Category: AM-NC

Posted on

Government gears up to help storm-hit regions

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the first stage of Government support for initial recovery efforts in the regions affected by last week’s severe weather event.

“The impact has been devastating for many people, particularly those who have tragically lost loved ones at Mount Maunganui, Welcome Bay and Warkworth,” Mr Luxon says.

“Over the last few days, I have visited a number of communities and seen the devastation first-hand.

“Our priority is finding accommodation for those who have been displaced. I am advised there are around 500 people across the North Island who are displaced and assessments are ongoing. The Government has activated the Temporary Accommodation Service to help those people access temporary housing.

“We are focused on getting supplies into communities that are currently cut off while we clear the slips and assess the damage to the roads. State Highway 35 (East Coast) and State Highway 25 (Coromandel) have both suffered significant damage and will take some time to repair. KiwiRail is also assessing its lines. 

“Health NZ is monitoring the impact on the health system and supporting people experiencing mental distress, while the Ministry of Social Development is working with people who need financial support.”

The Government is making available $1.2 million to support affected regions with immediate and pressing needs through Mayoral Relief Funds, on top of the annual government contribution that has already been made to these funds.

“A further $1 million will reimburse marae that provided welfare in response to this event, and allow them to replenish and continue to build their resilience. Marae have been exceptional in the way they have stepped up to help their communities, providing shelter, food and care to people in need,” Mr Luxon says.

There is also existing funding across government that is available to support recovery effects in response to natural hazards and weather events. That includes, for example:

  • The Natural Hazards Commission which has up to $700 million available for claims from this event.
  • The New Zealand Transport Agency which has over $700 million allocated for emergency work on local roads and state highways for the 2024-2027 NLTF period.
  • The Ministry for the Environment has $7.2 million to help local authorities clear emergency waste.
  • The Ministry of Primary Industries Rural Support Trusts have funding to support rural communities.

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell says more support will be available once assessments of the damage have been completed.

“While this event is not on the scale of Cyclone Gabrielle in terms of the number of people affected, for those who have been affected the impact is significant and we will make sure they’re properly supported to get back on their feet,” Mr Mitchell says.

The Prime Minister also announced today that he has appointed Hon Chris Penk as Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery.

“The severity of last week’s weather means the recovery is going to take some time,” Mr Luxon says.

“Chris Penk will support Mark Mitchell by leading the coordination of the Government’s response. He will have responsibility for bringing together government agencies to ensure a joined-up response.

“I have also asked that the Associate Minister bring advice back to Cabinet on the potential scope of a government inquiry into the events at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park last Thursday.

“I believe there is a strong case for an independent government inquiry. Establishing the facts is not only what the families of those who lost their lives deserve, but also important to help ensure lessons are learned to prevent similar tragedies in future.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/government-gears-up-to-help-storm-hit-regions/

Posted on

‘Overwhelming outpouring of grief’: Tauranga iwi respond to deadly Mt Maunganui landslide

Source: Radio New Zealand

The three chairpersons of the three Tauranga iwis Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pukenga. NICK MONRO / RNZ

The iwi of Tauranga say their first priority is to support emergency services before considering a longer rāhui at the site of the deadly Mt Maunganui landslide.

The chairpersons of Tauranga’s three iwi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pukenga held a joint media conference on Monday afternoon.

Ngāti Ranginui chairperson Charlie Rahiri said their thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the victims at Mauao and Pāpāmoa.

The slip at Mauao, Mount Maunganui as seen from the air. Screengrab / Amy Till

When asked about a longer term rāhui, Rahiri said for the moment they would align with the health and safety requirements at Mauao, but they intended to hold a hui to discuss the future of the mountain.

“We understand that there is some damage all around the mountain, so it could take some time to repair that damage. Outside of that we haven’t had a hui as iwi, we haven’t had a hui with our kaumātua to discuss what the long term plan for Mauao is.”

The current rāhui extended from the police cordon back to Mauao and included a rāhui on swimming on both sides of Mount Maunganui.

Updates were being shared by iwi radio station Moana Radio on behalf of Mauao Trust.

Ngāi Te Rangi chairperson Charlie Tawhiao said emergency services at the site were working under difficult conditions and he was proud of the iwi team who had been providing cultural and spiritual support.

Tributes at the cordon. RNZ / Lauren Crimp

There’d been an outpouring of grief from the community in the wake of the tragedy, he said.

“There are a lot of people here that feel very strongly about the loss of people that they don’t even know, but they are visitors to our place.

“There’s been an overwhelming outpouring of grief from Tauranga Moana not just from iwi but from all of the community,” he said.

“The affinity and passion for the maunga doesn’t only sit with iwi, the community of Tauranga Moana, whether we’re Māori or whether we’re non-Māori have a huge affinity to the mountain and those of us who climb and walk the mountain often feel its presence and the spiritual enticement that the maunga brings for all of us.”

Mauao was a part of their whakapapa, their history and would be part of the future, it would be here long after they were gone, he said.

Rahiri said the iwi team on site had been working in close proximity with the whānau of victims.

The recovery continues. RNZ/Nick Monro

“We see each other quite regularly, often we chat and often we share, often we share our experiences and they share theirs.”

Ngāti Pukenga chairperson Kylie Smallman said multiple marae across Tauranga opened their doors to both iwi members and the general public.

“That’s just inherent in what we do. We done the same in the Covid response we didn’t have any resources but we all opened up our doors to anyone who needed it… We had a huge response from the community and a lot of thanks for us for doing that because we’re it on the sniff of an oily rag but we’re doing it, and we’re not waiting around for support.”

Tawhiao said all three iwi supported the independent review into the events leading up to the landslide at the base of Mauao announced by Tauranga City Council.

Rahiri said the iwi intended to be actively involved in the review.

“Our expectation is that iwi are at the table as we move towards recovery in the wider Tauranga area, from Pāpāmoa to Otawhiwhi there has been significant damage to homes, to roads, to infrastructure and we look forward to being part of the conversations around that as well.”

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/2026/01/27/overwhelming-outpouring-of-grief-tauranga-iwi-respond-to-deadly-mt-maunganui-landslide/

Posted on

Kanye apologises for antisemitic remarks, says he was treated for bipolar disorder

Source: Radio New Zealand

American rapper and record producer Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, took out a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal on Monday to apologise for antisemitic remarks that drew years of backlash.

“I lost touch with reality,” Ye wrote in the ad, attributing his behaviour to an undiagnosed brain injury and an untreated bipolar disorder.

“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions in that state, and am committed to accountability, treatment and meaningful change. It does not excuse what I did, though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people,” he added.

Ye also voiced regrets for past expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler and the use of swastika imagery.

The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks antisemitism, issued a statement describing his apology as overdue and noting his prior antisemitic remarks.

“Ye’s apology to the Jewish people is long overdue and doesn’t automatically undo his long history of antisemitism – the antisemitic ‘Heil Hitler’ song he created, the hundreds of tweets, the swastikas and myriad Holocaust references – and all of the feelings of hurt and betrayal it caused,” an ADL spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.

“The truest apology would be for him to not engage in antisemitic behaviour in the future. We wish him well on the road to recovery,” the statement added.

Ye’s next album, Bully, is due out on Friday, according to the Spotify website.

The rapper referred in the full-page ad to his struggles with his mood disorder over the years.

“Bipolar disorder comes with its own defense system. Denial. When you’re manic, you don’t think you’re sick. You think everyone else is overreacting. You feel like you’re seeing the world more clearly than ever, when in reality you’re losing your grip entirely,” he wrote.

Ye wrote that 25 years ago he was in a car accident that caused significant brain damage that he said wasn’t properly diagnosed until 2023. He added that the medical oversight caused mental health problems that led to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis.

The songwriter said that being in “a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour” in early 2025 destroyed his life.

Ye added that he “hit rock bottom a few months ago” and had thoughts of not wanting “to be here anymore”.

The ‘Gold Digger’ rapper also addressed the Black community with both appreciation and more apologies.

He said it was “unquestionably, the foundation of who I am. I am so sorry to have let you down. I love us”.

The ‘Stronger’ rapper previously said he was on the autism spectrum rather than having a bipolar disorder. However, looking through Reddit posts of other “manic” people helped him feel “not alone” and understand that he has a chronic mood disorder.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/kanye-apologises-for-antisemitic-remarks-says-he-was-treated-for-bipolar-disorder/

Posted on

Police announce Jill Rogers as Deputy Police Commissioner

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jill Rogers been acting in the role since Jevon McSkimming stood down last March. RNZ/Mark Papalii

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers has been provisionally appointed to the role on a full-time basis.

After the initial shock at Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming’s resignation in May one of the questions that emerged was who would replace him.

Then, in July Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura announced her retirement after 37 years in police, leaving both Deputy Commissioner roles vacant.

Mike Pannett was announced as the statutory deputy police commissioner in December.

Rogers, who was widely considered to be the frontrunner for the role, was announced as the other Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers also announced the appointment of Cassandra Anderson as the Chief of Staff.

Chambers said Rogers was “an outstanding leader of people, is strongly connected to the communities she has worked in, and has dealt with some particularly challenging operational matters”.

He said Anderson had “extensive experience” working at Police since 2007, including as chief of staff to former Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

“She returned to Police last year after two years in a Tier 2 role as a deputy chief executive at Oranga Tamariki. She has a strong knowledge of the public sector environment and takes on a key role in the executive team.”

Chambers said the appointments meant police began 2026 with a “stable and strong executive”.

Superintendents Corrie Parnell, Jeanette Park and Tim Anderson will also begin as Assistant Commissioners from 9 February.

“I have full confidence in my refreshed leadership. They bring the experience, competence and integrity that is needed to deliver on the priorities of Police.

“I know they will serve the frontline and staff of New Zealand Police and the communities of New Zealand well.”

Chambers earlier announced the focus for 2026 was on the four priorities he outlined a year prior: core policing, supporting the frontline, leadership and accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

Specifically, he had set specific goals around service, safety and trust, including getting trust and confidence up from 69 percent to 80 percent.

The other benchmarks included getting satisfaction for services to 80 percent from its current 71 percent, a 15 percent rise in resolutions for retail crime, and a 15 percent reduction in violence in public places.

He also pointed to a 20 percent increase in Māori at police over the past five years.

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/2026/01/27/police-announce-jill-rogers-as-deputy-police-commissioner/

Posted on

‘Really lovely road’: Neighbours stunned as elderly woman found dead, teen in court

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

Police found the body of an elderly woman at a Burnham property after being called out to reports a teenager had allegedly assaulted another person inside the home.

A 19-year-old has man been charged with murder and two charges of assault in a family relationship in relation to the incident. He will appear in the Christchurch District Court on Tuesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to an address on Burnham School Road about 3.05am after a report of disorder.

RNZ understands a relative of the 19-year-old called police after she was allegedly assaulted and she barricaded herself in a room.

It’s understood that on arrival police tasered the 19-year-old.

They then found an elderly woman’s body at the property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said in a statement that a 19-year-old had been charged with murder and two counts of assault in a family relationship.

RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

The property is on a long rural road surrounded by farmland.

Neighbours told RNZ it was usually a quiet district and they did not hear anything overnight.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said the death was “incredibly sad”.

“It’s actually a really lovely road to live on, neighbours all wave out to each other and I never heard a thing so it’s a real shock,” she said.

“There are properties scattered around this road and a busy preschool down the road.”

RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon

Another neighbour said she woke up early to flashing police lights but did not hear anything unusual.

One man believed a family lived at the property. He said he had met them a couple of times over the years and they were pleasant.

He found out about the death after checking the news on Tuesday morning.

A blue police tent has been set up and the property has been cordoned off as forensic officers examine 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/2026/01/27/really-lovely-road-neighbours-stunned-as-elderly-woman-found-dead-teen-in-court/

Posted on

Jobs market improving, bodes well for employment – BNZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

BNZ’s employment report with jobs platform SEEK showed job ads up around 7 percent from a year ago. 123RF

The jobs market is showing early signs of improvement, according to BNZ, which it said should lead to lower unemployment by the middle of the year.

The latest unemployment statistics are due next week, but the most recent data from the September quarter showed the jobless rate at 5.3 percent – the highest level since late 2016.

BNZ head of research Stephen Toplis said monthly employment indicators showed modest growth, and Stats NZ’s fourth-quarter household labour force survey was also expected to show slight growth.

BNZ’s own employment report with jobs platform SEEK showed job ads up around 7 percent from a year ago.

“It will take a while before the unemployment rate drops, because it’s one thing seeing growth and people being hired, but it’s got to catch up with growth in the supply in labour.”

He expected the catch-up to happen “in a quarter or two”.

“Certainly mid-year, but there’s a difference between better and good,” Toplis said. “For a lot of people who are currently facing unemployment, it’s not clear that the jobs that will be created are going to be consistent with the skillset that they’ve got.”

He also noted there were many households already in work, but looking for more.

“We know that the household sector is struggling, so if you can’t get pay increases you work more hours, so there’s an awful lot of people.”

Economic recovery and weak US currency help Kiwi dollar

The Kiwi dollar is often called the “flightless bird” in financial markets, but its recent performance has been anything but.

Since the start of the year the dollar has flexed its wings, becoming the best-performing major currency against the US dollar.

Westpac head of New Zealand strategy Imre Speizer said the weakness of the US dollar was only half the story behind the NZ dollar’s recent strength.

The recession dampened investor appetite for the NZ dollar, but he said the economy bottomed in October and has improved steadily since then.

“The market has changed its tune on this, and it’s recognised the economic recovery is well in motion, and is likely to persist for the rest of the year,” Speizer said.

“It’s now one of the choice destinations for going long in currencies.”

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/2026/01/27/jobs-market-improving-bodes-well-for-employment-bnz/

Posted on

Update: Burnham homicide investigation

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons:

Police have charged a 19-year-old man with murder after a woman was found deceased at a Burnham property early this morning.

The man has also been charged with two counts of assault in a family relationship.

He is scheduled to appear in Christchurch District Court this afternoon.

Emergency services responded to a report of disorder at the Burnham School Road property at around 3.05am today.

On arrival, a woman was located deceased.

A scene examination is ongoing and cordons remain in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/update-burnham-homicide-investigation/

Posted on

Appointments of Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Police Commissioner Richard Chambers:

I am pleased to announce the provisional appointments of Jill Rogers as Deputy Commissioner for New Zealand Police and Cassandra Anderson as Chief of Staff.

Jill is an outstanding leader of people, is strongly connected to the communities she has worked in, and has dealt with some particularly challenging operational matters.

She has been acting Deputy Commissioner since March 2025.

Cassandra has extensive experience working at Police since 2007, including as chief of staff to former Police Commissioner Mike Bush. She returned to Police last year after two years in a Tier 2 role as a deputy chief executive at Oranga Tamariki. She has a strong knowledge of the public sector environment and takes on a key role in the executive team.

Along with the appointment of statutory Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett last December, this means we begin 2026 with a stable and strong executive. As announced earlier, Superintendents Corrie Parnell, Jeanette Park and Tim Anderson will also begin as Assistant Commissioners from February 9.

I have full confidence in my refreshed leadership. They bring the experience, competence and integrity that is needed to deliver on the priorities of Police.

I know they will serve the frontline and staff of New Zealand Police and the communities of New Zealand well.
 
Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers

Jill’s policing career began in 1993 and spans frontline policing, complex investigations, and command and leadership roles.

She has been relieving Deputy Commissioner since 31 March 2025 with responsibility for Northern Districts (Northland, Waitematā, Auckland City, Counties Manukau, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. ). She has also had responsibility for iwi and community partnerships, deployment, road policing, district support, and service, victims and resolutions.

She has spent most of her service in the Auckland region. From 2017 to 2023 she was District Commander in Counties-Manukau, the most diverse of the policing districts.

In 2023, she was appointed Assistant Commissioner: Leadership, Talent and Development, giving her responsibility for recruitment, the Royal New Zealand Police College and all training and development for New Zealand Police.

Earlier in her career, she served as Area Commander Auckland Central for three years, worked in Waitematā District and has relieved as Acting Detective Superintendent in Central District.

In 1996 Jill joined the CIB, where she worked for 17 years on a range of serious and complex criminal investigations.

Jill holds an Executive Master of Public Administration and joined Police after a period as a teacher.

Chief of Staff Cassandra Anderson:

Cassandra Anderson has extensive experience at New Zealand Police, where she held a range of roles between 2007 and 2023, including as Chief of Staff to former Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

In 2025, Cassandra returned to Police after two years as Deputy Chief Executive of People, Culture & Enabling Services at Oranga Tamariki.

At Police, she was Executive Director of People Capability from 2020 to 2023, undertaking culture and leadership reforms, and overseeing employment relations and professional development. She also reviewed and reformed the Royal NZ Police College operating model.

Prior to that she served as Chief of Staff to the Commissioner from 2015 to 2020, and held positions in policy and strategy, focusing on crime prevention and organised crime.

Her earlier career included time as a Private Secretary at Parliament and a policy advisor in the Ministry of Justice.

She has an Executive Master of Public Administration, a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Māori Resource Management from Victoria University of Wellington. She has also studied at the Australia New Zealand School of Government.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/appointments-of-deputy-commissioner-and-chief-of-staff/

Posted on

1000th toroa/albatross chick hatches at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  27 January 2026

Department of Conservation (DOC) staff have been working around the clock over the past couple of weeks with chicks breaking out of their eggs every day and have been keeping an eagle eye on the numbers.

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Sharyn Broni says she’s been ticking off each chick and carefully monitoring the count.

“We’ve had chicks popping out, sometimes four at a time, so it’s been super busy. We carefully manage each one, watching the first signs, the eggs cracking as the chicks start the process of hatching. We can hear them ’pipping’ as they prepare to hatch so they do give us a bit of warning,” she says.

DOC co-manages the albatross colony as part of Te Poari a Pukekura (the Pukekura Co-management Trust) bringing together the Korako Karetai Trust (representing hereditary landowner interests), Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou (representing tribal interests), the Department of Conservation, and the Dunedin City Council.

Chairman of Te Poari a Pukekura Bill Karaitiana says the trust has a strong ecological focus and its connection to traditional knowledge prioritises the mauri (life-force) of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems. He says the toroa (albatross) population is a key indicator of ecosystem health through measuring and observing its mauri.

“Active breeding programs, habitat protection, controlled public access, and carefully balancing tourism with wildlife protection all make an impact, and contribute to the increase in the toroa population. Central to Te Poari a Pukekura’s mission is protecting the mauri (life force) of the land and ocean environments, with species such as the toroa serving as indicators of the health of these environments.

“We now have another pair of eyes which will be flying over and surveying the ocean ecosystem, giving us valuable feedback. The challenge for Te Poari a Pukekura is to build the body of knowledge about the ocean, the land, and the flora and fauna. The toroa can help us better understand the mauri of its ecosystem. Through this collaborative approach, Te Poari a Pukekura demonstrates how effective conservation combines traditional knowledge with contemporary management practices, ensuring we understand ourselves better as well as understanding these precious taonga species for future generations,” he says.

It’s hoped in time, toroa numbers will grow to a point where kaitiaki of the species can be less intensive, but for now Sharyn Broni says it’s a very hands-on operation.

“The chicks are carefully checked over and weighed. We spray them with a special type of insect repellent to protect them from fly strike and then as soon as possible they are returned to the nest. The adult toroa has been sitting on a dummy egg and we carefully put the chick back under them to ensure they have maximum protection,” says Sharyn Broni.

Anyone who wants to learn more about the species can tune into the round-the-clock livestream Royal Cam, which follows one toroa pair as they raise a chick from egg to fledging. The livestream is a collaboration between DOC and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in New York, in the United States.

The chick from the live-streamed toroa pair hatched last Thursday, 22 January, and hundreds of viewers watched live, as it was carefully returned to its nest and parents. Sharyn says the weather last week wasn’t ideal, so it was important to make sure the chick had protection from the wind and rain.

“People are genuinely intrigued by these special birds so they can watch this little chick on the live stream as it emerges from its nest and starts to venture out and about. This is a wonderful way you can connect with nature and get to know this incredible taonga species. We call it ‘naturing from your couch’ and it’s really addictive!” she says.

DOC staff are super excited to reach the 1000th chick milestone after another record was broken at the colony last year. Last October, 38 chicks fledged or flew away from Pukekura/Taiaroa Head overtaking the previous record number of 33.

“Last season was a fantastic one for us with great weather and plenty of food available for the parents so we’re hoping for another great season for these newly hatched toroa.

“Our success rate with the chicks has just been going up and up. Interestingly, when the colony first started with one breeding pair in 1938 through until 2007, 500 chicks hatched. It’s only taken us under 20 years to double that number, so we are getting better at it. We are supported by such great scientists from around the world who are just as excited as we are,” she says.

Cornell Lab Bird Cams Project Lead Ben Walters is one of those scientists and says the team is thrilled to be part of the milestone event.

“A thousand chicks hatched at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head is more than a number. It’s a testament to decades of science-based conservation and care for one of the world’s most extraordinary seabirds. The Cornell Lab is proud to collaborate with the New Zealand Department of Conservation to share the lives of northern royal albatross on camera and inspire a global awareness that supports future generations at this growing breeding colony.”

Background information

Toroa/northern royal albatross are one of the largest seabirds in the world, with wingspans up to three metres. They are a vulnerable species that are affected by changes to habitat and climate, plastic pollution, and some fishing practices. They also reproduce slowly, with breeding starting from about eight years old and breeding pairs typically raising a chick once every two years.

The colony at Pukekura/Taiaroa Head is the only mainland site in the world where toroa/northern royal albatross breed.

A taonga species, toroa have a conservation status of ‘Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable’, with an estimated population of about 17,000 mature individuals.

The Royal Cam livestream is run in partnership with Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology in New York, helping the lives of these albatrosses reach an international audience. Now in its tenth year, it receives millions of views from people all around the globe annually.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/1000th-toroa-albatross-chick-hatches-at-pukekura-taiaroa-head/

Posted on

NZ Post to close more than 140 counters across the country

Source: Radio New Zealand

The post shop in Ponsonby (file image). Screenshot / Google Maps

NZ Post is closing more than 140 service counters inside urban convenience stores, pharmacies and libraries around the country.

It said the current network was bigger than it should be, with fewer people sending letters and more sending parcels.

Around 560 post shops would remain open.

NZ Post said it would upgrade some of the stores and open new hubs for parcel sending and collection.

It said 90 percent of people living in urban areas would still be within four kilometres of a post shop.

Rural post shops would not be affected.

To find out what’s happening in your area see the NZ Post website or its store finder.

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/2026/01/27/nz-post-to-close-more-than-140-counters-across-the-country/

Posted on

ASB North Wharf building being sold

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Kiwi Property is selling ASB North Wharf building in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter to Precinct Pacific Investment for $205 million.

The sale price represented a 3.3 percent discount to the September 2025 book value, and included Kiwi Property’s commitment to complete $2.2m of capital works to the property.

Precinct will be responsible for any additional expenses associated with the extension of the 15-year lease to ASB.

Precinct chief executive Scott Pritchard said the purchase of ASB North Wharf aligned with its strategy for investments in high quality, well located commercial property.

“This is a strong endorsement of the Wynyard Quarter precinct, and we look forward to working with ASB as they refresh their premises to reflect their workforce’s needs,” Pritchard said.

Kiwi Property chief executive Clive Mackenzie said last year’s extension of the ASB lease to 2040 helped to position the asset for sale.

“The sale of ASB North Wharf is a significant milestone for our capital recycling programme and is the third property transaction we have agreed in the last three months,” he said.

“Our balance sheet is now strongly positioned to support growth, aligning with a property market that is showing clear signs of recovery.”

He said the proceeds of would be reinvested into further growth initiatives, including potential acquisitions and development at Kiwi Property’s key mixed-use assets.

Completion of the sale of ASB North Wharf was subject to the consent of the Overseas Investment Office, with settlement expected in the first half of 2026.

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/2026/01/27/asb-north-wharf-building-being-sold/

Posted on

Will ‘free gift’ disappointment hurt cosmetics retailer Mecca?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Some Mecca customers have been left disappointed with its loyalty programme. (File photo) Unsplash / Allison Saeng

Cosmetics retailer Mecca is likely to be able to shake off any ill will created by customers disappointed with its loyalty programme and discounting, experts say.

Newsroom reported Mecca was apologising to customers after they were sold products up to a decade old during Boxing Day sales, and an “extra beauty treat” for people who reached a certain level of spending turned out to be a tote bag that transferred dye on to some people’s clothes.

Gemma Rasmussen, spokesperson for Consumer NZ, told RNZ’s The Panel she would not consider a tote bag to be a beauty treat.

“We think Mecca has potentially been a bit misleading and could have breached the Fair Trading Act as well,” she said.

She said Mecca shoppers tended to be “pretty dedicated”. “If you get an email saying spend more, a treat is coming, it’s hooking people in and pretty deceptive marketing.”

Bodo Lang, a marketing expert at Massey University, said reward schemes like Mecca’s could be a powerful driver of customer acquisition and long-term loyalty.

“Which is why so many major retailers invest heavily in them. Think Air New Zealand Airpoints, AA Smartfuel, or loyalty programmes from banks, credit card providers, New Zealand grocery retailers. Even local shops use them to secure a greater share of wallet.

“But when a rewards programme delivers a disappointing experience, especially one that violates basic consumer expectations, such as offering products manufactured more than a decade ago, it can harm brand trust and make shoppers think twice about returning. Trust is hard to build and easy to lose.”

But retail consultant Chris Wilkinson, of First Retail Group, said Mecca’s scheme was strong.

“Mecca’s scheme is a big draw for customers and the brand is well known and enjoyed for its rewards and giveaways – particularly younger consumers who are entering the world of cosmetics and fragrances.

“These schemes, like Farmers Beauty Club, are popular – especially as these products are expensive so any potential saving or ‘value add’ are sought after and often the tipping point in terms of making a purchase.

“Mecca’s scheme introduces new products and playfully encourages its customers to experiment with their beauty regimes – reflective of its predominantly younger audience.”

Wilkinson said its success was noticeable with an expansion of store numbers.

“In all other world markets category leader Sephora ‘owns’ this space, whereas in Australasia, Mecca dominates and Sephora has been retreating.”

He said the value of free gifts in the sector had been a contentious issue for a while.

“However the brand does have some pretty strong goodwill and a store experience that continues to evolve and engage – new stores, new products and ‘hot’ brands like Charlotte Tilbury, so I don’t think goodwill will too badly affected – maybe only till the next ‘freebie’ message arrives in customers inboxes.”

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/will-free-gift-disappointment-hurt-cosmetics-retailer-mecca/

Posted on

‘Absolute disgrace’ to consider joining Trump’s ‘Board of Peace – Hipkins

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins. RNZ

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has labelled the government’s so-far refusal to rule out joining US President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ an “absolute disgrace”.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been invited to join the new organisation, saying last week he would give it “due consideration” and on Tuesday confirming it was still a possibility.

Invites have gone out to dozens of world leaders, including those of Russia, its ally Belarus and Saudi Arabia. No invites went to any countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Canada’s invite was withdrawn, and several Western nations – including France, Germany, Spain, the UK, Sweden, Ireland and Italy – have said ‘no thanks’, some fearing it was intended as a replacement for the United Nations.

The Board of Peace will be chaired by Trump, according to its founding charter. It claims to be “an international organisation that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict”.

Hipkins told Morning Report on Tuesday joining it would not be considered under a Labour-led government.

“It’s going to have people like [Russian President] Vladimir Putin on it. The idea that New Zealand would even consider being part of that would be an absolute embarrassment and an absolute disgrace on New Zealand.”

Putin – generally considered an autocrat – has led Russia through its war with neighbouring Ukraine, which began with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and ramped up with the full-scale invasion of 2022.

Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries whose leaders decline to join the Board of Peace. Hipkins said any threat of tariffs on New Zealand for not joining would not sway him.

“Donald Trump does not respect anybody who just simply sucks up to him. He doesn’t respect anybody else, regardless.

“New Zealand has to be principled, we have to be consistent. We have a very strong reputation around the world for being consistent and principled in our foreign policy – all of that is being thrown away by this government.”

Christopher Luxon with Donald Trump. Supplied / Christopher Luxon via X

Asked for an update on Tuesday, Luxon said New Zealand was still considering its invitation and the accompanying charter.

“There’s a whole range of things that we just need to work through and really understand what it’s actually there to achieve,” Luxon said. “Can we make a difference? What value can we add? That’s where our focus is. So we’ll have those conversations and consider everything.”

Hipkins said New Zealand needed to be “a bit more nimble and more fleet-footed” in its diplomacy “in an environment where those big international organisations are struggling to bring countries together”.

“So countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, many European countries, and many countries in our own neighbourhood that we can work with, and we should focus on the areas where we can work with them and really get some momentum behind that.”

Trump recently outraged allies and friends by suggesting their troops did not pull their weight in Afghanistan. Late last week, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the remarks “insulting and frankly appalling”.

Luxon called them “incredibly disrespectful and wrong”. Speaking to media, Luxon said New Zealand sent 3500 troops to Afghanistan and lost 10 lives.

“I thought it was incredibly disrespectful,” Luxon said. “It’s up to him to work out whether he wants to apologise. What I want the New Zealand Defence Force and veterans to know is that they are deeply cared for and deeply supported, and we are very grateful for their service to our country.”

Minneapolis protests and deaths

As for the Trump administration’s violent intervention in Minneapolis, during which agents have killed two civilians – one an ICU nurse, the other an unarmed mother-of-three – Hipkins said it was “absolutely disgraceful”.

No one has been charged over the killings, both of which were caught on camera, video evidence contradicting statements by federal government officials.

“Under Labour, New Zealand will be consistent in our foreign policy. So where we criticise other countries who we also have constructive working relationships with, when they violate human rights, we should criticise the United States when they violate people’s human rights,” Hipkins said.

He called immigration officers’ actions in Minneapolis a “violation of people’s human rights”.

Winston Peters ’embarrassing’ – Hipkins

Hipkins also said it was “embarrassing” to hear Winston Peters – former deputy prime minister and present foreign minister – question the usefulness of the World Health Organization and New Zealand’s funding of it.

“You’ve got the minister of foreign affairs out in the world saying that we’re going to pull out of the World Health Organization, constantly sending contradictory messages to what our prime minister is saying. That’s embarrassing for New Zealand,” he told Morning Report.

Hipkins said Labour would “absolutely not” pull New Zealand from the WHO. Former foreign minister Phil Goff on Monday said it cost New Zealand a little more than $2m a year to be a part of the WHO.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Hipkins said Luxon was a “total pushover” in setting up the coalition with ACT and NZ First (Peters’ party).

“He signed National up to supporting things that only weeks earlier he had been very clear with the New Zealand public the National Party would not support. I think that’s a betrayal of the people who voted for him.”

Luxon said he would never consider pulling New Zealand out of the WHO because of the “great value” it provides.

“If you think about the work that we do together in the Pacific, particularly. If I think about the work that was done in measles around Samoa, there’s some really good value the World Health Organisation provides.

“We spend anywhere from $1.5 million to $4 million a year in partnership with them. They do some amazing work.

“But equally, as I’ve said, right from the beginning, there’s a need for our… global institutions, to continue to innovate, to overhaul, to make sure they are focused, they’re efficient and they’re effective.”

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/2026/01/27/absolute-disgrace-to-consider-joining-trumps-board-of-peace-hipkins/

Posted on

People living at troubled Gore campground have until Friday to leave

Source: Radio New Zealand

The campground will close on Friday before the lease officially ends in late February. Supplied

People who live at a troubled campground in Gore have until the end of the working week to leave.

The Gore District Council said the lease for the Gore Motor Camp is being terminated and the campground will close on Friday.

The campground hit headlines last year, with the council saying it had received ongoing complaints about people’s safety and the condition of the site.

The campground was intended for stays of up to 50 days but people had been living there, the council said.

4 Trades Direct owner and lessee Nicholas Irons has previously said that he would not turn anyone away because they had nowhere else to go and the camp was providing a valuable community service.

Council chief executive Debbie Lascelles acknowledged that it was a challenging and uncertain time for the people staying at Gore Motor Camp.

“We want to thank occupants for the respect, patience and cooperation they have shown while these matters have been worked through. Our focus now is ensuring the transition is handled as smoothly as possible,” she said.

In September, Lascelles said that the issues had not improved despite working with the leaseholder for years and the council had advised residents they had 50 days to find different accommodation with support from government agencies.

Gore mayor Ben Bell said it had been a long-standing concern for many and he was pleased the situation was being resolved.

“We can now look forward to further community discussion about the best use for this site moving forward,” he said.

The lease will end in late February.

RNZ has contacted Irons for comment.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/people-living-at-troubled-gore-campground-have-until-friday-to-leave/

Posted on

Police employee allegedly stalked co-worker who rejected his advances

Source: Radio New Zealand

A police employee allegedly stalked a woman he regularly worked alongside after she rejected his advances.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a summary of an investigation into the allegations on Tuesday.

The IPCA said it oversaw a police investigation into an allegation a police employee “crossed professional boundaries” and created a conflict of interest by “conducting an inappropriate relationship with a female member of the public he regularly worked alongside”.

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

“The employee and the woman met through the employee’s work and developed a friendship, having similar interests and some life experiences in common.

“After some time, the employee incorrectly assumed that the woman was interested in more than a friendship and attempted to move the relationship onto a romantic footing. This was not something sought by the woman, who was married, and she ended the relationship. The woman alleged the employee then stalked her and his behaviour also made it difficult to work together when needed.”

The woman complained to police about the employee.

Police found the employee had engaged in serious misconduct.

“The authority agrees with police decision-making in this matter and the outcome reached.”

Police have been approached for comment.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/police-employee-allegedly-stalked-co-worker-who-rejected-his-advances/

Posted on

‘Very, very difficult’: Liam Lawson on his new car

Source: Radio New Zealand

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls unveil their 2026 Formula One liveries JOE GALL / AFP

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson admits to a cautious start to pre-season Formula One testing.

The first day of the behind closed doors Barcelona Shakedown has been completed with a number of drivers having their first outings in their new 2026 cars.

Cars this year are smaller and lighter and no longer use the Drag Reduction System. Fifty percent of the power output will be from battery with the other half from the internal combustion engine.

Lawson got to drive the new Racing Bulls car today.

“I definitely haven’t got my head around it fully yet,” Lawson said afterwards.

Racing Bulls are using the new power unit developed by Red Bull along with Ford.

“It’s something that we’ll keep learning over the next few days and weeks when we go to Bahrain as well. But it’s very, very different,” the 23 year old said.

“It feels like there’s a lot more we can do as drivers potentially to make a difference, which is good.

“But right now, it’s very early days. So it’s very hard to know where we are. But for now, just trying to learn how to optimise the car. I’m enjoying it so far.”

Lawson’s former team-mate Isack Hadjar was quickest of the seven drivers which took part.

Lawson was fourth fastest and completed 42 laps.

McLaren and Ferrari did not take part today.

There is another day of testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya before the teams head to Bahrain for two testing sessions ahead of the season opening Grand Prix in Australia in early March.

“The main thing is reliability at the moment. We’ve done a good number of laps today, only a few little things. And honestly, the only issues we really had today were safety precautions, not really any actual issues,” Lawson said.

“So far, honestly, on the power unit side, it’s been very, very good. But again, it’s hard to know compared to everybody else where we’re at.”

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/2026/01/27/very-very-difficult-liam-lawson-on-his-new-car/

Posted on

Sky TV partners with US media giant Paramount

Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied / Richard Parsonson

Pay-TV provider Sky has expanded its content partnership with US media giant Paramount.

Sky said the partnership would bring premium US drama, procedurals, kids and comedy content to Sky and its Neon streaming audiences.

“Paramount’s Yellowstone was a standout for Sky customers in FY25, and this partnership ensures we build on that success by securing the shows that matter most,” Sky chief executive Sophie Moloney said.

Moloney said the deal represented a “significant step” in its updated entertainment strategy, with data-driven focus on delivering content.

“We know what our customers watch and value, and we’re building on those insights to curate the content that resonates most with our audiences,” she said.

The deal came into effect immediately, and included exclusive access to shows from Showtime, Paramount + and CBS for New Zealand viewers.

Over the past year, Sky announced a number of major content deals, particularly in sports.

In October, it secured exclusive Olympic Games rights, and prior to that it extended its Formula 1 and NZ Rugby deals.

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/2026/01/27/sky-tv-partners-with-us-media-giant-paramount/

Posted on

NZ could save billions just by changing when we use electricity, new report finds

Source: Radio New Zealand

Spreading the power load could help to defer or avoid increasing demand capacity. 123RF

A quarter of New Zealand’s peak electricity use could be shifted to times of lower demand, lowering household bills and saving up to $3 billion in infrastructure investment, a new report has found.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), which commissioned the analysis, said lower network costs from shifting demand should flow through to households and businesses.

Households had the most potential to shift their demand, but some industrial processes and manufacturing could also make changes with the right financial incentives, the report found.

New Zealand’s electricity demands will grow by 35 to 82 percent by 2050, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment estimated last year.

Upgrades to accommodate growing demand could cost tens of billions of dollars, EECA chief executive Marco Pelenur said.

The electricity network is built to handle peak demand, which only occurs a few times a day for short intervals. Spreading the power load could help to defer or avoid increasing demand capacity.

“This [analysis] shows we could save billions as a country just by moving when we use power.”

Rooftop solar and batteries could help shift household demand, but much lower-cost measures – that would also save households money – were also available.

That included Wi-Fi-enabled devices that could be retrofitted to most hot water cylinders and heat pumps for a few hundred dollars.

The devices, which are being trialled by EECA in hundreds of households at the moment, allow users to control appliances remotely, such as switching on a heat pump in the late afternoon before peak demand kicks in, so a house could already be warm when people arrive home.

“The early results from the pilots show households are saving on their bills right now – and that doesn’t include the system benefits of deferring network upgrades,” Pelenur said.

Peak demand savings would be even bigger if flexible energy use were enabled at scale, and people were paid directly for shifting electricity use off-peak, EECA said.

University of Auckland professor Nirmal Nair said demand-side flexibility, as proposed in the report, had been “widely touted”, but if households and other retail customers were being encouraged to change their usage, then what they were charged should be revisited.

“Expecting [retail customers] to invest in more technologies to give value to other upstream agents like electricity retailers and distribution companies appears unreasonable, if not unfair.”

Major electricity users surveyed as part of the report said continued production was their top priority, but many were open to more flexible electricity use if it did not disrupt production, or cost more money than it saved.

The report identified food processing in Bay of Plenty, Waikato and North Canterbury, farming in Canterbury and Waikato, and offices in the main centres as having significant potential.

That could be achieved with similar technology to households, such as battery installation and ‘smart load controllers’ to defer electricity usage to lower-demand periods, when it was possible to do so.

The report suggested a “robust reward system” to compensate industries for their participation. That could include direct payments, along with long-term energy cost reductions, it said.

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/2026/01/27/nz-could-save-billions-just-by-changing-when-we-use-electricity-new-report-finds/

Posted on

Fruit fly controls in Auckland’s Mt Roskill to remain in place a little longer

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in Mt Roskill will end on 21 February 2026 if no more Queensland fruit flies are found in the suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand’s commissioner north, Mike Inglis.  

The controls have been in place since the discovery of a single male fruit fly in a surveillance trap in early January.  

“We’ve had fantastic support from locals and sector groups since our response began, and we’re asking for that to continue a little longer out of an abundance of caution.

“No other Queensland fruit flies have been found, which is really encouraging, but over the coming weeks, we’ll keep up our regular checking of fruit fly traps. 

“The extended timeframe helps us to be confident that we are not dealing with a breeding population. It is based on scientific advice about the life cycle of the Queensland fruit fly,” says Mr Inglis.

“We’re grateful for the actions people are taking to comply with the restrictions, which are vital to keeping fruit fly from establishing in New Zealand.”

There is no change to the current movement rules that are in place. The A and B zone areas in Mt Roskill will remain the same. More detail on these zones is on our website:

Queensland fruit fly detection in Mt Roskill, Auckland

“The restrictions prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found. This prevents possible spread of fruit fly or their larvae,” says Mr Inglis. 

“There have been 14 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand which we have successfully eradicated, so we know what it takes to get the job done”.  

To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s pest and diseases hotline on 0800 809 966. 

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/fruit-fly-controls-in-aucklands-mt-roskill-to-remain-in-place-a-little-longer/

Posted on

Name releases: Fatal crash, SH30, Tikitere

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now share the names of the two people that died following a fatal crash in Tikitere on Thursday 15 January.

They were 42-year-old Gisborne man Saul Rerekura and 32-year-old Rotorua woman Taukirangi Hewitt.

Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Saul and Taukirangi at this difficult time.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash and would like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of a green Honda Spike registration HBS903, between the areas of Fenton Street, Rotorua and Curtis Road/SH30, Tikitere, between 2am and 4.20am on Thursday 15 January.

Anyone with information is asked to make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260115/4480.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/27/name-releases-fatal-crash-sh30-tikitere/