Category: AM-NC

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Football: Injured All Whites star Chris Wood get ‘positive news’

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites captain Chris Wood is on the comeback from injury. PHOTOSPORT

All Whites captain Chris Wood’s road to recovery from a knee injury has taken many routes, but the striker has had positive news as he looks ahead to the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Wood suffered the injury in mid-October while playing in the English Premier League for Nottingham Forest and had surgery in December.

While he has been sidelined, Wood has watched Forest slip towards the relegation zone and fire a third manager this season.

“The easiest thing to say would be it’s part and parcel of football, but it’s been frustrating,” Wood said of his recovery in an interview recorded by Nottingham Forest.

“The manner of the injury has not been perfect because we’ve tried different things, had setbacks, having to go down different routes with surgery and things like that. It’s not been smooth sailing.”

Wood said by “suffering through the lows” of this season it would help him “come back stronger and better”.

“It’s getting better day by day, which is great. Had some positive news yesterday from the surgeon to say I can get on to the next stages and things like that, so it’s better for my rehab now.

“I’ve got to do the right things to get back fit and ready.”

The 34-year-old said he was looking forward to returning to play before the end of the Premier League in May and the World Cup, which kicks off in June.

“There is a lot on the horizon which will be fantastic to be a part of, and the World Cup is definitely one of them.”

He will miss the All Whites’ FIFA Series in Auckland next month.

The All Whites’ last warm-up game before the World Cup is against England.

“Coming up against England will be a great occasion, a tough opponent for us… we’ve always wanted to pit ourselves against the best and England is definitely one of the best and one of the favourites for the World Cup, so it will be a good experience, for sure.”

Wood was recognised with The New Zealand Society’s inaugural Pride of New Zealand award in London last week.

Aware of the influence he had on the next generation of football players in Aotearoa, Wood said he wanted to be an inspiration.

“We’ve had a lot of Kiwis playing across the world at great levels but we’ve only ever had six ever play in the Premier League, and that’s something you’ve got to be extremely proud [of].

“We want more Kiwis playing in the Premier League or playing at high levels around the world, and we’ve got quite a lot who do it, but hopefully there can be a lot more coming after seeing what can be achieved with Kiwis around the world.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/football-injured-all-whites-star-chris-wood-get-positive-news/

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Opposition finds change to school lunch scheme’s name hard to swallow

Source: Radio New Zealand

David Seymour eating a school lunch. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

A free school lunches programme rebrand has dropped the reo Māori name Ka Ora Ka Ako, in a move Associate Minister of Education David Seymour says is “delivering real value”.

The change comes alongside a new purpose statement and a review of the overall policy.

Papers released under the Official Information Act showed Cabinet agreed on 20 October to rename the programme formerly known as ‘Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches’, to simply ‘Healthy School Lunches’.

“People need to know what things are,” Seymour said. “That’s why we’re using an English name that everyone understands. Delivering real value with taxpayer money is important to Kiwis. That’s why we’ve delivered a healthy school lunch programme which gets the same results, and has been forecasted to save the taxpayer almost $300m already.”

He said they would continue to find ways to ensure the programme fed children “and gets value for the taxpayer”.

Labour’s Willow-Jean Prime said the change was “beyond ridiculous”.

“This government is more worried about what the programme is called than ensuring that our children have lunches that don’t explode. This government’s school lunches program has been a flop.”

Green MP Teanau Tuiono said it was “the opposite of virtue signalling”.

“I’m going to call it toxic signalling to their base… that’s going to bring out a particular contingent of people that think that way… It’s anti-Māori, it’s racist and in many ways pathetic.”

Seymour saying everyone could understand English was “just an excuse”, Tuiono said. “The English and the Māori sit right next to each other.”

A student from Otahuhu College holds an example of a school lunch in 2025. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said it was a “sad reflection of the views of this government”, and showed ACT was trying to get votes.

“We’ve seen Winston [Peters, NZ First leader] double down and basically say, ‘Unless you are a good Māori, you don’t deserve to have Māori representation.’ … These guys on Friday, sitting there saying, ‘Oh, we don’t want to see Māori names in the schools.’

“Expect the campaign from these two parties to be an attack at the Treaty, an attack at Māori, and it starts by again attacking our reo – no surprise.

“Buckle up, believe in yourself and vote against this type of divisive politicking.”

Seymour rebuffed the opposition’s criticisms.

“If they’re getting excited about minor administrative issues like this, they’ll be in opposition for a very long time,” he said.

Ngarewa-Packer denounced that.

“Takes a certain type of narcissist to sit there and trivialise the significance of food in schools, the significance of culture and communities, the significance of te reo Māori… it’s just too important for us to sit quiet and let David dismiss it as administrative.”

Tuiono said if it was so minor, “Why is the effort being put put on this in the first place?”

The papers showed Cabinet considered the original objectives of the programme “no longer fit for purpose”.

Those objectives include providing regular access to healthy lunches to reduce risk of food insecurity, improve wellbeing and promote attendance at school, and boost local economies through job creation including by providing a living wage.

They will be replaced by a new single primary objective, “to mitigate the impact of food insecurity in school”, and new “sub-objectives” focused on mitigating “the immediate negative impact of hunger on a student’s ability to learn” and “the long-term negative effects of food insecurity on a child’s physical, cognitive, and neurological development”.

The Ministry of Education was directed to investigate how to achieve the objectives, including whether curbing food insecurity could be better achieved “in other contexts that reach children during the time they are not at school”.

The review would also investigate other ways to target those at risk of food insecurity including “exploring a voucher-type solution and use of the Integrated Data Infrastructure Database” – indicating it could be brought into a Social Investment approach.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/opposition-finds-change-to-school-lunch-schemes-name-hard-to-swallow/

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Four children escape as bus goes up in flames at Leigh

Source: Radio New Zealand

Four children were on board when the bus caught fire. Supplied / Police

A bus carrying children has been extensively damaged by a fire.

Emergency services were called to the fire near the north Auckland village of Leigh just before 8.30am on Friday.

Police said the bus, which was on Pakiri Road, was “extensively damaged” by the blaze.

“Four children were onboard at the time of the fire and they have all been safely removed,” Sergeant Mark Stallworthy said.

“It’s fortunate that no one has been hurt.”

Sergeant Stallworthy said Pakiri Road is down to one lane until about midday.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/four-children-escape-as-bus-goes-up-in-flames-at-leigh/

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Health and Safety changes will harm workers

Source: NZCTU

The new Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill is a dangerous move away from the longstanding commitment to ensure all workers should come home healthy and safe, says New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.

“New Zealand has a long way to go to make workplaces safer, and this Bill is a huge step in the wrong direction.  This Bill is only the latest in a string of anti-worker attacks from Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke Van Velden.

“Under the guise of clarity and cost-saving, the Bill establishes a two-tier safety system where workers in small businesses will have significantly less protection at work than workers in larger organisations.

“The size of the business you work for shouldn’t dictate your standard of safety at work. Every worker should come home safe at the end of the day.

“Every 15 minutes in New Zealand a worker suffers an injury that requires more than a week off work. Instead of trying to improve our health and safety systems, this Government is choosing to water them down even further.

“75% of ACC’s work injury costs are made up of so-called less serious risks, but this Bill does little to address this issue. Workers in small businesses facing day-to-day risks like violence and aggression, stress and fatigue, and musculoskeletal injuries will suffer because of these changes.

“Everyone deserves protection at work. The Government is putting workers in harm’s way and saying to businesses that they don’t need to keep workers safe. This Bill is heartless,” said Grey.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/health-and-safety-changes-will-harm-workers/

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Northcote’s new community hub gets underway

Source: Auckland Council

Northcote is rapidly transforming – and with nearly 890 new homes already completed, another 300 under construction and more planned, improved community facilities are essential. To support this growing neighbourhood and create better spaces for people to connect, a new multi-purpose community hub will begin next month on the site of the existing library.

A new community hub for a growing community

The new facility will bring together the library and key community services  Hearts & Minds, North Art, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Plunket – into one modern, flexible space.

Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Direction, at the Auckland Urban Development Office, says, “The heritage-listed library building will be upgraded and complemented by a new contemporary wing, offering shared spaces, community rooms for hire and an enlarged front plaza. It’s going to be a modern vibrant, welcoming space for the community to come together and enjoy.”

“At the back, a covered veranda will connect to the neighbouring Puāwai Cadness Reserve, which is also being upgraded, to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience for visitors.”

A revitalised Puāwai Cadness Reserve

When finished, the reserve will offer new recreational spaces and improved amenities. Kate says, “We’re excited for the community to be getting an improved community hub and a dramatically enhanced reserve. A new basketball court, a large lawn area with a pavilion, children’s play spaces, toilets, and generous new planting will create a more attractive usable and greener environment.”

Improving stormwater and building resilience

Stormwater management will also be significantly upgraded. Kate says, “The new hub, reserve upgrade and final section of Te Ara Awataha, Northcote’s new greenway, will improve drainage to further mitigate the long-standing flooding issues in the area, while delivering valuable environmental, community and health benefits.”

Temporary Library and Services During Construction

To prepare for construction, Northcote Library will close from Monday 16 February and reopen on Monday 2 March 2026 at a temporary hub at 1 Ernie Mays Street. Hearts & Minds, NorthArt, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Plunket will be there too until the new hub and reserve opens at the end of 2027.

Despite the smaller footprint, library services and operating hours will remain the same and car parking will continue to be available on the corner of Ernie Mays Street and College Road. Northcote Library Manager Lucia Mataia says, “We’ll prioritise our most popular and interesting items on shelves. And thanks to our free request and collection service, customers will still have full access to the entire Auckland Libraries network.”

Part of Northcote’s wider 10-year transformation

The new community hub is a key milestone in Auckland Council’s major long-term redevelopment of Northcote’s town centre. Over the next few years, community facilities will be upgraded, followed by the staged modernisation of the shopping precinct.

Ernie Mays Street will be extended from 2027 to become the new main street, and there will be a larger supermarket, new shops and eateries, offices, homes, car parking, and a new town square – creating a vibrant heart for the local community.

Find out more on the AUDO website.

The Auckland Urban Development Office leads Auckland Council’s urban transformation projects – working with mana whenua, developers, and the community to create vibrant, future-ready neighbourhoods.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/northcotes-new-community-hub-gets-underway/

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Turkish delegation visit strengthens historic bond

Source: New Zealand Government

The friendship forged after the Gallipoli campaign more than a century ago is stronger than ever, following an official visit by a senior Turkish delegation, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says. 

The delegation comprised Mr Ömer Toraman, the Governor of Çanakkale — the province encompassing the Gallipoli Peninsula — Mr İsmail Kaşdemir, President of the Gallipoli Historical Site Directorate, and Mr Kerem Yenigün, District Governor of Eceabat. 

During their time in New Zealand, the delegation met with Foreign Minister Winston Peters, laid a wreath at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, visited the popular Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa, and met with officials. 

“It was a privilege to engage with our Turkish friends once again. We greatly appreciate the time they have taken to travel across the world to New Zealand. Their visit demonstrates the strength of the bond between our two nations,” Mr Penk says. 

“Our relationship, forged through shared sacrifice during the First World War, has endured and evolved across generations. Every year, many New Zealanders travel to Türkiye as a rite of passage to pay their respects on the Gallipoli Peninsula as part of Anzac Day commemorations.” 

Mr Penk acknowledged the continued generosity of the Turkish Government and people in welcoming New Zealand visitors to Gallipoli.  

“Honouring the sacrifice of all those who served on the Peninsula remains deeply meaningful for New Zealanders,” Mr Penk says.  
 
“With growing instability around the world and increasing unrest, it is more important than ever to strengthen our collective resolve to uphold peace and understanding.  

“The relationship between Türkiye and New Zealand stands as a remarkable example of enduring reconciliation, and a testament to mutual respect and shared values. 

“We must heed the lessons of history and commit to working together for a peaceful and cooperative future that acknowledges the past.”

“While those shared sacrifices at Gallipoli will always provide a foundation for the relationship, we continue to collaborate to extend our connection in a range of other areas, including through youth engagement and cultural exchanges.” 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/turkish-delegation-visit-strengthens-historic-bond/

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Relying on tug boat from Australia risks lives, council leaders say

Source: Radio New Zealand

Interislander ferry Kaitaki was sailing into Wellington Harbour in January 2023 with 854 passengers on board when it lost power. KiwiRail

Council leaders on both sides of Cook Strait say lives could be put at risk due to its emergency tug being off-contract from this month.

In November it was announced the government had sunk plans to station an open ocean tug in the Cook Strait long-term after it said the costs outweighed the benefits.

The government also announced it would end the contract for the MMA Vision open ocean tug this month, rather than June when it was contracted for.

For years local government leaders on either side of the North and South Island had been calling for open ocean tugs after several near-miss accidents.

One of these was in January 2023 when the Interislander ferry Kaitaki was sailing into Wellington Harbour with 854 passengers on board and lost power, which resulted in a mayday call.

Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter said the absence of an emergency tug posed unacceptable risks.

Daran Ponter. RNZ / Dom Thomas

“Cancelling the MMA Vision contract puts lives and economic lifelines in peril.”

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor agreed, saying it was one of the most complex stretches of water in the world to navigate.

“It’s also a shipping route of national significance where the government is responsible for safety.”

The two leaders had penned a letter to Transport Minister Chris Bishop asking for an extension of the MMA Vision’s contract. They said not having the tug nearby would risk human safety, financial stability and the environment given the clean-up cost and damage if a large ship sank.

Ponter said from July, the closest vessel that would have emergency open ocean tug capability would be 1200 nautical miles away in Australia.

“That’s about five days of travel time. We cannot depend on harbour tugs for open-ocean rescues. They are not designed, equipped or crewed for towing large vessels in Cook Strait – where conditions are frequently beyond their operating parameters.”

RNZ has approached Bishop for a response.

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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/2026/02/13/relying-on-tug-boat-from-australia-risks-lives-council-leaders-say/

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Phoenix women chase A-League title

Source: Radio New Zealand

Makala Woods of Wellington Phoenix celebrates her goal with Brooke Nunn and Lucia de Leon. www.photosport.nz

The Wellington Phoenix can be forgiven for showing a bit of swagger after reaching the top of the A-League standings.

For the first time in their history, the Phoenix were number one in the standings, albeit briefly, after beating Brisbane on Waitangi Day, their fourth successive win.

Melbourne City took over top spot later in the weekend, but the Wellingtonian’s brief stint at the summit did give coach Bev Priestman the opportunity to think about the possibility of winning the league.

“It’s there right, it’s real and it is definitely in sight for us,” Priestman told RNZ.

In her first season in charge, Priestman has the team playing some impressive football despite the loss of a couple of key players to injury.

Wellington Phoenix FC women’s coach Bev Priestman www.photosport.nz

She said the unbeaten run in the last month had shown the team’s desire.

“Players getting through moments and willing to do anything for the team is the difference. You see teams be successful with players running through a brick wall for each other.”

However, she said they can’t get carried away.

“There is a mindset when you’re top of the table to be hunted rather than be the hunter, so we’ve got to forget about the table and just do us and get as many points as we can in our remaining matches.”

The Phoenix have seven wins, three draws and three losses this season and sit two points behind Melbourne City. They take on seventh-placed Central Coast Mariners in Porirua on Sunday.

They have scored the most goals so far this season (27) while their defence has also been solid, conceding just 10 goals – the least in the league, while they’ve had five clean sheets.

Pia Vlok is sixth in the goal-scoring rankings with five goals, Makala Woods is second in goal assists and Brooke Nunn is third in chances created.

Despite their lofty standings, Priestman is expecting more from her side.

“This team hasn’t hit the level that I know they can and that is the scary thing as a coach, I still think this team has more.”

Emma Pijenburg of Wellington Phoenix. www.photosport.nz

However, Priestman said the players need to remember what has go them to this position and that means remaining positive.

“What we don’t do is play it safe, (we’ve got to) go full throttle, doing us and doing it well.

“We just have to keep being brave, playing forward. What I don’t want is sideways and backwards. I want us to step forward, stand up and be counted.”

Priestman doesn’t believe they are the best team in the league, but that isn’t the priority for her.

“Everywhere I go right now people are talking about this team and that’s what we wanted, to create a movement and make this country a women’s football country.

“That’s what it means to this group, more than points and accolades, we want people talking about this team and what this team can do.”

In their four previous seasons, the Phoenix have finished 10th, 11th, 8th and 9th.

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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/2026/02/13/phoenix-women-chase-a-league-title/

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School bus fire, Leigh

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services have been attending a school bus fire near Leigh this morning.

The incident was reported on Pakiri Road just before 8.30am.

The bus has been extensively damaged by fire.

“Four children were onboard at the time of the fire and they have all been safely removed,” Sergeant Mark Stallworthy says.

“It’s fortunate that no one has been hurt.”

Sergeant Stallworthy says Pakiri Road is down to one lane until about midday.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/school-bus-fire-leigh/

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Lanes reopen following crash, Woodhill

Source: New Zealand Police


District:

Northland

Police can advise all lanes have now reopened following an earlier crash at the intersection of Western Hills Drive and Maunu Road, Woodhill. 

We thank motorists for their patience while the scene was cleared.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/lanes-reopen-following-crash-woodhill/

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National strategy launched to cut AML red tape and crack down on criminals

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has today released New Zealand’s new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) National Strategy.

“The Strategy for 2026–2030 sets out a four-year work programme to make it easier for honest New Zealanders and businesses to get ahead, while making it harder for criminals to hide and profit,” says Mrs McKee.

“Developed in consultation with industry, the Strategy provides clear direction and certainty – setting out the Government’s priorities and objectives so the AML/CFT system can plan ahead with confidence.”

“AML/CFT rules have drifted into expensive box-ticking. That creates delays, frustration, and compliance costs that get passed on to consumers. My reform programme is focused on fixing that.

“The new AML/CFT system will be truly risk-based, to cut unnecessary red tape for low-risk customers and transactions, while sharpening enforcement where it matters most.

“We want banks, real estate agents, lawyers and other reporting businesses focused on genuine risk – not chasing low-risk paperwork that does nothing to stop organised crime.

“That means fewer unnecessary hurdles for New Zealanders – like parents opening accounts for their children, or New Zealanders simply trying to complete basic transactions.

“It also means a stronger system that better detects, deters and disrupts serious crime – including fraud, drug crime and offshore criminal proceeds.

“To make compliance clearer and more consistent, the Strategy confirms the move to a single AML/CFT supervisor – with the Department of Internal Affairs taking over supervision from 1 July this year.

“Businesses have told me they want clarity and consistency. A single supervisor means less confusion, better guidance, and a system that supports compliance.

“The Strategy sets out a clear vision for all participants and will help deliver the most significant regulatory relief since the AML/CFT regime began in 2013. 

“This builds on the work already delivered by this Government, including simplifying customer verification to end years of frustration for both businesses and customers.”

Notes to editor:

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/national-strategy-launched-to-cut-aml-red-tape-and-crack-down-on-criminals/

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All Stars countdown kicks off in Hamilton

Source: New Zealand Government

Hamilton is set to come alive this weekend as rugby league fans descend on the city for the 2026 NRL All Stars event, backed by the Government. 

“The NRL All Stars event is a unique, trans-Tasman celebration of sport, community and culture, bringing together Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori players to represent their countries,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“With a large influx of passionate fans and international broadcast reach, the event will give an economic boost to Hamilton and the wider Waikato region.

“It’s a fantastic event not only delivering an economic boost to the region but helping grow grassroots rugby league from the ground up – one tackle at a time.

Last hosted in New Zealand in 2023 in Rotorua, the All Stars event includes a men’s and women’s game, a welcome ceremony, player appearances and community events.

“It will attract league fans from across New Zealand and Australia to the Waikato, giving a boost to our local tourism and hospitality businesses,” Louise Upston says.

“Events like these generate a buzz in our regions, keeping our communities and local businesses humming. The Government is committed to supporting more events like these, establishing New Zealand as a go-to destination for major events.”

The NRL All Stars fixture is scheduled for Sunday 15 February 2026 at FMG Stadium, Hamilton.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/all-stars-countdown-kicks-off-in-hamilton/

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Buying a house with friends or family? Watch out

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

A woman who helped her son and his wife buy a house has been offered $10,000 in compensation for the way the bank handled the dispute when the relationship went sour.

The case went to the Banking Ombudsman, which published a case note last month.

It said the woman wanted to help her son and daughter-in-law onto the property ladder. They formed a partnership and borrowed $320,000 in October 2008 to buy a house.

The loan was in each of their names.

But when the couple decided to separate, the mother and daughter-in-law decided to sell the property. The son told the bank there was a dispute and it froze the loan accounts and refused to act on any instructions until the dispute was resolved.

The mother offered to repay the loan in full so the mortgage could be discharged, but the bank still refused to act.

The Banking Ombudsman scheme said it raised concerns with the bank about its refusal to allow the woman to pay off the loan.

“We pointed out the dispute among the three borrowers had no effect on the right of each borrower to repay the loan at any time. The terms and conditions of the loan allowed for just such a step…. [she] held a 77 percent stake in the partnership so was able to pass resolutions without the consent of the other two partners.”

The bank offered the woman $10,000.

Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden said partnerships could be a good way to get into the property market, but the case was a reminder that it was important everyone was clear on their rights and what would happen if circumstances changed.

“When relationships end, joint accounts, loans and partnerships can become tricky. It’s crucial to understand how your accounts are set up, and what your rights and obligations are. This knowledge can prevent a difficult situation from becoming even more stressful.”

She said people should decide in advance how they would divide assets if they separated and get legal advice if they needed formal arrangements.”

Mortgage adviser Jeremy Andrews, from Key Mortgages, said he dealt with people wanting to buy in partnership several times a year.

“There are some advantages such as being able to combine everybody’s deposit together to get the best possible interest rates, and combining everybody’s incomes together to get the highest approval figure based on income servicing.”

He said the case highlighted the main downside – what would happen when one of the parties wanted to get out of the joint ownership, such as to buy a different property.

“If they are jointly and severally liable for the loan, which is typically higher than a single or couple’s income alone could have allowed, this could be a dealbreaker without selling the property.

“There needs to be a clear understanding of the future implications at that point, before entering into such [an] agreement, and we always recommend each party seeks independent legal advice on this.”

He said sometimes people would own a house as tenants in common, which gave them an agreed and specified percentage of the ownership.

“If the property increases in value over time, then each party receives their respective percentage increase in value each when the time comes to sell – hopefully for an overall profit.

“There are also downsides to this type of arrangement, such as if one or more of the co-borrowers wish to retain ownership of the property, and then based on the income they have at the time, can they buy out the other exiting parties share of existing mortgage – plus typically accumulated equity on top of that.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/buying-a-house-with-friends-or-family-watch-out/

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‘Devastated’: Hawke’s Bay campground being evacuated due to landslide risk

Source: Radio New Zealand

Clifton Motor Camp (file image). Supplied / Google Maps

Campers are shocked and devastated as a Hawke’s Bay campground is evacuated due to the “extreme” risk of a landslide, the manager says.

It comes three weeks after six people died in Mount Maunganui when a chunk of the maunga crashed onto a holiday park.

The Hastings District Council said it evaluated “at-risk” sites including the Clifton Motor Camp after that tragedy.

At 4.30pm on Thursday, the council told campers and permanent residents they had 24 hours to leave because a geotechnical report has found an extreme risk of landslides affecting the grounds.

“Heavy or prolonged rain, elevated groundwater levels, or an earthquake could cause the slope to fail,” the council said.

“If that occurred, soil, rocks and large trees would fall directly onto buildings and caravans located at the base of the slope.”

Hawke’s Bay is under a heavy rain watch from 3pm today.

The council said there would be little warning and limited opportunity to escape safely if a landslide occurred.

The council said making the site safe would require significant engineering and drainage works, likely costing several million dollars.

Unless that work was undertaken, the campground could not be considered safe to occupy.

There had been slips there in the past: one in 2011 damaged the toilet block and covered the playground, and one in 2019 that put two tourists in hospital.

Hastings District Council chief executive Nigel Bickle said the decision was not a “knee-jerk reaction”.

“The advice is clear – the level of risk is extreme and cannot be ignored.”

Bickle understood it was distressing news for people who used the campground – some for many decades.

“But when expert advice tells us there is a credible threat to life, we have a responsibility to act.”

Campers shocked, devastated

Clifton Reserve Society’s Piki Wellwood-King – which leases the land from Hastings District Council – said the advice came out of the blue.

“Everyone here is in shock around the short notice, absolutely devastated trying to comprehend what’s really happening,” she said.

“The camp composes of people who live here permanently, people who live here seasonally, and the public who come in and rent a site,” she said.

“It’s really weighing heavy on everyone … it’s huge.”

Some had camped there for generations, and more than a dozen lived there permanently, she said.

But Wellwood-King said the advice to leave made “perfect sense” given the safety risk.

The council said staff were working with the society and support agencies to help residents with accommodation and support services, and to ensure they could retrieve their personal belongings.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/devastated-hawkes-bay-campground-being-evacuated-due-to-landslide-risk/

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Police praise bravery of Auckland slaver’s victims

Source: Radio New Zealand

Moeaia Tuai in court. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

An Auckland man promised two people a better life, but instead kept them as slaves for several years, police said following his sentencing.

Moeaia Tuai was on Thursday jailed for 16 years and four months for dealing in slaves, rape and numerous other sexual assaults.

Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin of Counties Manukau CIB said the Samoan chief arranged to bring them to New Zealand in 2016.

He praised the bravery of the complainants for standing up in court, saying they gave compelling evidence.

“Initially the victims were promised a good education and a better way of life. But that’s not what happened – instead he put them to work, kept their wages and assaulted them.

“The charges are the result of more than two years of work by Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Police, dating back to 2024 when the first allegations of Tuai’s offending were brought to our attention.”

Specialist agencies supported the two young people through the process and five-week trial, he added.

Immigration investigations manager Jason Perry said slavery was often a hidden crime, and urged people to report migrant exploitation.

“Immigration New Zealand is committed to supporting police to ensure those who deliberately harm or take advantage of others are held accountable. Immigration investigators worked closely with police throughout the operation, helping to ensure those responsible for these often hidden crimes are brought to justice.

“Coordinated action like this is essential to protecting vulnerable people and raising awareness. If you see signs of exploitation, report it.”

Tuai, 63, was sentenced to a non-parole period of eight years.

The High Court in Auckland heard he put the male complainant straight to work at an Auckland boarding house run by his wife’s sister, before moving both victims to Australia, where the young man escaped in 2020.

It took another four years before the young woman, back in New Zealand, also managed to run away.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/police-praise-bravery-of-auckland-slavers-victims/

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Person shot during fight in Auckland’s Mission Bay

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf.com

A person is in a stable condition in hospital after being shot and injured in the Auckland suburb of Mission Bay.

Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk says police were called to a property about 9.15pm on Thursday.

She said it appeared a group of people had turned up at the house where some kind of altercation took place.

An investigation was underway to track down those responsible.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/person-shot-during-fight-in-aucklands-mission-bay/

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Police appeal for information on historical offending at Wellington school

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons:

Police are appealing for anyone who may have information on offending by Father Rowan Donoghue to come forward.

This comes after all suppressions for Father Donoghue lifted on 28 January 2026.

He has pleaded guilty in Christchurch District Court on 13 November 2025, in relation to a number of historical offences against former students at St. Bede’s College in Christchurch, and is set for sentencing later this year.

Following the lifting of all suppression, Police have been made aware that former students of Wellington school St. Patrick’s College Silverstream, have alleged similar offending by Father Donoghue.

Father Donoghue worked at St. Patrick’s College Silverstream from 1982 to 1992.

We know it can be incredibly difficult and at times distressing to talk about these matters, but we would like to reassure any victims of offending that we will take them seriously.

Police has a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases, and we provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.

If you have any information or would like to report similar offending, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

We can then contact you to make appropriate arrangements to discuss matters in an appropriate and safe way.

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/police-appeal-for-information-on-historical-offending-at-wellington-school/

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KiwiSaver managers under pressure as hardship applications spike

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Government has canned the $1000 KiwiSaver kickstart programme. 123RF

Fisher Funds says it has made some changes to the team that manages its hardship applications, with KiwiSaver managers under pressure as withdrawal applications spiked.

Inland Revenue data showed there were 58,460 withdrawals for hardship reasons in 2025, 10,000 more than were made for a first home.

In total, $514.8 million was withdrawn from KiwiSaver because of hardship and $2.1 billion for a first home.

Some applicants faced delays as providers struggled to keep up with the volume.

Fisher Funds said some changes were made last year to its team, for the eight staff based in Hawke’s Bay.

“We put a change proposal to them, inviting them to relocate to Auckland/or Wellington and unfortunately none of them took up the offer.

“All roles were replaced with people in either Auckland or Wellington.”

A spokesperson said Fisher Funds was not immune to the overall increase in applications and, anticipating that Christmas would be a time of additional pressure on household budgets, extra staff were added from November through January.

Milford Asset Management has a partnership with DebtFix, to help manage the hardship application process. It, too, has seen a significant increase in applications.

A spokesperson for Westpac said it had added staff to its team, to handle first-home withdrawals as well as hardship applications.

“We’ve improved some of our internal processes to make it faster and more efficient for customers.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/kiwisaver-managers-under-pressure-as-hardship-applications-spike/

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Investigation underway into suspicious Auckland factory fire

Source: Radio New Zealand

Up to eight crews were called to the two-storey building on Patrick Street. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Police say the fire that ripped through the top floor of a factory in the Auckland suburb of Onehunga is being treated as suspicious.

Up to eight crews were called to the two-storey building on Patrick Street at 2.15am on Friday, where they found the upper floor fully alight.

Fire and Emergency said the bulk of the blaze had been extinguished by 3am.

No one was hurt in the fire.

Police said staff will work with fire investigators, with a scene examination to be completed later on Friday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/investigation-underway-into-suspicious-auckland-factory-fire/

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Hilary Duff announces first world tour in almost 20 years

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ex-Disney pop singer Hilary Duff has announced her first-ever headlining New Zealand show.

The Lizzie McGuire star will perform at Spark Arena on 20 October, as part of her world-spanning ‘lucky me’ tour.

The show’s announcement comes ahead of the release of her first new album in over a decade, luck… or something, out 20 February.

Duff’s big break came in the early-2000s hit Disney show Lizzie McGuire, playing the title character, before branching out into music.

She has sold millions of albums, and songs from her new album like ‘Roommates’ and ‘Mature’ have racked up millions of views.

The ‘lucky me’ tour will see her visit the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

The support act at Spark Arena will be synthpop singer La Roux.

General public ticket sales kick kick off 1pm 20 February.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/hilary-duff-announces-first-world-tour-in-almost-20-years/