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NZ Warriors rookie Haizyn Mellars follows father’s footsteps back to Mt Smart

Source: Radio New Zealand

Haizyn Mellars hopes to make a piece of Warriors history during the next three years. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Sometime in the next three years – perhaps this year – Haizyn Mellars hopes to create a slice of NZ Warriors club history, when he follows his dad into the NRL.

Centre Vince Mellars chalked up seven first-grade appearances for the Auckland club across 2003/04, and 17 more from Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters, before a rugby stint with the Crusaders and Canterbury, and four more years with English league clubs.

Mellars Jnr was born during his father’s tenure at Mt Smart and brought the circle almost (but not quite) complete, when he signed with the Warriors through 2028.

While coach Andrew Webster is excited by his potential on the wing – a position exposed for depth last season – Mellars admits he could just as easily have followed in his mother’s sporting footsteps.

Charmian Mellars (formerly Purcell) comes from a proud Kiwi basketball family. She won Commonwealth Games silver at Melbourne 2006 and, along with sister Natalie, was a member of the Tall Ferns squad at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“When I was younger, basketball was definitely one of my biggest passions,” Mellars says. “I got to the age of 17, and I could have gone to college or NRL.

“My old lady and old man just backed me, whatever I chose, and I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps.

“I can tell you right now, I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without my parents. My mum and dad help me keep my head screwed on.

Haizyn Mellars’ parents – former Tall Fern Charmian Mellars and former Warrior Vince Mellars. Photosport

“When it comes to adversity and the things they’ve been through, they’ve always been in my corner. They’ve definitely been a rock for me in my journey.”

Growing up in Queensland, he began his league journey with Brisbane club Wynnum Manly, before joining the South Sydney NRL pathway.

The roundball path might have taken the 1.93m (6ft 4in) shooting guard through Utah’s Brigham Young University, the Mormon school where many of his uncles and aunties pursued their dreams.

With the league season approaching, Mellars insists he’s tried to avoid the basketball hoop beneath to the Mt Smart grandstand, but also hints he has taken down some of the hoops wannabes among his teammates and set his sights on the reigning king of the court.

“Roger will tell you he’s the best in the club,” he says.

Veterans Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are the clear incumbents on the Warriors wings, so the hoops crown is not the only thing Mellars craves from his idol.

“I’ve grown up watching them boys play and couldn’t wait to do things like they do,” he says. “Roge is so professional – the way he conducts himself and obviously he’s been in the game a long time.

“Being able to watch what he does, even his little habits off the field… the way he looks after his body and preps for training.

“Dallin’s been really good, like a big brother, asking me questions and what I think of things, and telling me where I could be better.”

The Warriors have never had a father and son play first grade, but they potentially have two in the pipeline, with development halfback Jett Cleary following in the footsteps of dad Ivan, who played in one grand final and coached another at the club.

The Clearys probably have their noses ahead in that race.

When Lorina Papali’i became a foundation of the Warriors women’s programme, she achieved a mother-son milestone with 63-game second-rower Isaiah, while last season, teenager Ivana Lauitiiti scored on debut to emulate father and club legend Ali 27 years earlier.

Haizyn Mellars has identified Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as the Warriors’ king of the basketball court. Brett Phibbs/Photosport

Returning to his birthplace seems a relatively simple decision for Mellars.

“Being home was a big factor for me,” he says. “I have a lot of connection to my culture here.

“Growing up, the Warriors were one of my favourite teams, so coming back here was awesome.

“Webby was also a big factor for me. My dad always said go to a place where you want to play for the coach and I want to play for Webby.

“For me, he was not just inviting, but instilled that belief in my potential. I liked the way he was person before player, and was really interested in getting to know who I am and what I’m about, before what I can do on the field.”

Fully completing the family circle is still some way off. Without a single NRL game to his name, Mellars has been recruited on promise, and presumably still finds himself behind back-up fullback Taine Tuaupiki and former tryscoring champion Alofiano Khan-Pereira on the depth chart.

“That would mean more to me than a lot of things in my life,” he admits. “Obviously, with my old man playing, it’s really cool to be here.

“If I could wear that jersey, I promise I’ll rip in and give it a crack for sure.”

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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/2026/01/31/nz-warriors-rookie-haizyn-mellars-follows-fathers-footsteps-back-to-mt-smart/

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Country Life: Growing demand for on-farm fun from international tourists

Source: Radio New Zealand

Marijke Dunselman, founder and CE of Agritourism NZ © David Oakley

Don’t hide your light under a bushel, open the gate and share New Zealand farming with the world, New Zealand’s agritourism body says.

Agritourism NZ’s founder and chief executive Marijke Dunselman said there was growing global demand for farm experiences, and substantial extra income to be made by welcoming international tourists onto the farm.

“New Zealand is really seen as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

“All our farms are, you know, in the most spectacular areas, no matter where they are. I think something that farmers underestimate a bit is what they actually have […] the space that we have and the diversity of our scenery is something that people really love.”

Even simple every day experiences on farm are special, she said.

“I’ve worked, for example, with farms that generate their own energy through hydro […] with a big waterfall coming down, for example.

“How they work the sheep and the food that they grow themselves and they drink rain water, you know, all those little things that people take for granted are actually really interesting for visitors.”

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The multi-billion dollar global agritourism market is projected to at least double in the next five years according to various research, although both global and domestic data on the trend is sparse.

Dunselman points to an increase in the international visitor spend in New Zealand generally though – from $3.8 billion the year ending November 2024 to $4.1b a year later.

If farmers want to benefit from the growth, they need to learn how international tourism works, she said.

This is only the second season Te Aratipi Station near Waimārama has been open to walkers. Meredith Lord Photography / Supplied

“What do people want? How do you price your product? What’s involved with the health and safety, the customer experience, and most of all, the marketing as well.

“You need to really diversify that distribution, tapping into all these different distribution channels and then developing, perhaps different types of experiences for the different markets.”

She said international tourists were prepared to pay extra for a guided on-farm walk and added luxury in a simple setting.

“Really comfortable beds, amazing food, an outside bath. You know, little things that suddenly make a rustic hut, a luxury hut.”

Tim talks to a boat load of people on the Hurunui River Supplied

The extra income for farmers could be substantial, paying for their children’s education and offsetting other farm costs, she said. Other benefits include allowing families to remain on the farm, with the next generation taking on the running of a lodge or guided walks.

Profit-share arrangements with other operators were also possible, she said.

On-farm retreats for visitors to learn and practice skills like food growing and photography also have growing appeal.

“You work in with other people that come in to provide services in that retreat, whether it’s a yoga teacher or whether it’s someone who knows a lot about nutrition or photography.”

Agritourism NZ launched its first regional network for agritourism operators in Otago-Southland at the end of last year and plans to launch in more regions, offering agritourism operators support and shared experiences, Dunselman said.

Learn more:

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/country-life-growing-demand-for-on-farm-fun-from-international-tourists/

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Defence Force flies out 140 staff to weather-affected East Coast

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft has deployed to the Gisborne region to help recovery efforts following last week’s severe weather. Supplied

Close to 140 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel, including some who whakapapa to Tai Rāwhiti, are being mobilised to support communities on the East Coast affected by last week’s severe weather.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopter is helping provide access to isolated communities in the Gisborne and wider East Coast region. On Wednesday, it delivered supplies to Hick’s Bay and Te Araroa.

On Thursday, a C-130J Hercules aircraft transported a local emergency response group of 25 New Zealand Army soldiers along with essential stores and equipment.

The personnel are under the guidance of Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collier, who said the first priority is to get on the ground and see where they can best support the region.

The task unit includes specialist military experts in environmental health, engineering capabilities and civil defence coordination.

“The first step for us will be enhancing our situational awareness to have the right people in the right places,” Collier said.

“We are New Zealand’s Defence Force and we pride ourselves on being available and ready to support national requirements. The majority of individuals join the military to serve our country, so any opportunity we get to support our nation is one we will take. Our soldiers, sailors and seamen take great pride in responding where needed.”

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft has deployed to the Gisborne region to help recovery efforts following last week’s severe weather. Supplied

He said it was “awesome” to be in Tairāwhiti and supporting what has already been a massive effort by the region and communities, and building on that.

Over the past 24 hours, more soldiers were deployed in support of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), including an Engineer Task Unit of 30 personnel with diggers and dump trucks, a Combat Services Support Element of 40 personnel including caterers and maintenance support, an environment health team to support water testing and environmental assessments, and Liaison Officers who will provide situational awareness in affected areas.

A transport platoon will use Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV) to move personnel, equipment and stores.

The NZDF initially deployed personnel in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, integrating into regional response efforts, including liaison officers and drivers along with 10 military vehicles.

Personnel assisted with the evacuation of civilians in the Bay of Plenty, and worked with Police and Hato Hone St John in Northland on evacuation tasks. RNZAF NH90 helicopters have supported search and rescue tasks as well as surveillance flights over affected areas.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rob Krushka said the NZDF was always ready to support civil defence and emergency response efforts.

“NEMA has requested support from the NZDF to help communities recovering from the impact of the recent weather events, and we have mobilised personnel, vehicles and aircraft to support local authorities on the East Coast.”

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Convicted double-murderer Scott Watson declined parole for a fifth time

Source: Radio New Zealand

Convicted double-murderer Scott Watson has been denied parole for a fifth time. File picture. Pool / John Kirk-Anderson

Convicted double-murderer Scott Watson has been declined parole for a fifth time, with the parole board suggesting he address a number of their concerns ahead of his next appearance later this year.

After a two-hour hearing, it was suggested Watson undertake further treatment to address his attitudes to violence and women, have an Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment and work on his safety plan before he reappeared before the board in November.

The 54-year-old has been in prison for the murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope since June 1999.

The Blenheim friends, aged 21 and 17, were last seen stepping off a water taxi onto a stranger’s yacht in the early hours of 1 January 1998 after a New Year’s Eve party at Furneaux Lodge. Their bodies have never been found.

Watson has denied murdering the pair. He first became eligible for parole in June 2015 and it was said at his parole hearings in 2021 and 2020, his refusal to admit to the crimes prevented him from undergoing the psychological treatment he needed, leaving him at an undue risk to the community.

Dressed in a standard-issue prison uniform grey tracksuit, Watson sat alongside his lawyer Kerry Cook at the hearing on Friday. He answered a number of questions put to him by board members about his behaviour, recent incidents that had occurred while in prison and his hopes around his potential release.

Watson said he had enjoyed working with a psychologist and he had developed friendships with people in prison but he also wanted to spend more time with his family. He did not want Corrections to give up on him and he hoped he would be given a chance to follow the psychological service recommendations.

Ben Smart and Olivia Hope were last seen stepping off a water taxi onto a stranger’s yacht in the early hours of 1 January 1998 after a New Year’s Eve party. NZ Police

Concerns about attitudes, use of violence and alcohol and drugs

Board member Dr Jeremy Skipworth said parole hearings proceeded on the basis of a proper conviction and given Watson had not been forthcoming about what happened at Furneaux Lodge that night, the board relied on a general agreement about the most likely scenario.

“When the two victims indicated that they needed a place to sleep, you may have offered them a berth with a genuine intention of hospitality. It’s known that you were intoxicated that night and likely both victims. Once on board a confrontation may have arisen through a social misunderstanding or some form of inappropriate behaviour from you. As you had learnt to rely on violence, including reaching for weapons during confrontations, with three individuals eventually trapped with potentially limited ability to de-escalate the situation, an unintended tragedy may have taken place, leading to the first victim’s death,” he said.

“You have a distinct pattern of not taking responsibility for your actions and shifting blame and distress alongside an overconfidence in your ability to cover up or get away with things therefore it could be considered that your natural tendency would be to cover up such an event to avoid responsibility.”

Watson admitted to being intoxicated at Furneaux Lodge on New Year’s Eve in 1998 and Dr Skipworth questioned his safety plan did not include intoxication with alcohol and drugs as a high risk situation, given it was associated with future escalation into violence.

Watson said it had been included in his previous safety plan but he had removed it as it was in his release plan and a requirement of the conditions for parole, so he thought it was sufficiently covered and he had no plans to consume alcohol or drugs if he did not adhere to those conditions.

“I’ve got a lot to lose if I don’t.

“If I disregarded my safety plan, I think in no time I would just fall over, flat on my face.”

When asked what the ideal first step outside prison would be, Watson said it would be to live with his family, not complete strangers, as he needed the support of those who loved him.

Misconduct at Christchurch Men’s Prison

The board was played footage of a “misconduct event” involving Watson at Christchurch Men’s Prison in 2025.

In the video, a group of men including Watson are sitting around two long tables, with some seen to be playing cards. Watson grabs one of the other inmates, puts him into a headlock, then drags him backwards off the bench he had been sitting on and onto the floor. The inmate then gets to his feet and Watson pushes him back to the ground, before a third inmate steps forward to punch the man in the face.

A psychologist giving evidence at the hearing said it was unpredictable violence that came out of nowhere and did not appear to have a trigger.

Watson had characterised it as a play fight with someone he considered a friend and he had not seen much wrong with it, but he expressed remorse that it had occurred.

He acknowledged that he sometimes said “stupid things” and made jokes that were in poor taste.

“I think there is something in me that self-sabotages.”

A plan for release

Lawyer Kerry Cook said the punishment period of Watson’s imprisonment was over and he was seeking some concrete steps about how to move forward.

“The current unit he is in, it is really treading water unless there is something else happening.”

A Corrections psychologist said she believed Watson could be safely managed in the community, with a release plan, in supported accommodation and with other contingencies.

“Given that Mr Watson has been incarcerated for a significant period of time, 26-odd years, I think that he needs more of a gradual reintegration and reintroduction into a community that is vastly different to the one he left 26 years ago.”

She said there remained concerns about Watson’s attitudes to women, his endorsement of antisocial activities and his friendship with someone who was not pro-social, that needed to be addressed before decisions were made on a rehabilitative pathway.

He had been described as a “nice enough bloke when sober” that had some social and communication difficulties.

She believed a specialist assessment would be beneficial to determine whether some of Watson’s characteristics and traits stemmed from a neurodevelopmental condition, or were the result of long-term incarceration, which would help to better manage his risk in the community.

An independent psychologist said while there remained evidence that Watson believed in condoning the use of violence in specific contexts, she said there was limited evidence of it manifesting in his behaviour and there was nothing to show he harboured hostile attitudes towards women.

She said he displayed concrete views with limited ability for abstract thinking and his personality traits could be a result of his prolonged incarceration, instead of a neurodevelopmental disorder.

“There is a risk Mr Watson has almost given up hope… he doubts he will ever get out.”

Lawyer for Corrections Claire Boshier said Watson still posed an undue risk to society and he was not ready for release.

“Although Mr Watson is assessed at low risk of really serious violence or murder, he is at medium risk of violence short of that and medium risk of general reoffending.”

She said specialised assessment would help to better understand the personality aspects of Watson’s risk, which informed what he was capable of and the approach taken for his release.

While Watson had demonstrated some positive progress, Boshier said it was tempered by several enduring characteristics, including his hostility toward women and his capacity for violence, which was evident in the most recent misconduct event in prison.

“The lack of ability to be able to understand why that unprovoked violence occurred and the lack of insight to reflect on it afterwards… is an indication of why Mr Watson remains an undue risk at this stage.”

Watson is due to reappear before the parole board in November.

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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/2026/01/31/convicted-double-murderer-scott-watson-declined-parole-for-a-fifth-time/

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What are the money lessons to teach your kids at every age?

Source: Radio New Zealand

As parents prepare for another school year, there’s one subject that often gets overlooked: money.

Financial literacy isn’t just about numbers. It’s about building skills that will shape your child’s future decisions, from buying their first car to planning for retirement.

The good news? You don’t need to be a finance expert to teach these lessons. Start with age-appropriate concepts and build from there. Here’s what to focus on at each stage.

The most valuable lesson you can teach at any age? Money is a tool, not a goal.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/what-are-the-money-lessons-to-teach-your-kids-at-every-age/

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Review: Carefully observed truths and aural loveliness abound in new Fazed On A Pony album

Source: Radio New Zealand

In the 12 years since his first single, the music of Peter McCall has gradually winnowed from ragged indie rock into carefully arranged alt-country. Such is the passage of time and the effect it has on many of us; rough edges sanded away and replaced by smoother surfaces.

Working as Fazed on a Pony, McCall is careful to replace all that youthful bluster with carefully-observed truths. Another metaphor springs to mind: the waves on his second full-length swan may be gentler, but its waters run deep.

The opening lines make this change of perspective clear. “Used to feel like floating far away/ now I stay here”, sings McCall, summing up a type of maturity in just two lines.

He told Under the Radar the track – ‘The Perfect Swan’ – nearly didn’t make the cut, thinking its opening riff sounded like “a slowed-down Blink 182”. I can hear what he means, but it’s a beautiful song, and perfect album-opener, gathering counter-melodies as it goes.

On swan McCall perfects a certain type of amiability that emerged on his previous record it’ll all work out. At times it feels like he’s pulled you aside for a chat, firm but friendly, and always with your best interests at heart.

The triple-hit of ‘Flashes’, ‘Wrong Party’, and ‘Wait Forever’ all fall into this amicable bracket, despite a variety of approaches stretching from angular riffs, to jangle, to propulsive acoustic shimmer.

The last album came together in Dunedin, with McCall backed by some of the city’s indie luminaries, but the lineup is different here, including Rassani Tolovaa from Office Dog and Hamish Morgan of Marlin’s Dreaming. Carrying over is De Stevens, credited as producer on iawo, and mixer on Swan, and bringing with him a guarantee of aural loveliness.

Things get more poignant in Swan’s midsection, with ‘Time to Turn’ featuring ominous lines about “darkest parts in a frame” being “admired in a dark spire”, before a chorus advocates turning things around. Next ‘Heart Goes Blank’ introduces fiddle and vocal harmonies from Flora Knight, resulting in the most country-inflected and melancholy tune here.

Fazed on a Pony’s main strength might be the way McCall invests his work with honesty, not just in lyrics that are simultaneously unfiltered and poetic, but the way he delivers them, conversational and candid.

This culminates in album-closer ‘Anything else’, in which he fires off reams of choice lines like “the last thing I deserve’s always the first thing on my mind” and “when I hit the curb in the carpark I felt a kind of sick relief”, over some of his most open-armed chords.

His voice becomes submerged in guitar fireworks, then reappears for a final thought: “you can just keep trying, and no one needs to know why”. It’s a reassuring end to a comfortable, confident collection.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/review-carefully-observed-truths-and-aural-loveliness-abound-in-new-fazed-on-a-pony-album/

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Election 2026 – the policies, the politics, the peculiarities  

Source: Radio New Zealand

National’s Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis speak to media after Luxon’s State of the Nation address. RNZ / Calvin Samuel

Politicians sharpen their knives and their tongues as we bump our way to 7 November

Election day is 7 November, but 28 May is the date when the fur is predicted to start flying among the coalition partners.

That’s Budget Day, and political convention dictates that after that, the gloves are off and the minor parties can start doing their utmost to distinguish themselves from the coalition leader.

“You pass your last budget as a government in election year, then you kind of – wink wink, nudge nudge – kind of fall apart a little bit,” says the Herald’s political editor Thomas Coughlan.

“You allow yourselves to differentiate a little bit more, just so that by the time you get on to the hustings, onto the campaign trail, once you do that … the parties of the government have their own unique identity and they’re not subsumed into this bigger idea of the National-led coalition.

“So ACT and New Zealand First will be, after Budget Day I think, wanting to spread their wings and take flight and step out from underneath the shadow of National.”

Coughlan says it’s interesting though that this coalition has been more, shall we say ‘boisterous’, than coalitions past – and the three members have been arguing since they were sworn in.

“That seems to have been a strategy on behalf of all three parties, but particularly those two minor ones … to keep their own separate identities in the coalition. And to be fair to those two parties, it has worked, to a certain extent. Both parties are polling above 5 percent, New Zealand First for the first time since it entered Parliament. It’s the third largest party in Parliament.”

The Detail also talks to Newsroom’s political editor Laura Walters about the lead-up to the election.

She and Coughlan agree that the economy is top of the agenda, and National will be either helped or hindered depending on how people are feeling about their personal circumstances.

“It’s the economy, but it’s also that cost of living thing as well,” Walters says.

“It’s not just whether the economy is getting better – we’ve already seen some of those economic indicators tell us that things are getting better, that recovery is on the horizon. It’s not just about that, it’s going to be, do people feel like things are getting better? Are their grocery bills more affordable, are their power bills more affordable? Do they feel like they can get ahead? Maybe they can buy that first home, they can actually put some savings away.

“It’s about the economy, it’s about the cost of living, but it’s not just about the data and the theoretical – it’s about really how people feel.”

For more on the big issues this election, including possible leadership changes, listen to the full podcast.

Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.

You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.

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13-year-old rodent sniffer dog back on the job after rat found on predator free island

Source: Radio New Zealand

Detector Gadget on Ulva Island. Matt Jones

A semi-retired specialist investigator has been called back to active duty after an intruder was discovered in a sanctuary off the coast of Rakiura Stewart Island.

Detector Gadget, a rodent sniffer dog, is patrolling Ulva Island, Te Wharawhara after a young female rat was found in a trap there earlier this month.

The island achieved predator free status in 1997 and is home to many native species including the Stewart Island brown kiwi tokoeka, the kākā, and South Island saddlebacks.

DOC said the biosecurity network had been activated with more than 300 traps and 50 cameras now operating.

Physical surveillance had also ramped up, including bringing in Detector Gadget.

Gadget’s handler, Sandy King told Checkpoint that after thorough checking from Gadget, fortunately no rats had been found on the island.

“Gadget went for a couple of walks this week, just looking at places that are high priority or areas where rats tend to gravitate to.

“There are a few buildings on the island, some houses … we spent a bit of time checking around and under those buildings and the sort of immediate environs and some of the more popular beaches and public places as well.”

King said with Gadget’s experience, she was sure if there had been a rat on the island, it would have been sniffed out.

However, Gadget’s sensitivity to rats can depend on the conditions.

“She generally picks them up from a reasonable distance away, but it does depend on which way the wind’s blowing. She’s not very tall, so her height of nose isn’t that great – a taller dog might have an advantage in some conditions.”

Detector Gadget in action detecting mice that were about to be transported to a rodent-free island. Miriam McFadgen

The Jack Russell Fox Terrier cross stands around 25cm high and being the runt of her litter only weighs in at around 5.5kg.

Despite not catching any predators in her latest mission, King said Gadget has had many successes over her career.

“The absolute career highlight was when she discovered some live mice in a bundle of building material that was about to be loaded onto a boat and to be transported to a rodent-free island. If Gadget hadn’t found that, it probably would have gone.”

It’s not only conservationists getting excited by the possibility of a pest-free environment, with Gadget’s own enthusiasm hard to ignore according to King.

“Her little tail goes round and round, a bit like an aeroplane propeller, sometimes I’m almost expecting her bottom to lift off the ground, and you can see that she is just really excited.”

Detector Gadget in action in Bluff detecting mice. Miriam McFadgen

Despite being called back to duty on Ulva Island, Gadget’s recent months have been spent easing towards retirement.

“She turned 13 in November … but she’s still fairly active and capable of doing jobs like we’ve just finished. So, yeah, she came out of retirement, dusted off her vest and muzzle and went to work.

“She’s one of those active elderly, people that still keep working.”

King said that Gadget’s official retirement is on the horizon and expects her to step back from work in about six months.

However, if people want to keep up with her adventures, she has got a keen Facebook following on her Detector Gadget page.

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Sharon Maccanico’s parents heartbroken after daughter killed in Mount Maunganui landslide

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sharon Maccanico. Supplied / NZ Police

The parents of a young teen missing after a landslide tore through a Mount Maunganui campground say their “hearts are broken”.

Sharon Maccanico, 15, was one of six victims of the deadly slip at the holiday park last week.

Pakuranga College confirmed Maccanico was among two of its students who died in the tragedy, alongside Max Furse-Kee, also 15.

Sharon’s parents, Natallia and Carmine said their daughter was born in Italy and moved to New Zealand when she was 8.

Sharon was an accomplished dancer, winning an international competition last year. Supplied / NZ Police

“This was where her passion for dance began. Sharon wanted to be a professional dancer, and she would often practice for hours every day,” they said in a statement.

“She participated in seven solo competitions at regional and national level and won all seven. Last year she also won an international competition in Belarus.

“We gave her all the support we could and were so proud to watch her work towards achieving her dreams.”

Her parents said they were extremely proud of Sharon, and she was loved by all.

“Our family is a very close family and always did everything together.

“Sharon and Natallia had a bond like no other, and were best friends. Sharon felt comfortable to talk to her about everything and had a very close relationship with both her parents.”

Supplied / NZ Police

Sharon has an older sister in Belarus, who no matter how far apart they were, would always remain in close contact and had such a strong bond, they said.

She also remained close to her family in Italy and would often call them.

Natallia and Carmien said their daughter “met the love of her life Max” and they quickly formed a strong relationship.

“Max became a treasured part of our family, and he looked after Sharon and made her feel so special,” they said.

They thanked everybody for their support and messages.

“We also want to express our gratitude to the community, local iwi, and all the people who have been beside us through this difficult time. We are very grateful for their support.”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/sharon-maccanicos-parents-heartbroken-after-daughter-killed-in-mount-maunganui-landslide/

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Auckland Hearts to meet Wellington in Super Smash T20 women’s final

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland Hearts Molly Penfold celebrates a wicket. Kerry Marshall/www.photosport.nz

The Auckland Hearts have booked a place in tomorrow’s Super Smash T20 women’s final after a convincing eight wicket win over the Northern Brave.

The Northern Brave won the toss and elected to bat first in the elimination final in Christchurch.

Nensi Patel anchored the innings with a top score of 46 but wickets kept falling around her.

Auckland Hearts captain Maddy Green led the way with four wickets and two catches and the Brave were dismissed for 138, just inside 20 overs.

Chasing 139 to win, the Hearts made it look easy, losing just two wickets a long the way. Prue Catton top scored with 56 not out.

The Auckland Hearts will meet the defending champion Wellington Blaze in tomorrow’s Super Smash final in Christchurch.

In the men’s Twenty20 competition the Canterbury Kings play the Auckland Aces in the other elimination final this evening. The winner will meet the Northern Brave in tomorrow’s final.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/auckland-hearts-to-meet-wellington-in-super-smash-t20-womens-final/

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World squash number one denies Paul Coll maiden title in quick fashion

Source: Radio New Zealand

Paul Coll (left) and Egyptian Mostafa Asal in the final of the Tournament of Champions title in New York. PSA

The world number one has denied New Zealand squash star Paul Coll a maiden Tournament of Champions title in New York.

Egyptian Mostafa Asal dominated the final of the platinum level tournament 3-0.

Coll, ranked number two in the world, was competing in the prestigious final for the first time and so was Mostafa, who clinched his first Tournament of Champions title with a 58 minute victory.

Asal looked impressive from the outset, grinding Coll down over 24 minutes in the opening game to take an 11-6 win.

Coll struggled to find any momentum in the second as Asal found his rhythm and showcased his class, hitting a barrage of winners to dominate the scoreline 11-1.

It was more of the same in the final game, Asal writing his name in the history books at Grand Central Terminal, growing a commanding lead and playing his trademark precision squash to win 11-4.

Coll will next be in action at the Windy City Open in Chicago, starting 5 February.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/world-squash-number-one-denies-paul-coll-maiden-title-in-quick-fashion/

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New 60-bed mental health unit opens at Auckland’s Mason Clinic

Source: Radio New Zealand

The clinic cares for people with serious mental health problems or disabilities who have committed or who are charged with serious crimes. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

A new 60-bed mental health unit has opened at Auckland’s Mason Clinic, the country’s largest forensic psychiatric service.

Health New Zealand said the $162 million, three-storey building called E Tū Wairua Hinengaro will replace leaky, ageing units with ongoing air quality issues.

The clinic cares for people with serious mental health problems or disabilities who have committed or who are charged with serious crimes.

Mental health and addiction national director Phil Grady said the new unit would result in better outcomes for patients and a better working environment for staff.

“This facility represents the latest chapter in a long and important story, the evolution of the Mason Clinic and of forensic mental healthcare in New Zealand,” he said.

“The true value of E Tū Wairua Hinengaro is that it enables improved models of care and gives staff new options to safely manage patients’ needs – options that were simply not possible in the old units.”

The first patients were expected to move into the unit in late February.

Health NZ said recruitment was underway for an additional 57 full-time staff and there had been a good response from candidates.

E Tū Wairua Hinengaro, meaning quality of mind, was significantly bigger than the old units, with 10,000 square metres of floor space, Health NZ said.

It said the unit was a safe, recovery-focused place, featuring secure courtyards and enhanced ventilation.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/new-60-bed-mental-health-unit-opens-at-aucklands-mason-clinic/

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Mautohe Cathedral Cove to reopen, caution urged

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  30 January 2026

The recent closure, under DOC’s Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) for Mautohe Cathedral Cove, stems from the recent extreme rain event across the North Island. Landslides and rockfalls are a known risk across the wider coastal area DOC manages, including Mautohe Cathedral Cove.

DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says geotechnical specialists visited the site on Thursday, 28 January, and recommended a continuation of the landslide risk management approach, which has given DOC confidence the track can be reopened.

“We have a large body of data about landslide and rockfall risk at Mautohe Cathedral Cove, a lot of experience managing the site – and combined with our TARP, we’re able to make well-informed and quick decisions, like this one to reopen the track,” Nick says.

Part of DOC’s risk management for Mautohe Cathedral Cove is to monitor known landslips areas, and that will continue. DOC closes Mautohe Cathedral Cove after heavy rainfall events in line with the TARP.

Nick says public safety remains DOC’s top priority – and people should be alert for rockfall, landslips and debris, both on the track and on the beach itself.

Recent events on the East Coast and in Mt Maunganui – along with advice previously obtained by DOC – have shown the risk to public safety must be carefully managed based on reliable information.

There has also been a large landslide on the closed Hahei coastal track to Grange Rd – reinforcing the previous decision not to repair and reopen that part of the track network. Work to completely decommission that closed section of the track will be planned.

Reinstatement work at Waimata Gemstone Bay remains on hold and the track is not available to the public.

Assessments this week have also revealed damage at two other north Coromandel DOC visitor sites.

Nick says Matarangi Bluff Track – a popular walking track about 40 minutes north of Whitianga – is impassable, with the current slip very close to an historical slip in the same area. It’s believed the slip can be cleared with light machinery – but the timing of that work is still to be confirmed.

Visitors are urged to stay off this track until further notice. An alert on the DOC website will be lifted when the track is cleared and considered safe.

Further north, there are several slips on the North Coromandel Walkway, a popular walking and cycling track north of Stony Bay and Port Charles.

Nick says the North Coromandel Walkway requires a geotechnical assessment so the scale of the damage and the possibility of further slips can be fully understood. There are also sections of the track where there is a fall risk due to the proximity of the damaged sections of the track to cliff faces and steep drops.

“People should not go naturing at these two locations – we believe they are not safe, and there is a risk of injury to visitors,” Nick says.

“We’ll lift the website alerts for all our damaged sites once we’re satisfied they’ve been cleaned up and are safe.”

There is has been a change of plan in reopening DOC’s North Coromandel campsites. DOC previously signalled it hoped to reopen the campsites this weekend.

Closer inspection of the campsites has revealed more damage than first thought, and the availability of contractors is crucial to being able to make the campsites ready for visitors.

Nick says the revised target to reopen the north Coromandel campsites is Waitangi Weekend, but that relies on a range of factors still being worked through.

Would-be campers should keep an eye on the DOC website and contact Booking Services.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/mautohe-cathedral-cove-to-reopen-caution-urged/

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Convicted murderer Clayton Weatherston denied parole after 18 years in prison

Source: Radio New Zealand

Clayton Weatherston who was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend Sophie Elliott in Dunedin. He stabbed the 22-year-old 216 times on 9 January 2008. File picture. File photo / Pool

This story discusses graphic details of violence.

Convicted murderer Clayton Weatherston has told the Parole Board that his mutilation of Sophie Elliott was “just an F-U to everything about her”.

The 50-year-old has been declined parole and will remain behind bars until at least November 2027.

Weatherston was an academic at Otago University who lectured in economics and had been in a relationship with the honours student.

Elliott, 22, had left Weatherston and was packing up her life to move to Wellington to take up a job at Treasury on 9 January 2008, Weatherston’s 32nd birthday.

Weatherston arrived at her family home in the Dunedin suburb of Ravensbourne armed with a knife.

He stabbed her to death so viciously the knife broke and used a pair of scissors in his frenzied attack.

Weatherston inflicted 216 stab or cutting wounds as well as seven blunt force injuries and disfigured her body.

On Friday morning he appeared before the Parole Board for the first time after serving an 18-year non-parole period of imprisonment.

His lawyer told the panel Weatherston was not seeking parole and understood more time would have to pass before he was eligible.

Panel members asked Weatherston if he had reflected on his offending and had any explanation for his attack on Elliott and his actions after she was dead.

He told the board the attack was “incredibly misguided” and he was ashamed and remorseful.

“My offending was about alleviating frustration,” Weatherston said.

“It was about alleviating my distress. A lot of the things going on in my life were projected on to her, anything I don’t like about her, anything I don’t like about myself.

“It was a visceral, brutal way of wiping out someone you have perceived as hurting you in the worst way possible. It was just an F-U to everything about her and about that I am ashamed and ashamed I would channel that towards another person.”

Sophie Elliot was 22 when she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Clayton Weatherston in Dunedin on 9 January 2008. Supplied

At trial Weatherston tried to blame the attack on Elliott, claiming the partial defence of provocation.

Her death shocked New Zealand and Weatherston’s antics at trial further outraged the nation, leading to the partial defence of provocation being abolished by statute.

“I feel shifting the blame, shifting the focus of behaviour away from me was completely wrong,” Weatherston told the Parole Board.

“I certainly regret the nature of that court process. I think the focus should be on my behaviour and I really regret that, the way things played out at that time.”

Panel member Alan Hackney asked Weatherston if he had any flashbacks or nightmares about his crime.

“Yes, all of those things,” Weatherston said, impassively.

“There are certain triggers in everyday life, mentions of certain words, comments from other people. Looking back it’s just extreme regret for the tragedy of the whole situation.”

Upon reflection, Weatherston claimed his offending caused him a “high degree of anxiety and stress and shame”.

Hackney remarked that Weatherston “described that incredibly calmly” considering the distress he described to the board.

“I don’t feel calm and in fact I feel extremely emotional,” Weatherston said.

“It’s not something that’s easy to deal with. Some days I get very emotional about it and some days I say ‘you just have to accept what has happened and move forward’.

“Sitting here today and as I present to you, I’m trying to maintain myself in this environment,” Weatherston said, lifting his glasses and wiping an eye.

During his trial, the court heard Weatherston had kicked another former girlfriend and made her nose bleed.

He was asked about the conflicting accounts he had given of that assault and his responsibility for it.

He told the Parole Board he maintained he was “jumping over” the woman and it was an “accidental act that I immediately apologised for”.

The board heard Weatherston had not been involved in any misconduct during his time in prison.

He had not undertaken any rehabilitation and there was some way to go before that could happen.

Weatherston had read for more than 1000 hours and had familiarised himself with methods of psychology.

The board heard he remained at high-risk of reoffending against intimate partners.

Weatherston said he believed he had some element of neurodivergence and “some degree of personality traits”.

When it was pointed out that clinicians had assessed him as suffering from a severe personality disorder he responded, “I don’t subscribe to the high degree of narcissistic personality disorder opined”.

A support person told the panel that he had seen “a lot of change, growth and development” in Weatherston during his 18 years behind bars.

Weatherston’s lawyer Roger Eagles said his client “does feel remorse and shame for his actions” and “understands the huge distress caused for the victim’s family and friends”.

He said it was possible Weatherston would make “rapid progress” when he undertook rehabilitation because he was “undoubtedly a gifted man intellectually”.

Weatherston told the board he was a different man from the “hard-charging, younger version of me”.

“I want to verbalise my remorse and action it. I take it incredibly seriously,” he said.

Gil Elliot, Sophie Elliot’s father, had sought a postponement order to prevent Weatherston appearing before the Parole Board again for several years, although it was not imposed. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Elliott’s father Gil remained sceptical about Weatherston’s remorse.

“I’m not sure whether that would be genuine or not,” he told RNZ following the board’s decision.

“Narcissists’ mental state doesn’t change because it can’t change. They are wired that particular way.

“His mental state when he went in should not be or won’t be any different then to his mental state now 18 years later.”

Gil thanked Victim Support and the Parole Board for their support and manner, which put him and his support people at ease.

He had sought a postponement order to prevent Weatherston appearing before the Parole Board again for several years, although it was not imposed.

“It was bad enough going through the hearing this time although it was certainly a lot better than we thought it was going to be because the Parole Board was so nice and accommodating,” Elliott said.

“I’m sure not sure I’d attend another hearing, but November 2027 we’ll have to go through it all again.”

Elliott said his daughter’s death and her killer’s brutality would hang over him “forever and a day”.

The Parole Board will assess Weatherston’s progress late next year.

Where to get help:

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

Sexual Violence

Family Violence

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/convicted-murderer-clayton-weatherston-denied-parole-after-18-years-in-prison/

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Statement from the family of Sharon Maccanico + photos

Source: New Zealand Police

The following is a statement on behalf of Natallia and Carmine, Sharon’s mum and dad:

Our hearts are broken following the passing of our beautiful daughter Sharon Maccanico.

Sharon was born in Italy. At age 3, she moved to Australia and at age 8, moved to New Zealand.

This was where her passion for dance began. Sharon wanted to be a professional dancer, and she would often practice for hours every day.

She participated in seven solo competitions at regional and national level and won all seven. Last year she also won an international competition in Belarus.

We gave her all the support we could and were so proud to watch her work towards achieving her dreams.

We had the most amazing relationship with Sharon, from the day she was born, she was loved by all.

Our family is a very close family and always did everything together.

Sharon and Natallia had a bond like no other, and were best friends. Sharon felt comfortable to talk to her about everything and had a very close relationship with both her parents.

Sharon has an older sister in Belarus, who no matter how far apart they were, would always remain in close contact and had such a strong bond.

She was very close to her family in Italy and would often call home and talk to everybody for hours.

Her teacher at school always told us that she was the heart of the class because of her strong energy.

She made so many people happy and touched so many lives. We loved that she had the ability to get along with absolutely anyone.

Sharon was very well respected and had a great sense of humour.

One year ago, Sharon met the love of her life Max. They very quickly formed a strong relationship.

Max became a treasured part of our family, and he looked after Sharon and made her feel so special.

We would like to thank everybody that has reached out to our family and sent kind messages.

We have been so well supported, and we would like to especially thank all the people who have worked so hard to bring Sharon back to us.

We also want to express our gratitude to the community, local iwi, and all the people who have been beside us through this difficult time. We are very grateful for their support.

Note to media: The family will not be providing further comment and ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/statement-from-the-family-of-sharon-maccanico-photos/

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Multiple-vehicle crash on State Highway 2 north of Wellington

Source: Radio New Zealand

Facebook / NZTA

State Highway 2 north of Wellington is down to one northbound lane after a multi-vehicle crash north of Ngauranga.

Waka Kotahi said Hutt-bound drivers could expect delays while emergency services were on the scene.

There was significant congestion on the urban motorway.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/multiple-vehicle-crash-on-state-highway-2-north-of-wellington/

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Monster slip in Northland still moving

Source: Radio New Zealand

A monster slip blocking Russell Road, northeast of Whangārei, is still moving. Supplied / Ngātiwai Trust Board

A monster slip blocking the main access route to a series of towns on Northland’s east coast is still moving, complicating efforts to reopen the road.

Whangārei District Council infrastructure committee chairman Brad Flower said the landslide that came down on the final day of last week’s storm buried Russell Road in mud, trees and boulders weighing up to 100 tonnes.

“We’re estimating it’s around 100,000 cubic metres of material that’s there. Not all of that’s come down. There’s a portion which has come down on the road, but the bulk of it is actually sitting up above the slip, and that slip is still moving,” he said.

“As of yesterday, the cracks are still moving apart. So it’s still an active slip.”

Flower said even if contractors were able to shift 1000 cubic metres of material a day, and worked every day with no further weather interruptions, it would take 12 weeks to clear the road.

The slip meant communities at Helena Bay, Teal Bay, Ōakura, Punaruku, Bland Bay, Ngaiotonga and Whangaruru had lost their main road connection to Whangārei.

Flower said a “lifeline route” along Kaiikanui Road was open to local residents and essential services, but it was steep, unsealed and at most one-and-a-half car widths wide.

The safest and only fully sealed route to and from the coast was via the Ōpua car ferry to the north.

Some of the boulders blocking Russell Road will have to be broken up using a hydraulic breaker or explosives. Supplied / Ngātiwai Trust Board

The slip appeared to be only 100 metres wide where it crossed the road, but it “fanned out” further up the hill, so it was significantly wider at the top.

Heavy machinery would have to start by removing loose material from the top.

Flower said Fulton Hogan, the main contractor, had brought in experts who had worked on the Brynderwyn slips of 2023-24.

The company had managed to find a dump site about 2km west of the slip, and the search was continuing for another so debris could be trucked away in both directions.

Simply bulldozing the material into the gully, as many people had suggested, was not possible, Flower said.

“First, we’d get prosecuted for doing that by the regional council. It’s not good practice to fill up a gully. Secondly, imagine putting 100,000 cubic metres into the gully, and then we have another weather event, where does that end up? That’s a 100,000-cubic-metre wall that heads towards Mōkau and ends up further down, doing damage to homes and farmland and the ocean,” he said.

“We really feel for people that are affected by this, who are cut off and can’t get in and out, but we’ve got to make sure it’s done properly, it’s safe, and it lasts.”

Contractors would use a hydraulic rock breaker to deal with the 100-tonne boulder.

If that didn’t work, explosives would be used to fracture it.

Flower said it was the only big boulder that could be seen, but he was certain there were more “big floaters” buried under the mud and debris.

Any damage to the road would become apparent only once the slip had been cleared.

The landslide came down near a slip that closed Helena Bay Hill for several months in 2007.

However, Flower said that was an “underslip” where the road itself had fallen away, making it much more difficult to fix.

The 2007 repairs had held up well in last week’s storm.

The latest slip was north of Helena Bay Café and Gallery so those businesses were still open and could be accessed from Whangārei.

Meanwhile, Flower said 35 flood-affected homes had so far been assessed by council inspectors.

Five of those had been red-stickered – meaning they were deemed too dangerous to enter – and 10 had been yellow-stickered, with some restrictions on access.

All roads in the district, apart from Russell Road, had reopened.

A few were down to one lane due to washouts or slips, but the council hoped all would be back to two lanes in time for Waitangi Day.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/monster-slip-in-northland-still-moving/

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Moment silence at Chiefs vs Fijian Drua clash at Mt Maunganui

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ/Kim Baker Wilson

There’s been a moment’s silence at the pre-season clash between the Chiefs and Fijian Drua at Mount Maunganui.

After stepping onto the field under a blistering sun, players stood opposite each other – Chiefs players with arms around each other – to mark the landslip tragedy.

There was a sell-out crowd of 5000 people watching on, with fans forming a long queue to get into Blake Park.

There was a sell-out crowd of 5000 people watching on. RNZ/Kim Baker Wilson

It’s been a week and a day since the deadly landslide at nearby Mauao.

Ahead of kick-off, spectators were asked to stand if they were able and told the silence was to honour those who lost their lives.

“We also recognise the first responders, community support and volunteers who have stood alongside this community with courage, care and aroha,” the announcer said.

RNZ/Kim Baker Wilson

A few days earlier, both teams took to Mt Maunganui’s beach and together formed a huge circle to pay their respects in unison.

“Standing together at Mt Maunganui to pay our respects. E whakaaro ana mō ngā whānau pani,” Fijian Drua wrote on Facebook afterwards.

Members of the Chiefs have also been seen at the cordon a short distance from the mountain where recovery work is ongoing.

RNZ/Kim Baker Wilson

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Moment silence at Chiefs vs Fiji Drua clash at Mt Maunganui

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ/Kim Baker Wilson

There’s been a moment’s silence at the pre-season clash between the Chiefs and Fiji Drua at Mount Maunganui.

After stepping onto the field under a blistering sun, players stood opposite each other – Chiefs players with arms around each other – to mark the landslip tragedy.

There was a sell-out crowd of 5000 people watching on, with fans forming a long queue to get into Blake Park.

There was a sell-out crowd of 5000 people watching on. RNZ/Kim Baker Wilson

It’s been a week and a day since the deadly landslide at nearby Mauao.

Ahead of kick-off, spectators were asked to stand if they were able and told the silence was to honour those who lost their lives.

“We also recognise the first responders, community support and volunteers who have stood alongside this community with courage, care and aroha,” the announcer said.

RNZ/Kim Baker Wilson

A few days earlier, both teams took to Mt Maunganui’s beach and together formed a huge circle to pay their respects in unison.

“Standing together at Mt Maunganui to pay our respects. E whakaaro ana mō ngā whānau pani,” Fiji Drua wrote on Facebook afterwards.

Members of the Chiefs have also been seen at the cordon a short distance from the mountain where recovery work is ongoing.

RNZ/Kim Baker Wilson

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/moment-silence-at-chiefs-vs-fiji-drua-clash-at-mt-maunganui/

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Advocacy & Media – Misleading RNZ Headline Creates False Equivalence Between Peaceful Protest and Planned Disruption – PFNZ

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand – PFNZ

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand is deeply concerned by RNZ’s headline “Twin protests set to cause traffic woes for Auckland”, which misrepresents the facts and creates a false equivalence between two fundamentally different actions.

For more than two years, pro-Palestinian protests in Auckland, including regular gatherings in Aotea Square, have been conducted peacefully, lawfully, and without causing traffic disruption. These protests are well-established, responsibly organised, and coordinated with authorities. They have consistently respected public safety and the wider community.

In contrast, Destiny Church publicly signalled an intention to illegally occupy the Auckland Harbour Bridge, a major transport artery and critical piece of infrastructure. Such an action would have caused significant disruption and posed serious safety risks.

Framing these two actions as “twin protests” equally responsible for potential traffic disruption is misleading and inaccurate. It unfairly associates a peaceful social justice movement with chaos that it neither planned nor caused.

Responsible journalism requires clarity, context, and precision — particularly when reporting on public protest. Headlines matter. They shape public perception and can unjustly stigmatise communities and movements that have acted responsibly and within the law.

We call on RNZ to reflect on this framing and to ensure that future reporting accurately distinguishes between peaceful, lawful protest and planned unlawful disruption.

The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy in Aotearoa New Zealand. It must not be undermined through careless or misleading representation.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/30/advocacy-media-misleading-rnz-headline-creates-false-equivalence-between-peaceful-protest-and-planned-disruption-pfnz/