Category: DJF

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Dedicated dialysis service opens in Invercargill

Source: New Zealand Government

Southland’s new dialysis unit has officially opened, improving access to life-saving treatment for patients across Invercargill and the wider Southland region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“The opening of this new unit at Southland Hospital is a significant step forward for renal care in the South,” Mr Brown says.

“Until now, many Southlanders have had to travel to Dunedin three times a week for dialysis – a 2.5-hour journey each way. This new facility means more people can receive the care they need closer to home.”

The purpose-built unit features five haemodialysis spaces to treat outpatients and eligible inpatients from across the hospital, along with a dedicated area for peritoneal dialysis training and follow-up care.

“In time, the unit will also support training for patients who wish to undertake home haemodialysis, giving people greater independence and flexibility in managing their treatment.”

Previously, dialysis services in Invercargill were delivered from a space originally intended as an ‘away-from-home’ facility for visitors, before growing demand saw it accommodate some regular dialysis patients. 

“With demand increasing, a fit-for-purpose dialysis service in Southland became essential. This new unit increases the number of dialysis chairs from two to five, improving access for patients.”

Initially, the expanded service is expected to support six to eight haemodialysis patients each week, with numbers projected to grow over the next six months.

“For patients and their families, dialysis isn’t just a treatment – it’s part of everyday life. Being able to receive that care locally reduces stress, keeps people connected to family and community, and supports better long-term health.

“This new facility is about making sure Southlanders can receive the care they need, closer to home,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/dedicated-dialysis-service-opens-in-invercargill/

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Speech to the Climate and the Cryosphere Open Science Conference and Antarctic Science Platform announcement

Source: New Zealand Government

Opening remarks

Nga mihi ki te rangi, ngā mihi ki te whenua. Ngā mihi ki a koutou. Kia ora mai tātou.

I greet the sky. I greet the earth. I greet all of you. Welcome.

Ki te mana whenua, tēnā koutou. Ko tēnei taku mihi tuku atu ki a koutou. Ngā mihi, ngā mihi.

I would also like to start by acknowledging Professor Tim Naish; Professor Brony James; Professor Gary Wilson; and all distinguished delegates who have travelled from around the world to be here.

Nau mai, haere mai ki whakatau ma Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Once twice, thrice a greeting.

Welcome to Wellington and welcome to New Zealand.

The importance and timeliness of this conference

Your conference comes at a pivotal time. Advances in cryosphere research are sharpening our understanding of the climate system, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, while new technologies are transforming what researchers can observe, measure and model.

For New Zealand, our interest in Antarctica stretches back at least as far as a founding signature to the Antarctic Treaty System. Antarctica is not remote – it is our close neighbour and a critical part of our climate system. 

Changes in Antarctic ice sheets influence sea levels, storm behaviour, and long-term risk across our region. Closer to home, research on Southern Alps glaciers is improving our understanding of water resources, ecosystems, and energy security.

The work represented here strengthens and adds to the global evidence base and directly informs long-term planning and resilience. 

I acknowledge the significant contribution each of you makes through your fieldwork, modelling, innovation, and international collaboration. Thank you.

Strengthening New Zealand’s science system

Science, innovation and technology are important to a productive and resilient economy. Over the past year, we have responded to science productivity, innovation and modernisation concerns by delivering the most significant reform of New Zealand’s science system in over 30 years.

Seven Crown Research Institutes have been consolidated into three Public Research Organisations aligned to national priorities, including earth systems science. Once of the most successful amalgamations of large state-owned enterprises to date.

We have also established the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology, supported by $231 million over four years, to accelerate capability in frontier technologies such as cryogenic super conduction, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and synthetic biology.

These advanced technologies are increasingly relevant to Antarctic science – from autonomous under-ice vehicles and sub-ice moorings to high-resolution environmental modelling and remote sensing. They are expanding our ability to monitor ice-ocean interactions and improve predictive capability.

Announcement

A few months ago I announced the first ever formal science memorandum of understanding with the United States. The very first projects include:

  • Antarctic Groundwater-Ecosystem connectivity
  • Spectra of Sentinels: Mapping Ecosystem Change from Ground, Air and Space, and
  • Drivers and Implications of Rapid Sea Ice Decline in the Ross Sea.

Today, I am pleased to announce a new international collaborative partner, the UAE, a along with a targeted $1 million increase to New Zealand’s Antarctic Science Platform for 2026, through the Emirates Polar Steering Committee and the new Polar Research Centre. This investment will support two new joint research projects with Khalifa University in United Arab Emirates.

Through this partnership, researchers will access complementary strengths, including advanced satellite data streams and environmental sensing capabilities.

The initial collaboration projects will focus on:

  1. Storm dynamics and sea ice formation – integrating high-resolution modelling with new observation techniques to improve forecasting and understanding of how storm systems influence sea ice formation; and
  2. Tracking changes to ice shelves using autonomous underwater vehicles – deploying long-range AUVs and remote technologies to measure heat content and water mass exchange on the continental shelf, helping fill critical data gaps.

For New Zealand, this partnership further strengthens our contribution to global climate and cryosphere science while building our capability in advanced remote technologies.

This level of collaboration reflects the importance New Zealand places on cryosphere science and international scientific partnership.

Climate resilience and adaptation

The insights generated by cryosphere science are increasingly important for New Zealand and the world.

Here we face growing risks from floods, storms and other natural hazards. In October, the Government released New Zealand’s first National Adaptation Framework — a long-term plan to help communities prepare for climate impacts.

The framework includes practical steps such as developing a consistent National Flood Map, so New Zealanders can access trusted information about their risk, and requiring adaptation plans in priority areas so councils can plan ahead for the next 30 years.

Sound adaptation policy depends on robust science. The research and collaboration represented at this conference directly supports that work.

To all delegates, thank you for your commitment to advancing understanding of our climate system. With two new funded international Antarctic science collaborations in just over 60 days, you can see the importance I place and New Zealand places on cryosphere research. I have urgency and have acted accordingly and I hope that you also share that urgency.

International Science collaboration supported by innovation and technology is essential to building a resilient future.

Closing

In closing, I wish you a productive and stimulating conference, and thank you helping us build a better, safer world.

It is now my pleasure to declare the Climate and the Cryosphere Open Science Conference officially open.

Ngā mihi nui. Thank you.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/speech-to-the-climate-and-the-cryosphere-open-science-conference-and-antarctic-science-platform-announcement/

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Weather News – Summer’s back in charge…for now – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 9th – Friday 13th February
 
–    Largely settled start to the week for northern and central New Zealand, but rain for the West Coast and far south
–    Swing to warmer-than-average temperatures for many on Thursday
–    Widespread rain arriving at the end of the working week

It’s looking like a classic summer setup for much of the country this week, with largely settled weather for northern and central parts, and a swing to hotter than average temperatures later in the week. Friday brings a change, however, with widespread rain arriving to dampen things before the weekend.

Dry days are set to dominate from Northland down to Christchurch to start the week. Summer heating brings the odd shower popping up inland in the afternoons, and we might even see a lightning spark or two up in the ranges of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, but for most people there will be plenty of chances to get out and about.

MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino says, “With sea-surface temperatures around much of the North Island’s coastline warmer than average, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the long summer evenings and squeeze in a swim after school or work.”

Things aren’t quite so sunny for western and southern parts of the South Island, though, with rain sweeping through on Tuesday, and lingering into Wednesday for the West Coast. MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for Tuesday’s rain in Fiordland, with a moderate chance of being upgraded to a Warning.

Summer returns mid-week, with sunny skies, hot days, and humid nights for much of the country. Afternoon temperatures in the high twenties are expected on Thursday, and some places in Wairarapa and Canterbury might even crack 30°C, 6 or 7°C above average for this time of year.

“It could get uncomfortably hot later in the week, with several spots in the lower North Island set to approach or exceed their heat alert thresholds, and overnight temperatures in the high teens not allowing time for recovery. Now’s the time to make a plan: think about timing outdoor activities away from the hottest parts of the day, or shifting under cover if you have to be outside, and leave plenty of time for shade and water breaks,” advises Martino.

As we head towards the weekend things look quite different, with rain affecting most of the country on Friday, and heavy rain possible. Keep up-to-date with the latest forecasts and MetService’s Severe Weather Outlook for more details.

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:

This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/weather-news-summers-back-in-chargefor-now-metservice/

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Standards announcement welcomed by BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ welcomes the announcement by Minister Scott Simpson that Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have reached an agreement whereby joint standards will be properly funded and there will no longer be commissioning fees for New Zealand industry for the development of joint Standards.
BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says this is something industry has campaigned on, for many years.
“Standards Australia has been well resourced over the years, while Standards New Zealand was the poor cousin, and NZ businesses were having to pay to participate in joint standards development. This was on top of contributing experts sitting on committees and getting themselves to meetings in Australia.
“As a result of the cost barrier, and the 100 percent user pays model operating in New Zealand, there were about 500 joint standards that were de-jointed since 2016.
“Industry standards are needed for product safety, regulatory compliance, successful exporting and importing, efficiency, consistency, and many other needs. All manufactured items must be manufactured to recognised Standards. All recognised trade training in NZ is linked to Standards.
Beard says many Standards in use in NZ are Australia-NZ Joint Standards, created by joint work between industry groups on both sides of the Tasman. 
“Joint Standards are needed as Australia and NZ are each other’s biggest market for manufactured exports and given the closeness between the two economies and business sectors. This has been particularly challenging for construction and building industries, where safety could be compromised through inadequate Standards.”
Beard says the Minister, Standards NZ and Standards Australia should be congratulated on progress to fix the problem and that it would be a big relief for Industry Associations on both sides of the Tasman.
“BusinessNZ will continue to monitor this issue to ensure that Standards New Zealand is adequately funded to ensure this never happens again and that NZ can play its part in global standards development.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/standards-announcement-welcomed-by-businessnz/

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Senior navy officer allegedly encouraged junior officer to kiss them

Source: Radio New Zealand

Judge William Hastings presiding over the trial of a senior Navy officer, for their conduct during an overseas operation in Fiji in 2023.  RNZ/Lucy Xia

A senior navy officer is facing a Court Martial over their behaviour during an operation in Fiji in March 2023, where they allegedly encouraged a junior officer to kiss them.

The hearing is sitting at the Devonport Navy Base in Auckland.

The military prosecutors have charged the senior officer with behaviour likely to prejudice service discipline.

Judge William Hastings has declined an application for interim name suppression, saying that the threshold for extreme hardship for the defendant and undue hardship for their family members hasn’t been met.

However, the defendant’s name cannot be published yet pending an appeal.

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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/2026/02/09/senior-navy-officer-allegedly-encouraged-junior-officer-to-kiss-them/

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Black Ferns star signs with Hurricanes for Super Rugby Aupiki

Source: Radio New Zealand

Renee Holmes. www.photosport.nz

The Hurricanes Poua have signed Black Ferns fullback Renee Holmes ahead of the Super Rugby Aupiki season.

Holmes joins the Poua after two seasons with the Chiefs Manawa in what is a homecoming to the Hurricanes region for the Gisborne-born-and-raised fullback.

“I’m super excited to be joining this team. I love the culture and the vibes, the style of rugby the Poua play, and I’m excited about the opportunity to chase the Hurricanes’ first-ever Super Rugby Aupiki title. I cannot wait to be a part of it,” Holmes said.

“I’m also super excited to work under Trigs (Poua head coach Hayden Triggs), I’ve heard nothing but good things and I can already feel his passion for this team and I’m looking forward to seeing where he can help take my game.”

New Zealand’s full back Renee Holmes (R) celebrates scoring a try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup third-place match against France, 2025. ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP

The 26-year-old goal-kicking Holmes brings plenty of domestic and international pedigree to the Poua.

Formerly a New Zealand age-grade representative in football, taekwondo, and ultimate frisbee, Holmes made her first-class rugby debut as a teenager with Hawke’s Bay in 2017.

She has since forged an impressive playing career, which includes a Rugby World Cup title with the Black Ferns on home soil four years ago, a 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki championship with Matatū, and Farah Palmer Cup success with Waikato in 2021.

In total, Holmes has made 29 test appearances and scored 199 points for the Black Ferns since making her debut for the side against the New Zealand Barbarians in 2020.

She featured prominently during last year’s World Cup campaign in England, and has won both the Pacific Four Series twice and the Laurie O’Reilly Cup four times while representing the Black Ferns.

In addition to her time with Hawke’s Bay and Waikato, Holmes has also played provincially for Bay of Plenty, and will embark on her fifth Super Rugby Aupiki campaign next year after two seasons each with the Chiefs Manawa and Matatū.

Triggs is thrilled to welcome a player of Holmes’ calibre to his side.

“The club is excited to provide a homecoming of sorts to a Gisborne-born talent in Renee,” Triggs said.

“The more I shared the vision for the club and the team to Renee, the more there was a shared enthusiasm about what the future holds for the Poua.

“Signing Renee is a big step in re-shaping the Poua programme. She is a humble, kind person, a dedicated athlete, a world-class competitor, and is the type of player we want our next Poua players to see and replicate for future squads.

“We are also driven to develop her game and leadership in the club, both on and off the field, to find a new ceiling in her game.

“As a team and a club, we can’t wait to see Renz in a black-and-yellow jersey uniting and exciting our Hurricanes fans in Super Rugby Aupiki 2026.”

The remainder of the 2026 Hurricanes Poua squad will be announced at a later date.

Super Rugby Aupiki has shifted dates this year. Previously played through March and April, it will now take place between June and August, with the draw yet to be confirmed.

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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/2026/02/09/black-ferns-star-signs-with-hurricanes-for-super-rugby-aupiki/

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Early-stage angel investment in start-up businesses grows for first time since 2021

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nearly twice as many new businesses were recieving investment last year. (File photo) Unsplash/ Declan Sun

Early-stage angel investment in start-up businesses saw positive growth in the amount of capital invested last year, for the first time since 2021.

Angel Association chief executive Bridget Unsworth said new deals attracted 8.6 percent more capital overall, with nearly twice as many new businesses receiving investment.

Deal activity rebounded strongly with a 34 percent increase in the number of deals completed to 167 from 125 in 2024, but with a conservative a 2.7 percent increase in capital to $13.9 million.

Unsworth said it appeared more investors were keeping dollars in reserve for follow-on investment, with the average investment per angel investor down 8 percent to $12,446 from $15,100 in 2024.

“Yes, the cheques are slightly smaller, but more companies are getting seeded,” Unsworth said.

She said the number of angel investors with a portfolio of five or more growth businesses rose 14 percent from 12 percent in 2024.

“I think it’s positive in that we’re seeing diversification across all the sectors,” she said.

“For a long time, software was 50 percent of all the capital that was committed. We’re seeing it spread more evenly across multiple sectors.”

She said deep tech, which focused on ground-breaking technology, was attracting more investment, with an increase of 22 percent over a rolling five-year average to $6.6m from $4.4m the year earlier.

“In a global environment shaped by climate solutions, national capability, and advanced technologies, this trend positions New Zealand well, provided capital and specialist expertise remain aligned,” she said.

“So all in all I think it is it is really positive in terms of how our market is evolving.”

Unsworth said the highlight of the year was a 34 percent increase in the number of active angel investors over the past year to 455 from 328 in 2024.

“We have got great investors coming into the space that are bringing not only their capital, but their breadth of expertise.”

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/2026/02/09/early-stage-angel-investment-in-start-up-businesses-grows-for-first-time-since-2021/

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PM Christopher Luxon says US president Donald Trump should apologise for ‘racist’ Obama post

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said US President Donald Trump’s social media post was racist. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The prime minister says US President Donald Trump’s social media post – depicting his predecessor Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes – is racist.

The AI-generated video was among 70 messages Trump posted on Thursday night, US time.

It was later deleted, and the administration blamed a staffer after initially defending the post.

Speaking to TVNZ’s Breakfast, Christopher Luxon said Trump should apologise.

“Yeah, look, I think he should,” he said.

“I mean I think when he was asked I think he said he condemns it but the reality is I saw coverage of it, I lived in the US for eight years in North America, and I’m well aware of what that trope is all about.

“It was racist, and it’s right that it’s been removed. As to whether he apologises for it that’s ultimately for him, but I would’ve thought you’d want to.”

Some Republicans have joined Democrats in decrying the post and calling for an apology.

Trump has not yet apologised.

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/2026/02/09/pm-christopher-luxon-says-us-president-donald-trump-should-apologise-for-racist-obama-post/

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NZ-UAE partnership boosts advanced tech capability

Source: New Zealand Government

A new Antarctic science partnership with a leading UAE university will grow New Zealand’s advanced engineering and modelling capability, supporting high-value jobs, encouraging economic growth, and enabling smarter climate risk management, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says. 

“This partnership is about building high-value capability in New Zealand and strengthening our economy for the future,” Dr Reti says.

“By combining our research expertise with the UAE’s strengths in engineering and autonomous technologies, we will develop new tools to better understand and predict how climate change in Antarctica affects our weather, oceans and coastal communities. 

“The collaboration supports our Antarctic research goals while strengthening New Zealand’s advanced engineering and autonomous systems capability – technologies that can boost productivity and resilience across key industries. 

“It will also provide better insight into Antarctic climate change to help businesses and decision‑makers plan for the future. 

“The systems developed, from high-resolution climate modelling to long-range autonomous underwater vehicles, will have applications across marine industries, environmental monitoring and aerospace.

“That means new commercial opportunities, high-value jobs, and stronger national capability in the technologies that will power our future economy.”

The partnership will initially support two Antarctic Science Platform projects focused on improving sea-ice forecasting and deploying advanced autonomous systems to better understand ice shelf melt and ocean circulation.

New Zealand will invest $1 million in the projects, following a Memorandum of Arrangement between Khalifa University and Antarctica New Zealand.

The Antarctic Science Platform will run a targeted contestable process to identify New Zealand research teams to join the collaboration, with proposals assessed on scientific excellence and their potential to build capability for both countries.

Notes to editors:

The partnership will initially support two projects delivered through the Antarctic Science Platform. These projects will focus on:

  • Storm dynamics influence on sea ice formation: Improved forecasting tools will enhance operational planning and build New Zealand’s capability in predictive environmental modelling, integrating high resolution modelling with new observation techniques will improve understanding of how storm dynamics influence sea ice formation.
  • Tracking changes to ice shelve using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Long-range AUVs and other remote technology will be developed and deployed to measure heat content and water mass exchange on the continental ice shelf. Designed to operate in extreme conditions, these systems will expand New Zealand’s capability in remote sensing technologies while helping fill key data gaps related to iceshelf melt and ocean circulation.

In May 2025, the Government announced an investment of $49 million over the next seven years to support the Antarctic Science Platform. Collaboration between New Zealand and the UAE’s relevant Antarctic institutions through this Platform supports the Government’s work to accelerate long-term economic growth driven by innovation. 

It also complements recently announced collaborations with international partners including Japan, Singapore, Australia and the United States across advanced materials, space science, health technologies and climate research supported by the MBIE-administered Catalyst Fund. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/nz-uae-partnership-boosts-advanced-tech-capability/

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One dead after crash involving truck and trailer in rural South Auckland’s Buckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

The driver and sole occupant of the truck died. (File photo) RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The driver of a truck and trailer has been killed in a crash on a rural road in South Auckland’s Buckland.

The crash happened on Logan Road in Buckland just after 7.30am on Monday, police said.

It involved one truck and the sole occupant died at the scene.

How the crash happened was being investigated by police, a spokesperson said.

At this stage the road remained closed while police examined the scene.

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/2026/02/09/one-dead-after-crash-involving-truck-and-trailer-in-rural-south-aucklands-buckland/

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Media advisory – pōwhiri for new Manawatū Area Commander

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are invited to the pōwhiri for new Manawatū Area Commander, Inspector Matenga (Marty) Gray.

Date: Tuesday 10 February

Time: 0930-1230

Location: Kohuturoa Marae, 306 Hokio Beach Road, Hokio Beach, Levin

We ask media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/media-advisory-powhiri-for-new-manawatu-area-commander/

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Fatal crash: Buckland, Auckland

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash on Logan Road, Buckland this morning.

Emergency services responded to the single vehicle crash, involving a truck and trailer unit, at 7.32am.

Sadly, the sole occupant of the truck died at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit attended, with enquiries into the circumstances of the crash ongoing.

At this stage the road remains closed while Police examine the scene.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/fatal-crash-buckland-auckland/

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Call to levy services to keep financial mentor sector viable

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fincap, the organisation that represents financial mentors around the country, has made the proposal to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.

Financial mentors say organisations that benefit from their services should be willing to pay a levy.

Fincap, the organisation that represents financial mentors around the country, has made the proposal to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.

Forty-four financial mentor services lost funding in the latest round and Fincap spokesperson Jake Lilley said they are increasingly having to ask staff to take pay cuts or work as volunteers to be able to continue operating.

“We’ve had a lot close,” he told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

He said it was a concern that the industry was also losing experienced people who knew how to navigate the complex situations that clients would seek help with.

But demand for their services has increased, and Lilley says many organisations rely on their services, including KiwiSaver providers who often suggest people making a hardship application seek help from a mentor.

Lilley said while financial services providers would have their own hardship teams, there were usually limits to what it was appropriate for them to discuss with clients. Financial mentors could look at people’s situations as a whole.

“You can get into a situation where the loudest creditor is the one who is paid when someone hasn’t got the assistance to look at the situation as a whole.”

He said some mentors said it took eight hours of their time to help a client with a KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal application.

Telecommunications and power companies also benefited from mentors’ work, he said.

David Baines, of Christchurch’s Kingdom Resources services, said his organisation lost funding in 2024.

“We were in a situation where government funding provided about 80 percent of our total income.” he said.

Of 11 staff, two became volunteers and four reduced their income, he said. But he said Kingdom Resources still received referrals from government agencies, even though funding had been stopped.

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://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/call-to-levy-services-to-keep-financial-mentor-sector-viable/

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New trans-Tasman standards agreement signed

Source: New Zealand Government

A new agreement between Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia means improved products and opportunities for local businesses and households, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says.

“This agreement is what this Government is all about – fixing the basics and building the future. It will make it easier to operate across New Zealand and Australia, reducing costs for businesses and improve the quality and safety of goods and services that consumers rely on every day,” Mr Simpson says.

In August 2025, Prime Minister Luxon and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed in their Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ meeting the importance of trans-Tasman standards and ongoing partnership.

“By aligning standards and adopting trusted international rules in areas like artificial intelligence, data management and cybersecurity, New Zealanders can have greater confidence that new technologies are being used safely and responsibly.

“Reducing fees and red tape will also free up businesses to invest in innovation and growth, supporting jobs, strengthening digital trade, and helping New Zealand businesses compete internationally – delivering long-term benefits for the wider economy.”

The two national standards bodies have signed a new Standards Development and Distribution Agreement and Statement of Operating Procedures.

Mr Simpson says the agreement reaffirms the commitment to trans-Tasman standards alignment.

“It ensures our standards system reflects modern science, technology, regulatory and business practice. It’s a win for New Zealand businesses, consumers, and our economy.”

Mr Simpson commended Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia for their close cooperation and focus on economic growth.

“Harmonised standards with Australia are a priority for this Government. The standards relationship between Australia and New Zealand is internationally unique and highly-valued, having delivered significant economic benefits to both countries.

“The new agreement has support from industry stakeholders on both sides of the Tasman and lays the foundation for future joint trans-Tasman standards development with Australia.”

Notes to editors:

 This agreement will ensure:

  • Shared standards to help businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, improve quality and meet regulatory requirements in both countries
  • Companies can focus on innovation, growth and global competitiveness
  • Adoption of international standards in areas such as artificial intelligence, data management, and cybersecurity gives businesses confidence to use new technologies
  • Removal of commissioning fees for New Zealand industry for joint Australian-New Zealand standards development
  • Support for digital trade and help New Zealand businesses remain competitive internationally
  • A stronger voice for New Zealand industry in the early scoping and prioritisation of joint standards work.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/new-trans-tasman-standards-agreement-signed/

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Health Research – New international report warns global drug policies are failing

Source: NZ Drug Foundation

The NZ Drug Foundation says a major new report on international drug policy reform over the past 10 years shows that the drug control system has failed and countries like New Zealand urgently need to change direction.

The UNGASS decade in review: Gaps, achievements and paths for reform report assesses progress made since the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs, widely viewed as a potential turning point in global drug policy.

NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says it paints an incredibly grim picture, with many challenges hampering efforts to reduce the harm from drugs including the financial crisis facing the United Nations, threats to the international rule of law, AI-fuelled illicit trade and reduced funding for harm reduction.

“Old tropes, and the ‘war on drugs’ approach that is regaining momentum in the United States and elsewhere, need to end. Aotearoa New Zealand risks sliding into the same chaos seen in parts of North America if nothing changes,” Helm says.

“All the evidence tells us these approaches are continuing to push things in the wrong direction – the increase in harm and deaths globally over the last ten years is just staggering.”

The report shows that under the current international settings:

  • More drugs are being consumed. 
  • More potent and new substances have emerged, many of which are volatile and toxic. 
  • More people are using drugs. An estimated 316 million people aged 15-64 used drugs in 2023, which is a 28% increase since 2016 and far outpaces 9% global population growth. 
  • More people are dying as a result of drug use. Between 2016 and 2021, more than 2,678,000 people died (not including deaths from armed conflict in countries that supply the global drug market). 

There has been an alarming level of incarceration that has disproportionately affected marginalised communities. About 20% of the global prison population – or one in five people – is in prison for drug offences. Of those people, 22% or 2.5 million people are in prison for drug possession alone.

“Sadly, these international trends are all too familiar in New Zealand. Our Safer Drug Laws for Aotearoa New Zealand report shows that everything from addiction, to overdose deaths, to criminalisation have increased under our current approach – it’s painfully obvious that we need to change,” Helm says.

“We lose almost three New Zealanders per week to overdose, methamphetamine and cocaine use have doubled in the past year, new toxic substances like nitazenes are killing people and 3,000 New Zealanders have been criminalised for cannabis consumption in the past two years.”

More and more money has been spent on reducing supply, including drug busts, to little or no effect. In fact, mounting evidence shows that law enforcement strategies aimed at disrupting trafficking organisations have often been counterproductive. Instead of reducing supply, they have fragmented criminal groups, creating more dynamic and violent competition over illegal markets.

“Both internationally and here at home, we spend vastly more on combating the supply of drugs than on reducing demand and the harm caused. This approach has not worked so it’s time to take a different approach,” Helm argues.

There are a few bright spots to be found over the 10 years the report canvasses. 59 jurisdictions in 39 countries have now adopted some form of decriminalisation, compared to 33 jurisdictions in 23 countries in 2016. And 45 countries – including Aotearoa New Zealand – have adopted laws and policies to improve access to medicinal cannabis since 2016, bringing the global total to 63.

Helm says that for New Zealand to start turning things around, decriminalisation of drug use, coupled with significant investment in health and harm reduction services, has the clearest evidence of success internationally.

“For example, Portugal’s two decades of experience of decriminalisation is compelling,” she says. “Overdose deaths fell dramatically, HIV transmission rates plummeted, and the burden on the criminal justice system was eased, all without an increase in drug use. Portugal now has one of the lowest rates of drug-related deaths in the EU.”

“The evidence is clear that any law reform efforts must be coupled with significant investment in support, including ringfenced funding for services designed and delivered by Māori, who have experienced the greatest harm from our current laws,” she says.
 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/health-research-new-international-report-warns-global-drug-policies-are-failing/

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Graham Parks named NZ Cricket interim boss

Source: Radio New Zealand

Graham Parks. photosport

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed Graham Parks will take charge as its interim chief executive until a full time replacement is found for Scott Weenink.

Parks, who has been NZC’s chief venues and events officer, has agreed to provide a stopgap as CEO, taking over from Catherine Campbell, who has acted as designated CEO since Weenink’s departure in December.

A statement from NZC said: “Graham is a long-serving member of our senior leadership team; has the skillset required for the assignment, is up to speed on current projects and events, and shares the trust and goodwill of NZC staff, members and stakeholders.

“Catherine Campbell will lead the Venues and Events function during this period.”

While Parks will continue to be based in Lincoln, he has agreed to split his time in Auckland to liaise more closely with NZ’s personnel and stakeholders.

NZC said it will advertise for the CEO role within the week and hopes to annouce the successful candidate by early April.

Scott Weenink. photosport

Weenink announced he was stepping down a week before Christmas following months growing concern that the board and the chief executive were no longer on the same page.

Weenink cited fundamental differences with key stakeholders over the long-term direction of the game and a potential change to structure of T20 cricket.

Sources told RNZ Weenink had been “fighting for his survival” since November amid a power struggle related to the domestic game.

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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/2026/02/09/graham-parks-named-nz-cricket-interim-boss/

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Major bank raises medium-term fixed term mortgage rates

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

The rise in home loan rates continues with ASB Bank the latest to increase medium-term fixed mortgages.

It has marginally lowered its six-month rates, but loans for one year through to three years have been raised between 10 and 20 basis points.

ASB Bank said the rises reflected the increase in wholesale interest rates, which had risen more than half a percentage point since the last Reserve Bank decision at the end of last November.

ASB’s six month rate is 4.59 percent, down six basis points. The one year rate has risen to 4.59 percent, the 18-month rate 4.75%, two years now sits at 4.95 percent and the three year rate is 5.19 percent.

All major retail banks have their fixed mortgage rates over the past couple of weeks.

Last week BNZ cut its six-month rate by 20 basis points to 4.49 percent. But the four-year rate lifts by 26 basis points to 5.55 percent and the five-year by 40 basis points to 5.69 percent.

ANZ is reducing its six-month rate by 20 basis points and increasing its two-year and four-year rates by 20. Its five-year rate will increase by 30. That takes its two-year special to 5.49 percent and its five-year special to 5.99 percent.

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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/2026/02/09/major-bank-raises-medium-term-fixed-term-mortgage-rates/

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The shape of the game: Mark Robinson’s challenge to create new rugby fans

Source: Radio New Zealand

World Rugby Chief of Rugby Mark Robinson. Photosport

Mark Robinson doesn’t officially start his new role at World Rugby for another few months but already has made some strides into what looks to be a major brief from the sport’s global governing body.

The former NZ Rugby chief executive has been given the rather broad title of Chief of Rugby, which he explains will revolve around capitalising on commercial opportunities, bringing alignment to the game and, most notably, winning over new fans around the world.

“It’s about how it’s presented, how we present iconic events and even just how rugby is talked about,” explained Robinson from his new home on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

“Then as part of that, thinking about fan acquisition and the conversion of fans.”

Probably of most interest to lifelong rugby fans is Robinson’s view on how rugby is actually presented, and what can be done to create consistency. For example, in stadium replays have the ability to affect refereeing decisions, something that in 2024 played a big role in the All Blacks losing to the Springboks at Ellis Park.

Pre match entertainment before All Blacks v South Africa Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship, Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg. Nic Bothma/ActionPress

“The way that the match presentation responds, the commentary teams work, creating really much improved alignment around the way that looks and feels on match day. As well as the use of data.”

That last one feels like an enigmatic nut to crack, as for over 30 years of professionalism rugby has struggled to latch on to any sort of compelling data sets for fans other than the good old territory and possession.

Nevertheless, Robinson believes that figuring it out will provide a much easier pathway for new fans to understand the game. One of football’s greatest strengths is that the officials don’t actually officially communicate with the players verbally, removing the need for them to even understand each other’s languages. Rugby, on the other hand, sees the referee act as an extra commentator and can only do so in English at test level.

Jack Crowley of Ireland is shown a yellow card by referee Matthew Carley during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium. Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

“It’s obviously seen as a key tenant, ensuring the game can balance accuracy within officiating and entertainment and spectacle,” said Robinson.

“I guess over the last little while, we’ve seen some amazing rugby but I think we’ve also seen some rugby that maybe the product could be improved upon.”

Then there’s the issue of maximising commercial revenue, something Robinson has been unashamedly upfront about ever since taking the top job at NZR. His view is very much that rugby is leaving money on the table, especially when it comes to exploring new markets, as well as broadcast and sponsorship deals.

“There’s definitely an opportunity to elevate the way we think and say more on our game, globally. And to do that, we need to be clear on our product, what the game looks like and what the game philosophies are is part of that. Areas like entertainment, spectacle and, and accuracy around officiating. Now some of the things we need to be really clear on. And I think the second part of it relates to the value in the game.”

Mark Robinson. Graphic: Liam K. Swiggs PHOTOSPORT

It’s way too early to tell what the outcome of Robinson’s new mission will be, considering he hasn’t even sat down at his desk yet. But for now, he’s been heavily involved in World Rugby’s Shape of the Game initiative, which Robinson said would provide better clarity around what’s emerging as a touchy subject in the rugby world.

“I’m sure we’ll be doing a lot as it relates to new markets, and that that will give us a clearer understanding of preserving aspects of the history and the traditions of the game, the values associated with it. While we’re pushing new frontiers, I’m sure there are ways that we can harness both.”

That’s all well and good, but the nature of online discourse around tinkering with the game’s laws has become so toxic it will make it a tough sell. For example, some of the northern hemisphere reactions to Super Rugby Pacific’s recent changes are bafflingly over the top considering they don’t even compete in the competition. But the perception is there that the likes of New Zealand and Australia are attempting to get laws changed to suit the style of play, which admittedly is not entirely unfair. Ever the agent of change, Robinson can see a way forward, though.

“I think there’s shifts hinged around the need, the acknowledgment to evolve in some areas, quickly. At the top of the list is to be more, you know, engaged, thoughtful and adaptable around fans.”

That does lead into the fact that if this role ends up being as substantial as it could be, New Zealand and its rugby allies find themselves with a powerful player in the administrative scene. For now though, Robinson is looking forward to getting in and attempting make new fans around the world, while reaffirming the love of rugby that already exists.

“With the World Cups coming up, new competitions like the Nation’s Championship, the Greatest Rivalry Tour. They’re a great shop window opportunities for the for the product to be positioned as best as possible.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/the-shape-of-the-game-mark-robinsons-challenge-to-create-new-rugby-fans/

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Arts – The NZSA Youth Mentor Programme seeks Emerging Young Writers

Source: NZSA

The NZSA Youth Mentor Programme seeks Emerging Young Writers – YOUTH WRITING MENTORSHIPS OPEN FOR 2026

Four secondary school students will have the opportunity to be mentored by one of New Zealand’s best professional authors in order to develop their craft and hone their writing skills.

The NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme offers aspiring young writers aged 15 -18 a mentorship, from May to November. The intent of the mentor programme is to foster and develop emerging writing talent with the support of established authors. There are 4 places awarded each year in the youth programme, and it is a game-changing opportunity for young writers.

NZSA has been running successful assessment and mentoring programmes since 1999 that aim are to nurture, encourage, inspire and develop emerging writers with the support of established writers through mentoring and assessment.

Deadline for applications: 6 April 2026
Find out about how to apply: www.authors.org.nz

Comments from previous youth mentees
Eleazar Kenese from Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland was paired with award-winning novelist, poet, journalist and editor, Mikaela Nyman and told us: “I feel that I made a lot of progress under this mentorship as I was introduced to new ways of writing poetry, I progressed as a writer as Mikaela helped me to explore different styles, themes and ideas and under this guidance I was able to write a poem that got published in an anthology. This mentorship was extremely helpful to my progress as a writer as it also gave me a deeper understanding of the standards of poetry in terms of punctuation and purpose (using punctuation as a tool to convey an emotion or thought rather than just for readability)”.

Leo Reid from Hamilton had award-winning author Kyle Mewburn as their mentor in 2024 and had this to say: “Through the NZSA Youth Mentorship Program, I have developed my skills as an author outside of simply writing. My mentor Kyle was endlessly kind and patient with me and I feel I have grown into myself using her help. Kyle offered me the experience of working with a seasoned author as well as providing me with extremely beneficial feedback. I know I can apply these newfound skills to projects outside of the one I had been working on with Kyle. I will look back on this shared time with her as one of immense value to myself, on both a personal level and as a writer.”

“I feel that I improved my skills as a writer and made a great deal of progress in terms of my project — I now have a clear structure, a plan moving forward and many smaller pieces to work with and develop further. Michelle has helped me build confidence in my work and consider things I previously didn’t, such as pacing and specific characterisation, as well as highlighting my strengths,” said Stella Weston who was partnered with writer and editor, Michelle Elvy.

The Youth Mentor Programme is run by the NZSA, the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa. We offer memberships for writers at all stages of their careers including students. Our assessment and mentorship programmes, such as our annual Youth mentorships, are offered with the support of Creative New Zealand.

NZSA is the principal organisation representing over 1800 writers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Founded in 1934, we administer prizes and awards, provide professional development, offer mentorship and assessment programmes, trade discounts, share industry news and opportunities, and provide spaces for writers to meet via 8 regional branches, a Next Page youth network, and Nga Kaituhi Māori. We offer online and in-person regional and national events. NZSA collaborates across the book sector to make NZ writing and NZ writers more visible. We advocate for writers’ and champion fair reward.

NZSA is a not-for-profit incorporated society and a registered charitable entity – CC61705
 
www.authors.org.nz

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/arts-the-nzsa-youth-mentor-programme-seeks-emerging-young-writers/

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How fake NZ news pages are swamping Facebook with AI slop

Source: Radio New Zealand

An AI-generated video claimed to show Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Waitangi. Screenshot / Facebook

Analysis – A flood of “fake NZ news” pages are swamping social media with misleading slop, including using AI to animate still photos of a Mount Maunganui landslide victim.

Dodgy Facebook pages devoted to churning out AI-generated images and videos are almost unavoidable on the site now – and they’re still fooling an awful lot of people.

In an investigation I conducted for the Australian Associated Press, a Facebook page calling itself “NZ News Hub” – which has no connection whatsoever to the now-defunct Newshub – has been pushing out dozens of posts a week that take the legitimate reporting by news organisations including RNZ, the New Zealand Herald, Stuff and others, and add sloppy AI-generated images or videos to them.

In one case, a video was posted that grotesquely animates a still photo of a 15-year-old Mount Maunganui landslide victim, making her appear to dance.

The page’s bio proclaims “NZ News Hub brings you the latest New Zealand news, breaking stories, politics, business, sport, and community updates”, but it does not appear to contain any original reporting.

For instance, on Waitangi Day, the page published a post that appeared to be a video of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Waitangi, but was clearly generated by AI.

Nevertheless, the page, which has nearly 5000 followers, has dozens of people “liking” and commenting on its posts as if they were real. Many of their followers appear to be business pages and even include a few politicians.

A still image of a press conference by Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was animated by AI. Screenshot / Facebook

Attempts by AAP to get “NZ News Hub” to comment went unanswered.

Andrew Lensen, a senior lecturer in AI and programme director at Victoria University of Wellington, said that the “News Hub” page’s images were clearly AI-generated.

“These pages want to get as much engagement (reactions, comments, shares) as possible, in order to build their following/exposure and potential ad revenue,” he told me for my AAP piece.

False images of a recent flooding disaster at the Mahurangi River. Screenshot / Facebook

The easy availability of AI tools now has made it possible for pretty much anyone to launch a “fake news” factory, with little moderation by tech giants to keep the flood at bay. Many fake pictures show a “SynthID” watermark indicating Google’s AI tools were used to create them – but you have to know how to find that watermark in the first place.

False images of the Mount Maunganui landslide have flooded social media. Screenshot / Facebook

The Mount Maunganui disaster that killed six people led to a flurry of AI slop online, as RNZ has previously reported.

Many images circulating on social media don’t look like the actual site at all, another AAP investigation found.

False information about the victims has also been circulating.

An image of landslide victim Sharon Maccanico, 15, dancing was misleadingly animated by AI by the Facebook page ‘NZ News Hub.’ Screenshot / Facebook

A still photo that was provided by NZ Police to the media of victim Sharon Maccanico, 15, dancing was animated by NZ News Hub in a post to make it look as if the teenager was doing almost impossibly acrobatic dance moves, set to a jaunty soundtrack.

NZ News Hub has taken many recent RNZ stories and reposted large portions of the reporting while adding misleading AI tweaks to them.

One post took a recent press conference by Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis and used a still image taken by an RNZ photographer to create an AI video of them speaking about the upcoming November election.

Another recent post referred to RNZ reporter Tim Brown’s recent pieces on Tauranga parents mourning their daughter’s suicide, but used AI to animate an RNZ image so the couple appeared to be smiling at each other. Brown confirmed no such video was taken by RNZ.

Legitimate images have been misleadingly animated by AI in some cases. Screenshot / Facebook

Many images do bear the hallmarks of AI, but others are harder to discern. Still, there are typically tells.

An image claiming to be of police officers responding to recent anti-immigration protests in Auckland shows the “police” all have incorrect uniforms and extremely blurred and distorted faces. While another picture that claims to be from police operations to recover a drowning victim on the Mahurangi River last month has so-called police with “POPFIL” written on the back of their uniforms – and the river shown doesn’t look anything like the actual river.

Even the iconic NZ kererū isn’t immune to AI tinkering. A story RNZ ran last week about the dangers of the native wood pigeon running into windows was picked up, but the image was bafflingly replaced with an AI-generated bird that doesn’t look anything like a kererū.

An AI generated image based off a legitimate RNZ story. Screenshot / Facebook

It’s possible some of the AI images are being used to avoid copyright wrangles by stealing legitimate news websites’ photos, Lensen said.

“Trust in journalism is already a huge concern, and any source that presents itself as a fake source of news will just increase distrust further,” Lensen told me.

Many false Facebook pages also churn out stories about celebrities with enticing headlines promising “truths REVEALED” and scandalous information, which is rarely borne out in the actual copy. Such stories often link to exterior websites laden with pop-up ads and trying to build up traffic and clicks to eventually earn revenue.

False images of East Cape flooding generated by AI. Screenshot / Facebook

This “NZ News Hub” is hardly alone out there in slop-land. Pretty much every news event you can think of, whether it’s a shark attack in Australia, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro or the assassination of Charlie Kirk, has had fake news posts and images smothering social media within minutes of the event.

Many of these pages are actually run from countries that are nowhere near where the news came from, such as Vietnam or Malaysia, Facebook page transparency information shows.

AI generated images often have trouble with text, such as this image that claims to be about recent sewage spills in Wellington. Screenshot / Facebook

Even if Facebook acts on these specific pages, dozens of copycats will likely crop up instantly.

There are multiple sites sharing fake NZ AI news images already. False images and videos can be widely seen on TikTok, Instagram, X and many more too, of course.

It’s part of the general social media platform decay that has been christened “enshittification” by author Cory Doctorow.

Lensen said he felt pages such as NZ News Hub showed traditional media should be very cautious on using AI in their reporting.

“As AI slop becomes more and more widespread online, people may turn back to these established platforms as a trusted source. But if the established platforms also use AI, then where do we go for the truth?”

RNZ has a series of AI principles that are available online and will generally not publish, broadcast or otherwise knowingly disseminate work created by generative AI.

Many of the “NZ News Hub” posts have been reported to Meta, owner of Facebook, but as of this writing they’re still up.

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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/2026/02/09/how-fake-nz-news-pages-are-swamping-facebook-with-ai-slop/