Category: AM-NC

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Four injured after two-vehicle crash in Twizel

Source: Radio New Zealand

The crash happened at the intersection of State Highway 8 and Lake Ohau Road. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Four people have been injured in a serious crash near Twizel in South Canterbury.

The two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of State Highway 8 and Lake Ohau Road at around 1:45pm on Monday.

Police say two people have serious injuries and two others have minor injuries.

People are being urged to avoid the area.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/four-injured-after-two-vehicle-crash-in-twizel/

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Christchurch couple fight to keep more than $200k cash they found in the ceiling of their home

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said the money was likely the proceeds of crime. (File photo) Unsplash

People will be discouraged from doing the right thing if a Christchurch couple who found more than $200,000 in the ceiling of their house do not get to keep any of the money, a court has heard.

The couple, whose names are suppressed, found the mystery money sealed in plastic bricks tucked in insulation at their property in 2021.

They reported the cash to the police who said the money should be forfeited because it was the proceeds of crime, probably from drug dealing.

At a High Court hearing on Monday, the couple’s lawyer Mike Lennard said they should keep the money because they had no part in any criminal activity and withholding the cash would discourage other people reporting similar finds to police.

“It will send a message to people in my client’s position, don’t cooperate with the police, don’t tell the police, just spend it. Just pay cash for your groceries for the next few years,” he said.

Lennard told the court homeowners get the “good and the bad” when they buy a house.

He said the Proceeds of Crime Act had a number of aims, including deterring criminal activity, but his clients had not broken the law.

Police lawyer Klaudia Courteney said the money was tainted by criminal activity and should therefore be forfeited to the Crown.

She said the case differed to occasions when someone found a wallet in the street, handed it in and later received the money if it remained unclaimed.

Courteney said the couple were immediately concerned the cash was a result of criminal activity and reported it to the police because of safety concerns.

“They weren’t just being good citizens. They were very concerned that it involved criminal activity and they were worried about who might turn up,” she said.

Courteney said police searched the property and installed security alarms because of the safety concerns and changed access to the attic so it was no longer accessible from the outside.

She said it was clear the couple thought the money was from criminal activity and therefore tainted.

Justice Osborne observed in a number of other countries when people had found drug money a percentage of the cash could be returned to them.

If the couple had not handed the money in then the police would have nothing, he said.

“It seems to me odd for the commissioner (of police) to take the position of an absolute no, there is no opportunity for relief, when there is a real public good here,” he said.

Justice Osborne reserved his decision.

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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/2026/02/09/christchurch-couple-fight-to-keep-more-than-200k-cash-they-found-in-the-ceiling-of-their-home/

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Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says government ‘unqualified’ to lead city’s economic recovery

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown wearing a cap with the word ‘Rates’ on it. (File photo) Supplied

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says the government is unqualified to lead the city’s economic recovery and should leave it to local council.

The comments came as Brown again renewed calls for a bed levy tax, despite the government’s opposition to the move.

A suite of events were set to be held in Auckland throughout the year, as major infrastructure projects neared completion.

The long-delayed International Convention Centre was finally due to open on Wednesday.

The new International Convention Centre. (File photo) New Zealand International Convention Centre

Construction of the Convention Centre began back in 2015 and was initially supposed to take 38 months, but had been plagued by a budget blow-out and legal wrangling.

“We’ve been waiting for such a long time. [Convention centres] are hard to make money out of.

“I understand it’s booked up pretty well, so it will bring in conventions and it will be part of the tourist offering. But that whole tourist thing is a bit of a question for us.”

The New Zealand leg of SailGP also returned to the waters of Waitematā Harbour this weekend.

Brown told Morning Report both events were a positive for the supercity.

“Those are two good things on this week, that’s for sure,” he said.

“It’s a big year really when you think about it.

“The Polo finals and the Blues and Chiefs are playing shortly. There’s a lot of sport,” he said.

Another long overdue milestone, the City Rail Link was also due to be completed later this year.

The Ocean Race, formerly known as the Round the World Race, was scheduled to return to the City of Sails in 2027.

Brown wasted no time pointing to the small matter of the Election, another major event pertinent to Auckland residents, he said.

“If you don’t win Auckland, you don’t get to be the government.”

Brown had long campaigned for a bed tax on visitors to help fund destination marketing and events.

He again expressed his desire for the scheme.

“The government can’t bring itself to do that yet, so that they’re raiding tourists at the border. And then central government will tell us how we spend on things, which is something we don’t like.

“All these big events want some money up front. And if we have the bed night levy we will have the money up front.”

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, said a bed tax was not something she was pursuing this term.

“Our government has already announced a number of initiatives to boost tourism and events across New Zealand and in Auckland, including our $70 million major events and tourism package and a regional tourism boost announcement which invests in campaigns to market New Zealand (and Auckland) to overseas visitors.”

Upston said the government was firmly focused on growing the economy, including the Auckland economy, and tourism and major events remained integral to that.

“I recognise there’s been an interest in bed tax and am also aware of Wayne Brown’s recent comments.”

In response to Auckland’s lagging economy and high unemployment rate, the mayor said “it had its own ideas”.

Council-led initiatives such as the Auckland Innovation & Technology Alliance showed the council was better suited than the government in driving investment into the city, Brown said.

“Economic development; we’ve decided that council will lead this, because the government doesn’t quite know how to do that.”

When asked if he felt the government had dropped the ball, he replied “they hadn’t didn’t pick it up”.

“They’re not quite sure where it is/ There’s a lot we can do ourselves as well. Instead of them initiating things, we just want them to help with what we’re going to initiate.

“There’s too much centralised decision making in this country.”

Minister for Auckland, Simeon Brown said the government was focused on rebuilding the economy and Auckland was central to that.

“That’s why we’re fast-tracking major infrastructure like the $200 million Port of Auckland extension and incentivising business investment through Investment Boost and our Going for Growth agenda.

“The opening of the International Convention Centre and the City Rail Link later this year will further lift jobs and economic activity.”

Simeon Brown said business confidence in Auckland was at its highest in over a decade.

“GDP is up 12.1 per cent on 2019, labour force participation is 72.8 per cent, and CBD office vacancies have fallen for the first time since 2022 – a clear sign businesses are backing the city again.

The Mayor and Auckland Council would be wise to focus on keeping costs down for Aucklanders.”

Supporting a rates cap last week would have been a good first step, Simeon Brown added.

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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/2026/02/09/auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-says-government-unqualified-to-lead-citys-economic-recovery/

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New Whakatipu View trail officially opens at Coronet Peak

Source: Coronet Peak

Queenstown’s easiest downhill mountain bike trail, Whakatipu View, has officially opened at Coronet Peak.

The highly anticipated 5km-long, Grade 2 trail, opened with a special community celebration on Saturday (February 7) that involved long-time Coronet Peak team member and former top Kiwi rider Erin Greene being the first to ride the trail.
 
Whakatipu View is designed as Coronet Peak’s most accessible trail to date. Built to a true Grade 2 standard, it offers a new gateway to gravity mountain biking for beginners, families and riders who want a gentle, confidence‑building introduction to downhill terrain. The trail features an overall grade of 8%, smooth bermed corners, rolling turns and expansive views across the Whakatipu basin.
 
Coronet Peak ski area manager Nigel Kerr says the opening marks a major milestone in the ski area’s long‑term vision for summer recreation. Greene, who has worked at Coronet Peak for 25 years, and Kerr, have both played pivotal roles in the development of mountain biking on the mountain for more than 10 years.
 
“Whakatipu View is exactly the kind of trail our community has been asking for,” Kerr explains. “Downhill mountain biking can feel intimidating, and having a genuine Grade 2 top‑to‑bottom option opens the sport to many more people. It’s the perfect step between the district’s river trails and riding in the alpine environment.”
 
Whakatipu View is one of the first projects to be delivered under Coronet Peak’s Department of Conservation‑approved Mountain Biking Masterplan, signed off in 2024. The masterplan enables the development of up to 15 trails of varying grades within the ski area, as well as two that will eventually extend toward the valley floor. There are currently four trails in operation for MTB over the summer months.
 
The trail was built by Queenstown-based company Dirt Design, led by Kepler Rek, whose team navigated a complex alpine work environment including spring snow and sensitive ecological areas. “Every metre of trail was shaped with a focus on minimising environmental impact and maintaining respect for the maunga,” Kerr adds.
 
More trails are in development and will continue to expand the trial network. Work on the extreme Grade 6 World Cup trail begins this month, with an expected opening at the start of next summer in December 2026. The easy Grade 3 Velvet Rolls trail will follow, scheduled as a project for next summer.
 
Coronet Peak’s mountain bike park opened for the 2025–26 season on December 6, 2025, and will operate until March 22, 2026. Riders access the trails via the Coronet Express chairlift, with bike carriers fitted for summer operations. For more information, visit www.coronetpeak.co.nz/summer/mountain-biking/ .

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/new-whakatipu-view-trail-officially-opens-at-coronet-peak/

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Events – Waka Ama Takes Over Takapuna Beach for the Annual Three-Day Competition

Source: Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ (WAANZ)

The 17th edition of the Takapuna Beach Cup returns bringing together rangatahi (youth), pakeke (adults), and international crews for the biggest change race in Aotearoa.

From Friday 13 February to Sunday 15 February, Takapuna Beach Cup draws over 1,000 participants and spectators to its shores. Aotearoa will be joined by those coming from Australia, Hong Kong, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Hawai’i, Canada, the United States and the UK.

Organised by Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ (WAANZ) and supported by the local Taniwha Outrigger Canoe Club, paddlers will compete in a range of disciplines and distances. WAANZ Chief Executive Lara Collins says this event highlights dedication to Waka Ama.

“The distances across the three days require stamina and mental toughness, battling other teams and the taiao (environment). The skill level is high and the challenge of completing these races is an experience like no other,” says Collins.

Friday will be W6 (6 person canoe) races ranging from a 5 km sprint and a 16 km mixed race. Saturday will be the marathon W6 and W4 42 km changes race and the 21 km Iron events. Sunday will be the W6 10 km (J16/J19) and relay events for W1 and W2 crews.

The Hauraki Gulf delivers a challenging programme, including the 42 km circumnavigation of Rangitoto, Motutapu and Rakino Islands while carrying out crew water changeovers.

“From humble beginnings this event has transformed into a world-class race thanks to the late Ken Gilbert and the Taniwha Outrigger Canoe Club. Takapuna Beach Cup promotes the growth of waka ama and celebrates the culture that underpins paddling in Aotearoa,” says Collins.  

Spectators and supporters can attend along the Takapuna Beach foreshore. Details on race times and on-site amenities are available at https://www.takapunabeachcup.com/.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/events-waka-ama-takes-over-takapuna-beach-for-the-annual-three-day-competition/

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Media Council dismisses four complaints against RNZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Media Council has found that four complaints against RNZ did not have sufficient grounds to proceed.

In the first, the chief executive of United Flower Growers, Pete Brown, complained about the article Auckland florists say industry ‘in shambles’, plagued by resentment, published on September 15, 2025. The story reported florists facing difficulties relating to the state of the economy and a raft of changes made by their key supplier, United Flower Growers.

The article was based on comment from five florists, and included responses from Brown on behalf of UFG.

The Council noted that a feature of this complaint was Brown’s concern about RNZ’s decision to grant anonymity to the florists. He challenged that on the basis that two florists spoken to by RNZ had told him they were prepared to be named. This was disputed by RNZ.

The Council said it was in no position to consider this issue as it had no information to establish with any certainty what the florists and reporter agreed to. “Besides, the granting of anonymity in these circumstances is a matter of editorial discretion. That is appropriate and not a matter for second guessing by the Media Council.”

Beyond that the Council was not convinced there was sufficient foundation for complaint about this article. The complainant cited Principles (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance but there was no evidence that the article was inaccurate. As for fairness and balance, Brown was given the opportunity to respond and key points made by him were reported, albeit at the tail of the article.

“This sort of investigative reporting is supported by the Council,” the judgment said.

***

In the second case, Martin Broadbent complained about a series of articles published between November 17 to November 22, 2025, on the problems caused by feral cats and the decision to allow them to be targeted as predators.

Broadbent complained that RNZ’s reporting on feral cats and Predator Free 2050 blurred the legal distinction between feral and stray cats, thereby misleading the public and undermining animal welfare protections under the law.

RNZ firmly rejected the suggestion that it was blurring the categories. The term feral was widely used and was included in Predator Free 2050’s list of species. It argued the first story in the series clearly explained the difference between companion, feral and stray cats.

The Council agreed the first article spelt out precisely how feral and stray cats were defined and two other stories in the series also defined the word feral to make it clear they are not referring to strays. On that basis it saw nothing to support a claim that this was of “an orchestrated blurring of categories that misleads the public into believing all unowned cats are “feral” and subject to lethal control.”

The Council ruled there was nothing to show the reporting breached Principle (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance.

***

In the third case, RNZ published an article on November 23, 2025, titled Israeli airstrikes kill at least 20 people in Gaza, local medics say. This was a Reuters news agency report and was based on information provided by medics and witnesses to the airstrikes. It also included comment from the Israeli military and Hamas, who accused each other of violating a truce which was agreed to six weeks earlier.

Eric Mattlin complained that the story breached Media Council Principles (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance; (4) Comment and Fact; and (7) Discrimination and Diversity. He argued: “The article demonstrates a pattern of asymmetrical attribution with uncritical adoption of Israeli military claims, and a lack of context that affected how readers understood the events being reported. This article concerns an ongoing and highly controversial international conflict involving profound power asymmetries. While balance does not require false equivalence, it does require that significant perspectives and relevant context be included.”

In response, RNZ rejected the complaint and sent Mr Mattlin its language guide to the Middle East Conflict, which explained why it used such terms as ‘militant’ and ‘hostage-prisoner’. It added that RNZ had broadcast and published hundreds of pieces over the past two years, providing a wide range of views and the historical context behind the conflict.

The Council noted that RNZ and all other major New Zealand news outlets rely on international news agencies for most of their world news. Agencies like Reuters report for a wide and diverse international audience which requires coverage to be even handed.

The Council considered this story to be a fairly typical news report from Gaza. In accordance with standard journalistic practice it identified where information was obtained, and comment about the alleged ceasefire breaches was attributed to the Israeli military and Hamas. It also provided brief background on how the Gaza war started two years earlier.

Dealing with the complaint about terminology, the Council refered back to its decision on Mr Mattlin’s earlier complaint (No.3725) which stated: “The Council notes RNZ and other New Zealand media outlets are reliant on overseas news agencies for their coverage of the conflict, and it would be risky or possibly even a breach of RNZ’s agreement with those agencies to change the terminology used.”

The Council noted the story cited in this latest complaint was one of many that have been published on the Gaza War. “This is a long and complex story which has been reported extensively, and it is impractical to expect every report to cover all the context and background. It is clear that balance has been provided over time.”

The Council saw no evidence of bias or that the coverage and terminology was unfair or asymmetrical.

***

In the fourth case, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) published an article on December 22, 2025, Winston Peters makes u-turn on Chorus debt sell-off. The story was about the NZ First leader Winston Peters reversing his previous opposition to the Chorus debt sell-off, which in turn would clear the way for the Government to proceed with a plan to sell about $650m in interest-free loans that Chorus owes the government.

Hector O’Brien complained that the comment – “The Government does not have an (equity) stake in Chorus” – was factually incorrect as the Government-owned holding company National Infrastructure Funding and Finance Ltd had around 61.6 percent of shares in Chorus.

RNZ said the article was correct. The Government did not have an equity stake in this privately owned company. However, it was owed debt by Chorus, more specifically Ultra-Fast Broadband securities. It said the word “stake” had been used in a previous report, but this was updated in this story to make it clear that the Government had no equity or ownership in Chorus.

The Council noted that the line was taken directly from the December 17 press statement in which Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said: “It is important to note the government does not have an equity stake in Chorus and the securities involved are not ordinary shares.”

It further noted that NIFFCO is not listed as a major Chorus shareholder. Rather, it is shown through official documents and ministerial statements that the company was used to provide Government loan finance to Chorus.

In the circumstances no inaccuracy was shown, nor any unfairness.

All judgments can be found here: Media Council – Search

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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/2026/02/09/media-council-dismisses-four-complaints-against-rnz/

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Man sexually abused by priest ‘appalled’ police weren’t notified by church

Source: Radio New Zealand

Former St Bede’s College Friar Rowan Donoghue arrives at the Christchurch District Court for an appearance on January 28. Nathan McKinnon / RNZ

A man who was sexually abused by a priest says he’s “appalled” police were not notified the priest had admitted abuse to leaders of his religious order nearly 20 years ago.

He said he expected authorities to be told of all other members of the order who admitted child sex offences.

RNZ earlier revealed Fr Rowan Donoghue had admitted six charges including indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16, indecent assault on a boy 16 and over and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection.

The offending related to four boys who were boarding at St Bede’s College in Christchurch between 1996 and 2000.

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

In response to questions by RNZ, a Society of Mary spokesperson said a complaint alleging offending by Donoghue was received by the priest via an anonymous Hotmail account in October 2007.

“He advised Society of Mary administration and in a conversation with leaders of the Society of Mary, Donoghue admitted that he was guilty of abuse but could not identify the complainant.

“He was removed from his ministry as a priest immediately. This permanent removal from ministry and subsequent ongoing monitoring has continued to the present day.”

The spokesperson said the society reached out to the anonymous emailer “encouraging him to identify himself” and make a complaint to the police so the matter might be properly investigated, and so that he might receive appropriate support.

“Those attempts to connect with and support the victim, made over many months, were unsuccessful and so no complaint could be made by the Society to the police.

“Donoghue was sent for a six-month programme to Encompass, an institute in Australia that provided professional risk assessment and therapy for those accused of sexual abuse.”

One of the men who was sexually abused by Donoghue at St Bede’s College said he was shocked by the revelations.

The offending happened at St Bede’s College. (File photo) Google Maps

“I’m appalled to hear an admission from the church/Society of Mary, that they not only knew about Rowan’s offending, but also had a direct admission of guilt from him too.

“And instead of notifying authorities, chose to send him for ‘re-education’. It shows, as an organisation they are wholly complicit when it comes to their members having offended against children.”

The man said he expected authorities “to be told of all other members who admitted child sex offences”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons earlier said police were unable to comment on processes of other organisations and their decision making and whether they decide to call the police but that police encouraged people to do so if they have information they believe could be relevant to any investigation or suspected offending.

St Bede’s College rector Jon McDowall earlier said the details outlined through the court process were “deeply disturbing”.

“As rector, it makes me feel sick to think that young people entrusted to an adult’s care were abused in this way. I am deeply sorry that this happened to them, and my thoughts are with the victims and survivors who continue to live with the impact of that harm.”

McDowall said the school had worked openly with police throughout the process.

“We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities should any further information come to light.

“Abuse has no place at St Bede’s – past, present, or future. The college has an established policy in place to respond and support victims of historical abuse, alongside safeguarding policies and practices to protect the wellbeing and safety of students today. Our focus remains on providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.”

McDowall extended an open invitation for victims in the case, and others who may have been impacted, or anyone with concerns to contact him directly.

In early 2023, police were contacted about the allegations of sexual abuse by Donoghue in relation to his time at St Bede’s College.

St Patrick’s Silverstream rector Rob Ferreira said the school had not been made aware of any allegations of abuse in care while Donoghue worked at the school between 1982 to 1992.

“We have not had any inquiries from the police either.

“We operate according to clearly set out guidelines and best practice and you should note that our primary concern is the wellbeing of our students. Given that – our protection of the privacy and any other rights of survivors of abuse and other individuals would be paramount.”

He said the school had informed the community that Donoghue’s name suppression had lifted.

St Patrick’s College Wellington rector Mike Savali confirmed Donoghue was on the college staff from 2003 to 2007.

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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/2026/02/09/man-sexually-abused-by-priest-appalled-police-werent-notified-by-church/

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Government funds and delivers new school in 18 months

Source: New Zealand Government

The first new school announced by the Government is open from today in Flat Bush following a blessing this morning, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“A new school is an exciting start for the school community and it was a pleasure to visit Te Kura Rau Iti this morning. Flat Bush is a fast-growing suburb and this school, with a capacity for 700 students, will provide for local families heading into the future,” Ms Stanford says.

The new school for Years 0 to 6 has come in on time and under budget, making use of the Government’s new approach which has reduced the cost of a classroom while still retaining high-quality specifications for the build.

“We have proven that we can provide repeatable designs for schools in a way that both ensures students are getting quality, and taxpayers’ money is used responsibly,” Ms Stanford says.

“The new school is also free from the unpopular, large barnyard-style classrooms that we promised to address. These weren’t working for students and they weren’t working for teachers.”

The new school has:

  • 30 teaching spaces with flexible art spaces
  • A library, hall, and administration spaces
  • Two hardcourts, and junior and senior playgrounds.
  • A school field, available in March.

The new school is a repeatable design, based on Ahutoetoe School, Brookfields School, and Te Pae School which is currently in construction. The school design also includes space for further roll growth when required. The total build is $41 million.

Ms Stanford says the school will also provide the Learning Support initiatives that are rolling out from Term One through the Government’s $746.7 million Learning Support investment. 

“We are supporting our children to get the support they need with their learning whether they’re needing to catch up, get more help, or have specific learning needs. As part of the next phase for the school in the future, there is also a planned learning support satellite unit.”

Local MP for Takanini, Rima Nakhle, says the school’s opening is fantastic progress that responds to Flat Bush’s growth, relieving pressure on nearby schools. 

“Locals have been seeing significant growth in Flat Bush, and Te Kura Rau Iti has been built to respond to that. The opening of the school today is another step in ensuring our community has high-quality learning spaces for our children heading into the future,” Ms Nakhle says.

“This is a great example of delivery in action. We are committed to fixing the basics and building for the future, and today is another step in delivering the funding and resources required to build a world-leading education system.”

“I wish the school team and the community the absolute very best in learning and success in their new school. This is an exciting start for everyone and I look forward to seeing the school’s progress,” Ms Stanford says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/government-funds-and-delivers-new-school-in-18-months/

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Former Air NZ boss, Greg Foran to be CEO of US retail giant Kroger

Source: Radio New Zealand

Former Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Former Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran is headed back to the US retail scene with a report that he will be the new chief executive of US retail giant Kroger.

The Wall Street Journal reported he will be named as the new chief executive of Kroger after the previous chief executive was dumped for unacceptable personal conduct.

“Kroger officials have said they wanted to look for a candidate outside the walls of the company’s downtown Cincinnati headquarters who could bring a fresh perspective to the grocer,” The Journal report said.

Kroger operates supermarkets, grocers, jewellery, and hypermarkets with food and pharmaceutical retail sites in its own name and through various US state and regional brands.

It’s regarded as one of the big four US retailers with a turnover last year of about NZ$245 billion, with close to 3,000 outlets, and more than 400,000 staff.

Before his five year tenure at Air New Zealand Foran ran the US operations of retail giant Walmart in which he had a reputation as a demanding boss, who paid attention to customer service and product quality, resulting in increased sales through the group.

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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/2026/02/09/former-air-nz-boss-greg-foran-to-be-ceo-of-us-retail-giant-kroger/

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Doctor apologises after not telling patient bone graft came from dead donor

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

A man who received a bone graft did not realise until four months later it had come from a deceased donor, a Health and Disability Commission report says.

He was upset, saying it was against his cultural and religious beliefs.

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell said his doctor failed to inform him who and where the tissue was coming from and therefore breached his right to give informed consent.

The man, who is Māori and known as Mr A in the report, had surgery on his wrist in July 2015.

Bone tissue was transplanted, but he did not find out until a post-surgery review in November that it had come from a deceased donor.

“Mr A told [the doctor] he was upset about this as it was against his cultural and religious beliefs and that he wished he had been told about this before surgery,” the report said.

The doctor could not remember the exact conversation he had with the man beforehand, but acknowledged it was clear he had not properly explained the process, the report said.

He told the commission it had been difficult to communicate with Mr A at times because of his distress, trauma and chronic pain, so standard “fulsome discussion” on the procedure did not happen.

He said he had not been aware of the man’s ethnicity.

The report said the consent form the patient signed did not say the donor tissue would come from another person and there were no records of it being explained.

Caldwell said even if there were challenges with communication, it was the doctor’s responsibility to make sure their patient had the information they needed.

If that could not be achieved, consideration should be given to not proceeding, she said.

The doctor had offered an apology.

He told the commission he had changed the way he worked to make sure he was aware of his patients’ cultural and religious beliefs and made sure he was clear with them about where donor material comes from.

Culturally safe care was fundamental, the report said.

“The use of donor material does have significant implications for people of different ethnicities, cultures and faiths and it is important to acknowledge the cultural implications the inadequate information had on Mr A as a Māori man,” Caldwell said.

“Adequate disclosure of the the allograft process, specifically that bone tissue was to be received from a deceased person would have ensured sufficient time to undertake cultural processes which would make this an acceptable procedure to undergo and that the correct tikanga and kawa were engaged.”

Caldwell would work with Health NZ as it developed a national policy on informed consent for bone grafts.

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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/2026/02/09/doctor-apologises-after-not-telling-patient-bone-graft-came-from-dead-donor/

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Dedicated dialysis service opens in Invercargill

Source: New Zealand Government

Southland’s new dialysis unit has officially opened, improving access to life-saving treatment for patients across Invercargill and the wider Southland region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“The opening of this new unit at Southland Hospital is a significant step forward for renal care in the South,” Mr Brown says.

“Until now, many Southlanders have had to travel to Dunedin three times a week for dialysis – a 2.5-hour journey each way. This new facility means more people can receive the care they need closer to home.”

The purpose-built unit features five haemodialysis spaces to treat outpatients and eligible inpatients from across the hospital, along with a dedicated area for peritoneal dialysis training and follow-up care.

“In time, the unit will also support training for patients who wish to undertake home haemodialysis, giving people greater independence and flexibility in managing their treatment.”

Previously, dialysis services in Invercargill were delivered from a space originally intended as an ‘away-from-home’ facility for visitors, before growing demand saw it accommodate some regular dialysis patients. 

“With demand increasing, a fit-for-purpose dialysis service in Southland became essential. This new unit increases the number of dialysis chairs from two to five, improving access for patients.”

Initially, the expanded service is expected to support six to eight haemodialysis patients each week, with numbers projected to grow over the next six months.

“For patients and their families, dialysis isn’t just a treatment – it’s part of everyday life. Being able to receive that care locally reduces stress, keeps people connected to family and community, and supports better long-term health.

“This new facility is about making sure Southlanders can receive the care they need, closer to home,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/dedicated-dialysis-service-opens-in-invercargill/

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Weather News – Summer’s back in charge…for now – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 9th – Friday 13th February
 
–    Largely settled start to the week for northern and central New Zealand, but rain for the West Coast and far south
–    Swing to warmer-than-average temperatures for many on Thursday
–    Widespread rain arriving at the end of the working week

It’s looking like a classic summer setup for much of the country this week, with largely settled weather for northern and central parts, and a swing to hotter than average temperatures later in the week. Friday brings a change, however, with widespread rain arriving to dampen things before the weekend.

Dry days are set to dominate from Northland down to Christchurch to start the week. Summer heating brings the odd shower popping up inland in the afternoons, and we might even see a lightning spark or two up in the ranges of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, but for most people there will be plenty of chances to get out and about.

MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino says, “With sea-surface temperatures around much of the North Island’s coastline warmer than average, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the long summer evenings and squeeze in a swim after school or work.”

Things aren’t quite so sunny for western and southern parts of the South Island, though, with rain sweeping through on Tuesday, and lingering into Wednesday for the West Coast. MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for Tuesday’s rain in Fiordland, with a moderate chance of being upgraded to a Warning.

Summer returns mid-week, with sunny skies, hot days, and humid nights for much of the country. Afternoon temperatures in the high twenties are expected on Thursday, and some places in Wairarapa and Canterbury might even crack 30°C, 6 or 7°C above average for this time of year.

“It could get uncomfortably hot later in the week, with several spots in the lower North Island set to approach or exceed their heat alert thresholds, and overnight temperatures in the high teens not allowing time for recovery. Now’s the time to make a plan: think about timing outdoor activities away from the hottest parts of the day, or shifting under cover if you have to be outside, and leave plenty of time for shade and water breaks,” advises Martino.

As we head towards the weekend things look quite different, with rain affecting most of the country on Friday, and heavy rain possible. Keep up-to-date with the latest forecasts and MetService’s Severe Weather Outlook for more details.

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:

This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/weather-news-summers-back-in-chargefor-now-metservice/

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Speech to the Climate and the Cryosphere Open Science Conference and Antarctic Science Platform announcement

Source: New Zealand Government

Opening remarks

Nga mihi ki te rangi, ngā mihi ki te whenua. Ngā mihi ki a koutou. Kia ora mai tātou.

I greet the sky. I greet the earth. I greet all of you. Welcome.

Ki te mana whenua, tēnā koutou. Ko tēnei taku mihi tuku atu ki a koutou. Ngā mihi, ngā mihi.

I would also like to start by acknowledging Professor Tim Naish; Professor Brony James; Professor Gary Wilson; and all distinguished delegates who have travelled from around the world to be here.

Nau mai, haere mai ki whakatau ma Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Once twice, thrice a greeting.

Welcome to Wellington and welcome to New Zealand.

The importance and timeliness of this conference

Your conference comes at a pivotal time. Advances in cryosphere research are sharpening our understanding of the climate system, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, while new technologies are transforming what researchers can observe, measure and model.

For New Zealand, our interest in Antarctica stretches back at least as far as a founding signature to the Antarctic Treaty System. Antarctica is not remote – it is our close neighbour and a critical part of our climate system. 

Changes in Antarctic ice sheets influence sea levels, storm behaviour, and long-term risk across our region. Closer to home, research on Southern Alps glaciers is improving our understanding of water resources, ecosystems, and energy security.

The work represented here strengthens and adds to the global evidence base and directly informs long-term planning and resilience. 

I acknowledge the significant contribution each of you makes through your fieldwork, modelling, innovation, and international collaboration. Thank you.

Strengthening New Zealand’s science system

Science, innovation and technology are important to a productive and resilient economy. Over the past year, we have responded to science productivity, innovation and modernisation concerns by delivering the most significant reform of New Zealand’s science system in over 30 years.

Seven Crown Research Institutes have been consolidated into three Public Research Organisations aligned to national priorities, including earth systems science. Once of the most successful amalgamations of large state-owned enterprises to date.

We have also established the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology, supported by $231 million over four years, to accelerate capability in frontier technologies such as cryogenic super conduction, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and synthetic biology.

These advanced technologies are increasingly relevant to Antarctic science – from autonomous under-ice vehicles and sub-ice moorings to high-resolution environmental modelling and remote sensing. They are expanding our ability to monitor ice-ocean interactions and improve predictive capability.

Announcement

A few months ago I announced the first ever formal science memorandum of understanding with the United States. The very first projects include:

  • Antarctic Groundwater-Ecosystem connectivity
  • Spectra of Sentinels: Mapping Ecosystem Change from Ground, Air and Space, and
  • Drivers and Implications of Rapid Sea Ice Decline in the Ross Sea.

Today, I am pleased to announce a new international collaborative partner, the UAE, a along with a targeted $1 million increase to New Zealand’s Antarctic Science Platform for 2026, through the Emirates Polar Steering Committee and the new Polar Research Centre. This investment will support two new joint research projects with Khalifa University in United Arab Emirates.

Through this partnership, researchers will access complementary strengths, including advanced satellite data streams and environmental sensing capabilities.

The initial collaboration projects will focus on:

  1. Storm dynamics and sea ice formation – integrating high-resolution modelling with new observation techniques to improve forecasting and understanding of how storm systems influence sea ice formation; and
  2. Tracking changes to ice shelves using autonomous underwater vehicles – deploying long-range AUVs and remote technologies to measure heat content and water mass exchange on the continental shelf, helping fill critical data gaps.

For New Zealand, this partnership further strengthens our contribution to global climate and cryosphere science while building our capability in advanced remote technologies.

This level of collaboration reflects the importance New Zealand places on cryosphere science and international scientific partnership.

Climate resilience and adaptation

The insights generated by cryosphere science are increasingly important for New Zealand and the world.

Here we face growing risks from floods, storms and other natural hazards. In October, the Government released New Zealand’s first National Adaptation Framework — a long-term plan to help communities prepare for climate impacts.

The framework includes practical steps such as developing a consistent National Flood Map, so New Zealanders can access trusted information about their risk, and requiring adaptation plans in priority areas so councils can plan ahead for the next 30 years.

Sound adaptation policy depends on robust science. The research and collaboration represented at this conference directly supports that work.

To all delegates, thank you for your commitment to advancing understanding of our climate system. With two new funded international Antarctic science collaborations in just over 60 days, you can see the importance I place and New Zealand places on cryosphere research. I have urgency and have acted accordingly and I hope that you also share that urgency.

International Science collaboration supported by innovation and technology is essential to building a resilient future.

Closing

In closing, I wish you a productive and stimulating conference, and thank you helping us build a better, safer world.

It is now my pleasure to declare the Climate and the Cryosphere Open Science Conference officially open.

Ngā mihi nui. Thank you.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/speech-to-the-climate-and-the-cryosphere-open-science-conference-and-antarctic-science-platform-announcement/

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Standards announcement welcomed by BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ welcomes the announcement by Minister Scott Simpson that Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have reached an agreement whereby joint standards will be properly funded and there will no longer be commissioning fees for New Zealand industry for the development of joint Standards.
BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says this is something industry has campaigned on, for many years.
“Standards Australia has been well resourced over the years, while Standards New Zealand was the poor cousin, and NZ businesses were having to pay to participate in joint standards development. This was on top of contributing experts sitting on committees and getting themselves to meetings in Australia.
“As a result of the cost barrier, and the 100 percent user pays model operating in New Zealand, there were about 500 joint standards that were de-jointed since 2016.
“Industry standards are needed for product safety, regulatory compliance, successful exporting and importing, efficiency, consistency, and many other needs. All manufactured items must be manufactured to recognised Standards. All recognised trade training in NZ is linked to Standards.
Beard says many Standards in use in NZ are Australia-NZ Joint Standards, created by joint work between industry groups on both sides of the Tasman. 
“Joint Standards are needed as Australia and NZ are each other’s biggest market for manufactured exports and given the closeness between the two economies and business sectors. This has been particularly challenging for construction and building industries, where safety could be compromised through inadequate Standards.”
Beard says the Minister, Standards NZ and Standards Australia should be congratulated on progress to fix the problem and that it would be a big relief for Industry Associations on both sides of the Tasman.
“BusinessNZ will continue to monitor this issue to ensure that Standards New Zealand is adequately funded to ensure this never happens again and that NZ can play its part in global standards development.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/standards-announcement-welcomed-by-businessnz/

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Senior navy officer allegedly encouraged junior officer to kiss them

Source: Radio New Zealand

Judge William Hastings presiding over the trial of a senior Navy officer, for their conduct during an overseas operation in Fiji in 2023.  RNZ/Lucy Xia

A senior navy officer is facing a Court Martial over their behaviour during an operation in Fiji in March 2023, where they allegedly encouraged a junior officer to kiss them.

The hearing is sitting at the Devonport Navy Base in Auckland.

The military prosecutors have charged the senior officer with behaviour likely to prejudice service discipline.

Judge William Hastings has declined an application for interim name suppression, saying that the threshold for extreme hardship for the defendant and undue hardship for their family members hasn’t been met.

However, the defendant’s name cannot be published yet pending an appeal.

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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/2026/02/09/senior-navy-officer-allegedly-encouraged-junior-officer-to-kiss-them/

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Black Ferns star signs with Hurricanes for Super Rugby Aupiki

Source: Radio New Zealand

Renee Holmes. www.photosport.nz

The Hurricanes Poua have signed Black Ferns fullback Renee Holmes ahead of the Super Rugby Aupiki season.

Holmes joins the Poua after two seasons with the Chiefs Manawa in what is a homecoming to the Hurricanes region for the Gisborne-born-and-raised fullback.

“I’m super excited to be joining this team. I love the culture and the vibes, the style of rugby the Poua play, and I’m excited about the opportunity to chase the Hurricanes’ first-ever Super Rugby Aupiki title. I cannot wait to be a part of it,” Holmes said.

“I’m also super excited to work under Trigs (Poua head coach Hayden Triggs), I’ve heard nothing but good things and I can already feel his passion for this team and I’m looking forward to seeing where he can help take my game.”

New Zealand’s full back Renee Holmes (R) celebrates scoring a try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup third-place match against France, 2025. ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP

The 26-year-old goal-kicking Holmes brings plenty of domestic and international pedigree to the Poua.

Formerly a New Zealand age-grade representative in football, taekwondo, and ultimate frisbee, Holmes made her first-class rugby debut as a teenager with Hawke’s Bay in 2017.

She has since forged an impressive playing career, which includes a Rugby World Cup title with the Black Ferns on home soil four years ago, a 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki championship with Matatū, and Farah Palmer Cup success with Waikato in 2021.

In total, Holmes has made 29 test appearances and scored 199 points for the Black Ferns since making her debut for the side against the New Zealand Barbarians in 2020.

She featured prominently during last year’s World Cup campaign in England, and has won both the Pacific Four Series twice and the Laurie O’Reilly Cup four times while representing the Black Ferns.

In addition to her time with Hawke’s Bay and Waikato, Holmes has also played provincially for Bay of Plenty, and will embark on her fifth Super Rugby Aupiki campaign next year after two seasons each with the Chiefs Manawa and Matatū.

Triggs is thrilled to welcome a player of Holmes’ calibre to his side.

“The club is excited to provide a homecoming of sorts to a Gisborne-born talent in Renee,” Triggs said.

“The more I shared the vision for the club and the team to Renee, the more there was a shared enthusiasm about what the future holds for the Poua.

“Signing Renee is a big step in re-shaping the Poua programme. She is a humble, kind person, a dedicated athlete, a world-class competitor, and is the type of player we want our next Poua players to see and replicate for future squads.

“We are also driven to develop her game and leadership in the club, both on and off the field, to find a new ceiling in her game.

“As a team and a club, we can’t wait to see Renz in a black-and-yellow jersey uniting and exciting our Hurricanes fans in Super Rugby Aupiki 2026.”

The remainder of the 2026 Hurricanes Poua squad will be announced at a later date.

Super Rugby Aupiki has shifted dates this year. Previously played through March and April, it will now take place between June and August, with the draw yet to be confirmed.

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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/2026/02/09/black-ferns-star-signs-with-hurricanes-for-super-rugby-aupiki/

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Early-stage angel investment in start-up businesses grows for first time since 2021

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nearly twice as many new businesses were recieving investment last year. (File photo) Unsplash/ Declan Sun

Early-stage angel investment in start-up businesses saw positive growth in the amount of capital invested last year, for the first time since 2021.

Angel Association chief executive Bridget Unsworth said new deals attracted 8.6 percent more capital overall, with nearly twice as many new businesses receiving investment.

Deal activity rebounded strongly with a 34 percent increase in the number of deals completed to 167 from 125 in 2024, but with a conservative a 2.7 percent increase in capital to $13.9 million.

Unsworth said it appeared more investors were keeping dollars in reserve for follow-on investment, with the average investment per angel investor down 8 percent to $12,446 from $15,100 in 2024.

“Yes, the cheques are slightly smaller, but more companies are getting seeded,” Unsworth said.

She said the number of angel investors with a portfolio of five or more growth businesses rose 14 percent from 12 percent in 2024.

“I think it’s positive in that we’re seeing diversification across all the sectors,” she said.

“For a long time, software was 50 percent of all the capital that was committed. We’re seeing it spread more evenly across multiple sectors.”

She said deep tech, which focused on ground-breaking technology, was attracting more investment, with an increase of 22 percent over a rolling five-year average to $6.6m from $4.4m the year earlier.

“In a global environment shaped by climate solutions, national capability, and advanced technologies, this trend positions New Zealand well, provided capital and specialist expertise remain aligned,” she said.

“So all in all I think it is it is really positive in terms of how our market is evolving.”

Unsworth said the highlight of the year was a 34 percent increase in the number of active angel investors over the past year to 455 from 328 in 2024.

“We have got great investors coming into the space that are bringing not only their capital, but their breadth of expertise.”

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/2026/02/09/early-stage-angel-investment-in-start-up-businesses-grows-for-first-time-since-2021/

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PM Christopher Luxon says US president Donald Trump should apologise for ‘racist’ Obama post

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said US President Donald Trump’s social media post was racist. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The prime minister says US President Donald Trump’s social media post – depicting his predecessor Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes – is racist.

The AI-generated video was among 70 messages Trump posted on Thursday night, US time.

It was later deleted, and the administration blamed a staffer after initially defending the post.

Speaking to TVNZ’s Breakfast, Christopher Luxon said Trump should apologise.

“Yeah, look, I think he should,” he said.

“I mean I think when he was asked I think he said he condemns it but the reality is I saw coverage of it, I lived in the US for eight years in North America, and I’m well aware of what that trope is all about.

“It was racist, and it’s right that it’s been removed. As to whether he apologises for it that’s ultimately for him, but I would’ve thought you’d want to.”

Some Republicans have joined Democrats in decrying the post and calling for an apology.

Trump has not yet apologised.

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/2026/02/09/pm-christopher-luxon-says-us-president-donald-trump-should-apologise-for-racist-obama-post/

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NZ-UAE partnership boosts advanced tech capability

Source: New Zealand Government

A new Antarctic science partnership with a leading UAE university will grow New Zealand’s advanced engineering and modelling capability, supporting high-value jobs, encouraging economic growth, and enabling smarter climate risk management, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says. 

“This partnership is about building high-value capability in New Zealand and strengthening our economy for the future,” Dr Reti says.

“By combining our research expertise with the UAE’s strengths in engineering and autonomous technologies, we will develop new tools to better understand and predict how climate change in Antarctica affects our weather, oceans and coastal communities. 

“The collaboration supports our Antarctic research goals while strengthening New Zealand’s advanced engineering and autonomous systems capability – technologies that can boost productivity and resilience across key industries. 

“It will also provide better insight into Antarctic climate change to help businesses and decision‑makers plan for the future. 

“The systems developed, from high-resolution climate modelling to long-range autonomous underwater vehicles, will have applications across marine industries, environmental monitoring and aerospace.

“That means new commercial opportunities, high-value jobs, and stronger national capability in the technologies that will power our future economy.”

The partnership will initially support two Antarctic Science Platform projects focused on improving sea-ice forecasting and deploying advanced autonomous systems to better understand ice shelf melt and ocean circulation.

New Zealand will invest $1 million in the projects, following a Memorandum of Arrangement between Khalifa University and Antarctica New Zealand.

The Antarctic Science Platform will run a targeted contestable process to identify New Zealand research teams to join the collaboration, with proposals assessed on scientific excellence and their potential to build capability for both countries.

Notes to editors:

The partnership will initially support two projects delivered through the Antarctic Science Platform. These projects will focus on:

  • Storm dynamics influence on sea ice formation: Improved forecasting tools will enhance operational planning and build New Zealand’s capability in predictive environmental modelling, integrating high resolution modelling with new observation techniques will improve understanding of how storm dynamics influence sea ice formation.
  • Tracking changes to ice shelve using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Long-range AUVs and other remote technology will be developed and deployed to measure heat content and water mass exchange on the continental ice shelf. Designed to operate in extreme conditions, these systems will expand New Zealand’s capability in remote sensing technologies while helping fill key data gaps related to iceshelf melt and ocean circulation.

In May 2025, the Government announced an investment of $49 million over the next seven years to support the Antarctic Science Platform. Collaboration between New Zealand and the UAE’s relevant Antarctic institutions through this Platform supports the Government’s work to accelerate long-term economic growth driven by innovation. 

It also complements recently announced collaborations with international partners including Japan, Singapore, Australia and the United States across advanced materials, space science, health technologies and climate research supported by the MBIE-administered Catalyst Fund. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/nz-uae-partnership-boosts-advanced-tech-capability/

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One dead after crash involving truck and trailer in rural South Auckland’s Buckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

The driver and sole occupant of the truck died. (File photo) RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The driver of a truck and trailer has been killed in a crash on a rural road in South Auckland’s Buckland.

The crash happened on Logan Road in Buckland just after 7.30am on Monday, police said.

It involved one truck and the sole occupant died at the scene.

How the crash happened was being investigated by police, a spokesperson said.

At this stage the road remained closed while police examined the scene.

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/2026/02/09/one-dead-after-crash-involving-truck-and-trailer-in-rural-south-aucklands-buckland/