Category: CTF

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ECOVACS DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI with OZMO ROLLER 3.0 and PowerBoost Technology: Simple by Design, Powerful in Action

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI features a suite of fully upgraded technologies that deliver a truly hands-free and ultra-powerful experience, setting a new standard in the mid-range robotic vacuum market. Integrating advanced innovations such as OZMO ROLLER 3.0 and PowerBoost Technology within an exclusive minimalist Nordic design, the T90 PRO OMNI offers a top-of-the-line, premium floor cleaning experience and delivers the best value in its class.

OMNI Station features Fresh-flow Power Washing and Dirty Water Box Auto-Cleaning so users no longer have to clean the machine manually. AGENT YIKO uses intelligent scene recognition to detect cleaning zones and avoid pets while cleaning.

ECOVACS ROBOTICS, a pioneer in service robotics, introduces the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI – an all-new generation of hands-free, ultra-powerful robotic cleaning built on fully upgraded technologies. Powered by the new OZMO ROLLER 3.0 Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology and PowerBoost Technology with Perpetual Runtime, the T90 PRO OMNI ensures spotless results with zero interruptions, creating a daily life with a calm, Nordic-inspired aesthetic that naturally blends into your home and daily life.

Elevated mopping performance with the new OZMO ROLLER 3.0 Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology. TruEdge 3.0 Extreme Edge Cleaning that reaches into hard to clean edges while protecting furniture.

With the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI, ECOVACS redefines what mid-range robotic vacuum cleaners can achieve. This new addition brings together premium cleaning performance, long-lasting reliability, and a seamless design that effortlessly fits into contemporary homes. Delivering top-tier results with class-leading value, the T90 PRO OMNI sets a new benchmark for what consumers can expect from the mid-range segment.

Spotless Cleaning, Perpetual Runtime
The DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI elevates mopping performance with the fully upgraded OZMO ROLLER 3.0 Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology. A 50% longer 27-cm roller covers more floor area in each pass, while a high-performance pressurized water pump feeds 16-nozzle 32-way precision nozzles to tackle stubborn messes. The roller spins at up to 200 RPM to prevent streaks and secondary contamination, keeping floors consistently spotless with no manual scrubbing required.
Equipped with the revolutionary PowerBoost Technology that redefines intelligent charging for robotic vacuum cleaners, the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI showcases ECOVACS’ latest leap in cleaning efficiency through ultra-fast energy boosts and non-stop cleaning freedom. A self-optimizing algorithm dynamically reserves power to prioritize full-space completion, enabling 10% battery power​ to be restored in three minutes during routine mop cleaning intervals, and up to 500 m² can be cleaned in a single run without interruption. This intelligence-driven, perpetual operation ensures that even large homes stay clean in a single cycle – no need to worry about a low battery or incomplete tasks.
Total Home Coverage, Unstoppable Clean

The fully upgraded TruEdge 3.0 Extreme Edge Cleaning ensures edge-to-edge cleanliness. Its 1.5 cm air-cushion suspended roller adapts in real time to glide smoothly along walls, while a protective felt strip prevents scratches to furniture and baseboards. Two soft rubber edge-gliding wheels and a fixed side brush further extend cleaning reach, capturing hidden debris that typical vacuums leave behind.

When facing impassable obstacles, the TruePass Adaptive 4-Wheel-Drive Climbing System gives the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI unmatched mobility. Two auxiliary levering wheels deploy automatically when needed, using soft rubber gripping teeth to climb single steps up to 2.4 cm and consecutive steps up to 4 cm. This ensures the robot cleans seamlessly across uneven surfaces without missing rooms or getting stuck.

The all-new ZeroTangle 4.0, with lateral airflow channels, and a reinforced wide-span dual-bearing structure, captures dust and hair efficiently without tangling. This reduces maintenance and keeps suction strong and stable, giving users a smooth, quiet, and worry-free cleaning experience every day.

Elegant Design Meets Effortless Maintenance

Understanding consumers’ desire for both style and convenience, ECOVACS designed the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI with a refined, minimalist aesthetic inspired by Nordic design. Its monochromatic point-cloud texture and fabric-like finish offer a warm, premium appearance while ensuring durability and easy upkeep, effortlessly complementing any home interior.

To make cleaning truly hands-free, the OMNI Station features Fresh-flow Power Washing and Dirty Water Box Auto-Cleaning. Fresh-flow Power Washing uses a new high-pressure direct pump to deliver heated water (up to 75°C) through 16 nozzles, saturating and deep-cleaning the mop roller for maximum cleanness. The self-cleaning wastewater system — with a 5,000 RPM propeller, straight-down drainage, a dual-layer scraping mechanism, and an independent sediment trough — removes dirt quickly to eliminate odors and prevent contamination. Users can enjoy a consistently fresh cleaning experience without touching dirty components.
An AI-Powered Experience that Truly Understands You and Your Home

With AGENT YIKO, the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI becomes more than a cleaning device — it is an intelligent home companion. Using intelligent scene recognition, AGENT YIKO identifies room types, floor materials, and pet zones, then automatically generates adaptive cleaning plans based on your habits and living space. It adjusts suction, water flow, and route planning in real time to deliver optimal results with zero management.

For pet families, the T90 PRO OMNI offers a gentle yet smart cleaning experience. It can sense and avoid pets while they roam. Users can set customized pet activity zones, so the robot focuses where it’s needed most, keeping both floors and furry friends happy.

Whether you’re at home or away, you can count on a spotless space, a healthier environment, and a cleaning experience that fits naturally into your lifestyle.


DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI and DEEBOT mini 2 Debut at the Singapore IT Show 2026

Marking their first public showcase in Singapore, the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI and the DEEBOT mini 2 will officially debut at the Singapore IT Show 2026, taking place from 12 to 15 March 2026. Visitors to the show will be among the first in Singapore to experience ECOVACS’ latest DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI launch in person, with live demonstrations highlighting its upgraded OZMO ROLLER 3.0 Instant Self-Washing Mopping Technology and PowerBoost Technology with Perpetual Runtime, as well as the refined Nordic-inspired design.

Consumers will also be able to experience the new ultra-compact DEEBOT mini 2, for those seeking a powerful cleaning solution without compromising on space. With a diameter of just 28.6 cm – smaller than a sheet of A4 paper – the DEEBOT mini 2 is designed for small apartments, from compact studios to two-bedroom homes. Despite its size, the DEEBOT mini 2 is equipped with advanced technologies like TrueMapping 2.0 and TrueDetect 3D, to plan cleaning routes and detect different surfaces, providing up to 91% whole-home cleaning coverage. It effortlessly navigates tight corners and hard-to-reach areas, offering 100% edge and corner coverage. Whether it’s under coffee tables, between furniture legs, or in narrow hallways, the DEEBOT mini 2 ensures that no spot is left behind.

The showcase underscores ECOVACS’ commitment to bringing intelligent, hands-free home cleaning innovations closer to local consumers through immersive, hands-on experiences.

Pricing and Availability

The DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI and DEEBOT mini 2 will be available in Singapore from 8PM on 2 March 2026 via the ECOVACS official webstore, NTUC FairPrice webstore, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

The DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI will be offered at a pre-sale price of S$1,199 (U.P. $1,899). Purchases made on the official webstore, Fairprice Online, Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok will include a Tineco iCarpet Spot Cleaner worth S$379, while stocks last.

The DEEBOT mini 2 will be offered at a pre-sale price of S$599 (U.P. $749). Purchases made on the official webstore, Fairprice Online, Shopee, Lazada, and Tiktok will include an accessories pack worth S$48.90, while stocks last.

Hashtag: #ECOVACS

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/2026/02/27/ecovacs-deebot-t90-pro-omni-with-ozmo-roller-3-0-and-powerboost-technology-simple-by-design-powerful-in-action/

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Stench from Canterbury sewage treatment plant council’s ‘top priority’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Bromley’s damaged sewage treatment plant.

Christchurch City Council claims it is committed to doing everything it can to reduce the effects of Bromley’s damaged sewage treatment plant on the community after being issued with an abatement notice for the putrid smell.

The plant was damaged by fire in 2021 and has since regularly caused a strong sewage smell to waft across parts of the city, however, the smell has been markedly worse since the start of the year.

Canterbury Regional Council has now issued an abatement notice and given the city council a fortnight to come up with a plan to reduce the offensive smell after receiving more than 4500 complaints in the past month.

Christchurch City Council said it took the notice seriously.

“We have been working closely with Environment Canterbury (Canterbury Regional Council) over recent months, keeping them informed of the steps we are taking to address odour,” it said, in an online statement.

Christchurch City Council had a fortnight to comply with the notice.

“Addressing odour remains a top priority and we are committed to doing everything we can to reduce impacts on the community. We will continue to keep the community and Environment Canterbury updated as this work progresses,” the council said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/stench-from-canterbury-sewage-treatment-plant-councils-top-priority/

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Road rage leads to assault and serious injury in Hamilton

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police had received reports that a person was assaulted at the intersection of Massey Street and Korimako Street. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A person is seriously injured after being assaulted following a road rage incident in Hamilton.

Detective Alistair Hill from Hamilton City CIB said police were called at about 9am on Friday with a report that a person had been assaulted at the intersection of Massey Street and Korimako Street.

“The victim was transported to hospital by ambulance in a serious condition.”

“Initial enquiries suggest that this assault appears to be a road-rage incident, that is believed to have started on Higgins Road and made its way to the intersection where the assault occurred.

He said police believed there were at least two offenders who fled the scene in a vehicle.

But police have not identified any potential offenders or their vehicle.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the road rage or assault, has any information about it, or travelled through the area and has dashcam footage to contact them referencing the file number 260227/4370.

Information can be submitted to police online or by calling 105.

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

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/road-rage-leads-to-assault-and-serious-injury-in-hamilton/

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Operation Fairview – Arrests made in Omahu homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Two Napier men have been charged in connection with the homicide of Sharlene Smith – one charged with her murder.

Sharlene’s body was located on a worksite in Omahu on 3 February.

Detective Inspector Martin James says to have made two significant arrests within the month is exceptional, and he hopes it reassures Sharlene’s family and the community.

“It’s been 24 days since Sharlene’s body was found, and for our busy team to have achieved this result so promptly should reassure the community we take these significant incidents incredibly seriously,” he says.

A 47-year-old man has been arrested today and charged with murder and injuring with intent, and is expected to appear in Napier District Court tomorrow.

A 45-year-old man was arrested yesterday and charged with accessory after the fact to a culpable homicide. He appeared in court today and is remanded to reappear in Napier on 4 March. 

He also faces three domestic-related charges unrelated to Sharlene’s death.

Detective Inspector James is praising the work of the investigation team, and members of the community who have come forward with information.

“I want to thank our Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne, and everyone in the team who has been working so hard on this enquiry,” Detective Inspector James says.

“I also want to extend a huge thanks to members of the public who have helped us with information such as CCTV footage.

“They have taken the time to trawl through video and then notify Police, and their efforts have helped immensely in getting these quick arrests.”

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/operation-fairview-arrests-made-in-omahu-homicide/

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Pre-pandemic Influenza Vaccine Framework

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

New Zealand stockpiles pre-pandemic influenza vaccine as part of the National Reserve Supply. The pre-pandemic vaccine stockpile is a public health tool that could support the initial response to an avian influenza health emergency or pandemic.

New Zealand has a very limited quantity of pre-pandemic vaccine and must use the vaccine wisely and in ways that best protect the health of the population.

The Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Framework outlines the Ministry of Health’s flexible, principles-based approach for managing and using the pre-pandemic vaccine stockpile. The framework supports effective and ethical use of the pre-pandemic stockpile and is part of the Ministry of Health’s wider pandemic preparedness work programme.

The Pre-Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Framework aims to help decision makers prioritise and use the pre-pandemic vaccine to prevent and minimise deaths and serious illness in the initial phase of an avian influenza health emergency or pandemic.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/pre-pandemic-influenza-vaccine-framework/

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Tauranga local captures photos of rare leatherback turtles

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  27 February 2026

Nathan Pettigrew, an avid wildlife photographer and naturalist, shared the images with DOC to help build understanding of the distribution and behaviour of the turtles in New Zealand waters.

Nathan says he’s seen leatherbacks every year for the past six, but this time was different.

“I was on the water when Dolphin Seafaris gave me a call and said ‘you’ve got to come see this.’ I shot back closer to shore – just 1.5 km or so from land. It was incredible, there were five leatherbacks and sunfish too with Mount Manganui in the background. I’ve never seen so many leatherback turtles in one place at a time.”

DOC Senior Marine Science Advisor, Dr Karen Middlemiss, says it’s remarkable and very exciting to learn of sightings like these.

“It’s almost unheard of to see five leatherbacks together because they’re generally solitary turtles. They usually only group together if there is a feeding aggregation or they are close to nesting beaches and these turtles don’t nest here.

“Leatherbacks are the largest turtle in the world, and can grow to a width, length and weight similar to a classic mini car.

“We’re hoping to satellite tag some of these magnificent turtles to learn how they use our waters. One thing is for sure, New Zealand waters provide critical foraging habitat for leatherbacks.”

The leatherback turtles present in New Zealand waters belong to the critically endangered Western Pacific population. Each summer, part of the population migrates from California to the islands north of New Zealand, with some visiting the Bay of Plenty and waters off East Cape where they feast on jellyfish and salps (a jelly-like zooplankton).

Little is known about leatherback behaviour in New Zealand waters, and Karen says that images and videos of sea turtles, along with time, date and location details, are useful for researchers.

“Nathan is a great example of using hobbies – in this case water sport and photography – to support nature. Taking everyday actions, like reporting sightings of protected marine species, is true naturing. And with Seaweek starting what better time to enjoy the water!”

28 February to 6 March 2026 is Seaweek, Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual celebration of the sea.

Spot a turtle. Let us know. Email turtles@doc.govt.nz for sightings. If a turtle is seen on the beach or injured in the water, please contact our emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/tauranga-local-captures-photos-of-rare-leatherback-turtles/

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Agenda for March 2026 Cancer Treatments advisory committee (CTAC) meeting

Source: PHARMAC

Information on what the Cancer Treatments Advisory Committee (CTAC) will be considering at its upcoming meeting in March 2026.

Applications

Pertuzumab and trastuzumab for breast cancer

Adjuvant treatment for early breast cancer

The Committee will discuss an application for pertuzumab and trastuzumab to treat people with HER2-positive early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. Pertuzumab and trastuzumab would be given to individuals after surgery (adjuvant treatment), together with chemotherapy. The Committee previously deferred making a recommendation for this application pending further evidence being published. Feedback and new evidence on this application was received during a consultation to fund this treatment for people with metastatic breast cancer.

Application for pertuzumab and trastuzumab (PHESGO)(external link)

Metastatic breast cancer

The Committee will consider feedback and new evidence received during consultation to widen access for people with HER2-positive metastatic or locally recurrent unresectable breast cancer in 2025.

Application for pertuzumab and trastuzumab for HER2-positive metastatic or locally recurrent resectable(external link)

Decision to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis, eye conditions, breast cancer and lung cancer(external link)

Belzutifan for Von-Hippel Lindau disease

The Committee will discuss an application for belzutifan for the treatment of tumours associated with Von-Hippel Lindau disease (VHL). This application was reviewed by the Rare Disorders Advisory Committee who recommended CTAC also review the application. Pharmac is also seeking input from an expert experienced in treating VHL to inform this discussion.

Application for belzutifan (WELIREG)(external link)

Eltrombopag for aplastic anaemia

The Committee will discuss an application for eltrombopag for the treatment of severe aplastic anaemia. The treatment would be given as the first treatment for the condition, with immunosuppressive therapy.

Application for eltrombopag (Revolade)(external link)

Advisory meeting agenda setting

We have scheduled six CTAC meetings in 2026 to help increase capacity for cancer funding applications.

The scheduling and agenda setting process for advisory meetings considers multiple factors. We aim to balance the relative priorities of clinical advice needed across indications, the factors for consideration for each application (for example unmet health need), the time since applications were received and the internal and advisor resource available to support each meeting.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/agenda-for-march-2026-cancer-treatments-advisory-committee-ctac-meeting/

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14 new charges result from Manawatū Police operation

Source: New Zealand Police

A number of people are before the courts facing new charges following an operation by Manawatū Police on 25 February.

Operation Maxim is taking place across Central District and is focused on locating people wanted for a range of offending, including retail crime and bail breaches.

Officers from Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Tararua and Feilding participated on 25 February, dealing with 29 people in total. A total of 14 new charges were also filed.

“Some people don’t seem to understand that if the Court directs you to appear in Court and abide by bail conditions, then that is what you have to do,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson.

“We are here to enforce those directions, and we will continue to do so until people understand that it is simply easier to appear in Court and abide by the bail conditions.”

“It is also pleasing that we were able to locate a number of people that had been carrying out retail crime in recent weeks,”  says Detective Senior Sergeant Thompson.

“Our local businesses have rightly had enough of being targeted by these offenders and we are committed to holding people to account for this offending.”
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/14-new-charges-result-from-manawatu-police-operation/

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Arrest following assault, Ōpōtiki

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager:

A man is before the courts after assaulting a woman in Ōpōtiki overnight.

Police were notified of the assault, that occurred on Ohiwa Harbour Road, at around 10:30pm.

Area enquiries were made to locate the alleged offender, who was located on Phoenix Drive, Whakatane shortly after 12:30am and taken into custody.

The victim is understandably extremely shaken and has sustained moderate injuries following the assault. Police are offering her all the necessary support.

A scene examination will be carried out on Ohiwa Harbour Road today, and Police continue to investigate this heinous attack.

We understand the community will be shaken following this incident, and Police will conduct reassurance patrols in the area.

Our initial enquiries suggest this is an isolated incident, and there is not believed to be any further risk to the public.

The man, 34, is due to appear in the Whakatāne District Court today, charged with abduction, wounding with reckless disregard and assault with intent to commit sexual violation, indecent assault, and strangulation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/arrest-following-assault-opotiki/

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Fishers ‘living the funeral’ of low salmon, fish stocks in Rakaia River

Source: Radio New Zealand

Greenpeace Aotearoa says its activists “altered” the Rakaia salmon statue, turning it into a cartoon dead fish in protest of the dairy industry’s environmental destruction, but the council says it was vandalised. Supplied

For the first time in 40 years, no fish will be weighed in at Mid Canterbury’s Rakaia Fishing Competition today, due to woefully low numbers of salmon in the river.

The small farming township was once world famous for its abundant chinook salmon and other fish populations in the Rakaia River, even boasting a mighty 12-metre high salmon statue on state highway 1.

But numbers of sea-run salmon/hāmana, trout/tarauta and other aquatic life like smelt/paraki in the river have drastically declined in recent years.

This year, the 400 people entered in the iconic competition will instead vie for a lucky dip draw of $60,000 worth of prizes, including a motorbike – usually reserved for the heaviest fish.

Event organiser, Rakaia River Fishing Promotions’ president, Chris Agnew said it was a very difficult decision to run the event without fishing.

The mighty Rakaia River meets the sea Steve Terry

But he hoped it would encourage fish to come back and spawn in the river.

“It was a tough call to make because you know, like that’s what the thing is about, is trying to catch the biggest fish,” he said.

“It was the most sensible thing we could come up with that gave the competitors a chance to come and enjoy the competition or enjoy the camaraderie … But also to protect what fish are left coming back into the river, and to give them half a chance at spawning up the top.”

Agnew said low freshwater fish numbers were not isolated just to Rakaia.

“We’re not the only rivers, like every river in the South Island is suffering the same problem with no numbers.”

The Rakaia Fishing Competition started in the early 1980s and runs to Sunday. It bills itself as “the most successful fresh water fishing competition”. The contest started in 1983 as a way to promote local businesses but has evolved to promote ways to defend the river and highlight the fishery’s demise.

Earlier this month, Greenpeace activists vandalised Rakaia’s iconic salmon statue, turning it into a dead fish saying, “Fonterra killed my family” and blaming “dirty dairying”.

A spokesman said the protest was to highlight the damage to the Rakaia and pointed to the fishing competition not involving any fish.

Anglers’ harvest limited, more restrictions considered

Anglers have been restricted to catching just one salmon with current bag limits, and in January, Fish and Game consulted them on possible further restrictions on the fishery.

North Canterbury Fish and Game Council’s operations manager, Lyndon Slater said anglers were concerned, and the issue was not unique to Canterbury, where salmon numbers were historically low.

“The environmental pressures that we’re seeing are reflected right around right around the country. Particularly our East Coast rivers, we have seen the same decline across the board.”

Slater said environmental factors like warming oceans and reduced river flows from water takes were the largest drivers behind the decline.

He said that water takes affected river flows and the conditions of the habitats that supported spawning.

“We’ve seen, obviously with climate change, we’ve seen the impact of those consented takes decrease the quantity and quality of the water in the river.

“The impact of reduction in flows increases the temperature in the river and does result in increased mortality of fish.

“So while we recognise the need for irrigation generally, we would always like to see more water in rivers and the efficient use of water through that regulatory process.”

He said the Council wanted to see increased minimum flows in future.

“The issue isn’t necessarily with the [consenting] process itself, it’s around the amount that they allocated for its use and then how that water is used for the activity.”

Fish and Game’s latest sea-run salmon survey for the 2024/25 season said estimated harvest decreased on all four major sea-run salmon fisheries at the Rakaia, Rangitata, Waimakariri and Waitaki Rivers compared to the season prior.

“This is the third consecutive year we have observed a decline in the number of salmon harvested. On each of the four major salmon fishing rivers, the estimated harvest was less than half the previous season estimate,” it read.

North Canterbury Fish & Game Council chief executive Rasmus Gabrielsson undertaking DNA sampling of salmon in the upper Rakaia Supplied

Too much river water’s being taken – fishers

New Zealand Salmon Anglers’ Association president, Paul Hodgson said anglers saw the decline of the Rakaia River on a daily basis, describing the state of the fishery “like a death”.

“The only thing I can say for absolute dead certain is that the salmon in the rivers are almost gone. The trout in the lowland rivers are almost gone from where they used to be. The Stokell’s smelt are gone. All of these are indicators that something is not right.

“We’re living the funeral. We’ve been living it for the past five or ten years and nobody’s done anything about it to have any significant impact on it.”

Hogson said water extraction consents allowed enormous volumes of water to be taken from the Rakaia and other rivers, which affected river flow, the ecosystems and worsened sediment build-up.

“What’s truly amazing is people think that you can take 50 percent of the water out of the river and expect there to be no impact.”

He said the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) considered river health as proportional to river flow, but all adverse effects from water takes were not being properly tested.

“Well the health of the river doesn’t feature in the consent. And yet in every clause of a water abstraction consent, there’s a review course that goes along the lines of, ‘this consent may be reviewed if adverse effects are found.’

“But ECan doesn’t monitor for adverse effects, therefore, there is no evidence of decline. Therefore, there is no problem.”

He acknowledged that extraction consents legally allowed large water takes, and consented dairy farmers were authorised to do so, despite river degradation.

“The time has come where we need to start listening to what the science is telling us, and we need to take actions to manage the rivers adequately.”

Consenting conundrum

There were 63 water extraction consents between the Rakaia Gorge bridge and the sea, with minimum flow restrictions for when water could not be taken.

A Water Conservation Order here prevented more than 70 cumecs of water being taken from the river, with the highest daily abstraction at 42 cumecs in September last year.

Environment Canterbury’s general manager of regulatory implementation, Paul Hulse said the Rakaia River was a vital habitat for indigenous birds, aquatic species and a recreation hotspot.

He said it was a major source of hydroelectricity and it also supplied irrigation water to hundreds of farms, managed by consents.

“Each water take consent contains conditions to ensure that the volume is documented and that excess water is not taken, especially when river flow is low.”

Its water and land science manager, Elaine Moriarty said more work was needed to identify the causes of the declining fish populations in Canterbury’s rivers.

“However, there are interactions between climate change and land and water use pressures that may affect hāpua fish communities.”

She said a NIWA report showed changes in ocean conditions were likely a significant driver causing a decline in the survival rates of migratory fish, including Stokell’s smelt larvae.

Extraction not intended to be to be at river’s detriment – irrigators

Canterbury had the largest amount of agricultural land being irrigated across Aotearoa, at just under 480,000 hectares in 2022.

Home to more than a million dairy cows, the region now accounted for around 70 percent of the country’s total dairy farming irrigation.

Industry group Irrigation New Zealand represented water irrigation schemes and companies nationwide.

Chief executive, Karen Williams said water was extracted for a variety of uses in Mid Canterbury, and the schemes adhered to consent conditions.

“There are a lot of arable farms growing different seed and arable crops, there’s irrigated sheep and beef, and dairy,” she said.

“They are not wanting to extract water to the river’s detriment.”

Williams said E-Can was monitoring over-allocation closely, and building more water storage infrastructure would ease the pressure by harnessing rainwater while it was abundant.

“We need to capture and store that water because everyone needs that water, for potable water, anglers and recreation, all wanting to use it.”

Do irrigators’ fish screens work?

Paul Hodgson said there was evidence locally and internationally that the fish screens being used by irrigators to keep fish out of irrigation systems were not all in line with modern designs for effectiveness.

Lyndon Slater said Fish and Game was concerned about the condition of fish screens, especially as consent requirements had strengthened over time.

“The issue being some of these consents are many years old, up to 30-odd years old, and the conditions around them at the time of consenting was not as stringent as it is now,” he said.

“In an ideal world, we would have 100 percent efficiency across our fish screens.”

But Karen Williams said irrigators were working to make sure their fish screens were working well.

“A lot of schemes have invested a lot of time and resources to getting [fish screens] as effective as possible.”

Research carried out by NIWA in 2020 showed the effectiveness of fish screen devices varied considerably nationwide, usually based on design, with modern devices outperforming older ones.

Further research revealed that regional councils nationwide were reporting non-compliant screens that often failed to meet recommended specifications and were ineffective at excluding small fish including native species.

[Jellyman, P.G. (2020a) Effectiveness trials for different fish screen materials: reporting of Year 1 trial results, NIWA Client Report 2020035CH: 37.]

[Jellyman, P.G. (2020b) Status report summarising fish screening issues across New Zealand, NIWA Client Report 2020027CH: 34.]

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/fishers-living-the-funeral-of-low-salmon-fish-stocks-in-rakaia-river/

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Beach where Wellington mayor Andrew Little took dip now rated ‘unsuitable’ for swimming

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington’s south coast beaches have been rated as unsuitable for swimming just two days after the city’s mayor went for a swim in Lyall Bay to show it was safe.

The area had been off limits to beach goers since 4 February after the Moa Point sewage plant completely failed, sending tens of millions of raw sewage into Cook Strait each day since.

On Wednesday, it was announced the beaches could reopen, with Wellington mayor Andrew Little taking a dip in front of media.

Wellington mayor Andrew Little took a dip at Lyall Bay on Wednesday. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The Land Air Water Aotearoa [LAWA] website has listed much of the south coast as being unsuitable for swimming, as well the bulk of the inner harbour including Oriental Bay.

Much of the Miramar Peninsula is designated as “caution advised” for swimming.

There was rain in Wellington overnight.

Wellington mayor Andrew Little, left, swims in Lyall Bay after announcing the lifting of a swimming ban. RNZ / Mark Papalii

It was common practice for LAWA to suggest people not to swim in areas near rural or urban land for two to three days after prolonged rain.

Little said at the announcement he advised residents to check the website before swimming and follow the advice on it.

“I do want to be clear: a risk remains, but monitoring results so far show that it is low and it is now up to people to decide how they respond to the current information.”

Little has been contacted for comment.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/beach-where-wellington-mayor-andrew-little-took-dip-now-rated-unsuitable-for-swimming/

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Why Anti-Fingerprint Laminates are Winning the Battle for NZ’s High-End Interiors

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Why Anti-Fingerprint Laminates are Winning the Battle for NZ’s High-End Interiors

Get the high-end matte look without the constant cleaning. Learn how AFX anti-fingerprint technology keeps NZ joinery looking flawless in high-traffic commercial spaces.

The post Why Anti-Fingerprint Laminates are Winning the Battle for NZ’s High-End Interiors first appeared on PR.co.nz.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/why-anti-fingerprint-laminates-are-winning-the-battle-for-nzs-high-end-interiors/

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Employment Disputes – Fire and Emergency received calls for 17 incidents during today’s NZPFU strike

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand received calls for 17 incidents between 12pm and 1pm today, Friday 27 February, the fourteenth time the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has taken strike action.
Of the 17 incidents, 11 were in areas impacted by the strike.
Nine of these were fire alarms which did not result in a fire.
One was a medical incident which we did not attend. Hato Hone St John responded as per our contingency plans.
The remaining incident was a small fire, which was extinguished by building occupants prior to our arrival.
Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler thanked Fire and Emergency’s 11,800 volunteers across the country, particularly those volunteers who were called to attend events in areas impacted by the strike.
“I would also like to thank our Operational Commanders and Communication Centre Managers, who contributed to the response.”
Megan Stiffler also thanked New Zealanders for their extra care during the strike hour.
“Continued strikes by the NZPFU including an escalation to twice weekly strikes, continues to unnecessarily put the public at risk while we remain in facilitated bargaining,” Megan Stiffler says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/employment-disputes-fire-and-emergency-received-calls-for-17-incidents-during-todays-nzpfu-strike/

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Third measles case confirmed this week, linked to overseas travel

Source: Radio New Zealand

AFP / Science Photo Library

A further measles case has been confirmed in Auckland, linked to overseas travel.

It follows two cases reported on Tuesday.

Health NZ said all three cases are being supported by the local public health service.

A number of locations of interest have been reported in relation to the newest case.

They include NorthWest Shopping Centre and Westgate Shopping Centre between 16 and 24 February.

“We are regularly updating our locations of interest page to reflect the latest information and will add more as new locations are determined.

“We encourage people to check the page and follow the advice for close or casual contacts, and to monitor for symptoms of measles.”

Health NZ said it was a timely reminder for everyone to check their immunity against measles.

“It highlights New Zealand’s ongoing vulnerability to further outbreaks, especially related to overseas travel and our low immunisation rates.

“The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is very effective in preventing measles – and it is free in New Zealand for all children under 18, regardless of immigration status, and for adults 18 years old and over who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare. This includes all citizens and permanent residents.”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/third-measles-case-confirmed-this-week-linked-to-overseas-travel/

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Advocacy – Huge influx of aid urgently needed amid catastrophic conditions in Gaza – MSF

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

Despite the 1 March 2026 deadline for 37 NGOs to leave the Occupied Palestinian Territory, MSF is committed to remaining to provide assistance.

27th February 2026: The international medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), is calling for a massive scale-up of lifesaving assistance and unhindered humanitarian access amid the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza, where lives continue to be lost due to sustained violence and persistent aid restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities. Despite these policies, MSF is committed to remaining to provide assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) for as long as possible, working under its registration with the Palestinian Authority.

Under international humanitarian law, as the occupying power, the Israeli authorities are obliged to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance. Yet restrictive new rules, which require 37 NGOs to leave the OPT by 1 March 2026, threaten to drastically reduce already insufficient aid.  Governments worldwide must ensure that the International Court of Justice decisions are respected, including facilitating the provision of humanitarian assistance.

“MSF is working to preserve services for patients in an increasingly constrained environment,” says Christopher Lockyear, MSF Secretary General. “The needs are immense and drastic restrictions have deadly consequences. Hundreds of thousands of patients need medical and mental health care, and tens of thousands require long-term medical, surgical and psychological follow-up.”

Despite the US-led peace plan, the Israeli authorities continue to heavily restrict and even deny water, shelter and medical care. Living conditions are maintained at undignified levels, and violence continues to kill and injure Palestinians on a daily basis. In recent weeks, humanitarian aid reaching Gaza has significantly decreased. In the West Bank, medical and humanitarian needs continue to escalate amidst alarming increases in violence, forced displacements, armed settler attacks, home demolitions, settlement expansion and obstruction to healthcare.

The withdrawal of MSF’s registration with the Israeli authorities is already impacting patient care, as deregistration compounds the strain on a health system devastated over the past two years and constrained by persistent restrictions on essential medical equipment and supplies. Since the beginning of January, MSF has been prevented by the Israeli authorities from bringing international staff and additional supplies into the OPT, and by March 1 2026 all MSF’s international staff will be forced to leave the territory.

MSF’s medical programmes are already facing shortages, and our medical teams are particularly concerned for their ability to continue to provide emergency trauma care and rehabilitation services to patients, as well as pediatric care, sexual and reproductive health services, care for non-communicable diseases and psychiatric conditions. In the longer term, MSF’s activities will be uncertain and potentially impossible to maintain under such restrictive conditions.

“MSF’s programmes are critical lifelines. Medical care and humanitarian assistance on this scale cannot easily be replaced,” says Christopher Lockyear. “Amid ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, MSF will stay in the OPT for as long as possible, doing as much as we can. We call on the Israeli authorities to enable humanitarian aid at scale and on the international community to ensure Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are not abandoned to their fate.”

MSF has been working in the OPT since 1988, providing medical and mental health care, as well as large-scale water and sanitation services more recently. In 2025, MSF supported one in five hospital beds in Gaza, assisted one in three deliveries, carried out 913,284 outpatient consultations, and distributed more than 700 million litres of water. In January 2026, MSF provided 83,579 outpatient consultations, treated 40,646 emergency cases, and treated 5,981 patients for trauma-related conditions. In response to overwhelming needs, MSF had planned to expand its programmes in 2026 with a budget of €130 million. That support is now shrouded in uncertainty.

The restrictive new registration requirements, used as a pretext to obstruct assistance, coincides with a coordinated global campaign of online attacks targeting MSF, promoted by the government of Israel.“A delegitimisation campaign, grounded in false and unsubstantiated allegations, is designed to discredit MSF, silence the organisation’s voice, and obstruct the provision of healthcare,” says Christopher Lockyear. “In a context where international journalists are barred and Palestinian journalists are regularly killed, further reducing NGO access risks removing yet another layer of witnesses to the ongoing violence and its enduring impacts on people.”

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation.  MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières  working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/advocacy-huge-influx-of-aid-urgently-needed-amid-catastrophic-conditions-in-gaza-msf/

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Appeal for information following road-rage assault, Hamilton

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Alistair Hill, Hamilton City CIB: 

Hamilton Police are appealing for information following a road-rage assault that has left a person in serious condition, today.

Police were called around 9am with a report that a person had been assaulted at the intersection of Massey Street and Korimako Street, before the offenders had fled in a vehicle.

The victim was transported to hospital, by ambulance, in a serious condition.

Initial enquiries suggest that this assault appears to be a road-rage incident, that is believed to have started on Higgins Road and made its way to the intersection where the assault occurred.

Police know there were at least two offenders but are yet to identify them or their vehicle and are now asking the public for their help.

If you witnessed the road-rage incident or assault, have any information about the incident, or travelled through the area and have dashcam footage, please get in touch.

You can provide information by heading online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or by calling 105.

Please reference file number 260227/4370.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/appeal-for-information-following-road-rage-assault-hamilton/

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Review: The Testament of Ann Lee is a hypnotic and stirring

Source: Radio New Zealand

In mid-18th Century Manchester, a devout Quaker named Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried) – traumatised as a child by the sight of her parents having sex followed by the loss of her own four children before they turned one – finds herself in prison because of her faith.

Mona Fastvold’s remarkable film The Testament of Ann Lee suggests that the combination of sexual trauma and the malnutrition experienced in jail, provokes a vision of herself as the Second Coming of Christ, a message that finds enough receptive ears for her to become the centre of a small congregation.

Harassed by the traditional religious powers and sensing that the new world of the Americas would be more open to her message of chastity, equality and humility, Lee persuades a handful of followers to travel to New York and start a new life.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/review-the-testament-of-ann-lee-is-a-hypnotic-and-stirring/

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How police linked Malcolm Rewa to a rape in the ’80s

Source: Radio New Zealand

Malcolm Rewa in court in 2019. POOL

Warning: This story contains graphic details.

Serial rapist and convicted killer Malcolm Rewa was linked to the rape of a 16-year-old from the 1980s after the victim went to police asking them to run DNA from her attack through their database.

Rewa is serving a life sentence in prison after being found guilty of the 1992 murder of Papatoetoe woman Susan Burdett in 2019.

He was already serving a sentence of preventive detention with a minimum non-parole period of 22 years, having been convicted of sexual attacks on 25 women.

Rewa pleaded guilty in February in the High Court in Auckland to one charge of sexual violation by rape that dated back to 18 June 1988. He will be sentenced on 17 April.

On Friday, RNZ was released the agreed summary of facts for Rewa’s latest offending.

The summary says the victim, then 16, attended a 18th birthday party in Onehunga on the evening of the incident.

The teenager, who had been consuming alcohol, left the party to have a break and get some fresh air.

While sitting on the curb of the street the teenager could hear people laughing and talking.

Rewa approached her from behind and tapped her on the shoulder. The victim, now in her 50s, recalls saying to him something like “I’m not feeling good”.

Rewa then wrapped a rope around her neck, suffocating her.

“The complainant was trying to clutch at the rope and pull it away from her neck, however she was unsuccessful. The defendant held the rope tightly around her neck causing her to lose consciousness due to lack of oxygen.”

Rewa then dragged her to the rear of a nearby property.

“As the complainant regained consciousness, she was pushed face first onto the wet grass. She began to panic, she started yelling and swearing. The defendant pushed her down further until she was flat on her stomach.”

As she struggled against Rewa, he grabbed her arms and pulled them behind her back.

“The defendant removed the complainant’s leather jacket and using the same rope he earlier used around her neck; he tied her hands together.

“This caused the complainant to believe she was going to die, and she could no longer physically fight back.”

Every time she screamed, Rewa would tell her to “shut up” or “shut up b****” and would cover her mouth with his hand.

He then gagged her with her pantyhose.

“The gag was so tight that the complainant felt like she couldn’t breathe, and her front tooth ripped out.”

Rewa then raped the woman while her top covered her face and her hands were bound.

After the rape stopped, he told her to stay where she was, or he would come back.

“As the complainant lay there in fear, she could hear the defendant footsteps walking away from her on the wet lawn.

“When the complainant could no longer hear the defendant’s footsteps she got up. Unable to see, she stumbled until she found a tree and rubbed against it to remove the clothing covering her face.”

She then ran back to the party and told the first person she saw she was raped. Her hands were still tied and her top was still pulled up.

Police were called and completed a forensic medical examination and they found the suspect’s DNA.

At the time of the incident the woman did not know who had attacked her and there was no DNA databank available to compare samples taken from the complainant with. The DNA databank became available in 1996.

“In 2025, the complainant called the Police 105 line and asked if her medical swabs still existed, and if they had ever been compared against the DNA databank. She noted that the nature of the attack on her made her think that the person may well have offended against someone else.

“Enquiries revealed that the swabs did still exist. They were run against the DNA databank. The DNA from the semen matched Malcom Rewa.”

When asked about the incident, Rewa declined to comment.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard earlier confirmed to RNZ police had charged a man over a historical stranger sexual assault in Auckland that took place during the late 1980s.

“An investigation was carried out at the time when the alleged rape occurred in Onehunga on 18 June 1988.

“Enquiries available to detectives at the time were unable to identify the perpetrator.”

In May last year the complainant contacted police to review her case.

“This was assigned to an investigator in the Auckland City Adult Sexual Assault Team.

“Police have since charged a 72-year-old man with rape.”

Beard was unable to go into the specifics of the 2025 enquiries given court proceedings were under way.

“However, it is pleasing that we can bring this matter to the courts on behalf of the complainant, given there is no statute of limitations on this sort of offending.”

Malcolm Rewa at his sentencing in March 2019. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Failed appeal

Rewa fought for a retrial of his conviction with the Court of Appeal, which was dismissed in January 2023.

His lawyers had argued his trial lawyer, Paul Chambers, was “incompetent”.

They also argued a witness, whose name and other details have been suppressed by the court and who was in a sexual relationship with Susan Burdett, had motive to kill her.

After failing to have his conviction overturned Rewa later applied to appeal in the Supreme Court, calling his trial a miscarriage of justice.

A decision from the Supreme Court said his appeal was filed nine months late, but due to the extensive material to consider, this was allowed.

However, his appeal has been dismissed as the Supreme Court said there was no risk of a miscarriage of justice.

Teina Pora was wrongly imprisoned for 20 years for the rape and murder of Burdett.

Pora was convicted in 1994, found guilty again at a retrial in 2000, but eventually the convictions were quashed by the Privy Council in 2004.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/how-police-linked-malcolm-rewa-to-a-rape-in-the-80s/

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Dalton Papali’i thrilled do join “exclusive” Blues century club

Source: Radio New Zealand

Blues captain Dalton Papali’i in action against the Chiefs at Eden Park. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Dalton Papali’i says becoming the 11th player to bring up 100 games for the Blues is one of the biggest honours of his career.

The Blues skipper will bring up the milestone in tonight’s Super Rugby Pacific match against the table-topping Brumbies in Canberra and admitted it has been on his mind this week.

The 37-Test flanker recently announced this season will be his ninth and last at the Blues before taking up a contract with French club Castres Olympique.

He said it would be hard to wrench himself away from Auckland and was pleased he’d become a centurion before he goes.

He joins a list topped by All Blacks great Keven Mealamu (164 games), while the most recent inductees were Test veterans Patrick Tuipulotu and Rieko Ioane, who brought up 100 games during the Blues’ title-run in 2024.

All Blacks players Dalton Papali’i and Rieko Ioane Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland Inpho / www.photosport.nz

“They’re the legends of our game, they’re the ones who have paved the way for us young guys to come through,” Papali’i said.

“When you walk through a corridor at the Blues and you see the legends there that have got 100 games, you never think you’re going to rub shoulders with them and be up there with those boys.

“I don’t have the words to express how special it is. It’s a unique and exclusive group to be part of.”

Papali’i will have his mother and sister watching from the grandstand on Saturday night.

“It’s a pretty special feeling, not just for myself but for my family, especially the ones that have been there for the whole journey. And especially for my partner and little baby as well.

“It’s a pretty proud moment. Playing your debut is pretty special. You don’t think you’ll get to 50 games and once that pops up on you, 100 games still doesn’t feel real.”

Dalton Papali’i. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Papali’i wants to exit on a high, having suffered a setback to his test career last year when largely ignored by now-departed coach Scott Robertson.

The 28-year-old responded in style by leading the New Zealand XV on their unbeaten three-match tour of Europe under the coaching eye of Jamie Joseph.

Meanwhile, Blues Vern Cotter said Papali’i’s milestone is on the minds of his players.

“I think everyone’s proud to be a part of the team that has Dalton for his 100th game,” Cotter said.

“I know he’s focused on his job but we’re on tour, we’re a tight group and being able to share that with Dalts is amazing.

“It’s that pride in the jersey and we’ll all be behind Dalts and hopefully we can give him what we’d like to have after 80 minutes.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter during a Blues training session. Super Rugby Pacific, Alexandra Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Tuesday 18 June 2024. © Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

The Blues are coming off victory over the Force in Perth last week, having opened the season with a narrow loss to the Chiefs at Eden Park.

Prop Joshua Fusitu’a ruled out with injury, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi moving to loosehead prop while Kurt Eklund comes in to start at hooker.

Lock Sam Darry has recovered from a head knock and returns to the starting XV while the backline remains unchanged for the third straight game.

Cotter said the Brumbies have impressed in big wins on the road over the Force and Crusaders.

“The Brumbies were very good in the second half against the Force and then obviously the last minutes against the Crusaders really hurt them,” he said.

“They’ll be full of concidence. Bear in mind, they came over and beat us last year at home so we’d like to sort a few things out with regard to that. So I think the boys will be up for it.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/dalton-papalii-thrilled-do-join-exclusive-blues-century-club/

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NZ Under 85kg team to bring All Blacks with them for return to Sri Lanka

Source: Radio New Zealand

Players perform the Haka before the New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers, Race Course Grounds, Colombo. Lahiru Harshana / Action press

New Zealand’s newest national rugby side has had their schedule locked in for 2026.

The New Zealand Under 85kg team will repeat their historic visit to Sri Lanka, which last year saw two statement wins in front of massive crowds in Kandy and Colombo.

The tour will once again feature two fixtures against Sri Lanka’s full national side, with Game One in Colombo on April 25th and Game Two in Kandy on May 3rd.

The two sides will once again compete for the Sir Graham Henry Trophy, with former All Black captain Kieran Read set to make the trip as an NZ Rugby (NZR) Ambassador.

Another former All Black, prop John Afoa, comes in as an assistant coach.

Steve Lancaster, Interim Chief Executive of NZR, said that the 2025 tour had a lasting impact well beyond the field.

“We’re genuinely stoked to be able to confirm this tour and give this team the opportunity to represent New Zealand overseas again. Sri Lanka is a proud rugby nation and last year’s tour drew passionate crowds and strong community engagement. We know the Sri Lankan team will offer another strong challenge on the field and that’s exactly what you expect when you pull on a black jersey.”

The side will have a new coach, with Ben Sinnamon stepping into the role left by Ngatai Walker.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our players,” he said.

“The Tuskers are a passionate rugby team, and we know the standard will be higher again in 2026. Playing in that environment, including the heat and conditions, places real demands on preparation, discipline and execution. This tour gives our players the chance to test themselves properly, grow as a team and experience what it means to represent New Zealand offshore.”

NZ U85kg side pays respects to their Sri Lankan hosts. Lahiru Harshana/ActionPress

Tour Campaign Manager Ben Tinnelly said the matches will continue to strengthen connections between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

“We are working closely with the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka, who were thrilled with the impact of last year’s tour,” Tinnelly said.

“There is already strong interest building across sponsors, fans, schools and rugby administrators, which shows the role rugby can play in connecting communities and supporting the game’s growth in the region.”

New Zealand U85kg squad

Forwards

Callum Nimmo – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Matt Treeby – Poneke Wanderers, Wellington

Tom Rowland – Eden Lizards, Auckland

Frazer Harrison – University Squids, Auckland

Jeandre Du Toit – Pakuranga Panthers, Auckland

Simon Sia – Morrinsville Majestic Pukekos, Waikato

Oliver Dunn-Parrant* – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour

Jack Laity – University Slugs, Auckland

Rory Cavanagh – Pakuranga Panthers, Auckland

Billy Sloan* – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Bailey Clark* – Waihora Longhorns, Canterbury

Pasia Asiata – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington

Josh Purdon – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Josh Gellert – University Slugs, Auckland

Josh Evans* – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Sunia Vosikata* – Karaka Razzlers, Counties Manukau

Backs

Jackson Ephraims – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour

Taine Cordell Hull – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Jarred Percival – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Toby Snelgrove* – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour

Adam Preston – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington

Campbell Busby – University Squids, Auckland

Mafea Taiulu Feso* – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Nick Robertson* – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington

Ben Kelt* – University Squids, Auckland

Ned Milne – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Francis Morrison – Pakuranga Panthers, Auckland

Pieter Swarts – East Coast Bays Badgers, North Harbour

Reserves

Seamus Rowberry* – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington

Nick Francis* – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour

* denotes a new cap

2026 Tour Fixtures

Game One:

New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers

Colombo – 25 April 2026

Game Two:

New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers

Kandy – 3 May 2026

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/nz-under-85kg-team-to-bring-all-blacks-with-them-for-return-to-sri-lanka/