Category: DJF

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Government introduces legislation to reaffirm Police tools to prevent, disrupt, and address crime

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has introduced a Bill to amend the Policing Act 2008, reaffirming Police’s ability to record images and sounds in public places, and some private places, as well as expanding temporary area closure powers.

Following the decision of the Supreme Court in the Tamiefuna case, Police’s ability to record images and sounds in public places, and collect personal information for lawful purposes, including intelligence was constrained.

“This created uncertainty and made the collection of evidence, and therefore the prosecution of criminals, much harder” says Police Minister Mark Mitchell.

“The government has introduced a bill to reaffirm the prior common law position, making it clear that Police can collect and use images in public places, and some private places, for lawful policing purposes. This includes intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and other policing functions.

“These changes will enable that and strengthen Police’s ability to detect and prevent crime, and hold offenders accountable for their offending. Ultimately it will help Police keep Kiwis safe.”  

The Government is also expanding Police’s existing temporary road closure powers to cover a broader range of areas, such as parks, reserves, beaches, and carparks.

The changes will give Police new tools to manage non-compliance with temporary closures, including the ability to direct people to leave a closed area, stop vehicles, obtain identifying particulars for the purpose of issuing infringements, and arrest without warrant those who fail to comply.

The new powers will also leverage existing powers that are being progressed through the Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill, led by Minister Chris Bishop.

“These new powers will provide clarity and consistency for frontline Police, ensuring they have the necessary tools to support the Governments Law and Order agenda,” Mr Mitchell says. “They will be useful tools to help Police respond to incidents like street racing and dirt bike riding in public parks.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/government-introduces-legislation-to-reaffirm-police-tools-to-prevent-disrupt-and-address-crime/

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Why some rugby clubs are going fee-free for kids

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Nelson Rugby Football Union is the latest club to remove fees for junior players. Shuttersport NZ

Rugby clubs around the country are scrapping junior fees in a bid to ease financial pressure on families and revive grassroots participation.

What began as a small initiative in 2024 has gathered momentum, with more clubs opting to waive registration costs in 2026.

Counties Manukau has led the way, entering its third season of the scheme offering free junior rugby.

Head of community Matt Megaw said the results were already showing, with a five percent lift in player numbers and more teams formed.

Funded through a $1 million grant from NZ Rugby’s Silver Lake deal, the union placed the money in a trust and distributed the interest to clubs.

“We’ve delivered $155,000 back to the community and that’ll top $200,000 by the end of the year,” Megaw said.

“Fees are a barrier, especially in our region. Being able to use it on junior rugby specifically is going to support those families in some way.”

While clubs are not required to remove fees, many have opted in – including Pukekohe, which has more than 350 junior players.

“They’re completely zero-fees this year. Two years ago it was $80 to $100,” Megaw said.

“It empowers clubs to make those calls, and kids can just walk in and play – that’s what it’s all about.”

Several grassroots rugby clubs from around the country have elected to follow Counties Manukau’s lead this season by removing fees for junior players. 123rf.com

The model is now spreading.

In Nelson, the country’s oldest rugby club has this year elected to remove fees for junior players.

The Nelson Rugby Football Union made the move in response to a study showing cost prevented kids getting into sport.

Junior club captain Lisa Trusler said the club’s focus is on removing barriers where possible.

“We want to see more kids get involved with rugby and the financial hardship on a lot of families these days is hard.”

Though the season had yet to kick off, Trusler said there had been a great response from locals.

“It’s a little bit too early to tell, but there has been a bit of excitement from a few families that have got multiple children. Our under six grade is getting a few extras come along.”

The club also utilise a boot box, where boots are donated for kids to use.

“They can get other rugby gear as well, head gear and stuff like that. It’s all about getting kids into rugby regardless of their financial position.”

Trusler said she hoped that the initiative would open the doors for a lot more people.

“We just want to see more kids out there running around.”

Rippa Rugby at Sport Park Motueka. Chris Symes

Wellington’s Newlands Rugby Football Club has taken a similar approach this season. In announcing the decision on its website, the club said: “For many families sport has become an expense that is increasingly difficult to justify.

“Our priority is ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate in rugby, regardless of their family’s financial situation.”

Research backs up the shift. A 2020 Sport NZ study, led by University of Otago researcher Dr Anja Mizdrak, found household income had a significant impact on whether young people meet physical activity guidelines.

In Auckland, Marist director of rugby Doug Sanft said he has seen a clear decrease in junior playing numbers, and removing fees was an obvious way to arrest the decline.

“It’s a massive drop, but it’s right through all grades in Auckland. So we’re just trying to find ways to try and get them back. I think that’s one thing. I think that’s one solution.”

Sanft felt rugby was losing ground to the likes of football and basketball.

“We are trying to cater to the community and find ways to try and get some engagement back to the club. I don’t think we’re engaging many kids coming to rugby. There’s barriers all over here. The other one is making it fun for the kids. Instead of trying to compete, make sure they’re participating and just enjoying their time with the other kids.”

He said at the season’s first muster, there had been a noticeable shift in numbers.

NZ Rugby’s Mike Hester said it’s important that participation to community sport remains accessible to as many people as possible. New Zealand Rugby

NZ Rugby head of rugby participation and development Mike Hester said keeping the game accessible remained a priority.

“Rugby, like many sports, is always aiming to reduce the barriers to participation.”

Hester said that through collaborative efforts between the provincial unions, clubs and schools, rugby typically has low registration and affiliation fees when compared to other sports.

“Financial pressure on whānau can make it harder to stay involved, whether that’s covering fees, getting to training, or finding time to volunteer. Removing registration fees can help lower these barriers, particularly where travel and other associated costs come into play.

“Where clubs can operate without registration fees, we applaud their willingness to do so. However, we recognise this isn’t always possible. Clubs have a range of costs to cover, including equipment, uniforms and transport, and registration fees are one way to help meet those costs.”

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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/2026/03/18/why-some-rugby-clubs-are-going-fee-free-for-kids/

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Wellington Water warns of smells at Moa Point ahead of works

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Wellington Water has warned south coast residents of potential smells today and Monday while recovery works are done at Moa Point waste treatment plant.

Crews have been refurbishing the plant after it was forced to shut down after a catastrophic failure in February, which spewed tens of millions of litres of untreated sewage into the sea, and closed some south coast beaches for a period.

Wellington Water previously apologised about unexpected smells after turning its ventilation system on for the first time.

Crews will refurbish three clarifiers, which are large tanks that separate solids from liquids.

The plant have deployed odour neutralisers and scouts to combat smells.

Wellington Water said there was a “low risk” of smells.

People with complaints should contact the Greater Wellington Region Council.  

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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/2026/03/18/wellington-water-warns-of-smells-at-moa-point-ahead-of-works/

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Fertility clinic apologises for lost embryos, still not sure where they are

Source: Radio New Zealand

An embryo pictured as it divides from four to eight cells. Melanie Olds

An Auckland fertility clinic has apologised after frozen embryos went missing, and it still does not know what happened to them.

In a letter on Wednesday, Fertility Associates chief medical officer Dr Andrew Murray said a review was sparked after frozen embryos belonging to an Auckland patient went missing in 2025.

He said the family was told as soon as the issue was detected, and kept regularly updated.

“We understand the anxiety and concern a missing embryo would create. We know how much emotional energy goes into the IVF process, and have sincerely apologised to the family,” he wrote.

He said the clinic could say “with absolute confidence” that no embryo was transferred to another patient, and no more embryos were found to be missing.

“We use RI Witness, which is an electronic witnessing system that uses radio frequency identification tags and barcoding to track and monitor patient samples such as eggs, sperm, and embryos throughout the entire IVF process,” Murray explained. 

“It provides an automated, real-time layer of security and traceability, avoiding potential mix-ups by sounding an alarm at the workstation if samples are mismatched.”

Dr Andrew Murray. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

An independent review had confirmed Fertility Associates’ processes were robust and secure, in line with international best practice, he said.

But all frozen embryos in Auckland would now be stored in a new, larger, dedicated area in a building in Greenlane, and the company would be “enhancing senior laboratory oversight and reinforcing training, quality assurance, and internal reporting mechanisms”.

“The relationship we have with our patients is built on trust, and we appreciate that trust has been shaken through this situation. While we can assure you that you have not been impacted by this issue, we understand that you may have questions.”

The letter did not address whether the missing embryos had been located, but in response to further questions by RNZ, Murray confirmed that despite the investigation, the clinic had been unable to locate the patient’s embryos or confirm how they went missing.

“We fully appreciate that the lack of a conclusion and clear answers is frustrating – we share that feeling and have done everything we can to get a definitive answer.”

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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/2026/03/18/fertility-clinic-apologises-for-lost-embryos-still-not-sure-where-they-are/

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Greenpeace – Thousands call on Christopher Luxon to condemn the illegal attacks on Iran by Trump and Israel

Source: Greenpeace

Thousands of people have signed a petition demanding Christopher Luxon stand up and condemn the illegal attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. Greenpeace delivered the petition to opposition leader Chris Hipkins in Wellington today.
Standing on the steps of parliament, Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Dr Russel Norman said, “This war is plainly illegal – it is not an act of self-defence nor is it sanctioned by the UN Security Council.
“While we have come to expect that the US Government approach to international law is more honoured in the breach than the observance, nonetheless international law is critical for the security of everyone on the planet but especially for a small nation like New Zealand.
“We expect Christopher Luxon to advocate in favour of international law and hence condemn this reckless illegal war.
“Silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and thousands of New Zealanders agree that Luxon should be standing up to bullies like Trump, who is attempting to destroy any possibility of a rules-based international order.”
Greenpeace delivered the petition to the Parliament Opposition who have been open about their condemnation of Trump’s illegal war.
Greenpeace also made the link from this illegal war to the escalating price of fossil fuels.
“This illegal war has disrupted oil, gas and fertiliser supplies, exposing Luxon’s Trump-like obsession with outdated fossil fuels, leaving New Zealanders paying the price,” continued Dr Norman.
“Luxon has collapsed the EV market by killing the clean car discount, making it cheaper to import gas guzzling cars. He’s ended public transport subsidies for young people, blocked funding for cycleways, but wants to spend billions of dollars to build new roads.
“Now Luxon wants to expose us even further to the volatile global fossil fuel market by charging New Zealanders a gas tax to build a LNG import terminal.
“The Luxon government should be investing in renewable energy and the electrification of transport to insulate New Zealanders from energy supply shocks and rising energy prices, as well as cutting climate pollution,” says Dr Norman.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/greenpeace-thousands-call-on-christopher-luxon-to-condemn-the-illegal-attacks-on-iran-by-trump-and-israel/

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Events – Record number of schools set to compete at 2026 National Secondary School Waka Ama Championships

Source: Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ

A record 142 secondary schools and 2,300 participants from across Aotearoa will gather at Lake Tikitapu next week for the 2026 Secondary School Waka Ama Championships, highlighting the continued growth of waka ama among rangatahi nationwide.

Hosted by Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ, the five-day national championship will take place from the 23–27 March. The event brings together thousands of student paddlers to compete in sprint racing across a range of divisions and distances.

The annual event, which started in 2002, has become one of the largest secondary school sporting competitions in the country during summer tournament week. The students representing their kura and schools compete in disciplines such as W1, W6 and W12 racing, including mixed, boys’ and girls’ divisions.

Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ CEO, Lara Collins, says that as the numbers for waka ama continue to scale up, its expected to see such a growth amongst rangatahi, based on the 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals statistics.

“Every year this sport gets bigger, and a positive indication that it continues to grow are the numbers of rangatahi participation. This year alone there was an increase of 22% in paddlers from ages 5 to 23 from the 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals” says Collins.

This year’s interest from schools reflects the rapid growth of waka ama throughout Aotearoa. More rangatahi and schools are embracing the sport for its combination of high-performance competition, cultural connection and fun.

For TIPENE, this will be their inaugural year competing at the event. Waka ama team manager and parent, Ramari Matairangi, says it’s a great opportunity for their school to reach a significant milestone.  

“With our rangatahi competing at the Waka Ama Secondary School Nationals for the first time, it reflects the rapid growth of the TIPENE Waka Ama Programme and the commitment of our students, coaches, kura, and partners who have worked together to establish a strong foundation in a short period of time,” says Matairangi.

As a first-year programme for the school, it has set the pathway for future growth and sustained involvement in waka ama at TIPENE and beyond according to Matairangi.

Over five days of racing, the lake will be home to school teams, supporters and whānau as the country’s top young school paddlers compete for waka ama national titles.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/events-record-number-of-schools-set-to-compete-at-2026-national-secondary-school-waka-ama-championships/

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Justice Issues – A positive direction for abuse survivors, but nowhere near where it should be

Source: Ihorangi Reweti Peters – a State care survivor and advocate.

The Lead Coordination Minister to the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions, Erica Stanford, announced this morning that the government is taking action to provide redress to survivors of State-run mental health facilities.

Previously, survivors could only seek redress for claims of abuse up to 30 June 2023, the announcement now means that survivors can make a redress claim up until 1 July 2022.

Ihorangi Reweti Peters, a State care survivor and advocate, said, “Whilst this announcement is positive and will provide survivors of abuse in care with redress, we’re still waiting for the government to implement all of the recommendations from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry.”

“To date, the government has only accepted 7 of the 207 recommendations made by the inquiry and they’ve only implemented 3 recommendations. The Inquiry was the largest and most complex, it examined abuse in both State and Faith-based institutions, and the recommendations from the Inquiry were developed with survivors,” said Mr Reweti Peters.

“This change does not go far enough. He Purapura Ora, he Māra Tipu from Redress to Puretumu Torowhanui, the Redress report from the Inquiry, made 95 holistic recommendations to the government on redress for survivors of abuse in care. Survivors redress needs to reflect the recommendations from both the redress report and the final report of the Inquiry,” said Mr Reweti Peters.

“The Economic Cost of Abuse in Care report by the Inquiry estimated in 2019 that the average lifetime cost for an individual abused in care is $857,000. The redress from all State-run facilities need to reflect the sum from the Economic Cost of Abuse report,” said Mr Reweti Peters.

Notes: 

Economic Cost of Abuse in Care Report – https://www.abuseincare.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/25158/martinjenkins-economic-cost-of-abuse-in-care-2020.pdf

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/justice-issues-a-positive-direction-for-abuse-survivors-but-nowhere-near-where-it-should-be/

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Universities – Traffic silently killing Aucklanders – UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

Pollution from cars in Auckland is killing around 700 people a year and hospitalising 4,000 more, with health researchers calling for policy changes.

More than 700 Aucklanders die every year from air pollution from traffic, similar to the number who die from smoking cigarettes, with almost 4,000 more ending up in hospital, according to a new report.

Almost all Aucklanders, 90 percent, are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution higher than international standards.

Nationally, 2,000 people die per year from traffic pollution.

“Because the particles are so small, they are not easy to see, so we often don’t even think about them being there,” says Dr Jamie Hosking, a public health researcher at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

“Sometimes, when we’re close to traffic, we can smell the exhaust, and that’s when we really notice it. But even when we can’t smell it, it’s still there, putting our health at great risk.”

Petrol and diesel burn to produce noxious gases, chiefly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and minute particles of soot, smoke, dust and chemicals (PM2.5).

“Because they’re so small, these particles can get right into our lungs and then cross into the bloodstream. They cause health effects through their impact on the lungs, but also on our cardiovascular system – the heart – and can contribute to strokes,” Hosking says.

A report, Our Air, has just been published on Auckland’s air pollution by Healthy Auckland Together a collective of public health researchers and agencies working in the area. (ref. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/687d6be85b66bd72af52a027/t/69b9b755bab9e5730d58c9b8/1773778792896/Healthy+Auckland+Together+-+Our+Air.pdf )

Hosking and fellow public health researcher at the University of Auckland Professor Alistair Woodward will present the report to Auckland Council’s Transport Committee and call for urgent action on Auckland’s air pollution.

Auckland’s air pollution comes partly from household heating but pollution from traffic is by far the biggest cause of illness.

It is estimated traffic pollution causes 6,100 cases and 424 hospitalisations for childhood asthma every year in Auckland.

People in cheaper housing near motorways and busy roads are at extra risk, so there are equity issues.

“It’s often people on lower incomes who end up being more exposed to this dirty air and then having the health impacts as a result,” Hosking says.

What Auckland Council needs to do

The report outlines solutions. The 20 agencies comprising Healthy Auckland Together would like to see Auckland Council:

  • Invest in affordable, clean and frequent public transport services 
  • Introduce equitable congestion charges 
  • Build and maintain attractive footpaths and pedestrian crossings, and protected cycle lanes
  • Improve air quality monitoring 
  • Provide more parks and street trees 

What central government needs to do
Nationally, the government needs to:

  • Raise vehicle emission standards to ensure cleaner vehicles enter the country
  • Update New Zealand’s air quality standards to reflect the latest health evidence
  • Set transport charges – such as fuel excise, road user charges and registration fees – so they properly reflect the health and social costs caused by vehicle emissions.

Air pollution in Auckland results in a significant number of deaths and serious illnesses with unacceptable healthcare and social costs – urgent action is needed.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/universities-traffic-silently-killing-aucklanders-uoa/

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World Cup dream over for Tall Ferns after winless tournament

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emilia Shearer #2 of New Zealand at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan. (Photo by Edgardo Medina / NurPhoto via AFP)

The Tall Ferns have finished their World Cup Qualifying Tournament winless after a 77-61 loss to hosts Puerto Rico.

The Tall Ferns had to beat Puerto Rico by 24 points or more to qualify for the 2026 Basketball Women’s World Cup in Berlin later this year, which was always going to be a massive ask against the world’s 13th-ranked side.

New Zealand, which was ranked 21st, had only met their opponents once before when Puerto Rico beat them by two goals at an Olympic qualifying tournament in 2024.

The Tall Ferns also took a young side to the tournament and are without a number of players who are on college basketball duty in the United States. Three players made their debuts in San Juan.

Before going into today’s game, New Zealand suffered losses to the USA, Italy, Senegal, and Spain.

The Tall Ferns put up a strong showing in the first quarter, which they won 21-12. The hosts then took the initiative in the second period to nudge ahead of New Zealand 40-38 at half-time.

New Zealand stayed within touching distance of Puerto Rico in the third quarter before being restricted to just seven points in the final spell.

Experienced Tall Fern Sharne Pupuke Robati put in a big shift, scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds, to go along with four assists.

With their second win of the tournament, Puerto Rico joined the USA, Italy and Spain in securing a place at the World Cup in Germany in September.

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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/2026/03/18/world-cup-dream-over-for-tall-ferns-after-winless-tournament/

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Waikato Steel Manufacturing Project Fast-tracked

Source: New Zealand Government

A structural steel manufacturing plant that will help build the future of New Zealand’s infrastructure has been approved through Fast-track.

National Green Steel Limited lodged its application in July 2025 to build a structural steel manufacturing plant in Hampton Downs in Waikato.

“Approval has taken around five months following the commencement of the expert panel,” says Mr Bishop.

“New Zealand has a major infrastructure deficit. We need to deliver infrastructure faster, and we need the supply chains to back that up. A project like Green Steel can do both, building local manufacturing capacity and help provide material for a range of developments.

“The new plant will process about 200,000 tonnes of recycled steel annually. The project will reduce structural steel imports and reduce the amount of scrap steel being exported. Green Steel already has collections yards in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Putāruru and Christchurch. These yards recover metal resources from end-of-life vehicles, sheet metal, and beams.”

“The project is expected to create about 200 skilled jobs in the region. New Zealand does not currently re-use steel – most of our scrap metal is exported. This new plant will mean we can recycle and manufacture structural steel right here in New Zealand, using material sourced from across the country,” Mr Jones says.

“The project will use electric arc furnace technology to produce high-quality structural steel with a lower carbon footprint compared to current steel production methods used in New Zealand,” Mr Watts says. 

“This proposal shows the sector are willing to make the investments needed to electrify. It’s a positive sign that industry is ready to move at pace to build the infrastructure we need.”

“This is the 13th project to be approved under the Fast-track process, and the first infrastructure project to feature steel manufacturing,” says Mr Bishop. 

Notes to editors:

For more information about the project:  National Green Steel Ltd  

Fast-track by the numbers:

•    13 projects approved by expert panels. 
•    21 projects with expert panels appointed (on 12 March 2026).
•    149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
•    49 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
•    33 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure (on 12 March 2026).
•    On average, it has taken 129 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope. 

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:

•    Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
•    Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
•    Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
•    Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
•    Arataki [Housing/Land]
•    Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
•    Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
•    Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
•    Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
•    Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]
•    Green Steel [Infrastructure]
•    Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
•    Sunfield Masterplanned Community [Housing/Land]

Expert panels have been appointed for:

•    Ashbourne
•    Ayrburn Screen Hub
•    Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
•    Delmore
•    Haldon Solar Farm
•    Hananui Aquaculture Project
•    Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme
•    Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works
•    Mahinerangi Wind Farm
•    Pound Road Industrial Development
•    Ryans Road Industrial Development
•    Southland Wind Farm Project
•    State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus)
•    Stella Passage Development (Port of Tauranga)
•    Takitimu North Link – Stage 2
•    The Downtown Carpark Site Development
•    The Point Mission Bay
•    The Point Solar Farm
•    Waitaha Hydro 
•    Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project
•    Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/waikato-steel-manufacturing-project-fast-tracked/

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New Zealand man accused of woman and baby’s murders in Australia

Source: Radio New Zealand

By Talissa Siganto, ABC

Blake Seers, 37, has been charged with two counts of murder (domestic violence) over the deaths of a woman and child. ABC/Lucas Hill

A man accused of killing his partner and baby daughter in Logan, south of Brisbane, was suffering a “schizoaffective disorder”, a court has heard.

The bodies of 37-year-old Kate Paterson and 11-month-old April were found dead inside a Belivah home last week.

At the time, police said they had initially attended the residence after a man who lived there, Blake Seers, had been hit by a car nearby at Bannockburn.

Seers, 38, was taken to hospital and yesterday was charged with two counts of domestic violence murder.

RNZ understands Seers is from New Zealand.

On Wednesday, defence lawyer Nicholas Andrews appeared in court on Seers’s behalf.

“Mr Seers is currently in custody under police watch in hospital,” he said.

Andrews asked for the matter to be moved to Beenleigh and said his client would need to seek a mental health assessment once transferred to a remand centre.

“I should also just place on record Mr Seers has a diagnosed schizoaffective disorder,” he said.

Defence lawyer Nicholas Andrews says Blake Seers has “mental health considerations”. ABC/Talissa Siganto

The matter was adjourned until next week.

Outside court, Andrews said it was a “sensitive matter”.

“Our thoughts are with those who’ve been affected by this tragedy,” he said.

“At times like this, I just need to remind myself that there is a job to do.”

“It’s currently progressing through the courts and there’s some mental health considerations here.”

-ABC with additional reporting by RNZ

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/new-zealand-man-accused-of-woman-and-babys-murders-in-australia/

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Police seek information on Wellington aggravated assault

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating an aggravated robbery in Aro Valley are asking the public for information to help identify the offenders.

The victim was walking on Ohiro Road around 5.40pm last night, when they were seriously assaulted by two unknown men.

The victim’s phone was stolen, and they sustained multiple injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Police are asking anyone that witnessed the incident, have CCTV in the area or saw two men on Ohiro Road between 5pm-6pm to get in touch with Police.

Please use reference file number 260317/0947.

Please call 105 or use the service online by clicking ‘Make a report’.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/police-seek-information-on-wellington-aggravated-assault/

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Moa Point failure report to be released on Friday

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

A report into the Moa Point disaster will be revealed to the public at the end of this week.

The wastewater treatment plant failed last month, sending millions of litres of raw sewage into the sea each day.

A spokesperson for the mayor’s office said a final version of the report from Wellington Water will be released on Friday, rather than a draft version intended for mid-this week.

The technical engineers’ report looks at hydraulic issues in the plant, and a draft version has been with the council since last week.

The final report will be released immediately once received, the spokesperson said.

Wellington Water previously said it has notified its insurers after doing the report, but any questions about that need to be referred to the council.

A spokesperson for Wellington Water said the agency needed to “undergo a process” to have the cause of the failure confirmed, and there was now another investigation underway too.

“We have made good progress and have commissioned a technical report into the underlying cause of the incident.

“This report is currently being finalised. Additionally, we have also commissioned a wider investigation into all factors of the incident and that work is underway.”

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little has said there are potentially multiple causes for the failure, all of which need to be investigated.

An independent Crown review into the failure is also underway, with the team led by Raveen Jaduram, the chairperson of the water services authority, Taumata Arowai. The Crown Review will release its final report in August 2026.

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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/2026/03/18/moa-point-failure-report-to-be-released-on-friday/

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Genomic trial brings testing home for Kiwis with cancer and rare disorders

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders with cancer and rare disorders will benefit from faster, locally delivered genomic testing through a new clinical pilot being launched by Health New Zealand, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

Faster results for cancer and rare disease patients
First step in building a national genomics service
Building secure systems to manage genomic data in New Zealand

“Today is a significant day for people needing genomic sequencing for certain cancers and rare disorders,” Mr Brown says.

“Too many Kiwis are left waiting for answers because their genomic tests are sent overseas – delays that can affect treatment decisions or prolong years of uncertainty.

“This two-year pilot will bring testing home, reducing wait times at one of the most stressful points in a patient’s life and supporting our health targets so cancer patients can receive treatment sooner and people spend less time waiting for specialist care.

“It will also strengthen local expertise in genomic medicine and improve diagnostic capability, helping clinicians deliver the right care at the right time.”

Health New Zealand is partnering with global genomics company Illumina to deliver the pilot, allowing advanced testing technologies to be evaluated while building capability within New Zealand’s health system.

The programme will trial two complementary approaches: Whole Genome Sequencing to support the diagnosis of rare and inherited disorders, and Comprehensive Genomic Profiling to help guide cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions.

“New Zealand currently spends more than $4 million each year sending over 4000 genomic tests overseas. This pilot will process more than 6000 samples over two years, including establishing new tests and consolidating existing workflows. By the end of the pilot, around half of tests currently sent offshore are expected to be completed in New Zealand.

“If adopted nationally, modelling suggests this approach could generate around $5 million in operational savings over five years, while ensuring sensitive genomic data is managed safely.”

The pilot will include testing for rare disorders across a range of groups, including metabolic, connective tissue, eye, hearing, and renal conditions, with work ongoing to determine the specific focus for cancer testing.

Alongside clinical outcomes, the pilot will assess workforce readiness, operational efficiency, and the systems needed to support genomic data management and governance, helping inform the development of a coordinated national genomics service.

“Today’s announcement comes during Rare Disorders Month, which highlights the importance of timely diagnosis for the thousands of New Zealanders living with rare conditions. I want to acknowledge everyone living with, and supporting those affected by, a rare disorder.

“Our Government is focused on putting patients at the centre of the health system. This pilot is about getting Kiwis answers faster and building a genomics testing service New Zealand can be proud of,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/genomic-trial-brings-testing-home-for-kiwis-with-cancer-and-rare-disorders/

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New Zealand writer gets shoutout by Meghan Markle

Source: Radio New Zealand

A book of poems about motherhood has been dog-eared and shared by Meghan Markle on her social media.

They Bloom Because of You was published two weeks ago by Christchurch-based mother of three, Jessica Urlichs.

“I was just completely stunned, I didn’t believe that it would be real,” Urlichs told RNZ.

“I was just incredibly grateful that she would share something like that on her platform. I think it was a really big moment of women supporting women as well.”

On Tuesday, the Duchess of Sussex posted a video to her Instagram stories to 4.5 million followers showing her sitting in a garden appearing to flip through the book, saying “so good”.

A number of pages had been turned down, including poems titled The Mental Load, Hands We Hold Close, More Than a Body, Unraveled, Texts Between Friends and A Mother’s Love.

Urlichs learned of the post when a number of followers shared it with her. At first she thought it was a fan account.

When Urlichs posted her “shock” at the “huge moment” Markle replied with the message: “My mom friend, Christina, shared it with me. My current bedside book”.

Overseas interest in the book has spiked since Markle, who lives in California with husband Prince Harry and their two children, posted about it.

Urlichs’ first book of poetry, Beautiful Chaos, became a Sunday Times bestseller. Her work, inspired by her own postpartum experience, has been previously mentioned by Blake Lively and endorsed by Hilary Duff and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Urlichs said her latest book focused on “the seasons of growth and blooming alongside our children”.

“There are a lot of poems in there for babies and older kids, but a lot of it speaks to the seasons after and finding ourselves as well.

“I’m not really sure what she took from them but I know that a lot of them would speak to a mother – that two things can be true – that we can feel elated and overjoyed in motherhood, but still find some seasons really difficult.

“I guess she would appreciate the vulnerability in those poems.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/new-zealand-writer-gets-shoutout-by-meghan-markle/

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Murderer, sex offenders among current asylum claimants

Source: Radio New Zealand

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says she was shocked to find out a murderer and sex offenders convicted in New Zealand are among current asylum claimants.

Removing appeal rights against deportation for migrants and cracking down on asylum claims are among controversial proposals announced by the government, three months after the last immigration legislation came into force.

“If you’re said to be a refugee, it allows you a number of benefits that you will be aware of on the taxpayer’s dime that you will get as a refugee,” said Stanford. “It was very clear that we are a huge soft touch in this country compared to everybody else. And I’m just trying to bring us in line.”

Proposed changes would allow decision-makers to rule out refugee status – which brings with it access to residence visas – for those with criminal records, but still approve protection claims if people were at risk if they returned home.

“INZ has on hand 14 refugee claims from people who’ve been convicted of serious offences since arriving in New Zealand, including one person convicted of murder, five for serious drug offences, three for sexual offences, four for family violence, one for arson, and one for burglary with a weapon. And we still have to consider their refugee status.

The government is introducing the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill to Parliament on Wednesday. It would also stop asylum seekers who withdraw their claims from later applying for other visas.

lenor/123RF

Deportation appeals

Another major change would be to deportation rules for migrants.

Immigration lawyers say children will be separated from parents, and partners of New Zealanders if migrants with visitor visa lose the right to appeal their deportations on humanitarian grounds.

Pooja Sundar said visitor visas are not only for tourists, but also partners, parents and children, such as Parent Boost and partner visitor visas.

“We do a lot of appeals. Ask anyone representing cases in representing people before the tribunal and they will absolutely tell you how high a threshold that really is and how the circumstances have to be truly exceptional.

“We are not a soft touch, we just used to give a crap about about our international conventions. Clearly we don’t anymore.”

Other changes

Previously announced changes in the bill include extending the period during which a residence visa holder may become liable for deportation following criminal offending from 10 years to 20 years.

“New Zealand has one of the most lenient criminal deportation liability regimes,” said Stanford. “Australia, the UK, Canada, Ireland all make residents liable for deportation indefinitely, including for relatively minor convictions.

“As proposed in the bill, deportation liability would continue to be scaled according to the seriousness of the offending and the length of a time the person has held residence. But longer-term residents who commit very serious offences will no longer be able to avoid deportation liability. “

Migrant exploitation jail terms would increase from a maximum of seven years to 10 years under the new legislation.

Asylum claimants may not be granted refugee status if they breach ‘good faith’ rules which include not creating grounds for a refugee claim by their social media activity in New Zealand.

“So I’m aware of cases where people take action deliberately to engage in proactive political activity when they’re arriving in New Zealand, such as seeking social media or media attention in a cynical attempt to create or increase their grounds for recognition as a refugee,” Stanford told the Immigration Law Symposium in Auckland.

“These bad faith proposals will ensure that both Immigration New Zealand and the IPT (Immigration and Protection Tribunal) will have the ability to deal with these cases made in bad faith as swiftly as possible and that the benefits associated with refugee status are reserved for those who genuinely deserve them.”

Stanford said with more than 4000 asylum claims on hand, they needed to take another look at the rules.

“While there are genuine claims, there are many claims, the vast majority of claims, that are not meritorious.

“And in some instances, people lodge an asylum claim in the final days of another visa, not because they face persecution in their home country, but simply because they want to remain in New Zealand on that visa that everybody wants, the open work visa.”

She said not turning up for a a biometrics appointment without good reason was a technique asylum claimants used to spin out the time their claim takes, while continuing on asylum seeker work visas.

But immigration lawyer Stewart Dalley said until recently, claimants’ biometrics were taken at the time of their interview.

“They’ve now changed the policy to make people come to do the biometrics a couple of days after they’ve filed their claim form. So they’ve actually created a problem that didn’t actually exist. And they’re creating this deliberately, in my mind, to actually try and see if they can decline people’s claims. Because they’ve set it out to say, you’re legally required to come and do your biometrics a couple of days after you’ve lodged your claim.

“If the person doesn’t go because they don’t read English, they haven’t got an interpreter there, they don’t know how to get to the place – claim declined, you’re out of here. They’re deliberately setting people up to fail.”

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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/2026/03/18/murderer-sex-offenders-among-current-asylum-claimants/

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Fuel stock down, but not unusually so – Nicola Willis

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nicola Willis. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Energy Minister Shane Jones says there is no need for fuel restrictions at this stage, as the government provides the latest update on stocks.

And the latest data shows New Zealand continues to hold “healthy levels of petrol, diesel and jet fuel” according to Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

“As at midnight on Sunday 15 March, combined petrol, diesel and jet fuel stocks equated to about 49 days of cover nationwide, including fuel held onshore in storage terminals and fuel already on ships bound for New Zealand,” Willis said.

That was slightly down from last week, but Willis explained the change reflected normal patterns of consumption.

“They are not a sign of supply disruption.”

Willis said fuel supply is inherently dynamic, with stock levels fluctuating week to week as it was consumed and new shipments arrived.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will now also report on the pipeline of fuel shipments on their way to New Zealand.

More than a week’s worth of fuel was scheduled to arrive in the coming days.

Jones said the government was working with industry to strengthen the frequency, quality and timeliness of fuel stock and shipping data.

“This is critical to ensuring we can identify emerging risks early and plan appropriately.”

Shane Jones. RNZ / Mark Papalii

His expectation was that fuel companies were responsive and continuing to work constructively with the government as the situation evolved.

“All indications are, so far, that New Zealand is well-placed to deal with the fallout from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“I want to be clear that at this stage, there is no need for fuel restrictions. Introducing rationing or restriction measures before there is clear evidence of a genuine shortage won’t create more fuel in the system.”

Jones said if the situation changed, the government would communicate that information quickly, along with plans in place to deal with any issues.

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Activist Sector – Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting must condemn illegal war

From: Peace Action Wellington

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins will land in Canberra for the third iteration of the Australia and New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ANZMIN) this week.

“Winston Peters and Judith Collins along with Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles must take the opportunity to condemn the US and Israeli for the illegal war on Iran that was launched two weeks ago,” said Valerie Morse of Peace Action Wellington.

“These Ministers must issue clear statements that neither will provide any assistance to the US and Israeli war. There should be sanctions imposed, while military deployments and training alongside the US should be cancelled. Anything less than that is a capitulation to two genocidal criminals.”

“So far, both the NZ government and Australian government appear to be singing from the same song sheet of talking points, claiming that it is up to the US and Israel to make their case. That is completely cowardice and complicity. These Ministers need to start being honest about what this war is about: an aggressive war for power and regional supremacy
waged by two nuclear weapons states against a non-nuclear power during ongoing negotiations. The mask has well and truly been ripped off US and Israeli claims of any moral legitimacy whatsoever. These are rogue states and should be treated like the pariah that they are.”

“People across the globe are already utterly revolted by Israel’s relentless assault on the people of Gaza in its two plus year long genocide. Now, Israel’s leader Binyamin Netanyahu has convinced US President Trump to wage war on Iran – that has resulted in countries across the region being bombed and mass death. It has set us on a path to world war three as there is no end in sight.”

Peace Action Wellington will host a peace vigil on Thursday, 19 March at 5:30pm at the Cenotaph in Wellington.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/activist-sector-foreign-and-defence-ministers-meeting-must-condemn-illegal-war/

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Employment Trends and Research – Benefits in use: popular vs untapped

Source: Robert Half

Benefits with the highest usage, according to New Zealand hiring managers: Working from home/hybrid options (41%), flexible work arrangements (32%), and (un)paid sabbaticals/leave of absence (26%).

Benefits with the lowest usage: Mental health resources/employee assistance (38%), working from home/hybrid working options (30%), and (un)paid sabbaticals/leave of absence (26%).

Benefits that are not offered by employers: Childcare allowances (91%), in-house/onsite childcare (87%), and remote working option (beyond working from home) (69%).

Auckland, 18 March 2026 – New Zealand workplaces are operating in a two-speed benefits economy, where the same benefits can be widely embraced in some organisations but remain underused or out of reach in others.

The newly released 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide shows lifestyle benefits such as working from home/hybrid options, flexible work arrangements and leaves of absence appear on both the highest-usage and lowest-usage lists, highlighting a growing divide between employees who can readily access these benefits and those who cannot use them in practice.

At the same time, many employers have limited offerings of “non-traditional” yet increasingly valued benefits, such as childcare support, life insurance, and remote working.

Which benefits employees prioritise most

When it comes to the perks and benefits employees use, there’s a strong preference for ones that support flexibility and lifestyle, reflecting shifting workplace priorities shaped by post-pandemic expectations and evolving employee needs.

Top 8 benefits used the most by staff include:

Working from home/hybrid options (41%)
Flexible work arrangements (32%)
(Un)paid sabbaticals/leave of absence (26%)
Flexible benefits program (23%)
Extended parental leave (22%)
Fundraising days (20%)
Travel allowance (20%)
(Paid) internal or external training (19%).

The well-intended but rarely used perks

Hybrid working and flexible arrangements may be the most utilised benefits among Kiwi workers; however, around a quarter (30% and 24% respectively) of employees aren’t accessing these options. The same goes for (un)paid sabbaticals/leave of absence, which is on the highest usage list (26%) and the lowest (26%).

This split suggests that while some employers have successfully embedded flexible benefits into day-to-day working life, others may offer them only to certain roles, apply tighter eligibility rules, or see lower uptake because employees do not feel able to use them.

The perks and benefits that are used the least by staff include:

Mental health resources/Employee assistance (38%)
Working from home/hybrid options (30%)
(Un)paid sabbaticals/Leave of absence (26%)
Fundraising days (26%)
Flexible work arrangements (24%)
In-office physical activities (24%)
Flexible benefits program (22%)
Travel allowance (22%).

“Employees are placing greater value on benefits that give them more flexibility and better support their wellbeing,” says Megan Alexander, Managing Director at Robert Half. “The perks used most are those that provide practical, lasting support for work-life balance, reflecting a clear shift towards benefits many employees now see as essential rather than optional extras.”

“The fact that benefits like hybrid working and flexible arrangements appear on both the most-used and least-used lists shows there is a clear divide in how these benefits are experienced across workplaces. In some organisations, they are a normal part of working life, while in others, they are limited by role type, eligibility or workplace culture. As employers rethink their total rewards strategies, it is not just about offering benefits, but making sure employees can genuinely access and use them.”

The benefits still missing from most workplaces

Despite growing expectations for more holistic support in the workplace, many employers offer a relatively narrow range of “non-traditional” benefits, particularly those that support families.

Here are the perks and benefits not offered by employers:

Childcare allowances (91%)
In-house/onsite childcare (87%)
Remote working option (beyond working from home) (69%)
Life insurance (separate from superannuation) (56%)
Tuition assistance or reimbursement (55%)
Secondment (53%)
Extended parental leave (48%)
Home office equipment allowance (37%).

“Although childcare support is still not commonly offered, organisations that provide family-oriented benefits are in a good position to differentiate themselves, enhance their employer reputation, and foster a more inclusive environment for working parents. As workforce expectations shift, a comprehensive benefits package that also includes family-friendly and lifestyle offerings provides a unique competitive edge in attracting and retaining a diverse range of talent,” concludes Alexander.

Notes

About the research

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in October 2025 by an independent research company of 250 finance, accounting, and IT and technology hiring managers. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed, and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland and the South Island. More information on roberthalf.com/nz.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/employment-trends-and-research-benefits-in-use-popular-vs-untapped/

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GlobalData reveals most-exposed countries and key damage channels as recession risk rises from Hormuz disruption

Source: GlobalData

The US–Israel–Iran war is severely disrupting global energy and logistics markets, heightening recession and inflation risks. With the Strait of Hormuz heavily constrained and commercial shipping facing elevated threats, markets are extremely sensitive to supply losses, delays, and shifting geopolitical risk premiums.

Oil and refined product prices remain volatile, while LNG, freight rates, and war-risk insurance are rising across major trade routes. These pressures increase the likelihood of renewed inflation and weaker growth in the Middle East and beyond, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

The conflict’s operational scope is expanding beyond military targets, increasingly disrupting commercial infrastructure and trade. Ongoing threats to tankers and ports, plus periodic Gulf airspace restrictions, are altering shipping and aviation routes. These disruptions are constraining energy and container flows, lengthening delivery times, and increasing input costs across supply chains.

Ramnivas Mundada, Director of Economic Research and Companies at GlobalData, comments: “The first-order macro shock remains supply-led: energy availability, shipping capacity, and risk premia. Even if oil prices stabilize, the persistence of higher freight costs, longer shipping routes, and insurance costs can keep delivered prices elevated for fuel and intermediate goods. That combination increases the likelihood that inflation proves stickier than expected, complicating monetary policy while weakening real incomes and consumption.”

Conflict-driven cost shocks hit advanced and emerging economies

War-risk insurance premiums for vessels and cargo—as well as aviation insurance and reinsurance—remain elevated, raising the delivered cost of energy and container trade. Higher premiums can render some voyages uneconomic, reduce effective shipping capacity, and accelerate rerouting, further tightening logistics. GlobalData also highlights that financial-market volatility can tighten credit availability, particularly for emerging markets with large external financing needs and high fuel import dependence.

In advanced economies, the key risk is that an energy-and-shipping-driven inflation impulse delays disinflation and complicates the pace of monetary easing. In emerging markets, especially energy importers, the combination of higher import bills and weaker currencies can generate a second-round inflation shock through imported goods and food distribution, while increasing fiscal strain where subsidies absorb part of the shock.

Highly impacted countries: growth and inflation overlays (next 12 months)

Exposure differs sharply by energy balance, supply-chain integration, and sensitivity to shipping and tourism. Hydrocarbon exporters in the Gulf can see partial offsets through higher hydrocarbon receipts, but remain vulnerable to security costs, disruption to trade and aviation, and softer regional tourism. Energy importers in the Middle East and Asia face more direct deterioration in trade balances and higher pass-through inflation.

Where the risk is acute

Iran and Israel remain at the epicenter of downside growth risk. Iran faces the most severe contraction risk under sustained disruption and infrastructure stress, with heightened exposure across energy logistics, insurance and financing channels. Israel continues to face a confidence-led slowdown via weaker investment and tourism, alongside higher defense-related spending that can crowd out private activity.

Energy importers face the sharpest inflation pass-through. Egypt stands out for imported inflation and FX pressures, with fiscal strain likely to rise where subsidies buffer fuel and food costs. In Asia, India, Japan, and South Korea are exposed via higher energy bills and persistent pass-through into transport-heavy components of inflation, raising the risk that headline relief proves temporary.

The Gulf’s offsets are real, but non-oil fragilities are rising. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain can see partial macro offsets from hydrocarbon receipts. However, hub economies, especially the UAE, are more exposed to aviation restrictions, shipping/insurance costs and sentiment-driven effects on tourism, trade and services.

Europe’s risk is margin compression and delayed easing. Higher import costs and shipping-linked delivered inflation squeeze industrial profitability, particularly in energy-intensive sectors, increasing the probability that monetary easing is delayed if inflation re-accelerates.

Stagflation risk rises if disruption persists

GlobalData’s base case remains that the longer the disruption persists, the more likely the shock will propagate from headline inflation into broader pricing and activity. If elevated shipping and energy constraints continue beyond a few months, the probability of a global growth downshift increases—particularly for economies already operating with tight real incomes and fragile demand. Under that scenario, the balance of risks shifts toward stagflation-like outcomes: weaker growth alongside inflation that falls more slowly than expected.

Mundada concludes: “While energy and logistics constraints persist, the balance of risks remain titled to the downside. Under sustained disruption and infrastructure stress, Iran’s near-term output risk remains extreme. In Israel, the growth outlook continues to face downside pressure as investment and tourism absorb the confidence shock. For major energy importers, including India, Japan, and South Korea, the risk is a prolonged deterioration in trade balances alongside stickier inflation, especially beyond a few months.”

About GlobalData

GlobalData Plc (LSE:DATA) operates an intelligence platform that empowers leaders to act decisively in a world of complexity and change. By uniting proprietary data, human expertise, and purpose-built AI into a single, connected platform, we help organizations see what is coming, move faster, and lead with confidence. Our solutions are used by over 5,000 organizations across the world’s largest industries, providing tailored intelligence that supports strategic planning, innovation, risk management, and sustainable growth.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/globaldata-reveals-most-exposed-countries-and-key-damage-channels-as-recession-risk-rises-from-hormuz-disruption/