Category: DJF

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Offenders armed with gun demand cash during robbery

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact them with information. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Three people, one armed with a gun, broke into a home in the Auckland suburb of Wesley on Sunday night, police say.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk said the armed robbery took place in Gifford Avenue at about 10pm.

She said the trio demanded cash and other items before fleeing.

The police Eagle helicopter searched for them but couldn’t find them.

Police are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact them with information.

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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/2026/03/23/offenders-armed-with-gun-demand-cash-during-robbery/

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King Country iwi Ngāti Maniapoto launching freediving course

Source: Radio New Zealand

Divers from Tauranga iwi Ngāti Ranginui during a freediving course run by Waitā. Supplied/Waitā

With the goals of building marae “bench strength” and improving water safety, King Country iwi Ngāti Maniapoto is launching a freediving course for its descendants.

Sam Mikaere is the group Chief Executive of Te Nehenehenui, the post settlement entity for Ngāti Maniapoto. He said when the iwi reached its settlement in 2022 one of their aspirations was to create courses that uplift whānau who were suffering inequities, in for example housing and education, but also courses focussed on “Maniapoto mātauranga.” https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/480111/ngati-maniapoto-describes-apology-by-the-crown-as-a-fresh-start-for-relations

“We have this huge coastline from Mōkau up to Kāwhia. And if you’ve ever been out on the West Coast, it can be a little tumultuous, the moana at times. And so part of our kaupapa is around our ngāhere, our moana and our awa.

“So in the past, we have run river safety courses with our pakeke and our taitamariki and we’ve also done other things like housing and financials, but one of the other parts that was really important to us, especially, is the piece around safety in our spaces.”

Te Nehenehenui have partnered with Waitā Freediving to provide a training course for ten iwi members at the end of April, with graduates earning their Scuba Schools International (SSI) Freediver certification.

Waitā has previously run courses with Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Ranginui, Tūaropaki, and Rotoiti Trust. The group is made up of three Māori SSI Instructors, Rangi Ririnui, Ra Rātapu and Caleb Ware.

A freediving course run by Waitā with Rotoiti Trust. Supplied/Waitā

Mikaere said gathering kaimoana (seafood) for hui or tangihanga is a key part of the work of many marae and hapū so it was simple to step into providing training for the next tranche of divers.

“It’s all about building your bench strength for your marae and making sure that our whānau within the rohe have the people that can go out. You know, I do hope that they understand that once they get the ticket, we’re telling all of their marae and be like, hey, if you need something, this one’s your boy, he’ll go out or she’ll go out.”

Part of the course will include strengthening the divers role as kaitiaki of the environment through practical and cultural knowledge, he said.

This first course will act as a pilot program, but the iwi hope that once everything is in place it can be run a few more times, he said.

“We always wanted to support our marae. That was the intent when we got into this, is to create the skill sets on the ground so that we can strengthen our base and hopefully this will be something that our participants go through and then they can share that with their whānau and we can run it again and continue to fill these courses because it’s an integral one that is important to those that live within the marae area or those that come down from outside of the rohe back to their marae to be able to contribute.

“It’s something to be said about supporting your marae through your mahi on the ground and we just look forward to this, unlocking that potential for our whānau back in Maniapoto. Not that they haven’t got divers already, but you can never have too many in there.”

Divers at Tapuaekura Marae on the edge of Lake Rotoiti during freediving course run by Waitā with Rotoiti Trust. Supplied/Waitā

The course will also have a heavy focus on water safety. Mikaere said given the region is known for its rough conditions building diver confidence is key.

“A lot of our people are naturally swimmers. You know, we all grew up doing manus off the local wharf or wherever we come from, so we could all swim. But when you’re diving, you know, you really need to have your wits about you and make sure that you understand the way the water works. So there’s an absolute commitment here to improve mindfulness and focus in the water, to ensure that we’re building confidence in their swimming capabilities and in making sure there’s safe dive conditions, they understand what’s a safe condition to dive in.”

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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/2026/03/23/king-country-iwi-ngati-maniapoto-launching-freediving-course/

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Weather: Stormy end to week for upper North Island

Source: Radio New Zealand

MetService is forecasting periods of heavy rain for the upper North Island. MetService

The upper North Island looks set for a wet end to the week, with a deep subtropical low bringing rain and strong winds.

A heavy rain watch is in place for Northland for 53 hours, from 10am Wednesday until Friday at 3pm.

MetService is forecasting periods of heavy rain, cautioning there is a moderate change this will be upgraded to a heavy rain warning.

A strong wind watch is also in place for the region, from 6pm Wednesday, with winds that could approach severe gale levels in some places.

The watch is in place for 48 hours, until 6pm Friday.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/23/weather-stormy-end-to-week-for-upper-north-island/

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UK and European visitors cancel trips to New Zealand amid Middle East conflict

Source: Radio New Zealand

The council’s chief executive Lynda Keene said while it was not good news, it was a relief that the impact was not being felt during a peak season. 123RF

Tourism operators are being hit with international visitor cancellations due to flight disruptions as the Middle East war continues, an industry survey shows.

The Tourism Export Council’s “rapid snapshot survey” of tourism operators found 77 percent of about 70 respondents had visitors from the United Kingdom and Europe cancel travel during March and April 2026.

Many said the cancellations were linked directly to airline flight cancellations, route disruptions or reduced availability on flights transiting Middle East hubs.

Visitors from outside the UK and Europe didn’t appear to be affected, it said.

The council’s chief executive Lynda Keene said while it was not good news, it was a relief that the impact was only being felt at the tail end of the international tourism season, which runs October to March.

“If this had happened in October or November, members would be feeling very, very concerned about how they might get through the summer,” she said.

“We’ve only lost three weeks, really, of the season.”

Bookings for next season were largely unaffected, but concern would grow if travel disruption in places like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi continued, said Keene.

However the country could also benefit since it’s seen as a safe travel destination, she said.

“There may be visitors, maybe from US or Canada or other countries that might see New Zealand as a safer haven.

“There’s always some form of opportunity that crops up when travellers still wish to travel, they still have the disposal income to travel, and they want to look for alternative destinations.”

It was important that New Zealand continued to welcome international visitors, she said.

“Strong communication with offshore trade partners will be key to ensuring the destination remains front of mind for travellers looking to adjust their travel plans,” she said.

The survey covered providers of accommodation, attractions, transport and guided tour experiences.

West Coast suffering

Development West Coast Chief Executive Heath Milne told Morning Report the region’s tourism industry had been growing before now.

“We have seen already international visitors are dropping, and looking at cancellations going forward,” he said.

“I don’t think that’s just about fuel prices, I think that’s about confidence in … geopolitics and what’s going on around the world.”

Westport is also losing its only air service, Originair, from May.

“They have struggled a little bit lately to make that profitable, and this has just tipped them over the edge,” said Milne.

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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/2026/03/23/uk-and-european-visitors-cancel-trips-to-new-zealand-amid-middle-east-conflict/

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Think the price of petrol is bad? Spare a thought for diesel drivers

Source: Radio New Zealand

Diesel is more expensive to make than petrol but the impact of fuel excise tax usually conceals this. RNZ / Quin Tauetau

Diesel is now only about 20c a litre cheaper than 91 – even though 70c of the price of a litre of petrol is tax.

Data from petrol price monitoring app Gaspy showed that across the country, the national average reported price for 91 was $3.31 a litre, and for diesel it was $3.13. For 95, it has reached $3.51.

91’s price is up 37.67 percent over 28 days, while diesel’s is up 81.75 percent.

Gaspy spokesperson Mike Newton said diesel would normally be expected to be 70c cheaper than 91 because of the petrol tax, but it was only 20c. “The diesel drivers are definitely getting it worse because they’ve still got to pay their road user charges.”

Diesel is more expensive to make than petrol but the impact of fuel excise tax usually conceals this.

Billy Clemens, head of policy and advocacy at Transporting New Zealand, said diesel was usually the second-largest cost for its member businesses, after wages.

“It’s a cost that sits typically around 15 percent to 20 percent of overall costs…. And road freight’s pretty famously a pretty low margin game. So our members are in a position whether they can either pass those costs on or end up in a really difficult position with their business viability.”

He said about half the organisation’s members were likely to be using a fuel adjustment factor.

“That’s a surcharge, essentially. You might have a base freight rate, but you add on a certain surcharge based on how much the diesel price has increased over a set figure. If you’re a freight customer you might be seeing that in freight invoices coming through. That’s a sizeable cost on businesses right across the country, whether you’re in retail or construction or logging… there’ll be a real flow-on impact.”

Clemens said shortages were not widespread and seemed to be driven by demand patterns.

He said transport was about 15 percent to 25 percent of costs for businesses in the loggin industry, and up to 12 percent in grocery.

Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said his concern was more about the volume of diesel. Runing out of petrol could be annoying on an individual level but running out of diesel could have much larger consequences, he said.

Gaspy data shows that the cheapest 91 petrol is at Orams Marine Village – which caters to boats rather than cars, and where fuel is $2.96 a litre. Pukekohe Pak’n Save was next, at $3.08.

Newton said some of the factors that normally drove differentiation in pricing aroudn the country were not as relevant at present.

Previously, local competition had often driven certain regions to be cheaper than others. “It’s hard to know if tha still applies in the current environment because there are not a lot of discount days going on at the moment,” he said.

“In the past when you’ve got discount retailers operating in an area, they tend to drag the price for the whole area down. Then it comes down to remoteness and population density. Places that are off the beaten track and don’t have a lot of customers are going to have higher prices.”

Auckland’s Waiheke Island, for example, is recording prices near $4 for 91.

Newton said Mangawhai had been an area with cheaper prices recently. It had a new Gull station open about five months ago. “Often when a discount retailer opens up somewhere they have introductory pricing, NPD’s really well known for it. They’ll set really low prices for a f w months and often it just brings the price for the whole area down.”

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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/2026/03/23/think-the-price-of-petrol-is-bad-spare-a-thought-for-diesel-drivers/

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Competitive allocation process applications closed for NZ’s largest farm

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  23 March 2026

Rangitahi/Molesworth is New Zealand’s largest farm and has a long history of high-country farming.

It’s also a nationally important drylands ecosystem with a deep cultural significance to Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kurī, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Rangitāne o Wairau, and significant biodiversity and recreation values.

DOC South Marlborough Operations Manager Stacey Wrenn says DOC received five applications.

“We’re really pleased with the response we’ve had here. Given the scale of the reserve and the specialised type of farming, we think this is a good level of interest,” Stacey says.

“We appreciate the effort that has gone into preparing the applications.”

Stacey says the applications will now be carefully assessed against set criteria and DOC aims to select a preferred operator by the end of May.

“Assessment criteria includes the operator’s experience, skills and resources, how biodiversity and heritage values will be protected, how cultural values will be upheld, and how public access will be improved and facilitated.

“Details of this process are available in the tender document on the DOC website.

“Once a preferred operator is chosen, they will be invited to apply for a concession, which will be publicly notified so people can have their say on the proposal.”

The existing lease with Pāmu (Landcorp Farming), expires 30 June 2026. DOC and Pāmu are working together to ensure operations continue smoothly while the preferred operator is selected and new concession processed, and to work through the change of operators, if necessary.

“As the incumbent, Pāmu continues to engage closely with the Department of Conservation regarding the future of the Molesworth lease, and we’re committed to working constructively through their process,” says a Pāmu spokesperson.

At 180,787 ha, Molesworth Recreation Reserve is slightly larger than Rakiura/Stewart Island and larger than 10 of New Zealand’s National Parks.

More details about the competitive allocation process can be found on the DOC website.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/competitive-allocation-process-applications-closed-for-nzs-largest-farm/

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Man arrested following park assault

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Paula Drewery, Taranaki Area Investigations Manager:

Police investigating a serious assault in King Edward Park in Stratford on Friday evening have arrested one person.

A 23-year-old man will appear in the Hawera District Court today on wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Police previously asked the public for assistance to locate the offender, following a person being found seriously assaulted by an unknown man at the park.

They were transported to hospital with serious injuries and are thankfully recovering.

Police are grateful for the community’s assistance. It has been a fantastic response to be provided with information that helped investigative staff to quickly apprehend the offender.

Police want to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the public.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/man-arrested-following-park-assault/

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Economy – Canterbury goes back-to-back in ASB’s latest Regional Economic Scoreboard

Source: ASB

  • South Island continues to hold strong with Canterbury outperforming the rest of the country
  • Otago and Waikato coming in second place equal
  • Auckland shows promising signs of improvement, jumps to fourth place
  • Wellington remains under pressure, finishing last place.

Canterbury continues to shine in ASB’s Regional Economic Scoreboard, finishing 2025 as New Zealand’s strongest-performing region as signs of economic recovery broaden across the country.

ASB’s Regional Economic Scoreboard shows Canterbury secured its third quarterly win of the year, outperforming the country across nearly every key measure the bank tracks including employment, retail spending, housing activity and population growth.

ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says the South Island continues to lead New Zealand’s multi‑speed recovery.

“Canterbury has delivered back‑to‑back wins to close out the year, supported by strong dairy incomes, steady jobs growth, resilient consumer spending and the recovery of the tourism sector. The region enters 2026 in a very strong position,” says Nick.

Otago and Waikato tied for second place, with Otago buoyed by a strong tourism recovery and Waikato benefiting from its robust primary sector and improving labour market conditions. We expect the incoming Fonterra capital return to be a further boost for our Dairy farming regions via more spending and investment.

Auckland climbed to fourth place, recording improvements in retail spending, construction activity and consumer confidence, although labour market conditions in the city remain subdued.

“Seeing Auckland continue to improve is an important signal that the economic upswing is widening beyond the regions that led earlier in the cycle,” says Nick.

At the other end of the rankings, Wellington finished last, reflecting ongoing weakness in the housing market, construction activity and discretionary spending, despite relatively strong employment growth.

“Looking ahead, Wellington’s economy is forecast to recover, supported by low interest rates. Nevertheless, ongoing and emerging challenges may temper the pace of that recovery.”

Nationally, the economy showed signs of growth toward the end of 2025. Retail spending lifted strongly across most regions, supported by lower interest rates, while employment indicators showed early signs of stabilisation. However, ASB economists caution that global uncertainty remains a key risk.

“Conflict in the Middle East presents fresh headwinds, particularly through higher energy costs and inflation risks. The situation and extent of any impact to growth and inflation is highly uncertain and will depend on how long the conflict goes on for,” says Nick.

Results in a snapshot

About the ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard

The ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard takes the latest quarterly regional statistics and ranks the economic performance of New Zealand’s 16 Regional Council areas. The fastest growing regions gain the highest ratings, and a good performance by the national economy raises the ratings of all regions. Ratings are updated every three months, and are based on 11 measures, including employment, construction, retail trade, and house prices.

 

The full ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard, along with other recent ASB reports covering a range of commentary, can be accessed at our ASB Economic Insights page: https://www.asb.co.nz/documents/economic-insights.html

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/economy-canterbury-goes-back-to-back-in-asbs-latest-regional-economic-scoreboard/

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Competitive allocation applications process closed for NZ’s largest farm

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  23 March 2026

Rangitahi/Molesworth is New Zealand’s largest farm and has a long history of high-country farming.

It’s also a nationally important drylands ecosystem with a deep cultural significance to Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Kurī, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Rangitāne o Wairau, and significant biodiversity and recreation values.

DOC South Marlborough Operations Manager Stacey Wrenn says DOC received five applications.

“We’re really pleased with the response we’ve had here. Given the scale of the reserve and the specialised type of farming, we think this is a good level of interest,” Stacey says.

“We appreciate the effort that has gone into preparing the applications.”

Stacey says the applications will now be carefully assessed against set criteria and DOC aims to select a preferred operator by the end of May.

“Assessment criteria includes the operator’s experience, skills and resources, how biodiversity and heritage values will be protected, how cultural values will be upheld, and how public access will be improved and facilitated.

“Details of this process are available in the tender document on the DOC website.

“Once a preferred operator is chosen, they will be invited to apply for a concession, which will be publicly notified so people can have their say on the proposal.”

The existing lease with Pāmu (Landcorp Farming), expires 30 June 2026. DOC and Pāmu are working together to ensure operations continue smoothly while the preferred operator is selected and new concession processed, and to work through the change of operators, if necessary.

“As the incumbent, Pāmu continues to engage closely with the Department of Conservation regarding the future of the Molesworth lease, and we’re committed to working constructively through their process,” says a Pāmu spokesperson.

At 180,787 ha, Molesworth Recreation Reserve is slightly larger than Rakiura/Stewart Island and larger than 10 of New Zealand’s National Parks.

More details about the competitive allocation process can be found on the DOC website.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/competitive-allocation-applications-process-closed-for-nzs-largest-farm/

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Steven Alker wins in a play-off to defend title on Champions Tour

Source: Radio New Zealand

Steven Alker during the 2026 Cologuard Classic CHRISTIAN PETERSEN / AFP

New Zealand golfer Steven Alker successfully endured another play-off finish to a golf tournament on the PGA Champions Tour.

Alker again came out on top to defend his title at the Cologuard Classic in Tuscon, Arizona.

He also won the 2025 tournament in a play-off.

Alker and Irishman Padraig Harrington played an extra hole after finishing regulation play tied at 15-under par.

Alker then won with a birdie on the first play-off hole.

After starting the three round event with an even par 71, Alker surged up the leaderboard to fifth after round two and then briefly took the lead in the final round.

It was Alker’s 100th start on the PGA Champions Tour.

“Whenever you defend is nice and to do it in my 100th is nice,” Alker said afterwards.”

“I played great today, Friday I didn’t think I had a chance, but it all worked out.”

This was just his second tournament this year having played the New Zealand Open at the end of February.

Alker, 54, has now won 11 times since joining the over 50 tour.

Harrington is a three-time major championship winner.

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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/2026/03/23/steven-alker-wins-in-a-play-off-to-defend-title-on-champions-tour/

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Mangakara Nature Walk to reopen, caution urged

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  23 March 2026

DOC Waikato Operations Manager Niwha Jones says his staff have been working hard to reopen and assess tracks, and the latest to be made available to the public is Mangakara Nature Walk.

The Mangakara Nature Walk is a family friendly short walk and easily accessible from Grey Road. It has a range of educational information signs about the various specimen trees and plants found there.

Niwha says the storm destroyed two footbridges on the track – meaning the loop of the walk cannot be completed.

“It’s going to take us several months to arrange replacement of those bridges, so until that work is done the Mangakara Nature Walk is a ‘there and back’ experience to two end points,” he says.

Niwha discourages inexperienced visitors from crossing streams on the track while bridges remain unavailable, and to comply with all DOC signage and website alerts for all tracks.

“We want people to have a safe and enjoyable experience, so please enjoy the walk in its current configuration.”

Meanwhile, DOC staff have used a drone to capture footage of some of the landslips further up Pirongia maunga. The footage shows two large landslips near the Mahaukura Track, which includes a helicopter pad used by DOC for various operations.

“The drone footage the team has captured reinforces our view this track is not safe for naturing and we do not want people using it. The slip hazards are considered significant and further assessment is needed.”

Niwha says his team still has a lot of work to do in the wake of the February storm and urged the public to respect closures and ensure they make sensible decisions to have safe experiences on the maunga.

“If it’s closed, there’s a very good reason it’s off-limits to the public – and we ask people to respect those closures.”

People can visit the DOC website pages for individual tracks for the latest updates. Website pages carry alerts on closures, detours or other information people need to be aware of.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/mangakara-nature-walk-to-reopen-caution-urged/

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Live: Oil prices rise as fall out from Middle East crisis continues

Source: Radio New Zealand

Oil prices have risen as the fall out continues from the Middle East crisis.

Brent Crude oil rose about US$1 to be just above US$113 a barrel in early Asia trade.

The New Zealand share market has retreated sharply, with the benchmark NZX50 down 1.4 percent shortly after 11am.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said on Sunday New Zealand’s fuels stocks remain at seven weeks’ worth, including stockpiles.

Fuel price app Gaspy has altered features in an attempt to avoid errors and deliberate misinformation about current prices of petrol.

And the government has announced a $50 million plan to double electric EV chargers in New Zealand.

Follow all the updates in our live blog at the top of this page.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/23/live-oil-prices-rise-as-fall-out-from-middle-east-crisis-continues/

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Offenders armed with gun demand cash during alleged robbery

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact them with information. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Three people, one armed with a gun, broke into a home in the Auckland suburb of Wesley on Sunday night, police say.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk said the armed robbery took place in Gifford Avenue at about 10pm.

She said the trio demanded cash and other items before fleeing.

The police Eagle helicopter searched for them but couldn’t find them.

Police are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact them with information.

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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/2026/03/23/offenders-armed-with-gun-demand-cash-during-alleged-robbery/

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Chris Wood closing on Premier League return for Nottingham Forest

Source: Radio New Zealand

Chris Wood celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC. Michael Regan/Getty Images

All Whites captain Chris Wood could return to action for Nottingham Forest for the last two months of their English Premier League campaign after recovering from a knee injury.

Wood played for the club’s second team over the weekend and Forest manager Vitor Pereira said the prolific striker would rejoin his squad to train during the looming international window and could be available as soon as their next match, against Aston Villa on 13 April.

“Now we have time with him to start working with the team and to increase his level and his confidence,” Pereira told reporters after Forest’s crucial 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in London on Monday.

“And I think he will be able to help us in the next games.”

The update will delight New Zealand fans, with Wood’s place at the mid-year FIFA World Cup having been under a cloud since undergoing knee surgery in December.

The 34-year-old hasn’t played since injuring his knee during a Premier League match against Chelsea in mid-October, with his absence keenly felt.

Wood’s absence for the All Whites has extended into the looming friendly internationals against Finland and Chile in Auckland.

Forest have been sucked into a relegation battle over the closing weeks although their win over Spurs have given them some respite, lifting them 16th and three points outside the drop zone with seven games to play.

Last year he scored a club-record 20 Premier league goals as they finished seventh and earned a long-awaited return to Europe.

Wood scored via a close-range header early in the match for Nottingham Forest B against Newcastle’s under-21s on Saturday, helping them to a 3-0 win.

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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/2026/03/23/chris-wood-closing-on-premier-league-return-for-nottingham-forest/

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NZ Cricket to push for revitalised T20 league in New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Northern Districts celebrate winning the men’s Super Smash grand final. Photosport

New Zealand Cricket will push for a proposed NZ20 franchise league to replace the current domestic T20 Super Smash competition.

The NZC Board has made an in-principle decision to support the establishment of the new league, subject to reaching key commercial and structural measures.

Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said a revitalised domestic league was the preference, ahead of the other proposed change, entering a New Zealand team in an expanded Australian Big Bash T20 competition.

The proposed competiton has caused ructions, culminating in NZC chief executive Scott Weenink resigning just before Christmas because of a disagreement with some of cricket’s stakeholders, including all six Major Associations and the Players’ Association.

Scott Weenink during a press conference to announce his appointment as chief executive of NZ Cricket in 2023. Photosport / Alan Lee

Black Caps and White Ferns players have also been vocal in their support of a NZ20 league.

Puketapu-Lyndon said the Board’s decision wasn’t a final commitment, it allows NZC to advance discussions toward a potential licence and a binding commercial arrangement.

She said the Board thoroughly debated the two options and said several changes to the original NZ20 proposal would need to be negotiated before a final decision was made.

“In particular, we want to work with NZ20 to ensure it incorporates and supports the women’s domestic T20 competition, and that it maintains a level of prominence and visibility consistent with NZC’s strategic commitment to the women’s game,” she said.

Kate Anderson of the Canterbury Magicians Photosport

“Ensuring regional representation of NZ20 teams so fans and aspiring young cricketers can see their heroes in action is also very important to the Board, as is the question of ownership and control, including equity in the competition.

“We owe it to everyone to negotiate an outcome that best serves the interests of the game here – and we’re confident we’re heading in the right direction.”

Puketapu-Lyndon said NZC wouldn’t comment further while discussions continued.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/23/nz-cricket-to-push-for-revitalised-t20-league-in-new-zealand/

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Aged Care Assn: If we can fund EV chargers, why can’t we fund aged care beds?

Source: Aged Care Association

This week’s announcement that Government-backed loans will support the rollout of another 2,500 electric vehicle charging points across New Zealand is, in many ways, good news.
As an EV owner, I welcome the continued investment in infrastructure that supports the transition to a lower-emissions future. It is practical, forward-looking, and demonstrates that when Government identifies a priority, it can move with pace and purpose to enable private investment.
But it also raises a difficult question.
Why can we move quickly to support the infrastructure needed for vehicles, but not for the infrastructure needed to care for our ageing population?
For the past two years, the Aged Care Association has been calling for the establishment of a dedicated infrastructure fund to support residential aged care providers to upgrade facilities and build new beds, particularly for older New Zealanders who rely on superannuation or modest fixed incomes.
We are not asking for anything extraordinary. We are asking for recognition that aged residential care is essential health infrastructure.
New Zealand’s population aged over 65 is growing rapidly. At the same time, much of our aged care infrastructure is ageing, with a significant proportion of facilities more than 20 years old. Capacity is already constrained in many parts of the country, particularly for standard beds and specialist care such as dementia and palliative services.
This is not a future problem. It is happening now.
As the daughter of an 85-year-old, I think about this not just as a sector leader, but as a New Zealander. If my parent, or yours, requires hospital care, we expect that care to be available. But hospitals rely on the ability to discharge older patients into appropriate residential care. When there are no beds available, those patients remain in hospital longer than they need to, placing pressure on the entire health system.
This is where the issue becomes urgent.
A lack of residential care beds is not just an aged care issue – it is a hospital flow issue, an equity issue, and ultimately a system sustainability issue.
An infrastructure fund would allow providers, particularly not-for-profit and community-based organisations, to upgrade ageing facilities, expand capacity in areas of need, and build the types of services our communities require. It would support older people to remain closer to home and whānau and ensure timely access to appropriate care.
Importantly, this is not about replacing private investment. It is about unlocking it – just as the EV charging initiative does – by providing the confidence and support needed to invest in areas where returns are lower but social need is high.
We have seen that Government can act decisively when it chooses to. The question now is whether it will apply that same urgency to the infrastructure that supports our most vulnerable citizens.
Because at some point, this will matter to all of us.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/22/aged-care-assn-if-we-can-fund-ev-chargers-why-cant-we-fund-aged-care-beds/

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Health – Record-breaking drug consumption shows, yet again, a new approach is needed

Source: NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri

New data showing record-breaking cocaine consumption is just the latest evidence that the country’s drugs approach is failing, the NZ Drug Foundation says.

New wastewater testing data released by Police today shows cocaine consumption surged nationwide to an all-time high in Q4 2025, exceeding MDMA consumption for the first time. Meanwhile, methamphetamine consumption remained stubbornly high following a doubling in the second half of 2024. (ref. https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/publication/national-drugs-wastewater-testing-programme-quarter-4-2025 )

“Cocaine consumption has been increasing since mid-2022. Cocaine carries increased risk of a few harms, including increased addiction and overdose,” says Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm.

The data is a stark illustration that we have our policy settings wrong.

“The dramatic increases in methamphetamine and cocaine consumption over the last two years are unprecedented,” she says.

“A long-term under-investment in treatment and harm reduction, coupled with an over-reliance on supply side measures hasn’t worked,” says Helm.

“Consumption is at record levels, drug use is diversifying, prices are down, harm is increasing, and new potent drugs are arriving. Every indicator is screaming at us to change our approach,” Helm says.

Helm says new interventions announced last week in the Government’s Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm will go some way to responding to the increase in harm, but a more fundamental shift is needed.

“If we could wave a magic wand, we would do two things: vastly increase the spending on addiction treatment and harm reduction, and change our drug laws. While these things won’t remove all problems, the evidence is clear that it would reduce the worst harms and provide us with more tools to tackle the increase in harm. But if we continue doing more of the same, things will continue to get worse,” says Helm.

Helm says the Drug Foundation’s report Safer Drug Laws for Aotearoa NZ provides a template for reform. (ref. https://drugfoundation.org.nz/topics/policy-and-advocacy/safer-drug-laws )

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/health-record-breaking-drug-consumption-shows-yet-again-a-new-approach-is-needed/

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Delays on Auckland’s Southern Motorway after multi-vehicle crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

There were delays near Auckland’s Ōtāhuhu after the crash. (File photo) Unsplash / Robert Calvert

Commuters on Auckland’s Southern Motorway should expect delays following a multi-vehicle crash.

Emergency services were at the scene on State Highway One, near Ōtāhuhu.

Police said the crash happened near the northbound Princes St off-ramp, about 9.30am on Monday.

Multiple people were taken to hospital with moderate injuries, a spokesperson said.

The Princes St on-ramp was closed.

Motorists were advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/23/delays-on-aucklands-southern-motorway-after-multi-vehicle-crash/

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Health – New partnership targets long-term GP workforce sustainability through international recruitment

Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) have announced a partnership focused on increasing the number of international GPs coming to New Zealand, to join our local GP workforce.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening New Zealand’s GP workforce by making it easier for international doctors to understand the roles, pathways and support available to them.
General practice offers a career with real impact combining clinical autonomy, professional development and strong community connection. The campaign positions New Zealand as a destination where doctors can practise high-quality, specialist medicine while enjoying a world-class lifestyle and a health system built around teamwork and continuity of care.
RNZCGP plays a key role in this partnership, supporting high-quality general practice through training, standards and advocacy.
Together with Health New Zealand the campaign reinforces a coordinated, long-term approach to international recruitment that supports workforce sustainability across both urban and rural communities.
College President Dr Luke Bradford says the initiative comes at a critical time for the workforce.
“New Zealand needs more skilled GPs. These stories show the professionalism, purpose and privilege of delivering continuity of care in our communities from major centres to the most remote parts of the motu.”
Astuti Balram (Acting Director- Living Well) says “Health NZ is about the whole health system – not just specialist hospital services. We are delighted to be working with the college to attract more UK trained doctors to become NZ GPs.”
“GPs are central to high-quality primary care, and we need to continue to grow our workforce by recruiting local and international doctors. This work sits alongside our initiatives to strengthen primary and rural care, including funding up to 50 New Zealand-trained graduate doctors a year to train in primary care settings.”
The campaign, launched today, includes a new suite of resources and video testimonial stories aimed at attracting international doctors to work in Aotearoa.
The campaign highlights what overseas doctors can expect when working in community-based medicine offering practical insights into day-to-day clinical work, workforce pathways and lifestyle opportunities across both urban and rural settings.
Developed in alignment with Health New Zealand’s international recruitment programme, the resources are designed to support growing international interest in community-based specialist roles within a team-focused health system. 
More information:
The video campaign can be viewed below:
Health NZ is also progressing a range of initiatives as part of the Primary Care Tactical Action Plan (PCTAP) to strengthen the GP workforce including:
  • Funding 100 overseas-trained doctors already living in New Zealand to begin work in GP practices over the next two years.
  • Funding up to 50 New Zealand-trained graduate doctors a year to train in primary care settings.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/22/health-new-partnership-targets-long-term-gp-workforce-sustainability-through-international-recruitment/

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Black Caps, South Africa locked 2-2 in T20 series, one game to come

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand Black Caps Kyle Jamieson celebrates the wicket of South Africa Wiaan Mulder, Black Caps v South Africa, Hnry Stadium, Wellington. Kerry Marshall/Photosport

An inability to hold onto wickets has cost the Black Caps the chance to seal the T20 series against South Africa, losing the fourth match at Hnry Stadium in Wellington by 19 runs tonight.

The Black Caps bowlers held South Africa to 164/5, as they chased the T20 series win.

New Zealand and South Africa are now locked up at 2-2 in the series, with one game to come.

Paceman Kyle Jamieson took 2/29 off his four overs, while Ben Sears restricted the Proteas batters in the final over.

Sears also took the wicket of Connor Esterhuizen, who topscored for South Africa, with 57 runs off 36 balls.

New Zealand made a fast start to the run chase, but tight bowling from the visitors saw the Black Caps lose regular wickets, and they were all out for 145.

See how the match unfolded here:

Kyle Jamieson celebrates a wicket against South Africa. Kerry Marshall/Photosport

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/23/black-caps-south-africa-locked-2-2-in-t20-series-one-game-to-come/