Category: Asia Pacific

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How strong is support for Christopher Luxon? We’re about to find out

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Analysis – The Prime Minister has doubled down in the wake of a horror poll on Friday, saying he is “absolutely not” considering stepping aside from the top job.

Christopher Luxon did a last-minute interview on Newstalk ZB on Friday night after a day of speculation and mounting pressure over whether he could convincingly stay on as prime minister after a new poll showed National had hit 28 percent.

He told ZB, “if there was a problem, I would be doing something about it, but we are a long way away from what we’ve seen published in a TPU poll today”.

The Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll showed the centre-Left bloc narrowly able to govern with 61 seats to the coalition government bloc’s 59 seats.

It had Labour up slightly on 34, while the Greens, ACT, and Te Pāti Māori were all up on 10.5, 7.5 and 3 respectively.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

On Monday, Luxon told RNZ’s Morning Report he wasn’t going anywhere, however, he also said he didn’t ask any of his MPs over the weekend if he had their support because, “they tell me regularly and it’s just not a question that needs to be asked”.

It’s a bold prime minister who assumes the support of his entire caucus after one of his worst weeks in the job, that was bookended by his inability to articulate the government’s position on the Iran conflict last Monday and a poll showing National below the red line of 30 on Friday.

How strong that support is will be made clear when his MPs gather at Parliament on Tuesday morning for their caucus meeting.

The National Party isn’t afraid to tell a few home-truths in their caucus meetings, and Luxon may well be on the receiving end of that this week.

Beyond his caucus’ reckons, the prime minister will also need to manage the concerns of his staff.

On Friday, there were murmurings that some senior staff were increasingly frustrated by their advice being ignored by Luxon and some of the government messaging no longer being convincing.

A poll putting National in the high 20s – the second public poll saying so since October last year – isn’t by any means the end of the prime minister’s career.

It will take a few more polls saying the same thing and a clear trend developing before the pressure will really mount.

At that point it’s those in his caucus who will be turfed out of Parliament first by a worsening National result who will start agitating.

Christopher Luxon and Transport Minister Chris Bishop. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A potential result in the 20s in November will not only impact senior ministers relying on the success of the party list, such as Nicola Willis, Paul Goldsmith, and Gerry Brownlee, but will also be damaging to swing seats like Hutt South, currently held by Chris Bishop.

At the moment, all of the polling shows the party blocs in a position to govern are still neck-and-neck.

That keeps National very much still in the game.

Probably more concerning for Luxon were the favourability results from Friday’s poll showing his net favourability has fallen three points to -19, well behind Labour leader Chris Hipkins on -5.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Even New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is polling better on that score than Luxon with a score of -8, while closer to home Bishop received -14 and Erica Stanford scored -16.

MPs and ministers arriving at Parliament on Monday morning were all publicly backing Luxon, noting the poll wasn’t positive but the prime minister remained the best person to lead.

That will douse some of the speculation fire for today at least.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/how-strong-is-support-for-christopher-luxon-were-about-to-find-out/

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Cricket: Black Caps lost World Cup final in the powerplays – Santner

Source: Radio New Zealand

Black Cap Finn Allen during the T20 World Cup grand final. www.photosport.nz

The Black Caps are rueing poor performances in both powerplays in their Twenty20 World Cup loss to India – prolonging their wait for a maiden white-ball World Cup title.

Defending champions India thumped New Zealand by 96 runs in Monday morning’s (NZT) final in Ahmedabad.

Batting first, the co-hosts posted a big total of 255/5. Indian batter Sanju Samson top scored with 89 runs, with fellow opener Abhishek Sharma and No.3 Ishan Kishan both scoring half-centuries.

Despite a half-century from opener Tim Seifert, New Zealand couldn’t keep up with the required run rate. Captain Mitchell Santner scored 43 runs at the back of the innings, but it was never going to be enough, and the visitors were eventually all-out for 159.

Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets for India, which became the first team in history to win back-to-back men’s T20 World Cup titles. It’s also India’s biggest win in a T20 World Cup match.

“They showed their class again tonight with that batting performance,” Black Caps captain Mitch Santner told reporters.

“That was the tale of the day – the two powerplays. I think we were three for 40-odd and they were 90-odd for none.”

Samson and Sharma provided an explosive push and rattled up 92 runs in the six powerplay overs. In contrast, New Zealand’s top-order slipped to 52-3 inside six overs, and the chase never quite took off.

Santner said the run chase was always likely to ride on surviving the first six overs and keeping wickets for a surge later, which did not happen.

“You’re not going to win a chase in the powerplay, but you can lose one. If we pick up a couple early and squeeze the middle, maybe 220 is on. At 250, you need a lot to go your way.”

Hardik Pandya of India celebrates after winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Grand Final. www.photosport.nz

New Zealand bowler Jimmy Neesham picked up three wickets in the 16th over, but the damage was done early on.

“Whether it was to be braver with yorkers or bouncers, we tried a lot of cutters into the wicket that weren’t offering much,” Santner said.

“We all know we weren’t at our best tonight, and if you’re not at your best against a very good team in a final, you get exposed.”

The Black Caps have a long history of reaching deep into tournaments but have lost multiple finals. They were one day international runners-up in 2015 and 2019, and have now become bridesmaids in two T20 World Cups.

More than 86,000 predominantly Indian supporters packed into Narendra Modi Stadium – the world’s largest cricket ground – and Santner praised the hosts’ execution.

“There was definitely a lot of pressure on India in front of so many people, and they did it outstandingly well.”

Santner told Sky Sport he was proud of his team.

“To make it this far, obviously we had some challenges throughout the tournament but at each stage we kind of got through and put on a good show, obviously tonight we were outplayed by a very good team in front of a great crowd.”

Santner said the Black Caps did a lot right to reach the final, including a very good win over South Africa in the semi-final.

“Different guys stepped up at different times throughout every stage. I think we were confronted with challenges throughout every stage and it was nice to get through, and super eights and then the semi-final, we put on a pretty good show – but I guess tonight we were outplayed, but the boys should be very proud of their work.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/cricket-black-caps-lost-world-cup-final-in-the-powerplays-santner/

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SH1 closes as truck and car crash near Milton

Source: Radio New Zealand

St John said an ambulance and a helicopter had been sent to the crash site RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

A helicopter has been sent to a the scene of a collision between a truck and car blocking State Highway 1 near Milton.

The crash happened shortly before 9am near the intersection of Adams Flat Road and Milton Highway.

Police said it appeared people had been injured.

St John said an ambulance and a helicopter had been sent.

NZTA said SH1 near Milton was closed near the intersection with Adams Flat Road.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/sh1-closes-as-truck-and-car-crash-near-milton/

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Obesity experts advise on new treatments

Source: PHARMAC

With high obesity rates in New Zealand and new medicines entering the market, public interest in weight‑loss treatments is understandably strong. 

In June 2025 Medsafe approved semaglutide (Wegovy) for use in New Zealand for weight loss. Medsafe approves medicines for use in New Zealand. They check that these products meet our standards for safety and quality, and that they work as well as we expect them to.  

Pharmac has received three applications to fund semaglutide(external link) for the following conditions: 

  • weight management for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more with at least one weight-related health condition
  • insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes  
  • cardiovascular disease with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or more.

 To help us assess these medicines, a new Obesity Treatments Advisory Group (OTAG) was established and met for the first time in December last year. The group includes a range of clinical expertise and provides objective advice on new obesity treatments and future opportunities. 

 Pharmac’s Manager Expert Advisory, Caroline De Luca, says this is the first step in gathering advice to inform this complicated decision that could affect many New Zealanders lives.

 “When we make funding decisions, we need input from clinical experts in New Zealand so we can understand how the evidence relates in a local context.”

 The current members of the group are:

  • Dr Liza Lack – Clinical Director, National Hauora Coalition – Waikato (Chair – PTAC Member)
  • Dr Bruce King (Chair) – Specialist Internal Medicine and Nephrology (PTAC Member)
  • Dr Wing Cheuk Chan – Public Health Physician
  • Dr Jo McClintock – Clinical Psychologist
  • Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen – General Practitioner
  • Prof Rinki Murphy – Specialist Diabetes Physician
  • Dr James Shand – Endocrinologist
  • Dr Samuel Whittaker – General Practitioner 

 OTAG reviewed the application to fund semaglutide for weight loss in December 2025. The group’s provisional recommendation [PDF](external link) is that Pharmac fund it for chronic weight management in people with a high body mass index (BMI) and associated comorbidities, with a high priority. The full record of the meeting is expected to be available by March.

A recommendation from OTAG is not a guarantee that Pharmac will fund a medicine. It is a vital step in the process for considering this application, but it is not the only consideration.

The OTAG advice will contribute to Pharmac’s assessment of the role of these medicines in New Zealand and consider the impact on individuals, whānau, caregivers, and the wider health system. We will continue to seek input from the clinical and patient communities.

More about our advisory groups

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/obesity-experts-advise-on-new-treatments/

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Funding medicines for people with high health needs

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac is working to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders, including those with the highest health needs. This includes Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled people, women, and people living rurally. 


“Health equity ensures everyone has fair access to health care and the opportunity to live well, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” says Director Equity and Engagement, Dr Nicola Ngawati. 

Pharmac’s Equity Policy recognises that different people have different levels of advantage. Pharmac applies an equity lens when making funding decisions. 

Our role under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 is to secure for eligible people in need of pharmaceuticals, the best health outcomes that are reasonably achievable from pharmaceutical treatment. 

Some of the medicines we’ve funded recently are making a real difference for these groups. Below are some specific medicines and their reach for high needs health groups (from 1 October 2024 to 31 January 2026). 

Palivizumab (RSV prevention)

Protects premature and high-risk infants from severe RSV illness. Māori and Pacific babies are more likely to need this treatment. Recipients by health group: 

  • Māori – 34.3%
  • Pacific– 11.3%
  • Female – 44.6%
  • Rural – 15.7%

Triple inhaler (Budesonide + Glycopyrronium + Eformoterol)

Helps manage COPD, which impacts Māori up to 20 years earlier and causes death at five times the rate of non-Māori. Funded from 1 January 2025. Recipients by health group: 

  • Māori – 28.4%
  • Pacific – 4.5%
  • Women – 57.3%
  • Rural – 24.1%

Insulin (Ryzodeg)

Diabetes prevalence among Māori and Pacific people is about three times higher than other population groups. Funded from May 2025. Recipients by health group: 

  • Māori – 24.1%
  • Pacific – 19.3%
  • Women – 48.8%
  • Rural – 17.9%

Empagliflozen

This medicine helps reduce cardiovascular hospitalisation, slow kidney decline, and improve glycaemic control. Recipients by health group: 

  • Māori – 21.8%
  • Pacific – 7.6%
  • Women – 33.8%
  • Rural – 25.7%

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

From 1 December 2025, Pharmac began funding silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for the treatment and prevention of tooth decay. Dental cavities disproportionately affect Māori, Pacific peoples and people in areas of higher depravation. 

Poor oral health can impact daily life and cause pain and embarrassment. Although SDF is in the early days of funding, its use is expected to reduce the need for hospital‑based dental treatment, remove cost barriers and improve wellbeing.

“We’re pleased that these statistics indicate our funded medicines are reaching those who need them most. We’ll continue to focus on increasing access to key medicines for these groups,” says Dr Ngawati.

“This work is extremely important. By reducing avoidable differences in health outcomes – we create a healthier New Zealand for everyone.”

Note: All figures are from the Pharmaceutical Collection dataset(external link) (as extracted and analysed by Pharmac).

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/funding-medicines-for-people-with-high-health-needs/

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Collaboration on medical device procurement

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac and Health New Zealand (Health NZ) are working towards a more streamlined and coordinated national approach to hospital medical device procurement.

The Government announced changes to the procurement of hospital medical devices(external link) in September last year. Pharmac and Health NZ are now jointly responsible for procuring medical devices, with Pharmac leading procurement for 27 categories of medical devices, and Health NZ leading 28.

Catherine Epps, Pharmac’s Director of Medical Devices, says a programme of work is underway that will deliver greater transparency, consistency and collaboration in medical device procurement across the health system.

 “Our work will ensure the medical devices used in our public hospitals deliver better value and more consistent, fair access for people across the country. Strengthening our partnership with Health NZ and working closely with suppliers means we can make better‑informed decisions and deliver better outcomes.”

Pharmac has agreed a framework with Health NZ for delivering a range of Health Technology Assessments (HTA). We’re now working together to plan a broader programme, including formalising how commissioning and HTA processes will work.

 “It’s encouraging to see the shared commitment to building a more aligned and coordinated approach. This will mean clearer roles, clearer decision points, and more consistent ways of working – giving the sector greater predictability and transparency,” says Epps.

 Over the coming months, the programme will continue to transition to a new joint leadership approach for hospital medical devices and strengthen engagement across the sector.

“It’s an exciting time to be working in medical devices in New Zealand. I’m confident that the work we’re doing now is setting us up to make medical devices procurement work better for everyone involved.”

 More information: 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/collaboration-on-medical-device-procurement/

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New agreement improves access to treatment for New Zealanders

Source: PHARMAC

A multiproduct agreement, which took effect on 1 December last year, is delivering significant benefits for patients and the health system – freeing up thousands of infusion hours and helping services run more efficiently. 

Under the agreement Pharmac is funding five treatments for multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, lung cancer and serious eye conditions. 

Vice President of Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand, Graham Walker, says the new treatments are a ‘game changer’. 

“I got a text the other day from a friend in Christchurch who said his treatment had taken an hour, starting from his arrival at the hospital to catching the bus home. He thought it was marvellous.” 

“There’s also a lot of people that have trouble getting treatment simply because there’s no room at the infusion centre. Now six or seven people can be treated in the time it took to treat one. That’s huge!” 

The agreement with pharmaceutical supplier Roche includes two new treatments, more convenient versions of existing medicines, and continued access to an already funded treatment 

“We were able to fund new medicines through this agreement, but what I’m most pleased about is the impact the new and improved existing treatments will have on people’s lives,” says Pharmaceutical Director, Adrienne Martin. 

“The new injectable treatments can be completed in 15 minutes compared to 3-5 hours for intravenous infusions. 

The reduction in infusion times is expected to save the health system $11 million over five years. It will also ease pressure on hospital services and improve access for patients who previously faced long wait times. 

Read Decision to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis, eye conditions, breast cancer and lung cancer for more details.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/new-agreement-improves-access-to-treatment-for-new-zealanders/

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Kiwi Paul Coll wins third NZ Squash Open title

Source: Radio New Zealand

Paul Coll in action at the New Zealand Open in Christchurch. photosport

Squash star Paul Coll defended his New Zealand Open title in Christchurch on Sunday, with a dominant 11-7, 11-2, 11-5 victory over Egyptian teenager Mohamad Zakaria in the final.

It’s the Kiwi’s third successive New Zealand Open triumph.

Zakaria rallied from a 4-2 deficit to lead 8-7 in the opening game, but that’s where the points ended for the two-time junior world champion.

Coll lifted his intensity and dictated terms with superior court positioning, stringing together four consecutive points to take the game 11-8.

The West Coaster held that momentum in the second game and looked to capitalise on tired legs after Zakaria’s marathon semi-final triumph less than 24 hours prior.

The world number two looked to take the ball early and seemed more comfortable in the longer rallies knowing fatigue was becoming a factor. Coll won the first eight points after the resumption, before clinching the second game 11-2 to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

There was no stopping Coll from there with the finish line in sight in front of friends and family who made the trip from the West Coast. He maintained his level, putting the hammer down to win the third game 11-5 inside seven minutes.

A “stoked” Coll said claiming the title at the Isaac Theatre Royal stage meant a lot to him.

“I’m very happy to win the NZ Squash Open for the third time. I was feeling a bit nervous, he [Zakaria] had a monster match yesterday. I knew he was going to feel tired, but I was trying to put that out of my mind and play my squash,” Coll said.

With the win Coll extended his unbeaten record to 8-0 on the Isaac Theatre Royal stage and moved to a 27-1 overall record for PSA matches held in New Zealand.

“Last year all the players left here saying how good it was and it was such a good showcase for New Zealand. I’m sure it’ll be great in Palmerston North in 2027, I’ll definitely be back to try and make it four [in a row],” Coll said.

Earlier, the Christchurch crowd was treated to a sibling rivalry in the NZ Women’s Open decider as top seed Tinne Gilles held her nerve to beat younger sister Nele 11-6, 5-11, 12-10, 11-9 in 78 minutes.

It’s the Belgian’s first New Zealand Open title, and just her second win in 11 attempts on the PSA Tour against Nele.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/kiwi-paul-coll-wins-third-nz-squash-open-title/

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Ninth wave of Covid-19 suggests wane in immunity, expert says everyone must ‘act to reduce impact’

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf.com – RNZ / Composite Image – RNZ

A public health expert says New Zealand is in its ninth wave of Covid-19.

The latest Health New Zealand figures show 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths with the virus in the past week.

With booster uptake falling and little tracking of long Covid, experts are warning the real impact of the virus may still be underestimated.

University of Otago professor of public health Michael Baker told Morning Report that waves of Covid-19 had been a pattern seen since the Omicron variant started spreading widely in 2022.

In the past four years, there had been roughly two waves per year.

Baker said the waves weren’t seasonal – being equally distributed between winter and summer.

University of Otago professor of public health Michael Baker. Luke Pilkinton-Ching

But this wave wasn’t following the pattern of a new subvariant emerging, which suggested a wane in immunity.

Baker said people were not getting booster shots and for many, it had been quite some time since they were last infected and antibodies were dropping.

It was enough to give the virus “the edge”.

Baker said the virus was still New Zealand’s most impactful infectious disease – equating to about 1000 deaths a year – compared to influenza which accounted for about 500.

Covid-19 was also filling up hospitals – and everyone needed to “act to reduce impact”, he said.

Baker said there was no data to show if people were still testing but many had become more complacent.

Tests were no longer paid for by the government making them unaffordable for some people.

“I think that’s a problem,” Baker said.

Apart from getting boosters – which were available every six months for people over 30 – Baker said self-isolation was the next best way to stop the spread.

He said if people had respiratory symptoms, they should stay home and get a test if they can afford it.

Covid-19 was being tracked through wastewater and hospitalisations – which were currently showing a “big wave”.

As well as topping up antibodies, Baker said getting regular boosters reduced the risk of Long Covid.

The “disabling illness” was not being monitored at all In New Zealand which Baker said was a “gap” in tracking the virus.

He suggested periodic surveys would be enough to track how many people are living with it.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/ninth-wave-of-covid-19-suggests-wane-in-immunity-expert-says-everyone-must-act-to-reduce-impact/

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PM Christopher Luxon facing a ‘last straw scenario’ – commentators

Source: Radio New Zealand

“The trend is not good” for the Prime Minister, says Liam Hehir. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Last week was “disastrous” and a “last straw scenario” for the prime minister, says a former National Party chief press secretary, while another political commentator says National MPs will be considering whether now is the right time for a leadership tilt.

Janet Wilson was chief press secretary for both Todd Muller and Judith Collins and says a recent poll that put National in the 20s was not a “nail in the coffin” for Christopher Luxon.

But she says it encapsulates people’s view of him and the state of play for the National Party as a whole.

Liam Hehir says Luxon’s performance last week when it came to foreign policy did not matter as much as the poll, which reflects a broader trend for him, and “the trend is not good”.

Hehir says first term prime ministers normally get a free run in their first re-election bid, and Luxon is in a “very unusual position for a first term Prime Minister, coming under immense pressure”.

Luxon batted away questions last week about stepping down as party leader following the latest Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll that had National on 28.4 – down nearly 3 points from its poll last month.

Labour was up slightly on 34.4, while the Greens, ACT, and Te Pāti Maori were all up on 10.5, 7.5, and 3.2 respectively.

Luxon told Newstalk ZB on Friday evening none of his Cabinet colleagues had told him to reconsider his future, saying “all of them” back him.

He said he was “absolutely not” considering standing down and said he had the skills to lead the National Party and the country.

Luxon will make his regular media appearances on Monday morning, including on RNZ’s Morning Report, ahead of another week at Parliament that will see the National Party caucus get together on Tuesday for the first time since Friday’s horror poll.

Wilson told RNZ she thought Luxon had lost his messaging and status, “and I think he’s lost his imprimatur at this moment to be a leader”.

She said there were three likely scenarios that could play out this week, the first being what seemed to be occurring now – that Luxon had “dug in,” he would maintain business-as-usual and say he wasn’t going anywhere.

The second scenario was that his senior leadership team had asked him to consider his future, but he says he’s not going anywhere, “it’s a bit like scenario one: status quo is maintained.”

The third scenario, she said, was if Luxon told the senior leadership he wasn’t going anywhere, but the senior leadership team then decided it’s time for change.

She concluded the most likely probability was scenario one, “he is going to dig in and say, it’s only one poll – journalists, the commentariat, have gone mad.”

Hehir told RNZ every single MP in the National Party saw themselves as a potential leader.

“Whenever anyone’s under pressure, whenever the actual leader is under pressure, they will be wondering to themselves whether or not it’s the right time.

“You’d have to be crazy not to assume that in the wake of a series of pretty bad polls, that the ambitious people in the party aren’t considering their options.”

Wilson explained the effect on a caucus when polling was low was “severe,” that it was “horrific, actually”.

“What happens is MPs start doing the numbers, and they start looking at the likelihood of what their chances are for the upcoming election, and whether, in fact, their skin is going to be saved in the midst of the mayhem of what’s going on,” Wilson said.

She got a sense that was occurring right now.

“I think the more that the leader says, ‘there’s nothing to see here, it’s all fine’, the more it exacerbates the problem for those in the back bench.”

Wilson pointed out it was to Luxon’s advantage that a lot of his caucus were newer MPs, “the strategic art of politics is yet to occur to most of them”, though not all of them, she said.

She also referred to the previous political term, where National went through a succession of leaders, and the memory of that time had “frozen” the senior leadership.

“They’ve all been there before, so why would they want to go back to that necessarily?

“They’re aware of the risks. They’re not necessarily thinking about the rewards.”

If there was going to be a leadership challenge, Wilson said it would need to be “quick” and “clean”, and Luxon would need to “sit back.”

Hehir was skeptical about changing a leader in election year.

“It’s a bad idea to change leaders unless you’re absolutely certain that the new leader is going to keep all the votes you currently got and add additional votes.

“It’s the only way that it’s worth the instability, the permutations of a leadership change.”

The complications and difficulties being considered would be the pairing of a new leader and deputy leader, said Hehir.

With the National Party, he said, whenever the leadership is being considered, “you’re not just looking at the ideological factions, but you’re also going to look at the personalities involved.”

“If there was to be a leadership change, it would probably be a disaster unless everything lined up. And I’m just not sure that it does.

“The history of leadership changes in the National Party when they haven’t been managed, has not been good. Very rarely has it resulted in an election win or a changing of a course correction in terms of the overall trajectory.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/pm-christopher-luxon-facing-a-last-straw-scenario-commentators/

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Football: Auckland FC draw with Perth Glory

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sam Cosgrove heads in for what was subsequently ruled to be an own goal by Perth Glory in their A-League clash at Mount Smart Stadium, 8 March 2026. www.photosport.nz

Auckland FC’s run for the A-League men’s premiership has suffered a hiccup with a 2-all home draw with Perth Glory.

The Auckland side picked up a point for the draw, but trail leaders Newcastle Jets by four points. The two teams meet next weekend in a clash that Auckland must not lose if they are to stay in realistic contention.

It looked great for the Aucklanders when Sam Cosgrove who after a melee got the ball past Glory goalkeeper Matt Sutton in just the seventh minute.

Perth levelled in the 39th minute when Brian Kaltak found the back of the net with a diving header.

Stefan Colakovski gave Glory a 2-1 lead when he got one past Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud in the 57th minute, but four minutes later Cosgrove got higher than the Perth players surrounding him to head one into the right post, with Sutton unable to contain the richochet and the ball falling just behind him into the goal.

The referee initially called a foul on Cosgrove, but after VAR intervention he changed the decision, with it ultimately decreed an own goal by Sutton.

There were six minutes of extra time, but neither team could break the deadlock.

The draw leaves Auckland FC three points ahead of Sydney FC who are in third place.

The Glory take on the Phoenix in Wellington next weekend.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/football-auckland-fc-draw-with-perth-glory/

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Police, helicopter rescue boaties, diver of Wellington’s southern coast

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police launch Lady Elizabeth IV found the boat about 6km off the coast.

Police and Westpac Rescue Helicopter have rescued a diver and boaties in windy and choppy conditions off Wellington’s south coast this week.

The police maritime unit responded to an emergency call from two people on a 5.4m runabout about 4pm Thursday, after they struck difficulties with 88km/h winds and two-metre waves, and were being blown out to seas.

The boat owner, who was the only occupant who knew how to drive the boat, had been scuba-diving and was still in the water closer to shore.

Police called in the rescue helicopter and volunteer coastguard to assist, and about 4.30pm, the police launch Lady Elizabeth IV found the boat about 6km off the coast.

Constable Stephanie Cox was able to board the boat in tricky conditions and drive it back to Owhiro Bay.

An hour later, the diver was located on a remote shore, after surfacing and realising his boat had gone. He was airlifted to Wellington Airport.

No-one was harmed, but all three were shaken by the experience.

“These two men can consider themselves lucky,” senior launch master Constable Nicko McGregor said. “These difficult weather conditions were no place for a small runabout to be.

“This is a reminder of how quickly situations at sea can change. Good preparation and formal training make a real difference, when things don’t go to plan on the water.”

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://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/police-helicopter-rescue-boaties-diver-of-wellingtons-southern-coast/

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NZ Navy’s HNZS Te Kaha leaks hundreds of litres of oil into Akaroa Harbour

Source: Radio New Zealand

The oil spill is contained on Akaroa Harbour. Facebook/Environment Canterbury

A Royal New Zealand Navy vessel has spilled hundreds of litres of oil into Akaroa Harbour on Saturday morning.

About 200-300 litres of oil leaked from the HMNZS Te Kaha, due to a defect to an oil cooler on the ship’s starboard engine, a defence force spokesperson said.

Immediate steps were taken to clean up the oil.

Crew used absorbent pads to clean up surface oil and an inflatable boat to disperse the oil.

“The source of the leak has been isolated and no further oil is leaking,” she said.

The ship has been in Akaroa Harbour on a training exercise and remains anchored there on Sunday.

Environment Canterbury Regional on-scene commander Emma Parr said teams were helping clean-up efforts, focused on containing and recovering the oil from the water’s surface.

Parr said the method was working well.

“We’ll continue this approach as long as weather, daylight and sea conditions allow.”

Parr said anyone who saw or smelled oil should report that to Environment Canterbury’s Pollution Hotline, 0800 765 588.

“If you observe any affected wildlife, please do not touch it. Keep a safe distance and call us on the number above.”

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://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/nz-navys-hnzs-te-kaha-leaks-hundreds-of-litres-of-oil-into-akaroa-harbour/

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Five die during treacherous weekend on North Island roads

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / REECE BAKER

One person has died after a crash on State Highway 1, just north of Tūrangi, near Rawhira Road.

The road remained closed and diversions were in place around the western side of Lake Taupō.

Motorists were advised to continue avoiding the area.

The past 24 hours have been treacherous on the roads, with four other people dead in separate crashes.

One was killed on Coast Road in Karitane on Sunday morning and a motorcyclist died in a crash on Foxton Shannon Road in the Manawatū soon after.

At about 12.30am, an occupant was killed in a single-vehicle crash at Paparoa.

On Sunday afternoon, police also confirmed the driver of a vehicle involved a Dome Valley crash on Saturday evening died at the scene.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/five-die-during-treacherous-weekend-on-north-island-roads/

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Diver and boaties rescued after being blown out to sea

Source: New Zealand Police

Teamwork between the Police Maritime Unit and Westpac Rescue Helicopter successfully rescued a diver and boaties in windy and choppy waters off the Wellington South Coast earlier this week.

Around 4pm on Thursday 5 March, the Wellington Police Maritime Unit responded to a 111-emergency call to Police from two people on board a 5.4m runabout on Wellington’s South Coast.

The boaties were experiencing gale force winds up to 88km/h, it was getting rougher with up to 2m waves as they were being blown out to sea.

The boaties also reported that the boat owner and skipper who had been on the trip with them had been scuba diving closer to shore and was still in the water.

With the escalating situation and risk to the boaties and diver’s lives, Police called on emergency support from Life Flight’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Wellington’s Volunteer Coastguard to assist in rescue efforts.

Around 4.30pm, the Police Launch vessel, Lady Elizabeth IV, located the small runabout about 6km off Wellington’s South Coast.

The missing skipper/scuba diver was the only one of the three of them who knew how to drive the boat properly. The two boaties left onboard were unable to drive the boat to safety.

Crew on the Police Launch were able to use their tender (inflatable boat) to safely put a crew member onto the runabout. This was challenging in the rough conditions but necessary in the circumstances.

Launch Crew member Constable Stephanie Cox was able to take control and drove the runabout back to Owhiro Bay boat ramp on Wellington’s South Coast.

Around 5.30pm after the initial 111 call to Police, the Westpac Rescue helicopter located the missing diver on a remote shore waving out to them. The diver had surfaced after his dive, realised his boat had gone and he then managed to swim to shore on the south coast. The diver was flown back to the Life Flight base at Wellington Airport.

Both boaties and the diver were unharmed but shaken after the experience.

Senior Launch Master Constable Nicko McGregor says the incident highlights the importance of preparation before going out on the water.

“These two men can consider themselves lucky. These difficult weather conditions were no place for a small runabout to be.”

Constable McGregor says when heading out on the water, make sure you:

  • Check the weather, sometimes the wind and waves can couple to make an unsafe day on the water – especially if you’re not a confident and experienced boatie
  • Carry proper safety equipment
  • Have at least two forms of communication, and ensure they are put in a waterproof case or pouch
  • Everyone on board understands basic emergency procedures.

“This is a reminder of how quickly situations at sea can change. Good preparation and formal training make a real difference when things don’t go to plan on the water,” says Constable McGregor.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/diver-and-boaties-rescued-after-being-blown-out-to-sea/

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Palestine Forum of New Zealand Marks International Women’s Day

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Honouring the Courage, Resilience, and Strength of Palestinian Women – Palestine Forum of New Zealand joins communities around the world in commemorating International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026. This year, we dedicate its observance to the extraordinary Palestinian women mothers, doctors, journalists, teachers, and activists who continue to demonstrate unparalleled courage and resilience in the face of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

As the global community reflects on the theme of gender equality and women’s rights, we call on New Zealanders and the international community to recognise that Palestinian women are not merely victims of circumstance; they are leaders, caregivers, and the backbone of their communities, holding families and societies together under conditions of extraordinary hardship.

The Untold Stories of Palestinian Women

Palestinian women have long stood at the forefront of their people’s struggle for dignity, self-determination, and survival. From the fields of Gaza to the refugee camps of the West Bank, Lebanese border towns, and the Palestinian diaspora worldwide, women have been the anchors of family life, cultural preservation, and community resistance.

Today, Palestinian women face compounding crises: displacement, loss of loved ones, restrictions on movement, and limited access to healthcare and education. Yet, in the face of these immense challenges, they continue to lead, educate, heal, and inspire. Their stories must be told, their voices must be amplified, and their humanity must be recognised.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand’s Call to Action

On this International Women’s Day, Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls upon:

•  The New Zealand Government to take a firm and principled stand in advocating for the protection of Palestinian women and children under international humanitarian law.

•  The United Nations and international human rights bodies should urgently investigate and address the specific and disproportionate impact of the ongoing conflict on Palestinian women.

•  New Zealanders from all walks of life are to stand in solidarity with Palestinian women to listen to their stories, support humanitarian aid organisations, and speak out against injustice.

•  Media organisations dedicate space and airtime to the voices of Palestinian women, ensuring their experiences shape the global narrative.

“Palestinian women do not ask for pity; they ask for justice. They ask for the world to see them as they truly are, strong, dignified, and deserving of every right that every woman on this Earth deserves. On this International Women’s Day, we say: “We see you, we stand with you, and we will not be silent.”

– Palestine Forum of New Zealand

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/palestine-forum-of-new-zealand-marks-international-womens-day/

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Women shaping the future of Aotearoa recognised in inaugural Women of Impact in Property list

Source: Property Council of New Zealand

Thirty wāhine whose leadership is shaping the future of New Zealand’s built environment have been recognised in the inaugural Women of Impact in Property list, unveiled by Property Council New Zealand this International Women’s Day.

Spanning developers, designers, engineers, strategists, policy leaders and project specialists, the list – selected from over 90 nominees – celebrates the breadth of talent driving progress across the property ecosystem.

Importantly, Women of Impact in Property is not a competition. Every honouree is recognised equally for the influence and impact they have delivered across the sector.

Property Council Chief Executive Leonie Freeman says the programme shines a light on the people whose leadership is helping shape stronger, more inclusive communities.

“Our cities are built by people, and behind every great place are women creating change: leading teams, mentoring others, challenging thinking and delivering outcomes that benefit us all.”

“Women of Impact is about visibility, recognition and inspiration. We want the sector – and the public – to see what leadership looks like in all its forms.”

The initiative reflects Property Council’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and will become an annual International Women’s Day tradition.

Women of Impact in Property is proudly supported by MinterEllisonRuddWatts.

A sector-wide celebration

Honourees were selected from nominations received across Aotearoa and represent a diverse range of disciplines, regions and career stages.

From large-scale urban development to community-led initiatives, governance leadership to technical excellence, each woman has demonstrated meaningful influence within the industry over the past 12 months.

Why it matters

Property is one of New Zealand’s largest industries, shaping the places where people live, work, play and connect. Recognising the contribution of women across the sector is essential to building a more inclusive, innovative and future-focused industry.

What’s next

The honourees will be celebrated at a dedicated event hosted by programme partner MinterEllisonRuddWatts in May.

NOTES

  • Women of Impact in Property is run by Property Council New Zealand.
  • The programme recognises influence, leadership, inspiration and commitment to advancing positive outcomes in the built environment.
  • The list is non-ranked, celebrating impact rather than competition.

About Women of Impact in Property

The Women of Impact in Property list celebrates the wāhine shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s built environment. Recognising leaders from across the property ecosystem – from architects and engineers to developers, investors and advisors – the initiative shines a light on the women creating meaningful impact in our industry and communities. The list is intentionally non-ranked, celebrating influence, leadership and contribution rather than competition, and highlighting the people helping build a more inclusive and dynamic property sector.

Honourees 2026

Note: This list is non-ranked and is ordered alphabetically.

Abi Richards

Project Manager, Antarctica New Zealand

Abi Richards leads complex, high-stakes infrastructure projects with calm authority, precision and deep care for the people involved. In the past year, she has progressed Antarctica New Zealand’s Wind Farm programme and Scott Base Redevelopment, providing on-ice leadership and cross-agency coordination to support globally significant climate and science research. Her briefings during the Governor-General’s official visit underscored the redevelopment’s strategic importance and international collaboration. Abi’s leadership is defined by empathy, inclusion and decisive action — whether aligning stakeholders, navigating remote logistics or mentoring peers. Operating at pace without compromising safety or integrity, she is shaping resilient infrastructure that enables communities, patients and scientists to thrive.

Alexandra Isherwood

Partner, Tavendale and Partners

Over the past year, Alexandra (Alex) Isherwood has played a pivotal role in advancing Nelson’s post-disaster recovery through strategic property development leadership. As legal advisor on four of the region’s five most significant developments – including The Meadows, Berryfields, Maitahi Village and a 320-lot residential project in Māpua – she has helped unlock critical housing supply and economic investment. Notably, she led the Fast-track Approvals process for two landmark projects, securing rare national approvals and enabling an estimated $450 million injection into the regional economy. Combining legal excellence with community stewardship, she is shaping resilient, future-focused neighbourhoods across Te Tauihu.

Ana Moriarty

Senior Investment Manager, Kiwi Property Group

Operating at the heart of Kiwi Property’s investment strategy, Ana Moriarty has played a critical role in delivering complex transactions that are strengthening investor partnerships and positioning the business for its next phase of growth. Over the past year, she led several strategically significant initiatives, including the equity investment in Mackersy, the sale of Plaza Shopping Centre, and the formation of the Mackersy Large Format Retail Fund. Her ability to navigate technical complexity, align diverse stakeholders and execute with clarity has delivered strong commercial outcomes. Through disciplined leadership and a collaborative approach, she is helping shape the future of New Zealand’s property sector.

Anna Kennedy

Director Valuation Services, FordBaker Valuation

Anna Kennedy is rapidly establishing herself as one of Ōtautahi Christchurch’s most trusted property valuation professionals. As Director of Valuation Services at FordBaker Valuation, she advises on major property portfolios, earning a reputation for technical excellence, sound judgement and professionalism well beyond her years. Alongside her professional work, Anna is strengthening the sector’s future through leadership and connection. In 2023 she co-founded the Wāhine in Property Collective, which in 2025 hosted ten sold-out events supporting women across the industry. Through both her professional expertise and community leadership, Anna is helping build a more connected and inclusive property sector.

Bernie Pitt

Quantity Surveyor, Hampton Jones Property Consultancy

Bernie Pitt has strengthened her influence in the property and construction sector through exceptional project delivery and committed industry leadership. Over the past year, she successfully led the TSB Bank flagship branch and office fit-out, navigating accelerated design, procurement pressures and tight deadlines to deliver on time and under budget – earning outstanding client feedback. As Chair of the NZIQS Wellington Committee, she delivered 28 industry events, advanced succession planning and expanded opportunities for emerging professionals. Balancing consultancy leadership, mentoring and further tertiary study focused on women’s representation in construction, Bernie is actively shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for the profession.

Chagalle Ellis

Partner, Real Estate, PwC

Chagalle Ellis is redefining what modern leadership in commercial property looks like — blending technical excellence with deeply human leadership. In 2025, she has continued to asset manage a significant $300m commercial portfolio for a charitable trust, shaping long-term strategy and driving sustained value creation. As a Partner in PwC’s Real Estate team, she delivers across advisory, structured transactions and valuation, translating complexity into clear, confident decisions. Just as importantly, she champions equity and inclusion, helping build a senior team where female leadership is the norm. Her influence strengthens portfolios, teams and the wider property sector alike.

Claire McLellan

Director, Quality and Risk Management, CBRE

Few professionals influence a sector as quietly and profoundly as Claire McLellan. In 2025, following her promotion to Director of Quality & Risk Management for CBRE’s VAS New Zealand, she has led a nationwide uplift in valuation standards, guiding more than 170 valuers through complex, high-risk decisions with clarity and integrity. She shapes national practice guidelines, champions ethical and AI-informed innovation, and strengthens capability across the business. Beyond CBRE, as NZIV President and Chairperson, she is steering the profession through structural change and raising its public profile. Through steady, principled leadership, Claire is elevating valuation practice across Aotearoa.

Davina Henderson

National Director – Strategic Business Development, Bayleys Real Estate

Davina Henderson has led one of the largest and most complex property programmes undertaken in Aotearoa in recent years. As a key architect of Bayleys’ appointment as master agent to Kāinga Ora, she helped secure and operationalise a nationwide divestment mandate covering at least 1,000 properties annually across multiple asset classes. Over the past year, she has overseen the creation of a bespoke, end-to-end delivery model ensuring governance rigour, transparency and consistent execution at scale. Alongside this national impact, Davina mentors emerging leaders and champions women in commercial real estate, strengthening capability across the sector.

Elisapeta Heta

Principal & Kaihautū Whaihanga – Māori Design Leader, Jasmax

Elisapeta Heta is reshaping architectural practice in Aotearoa and beyond by embedding Indigenous knowledge at the heart of design. As Principal and Kaihautū Whaihanga at Jasmax, she leads Waka Māia, advancing authentic co-design with Māori and Pasifika communities. Her influence spans landmark projects including the City Rail Link and Wellington’s Fale Malae, ensuring Mana Whenua narratives are integral to civic spaces. In 2025, her global impact expanded as inaugural Co-Director of the International Union of Architects’ Indigenous Peoples Work Programme — a historic first. Through cultural leadership, advocacy and mentorship, Elisapeta is redefining how architecture honours people, place and future generations.

Jane Holland

Partner, Bell Gully

Industry legend Jane Holland continues to shape New Zealand’s commercial property landscape through her leadership on complex, high-value developments. Over the past year, she has advised on a major telecommunications headquarters at Wynyard Quarter – a flagship 6-star Green Star project – and supported Vital Healthcare on significant hospital redevelopments nationwide. Beyond her legal practice, Jane chairs the Property Council’s Property Conference Committee, helping steer industry dialogue and sector capability. A trusted advisor to leading developers, owners and retailers, she also contributes as a thought leader, recently peer reviewing key industry lease documents and sharing insight across the profession.

Jane Kelly

Director / Architect, TEAM Architects

Jane Kelly’s leadership in 2025 reflects the power of architecture grounded in care, stewardship and collaboration. As Project Architect for the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart restoration, she guided a nationally significant heritage project to award-winning success, balancing cultural integrity with future relevance. Her aged care work, including Woburn Masonic Care, champions dignity and wellbeing through thoughtful design. Beyond projects, Jane strengthens the profession through governance leadership, mentoring and advancing diversity within TEAM Architects nationally. Generous with her expertise and steadfast in her advocacy, she is shaping enduring places, and a more inclusive future for architecture in Aotearoa.

Jenna Adamson

CEO / Director, Private Family Office / Southern Infrastructure

Jenna Adamson is advancing a new model of infrastructure and property leadership; one grounded in partnership, stewardship and long-term community value. As CEO of Rod Drury’s Family Office, she oversees property strategy and asset management across a diversified portfolio focused on strengthening enduring community assets. As Director of Southern Infrastructure, she is helping progress critical projects, including the Queenstown Cable Car and Southern Lakes Hospital, mobilising capital and expertise to de-risk delivery in fast-growing regions. Combining governance rigour with innovative thinking, Jenna is enabling infrastructure that expands access, resilience and opportunity for communities across Aotearoa.

Jennifer Andrews

Asset Manager – Retail Portfolio, Oyster Property 

Jennifer Andrews is strengthening the future of retail property through consistent investment in people and capability. Over the past year, she has contributed significantly to sector education as a presenter for the Property Council’s Retail Property Fundamentals programme, equipping emerging professionals with practical insight into investment, valuation and leasing. She mentors across multiple platforms, including the University of Auckland’s He Ira Wāhine programme, supporting women entering the industry. Alongside this, she leads a high-performing national team at Oyster Property, delivering strong financial outcomes while fostering inclusive leadership. Jennifer’s impact is defined by expertise shared generously and a clear commitment to building tomorrow’s talent.

Jenny Zhang

Shop Drawing Manager, Summerset Group 

Jenny Zhang is delivering precision and performance at the highest level of large-scale residential development. As Structural Coordinator and Shop Drawing Manager for Summerset’s $500M St Johns and Half Moon Bay projects, she has reviewed more than 3,000 shop drawings and managed over 800 RFIs — identifying buildability and coordination risks before they reach site. Her meticulous oversight of complex high-rise structures has reduced rework, improved contractor performance and safeguarded delivery timelines. Beyond project execution, Jenny mentors emerging professionals and leads diversity initiatives through NZCBIA, championing greater female participation across property and construction. Her impact is technical, cultural and enduring.

Jo Hatchman

Director – Quantity Surveyor, Hatch Consulting

Jo Hatchman is redefining the role of the quantity surveyor in Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction and property sectors. As founder of Hatch Consulting, she has grown a female-led, values-driven practice that brings contractor-side experience into strategic project advisory, helping clients make smarter delivery decisions. In 2025, her team expanded while continuing to deliver practical, commercially grounded guidance on complex developments. Jo is equally committed to strengthening the profession, delivering industry training and fostering emerging talent — reflected in multiple team award wins. Through entrepreneurial leadership and a people-first culture, she is elevating the influence and capability of quantity surveying nationwide.

Karin Speight

Sector Lead – Land Development, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Tonkin + Taylor

Karin Speight is advancing smarter, more resilient land development across Aotearoa through engineering leadership and digital innovation. As Principal Geotechnical Engineer and Sector Lead for Land Development at Tonkin + Taylor, she guides complex projects across housing, health, education and infrastructure. Her leadership on the award-winning Whenuapai Senior Campus reflects her ability to balance technical precision with practical delivery. Beyond project work, Karin is driving innovation through digital tools that improve site selection, risk assessment and project planning, while contributing to national research on landslides and expansive soils. Through mentorship and forward-thinking engineering, she is helping shape safer and more sustainable communities.

Kerry O’Donnell

Partner, Property and Private Client, Anderson Lloyd

Kerry O’Donnell is helping guide Queenstown’s growth with foresight, integrity and deep community commitment. As a senior property lawyer at Anderson Lloyd, she has supported major residential developments in 2025, including the 750-section Kingston Village project, providing the legal framework for staged, sustainable expansion in a high-growth region. Her work across acquisitions, joint ventures and financing has strengthened development certainty while balancing environmental and community considerations. Beyond commercial practice, Kerry leads as Chair of the Queenstown Heritage Trust and serves as a trustee supporting local students, exemplifying leadership grounded in stewardship and long-term regional wellbeing.

Laura Johns

Director, RDT Pacific

Driving both project delivery and professional excellence, Laura Johns is making a significant contribution to New Zealand’s built environment. As Director and Auckland Lead at RDT Pacific, she has guided major programmes in 2025 including BNZ’s 80 Queen Street refurbishment and key public sector projects across justice, health and education. Her leadership has delivered strong outcomes for clients while supporting the continued growth of RDT Pacific’s Auckland practice. Beyond project work, Laura plays an active role in strengthening the profession through RICS chartership assessments and NZIQS interviews. Recognised as RICS New Zealand Woman of the Built Environment, she champions both industry capability and people-first leadership.

Lauren Joyce

Head of Auckland Office Portfolio, Precinct Properties

Lauren Joyce is helping shape the next generation of commercial property leadership in Aotearoa. Through her work at Precinct Properties, she contributes to complex mixed-use developments that prioritise design excellence, tenant experience and long-term community value. Known for her calm, collaborative approach, she brings investors, tenants and stakeholders together to deliver confident outcomes in high-pressure environments. Beyond project delivery, Lauren has been a driving force in advancing diversity and inclusion across the sector, chairing Property Council’s DEI Committee and helping establish the Inclusion Alliance. Blending commercial rigour with genuine care for people, she is strengthening both places and the profession.

Louise Martin

Head of Legal & Company Secretary, Auckland Airport

Louise Martin is shaping one of Aotearoa’s most significant infrastructure precincts with clarity, conviction and care. At Auckland Airport, she plays a central role in complex development, precinct planning and asset optimisation, balancing commercial performance with long-term community and cultural outcomes. Her ability to navigate competing priorities — from airlines and tenants to mana whenua and regulators — ensures projects are both visionary and deliverable. Known for her integrity and high standards, Louise champions inclusive design and authentic engagement while mentoring emerging leaders across the sector. Through strategic leadership grounded in humanity, she is influencing the future of New Zealand’s built environment.

Marilyn Storey

Head of Development, Argosy Property Limited

Marilyn Storey continues to set the benchmark for commercial property leadership in Aotearoa. As Head of Development at Argosy, she has led a pipeline of major industrial projects over the past year, targeting six Green Star Built-rated developments and embedding sustainability at scale. Operating in a complex market environment, she brings sharp commercial judgement, technical depth and decisive execution to every project, strengthening portfolio performance and long-term value. Widely recognised for her mentorship and high standards, Marilyn also shapes sector practice through her Urban Design Panel involvement. Her influence is evident in stronger assets, stronger teams and a more resilient built environment.

Mitika Chaturvedi

Sustainability Lead, Fosters Construction Group

Mitika Chaturvedi is driving measurable climate action across New Zealand’s construction sector. As Sustainability Lead at Fosters Construction Group, her leadership has contributed to a 38% absolute emissions reduction and a 90% drop in waste-to-landfill emissions since 2019–20. In 2025, she delivered a Green Star v1.1 Design Rating for the Air Liquide project within an accelerated programme, building new sustainability capability across consultants and contractors. Beyond project delivery, she champions industry-wide change — mentoring other firms on Toitū and Green Star pathways and leading New Zealand’s only construction sustainability work experience programme. Her influence is practical, scalable and transformative.

Nikki Mazur

Head of Property – New Zealand & Pacific, ANZ Bank New Zealand

Nikki Mazur is redefining how corporate property portfolios can reflect identity, culture and long-term responsibility. As lead of Tākiri Ā Nuku, ANZ’s New Zealand Property Strategy, she has embedded Te Ao Māori principles into spatial design, investment decisions and partnership models across one of the country’s largest portfolios. In the past year, she has advanced culturally grounded, accessible and future-focused property environments that prioritise people and place. Building on her previous leadership delivering inclusive national infrastructure at Waka Kotahi, Nikki brings cultural fluency and strategic foresight to every project — shaping workplaces that honour whenua and support intergenerational prosperity.

Rachel Morgan

Director, Barker & Associates

Rachel Morgan is shaping the planning frameworks that guide growth across Aotearoa. As a Director at Barker & Associates, she has led complex district plan reviews, structure plans and strategic planning projects that influence how communities accommodate development while building resilience for the future. In the past year, her leadership has helped align public policy and private sector delivery, creating clearer pathways for sustainable growth. Beyond project work, she advances wellbeing, cultural capability and technical excellence within her firm and the wider industry. Through principled leadership and sector advocacy, Rachel is strengthening both planning practice and property outcomes nationwide.

Rebecca Ryder

Partner | Landscape Architect, Boffa Miskell

Rebecca Ryder has spent more than two decades shaping property outcomes that balance growth with environmental and cultural integrity. As a Shareholder Director and Partner at Boffa Miskell, she provides landscape planning and visual assessment expertise on major developments across Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, guiding projects that integrate mana whenua values and long-term community benefit. In the past year, her leadership has continued to influence high-profile urban regeneration, industrial expansion and waterfront transformation initiatives. Through governance, mentorship and sector advocacy, Rebecca is embedding sustainability, cultural responsiveness and design excellence into New Zealand’s evolving property landscape.

Renée Young

Associate Director | New Zealand Mechanical Lead, Norman Disney & Young

Renée Young is shaping some of Aotearoa’s most high-profile developments while championing a more inclusive and culturally responsive industry. As Mechanical Lead at Norman Disney & Young, she has led building services delivery for landmark projects including New Zealand’s first IKEA store at Sylvia Park and multiple developments across the Britomart Precinct. Her leadership combines technical excellence with strong people development, guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex, high-performance projects. Beyond delivery, Renée actively mentors women in engineering, establishes supportive professional networks, and promotes cultural awareness across the sector. Through both project leadership and advocacy, she is helping redefine the future of engineering in the built environment.

Renee Smith-Apanui

Pou Tāhū | Managing Director, ŌRUA

Renee Smith-Apanui is driving structural change across Aotearoa New Zealand’s architecture and built environment sectors. As Co-founder and Pou Tāhū of ŌRUA, she champions kaupapa Māori leadership that uplifts whānau, hapū and iwi through design and governance. In 2025, she spearheaded the inaugural Puritia Te Aka Matua industry reports, establishing a new benchmark for accountability and improved outcomes for Māori architects and tauira. With an Accountability Framework set to follow, her work is shifting industry standards from aspiration to measurable change. Through governance roles, mentorship and advocacy, Renee is strengthening representation and embedding equity across the profession.

Sarah Toase

Chief Executive, Crane Association of New Zealand

Sarah Toase is strengthening the foundations of New Zealand’s construction and property sectors by tackling workforce and safety challenges head-on. In 2025, she led the establishment of a new industry-led Private Training Establishment for the crane and port sectors, securing TEC funding to address critical skills shortages impacting nationwide development. She also progressed a government-approved rewrite of the Approved Code of Practice for Cranes, modernising safety standards that underpin construction delivery. Beyond policy, Sarah champions equity initiatives and public engagement programmes that expand career pathways. Her leadership is practical, future-focused and vital to keeping Aotearoa building safely and sustainably.

Tamba Carleton

New Zealand Research Director, CBRE

Tamba Carleton is shaping how the property sector understands markets, risk and opportunity. As New Zealand Research Director at CBRE, her analysis informs major development decisions and national policy conversations. In 2025, she co-authored the nationwide Residential Valuer Insights Survey and produced influential research on effective housing demand, helping fill critical knowledge gaps in Auckland’s planning debate. Her insights regularly reach industry audiences through national media, conferences and CBRE’s annual Residential Symposium. Alongside her research leadership, Tamba mentors emerging professionals and contributes to wider community initiatives. Through rigorous analysis and sector engagement, she is elevating the quality of property market intelligence across Aotearoa.

Tessa Beetham

Wellington Buildings Structures Lead, Aurecon

In a city defined by seismic complexity, Tessa Beetham is helping redefine what resilient infrastructure looks like. As Wellington Buildings Structures Lead at Aurecon, she has guided technically demanding projects including the National Archives redevelopment and the Te Ngākau Civic Precinct upgrades, restoring vital public spaces with precision and long-term foresight. Her leadership extends beyond delivery — influencing seismic policy reform and advancing diversity as Vice President of SESOC. By bringing engineers, policymakers and communities together, Tessa is ensuring Wellington’s most important buildings are not only stronger, but smarter, more inclusive and built to endure.

About Property Council New Zealand

Property Council is the leading advocate for Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest industry – property.

Property Council New Zealand is the one organisation that collectively champions property. We bring together members from all corners of the property ecosystem to advocate for reduced red tape that enables development, encourages investment, and supports our communities to thrive.

Property is New Zealand’s largest industry, making up 15% of economic activity. As a sector, we employ 10% of New Zealand’s workforce and contribute over $50.2 billion to GDP.

A not-for-profit organisation, the Property Council connects over 10,000 property professionals, championing the interests of over 600 member companies.

Our membership is broad and includes some of the largest commercial and residential property owners and developers in New Zealand. The property industry comes together at our local, national and online events, which offer professional development, exceptional networking and access to industry-leading research. 

Our members shape the cities and spaces where New Zealanders live, work, play and shop.

www.propertynz.co.nz 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/women-shaping-the-future-of-aotearoa-recognised-in-inaugural-women-of-impact-in-property-list/

Posted on

ChildFund – Just Hours From NZ – Women Still Fight for Basic Rights

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Too many women in our shared home of the Pacific still struggle to access clean water for their families.
“It’s the 21st century, and yet only hours away from New Zealand, women have to watch their children get sick, or worse, from contaminated water. They have to prioritise finding clean water instead of focusing on earning an income or building a future,” says CEO of ChildFund New Zealand Josie Pagani.
“Clean water has a domino effect. Get that right, and development across the whole Pacific will improve.”
Nearby Pacific nations continue to face barriers to health, including access to clean water. Women and their children often walk for hours to collect and boil unsafe water, a time-consuming and exhausting task.
“This is a practical problem that can be solved if we just come together as donors, businesses and aid charities to make it happen.
“At ChildFund we believe New Zealand could make sure every child in the Pacific has access to clean water by 2036, if we stick to this clear target and work together.”
ChildFund New Zealand has partnered with Pacific communities for many years, as well as supporting women and children in places like Ukraine and Gaza, Sri Lanka and Africa. As part of a global ChildFund alliance, it reaches over 36 million people in 70 countries.
Access to clean water is a global issue:
  • 1 in 4 people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water. ( WHO)
  • Women and girls collect water in about 7 out of 10 households without water on the premises. ( WHO)
  • Globally, women and girls spend 250 million hours per day collecting water. ( UN Water)
  •  Over 1 billion women globally lack access to safely managed drinking water services. ( UN) 
“Thanks to our supporters, we provided access to clean drinking water for 4,309 people across the world last year. What makes a real difference is that when donations go to water projects, every dollar is matched by five dollars from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” says Josie Pagani.
Solar-powered water purification units, costing only $250 each, plus desalination tanks, and water tanks have been introduced in remote Pacific communities in the outer islands across the Pacific.
“Gender equality is not an abstract thing. It’s about everyday rights: clean water, good health, economic security for women and their children.
“When communities have the basics sorted, like clean water, women are free to realise their potential, earn a living. All of which helps to lift their communities out of poverty.”
“Clean water changes everything. So on this International Women’s Day, let’s roll out more water projects to women and children across our own region,” says Josie Pagani.
For more information about ChildFund New Zealand’s work in the Pacific and how women and communities are leading their own change, visit childfund.org.nz.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/childfund-just-hours-from-nz-women-still-fight-for-basic-rights/

Posted on

Search and Rescue operation, Greymouth

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, West Coast Search and Rescue:

A Search and Rescue operation is continuing in Greymouth today.

At around 6pm Saturday, emergency services received a report of a person who had been swept out to sea in the Greymouth/Blaketown area.  

Extensive searches have been conducted in the area, involving Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Kotuku Surf Lifesaving and Garden City Helicopters.

The Emily B Drifter was also deployed, the drifter replicates where a person in the ocean may be. 

A kayak was located washed up near Blaketown at around 7:30pm yesterday. Police are making enquiries to determine whether this is linked to the person that was seen.

We’re asking anybody who recognises this kayak, or has not heard from somebody who was kayaking in Greymouth yesterday (7 March) to contact Police via 105.

Please quote the reference number P065678948.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/search-and-rescue-operation-greymouth/

Posted on

The House: MPs agree infrastructure debate should be politics free

Source: Radio New Zealand

Highways, hospitals, schools, etc: MPs agree politics is detrimental to infrastructure decision-making and things need to change, but can’t help getting political about it. VNP / Phil Smith

Analysis – The centrepiece of Parliament’s week was a two-hour-long special debate on the recently released National Infrastructure Plan.

The Plan is a worthy and fascinating read. The debate had a different tone to many, with general agreement that New Zealand needs to do better on infrastructure.

“They have made a compelling case for change,” Chris Bishop said, introducing the Infrastructure Commission’s work. “We face significant challenges as a country: ageing stock, a backlog of maintenance and renewals, an ageing population, and increased exposure to natural hazard events.”

MPs all agreed that infrastructure planning is too important to be tinged with politics. MPs attempted to reflect this sentiment in the amiable debate, lauding others’ observations, even across the most bitterly fractious party divides.

Credit and blame

From the start, despite genuine effort, the debate failed to avoid politics. Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop lauded his own government for commissioning the Infrastructure Plan. Labour speakers focused on their former colleague Grant Robertson’s role in forming the Infrastructure Commission and commissioning a strategy.

The jealous guarding of credit is likely more automatic than deliberately political. It demonstrates one of the political bidi-bidis in the sock of bipartisan endeavour – other obvious contenders are blame and parochialism.

It would be an odd politician who highlighted his opponent’s success and his own failings. Each party came up with different examples of bad political decisions. For example National’s Katie Nimon pointed to the stop-start work on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, while Labour’s Tangi Utikere pointed to the Interislander ferry (iRex) project.

But the sniping was comparatively minimal and MPs were even buoyed by the general positivity. National’s Nancy Lu said she was impressed by the opposition’s “willingness to work together for the long term betterment of our country”. Out of context that may sound absurd, but it illustrates that MPs tend to presume the automatic rejection of any proposition by those across the political divide.

All parties agreed that politics is detrimental to infrastructure decision-making, and that things need to change. Labour’s spokesperson on Infrastructure and Public Investment is Kieran McAnulty, who called for the Infrastructure Commission to have a stronger role.

“If all Crown infrastructure went through the independent assurance process that the Infrastructure Commission has set up, then we will go a long way to avoiding the cancellation of projects that we have seen in the past.

“It is about confidence and about certainty. And one way to assure that is if we get the settings right, then it doesn’t actually matter what is going to happen at an election, because they know that infrastructure projects have been properly assessed, and nothing has been promised without an ability to pay for it.”

Chris Bishop lauded his own government for commissioning the Infrastructure Plan. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Pork barrels and parochialism

Megan Woods, who has opted to be a list candidate in the next election, also observed a political tendency that, ironically, she will soon be freed from.

“Even in this debate, where I think we’ve had some very thoughtful contributions, we can’t have missed some of the … pork barrel politics that has underwritten infrastructure for too long in this country – that thinking being a good politician is talking about the ‘wins’ in your local patch.”

Typically, National has more electorate MPs, and in this debate they frequently lauded infrastructure projects underway on their own patches. Among them, Grant McCallum (MP for Northland) defended the imminent Northland Expressway, which had attracted strong criticism during the debate: “Is that investment a wise investment? Well, for the people of Northland, it is. And it’s because we’re making up for generations of a lack of investment.”

Green MP Julie Anne Genter had earlier noted the difficult cost-benefit choices involved, arguing that the possible cost of the Northland project was equivalent to seven new Dunedin Hospitals. McCallum wasn’t alone though. ACT’s Simon Court had earlier decried the state of the highway in Northland, while New Zealand First’s Andy Foster touted the project’s economic benefits.

The only MP who loudly decried a new road on their own patch was Green Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul, who said of Wellington’s new double tunnel project: “if you want to save money for the people of New Zealand, don’t do that project”.

Glum projections

Despite the calls for a bipartisan approach, Labour’s MP Ayesha Verrall sounded pretty glum about the projected health needs in the report, as well as the impact of politics on their delivery. (The plan notes we are likely to need 4900 additional hospital beds by 2043, to add to the current 12,000.)

“New Zealanders want roads, they want hospitals, they want schools, they want an electricity grid that works, and yet, it’s too tempting for us to lean into the politics around infrastructure that is detrimental to us achieving those outcomes.

“I am so grateful for the thoughtful contributions that I’ve heard today that suggest something else might be possible. I don’t underestimate the challenge of maintaining this posture from here, though. How easy is it going to be, in the next seven months, to promise a road, to oppose a road, to try and make political hay out of cancelling or promoting an infrastructure project?”

Ayesha Verrall sounded glum about the projected health needs. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Some MPs appeared to doubt they can be collectively trusted to sufficiently eschew politics to plan infrastructure effectively, but none were suggesting that infrastructure should be entirely removed from their oversight and control.

The Infrastructure Plan is an attempt to instil strategic thinking in government planning. It is not the project ‘to do’ list that its title might imply.

  • New Zealand’s first national infrastructure plan unveiled

    • It is a fascinating read though, full of revealing details of the sorts of things that should guide investment decisions. For example, in education, projections suggest an increase in school-aged Māori, while Pākehā school-aged populations decline (possibly meaning an increased demand for Māori immersion schools); while a shifting population distribution has led to 11 percent of schools (224 schools) being less than 50 percent utilised.

    The Infrastructure Plan looks forward 30 years. A few MPs referred to climate change and referenced ‘resilience’, but no one raised the potentially politically unpalatable impacts of three decades of accelerating weather events and coastal inundation. No one raised whether, for example, some of our significant coastal infrastructure will become physically or financially impossible to retain, and the implications of that on local populations.

    The Infrastructure Plan can be found here.

    The Hansard record of the debate can be found here.

    * RNZ’s The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament’s Office of the Clerk. Enjoy our articles or podcast at RNZ.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/the-house-mps-agree-infrastructure-debate-should-be-politics-free/