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Waitangi Day 2026 in pictures: the waka, kapa haka and crowds

Source: Radio New Zealand

This year’s Waitangi commemorations have provided a platform for many diverse voices, for togetherness and disagreement, and for culture, fun and getting out into the sun. Mark Papalii

After the Waitangi Day Festival dawn service at Te Whare Rūnanga – the Treaty Grounds, in the Bay of Islands, people lined the beach in front of Te Tii Marae and the Waitangi Bridge to watch the arrival of the waka flotilla.

Organisers prepared for some 700 kaihoe (waka paddlers) to make their way under the Waitangi Bridge to Te Tii Marae, led by the massive Waka Ngātokimatawhaorua.

Crowds awaiting the arrival of the parade of waka. RNZ/ Mark Papalii

RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

But first, a cameo by Bosco, known in Pahia as “the surfing dog” RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

RNZ/ Giles Dexter

Organisers prepared for some 700 paddlers (kaihoe) to paddle under the Waitangi Bridge to Te Tii Marae, led by the massive Waka Ngātokimatawhaorua. Mark Papalii

The waka are welcomed at the beach Kim Baker Wilson

A group representing Pacific, Māori and Aboriginal Australian peoples waited at Te Tii beach to welcome the estimated 700 waka paddlers arriving on Waitangi Morning. RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

A multicultural welcome for the waka RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

Mark Papalii

Kaihoe (waka rowers) power their way through the moana during the annual waka parade at Te Tii beach. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

RNZ/ Mark Papalii

Treaty Grounds officials said about 3000 people attended the dawn service and there were about 35,000 people at the grounds by midday Waitangi Day.

  • Waitangi 2026 dawn service: In pictures

    • Albert Cash, kaihautū of the waka parade, spoke to RNZ just before the waka were launched this morning: “It’s exciting, what a beautiful day we’re blessed with,” he said.

    People had come from all corners of Aotearoa to share in the ambience, and honour what the tūpuna signed,” Cash said.

    “Waka is what’s brought us together, waka is what brought us across the Pacific.”

    RNZ/ Mark Papalii

    The arrival of kaihoe at Te Tii Beach. RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

    RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

    RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

    Many took a break from the official Waitangi Festival programme with a manu (divebomb) from the Waitangi Bridge.

    “We’re popping some manus out here today at Waitangi,” said one of the people lined up to leap from the packed Waitangi Bridge. “Why? For the culture – I’ve got 20 years experience and I’m kind of used to it,” he said.

    It was his first time jumping from Waitangi’s bridge, “but I’m used to the height”.

    While popular with children, adults were taking a dive too.

    But one adult jumper said they was steering clear of the famed manu slap: “I backslap – so I just do a coffin [instead]. It’s not my first time but it’s great, I love it,” she said.

    Jumping was only painful when landing in the water with your thighs, she said.

    RNZ/ Giles Dexter

    RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

    RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

    Crowds on the Waitangi Bridge, during the Waitangi Day Festival. RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

    “This year’s kaupapa or theme is manaakitanga (hospitality) and Mō tātou, mā tātou (by all of us, for all of us),” the organisers said ahead of the festival, in the programme.

    “Manaakitanga reflects the importance of caring for others, extending warmth, respect and generosity to all.

    “Mō tātou, mā tātou reminds us that the future of Aotearoa is something we shape together. It speaks to collective responsibility and shared benefit, a commitment to build a future designed, carried and upheld by all who call this place home.

    “As we gather to celebrate Waitangi, we invite you to honour these values, fostering an atmosphere of unity, respect and shared purpose.”

    Hīkoi at Waitangi Day Mark Papalii

    Mark Papalii

    RNZ/ Craig McCulloch

    Mark Papalii

    The chair of the Waitangi National Trust said Waitangi is a place for all New Zealanders, not just a few.

    Tania Simpson said this year’s theme, ‘Mō tātou, mā tātou’, was about the constructing a future together.

    She said New Zealanders from all walks of life should be respected.

    “Whoever is in the conversation about where we’re going, it needs to be a future for all of us, a future that we can all see ourselves in.

    “And that doesn’t mean sameness or homogeneity, it means that we collectively construct something that everybody feels their identity can be respected within.”

    RNZ/ Craig McCulloch

    RNZ/ Craig McCulloch

    Kapa Haka RNZ/ Mark Papalii

    RNZ/ Mark Papalii

    RNZ/ Mark Papalii

    Many people made a day of it, enjoying lunch together in the shade of the norfolk pines and pōhutukawa. RNZ/ Craig McCulloch

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/waitangi-day-2026-in-pictures-the-waka-kapa-haka-and-crowds/

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FENZ warns of public risk as 18 calls received during strike

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fire crews dealt with two vegetation fires. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) is warning that ongoing strikes are putting the public at risk.

It received 18 calls during Friday’s strike, and 10 cases were in areas impacted by the industrial action.

Fire crews dealt with two vegetation fires. One was controlled and the other burned out of control, but was stopped within the hour.

FENZ deputy national commander Megan Stiffler said the continued strike action was unnecessary and dangerous.

She said union threats to escalate to twice weekly strikes was not bargaining in good faith.

FENZ expressed similiar concern after a fire destroyed a Pakuranga business on 9 January when firefighters a few minutes away were on a notified stopwork for an hour.

Professional Firefighters’ Union national secretary Wattie Watson rejected that criticism at the time, saying FENZ had presented them with a “long list” of types of incidents the union might call off the strikes for, though the action had strict legal parameters around it, including advance notice.

“FENZ is attempting to go behind that notice, and any change that we give them would give them an argument that these notices are no longer valid,” she said.

FENZ and the union have had a long-running dispute over pay and conditions.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/fenz-warns-of-public-risk-as-18-calls-received-during-strike/

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Watch live: Waitangi visitors reflect on manaakitanga

Source: Radio New Zealand

Waitangi Day celebrations are ongoing, starting with a dawn service which included a rowdy reception for the deputy prime minister and a waka flotilla and poewrful haka.

Follow coverage on our live blog below.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/watch-live-waitangi-visitors-reflect-on-manaakitanga/

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Ch! Nonso: Bringing the sounds of Afro-soul to Aotearoa

Source: Radio New Zealand

Afro-soul artist Ch! Nonso (Emmanuel Chinonso Nwachukwu) wants music to make you move, but also make you feel something.

“It had to have rhythm, it had to make you dance, but it also had to pull at your heartstrings. It had to tug at something; it had to make you think beyond the music,” he says of the music he makes.

The Nigerian born artist, who was a nominee for a Silver Scroll last year, says his voice comes a rich stew of musical genres.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/ch-nonso-bringing-the-sounds-of-afro-soul-to-aotearoa/

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Football: Auckland FC turn to Sydney youngster Jimmy Hilton to shore up goalkeeping reserves

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jimmy Hilton has been plucked from the NSW national premier league side the Marconi Stallions. supplied

Auckland FC have signed British-born and Australian-raised rookie Sydney goalkeeper Jimmy Hilton until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old has impressed for Sydney club Marconi Stallions in the NSW National Premier League.

A call-up for the A-League has come as a complete shock for Hilton, with the competition representing a significant step up.

“If you told me last week, ‘Jimmy, come Saturday, you’ll be in New Zealand playing football for Auckland FC’, I wouldn’t have believed you, but here we are,” he said.

“Now the shock has worn off, I’ll be getting my head down, focusing on training, performing at my very best and seizing any opportunities the come my way.

“I’m 23, I want to make the most of my career and Auckland FC is a great place to do that.”

Auckland FC director of football Terry McFlynn said Hilton, who was born in Manchester, was an excellent addition to the squad.

He was awarded the National Premier League NSW 2025 Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

“He has a good attitude, brings some great experience,” said McFlynn.

“With a couple of players injured and others doing the business in the OFC Pro League, signing Hilton was a no-brainer for us.

“We had a great chat on Monday, he has a good attitude, brings some great experience and will be an excellent addition to the squad. He also never missed a game though injury and we could probably do with some of that luck right now.”

Auckland second-string keeper Oli Sail will miss the remainder of the season, the club has confirmed.

He injured his patellar tendon during last week’s away game against Perth Glory and had to be stretchered off the field during the 2-1 loss.

Joseph Knowles is slowly working his way back to full fitness following surgery for a hip issue, Oscar Mason and Blake Callinan are away in Papua New Guinea, and Eli Jones is out with glandular fever, leaving coach Steve Corica with Michael Woud as the only fit keeper in the side.

Hilton, who also holds a double major degree in molecular genetics and disease, has plans to become a doctor after football.

He was invited to train with Auckland last Monday, after Sail’s injury blow.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/football-auckland-fc-turn-to-sydney-youngster-jimmy-hilton-to-shore-up-goalkeeping-reserves/

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One dead, after boat capsizes off Thames coast

Source: Radio New Zealand

Thames coastline. cmfotoworks/123RF

One person has died, after a boat capsized off Tararu Beach, Thames on Friday morning.

Coastguard was alerted to two people in the water at 11.45am and found both had reached shore, but efforts to resuscitate one of them through CPR and a defibrillator proved unsuccessful.

Police, Fire and Emergency NZ and St John were also at the scene, and the capsized boat was recovered.

The death will be referred to the coroner.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/one-dead-after-boat-capsizes-off-thames-coast/

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Police launch investigation into ‘water-related’ Napier death

Source: Radio New Zealand

Westshore Beach, Napier

Police are investigating the “water-related” death of a five-year-old boy in Napier, after recovering his body early Friday morning.

The boy went missing around the Westshore area between 6pm and 8.30pm on Thursday. Police were notified that a body was seen in the water off The Esplanade, Westshore, at about 8.25pm and it was located by emergency services at 1.30am Friday.

A formal identification process was underway and the death will be referred to the coroner.

“Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the Westshore area, in particular Charles and Gardiner Streets, and the Ferguson Avenue Surf Life Saving Club area, who saw an unattended child on Thursday night,” said Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley of Hawke’s Bay Crime Squad.

Anyone with CCTV footage or any other information can contact police on 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, and use the reference number 260206/9567. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/police-launch-investigation-into-water-related-napier-death/

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‘Our kids are the atua of the space’: Papamīharo creates space for taitamariki at Waitangi

Source: Radio New Zealand

At Waitangi, Papamīharo stands out as an intentional space. Coco Lance / RNZ Pacific

At Waitangi, Papamīharo stands out as an intentional space.

The colourful, immersive tent has invited mokopuna, rangatahi and whānau to slow down, reconnect and “simply be”. Creating room for play, imagination and rest, grounded in the principles of taakaro, or indigenous play.

Designed by mokopuna, for mokopuna across Te Tai Tokerau, the space positions children as leaders – “atua of the space”.

Papamīharo has been evolving for nearly six years. Led by ĀKAU Foundation, the space is a collaboration between Whetū Marewa, the Children’s Commission, Mana Mokopuna and schools across the rohe.

Papamīharo is an immersive space. It invites mokopuna, rangatahi and whānau to slow down, reconnect and “simply be”. Photographed is Hope Pūriri and Joe Henare. Coco Lance / RNZ Pacific

Kaimahi at ĀKAU Joe Henare and spatial designer Hope Pūriri have both been involved in this year’s presence.

They said that rather than emerging from a single vision, the kaupapa grew out of a shared concern from whānau, hapū and iwi around Te Tai Tokerau – that Waitangi is often experienced through an adult lens, with children expected to follow along.

“Well, going into this, we weren’t alone,” Henare said.

“It was a want, a need from our community, from our iwi, from our hapū. If you look around the Waitangi space, it’s a very adult space, and our kids are usually just dragged along for the ride.”

Papamīharo offered an alternative – an immersive, hands-on environment where people of all ages were encouraged to take part.

Fun was central to the kaupapa, but not in a “loud or over-stimulating way”, Henare said. Instead, the space was designed to support different ages, energies and rhythms, from pēpi through to kaumātua.

“This year, we’ve just gone for it and created this beautiful mokopuna space for our mokopuna, where our kids are the atua of the space.”

Intergenerational care

Papamīharo is an immersive space. It invites mokopuna, rangatahi and whānau to slow down, reconnect and “simply be”. Coco Lance / RNZ Pacific

Papamīharo is an immersive space. It invites mokopuna, rangatahi and whānau to slow down, reconnect and “simply be”. Coco Lance / RNZ Pacific

Intergenerational care was also key, Pūriri and Henare explained. Throughout the week, kaumātua and kaitiaki had been present to support the space and those moving through it.

“Papamīharo came together with kōhanga reo babies, preschoolers, through to our school kids, but our older kids too… A lot of it’s been around this creation of ideas of taonga tākoro,” Pūriri said.

“So we’ve got some of our kaumātua from around who’ve been amazing, and just coming along on the journey with us, being here to manaaki, all of us throughout this time, ensuring that our babies, our tamariki and our whānau are safe during their time here,” she added.

The space itself had been shaped directly by tamariki and rangatahi. Schools from across Te Tai Tokerau were given design packs, resources and timeframes, with everyone’s mahi coming out “completely different”.

“So, we gave out design packs to each school. They all had the same resources, the same tohu, the same timeframes, but yet we have 1000 different variations of the same thing. And that is beautiful. It speaks to the individualism of each child,” Henare said.

There had been poi and rākau making, tamataiki weaving, and manu rere making, amidst climbing structures and shelters, many made from recycled and natural materials.

Every piece reflected what mattered to the child who created it.

“They’ll see that whānau is important to them. They’ll see that learning is important to them. And our challenge to the school is, does your curriculum reflect what your kids want?” Henare said.

Underlying Papamīharo was a belief that children did not need to be taught how to play – they already knew.

“For us here, they’re the teachers. They’re the ones who know how to naturally play, who have vivid imaginations, who are free to express themselves inside these walls,” Henare added.

Papamīharo is an immersive space. It invites mokopuna, rangatahi and whānau to slow down, reconnect and “simply be”. Photographed is Dr Claire Achmad, Children’s Commissioner. Coco Lance / RNZ Pacific

That belief was echoed by Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, who saw Papamīharo as a place where play and culture existed together.

“It’s a week and a day for everyone in Aotearoa, Māori, Pākehā, and what I’ve heard from taitamariki here in Te Tai Tokerau is the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi for them; they’ve talked to me about how it’s an important document… for all people.

“They want more taitamariki to feel empowered with knowledge about Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Achmad added. “Here… taitamariki are sharing their whakaaro.”

For her, the leadership already being shown by rangatahi was unmistakable.

“The rangatahi of today, they are already stepping up to be rangatira, to lead and show the way towards that kotahitanga for Aotearoa, and I think that’s incredibly powerful.

“Papamīharo is here to ensure mokopuna have space at Waitangi, and have the opportunity just to be themselves here at Waitangi.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/our-kids-are-the-atua-of-the-space-papamiharo-creates-space-for-taitamariki-at-waitangi/

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Quick getaway sinks fast as fleeing boatie runs into police catamaran

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

A man’s attempt to flee police by setting sail quickly failed when he came across a police catamaran operating nearby.

Police said at about 8.30am Friday, officers told a 27-year-old Porirua man at the Mana Twin Bridges public boat ramp he was under arrest for breaching bail conditions.

“Rather than face the consequences of his actions on a public holiday, the man jumped into his boat and fled towards the horizon,” police said.

Unbeknownst to him, the police catamaran, Lady Elizabeth IV, was operating nearby and responded when shore-based officers reported his escape from custody.

Unit Supervisor Sergeant Richard Kennedy said the appearance of the police boat, complete with flashing lights, probably came as a surprise to the fleeing skipper, who allegedly ignored all instructions to stop.

“When he saw us, he did a 180 in his boat and headed off at a rate of knots. He hit Porirua Harbour at speed and headed toward the shore, with us in pursuit,” Kennedy said.

“It didn’t get any better for the absconder because we were speaking with police units on the ground and letting them know where he was heading ashore.”

The man was quickly found hiding under a boat shed on the south side of the twin bridges at Paremata and placed in custody.

Police said the man has been charged with breach of bail and escaping custody. A further charge of dangerous boating was being considered.

Fisheries officers were also making enquiries after an inspection of the vessel.

The man is expected to appear in the Wellington District Court in the coming days.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/quick-getaway-sinks-fast-as-fleeing-boatie-runs-into-police-catamaran/

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Death following water-related incident, Thames

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a water related incident in Thames.

Emergency services were called to Tararu Road just before midday.

The person was pulled from the water unresponsive, and despite emergency medical treatment they died at the scene.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/death-following-water-related-incident-thames/

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Information sought after body located, Westshore, Napier

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley of Hawke’s Bay Crime Squad:

An investigation has been launched into the water-related death of a five-year-old boy who went missing in Napier’s Westshore area sometime between the hours of 6.00 and 8.30pm on Thursday night 5 February.

The boy was located deceased in the water at 1.30am, this morning [6 February] by emergency services.

Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the Westshore area, in particular Charles and Gardiner Streets, and the Ferguson Avenue Surf Life Saving Club area, who saw an unattended child on Thursday night.

Also, if you have CCTV footage from the area that could be of assistance, please get in touch.

Contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105, and use the reference number 260206/9567.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/information-sought-after-body-located-westshore-napier/

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You can run, but you can’t hide: Wanted boatie’s antics hit a snag

Source: New Zealand Police

In a desperate bid for freedom, a Porirua man fled from Police in a boat today, only to be pursued across the water by Wellington Maritime Unit’s vessel Lady Elizabeth IV.

Officers had gone to the Mana Twin Bridges public boat ramp about 8.30am and told the 27-year-old Porirua man he was under arrest for breaching bail conditions. Rather than face the consequences of his actions on a public holiday, the man jumped into his boat and fled towards the horizon.

Unbeknown to him, his plan had already hit a critical issue; the shore-based officers reported his escape from custody and The Maritime Unit answered their call.

The Police catamaran, Lady Elizabeth IV, was operating nearby and its crew began searching for a “red and old” boat, which came into view about 20 minutes later, off the Plimmerton coastline.

Unit Supervisor Sergeant Richard Kennedy says the appearance of the Police boat, complete with flashing lights, probably came as a surprise to the absconding skipper, who allegedly ignored all instructions to stop.

“When he saw us, he did a 180 in his boat and headed off at a rate of knots. He hit Porirua harbour at speed and headed toward the shore, with us in pursuit.

“It didn’t get any better for the absconder because we were speaking with Police units on the ground and letting them know where he was heading ashore.”

The Lady Elizabeth IV crew boarded their tender in anticipation of finishing their pursuit on dry land, but the co-ordination meant officers were already waiting nearby. They found the man hiding under a boat shed on the south side of the twin bridges at Paremata.

Fifteen minutes after trying to outrun the Lady Elizabeth IV, the man was back in custody.

“It’s extremely unusual for boats not to comply with directions – most boaties are great to deal with and it’s very unusual for them to try to run from us.”

The man has been charged with breach of bail, and escaping custody. A further charge of dangerous boating is being considered.

Fisheries Officers are also making enquiries after an inspection of the vessel.

He is expected to appear in the Wellington District Court in the coming days.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/you-can-run-but-you-cant-hide-wanted-boaties-antics-hit-a-snag/

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Aboriginal group stands in solidarity with Māori at Waitangi

Source: Radio New Zealand

An Aboriginal group say being present at Waitangi is about strengthening ties between Indigenous nations. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

A group of Aboriginal manuhiri (visitors) say they have travelled across the Tasman to stand alongside Māori at Waitangi, drawing on shared experiences as Indigenous peoples navigating the impacts of government policy on culture, language and land.

Follow updates from Waitangi on RNZ’s blog

The rōpū arrived in Aotearoa mid-week and took part in a WugulOra – a morning ceremony – at the Upper Treaty Grounds at dawn. They say being present at Waitangi is about solidarity, learning, and strengthening ties between Indigenous nations.

Gumbaynggirr woman Ellie Buchanan attended the dawn ceremony with her young daughter, Raya.

“We’re here to show support for our Māori whānau. To show solidarity,” Buchanan told RNZ.

“Toitū Te Tiriti.”

She said Indigenous communities in Australia closely watched what happened in Aotearoa, particularly in relation to language revitalisation and the protection of cultural rights.

“We look towards our Māori whānau in terms of being staunch on their culture and staunch on their language,” she said.

“If that changes, it has a significant impact on us as well as Indigenous people all around the world.”

Ellie Buchanan (Gumbaynggirr woman) says indigenous peoples have the closest relationship to their countries so it’s important to maintain ties between them. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Buchanan said relationships between Indigenous nations were grounded in a shared responsibility to the whenua (land) and to future generations.

“It’s absolutely important,” she said.

“Indigenous people have the strongest relationship to our country and to our earth. If we want to be able to sustain that, we need to be looking towards our First Nations’ people and to our Indigenous people.”

She described similarities between Gumbaynggirr and Māori values, particularly around caring for children, elders and land.

“[It is] very important to fill our bellies and love our babies and look after our old people and our country and sing our song and tell our story,” she said.

“It’s beautiful to connect and continue to connect.”

Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Buchanan also spoke about the political climate in Australia, saying it has been a difficult period for many Aboriginal people.

“A little while ago we had a referendum to get our own treaty, which was turned down,” she said.

“Unfortunately what that has opened up is more opportunity for racism and more opportunity for our people to be spoken down and denigrated.”

Despite that, she said her community continued to focus on strengthening its own foundations.

The group she is travelling with is connected to the Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School, which she said translated to “a place of freedom for our Gumbaynggirr people”.

“We see that as an opportunity to say, we’re not dealing with that. You fellas do your own business, and we’re going to stand up for what’s right for our community and be staunch and be Gumbaynggirr every day.”

Troy Robinson (Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Dunghutti) travelled to Aotearoa to stand in solidarity with Māori and take home key learnings on language revitalisation. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Troy Robinson, a Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Dunghutti man from the mid-north coast of New South Wales, was also part of the delegation. He said gatherings like Waitangi were important opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reconnect across borders.

“I think it’s very important that we have these gatherings and coming together of different nations, different cultures,” Robinson said. “We say different cultures, but in actual fact we’re actually quite similar in everything we do.”

Robinson said witnessing te ao Māori in action – particularly the strength of te reo Māori and tikanga – had been a key reason for making the haerenga (journey).

“Coming here to Aotearoa and seeing just the significance with language and the people, the strength and the resilience that they’ve built here, that’s why we come here,” he said.

Robinson is involved in establishing a bilingual school on Gumbaynggirr country, which now caters for children from kindergarten to Year 9. He said visiting Māori immersion and bilingual education settings here in Aotearoa was very valuable.

“Showing our children how important language is, the response to being together and being as one and looking after one another and sharing – that’s so important for our people.”

Leaders of the Aboriginal delegation say it was important to bring rangatahi (young people) to Aotearoa so they could see the strength that comes from embracing their culture. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Robinson said the dawn ceremony his group performed at the Upper Treaty Grounds was a long-held cultural practice.

“Morning ceremonies and sunrise ceremonies were very frequent in a lot of cultures, and ours, it’s very, very frequent,” he said.

“Setting the mind, the body and the spirit free in peacefulness and solidarity – it’s something that our people have done since time immemorial.”

Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

He said bringing rangatahi (young people) on the trip was a key focus, with around 15 to 20 of them travelling to Aotearoa.

“They’ll go back and be humble enough to share,” he said.

“Strength and resilience and love, caring, sharing – it’s already in their blood. They need to just move

forward and lead the way.”

Robinson said being at Waitangi was part of a much longer story of exchange between Indigenous peoples across oceans.

“The passing of knowledge, the passing and sharing of country, our people were at one with country,” he said. “Building that with others, that’s what our people did and have done since a long time ago.”

Both Buchanan and Robinson said their presence at Waitangi was about standing beside Māori as fellow Indigenous peoples.

“We’re here to show our solidarity,” Buchanan said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/aboriginal-group-stands-in-solidarity-with-maori-at-waitangi/

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Save the Children – Children dying because of hunger as famine risks detected in two new locations in Sudan

Source: Save the Children

Two more areas of Sudan have fallen into famine-levels of malnutrition, signalling a deadly expansion of a hunger crisis in the conflict-torn country that is threatening millions, Save the Children said.
New data released today by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), global acute malnutrition rates in the Um Baru and Kernoi localities have reached nearly 53% and 34% respectively, with concerns that nearby areas may also be experiencing similar catastrophic conditions, with the extent remaining unknown due to access constraints [1].
This latest announcement comes on top of an already severe hunger crisis sweeping through conflict affected parts of the country, with famine confirmed in Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur in August 2024. In September 2025, the expanding famine was also confirmed in El Fasher (North Darfur) and Kadugli (South Kordofan).
For famine conditions to be reached, many people must already be experiencing an extreme lack of food, with starvation, death, destitution and extremely critical acute malnutrition levels evident [2].
In some cases, families have already sold all their assets including land and animals, with many others eating the seeds they had been saving for the next planting season, or selling their only means of income – including sewing machines and wheelbarrows [3].
Across Sudan, acute malnutrition is expected to worsen in 2026 according to the alert, with a 13.5% increase in cases of acute malnutrition in children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women – from 3.7 million children and women in 2025, to nearly 4.2 million in 2026. Violent conflict ensues, undermining humanitarian service delivery and disrupting people’s access to agriculture production and livelihoods, exacerbating vulnerability and suffering.
Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) – the most dangerous and deadly form of extreme hunger – is expected to increase to 800,000 cases, up 4% since 2025 [4].
Severe acute malnutrition is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent treatment, which is impossible to access across much of Sudan due to the collapse of the country’s health system, with hospitals in conflict-affected zones no longer functional due to attacks, looting, and shortages of staff, medicines, and essential supplies.
Mohamad Abdiladif, Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, said:
“In many parts of Sudan, children’s lives are hanging by a thread, and some already dying from hunger-related causes. Families who have escaped bullets and bombs and those who are in difficult to access areas are now facing extreme and life threating shortages of food. Every day we hear devastating stories of parents selling the last of what they own simply to keep their children alive from one day to the next. Without immediate action, more lives will be lost.
“As our frontline teams in Sudan consistently witness, extreme hunger can be both life-altering and life-ending for a child. Children facing severe malnutrition have dramatically higher death rates-succumbing not only to starvation and dehydration, but also to preventable diseases that become deadly as hunger weakens their bodies.
“We urgently need donor governments to step up now, to restore the lifeline before it breaks entirely, and to push for strong, sustained diplomatic pressure on parties to the conflict that protects civilians and guarantees safe, unhindered humanitarian access.
“Without this, any chance of restoring reliable access to food will disappear. Supporting mutual aid, strengthening communities’ coping capacities, and ensuring unimpeded, large-scale humanitarian response are essential to prevent people from being pushed into starvation and to avert further loss of life and suffering.
Beyond immediate survival, childhood malnutrition causes irreversible long-term harm. Affected children often experience stunted growth, impaired cognitive development, and learning difficulties. They face elevated risks of chronic illnesses throughout their lives, along with lasting psychological trauma.
Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support.
Notes
[1] The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) defines famine as IPC Phase 5, the highest level of the IPC Acute Food Insecurity scale. An area is considered to be in famine when it meets the following criteria: At least 20% of households are experiencing extreme food shortages; At least 30% of children are suffering from acute malnutrition; Two people out of every 10,000 are dying each day from starvation or malnutrition and disease.
[2] The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) provides a common scale for classifying the severity and magnitude of food shortage and acute malnutrition.
[3] From the FAMINE REVIEW COMMITTEE: SUDAN, OCTOBER 2025 Conclusions and Recommendations: https://www.ipcinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ipcinfo/docs/IPC_Famine_Review_Committee_Report_Sudan_Oct_2025.pdf
[4] From IPC Alert 5 February 2026 and UNICEF Report January 2025 https://www.unicef.org/sudan/stories/generational-crisis-looms-sudan

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/save-the-children-children-dying-because-of-hunger-as-famine-risks-detected-in-two-new-locations-in-sudan/

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Waitangi Day – Palestine Forum of New Zealand – Waitangi Day Statement

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand – Te Huinga mō Pāhirītina I Aotearoa.

On Waitangi Day, we acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the foundational agreement that affirms Indigenous sovereignty, justice, and the rights of Māori as tangata whenua.
E whakanuia ana e mātou a Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, ka tuku whakamoemiti ki te tangata whenua.

We recognise the ongoing journey to honour both the spirit and the promises of Te Tiriti, and the continued pursuit of tino rangatiratanga in Aotearoa.
Ka tautoko mātou i te tino rangatiratanga me te mana motuhake o te iwi Māori.

For Palestinians, the principles at the heart of Waitangi Day, self-determination, protection of land, language, culture, and dignity,  resonate deeply. Māori experiences of colonisation, land dispossession, and systemic injustice reflect struggles shared by Indigenous and colonised peoples around the world, including Palestinians.
He rite ngā mamae o te raupatu me te whakakāhoretanga o ngā motika taketake ki ngā iwi maha o te ao.

As Palestinians and allies living in Aotearoa, we stand in solidarity with Māori aspirations for justice and self-determination.
Ka tū mātou i runga i te kotahitanga me te iwi Māori, mō te tika me te rangatiratanga.

We also reaffirm our call for an end to the occupation of Palestine, and for international law and human rights to be upheld equally and without exception.
Kia mau te tika, kia mau te pono, kia mau te rangimārie.

Waitangi Day is not only a day of remembrance, but a call to action, to confront colonial injustice, to speak truth, and to stand alongside Indigenous peoples everywhere in their pursuit of freedom and dignity.
Kia kaha tātou ki te whakatika i ngā hara o te ao, kia ū ki te mana o ngā iwi taketake.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Te Huinga mō Pāhirītina i Aotearoa

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/waitangi-day-palestine-forum-of-new-zealand-waitangi-day-statement/

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Wellington’s sewage diverted away from shore, out to Cook Strait

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sewage can be seen on Wellington’s South Coast after a leak from the Moa Point wastewater plant. Kate Taptiklis

Wellington Water says screened wastewater is now being discharged straight into the Cook Strait again after days of being discharged near the shoreline on the South Coast.

On Wednesday the Moa Point wastewater plant’s lower floors completely flooded when sewage backed up in the 1.8km outfall pipe, which normally sends treated wastewater into the Cook Strait.

Since then raw sewage has been spewing from a five-metre pipe directly into the southern coastline.

In an discharge notice on Friday morning, Wellington Water said screened wastewater was now discharging to the long outfall pipe again.

Late on Thursday evening staff were able to get the long outfall pipe partially operating and the screens at the treatment plant working, Wellington Water said.

The screens remove items like sanitary pads and wet wipes from the wastewater, before it is discharged.

Wellington Water board chair Nick Leggett said currently they were only able to pump 900 litres per second of wastewater through the long outfall pipe.

“Which is most of the wastewater during an average day, but during peak flows throughout the day we will need to use the short outfall pipe,” he said.

Wellington Water said discharging screened wastewater out to sea via the 1.8km long outfall pipe allowed for greater dilution of the wastewater in the Cook Strait, reducing the amount of untreated wastewater flowing around the coastline, but the risk to public health still remained.

“For this reason, our advice to the public remains the same: we strongly advise that people avoid the coastal area along the south of Wellington until further notice. Do not enter the water or collect kaimoana from this area. Do not walk your dog along the beach,” said Leggett.

Leggett said while the situation remained serious, it was good to see progress.

“The team are working carefully throughout the weekend to increase the volume of flow through the long outfall pipe as much as possible, to reduce the use of the short outfall pipe,” said Leggett.

“However, the situation remains complex and at this stage we are unable to provide a timeframe of when this may be.”

Material being drained from longfall pipe, diver inspections taking place

Wellington Water said on Friday work was also being done to drain the clarifier tanks.

“There is some biological material that settles in the clarifier tanks that cannot be trucked, and the plan is to drain this via the long outfall pipe, where it is diluted.”

It said it was important to remove this material as soon as possible before it has a chance to become anaerobic and septic.

“This would cause an odour problem and pose a significant health and safety risk to workers onsite.”

However it cautioned that while the material was being drained people could see an increase of murky water in the area 1.8km out to sea.

Wellington Water said divers were also inspecting diffusers at the end of the outfall pipe on Friday.

“Shoreline inspections and clean-up of debris on the coastline around the short outfall continue three times daily, with a focus on completing these at low tide.”

A rāhui remains in place and covers anything the water touches/can touch with the high or low tides. While it is in effect, no public activities should be undertaken on or around the beaches on the southern coastline.

Mayor Andrew Little previously described the event a “catastrophic failure”, and said there must be an independent inquiry into what happened.

There were also concerns the leak could contaminate a nearby marine reserve and put several species at risk.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/wellingtons-sewage-diverted-away-from-shore-out-to-cook-strait/

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RIF funding supports 100 new homes in Kaikohe

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing $4 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for infrastructure to support the Bisset Road social housing project in Kaikohe, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will support essential infrastructure such as roads, stormwater and wastewater, and infrastructure for carrying utilities like power and telecommunications. 

“The RIF is designed to support projects that deliver regional benefits, and Bisset Road is a prime example. Kaikohe needs more warm, secure, affordable homes, especially for workers for its growing businesses, and this funding will help,” Mr Jones says.

“More widely, the project means Ngāpuhi rangatahi and local tradespeople can gain apprenticeships and hands-on experience as this project rolls out. It means jobs for locals and a stronger regional workforce. 

“The build will help strengthen regional supply chains by using local timber and contractors and will provide good quality, affordable homes for whānau,” Mr Jones says.

The RIF grant follows on from the more than $50m government investment into housing in the Far North last year.

The Bisset Road development, which has been approved for Fast-Track, will provide up to 100 new affordable rentals, meaning rents will be capped at 80 percent of market rates for at least 25 years.

“The project demonstrates how community-led activities can deliver long-term outcomes for whānau, hapū, and communities across Te Tai Tokerau,” Mr Potaka says

The development is being undertaken by community housing provider Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Limited – the health and social services delivery arm of the iwi authority Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngāpuhi. 

Additional funding comes from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, which is providing a grant of $29.7m, along with a $13.6m loan from Auckland-based social enterprise Community Finance. 

“We’re creating long-term stability for whānau in an area with high housing need, demonstrating what can be achieved when iwi and government work in partnership.” 

“Ngāpuhi is delivering on its plan to provide homes for its people. Together, we’re creating warm homes, local jobs, and opportunities that will last across generations,” Mr Potaka says.

Infrastructure work is underway and expected to finish this year, whilst the whole development project is expected to be finished in 2027. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/rif-funding-supports-100-new-homes-in-kaikohe/

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Flying start: All three NZ snowboarders through to Olympic Big Air final

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s Lyon Farrell reacts after competing in the snowboard men’s big air qualification at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Livigno Snow Park, in Livigno. AFP

New Zealand’s Lyon Farrell competes in the snowboard men’s big air qualification at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Livigno. AFP

New Zealand has made a flying start to the Winter Olympics in Italy, with all three men qualifying for the final of the snowboard Big Air event.

Lyon Farrell, Rocco Jamieson and Dane Menzies all finished inside the top 12 in a 30-man field to secure their spots in the high-pressure showdown at Livignio Snow Park on Sunday morning (NZT).

Farrell was the best of them, locking down seventh with his third and final run, reacting with animation when he landed his run and then again when the judges’ score was announced.

Needing to score 73.50 to finished inside the 12, Farrell produced a score of 81.50.

New Zealand’s Lyon Farrell competes in the snowboard men’s big air qualification at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Livigno. AFP

“Olympic finalist sounds incredible, I can’t believe it, it’s so good,” he told Sky Sport, reflecting on the additional pressure of being the 30th and last competitor to complete his run.

“There were a lot of people getting their runs done and I’m just waiting.

“I’ve got the best team ever, to keep me going forward. Everyone believes so much in me, it’s the best formula I could possible have to doing well.

“They kept me in a place where I felt like I could do anything and somehow in the last run I made it happen. Just crazy.”

Farrell, the oldest member of New Zealand’s 17-strong Olympic team at age 27, produced a combined score of 170.00. It was found by adding his two best runs.

That was enough to lift him one place ahead of Jamieson (168.25) while Menzies snuck through in 11th place with 164.00.

The top qualifier was Japan’s Hiroto Ogiwara (178.50), followed by Italy’s Ian Matteoli and Japan’s Kira Kimura.

The next New Zealanders in action will be Ruby Star Andrews and Sylvia Trotter in women’s freeski slopestyle qualifying on Saturday night (NZT).

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/flying-start-all-three-nz-snowboarders-through-to-olympic-big-air-final/

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Watch live: Waitangi Day celebrations continue

Source: Radio New Zealand

Waitangi Day celebrations are ongoing, starting with a dawn service which included a rowdy reception for the deputy prime minister and a waka flotilla and poewrful haka.

Follow coverage on our live blog below.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/watch-live-waitangi-day-celebrations-continue/

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Screened wastewater now being discharged straight into Cook Strait

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sewage can be seen on Wellington’s South Coast after a leak from the Moa Point wastewater plant. Kate Taptiklis

Wellington Water says screened wastewater is now being discharged straight into the Cook Strait again after days of being discharged near the shoreline on the South Coast.

On Wednesday the Moa Point wastewater plant’s lower floors completely flooded when sewage backed up in the 1.8km outfall pipe, which normally sends treated wastewater into the Cook Strait.

Since then raw sewage has been spewing from a five-metre pipe directly into the southern coastline.

In an discharge notice on Friday morning, Wellington Water said screened wastewater was now discharging to the long outfall pipe again.

Mayor Andrew Little previously described the event a “catastrophic failure”, and said there must be an independent inquiry into what happened.

There were also concerns the leak could contaminate a nearby marine reserve and put several species at risk.

Wellington Water strongly advised the public to stay away from South Coast beaches, and not to collect kaimoana in the area.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/screened-wastewater-now-being-discharged-straight-into-cook-strait/