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IREN Reports Q2 FY26 Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

$3.6bn GPU Financing Secured for Microsoft Contract1

Targeted 140k GPU Expansion on Track to Deliver $3.4bn ARR by End of CY262

New 1.6GW Data Center Campus in Oklahoma

NEW YORK, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IREN Limited (NASDAQ: IREN) (“IREN” or “the Company”) today reported its financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2025.

Highlights

  • $3.6bn GPU financing secured for Microsoft contract1
    • Interest rate of
    • Together with Microsoft prepayment ($1.9bn) covers 95% of GPU-related capex
  • Targeted 140k GPU expansion on track to deliver $3.4bn ARR by end of CY262
    • Horizon 1-4 construction progressing to schedule
    • British Columbia AI Cloud expansion ongoing, with ~$0.4bn ARR now under contract for Prince George and remaining contract negotiations supporting >$0.5bn ARR3
  • New 1.6GW data center campus in Oklahoma
    • Increases secured grid-connected power to >4.5GW
    • Grid-studies complete, with power scheduled to ramp from 2028
    • Large scale site (2,000 acres) with low latency network connectivity

Financing

  • IREN continues to strengthen its capital structure and fund growth through diversified sources:
    • Cash and cash equivalents were $2.8bn as of January 31, 20264
    • >$9.2bn funding secured financial year to date across customer prepayments, convertible notes, GPU leasing and GPU financing
  • Ongoing financing workstreams include:
    • GPU financing
    • Data center financing
    • Select corporate level initiatives

Q2 FY26 Financial Results

  • Results reflected continued progress in the transition from Bitcoin mining to AI Cloud, with capacity increasingly allocated to higher-value AI workloads and AI Cloud revenues accelerating as deployments ramped:
    • Total revenue decreased to $184.7m (vs. Q1 FY26 $240.3m)
    • Net income (loss) of $(155.4)m (vs. Q1 FY26 $384.6m)
    • Adj. EBITDA decreased to $75.3m (vs. Q1 FY26 $91.7m)5
    • EBITDA of $(243.9)m (vs. Q1 FY26 $662.7m)5
  • Net income (loss) and EBITDA were impacted by significant non-cash and non-recurring items, primarily:
    • Unrealized losses related to prepaid forwards and capped calls associated with convertible notes (vs. significant unrealized gains on such positions in Q1 FY26), together with a one-time debt conversion inducement expense, totaling $(219.2)m
    • Mining hardware impairments of $(31.8)m related to the ongoing ASIC-to-GPU transition across British Columbia
    • Stock-based compensation expense of $(58.2)m, including $(22.3)m of accelerated amortization on performance-based restricted stock units and stock options, driven by materially higher share prices exceeding defined performance thresholds
    • Partially offset by an income tax benefit primarily on the release of previously recognized deferred tax liabilities relating to the unrealized gain on financial instruments of $182.5m

Management Commentary

“Last quarter marked meaningful progress across capacity expansion, customer engagement, and capital formation, reflecting IREN’s progress as a scaled AI Cloud platform,” said Daniel Roberts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of IREN.

“We are seeing the strongest demand environment to date, and importantly, that demand is being met by a proven execution capability. Over several years, we have consistently delivered data center capacity on time and at scale, and that delivery track record continues to resonate with customers who value reliability alongside performance.

“With more than 4.5GW of secured power, we are able to advance a broad set of opportunities in our pipeline and support the next phase of growth. Our $3.4bn ARR target represents an early stage of monetization relative to the size of our secured power portfolio, highlighting the scale of the platform we are building.”

Q2 FY26 Results Webcast & Conference Call

IREN will host its Q2 FY26 results webcast and conference call at the following time:

Time & Date: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, February 5, 2026
  Participant Registration Link
  Live Webcast Use this link
  Phone Dial-In with Live Q&A Use this link
     

The webcast will be recorded, and the replay will be accessible shortly after the event at https://iren.com/investor/events-and-presentations

About IREN

IREN is a leading AI Cloud Service Provider, delivering large-scale GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s vertically integrated platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and data centers in renewable-rich regions across the U.S. and Canada.

Contacts

Investors
ir@iren.com

Media
media@iren.com

Assumptions and Notes

  1. GPU financing and applicable interest rate is subject to agreed pricing parameters, level of base interest rates, execution of definitive long form documentation and customary conditions precedent.
  2. ARR of $3.4bn represents expected $1.94bn average annual revenue under Microsoft contract plus estimated $1.5bn ARR from ~63k GPU deployment at British Columbia sites, based on internal company assumptions regarding GPU models, utilization and pricing. It is not fully contracted, there can be no assurance that it will be achieved, and actual revenue may differ materially. Assumes on time delivery and commissioning of GPUs.
  3. ARR under contract of $0.4bn at Prince George is calculated as GPU/hour pricing for contracted GPUs as of February 5, 2026 multiplied by 8,760 hours per year and includes annualized revenue for storage and ancillaries. ARR under contract includes amounts that are not yet revenue-generating until the relevant GPUs are delivered, commissioned, and in service. There can be no assurance that contracted GPUs will result in such hours or pricing, and actual revenue may vary materially.
  4. Reflects USD equivalent, unaudited preliminary cash and cash equivalents as of January 31, 2026.
  5. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to page 12 for a reconciliation to the nearest comparable GAAP financial measure.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business plan and strategies and trends we expect to affect our business. These statements often include words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “suggest,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “should,” “potential,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” and other similar expressions Forward-looking statements may also be made, verbally or in writing, by members of our Board or management team. Such statements are subject to the same limitations, uncertainties, assumptions and disclaimers set out in this press release.

We base these forward-looking statements or projections on our current expectations, plans and assumptions that we have made in light of our experience in the industry, as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances and at such time. The forward-looking statements are subject to and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions at the time they are made, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual financial results or results of operations, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may materially affect such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: Bitcoin price and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; our ability to obtain additional capital on commercially reasonable terms and in a timely manner to meet our capital needs and facilitate our expansion plans; the terms of any future financing or any refinancing, restructuring or modification to the terms of any existing or future financing, which could require us to comply with onerous covenants, restrictions or guarantees, and our ability to service our debt obligations; our ability to successfully execute on our growth strategies and operating plans, including our ability to continue to develop our existing data center sites, design and deploy direct-to-chip liquid cooling systems, and diversify and expand into the market for high-performance computing (“HPC”) solutions (including the market for AI Cloud Services and potential colocation services such as powered shell, build-to-suit and turnkey data centers (collectively “HPC and AI services”)); our limited experience with respect to new markets we have entered or may seek to enter, including the market for HPC and AI services; our ability to remain competitive in dynamic and rapidly evolving industries; expectations with respect to the ongoing profitability, viability, operability, security, popularity and public perceptions of the Bitcoin network; expectations with respect to the useful life and obsolescence of hardware (including GPUs, hardware for Bitcoin mining and any current or future HPC and AI services we offer); delays, increases in costs or reductions in the supply of equipment used in our operations including as a result of tariffs and duties, and certain equipment (including GPUs, hardware for Bitcoin mining and any other hardware for any current or future HPC and AI services we offer) being in high demand due to global supply chain constraints, and our ability to secure additional hardware (including GPUs, hardware for Bitcoin mining and any other hardware for any current or future HPC and AI services we offer), on commercially reasonable terms or at all; expectations with respect to the profitability, viability, operability, security, popularity and public perceptions of any current and future HPC and AI services we offer; our ability to secure and retain customers on commercially reasonable terms or at all, particularly as it relates to our strategy to expand into markets for HPC and AI services; our ability to establish and maintain a customer base for our HPC and AI services business and customer concentration; our ability to manage counterparty risk (including credit risk) associated with any current or future customers, including customers of our HPC and AI services and other counterparties; the risk that any current or future customers, including customers of our HPC and AI services or other counterparties, may terminate, default on or underperform their contractual obligations; our ability to perform under, and observe our obligations pursuant to, contractual obligations with counterparties, including customers of our HPC and AI services; changing political and geopolitical conditions, including changing international trade policies and the implementation of wide-ranging, reciprocal and retaliatory tariffs, surtaxes and other similar import or export duties, or trade restrictions; Bitcoin global hashrate fluctuations; our ability to secure renewable energy, renewable energy certificates, power capacity, timely grid connections, facilities and sites on commercially reasonable terms or at all; delays and costs associated with, or failure to obtain or complete, permitting approvals, grid connections and other development activities customary for greenfield or brownfield infrastructure projects, including as a result of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’s (“ERCOT”) announced amendments to the approval process for large load interconnection requests; our reliance on power, network and utilities providers, third party mining pools, exchanges, banks, insurance providers and our ability to maintain relationships with such parties; expectations regarding availability and pricing of electricity; our participation and ability to successfully participate in demand response products and services and other load management programs run, operated or offered by electricity network operators, regulators or electricity market operators; the availability, reliability and/or cost of electricity supply, hardware and electrical and data center infrastructure, including with respect to any electricity outages and any laws and regulations that may restrict the electricity supply available to us; any variance between the actual operating performance of our miner hardware achieved compared to the nameplate performance including hashrate; electricity market risks relating to changes in laws, regulations and requirements of market operators, network operators and/or regulatory bodies, including with respect to interconnection of facilities of large electrical loads to the ERCOT grid (for example, via a process that may batch multiple large load interconnection requests), grid stability, voltage ride-through, frequency ride-through and curtailment obligations; heightened complexity and additional constraints in energy markets including load ramp requirements by utilities or grid operators which may not align with our planned data center development and commissioning timelines; our ability to curtail our electricity consumption and/or monetize electricity depending on market conditions, including changes in Bitcoin mining economics and prevailing electricity prices; actions undertaken or inaction by electricity network and market operators, regulators, governments or communities in the regions in which we operate, including such actions that could result in the estimated power availability at secured sites being materially less than initially expected, available too late, delayed, conditioned upon technical or operational requirements or not available in each case whether at sustainable cost or at all; the availability, suitability, reliability and cost of internet connections at our facilities; our ability to operate in an evolving regulatory environment; our ability to successfully operate and maintain our property and infrastructure; reliability and performance of our infrastructure compared to expectations; malicious attacks on our property, infrastructure or IT systems; our ability to secure connection agreements to access power sources and permits or to maintain in good standing the operating and other permits, approvals and/or licenses required for our operations, construction activities and business which could be delayed by regulatory approval processes, may not be successful or may be cost prohibitive; our ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights and confidential information; any intellectual property infringement and product liability claims; whether the secular trends we expect to drive growth in our business materialize to the degree we expect them to, or at all; any pending or future acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures or other strategic transactions, including our ability to consummate any such transactions on terms favorable to the Group or at all; the occurrence of any environmental, health and safety incidents at our sites, and any material costs relating to environmental, health and safety requirements or liabilities; damage to our property and infrastructure and the risk that any insurance we maintain may not fully cover all potential exposures; settlement and termination of proceedings relating to the default under certain equipment financing facilities, ongoing securities litigation, and any future litigation, claims and/or regulatory investigations, and the costs, expenses, use of resources, diversion of management time and efforts, liability and damages that may result therefrom; our failure to comply with any laws including the anti-corruption laws of the United States and various international jurisdictions; any failure of our compliance and risk management methods; any laws, regulations and ethical standards that may relate to our business, including those that relate to data centers, HPC and AI services, Bitcoin and the Bitcoin mining industry and those that relate to any other services we offer, including laws and regulations related to data privacy, cybersecurity and the storage, use or processing of information and consumer laws; our ability to attract, motivate and retain senior management and qualified employees; increased risks to our global operations including, but not limited to, political instability, acts of terrorism, theft and vandalism, cyberattacks and other cybersecurity incidents and unexpected regulatory and economic sanctions changes, among other things; climate change, severe weather conditions and natural and man-made disasters that may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; public health crises, including an outbreak of an infectious disease and any governmental or industry measures taken in response; damage to our brand and reputation; evolving stakeholder expectations and requirements relating to environmental, social or governance (“ESG”) issues or reporting, including actual or perceived failure to comply with such expectations and requirements; volatility with respect to the market price of our ordinary shares (“Ordinary shares”); that we do not currently pay any cash dividends on our Ordinary shares, and may not in the foreseeable future and, accordingly, your ability to achieve a return on your investment in our Ordinary shares will depend on appreciation, if any, in the price of our Ordinary shares; and other important factors discussed under “Part 1. Item 1.A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2025 and “Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC, accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of IREN’s website at https:// investors.iren.com.

The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and does not necessarily include all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements.

These and other important factors could cause actual results to differ materially by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any forward-looking statement that IREN makes in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement. Except as required by law, IREN disclaims any obligation to update or revise, or to publicly announce any update or revision to, any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release refers to certain measures that are not recognized under GAAP and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. IREN uses non-GAAP measures including “EBITDA” and “Adjusted EBITDA,” and “Adjusted EBITDA margin,” (each as defined below) as additional information to complement GAAP measures by providing further understanding of the Company’s operations from management’s perspective.

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), excluding income tax (expense) benefit, finance expense, interest income and depreciation and amortization, which are important components of our net income (loss). Further, “Adjusted EBITDA” also excludes stock based compensation, foreign exchange gain (loss), impairment of assets, certain other non-recurring income, gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, unrealized fair value gain (loss) on financial instruments, debt conversion inducement expense, gain (loss) on partial extinguishment of financial liabilities, increase (decrease) in fair value of assets held for sale and certain other expense items. “Adjusted EBITDA margin” is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.

Beginning in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, the Company has changed its definition of Adjusted EBITDA to exclude debt conversion inducement expense. This is a change from the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA in prior periods, and these adjustments did not have any impact on the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA in prior periods.

The reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are shown in the Appendix hereto.

     
Consolidated Balance Sheet
US$m As of December 31, 20251 As of September 30, 2025
Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents 3,260.6 1,032.3
Accounts receivable, net 9.6 24.1
Deposits and prepaid expenses 55.3 53.3
Derivative assets – 2.9
Income taxes receivable – –
Assets held for sale 20.1 –
Other assets and other receivables 37.8 11.4
Total current assets 3,383.4 1,124.0
Property, plant and equipment, net 3,170.5 2,115.4
Intangible assets, net 107.6 –
Operating lease right-of-use asset, net 1.3 1.4
Deposits and prepaid expenses 148.8 30.5
Financial assets – 681.4
Derivative assets 215.7 314.4
Other non-current assets 0.3 0.3
Total non-current assets 3,644.2 3,143.4
Total assets 7,027.6 4,267.4
Liabilities    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 576.3 151.9
Operating lease liability, current portion 0.4 0.4
Finance lease liability, current portion 61.9 –
Deferred revenue 6.8 1.1
Income taxes payable 0.8 0.1
Other liabilities, current portion 36.1 50.2
Total current liabilities 682.1 203.7
Operating lease liability, less current portion 0.9 1.0
Finance lease liability, less current portion 94.1 –
Convertible notes payable 3,685.3 964.2
Deferred revenue, less current portion 39.8 22.2
Deferred tax liabilities 8.1 195.4
Income taxes payable, less current portion 2.3 2.0
Other liabilities, less current portion 3.8 2.7
Total non-current liabilities 3,834.3 1,187.5
Total liabilities 4,516.4 1,391.2
Stockholders’ equity 2,511.2 2,876.2
Total stockholders’ equity 2,511.2 2,876.2
     
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 7,027.6 4,267.4

1) For further detail, see our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, included in our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026.

     
Consolidated Statement of Operations
US$m Quarter ended Quarter ended
December 31, 20251 September 30, 2025
Revenue    
Bitcoin Mining Revenue 167.4 233.0
AI Cloud Services Revenue 17.3 7.3
Total Revenue 184.7 240.3
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)    
Bitcoin Mining (63.4) (80.0)
AI Cloud Services (2.4) (0.7)
Total cost of revenue (65.8) (80.7)
Operating (expenses) income    
Selling, general and administrative expenses (100.8) (138.4)
Depreciation and amortization (99.2) (85.2)
Impairment of assets (31.8) (16.3)
Gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment 0.0 (0.0)
Other operating expenses (5.5) –
Other operating income 1.8 3.8
Total operating (expenses) income (235.3) (236.0)
Operating (loss) income (116.4) (76.4)
Other (expense) income:    
Finance expense (10.7) (9.3)
Interest income 15.8 7.1
Increase (decrease) in fair value of assets held for sale (6.4) –
Realized gain (loss) on financial instruments (2.9) (5.8)
Unrealized gain (loss) on financial instruments (107.4) 665.0
Debt conversion inducement expense (111.8) –
Foreign exchange gain (loss) 1.9 (5.4)
Other non-operating income – –
Total other (expense) income (221.5) 651.7
Income (loss) before taxes (337.9) 575.3
Income tax (expense) benefit 182.5 (190.7)
Net income (loss) (155.4) 384.6

1)  For further detail, see our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, included in our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026.

     
Consolidated Statement of Cashflows
 US$m Quarter ended Quarter ended
December 31, 20251 September 30, 2025
Cash flow from operating activities    
Net income (loss) (155.4) 384.6
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from (used in) operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 99.2 85.2
Impairment of assets 31.8 16.3
Increase (decrease) in fair value of assets held for sale 6.4 –
Realised (gain) loss on financial instruments 2.9 5.8
Unrealised (gain) loss on financial instruments 107.4 (665.0)
Debt conversion inducement expense 111.8 –
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (0.0) 0.0
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 5.5 2.2
Stock-based compensation expense 58.2 72.4
Amortization of debt issuance costs 2.0 1.3
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable and other receivables (11.9) (13.1)
Other assets 0.0 0.2
Tax related receivables (2.6) 2.6
Tax related liabilities (180.3) 187.9
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (12.5) 3.5
Other liabilities (13.0) 48.7
Deferred revenue 23.3 22.5
Prepayments and deposits (1.1) (12.6)
Operating lease liabilities (0.1) (0.0)
Net cash from (used in) operating activities 71.6 142.4
Investing activities    
Payments for property, plant and equipment net of hardware (539.7) (180.3)
Payments for computer hardware (179.4) (100.3)
Payments for Intangible Assets (107.6) –
Payments for prepayments and deposits (14.1) (0.3)
Deposits paid for right of use assets (10.1) –
Net cash from (used in) investing activities (850.9) (280.9)
Financing activities    
Proceeds from the issuance of Ordinary shares 1,632.4 618.4
Payment for induced conversion of convertible notes (1623.5) –
Payment of offering costs for the issuance of Ordinary shares – (18.5)
Proceeds from loan funded shares 0.1 0.6
Proceeds from exercise of options – 6.6
Proceeds from convertible notes 3,299.6 –
Payment of capped call transactions (252.3) –
Payment of borrowing transaction costs (48.8) (0.9)
Repayment of lease liabilities – –
Net cash from (used in) financing activities 3,007.5 606.1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,228.2 467.6
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year 1,032.3 564.5
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0.1 0.1
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 3,260.6 1,032.3

1)  For further detail, see our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, included in our Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026.

     
Non-GAAP Metric Reconciliation
Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
(US$m)		 Quarter ended
December 31, 2025		 Quarter ended
September 30, 2025
Net income (loss) (155.4) 384.6
Net income (loss) Margin1 (84)% 160%
Income tax expense (benefit) (182.5) 190.7
Income (loss) before tax (337.9) 575.3
Finance expense 10.7 9.3
Interest income (15.8) (7.1)
Depreciation and amortization 99.2 85.2
EBITDA (243.9) 662.7
     
Reconciliation to consolidated statement of operations    
Add/(deduct):    
Unrealized (gain) loss on financial instruments 107.4 (665.0)
Stock-based compensation expense 58.2 72.4
Impairment of assets 31.8 16.3
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (0.0) 0.0
(Increase) decrease in fair value of assets held for sale 6.4 –
Debt conversion inducement expense2 111.8 –
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (1.9) 5.4
Other expense items3 5.5 –
Adjusted EBITDA 75.3 91.7
Adjusted EBITDA Margin4 41% 38%

1)  Net Income Margin is calculated as Net Income divided by Total Revenue.
2)  Debt conversion inducement expense relating to the induced conversion of a portion of the 2030 Convertible Notes and 2029 Convertible Notes.
3)  Other expenses include a one-time liquidation payment incurred in August 2024 resulting from the transition to spot pricing at the Group’s site at Childress, the reversal of the unrealized loss recorded on fixed price contracted amounts outstanding at June 30, 2024, a litigation related settlement provision, loss on theft of mining hardware in transit, one-off professional fees incurred in relation to litigation matters, and transaction costs incurred on entering the capped call transactions in conjunction with the issuance of the convertible notes.
4)  Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Total Revenue.

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://feedcreatorngin2.fifthestate.nz/2026/02/06/iren-reports-q2-fy26-results/

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Watch live: Waitangi Day celebrations continue, as waka hit the water

Source: Radio New Zealand

Celebrations have begun at Waitangi Day, starting with a dawn service which included a rowdy reception for the deputy prime minister.

Follow coverage on our live blog below.

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/2026/02/06/watch-live-waitangi-day-celebrations-continue-as-waka-hit-the-water/

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Pedestrian dies after being hit by vehicle in Ōtara

Source: Radio New Zealand

A pedestrian died in Ōtara after being hit by a vehicle. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle on a northbound lane of the Southern Motorway at Ōtara early on Friday morning.

Emergency services were called about 12.30am on Friday, between the Te Irirangi Drive on-ramp and the East Tamaki Road off-ramp.

First responders attended to the person, who died at the scene.

The northbound lanes were closed until 6am Friday.

Police said enquiries into the crash were ongoing.

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/2026/02/06/pedestrian-dies-after-being-hit-by-vehicle-in-otara/

Posted on

Pedestrian killed after being hit by vehicle in Ōtara

Source: Radio New Zealand

A pedestrian died in Ōtara after being hit by a vehicle. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle on a northbound lane of the Southern Motorway at Ōtara early on Friday morning.

Emergency services were called about 12.30am on Friday, between the Te Irirangi Drive on-ramp and the East Tamaki Road off-ramp.

First responders attended to the person who died at the scene.

The northbound lanes were closed until 6am Friday.

Police said enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

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/2026/02/06/pedestrian-killed-after-being-hit-by-vehicle-in-otara/

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Body found at Napier beach

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

A body has been located at a beach in Napier, police say.

At around 8:25pm on Thursday, police were notified that a body was seen in the water off The Esplanade, Westshore.

Police and Coastguard responded and conducted a search for the body, which was recovered just before 1:30am.

A formal identification process is underway, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

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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/2026/02/06/body-found-at-napier-beach/

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Green Party celebrates decision to decline Taranaki seabed mining

Source: Radio New Zealand

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson RNZ / Mark Papalii

The Green Party is celebrating the decision to decline plans to mine the Taranaki seabed.

In a draft decision on Thursday, the fast-track approvals panel declined Trans-Tasman Resources’ (TTR) bid to mine 50 million tonnes of seabed a year for 30 years in the South Taranaki Bight.

The panel found there would be a credible risk of harm to Māui dolphins, kororā/little penguin, and fairy prion.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said it was a huge win for the environment and the community.

“We’re absolutely delighted to see the proposal not backed.

“Even the government’s own panel have come out and said seabed mining has little regional or national benefit and that it would only benefit destructive corporations.

“It’s an incredible win for the environment, but massive props to the local campaigns, local community people, iwi, NGOs, researchers, scientists, fishers, just regular, ordinary people who care, who have said the same thing for many years and have fought hard and long.”

TTR have until 19 February to comment on the decision.

Davidson said the mining company would be putting profit before people and the environment if they tried to appeal it.

“How silly would they look. The message is already very clear. This is destructive, overrides local community voices and Te Tiriti, and it’s harmful and dangerous to our environment, which people actually care about.

“They have no support.”

She said the draft decision set a precedent and sent a message to the government that seabed mining was a “dumb idea”.

“Stop putting forward your stupid ideas.”

Davidson said if the government was relying on seabed mining as a way to grow the economy, they were “at a dead end.”

“It’s short-sighted, it’s stupid, and it will not work.”

Trans-Tasman Resources says it will now consider its next options.

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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/2026/02/06/green-party-celebrates-decision-to-decline-taranaki-seabed-mining/

Posted on

Super Rugby Pacific preview: Moana Pasifika

Source: Radio New Zealand

Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we’re checking in on last year’s fairytale team, Moana Pasifika.

Highlanders team preview

Overview

Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga before the Super Rugby Pacific – Moana Pasifika v Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland – on Saturday 5th April 2025. Photo credit: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

Moana pretty much saved themselves from extinction by finishing in seventh place and memorably making the play-offs last year. That was done off the back of a gigantic workload by Ardie Savea, who will not be with the team this year as he plies his trade in Japan. His absence will be the talking point over Moana this year, as they look to keep the momentum going on and off the field.

The Good

Photosport Ltd 2020

Despite Savea leaving, the squad assembled by coach Tana Umaga is definitely beginning to make Moana look more like a favoured destination than second or third resort. Former Hurricane and All Black Ngani Laumape is the big addition to the midfield, while Jimmy Tupou and 132 kg Alefosio Aho will add a lot in the second row.

The Bad

Moana Pasifika. Andy Radka/ActionPress

While they’ve stepped out of last resort category, Moana are seemingly in another stage they probably don’t want to be in. Kyren Tamouefolau’s departure to the Chiefs is a sign that other teams are now very much eyeing up any young talent Moana produces, so the pressure is on to be a title contender simply to make those players stick around.

Big boots to fill

Moana Pasifika Miracle Faillagi scores his third try during the Super Rugby Pacific match, Moana Pasifika v Hurricanes, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland. Michael Thomas/ActionPress

Miracle Faiilagi has been handed the unenviable task of replacing Savea as not only captain, but also the key loose forward. However, he will have plenty of help in the form of Semisi Paea and last year’s breakout star Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.

What makes Moana fans different

Moana Pasifika fans during the Super Rugby Pacific – Moana Pasifika v Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium. Photosport

Moana went from playing in front of three men and a dog to establishing a fan base so dialled in they made North Harbour Stadium feel like Ellis Park. The most important game on the calendar is now definitely the crosstown derby with the Blues, which will likely be ramped up through both sides’ willingness to take shots at each other on social media.

Big games

Once again, it’s all of them. There will be an extra edge when Moana travel across town to play the Blues at Eden Park in round five, while they host their rivals in round 11. That run from round three on sees them play the Chiefs twice and the Crusaders once as well, after which we’ll have a decent barometer of what sort of post-Ardie reality Moana are in.

2026 squad

Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tito Tuipulotu

Hookers: Mamoru Harada, Millennium Sanerivi, Samiuela Moli

Locks: Alefosio Aho, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage

Loose Forwards: Dominic Ropeti, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Tupou Afungia

Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini

First Fives: Faletoi Peni, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini

Midfield: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu

Outside Backs: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili

Next up on Monday: The Blues

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/super-rugby-pacific-preview-moana-pasifika/

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Green MP seeks recognition of tohorā/whales as legal persons

Source: Radio New Zealand

Whole blue whale fluke credit Mark Carwardine

A Green MP wants tohorā/whales to be recognised as legal persons.

In New Zealand, laws have been passed to grant legal personhood to natural features, allowing them to be represented in court and have rights similar to those of individuals.

Teanau Tuiono has lodged a member’s bill, the Tohorā Oranga Bill, which would give whales inherent rights, including the right to freedom of movement, a healthy environment, and the ability to thrive alongside humanity.

“Because they’re such an iconic taonga species, they’re like an avatar for the environment, it’s incredibly important to protect them as a species and protect their habitat as well, and the part that they play in the fuller ecosystem,” Tuiono said.

Green MP Teanau Tuiono RNZ / Mark Papalii

With whales under threat from commercial fishing, pollution, and the climate crisis, a different approach to marine protection was needed.

“Humans, we often see ourselves as the centre of the world and the centre of our universe. Actually, we share the planet with other species and with other sentient species as well.

“I think recognition would shift the mindset of decision-makers across a range of environmental laws to make sure they’re paid specific attention.”

He said iwi Ngāti Wai and the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund had been heavily involved in the kaupapa.

“I’d like to acknowledge the work of Ngāti Wai as part of Hinemoana Halo, who are in many ways the genesis of this and other iwi around the country who are looking at different ways to do whale conservation around whale strandings as well, and everyone who loves the moana.”

Members’ bills are put forward by an MP who is not a minister, and are drawn via a ballot system.

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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/2026/02/06/green-mp-seeks-recognition-of-tohora-whales-as-legal-persons/

Posted on

Waitangi 2026: Dawn service in pictures

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Politicians, church leaders, local iwi and a crowd in the thousands attended the dawn service which kicked off Waitangi Day celebrations.

The service included a rowdy reception for deputy prime minister David Seymour, who faced boos, and audience members heckling him during his speech. A pūtatara (conch shell) could also be heard blowing.

RNZ photographers and journalists were at the service.

Here is how the morning unfolded in pictures.

Sunrise at Waitangi today. RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Crowds gathered early for the dawn service. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The governor general Dame Cindy Kiro, deputy prime minister David Seymour, National’s Dr Shane Reti and Labour leader Chris Hipkins at the service. RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Defence Force personnel at the service. RNZ / Mark Papalii

One of those attending. RNZ Mark Papalii

Waitangi Day 2026 is marked at Te Whare Rūnanga, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. RNZ Mark Papalii

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour delivers his reading. RNZ Mark Papalii

Bishop Te Kito Pikaahu asked the crowd for calm while Seymour delivered his prayer. RNZ/Mark Papalii

A protestor during Seymour’s reading. RNZ Mark Papalii

A band plays during the service. RNZ Mark Papalii

The crowd as the sun rises. RNZ Mark Papalii

Greens’ co-leader Marama Davidson. RNZ Mark Papalii

Dame Cindy Kiro. Mark Papalii

National’s Dr Shane Reti. Mark Papalii

Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Mark Papalii

Bagpipes at the dawn service. Mark Papalii

A flag is raised at the dawn service. Mark Papalii

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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/2026/02/06/waitangi-2026-dawn-service-in-pictures/

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Body located, Napier

Source: New Zealand Police

A body has been located at a beach in Napier.

At around 8:25pm on Thursday 5 February, Police were notified that a body was seen in the water off The Esplanade, Westshore.

Police and Coastguard responded and conducted a search for the body, which was located just before 1:30am.

A formal identification process is underway, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/body-located-napier/

Posted on

Five apprehended following burglary in Upper Hutt

Source: New Zealand Police

Four youths and a 20-year-old man have been apprehended following a burglary at a commercial premises in Upper Hutt overnight.

Hutt Valley Area Commander, Inspector Wade Jennings says Police were notified of an attempt to break into a store on Main Street at around 12:40am.

“The alleged offenders made multiple attempts to gain access to the store, however those attempts were unsuccessful. They then fled the scene in a vehicle.”

That vehicle was later seen by Police where it was stopped, and five people were apprehended.

“The quick reporting of this incident by the store owner assisted Police greatly with gathering all necessary information, leading to locating and apprehending these youths.

“We understand the impact that this kind of offending has on local businesses and will continue to work to ensure we hold these offenders to account.”

The alleged offenders are due to appear in Court on 12 February.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/five-apprehended-following-burglary-in-upper-hutt/

Posted on

Black Caps scramble to beat the US in World T20 warmup

Source: Radio New Zealand

Matt Henry celebrates a wicket. photosport

Seamer Matt Henry grabbed five wickets and came up clutch in the final over as the Black Caps saw off the United States by seven runs in a T20 World Cup warmup match in Mumbai.

It capped a difficult day for New Zealand, who couldn’t field ill batsmen Rachin Ravindra, with a viral infection having struck the team this week, according to coach Rob Walter.

Devon Conway was only cleared late to play the game while fellow-opener Finn Allen missed the game with a shoulder complaint.

Walter said he expected to have a fully fit squad to choose from for Sunday’s opening pool match against Afghanistan in Chennai.

Henry at least showed he was fit and firing, finishing with 5-32 as the US reached 201-8 off their 20 overs, in response to New Zealand’s 208-7.

The unheralded American side needed 12 to win off the final over but experienced seamer Henry halted them in their tracks, conceding just four runs and taking the wickets of Shubham Ranjane and Mohammad Mohsin off the second and fourth balls.

Earlier, Henry claimed the scalp of Andries Gous from the first ball of the chase and he later removed Milind Kumar for 43, while legspinner Ish Sodhi (2-27) dismissed top-scorer Saiteja Mukkamalla for 50.

New Zealand’s best with the bat was opener Tim Seifert, who blasted 66 off 31 balls before retiring to give others time at the crease.

Glenn Phillips struck a rapid 40 and Daryl Mitchell contributed 32.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/black-caps-scramble-to-beat-the-us-in-world-t20-warmup/

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How an ancestry DNA test can potentially blow up your life

Source: Radio New Zealand

If you unwrapped an online ancestry DNA test for Christmas, you might be feeling curious – even excited – about discovering your cultural heritage and family tree.

But did the accompanying card warn it could also blow up your life?

Before you join the more than 26 million people globally who have undertaken ancestry DNA testing through direct-to-consumer companies, there are some important things to consider.

Public health genomics expert Dr Jane Tiller categorises ancestry testing as “recreational genetics” and says accuracy is not guaranteed.

Google DeepMind / Pexels

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/how-an-ancestry-dna-test-can-potentially-blow-up-your-life/

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Fears over financial impact of Wellington’s south coast sewage leak

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dive Wellington runs sessions in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve almost everyday.  Supplied / Dave Drane

Wellington divers are not only worried about the environmental cost, but the financial fallout of having raw sewage spewing onto the south coast.

The beaches are off limits, after a “catastrophic failure” at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant flooded the site, and sent raw sewage spilling from an outfall close to shore at a rate of 70 million litres a day.

A couple of kilometres from the outfall is the eastern boundary of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve.

Since 1998 Dive Wellington has overlooked the reserve, with owner Dave Drane telling RNZ he was lucky to have it on his doorstep.

“It’s a jewel you know, but no one will be using it for the … forseeable future, and it’s a major part of our business taking people diving in it.”

Since the treatment plant’s failure was discovered – around 1am on Wednesday – Wellington Water has found 80 percent of its equipment damaged, with full repairs expected to take months.

In an update on Thursday evening, it said it was working to redirect the untreated wastewater into an outfall 1.8km offshore, as soon as possible, and put screening in to remove items such as sanitary pads.

But it warned the temporary fix would not completely stop periodic discharges from the outfall pipe close to shore.

A rāhui from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay remained in place, preventing people from going in the water, collecting seafood, or walking their dogs on the beach.

Drane said the dive and snorkelling business was used to navigating ‘no swim’ warnings following bouts of heavy rain, but the current situation would cost it severely. Supplied / Dave Drane

Drane said the dive and snorkelling business, between Ōwhiro and Island bays, was used to navigating ‘no swim’ warnings following bouts of heavy rain, but the current situation would cost it severely.

“It’s going to affect us financially, in lots of ways. Even the bad advertising from it, where people think, ‘well, I’m not going to learn to dive in Wellington’, but also the bookings that we’ll have to cancel.”

Drane said 30 students were lined up to dive in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve next week, which now would not happen.

Diving in the harbour was an option, he said, but it was nothing like the reserve, where divers were guaranteed to see crayfish, extensive fish life, and even octopuses.

The whole thing had left him feeling “pretty rubbish,” he said, and he believed water quality in the marine reserve was an ongoing concern.

The failure had come amid upgrades at the treatment plant that should reduce discharges according to Wellington Water, but in the meantime had limited the plant’s capacity.

“There’s been overflows everytime there’s a significant downpour of rain,” Drane said.

“We get a notification to say that you can’t go on the coast for the next two days or in the harbour or wherever. I think it’s good that they’re doing upgrades to the treatment plant … it’s long overdue, definitely, but I think it’s a bit late possibly and that’s half the problem.

“We’ve got this jewel right on our doorstep and we’re ruining it.”

Mountains to Sea Wellington provides lessons, a community snorkelling programme and marine education. Supplied / Mountains to Sea Wellington / Kristine Zipfel

Busiest time of year at risk

Following the news of the wastewater plant’s failure, Zoe Studd was scrambling to figure out what to do with “potential months” of beach closures.

The co-founder of Mountains to Sea – an organisation that aimed to connect people to nature – said it was their busiest time of year.

“We run a huge number of school programmes and they’ve all been impacted by the spill.”

Studd said a month of community snorkelling days were also up in the air.

“That’s 600 to 700 people, so they can’t take place. So we are scrambling to think about … some of the other locations where we can hold [them].

“A spill like this obviously really impacts us, but it’s really devastating to think about what some of those potential impacts might be for our coastal environment as well.”

She said it was hard to understand how a failure on such a scale had happened, but said the initial shock at the news had turned to sadness.

“Just really upset about it. That’s our backyard, we spend all our time in those waters, we absolutely love it – most Wellingtonians do.

“We won’t be the only people by any means who are feeling really distressed by the idea that they can’t be in and around their coastline.”

Studd was hopeful the issue would get resolved quickly, but until then said she would not be going anywhere near the water.

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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/2026/02/06/fears-over-financial-impact-of-wellingtons-south-coast-sewage-leak/

Posted on

A tale of two waka

Source: Radio New Zealand

This is a story about two vintage wooden boat cultures, Māori and Pākehā, which come together every Waitangi weekend at the popular Lake Rotoiti Wooden and Classic Boat Parade.

It’s a story inspired by the 1911 hand-coloured photograph above, which was taken at Lake Rotoiti in the central North island by Rotorua photographer of the day C P Parkerson.

It was a time before Pākehā holiday homes on the lake. When simple wooden waka kōpapa carved out of totara logs – like the one pictured – were still common as a principal mode of transport. By the 1950s kōpapa were rare.

The culture around wooden boats is rich for both Māori and Pākehā at Lake Rotoiti – and both are under revival.

Every Waitangi for 28 years, the parade has gathered vintage wooden boats: dinghies, pleasure launches,steam boats, yachts, elegant 50s speedboats and – early prototypes of jetskis – hydrocycles.

The parade is the work of a key community organisation around the lake, the Classic Wooden Boat Association. Restoration of some seriously beautiful wooden craft having become a major part of contemporary lake culture. They follow in the wake of the wealthy families who built holiday homes here in the 1930s.

Local retiree Caroline Main – who lives a few bays along from the settlement of Ōtaramarae – recalls as a child when a visiting launch was the only contact they had with the outside world. Today having a stately wooden launch, ‘The Snark’, to sedately move around the lake is an important part of the Mains’ lives.

The Rotorua region is our lake district, with a series of interconnected lakes and waterways. Long before roads and rail, waka plied the waters here on the state highway of its day, into the central North Island.

Rotoiti and nearby Lake Okataina were places renowned for waka carvers with Ngāti Tarāwhai a nationally recognisedcarving school and the great totara harvested from the forest, says Jim Schuster at Ruato on the lake. Schuster is an acclaimed marae restorer, and great-great-grandson of renowned carver Tene Waitere.

In recent years the wooden boat parade is bringing together Pākehā and Māori, with two Te Arawa waka joining the flotilla.

While the the great Te Arawa waka taua (war canoe) often heads to Waitangi, says an organiser Eugene Berryman-Kamp, the paddlers are also practised to participate in waka tangata (“a people lover”) and waka tētē (fishing canoe).

Berryman-Kamp credits the rising popularity of waka ama with the young, since the 80s, as a big part of the revival of waka culture.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/a-tale-of-two-waka/

Posted on

Summer drowning numbers tracking higher than last year

Source: Radio New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon says ways to mitigate the risk of drowning include not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags. Surf Lifesaving NZ

The number of people that have drowned across the country this summer is tracking higher than last year, Water Safety New Zealand says.

There had been 30 deaths over the past two months in waterways, lakes and beaches which compared to 34 in total last summer.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon said in 2026 18 people had died in the water – seven more than the same time last year.

“Many of those have happened when the weather was last at its best, so earlier in January.”

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon. Water Safety NZ

Scanlon said often days of bad weather kept people away from the water, so it was weekends like the one ahead which were of particular concern to the organisation.

“It is often that people sort of underestimate the conditions when the weather comes clear again, and they unexpectedly find themselves in trouble.”

He said there were ways to mitigate the risk of drowning such as not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags.

Water Safety New Zealand encouraged people to have a great time in the water this weekend, but to enjoy beaches and waterways safely, he said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/summer-drowning-numbers-tracking-higher-than-last-year/

Posted on

Opposition infighting gives coalition brief relief at Waitangi

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sits with coalition party leaders Winston Peters and David Seymour. RNZ/Mark Papalii

Analysis: For once, it was the opposition feeling some heat at Waitangi, as Te Pati Māori’s internal turmoil spilled out on the ātea.

The public airing of dirty laundry was one of the few moments of note at this year’s political pōwhiri, with Thursday’s events otherwise proceeding much as everyone expected.

Protesters’ plans to block ministers from the Treaty Grounds came to naught, squashed quickly by security. And the activists left well before the coalition leaders had even begun to speak.

The government speeches were met by some stray heckles, sure, and some sustained grumbling, but nothing like the theatre of the past two years.

Perennial agitators Winston Peters and David Seymour seemed almost disappointed at the muted response, with the former clearly trying to provoke a reaction from the crowd.

For his part, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a well-foreshadowed address, preaching the importance of working through differences with words and debate.

It’s advice that perhaps Te Pati Māori should have taken on board.

Anticipation was high ahead of the party’s Waitangi appearance, its first time fronting to the north since the co-leaders’ no-show at Ngāpuhi’s emergency hui late last year.

On Monday, the party was sitting in court, with its out-and-then-in-again MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi fighting to reverse her expulsion and be permanently reinstated.

In the most blistering of speeches on Thursday, her son Eru Kapa-Kingi upbraided Te Pati Māori – “sort yourselves out” – lamenting the “silencing” of his mother and the wider region.

At first, Waititi appeared to offer an olive branch in response: “I can hear the anger and feel the pain”.

He even extended an apology of sorts: “If I have done you wrong, I offer you my head.”

But any such contrition was short-lived. The speech was immediately followed by a haka tautoko which saw Waititi’s wife Kiri Tamihere-Waititi advance on the host side.

As she squared off with Eru Kapa-Kingi, eyeballing him, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi shouted from the marae’s veranda: “hoki atu” or “go back”.

Any brief hopes of reconciliation were dashed.

Mariameno Kapa-Kingi underlined the point later as she stood to speak, defiant: “I’m not going anywhere.”

Speaking to media afterwards, Waititi said the party’s next steps would depend on the court’s judgement.

But he bristled at Te Pati Māori being singled out, claiming many parties had shown division before.

He turned his sights on others in the opposition, decrying Labour’s efforts to try win back the Māori seats.

“Labour don’t do MMP very well,” Waititi declared. “A vote for Labour is now a vote for New Zealand First.”

The comments could apply just as well to the Greens, who used Thursday’s events to unveil their own candidates in the Māori electorates.

Notably, they include a former lawyer for Te Pati Māori, Tania Waikato, and a former Te Pati Māori candidate, Heather Te Au-Skipworth.

Green co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson sit alongside ACT’s deputy leader Brooke van Velden. MARK PAPALII / RNZ

Greens’ co-leader Marama Davidson made short shrift of Waititi’s suggestion that they leave the Māori seats alone: “Nobody owns any seats. Nobody owns any votes.”

Labour and the Greens came to Waitangi, hoping to present a united front and to draw a contrast with the warring factions within the coalition. They leave further away from that goal than closer.

Asked what he made of the opposition’s showing at Waitangi on Thursday, Luxon dodged the question, saying that was not his focus.

But Finance Minister Nicola Willis could not help herself: “They looked messy,” she said, a smile on her face.

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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/2026/02/06/opposition-infighting-gives-coalition-brief-relief-at-waitangi/

Posted on

Southern Brown Kiwi lays rare two eggs

Source: Radio New Zealand

A picture of a Southern Brown Kiwi. TUI DE ROY / Minden Pictures / Biosphoto

A Tokoeka, also known as the Southern Brown Kiwi, from the Haast region has surprised conservation workers with laying two eggs this season, which is uncommon for the species.

Devon Collins from the West Coast Wildlife Centre, which helps to incubate and hatch Kiwis that are at risk to predators, said Tokoeka usually lay one egg per year due to the low food availability in the colder climate of the South Island. In comparison to the North Island Brown Kiwi, which can lay three to four eggs per a year.

He said the centre received three Tokoeka eggs this season, including two from the same mother.

Collins said the first egg from this mother was the second smallest Tokoeka they’ve ever successfully bred at the centre in 15 years, weighing 320 grams. Her second egg weighed 360 grams.

While there are tens of thousands of Tokoeka on Stewart Island and in Fiordland, the Haast region has a much smaller population of around 400, said Collins.

“Every egg means a lot, every egg we can get our of hands on and get out of the hands of introduced predators, that would otherwise probably take that egg or that chick, is really important for us, so the difference between two and three eggs coming in per season is pretty massive,” said Collins.

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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/2026/02/06/southern-brown-kiwi-lays-rare-two-eggs/

Posted on

Summer drowning numbers tracking high than last year

Source: Radio New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon says ways to mitigate the risk of drowning include not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags. Surf Lifesaving NZ

The number of people that have drowned across the country this summer is tracking higher than last year, Water Safety New Zealand says.

There had been 30 deaths over the past two months in waterways, lakes and beaches which compared to 34 in total last summer.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon said in 2026 18 people had died in the water – seven more than the same time last year.

“Many of those have happened when the weather was last at its best, so earlier in January.”

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon. Water Safety NZ

Scanlon said often days of bad weather kept people away from the water, so it was weekends like the one ahead which were of particular concern to the organisation.

“It is often that people sort of underestimate the conditions when the weather comes clear again, and they unexpectedly find themselves in trouble.”

He said there were ways to mitigate the risk of drowning such as not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags.

Water Safety New Zealand encouraged people to have a great time in the water this weekend, but to enjoy beaches and waterways safely, he said.

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/2026/02/06/summer-drowning-numbers-tracking-high-than-last-year/

Posted on

‘For our mokopuna’: Rangatahi voices rise at Waitangi

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tai tamariki from Te Wharekura o Tauranga Moana at Waitangi hold a paraikete (blanket) gifted to rangatahi MP Tamatha Paul, inscribed with ‘Ka hao te rangatahi’ – a message that the next generation will take up the work and responsibility. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Rangatahi at Waitangi say the decisions being made today must be grounded in the wellbeing of future generations, with many calling for stronger action on climate change and greater Māori participation in decision-making.

Taane Aruka Te Aho, who has been attending kaupapa alongside iwi leaders in Te Tai Tokerau, said being present in those spaces was about preparing the next generation of leaders.

“It’s important for us to understand what sort of mahi goes into the iwi chairs forum because we are the next generation of leaders,” he said.

“Because we want to be a part of it. We want to make a difference to ensure that our mokopuna, to ensure that our uri whakatipu are living in flourishing futures.”

Te Aho was one of the rangatahi leaders of Te Kāhu Pōkere – the group that travelled to Brazil for COP30 last year on behalf of Te Pou Take Āhuarangi, the climate change arm of the National Iwi Chairs Forum.

Taane Aruka Te Aho was one of the rangatahi leaders who travelled to Brazil for COP30 last year. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Tumai Cassidy, a Ngāi Tahu rangatahi leader who is also attending Waitangi this year, said caring for the environment was central to that future.

“Something that’s quite close to my heart is around our environment and how do we look after the environment and how do we stop these impacts from climate change that are battering our communities,” he said, adding that rangatahi had a crucial role to play.

“I think it’s important for rangatahi to be at the table, to listen, to learn, so that when they’re of that age where they’re leading their iwi, they have a broad range of experiences, all that history, those kind of things to inform our future decision making,” he said.

“But I think it’s good for rangatahi to be at the table and offer a different perspective as well.”

Tumai Cassidy (Ngāi Tahu) says caring for te taiao is key for future generations. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Iwi leaders say that involvement is already being seen on the ground.

Pou Tangata chairperson Rahui Papa said rangatahi were not just observing this year’s iwi chairs forum, but actively helping run them.

“Some of the rangatira, especially from Te Kahu o Taonui, have designated some of their rangatahi, and they’re wandering around, they’re being the hosts, they’re taking part in actually the facilitation of the hui, which is awesome,” he said.

“So you have some of the older folk that sit as chairs and things like that, but they’re actually bringing an air of succession into the facilitation of these hui.”

Papa said rangatahi from across the country had also travelled to Waitangi to help shape what their own future pathways could look like.

“They will be the stewards, they will be the custodians and the guardians of all aspects of te ao Māori in their time.”

Three kōtiro gift rangatahi MP Tamatha Paul a paraikete (blanket) inscribed with the kupu ‘Ka hao te rangatahi’ – a message that the next generation will take up the work and responsibility. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Ngāti Kawa Taituha, Te Tii Marae chair said rangatahi involvement reflected a long line of intergenerational responsibility.

“It’s just again, adding and enhancing the mana of our tūpuna, the signatories, and then down to us, the descendants,” he said.

“And here we are today, carrying out all that mahi of our forebearers. Putting in all the effort to set up our next generation. Obviously, that’s what it’s all about for us.”

He said rangatahi were playing roles both behind the scenes and in visible leadership spaces during the commemorations.

“I think this is kind of really cool to see these groups of rangatahi coming to the marae, being part of the pōwhiri,” he said.

“These groups here are really organised leadership groups, and specifically honing in on really being in tune with our taumata, and capturing all this kōrero.”

Te Rangitukiwaho Edwards, Rangatahi MP for Te Tai Tokerau, welcomes Parliamentarians to Waitangi. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

‘Haere ki te pōti’

With an election year approaching, some rangatahi also linked their hopes for mokopuna with political participation.

Aruka Te Aho encouraged whānau to focus on their own communities and lift Māori voter turnout.

“We have three options,” he said.

“One is to elect a government and work with a government that prioritises te iwi Māori and the environment to increase climate funding.

“Two, we stop moaning about what this government can’t do for us and seek funding opportunities globally or elsewhere to ensure that we get that ‘moni’ motuhake. Or thirdly, we just keep doing what we’re doing and suffer the consequences.”

He said increasing Māori participation in voting was key.

“What we need to do is look at our own backyard, look at our own rohe and see what we can do to get soldiers out in terms of getting the voting up to ensure that Māori have a seat at the table so that we can make real change,” he said.

“Haere ki te pōti.”

Cassidy’s focus this election was centred on the environment.

“Vote for the taiao, vote for the environment. Without the environment, we’re not going to be here,” he said.

The focus on mokopuna and future generations is also being carried by a group of rangatahi taking part in a six-day hīkoi from Cape Rēinga to Waitangi, due to arrive on 6 February.

Many of the young people involved say they are marching to stand up for future generations and to send a message about honouring Te Tiriti.

The hīkoi is expected to make its way across Waitangi following waka celebrations.

The hīkoi made its way through Kerikeri on Wednesday morning, on is way from Cape Rēinga to Waitangi. RNZ / Peter de Graaf

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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/2026/02/06/for-our-mokopuna-rangatahi-voices-rise-at-waitangi/