Category: Asia Pacific

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Pharmacists vote to accept Health NZ pay offer

Source: Radio New Zealand

The agreement covers pay and conditions for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians. 123RF

Pharmacists and Health New Zealand have reached an agreement on pay and conditions, with members of the union voting to accept HNZ’s latest offer.

Pharmacy Association of Professionals and Executive Employees (APEX) members – which include pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians – will receive a 2.5 percent salary increase from January 2026, and a two percent increase in 2027.

HNZ spokesperson Robyn Shearer said the health agency welcomed the decision, which would affect about 300 workers.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank APEX for its commitment to reaching this settlement.”

APEX represents pharmacy workers employed across Aotearoa, including those working for Te Whatu Ora and in private practice.

Senior advocate Denise Tairua told RNZ they began bargaining in mid-October, prior to their old agreement expiring in November.

“There’s a month between expiry and commencement,” she said. “It was an issue for the members, however, given some of the other things and improvements, it was a small timeframe not to receive back-dating.”

Other benefits included an increase in HNZ’s contribution to membership fees. It had been a longstanding practice for HNZ to cover less than the full cost of membership fees for various professional associations required for their work.

Those fees ranged from $200 to $500 annually, she said.

“There’s been a slight uplift in those, getting [HNZ’s contribution] nearer to that 80 percent.”

A pharmacy engagement group had also been formed, which would look at longstanding issues around safe staffing, monitoring the use of professional development funds, and the duration and frequency of on-call periods.

The bar for ratification was to exceed 50 percent. “We did have quite a good turnout, so a high percentage of members voted to ratify this agreement.”

“We’re quite pleased that this one didn’t drag on,” Tairua said. “What’s really important will be work we can do within the engagement group to look at longstanding issues.”

Earlier this month, the union also reached a settlement for its psychologists, with similar pay increases to the pharmacy agreement, affecting 670 workers.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/pharmacists-vote-to-accept-health-nz-pay-offer/

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National Infrastructure Plan Delivered

Source: New Zealand Government

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop today welcomed the release of the National Infrastructure Plan and tabled it in Parliament.

“New Zealand’s future prosperity depends on high quality infrastructure. It is central to our quality of life and to the Government’s “Going for Growth” agenda,” Mr Bishop says.

“Delivering and maintaining better infrastructure is a key part of the Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future New Zealanders both need and deserve.

“Creating a 30-year plan for New Zealand’s infrastructure was a key campaign commitment for the National Party in 2023, and I asked the independent New Zealand Infrastructure Commission to begin work on it shortly after we formed government. 

“The resulting National Infrastructure Plan, released today, sets out a 30-year view of how New Zealand can improve the way it plans, funds, maintains and delivers infrastructure. The final Plan follows consultation on a draft released last year and identifies four themes for change and 10 priority actions for the decade ahead.”

“The Plan does not sugar coat things: New Zealand has real challenges ahead. 

“We spend a lot on infrastructure – around 5.8% of GDP annually over the last 20 years, one of the highest in the OECD – yet we rank towards the bottom for efficiency, and fourth to last in the OECD for asset management. Many central government agencies do not properly understand what they own or have long-term investment plans. The assurance system for new projects and long-term investments is fragmented and inconsistent.

“The Government has spent a lot of time in the last two years making a start on fixing the basics of our system, but there is a lot more to do. The Investment Management System has been strengthened, long-term investment plans are beginning to be developed, and Ministers are demanding higher quality information from agencies. We have launched a comprehensive programme of work to improve asset management in the public sector. 

“On top of this, we have established National Infrastructure Funding and Financing to connect private capital with public projects, clarified roles and responsibilities across the system, published Funding and Financing Principles, updated guidance material for PPPs, and improved the quality and transparency of the National Infrastructure Pipeline.

“It is encouraging that many of the Commission’s top 10 priorities for the decade ahead (page 14) reflect work already underway by the Government:

  • Lifting hospital investment for an ageing population – Health New Zealand now has a long-term capital infrastructure plan, and this Government is providing record investment in both capital and maintenance spending for health.
  • Completing catch-up on water renewals and restoring affordability – The Local Water Done Well reforms are well underway, including stronger economic oversight.
  • Implementing time-of-use charging and fleetwide road user charges – Legislation enabling time of use pricing was passed last year, and the government is working with Auckland Council on scheme options. We have begun the transition to Electronic Road User Charges (E-RUC) across the transport fleet.
  • Prioritising and sequencing major land transport projects – the government will soon publish a Major Transport Projects Pipeline.
  • Managing assets on the downside and prioritising maintenance first – Phase 1 of the government’s Asset Management Work Programme has provided practical tools and guidance to agencies so that they can up their game in asset management. Phase 2 is about driving more fundamental changes to system settings.
  • Identifying cost-effective flood resilience infrastructure – The Government has developed a National Adaptation Framework to help reduce and manage the growing risks we face. The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) has invested nearly $200 million into 74 flood resilience projects across the country.
  • Committing to a durable resource management framework – The government has introduced legislation to replace the Resource Management Act with a more enabling and stable system, with spatial planning and national standards at its heart.
  • Upzoning around key transport corridors – the government’s housing and planning reforms are focused on enabling transport-oriented-development, particularly around the new City Rail Link stations.
  • Taking a predictable approach to electrification – we are focused on creating stable policy settings to unlock investment in electricity generation and transmission.

“The Plan contains a series of recommendations for long-term system shifts, including legislative change to require long-term investment and asset management plans, a consolidated assurance function for Ministers, and better linkages between the Commission’s assessment of long-term needs and fiscal strategy.

“We will be studying these recommendations carefully and the Government will publish a response to the plan in June 2026.

“As part of our response to the National Infrastructure Plan I intend to engage with other political parties in Parliament. Infrastructure Commission officials will make briefings available to parties who wish to take a deeper dive into the detail behind the recommendations, and I will be writing to Parliament’s Business Committee seeking time for a special debate on the Plan. 

“Infrastructure lasts for generations. Where we can build durable consensus, we should.

“Fixing the basics and building the future of New Zealand infrastructure is central to lifting living standards and driving our prosperity. The National Infrastructure Plan is a great contribution to this shared agenda for everyone in New Zealand. Now it is up to all of us to do the hard work required to turn ambition into delivery.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/national-infrastructure-plan-delivered/

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Insurance price drop for some households – as other struggle to get it at all

Source: Radio New Zealand

The median price for insurance for a large house in Auckland had dropped 11 percent year-on-year, Consumer NZ said. RNZ

*Clarification: This article has been updated to clarify AA Insurance’s policy

Aucklanders may finally be getting some relief on their insurance premiums – but the same cannot be said for Wellington and Christchurch, and some people are struggling to get it at all.

Consumer NZ said its latest survey of house and contents insurance premiums showed the median price for insurance for a large house in Auckland had dropped 11 percent year-on-year.

But in Wellington and Christchurch, the cost of insurance was up 10 percent.

Wellington was the most expensive city in the country for house insurance. The median cost of house and contents cover for a standard home was $3824 a year, Consumer’s insurance expert Rebecca Styles said.

Dunedin has the cheapest home insurance options, with the median cost for house and contents insurance for a standard home coming in at $2227.

The quotes were based on a couple with a standard-sized house insured for $560,000 and contents for $90,000, and a family of four with a large house insured for $840,000 and contents for $140,000.

Styles said people could often save money by shopping around.

“When we compared policies with the same excess and sum insured across the six centres, we found the median potential saving was about $550.

“More than eight in 10 people have had the same insurance provider for at least three years. When people decide to switch, it’s usually because of price, and with some of the savings available, we can see why.”

She said people who could find a better price elsewhere could use that to try to negotiate a discount with their current provider.

Opting for a higher excess could also mean lower premiums. But Styles said people should not set their excess so high they could not cover it if they had to claim.

“Ask your insurer if your premiums would be cheaper if you installed an alarm or security cameras – the savings might subsidise the installation costs. If you can afford to, pay your premiums annually – you should get a discount.”

Styles said 1 percent of the 3000 people who responded to the survey said they could not switch because no other provider would offer insurance.

The Auckland drop was coming on the back of a large spike after Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding, she said. It could be that flood mitigation efforts and infrastructure improvements were also reducing risk.

But people in high risk areas were likely to find it harder to find insurance, she said.

“I think in Wellington and Christchurch, it’s the same old thing of earthquakes, floods and landslides. And it just means that we’re paying more and more for insurance in those regions.

“With the reports of AA Insurance not covering some postcodes, and I think other insurers are weighing up risk across the country, they’re always monitoring their risk portfolios and making sure they don’t have too much risk in one area more so than another. And, if we don’t do anything about a climate adaptation framework, practically in terms of infrastructure – there’s just more and more frequent extreme weather events and flooding – if the infrastructure doesn’t keep up with that, I think prices will just keep going up and up.”

AA Insurance has implemented a temporary pause on new house and landlord policies in a small number of areas across New Zealand.

If someone was struggling to find suitable cover, they could contact the Natural Hazards Commission and ask about its natural hazards cover, which offered more limited protection, she said. “It’s sort of the insurance of last resort for natural hazards. So it would be for your house, it wouldn’t be for your contents.”

She said the government’s investigation into the insurance market would help in terms of giving people assurance about whether they were paying fair price.

“We eagerly await the outcome of that, given it’ll be at least six months.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/insurance-price-drop-for-some-households-as-other-struggle-to-get-it-at-all/

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T20 cricket World Cup: Black Caps chasing place in Super Eight stage

Source: Radio New Zealand

Black Caps batter Glenn Phillips www.photosport.nz

The Black Caps can secure their place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup with victory over Canada tonight and shouldn’t have too many problems achieving it.

However, there remains some concern about how the New Zealand side will perform against the top teams later in the tournament.

New Zealand were beaten 4-1 by India in last month’s T20 series and while they opened the world cup with wins over Afghanistan and the UAE, they crashed back down to earth with a seven wicket loss to South Africa in their last game.

The Black Caps weren’t at their best batting against South Africa, particularly in the power play. They were four down by the seventh over, leaving plenty of work for the middle order to do. The bowlers also struggled to make inroads into the Proteas batting line-up.

All-rounder Glenn Phillips didn’t think the inconsistency they showed in the series against India and the loss to South Africa is a major issue.

“There’s not necessarily been a pattern per se,” Phillips said.

“If our top order’s gone down, then our middle order stepped up. And, sometimes it just happens to be the way that the top order gets off to a start and then the middle can’t go through. So that’s just the nature of T20 cricket when you’re trying to keep the momentum going the whole time.

“If you look at the options the boys took, they’re in really clear mindsets. Obviously, it just comes down to execution at the end of the day.

“And then with the ball as well, we’re just trying to make sure that we’re hitting our straps as much as possible. If we didn’t bowl as well as we have on previous days, then we look at that and we go, we can be better on the next day and that’s fine.”

If New Zealand bats first against Canada in Chennai they would like to get close to setting a target of 200. A score they haven’t managed to score yet in the tournament.

With victory expected in this game the selectors may consider rotating a few players, however they may also be keen to play some of their regulars back into form.

The two sides have met three times in ODI World Cup’s with New Zealand winning all three, but this is their first clash in T20I’s.

New Zealand will be without Lockie Ferguson for the match as he has returned home for the birth of his child. Kyle Jamieson could take his place in the side, while spinner Ish Sodhi is another option.

Meanwhile, tournament organisers have approved the inclusion of off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie into the Black Caps squad as a replacement for the injured Michael Bracewell.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/t20-cricket-world-cup-black-caps-chasing-place-in-super-eight-stage/

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Supreme Halberg Award winner Hamish Kerr sets sights on world record

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand high jumper Hamish Kerr is the Supreme Winner at The 63rd Halberg Awards. 2026. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Supreme Halberg Award winner Hamish Kerr has set himself some lofty goals to achieve over the next few years and it includes a tilt at the world record.

Kerr won the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year Award and the Supreme Award for his feats in 2025 which included winning the World Championship title for the first time and claiming the Diamond League title.

“To be honoured for those achievements (at the Halberg Awards) was very special,” Kerr told RNZ.

However, what the Olympic champion has done in the last two years is spurring him on to higher things.

The 29-year-old Cantabrian has always been motivated by jumping higher and has said with that comes results.

“I came into this sport with just this desire to want to jump higher and that is the amazing thing about athletics it is so measurable.

“That goal to see where the limit is, with how high I can jump, has not been achieved yet.”

Kerr is in the middle of a heavy training block and will open his season at the National Championships in Auckland in early March.

He will defend his Diamond League title and Commonwealth Games titles this year and improving his personal best from 2:36m to 2:40m is the aim for 2026.

Hamish Kerr during the International Athletics Meet in Christchurch, 2025. © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz

Only 16 men have jumped 2:40m or higher and the last person did it in 2014.

“It is definitely the target for this year and to achieve that would be an amazing honour, but we also know there is more in the tank.”

He is also inspired by the thought of challenging the world record of 2:45m set by Cuban Javier Sotomayor in 1993.

Kerr realises it would be quite an achievement, but it’s one he has put plenty of thought into.

“With my team we wrote down all the things we think we could optimise and it came out as quite a big list. So that is really gratifying to know that even after all these years there are still a lot of stones that we haven’t turned over yet.

“I think in the next few years if we can start flipping a few of those over there is a decent chance that we’ll be able to get a number of those centimetres.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/supreme-halberg-award-winner-hamish-kerr-sets-sights-on-world-record/

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Late night drive ends in charges

Source: New Zealand Police

A simple traffic stop uncovered a cache of drugs and cash on Monday night in Millwater.

Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Area Response Manager says a Police unit was patrolling the North Auckland suburb around midnight, when they spotted a suspicious looking vehicle.

“Once stopped, officers approached the vehicle and spotted a bong on the floor,” he says.

“After discovering this item, a search was conducted on the rest of the vehicle.”

The search uncovered 14.5g of methamphetamine, 14g of cocaine, 55g of cannabis, 44 LSD tabs, a tick book and around $5400 in cash.

“This was a great find by our staff, who were simply out conducting proactive patrols during their shift,” says Senior Sergeant Fowlie.

“We are pleased to have been able to remove these items from circulation and the potential harm they could have caused in the community.”

A 19-year-old man will appear in the North Shore District Court today, charged with possession for supply cannabis, possession for supply methamphetamine, possession for supply LSD and possession of drug utensils.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/late-night-drive-ends-in-charges/

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Charges laid over BMX club arson

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating an arson that destroyed over $50,000 worth of property at a Rānui sports club last year have made an arrest.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting says the fire was allegedly purposely lit in a rubbish bin, which was leaning up against the Birdwood Road BMX club’s canteen.

“This fire was intentionally started in a bin full of paper and rubbish,” he says.

“Once it took hold the flames engulfed the canteen and caused extensive damage to the inside and outside.”

Nearby CCTV captured the incident and assisted the Waitematā West CIB investigation in locating who was responsible for the fire.

“We are pleased to have been able to hold a person to account for their actions,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“The BMX Club worked really hard to set up the canteen and it was part of what kept them running.

“The alleged offenders’ thoughtless actions have done real harm to this community.”

A 15-year-old male has been referred to Youth Aid.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/charges-laid-over-bmx-club-arson/

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Farmer rescues sheep stranded in Banks Peninsula floodwaters

Source: Radio New Zealand

Farm assistant wades in to rescue stranded sheep after huge downpours at Teddington, Banks Peninsula. Supplied

A Banks Peninsula farm worker had to swim stranded sheep to safety after huge downpours at Teddington.

More than 280mm of rain has fallen on parts of the Banks Peninsula from Sunday night to Tuesday morning. MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino said persistent rain was expected for much of the rest of Tuesday. An orange heavy rain warning was in until 6pm

Farmer Sir David Carter said more than 250mm of rain fell overnight at his property.

“The rain gauge was overflowing this morning. I’ve never seen so much rain and I’ve been farming here for 40 years.”

Carter said paddocks were flooded and trees were are down, which left him stranded on the farm.

“We moved stock to higher ground last night because we knew this was coming, but a farm assistant had to swim nine sheep to safety at 6.30am.

Farm worker rescues stranded sheep after huge downpours at Teddington, Banks Peninsula. Supplied

“I’d say there will be slips on the hills but we won’t know the extent of the damage until the rain stops.”

He said he didn’t think they had had stock losses.

Opawa flooding

In Christchurch, Stuart Payne, an Opawa resident of 35 years, told RNZ it was the second-worst flooding he’d seen in the area.

He said the response from council for the city’s metropolitan areas was delayed, despite flooding in various parts of the city, while most of the focus was currently on the Banks Peninsula.

Flooding in Opawa, Christchurch. Supplied / Stuart Payne

He also questioned why the region hadn’t been placed in a state of emergency. No declaration had been made by 10am on Tuesday.

“Maybe they’ve been caught out.”

Payne sent RNZ photos from his drive on Fifield Terrace, where surface flooding has covered the road.

“It’s like a massive lake.”

Flooding in Opawa, Christchurch. Supplied / Stuart Payne

His property was raised and wasn’t at risk of flooding, he said.

At 8.40am, Christchurch City Council published a list of city road closures on its website.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/farmer-rescues-sheep-stranded-in-banks-peninsula-floodwaters/

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Live weather: Floods close roads around Banks Peninsula as downpour moves south

Source: Radio New Zealand

Akaroa hit by flooding as storm moves south. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are being lashed by heavy rain as the wild weather moves south, causing flooding in Akaroa.

MetService said a deep low east of New Zealand is moving slowly southwards, bringing more heavy rain to the lower North Island and eastern South Island.

However, it said the south-to-southwest gales over central New Zealand are easing.

Banks Peninsula is under an orange heavy rain warning until 6pm, with up to 100 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen.

A heavy rain watch is in place for Christchurch (apart from Banks Peninsula), and Canterbury Plains and Foothills between the Rangitata River and Amberley until 10am.

A heavy rain watch for Dunedin (east of Pukerangi) will linger for longer, and is due to expire at 9pm.

Christchurch City Council said it was closely watching the weather, with roading crews on standby overnight. Some surface flooding has already been reported, but more will be known as day breaks.

State Highway 75 between Christchurch and Akaroa was closed at 11pm on Monday because of flooding. An update on the road is due by 7am.

MetService said has also issued heavy swell warnings for the Wellington and Wairarapa coasts from midday, saying large waves and dangerous sea conditions are expected. Coastal inundation is possible about exposed coasts.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/live-weather-floods-close-roads-around-banks-peninsula-as-downpour-moves-south/

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Fatal crash: Glen Eden, Auckland

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Glen Eden last night.

The two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hepburn and Great North roads was reported at around 11.12pm.

One person suffered critical injuries and was transported to hospital, where they have died.

Two people suffered moderate injuries and were transported to hospital in a stable condition.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, with enquires ongoing into the cause of the crash.

The road was closed for a period of time following the crash but has since re-opened.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/fatal-crash-glen-eden-auckland/

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East Auckland residents say three-storey development shouldn’t be allowed, fear for privacy

Source: Radio New Zealand

Residents of an affluent east Auckland suburb fear their quiet lifestyle could be shattered. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Residents of an affluent east Auckland suburb fear their quiet lifestyle could be shattered by a three-storey development in the middle of their neighbourhood.

With dozens of buildings looming high above her garden, Farm Cove resident Anne Moore said there was nowhere to hide.

“My sister’s room is curtains drawn because there are people building on the building site, and there’s no privacy,” she said.

Moore was leading the charge urging council to take action over the partly-completed construction.

With the support of her neighbours, she had sought legal advice, maintaining the development should no longer be allowed under Auckland’s recently changed planning rules.

The hammers and grinders echoing through her home office were hard at work on a pair of three-storey residential units, and they were right next door.

Moore worried the lack of privacy could be permanent once her new neighbours moved in.

“I think the fact that it looks right into our home and right into our property. We’ve got a spa pool, there’s two or three swimming pools in the surrounding area that they now look down on all of us,” she said.

Farm Cove resident Anne Moore says the development should no longer be allowed under Auckland’s recently changed planning rules. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Another neighbour, Lisa Anne Roy, said the new building towered over her property and blocked the sun.

“The impact’s been absolutely huge,” Roy said.

“We have an immune-compromised child, and taking all the sunlight away from the bedroom side of the house, I mean going up 11 metres, it’s just horrific.”

Roy only heard about the development through word of mouth after construction had already started.

“I have three dogs. To have that third dog on my property, I had to get every single neighbour to sign before council would let me have three dogs on my property,” she recalled.

“They didn’t have to get any signatures to totally change the landscape.”

The development in Farm Cove was allowed by the central government’s Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS), introduced in 2022 and permitting three-storey buildings on most city properties.

Contractors at the site on Bramley Drive had just broken ground in October last year when Auckland Council pulled out of those standards, the result of an agreement with the government following the 2023 floods.

That change limited new builds in Farm Cove to two floors, but the development had already been consented for three.

Anne Moore said construction should stop, and was campaigning for the council to step in.

“I keep getting emails saying that, you know, he had a building consent, he got it under the MDRS, and so they’re not going to enforce it because he was given that at the time. Well, that’s all very well, but those rules don’t apply anymore.”

Auckland Council’s head of resource consents, James Hassall, said the development could go ahead despite the recent changes.

“The government is investigating changes to help remedy the situation. This has allowed Auckland Council to issue formal notices to affected consent holders confirming they can rely on their existing consents and continue with their developments while a permanent fix is investigated,” he said in a written statement.

The developers declined RNZ’s interview request, but reiterated that the council had given them permission to continue.

And continue it had. Within a few months, contractors had already erected the frame of the third floor, and the shape of the building was coming into view.

Moore said the noise was driving her crazy, work often dragging into the evenings and weekends.

“They are allowed to work until six in a residential area, but they often keep going and we all have to yell out, hey, time to go, because by then we’ve had enough. So we really want our privacy back for what little time we have it,” she said.

“They’re here Monday to Saturday, and then last Sunday some showed up to work last Sunday, which they’re not allowed to do.”

In an election year, she said National risked losing its previously loyal support in east Auckland.

“I think it’s going to make a difference at the polls this year, to be honest,” she said.

“And this area is a big stronghold for a certain party, and so people are outraged.”

Anne Moore said her community felt burned, and feared others may be put in a similar position.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/east-auckland-residents-say-three-storey-development-shouldnt-be-allowed-fear-for-privacy/

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Can I put that down the kitchen sink?

Source: Radio New Zealand

We’ve all heard the warnings about wet wipes and fatbergs but the kitchen sink is often where complacency creeps in. A splash of pan oil here or a rinse of leftover sauce there might seem harmless at first.

According to plumber Marc Brouwer, who has worked across Australia and New Zealand for 22 years, kitchen drain blockages are an everyday callout.

“It can range from the original plumbing that may have been installed, like the wrong pipe sizing. It can be due to old pipes… Then in most cases it’s all just self-inflicted, which is pouring oil down the sink.”

Dense oils and meat fats are a big culprit for blocked drains and pipes, says plumber Marc Brouwer.

Unsplash / Cooker King

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/can-i-put-that-down-the-kitchen-sink/

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Taihape’s Winiata Marae steps up for stranded travellers

Source: Radio New Zealand

Shadrack Simi was in charge of the menu. RNZ / Robin Martin

When the huge storm closed State Highway 1 between Taihape and Hunterville on Monday, leaving hundreds of drivers stranded, the community at Winiata Marae knew just what to do.

They quickly put word out that warm food and a place to rest could be found at the marae on the outskirts of Taihape.

Lulu Simi is a force of nature herself and it was she who was directing the marae’s response to the storm – busy organising gas canister refills and making sure visitors were fed.

“We just knew it would be part and parcel of what we need to do for our community.

“Not only for our local community but for the many hundreds and thousands of people that travel through Taihape to get to their destinations.

“This morning when we woke up it was all back-to-back trucks and cars and families, so we had already put our number out last night.”

Lulu Simi, left, reckons helping out stranded travellers such as Aucklanders Max Briggs and Leilani Kwan-Him is central to its role. RNZ / Robin Martin

The Ngāti Hinemanu and Ngāti Paki hapū marae played a similar role during Cyclone Gabrielle.

At day’s end on Monday night more than 200 people had been through.

“Everyone here just knows that it’s part of our role underneath our marae to look after people and it always makes us feel good to be able to put it on at the drop of a hat.

“And to be able to provide all this kai, all these sleeping places to people who were going to sleep in their cars … you always walk away feeling proud.”

Helen Ropiha-waiwai was heading back to Feilding from the rugby league international in Rotorua with her husband.

She was in awe of the hospitality.

“For me not being from here it was beautiful just to see such a small community just come together and make such a big kai.

“They had enough kai for three bus-loads that they knew were stuck and all the truck drivers and stuff.”

Feilding traveller Helen Ropiha-waiwai was overwhelmed by the hospitality. RNZ / Robin Martin

Helen Ropiha-waiwai even bumped into Moana Steedman – aka Nan – who she knew from the sidelines of schoolboy rugby.

A Taihape local, Nan, reckoned helping others fed the soul.

“It was amazing, you know, not only do we help them but they help us and, you know, to be able to give back to people that’s the amazing part of it. That’s what it’s all about.

Moana Steedman – aka Nan – and her kitchen mate Kui reckon helping others feeds the soul. RNZ / Robin Martin

Aucklander Leilani Kwan-Him was travelling to Wellington with Max Briggs.

They got a tip off about Winiata Marae while killing time at the Taihape library.

“And then they gave us dinner and they were going to give us a place to stay. It was just so nice and we had a really nice meal .”

The food hit the spot too.

“We had chop suey, we had chicken curry – that’s one of the chefs over there – and we had some rice and there was tea and it feels like there was some nibbles. There was everything.”

Shadrack Simi put together the menu.

“For lunchtime today we had like a sausages and gravy, veggies and mashed potatoes. That was all stuff that we just had here on site.

“And then from donated stores and stuff we had here we put on a chicken curry and rice, a beef chop suey and a yellow split-bean curry, a vegan curry.”

Lulu Simi, second right, reckoned many hands made light work. RNZ / Robin Martin

Being nimble was the key to putting on such a spread at short notice.

“I guess it’s just resourcefulness looking at the ingredients you’ve got and then also looking at the day obviously I wanted something hot and nutritious.

“So, the meals had a lot of ginger, garlic, onion, but also things that I know the Kiwi palate will eat like a chicken curry and sausages and gravy.”

Meanwhile, Lulu Simi said the marae stood ready to help again next time wild weather strikes.

State Highway 1 reopened to two-lane traffic at about 6pm.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/taihapes-winiata-marae-steps-up-for-stranded-travellers/

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National population estimates: At 31 December 2025 – Stats NZ information release

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/national-population-estimates-at-31-december-2025-stats-nz-information-release/

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Electronic card transactions: January 2026 – Stats NZ information release

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/electronic-card-transactions-january-2026-stats-nz-information-release/

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“The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science” APRIM2026 Makes Hong Kong Debut

Source: Media Outreach

Gathering Global Experts Delivering Insights from the forefront of Space Science and Sustainability

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – In a landmark development for the region’s scientific community, Hong Kong has been selected to host the Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM) for the first time. Dubbed the “The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science,” this prestigious event will take place from May 4 to 8, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Organised by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and hosted by The University of Hong Kong’s Laboratory for Space Research (LSR), the conference will feature Nobel and Shaw laureates, together with other distinguished scientists from around the world. As a leading astronomical gathering in the Asia-Pacific, the event represents a significant milestone for Hong Kong, underscoring its pivotal role in fundamental research, STEM education, and international collaboration.

A Convergence of Minds in a Burgeoning Space Hub

Professor Quentin Parker, Chair of the APRIM2026 and Director of the HKU Laboratory for Space Research, noted that bringing the “The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science” to Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s capacity to serve as a global nexus for astrophysics and space science.

“As Chair of this historic meeting, I am honoured to welcome the global Astrophysics and Space Science community to Hong Kong. We aim to use this platform not only to showcase our city’s capabilities in the ‘New Space’ era but to inspire the next generation of scientists to pursue the unknown,” said Prof. Parker.

Professor Xue Suijian, former Deputy Director of the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, attributed the IAU’s decision to Hong Kong’s highly international environment and academic excellence. He highlighted the city’s growing contributions to deep-space exploration, planetary science, and big data analysis, cementing its role as a bridge for international scientific exchange.

Bridging Fundamental Research and Future Possibilities

While rooted in academic rigour, APRIM 2026 also addresses the paradigm shift from government-led initiatives to the democratised era of “New Space.” The conference offers a platform that links theoretical astrophysics with real-world applications.

Aligning with the global scientific agenda, the conference is expected to bring together nearly 1,000 experts. Discussions will span from the origins of the universe to emerging directions in space exploration, covering key areas such as Planetary Science, Stellar Evolution, and Cosmology. The event will also seek to bridge academia and industry, exploring how frontier technologies can contribute to addressing global challenges.

Championing Space Sustainability

A defining feature of APRIM2026 is its focus on “Space Sustainability.” With the growing density of satellite constellations in low Earth orbit, the scientific community faces urgent challenges, particularly in relation to space debris and light pollution.

Through dedicated sessions and public engagement, the conference will tackle these critical issues, advocating for responsible stewardship of the cosmic environment. By integrating these discussions with outreach sessions including youth-focused workshops, the event aims to cultivate a scientifically literate generation ready to steward the future of space exploration.

Professor Luis C. Ho, Director of the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University, described the meeting as a vital platform for strengthening Asia-Pacific research collaboration. He noted that the event marks a shift from pure fundamental research to industrial application, allowing high-tech solutions to serve the public and open the “blue ocean” of the space economy.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/the-olympics-of-astrophysics-and-space-science-aprim2026-makes-hong-kong-debut/

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Wild weather: Strongest winds to hit Wellington in a decade

Source: Radio New Zealand

Taihape weather – flooding and slips aftermath – 16 February 2026 RNZ/Dan Jones

The winds that struck Wellington today were the strongest in more than a decade, says MetService.

Gusts of 193 kilometres an hour were recorded at Mt Kaukau, and 128 kilometres at hour at Wellington Airport – the highest for both since 2013.

There has also been an orange heavy rain warning for the eastern hills of Wellington, also Wairarapa, and the Tararua Range, issued tonight.

The warning is due to expire at 11pm.

About 15 to 25 mm of rain is expected, on top of what had already fallen today.

But attention is turning further south, especially to Banks Peninsula, which is under an Orange Rain Warning and where up to 100-millimetres of further rain could fall.

Christchurch City Council said it was closely watching the weather and was aware of reports of surface flooding.

It said roading crews were being put on stand-by overnight, and more will be known in the morning.

More than 30,000 properties lost power today as wild winds brought trees and power lines down across much of the lower North Island.

Powerco said about 23,000 properties across its network have lost connections and in the Wellington region, about 10,000 have their connections cut.

Manawatū-Whanganui has been hit badly, and the region is under a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, homes on Lincoln Road in Masterton were evacuated due to the threat of falling trees.

Air NZ cancelled flights in and out of several major centres, including the capital, citing strong winds.

“Safety is paramount and we are continuing to closely monitor conditions, with winds expected to reduce later this morning when we expect to resume services,” chief operating officer Alex Marren said.

See how today’s events unfolded with RNZ’s live blog:

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/wild-weather-strongest-winds-to-hit-wellington-in-a-decade/

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Global high jump star Hamish Kerr claims Supreme Halberg award

Source: Radio New Zealand

Hamish Kerr celebrates winning the Men’s High Jump final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. www.photosport.nz

Hamish Kerr has claimed New Zealand’s highest sporting honour at the 63rd Halberg Awards in Auckland, after achieving heights in his career that no other Kiwi high jumper has reached.

Kerr has won the Supreme Halberg Award, capping off an extraordinary 2025 in which he dominated on the world stage.

Kerr – who also secured the Sportsman of the Year title earlier in the evening – won gold at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.

His maiden triumph in Tokyo completed the final piece of Kerr’s collection of global titles. He is now the reigning world champion, Olympic champion (Paris 2024), and Diamond League champion (2025) – an unprecedented achievement by a New Zealand high jumper.

Kerr, who also won last year’s Halberg Sportsman of the Year, took the title ahead of athletics team-mate Geordie Beamish; Freeski Big Air World Champion Luca Harrington; footballer Chris Wood and golfer Ryan Fox.

Kerr’s athletics coach James Sandilands, who guided the 29-year-old through one of the best seasons of his career, was named Coach of the Year – his first win in the category.

Snowboard star Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, who is currently competing at her third Winter Olympics, was named Sportswoman of the Year.

Sadowski-Synnott won a third snowboard slopestyle world title in 2025, and got the accolade ahead of a field including global champions across cycling – Sammie Maxwell and Niamh Fisher-Black; tennis – Erin Routliffe, and rugby – Jorja Miller.

New Zealand snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott. JAMIE SQUIRE / AFP

The Black Ferns Sevens were crowned the Team of the Year after another dominant 2024-25 HSBC SVNS World Series and the SVNS World Championship.

Their unmatched global success stood-out in an impressive line-up of team finalists including Auckland FC; world champion men’s rowing pair Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch; the men’s team pursuit track cycling squad; the New Zealand Kiwis and the New Zealand Black Sox.

Sam Ruthe unsurprisingly beat out the other finalists in the Emerging Talent category after making history in 2025 by becoming the youngest person ever to run a sub-four-minute mile.

Paralympic sprint star Danielle Aitchison was awarded the Para Athlete/Para Team of the Year Award, for her impressive results on the track at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. Other finalists included fellow Para athletics team mate Lisa Adams, Para track cyclists Nicole Murray and Devon Briggs and Para swimmer Cameron Leslie.

International sport administrator and leader Katie Sadleir received the Sport New Zealand Leadership Award, recognising her influential contributions to global sport and her long-standing dedication to athlete well-being and equity.

The Black Ferns Sevens continue to dominate. Jayne Russell / PHOTOSPORT

Kat Mueller was honoured with the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, for her significant work championing inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities across Aotearoa.

Two new inductees to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame were also celebrated. Dame Valerie Adams and Richie McCaw were formally welcomed into the prestigious group, recognising their contributions, achievements, and lasting impact on New Zealand sport.

Full List of Winners – 63rd Halberg Awards:

  • Supreme Halberg Award: Hamish Kerr (athletics – field)
  • Sportswoman of the Year: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (snow sports – snowboarding)
  • Sportsman of the Year: Hamish Kerr (athletics – field)
  • Para Athlete of the Year: Danielle Aitchison (Para athletics – track)
  • Team of the Year: Black Ferns Sevens (rugby sevens)
  • Coach of the Year: James Sandilands (athletics -field)
  • Emerging Talent: Sam Ruthe (athletics – track)
  • Sport New Zealand Leadership Award: Katie Sadlier
  • Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award: Kat Mueller

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/global-high-jump-star-hamish-kerr-claims-supreme-halberg-award/

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Dr Hinemoa Elder: We need more mental health care in NZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

As she comes towards the end of her career as a working psychiatrist, Dr Hinemoa Elder says there’s never been more need for mental health resources to help navigate, “extremely trying times”.

“You know, I’m 60 years old and this feels like the worst confluence of horrible and terrifying global and more local experiences that I’ve seen in my life.”

Indigenous resources, particularly Māori resources, have a valuable place in the spectrum of ways to help people struggling with mental health, she says.

This month, she’s appearing at HamLit in the Hamilton Arts Festival, alongside award-winning poet, Dr Marama Salsano, where the pair will discuss the intersection between culture, creativity and mental health.

“Here is something that may be absolutely new to many of the people who attend. And that’s always provides some different kind of juicy experiences, doesn’t it?

“Because it gets in behind some of our defences.

“We might have some ideas about what might work for us and what might be less helpful. Whereas when we’re presented with something that comes from a different worldview perhaps, or from a Māori worldview, that we haven’t previously been aware of, then it opens up some really new potential, new experiences and a freedom, a freedom to consider our lives differently.”

Prior to her career in psychiatry, Elder was a children’s television presenter, a “fortunate time”, she says.

“Live television is a thing of the past now unless it’s a sports event or some other major national event. Afternoon telly for kids is a thing of the past. So, it was a great moment in time.

“I had a lot of fun, made some great friends, learnt a lot of good skills. And I suppose, yeah, you could see even then, I love coming from a young person’s perspective and trying to engage young people in light-hearted activities that also have some kind of educational element to them as well.”

She carried that interest in young people into her psychiatry career.

“I really like kids. I really like teenagers. I really enjoy the playfulness and the challenge. I like to work hard to understand the tamariki’s perspective and the whānau perspective around them and to think about the people who are not in the room, but who are exerting an influence over their tamariki and their whānau’s experience of what it means to be a tamariki, which is changing rapidly in our world.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/dr-hinemoa-elder-we-need-more-mental-health-care-in-nz/

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Rugby league: Door open for Kiwis to play State of Origin

Source: Radio New Zealand

Born in Sydney, Kiwis player Casey McLean would be eligible for State of Origin. Photosport / David Neilson

With State of Origin set to debut in Auckland in 2027, Kiwis can now also feature in the iconic series after changes to the eligibility criteria.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) today announced it was amending the Origin selection rules, which paves the way for Australian-born Kiwis to play in the series.

Players were previously required to be eligible to represent Australia or a tier two nation as defined by International Rugby League.

The updated rules remove this restriction, allowing players who who meet the traditional State of Origin criteria and represent tier one nations to be eligible.

The criteria is a player must have been born in New South Wales or Queensland, resided in New South Wales or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday, or their father played State of Origin.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys AM said the changes were a necessary and logical evolution for the game in 2026.

“Rugby league has changed, the international game has grown, and our rules need to reflect that. If a player is eligible to play State of Origin, it makes no sense to exclude them simply because they’ve represented New Zealand or England at test level.”

He said State of Origin is about where you were from and what state you were eligible for – not which country you represent internationally.

“If you’re eligible, you should be able to play for your state. Over 45 years, State of Origin has developed into something special, and we want the best players playing if they’re eligible. The commission has a responsibility to grow both the international game and State of Origin, and this change strengthens both.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/rugby-league-door-open-for-kiwis-to-play-state-of-origin/