facilitator. We remain engaged with the process in good faith and believe it’s the best chance of coming to a positive sustainable outcome.
“Prior to facilitation, there was a huge gap between what we were offering and NZPFU’s expectations. Fire and Emergency’s offer at the time amounted to a 6.2 percent average increase over three years and compared favourably with equivalent recent public sector agreements, but this was three times less than the NZPFU’s settlement proposal. 
“We believe our offer represented a fair and sustainable increase for our people. We continue to call on the NZPFU to call off its now twice-weekly strikes while the process of facilitation takes place. There is no point gambling with the public’s safety while we are engaged in this process,” Ken Cooper says. 
“We remain committed to a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement with the NZPFU, so we can continue working to keep our communities safe.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/employment-disputes-fire-and-emergency-received-calls-for-10-incidents-during-todays-nzpfu-strike/

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Transport – Road freight sector watching oil prices as Middle East conflict continues

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand says the road freight industry will be monitoring the risk of fuel supply issues and rising oil prices closely, as conflict in the Middle East pushes up the global price of crude.
Chief Executive Dom Kalasih said diesel is typically the second-largest cost for road freight operators after wages, meaning sustained increases put pressure on transport rates.
“With around 93 per cent of New Zealand’s freight moved by road, changes in diesel prices flow through the supply chain and can ultimately affect the cost of goods for businesses and consumers,” Kalasih said.
“Fuel is also the most volatile cost in our industry. Over recent years, price spikes have contributed to transport cost pressures rising well above CPI.”
Kalasih said it was too early to determine the full impact of the Middle East conflict on New Zealand diesel prices, but urged operators to closely monitor their costs.
“The road freight market is highly competitive, and many businesses operate on tight margins. That limits their ability to absorb cost increases.”
He said operators use a range of approaches to manage fuel volatility.
“Some companies apply a fuel adjustment factor, which allows rates to move up or down in line with fuel prices. Others will need to review their pricing manually.”
Kalasih also noted that the Government requires diesel importers to hold minimum fuel reserves to strengthen national resilience and reduce the risk of supply disruption. Under a decision announced last year, the minimum stockholding obligation for diesel will increase from 21 days to 28 days’ cover from 1 July 2028.
Editorial Notes
New Zealand imports approximately 3,700 million litres of diesel per year, compared to under 3,000 million litres of petrol (MBIE Fuel Security Study 2025).
Approximately 70 per cent of diesel is used by the transport sector. Around 11 per cent is used by industry, 10 per cent by agriculture and fishing, with the remainder consumed by commercial, retail and international shipping sectors (MBIE Fuel Security Study 2025).
A 2024 Commerce Commission analysis found that cost increases for Regular 91 and Premium 95 petrol were passed through to consumers more immediately than cost reductions. This asymmetry was not observed for diesel. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/transport-road-freight-sector-watching-oil-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-continues/

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Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to media amid US-Israeli conflict with Iran

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is taking questions from reporters in his weekly post-Cabinet media conference.

It comes as US President Donald Trump warns the deadly US-Israeli conflict with Iran could last for four weeks.

Luxon has refused to be drawn on whether the coalition fully supports the strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.

He told Morning Report the Iranian regime was an evil one and had been a destabilising force in the Middle East.

Pressed on whether the strikes are legal or morally right, Luxon said it will be up to the US and Israel to present their case.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Former prime minister Helen Clark has criticised the government’s response, saying it’s clear the strikes have violated international law.

New Zealand officials said advice has been sent directly to New Zealanders registered as being in ten Middle East countries, telling them to shelter in place and leave when it is safe and possible to do so.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was closely co-ordinating with consular teams in a number of countries, including on contingency plans, though airspace remains closed in many countries while attacks continue.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/watch-prime-minister-christopher-luxon-speaks-to-media-amid-us-israeli-conflict-with-iran/

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Thousands of shipping containers filled with NZ exports caught up in Middle East conflict

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo Unsplash / Aron Yigin

Thousands of shipping containers filled with New Zealand exports bound for international markets are caught up in the Midd le East conflict.

New Zealand has a free-trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council which includes countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman.

New Zealand exported $3.1 billion worth of product there in the year to June last year – mostly dairy, red meat and horticulture products.

Shipping firm Kotahi, which was set up by Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms, said it’s working with its carrier partners and customers to identify contingency plans and alternative routes for cargo destined for the Middle East or scheduled to transit through the region.

Chief executive Emma Parsons said all shipping lines have suspended services through the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East conflict, Kotahi currently has 4000 TEU (equivalent 20-foot containers) of cargo in transit on this trade lane.

“Kotahi is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and is well positioned to respond quickly to support New Zealand exporters in this evolving situation.”

The Meat Industry Association said nearly all our exports to the Gulf Co-operation Council, which were worth $298 million last year, go through Hormuz.

“While there are other ports outside the Gulf for some of the GCC countries, such as Jeddah for Saudi Arabia and Soha for Oman, these are likely to face significant congestion and delays if the ports inside the Gulf can’t be accessed,” a spokesperson said.

“If Hormuz is closed, congestion and delays will primarily impact chilled exports to the Middle East, which were worth $166 million last year.”

The association said disruption in the straight won’t affect exports to the United Kingdom and Europe as New Zealand red-meat products are shipped via the Red Sea or around Africa.

Dairy giant Fonterra said it’s monitoring the situation closely, “It’s too early to say what the impact will be.”

“The Middle East is an important and complex region and we are well versed at trading through geopolitical and trade volatility along with supply chain disruptions.

“However, the situation remains highly unpredictable, with a variety of scenarios that could play out over time.”

Export New Zealand executive director Joshua Tan said it’s important exporters monitor developments.

“I think at this stage there are probably more questions than answers, given that it’s all happened over the last 48 hours.

“I think overall, there are probably three key issues for global supply chains at this point. That’s the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and how that affects shipping lanes, but then also the global oil supply, the closure of major airports in the region, and then the anticipated resumption of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.”

Tan said exporters have product on the water heading towards affected ports.

“Exporters need to work with their logistics providers early on about what to do. It’s about keeping your customers and your clients informed about what potential delays there might be and what you’re doing to mitigate those.”

Tan understands the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is organising a briefing for exporters.

“Companies learnt some really valuable lessons about resilience during Covid – certainly the need to increase communications up and down the supply chain. improving relationships with customers and also those logistics providers, but then also the need to consider a just-in-case inventory model in markets and holding higher stock levels overseas.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/thousands-of-shipping-containers-filled-with-nz-exports-caught-up-in-middle-east-conflict/

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Aged care sector needs better funding, nurses need more money – association

Source: Radio New Zealand

A rally for the aged care sector and its workers in 2024. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Aged Care Association says the sector needs better funding to be able to compete with the public sector for nurses.

It comes after public and mental health nurses employed by Health New Zealand ratified their new collective agreements over the weekend, after 18 months of bargaining.

Chief executive Tracey Martin said nurses in aged care, who were not Te Whatu Ora employees, needed to be better paid in order to compete with the public sector – and to do that, the sector needed more funding.

“The nurses inside aged residential care have the same qualifications, they do the same if not more complex work, and yet they don’t receive the same remuneration because the funding model from government actually doesn’t fund equity of pay across those nurse workforces.”

An ageing population was set to put more pressure on the health system as a whole, Martin said, so aged care needed to be able to attract and retain skilled workers.

“As long as it is treated as a secondary career option, compared to going and working in hospitals for Health New Zealand, then we’re going to struggle to make sure that we have the workforce required to deliver the services and the care that the predicted number of New Zealanders are going to need over the next 25 to 50 years,” she said.

At the moment, while rural and regional areas were harder to staff, the aged care sector was doing okay, because Te Whatu Ora had not been hiring in the same volumes due to its own cost pressures.

But Martin said 70 percent of the aged care workforce was from overseas, which showed New Zealanders were not choosing jobs in aged care.

“The moment Te Whatu Ora starts hiring, because of the funding model residential care is working with, many nurses [will] then go to work in hospitals.”

Martin said the government, as the primary funder of aged residential care services, needed to increase funding – and not just for wages.

“Many providers are currently operating below the true cost of care,” she said.

“When a general uplift is fully prescribed to wages, it leaves no capacity to address rising food, utilities, insurance, compliance and capital costs. That places ongoing pressure on service sustainability.”

In October, a ministerial advisory group was announced to make recommendations updating the system, including a look at the funding model.

The government was spending $2.5 billion a year on aged care, which was provided privately, to accommodate the 900,000 New Zealanders over 65. That number is expected to increase to 1.3 million by 2040.

The advisory group was expected to report back by the middle of 2026, with any changes to the funding model implemented in 2027.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/aged-care-sector-needs-better-funding-nurses-need-more-money-association/

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Publicly-funded x-rays and ultrasounds now offered in Wānaka

Source: Radio New Zealand

Matt Doocey says the changes will reduce travel time for patients. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Publicly-funded x-rays and ultrasounds are now offered in Wānaka, the government has announced.

The lack of local diagnostic testing was a key concern raised by residents at a Rural Health Roadshow last year.

The change was expected to lead to about 1400 x-rays and 1500 ultrasounds over the next 18 months.

Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said people had made it clear that access to diagnostic tests was a major barrier to good healthcare.

“People living in Central Otago deserve timely, quality healthcare close to home. Changes like this reduce unnecessary travel and ensure patients can access reliable services in their own community,” he said.

Health Action Wānaka, which has been advocating for more equitable healthcare, described the change as an “amazing” step forward.

Chairperson Monique Mayze said people previously had to drive for at least an hour to Dunstan Hospital in Clyde if they did not want to pay.

“This has meant people obviously have to find childcare, take time off work, spend more money just getting somewhere to access something that should be free,” she said.

“We’ve been advocating for this change for some time, since we met the minister in July last year.”

She said the group would like to see CAT scans and MRI scans available in Wānaka too, rather than people having to travel to Dunedin.

The government has been working on ways to overhaul the area’s health services and address long-standing inequities.

In November, officials estimated that shifting appointments out of major hospitals and into communities could spare Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes residents as many as 40,000 road trips per year.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/publicly-funded-x-rays-and-ultrasounds-now-offered-in-wanaka/

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Firearms owners say gun laws overhaul doesn’t go far enough to undo ‘damage’

Source: Radio New Zealand

A selection of firearms which are now prohibited, on display to media at a 2022 police press conference. RNZ / Ana Tovey

Firearms owners say the government’s overhaul of gun laws doesn’t go far enough to undo the “damage that was done” after the 15 March terror attacks.

A Muslim leader, meanwhile, told MPs to consider public safety over what was convenient for firearms owners.

Parliament’s Justice Committee has been hearing in-person submissions on the country’s new gun regulations, put forward in the Arms Bill.

Many licensed firearms owners expressed concerns the changes don’t go far enough, while the Police Association has criticised the new regulator being set up without sworn officers.

Support ‘with reservations’ from firearms groups

On Monday morning, MPs heard from firearms groups, gun control advocates, and the union representing police.

Much of the submissions from firearms groups focused on their problems with the existing legislation, and whether they thought the new bill would assuage them.

The New Zealand Deerstalkers Association supported the bill, with “some reservations,” feeling it did not go far enough.

“It fails to meaningfully unwind many of the bad policy decisions, the over regulation and the structural failures introduced since 2019, said chief executive Gwyn Thurlow.

“Farmers, land owners, and conservation agencies are calling for more effective game animal control and pest eradication and biodiversity outcomes but successive governments had stigmatised the use of firearms. This has not been resolved by this bill.”

Thurlow felt political fear and media pressure had “constrained” the bill.

“When lawful, fit and proper people exit the system because it has become too difficult, too intrusive, too hostile to engage with, public safety is not improved.”

Zac Dodunski, from the Taranaki branch of the New Zealand Antique and Historical Arms Association said the new legislation was the “first steps” in the right direction, considering the “damage that was done” post-Christchurch.

Fish and Game New Zealand supported the bill, but suggested “practical gaps” could be filled, such as making agency-owned firearms registered to the agency, not the individual employee.

The bill would also keep the firearms registry implemented after the 15 March attacks.

Despite supporting the intent of the bill, the Council of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) said there remained a level of mistrust from firearms owners that information would be kept safe.

“The continued perception that the registry will magically solve gun crime, despite worldwide evidence to the contrary, will continue to be a bureaucratic burden around the New Zealand taxpayer’s neck,” said COLFO’s chair Brad Gallop.

New regulator questioned

The new regulator, without sworn police officers, was also met with concern.

The Police Association’s president Steve Watt said it was appropriate that the governance of the regulator and the enforcer were the same.

“Police being part of the FSA is an extremely important issue for us, as it does provide safety and security for our members, in the sense that there is coherent information sharing, and there is a robust system in place whereby we can share that information and make sure that safety and security is at the forefront,” he said.

“When we consider all the things that can be simplified, firearms isn’t one of them.”

Philippa Yasbek, co-founder of Gun Control NZ, said the bill’s “hostility” towards police involvement in the regulator was risky.

Yasbek said the bill was “not terrible, but it is messy” and anticipated Parliament would have to fix the legislation “many, many times” if the bill was passed in its current state.

But COLFO supported the change, with Gallop calling for a separate legal entity to ensure distinct separation of powers.

He had concerns that the FSA would still be part of police from a budgetary perspective, meaning police could still have influence on the FSA.

“There are still some issues around the bureaucracy that has been created by the FSA that have overly complicated licensed firearms owners to both renew their license and also transact on a day to day basis with the FSA,” he said.

“The issue we have is not with licensed firearms owners’ ability to register their firearms. The issue is the mistrust within the firearms community of the ability of the police at the moment to keep that information safe.”

The process of appointing a chief executive to the FSA was “significant,” Yasbek said, as she felt it was an “unconstitutionally precedented arrangement.”

She called for a merit-based appointment, with the process led by the Public Service Commission, instead of one appointed by the Governor-General.

“The risk cuts both ways, it could be that someone’s appointed who I think is far too close to the gun lobby. Alternatively, governments change, and suddenly it’s someone who’s seen as completely hostile to gun owners.”

Abdur Razzaq from the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand also opposed the method of appointing a chief executive.

“There needs to be a merit-based approach, and when that merit-based approach is bypassed by political appointees, under whatever guise, I don’t think we could accept that.”

Razzaq said the convenience of lawful firearms owners should never come above public safety, and called on the committee to keep the “tangible grief, the lasting grief, the memory, and the legacy” of the 51 people who died in the terror attacks in mind as it considered the bill.

“The bill is not only about making the whole licensing system more efficient, it is not only about making the system more convenient for lawful users, and there are many Muslim licensed gun users. It should also be about, does it make New Zealand safer? We request this last metric be the central argument in your deliberations. That should be the litmus test.”

He told the MPs on the committee the future of the nation’s safety and wellbeing was in their hands.

“You will be accountable,” he said.

What does the bill do?

The bill as introduced would repeal and replace the 1983 Act, introducing new penalties and tougher restrictions for gang members.

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee had sought a carve out for competitive shooters to access military-style semi-automatic firearms, but failed.

It would also reform the Firearms Safety Authority without sworn police officers, and headed up by its own chief executive, who would report to the firearms minister, instead of the police minister.

At its first reading in December, Labour supported the bill, while the Greens and Te Pāti Māori opposed it.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/firearms-owners-say-gun-laws-overhaul-doesnt-go-far-enough-to-undo-damage/

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Actor Awards 2026: See which nominees are taking home a win

Source: Radio New Zealand

Now, it’s time for the Actors.

The show formerly known as the SAG Awards is taking place, as the last major stop for many nominees before the Oscars on 15 March. The Actor Awards are voted on by members of the Screen Actors Guild, which this year placed Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another ahead of the pack with seven nominations total.

Sinners from director Ryan Coogler scored five nods, with individual recognition for recent BAFTA winner Wunmi Mosaku, along with Michael B. Jordan – who pulled double duty playing twins – and newcomer Miles Caton. The acclaimed vampire-period hybrid film is also nominated for its ensemble as a whole, as well as for best stunt ensemble.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/actor-awards-2026-see-which-nominees-are-taking-home-a-win/

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High hazards newsletter – March 2026

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

Welcome to the ninth WorkSafe High Hazards newsletter.

In this issue we cover:  

  • Reflecting on 15 years since Pike River
  • MHF forum and geothermal workshop held last year
  • Natural disaster response learnings
  • Safety case statistics update
  • Organisational memory & asset integrity learning
  • Reporting MHF incidents reminders
  • HHU incident data and frequency
  • In the news, including 20 years since Buncefield

Read the full newsletter(external link)

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/high-hazards-newsletter-march-2026/

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Former solider and sex offender Adrien Bell’s volunteer work sparks concern

Source: Radio New Zealand

Just Zilch. RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham

There are concerns that a former soldier sentenced to home detention for filming young people using a bathroom for six years is now volunteering at a Palmerston North food rescue charity.

Adrien Bell, who also goes by the surname Bennett, has volunteered at Just Zilch since the New Year break.

Just Zilch takes donations from local suppliers, such as supermarkets and cafes, and distributes the food to people in need.

It’s understood other volunteers weren’t initially told of Bell’s history, although some are now aware.

Just Zilch said although it can’t comment on individual volunteers, it’s important to properly address concerns.

Open Justice reported in 2024 that Bell, a former army corporal, was sentenced to 10 months’ home detention after he admitted one charge each of committing an indecent act on a young person and possessing an intimate visual recording, and two charges of making an intimate visual recording.

A court summary said Bell put a hidden camera in a bathroom of a home, capturing images of naked people between 2014 and 2020. One of the victims was a girl aged 11-13, and other victims were in their teens.

Videos of them were found on Bell’s laptop, Open Justice reported.

A Just Zilch volunteer, who RNZ has agreed not to name due to worries they would lose their position at the charity, said Bell hadn’t caused problems with his behaviour there.

But, they felt his presence around vulnerable people – volunteers and people who received food donations – was a concern. They said young people would also volunteer at Just Zilch and work at its Featherston Street location, in central Palmerston North, at the same time as Bell.

The volunteer was told by a fellow charity worker who Bell was and to Google the Open Justice story, which was also published on the RNZ website.

“It was like, ‘Oh my god.’ I knew I had seen that story. I knew when I saw him that I knew him from somewhere, but I couldn’t think where.

“He makes no secret of the fact he’s ex army, but there’s no story as to why he gave up the army.

“Basically every day I do a shift the army comes up in conversation.”

Another former volunteer told RNZ they wouldn’t feel comfortable with Bell’s presence.

In a statement to RNZ, Just Zilch board chairperson Angela Rowan said: “While we’re unable to comment on individual Just Zilch employees or volunteers due to privacy reasons, given the nature of these concerns it is incredibly important to us that they are addressed properly in a way that respects all people involved.

“The safety of our volunteers, employees and clients is a non-negotiable,” she said.

“We balance our obligations to our people with our kaupapa and mission to minimise waste and support food security in our community, while upholding our values of kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, without judgement, and justice.”

RNZ asked about the charity’s policies and procedures for vetting volunteers.

“We have identified ways to improve how we onboard people, and are working with professional advisers to support this mahi,” Rowan said.

Open Justice reported that Bell was no longer working for the army by the time he was sentenced.

He could not be reached for comment.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/former-solider-and-sex-offender-adrien-bells-volunteer-work-sparks-concern/

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Death after man’s methadone dose changed

Source: Radio New Zealand

Andy Dean Photography/ 123rf

Two people had their therapeutic methadone doses changed by Te Whatu Ora against their will, with one man dying of an overdose only six weeks later, according to two separate rulings by the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC).

In one case, a pharmacy mistakenly gave one woman – known as Ms A – nearly double her normal dose because her name was similar to that on another prescription.

In the other case, a man who the report calls Mr A died of “mixed drug toxicity” in September 2021, six weeks after he was rapidly taken off methadone involuntarily by HNZ’s Addiction Services in Bay of Plenty.

The case of Mr A

A had been on methadone as part of opioid substitution treatment for the past 30 years.

But in June 2020, he voluntarily began reducing his dose, with the goal of coming off it completely, as he was finding the conditions of the programme “burdensome”.

Mr A was also a habitual user of cyclizine, an antihistamine known to enhance the effects of opioids, which he took for seasickness while fishing.

At an appointment in November 2020, he was reminded of the need to attend regular appointments despite reducing his methadone use, and “it was noted he would not commit to ongoing attendance”.

In response, the frequency of his appointments was increased to monthly, which commissioner Morag McDowell found in her report to have been “counterproductive”, considering he was already finding the programme “onerous”.

After 10 months of “gradual recession”, the report found, Addiction Services decided he was showing a lack of engagement with the service, as he was failing to attend appointments and decided his prescribed methadone dose “would be withdrawn rapidly unless engagement improved”.

Between 7 August and 14, 2021, Mr A was discharged from the programme involuntarily, and his access to methadone cut off.

Six weeks later, he died from “mixed dose toxicity”, with the drugs in his system including methadone, to which he would have decreased tolerance due to the withdrawal.

The commissioner noted Health New Zealand’s approach seemed “punitive”.

“I am highly critical that Mr A’s treatment was withdrawn involuntarily contrary to accepted standards and practice, at a dangerously rapid rate, and without appropriate discussion of the risks of opioid overdose, management of possible opioid overdose, or how A could re engage with treatment or obtain support from a consumer advocate,” she says.

It recommended Health NZ write an apology to Mr A’s family.

In the report, Health NZ maintained monthly contact was a standard requirement under their protocols, and while in some cases clients could be encouraged to attend meetings by “holding doses”, this would most likely have resulted in a complete withdrawal from methadone rather than a scheduled one, and “the risks and results of undertaking such a strategy may have been the same”.

The commissioner is also critical of the pharmacist involved, who reduced A’s dose on a number of occasions without signoff from Health NZ.

The pharmacy that employed them said it “would not be usual practice to decrease doses of methadone without authorisation from the prescriber”.

The pharmacist claimed Health NZ had signed off on the change, and there were records to prove it, but those could not be produced, and the pharmacist had by now left that pharmacy.

The case of Ms A

In the second case published this week, a woman – known in the report as Ms A – had been receiving methadone as part of opioid substitution treatment since 2009.

In June 2023, Ms A was told by her case manager that due to the fact that she had recently injected some illicit opioids, along with some missed appointments and medical reviews, she should switch to buprenorphine.

When Ms A declined, HNZ began to reduce her dose of methadone, supposedly to reduce her risk of an overdose.

According to the report: “Once the dose reduction began, Ms A and her partner repeatedly told the service that she was not coping well physically or psychologically and that she was at risk of self-harming and of ‘purchasing drugs and overdosing’. Ms A was not offered any physical or psychological support. Limited contact was initiated by the Addiction Service.”

She switched to buprenorphine, but did not tolerate it well, and switched back.

Commissioner McDowell also criticised HNZ for then “delay[ing] optimisation of Ms A’s treatment by requiring her to undergo unnecessary and onerous serum-level testing”.

She recommended HNZ provide a written apology to Ms A.

It has also referred Health NZ Bay of Plenty to the HDC’s director of proceedings to consider whether legal action was warranted, due to the severity of the departures from accepted standards.

Separately, in 2023, a case of mistaken identity saw her pharmacist at Unichem Greerton hand her the wrong prescription – a dose of 90mg of methadone rather than 40mg – because her first name was similar to that of another patient.

The commissioner said the error was caused by a “momentary lapse in attention”, but if Unichem Greerton had had appropriate policies and procedures in place, it would have reduced the risk of such mistakes.

Unichem Greerton, quoted in the report, said it was disappointing that the dispensing error occurred and that it was sorry.

It assured the commissioner that methadone dispensing was “treated with utmost seriousness” and until this event it had maintained an eight-year record of no methadone dispensing errors.

Since the error it had made the following changes:

  • Different patient dosages were now more clearly separated in the controlled drug safe.
  • All pharmacists had discussed the importance of accurately identifying the correct dosage and name selected at the time of giving the dosage, and of taking enough time to do this carefully – even at busy times.
  • Pharmacists had completed a refresher course on opioid substitution therapy.
  • The pharmacy now had a doublecheck process, where a second dispensary staff member must doublecheck the patient against the dose.
  • Notes are put on the files of patients with similar names.

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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/2026/03/02/death-after-mans-methadone-dose-changed/

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Officers armed, cordons in place as police incident closes road in Waipā

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo.

A road in Waipā , Waikato is closed due to a police incident on Monday afternoon.

Mellsop Road is closed, and cordons were in place near Arapuni Road.

Some officers were armed as precaution, police said.

Members of the public were advised to 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/2026/03/02/officers-armed-cordons-in-place-as-police-incident-closes-road-in-waipa/

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Wāhine Māori acknowledged with awards for cancer research

Source: Radio New Zealand

Katya Hutton. Supplied / Cancer Society

Three emerging Māori researchers leading innovative projects to improve cancer outcomes for whānau Māori will receive this year’s Māori Cancer Researcher Award.

Their research range from exploring how papakāinga living can strengthen the practice of Rongoā Māori, to developing next-generation immunotherapies with fewer side effects, to enhancing genomic tools that more accurately predict treatment responses for Māori and Pasifika patients.

This is the fifth year for the awards, which are a partnership between Te Kāhui Matepukupuku o Aotearoa (Cancer Society New Zealand) and Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership Aotearoa.

This year, two PhD scholarships and a master’s scholarship have been awarded.

Rongoā Māori practitioner and researcher Robbie Richardson (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Hauiti ki Rata, Te Whanau a Apanui, Ngāti Tuwharetoa) is completing her doctoral research through Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuārangi.

Her work focuses on her whānau’s ancestral home, Mangamāhoe, exploring how papakāinga living and Rongoā Māori practices can help protect whānau and whenua in the face of PFAS contamination from the neighbouring Ohakea Air Force Base – chemicals that persist in the environment for more than 150 years and have been linked to increased cancer risk.

For Richardson, the impact was real not just on her community but within her whānau as her father passed away from cancer a year after residents were first informed of the contamination.

“So there we are with my dad not even 200, 300 meters living from the Ohakea Air Force Base all his 83 years, only having eaten from the land, drank the water from the land, animals such as like chooks and all of that sort of stuff, and all of the vegetation and the crops, that’s all he’s known. He very rarely had takeaways.”

The revelation of PFAS contamination was a shock to community with the Base taking a long time to engage with the papakāinga, she said.

“It’s what they call a forever chemical, so it stays, it moves in water, it doesn’t dissipate in water. So the impact to the whenua is 150 years plus that it will then be able to move out of the so-called red zone.”

Robbie Richardson. Supplied / Cancer Society

Richardson has been practising Rongoā Māori for more than 15 years, among the goals for her research include building evidence for Rongoā Māori within cancer prevention and survivorship frameworks and supporting whānau and hapū health sovereignty in contaminated environments such as at Mangamāhoe.

Her father lived on the papakāinga all his life and Richardson said her research will look into the ways papakāinga living facilitates the expression of rongoā.

“[Rongoā has] been missing since the 1907 Tohunga Suppression Act. So we’ve had this backwards and forwards…. all the medical kind of questions around it, when in fact all it’s simply about is bringing out ease, whatever that might be.”

Ariana Drabble’s (Te Arawa – Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Raukawa – Ngāti Koroki, Ngāti Toa – Ngāti Kimihia) PhD research at the University of Otago Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka will look to tap into and better understand the power and potential of Natural Killer (NK) cells.

“Our immune system can be reprogrammed to destroy cancer cells, but current CAR T cell therapies for blood cancers often fail when tumours evade detection or suppress T cell activity. NK cells have powerful cancer-killing abilities and a safer profile. By combining CAR T cells with CAR-engineered NK cells, we aim to harness their complementary strengths. NK cells can guide and support T cells while reducing factors that shut down immune responses.”

In the last five years, Drabble’s mother, grandmother, an aunt and uncle have all received cancer diagnoses.

“Each diagnosis was not just a moment of grief, but confirmation that this mahi is not simply academic, but it is a commitment to my whānau, my tūpuna and generations to come,” she said.

Katya Hutton (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāti Kura) from Waipapa Taumata Rau The University of Auckland is undertaking her Master’s looking at the impact of using Māori genomic information to improve the accuracy of cancer immunotherapy predictions for Māori and Pasifika patients.

Ariana Drabble. Supplied / Cancer Society

Current biomarkers guide treatment decisions and predict treatment responses but rely on global DNA reference databases that lack representation from Indigenous populations. If we don’t take into account the natural variability among underrepresented communities when using DNA reference databases to interpret genomic biomarkers, there is a risk that we lose the precision in our precision health approach.

“This could lead inappropriate care for them,” Hutton said.

“My goal is to accelerate precision care and precision heath research to ensure that every patient in Aotearoa – no matter what age, sex, ethnicity or ancestry – is getting the best care they can get.”

Cancer Society director of research and innovation, Christelle Jolly said the awards empower Māori researchers to pursue the questions that matter most to their communities.

“Each of these projects has the potential to directly improve cancer outcomes for whānau. This is why investing in a strong and supported Māori cancer research workforce matters so much.”

Hei Āhuru Mōwai Tumuaki (chief executive) Anna-Marie Ruhe said the organisation is immensely proud to stand alongside these emerging researchers whose work carries the aspirations of their whānau, hapū, and iwi.

Their projects demonstrate what becomes possible when mātauranga Māori and scientific innovation are supported to flourish, she said.

“These awards are not just an investment in individual researchers – they are an investment in a future where Māori leadership in cancer research is strong, visible and transformative. When Māori are empowered to ask the questions that matter to our communities, we move closer to a health system where whānau Māori can access care, treatments, and solutions that truly work for them.”

As part of the award, each master’s scholarship will last for one year and will comprise:

  • Stipend of $35,000
  • Tuition fees of $10,000

Each PhD scholarship will last for three years and will comprise:

  • Stipend of $40,000 per year
  • Tuition fees of $10,000 per year
  • Tikanga contribution of $10,000 across the course of the award

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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/2026/03/02/wahine-maori-acknowledged-with-awards-for-cancer-research/

Posted on

Mellsop Road closed, Waipa

Source: New Zealand Police


District:

Waikato

Mellsop Road, Parawera is currently closed due to a Police incident.

Cordons are in place near Arapuni Road.

Some staff are armed as a precaution.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/mellsop-road-closed-waipa/

Posted on

Qatar Airways, Emirates flights to Doha and Dubai cancelled amid Iran attacks

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emirates has cancelled flights through Doha and Dubai. Thierry Monasse

A Qatar Airways 777 and two Emirates A380 planes are stuck in Auckland after the airlines were forced to cancel flights through Doha and Dubai amid the Iran attacks.

“Auckland Airport is supporting those airlines with aircraft parking and operational assistance while services are paused and airlines work through their plans to resume flying,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

  • Are you a New Zealander in an affected region? Email iWitness@rnz.co.nz

“Airlines will be working to rebook affected travellers,” the Auckland Airport spokesperson said.

“We encourage anyone due to travel through the Middle East in the coming days to check directly with their airline or travel agent for the latest updates.

“Other international flights are operating as scheduled.”

It comes as Dubai’s international airport and its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel sustained damage as overnight Iranian retaliatory attacks spread across the Gulf states and the wider Middle East, reaching beyond US bases and interests.

Dubai is the biggest tourism and trade hub in the Middle East and its airport is one of the world’s busiest travel hubs.

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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/2026/03/02/qatar-airways-emirates-flights-to-doha-and-dubai-cancelled-amid-iran-attacks/

Posted on

Wāhine Māori overrepresented in the criminal justice system

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice

Headline: Wāhine Māori overrepresented in the criminal justice system

MEDIA RELEASE

24 February 2026

Māori women are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, and this increases the further they progress through the system, a new factsheet from the Ministry of Justice shows.

Analysis in the factsheet, Reducing the disproportionality of Māori in the criminal justice system: wāhine Māori [PDF, 337 KB], published today, focuses on how the justice system is experienced by Māori women.

“While wāhine Māori make up 15 percent of women in Aotearoa New Zealand, they continue to be disproportionately represented at every stage of the criminal justice system,” says Rebecca Parish, the Ministry of Justice’s General Manager, Sector Insights.

“Our research shows that wāhine Māori are disproportionately represented at every point of the  justice system, with a higher proportion (compared to the overall population of women) coming through courts, being remanded in custody and sentenced to imprisonment.”

The analysis shows that the disproportionality increases as wāhine Māori move through the system. Wāhine Māori made up 44 percent of all women who were proceeded against by police, 49 percent of women entering court, 66 percent of women remanded in custody, and 71 percent of women sentenced to imprisonment.

The factsheet provides early visibility on the work to understand where disproportionality – the over-representation of one group in relation to others – occurs and where change is likely to have the most impact.

While some of the disproportionality can be explained by factors such as seriousness and history of offending, a proportion remains unexplained, particularly at later stages in the system.

This indicates that the system’s response to wāhine Māori contributes to some of this disproportionality. Discretionary decisions made within the justice system, and therefore within the system’s control, contribute to this unexplained proportion.

Reducing disproportionality of Māori in the criminal justice system overall is a priority strategic goal for the Ministry. Wāhine Māori are the focus of the first stage of this work, with the justice sector exploring options to improve information provided to decision makers across the system, for system’s responses to be well informed and aligned to the needs and circumstances of wāhine Māori.

“This is partly because ensuring equitable outcomes for wāhine Māori have broader positive impacts on whānau and communities, including improved youth outcomes and reduced pressure on other government support systems,” Ms Parish says.

“Ongoing analysis will help us monitor the impact of this work, and how best to continue addressing the disproportionality of wāhine Māori in the criminal justice system.”

Key Findings:

In the year to June 2025, wāhine Māori made up 15 percent of women in Aotearoa New Zealand, yet they represent:

  • 44 percent of women who were proceeded against by Police
  • 49 percent of women who entered court
  • 66 percent of women who were remanded in custody
  • 71 percent of women who were sentenced to imprisonment.

END

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/wahine-maori-overrepresented-in-the-criminal-justice-system/

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Proposed changes aim to better target dolphin protection efforts

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  02 March 2026

Public consultation runs from 2–30 March 2026 following a review by DOC and Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū on the effectiveness of the current Sanctuary rules at protecting marine mammals, and how they could work better.

“We always intended to observe, learn and adapt when we created the Sanctuary in 2021,” says DOC Regional Director, Sue Reed-Thomas. “Now we have new science and monitoring data to guide us. This proposal is about refining our approach so our effort is focused where it will make the greatest difference for dolphins.”

The Sanctuary rules regulate how humans out naturing on the water interact with marine mammals, particularly bottlenose dolphins, to protect them from harmful disturbances.

The current rules are:

  • People must keep out of the water within 300 m of all marine mammals (dolphins, whales, seals)
  • Vessels must maintain a 300 m distance from all marine mammals and stop if the person in charge becomes aware of any marine mammal closer than 300 m. Vessels must remain stopped until any marine mammal is more than 300 m away; and
  • Vessels must observe a 5-knot speed limit in two marine mammal safe zones.

Recent surveys and scientific studies found dolphins in the Sanctuary were rarely present in the two safe zones. High-use areas are largely outside the safe zones but still within the Sanctuary. This suggests DOC focusing its efforts on other management measures will be a more effective way to support the recovery of dolphin populations. 

The work also concluded that, except for commercial operators holding a marine mammal permit, compliance with the Sanctuary management measures is mixed, recording high levels of non-compliance with speed restrictions by powered vessels in the two safe zones.

“Removing the safe zones would allow us to focus protection where dolphins actually are – targeting education, compliance and enforcement around the measures that matter most,” says Sue.

“This is about smarter protection, informed by science and experience.”

DOC and Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū recommended the Minister of Conservation begin a statutory process to propose removing the safe zones, while maintaining the other management measures. The Minister has agreed to initiate the process. 

“Together, we can take meaningful steps to ensure these taonga species are protected for generations to come,” says Kipa Munro, Chair of Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū.

“Our Rōpū members have played an important role in safeguarding our taonga utilising methods and kōrero that have also been passed down from our tūpuna.” 

Public consultation begins on Monday, 2 March 2026 and will run for 28 days, concluding midnight Monday, 30 March. 

Submissions will be collated and presented to the Minister of Conservation to inform his decisions on the proposals.  

Have your say on the proposed amendment to Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary rules.

Background information

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/proposed-changes-aim-to-better-target-dolphin-protection-efforts/

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Coronial inquiry into death of 10-month-old Manurewa infant Poseidyn Hemopo-Pickering gets underway

Source: Radio New Zealand

A coronial inquiry into the death of a 10-month-old Manurewa infant is underway in Auckland. 123rf.com

A coronial inquiry into the death of 10-month-old Manurewa infant Poseidyn Hemopo-Pickering is underway in Auckland.

Poseidyn was rushed to Middlemore Hospital and later moved to Starship Children’s Hospital on the evening of 5 September, 2020, after he was found unresponsive at his South Auckland home.

He died hours later.

In the Auckland Coroner’s Court on Monday, Coroner Tracey Fitzgibbon acknowledged the inquiry followed a criminal trial in 2022 where the infant’s father, Anthony Simon Pickering, was acquitted of murdering his son.

“This coronial inquiry was put on hold until the completion of a criminal trial. This can make it very challenging for witnesses and whānau, and I encourage everyone to be mindful of this as we progress through the next few days.”

She said the inquiry was to determine how Hemopo-Pickering died and the circumstances leading up to his death.

“I’m not here to determine civil, criminal, or disciplinary liability.”

Fitzgibbon invited Poseidyn ‘s mother Filoi Huakau to reflect on her son’s life.

“He was gentle, he was soft, he was pure,” Huakau said.

“He’d do this little chuckle at every silly face and noise I made, and had an unforgettable smile that was so contagious and something I choose to cherish every day.

“At just 10 months of age I could feel the love he’d have to give if given the chance to.”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/coronial-inquiry-into-death-of-10-month-old-manurewa-infant-poseidyn-hemopo-pickering-gets-underway/

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Officer accused of kidnapping ex-wife avoids disciplinary action, keeps job

Source: Radio New Zealand

The IPCA released a summary of a police investigation into the officer, overseen by the authority, on Monday (file photo). hamilton, auckland, station, office, precinct, municipal, new zealand, nz, sign, building, editorial, symbol, logo, city, street

The police watchdog has criticised police for not disciplining an officer who allegedly kidnapped his ex-wife.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a summary of a police investigation into the officer, overseen by the authority, on Monday.

The investigation centred on allegations the officer possessed child exploitation material and committed family harm against both his ex-wife and ex-partner.

“The police investigation found there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation that the officer was ever in possession of objectionable material. Additionally, the investigation determined that there was insufficient evidence to charge the officer with assaulting his ex-partner.

“However, the investigation did find that there was sufficient evidence to charge the officer with kidnapping, assaulting and threatening his ex-wife.”

  • Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

    • The incidents occurred over several years while they were married, the IPCA said.

    “The kidnapping related to an occasion in 2015 in which the officer prevented his ex-wife from leaving her bedroom. Police ultimately decided to charge the officer with a threatening act, due to any potential assault charge being time-barred.”

    The IPCA agreed with the police’s decision to charge the officer, but said it “expected disciplinary proceedings to follow”.

    “The officer appeared in court and later completed diversion for the charge. Following the proceedings, police indicated that they would not continue with an employment process for the officer, essentially because the incidents occurred before he became a police officer.

    “We disagreed with police, confirming with them that the kidnapping occurred while the officer was in fact employed by police and that he also acknowledged a criminal offence through the diversion process at the same time.”

    The authority said the officer met with the “employment decisionmaker” to respond to the concerns raised.

    “During the meeting, police concluded that the officer’s actions did not warrant any disciplinary action. The process was formally concluded without the Authority being given an opportunity to comment on the outcome.

    “The Authority subsequently expressed concern to police about the outcome, but acknowledges that ultimately, that is a matter for police as the employer.”

    Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny said in a statement to RNZ the matter was investigated by police’s National Integrity Unit, independently of the officer’s district.

    “Investigators found no evidence to support the claim of possession of child exploitation material.

    “With regards to the allegations of family harm, the matter was put before police’s Criminal Charging Advisory Panel, and on their recommendation the officer was subsequently charged with a threatening act. He completed diversion for the charge.”

    District staff also sought advice around conducting an employment investigation.

    “The advice received was that because the officer was not employed at the time of the offending, police could not carry out an investigation.

    “A senior member of staff instead had an expectation-setting meeting with the officer.”

    The officer remained employed by police.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/officer-accused-of-kidnapping-ex-wife-avoids-disciplinary-action-keeps-job/