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Corrections didn’t tell staffer’s managers of investigation into his alleged child sex offending

Source: Radio New Zealand

Corrections was aware one of its probation officers was being investigated by police over alleged child sex offending for more than two weeks before he was arrested, but did not tell his regional managers.

Corrections has acknowledged there was a “missed opportunity” in not telling his superiors. Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell said the decision not to immediately notify managers of the allegations was “unacceptable”.

The man was arrested last month on eight representative charges, including four of sexual violation and four of doing an indecent act.

He appeared in court the day after his arrest and was granted interim name suppression. RNZ understands he has since died.

  • Do you know more? Emailsam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

Following questions from RNZ after his court appearance, Corrections acting deputy chief executive of communities, partnerships and pathways Lynette Cave said Corrections took any allegation involving sexual or indecent assault “extremely seriously”.

Cave confirmed that Corrections’ integrity team had received “initial information” regarding the matter from police on 5 January and had provided information to assist with their investigation.

“Regrettably, the staff member’s regional managers were not made aware of this. The Integrity team acknowledge there was a missed opportunity in informing regional management and improved processes are being implemented to support clearer and more consistent notification.”

Cave said Corrections expected the “utmost professionalism from our employees”.

“Corrections employs approximately 11,000 staff, and the overwhelming majority of our people act with integrity, honesty and professionalism. When staff do not meet the standards required of them, we take action, including terminating their employment.”

A Corrections spokesperson confirmed they had been notified a staff member had passed away. They directed further questions on the death to police.

In a statement to RNZ, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell said he was always “extremely concerned” about any allegation of sexual offending by a staff member.

“I expect Corrections’ staff to always obey the law and act with integrity.

“The integrity team’s decision to not immediately notify managers of these allegations was unacceptable. It is my clear expectation that any allegation of serious wrongdoing, especially sexual offending by a staff member, is immediately escalated to the relevant manager to ensure all appropriate action is taken.”

Mitchell said he had been advised that Corrections was taking steps to improve how they notify regional managers of such allegations.

A police spokesperson confirmed police received a report relating to the matter in December last year.

As the matter was before the court, they were unable to provide further comment.

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Cold, wet, windy front hits South Island

Source: Radio New Zealand

The South Island is being hit by a cold, wet, and windy front. RNZ / Conan Young

The South Island is being hit by a cold, wet, and windy front with MetService warning wind and rain watches may get upgraded.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Tasman, northwest of Motueka, until 7pm on Tuesday, with peaks rates of 25 to 40 mm/h likely in localised downpours and thunderstorms also possible.

In Canterbury, rain may fall as snow above 1200 metres from Tuesday afternoon.

A heavy rain watch is in place for parts of Marlborough and Canterbury until 10pm on Tuesday.

MetService said there was a moderate chance it would be upgraded to a warning with a focus on North Canterbury and the Kaikoura District.

Strong wind watches are in place for parts of Marlborough, Westland and Grey districts from early Tuesday morning.

MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said much of the North Island had been sitting under a soupy mess of humid air as a low pressure system moved across the South Island.

Heat alerts were in place Napier and Hastings on Monday, but further south, Christchurch was expected to drop to 12 degrees for most of Tuesday.

But MetService said more settled weather was on the way for the second half of the week.

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Insurance cost doubles in a year: What it’s like to own NZ’s most-stolen car

Source: Radio New Zealand

Toyota Aquas are New Zealand’s most stolen car. 123RF

Toyota Aquas are New Zealand’s most stolen car – but how can you keep your insurance costs down if you own one?

AMI Insurance said it received more than 9000 vehicle theft and attempted theft claims in 2025.

Toyota Aquas were 8 percent of all stolen vehicle claims, it said, followed by Toyota Corollas at 7 percent and Nissan Tiidas at 6 percent.

The data also showed Toyota Aquas were disproportionately targeted, with a theft rate nearly four times that of the country’s most insured vehicle, the Toyota Corolla.

For every 1000 insured Toyota Aquas, 54 had a theft claim, compared with 15 per 1000 Toyota Corollas.

Auckland had the most vehicle theft, followed by Canterbury and Waikato.

Executive general manager of claims Steph Ferris said claim numbers had been lower recently, after a peak in 2023.

“Lower crime rates, improved security systems in newer vehicles, and New Zealanders adopting security practices – including being more mindful about where they park – likely play a part in this.”

AMI said older cars were more likely to be stolen. Nearly nine out of every 10 stolen vehicles was more than 10 years old.

“Older vehicles often lack modern, electronic encrypted locking systems, making them easier for thieves to compromise,” Ferris said.

Justin Lim, spokesperson for insurance comparison site Quashed, said a Toyota Aqua was typically 37 percent more expensive than a Corolla to insure with a comprehensive policy and 47 percent more expensive for third-party fire and theft policies.

“Insurance providers price their policies very differently.

“There is a difference of up to $1262 [a year] for a comprehensive policy. This means that on the higher end, insurance providers are charging $2000-plus for a policy, while on the lower end, they are charging $1000 or less. The same is true for third-party fire and theft, where we see a data variance of $667.

“Car owners should compare at least four to five providers to find the most competitive deal and policy for them.”

One Auckland woman said the cost of insuring her Aqua was a major factor in the decision to sell it.

“Last year we were thinking about freeing up some cash to put towards buying a house and realised we didn’t really need two cars for our household, so decided we should sell one. Although we actually used the Aqua more frequently and it was more fuel-efficient than our other car, the insurance costs made getting rid of the Aqua a better financial move,” she said.

“When we first got the Aqua in 2019 the insurance costs weren’t too bad, but it increased dramatically in 2023.”

In December 2022, the car was $71.78 a month to insure. The next year, it jumped up to $143.65 and then in 2024 it was $183.54 a month.

“In May 2025 we switched insurance companies for both cars and our contents. With the new insurer, we paid $136.07 per month for the Aqua. That was a better deal, but I still thought the premium was ridiculous given that the market value was about $7500 at the time. We’re currently paying $67.49 per month for our other car.”

Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens said models that were more frequently stolen were likely to be more expensive to insure.

“Insurers look at risk-based pricing. If it’s likely to be a higher risk in terms of theft, the premium will take that into consideration. That’s why consumers are always asked about modifications – they’re likely to make the vehicle more attractive to thieves.”

Consumer NZ insurance specialist Rebecca Styles said insurers might add a higher excess for high-risk cars, too.

“Where you park your car is likely to factor into the price of your premium, too.”

Ferris said people could protect themselves by parking down a driveway or in a garage if possible. If they could not, they should look for a well-lit area.

Car alarms, immobilisers, fuel cut out switches, steering locks or car tracking systems could also be used.

Ferris said people should always lock their car doors when driving and consider keeping the windows up, especially in low-speed areas.

AMI said about 64 percent of stolen vehicles were recovered and 40 percent were repairable.

AMI’s top 10 stolen cars list

  • 1. Toyota Aqua
  • 2. Toyota Corolla
  • 3. Nissan Tiida
  • 4. Mazda Demio
  • 5. Toyota Vitz
  • 6. Toyota Hilux
  • 7. Subaru Impreza
  • 8. Mazda Atenza
  • 9. Toyota Mark X
  • 10. Mazda Axela

Most stolen vehicle by region (regions ranked by claims volume)

  • 1. Auckland – Toyota Aqua
  • 2. Canterbury – Toyota Aqua
  • 3. Waikato – Toyota Corolla
  • 4. Wellington – Toyota Corolla
  • 5. Bay of Plenty – Toyota Corolla
  • 6. Manawatū – Nissan Tiida
  • 7. Northland – Toyota Corolla
  • 8. Hawke’s Bay – Mazda Atenza
  • 9. Gisborne – Mazda Demio
  • 10. Taranaki – Toyota Corolla and Nissan Tiida
  • 11. Otago – Toyota Aqua
  • 12. Southland – Suzuki Swift
  • 13. Nelson – Nissan Tiida
  • 14. Tasman – Mazda Demio and Toyota Corolla
  • 15. West Coast – Toyota Hilux
  • 16. Marlborough – Honda Jazz

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Demand for consumer credit rises as mortgage applications, personal loans increase

Source: Radio New Zealand

Demand for consumer credit rose 9.4 percent last month. RNZ

Demand for consumer credit rose 9.4 percent last month, reflecting an increase in the number of mortgage applications and an elevated number of personal loans.

Credit research firm Centrix’s January Credit Indicator showed the increased demand for credit was somewhat offset by mixed number of credit arrears, and rising business liquidations.

“Arrears on the consumer side continue to follow the seasonal patterns. But that’s 0.8 percent down on last year. So that’s a really good sign that the tides are starting to turn, which is fantastic,” Centrix chief operating officer Monika Lacey said.

New household lending also rose in the December quarter, with lending for new mortgages up 14 percent, while non-mortgage lending rose 12 percent.

Arrears

Mortgage arrears were steady, though vehicle loans were under pressure.

The South Island had the lowest number of arrears, while the central North Island and East Cape had the highest level of arrears.

Company failures highest since 2010

Centrix chief operating officer Monika Lacey. Supplied

“On the business side, they’ve also seen an increase in demand, but liquidations have definitely hit their highest peak since 2010 largely impacted by hospitality, retail, transport and construction, and this is largely as a result of IRD (Inland Revenue) increasing their activity following a softer approach over the Covid time,” Lacey said.

The number of company failures rose to its highest annual level since 2010, with liquidations unevenly seen across sectors, with rises in hospitality (+50 percent), retail trade (+34 percent) and transport (+27 percent) accounting for most of the failures.

There were also increases in construction (+13 percent), manufacturing (+12 percent) and property/rental (+17 percent) recording liquidations, even as credit defaults declined and average credit scores improved in many areas.

In contrast, agriculture stood out as the most resilient sector, with liquidations down 11 percent year-on-year, supported by stronger credit demand and improving financial health.

“Agri has definitely had a bit of a turnaround. There’s been a lot of positive news in the agricultural sector. So long may that continue,” she said.

“We’re hearing a little bit more about other good economic signals filtering through onto the market, so I think we are starting to see some signs of recovery.”

Credit demand

Overall business credit demand edged slightly higher, rising 0.7 percent year-on-year over the period.

Growth was highly concentrated in a few sectors, led by a 38 percent increase in hospitality credit demand, reflecting improving trading conditions and funding needs.

Education and training (+17 percent) and retail trade (+13 percent) also recorded solid gains, while demand elsewhere remained subdued.

“I think the increase in mortgage activity is largely attributed to refinancing,” she said.

“And personal loans, we would tend to see an uptick at this time of year anyway, but I think it’s certainly a sign that consumers are feeling a little bit more confident and perhaps have a little bit more cash in their pockets.”

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Household living costs increase 2.2 percent – Household living-costs price indexes: December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release

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Opposition parties slam ‘secret’ critical minerals talks

Source: Radio New Zealand

Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Opposition parties are criticising the coalition for having “secret” talks with the United States about the supply of rare and critical minerals.

New Zealand is in discussions with the US about the supply of rare and critical minerals, as Donald Trump seeks to reduce America’s reliance on China for material it sees as pivotal for tech innovation and national security.

While no decisions have been made, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed officials are working through analysis, targeted consultation and providing advice to relevant ministers.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stressed no Cabinet decisions have been made but said the government would “develop in [its] own brutal self interest”.

The Minerals Council – the industry association representing mining in New Zealand – said the country should scale up mining, arguing it can be done responsibly.

Opposition parties weigh in

Labour’s energy and resources spokesperson Megan Woods said mining opportunities shouldn’t be exploited at the expense of the environment, especially country’s conservation estate.

“We are not against mining as long as it is done in an environmentally sustainable way. Under the Labour government, we were doing work on critical minerals that would help us decarbonise and move away from fossil fuels like coal in a way that ensures jobs in the long term.

“However, the government’s plans as outlined in the MineraIs Strategy for New Zealand, combined with the Fast Track law and refusal to phase out fossil fuels, have lead to greater environmental and climate risks with no public scrutiny.

“Most New Zealanders would be upset that talks about mining and exporting critical minerals are taking place without transparency or accountability.”

Labour’s energy and resources spokesperson Megan Woods. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the critical minerals discussions were happening “largely in secret and on terms dictated by the United States”.

Luxon’s government had not campaigned on this, she said.

“When exactly did we agree as a country to be in Trump’s corner? There are far better decisions that we can be making if we are to, even for sake of argument, be thinking about mining more of these rare earth minerals.

“If we return to some of the rhetoric used by both Christopher Luxon and even Shane Jones last year, as they were trumpeting doing more of this kind of mining, they were telling everybody that it was about our clean, green energy transition.

“So it doesn’t take much to put two and two together and figure out that this is a house of cards.”

Te Pāti Māori was approached for comment.

Coalition parties’ positions

New Zealand First’s and self-proclaimed “pro-mining Minister” Shane Jones said the talks followed the coalition releasing its mining strategy and critical minerals list.

“Then there was an invitation for us to sign a global accord shared by the Koreans last year and now America has invited a whole host of nations to work with it and enter into a compact or an accord.

“The status of those negotiations and the final result lies with Cabinet and that’s covered by confidentiality.”

Shane Jones. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Asked exactly what the government had signed up to in the global accord, Jones said it was about cooperation.

“This is the puzzling thing. We’ve got all these sort of frothy milk fed critics of mine but basically contemplated a lot of cooperation in terms of research, technology, opportunities for nations to work together, both financially and strategically, and boost the availability and access to these valuable minerals.”

The ACT Party’s resources spokesperson Simon Court said his party supported expanding mining in New Zealand.

“We want high paid jobs and we want an economy that can pay our own way so yes, ACT supports more mining, including for these critical minerals.

“That’s why we secured the coalition commitment to create a critical minerals list that provides a simplified pathway for essentially prospecting, getting mining permits and eventually consenting mineral developments.”

ACT was also supportive of New Zealand’s critical minerals talks with the US.

“The United States is a key defence and security partner and it’s important that we are responsive to the markets when we have something to sell.

“We’d also be hypocritical to try and stop it. We all use and benefit from these devices made from these minerals so restricting mining here just means that [if] the US can’t get those minerals from New Zealand, they will be dug up somewhere else, probably somewhere with poor environmental oversight and more child labour.”

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Her agency crushed her K-pop idol dreams. Her reinvention brought them back to life

Source: Radio New Zealand

Her voice defeated soul-eating monsters during the emotional finale of the blockbuster animated film KPop Demon Hunters.

But for Korean American singer EJAE, the triumph gave her something beyond fame and fortune.

Validation.

Ejae accepted a Golden Globe for Golden, which she co-wrote and sang for KPop Demon Hunters, on 11 January in Beverly Hills, California.

Christopher Polk/2026GG/Penske Media/Getty Images via CNN Newsource

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Efforts to salvage capsized Black Cat Cruises tour boat in Akaroa halted

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Black Cat Cruises catamaran had more than 40 people on board when it began to smoke, then take on water, according to witnesses. Everyone on board was rescued after other boaties came to their aid. Canterbury Regional Council

Salvage efforts for a stranded catamaran on Canterbury’s Akaroa Harbour are being temporarily halted ahead of bad weather, the Canterbury Regional Council says.

The cleanup had been continuing after the Black Cat Cruises vessel ran aground on Saturday, prompting the rescue of more than 40 passengers and crew.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) had begun an investigation which was expected to take between 12 months and two years.

On Monday, local authorities attempted to recover the vessel and quell the impact of thousands of litres of spilled diesel on the harbour.

Part of the recovery operation included moving the vessel into deeper waters, in a bid to protect its structural integrity.

The regional council’s on-scene commander Emma Parr said this was unable to be achieved.

“The hull has settled hard on a large rock and was unable to be moved into deeper water as planned. Forecast bad weather for the next two days means recovery efforts will be paused,” she said.

“All efforts have been made to retrieve hazardous and loose materials from the wreck.”

All responding agencies remained committed to the removal of the wreck in its entirety, Parr said.

“Debris collection and environmental monitoring will continue, and the exclusion zone remains in place. We ask all water users to respect these restrictions to ensure the safety of responders and the public.”

The Black Cat Cruises catamaran sank in Akaroa. Canterbury Regional Council / SUPPLIED

Wildlife worries

The Department of Conservation (DOC) said it was concerned about the effects of the diesel spill on wildlife.

Operations Manager for the Mahaanui District Andy Thompson told Midday Report strong smells of diesel had been coming from the nearby marine reserve on Sunday.

“We’re always worried about any sort of substance, like diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, and engine oil in the marine environment. And even more so when it’s in the marine reserve environment, which is there for the protection of marine life,” he said.

“We have been fortunate in this case in that we don’t have a lot of hydraulic fluid and engine oil, like you get on some boats.”

Spilled diesel had been “evaporating rapidly” and DOC would continue to monitor the situation, Thompson said.

Long-standing tourism business Pohatu Penguins said the South Island Wildlife Hospital were prepared and ready, should any of their birds be impacted.

Pohatu nature guide and penguin rehabber Averil Parthonnaud said it had been told by the regional council that no animals “were in trouble”.

“It’s also at the perfect time of the year because the penguins are moulting (shedding feathers) right now. So they’re pretty much at home in their nest and not in the water a lot right now,” she said.

“It kind of happened at the right time for penguins, but I don’t know about other native birds.”

Parthonnaud told RNZ there was a lot of sympathy and support among the community for their fellow tourism operators Black Cat Cruises.

“Everyone knows the Black Cat crew, and everyone will be feeling sad that they lost their boat,” she said.

Coastguard unit being trialled at Akaroa

Before the weekend’s events, it had already been a busy summer in Akaroa for the Coastguard.

Volunteers had responded to “several incidents” since December, including a fatal diving incident earlier this month.

Coastguard said it was undertaking a trial in the Banks Peninsula settlement to see whether a permanent unit could be established there.

“Since December, volunteers from a range of Southern units have been spending their Saturdays and Sundays on Ihenga Rescue, providing cover for what’s become an increasingly busy boating community.

“It’s already been a full-on summer,” a spokesperson said.

The nearest Coastguard stations to Akaroa were based in Sumner and the Canterbury Coastguard unit at Lyttelton.

Coastguard southern operations manager Rob Greasy said volunteers were already training on the Akaroa Harbour on Saturday, which meant a quick response time.

“The vessel was taking on water and the boat was trying to evacuate passengers and put them onto any nearby vessels,” he said.

Coastguard volunteers tried to pump water from the Black Cat, but the rate of water entering the vessel was too great to keep up with.

The summer trial would consider the number of incidents it responds to in Akaroa and their seriousness, the uptake of local volunteers and local community feedback, Greasy said.

The trial ends in late February, followed by a Coastguard review.

A follow-up trial in Akaroa could also be arranged.

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Pilot, passenger killed in Paekākāriki Hill helicopter crash named

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

The pilot and passenger killed in a helicopter crash near Paekākāriki Hill last week have been named.

They were Cole Christopher Ritchie, 25, from Wharepapa South, and Joseph Mark Keeley, 54, from Tauhara.

The pair were pest control contractors working on Transmission Gully.

Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins said emergency services, aviation authorities, local iwi and regional partners have worked closely in extremely challenging terrain.

The are where the helicopter crashed. RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

The helicopter wreckage was removed on Friday.

Perkins said police, Civil Aviation Authority and Victim Support are supporting the families affected.

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Modern windows suspected of being behind rise in serious Kererū injuries

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Dunedin wildlife hospital suspects modern windows could be to blame for an increasing number of serious injuries in Aotearoa’s native wood pigeon/Kererū.

Window strike is the most common reason for the Kererū ending up in its hospital, with hundreds over the past few years – but they’re not the only birds taking a hit.

Survival rates were also down due to the severity of the injuries and the people treating the Kererū believe double glazing could be the problem.

Dunedin Wildlife Hospital general manager Suzanne Stephenson told Checkpoint the number of Kererū deaths was rising

“When we started eight years ago … we saved about 64 percent of the Kererū that we saw, that’s sort of 37 out of 57, we were able to give a second chance and get back out there into the wild.

“But last year that basically halved, we’re down to 34.7 percent or 17 out of 49 birds.

Stephenson said the most common injury they saw was a coracoid dislocation or fracture, which is a bone in the chest.

She said the injury could also directly impact the heart, which was catastrophic for the native wood pigeon.

Stephenson said modern homes, with bigger windows and double glazing could be to blame for the rise.

An imprint left behind after a Kererū flew into a window. Supplied / Chris Murray

“Now the difference is down the track, we used to have single glazing and that glass had a bit of give, so if a Kererū saw a line of flight through your windows it would possibly fly through that, it would break the glass, but with an injury that was probably quite survivable.

“… Obviously, you know double glazing protects us, keeps us warm, but what it does is give a very hard surface and our very large wood pigeons of course, some of them weigh up to about 650 grams, hits that with great force.”

Stephenson said she understood the practical use of double glazing, but encouraged people to work together with native wildlife to reduce serious injuries.

She said while birds had far greater eyesight than human, they see a flight line path through the window, with reflections also proving difficult.

Stephenson said their hospital had a couple of injured Kererū being looked after, but there were also other types of birds being affected.

Shining cuckoos and kingfishers were also renowned for window strike, she said.

The size of the Kererū didn’t help with injuries, with the force of impact being larger as a result.

“They’re the largest species of pigeons in the world and I think any bird that goes straight into a window, no matter what its size, that impact is going to be huge for them,” she said.

“… People will tell us that they’ve seen a bird on the ground not moving and they’ve watched it for a couple of days to see if it’s okay.”

Stephenson warned that was not natural behaviour and advised people to ring the DOC hotline as soon as possible.

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More interest rates relief coming for homeowners

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

Interest rates might have started to rise but what home loan borrowers pay in interest is likely to keep falling through this year.

BNZ chief economist Mike Jones said while 2025 was the “year of the refix” – with 81 percent of fixed-rate mortgage borrowers refixing, the highest percentage in 13 years – there was still more activity to come this year.

Over 2026, 68 percent of fixed rate loans were due to come up for renewal.

“It’s the coming six months in which mortgage term expiries are the most pronounced relative to average,” he said.

“There’s approximately $132 billion worth or 34 percent of total borrowings. The long-run average is 27 percent.”

He said there would mean cash flow improved for many borrowers.

“A hypothetical one-year $300,000 loan locked in a year ago at 5.74 percent could currently be refixed for another 12 months at a rate of around 4.5 percent. That would result in an interest saving of a little over $300 a month.”

He said, in November, the average rate being paid was 5.17 percent.

“It has been a slow 14-month descent from the 6.39 percent peak in October 2024.”

He expected it could get to 4.5 percent by the middle of the year.

“It’s kind of a weird time because you’ve got mortgage rates seemingly bottoming, starting to turn higher but for the average person coming up for renewal they will still most likely be experiencing or be facing a menu of options lower than what they were previously paying, just by virtue of the slow-moving nature of the refixing beast.

“That is obviously a key plank of the economic recovery last year and also this year… we think we’re about 80 percent of the way through that process of refixing on to lower rates with roughly 25 points’ worth of easing still to come through that pipeline over the next six months.”

He said many people were choosing to pay off their mortgages more quickly rather than using their savings to spend.

“There’s a strong element of that, keeping your repayments perhaps similar to what they were but applying the extra relief from lower interest rates just to principal. We’re seeing quite a bit of that. I think there’s quite a lot as well that’s just been soaked up more or less immediately by the higher costs that households are staring into.”

Some was going into discretionary spending, he said.

“It’s helping turn that retail sector but it’s certainly not turning with any great force which I think speaks to the fact of some of those pressures that households are still under.”

The reduction in debt would be good for long-term sustainability, he said.

He said the average home loan rate being paid by households would probably hit the bottom of this cycle in the middle of the year.

“It take some time to turn and it will stay at a relatively supportive level for a period of time and probably all of 2026.”

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Names released – helicopter crash, Paekākāriki Hill area

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the names of the two people who died in the helicopter crash near Paekākāriki Hill on 28 January. They were Cole Christopher Ritchie, 25, from Wharepapa South, and Joseph Mark Keeley, 54, from Tauhara.

On Thursday Police completed a scene examination at the site of Wednesday’s fatal helicopter crash, Kāpiti Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins says. The wreckage was removed on Friday.

Inspector Perkins says the response was a highly coordinated, multi agency effort, with emergency services, aviation authorities, local iwi and regional partners working closely together in extremely challenging terrain.

She acknowledges the swift and professional collaboration between Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Urban Search and Rescue, the Civil Aviation Authority, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

“The response demonstrated the strength of our inter agency partnerships and the shared commitment to supporting one another and the community in difficult circumstances,” Inspector Perkins says.

Police, alongside the Civil Aviation Authority and Victim Support, continue to work together to support the families affected. Our sympathies remain with them at this incredibly difficult time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/02/names-released-helicopter-crash-paekakariki-hill-area/

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Farms ‘smashed’ in East Coast storms

Source: Radio New Zealand

Farms at the top end of the East Coast have been “smashed” by recent storms, with stock isolated and extensive damage to land and infrastructure.

A clearer picture of the level of damage is starting to emerge after huge downpours hit the region last month.

Representatives from Beef and Lamb and Tai Rāwhiti Whenua Collective have been going farm to farm doing damage assessments.

Beef and Lamb’s Pania King said the damage is isolated to Hicks Bay down to Te Araroa and slightly inland.

“We’ve seen everything from erosion and landslides through to debris and silt throughout paddocks, water systems and culverts are gone and a huge amount of fencing is down – so it’s quite extensive the amount of damage that has happened on those farms and on that whenua.”

King said farms were cut off, and even within farms, farmers could not access their stock.

“This is step hill country farming – farmers will jump on their horse and get out there if they really have to, but stock should have feed and water.”

She said farmers and contractors were waiting for the land to dry out before getting heavy machinery in to start the cleanup.

“It’s still raining here on Monday, so we are hoping by Wednesday we will be able to get machines in to start reinstating access to farms – that’s step one.”

King, alongside others involved in the recovery, also took to the air to assess the damage.

“It was quite emotional actually because I did the farm assessments in Gabrielle and it was going through the back of my head how many gains we have made, how much work has gone into rebuilding the infrastructure on their farms and how much capital has gone in – and now its all back to square one.

“I was feeling disheartened for our farmers, because for many this is the second or third time they’ve been hit hard in recent years.”

She said five farms had been listed as a priority.

“They’ve been really smashed – the destruction on those farms is actually quite unreal.”

King said the morale on farms was something everyone was keeping a close eye on.

“As you can imagine, it’s only natural to be feeling pretty down in the dumps when you’ve done this two or three times – this is not their first rodeo.”

She said the damage assessment should be with the Ministry for Primary Industries by end of Tuesday, so she was hoping a package of support would be organised to help farmers recover.

“We need to recover pastures and get some crops growing ahead of winter for feed otherwise that will bring a whole other issue for our farmers.

She says the farms hit were 95 percent whenua Māori, so the farmers would rebuild and stay on their land.

“This is a close-knit community, and everyone is looking out for each other and helping where they can.”

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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/2026/02/02/farms-smashed-in-east-coast-storms/

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Seven people injured in two-car crash in north Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

The crash happened on the arterial route of Whangaparāoa Rd. RNZ/Nick Monro

Seven people, including pedestrians, have been injured after two cars collided in north Auckland’s Whangaparāoa Peninsula.

A police spokesperson said the crash happened on the arterial route of Whangaparāoa Road, Manly, just before 4pm.

The spokesperson said people have received minor injuries.

Pedestrians were hit in the crash. RNZ/Nick Monro

Two Fire and Emergency crews were called to the scene. FENZ shift manager Paul Radden said on arrival, firefighters saw a crash involving pedestrians and two cars.

One crew has since left, and one remained in attendance working alongside St John and the police.

The road is closed while the scene is cleared.

Whangaparāoa Road. Google Maps

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/02/seven-people-injured-in-two-car-crash-in-north-auckland/

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Police criminal probe into Pike River nearly finished

Source: Radio New Zealand

Credit: NZ Police

Police are nearing the final stages of their criminal investigation into the Pike River mine disaster, in which 29 men were killed.

A methane-fuelled explosion ripped through the mine in the rugged Paparoa Range on the South Island’s West Coast on 19 November, 2010.

Detective Superintendent Darryl Sweeney said the nationally significant and unique investigation was legally complex, and police had been working with the Wellington Crown solicitor for more than 18 months.

“We acknowledge this year will be 16 years since the disaster. Before any decisions can be made, we will be conducting a further investigation phase,” he said in a statement.

“To protect the integrity of the investigation, we will not be providing specifics. However, I can say any further update is likely to be several months away.

“We appreciate questions over the time this investigation has taken but police are committed to exploring all possible lines of inquiry out of respect for the 29 miners and their families.”

Last November the lawyer for Pike River families Nigel Hampton KC told RNZ police had enough evidence to lay manslaughter charges over the disaster.

The Department of Labour laid health and safety charges against Pike River Coal Ltd, its former chief executive Peter Whittall and contractor VLI Drilling Ltd in 2011.

The charges were dropped in 2013 in exchange for a $3.41 million payout to the victims’ families, which was later declared unlawful by the Supreme Court.

The 29 men died from the blast or from the toxic atmosphere underground, while two others in the stone drift managed to escape.

RNZ / Anneke Smith

Efforts by Pike River families, including Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse, ultimately led to police being able to re-enter the mine and recover further material and evidence from inside the drift.

In September 2022, police announced they were reopening the borehole drilling operation as part of the investigation and 10 boreholes were drilled, imaged and resealed. Human remains were found in the mine in 2023.

The 15th anniversary of the disaster followed the release of the Pike River feature film, which brought the families’ ongoing fight for justice back into focus.

Osborne and Rockhouse met Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden at Parliament on 19 November to warn that her workplace safety reforms risked another Pike River disaster.

Unions are calling on the government to support corporate manslaughter legislation, arguing it would ensure that the most extreme breaches of health and safety obligations result in criminal liability.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith last year said there were no plans to introduce a corporate manslaughter charge.

A 2012 royal commission of inquiry found that New Zealand’s old safety laws lacked teeth and there were catastrophic failings in the mining company’s systems, despite numerous warnings about a potential disaster.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/02/police-criminal-probe-into-pike-river-nearly-finished/

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Investigation update, Pike River

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are nearing the final stages of the criminal investigation into the first explosion at Pike River Mine in November 2010.

Detective Superintendent Darryl Sweeney says this nationally significant and unique investigation is legally complex and Police have been working alongside the Crown Solicitor Wellington for over 18 months.

“We acknowledge this year will be 16 years since the disaster.

“Before any decisions can be made, we will be conducting a further investigation phase.

“To protect the integrity of the investigation, we will not be providing specifics.

“However, I can say any further update is likely to be several months away.

“We appreciate questions over the time this investigation has taken, but Police are committed to exploring all possible lines of enquiry out of respect for the 29 miners and their families,” Detective Superintendent Sweeney says.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/02/investigation-update-pike-river/

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Fertiliser a possible pawn in global chessboard – Rabobank

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rabobank senior animal proteins analyst Jen Corkran said the outlook for New Zealand’s agribusiness sector this year was mostly positive. 123RF

A new report has alerted that geopolitical risks, like further escalation of tensions in Iran, could affect prices for key items used on New Zealand farms like fertiliser.

Prices for key commodities and farm inputs were often vulnerable during times of volatility, like the sharp increase in grain prices at the start of the war in key producing nation Ukraine, in 2022.

Widespread [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/583713/why-are-iranians-protesting-and-what-does-it-mean-for-the-regime anti-government protests were held across Iran throughout January, in response to economic and social crises.

It came as the key producer of urea and ammonia fertilisers also faced a sharp increase in tensions with the United States.

In a new annual report titled Keeping One Move Ahead, Rabobank senior animal proteins analyst Jen Corkran said the outlook for New Zealand’s agribusiness sector this year was mostly positive from a farming point of view.

She said stable supply of our key exports coupled with good international demand should keep farmgate prices high this year, especially for dairy, red meat and horticulture.

“The mood out there in the agri-food and fibre spaces is quite buoyant and I guess positive, and this is driven largely by above average farmgate pricing across the board really.”

However, Corkran said geopolitical risks could push farm inputs prices even higher this year, like further escalation in tensions involving key fertiliser producer Iran.

Jen Corkran.

“Perhaps some softening in the later part of this year in terms of some of those farm input costs,” she said.

“But of course, some of these inputs are affected by some of the geopolitical situations globally, such as in the Middle East, in terms of the costs of some of the stuff we’re bringing into New Zealand.”

Iran was a major global exporter of urea in particular.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on 9 January 2026. AFP/MAHSA

Corkran said urea and phosphate prices were already elevated for farmers – with urea highly volatile throughout last year, and possible further increases in the near-term.

“Certainly at times challenging around fertiliser prices, and we are expecting to see a bit of volatility continuing. It will be something we keep an eye on.”

She said fertiliser prices increased 8 percent for urea last year compared to the year prior, up 14 percent for phosphates and 22 percent for potash.

However she said with farmgate pricing for commodities well above five-year averages, this will help off-set rising costs.

Report co-author Emma Higgins said the “global chessboard” shifted again in 2025, with a steady tightening of trade blocs, industries policies and geopolitical manoeuvring.

“As we enter 2026, the pieces are still moving, and the pace hasn’t slowed,” Higgins said.

“Major economies are making assertive ‘opening moves’ on trade, technology and security, turning commerce into a tool of leverage more than cooperation.

“For New Zealand, this isn’t distant noise. It is the environment in which our farmers, processors and exporters must operate – in addition to usual supply and demand fundamentals.”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/02/fertiliser-a-possible-pawn-in-global-chessboard-rabobank/

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Man charged over fatal Dunedin crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A 24-year-old man has appeared in the Dunedin District Court over a crash that killed one person and seriously injured another near the city on Friday night.

Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash on Wickliffe Road in Port Chalmers shortly after 9pm.

One person died at the scene and two others were hurt, one seriously and one with minor injuries.

The man faces charges of driving dangerously causing death and failing to stop to ascertain injury or death after crash.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Taranaki surfers thrilled over return of world’s surfing elite to NZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

Paige Hareb competed at the Women’s Championship Tour when it was hosted in New Plymouth. (File photo) Katrina Clarke

Taranaki’s surfing community, -the only region in New Zealand to have previously hosted the globe’s elite surf competition, is stoked for its Raglan cousins who will hold a combined men’s and women’s World Surf League event in May.

The Women’s Championship Tours stopped at Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth between 2010 and 2013 sparking a surge of interest in the sport – particularly women’s surfing.

Craig Williamson was event director for the Taranaki Surf Festival which included what was then the ASP Women’s Dream Tour.

Reflecting on the groundbreaking event ahead of the World Surf League coming to Raglan, the Surfing Taranaki chief executive said the idea was to give a local favourite a leg up.

Craig Williamson was event director when the WSL’s predecessor the ASP brought the Women’s Dream Tour to Taranaki between 2010 and 2013. ROBIN MARTIN / RNZ

“Paige Hareb had just qualified for the world tour, the first New Zealand female to ever do so. She was young at the time.

“So, that was a huge deal for surfing in New Zealand and in Taranaki and we thought that perhaps we could pull something together here and give her a home town advantage.”

Williamson said the festival – which was pulled off with the help of 60 community partners – had left a lasting impression.

“It was incredibly inspiring for young surfers all around the country. I bump into people who are young adults now a lot of them and they are still surfing and they talk about what an effect it had on them to actually see the world best here.”

He said the impact of the visiting athletes went beyond what they demonstrated in the surf.

Promotional poster for the Taranaki Surf Festival. ROBIN MARTIN / RNZ

“I remember vividly when we had Bethany Hamilton, the Hawaiian who’d lost her arm in a shark attack, speaking to like a whole classroom, a whole group of youngsters – mostly young girls.

“I’m sure they remember that and it had an impact on them, you know, in terms of what you can do in spite of obstacles that can be put in you’re way.”

Now based in Australia, Paige Hareb remembered the competition fondly.

“Yeah it was pretty cool. At the time I and probably didn’t realise how good I had it, but yeah looking back now it was definitely a special moment to be able to surf in front of friends and family in your home breaks and show it off to all the other girls and the rest of the world is pretty special.”

She said the New Zealand stop was popular with her fellow competitors.

Paige Hareb in action during the 2022 Nias Pro in Indonesia. (File photo) PHOTOSPORT

“Everyone loved it. I know there was a lot of hype about it before they even went there and I think the worst part of it was that it was maybe too cold for them some days, but we got really good surf and everyone loved it the sea and the mountain I guess is pretty spectacular for anyone who doesn’t live there.,

She saw evidence of the Taranaki Surf Festival’s legacy every time she comes home.

“When I was growing up I was one of the only girls in the water and now I go home and there’s at least one other girl out every time I surf there, so yeah, there’s definitely a lot more females into surfing and out in the water which is cool to see.”

Hareb – who would compete for a wildcard into the Raglan competition – expected the Waikato settlement to be pumping during the 10-day event window.

Bruce Gatwood-Cook was media manager for the Taranaki Surf Festival.

A member of the New Plymouth Surfriders Club for about 20 years, he said the audience for WSL events was mammoth.

“It’d be in the millions of the reach we’d be getting because we provided packages to sports networks in Australia and America, Hawaii, South Africa to Europe.

“So, it would be impossible to quantify exactly how many people we reached, but we were reaching a global audience.”

He said WSL events were a marketer’s dream.

“At the same time as livestreaming footage of the heats and highlights of the heats, we also provided b-roll of mountain shots and scenics of the arena.

“So, typically as you see with sporting events like that they’ll have cutaways of the beach and local mountains and scenics like that of the country which really help destinations.”

As a surfer himself, Gatwood-Cook was also taken with the impact the surfers had with fans.

“We just had throngs of young girls idolising Paige Hareb let alone all the other superstars on the women’s circuit and it really created an aspiration for them that I could be that person and I could do that and also seeing how they surfed giving them inspiration to surf like that.”

Meanwhile, Izaro Williamson Sasia was a just a toddler when her dad ran the Taranaki Surf Festival.

Izaro Williams Sasia can’t wait for the world’s elite surfers return to New Zealand in May. ROBIN MARTIN / RNZ

Now a national under 18 and women’s longboard titleholder, she was stoked the world’s best surfers were returning to New Zealand.

“I don’t have any memories of it when it was here in Taranaki because I was only little, but I just can’t wait it would be such a cool experience to see it live and it’s been something I’ve always wanted to do, so I can’t wait. Like there’s no way I’m not going.”

The New Zealand Pro, which had attracted government major events funding, would run from the 15t-25 May at Manu Bay, Raglan.

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Mariameno Kapa-Kingi’s expulsion breached dispute process and tikanga, lawyer argues

Source: Radio New Zealand

Te Pāti Māori MP, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi speaking in the House. VNP / Phil Smith

MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi’s lawyers have claimed Te Pāti Māori’s co-leaders were also projected to overspend their parliamentary budget, and there was discussion of a settlement proposal during the hearing to consider the Te Tai Tokerau MP’s expulsion.

Kapa-Kingi’s lawyers are arguing Te Pāti Māori’s constitution was not upheld during a process that resulted in her expulsion from the party, with Mike Colson KC saying a “political party which was created to fight injustice has visited a serious injustice”.

The substantive hearing is taking place at the High Court in Wellington on Monday, and follows a period of turmoil for the party that resulted in the expulsion of two of its MPs, Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris.

Kapa-Kingi challenged her expulsion late last year, resulting in a temporary reinstatement prior to the party’s AGM in December, allowing her to attend.

At the time, Justice Paul Radich said there were “serious questions to be tried” on the manner in which Kapa-Kingi was expelled from the party.

Both party president John Tamihere and Mariameno Kapa-Kingi were present in the courtroom on Monday morning.

Kapa-Kingi’s lawyer Mike Colson KC begun the hearing by saying the Speaker had not been properly notified by Te Pāti Māori about Justice Radich’s decision late last year, and she remained an independent MP, pointing out this could be in contempt of court.

Colson went on to summarise his client’s key argument: that the party’s National Council did not have the power to expel Kapa-Kingi, and that it breached the dispute process and tikanga.

“And I suppose thematically, that we are now seeing a revisionist approach to the decisions that were made, in which there seems to be an emphasis that there was not actually an expulsion, but a cancelation of the membership.”

Colson then referred to Te Pāti Māori’s constitution, outlining the importance of tikanga, arguing “tikanga should be part of the lens” through which the case is considered.

He then highlighted various clauses, pointing out relevant parts of the Constitution to the case.

In particular, Colson highlighted a clause he said did not allow the National Council to “cut across independently” a separate clause specifying a Disciplinary Disputes Committee.

Colson said Kapa-Kingi was given “no notice whatsoever” that there was going to be a hui where her expulsion would be considered.

He referred to various parts of the party’s constitution, claiming the party hadn’t adhered to it.

Colson provided documentation including a range of emails discussing the projected parliamentary overspend, a key reason for Kapa-Kingi’s expulsion.

Colson acknowledged the judge would not be able to resolve who was right or wrong on the issue of the budget, which he said didn’t “particularly matter”.

But Colson said Kapa-Kingi was entitled to “additional payments” due to the additional work she had undertaken.

In relation to the forecasted overspend, he said the party had argued Kapa-Kingi used those funds for her “personal gain”, which he rejected.

He explained “a fix” was arranged between various parties – including a parliamentary representative – in relation to her forecasted overspend of $133,000.

He then outlined Te Pāti Māori’s co-leaders were also forecasted to overspend their budget.

“It’s a bit ironic that the party to say this forecast overspend was misuse when we know at the time the co-leaders office was also in a budget deficit situation,” referencing the Te Pāti Māori co-leaders who had an overspend of around $40,000.

He also mentioned a “level of unsatisfactoriness” of evidence from the respondents, referencing affidavits that “seem incorrect”.

A settlement proposal was referred to during the hearing, which is expected to be addressed later.

Tamihere’s lawyers will respond Monday afternoon, but their initial arguments during the interim injunction last year stated the National Council did in fact have the authority to expel her.

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