Category: CTF

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Out of control Dunedin university party weeks sparks police concern

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

There is concern that some behaviour at Dunedin’s annual ‘Flo’ and ‘O’ weeks is out of control and highly dangerous, with students clambering onto roofs.

A young man was critically injured on Wednesday after falling about 10 metres from an Otago University building, with a wine bottle found on a ledge.

While he was not a student, police were calling for others to avoid rising similar injuries – which were becoming more common.

“Unfortunately, it seems to be becoming more and more prevalent,” senior sergeant Craig Dinnissen told Checkpoint.

“Flo Week never used to be a thing. It has become more of a thing in the last couple of years and the climbing on roofs has been around since the Hyde Street unmanaged events, which just leads to absolute significant risk and injury when it does go wrong.”

Dinnissen said police had engaged with numerous people to get off roofs and passed their details onto their university for further discussion.

He suggested that students had too much time to get into trouble, with classes yet to start.

“There’s absolutely nothing to do with university … there’s no classes, nothing at all,” Dinnissen said.

It is seven nights of various street parties, excessive drinking and just some poor behaviour and poor decision making, he said.

He said it was the first time away from home for many students, and with nothing else to do, evenings could often get “feral”, with illicit substances also a factor.

Dinnissen said wastewater testing indicated that this time of year was “high use”, with police resources stretched to ensure the safety of everyone.

“It takes a huge amount of time from us, from normal court policing,” he said.

Out of towners joining the parties was another factor.

“We have people travelling all the way from Auckland to come down to partake in the festivities here, both Flo and O Week,” Dinnissen said.

“Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, university students, people from all around the area as well.”

Dinnissen said while police could generally handle local students, people that come from outside the region often had no respect for the environment and the situation they put themselves in.

Without putting an end to the parties, he called for a “significant culture change” and for students to embrace social responsibility.

“These are supposed to be new young adults that are going to lead us into the future,” he said.

“We can’t really hold their hand in that sense, to realise that things are getting out of hand.”

Dinnissen said the last thing police ever wanted to do was to knock on somebody’s door and say your daughter or your son was in hospital.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/out-of-control-dunedin-university-party-weeks-sparks-police-concern/

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Winston Peters denounces Israel for expanding control over occupied West Bank

Source: Radio New Zealand

Winston Peters says Israel’s decision is a ‘major setback for any chance at a two-state solution’. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The foreign minister has denounced Israel for expanding control over settlements controlled by Palestinians in the West Bank.

The measures passed by the Israeli security cabinet also pave the way for more settlements in the occupied territory.

Posting on social media, Winston Peters says Israel’s decision was a ‘major setback for any chance at a two-state solution’.

He says the International Court of Justice was clear Israel’s continued presence in the West Bank is unlawful, and it should reverse course immediately.

His criticism joins that of the United States, Britain, the European Union and a number of Arab nations.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/winston-peters-denounces-israel-for-expanding-control-over-occupied-west-bank/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Are Moana Pasifika getting a raw deal?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika

Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 14 February

Churchill Park, Lautoka

Live blog updates on RNZ

Are Moana Pasifika getting a raw deal when it comes to home matches? Under their current licensing agreement, they can only host five games in Auckland per season, due to fears it would saturate the viewing market.

It means that despite the massive increase in support at their new home of North Harbour Stadium during last year’s breakout season, Moana have decided to play their first home game at Pukekohe’s Navigation Homes Stadium on 27 February against the Force. Their first game back at North Harbour won’t be until round four against the Crusaders, over a month after the season has started.

Read: Moana Pasifika preview

Coach Tana Umaga said that the shift was “just the reality of the environment we live in.”

“Some of the guidelines that are put around us we have no control of. We’re governed by other people in terms of that aspect.”

Moana Pasifika fans, crowd and supporters, Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika, round 16 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Photosport / Elias Rodriguez

Moana’s original licensing agreement as an expansion team was awarded in as conditional in April 2021, but complications over finance, the competition format and getting buy-in from Rugby Australia led to extended delays in it being granted fully. In 2022 it was confirmed that Sport New Zealand provided the $4m underwrite to Moana Pasifika Limited and a $500,000 operating grant for the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust.

It’s believed that the restriction on Auckland-based games was at the behest of cross-town rivals the Blues. That’s meant that Moana need to find new homes for two of their games, with the Force fixture going to Pukekohe and the round nine clash with the Chiefs being played at Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Tonga.

Umaga could see a positive of playing in Pukekohe, given that he played and coached at Counties-Manukau.

“Some of us have a good connection with Puke and it’s obviously out south, so there are our people out there.”

Still, the former All Black captain said the rules could be looked at so that his side could get a full compliment of home games.

Fans at the North Harbour stadium. Coco Lance

“I would love to have a discussion around that. Those (rules) were put in earlier, but I would love to have a discussion around how the how those could possibly change and be better, and we can get on equal footing as other teams. But at this stage we’re not having those. We just got to keep earning the right to make sure that we can keep our place here.”

Umaga made a stark comparison when asked about the equal footing between not just Moana and the Blues, but other local pro teams Auckland FC and the Warriors.

“Financially? Definitely not. But that’s what it is. The people before us, they got us to this point, that’s what they had to do to get us involved in this competition. And I think if we can keep working hard both on and off the field to (be) a big part of this competition, that hopefully you know, we can have those discussions.”

Moana Pasifika open their season on Saturday afternoon with perhaps the toughest assignment in Super Rugby Pacific, facing the Fijian Drua in the oppressive heat and humidity of Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

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Christchurch terrorist tried to use top human rights lawyer as his ‘mouthpiece’, court hears

Source: Radio New Zealand

Al Noor Mosque where 51 people were killed in a terrorist attack in 2019. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The white supremacist who massacred 51 people in the Christchurch terror attack attempted to engage a leading human rights lawyer to act as his “mouthpiece”.

Australian Brenton Tarrant wants the Court of Appeal to overturn his convictions and sentence for the March 2019 shootings at Christchurch’s Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre.

The 35-year-old now claims he pleaded guilty only because he was irrational due to the solitary nature of his prison conditions.

On Wednesday afternoon, the court heard from Dr Tony Ellis, who represented the terrorist for about six months in 2021, and Ron Mansfield KC, who represented him for just over a year from late 2021.

Ellis told the court he was primarily engaged by Tarrant to obtain a copy of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s report into the terror attack.

He obtained a copy of the report and sent it to the prison, however, it did not reach the terrorist.

Ellis said the terrorist had also raised the possibility of launching an appeal. But the lawyer was not willing to act for him.

“If I was going to act for him on appeal he wanted me to do precisely as ordered and basically act as his mouthpiece,” he said.

“I told him I wasn’t prepared to act in those circumstances.”

Ellis had spoken to the terrorist a dozen times on the phone and the conversations were often lengthy.

“Many clients who have been detained in solitary confinement, they want to have a chat with somebody because its psychologically harmful to be left in solitary confinement and you need human interaction,” he told the court.

Mansfield had primarily been engaged to assist the terrorist in preparing for the coronial inquiry into the deaths of the 51 people murdered on 15 March 2019.

He then assisted the terrorist with taking steps towards seeking judicial review of his prison conditions.

Mansfield found the terrorist’s prison conditions to be unsatisfactory.

The terrorist had also raised the possibility of appealing his convictions and sentence, Mansfield said.

However, the terrorist had discussed the possibility of representing himself.

The terrorist dispensed with Mansfield’s services in April 2023 after becoming frustrated at the time it took for his legal matters to progress.

The Court of Appeal will hear legal arguments on Thursday and Friday.

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‘It’s just not enough’: Salvation Army warns families are starving

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Salvation Army is warning that families are starving and it wants the government to urgently increase food aid.

Its latest State of the Nation paints a dire picture of worsening child poverty and unemployment, rising family violence and stubbornly high cost of living pressures.

An annual deep dive into Aotearoa’s social wellbeing, the report shows that child poverty is rising, with 156,000 children living in hardship last year.

Dr Bonnie Robinson. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Salvation Army social policy and parliamentary unit director Dr Bonnie Robinson said the statistics were getting worse, rather than better – and it showed on the front line at food banks.

“Families are coming in, and some of those families have got jobs, sometimes several jobs … it’s just not enough,” she said.

“They’re one crisis, or one extra need, one doctor’s visit, one bit of school uniform, away from not being able to afford to feed themselves.”

Paul Barber. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Report co-author Paul Barber said an increase in food insecurity came as access to government support was being tightened.

Food grant limits had not been changed since 2008, he said.

“And you wonder why people aren’t managing to get by.”

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) acting client service delivery general manager Steph Voight said the “overwhelming majority” of food grant applications were approved.

“The amount someone can receive for a food grant varies depending on their circumstances,” she said.

MSD cannot grant someone more than $200 in food grants over a 26-week period, unless they determine there are exceptional circumstances.

“Any decisions on food grant limits would require legislative change and would be for Ministers to make,” said Voight.

Social Development minister Louise Upston said the government was focused on lowering inflation, easing interest rates and cutting taxes.

“$15 million of government funding was announced in Budget 2025 to support community food providers while the economy continues to recover,” she said.

“In addition to the Food Security Communities Programme, MSD also supports other initiatives such as the Kickstart Breakfast and provides Special Needs Grants for food.”

Upston could not comment on further funding ahead of this year’s Budget.

Poverty stats ‘scandalous’ – Greens

Greens co-leader Marama Davidson said it was “scandalous, completely unacceptable” that children live in poverty in New Zealand.

The party’s social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March said tens of thousands of people accessed food hardship grants on a regular basis and they were often the last option for families living week-to-week.

“People wouldn’t be calling, or walking into a Work and Income office effectively begging for food if they didn’t need to,” he said.

“The limit that we currently have means that many people are turned away, and when you are homeless, when you may be transient in emergency housing, being asked to show receipts and to prove exceptional circumstances when it’s clear that you’re struggling to make ends meet, is simply just not a reality that people can comply with.”

Māori, Pacific children dealing with effects of colonisation – report

The report showed that tamariki Māori and Pacific children continue to experience disproportionately high rates of hardship.

Salvation Army Te Ao Māori policy analyst Charm Kataraina Skinner said many whānau were dealing with the ongoing effects of colonisation.

“We have children that are starving, and we have whānau that can’t meet their basic necessities.

“Everybody deserves kai on the table.”

Charm Kataraina Skinner RNZ / Mark Papalii

Family violence at highest level in eight years

The report also revealed that family violence was at its highest level since 2018, despite an overall drop in violent crime.

Barber said that was a sign of families under pressure.

“A lot of the violence is concentrated on a few people who experience multiple victimisations,” he said.

Authorities needed to work with those families to understand what help they needed to address the “multiple pressures” they faced, he said.

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Political parties generally sympathetic to easier access to NZ for Pacific Islanders

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters addressing a Pacific crowd on the steps of Parliament on Tuesday after he received a petition calling for visas on arrival for Pacific nationals. RNZ Pacific / Moera Tuilaepa

Political parties are largely sympathetic to a petition for easier access to New Zealand for Pacific nationals – but it’s unclear if it will see progress before the election.

Some are also raising concerns about overstayers.

NZ First leader Winston Peters at midday on Wednesday received the petition with 48,367 signatures calling for Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to get the same travel rights as more than 60 other countries.

Delivered by former MP Arthur Anae – National’s first Pacific MP – the petition now goes to the Petitions Select Committee.

An Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) grants travel to New Zealand without a visa for up to three months at a time, and enables multiple entries for up to two years. The petition says this is a cheaper, more straightforward way to enter Aotearoa.

Peters said New Zealand First supported the petition and would “do our best” to get it over the line with coalition partners before the election.

Having just received the petition, he had not yet discussed it with National and ACT at Cabinet, he said – but had already lobbied Immigration Minister Erica Stanford on it.

“We let her know that we’re not happy and want to work with her on it, but we also sympathise with her inheriting a very difficult department,” he said.

“I hope common sense for it and fairness prevails … we support the parts that can be produced. I mean, we’ve got problems here because you’ve got distance, time and all those things, but all the Pacific people want is a fair go, equivalent to what other nations are getting, and they’re not getting it.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the government would accept the petition, and it would be further thought through after going through the select committee.

Stanford said the matter was on her agenda to consider once the petitions committee had looked into it.

“We’ve had a huge work programme with a number of things we’ve had to tackle, like migrant exploitation and numbers of people in the country coming into the country was, like, 135,000 net.”

She said there were already some measures in place for fast access to visas for Pacific countries.

“Currently our visitor visa processing time is eight days for the Pacific, and if they have an emergency, then there is an escalation process, and we do those far more quickly.

“There’s anecdotal stories, but overall we do an exceptionally good job for our Pacific neighbours.”

But Anae had previously told RNZ’s Checkpoint people from the Pacific had to pay a fee and fill in an application no matter what, and it amounted to discrimination.

“It is the New Zealand Immigration Office and the minister responsible who doesn’t give a damn about us,” he said.

ACT leader David Seymour said it would be up to Stanford but he “some sympathy” for the idea – but was also concerned about the potential for overstayers.

“I’ve had people in the Pacific community approach me and say ‘look, why are we different, why can’t we come’ – on the other hand, you need to be sure that people who get these privileges are going to return.

“If a country has much lower incomes than New Zealand, there’s a big incentive for people to come and not go home. That’s why we check them with visas.”

Asked why those concerns didn’t apply to US citizens – estimated as the third-largest population of overstayers in New Zealand – he said it may need looking at.

“On the other hand, you might ask yourself what’s the rate? They’re the fourth most populous country on Earth, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there was high absolute number – but they’re actually, as I understand it, one of the greatest sources of tourists in New Zealand.”

Peters said those concerns were shared by the Pacific countries who “do not want depopulation if we’re careless”, but could be solved by applying “the Pacific cousins approach”.

“It’s a new psychological approach – we’re going to ensure that before they leave the countries of the origin in the Pacific their elders will be telling them ‘you foul up, you ruin it for the rest of us’.”

He was confident he could secure support from his partners, and if not “the public surge in poll support – or lack of support – might just change their mind for them to think in a much more reasonable way”.

“It’ll take a while, but we’ll not let up until we’ve been successful.”

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said his party was still working on its immigration policy but was “very sympathetic” to the petition. If Peters was unable to get support he said Labour would back a member’s bill “at least to first reading”.

“This is certainly something we need to look at as a country,” he said, but also noted “we want to work through the detail of making sure that we could actually deliver on that commitment”.

He said concerns about overstayers were “a hangover from the Dawn Raids period – and I think it’s well and truly time New Zealand moved on from that”.

Green co-leader Marama Davidson cast doubt on Peters’ commitment to the matter.

“We, I think, are the only political party who are actually going to support more access across our nations and Pacific cousins. I’d like to see all the other parties step up,” she said, and New Zealand First “need to be held to account to actually support it”.

Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said it was an “interesting” commitment from Peters ahead of the election.

“When it comes to actually walking the talk, yeah, where’s Winston?”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/11/political-parties-generally-sympathetic-to-easier-access-to-nz-for-pacific-islanders/

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‘Reckless’ use of flare blamed for Auckland house fire

Source: Radio New Zealand

Crews found the rooftop fully ablaze when they responded to the call in the Auckland suburb of Rānui. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

An overnight house fire in Auckland that has left a home unliveable was caused by the reckless use of a flare, police believe.

Crews responded to the home at Vino Cina Heights in Rānui after midnight and found the roof fully ablaze.

Police said the home was extensively damaged and it was lucky that nobody died.

“We believe this fire has been caused by a flare, which is commonly used by boaties and one that launches a projectile,” acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie said.

“Based on enquiries so far it appears this is an accidental fire as a result of reckless actions.”

Residents have told police they saw two people running from the area after a loud bang.

“If you have any information, we need to hear from you,” Goldie said.

“I would also call on those people who are involved to do the right thing and own up to what has happened.”

A scene examination was done after the blaze alongside a fire investigator.

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Smoke billows across New Plymouth’s Bell Block and Waitara due to fire

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emma Andrews

A fire in New Plymouth’s Bell Block has spread smoke across the suburb and the neighbouring town of Waitara.

The fire began on Wednesday afternoon near Bell Block Beach, according to locals.

A helicopter could be seen overhead in Bell Block.

MORE TO COME…

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Fishing charter company fined $60,000 for illegally serving crayfish to customers

Source: Radio New Zealand

It is estimated the crayfish would have cost an estimated $239,610 to $244,500 on the domestic market. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

A Fiordland amateur fishing charter company has been fined for illegally catching and serving an estimated close to $250,000 worth of crayfish to customers.

Fiordland Cruises Limited has been sentenced and fined $60,000 on one charge under the Fisheries Act in the Invercargill District Court after being prosecuted by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

The company will not have to forfeit its vessel, Southern Secret, if it pays a redemption fee of $47,000.

The ministry received several complaints about charter vessels working in the Fiordland Marine Area including allegations that seafood meals were used to encourage paying passengers to take part.

An investigation found Fiordland Cruises Limited took and served 1630 crayfish onboard the 162 amateur fishing charters it ran between January and October 2023.

They would have cost an estimated $239,610 to $244,500 on the domestic market.

Fisheries New Zealand compliance regional manager south Garreth Jay said all charter operators were given clear information on the rules.

That included only passengers who caught fish recreationally could have it served to them on the vessel as a commercial business could not catch fish recreationally to serve to customers, he said.

When fishery officers boarded the Southern Secret, they found that passengers were served crayfish for lunch despite not taking part in fishing, and guests saw crew members clearing cray pots.

“The skipper told us that along with the chef, they would lift the craypots while passengers watched. This is illegal behaviour from a company that does not hold a commercial fishing licence and is not a Licensed Fish Receiver,” Jay said.

“We expect those rules to be followed.”

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Heatwave coming to end this weekend as cold, heavy rain and winds move in

Source: Radio New Zealand

A screenshot of MetService’s rain forecast for 7pm on Saturday. Supplied / MetService

The hot weather across much of the country is expected to cool off this weekend with the possibility of heavy rain and strong winds forecast for some.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said warm, moist air coming over the country from the north had been bringing warm days and muggy nights.

For the next couple of days temperatures were expected to remain in the mid to late 20s, with the nights also warm as temperatures are forecast to stay in the high teens or even the 20s.

MetService has severe thunderstorm watches in place for Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Taihape until 9pm on Wednesday.

A front is forecast to move across the South Island on Friday leading to cooler temperatures on Saturday and a period of heavy rain and strong winds.

MetService said a low may bring heavy rain to parts of the north-eastern North Island on Saturday, with the possibility of it hitting warning criteria in eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Te Tai Rāwhiti and the Wairoa District.

Makgabutlane said a cooler dryer air mass was expected to bring a chill on Saturday for the South Island, then the lower and central North Island on Sunday.

MetService said there was still a high degree of uncertainty in the forecast but it could bring heavy rain and strong southerly winds to parts of the eastern and southern North Island on Sunday.

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Ten dead after a school shooting in Canadian province of British Columbia

Source: Radio New Zealand

Canadian police responded to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon (local time). Google Maps

Nine people have been killed in a secondary school shooting in the province of British Columbia.

Canadian police say a shooter has been found dead with what’s thought to be a self-inflicted injury.

In a statement, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they received an active shooter report at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1.20pm local time.

Police entered the school and found six deceased victims, and another died on the way to hospital.

“An individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury,” Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander, said.

He said in a press conference that police had determined the person’s identity, but were not releasing it at this time.

However, Floyd confirmed it’s the same person described in the active shooter alert sent to phones in the area during the shooting.

In the alert, police described the suspect as a woman in a dress with brown hair.

Police had identified a residence believed to be connected to the shooting, where two additional victims were located deceased.

Officers were conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine if anyone else was injured or linked to the shooting, police said.

Two people had serious injuries and another 25 were being assessed and triaged at the local medical centre for non-life threatening injuries.

Police said all remaining staff and students were safely evacuated from the school and a reunification process was underway for the school families.

The active shooter alert had been lifted by 5.45pm local time, because police “did not believe there were any outstanding suspects or ongoing threats to the public”.

Floyd said additional RCMP resources continued to be deployed into the community to support the response and investigation.

“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community.”

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Super Rugby Pacific team namings: Highlanders and Blues to start promising loosies

Source: Radio New Zealand

Boom Otago rookie Lucas Casey has been handed a start for the Highlanders for Friday night’s opening clash with the Crusaders. The 22-year-old will run out at number eight, with Sean Withy and TK Howden with him in the loose forwards. The home side has already been rocked by the serious injury to All Black lock Fabian Holland, with Oliver Haig partnering Mitch Dunshea in the second row.

Angus Ta’avao will run out for his fourth Super Rugby side, the Highlanders prop previously representing the Blues, Waratahs and Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Crusaders have kept All Blacks Codie Taylor and Will Jordan on the bench for the game. George Bell and Chay Fihaki start at hooker and fullback respectively, while Ethan Blackadder makes a welcome return at flanker.

Angus Ta’avao 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

Other selection notes

Ngani Laumape will debut for Moana Pasifika at second five, for their match in Lautoka against the Drua. Miracle Faiilagi will lead the team in their first hit out of the post-Ardie Savea era.

Ngani Laumape tees off at Chasing the Fox at Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Bradley Slater and Pita Ahki go straight into the starting lineup for the Blues after signing in the off season. Torian Barnes goes onto the blindside in his debut, after being part of the wider training group at the start of preseason.

Their opponents, the Chiefs, have handed Kyren Taumoefolau a debut on the right wing. Josh Jacomb will start at first five with Damian McKenzie not considered after the birth of his first child last week.

Team lists

Highlanders v Crusaders

Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 13 February

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Live blog updates on RNZ

Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy, 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Rohan Wingham, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

Crusaders: 1 Finlay Brewis, 2 George Bell, 3 Seb Calder, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Dom Gardiner, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Rivez Reihana, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Braydon Ennor, 14 Sevu Reece, 15 Chay Fihaki

Bench: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Will Jordan

Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika

Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 14 February

Churchill Park, Lautoka

Live blog updates on RNZ

Moana Pasifika: 1 Tito Tuipulotu, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 3 Chris Apoua, 4 Tom Savage, 5 Allan Craig, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7 Semisi Paea, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Ngani Laumape, 13 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14 Tevita Ofa, 15 William Havili

Bench: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 19 Ofa Tauatevalu, 20 Dominic Ropeti, 21 Siaosi Nginingini, 22 Denzel Samoa, 23 Glen Vaihu

Blues v Chiefs

Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 February

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4 Sam Darry, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Dalton Papali’I (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Kaylum Bosher, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Kyle Brown

Also this weekend:

Waratahs v Reds

Kick-off: 9:35pm Friday 13 February

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Force v Brumbies

Kick-off: 9:35pm Saturday 14 February

HBF Park, Perth

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/11/super-rugby-pacific-team-namings-highlanders-and-blues-to-start-promising-loosies/

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Blaze at Waikato landfill may have been caused by wrongly disposed lithium batteries

Source: Radio New Zealand

The owner of the landfill said the fire was now under control. (File photo) Pretoria Gordon / RNZ

A blaze at a Waikato landfill may have have been caused by wrongly disposed lithium batteries.

The fire broke out at the Tirohia Landfill, near Paeroa, on Wednesday morning.

Fire and Emergency sent firefighters from several stations.

The fire was now under control and nobody was hurt, the tip’s owners WM New Zealand said.

“Initial reports suggest the fire started when a compactor drove over an item that ignited,” it said.

“It is too early to confirm the cause, but incidents like this are often linked to lithium batteries that have been disposed of incorrectly.”

An investigation was underway, the company said.

WM said there was no risk to workers or the public from the fire.

“Battery fires are becoming more common across the waste sector. When batteries are crushed or damaged, they can ignite and create safety risk.”

The company was urging people to properly get rid of batteries and not throw them out in household rubbish or recycling bins.

Fire and Emergency have been approached 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/2026/02/11/blaze-at-waikato-landfill-may-have-been-caused-by-wrongly-disposed-lithium-batteries/

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Man arrested after stabbing at Christchurch block of flats on Monday

Source: Radio New Zealand

The man appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Police have arrested a man after another man was stabbed at a Christchurch block of flats on Monday.

Emergency services were called to the Fitzgerald Avenue property where the man was found critically injured shortly after midday on Monday.

A 40-year-old man appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The victim remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Police said they were not looking for anyone else.

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/2026/02/11/man-arrested-after-stabbing-at-christchurch-block-of-flats-on-monday/

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Woman arrested over alleged 18-year romance scam

Source: Radio New Zealand

The alleged scam began online in 2006. (File photo) Unsplash/ Rupixen

A woman has been arrested over an alleged 18-year romance scam which saw a Dunedin man lose half a million dollars.

Police in Auckland and Dunedin worked together to make the arrest, with Dunedin police carrying out a search warrant and an Auclland home on Wednesday.

The Auckland City Financial Crime Unit helped out, police said.

A 44-year-old Ellerslie woman was arrested and faced a representative charge of obtains by deception.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ali Ramsay, from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit, said police would allege in court the scam had been running for 18 years after beginning online in 2006.

The woman had allegedly been given $525,537 during that time by the Dunedin man.

The woman was expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on 17 February.

“Our colleagues in Dunedin have been investigating this case, and we’re glad to have assisted in this result,” Ramsay said.

“Romance scams are usually perpetrated by offshore offenders, making prosecutions difficult for law enforcement.

“At the very heart of this are victims whose good nature is taken advantage of, causing emotional and financial stress.”

Police couldn’t comment about specifics in the case as the matter was now before the Courts.

Police reminded the public to be extremely cautious when meeting new people online or through dating applications.

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/2026/02/11/woman-arrested-over-alleged-18-year-romance-scam/

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Council backs submissions on new planning laws, calls for strong local voice

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has unanimously endorsed its submissions on two government bills that would replace the Resource Management Act (RMA). While broadly supportive of creating a more efficient planning system, councillors say Aucklanders must continue to have a meaningful say in decisions that shape their communities.

Committee Chair Councillor Richard Hills says the council’s focus is on ensuring the changes work for Auckland.

“As the government overhauls the system, our submission aims to get the best outcomes for our communities, our planning system and our environment.”

The Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill are proposed to come into force in mid‑2026. Public submissions close 13 February 2026.

More information on the Planning and Natural Environment Bills can be found on the main Auckland Council website. 

Key points

  • Council wants stronger local decision‑making
  • Te Tiriti protections should be strengthened
  • Supports a simplified combined planning framework
  • Calls for better tree and biodiversity protection
  • Warns compensation costs could be financially unsustainable
  • Public submissions close 13 February 2026.

What the council is calling for

Keep local input strong

The proposed laws would shift more decision‑making to central government and reduce the ability to tailor planning rules to Auckland’s diverse areas. The council says local voices must remain part of the process.

Strengthen Māori protections

Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles are not required under the bills. The council says this weakens long‑standing protections for Māori values, rights and interests, including kaitiakitanga.

Support for a unified planning system

Councillors support combining multiple plans into one — an approach similar to the Auckland Unitary Plan — but say all national policy directions must be released on time.

Better safeguards for notable trees and biodiversity

Notable trees aren’t explicitly protected in the draft laws, and the council says environmental protection and biodiversity outcomes need stronger emphasis.

Concerns about compensation costs

New compensation requirements for affected landowners could limit the council’s ability to protect natural areas, heritage and sites of significance to Māori.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/11/council-backs-submissions-on-new-planning-laws-calls-for-strong-local-voice/

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Rugby league: Māori jersey ‘the pinnacle’ for Kennedy Cherrington

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kennedy Cherrington says the Maori jersey stands above them all. Instagram

For Kennedy Cherrington, nothing in rugby league carries more weight than the Māori jersey.

Despite playing at a World Cup, in State of Origins, and an NRLW grand final, Cherrington said the Māori jersey sits above them all.

She said the it connects her to something far bigger than the game.

“This kaupapa is everything to me. The Māori jersey is the pinnacle in the game for me personally and I know that’s a shared common feeling by my team-mates. I’ve been fortunate enough to play at World Cups and Origins and Grand Finals, but the Māori jersey is the pinnacle.

“I get to represent not just myself and my whanau, but my ancestors and everything we’ve worked towards being Māori in the land of today. So I just want to take back that narrative and show people that we can showcase our culture and game in one.”

Cherrington will run out alongside younger sister Ruben for the Māori vs Indigenous All Stars clash in Hamilton on Sunday.

“It’s not just a selection of random players. You have to be Māori to play here. So I think that’s the special thing and being surrounded by your own is such a wholesome feeling.

“It’s like all the whanau coming together and you just get to be yourself. This is probably one of the most well connected teams that I’ve been a part of because you share the same heritage.”

Despite growing up more than 2000km from her ancestral home, Cherrington’s connection to her whakapapa remained strong, thanks to her parents.

“They’ve always instilled confidence in us being Māori and learning the Māori way, they always reminded us, showed us where we come from, so we pay homage to our parents and all they had to sacrifice being away from their home because they miss it just as much.

“But obviously everything happens for a reason. We had to come over there for a fresh start and we’ve just harnessed that opportunity that they’ve sacrificed for us. But obviously not having our kapa haka or kohunga growing up has been kind of deflating because that’s what we kind of mourn for being in Australia.”

Cherrington said Māori representation is crucial for young wahine.

“You can’t be what you can’t see. and there’s so many little eyes, both Māori, non-Māori, watching us, looking at us going, ‘I want to be there. I want to be like them.’ And in a world full of a lot of negative things, we just want to be the positivity and the positive role models that they look to, leading the forefront and changing the narrative of how Māori are to be seen.”

Kennedy and Ruben Cherrington will run out together for the Maori All Stars this Sunday. Instagram

Joining the NRLW in 2020, Cherrington has seen a clear shift in the women’s game, most notably in the support they get from young fans.

“That’s probably been a bit of a pinch me moment, it’s been really, really noticeable. I was once that young girl looking up to people who I wanted to aspire to be like.

“So if someone says hello, I’ll always say hello back. If someone asks for a photo, I’ll always say yes and have a big smile on my face. I’m here, I’m a role model, whether I like it or not, well, I like it. So little eyes are watching you and monkey see monkey do, right? So yeah, that’s what you want to do, inspire the next generation because you were that young person.”

The Parramatta centre is also ensuring the women’s game has a strong players voice, having recently been appointed to the Rugby League Players Association as a player director.

“I’ve just been a big believer in standing up for change and using your voice when others don’t have a voice. So it’s just something that’s been in me since high school, speaking up. So I guess it’s kind of just transcended into rugby league world as well. I love seeing avenues of the game and how things roll and advocating for change.”

That change has been significant in the past six years.

“Some of the girls that have been around since those early days have just seen like, wow, we’ve gone to be basically afterthought to actually being in the forefront of the game itself here in Australia and New Zealand.

“We didn’t even have lockers or proper changing rooms, we were wearing men’s playing gear, had no maternity leave, and none of us having that well-being support. They were expecting a professional product, but not treating us like professionals. So that conversation has changed and it’s just come such a long way.

However Cherrington said more still needs to be done to get on equal footing with the NRL.

“Obviously, a fully professional schedule, that’s a big one. I’d love to see us finally transition slowly into the full-time space. It’ll take some time because I know a lot of the girls have still got full-time jobs, but I think we’d see a massive reflection of quality. I love our game and I just want to see a positive change for our future for our women.”

Locked in at the Eels until 2027, Cherrington did not rule out a potential move to Aotearoa and switch to the Warriors.

“I grew up supporting the Warriors and I do have a special place for them in my heart, beyond 2027? Who knows?”

Kennedy Cherrington scoring a try during her rugby days in 2018. Photosport

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/rugby-league-maori-jersey-the-pinnacle-for-kennedy-cherrington/

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Arrest made in serious assault, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police investigating the serious assault at a residential property on Fitzgerald Avenue on Monday have made an arrest in relation to the incident.

A 40-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court today, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the assault.

The incident was reported to Police around 12.20pm where a man was found in a critical condition, with injuries consistent with being stabbed.

A scene guard was placed overnight at the property while officers carried out their investigation.

The victim from the incident remains in hospital, in a stable condition.

Police thank the public for their assistance and patience as investigators carried out their enquiries.

Police won’t be making any further comment as the matter is now before the courts.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/arrest-made-in-serious-assault-christchurch/

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Busted: Woman arrested over elaborate 18-year scam

Source: New Zealand Police

Dunedin and Auckland Police have got together, making an arrest over an alleged romance scam that has spanned nearly two decades.

Over this period an unsuspecting Dunedin man has lost more than half a million dollars.

Today, Dunedin Police executed a search warrant at an Auckland property, assisted by the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit.

A 44-year-old Ellerslie woman was arrested and faces a representative charge of obtains by deception.

“Police will allege in court that this scam has run for a period of 18 years, beginning online in 2006,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ali Ramsay, from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit, says.

“The offender in this case has allegedly obtained $525,537 through this elaborate scam.”

The woman is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on 17 February 2026.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ramsay says being able to put an alleged offender before the Court is a good outcome.

“Our colleagues in Dunedin have been investigating this case, and we’re glad to have assisted in this result,” she says.

“Romance scams are usually perpetrated by offshore offenders, making prosecutions difficult for law enforcement.

“At the very heart of this are victims whose good nature is taken advantage of, causing emotional and financial stress.”

Police are unable to comment further about specifics in the case as matters are now before the Court.

Police remind the public to be extremely cautious when meeting new people online or through dating applications.

  • Netsafe has more information on romance scams and what to look out for on its website.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/busted-woman-arrested-over-elaborate-18-year-scam/

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Police seek information about Rānui fire

Source: New Zealand Police

Waitematā Police is seeking information about a fire at a Rānui house in the early hours of the morning.

Emergency services attended Vino Cina Heights after midnight, with the roof fully alight.

A scene examination was completed today at the address alongside a fire investigator.

“We believe this fire has been caused by a flare, which is commonly used by boaties and one that launches a projectile,” acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB says.

“Based on enquiries so far it appears this is an accidental fire as a result of reckless actions.”

It’s by good fortune only that Police are not dealing with fatalities.

“The house is completely uninhabitable and has been extensively damaged.”

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says Police is seeking information about two people seen running away from the area.

“As a result of an area canvass this morning, residents have reported seeing two people running away after a loud bang was heard.”

A short time later the fire began.

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says: “If you have any information, we need to hear from you.

“I would also call on those people who are involved to do the right thing and own up to what has happened.”

Anyone with further information to assist us should contact 105 using the reference number 260211/6037.

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

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/police-seek-information-about-ranui-fire/