Category: CTF

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Mass resignations rock Solomon Islands government

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Ten Solomon Island Cabinet ministers have tendered their resignation in an apparent coalition breakdown.

RNZ Pacific understands that Deputy Prime Minister Frederick Kologeto and every member of the Peoples First Party (PFP) are among them.

Others include Finance Minister Harry Kuma, Justice Minister Clezy Rore and Health Minister Paul Popora Bosawai.

A spokesperson for Government House confirmed that the resignations were received at quarter past nine last night.

Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu is now giving the ministers until 12pm (today) Monday to re-consider their choices.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele now faces a third threat to his leadership, having survived a motion of no confidence in April 2025 after six ministers and five government backbenchers walked away.

The opposition grouping would need a majority of 26 in the House to pass such a motion.

The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Matthew Wale have been approached for comment.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/16/mass-resignations-rock-solomon-islands-government/

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Fuel crisis: Which foods will rise in price fastest, and when?

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

Food prices are likely to rise if war in the Middle East keeps pressure on oil prices – but some types of food may be more affected than others.

Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan looked at which sectors might be most exposed by comparing the proportion of their costs devoted to oil-based fuels.

He said the fishing sector was top of the list. It spent about 25 percent of its input costs on oil-based fuels.

“Diesel for boats, presumably.”

That was followed by horticulture, which spent about 5 percent of its costs on oil-based fuel.

“Presumably that’s around heating or that kind of thing.”

Next was farming more generally,

“You get down to broader areas of farming, sheep and beef… where you’re talking about 3 percent to 4 percent of overall input costs.”

He said fertiliser could be an additional cost that was also exposed to energy price movements.

Supermarkets spent about 10 percent of their non-wage costs on transport, he said, and meat processing was at a similar level.

Kelly Eckhold. Supplied / LinkedIn

Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said food coming from overseas would also be affected.

“The issue is how transportation costs start going through – I guess anything that’s having to come from overseas is going to have a higher transportation component.”

Kiernan agreed.

“Stuff that is having to travel halfway around the world – cocoa beans or coffee or whatever it might be – that is potentially going to be more heavily impacted than stuff we’re producing globally.”

Eckhold said it could be a couple of months before food price rises started to be seen on New Zealand shelves.

“That’s what we got through Covid… there is a bit of a lead there between movements in global food prices and what we see here, assuming it’s not driven by a local climatic type thing. There’s about a six-month lag. Some of that stuff could be building all through this year.”

Eckhold said it could be the case that more businesses would start to charge a separate fuel surcharge to cover their additional costs.

“I would envisage you could see the introduction of a whole lot of surcharges coming on to things, as people say, ‘Well hey, I’ve got this particular identifiable increased cost,’ and you’ll find that you might end up having to pay an extra $5 or $10 or something like that for anything that’s got a clear transportation component – courier fees and things like that, for example.”

He said he now expected the Consumer Price Index to stay above 3 percent until the end of the year.

Infometrics’ supplier cost index showed costs to Foodstuffs supermarkets up 2.3 percent year-on-year in February, before the oil price rise began to be felt.

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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/2026/03/16/fuel-crisis-which-foods-will-rise-in-price-fastest-and-when/

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Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza winner reveals his secrets

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kaitāia man Harley Ra with the snapper than earned him more than $30,000. Supplied

The winner of the $30,000 top prize in this year’s Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza says the secret is pilchard bait and his dad’s fishing rigs.

Harley Ra, who was raised in Kaitāia but works in Perth, hooked the 7.665 kilogram winner on Saturday, the final day of the five-day contest.

Ra suspected he had the winning fish as soon as he pulled it into the shallows.

“It ran for a fair bit. Then it started going sideways. I thought it was a stingray, but then there were more head nods, and it just kept stripping line,” he said.

“It wasn’t till I seen it get close, I seen the big tail flipping up, and I thought it was a stingray wing, and I thought ‘oh bugger’. Then just as it got into the clear shallows, I saw it was a snapper, and I was screaming out, ‘holy shit, it’s a moocha’.”

“I ran straight down to the water to grab it and grab my trace. It snapped at the water’s edge, and I dug into its gills straight away to grab it.”

That was just after 8am.

“It was early, and I was nervous the whole time. I pretty much knew it was the winner then. And I was like, I need to get back to the ramp [contest headquarters] to weigh this ASAP. So I was nervous hanging around. About 12 o’clock, I packed up and boosted straight back to the tents for weigh-in.”

Harley Ra with his winning fish, the trophy and his father John Ra, known in Kaitāia for his expertise in making fishing rigs. Supplied

Ra said he had fished in the Snapper Classic – an earlier version of the contest – as a child with his father and uncles, but this was only his second time competing in the Bonanza.

Using the right bait was key to success on Ninety Mile Beach, he said.

“I used BKK circle hooks, and the bait was pilchard, just half a pilchard. It always works up the Ninety [Mile Beach]. When the bite’s hot, pilchard’s the go, and then when the bite cools down, then you go to ocky (octopus])and crayfish and all your other exotic baits.”

Ra also credited his father, John Ra, who was known in Kaitāia as an expert rig-maker.

“Dad does all our fishing tackle. He does some pretty mean fishing rigs. He even does his own bit of YouTube and Facebook showing how to do it.”

As well as the $30,000 top prize for heaviest snapper of the contest, Ra took home $2500 for Saturday’s biggest fish.

He confessed to feeling “a bit hazy” after that night’s celebrations.

“We drank a few at the tent, and then went down to the Awanui pub. The boys filled the cup up, and we drank from the cup.”

As for what he would spend his winnings on, Ra said he would leave that to his wife, Alicia.

“I let her decide. She makes the smarter decisions.”

Harley Ra takes a break from fishing during the Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza. Supplied

Ra said he would definitely be back next year – as long as he could get a ticket.

Tickets were capped at 1200 and sold out in less than an hour when they went online.

“So when they go on sale here at seven, that’s 2am in Perth, so you gotta set the alarm at 1am. Get up, make a coffee, and get ready to start hammering the button at two in the morning.”

Until Ra hooked his winning snapper, Ōpōtiki man Darin Maxwell was on track to become the first fisher to win the competition twice.

In the end, Maxwell had to console himself with second place and cash prizes totalling $4500 for a fish weighing 7.25kg.

Maxwell’s monster 12.03kg catch in 2012 remains the heaviest snapper caught in the competition’s 15-year history.

Far North man Harley Ra with the snapper that earned him a whopping $30,000. Supplied / Snapper Bonanza

The Bonanza, which has been held every March since 2011, is said to be the world’s largest surfcasting competition.

Fishing is permitted only from Ninety Mile Beach – or Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe – not from rocks or boats.

The contest is organised by Kaitāia publican Dave Collard and printer John Stewart, who rescued the event after the Snapper Classic folded due to financial difficulties in 2009.

The annual prize pool totals more than $200,000.

About 120 fish caught during the contest were auctioned off at Saturday’s Kaitāia Market, raising more than $14,000 for the Kaitāia Volunteer Fire Brigade.

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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/2026/03/16/ninety-mile-beach-snapper-bonanza-winner-reveals-his-secrets/

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Energy – Major solar array to power Toyota NZ’s logistics hub

Source: Toyota

• Surplus energy will support local power needs
• Panels set to last up to 30 years
• Payback expected in just over five years

Toyota New Zealand has installed one of the largest rooftop solar systems in New Zealand on top of its 35,000m2 warehouse and National Customer Centre in Palmerston North.

At almost 700-kilowatt capacity, the solar array is expected to generate the equivalent of 60 percent of the centre’s power usage and, during peak periods, will inject renewable energy back into the local network to power up to 35 local homes.

Following its own auto production principles of Quality, Durability and Reliability, Toyota NZ selected Singaporean-manufactured solar panels that have one of the lowest points of degradation; they are expected to still be producing at 90% or more of total capacity (698.88kW) after 30 years of operation.

Toyota NZ Chief Risk and Value Chain Officer Mark Young said sustainability is a core feature of the purpose-built warehouse and National Distribution Centre (NDC), which was enlarged to the size of five rugby fields in 2018.

“We’re committed to making a positive impact on the environment from our NCC operations and renewable energy is a strong focus. We’re incredibly proud of the solar array going atop the building and the benchmark this will set for future Toyota developments in New Zealand. Already 11 of 63 Toyota Stores have installed solar power on their roofs,” he says.

Solar power production capacity from the NDC is expected to generate enough energy to power 132 houses per year and avoid approximately 93 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year – equivalent to a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid driving the length of New Zealand 481 times.

Forecast solar performance is 921 MWh per annum. Based on historical energy consumption data of the building, the system has an expected payback period of approximately five and a quarter years.

The scale of the array means Toyota will be generating more electricity from its roof during peak sunshine hours than it needs. On a typical summer’s day, the panels will generate more electricity than the building consumes from 6am to 6pm. Excess power of around 350MWh will be injected into the local lines network, providing more renewable energy for up to 35 Palmerston North households over the course of a year. In winter, the peak period reduces to 9am to 4pm.

Mark Young says installing solar panels in a large scale on the NCC roof made strong commercial sense.

“While we have made a substantial upfront capital investment, the panels will reduce the average monthly electricity bill by around 50%. We expect to have a total return on investment of more than 600% over the life of the panels,” Mark says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/16/energy-major-solar-array-to-power-toyota-nzs-logistics-hub/

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Universities – Video helps parents of fussy eaters – UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

Parents are better equipped to teach picky eaters how to eat healthily, thanks to a video developed by University of Auckland researchers.

A short evidence-based video helps parents of fussy eaters steer their kids towards healthy eating, new research shows.

The video, which includes a story, the acronym HEART and an analogy, was developed by Dr Sam Marsh, a senior research fellow in the Department of General Practice and Primary Care at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. See the video:

“We tried to align with parents’ value of wanting to raise healthy children and offer some simple tools,” Marsh says. “We know it’s hard having young children, so we didn’t want to make parents feel guilty.”

The video uses a story that helps parents put themselves in their child’s shoes at mealtimes, as well as an analogy and a mnemonic.

“We got parents to imagine coming home from a hard day at work, sitting down at the table, and then somebody throwing all these questions at them about what foods they want, and then dumping a massive plate of food in front of them, foods they are not familiar with, and demanding they eat it.

“Then we painted another picture where you come home, your partner takes care of everything. They put a nice plate, with not too much food, in front of you, and you have a pleasant conversation during the meal. How much more relaxed will you feel?”

The acronym, HEART, reminds parents of the strategies they can use.

– H is for ‘helping’, getting children to help prepare food: they are much more likely to eat food if they are engaged in putting it together.

– E is for ‘environment’, for example, eating as a family at the table with no screens or other distractions.

– A is for leading with your ‘ace’ by starting with healthy foods, creatively prepared.

– R is for ‘rules’, such as at least 90 minutes between a snack and a meal. Rules for parents include never using food as a reward or punishment. “If you do not eat your broccoli, you won’t get dessert,” reinforces the value of dessert and that there’s something wrong with broccoli.

– T is for ‘trust’: “We know children need to feel emotionally safe and relaxed to eat and try new foods. So, connecting with your child before dinner, even in a small way can be very helpful.”

The analogy was teaching a teenager to drive a car, making the point that children need to learn how to eat and it is a process.

“They are in control of driving the car, just like children are in control of what they eat,” says Marsh.

“You can’t force a child to chew their food and swallow, but the things we can control are when they eat, where they eat, and what they eat. That is our job as parents.”

In written feedback, parents were overwhelmingly positive about the video resource.

Comments included, ‘Practical tips, handled a sensitive topic well, wasn’t judgmental.’

Results from the pilot trial, involving almost 100 parents and their children aged three to six years, show those who used the video made positive changes and enjoyed the process. See Appetite (March 2026).

“Research shows that positive parental feeding behaviours are associated with better appetite self-regulation in kids,” says Marsh.

“A child who knows when they are hungry and stops eating when they are full will tend to have a healthier bodyweight and a better relationship with food when they get older.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/16/universities-video-helps-parents-of-fussy-eaters-uoa/

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Oscar 2026 live: The full winners list

Source: Radio New Zealand

The 98th Academy Awards are set to roll out Monday (NZ time) in the heart of Hollywood, with funnyman Conan O’Brien on tap to host the proceedings for the second year in a row.

The leadup to this year’s edition of the Oscars has been anything but standard, with disdain for ballet and hatred of housecats adding some zany conversation to a wide-open race.

A scene from Sinners.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures via CNN Newsource

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/16/oscar-2026-live-the-full-winners-list/

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Layer of regulation on telcos believed to have ‘done the job’ and could be lifted

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Commerce Commission has passed on its recommendation to the Minister for Media and Communications for consideration. boscorelli

Rules keeping a lid on the cost of calls and text messages between mobile providers’ networks could soon be scrapped.

Regulation introduced in 2010 sought to control what telcos could charge one another for calls and messages between their networks, otherwise known as the Mobile Termination Access Service.

The intervention was designed to help increase competition in a market dominated at the time by Telecom and Vodafone.

“The two big operators were squeezing 2degrees and they did that by making it cheaper to call within their own networks, while making it expensive for 2degrees to send calls to their networks,” says Tristan Gilbertson, Telecommunications Commissioner at the Commerce Commission.

“That squeeze created a structural disadvantage in the market for a new entrant like 2degrees.”

He says regulation gave 2degrees a chance to compete and grow into a strong third market player.

“Our view is that regulation has done the job it was intended to do and can step back,” says Gilbertson.

“Good regulation needs to know when to step in, but also when to step back and we think allowing competition to take over when it’s strong enough to do that, helps support investment, innovation and confidence in the sector.”

The Commerce Commission has passed on its recommendation to the Minister for Media and Communications for consideration.

Gilbertson says if approved, the telco sector will be left to its own devices on wholesale services pricing.

“The existing baseline of arrangements that have developed over the past 15 years will remain in place and competition will discipline the commercial arrangements over time,” he says.

“In practice, we really don’t think that very much will will change either at that inter-operator level, where existing arrangements are very well-entrenched in the market or at the retail level for consumers, this change should be invisible to consumers.”

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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/2026/03/16/layer-of-regulation-on-telcos-believed-to-have-done-the-job-and-could-be-lifted/

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World Vision – This World Water Day: Clean Water Is More Than Survival – It’s a Pathway to Women’s Empowerment

Source: World Vision

This World Water Day, World Vision New Zealand is putting the spotlight on the global water crisis as a quarter of the world’s population still cannot access safe drinking water.
More than 2 billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water, with women and girls bearing the greatest burden. In some communities, women walk up to 15 kilometres a day to collect water – a task that can consume hours and limit their opportunities for education, work and participation in community life.
World Vision New Zealand International Partnerships Director Stephen Court says it is unacceptable that so many people are still denied access to such a basic human right.
“It’s unacceptable that in 2026 a quarter of the world’s population still doesn’t have access to safe drinking water. Clean water is a basic human right, yet millions of families are forced to live without it.
Without safe water, disease spreads, children miss school, and women are prevented from participating fully in work and community life. It traps families in a cycle of poverty that should no longer exist.”
New World Vision research in Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, finds that combining water access with behaviour change and economic empowerment activities can create lasting impact.
This family-centred approach integrates water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services with financial literacy training, savings groups, livelihood support, and engagement around social norms.
Court says when this approach is adopted women report higher personal income and household savings, greater participation in financial decisions, increased confidence, and stronger leadership within their communities.
He highlights the changes seen in Rumate, Kenya, where women once walked up to four hours a day to collect water, often returning with only a fraction of what their families needed.
After a borehole was installed in the community, women no longer had to spend hours collecting water and instead had time to pursue income-generating activities. Many formed savings groups, which enabled them to start small businesses and invest in their families.
“Access to safe water didn’t just meet a basic need – it unlocked opportunity,” says Court.
“When safe water is close to home, women gain something incredibly valuable: time. That time can be used to earn an income, participate in community life and invest in their families’ futures.”
The impact extends far beyond individual households.
“In many communities, the time women and girls spend collecting water goes unseen and undervalued. When safe water is accessible, women gain time, income opportunities and a stronger voice in their households and communities.
World Vision reaches one new person with clean water every 10 seconds, and we are aiming to reach 30 million people with clean water between 2023 and 2030.”
Court says this World Water Day, the message is clear:
“Safe water is about far more than survival. It is the foundation for dignity, equality, and opportunity. When women gain access to clean water, they gain time, income, and influence – and entire communities thrive.”
New Zealanders who want to help ensure children have access to safe drinking water can support World Vision through its Gift Catalogue, which includes the option to provide clean water for a child: https://www.worldvision.org.nz/give-now/smiles-gift/#/product/smiles-clean-water-for-a-child

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/15/world-vision-this-world-water-day-clean-water-is-more-than-survival-its-a-pathway-to-womens-empowerment/

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Economy – Tariff ripples: Modelling the effects of US trade policy on the New Zealand economy

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

16 March 2026 – The RBNZ has published an Analytical Note exploring the implications of changes in US tariff policy for the New Zealand economy.

What this paper is about
On 2 April 2025, the US government announced its intention to significantly increase tariffs on imported goods.

In this Note, we study the potential impact of these events on the New Zealand economy. We find that in the short-run, trade diversions and the appreciation of the New Zealand exchange rate create deflationary pressures. Lower inflation induces lower interest rates which boosts domestic output. Over time, however, there may be inflationary pressure as global supply chains become less efficient. The analysis in this Note supplements our other related studies on the impact of changes in US tariff policy, such as on the impact of uncertainty shocks.

Key findings

  • This Analytical Note explores the implications of changes in US tariff policy for the New Zealand economy, using the G-Cubed model to undertake scenario analysis. Our baseline scenario captures tariff announcements as of 31 July 2025. 
  • To capture the depreciation of the US Dollar following the tariff announcement, we further consider shifts in bond and exchange rate markets that are associated with an increased perception of risk in investing in US assets.
  • The shock is disinflationary in the short run as it leads to trade diversions and appreciation of the New Zealand currency which lower import prices. The disinflationary pressure induces lower interest rates supporting the domestic economy. Overall, despite the weaker export sector, the effect on domestic real GDP is relatively modest.
  • Over time however, global supply chains become more inefficient contributing towards higher import prices, creating some inflationary pressure by around 2030.

Why we did this research

On 2 April 2025, the US government announced its intention to significantly increase tariffs on imported goods. Estimates suggest that the breadth and magnitude of tariff increases would have seen the effective tariff rate on imported goods into the Unites States rise to the highest level in over a century. Since then, there have been changes to the specifics of the US tariff policy as well as to the reciprocal tariffs set by US trading partners, heightening uncertainty around the global trade policy environment for New Zealand.

The resulting disruptions to the global trade may affect the New Zealand macroeconomy through export demand, import prices, supply chains, and global financial conditions. In this Note, we study the impact of the changes to the US tariff policy through the lens of the G-cubed model. The model is a global trade model that features disaggregated country- and sectoral-level details. Alternative scenarios are examined to capture the evolving situations around the global tariff environment.  

What data have we used?
The calibration and estimation of the parameters in the G-cubed model are done by the external model developers. The data used originate from various sources, such as the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model, IMF, World Bank, OECD, United Nations, the US Energy Information Administration, and the University of Groningen Growth and Development Centre.

More information:

Effects of US Trade Policy on the New Zealand Economy: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=5fb6033bf4&e=f3c68946f8

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/15/economy-tariff-ripples-modelling-the-effects-of-us-trade-policy-on-the-new-zealand-economy/

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Social Investment Agency deputy resigns while under bullying, harassment investigation

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kylie Reiri, pictured in 2017, quit as Deputy Chief Executive of the Social Investment Agency last month. (RNZ / Teresa Cowie )

The Deputy Chief Executive of the Social Investment Agency has resigned while under investigation in relation to allegations of bullying and harassment.

Social Investment Agency (SIA) Deputy Chief Executive Kylie Reiri left the job last month. Her departure comes after former SIA chief executive Andrew Coster quit in December following a scathing Independent Police Conduct Authority report.

Within days of Coster’s resignation, RNZ was contacted with allegations that Reiri was under investigation in relation to complaints of bullying and harassment.

RNZ contacted Reiri at the time who said she was on leave due to health-related reasons. She did not respond to requests for comment over the weekend.

  • Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

Approached for comment in December, the SIA said they did not comment on individual employment matters. Asked why that was and for the status of Reiri’s employment, the SIA treated the follow up questions as a request under the Official Information Act (OIA).

Then, in January, the SIA released an OIA which said they do not generally comment on individual employment matters “as the disclosure of information relating to individual employees would involve the unwarranted disclosure of personal information”.

The following month Reiri resigned.

Andrew Coster resigned from the Social Investment Agency following the damning IPCA report. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

In an email on February 12, released to RNZ, SIA’s acting chief executive and secretary for social investment Alistair Mason said Reiri had resigned.

“We acknowledge the contribution Kylie has made during her time here. We thank her for her service to the organisation and wish her well for the future,” he said.

“I know you may have questions, however, out of respect for Kylie’s privacy I am not able to discuss this matter.”

In an OIA released to RNZ, the SIA confirmed there had been two employment investigations over the last 12 months.

“I am also able to confirm that there has been one investigation in response to four formal reports of bullying and harassment. In the interest of privacy, we cannot provide a breakdown as to what each allegation was concerning.”

RNZ understands the investigation, which is ongoing, relates to Reiri.

“As a responsible employer, SIA takes these matters seriously and all complaints are investigated and followed through to the end. We have robust policies and procedures to manage disclosure of any allegations including protected disclosures (speak safe) and bullying and harassment policies, which provide informal and formal options for staff to raise concerns of serious wrongdoing and bullying and harassment.”

A SIA spokesperson said in a statement to RNZ they could confirm Reiri had resigned from her role.

About a month before the IPCA’s report was released, Coster sent an email to all staff following a meeting that day.

In the email, seen by RNZ, Coster said it was important for him that the SIA was an organisation “where each one of us feels we can bring our best to our work, in an environment that is positive and enabling.”

“Acknowledging the wider context from the Public Service census (in which we fared well and in connection with which we have an action plan), some comments in a recent Te Rama survey have given me cause for concern. I want to be able to address any issues, to ensure this is a place where everyone feels respected and valued. To do this, I need to understand your experiences and perspectives.

“To that end, I want to make myself available to meet with anyone who would like to talk. If you have something to share, please reach out to me directly. Anything you share will be treated with respect and care. I value your thoughts and insights, and I will only use what you share in a way that aligns with what you are comfortable with. I understand that speaking up isn’t easy but I invite you to feel that I will listen and take action where that is required.”

About a month later, he emailed staff about the IPCA report.

“In light of that report, I’ve agreed with the Public Service Commissioner that I will take leave while we work through a process connected with it. In my absence, Alistair Mason will cover for me.

“I’m sorry to have to step out at this time. Thank you for the amazing work you’re all doing.”

Then, two days later, Mason emailed staff and said he’d had a “good conversation with Minister [Nicola] Willis last night”.

“The primary purpose of the conversation was her wanting to check-in on the wellbeing of the agency and the staff. She wanted to know if there was anything she could do and if we are getting the support we need. Importantly she expressed her ongoing confidence in the Social Investment Agency.

“The Social Investment Board also had an ad hoc meeting last night and have again expressed their support for the agency and offered to lean in and support wherever they can. And of course I am in regular contact with PSC who are offering any support we need.”

In December, RNZ asked SIA Minister Nicola Willis’ office for comment on the matter. They said questions were best put to the SIA.

“Staffing within agencies is an operational matter for which Ministers don’t have responsibility.”

On Monday, a spokesperson for Willis said the Minister didn’t have any comment to make.

“Employment matters within government agencies are for agency chief executives and, if warranted, the Public Service Commission to manage.”

Reiri’s profile on the SIA website, which has since been taken down, said she brought a “unique blend of public and private sector experience to the Social Investment Agency”.

“Her career has been dedicated to improving outcomes for New Zealanders through data-driven decision making and social investment approaches.”

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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/2026/03/16/social-investment-agency-deputy-resigns-while-under-bullying-harassment-investigation/

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Dolphin necropsy inconclusive, not thought to be fishing related

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  16 March 2026

The juvenile dolphin was reported to DOC by a member of the public on Thursday 26 February and taken to Massey University for a necropsy to try and understand what happened to it.

The dolphin was gifted the name Māui Pōtiki from mana whenua, derived from the karakia Pai Mārire. The remains have been returned to Ngaa Iwi o Te Puaha o Waikato and were buried over the weekend. Mana whenua invited DOC to take part in the burial proceedings alongside multiple whaanau from Ngaa iwi o Te Puaha o Waikato.

DOC senior marine technical advisor Anton van Helden says unfortunately, the remains were severely decomposed which meant the necropsy could not definitively determine a cause of death.

“As well as a physical examination, tissue samples were examined under the microscope to try and see whether there was any evidence of disease. The severe decomposition meant this was inconclusive.”

An initial assessment had noted some criss-cross patterned cut marks on the dolphin’s body. International experts were consulted and did not think they were caused by a fishing net. They suggested a possible cause could be from the dolphin washing back and forth over shellfish beds.

Anton says, “we know there’s been speculation these marks were caused by entanglement, however international experts reviewed the marks, and agreed they did not look like they were caused by a net.

“Experts noted the shape, depth and irregular distances between cuts, absence of visible knot marks – which are normally present after entanglement – and the angle which the cuts crossed at.

“There are many reasons this dolphin may have died, including toxoplasmosis or other disease and separation from its mother. Unfortunately, due to the severe decomposition, we don’t know in this case.”

Results from genetic testing is still pending. The two sub-species of dolphin (Māui and Hector’s) look so similar they can’t be identified without a genetic test – but based on the location it’s likely to be a critically endangered Māui dolphin. At the last survey there were just an estimated 48 to 64 individuals left.

Anton says every dolphin counts and DOC tries to find the cause of death for any deceased Māui or Hector’s dolphin that’s found, to learn more about the threats facing the species.

“Given how rare these small dolphins are, we need to try and learn anything we can, to better understand the threats facing these iconic dolphins, which are found only here in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Spokesperson says anyone out naturing on our coasts who sees a dead dolphin is asked to call it in to DOC as soon as possible, with an accurate location, so we can collect it quicky.

“The sooner we can get to the animal, the better condition it will be in for necropsy which means we will learn more from it. Every hour is critical.”

People out naturing on the water can also help by reporting any sightings using the SeaSpotter app or through DOC’s online: Marine mammal sighting form. Māui and Hector’s dolphins can be identified by their distinctive rounded dorsal fin, which looks a bit like one of Mickey Mouse’s ears.

“If you see a rounded fin, please call it in. Sightings from the public, especially off the west coast of the North Island from Maunganui Bluff to Whanganui, help us learn more about the Māui dolphin.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/16/dolphin-necropsy-inconclusive-not-thought-to-be-fishing-related/

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Stolen car recovered, man to face charges

Source: New Zealand Police

A stolen vehicle spotted travelling at speed through Papakura last night caught the eye of Police.

At about 11.45pm, officers noticed a Subaru travelling an excessive speed on Beach Road towards Chichester Drive.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says a Police Camera Operator became aware of the job and observed the vehicle as it continued on State Highway 1 near Ramarama.

“The vehicle has then exited at Razorback Road where the Police helicopter has been able to monitor its movements to Tuakau Bridge where it parked outside a rural address.

“Officers quickly took four people at the address into custody and the vehicle was recovered.”

Inspector Hoyes says this was great work by officers who persevered when losing sight of the stolen vehicle.

“We would also like to remind people to remain vigilant and make sure their vehicles and property are kept safe and secure.

“Any suspicious or concerning activity should be reported to Police immediately on 111.”

An 18-year-old has been charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and will appear in Pukekohe District Court at a later date.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/16/stolen-car-recovered-man-to-face-charges/

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Black Ferns Sevens win New York title to wrap up World Series victory

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kelsey Teneti of New Zealand scores a try. RICHARD WAINWRIGHT

The Black Ferns Sevens have wrapped up the World Series title for another year after beating Australia 22-21 in a thrilling final of the inaugural New York round.

They won five of the six rounds this season with their victory in New York extending their lead in the overall standings over the Australians, who won one round.

Kelsey Teneti opened the scoring for the Black Ferns before Australia hit back with two tries to take a 14-5 lead into halftime.

Jorja Miller in action for the Black Ferns. Photosport

Australia were the first to score in the second half through Tegan Levi to extend their lead to 21-5.

The Black Ferns needed to score next and they did through Alena Saili to cut Australia’s lead to 11 points with a few minutes remaining.

New Zealand kept hold of possession and scored again with Teneti dotting down to make it a one-try game at 21-15.

Australia tried to kill the game off by holding on to the ball for the final minutes but gave away a penalty handing New Zealand possession. The Black Ferns took their chance with Katelyn Vahaakolo diving over at close range.

The try was converted giving New Zealand a 22-21 lead and that’s how the match would end, with the Black Ferns crowned champions in New York. Teneti was named player of the final.

The New Zealand women beat Great Britain, Fiji and France in pool play. They beat hosts the USA 26-14 in the semi-finals before outclassing Australia in the title decider.

The New Zealand men finished sixth in New York.

They lost to South Africa and Australia in pool play, before beating Great Britain in the fifth place semi-final. They were then beaten 21-14 by France in the fifth place playoff.

South Africa won the men’s title after beating Fiji 10-7 in the final, with the victory also securing the overall World Series title for the South Africans.

The All Blacks Sevens finished fourth overall.

The season features a new structure, with the first six rounds deciding the World Series winners, before three further tournaments to determine the World Champions.

The New Zealand teams next play a three-tournament World Championship series (held in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux), with the Grand Final in Bordeaux, France, on 5-7 June.

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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/2026/03/16/black-ferns-sevens-win-new-york-title-to-wrap-up-world-series-victory/

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CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter Jointly Report Critical Credit Risk Management Gaps Among Hong Kong SMEs

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Professional credit management firms CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter today jointly released a comprehensive industry observation report regarding the financial health of local enterprises. The report indicates that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong are currently facing significant liquidity risks as payment cycles across supply chains continue to lengthen. This trend has resulted in a critical imbalance between recorded profits and actual cash flow.

CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter Jointly Report Critical Credit Risk Management Gaps Among Hong Kong SMEs

Widespread Absence of Credit Defense Mechanisms
According to the findings, more than 70% of Hong Kong SMEs lack robust credit defense mechanisms. The report highlights that many businesses fail to perform in-depth credit due diligence on new clients or establish firm payment thresholds.

Alex Yeung, founder of CollectForU Expert, noted that a high percentage of SMEs remain in a state of low defense regarding credit management. Yeung emphasized that bad debts in B2B transactions often have a domino effect. He stated that if a company focuses solely on gross margins while ignoring the operational stability of a counterparty, a single large-scale default could potentially eliminate an entire year of net profit. He recommends that businesses establish standardized defense systems including background checks, credit limit settings, and continuous monitoring to ensure operational safety.

The 90-Day Recovery Threshold
The joint report identifies the 90-day mark as a critical watershed for the successful recovery of overdue accounts. Many SME owners hesitate to take action during the early stages of delinquency to preserve client relationships, which inadvertently increases the risk of asset dissipation or insolvency proceedings by the debtor.

Obis Tsang, founder of Debt Hunter and a professional mediator, stated that the success rate of commercial debt recovery is inversely proportional to the duration of the delinquency. Once a debt is overdue by more than 90 days, the probability of recovery decreases significantly. Tsang suggested that early intervention by specialized third parties should be viewed as a rational tool for commercial negotiation. Engaging mediation-focused professionals can facilitate viable repayment plans and prevent the loss of claims due to excessive delays.

Strategic Recommendations for SMEs
In response to the current economic environment, both institutions advise SMEs to adopt a proactive approach to credit defense rather than waiting for defaults to occur:

  • Strengthen Pre-Contract Screening: Implement standardized credit assessments before finalizing commercial agreements.
  • Establish Warning Mechanisms: Define clear payment deadlines and take immediate action when clients breach these thresholds.
  • Seek Timely Professional Assistance: Introduce expert third-party advice early in the delinquency period to stabilize cash flow.

CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter intend to continue their collaboration to standardize credit management practices and enhance the financial resilience of Hong Kong SMEs.

https://www.debt-hunter.com/en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/debt-hunter
https://www.facebook.com/DebtHunterHK
Wechat: DebtHunterHK
https://www.instagram.com/debthunterhk

Hashtag: #CreditManagement #AccountsReceivable #CollectForU #DebtHunter #DebtCollection #HongKongSMEs

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/16/collectforu-expert-and-debt-hunter-jointly-report-critical-credit-risk-management-gaps-among-hong-kong-smes/

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Buyers and sellers ‘patient’ as house prices lift, REINZ says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Infometrics said the increase in prices between January and February was the sharpest in two-and-a-half years. Unsplash/ Jakub Żerdzicki

‘Patient’ house buyers and sellers are prepared to negotiate or wait for the right price for their properties, the Real Estate Institute says.

The institute’s February data shows national median sale prices up 3.2 percent on a year earlier, to $795,000.

Auckland, Canterbury and Waikato had their highest number of sales since 2021 but, in general, homes were taking longer to sell around the country.

Most regions had median days to sell higher than their 10-year average for February. The national median was 56 days.

Across the country, there were 6523 sales in the month, up 0.3 percent compared to February last year.

Otago recorded a 13.2 percent increase in median price.

“The southern regions, particularly Otago and Southland, are maintaining strong momentum. In contrast, Northland continues to feel some downward pressure following recent severe weather and flooding. Nationally, the three-month trend points to a modest but steady lift in median prices nationally,” said institute chief executive Lizzy Ryley.

“The South Island is showing the most growth, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. A significant sales count happened in Auckland in February but the house price index for Auckland is flat. So it’s a mixed bag but relatively stable and you’re seeing patience on both sides of the negotiating table, with buyers and sellers.”

She said the war in the Middle East was creating many unknowns, on top of the approaching election.

“Interest rates have stabilised and I think there’s a bit of a view among buyers and sellers that it’s probably a good time to buy now to act before they rise. That’s why we’re seeing quite a reasonably active market.

“But none of us really knows how this impact of the ware and oil price and so on is going to have if it flows through into food prices and everything else. How the Reserve Bank will look at inflation and what they do with the OCR, that will probably flow through to the property market… but right now it’s not a frozen market, it’s an active market. You’ve got buyers and sellers waiting or negotiating for the right price.”

Investors were less active, she said.

Infometrics said the increase in prices between January and February was the sharpest in two-and-a-half years.

“Prices are still lower than a year ago across much of the North Island, including falls of 3.6 percent per annum in Gisborne and 2.9 percent in Wellington. Tasman is the only South Island region currently showing an annual price fall, while Southland has the strongest price growth, at 7 percent.”

It said Otago, Northland and Auckland had led the sales growth in recent months and the number of homes listed for sale dropped for the fourth consecutive month when seasonally adjusted, the longest run of declines since mid-2023.

“February’s result suggests more stability in the housing market, after sales declines in November 2025 and January 2026 had pointed towards a softening market. This assessment of a more stable market is reinforced by less negative trends for house prices and the stock of properties.

“However, the Iran War has recently led to significant increases in petrol prices and wholesale interest rates. If higher fuel prices continue for any sustained period, they will undermine New Zealand’s economic recovery and hit consumer confidence. In tandem with upward pressure on mortgage rates, international events could weaken housing market demand in coming weeks and lead to renewed downward pressure on house sales and prices.”

ANZ economists said the increase in prices was surprisingly strong but was unlikely to represent a shift in the underlying direction of the market.

“However, we are doubtful that this represents a shift in the underlying direction in the market. Other indicators of housing demand are not showing the same strength, including sales volumes – which remain a touch below their long run average – and days to sell – which lengthened further in February. Today’s data also refers to a period before the conflict in the Middle East broke out. Nervousness about how the conflict could impact the economy here will add to the sense of caution among buyers in the coming months.”

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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/2026/03/16/buyers-and-sellers-patient-as-house-prices-lift-reinz-says/

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Winston Peters slams departing Fonterra boss Miles Hurrell

Source: Radio New Zealand

Winston Peters. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has weighed in on the resignation of the Fonterra CEO, saying his departure was expected after the sale of “iconic Kiwi dairy brands” to a foreign owned company.

“CEO Miles Hurrell has resigned and will leave once his bonuses are paid,” Peters said on social media.

“We said this exact thing would happen in our open letter to farmers last year – he of course denied it.”

Hurrell announced on Monday he was leaving the dairy co-op after 25 years, saying it was not an easy decision to step away, but the time was right for the co-op and him personally.

Hurrell said Fonterra was entering the next phase in its strategic implementation, which marked a natural turning point for a new leader to step in.

Fonterra’s interim chief executive Miles Hurrell discussing the annual results. RNZ / Dan Cook

The co-op’s sale of its consumer brands to French dairy giant Lactalis went unconditional earlier this month.

Peters said Hurrell had “sold off” almost every consumer brand since he started, “leaving Fonterra as a commodity price taker, not a market maker”.

“Their decision leaves serious questions for New Zealand about what we must do to protect dairy manufacturing in our country as a result of Fonterra’s dereliction of duty.”

Peters said the last time a Fonterra CEO resigned, Theo Spierings in 2018, he was paid out a “ridiculous” $4.67 million after being paid a total of $43m in just seven years in the role.

Peters questioned how much Hurrell would be “paid out”.

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/2026/03/16/winston-peters-slams-departing-fonterra-boss-miles-hurrell/

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Key players missing for All White World Cup warmup games

Source: Radio New Zealand

Chris Wood of the New Zealand All Whites. © Bildbyrån Photo Agency 2025 © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has been unable to call on a number of key players for World Cup warmup games at home against Finland and Chile later this month.

Missing through injury are regulars Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Matt Garbett, Nando Pijnaker, Sarpreet Singh, and captain Chris Wood.

However, all are set to return to play ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June and July.

There is a debut call-up for Newcastle Jets’ Lachlan Bayliss.

“These are two really important games for us as we continue building towards the World Cup, so it is great to name our squad to play in front of our home fans for the last time before the tournament,” Bazeley said.

“I want to congratulate Lachlan Bayliss on his debut All Whites call-up. He has been in great form over the last few months with Newcastle Jets, so I’m pleased to bring him in for the first time at senior level.

“We know the deadline for naming our FIFA World Cup squad is getting closer and closer, so we are pleased to be able to give opportunities to a number of players to state their case, especially with a few regulars unavailable for this window.

“Finland and Chile should be great tests for us, and we look forward to taking them on in front of all of our home fans at Eden Park.”

The FIFA Series games at Eden Park also involve Cape Verde.

85th ranked New Zealand play 75th ranked Finland on 27 March and 55th ranked Chile on 30 March.

All Whites squad:

Kosta Barbarouses (70 caps, 9 goals) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia

Lachlan Bayliss (debut) Newcastle Jets, Australia

Joe Bell (28/1) Viking FK, Norway

Tyler Bindon (20/3) Sheffield United, England (on loan from Nottingham Forest)

Max Crocombe (19/0) Millwall, England

Andre De Jong (11/2) Orlando Pirates, South Africa

Francis De Vries (15/1) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Callan Elliot (7/0) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Eli Just (38/8) Motherwell, Scotland

Callum McCowatt (28/4) Silkeborg IF, Denmark

James McGarry (3/0) Brisbane Roar, Australia

Ben Old (18/1) AS Saint-Étienne, France

Alex Paulsen (5/0) Lechia Gdańsk, Poland (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)

Tim Payne (48/3) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand

Jesse Randall (5/1) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Logan Rogerson (16/2) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Alex Rufer (22/0) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand

Marko Stamenic (33/3) Swansea City, Wales

Finn Surman (13/2) Portland Timbers, USA

Ryan Thomas (23/3) PEC Zwolle, Netherlands

Bill Tuiloma (45/4) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand

Ben Waine (26/8) Port Vale, England

Michael Woud (6/0) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/16/key-players-missing-for-all-white-world-cup-warmup-games/

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Arts Grants – Do you have a completed draft of your manuscript that’s ready to take to the next level?

Source: NZSA

NZSA 2026 CompleteMS Programme – Do you have a completed draft of your manuscript that’s ready to take to the next level? Poetry, fiction, short fiction, non-fiction…

Apply now for the NZSA Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa CompleteMS Manuscript Assessment Programme: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=ef6ef93ca8&e=466373ae7c

The NZSA CompleteMS assessment programme is open for applications
 until 28 May 2026.

CompleteMS is for writers who have completed a manuscript through a number of drafts and now require the objective view of an experienced assessor to provide a constructive critique.

The thirteen successful applications will receive essential critical written feedback (followed by a Q+A session) from an NZSA Assessor on an advanced work, moving it closer to publication.

To apply for this professional development opportunity you need to be a current member of The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc. Membership of NZSA is $150 per annum, with a reduced rate for students – more about membership here: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=3b051fb2e8&e=466373ae7c

The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa seeks to reflect and expand the depth and breadth of Aotearoa New Zealand writing and welcomes applications from diverse writers working across a range of genres and writing disciplines. We tag three places on the programme each year for diverse writers.

Further information and application forms: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=e009bd3985&e=466373ae7c

Some comments on the assessment experience:

From writer’s who have received assessments through CompleteMS:

‘The comments were insightful, applicable, and specific. I feel as though I left this assessment with concrete next steps not only for my manuscript but also for my ongoing practice.’
‘The Q&A session was really useful as I was able to brainstorm plot tweaks and improvements on the spot and get instant feedback about whether I was on the right track now. ‘

From our NZSA Assessors:

Award-winning author and assessor Rosetta Allan says: ‘I believe this programme is of real value to writers. It provides not only professional feedback but also a sense of being taken seriously at a critical stage in their development. The combination of written assessment and Q&A dialogue offers both direction and encouragement, helping writers see their work through an industry lens while still supporting their creative ownership. For many, it may be the first time their manuscript is engaged with at this depth, which can be transformative.’
CompleteMS programme assessor, author, editor and creative writing lecturer Siobhan Harvey says: This is an absolutely indispensable service offered by the NZSA to a key author market.

The annual CompleteMS Programme is made possible with support from Creative New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/16/arts-grants-do-you-have-a-completed-draft-of-your-manuscript-thats-ready-to-take-to-the-next-level/

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Oscars 2026 live: All the looks, stars, and awards at the 98th Academy Awards

Source: Radio New Zealand

The 98th Academy Awards are set to roll out Monday (NZ time) in the heart of Hollywood, with funnyman Conan O’Brien on tap to host the proceedings for the second year in a row.

The leadup to this year’s edition of the Oscars has been anything but standard, with disdain for ballet and hatred of housecats adding some zany conversation to a wide-open race.

Follow all the action in our live blog above.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/16/oscars-2026-live-all-the-looks-stars-and-awards-at-the-98th-academy-awards/

Posted on

Police seeking Nigel Byrd Edwards

Source: New Zealand Police

Police is seeking information on the whereabouts of Nigel Edwards who is wanted to arrest.

The 41-year-old man is wanted in connection with a firearms incident in Papakura on 8 March 2026.

Police have made a number of enquiries to locate Edwards in the past week.

Edwards is actively avoiding Police, and the public should consider him dangerous. Do not approach him.

If you sight Edwards, call Police on 111.

Information on his whereabouts can also be provided to Police via 105 using the reference number 260308/7975.

You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/16/police-seeking-nigel-byrd-edwards/