Category: CTF

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One dead after crash near Glenorchy

Source: Radio New Zealand

(file photo) RNZ / Tom Kitchin

One person has died after a crash north of Lake Wakatipu.

Emergency services were called about 4.40am Sunday, after two vehicles collided on the Glenorchy-Routeburn Road, police said.

One person died at the scene and one was in a serious condition.

The road was still partially blocked just before 1pm Sunday, as emergency services and the Serious Crash Unit worked at the scene.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with those involved,” they said.

“There are no available diversions and the road is partially opening when possible.”

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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/2026/02/01/one-dead-after-crash-near-glenorchy/

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Mitch Evans clocks Formula E triumph in Miami

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealander Mitch Evans (file photo) photosport

Mitch Evans has negotiated wet weather with aplomb to win the Formula E round in Miami, while fellow-Kiwi driver Nick Cassidy has retained the series lead.

Evans kept his Jaguar in front of Porsche’s Nico Müller and Pascal Wehrlein and 17 other rivals in the 41-lap race.

Without a point in the first two rounds, Evans produced an exceptional drive from ninth on the grid, taking advantage of a number of problems besetting cars in front of him.

A clever passing move on the 27th lap took Evans past German Müller in the key moment of the race, with the New Zealander eventually winning by 3.1 seconds.

It was his 15th career win in the class.

Despite a non-score in 16th, Mexico City winner Cassidy still leads the drivers standings for Citroen, two points ahead of Wehrlein’s 38.

The next round is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in late February.

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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/2026/02/01/mitch-evans-clocks-formula-e-triumph-in-miami/

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Serious crash, Puketutu Road, Matamata

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are responding to a crash on Puketutu Road, between Matai and Buckland Roads.

The crash involved two vehicles and was reported about 12.15pm.

One person has been seriously injured.

Puketu Road is closed while emergency services work at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit will be attending.

Police advise motorists to use alternative routes and check NZTA’s Journey Planner.

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/serious-crash-puketutu-road-matamata/

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Landslide victim Max Furse-Kee remembered for light, laughter and love

Source: Radio New Zealand

Max Furse-Kee and Sharon Maccanico were on holiday together with her family, when they were killed in the massive landslide that swept away four other people at a Mt Maunganui campground. Supplied/ Police

“There was nothing that could have prepared us for this.”

A memorial ceremony for young landslide victim Max Furse-Kee will be livestreamed, his mother said on Sunday, to remember an impactful life cut short.

The teenager died, along with his girlfriend 15-year-old Sharon Maccanico and four others, after a landslide struck a Mt Maunganui campground on Thursday 22 January. His body was formally identified by a coroner on 28 January, the day that would have been his 16th birthday.

Max’s family was now trying to come to terms with life without him, his mother Hannah Furse said in a statement on Sunday.

“Our beloved Max was suddenly and unimaginably taken from us. Max was our communal baby, a beautiful soul who brought immense light, laughter, and love into our world.

“There was nothing that could have prepared us for this.”

While Max’s life was short in years, it had been “deeply meaningful” for those who knew him, she said.

The family had been “overwhelmed by messages of love, comfort, and support” sent to them from throughout New Zealand and around the world.

“While we do not have the capacity to respond individually, please know that we are reading them all, and they mean more to us than we could ever express.”

Furse said it was special to her that Max was spending time with people who loved him when the tragedy struck.

“Max was not doing anything reckless, and this tragedy was not the result of poor judgement or a lack of care. He simply went to take a shower, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“We take great comfort in knowing that Max spent his final days with Sharon, someone he loved so deeply, and with her family, who loved him too.”

The memorial ceremony to celebrate his life would be held on Wednesday 4 February, but would be small, his mother said.

“We respectfully ask that attendance be limited to family and close friends. A live stream will be available for those who wish to honour Max from afar.”

The family asked for privacy as they grieved.

“We are grieving not only the person we have lost, but all the milestones, memories, and future moments that will now never be. No words are big enough to capture this pain.

“Please keep Max and all the other affected families in your thoughts. Love your loved ones, life can be heartbreakingly unfair.”

The family also wanted to thank those who had worked at the Mauao scene.

“We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), the Rapid Relief Team, all the machinery operators who worked extremely carefully, local Iwi, Kaitiaki and our incredible Police Family Liaison Officers.

“You have worked tirelessly to care for us and to bring Max home.

“We have seen how deeply this has affected everyone involved, and your compassion and kindness will help carry us through the days ahead.”

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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/2026/02/01/landslide-victim-max-furse-kee-remembered-for-light-laughter-and-love/

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Ally Wollaston sprints to Great Ocean Road Race victory

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ally Wollaston. FDJ-Suez

In-form New Zealand cyclist Ally Wollaston has powered to victory at the Great Ocean Race in Victoria, defending her title in emphatic style.

Wollaston became the first person – man or woman – to go back-to-back at the World Tour near Melbourne, timing her sprint to perfection for her FDJ-United Suez team.

It follows on from her brilliant display at last month’s Tour Down Under in Adelaide, where she won the first two sprint stages to lead overall going into the final stage, before finishing down the field.

The 25-year-old struggled on some of the race’s climbs on Saturday but managed to chase back to the pack.

She said her teammates played a key part in setting her up for the sprint.

“Amazing. So I owe it to my teammates today, if they weren’t there, there’s no way I would have gone back,” Wollaston said.

“After Tour Down Under, I struggled a little bit with sickness… so, yeah, I wasn’t hugely confident going into today. I had no idea whether that day would be today or not.

“And the first lap, I said to the girls, ‘I’m really struggling.’ So they just kept me grounded, and I had a few tough words in my race radio saying that I could do it. The belief was pretty strong from the team today.”

Wollaston’s winning time was just under four hours, seeing off British runner-up Josie Nelson and Spaniard Mireia Benito in the dash to the line.

“It’s amazing. It’s a real dream start to the season,” said Wollaston.

“And I think every year, you want to do better than the last, and I’ve already started this year better than last year. So, yeah, it’s a really dream start, and I’m so looking forward to carrying this momentum into the rest of the season.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/ally-wollaston-sprints-to-great-ocean-road-race-victory/

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Sam Ruthe blitzes Boston field to smash age mile record

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sam Ruthe celebrates after winning the mile at the John Thomas Terrier Classic indoors meet at Boston University, and setting a personal best, on 1 February (NZ time). Supplied/ Athletics NZ – Aaron Bui

New Zealand teenager Sam Ruthe has smashed the under-18 world record for the mile and put the athletics world on notice in a phenomenal run at an indoor meet in Boston.

The 16-year-old ran three minutes 48.88 seconds at the John Thomas Terrier Classic meet at Boston University, leaving the field in his wake.

Ruthe became the youngest athlete to ever a run a mile quicker than 3:50 and eclipsed the overall New Zealand mile record held by Sir John Walker for 44 years.

Walker set his record of 3:49.08 in 1982 outdoors at Oslo.

Athletics indoor and outdoor records are traditionally maintained as separate, distinct, and official, according to World Athletics because of the differences in track size – 200m vs 400m.

Ruthe’s time is also the 11th quickest run indoors by any athlete, although he is still 3.70sec outside the extraordinary world record posted a year ago by Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

Ruthe said his time far exceeded his expectations.

“When I was coming into this race I was expecting to run sub 3:55, I wasn’t really expecting a PB,” he told the track broadcast.

Part of his surprise came because he was still feeling the effects of the long journey to the US.

“I flew out here three days ago from New Zealand, 50 hour travel, my legs were feeling heavy a bit before this. I think I can be running faster, but I am super stoked with that.”

Ruthe said it was his first race on an indoor track, as New Zealand doesn’t have them.

“So to come here and run so fast so early on, it just makes me love indoor tracks. I want to come here as much as possible.”

Ruthe said his plan was to sit behind compatriot and training partner Sam Tanner during the race.

“He probably would have beaten me, but about 400m-600m in he did something to his Achilles. I really hope he’s okay.”

Ruthe was in second place heading into the final lap, taking the lead and winning by a comfortable margin.

Last week Ruthe ran 3:53.83sec at the Cooks Classic in Whanganui, beaten by Tanner but breaking the world outdoor record for a 16-year-old to add to a string of other landmarks already achieved.

The Boston race is the first of four of the mile races Ruthe plans to contest this month before returning to New Zealand for the national championships in early March.

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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/2026/02/01/sam-ruthe-blitzes-boston-field-to-smash-age-mile-record/

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Fatal crash, Glenorchy

Source: New Zealand Police

A person has died and another is in a serious condition after a crash in Glenorchy this morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Glenorchy-Routeburn Road just after 4.41am after two vehicles had collided.

Sadly, one person died at the scene.

Police staff, including the Serious Crash Unit, are at the scene and the road is partially blocked.

There are no available diversions and the road is partially opening when possible.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with those involved.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/fatal-crash-glenorchy/

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Firm message after a tragic 48hrs, with busy roads this coming week

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Inspector Sarah Thorn, District Road Policing Manager:

Southern District Police are urging all road users to slow down, stay alert and make safe choices as traffic volumes increase across the region over the coming week.

The message follows a tragic weekend, with two fatal crashes in Southern District between 7am Friday 30 January and 7am this morning [Sunday 1 February]. One of the crashes occurred in the Dunedin area, with another near Queenstown. Our staff have been busy with several other serious injury crashes that were also attended during this period.

There are quite simply too many crashes happening on our roads, and the consequences can be devastating.

Specialist police staff attend scenes like this, alongside other emergency workers. They are highly trained and skilled professionals who work in challenging and conditions. They provide critical care, secure scenes and conduct thorough investigations to understand what has happened. Their work is vital to ensure families receive the care, answers and support they deserve when faced with the death or serious injury of a loved one.

While investigations into these crashes are still in the early stages, the road safety message remains unchanged.

Wear your seatbelt, keep your speed safe, put away distractions, and never drive or ride fatigued or impaired by alcohol or drugs.

The coming days are expected to be particularly busy on Southern District roads, with Waitangi Weekend travel combined with the annual Burt Munro Challenge motorcycle festival, being held in Invercargill from 4–8 February 2026.

The Burt Munro Challenge attracts several thousand participants, spectators and visitors from across New Zealand and overseas. It will significantly increase traffic volumes throughout the wider Southern District.

To help keep people safe, Southern District Police will have dedicated Road Policing staff highly visible across the district, including the use of checkpoints and fatigue stops.

Our focus is on prevention.

We want everyone to arrive safely at their destination, enjoy the events they are travelling to, and make it home safely.

All road users, including motorcyclists, are urged to:

  • Avoid driving or riding while tired or impaired
  • Stick to posted speed limits and drive to the conditions
  • Ensure vehicles and motorcycles are roadworthy
  • Wear appropriate safety gear, including seatbelts and approved motorcycle protection.

We remind the public that small decisions can have life‑changing consequences.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping Southern District roads safe.

Police encourage anyone who witnesses illegal or unsafe driving behaviour to report it.

Call 111 if it’s happening now or is an emergency. Call 105 for non-emergencies.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/firm-message-after-a-tragic-48hrs-with-busy-roads-this-coming-week/

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Easier prescriptions put more money in patients’ pockets

Source: New Zealand Government

Starting today, New Zealanders can receive prescriptions for up to 12-months, saving them money and simplifying access to medicines, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This is a commonsense change that will make a real difference to patients who have stable, long-term conditions like asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure,” Mr Brown says. 

“If their GP or other prescriber decides it’s appropriate and safe to provide 12-month prescriptions, these patients won’t have to get a new prescription every three months from their GP. 

“They will visit their usual pharmacy to collect the repeats, and they will only pay a single prescription charge of $5 when they collect their first supply. Patients won’t need to pay a charge for the remaining repeats over the 12-month period.

“This is a win-win for both patients and health professionals. It means lower costs, and better access to medicines for New Zealanders with long term, stable medical conditions. It also reduces the time GPs and other prescribers need to spend renewing routine prescriptions, making it easier for other patients to get an appointment when they need one.

“This is just one of the practical, patient-focused changes the Government has made to give New Zealanders better access to healthcare, closer to home.

“We have also increased prescribing rights for health professionals like nurse practitioners, enabling them to prescribe a wider range of medicines within their areas of practice.

“Together, these changes mean New Zealanders will have quicker, easier, and more affordable access to the care and medicines they rely on.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/easier-prescriptions-put-more-money-in-patients-pockets/

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Boaties told to steer clear of Akaroa waters after tourist boat carrying diesel grounded

Source: Radio New Zealand

Akaroa supplied

Environment Canterbury is warning boaties to stay clear of waters near Akaroa, following Saturday’s grounding of a tourist ferry.

The Black Cat catamaran remains beached at Nīkau Palm Valley Bay after getting into trouble in the afternoon.

Environment Canterbury says the boat was carrying 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel on board and around 120 litres of other oils in sealed containers and engines combined.

There were also reportedly 38 passengers and three crew on-board the 17-metre catamaran, on a wildlife cruise.They were evacuated to nearby boats and no injuries were reported.

Regional On Scene Commander Emma Parr said a light fuel sheen was visible around the boat.

“A dedicated wildlife team is on standby, and response options will continue to be closely monitored and assessed throughout the day to minimise any environmental impact.”

A Tier 2 incident response was declared on Saturday, and an exclusion zone remained in place.

Parr said all vessels not involved in the response must stay clear of the area for safety reasons.

“A recovery plan is being developed as we continue working alongside the vessel owner, emergency services, the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, iwi, and the local community.”

Following the accident, passenger Chris Friedman – visiting from San Francisco – had previously told RNZ it was a stressful experience on his last day in New Zealand.

Chris Friedman and his girlfriend Alona after the boat they were on sunk in Akaroa. Chris Friedman

He said there was a loud sound, as if the boat had run over something, and he thought it might be a rock. It was followed by a whizzing sound that could have been from the engine.

Transport Accident Investigation Commission said the investigation team would be travelling to Akaroa “as soon as practicable”.

It said in the next few days they would be seeking and recovering any wreckage, securing electronic records – including photos, videos, and location data on people’s cellphones – and interviewing witnesses.

Black Cat Cruises said it was launching its own investigation, and would also be working with authorities.

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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/2026/02/01/boaties-told-to-steer-clear-of-akaroa-waters-after-tourist-boat-carrying-diesel-grounded/

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Police appeal for witnesses after man assaulted outside Napier nightclub

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police were called around 1am to West Quay in Ahuriri where the man was located. 123RF

A 46-year-old man is in a critical condition in Hawke’s Bay Hospital after being assaulted outside a night club in Napier early on Sunday morning.

Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley said police were called at around 1am to West Quay in Ahuriri, where the man was located unresponsive on the ground.

“Police have arrested a 21-year-old man and he is assisting with our investigation. No charges have been laid at this stage.”

Police are asking for assistance from the public should they have witnessed or have knowledge of the incident including any CCTV or video footage that may be available.

Anyone with information was encouraged to contact police on 105 either online or over the phone using file reference number 260201/1791.

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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/2026/02/01/police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-man-assaulted-outside-napier-nightclub/

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Faster access to ADHD support coming

Source: New Zealand Government

Following the changes made today, more New Zealanders with ADHD will have faster access to support as a result of changes to who can assess, diagnose, and start ADHD treatment, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“For too long, people with ADHD have faced long wait times and difficulties getting a diagnosis and treatment because access was limited to specialist services,” Mr Doocey says.

“Medsafe and Pharmac’s decision to widen prescribing rules for ADHD medicines is a welcome change for many New Zealanders, and I want to acknowledge those who have long advocated for this.”

What this change means for New Zealanders from today:

Adults aged 18 and over: Specialist GPs and nurse practitioners can now diagnose ADHD and start treatment.
Children and teens under 18: Specialist services will continue to provide assessment. However, nurse practitioners working in paediatric or child and adolescent mental health teams can now diagnose and start treatment.

Before today, GPs and nurse practitioners could only prescribe ADHD medicines to patients with a written recommendation from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, or after someone had already been diagnosed and received their first prescription.

“We know there are a number of our GPs and nurse practitioners who are already working closely with psychiatrists to treat ADHD, so they already have the skills to manage this work.

“ADHD treatment can be life-changing for many people. Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have significant impacts on education, employment, relationships, and overall mental health. With more options available, we can help connect people with the right support, earlier.”

This change is only one in a suite of measures to increase access to ADHD medicines. Pharmac has also removed the two-year renewal requirement for special authorities which allow funded access to stimulant medicines, as well as funding new ADHD medicine.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact this decision will have on many people’s lives. This really will be a game changer for many,” Mr Doocey says.

 Notes to editors:

Only clinicians who choose to work in ADHD will provide assessment or treatment. Many clinicians already have an interest in ADHD and have been preparing for this change.
Assessment and diagnosis of ADHD remains a specialist activity, these changes allow clinicians who have developed a specific interest in ADHD to provide support and initiate treatment. It is expected that clinicians will take this up over time, with services developing gradually.
Costs may vary depending on the type of service and local arrangements.
A detailed FAQ is available on the Ministry of Health website here.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/faster-access-to-adhd-support-coming/

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UFC 325 live updates: Volkanovski v Lopes 2 featuring Dan Hooker, Lawrence Lui

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the action as Alexander Volkanovski takes on Diego Lopes for the UFC featherweight chamionship at UFC 325 in Sydney.

The card features two fighters from New Zealand, co-main Dan ‘the Hangman’ Hooker and Lawrence Lui in the early pre-lims.

Aaron Tau, who was scheduled to take on Mongolian Namsrai Baybayar, will not get the chance to fight for a UFC contract after weighing in above the flyweight limit.

Early pre-lims start around 11am NZT.

UFC 325 Main Card

  • Alexander Volkanovski (c) v Diego Lopes for the UFC featherweight championship
  • Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis at Lightweight
  • Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy at Lightweight
  • Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira at Heavyweight
  • Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey at Lightweight

Prelims

  • Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana at Light Heavyweight
  • Cam Rowston vs. Cody Brundage at Middleweight
  • Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney at Middleweight
  • Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott at Welterweight

Early prelims

  • Kaan Ofli vs. Yizha at Featherweight
  • Kim Sang-wook vs. Dom Mar Fan at Lightweight
  • Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay at Featherweight
  • Lawrence Lui (NZ) vs. Sulangrangbo at Bantamweight

Volkanovski will headline in his hometown at UFC 325. UFC

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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/2026/02/01/ufc-325-live-updates-volkanovski-v-lopes-2-featuring-dan-hooker-lawrence-lui/

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Quake strikes near Tonga

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

A strong quake has struck the Tonga region.

The 5.8-magnitude tremor hit northeast of ‘Eua just before 10am at a depth of 12km according to the US Geological Survey.

More to come.

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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/2026/02/01/quake-strikes-near-tonga/

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One killed in crash north of Gisborne

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo) RNZ / REECE BAKER

A person has died after an early morning crash on a remote road north of Gisborne.

The single vehicle crash on Anauru Road was reported to emergency services about 2:10am on Sunday, police said.

“The Serious Crash Unit attended and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing,” they 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/2026/02/01/one-killed-in-crash-north-of-gisborne/

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Police appeal for witnesses following serious assault in Napier

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley:

A 46-year-old man is in Hawke’s Bay Hospital in a critical condition after he was assaulted outside of a night club in Napier in the early hours of this morning.

Police were called at around 1am to West Quay in Ahuriri where the man was located unresponsive on the ground.

Police have arrested a 21-year-old man and he is assisting with our investigation.

No charges have been laid at this stage.

Police are asking for assistance from the public should they have witnessed or have knowledge of the incident including any CCTV or video footage that may be available.

Contact the police on 105 either online or over the phone using file reference number 260201/1791.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/police-appeal-for-witnesses-following-serious-assault-in-napier/

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Fatal crash, Anaura Bay

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a single vehicle crash on Anaura Road this morning.

Emergency services were called to the crash about 2.10am this morning, in Anaura Bay, Gisborne.

The Serious Crash Unit attended and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/fatal-crash-anaura-bay/

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Cricket: Northern Districts beat luckless Canterbury in Super Smash men’s final

Source: Radio New Zealand

Northern Districts celebrate winning the Super Smash final. photosport

Northern Districts have consigned Canterbury to a sixth successive runners-up finish in the T20 Super Smash after winning the men’s final by five wickets at Hagley Oval.

Two decades after lifting the trophy in the inaugural season the Cantabrians’ drought continued after being outplayed by the visitors, who were top qualifiers for the decider after dropping only one game all season.

They ended up coasting to victory with more than two overs to spare, reaching 173-5 in response to the home side’s 171-5.

Northern took control after winning the toss, reducing Canterbury to 57/5 in the ninth over, including the removal of Black Caps pair Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls.

The hosts fought back through an unbeaten stand of 114 from 69 balls between Mitchell Hay (56 not out) and Leo Carter (54 not out).

Brett Hampton took 3-37 and sealed man-of-the-match honours by top-scoring in Northern’s response, smashing 55 off just 26 balls at the top of the order, plundering five sixes.

Joe Carter posted 47, helping keep his side well ahead of the required run rate.

Seamer Michael Rae took 3-37 for Canterbury.

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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/2026/02/01/cricket-northern-districts-beat-luckless-canterbury-in-super-smash-mens-final/

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‘You feel like the All Blacks’: Joel Shadbolt on playing with L.A.B.

Source: Radio New Zealand

Back in 2015, with a bandaged hand, Joel Shadbolt made his TV debut on Good Morning, singing with the Auckland-based funk band Batucuda Sound Machine. Future bandmate Brad Kora happened to be tuning in.

The drummer (a founding member of Kora) sent Shadbolt a Facebook message saying he was in the wrong band, and that he should come and jam in Whakatāne. When Brad and his brother Stu later invited Shadbolt to join L.A.B., he tells Music 101 the response was, “Is the pope Catholic? Let’s go!”

Eleven years on, L.A.B. (an acronym for the names of the band’s three original members) are one of the most successful New Zealand bands of the last decade. Shadbolt talks about their dynamic and shares some favourite songs, including a Toto “staple” and the doo-wop classic he teaches guitar students.

L.A.B. backstage at Christchurch’s Electric Avenue festival in February 2025. Left to right – Joel Shadbolt, Brad Kora, Stu Kora, Miharo Gregory and Ara Adams-Tamatea.

Lucy Hammond / @hammondvisuals

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/you-feel-like-the-all-blacks-joel-shadbolt-on-playing-with-l-a-b/

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Crews from across Southland and Otago fight fire in Fiordland

Source: Radio New Zealand

A close-up of the Fire and Emergency NZ logo. Marika Khabazi / RNZ

A large building fire in Southland is expected to take a while to extinguish.

Crews were called to a building on Te Anau Milford Highway around 11.15pm on Saturday, where a roof was alight.

Fire and Emergency had feared people were still in the building, Fiordland Lodge, but said everyone had been accounted for.

Assistant Commander Nic McQuillan said the fire was contained to one wing, but work was continuing to suppress a flare-up and monitor hotspots.

He said it was a “complicated” operation due to the design of the building and the roof construction.

At its height, eight trucks, five tankers, four vehicles and an aerial appliance were involved in fighting the blaze.

Firefighters were called in from Te Anau, Manapouri, Mossburn, Blackmount, Lumsden and Invercargill. FENZ said additional crew were being called in to relieve the volunteers who had been tirelessly working throughout the night.

They had been able to save the majority of the building, but an unknown percentage of it had been damaged.

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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/2026/02/01/crews-from-across-southland-and-otago-fight-fire-in-fiordland/