Category: DJF

Posted on

Tell the coppers about copper crime

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Constable Craig Colyer, Southern District Field Intelligence Officer:

Southern District Police investigating multiple cases of copper thefts are asking the public for information to track down those responsible.

Over the past month, the value of scrap copper has increased, and so have the reports of copper theft.

These have included copper cylinders being targeted, copper wire being burnt off and stripped, and copper being taken from buildings and power companies.

Police are asking anyone with information about copper crimes, or of scrap copper that may come from suspicious origins, to contact Police immediately.

Police remind you that it is a crime to receive stolen goods.

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

Police are also asking residents to be vigilant around their properties and to secure any items that may include copper.

If you are the victim of a burglary, please report the matter to Police.

You may not be the only victim in your area and every little bit of information you have may assist in the arrests of those responsible.

To report burglaries and thefts, contact Police. If it’s happening now, call 111, for any non-urgent incidents, call 105 or make a report online by clicking ‘Make a report’.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/tell-the-coppers-about-copper-crime/

Posted on

Ara hub celebrates 10 years of airport jobs

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Social Development and Employment Louise Upston is marking 10 years of the Ara Jobs and Skills Hub, which trains and connects people to jobs across the Auckland Airport precinct.

In the past decade:

  • Over 1,440 people have been supported into jobs
  • More than 1,700 young people supported through training pathways
  • 3,600 learners gained skills and training opportunities

The Ministry of Social Development has partnered with Ara Jobs Skills Hub for the whole 10 years, helping co-ordinate recruitment and training needs for the 800 businesses employing 25,000 people within the Auckland Airport precinct.
Louise Upston says it is a worthy milestone to celebrate. 

“The Ara Jobs and Skills Hub facilitates workforce planning, recruitment, and training for this nationally-significant group of businesses spanning aviation, construction, logistics and other service sectors like tourism, retail, accommodation and hospitality. 

“The scale of these workforce needs demand a unique platform for long-term planning and coordination.

“It makes sense that the Ministry of Social Development is a key partner given it has the biggest talent pool of people to draw from and MSD’s longstanding relationship with Ara has provided a seamless pathway for job seekers into airport-based jobs.”

Louise Upston says it’s great to see positive signals for renewed infrastructure developments at the Auckland Airport precinct and MSD will continue to support training and recruiting for workforce needs.

“Getting people into jobs is a key focus of our government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future. Work will always be the best way for New Zealanders to support their families and get ahead in life. That is why I am committed to reaching our target of 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030.” 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/ara-hub-celebrates-10-years-of-airport-jobs/

Posted on

Police seek helping solving violent Wellington robbery

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Patrice Allen

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying two men who seriously assaulted a person during a robbery in Brooklyn, Wellington on Tuesday afternoon.

The victim was hospitalised with multiple injuries during the attack, on Ohiro Road around 5.40pm.

The men also stole the victim’s phone.

Police asked anyone with information to come forward.

You can call 105 or use the police website to report information, or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/police-seek-helping-solving-violent-wellington-robbery/

Posted on

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

Source: World Vision

  • A quarter of the world’s population don’t have access to safe drinking water
  • Women and girls are especially impacted, with some walking up to 15 kilometres for water 
  • World Vision aims to reach 30 million people with clean water by 2030. 

This World Water Day, World Vision New Zealand is putting the spotlight on the global water crisis as a quarter of the world’s population still cannot access safe drinking water.  

More than 2 billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water, with women and girls bearing the greatest burden. In some communities, women walk up to 15 kilometres a day to collect water — a task that can consume hours and limit their opportunities for education, work and participation in community life.

World Vision New Zealand International Partnerships Director Stephen Court says it is unacceptable that so many people are still denied access to such a basic human right.

“It’s unacceptable that in 2026 a quarter of the world’s population still doesn’t have access to safe drinking water. Clean water is a basic human right, yet millions of families are forced to live without it.

Without safe water, disease spreads, children miss school, and women are prevented from participating fully in work and community life. It traps families in a cycle of poverty that should no longer exist.”

New World Vision research in Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, finds that combining water access with behaviour change and economic empowerment activities can create lasting impact.  

This family-centred approach integrates water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services with financial literacy training, savings groups, livelihood support, and engagement around social norms.

Court says when this approach is adopted women report higher personal income and household savings, greater participation in financial decisions, increased confidence, and stronger leadership within their communities.  

He highlights the changes seen in Rumate, Kenya, where women once walked up to four hours a day to collect water, often returning with only a fraction of what their families needed.  

After a borehole was installed in the community, women no longer had to spend hours collecting water and instead had time to pursue income-generating activities. Many formed savings groups, which enabled them to start small businesses and invest in their families.

“Access to safe water didn’t just meet a basic need — it unlocked opportunity,” says Court.

“When safe water is close to home, women gain something incredibly valuable: time. That time can be used to earn an income, participate in community life and invest in their families’ futures.”

The impact extends far beyond individual households.

“In many communities, the time women and girls spend collecting water goes unseen and undervalued. When safe water is accessible, women gain time, income opportunities and a stronger voice in their households and communities.

World Vision reaches one new person with clean water every 10 seconds, and we are aiming to reach 30 million people with clean water between 2023 and 2030.”

Court says this World Water Day, the message is clear:  “Safe water is about far more than survival. It is the foundation for dignity, equality, and opportunity. When women gain access to clean water, they gain time, income, and influence — and entire communities thrive.”

 

New Zealanders who want to help ensure children have access to safe drinking water can support World Vision through its Gift Catalogue, which includes the option to provide clean water for a child: https://www.worldvision.org.nz/give-now/smiles-gift/#/product/smiles-clean-water-for-a-child

 

Notes

Key stats and findings can be found in the Beyond Access research. 

 

Video from Rumate, Kenya:  
How women transformed their village - here  

 

About World Vision   
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.  

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/this-world-water-day-clean-water-is-more-than-survival-its-a-pathway-to-womens-empowerment-world-vision/

Posted on

Nationwide outage impacting 2degrees mobile customers

Source: Radio New Zealand

It is not known how many customers are impacted. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A nationwide outage is affecting some 2degrees mobile customers, preventing them from making or receiving calls.

The company confirmed the outage, which is listed as ‘under repair’ in a network status update on its website at 3.12pm on Wednesday.

“We know some 2degrees customers are having difficulties making calls on their mobiles. We’re sorry for the hassle and rest assured our technicians are working hard to fix this for you.”

It is not known how many customers are impacted.

More to come.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/nationwide-outage-impacting-2degrees-mobile-customers/

Posted on

‘One of the most dated GDP report cards in recent memory’

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ’s GDP rose about 0.3 percent in the three months to December, compared to the Reserve Bank’s February forecast of 0.5 percent. RNZ

  • Economic growth estimated at 0.3 percent in three months ended December, annual growth 1.5 percent
  • Primary sector, tourism industries the best; manufacturing flat, construction weak.
  • Figures are expected to confirm economy was turning corner
  • Historic numbers have been rendered almost irrelevant by Middle East conflict
  • The conflict at best will slow recovery, at worst derail it
  • RBNZ faces a dilemma – support growth or fight inflation

The economy is expected to have shown improving growth at the end of last year, in a set of historic numbers rendered almost irrelevant by the Middle East conflict.

Economists expect gross domestic product (GDP) – a broad measure of economic growth – rose around 0.3 percent in the three months ended December, compared to the Reserve Bank’s February forecast of 0.5 percent. The annual rate is forecast to have risen to 1.5 percent.

Kiwibank economist Sabrina Delgado said the numbers would be stale.

“To be honest, it’s probably going to be one of the most dated GDP report cards in recent memory.”

She said the growth numbers were always delayed, but the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and the impact of rising prices, supply chain disruptions and the like had changed the picture entirely.

For the record, the numbers are expected to show the primary sector and tourism related industries doing well, manufacturing broadly flat, and construction weak.

“It was another quarter of strong visitor arrivals with plenty of indicators pointing to a lift in transport, arts and recreation, and retail trade and accommodation,” Delgado said.

That was then, this is now

ASB senior economist Kim Mundy said the data would confirm the economic direction of travel, although growth was not as vigorous as the previous quarter’s 1.1 percent. The per capita growth measure was expected to be positive for the second quarter in a row, reflecting better household finances.

But the conflict has changed that.

“The economic consequences for New Zealand from the war depend on how long it lasts, but so far, the risks to economic growth are firmly skewed to the downside,” she said.

The risks were clearly being driven by the surge in oil prices, which have already driven pump prices and would flow through to the price of other goods and services, giving an inevitable lift to inflation.

Treasury has forecast a worst case scenario of inflation hitting 3.7 percent this year if the conflict persists, a forecast some see as too conservative.

The inflation spike and softening economic performance give the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) a dilemma – to tackle inflation, implying interest rises or to support the economy with “accommodative” interest rates.

Economists do not expect the RBNZ to have any kneekerk rate reaction to the price spikes at its 8 April statement, and ANZ senior economist Matthew Gault said a softish GDP number might have the central bank seeing more slack in the economy, and therefore more capacity to absorb price rises.

“However, we wouldn’t want to overplay this given the uncertain outlook, and also recalling that annual inflation at 3.1 percent isn’t coming from an entirely comfortable starting point.”

Delgado said it was not just the inflation spike, but the impact on sentiment and demand.

“It’s yet another wave of uncertainty for Kiwi households and businesses. And there is a real risk that it derails our recovery in the same way Trump’s liberation day tariffs did last year.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/one-of-the-most-dated-gdp-report-cards-in-recent-memory/

Posted on

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/

Posted on

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.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/why-some-rugby-clubs-are-going-fee-free-for-kids/

Posted on

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.  

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/wellington-water-warns-of-smells-at-moa-point-ahead-of-works/

Posted on

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.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/fertility-clinic-apologises-for-lost-embryos-still-not-sure-where-they-are/

Posted on

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/

Posted on

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/

Posted on

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/

Posted on

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/

Posted on

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.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/world-cup-dream-over-for-tall-ferns-after-winless-tournament/

Posted on

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/

Posted on

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/

Posted on

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/

Posted on

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.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/moa-point-failure-report-to-be-released-on-friday/

Posted on

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/