Category: AM-NC

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‘Hundreds of thousands’ of files to be reviewed in council-led Mt Maunganui inquiry

Source: Radio New Zealand

Paul Davison KC has been named to help Tauranga City Council’s external review. RNZ

Hundreds of thousands of files have been identified by Tauranga City Council that it thinks could be relevant to a review of what it knew and how fast it acted before the deadly landslip at Mount Maunganui that left six holiday-makers dead.

The council on Thursday named retired High Court judge Paul Davison KC to help the external review.

The review, while separate to a government inquiry also confirmed the same day, would aim to work alongside it and try to cut any duplication.

Davison has been tasked with delivering his findings by the end of June, a target both he and Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale were confident of reaching.

“It really depends on once he gets into his work and understands the scale,” Drysdale said.

“It is quite a narrow scope, but with the ability for him to go wider if he feels it’s relevant, so we’ll trust his judgement on that.”

But the mayor told RNZ it was a big job ahead.

“The total documents that we’re looking at the moment is in the hundreds of thousands,” he said.

It was based on search terms staff had used to scour through documents.

“So, just literally searching every file we have, every e-mail, every conversation that’s recorded,” Drysdale said.

Tauranga mayor Mahé Drysdale at a media stand up after the Mount Maunganui landslide. Lauren Crimp

The mayor said all of these now had to be waded through to see if they were relevant to Davison’s review.

Drysdale said Davison was “the right man for the job” given his extensive experience, and what he said was a reputation for rigorous analysis.

Read RNZ National Crime Correspondent Sam Sherwood’s earlier report of who knew what, and when.

The mayor was asked if he had considered any future actions if Davison’s report found any fault with the council.

“Look, at the end of the day we lost six lives and it’s important that we understand what happened, whether that’s good, bad or indifferent,” Drysdale said.

“I’m sure that there’s going to be some things that are found that we could have done better and it’s important that we know that so we can put those processes in place going forward to enable that we don’t go through a similar situation.”

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) previously confirmed it got a 111 call at 5.48am before the tragedy, from a person reporting a slip near the holiday park.

It said at the time it contacted Tauranga City Council at 5.51am, given it owned the camping ground.

The council confirmed it received a call from FENZ.

Davison told RNZ he would need unrestricted access to “any” information the council held.

“If I didn’t have unrestricted information or access to it, then clearly I wouldn’t be able to undertake an effective review,” he said.

The deadline for the review was able to be extended with agreement from the mayor.

“But … we need this in a timely manner, because we don’t want to wait,” he said.

“We’re hopeful we can get the report as quickly as possible.”

Davison said he would work to complete the report as soon as he possibly could.

Who is Paul Davison?

  • Admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1975
  • Made a High Court judge in 2015 and retired in 2023 before continuing work in law as a mediator, arbitrator and consulting
  • Has sat as a member of a Divisional Court of Appeal
  • Has acted as counsel in several major commissions of inquiry, notably the Royal Commission into the Air New Zealand Erebus disaster
  • In 2025, undertook a government-appointed role of independent arbiter to determine financial redress for Lake Alice survivors
  • Appointed Kim Dotcom’s lawyer soon after his arrest
  • Lead defence lawyer in 2009 for Mangere MP Taito Phillip Field
  • Appeared as Crown counsel in the case against David Tamihere.

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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/hundreds-of-thousands-of-files-to-be-reviewed-in-council-led-mt-maunganui-inquiry/

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About the transition from the Household Economic Survey to the Household Income and Living Survey – Stats NZ methods paper

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/about-the-transition-from-the-household-economic-survey-to-the-household-income-and-living-survey-stats-nz-methods-paper/

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Household Economic Survey population rebase: Year ended June 2019 to 2024 – Stats NZ methods paper

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/household-economic-survey-population-rebase-year-ended-june-2019-to-2024-stats-nz-methods-paper/

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Olympic medal eludes Alice Robinson at Super Giant Slalom final

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s Alice Robinson competes in the Women’s Super G event of the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup 2025-2026, in St. Moritz. FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Alpine skiier Alice Robinson’s hopes of securing a medal at the Super Giant Slalom finals have been dashed after a great start to the season.

However, Robinson did manage to compete the run – a feat which eluded favourites like Germany’s Emma Aicher and Italy’s Sofia Goggia – on Thursday night at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

The 24-year-old is competing in her third Olympics, securing her first career win in the opening event of the season in St Moritz, followed by a second-place finish a week later in Val d’Isère.

She became New Zealand’s youngest-ever Winter Olympian when she attended the 2018 games in South Korea at the age of 16.

Italy’s Federica Brignone sealed an astonishing comeback from career-threatening injury to win gold on home snow.

Known as the “Tiger” for her ferocious determination, the 35-year-old had looked doubtful for the Games after a crash last April but fought back to fitness and produced one of her greatest runs on a foggy Olimpia delle Tofane piste.

France’s Romane Miradoli took silver, 0.41 of a second slower, with Austria’s Cornelia Huetter third, according to provisional results.

– RNZ / Reuters

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Sky customers get $50 refund after ‘process error’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sky TV says it conducted a full investigation into the issue. Supplied / Richard Parsonson

Sky TV is apologising for what it says is a processing error that meant some Sky Sport Now annual pass customers were not given enough information about their contracts rolling over.

RNZ reported last year that some customers were not happy they did not receive notice of the automatic rollover of their contracts, including the information that they would shift from the promotional price of $365 a year to a new rate of $549.

“I emailed within two hours of our card being charged yesterday to see if they would offer us the promotion, but they have not and are sticking to charging us the full $549,” one customer said.

“I am particularly concerned regarding the price aspect here, and whether an annual rollover is fair when the price of the contract increases by 50 percent. We can’t find any notice of that price increase either.”

Sky TV said this week it had looked into the issue and conducted a full investigation.

“Due to a process error, we didn’t send some Sky Sport Now Annual Pass customers – those whose pass renewed between June 6 and December 15, 2025, the usual reminder email before renewal.

“This should have been sent 30 days before payment was taken and would have both confirmed the renewal and notified them of the new Annual Pass price of $549.99 effective from March 21, 2025.

“We’re sorry for this and are taking steps to make it right.”

The Sky TV spokesperson said affected customers had been sent an apology email.

This would also let them know they would receive a $50 refund, which took them back to the standard price before the price increase.

“We have also let these customers know that if they don’t wish to continue with their annual pass, they can choose to cancel their pass early. Customers who opt for this will receive a pro rata refund but will lose access to Sky Sport Now from the day of cancellation.

“Finally, we have let customers to know that we are sorry this has happened, we’ve fixed the issue and have strengthened our renewal notification processes to avoid this happening again.”

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/sky-customers-get-50-refund-after-process-error/

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James Van Der Beek was synonymous with Dawson. This is why he embraced it

Source: Radio New Zealand

A beloved early 2000s heart-throb, Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek never shook off the character that shot him to fame.

But how he leaned into it, playing himself in Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 3 and numerous other cameos, enshrined his legacy as one of TV’s most sensitive leading men, baring his soul on and off the screen.

“It’s tough to compete with something that was the cultural phenomenon that Dawson’s Creek was,” he told Vulture in 2013.

“It ran for so long. That’s a lot of hours playing one character in front of people. So it’s natural that they associate you with that.”

James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson’s Creek, has died. The news was shared in an Instagram post.

Instagram

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/james-van-der-beek-was-synonymous-with-dawson-this-is-why-he-embraced-it/

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Maritime NZ investigates sinking of Fiordland Jet commercial jetboat on Waiau River

Source: Radio New Zealand

The jetboat sank on the Waiau River. File picture. 123RF

An investigation is underway into the sinking of a Fiordland Jet commercial jetboat on the Waiau River, Maritime New Zealand says.

It happened on Tuesday afternoon, and Maritime New Zealand staff are talking to people, examining the vessel and the scene of the incident, reviewing documents and gathering information.

There were 13 people on board, including 11 passengers, a guide and the driver. No one was injured.

Once assessments are completed, it will decide if action will be taken.

Fiordland Jet did not want to comment.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/maritime-nz-investigates-sinking-of-fiordland-jet-commercial-jetboat-on-waiau-river/

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Taupō school fire: Students to keep studying from home next week

Source: Radio New Zealand

The school block destroyed in a suspected arson is being demolished. Taupō-nui-a-Tia College

Students from a Taupō secondary school that lost a classroom block in a suspected arson will continue learning from home next week.

Roads around Taupō-nui-a-Tia College, on Spa Road, were closed for about four hours on Sunday while firefighters battled the blaze.

Since Monday the school’s 1200 students have been doing lessons online at home.

Principal Ben Claxton said demolition of the destroyed block began on Tuesday and was continuing – meaning students couldn’t yet return.

“The demolition was expected to take a while and for all sorts of health and safety reasons we’ve asked our students to remain home for the remainder of this week and next week, at this point.

“We’re going to review it on Wednesday.”

Principal Ben Claxton says students will continue to learn online into next week. RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham

The destroyed classroom block had 11 teaching spaces, as well as housing the school’s health and counselling services.

Police have charged two youths with arson and they were due to appear in the Taupō Youth Court this week.

Claxton said he expected online learning to ramp up next week, and the school would communicate its expectations about that.

“Learning from home is a good option to have, but nothing beats face to face, so we are literally today starting to look at what we can do for the rest of the year.”

Some students and staff members were affected by what had happened and on Wednesday staff came together to share stories and plan for the future.

Although, Claxton said this week had been negotiated step by step, especially when the school was still in crisis mode.

Firefighters could be seen on the roof at Taupō-nui-a-Tia College during the fire. LES WILLS / SUPPLIED

In the short term some classes could be held in a nearby tertiary institution, which had volunteered its space. Claxton said that was getting finalised.

“The medium to long term is we’re hopeful of getting some form of relocatable-classroom situation onsite, to the number that we need.

“That’s all happening in the background with the ministry at the moment.”

Claxton said rebuilding projects could take time to plan and then begin.

A Ministry of Education spokesperson said it was exploring a range of temporary classroom options.

“The school continues to deliver online learning while the site is cleared and the best approach is determined.

“We understand the significant impact the fire has had on staff, students, and the wider community, and we are working with urgency to make sure any disruption to teaching and learning is minimised.”

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/taupo-school-fire-students-to-keep-studying-from-home-next-week/

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EMA backs broad direction of new Health and Safety Bill – but warns key gaps must be fixed

Source: EMA

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) says the government’s new Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill takes a constructive step towards a modern, risk-based system – but warns several significant issues must be addressed through the submission and select committee process.
EMA Manager of Employment Relations and Safety Paul Jarvie says a risk-focused framework is the right direction. However, there are flaws and inconsistencies that could undermine its intent.
“A modern, risk-based approach is different to what we currently have, but the current approach isn’t working. So it’s worth trying this – a framework successfully used in other jurisdictions around the world.
“We do have concerns about the proposed exemptions for smaller businesses (fewer than 20 employees), as size has no bearing on risk, and some of the proposed exemptions could create new problems rather than solving old ones.”
The proposed bill limits these businesses’ requirements to identify and manage critical risks. Businesses with more than 20 workers, however, would continue to be responsible for managing all risks, not just critical ones.
However, the greatest cause of workplace injuries across all sectors is strains, sprains, and back injuries. These would not meet the critical-risk criteria and therefore would not be required to be identified or managed.
Jarvie says this creates a problematic disconnect.
“It’s vital that businesses collect all this data – for example, incident and near-miss reports – to understand what is potentially going to happen next. Low-level injuries can often help identify a more significant issue. Workplace violence, fatigue, and stress are other examples of issues employers need to identify and manage but which would not meet the critical-risk criteria,” he says.
“Creating a distinction between a small business and a large business doesn’t make any sense when both could have the same risks and injury profiles.”
Another challenge is allowing other legislation to override health and safety requirements if those duties are already covered elsewhere.
Jarvie says this creates uncertainty and could lead to unintended consequences.
“We already see conflicting requirements between agencies – for example, between land transport rules and health and safety guidance. Without clearer definitions, the bill risks widening those gaps.”
The EMA strongly supports the bill’s proposed industry-led Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) and its clearer distinction between governance and operational duties.
However, Jarvie says the absence of draft regulations could add confusion.
“We urgently need regulations to support the current Health and Safety at Work Act. It’s critical that we see them and that they align with and direct the bill’s intent.”
Jarvie says the success of the reforms will rely on a well-resourced, modern regulator that works collaboratively with business, similar to the Swedish system.
“Employers need confidence that they’ll receive consistent, practical advice. Without that, the risk-based model won’t deliver the improvements we all want.”
“Overall, we support the Bill’s intent,” Jarvie says. “But several significant issues need to be addressed to avoid unintended consequences. If we get this right, it will help New Zealand finally shift its stubborn health and safety performance.”
The EMA will continue reviewing the legislation in detail and will provide further guidance to its members in the coming weeks.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/ema-backs-broad-direction-of-new-health-and-safety-bill-but-warns-key-gaps-must-be-fixed/

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Banking Ombudsman puts property partnerships under the spotlight this Valentine’s Day

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

12 February 2026 – Partnering with friends or family members can be a great way to get on the property ladder, but it can come with risks, warns the Banking Ombudsman.
Nicola Sladden said a recent dispute investigated by the scheme was a timely reminder for people buying property with others to have a firm understanding of their rights in a partnership.
“Shared financial arrangements can work well when everyone is in agreement about goals and timeframes. But problems can arise when circumstances unexpectedly change,” said Ms Sladden.
“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.”
In 2008, Sonia helped her son Nicholas and his wife Laura buy a home. The three formed a partnership to buy the property and jointly borrowed $320,000 from the bank.
When Nicholas and Laura separated in 2023, Sonia and Laura wanted to sell the property, but Nicholas told the bank they were in disagreement about what to do. The bank then refused to act on any instructions from the borrowers until the dispute was resolved. It also refused Sonia’s offer to repay the loan in full so the mortgage could be discharged.
The Banking Ombudsman scheme considered the bank had acted wrongly in refusing to discharge the mortgage. The loan terms allowed any of the three borrowers to repay the loan. Under section 97 of the Property Law Act 2007, a mortgagor has the right to repay a mortgage in full and “redeem” the property. The disagreement between the borrowers did not affect the partnership’s ability to give instructions to the bank because Sonia was able to pass resolutions without the others’ agreement and therefore instruct the bank on the partnership’s behalf.
The bank offered Sonia $10,000 to resolve her complaint, an offer she accepted.
Ms Sladden said the scheme’s guide on relationship breakdowns and banking recommends banking customers:

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/banking-ombudsman-puts-property-partnerships-under-the-spotlight-this-valentines-day/

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Privatisation – Te Whatu Ora’s embarrassing U-turn over proposed car park plan – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Te Whatu Ora needs to go back to the drawing board and prioritise worker safety after reversing plans to charge hospital workers market rates for car parks, NZNO says.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO delegate and Christchurch health care assistant Al Dietschin says NZNO members were angered they weren’t consulted on the draft policy.
“Last year there were several shocking attacks on hospital health workers forced to walk to their cars because they can’t park at or near their workplaces. This includes a Palmerston North nurse being carjacked and a Christchurch nurse being left with a concussion.
“Our members provided robust feedback that charging health workers market rates for car parks was not the answer and would leave those unable to pay up to $100 a week even less safe.
“This is an embarrassing U-turn for Te Whatu Ora, but it is heartening they have listened to our members. Te Whatu Ora now has a chance to get this right and consult on and draft a policy that makes car parking for health workers safe, reliable and affordable,” Al Dietschin says. 

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/privatisation-te-whatu-oras-embarrassing-u-turn-over-proposed-car-park-plan-nzno/

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Privatisation – Govt plan to privatise hospital parking needs to be scrapped entirely – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA welcomes Te Whatu Ora Health NZ abandoning its plan to privatise parking services across all hospitals for now, but must rule out ever returning to the flawed plan in the future.
“This was a mean-spirited plan, putting profits over patients and health workers and the blame sits squarely on the shoulders of Health Minister Simeon Brown,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The Government needs to properly fund our public health system, instead Health NZ is being forced to find scarce revenue everywhere. This is not how a public health system that puts the needs of patients and health workers first should operate.
“We are pleased Health NZ has seen sense and acknowledged the financial impact this poorly thought through proposal would have had on patients and health workers when household budgets are already under pressure.
“We call on Health NZ to firmly state that privatising parking services is off the agenda permanently.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/privatisation-govt-plan-to-privatise-hospital-parking-needs-to-be-scrapped-entirely-psa/

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Baby killed in Wairoa school bus crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

A baby was the person killed in a devastating crash involving a car and school bus in the Hawke’s Bay township of Wairoa.

The collision happened at about 3pm on State Highway 2 on Tuesday, at the intersection of Black Street and Archilles Street.

A person in the car, which RNZ sources have confirmed was a baby, died and two others in it were left fighting for their lives.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said he had heard that a baby had died in the “horrendous crash” and that the close-knit community was completely devastated.

“It has just causes absolute devastation, and Wairoa is a small town, everyone knows everybody.

“The whole town is in shock to be quite honest, we are just here in whatever way or form to look after these families who are really going through a hard time, and that’s even the bus driver as well.

“These families will probably never get over this.”

Little said he had spoken to family, locals and emergency services.

“Everybody is struggling with this one, they are all well known families, good families.”

Little said no one really knows how the crash happened and that it was a very odd accident.

Only minor injuries were reported from the driver and two passengers on the school bus.

The Ministry of Education said it had engaged a traumatic incident team to work with the school that had its students on the bus.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/baby-killed-in-wairoa-school-bus-crash/

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How accessible are nangs? An RNZ investigation found out

Source: Radio New Zealand

AFP/ GARO

A Checkpoint investigation has revealed how easy it is to get potentially dangerous nitrous oxide or nangs in large quantities from dairies, vape stores and convenience stores.

The gas has legitimate medical uses and is also used in catering to whip cream, however it is illegal to supply, possess or use the gas recreationally.

Checkpoint visited 16 stores across three areas in Auckland and found at least half were willing to sell canisters of the gas in a range of sizes with virtually no checks.

One vape store sold 1.1L and 3.3L canisters of the gas, for $50 and $150 respectively. It also offered a “combo” price of $170 for the pair.

At another dairy visited by Checkpoint, the shop keeper had a range of products available to buy – from packs of the small, silver tubes of nitrous oxide to the larger, thermos-sized 1.1L canister. The shop-keeper also said the 1.1L was the most popular size.

Several dairies offered packs of the silver tubes, with prices ranging from $10 for the 10-pack to about $60 for a 50-pack.

The gas was also available to purchase on its own, without cream dispensers. Only one dairy clarified verbally that the canisters were only to be “used for baking”.

Nitrous oxide products available to purchase one of the stores visited by Checkpoint in Auckland. RNZ / Teuila Fuatai

Doctors and community leaders have been particularly concerned about the availability of the thermos-sized 1.1L and 3.3L canisters.

Dr Nicholas Jones is the medical officer of health in Hawke’s Bay, where two cases of nerve damage have recently been linked to huffing of nitrous oxide.

At a recent community meeting on the issue, he said people were alarmed to hear that recycling services in the region were collecting around 300kg of empty canisters a fortnight.

That does suggest “there’s quite a significant amount of this being used”, he said.

Large canisters of nitrous oxide can be easily purchased. Supplied

While nitrous oxide has traditionally been viewed at the lower end of the harm-spectrum for psychoactive substances, Jones highlighted the potential risks around large amounts of the gas being accessible and available.

“What seems to have changed recently is the availability of these large canisters, you know, up to 3.3L of gas, whereas in the past people may have used the small silver canisters about, I think it’s about 8 grams or something, a relatively low amount.”

“You’re able to then actually access 3.3L, you could be using it for a prolonged period of time over a long period of time.”

That increased risks significantly, he said.

Dr Nicholas Jones. RNZ / Anusha Bradley

“Although it’s not known for being a drug that causes, you know, psychological dependence, obviously the longer you use it and the more you use it, the higher the risk of, you know, becoming dependent on it.

“With chronic use you can start developing nerve damage associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.”

He suspected this could become more common, especially as people may not understand the risks of nitrous oxide-use.

“One of the problems is that people may be ringing up with concerns, health concerns, but not necessarily identifying the fact that they’re associated with, you know, the use of nitrous oxide.”

Checkpoint also spoke to a woman whose adult child became a heavy user of nitrous oxide last year.

The woman asked to remain anonymous but wanted to share her family’s experience in the hope more could be done to prevent abuse of the substance.

She said her daughter became hooked the gas and was using the large, thermos-sized canisters.

It caused physical problems for her daughter like anaemia, numbness in the her fingers and toes, and issues with bumping into things, she said.

Her daughter also ended up in hospital because of nerve damage, and the addiction had severe mental health impacts and led to self-harm.

The woman said the family found the gas was being purchased from a vape store.

When they went in to see what checks were in place, they found customers were asked to write down their name and the intended use for their purchase on a piece of paper.

She said people had written down names like “John Smith” and that they wanted the gas for a “21st birthday cake”

The woman said police investigated the store, which was eventually closed down. However, she remained concerned about the availability of the gas, and pointed out the closed-vape shop was simply one outlet selling nitrous-oxide products.

She also said her daughter had recovered after quitting “cold turkey” and getting help. The family now want the government to be more proactive and shut down illegal sales.

For anyone affected by issues discussed in this story, free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor. Or call 0800 Lifeline or text HELP to 4357.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/how-accessible-are-nangs-an-rnz-investigation-found-out/

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The Decade That Matters: New Research Shows Which Decade Men Must Prioritise Heart Health (it’s their 30s!)

Source: Exercise NZ

“We now know the decade when men should and need to start prioritising heart health as preventative measures, and that decade is their 30s… The actions men take, or don’t take, during this period can determine their cardiovascular health for the rest of their lives.”

“The good news is that even if you missed your 30s, starting now still delivers powerful benefits, right up till your 80s”

“Exercise isn’t just about fitness or appearance, it’s one of the most powerful forms of preventative medicine available… The earlier men prioritise movement, the greater the protective effect. The message is simple: don’t wait for symptoms. Prevention starts now.”

New international research has identified a clear turning point in men’s heart health, and it’s earlier than most expect.

A long-term study from Northwestern University has found that men’s risk of heart disease begins accelerating significantly from around age 35, establishing the mid-30s as a critical decade for prevention.

“We now know the decade when men should and need to start prioritising heart health as preventative measures, and that decade is their 30s,” says Exercise New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie.

“The actions men take, or don’t take, during this period can determine their cardiovascular health for the rest of their lives.”

The study tracked cardiovascular risk across adulthood and found men reach clinically significant risk levels earlier than women, even when traditional risk factors are accounted for. This reinforces the importance of early lifestyle-based prevention, particularly regular physical activity.

International evidence consistently shows exercise improves blood pressure, cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and body composition, while increasing cardiorespiratory fitness, one of the strongest predictors of longevity and reduced heart disease risk.

However, many men reduce their activity levels during their 30s due to work demands, parenting, and time pressures, precisely when prevention is most effective. Importantly, Exercise New Zealand emphasises that while the 30s represent an optimal window for prevention, it is never too late to benefit from exercise.

This ground-breaking research is particularly concerning given current participation levels in Aotearoa. According to the latest Ministry of Health survey, less than half of all adults meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. Additionally, only around half of all men achieve the minimum level of exercise needed to protect their heart health and reduce their risk of chronic disease.

“The good news is that even if you missed your 30s, starting now still delivers powerful benefits,” says Beddie. Research highlighted in ScienceDaily consistently shows that improving fitness at any age, even into your 70s and 80s, can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and extend quality of life. While the 30s are an ideal time to begin prioritising heart health, the most important thing is simply starting, wherever you are now. The human body responds positively to movement at any age.

What Men Should Be Doing: Before, During, and After Their 30s

Exercise New Zealand is encouraging men to view their 30s as a pivotal opportunity to protect their future health, with clear guidance across life stages:

Before your 30s: Build the habit
Establish regular physical activity as part of your identity and lifestyle. Consistency is more important than intensity.

During your 30s: Protect your future
Prioritise structured exercise, grow muscle mass, and support cardiovascular fitness. This is the decade where prevention has the greatest long-term impact.

After your 30s: Maintain and strengthen
Continue regular exercise to slow age-related decline, protect heart function, prioritise growing/maintaining muscle mass to maintain independence and quality of life.

“Exercise isn’t just about fitness or appearance, it’s one of the most powerful forms of preventative medicine available,” says Beddie. “The earlier men prioritise movement, the greater the protective effect. The message is simple: don’t wait for symptoms. Prevention starts now.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/the-decade-that-matters-new-research-shows-which-decade-men-must-prioritise-heart-health-its-their-30s/

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Slavery victims tell of their years-long ordeal

Source: Radio New Zealand

Moeaia Tuai was sentenced to jail for more than 16 years on Thursday. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

This story discusses details of slavery and sexual abuse.

Two young people have told how they were held in slavery by an Auckland man for several years.

Former prison officer Moeaia Tuai, who is 63, was found guilty by a jury last year of two charges of slavery, two counts of rape and a string of other sexual assaults. He was on Thursday jailed for more than 16 years.

In a victim statement, one of the complainants said he took her youthful happiness, her voice and virginity, and she sometimes felt like her soul had left her body. “A lot of the time, I wish I wasn’t here,” she said, adding she wished she was living a normal girl’s dreams and living her life.

“But sadly, instead, I am one of those girls fighting demons and emotions I don’t deserve, every day,” she said.

“I find it very hard to communicate with others because I was always stopped from speaking with anyone and everyone… I often have flashbacks that just hold me back and I’d rather be home alone.

“To hear my mother’s heartbreak after 10 plus years of being kept apart – my mother’s first time in New Zealand was for a court case.”

She described Tuai and his relatives as a “narcissistic and hypocritical family”.

Suppression orders prevent any information likely to identify the victims from being published.

The second victim, a young man, spoke through tears about the good Samaritans who helped him when he ran away, frightened and not able to sleep at night.

The High Court in Auckland was packed with family and friends of Tuai and his victims, with several crying while the details of the offending were read out.

‘False testimony’

“My parents are now trying to rebuild the good life that was broken because of these people… A glass that has been shattered into tiny pieces cannot be put back together again.”

He spoke through an interpreter to the defendant and his relatives – some of whom gave evidence to the jury, but also faced allegations during the trial that they too were involved in the offending.

“To anyone who has given false testimony here, I pray that you feel repentance in your heart. A glass that has been shattered into tiny pieces cannot be put back together again.”

Only Tuai has been charged in connection to the offending, which occurred from 2016 to 2024.

The court heard he might face poor treatment, and need to be segregated if prisoners found out he was a Corrections officer.

Justice Michele Wilkinson-Smith was asked to consider whether Tuai could have a shorter sentence because of that, and also due to the effect his sentence would have on his sick wife. She granted a small reduction to the jail term – and noted his wife had also benefited from the offending.

Funding Tuai’s lifestyle

Sentencing Tuai, Wilkinson-Smith said the older complainant had been assured before arriving in New Zealand that he could finish his secondary school education, but he was immediately put to work at a boarding lodge that his wife’s sister owned.

After moving to Australia, Tuai took control of the male complainant’s internet banking, his bank card and passport, allowing him only $100 of his weekly pay for full-time work.

“He was funding your lifestyle,” she told Tuai, saying that only ended when the man ran away and managed to get a new passport to return to New Zealand.

Tuai, his wife and the second victim also returned to New Zealand, where she was told she could not go to school – and instead must supplement his state benefits by working cash in hand jobs.

“At one point, the female victim worked 57 consecutive days without a single day off, including weekends,” Wilkinson-Smith said.

“The evidence for that came from your own diary which recorded her working hours…You were using her as a source of labour and income, as you had previously used the male complainant. She had no autonomy and no access to the money she was earning.”

When she had a formal job, her estimated (lost) wages were $80,000.

Saddled with debts

She was ‘treated as property in every way’ by Tuai, who made her work for free, have sex with him, controlled her movements and restricted her ability to get help or report him.

Before he raped her, he bought alcohol to ply her with, using money from her own bank account.

“It is clear that as far as you were concerned, she was in New Zealand only for your benefit,” Wilkinson-Smith added.

He felt entitled to the money the two earned, ‘drained their bank accounts’ and threatened them with deportation, she said, leaving them saddled with debts through loans they were forced to take out.

Both young people suffered threatened and actual violence, and were told they would lose the right to stay in New Zealand if they did not “obey his orders” or alerted authorities.

The judge said slavery was not a “cultural misunderstanding” and she was worried about how widespread it might be.

“I hope that this case highlights for others that this is slavery. It is not legal. You cannot bring people to New Zealand to exploit them for their labour and income.”

Where to get help:

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

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

Sexual Violence

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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/2026/02/12/slavery-victims-tell-of-their-years-long-ordeal/

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Maritime NZ statement on Vega seafarers

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Maritime NZ takes the welfare of seafarers extremely seriously. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take any action necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable international and domestic maritime regulations.

We understand from the vessel’s Master and agent that the crew are adequately provisioned and are doing well. We are making general enquiries with crew and relevant authorities regarding their wellbeing and will continue to monitor the situation.

As is the case for any foreign ship in New Zealand waters, if anyone has concerns about crew welfare, Maritime NZ asks them to notify us. Notifications can be made by seafarers or others via the homepage of our website: .

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/maritime-nz-statement-on-vega-seafarers/

Posted on

Mt Maunganui business owner says revenue down by half after landslide

Source: Radio New Zealand

Roads around Mauao at Mount Maunganui reopened on Friday 6 February. RNZ/Angie Skerrett

The owner of a Mount Maunganui pizzeria which has only just reopened after the deadly Mauao landslide says revenue is half what it would usually be in summer.

Michele Delaini is the owner of Rustica Italian Food pizzeria on Adams Avenue opposite Mauao which has only just re-opened this week.

He said it was like winter trading conditions at the height of summer.

“We’re lacking like all the people from the campground, the hot pools and definitely like all the people that every day come to the Mount.”

The Mount track was still closed and the streets in the area were very quiet compared to what it was usually like in the summer, he said.

Usually during summer the Mount’s population at least doubles but now the area was lacking visitors and tourists, he said.

It was more like a winter season and the cruise ships were choosing to go elsewhere because people could not explore the Mount, he said.

Neighbouring businesses were seeing the same downward trend and being forced to reduce their opening hours, he said.

“It’s just not enough business to be opened all day long, or like what we usually do.”

Delaini said he was having ongoing conversations with Tauranga City Council which was trying to support businesses in the area.

But he said he was not sure if the council alone would be able to bear the cost of helping all the businesses in the affected area.

Central government needed to provide some financial support for businesses, he said.

“For us businesses it’s very hard because summer time is where we collect all the money also for the winter, to carry us through the winter.”

With businesses being hit so hard at the height of the summer, “the government will have to understand that council alone cannot do it,” he said.

Rustica Italian Food pizzeria on Adams Avenue in Mount Maunganui is located opposite Mauao. Google Maps

Businesses were not able to turn to their insurers to fix the situation, he said.

If the business was not directly affected by the disaster but was “closed because of a consequence” only 10 percent of their losses would be covered, he said.

It was very worrying that there was no clear indication of when or if Mount Maunganui or the hot pools would reopen, he said.

Locals were sensitive about the situation and wanted to mourn what had happened, he said.

“There is the dichotomy, so you know like there is the grief and there is the wanting to go back to normal life and it can be challenging.”

But locals are trying to support local businesses and want to see the community return to how it was, he said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/mt-maunganui-business-owner-says-revenue-down-by-half-after-landslide/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Blues expecting big second half challenge against Chiefs

Source: Radio New Zealand

Blues v Chiefs

Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 February

Eden Park, Auckland

Live updates on RNZ

Blues coach Vern Cotter confirmed today that the side he’s named for Saturday night’s season opener is very much in line with what he’s expecting from their opponents. Cotter identified the Chiefs’ ability to change gears in the back end of games.

“We’re very conscious of the Chiefs’ ability to go 60 minutes and apply pressure to have a very good 20 minutes at the end,” he said at Blues training on Thursday.

“I think the bench represents what they intend to do. So locking in for 60 and having players with experience and energy is going to be important to finish this game.”

Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbes has named All Blacks Samipeni Finau and Cortez Ratima to come on in the second half, with Cotter explaining that the decision to select rookie flanker Torian Barnes to start was part of the plan to combat their effectiveness. Barnes will presumably make way for the experienced Anton Segner in the second half.

Assistant coach Jason O’Halloran during a Blues training session. Super Rugby Pacific, Alexandra Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Tuesday 18 June 2024. © Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

“Having Anton there is great. He’s glued to the team, he’s experienced he’s good at defensive line outs. He’s good at calling his own lineouts. He can get over a ball when the team seems a little bit tired, he can get those turnovers needed.”

Cotter said that the new law variations, which they have played under for their two preseason hit outs, “haven’t made much of a difference at all”.

“But we don’t think it’ll have a too big effect. I’m sure that there’ll be a referee at some stage or another, will stamp as mark on the game. So we’re prepared.”

Cotter’s selections include Stephen Perofeta at first five, with Beauden Barrett not due back until round four due to All Black rest. Cotter said that Perofeta should play a big role in the Blues’ game.

We want to put in a good performance and Stevie will be key to that. Everybody sitting around and trying to contribute, and Stevie will be directing play, and it’s just nice to have him back in. And with Fin (Christie), a combination at halfback gives us a nice little bit of balance around how we want to control the match.”

The Chiefs are without their first choice first five as well, with Damian McKenzie on paternity leave. Josh Jacomb will wear the 10 jersey, with Xavier Roe starting at halfback.

Team lists

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4 Sam Darry, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Kaylum Bosher, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Kyle Brown

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/12/super-rugby-pacific-blues-expecting-big-second-half-challenge-against-chiefs/

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‘Ongoing concerns’ immigration requirements for bus drivers too tough

Source: Radio New Zealand

Unsplash

Wellington councillors, national industry groups and drivers are sounding the alarm over immigration settings for bus drivers, warning of a looming shortage.

A residency pathway for bus drivers, brought in in 2022, requires English language to the level of a post-graduate international student, after two years on a working visa.

Drivers have been warning the test is too hard, more than 500 presented a petition to Parliament in January urging the rules to be relaxed.

According to the capital’s bus operator Metlink, the future of about 45 Wellington bus drivers is currently unclear as they try to stay in the country.

Bus drivers applying for residency must score 6.5 in IELTS, a standard international test, or exceed equivalent scores in four other English-language exams.

That’s the same level as many universities require for post-graduate international students.

In a council meeting today, Greater Wellington regional council public transport committee chair Ros Connelly said she’s worried the settings will force drivers to leave the country.

“It’s an extremely high level that involves not only english language understanding, but also comprehension of quite difficult concepts, so this is the problem that we are in, it was misjudged how difficult it would be to get drivers across that threshold.”

Paul Tawharu, senior manager operations at Metlink, told councillors operators were “extremely confident” there was no risk to service, that they had good domestic recruitment plans, and were training people through the system well.

Tauwharu said operators are setting up schools within bus depots to help teach English, and using New Zealand drivers on long-term sick leave to help with other drivers’ language skills.

Connelly said she feared a shortage in two years’ time, when visa extensions run out.

If drivers sit the residency test now, and fail it, they can apply for a visa to stay in New Zealand for two more years, she said.

But if they fail again they’ll be gone.

“I have ongoing concerns that this just kicking the can down the road for another two years and that at the end of that period, they won’t be able to stay in New Zealand and we’ll be back to the situation we were.”

New Zealand was in the grip of a significant driver shortage in 2022 and 2023 which caused regular bus cancellations and suspensions.

In Wellington, in 2022, 59 Metlink weekday bus services were suspended due to a lack of drivers.

The Bus and Coach Association chief executive, Delaney Myers, said no one wants to return to those days.

“In Wellington that got as bad as sometimes almost half of all peak morning services being cancelled or running late, it was incredibly frustrating.

“And our concern is that if we don’t take a long term approach to how we’re going to secure drivers going forward, then we may be in that situation again.”

Myers said no one anticipated the level of difficulty the bus driver residency pathway required, when it was announced in 2022.

She said skilled bus drivers don’t need academic level English to do a good job, and she wanted the government to lower the requirements.

Auckland bus driver Ryan Jay Carumba, who’s from the Phillipines, said he tried sitting the residency test and failed, and is now on a 2-year visa extension.

Carumba said the test was difficult, requiring him to write a 300-word essay in one part of it.

He thinks the level is too high for what the job needs.

“For sure it’s too much for us, personally we do not communicate a lot with passengers, we say good morning, hi, hello, and then if the passengers have some concerns with us they just talk to us, maybe a bit.”

Carumba said seven of his Filipino colleagues have recently left Ritchies, the company he works for, because they couldn’t meet the visa-level English requirements.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said she was not considering relaxing the language settings.

She said the pathway had been established under the previous government, and bus drivers had always known it required a higher level of English.

“There is an expectation in New Zealand that people who are staying have a certain level of English, and they need to work to get that.

“I would also say there are hundreds of bus drivers who have met the English standard, who have worked hard, and who have met that standard.”

Stanford said she wasn’t worried about another bus driver shortage, because there were many bus drivers from many parts of the world who will be able to meet the English language requirements.

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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/2026/02/12/ongoing-concerns-immigration-requirements-for-bus-drivers-too-tough/