Category: DJF

Posted on

Police Association and Retail NZ warn dangers of potential changes to Crimes Act

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police Association president Steve Watt VNP / Phil Smith

  • Police Association and Retail NZ warn that people could die if new powers for citizens’ arrests and detaining criminals pass into law
  • Ministerial advisory group chairman says retailers need more powers to protect themselves
  • Supermarket giant worries about weapons.

Politicians considering wideranging changes to the Crimes Act, including widening the powers of citizens arrests and allowing retailers to detain suspected offenders, have received a stark warning.

Some of the proposed changes could result in deaths, the Justice Select Committee was told today.

The Police Association and Retail NZ say that as well as potentially ending in tragedy, this could see retailers in the dock charged with manslaughter.

The proposals stem from the work of the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime, whose chairman Sunny Kaushal today made a plea for tougher laws.

‘A licence to assault’

Police Association president Steve Watt didn’t mince words when conveying the organisation’s concerns should ordinary citizens have more powers to detain suspected criminals.

“We’re trained to recognise positional asphyxiation where general members of the public are not, and we still do not get it right every time.

“The reality of the bill passing as it is it could actually result in death.”

When questioned Watt agreed manslaughter charges could be laid.

A law change would raise serious legal questions, too.

“This is seen as giving a licence to assault and a perception of legal protection for risky behaviour, for which an onus would be placed on those using such force to prove that it was reasonable.

“There is little to no understanding amongst ordinary citizens around the legal definition of reasonable force,” Watt said.

At the moment citizens arrests can only be carried out in very specific circumstances, such as when an offence happens at night or when a crime is being carried out that’s punishable by at least three years imprisonment.

More powers needed – Sunny Kaushal

Kaushal was asked by Labour’s police spokeswoman Ginny Andersen about the Police Association’s concerns.

Chairman for the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime, Sunny Kaushal. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

“Wasn’t the Police Association concerned for the gang patch law as well, right? Here we need to be sensible. We need to see what works for New Zealand,” he said.

Kaushal was staunchly on-message about why retailers needed more powers to protect themselves, saying retail crime cost $2.7 billion a year.

“In 2019 we had 4000 monthly reports of retail crime. By the end of 2023 there were over 11,000 monthly reports.

“It went from one ram raid every three days to three ram raids every day.

“It leaves behind destruction, trauma and pain.”

Kaushal appeared at the committee alongside Upper Hutt retailer Suraj Parkash Sund to illustrate his point that the law doesn’t favour victims.

Sund slept on the floor of his business to ward off robbers, after his shop was repeatedly targeted, Kaushal said.

“Last month police caught the offenders – a 20-year-old, a few teenagers and a 9-year-old.

“Recently Suraj received an invitation to attend a family group conference. The purpose of the meeting? To see how to best support the offenders who have destroyed his life, not support for him.”

Worries about weapons

Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young was until a couple of months ago a member of the ministerial advisory group alongside Kaushal.

Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young. Supplied

Even then she criticised the citizens’ arrests proposal, and doubled down on that today.

“Retail NZ members have major concerns that the citizens’ arrest provisions within this bill would expose retailers, staff and their customers to increased risks or physical danger, and could result in serious harm or even death.”

Young said stores weren’t properly equipped to hold people, and there could be problems if police couldn’t immediately respond if an offender were detained.

Woolworths head of safety, health and wellbeing Denva Wren said retail crime cost the supermarket giant $30 million a year.

It was spending millions more than that on improved security measures, such as better CCTV. However, it did not support widening citizens’ arrests powers.

“We do believe that offenders will likely escalate much more quickly with the pre-emptive expectation that, potentially, citizens’ arrests could be used, and therefore they come in greater prepared with weapons.

“We have edge weapons and iron bars, and our team are being threatened by these on a weekly basis – generally about 60 to 70 serious events a year.”

Woolworths was also concerned customers would expect workers to intervene in dangerous situations, even if that was against company policy.

Employers and Manufacturers Association head of advocacy Alan McDonald said allowing retail workers to physically detain someone could cause problems under health and safety laws.

“There’s also another part of the law that says that if you feel you are being unlawfully restrained you may resist and use reasonable force to resist.

“You can see how that’s going to ramp up, because the people, particularly often those underage people who are doing these raids, know exactly what they can and can’t do.”

The Crimes Amendment Bill also includes provisions about tougher penalties for shoplifting and assaults on first responders, as well as coward punches and modern slavery.

The select committee will write its report on the bill, before it goes for its second reading in Parliament.

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/2026/03/12/police-association-and-retail-nz-warn-dangers-of-potential-changes-to-crimes-act/

Posted on

Fuel costs could drive New Zealand trucking businesses to the ground

Source: Radio New Zealand

More than 90 percent of freight in Aotearoa is moved by road.

Increased fuel costs could drive some trucking businesses under, according to an industry association.

War in the Middle East has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane, meaning oil prices are volatile.

On Thursday, the price of oil again rose to more than US$100 per barrel.

The rise in oil prices could cause the cost of goods to rise as more than 90 percent of freight in Aotearoa is moved by road.

The New Zealand Trucking Association said fuel’s now overtaken labour as the highest cost for trucking companies. It said fuel now accounts for 30 percent of operating costs, up around eight to 10 percent from before the recent conflict in the Middle East.

NZ Trucking Association CEO David Boyce told Checkpoint the increase in fuel was concerning.

“It’s pretty tough out there… For some, this will be the straw that breaks the back, so to speak,” he said.

“But it’s a pretty resilient industry. There will be plenty that will hang on and hope that this is only a short-lived blip on the radar.”

Boyce said there has been a “wild fluctuation” in price, with diesel up 35 percent this week.

He said it won’t take long for the increase in costs to trickle down to consumers.

“Transport operators run pretty lean and mean on their pricing. There’s not much wriggle room for them to absorb costs, so they really have to pass it on to their customers straight away,” he said.

Boyce is confident we won’t run out of diesel, saying there was around 25 days supply of diesel in New Zealand, and another 29 days supply being shipped here.

“Assuming that supply that’s coming here is not interrupted or compromised, we’ll be covered. But if some of those ships get redirected or some untoward act happens, things could change quickly.”

Meanwhile, the Commerce Commission said it is ramping up its monitoring and scrutiny of fuel prices and will react to any pricing behaviours that are cause for concern.

Commissioner Bryan Chappel said the commission won’t hesitate to call out unjustified price hikes at the pump.

He said the commission would provide updates on retail fuel price movements and compare them with changes in the cost of importing fuel on its website.

Chappel said motorists should shop around and use tools like the Gaspy app to compare prices.

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/2026/03/12/fuel-costs-could-drive-new-zealand-trucking-businesses-to-the-ground/

Posted on

Long awaited Holidays Act replacement passes first reading

Source: New Zealand Government

A much-anticipated Bill to ensure employees are paid correctly when taking time off work has just passed its first reading at Parliament, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today.  

The Employment Leave Bill seeks to replace the Holidays Act 2003 and offers a simple, workable framework that gives businesses certainty, reduces potential error, and fixes what matters for employers and workers. 

“The Holidays Act is complex, confusing, and has led to huge remediation costs.  

The Employment Leave Bill will bring simplicity and logic to the way employment leave is calculated, which benefits businesses by saving them time and money when calculating their payroll obligations, and prevents headaches for both employers and employees from getting payments wrong,” Ms van Velden says.  

“This Bill responds directly to what I’ve heard since coming into office: businesses are overwhelmed by compliance, and workers are missing out on entitlements.” 

“I aim to strike a balance with this legislation. Businesses will benefit from the shift to hours-based accrual and pro-rata sick leave. Workers will benefit from having access to leave entitlements from day one, increased upfront pay for many casual employees instead of accruing annual and sick leave, and full pay for annual leave when parents return from parental leave. 

“Since announcing Cabinet’s policy decisions last year, I have travelled around the country to get feedback from a range of sectors including payroll experts and lawyers to help shape the Bill in its current state. I have been heartened to hear genuine excitement that we have reached this point and that change is finally coming.” 

“I am proud of the significant progress made already to have legislation ready and available for public feedback – a milestone successive Ministers tried but failed to reach. I especially encourage people with technical expertise to make a submission and help ensure this legislation is workable for decades to come.” 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/long-awaited-holidays-act-replacement-passes-first-reading/

Posted on

Improved access to secondary legislation

Source: New Zealand Government

A bill to improve access to secondary legislation and digitise government services has passed its final reading in Parliament today, Attorney-General Judith Collins says.

“The Legislation Amendment Bill will make it easier for New Zealanders to find, use, and understand the law that they are required to follow,” Ms Collins says.

“Secondary legislation includes a range of regulations, orders, rules, and notices. Currently, it is difficult to access as it can be published in a variety of places, or sometimes not published at all.

“This makes it harder for businesses and individuals to understand their obligations, increases compliance costs, and works against our goals for a modern digital government.

“The bill will standardise publication practices by making it a requirement for all agencies to publish secondary legislation on their website, or another approved site.

“The redeveloped New Zealand Legislation website will provide a single point of access to all this secondary legislation, no matter who publishes it. 

“This one-stop shop for legislation will make it simpler and faster for the New Zealand public to access the law.

“I’m excited to share that the new website is now live for all New Zealanders to use.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/improved-access-to-secondary-legislation/

Posted on

Pre-harvest karakia brings together team at Pukerau kiwifruit Orchard

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust chairman Pita Tipene (left) inspects vines at Pukerau Orchard, near Kerikeri, after the iwi started expanding into kiwifruit in 2018. Peter de Graaf

A pre-harvest karakia at a Kerikeri kiwifruit orchard reflects growing recognition of tikanga Māori in the country’s horticulture industry, a Northland iwi leader says.

About 100 people – including workers, shareholders and business leaders – are expected at Friday’s blessing at Pukerau Orchard, which has been owned by Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust since 2018.

Trust chairman Pita Tipene said the karakia was a way of giving thanks for the coming harvest.

“I observed it when I was a child. I would see my father take the first fruits of each season and bury some at the foot of the trees, and then utter some words. It’s like Thanksgiving. We stop and we show our gratitude for all of these blessings and the fruits of the harvest.”

Tipene said many people were involved in growing kiwifruit – from pruners to pickers, managers to scientists – but they rarely met.

“Not often do we come across each other. We all go into the orchards at different times, and we don’t really know each other. But we’re all human beings. It’s important that we connect and enjoy each other’s company in the first instance, but also learn about how we can do better.”

The karakia would also help ensure the safety of workers and a good harvest.

Tipene said he had been in contact with the chairman of Zespri, the national kiwifruit marketing body, who was keen to embrace the tradition for all orchards around the country.

Tai Tokerau (Northland) was well placed to kickstart a national harvest karakia, because its crop was the first to be ready for picking.

In future, however, the karakia could be held in the Bay of Plenty or any other kiwifruit-growing region.

Tipene said business leaders who planned to speak at the event included the chair of regional development organisation Northland Inc, Suzanne Duncan, and the head of Northland’s Joint Regional Economic Committee, Geoff Crawford.

Tipene said the gathering would also be a chance to celebrate Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust making the finals of the coveted Ahuwhenua Trophy, awarded each year for the nation’s best Māori farming and horticulture business.

The trust had been diversifying away from pine and now had six orchards in the Kerikeri area, totalling 34 canopy hectares and producing 13-14,000 trays of gold kiwifruit per hectare.

Horticulture firm Seeka was contracted to manage and pick the crop, while Zespri was responsible for marketing and sales.

The trust had also bought two dairy farms in the Maromaku area.

The Ahuwhenua Trophy was established in 1933 by Sir Apirana Ngata and Lord and Lady Bledisloe.

Last year’s winner was Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, which runs a bull-fattening farm near Whangaruru, north of Whangārei.

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/2026/03/12/pre-harvest-karakia-brings-together-team-at-pukerau-kiwifruit-orchard/

Posted on

Auckland’s most congested roads and peak travel times

Source: Radio New Zealand

Central Auckland is more affected but the outskirts of the city were not spared. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Rush hour traffic is a familiar sight to most in the city, but the latest data from Auckland Transport (AT) confirms some roads are more snarled than others.

Central Auckland is arguable the worst spot, but the outskirts of the city, from the North Shore to Manukau, were not spared.

AT’s data – compiled from February – looked at average speeds during the peak times of 8am and 5pm as compared to the actual speed limit of the roads.

It also considered the total travel times and determined Auckland’s 16 most congested roads from February.

All of the roads had either a 50 or 60 km/h speed limit, but during peak hours the average speed of drivers on some roads was at or below 30 percent of the limit.

Experts say the congestion boils down to a constraint in the transport network and road capacity.

AT also reported a spike in public transport use this month with last week being the busiest for buses, trains and ferry services.

Auckland’s most congested roads

Manukau Rd/Broadway and Ponsonby Rd/Newton Rd faced some heavy congestion at 8am with average speed limit sinking to 8km/h.

Raleigh Rd/Lake Rd was at 9km/h in the morning and a total travel time of 8.2 minutes.

The highest speed limit average in the morning was 15km/h on the Albany Highway and St Lukes Rd.

The speed limit average seemed to ease in some areas during the 5pm peak time with Raleigh and Lake roads being at 28 km/h and Meola Rd 34 km/h.

However, some locations were not so lucky, with Ponsonby Rd/Newton Rd still being at a low of 9 km/h and a travel time of 6.21 minutes.

Experts say the congestion boils down to a constraint in the transport network and road capacity. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Why is this happening and what can be done?

University of Auckland associate professor and director of transportation research Doug Wilson said Auckland’s congestion is a classic “supply and demand problem”.

He said it was fundamentally caused by too many cars with low vehicle occupancy trying to use too little road space at the same time.

“Auckland is growing and the existing transport network is currently constrained in both road and Public Transport options especially when also using the same road space.

“This results in capacity being exceeded during peak periods – the outcome being traffic users during these periods – experience significant travel time increases.”

He also said Aucklanders tend to be bad at ‘sharing’ when it comes to using the private motor vehicle and struggle to use alternative options.

But Wilson stressed alternative options cush as public transport or cycling and walking could provide some relief for busy roads and Auckland was in need of more investment into

“Auckland does need more investment in transport infrastructure, funding is however constrained as we will collectively as a country still need to pay for it and not at the expense of other essential utilities, infrastructure and services.”

Wilson said congestion charges could be one of the solutions that would do well to manage the demand for transport and not just the supply

The Land Transport Management (Time-of-Use-Charging) amendment bill to bring in the charges passed its final reading in Parliament last November.

RNZ / Lucy Xia

“Time of use charging is a very important tool to encourage the required behavioural change, but it needs to be implemented equitably. “

He added public transport is improving in Auckland with the promised City Rail Link and on-going improvements in bus rapid transit.

AT director of public transport Stacey van der Putten said they were always looking to optimise the network.

This included looking at public transport routs, adding bus or T3 lanes, different pay schemes or methods and promoting cycleways.

“We’ve done a tremendous amount in terms of uplifting what we call a frequent route in recent years. And with that, making it much more easy for people to access and increasing where things, a particular flow is going.”

The ‘busiest’ time of year

With March Madness also upon us, the congestion is not likely to get better anytime soon.

AT’s data for March so far showed traffic on routes like Manukau Rd/Broadway and Ponsonby Rd/Newton Rd moving at an average speed limit of 9km/h at 8am.

And the top average speed on Great North Rd had been 16km/h in the morning.

Director of transport advocacy website, Greater Auckland, Matt Lowrie told Nine to Noon last month it’s the busiest period of the year on the roads and public transport.

“It’s basically the highest level of transport demand that exists.”

He said there were a number of factors behind the march madness rush including students going back to school and University, people fully back at work from holidays and a drop in sickness compared to the winter months.

Bus fares rose from 1 February, drawing mixed responses. Photo/Auckland Transport

This has also meant a spike in public transport use.

AT said last week had been the busiest time on public transport so far this year with Aucklanders taking 2.217 million trips on buses, trains and ferry services.

“This is more trips than during our busiest week last March when our passengers took 2.174 million trips.”

Last Wednesday (March 4) had marked the busiest day on Auckland public transport since 2019 with AT reporting passengers taking 389,000 trips.

AT’s van der Putten said they were expecting public transport to get busier.

“We know with the rising cost of petrol at the pump, it does impact, you know, families and how they decide to move about.

“We’ve got plenty of capacity available on public transport to be able to support people to get on board.”

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/2026/03/12/aucklands-most-congested-roads-and-peak-travel-times/

Posted on

Christchurch residents told to evacuate after ‘high-risk explosive’ found

Source: Radio New Zealand

The police cordon at Sheffield Crescent in Christchurch. RNZ/Anna Sargent

Residents have been evacuated from a suburb near Christchurch Airport after a “high-risk explosive” was found.

Cordons are in place around Sheffield Crescent in Burnside after police were alerted to the substance shortly before 2.30pm on Thursday.

Police sent an emergency mobile alert to people nearby.

“All members of the public are advised to immediately evacuate the area in the vicinity of Sheffield Cres Burnside Christchurch and surrounding area due to high-risk explosive substance located,” the alert said.

Cordons are in place in the vicinity of Sheffield Crescent, Burnside, Christchurch. Google Maps

Senior Sergeant Craig Ellison said people should avoid the area.

“An increased police presence can be expected as safe removal of the substance is arranged. Cordons will be removed once the area is safe,” he said.

Cordons will be removed once the area is safe, he added.

Some businesses have been evacuated, including Orion and a dance studio on Sheffield Cres.

Kate Limuloa, of Silhouette Studios, told RNZ she left just after 3pm. She said none of her 15 dance students received the alert.

A nearby gym told RNZ that only one client received an emergency alert.

Christchurch Airport has confirmed it was not affected.

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/2026/03/12/christchurch-residents-told-to-evacuate-after-high-risk-explosive-found/

Posted on

Partnership driving hospitality momentum

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has today highlighted the importance of the hospitality industry to New Zealand’s economy, while speaking at the 2026 Hospitality Summit.  

“Hospitality is a huge contributor to our economy and workforce, helping drive over $9 billion in GDP and employing people across the country,” Louise Upston says.

“Our hospitality businesses shape how visitors experience New Zealand and what they remember long after they leave. 

“Since the inaugural Hospitality Summit in 2024, we’ve worked constructively with industry, responding to issues they’ve raised. We’ve brought the Michelin Guide to New Zealand, invested in regional tourism promotions, supported more major events across the country, and are assessing the regulatory environment through the Hospitality Sector Review.

“This year’s Summit was a chance for industry and government to reflect on progress to date and focus on practical next steps that support a strong, resilient hospitality sector. 

“The progress made demonstrates the positive impacts on economic growth when business and government work together on fixing the basics and building the future. 

“I want to acknowledge the continued work of Hospitality New Zealand, the Restaurant Association and hospitality businesses across the country, and look forward to discussing their ideas and opportunities for ongoing industry success.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/partnership-driving-hospitality-momentum/

Posted on

Crown progresses Ngāti Ruapani settlement at pace

Source: New Zealand Government

The first reading for the Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana Claims Settlement Bill has passed today, just weeks after the deed of settlement was signed, Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 

“It is good we can move forward with the Ngāti Ruapani settlement, after signing their Deed of Settlement in Tūwai on 25 February. 

“It was an honour to welcome and host the people of Ngāti Ruapani today, so that they could witness Parliament passing the first reading of their Bill.

“After six years of negotiations with Ngāti Ruapani, this is a significant and long-awaited milestone to reach.

“No settlement can fully compensate for the injustices of the past, which Ngāti Ruapani experienced in full, but this settlement represents a way forward. I hope it will contribute to the support of future generations of Ngāti Ruapani to come.” 

Key elements of the redress include:

  • $24 million financial redress.
  • Undivided half share of Patunamu Forest Ltd.
  • Four commercial redress and two cultural redress properties.
  • Approximately 12,000 hectares of land added into Te Urewera. 

Ngāti Ruapani are based in and around south Waikaremoana. A copy of the Deed of Settlement is available online at: Te Tari Whakatau – Ngāti Ruapani Settlement Documents. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/crown-progresses-ngati-ruapani-settlement-at-pace/

Posted on

Forty-nine new cops march out in March.

Source: New Zealand Police

Friends and family members came from all over New Zealand today and celebrated alongside the newly attested constables of the 393 recruit wing at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers addressed the graduating wing alongside Associate Minister of Police, the Honourable Casey Costello, members of the police executive and wing patron, Keven Mealamu MNZM.

Top award winner and first in wing Constable Aaron Rock swapped his career in firefighting and emergency medical (EMT) work for a new role in Policing.

“I will be forever grateful for my family’s sacrifices and unwavering support. They push me constantly to become a better version of myself. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love.”

Aaron will be based in Central District.

Leadership Award Winner, Constable Harawira Smith -Ngāti Kahungunu and Te Arawa, says “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Aotearoa. I am proud to stand alongside every member of wing 393.”

Harawira will be based in the  Bay of Plenty.

Deployment:
The new constables will start their first day of duty in their Police districts on the week beginning Monday 23 March 2026 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.

Tāmaki Makaurau receives a total of 19 new officers (Auckland City 5, Waitematā 7, Counties Manukau 7), Waikato 5, Bay of Plenty 6, Eastern 1, Central 7, Wellington 8, Tasman 2, Southern 1.

All Awards:
Minister’s Award recognising top student: Constable Aaron Rock posted to Central District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Harawira Smith posted to Bay of Plenty District.
Patron’s Award recognising second top student: Constable D’arcy Murray posted to Bay of Plenty District.
The Firearms Award: Constable Jovarn Simmonds posted to Wellington District.
Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Alfred Cathro posted to Wellington District.
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Luke Cherrington posted to Tasman District.

Demographics:
30.6 percent are female, 69.4 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 69.4 percent of the wing, with Māori 4.1 percent, Pasifika 4.1 percent, Asian 20.4 percent, LAAM 2.0 percent.

Patron:
Keven Mealamu MNZM is a proud man of faith and family. A former All Black with over 100 test caps, he brings the values of teamwork, resilience, and discipline from rugby into business, governance, and community leadership. Keven has built and led ventures in health, wellbeing, and creative industries, while serving on boards and advisory groups that navigate complex strategic and cultural challenges.
As owner and director of FIT60HQ Gym and Protect For Life Insurance Brokers, he is passionate about helping whānau and businesses safeguard their futures, focusing on legacy, prosperity, and socially responsible decision-making. Keven is committed to strengthening people, organisations, and communities across Aotearoa. Keven was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2016 for services to rugby.

Watch out for our Ten One graduation story coming soon with more images and details.

Issued by Police Media Centre

ENDS

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/forty-nine-new-cops-march-out-in-march/

Posted on

Moana on the Blues: ‘They don’t want us here’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tensions are high between the Blues and Moana Pasifika. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

Asked whether the Blues rivalry is personal, Moana Pasifika coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga didn’t hesitate.

“Oh f*** yeah.”

Umaga and his men say they have felt a general sense of derision from the other side of the bridge since their inception .

“I don’t know if they [the Blues] realise there are two professional rugby teams in this city, but we do know that they don’t want us here.”

Umaga clarified his scorn is reserved for the exec suite at Blues HQ, not the team.

“We’ve got nothing against the playing group, nothing against the staff that work in there. But the people that make decisions have made it very hard for us to survive over here.

“That’s why they are our greatest rivals because they want us to see us not do well, not thrive. I struggle with that when rugby’s in a place where we’re at.”

One particular narrative which came from the Blues in 2025 has incensed Umaga.

“They believe that they’re representing the Pacific. Well, a Pacific team’s here, but you’re not willing to assist us for the betterment of rugby.

“I do struggle with that. That’s why this game does mean a lot to us.”

Under their current licensing agreement, Moana can only host five games in Auckland per season, due to fears it would saturate the viewing market.

Umaga said this was pushed by the Blues, who have continued to prove a barrier to the new franchise.

“We’re only allowed five games here. When our game against Tonga didn’t go through straight away, we had the Northland Union come to us and say, ‘we’d love to have you’, which they’ve done numerous times and the Blues said ‘no that’s in our region, you can’t go there’.

He said they similarly tried to block Moana from playing at Pukekohe two weeks ago, technically a Chiefs region, but Umaga alleges the Blues attempted to stop them as it fell within the Super City boundary.

“So that’s what we’re up against.”

The Moana coach drew parallels to the difficulties the franchise has had trying to establish a foothold in Auckland, with the daily battles faced by their ancestors who came to Aotearoa.

“We just have to look back enough in our past as Pacific Islanders around how tough it is for us here. How our families have fought to provide for us here and give us an opportunity in this great country.

“So it’s nothing new for us as a small entity, trying to grow and build for the betterment of our people that have come behind us.”

Blues CEO Karl Budge said he felt Umaga was trying to create a “bit of extra spice” against their cross-town rivals ahead of Sunday’s game.

“Tana was one of my idols growing up and I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a coach, and he is entitled to his opinions.”

Budge did not respond directly to Umaga’s allegations of attempting to block them from playing in Northland and South Auckland.

Instead, Budge talked up the importance of working together for the betterment of the sport in the region.

“It has been great to see our two proud clubs work closely together to promote the game and ensure rugby fans, be they in Blues or Moana Pasifika jerseys, get out and support their team.

“We have really enjoyed the rivalry we’ve created on the field and this weekend will be no different.”

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/2026/03/12/moana-on-the-blues-they-dont-want-us-here/

Posted on

Kura kaupapa Māori calls for safe crossing to protect tamariki and whānau

Source: Radio New Zealand

A kura kaupapa Māori in Te Tairāwhiti is calling for urgent safety improvements outside its school, saying students, whānau and kaiako are being put at risk crossing a “hectic” and “unsafe” road every day.

Tauira from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri o Māui say traffic outside the kura has become increasingly dangerous during peak drop-off and pick-up times, with “near misses daily.”

Student board representative Malea Procter told RNZ the kura decided to speak out after repeated requests for a safe crossing failed to gain traction.

She said tauira regularly witness dangerous situations while crossing the road.

“Sometimes we see our teachers standing in the middle of the road trying to slow the cars down,” she said.

“It’s almost a 50-50 chance that cars will slow down for us.

“It’s hectic, very unsafe. Even for our kaumātua and our parents walking our kids back to their cars- into the school too, its really unsafe.”

She said many drivers did not slow down, even though the road runs directly past the kura.

“Us kids get hōhā with the cars just going way too fast,” she said.

“There’s a school here. There are tamariki here. But it’s almost become normal that we just get annoyed about it.”

Procter said tauira had witnessed numerous near misses.

“Maha – with whānau, with tamariki,” she said.

“We’ve seen many unsafe situations.”

Tumuaki (principal) Jodi Smith said safety concerns at the kura were not new.

Tumaki and tauira from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri o Māui tauira say traffic outside their kura has become increasingly dangerous during peak drop-off and pick-up times, with “near misses daily.” Supplied / Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui

“In the past we’ve actually had tamariki hit by cars while crossing that road,” she told RNZ.

“That’s when teachers first started to stand in the middle of the road to slow traffic down.”

She said the kura was determined to prevent another accident from happening.

“It’s not about when for us, because as I said, it’s already happened. But it’s about trying to prevent it happening again.”

Smith said traffic volumes were particularly heavy during peak school hours, partly because the kura sits close to other schools in the area.

“We have large trucks coming down that road, and because we’re close to other kura, the traffic volume becomes really high at those peak times.”

The kura serves 240 students from years 1 to 15, with many whānau travelling to the school each day.

“Our kura is growing,” she said.

“And with our Māori tamariki come their grandparents, parents and whānau of all ages who come to pick them up.

“So it’s not just about our students – it’s about keeping our whole whānau safe.”

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui student Malea, 15, and father Raniera Procter pictured beside a raised entry and exit foundation, where they want a pedestrian crossing installed. LDR / Zita Campbell

Procter alongside her father Rāniera Procter, chair of the school board, recently posted a video on social media highlighting the risks students face crossing the road.

The response from the community had been overwhelmingly supportive, Procter said.

“People understand that our main goal is haumaru (safety) for our tamariki and our whānau.”

Smith said the kura, along with whānau, had contacted the council to begin discussions about installing a crossing but had repeatedly been told funding was unavailable.

“At this stage myself and parents have contacted the council to try and start the process,” she said.

“All the replies have come back saying there is no funding.”

Despite this, she said the kura remained open to working collaboratively on a solution.

“We’re even just asking for a sit-down hui,” she said.

“As Māori, he iwi kōrero tātou – we believe in sitting down together and talking things through.

“Our kura would be willing to contribute if that’s what it takes. We just want to work out a plan together.”

RNZ/ Nick Monro

‘We don’t want to wait any longer’

The kura would ideally like to see a marked pedestrian crossing installed outside the school.

“But we would honestly take anything that helps keep our tamariki safe,” Smith said.

“If that means barrier arms or another safety measure, that would still be better than what we have now.

“Something that means our teachers don’t have to walk into the middle of the road to stop traffic.”

Procter said the call for a crossing was not about criticising council spending, but about ensuring the safety of the community.

“Our main goal is haumaru mō ngā tamariki me ngā whānau,” she said.

“We’ve reached the point where we’re done waiting.

“We don’t want to wait until something bad happens again.”

Smith echoed that kōrero, saying the kura did not want another accident to be the catalyst for change.

“We don’t want another incident before something is done…That could be a catastrophe for one of our whānau,” she said.

“And we’re not willing to wait until that happens.”

Ensuring that students and whānau can cross the road safely every day is their top priority.

“Our main goal is haumaru mō ngā tamariki, mō ngā whānau. And I feel council have heard that,” she said.

“We’ve come to a point that we’re done waiting, and we don’t want to wait any longer.”

RNZ/ Nick Monro

Council response

A spokesperson for Gisborne District Council said the council had received five requests for a pedestrian crossing outside Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui, but funding constraints meant the project could not proceed at this time.

Journey infrastructure manager Dave Hadfield had previously assessed school safety needs across the district.

“In 2018 council carried out a district-wide survey of schools for safety measures,” Hadfield said.

“Schools were prioritised based on criteria including the size of the school, posted speed limit, traffic volumes and the surrounding environment.”

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui would ideally like to see a marked pedestrian crossing installed outside the school. Supplied / Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Uri a Māui

Hadfield said council had undertaken planning work in 2022 and developed recommended safety improvements for the site, including parking changes, a crossing and new footpaths.

However, he said those plans were put on hold after Cyclone Gabrielle shifted regional transport priorities.

“Regional transport funding is now focused on cyclone recovery and maintaining and renewing the existing road network,”

He added that keeping children safe around schools was a shared responsibility.

“Council works to support safe road environments around schools through road design, traffic management and education,” Hadfield said.

“Keeping tamariki safe around school gates is a shared responsibility between schools, the Ministry of Education, police, parents, caregivers, drivers and the wider community.”

“As a result, council is not currently in a position to commit funding toward new crossing infrastructure at this location.”

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/2026/03/12/kura-kaupapa-maori-calls-for-safe-crossing-to-protect-tamariki-and-whanau/

Posted on

Government supports Pacific cultures at Polyfest  

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing in the world’s largest Pacific festival, Polyfest, supporting Pacific culture, young people and families, says Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti. 

 

“Polyfest, which celebrated 50 years last year, is an important celebration of Pacific culture and youth. It showcases the pride and strength of our Pacific young people. Their leadership through culture, strengthens families, communities and New Zealand. The Government is proud to support this event again in 2026 with $60,000 from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples,” Dr Reti says.  

 

“I’m pleased we are making this investment because a vibrant culture is important to Pacific communities, but so is their safety, their children’s education and health, and quality of life overall.  

“The Government is helping Pacific people by fixing the basics and building the future, including making them safer with 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime and repeat youth offending down 22 per cent. We have also put in $1 million to support Pacific Wardens,” says Dr Reti.  

“Pacific kids are doing better in school with children meeting expected levels in phonics improving from 27 per cent up to 43 per cent and childhood immunisation rates at 82.6 per cent. More than 300 Pacific students are building a future through Toloa STEM scholarships. 

“Quality of life is being improved with significant investment into Pacific housing, including Our Whare Our Fale delivering up to 300 homes, plus 41 homes through the Pacific Affordable Homes Fund. Alo Vaka has supported more than 300 Pacific people into better paying jobs, while inflation has more than halved and mortgage rates are down. 

“Maintaining family connections is also important to Pacific people. The Government is making it more affordable with visitor visas for Pacific citizens travelling to New Zealand, dropping in June. Through these initiatives, the Government is uplifting Pacific peoples across the country,” Dr Reti says. 

The 51st annual Polyfest, including the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Diversity stages, will run from 18 to 21 March 2026 at Manukau Sports Bowl, with the theme:  

Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi nō te Moana nui a Kiwa, āke, ake, ake! The environment lives in me, as I live in it – a ‘Pacific Youth Eco-Warrior’ for generations to come. 

Te Paparewa Māori (formerly called the Māori stage) will be held from 30 March to 2 April 2026 at Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/government-supports-pacific-cultures-at-polyfest/

Posted on

Green Party announces 14 Māori candidates in the initial candidate list for the 2026 General Election

Source: Green Party

The Green Party announces 14 Māori candidates in the Delegate List for the 2026 General Election, which will now inform the membership voting process.

Co-Leader Marama Davidson says, “our diverse Māori candidates are supported by whānau, hapū and iwi, further strengthening Māori voice in the Green Party and across the motu. I am proud that our list reflects the importance of our staunch Māori candidates to our Party.”

The Māori candidates on the list with their ranking number are:

1. Marama Davidson

3. Teanau Tuiono

4. Tamatha Paul

6. Hūhana Melanie Lyndon

11. Kahurangi Carter

12. Craig Aaron Pauling

15. Tania Waikato

17. Rohan O’Neill-Stevens

19. Heather Hinemoa Te Au-Skipworth

22. Mike Davidson

24. Zephyr Brown

29. Nathan Hoturoa Gray

30. Te Whatanui Kipa Leka Taumalolo Skipwith

33. Awhi Haenga

This list includes three wāhine māori running in three Māori Electorates. Hūhana Lyndon in Te Tai Tokerau, Heather Te Au Skipworth in Ikaroa – Rawhiti, and Tania Waikato in Waiariki.

“It’s really exciting to see and celebrate candidates stepping forward who reflect the diversity and richness of communities across Aotearoa.

 

“Bold Māori voices will ensure that we can build a government that upholds te Tiriti o Waitangi and honours the Crown’s responsibility to guarantee tino rangatiratanga of tangata whenua over their whenua, kāinga and taonga katoa.

 

“Māori leadership strengthens the Green Party and the work we do for people and planet. Protecting our whenua, supporting whānau into warm homes and healthy kai, and drawing on mātauranga Māori to help lead solutions to the climate crisis” says Marama Davidson.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/green-party-announces-14-maori-candidates-in-the-initial-candidate-list-for-the-2026-general-election/

Posted on

Green Party releases initial candidate list for 2026 General Election

Source: Green Party

The Green Party has released its Delegate List of candidates for the 2026 General Election, which will now inform the final membership voting process.

“This is a strong electable list of people who represent diverse communities across Aotearoa and are ready for government,” says Green Co-leader Marama Davidson.

“Aotearoa has enough for everyone to thrive and we can build a society that works for people and planet. Only the Greens have a plan to ensure everyone’s needs are met and nature is healthy. With more Green MPs we will see this vision in place across the motu.

“Our diverse Māori candidates are supported by whānau, hapū and iwi, further strengthening Māori voice in the Green Party and across the motu. We are proud that our list reflects the importance of Māori candidates to the Party.

“By voting for the Green Party, we can build a society where power and wealth are in the hands of our communities and our precious nature is valued,” says Marama Davidson.

Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick added:

“2026 will be an historic election. With such a talented mix of returning Green MPs and new Green talent, the government New Zealanders deserve is ready to get on with the work of lowering bills and climate changing emissions.

“Politics belongs to those who turn up. That is why the Greens are organising in communities across this country for people to take back their power – to build an economy that works for everyone and the environment, instead of exploiting and exhausting both.

“Our candidates reflect the people and values of this country, and they’re hitting the ground running. Returning MPs are joined by candidates with experience spanning local government, education, law, green energy and community organising – to name just a few,” says Chlöe Swarbrick

The Green Party’s Delegate List for the 2026 election is:

1. Marama Davidson

2. Chlöe Swarbrick

3. Teanau Tuiono

4. Tamatha Paul

5. Julie Anne Genter

6. Hūhana Melanie Lyndon

7. Lawrence Xu-Nan

8. Lan Pham

9. Ricardo Menéndez March

10. Francisco Hernandez

11. Kahurangi Carter

12. Craig Aaron Pauling

13. Bhen Goodsir

14. Steve Abel

15. Tania Waikato

16. Scott Willis

17. Rohan O’Neill-Stevens

18. Yasmine Serhan

19. Heather Hinemoa Te Au-Skipworth

20. Louise Hutt

21. Shreejan Pandey

22. Mike Davidson

23. Asher Wilson-Goldman

24. Zephyr Brown

25. Angela Dalton

26. Josh Jacobsen

27. Lauren Craig

28. Carl Morgan

29. Nathan Hoturoa Gray

30. Te Whatanui Kipa Leka Taumalolo Skipwith

31. Alika Wells

32. Courtney White

33. Awhi Haenga

34. Pamela Grealey

35. Alma de Anda

36. Chris Norton

37. Melody Willis

This initial List will now be put to a vote of all members of the Green Party, who will be given the opportunity to choose this ranking, or rank candidates in their preferred order.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/green-party-releases-initial-candidate-list-for-2026-general-election/

Posted on

Christchurch residents told to evacuate after report of ‘high-risk explosive’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cordons are in place in the vicinity of Sheffield Crescent, Burnside, Christchurch. Google Maps

Residents have been asked to evacuate a Christchurch suburb due to a “high-risk explosive”.

Cordons are in place in the vicinity of Sheffield Crescent in Burnside and the public is asked to avoid the area.

Senior Sergeant Craig Ellison said police were alerted to a “concerning substance” at 2.20pm on Thursday.

An emergency alert sent to people in the area said a “high-risk explosive substance” was found.

Senior Sergeant Ellison said there will be an increased police presence as safe removal of the substance is arranged.

Cordons will be removed once the area is safe, he added.

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/2026/03/12/christchurch-residents-told-to-evacuate-after-report-of-high-risk-explosive/

Posted on

Christchurch pre-school vandalised, nursery sprayed with fire extinguisher

Source: Radio New Zealand

Christchurch’s Papanui Preschool and Nursey has been targeted several times over the past few weeks. Supplied / Papanui Preschool and Nursery

A Christchurch pre-school has been trashed with a fire extinguisher sprayed around its nursery, manager Kristal Heath says.

Staff at Papanui Preschool and Nursery felt powerless after the centre was broken into again on Wednesday and Tuesday night, she said.

Those burglaries were the third and fourth time the school had been targeted in the past month.

“There’s very little that we can do, and we don’t know why,” Heath said.

“I don’t know if it’s just we’re like an easy target.”

A fire extinguisher was sprayed around the nursery. Supplied / Papanui Preschool and Nursery

The pre-school was vandalised and its nursery coated in powder from the fire extinguisher on Wednesday evening, she said.

Toys, mats and other contents were wrecked and would need to be replaced.

Police said three young people were found nearby a short time later and taken home.

Heath said she believed the same group was responsible for Tuesday’s break-in, during which security cameras were destroyed and keys and other items were stolen from the office, as well as two earlier raids on the centre.

“The first time they attempted to break into the office and were unsuccessful, but they kind of damaged the door frame,” Heath said.

The centre’s modem and landline phone was stolen during the second break-in.

Police who have responded to the break-ins are frustrated by the ages of the alleged vandals. Supplied / Papanui Preschool and Nursery

Camera footage showed it was the same group of Breens Intermediate students targeting the centre, Heath said.

“Third time they broke in they were wearing school uniforms so it was pretty easy to track them down,” she said.

Heath feared they would be targeted again.

The nursery remained closed on Thursday so it could be cleaned while the pre-school, in a separate building, was able to remain open.

Police officers that responded to the break-ins were frustrated by the age of the children, Heath said.

“There’s not much they can actually do and they said the parents aren’t liable for damages or anything,” she said.

“It feels like we don’t have anything we can do to stop it even though we’ve got footage of them committing many crimes.”

Every item in the nursery has to be cleaned after a fire extinguisher was used. Supplied / Papanui Preschool and Nursery

Breens Intermediate principal Nikki Clarke said she was alerted to the string of break-ins on Wednesday.

“I have been at the pre-school offering support and we have been working with the police and families involved,” Clarke said.

“The school community is extremely disappointed. We understand that this community pre-school is very important to the local community and the impact of this is distressing. Our thoughts are with them and their families at present and we will do whatever we can to support them.”

Police rangatahi prevention manager Inspector Kirsten Evans said there were extra protections for children and young people in law.

“Police work to hold offenders to account while operating within the bounds of the law,” she said.

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/2026/03/12/christchurch-pre-school-vandalised-nursery-sprayed-with-fire-extinguisher/

Posted on

Prostitution, underage sex and drugs: Michael Scott Rodger’s criminal history revealed

Source: Radio New Zealand

Michael Scott Rodger is accused of murdering Richard Leman. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

A man found guilty of murdering a man whose body was dismembered has an extensive criminal history including introducing a 14-year-old girl to prostitution, taking her money and then administering her morphine and having sex with her, it can now be revealed.

On Thursday, Michael Scott Rodger was found guilty of murdering Richard Leman, whose torso was found in the boot of his own car parked at an abandoned house in Rangiora in April 2023.

Leman’s head, legs and arms were still missing.

With the guilty verdict, a suppression order was revoked allowing RNZ to reveal that Rodger previously went by the surname Holdem and has an extensive criminal history which the jury was not informed of.

In 1999, Holdem and his co-accused were jailed in the High Court at Christchurch for eight years after pleading guilty to representative charges of living off the earnings off prostitution, sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16 and above the age of 12, and administering morphine.

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

Court documents seen by RNZ, state the girl was 14 when she met Holdem and his co-defendant.

Through her involvement with them she began to use morphine which was administered by them. The two men introduced the girl to prostitution as a means of supporting her drug addiction, a court of appeal decision in 2020 said.

The two men took her “considerable earnings from prostitution” and in return she was supplied and administered morphine.

Holdem’s co-defendant appeared to be the “principal force”, behind introducing the girl to prostitution, the court said. However, after he suffered a head injury Holdem took over responsibility for sending her out to work, collecting her earnings and administering the morphine.

“During part of this time the complainant was living with the appellant and had sexual intercourse with him. The appellant also had sexual intercourse with the complainant on at least one previous occasion. This was when they first met. The evidence establishes, and was accepted by the sentencing Judge, that at these times the appellant was aware the complainant was only 14-years-old.”

As a result of the offending the girl developed Hepatitis C, which a doctor described as a “life sentence”.

At the Court of Appeal, Holdem disputed matters of fact including claiming he did not at any stage administer morphine, and said there was no evidence he received money earned by her. He also said he had sexual intercourse with the girl once, and did not know she was 14.

The Court of Appeal said the summary of facts Holdem pleaded guilty to described his activities in administering the morphine and living off her earnings.

The sentencing judge had accepted evidence that Holdem had been overheard by a police officer saying to another person in custody that he was aware of her age and had sexual intercourse with her regardless.

The Court of Appeal dismissed Holdem’s appeal.

Victim feared for her life

In 2009, Holdem was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to supply methamphetamine and conspiring to supply cannabis. The offending related to a police investigation launched after they received information that Holdem’s mother was sending methamphetamine to him in prison.

Between 1 April and 6 May 2009, police intercepted phone communications between Holdem and his mother while he was in prison.

On 14 April 2009, Holdem’s mother posted a parcel to her son which was intercepted by prison staff. The parcel contained three books, one of which contained 1.5 grams of methamphetamine inside several small snaplock bags, hidden in the spine.

During her interview with police, Holdem’s mother said her son had been arranging the sales and importing of drugs into prison for “not very long, six months or under, really only the last few months I would say”.

Then, in 2017, Holdem was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment on charges of assault with intent to injure, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of explosives.

Court documents said Holdem had been in an on-off relationship with the victim of the assault for about two years.

“After receiving several threatening text messages from Mr Holdem, which the victim says caused her to fear for her life, the victim barricaded herself inside her home, nailing windows shut and boarding the doors to protect herself from Mr Holdem.”

About 11.45pm, on 3 July 2016 Holdem managed to enter the victim’s home.

“She was hiding under a bed at the time. He found her using a torch he had with him and then punched her several times in the head with a closed fist. After she covered her face with her hands to protect herself Mr Holdem continued to punch the victim in the stomach.

“Before leaving, it is said he told the victim that she better not tell anyone or else he would find her and kill her and that she had better move out of that place real fast. She suffered clear injuries as a result of the assault, including a very swollen and bruised eye.”

The next day police raided Holdem’s home where they found a disassembled .22 rifle as well as 16 sticks of explosive gel, 14 metres of detonation coil and five electronic detonators.

Holdem would later appeal his sentence to the High Court.

The appeal referenced Judge Jane Farish’s sentence in the Christchurch District Court where she noted Holdem’s “troubling recent history of being before that court.”

“At the time of the offending Mr Holdem was subject to release conditions, having earlier in March 2016 been sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment on charges of possession of a knife, possession of utensils for the purposes of using methamphetamine and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

“At the time of that offending he was subject to intensive supervision imposed on 16 January 2016 for charges of methamphetamine possession, driving whilst suspended, and weapons charges.”

Judge Farish acknowledged Holdem’s “genuine desire to change” but warned this would only be possible if he addressed his drug abuse problems.

In dismissing Holdem’s appeal, Justice Gendall said the offending involved “nasty and serious violence after a forced break in by the appellant against his former partner”.

“Out of fear of him, the victim had barricaded herself into her home following threats against her by the appellant. It was violence in the nature of serious and intimidating domestic violence and this, in my view, needs to be met with an appropriate and stern response.”

‘I suggest he’s not unlucky, I suggest he’s guilty’

On Thursday, Rodger was found guilty of murdering Leman.

Closing arguments were heard in the High Court at Christchurch on Monday in front of Justice Jonathan Eaton.

The jury heard from Crown prosecutor Barnaby Hawes for more than two hours, where he explained the case against Rodger was “overwhelming”.

In response, Rodger’s defence lawyer Ethan Huda said there were legitimate questions around the circumstances of Leman’s death.

He explained the Crown had failed to mention, in its closing arguments, evidence from a pathologist who found Leman could have been stabbed before being shot.

“There’s a reasonable doubt about what happened at the crime scene. There’s a reasonable doubt as to what happened around the time of death,” Huda said.

“I suggest…that when you get to [the pathologist’s] evidence during your deliberation, the Crown’s case evaporates into the thin air like candy floss. It’s good to look at, it’s even good to taste from a certain angle, but it’s fluff.

“It’s disrespectful to 12 members of the jury to think you can hide evidence from them. A pathetic attempt at proving its case.”

The Crown argues Rodger shot Leman twice, first in the leg, then a fatal shot to his chest.

Richard Leman. Supplied / NZ Police

Earlier in the trial, pathologist Dr Leslie Anderson said Leman was also stabbed in the back.

The defence said key Crown witnesses Morgan Grant and Sara Plimmer, who were with Leman the night he died, did not reference a stabbing during their respective testimonies.

The defence also outlined a text message exchange between Grant and another person, three days after Leman’s murder, which referenced the involvement of not one, but multiple “fugitives”.

In his closing arguments for the Crown, Hawes told jurors “objective evidence” proved there was only one possible killer.

“I suggest the way to approach the case is to start with what is fixed and independent, the pathology, the CCTV and telecommunications records, and all the forensic work and the linkages back to Mr Rodger,” he said.

“Any other possible explanation you’re looking at bring it back to this core, objective evidence. When you do that, I suggest the evidence clearly converges on one person and one person only and that is Mr. Rodger.”

Hawes said the accused’s claim that another unidentified person was the killer remained implausible.

“Mr. Roger would have you believe he’s unlucky.

“It’s not simply bad luck, that he was at the scene. It certainly was for Richard Leman. It’s not bad luck that both eyewitnesses name him as the perpetrator.

“I suggest he’s not unlucky, I suggest he’s guilty.”

The Crown said no-one gave Leman first-aid or called emergency services and Leman died within minutes.

The jury heard that Rodger threatened to kill Grant and Plimmer, took Leman’s drugs and cash and dragged his body into another room.

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/2026/03/12/prostitution-underage-sex-and-drugs-michael-scott-rodgers-criminal-history-revealed/

Posted on

Commerce Commission warns of suspected Hawke’s Bay pyramid scheme

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf.com

The Commerce Commission is warning consumers about a suspected pyramid scheme operating in Hawke’s Bay under the name “Live Good”.

The commission said the scheme promotes health supplements, but members’ payments appear to rely on continuously recruiting new people rather than selling genuine products or services.

Commission deputy chair Anne Callinan said the scheme – marketed as an “affiliate compensation plan” – carries the hallmarks of a pyramid scheme.

Marketing for the scheme is spread through Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, with new recruits funnelled into groups with names such as The Official Diamond Rush and Freedom Lifestyle Revolution and other New Zealand-based Facebook groups linked to this scheme.

“While the investigation is in its early stages, we believe we have a duty to publicise this potentially illegal scheme so Kiwis are aware of the risk of becoming involved,” Callinan said.

“It is important that any potential harm is limited.”

The commission is urging anyone who encounters the scheme to exercise caution and seek advice before investing into it.

“It is crucial people do their due diligence before becoming involved in schemes of this nature – if something seems too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is,” Callinan said.

Separate concerns over Wellington-based operation

Separately, the commission has received complaints about a Wellington-based cryptocurrency scheme.

The scheme originates overseas and was initially known as TXEX, but has several other names, including UICEX, CR GLOBAL, Signal Trader, BG Wealth Sharing Group and DSJ EX.

The commission’s interim view was that it was not a pyramid scheme, but it repeated a warning from the Financial Markets Authority in relation to it.

The scheme encourages people to invest in cryptocurrency investment trading platforms, and promises significant returns on investments.

“These schemes entice people by promising high returns quickly and an opportunity to create ongoing wealth, which is typical of these scams,” Callinan said.

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/2026/03/12/commerce-commission-warns-of-suspected-hawkes-bay-pyramid-scheme/

Posted on

Illegal driver, weapons, drugs and vehicle

Source: New Zealand Police

When Police stopped a driver, it led to the discovery of a vehicle full of illegal items.

After stopping a vehicle on Friday, Police arrested the driver for driving while disqualified.

Police also noticed a long barrel firearm tucked down by a seat.

A search found more including a slug gun, hatchet, a loaded .22 rifle and a homemade 12-gauge pipe gun.

All items were seized, the driver was taken to the station and the vehicle was impounded.

A 34-year-old man will appear in Hamilton District Court on 1 April charged with possession of a firearms, ammunition and other offensive weapons, and driving disqualified.

Police continue to encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour on 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/illegal-driver-weapons-drugs-and-vehicle/