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February 23, 2026

Trad To Tech: Craftsmanship Growing Inside the Most Beautiful Homes as MIFF Leads the Way

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – At the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), a master craftsperson brings a solid wood tabletop to fruition, overseeing finish, joinery and the quiet patience required to get it right. Just steps away, a sleek, minimalist booth hums softly, where beds adjust at the touch of a button, sofas glide into position, mechanisms hidden so precisely they seem to disappear. There is no divide between old and new here.

Craftsman at work

Instead, MIFF, taking place from 4 to 7 March this year across two major venues at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), unfolds like a conversation across generations, where chisels and circuit boards share the same floor. Here, traditional woodwork brands stand confidently beside smart home piece creators. It is in this unexpected harmony that MIFF reveals its true character: a place where craftsmanship has not been replaced by technology but expanded by it.

In today’s most beautiful homes, craftsmanship no longer belongs exclusively to the past. It lives quietly alongside technology—coded, calibrated, and refined—shaping furniture that feels both deeply human and unmistakably contemporary. At this year’s edition,this evolution takes center stage, positioning the fair not just as a trade marketplace, but as a living narrative of how tradition and innovation now coexist.

Ms Kelie Lim, General Manager of MIFF 2026, says, “Craftsmanship isn’t being lost to technology. It’s evolving, with technology now working alongside the maker rather than replacing the hand. At MIFF, this evolution plays out in real time—positioning the fair not just as a trade marketplace, but as a living narrative of how tradition and innovation now coexist.”

Craftsmanship in the 21st Century

In modern homes, where space is fluid and functionality is paramount, this new craftsmanship answers contemporary needs without sacrificing beauty. The result is furniture that works harder, lasts longer and feels effortless, an evolution of craft shaped by modern life.

This shift is evident in the work of manufacturers like, among others, SMART TOP, where advanced engineering meets refined furniture-making. Craftsmanship is expressed through precision mechanisms, seamless movement and invisible intelligence built into everyday living pieces. Automation does not replace skill; it amplifies it. Human expertise guides design, ergonomics and material selection, while technology ensures consistency, durability and scale.

Cultural Identity as a Design Constant

Yet, as technology advances, identity remains essential. Across Southeast Asia, furniture traditions are inseparable from cultural expression. You see them woven into motifs, proportions and materials passed down through generations. Among other exhibitors at MIFF 2026 are brands like TANGGAM that demonstrate how cultural heritage can remain a constant, even as production methods evolve.

TANGGAM’s work reflects a deep respect for regional craftsmanship, translating traditional forms and philosophies into contemporary furniture suited for global interiors. Subtle references to vernacular architecture, local materials and artisanal detailing are preserved, not through nostalgia, but through thoughtful reinterpretation. Here, technology becomes a bridge rather than a break. Digital tools allow heritage aesthetics to be refined, repeated and shared across markets, ensuring that cultural identity is not diluted by scale, but protected by it.

Embracing Tech to Preserve the Past

Perhaps nowhere is this balance more intimate than in the realm of rest. Sleep, one of the most personal human experiences, has become a new frontier for craft and technology.

Luxury Sleep exemplifies how advanced systems can preserve traditional values of comfort, care, and well-being.By integrating smart sleep technology like its AI BedMatch system developed with scientists at the Sleep to Live® Institute with meticulous material selection and ergonomic design, Luxury Sleep elevates an age-old craft into a future-ready experience. Sensors, adaptive support systems and data-driven comfort do not remove the human element; they respond to it. The craft lies in understanding the body, just as artisans once understood wood or fabric. Only now, the tools are digital.

MIFF 2026: Where Trad Meets Tech

What unites these stories is MIFF itself. In 2026, the fair emerges as a stage where craftsmanship is neither romanticised nor mechanised, but redefined. Exhibitors reflect a shared understanding: the future of furniture lies in collaboration, between hand and machine, heritage and innovation, culture and commerce.

MIFF 2026 is not simply showcasing products. It is presenting a philosophy of making, one where technology safeguards tradition, and craftsmanship evolves to meet the demands of modern living. Inside the world’s most beautiful homes, this new craft is already at work. And at MIFF, its future is being shaped.

The 32nd edition of the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 2026 will be held from 4 to 7 March 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, across two venues: the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL). Be part of Southeast Asia’s largest furniture trade show from 9:30am to 6:00pm (March 4-6) and 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (March 7). For more information, please visit www.miff.com.my

For images, please click here.

http://www.miff.com.my/

Hashtag: #MIFF2026

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/2026/02/23/trad-to-tech-craftsmanship-growing-inside-the-most-beautiful-homes-as-miff-leads-the-way/

February 23, 2026

Million dollar pay day for golfer Ryan Fox

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

It was a top 10 finish for Auckland golfer Ryan Fox on the PGA Tour.

Fox carded a final round four under par 67 to finish at 12 under and in a tie for seventh at the Genesis Invitational in California.

He started the day in a share of ninth and opened with an eagle on the first hole before mixing the rest of his round with four birdies and two bogeys.

American Jacob Bridgeman won the $33 million tournament at the Riviera Golf Course in Los Angeles by one shot.

It is another good result for Fox on the PGA Tour this year after scoring top 25 finishes at both the Phoenix Open and the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

He pockets $1 million for today’s result, which takes his season earnings to $1.4 million.

The result will help the Kiwi world number 49 to improve his FedEx Cup standing to inside the top 25.

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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/2026/02/23/million-dollar-pay-day-for-golfer-ryan-fox/

February 23, 2026

NZ Rugby agrees to new deal with players

Source: Radio New Zealand

The agreement includes the expansion of the medical, life and trauma insurance cover to include Aupiki players. ©INPHO/Billy Stickland / PHOTOSPORT

A greater investment in health and well-being, and rewards for long service are among the changes to the new collective agreement between players and New Zealand Rugby.

The New Zealand Rugby Players Association (RPA) and NZR have settled on a new three-year agreement for professional rugby in Aotearoa.

The agreement covers 1 January of this year through until 31 December 2028.

It includes the expansion of the medical, life and trauma insurance cover to include Aupiki players, while players will continue to receive 36.56 percent of player generated revenue over the term.

With offshore movement still a major drain on the Kiwi talent pool, the agreement will see increased annual investment for player retention, personal development, education, financial planning and player health and safety.

There is also the allocation of the player payment pool to ensure all professional players receive additional player payments and benefits.

Women will have greater incentive to stay in the country, with a new Super Rugby Aupiki contracting model seeing hub-based players paid $25,000 with campaign-only players getting $20,000.

Longevity will also be rewarded, with additional payments based on length of service for Sevens, in Super Rugby Pacific and for NPC players.

To harness future talent, a new scholarship fund will be established, co-designed by NZR with the parties providing up to $500,000 in 2026 and $1m per year in 2027 and 2028.

RPA chief executive Rob Nichol said the new Partnership Agreement was an influential turning point.

“This Partnership is a powerful and progressive agreement and delivers significant investment in the personal development and education, retention and long-term support of our professional players. It will position us well in a constantly evolving and competitive landscape.”

NZR interim chief executive Steve Lancaster said professional players were a huge factor in the success of the business and the game at every level.

“It’s critical that we are aligned with the RPA and act together in the best interests of our game and its stakeholders, and this new partnership reflects that commitment. It’s particularly pleasing to increase the investment in the Black Ferns, Black Ferns Sevens and Super Rugby Aupiki, and to commit to a greater connection between our professional players and the wider rugby community.”

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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/2026/02/23/nz-rugby-agrees-to-new-deal-with-players/

February 23, 2026

Rugby: Tevita Ofa hopes to follow in Julian Savea’s footsteps

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tevita Ofa wants to emulate the impact Savea had on his younger self on the next generation. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

Shaking his idol Julian Savea’s hand was a surreal moment for an 11-year-old Tevita Ofa.

Now in 2026, he calls him team-mate.

“He was my favourite player growing up. He was awesome in that 2015 World Cup and they ended up bringing the trophy to where my primary had a rippa rugby competition and I got to meet him,” Ofa said.

“I rocked up on stage, and he was there. I was just buzzing. I was just so grateful that I got to shake his hand and now to be in the same environment as him, being able to see him now, it’s surreal. I still hold those memories close.”

Initially star-struck, Ofa is now able to call on his hero for advice.

“He’s awesome, always keeping me honest, always holding me accountable and then he’s always there to pick me up when I do make those mistakes.

“He’s one you can go to. He’s always open. He’s not afraid to help the young boys out. So, whenever I need to ask questions, I’ll go to him first.”

The electric Counties winger wants to emulate the impact Savea had on his younger self, on the next generation.

“I hope I can have that influence on someone, especially the young Polynesian kids coming through.”

Ofa plays his NPC rugby for Counties Manukau. Photosport

Ofa grew up in Manurewa with four rugby-mad siblings.

“We always played rugby, whether it was at the park or out on the road, because we live on a dead-end, just wherever we could throw the pill around, we always had a pill in our hand.”

As well as Savea, Ofa was not short on legendary wingers to look up to, being schooled at Wesley College.

“Obviously, when you hear about Wesley, you hear about Jonah, so there’s another big inspiration.”

The younger Savea has also been instrumental in Ofa’s development, with Ardie’s spectacular season with Moana in 2025 lighting a fire under the franchise.

“Ardie’s pretty important in his own respect. But, we want to not only to prove a point to everybody else, but also to ourselves. We spoke about there’s going to be a big hole, but it’s on us to fill that hole.”

Having spent time with the Chiefs academy and development side, Ofa was given his shot at Super in 2025 by Tana Umaga.

“It means a lot. They gave me an opportunity when no one else would, I also get to represent my family and my parents. They migrated from the island, so I’m carrying a lot of people on my back, and I’m proud to carry that.”

He said it’s a special environment being surrounded by his Pasifika brothers.

“The culture here is second to none. All the boys here love to have a laugh. But when we get on the field, it’s all business, the boys know that when we get out there, we need to switch on, get our job done, and then when we get off, boys have a laugh, have a muck.”

Ofa enjoyed a strong rookie season, but was not content with his performance.

“I want to earn a starting spot in this team, whether that’s on the wing or in the centres. I want to come back stronger this year. I wasn’t satisfied with my performance last year. I felt like I didn’t really make the most of that opportunity that they gave me, but coming back this year, I promised I’d step up to everything I promised myself.”

As well as Savea, Ofa was not short on legendary wingers to look up to, being schooled at Wesley College. Photosport

Not just wanting to improve his own game, Ofa said Moana is determined to prove they can meet or better the standards set by Savea.

Ofa is eligible to represent three nations due to his Samoan mother and Tongan father.

As for whether he is chasing a black, red, or blue jersey?

“Growing up, I always admired the black jersey, but for me it’s just playing my best footy for Moana and then if those opportunities come, I’ll take it with both hands.”

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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/2026/02/23/rugby-tevita-ofa-hopes-to-follow-in-julian-saveas-footsteps/

February 23, 2026

Man charged over indecent assaults near North Shore schools

Source: New Zealand Police

North Shore Police have arrested a man over alleged indecent assaults against high school students and a staff member in recent months.

Quick reporting meant units quickly caught up with the man in the Milford area last week.

Relieving Waitematā East Area Commander Mike Rickards says the staff member was on duty on the afternoon of 16 February, outside the school.

“A man has allegedly indecently assaulted the teacher before she confronted him,” he says.

“The alarm has been raised when other teachers saw this confrontation and immediately contacted 111.

“Our units responded urgently into the area, locating a man in the vicinity.”

The 64-year-old west Auckland man was soon arrested.

Inspector Rickards says the man has been charged with doing an indecent act.

Monday’s arrest resulted in enquiries progressing into a series of similar events on 11 November 2025.

“An extensive investigation was carried out to identify a man who had allegedly carried out similar behaviour, directed towards several high school students on the same day,” Inspector Rickards says.

Those enquiries were unable to locate the man responsible at the time.

On Friday, detectives from Waitematā East CIB laid two additional indecent assault charges against this man.

He has also been charged with assault over a separate incident allegedly involving an elderly woman at St Lukes, also in November 2025.

Inspector Rickards says: “I want to directly acknowledge the school community despite these awful events.

“The students did the right thing at the end of last year and reported the offending, this information informed the school network so on Monday staff sprang into action.”

The 64-year-old man has appeared in the North Shore District, and will reappear on new charges on 27 February.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/man-charged-over-indecent-assaults-near-north-shore-schools/

February 23, 2026

Baby died while nurse went on break, Health and Disability Commissioner says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Unsplash / RNZ composite

A slightly premature baby who died while the nurse caring for him was on a break should have been checked while she was away, an investigation has found.

The Health and Disability Commissioner report said the case highlighted the challenges of caring for late pre-term babies, those born between 34 and 36 weeks who often appeared healthy but faced increased risks.

The baby boy died at Auckland City Hospital, two days after he was born by a “semi-urgent” caesarean at 35 weeks, three days gestation.

His mother made a complaint to the commissioner, saying his care felt hurried, lacked empathy, and staff did not take her concerns seriously enough.

A feeding tube had also been put in without her consent, she said.

After 17 hours in the maternal complex care area, the baby was moved to a post-natal ward with his mother, rather than the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU).

He was having trouble feeding, and had a tube going from his mouth to his stomach. He was jaundiced and was being monitored for neonatal abstinence syndrome because his mother had been on opioids for a pain disorder.

He had been vomiting but his mother and medical staff disagreed on how much.

On the night the baby boy died, the nurse caring for him went on a one hour meal break and when she checked on him on her return, he had vomited heavily and was not breathing.

He could not be revived.

The nurse told the commissioner that when she left she told the midwives on the ward to check on the baby, however the midwives said she told them none of her patients needed anything while she was way.

Health NZ said, either way, it would not have been usual practice to check the baby hourly, and if he had needed very close monitoring he would have been in the NICU.

Deputy Commissioner Rose Wall said she extended her sympathies to baby A’s whānau for their extremely tragic loss and that the serious complaint needed to be carefully looked at.

Deputy Commissioner Rose Wall. LANCE LAWSON / SUPPLIED

An expert nurse who reviewed the case found the baby should have been checked at least once during the nurse’s break as “he was in an incubator under lights, he had an orogastric tube, he was premature, he was being observed for opioid withdrawal and his mother was sleeping heavily”, the report said.

There was also a breakdown in communication between staff and the baby’s mother about the feeding tube and more should have been done to inform her about why it was needed, the nurse said.

An expert doctor found the baby had been cared for and monitored appropriately by medical staff.

The commissioner agreed, saying the baby’s symptoms were monitored and managed appropriately.

But it found his patient rights had been breached by the failure to check on him during the nurse’s break and the “apparent lack of team work” between nurses and midwives on that shift.

“The investigation has highlighted the unique challenges of managing late pre-term infants postnatally and the importance of a team approach to care,” Wall’s report said.

Auckland City Hospital now had a transitional unit for late pre-term babies, as well as those who are being transferred from the NICU.

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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/2026/02/23/baby-died-while-nurse-went-on-break-health-and-disability-commissioner-says/

February 23, 2026

Tonga to miss out on Moana match again

Source: Radio New Zealand

The franchise has again made the decision to cancel this year’s round nine fixture against the Chiefs in Tonga, initially scheduled to take place at Teufaiva Stadium. Andy Radka/ActionPress

The Pacific Islands will once again be without Super Rugby in 2026.

Tonga was set to host Moana Pasifika against the Chiefs on 11 April, but is now searching for an alternative venue due to a lack of funding.

Moana have played in the Pacific Islands just twice since their inception, in Apia in 2023 and in 2024 in Nuku’alofa.

Last year, they were forced to cancel a scheduled match in Tonga, citing logistical challenges.

The franchise has again made the decision to cancel this year’s round nine fixture against the Chiefs in Tonga, initially scheduled to take place at Teufaiva Stadium.

Moana Pasifika CEO, Debbie Sorensen, said that the decision came down to a lack of funding and sponsorship, despite the franchise’s best efforts to make the game happen.

“We have explored every avenue possible to try and make it work, but unfortunately, we were unable to secure the necessary sponsorship to bring this game to Tonga. The challenge we face is that we are not funded to bring any games to the Pacific region, and we believe we should be.

While we are heartbroken for our team, our fans, and especially our families in Tonga, we remain hopeful and deeply committed to growing the game in the region. We look forward to opportunities to bring world-class rugby to Tonga and other Pacific countries as soon as possible.”

Just last week, Moana coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga voiced his frustration at the lack of investment.

Moana Pasifika – a franchise born to provide more Pasifika players with another professional pathway – no longer receives any funding from World Rugby, a move which disillusions coach Tana Umaga.

“We just want to be on a level playing field around the funding that goes out to all the teams. You can just see what we bring to the competition, world rugby probably needs to help out a bit more. When you look around the world and how many Pacific island players are playing in all these different countries, you don’t want to lose sight of what we represent and what we can do for this game.”

Moana Pasifika is now working with Super Rugby Pacific, New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs to find an alternative venue.

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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/2026/02/23/tonga-to-miss-out-on-moana-match-again/

February 23, 2026

Samson Aruwa, who rescued people from a fatal stairwell pile up at a Dunedin student flat recognised for courage

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sophia Crestani died at the Dunedin party in 2019. Facebook

The man who rescued people from a fatal stairwell pile up at a Dunedin student party is being recognised for his courageous actions.

University of Otago student Sophia Crestani died at the overcrowded party in October 2019, with a Coroner finding her death was a tragic, but likely preventable accident.

On the night, Samson Aruwa helped to free people from the crowd crush, carrying Crestani away from the pile.

The Commissioner of police, Richard Chambers, will present a Certificate of Appreciation to Aruwa on Thursday with Crestani’s parents and others in attendance.

Aruwa demonstrated exceptional courage, calmness, and leadership on the night, police said.

He was a pallbearer at Crestani’s funeral.

The Sophia Charter was launched in the wake of her death, with multiple organisations including the university and police pledging to support students and reduce harm.

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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/2026/02/23/samson-aruwa-who-rescued-people-from-a-fatal-stairwell-pile-up-at-a-dunedin-student-flat-recognised-for-courage/

February 23, 2026

Keeper Security Expands Relationship With Ingram Micro to Broaden Availability of Privileged Access Management in Singapore

Source: Media Outreach

Expansion strengthens cybersecurity resilience by delivering a modern, scalable privileged access solution

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Keeper Security, the leading zero-trust and zero-knowledge Privileged Access Management (PAM) platform, is expanding its relationship with Ingram Micro to increase the availability of KeeperPAM® in Singapore. Through Ingram Micro’s extensive distribution network, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), resellers and enterprises across the country can now more easily adopt Keeper’s unified, cloud-based PAM platform to strengthen access controls, support regulatory compliance and defend against advanced cyber threats.

The expansion aligns with Singapore’s national focus on strengthening cyber resilience and digital trust, supporting organisations operating under frameworks such as the Cybersecurity Act and the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust marks. With increasing emphasis on compliance, governance and operational resilience across sectors including finance, manufacturing and critical infrastructure, modern, scalable PAM solutions help manage privileged access more securely while reducing cybersecurity risk.

Through this relationship, Ingram Micro will make KeeperPAM widely available to its Singapore-based network of resellers, system integrators and MSPs. Leveraging Ingram Micro’s scale and expertise in cloud and cybersecurity distribution, the collaboration enables organisations across industries to deploy Keeper’s modern PAM platform quickly and effectively, while reducing complexity and administrative overhead.

As a unified, cloud-native solution, powered by AI, KeeperPAM integrates password, secrets and session management with zero-trust network access and remote browser isolation. Designed to simplify privileged access security while improving enterprise-wide visibility, the platform enables organisations of all sizes to enforce least-privilege policies, secure third-party access and maintain oversight of privileged accounts and activity. KeeperPAM meets globally recognised compliance standards, including SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001, 27017 and 27018.

“As identity-based attacks continue to escalate, organisations need privileged access security that is both powerful and easy to deploy,” said Scott Unger, Director of Global Channel Account Management, Keeper Security. “By expanding our partnership with Ingram Micro in Singapore, we’re empowering the local partner ecosystem to deliver enterprise-grade PAM at scale, helping customers strengthen security, improve visibility and support compliance across their environments.”

“As businesses accelerate cloud adoption, managing privileged access securely and efficiently has become a top priority,” said Eunice Lau, Executive Managing Director, Ingram Micro. “Keeper’s zero-trust PAM platform aligns well with this need, enabling our partners to help customers reduce complexity, strengthen access controls and gain real-time visibility across their environments.”

Built on a zero-trust and zero-knowledge security model, KeeperPAM secures, manages and audits privileged accounts using advanced capabilities such as Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Just-In-Time (JIT) access. Real-time monitoring, session recording and detailed audit trails provide transparency into privileged activity, helping organisations detect anomalies quickly and maintain compliance.

KeeperPAM addresses the full spectrum of privileged access use cases, including:

● Password management – Securely store, manage and rotate passwords, passkeys and confidential files

● Secrets management – Protect API keys, CI/CD pipelines and developer credentials while eliminating secrets sprawl

● Session management – Enable passwordless, audited remote access to infrastructure through a standard web browser

● Database access – Control privileged database access across on-premises and cloud environments using UI, CLI or tunneling tools

● Remote browser isolation – Secure access to internal web applications and admin portals while preventing data exfiltration

● SSH key management – Protect SSH keys with encrypted storage, automated rotation and privileged session controls

● AI threat detection – Automatically analyse user activity and terminate sessions when suspicious activity is detected

● Admin console – Centralise user management, policy enforcement, identity provider integration and activity monitoring

● Control plane – Orchestrate privileged access workflows, session activity and enforcement policies across the environment

Ingram Micro’s security expertise and Xvantage digital experience platform further support the deployment of KeeperPAM, enabling MSPs and IT teams to integrate privileged access controls into existing environments with minimal disruption.

This expanded relationship underscores Keeper’s continued investment in the APAC region and its commitment to making enterprise-grade, zero-trust privileged access security accessible to organisations of all sizes.

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/2026/02/23/keeper-security-expands-relationship-with-ingram-micro-to-broaden-availability-of-privileged-access-management-in-singapore/

February 23, 2026

Labour’s Chris Hipkins to put ‘affordability’ at the heart of election year decisions

Source: Radio New Zealand

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has taken aim at the government’s cost of living and climate policies in his State of the Nation speech in Auckland.

Hipkins did not announce any new policy in the speech on Monday, repeating his promise that the public would see a “different” Labour to 2023.

“Labour didn’t get everything right last time – and some of you don’t hold back in telling me,” Hipkins told the Auckland Business Chamber audience.

“We tried to do too much, too fast, and we lost our focus.”

But what New Zealanders got instead, he said, was rising costs, job losses, and a shrinking economy.

“I’m not promising perfection. Where we make mistakes, I’ll take responsibility,” he said.

“But I am promising this: a government that puts the cost of living first. A government that partners with business to create jobs and raise wages. A government that invests in our people and backs our potential.”

Wary of Labour’s previous propensity to over-promise, Hipkins said he would put affordability at the heart of all decisions he made, and would expect ministers to do the same.

Chris Hipkins is speaking to the Auckland Business Chamber. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Hipkins said 2000 New Zealanders were leaving every week because they did not see a future here.

“I see young New Zealanders – smart, hardworking, full of potential – making calculations that no young person should have to do. Do I stay in the country I love? Or do I leave to build the life I’ve worked for?

“It breaks my heart. Because it means we are failing them. Not because they aren’t good enough for New Zealand. But because we haven’t made New Zealand good enough for them.”

Riffing off National’s slogan “Fixing the Basics, Building the Future”, Hipkins said New Zealanders would have a choice between two different futures.

He also called for stronger climate action.

“We can carry on treating each disaster as if it’s an isolated event, clean up and move on. Or we can recognise that the cost of inaction on climate change now far exceeds the cost of action.”

He did not give specifics on climate policy, but said New Zealand had an opportunity to be a “renewable energy superpower” but was instead being locked into a volatile global market.

“We would invest in the industries that cut emissions, build resilience, and create jobs. Because that is how you build a stronger economy. Not in spite of climate action, but because of it.”

Chris Hipkins. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Hipkins confirmed Labour would oppose the government’s plans to build a new liquefied natural gas terminal, and would not go through with any deal if it entered government before a deal was done.

“We won’t add new charges onto people, like increasing every household’s power bill to pay for a gas import terminal, or tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge to pay for a new crossing.”

The Infrastructure Commission modelled that tolling the existing bridge and a new Waitemata Crossing could bring in up to $9 billion.

The government has said a toll is something under consideration, but has not confirmed whether it would go ahead with it.

While no new policy was announced, Hipkins repeated Labour’s promises to fund three free GP visits a year, funded through a capital gains tax on investment and commercial property.

Hipkins pushed on energy plans

Hipkins was quizzed on energy policy by Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges (who, as former National leader, described himself as Hipkins’ one-time sparring partner).

Bridges, a former energy minister, agreed that New Zealand should be a renewable superpower, and asked Hipkins how he would tackle the country’s gentailers.

“Like governments, business also operates on social licence,” Hipkins said.

“The energy companies were reporting massive profits, but customers were seeing their bills go up.

“Those things aren’t going to wash with the public.”

Hipkins denied the oil and gas exploration ban, brought in by the previous government, was the reason power prices were as high as they are.

He said the government was asking the right question around how to make power bills cheaper, but had landed on the wrong answer.

“The more we’re reliant on fossil fuels, the more our energy bills are going to increase.”

Labour was the highest-polling party in the most recent RNZ-Reid Research poll, but the coalition would still have the numbers to return to government.

The party has seen two high-profile departures from its Māori caucus, with former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe already bowing out, and former Tāmaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare also announcing his exit.

MP Peeni Henare has announced he’s leaving politics. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Henare will deliver his valedictory on 4 March.

State of the Nation speeches are a chance for party leaders to set out the priorities for the year ahead.

Earlier this year, Luxon confirmed the government would continue to run a tight Budget, and observed a “rupture” in the rules-based system.

Last weekend, ACT leader David Seymour took aim at “bureaucratic” governments that aren’t balancing their books, and confirmed ACT would again campaign on a smaller ministerial executive.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is set to deliver his speech in Tauranga in March.

The Greens, which prefer to call their address State of the Planet, are yet to confirm details of a 2026 speech.

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February 23, 2026

WNBA back on fit-again Charlisse Leger-Walker’s radar

Source: Radio New Zealand

Charlisse Leger-Walker of the UCLA Bruins. RONALD MARTINEZ

After an injury delay, Tall Fern Charlisse Leger-Walker’s dream of becoming just the second New Zealander to play in basketball’s WNBA is back on track.

A torn ACL sidelined Leger-Walker from United States college basketball for the majority of last season and forced her to withdraw from consideration for the 2024 WNBA draft.

“I had a full year basically to recover and the process itself is pretty daunting and it’s a long one but I’ve had a lot of great people to support me and great resources so I’m feeling really good right now.

“With these injuries it can be really hard not to just try and rush to get back and when it is taking over almost months and years that is a long time to sit out so I’m just really glad that I didn’t do that and really took extra time almost to make sure I was feeling strong enough to come back and play.”

The Commonwealth Games bronze medalist began her NCAA career with Washington State University but is now a graduate working towards her master’s after making the move to UCLA.

“I’m going into my sixth year of being over here in college, fourth year I guess playing, but it is completely different to anything we have in New Zealand in terms of the scale of just collegiate sports and how much they put into it.

“Obviously they have a lot of money in America and they like to put a lot into their sports and so coming over here it’s been really cool just to be a part of that system and being in games where you’re playing in front of thousands of people and you get free gear and you get free food and you kind of just get taken care of in a different way that unless you’re professional in New Zealand isn’t really a thing for uni students.”

Charlisse Leger-Walker playing for her college team. Supplied

The 24-year-old said collegiate athletes were treated well with support systems that ranged from massages to academic tutors but it was not an easy ride for the players.

“It is a lot on your body, it is a lot in terms of just your time we train for about three hours on court every day and then you add a lift session after that which is about an hour, we have film study where we watch our practices and other teams.

“Every day we meet with our coaches and then on top of that you also have your school your studies as well which takes up a big portion of your day so it is a lot to navigate and manage.

“But I still am very grateful just to be living this and having the opportunity to travel all around America and play some amazing teams.”

The next step in Leger-Walker’s career is to turn professional and she will “for sure” put her name forward for the competitive WNBA draft after her final college season wraps up this year.

“In terms of the draft basically anyone can put their name forward if you are eligible, which for girls you have to have completed at least three collegiate seasons, most people do four, or you have to be over the age of 21 but have played pro so you can go into the draft.

“Only 36 girls get drafted but because the rosters are so small only 12 people get named to a roster.

“There’s really only 144 spots to go on to the WNBA so when you break it down to those numbers it’s very hard to make teams.”

The first New Zealander to play in the WNBA, Megan Compain, is someone Leger-Walker has turned to for advice.

“She played with my mum (Leanne Walker) and I’ve had multiple conversations with her about her kind of journey into that and what she thought of it.

“Obviously it was a different time back then with the WNBA but I just think it speaks to that it is possible and I think it’s really cool seeing people in front of you who have done that and that’s one of the motivations for me too is just to remind people especially girls from New Zealand that it is possible.”

Leger-Walker had been focused on getting back playing for the UCLA Bruins before she considered whether she would be available for the Tall Ferns, a team she had played for since she was 16

“Wearing the Tall Ferns singlet is a big part of my journey and something I want to get back to but those conversations will happen a little bit later on.”

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February 23, 2026

Chris Greenacre steps in as Wellington Phoenix coach for fourth time

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Phoenix interim coach Chris Greenacre, right pictured with former head coach Ufuk Talay in 2021. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Chris Greenacre has taken over as head coach of the Wellington Phoenix for the forseeable future following the abrupt departure of Giancarlo Italiano.

Greenacre is stepping up from his role at the Phoenix academy, where he has been the head of pro development and men’s reserves head coach for the past four seasons.

He is in ongoing discussions with the club about the head coaching position for rest of the A-League season and beyond.

Italiano quit after Saturday’s 5-0 loss to Auckland FC. The Australian had been with the Phoenix since 2019 and head coach since 2023.

This is Greenacre’s fourth time as an interim coach for the Phoenix.

He filled in after the club’s first coach, Ricki Herbert, resigned during the season after a run of poor results in 2013.

In 2016 he was called on again, in a co-coach role with Des Buckingham, after Ernie Merrick also left during the season and again during the 2017/18 season to fill in when Darije Kalezic exited after a breakdown in contract negotiations.

Over his time with the club, Greenacre has served as an assistant coach under Herbert, Merrick, Kalezic, Mark Rudan and Ufuk Talay.

Greenacre arrived at the Phoenix as a player in 2009 and made 84 appearances and scored 19 goals before hanging up his boots in 2012.

He has worked towards his coaching qualifications and is now one of the few coaches in New Zealand to hold a Pro Diploma after completing the course in 2022.

Greenacre’s first task will be preparing the team for Sunday’s home game against Sydney FC.

“It’s not the first time I’ve done this, but it doesn’t get any easier,” Greenacre said.

“Coming in this morning was quite difficult for me. We have to move on quickly as a club, but you never forget what’s gone before you.

“I want to pay tribute to Chiefy. He led the Phoenix to their best ever season, narrowly missing out on the premiers’ plate and a place in the grand final, and that shouldn’t be forgotten.”

Greenacre said everyone at the club is hurting following the derby defeat on Saturday and are determined to make amends.

“I wasn’t involved in it, but I’m still hurting. I’m a fan first and foremost.

“We want to get some pride back in the badge and what the Phoenix represent.

“It’s a big game for our players from a personal perspective. When you don’t have a great result you can’t wait for the next game to come around quickly, so you can get back to what you do well.

“The players will be chomping at the bit to get back on the field in front of our home supporters and restore some pride.”

Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Greenacre for stepping into the role at short notice.

“We’re very lucky to have someone of Greeny’s calibre at the club,” Gill said.

“He’s a great coach and person, on top of being a Phoenix icon, and he’s done a tremendous job at the academy over the past four years preparing our young men’s players for professional football.

“These are difficult circumstances but Greeny didn’t hesitate when I asked if he could take charge. He loves the Phoenix and wants to restore some pride in the club.”

The Phoenix are also looking for a new assistant coach as Italiano’s right hand man Kelly Guimarães has resigned too, effectively immediately.

The Brazilian was appointed to the lead assistant role for the 2025-26 season, but has stood down in the wake of the derby defeat.

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February 23, 2026

Three properties red-stickered in flood-hit Banks Peninsula

Source: Radio New Zealand

Flooding at Little River Cafe. Cameron Gordon/Supplied

Three properties have been red-stickered on Canterbury’s flood-hit Banks Peninsula after torrential rain last week.

The local state of emergency on the peninsula was lifted by Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger at 12.30pm on Monday.

The area was lashed by heavy rain last week, causing widespread flooding and slips, particularly in Little River.

Mauger said the region could now enter a recovery period and the council was focused on supporting locals and repairing damaged water and roading infrastructure.

Christchurch City Council controller Duncan Sandeman said three properties had been red-stickered and two yellow-stickered, and the council was waiting for the results of further inspections.

He said the council was still working to finalise the number of flooded properties, most of which were in Little River.

Access had been restored to all isolated properties, but Sandeman said it was too early to calculate a damage bill for the storm.

Little River was still deep in clean-up mode after the settlement was swamped on Tuesday.

Little River Cafe & Store owner Cameron Gordon said the cafe had closed indefinitely because flood damage was worse than first thought, although the business was being run from another building down the road.

“We’re having to close it down probably for a couple of months. Anything wooden has to be pulled out. So, that’s walls off, all our cabinetry, all our tables, benches, work benches, everything’s going and needs to be tossed and redesigned and rebuilt,” he said.

“I think the longest part is getting some cabinetry designed and built fast, that’s going to be the hard part, which we’re going to work on today, try and find someone that’s ready to drop everything and help us out with that.”

Little River Cafe and store owner Cameron Gordon RNZ/Nathan McKinnon

Gordon estimated the damage bill for his cafe would be about $100,000.

He was heartened by the support of locals who had helped him shovel silt and mud out of the building and move furniture.

“We’re still muddling through the clean-up, still pulling things out of the cafe to be thrown, still doing trips to the dump,” he said.

“People have just really banded together, just getting it done. It’s going to be a long, slow process, I think, it’s a huge job.”

Flooding at Little River Cafe. Cameron Gordon/Supplied

Gordon said it would take a long time for Little River to get back on its feet.

“I know the service station and second-hand store are still deep in the clean-up mode. I know a lot of properties are still very badly damaged and people are still asking for a lot of manpower to come out and help them,” he said.

“A lot of people are still in bad spots and still very unknown as to the state of their houses. It’s just still very fresh, I think, for most people.

“I’ve got four different properties with damage, so I’m just sort of shuffling between the four of them, chipping in on each one each day, then still being a chef at the restaurant.”

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February 23, 2026

South Taranaki councillor ‘disgusted’ at behaviour of ‘hostile’ group at car meet

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police officers retreated after their car was surrounded by what they describe as a “hostile” group of people at a car meet in Taranaki. Supplied / YouTube

A South Taranaki District councillor says she’s “disgusted” at the behaviour of a “hostile” group of people who forced a police patrol into retreat during an incident in Oaonui overnight.

A video posted on YouTube shows about a dozen people approaching the police car in Oaonui, which then reversed, with people running after it.

Coastal ward councillor Janet Fleming, who lived at nearby Pihama, said this kind of behaviour had no place in South Taranaki.

“I’m pretty disgusted that these young people have chosen to do this and the fact that they intimidated the police officer who felt threatened. Action needs to be taken and I trust that those people will be held accountable.

“I just think this is something that doesn’t belong on the coast or anywhere, to be fair, especially when lives are endangered.”

Police attended a report of antisocial road users gathering at Kina Rd about 1am on Monday.

Officers spoke to some of the people, but found them confrontational, police said.

“Due to the hostile nature of the group, it was determined that the safest course of action was to monitor the meet from nearby and gather information.”

Fleming was unsure if it was a single officer involved but that police did a great job with the resources they had.

“We’d always like to have more police officers, yes, but you know they need to have a life as well, so… yeah we’d always like to see more offices in small rural settlements.

The councillor didn’t think gatherings of antisocial car users were a common in South Taranaki and was unsure where the young people had come from.

“That’s not the sort of area that’s conducive for a big crowd of cars together, I don’t think, and certainly not welcomed by the locals.

“I don’t know how their minds work. They must have a bit of money to have these cars and fill them with fuel to be able to basically just burn up money. I would suggest that money would be better spent in other places.”

Police said they would use the information they gathered for follow-up inquiries.

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February 23, 2026

Critics urge coalition to slow down on MSD law change

Source: Radio New Zealand

Minister for Social Development Louise Upston. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Lawyers and health professionals are urging the government to slow down a law change, making it legal to claw back welfare supports once someone has been backpaid for an ACC claim.

The coalition, with Labour’s support, is moving to quickly pass amendment legislation to align the law with long-standing policy at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

It comes after a significant High Court ruling made it clear MSD was breaking the law in clawing back payments for supplementary supports like the winter energy payment once someone had received ACC backpay.

The legislation is being considered by MPs for just one week before returning to the House to be read a second time.

Interested groups made verbal submissions to MPs during the Select Committee this morning.

‘Unfair and unjust’ – lawyers

Community Law Centres Aotearoa (CLMA) acted as an intervener in the High Court case against MSD and today argued the bill was “unfair and unjust” and should be “rejected in its entirety”.

“It’s really important to challenge any perception that this bill is about preventing double-dipping or treating beneficiaries in different categories fairly, because a person who’s fought for years to get their ACC and requires assistance in the meantime is not in the same position as somebody who received ACC when they were entitled to it.

“So, in our submission, the bill is not about ensuring fairness, it actually perpetuates unfairness,” barrister Jack Wass said.

CLMA’s law reform coordinator Rupert O’Brien said the organisation took particular issue with the retrospective nature of the law change.

“This bill really does present a genuine threat to the rule of law. It overhauls the High Court’s legislative interpreting role and we don’t think that going back in time in this retrospective way is appropriate in the circumstances.

“We recommend that if the bill is to pass, that the retrospective nature of it is removed. If it is going to be retrospective in some nature, we recommend that the Parliament consider the importance of the savings clause… that prevents this bill from affecting active litigants in the appeals authority and the high court.”

O’Brien also highlighted the law change would unfairly impact those who had applied for a sensitive claim as a result of suffering state abuse as children.

He suggested there be a carve-out to accommodate them.

“We recommend that the select committee and Parliament consider excusing those people from having to repay these debts. It’s double punishment for those people.”

The New Zealand Law Society’s Gareth Richards submitted any retrospective law change that had carried detrimental impacts, in this case putting people into debt, was uncommon and required a proper inquiry.

Law change will affect new mothers with birth injuries – health professional

Pelvic health specialist Dr Melissa Davidson told MPs the urgent speed at which the bill was progressing didn’t leave enough time to consider its full impact, particularly on women with maternal birth injuries.

“When the legislation moves faster than understanding the harm does not fall equally, it falls on those least able to absorb it, Dr Davidson said.

“In the maternal birth injury space, there are systematic failures occurring daily. ACC claims have been declined or taken many months to be accepted through no fault of the woman themselves and the delays are often caused by ACC processes and health system failures, not by missing eligibility.”

Dr Davidson said new, injured mothers would not seek the help they needed if they had to pay it back.

“In New Zealand, women put their families first and themselves last. When supplementary assistance is provided, it’s meant to cover essential costs, but the reality of living with a birth injury includes far more than just water rates, power, food.

“It also includes treatment co-payments for the injury to get treatment for recovery, transport to and from appointments, childcare to attend those appointments if they can’t bring the baby and basic medical resources such as continence, products and pads, scar management, supplies and equipment.

“They face higher living costs while living on reduced incomes. We’re then asking them to repay costs that they reasonably believe are covered and it places them under additional psychological, physiological, physiology, physical and financial stress, again, through no fault of their own.”

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February 23, 2026

‘No doubt’ new move-on orders for homeless will drain police resources

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf.com

Requiring police officers to shift rough sleepers from one place to another could see other crime work delayed or dropped, the Police Association’s boss says.

The government is giving officers new powers to move on rough sleepers or people displaying disorderly behaviour in town and city centres.

Breaching an order, which requires someone to leave an area for up to 24 hours, risks a fine of up to $2000 or three month jail term.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell said it will be left to police officers to decide what support a person needs, if any.

Prime Minister Luxon told Morning Report police were capable of doing that.

But Police Association boss Steve Watt told Midday Report the police have limited resources, and it was unclear how big a job it would be to get people off the street and into a social agency.

Police Association boss Steve Watt. RNZ/ Phil Pennington

“Until we just get that detail it’s really tough to gauge, but there’s no doubt that it will have a drain on policing resources.

“It means that potentially someone won’t have a cop turn up to their burglary, or they’ll be delayed, because they’re having to deal with this issue.”

Watt said there were already laws in place to deal with disorderly behaviour.

“What we’re talking about here is individuals that have got a multitude of issues, mental health, financial, housing, and you’ve gotta ask the question, are the police the right agency … to deal with this, or should it be some other social agency?”

It was also unclear how far people had to be moved, Watt said.

“Rough sleepers have a lot of property sometimes, shopping carts full of it, so is it an expectation of our members to wheel the cart down with the beggar down the street … just to simply displace the problem?”

Emails released to RNZ show the Mitchell had expressed a reluctance towards police leading a homelessness response in central Auckland, and expected other agencies to “step up and own” social issues.

In the email, dated 5 November, a staff member said: “Feel it is important just to flag that Minister Mitchell does not believe that police has a leadership role in this and has in the past ended up picking up the work of other agencies, which stretches their resources in other areas.”

Watt agreed.

“In reality, it’s not a policing problem, it’s an all-of-society problem, and that’s the way we need to start looking at it.”

Move on orders deal with disruption and disturbance, ministers say

Goldsmith said New Zealand’s main streets and town centres had been “blighted” by disruption and disturbance, with businesses “declining” as bad behaviour went unchecked.

He said police officers currently had limited options to respond, particularly if behaviour did not reach the level of offending, leading to “disruptive, distressing and potentially harmful acts”.

Social agencies have widely condemned the move, saying shifting people around cities would do nothing to solve homelessness or mental health and addiction problems that many rough sleepers were dealing with.

But Auckland business leaders welcomed it, saying it would make the city centre safer and a more desirable place to be.

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February 23, 2026

Dogs euthanised after killing Mihiata Te Rore in Northland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mihiata Te Rore, 62, was killed by dogs at a Kaihu property. Supplied

Police have confirmed the dogs that killed a woman in Northland have been euthanised.

Mihiata Te Rore, 62, was attacked by three dogs while visiting a property in Kaihu, North of Dargaville, last week. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

She was the third person to be killed by dogs in Northland in the past four years, sparking calls for more to be done by local and central government to deal with the growing problem.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said police have received a number of calls about roaming dogs in the area.

Pilmer said there may have been two incidents in November and December in which cyclists were chased by dogs.

The police would like to hear from the cyclists.

“If this was you or you know who these people may have been please get in touch with us,” Pilmer said.

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February 23, 2026

‘Not a first responder’: Lake Taupō harbourmaster speak on rescue of boy from burning boat

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lake Taupō. (File photo) RNZ / Libby Kirkby-McLeod

The Lake Taupō harbourmaster has clarified its role in rescues with Fire and Emergency after FENZ struggled to get hold of them when a boy was rescued just before Christmas.

The harbourmaster helped search for a 14-year-old who had jumped off a burning boat he had been left in charge of.

The message-log showed FENZ from the start telling police that “maritime would be lead, harbour master would be first”.

But “attempting to contact Lake Taupō harbourmaster, no success,” Fire and Emergency told police eight minutes after they got the first alert from Kinloch at 6.38pm on December 21.

They ended up calling three different numbers after the first two went to voicemail.

It took them a quarter of an hour to get through, to be told by a harbourmaster who was not on-call that the on-call harbourmaster would have been alerted by a pager.

A habourmaster spokesperson said they began responding quickly.

Richard Ward, from Internal Affairs, who oversees the lake’s harbourmaster, said the harbour master began responding within five minutes of the first call being made to Fire and Emergency.

At a later debrief they “re-clarified” the procedures for all lake emergencies.

“The Taupō harbourmaster is not a first responder and does not lead emergency responses relating to fire, medical emergencies, or search and rescue,” Ward said.

The call-log showed at 6.56pm Fire and Emergency was “attempting a 3rd number” for the harbourmaster and two minutes later got through.

Additionally, just after 7pm the police “spoke to Taupō Harbourmaster to make him aware of the event”, the message-log said.

Around this same time, police stood down a rescue helicopter. They reactivated it 20 minutes later and it went on to spot the boy.

Ward said the harbourmaster did not have formal Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in place with either Fire and Emergency or police.

“However, there are established working relationships and shared understandings with local first responder agencies.

“The harbourmaster remains available to provide assistance where appropriate and when requested by lead agencies,” he said in a statement.

The Auckland harbourmaster said they also did not have MOUs with Fire and Emergency or police either, but had “great relationships” with both.

The lake harbourmaster’s statutory responsibilities focus on maintaining navigational safety and managing maritime risks, including responding to regional marine oil and fuel spills, and coordinating maritime safety following sinkings, groundings or collisions that posed a risk to other water users.

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February 23, 2026

Five rescued from Mount Taranaki

Source: New Zealand Police

Five climbers have been safely rescued off Mount Taranaki following a significant search and rescue operation yesterday.

At around 2:15pm, emergency services received reports of a group of climbers in trouble on the mountain, with one person under CPR.

Acting Sergeant David Bentley, Search and Rescue Incident Controller says the Search and Rescue operation was stood up, with assistance from RCCNZ, LandSAR, Alpine Cliff Rescue and Civil Defence, and a number of helicopter companies.

“Due to the weather conditions, the helicopters called in to assist with rescue efforts were unable to reach the summit of the mountain.

“Rescue teams on the ground also began to climb up the mountain towards the group.”

The first climber, who was in a critical condition when rescue teams arrived, was extracted from the mountain at around 6:20pm.

Helicopters were able to extract the remaining four people by 6:50pm, and the group of five were all transported to hospital.

One person was in a critical condition, two people are in a serious condition and two people are in a moderate condition.

Acting Sergeant Bentley says the group are lucky to be alive.

“The weather improved for a period long enough for us to get helicopters into the area and rescue the climbers.

“We were in and out very quickly and had it not been for that break in the weather, there was a very good chance we would have been dealing with fatalities.

“We’d also like to thank all the community partner agencies that assisted with this rescue, which if it was not for their swift response, the result could have been tragic.”

More safety information can be found on the Mountain Safety Council website here.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/five-rescued-from-mount-taranaki/

February 23, 2026

Labour leader Chris Hipkins put to make ‘affordability’ at the heart of all decisions