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Outgoing MP Peeni Henare on being Māori, a politician, and why he’s walking away from the Labour Party

Source: Radio New Zealand

Peeni Henare stands in Matangireia at Parliament. RNZ / Lillian Hanly

Outgoing Labour MP Peeni Henare says he is ready to “see the back of this place”, as he prepares to leave both Parliament and the party who gave him an “opportunity” after 12 years.

“You can only try your best, and I believe I’ve done that,” he said in a sitdown interview with RNZ during his final week as a Labour MP, revealing the most difficult times for him were balancing “being Māori” and “being a politician”.

Henare said he had “mixed emotions” during his last days in Parliament, and said it was the “human connections” in the place that made him feel sad this week.

He had connections across the House, enjoying good relationships with members from all parties, saying that was a testament to how he conducted himself politically, “that’s always been my style”.

He also had connections with the security guards, earlier this week he thanked them for leaving kina in his fridge.

“I’ve had a lot of people from all different walks of life, inside and outside of Parliament, talking about how sad they are to see me leave politics, some even hope that I might change my mind,” he said.

Asked whether anyone in the Labour leadership had asked him to change his mind, he responded: “There’s always conversations with the Labour leadership, but my mind’s pretty made up”.

Peeni Henare is congratulated after his valedictory speech. RNZ / Lillian Hanly

The resignation

Henare’s shock resignation was announced at Waitangi, after he confirmed he was not contesting the Tāmaki Makaurau seat.

Following a messy media briefing with Labour leader Chris Hipkins, Henare announced he was calling time on his 12-year Parliamentary career, citing exhaustion and a desire to spend more time focusing on his family and future.

Hipkins, who initially refused to answer questions about the resignation, denied the announcement had been bungled, but it did not stop questions being asked about the circumstances.

At the time, New Zealand First Deputy leader Shane Jones, and a relation of Henare’s, expressed his surprise at the retirement.

He said he wanted to find out what had happened and that the “kumara vine” would inform him.

Ahead of Henare’s valedictory on Wednesday, Jones said he no longer wanted to speculate.

“That was a word said at Waitangi, and the god of wind has blown those words long way into the distance,” Jones said.

Asked if he thought Labour regretted letting Henare go, he said Henare was not the first Māori that Labour “forced out”, having left the party himself in 2014.

New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones expressed surprise when he heard of Henare’s retirement. RNZ / Mark Papalii

‘Maybe I should have been more of a Māori’ – Henare

In Henare’s maiden speech in 2014, he referred to Dr Pita Sharples of Te Pāti Māori, who had not been re-elected, saying “I have taken up the paddle of the vessel that you left behind”.

Asked about this, Henare said he believed every Māori had a bit of Te Pāti Māori in them. He described marching in the Foreshore and Seabed hīkoi in 2004, and more recently the Toitū te Tiriti hīkoi.

“I’m Māori to the core, but I make no bones about it – Labour gave me an opportunity, and one that I was fortunate to have.”

Surprising too perhaps given his family had been tied to the National Party.

“I ultimately chose Labour, and have worked hard for 12 years with them.”

He has held multiple ministerial portfolios, such as ACC, Civil Defence, Whānau Ora, Defence, Forestry, Tourism, Veterans and Youth Development, as well as various roles in opposition.

He was also the only Labour MP to be sent to the Privileges Committee as part of the haka Te Pāti Māori started in the house over the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill.

He was most proud of securing a significant boost of funding for Whānau Ora. In his valedictory speech on Wednesday, he described the establishment of the Māori Health Authority as a “crowning moment”.

Asked if he had any regrets from his time in Parliament, he referred to the Covid-19 pandemic response and questioned whether he had made the right decision at times.

“It was hurtful at that time, those decisions around burial and tikanga Māori and things like that were always quite difficult.”

Another “particularly challenging time” was Ihumātao he said, when he had to “dance on the head of a pin, if you like, as a politician and as a Māori”.

“I walked away from there thinking, maybe I should have been more of a Māori.”

On walking that fine line within the Labour party, he acknowledged it was challenging, however, the feeling of isolation or inability to express “your Māoritanga to its fullest” was a challenge for any Māori MP.

But because of the roles he had held in the past, and also the burden of his whakapapa (ancestry), it meant he would question “is Peeni the Māori today, or is he the politician?”

He did have fond memories of times when he was well supported in the Labour party and able to “progress kaupapa”, so it was a “bit of give and take”.

Peeni Henare (L), then Labour MP for Tamaki Makaurau, listens to speeches at Ihumātao in 2022. RNZ

The Māori vote

Last election, Labour lost six out of the seven Māori seats. He said there was strategising taking place to win them back.

“No doubt about it, we’ve got work to do” he said, on winning the Māori vote.

“My message is always the same for Māori in the Labour Party, don’t rebuild for the election.

“Rebuild with a view towards securing the Māori vote for the next 10 to 20 years.”

He said Willie Jackson, co-chair of the Māori caucus, did a good job of talking about Labour’s key areas of focus this year (jobs, health, homes), while also listening to what Māori wanted to see from a potential Labour government, “he’s a political animal”.

“But be under no illusion, the 2026 election is going to be a tough one.”

Asked whether the turmoil Te Pāti Māori faced last year was the reason Labour was in with a chance in the Māori seats this year, Henare said that was part of it.

He reflected on his success in 2014 being partly because the “tide was going out on Te Pāti Māori” because of their association with the National Party.

Peeni Henare stands in Matangireia at Parliament. RNZ / Lillian Hanly

‘My time was done’ – Henare

Last year, Henare lost for a second time to Te Pāti Māori in a by-election for the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate seat.

He had been honest about how bruising the loss was, and there were questions about whether he would run for the seat again.

He said there were ongoing conversations about how he was feeling and his career, and ultimately the party asked him to consider it all.

“There comes a time where you should call your time on your career and allow others to push the kaupapa forward.

“I decided my time was done.”

He described personal reasons, such as his family, for the decisions, but also that no one’s time in politics was infinite.

Hipkins was asked by RNZ on Tuesday this week whether he had any regrets that Henare was leaving. He said he was “very fond of Peeni”.

“I’m always sad to see any of my colleagues go, and I’ll be sad to see him go.”

Asked if the Labour leadership told Henare there was not a place for him, Hipkins maintained what he had said all along, that it was “Peeni’s decision”.

Chris Hipkins (R) and Peeni Henare, pictured in 2023. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

What’s next?

He had his eyes set on putting his experience, knowledge, connections and talent to work for his iwi, Ngāpuhi.

“Continuing to progress the kaupapa of my people and the wellbeing and interests of my people – that’s a calling that’s always been there for me.”

That could potentially take the form of being a negotiator for the Ngāpuhi treaty settlement, “Without being presumptuous – I think there’s an opportunity.”

On whether the Treaty Negotiation Minister had approached him, Henare said there had been nothing official, “he knows my number, when I leave this place – feel free to give me a call”.

Minister Paul Goldsmith told RNZ he would “have a chat” with Henare.

“I’ve got big challenge to find a way through to a settlement with Ngāpuhi, and I’ve got good Crown negotiators, but there may be a role somewhere in there for Peeni, he’s a real leader.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/outgoing-mp-peeni-henare-on-being-maori-a-politician-and-why-hes-walking-away-from-the-labour-party/

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Hawke’s Bay human trafficker Joseph Matamata loses sentence bid

Source: Radio New Zealand

Joseph Matamata in court. RNZ/ Anusha Bradley

New Zealand’s most notorious slavedriver and trafficker has failed in a bid to have his sentence shortened.

Joseph Matamata was jailed for 11 years in 2020 for using 13 people as slaves and 10 charges of human trafficking.

But the Court of Appeal has set aside two of the trafficking convictions, because the attorney general had not given delegation for a decision on those charges being brought.

The court had previously ruled the 11 year term imposed by Justice Helen Cull was ‘lenient in the circumstances’, and declined to cut it down further.

“We are satisfied that the outcome of the recall application should not impact Mr Matamata’s sentence,” said the Court of Appeal judges in yesterday’s decision.

“The number of convictions was a very minor consideration in setting the starting point and was just one of many considerations. Cull J also considered the extent of the emotional and financial harm caused to the victims, the abuse of Mr Matamata’s position of trust and authority in relation to the victims, the number of victims (which remains unchanged), the vulnerability of the victims and the high level of premeditation”

Matamata has served his minimum term of imprisonment of five years. The parole board twice refused him parole last year and he is due to reappear before the panel in June.

The 71-year-old brought people from Samoa to New Zealand to supply labour to orchards in Hawke’s Bay over 25 years from 1994 to 2019, promising them a better life.

But he kept their wages, restricted their movements and communications, and used threats or violence to control them.

They worked up to 14 hours a day in the fields, seven days a week, completing chores at Matamata’s home late into the evening and beaten up if they broke rules, including speaking to their families in Samoa or leaving his Hastings home without permission.

The oldest victim was in his 50s and the youngest was just 12. The boy described being beaten, stabbed and fed stale food.

“When the bamboo stick breaks, then it’s the belt,” he told police. “When he gets a sore hand from the belt, from holding the belt, then that’s when the stick comes.”

Matamata denied a nine-foot fence around his property was to lock his slaves in. Immigration New Zealand “conservatively estimated” he kept more than $400,000 in wages they had earned.

He used three-month holiday visas to recruit new workers, and adopted three young people in 2016.

A 15-year-old girl, who thought she had come to New Zealand for schooling, told the jury she was instead made to look after Matamata’s children, cook and clean. She said she ran away to Auckland but Matamata caught up with her and tied her up in his car for the journey back, when she was placed in a storeroom for the night.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/hawkes-bay-human-trafficker-joseph-matamata-loses-sentence-bid/

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Beneficiary numbers soar to 12-year high despite government’s reduction promise

Source: Radio New Zealand

Social development minister Louise Upston. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Beneficiary numbers have soared to a 12-year high, under a government that promised a reduction.

They were the highest both by volume and percentage of the working-age population since at least the 2013 welfare reforms.

Social development minister Louise Upston said in 2024 – less than three months after taking office – that the government was taking action to “curb the surge in welfare dependency” that ocurred under the former Labour government.

But the most recent Ministry of Social Development data revealed that was yet to take hold.

As of December last year, 427,236 people – about the population of Christchurch – were receiving a main benefit.

That was 13.2 percent of the working-age population, the highest recorded since at least 2013, when reforms replaced multiple benefits with three main benefits: Jobseeker, Sole Parent Support and Supported Living Payment.

More than half of beneficiaries – 223,512 people, or 6.9 percent of the working age population – were on the Jobseeker benefit. That was also a record.

Soon after taking power the government set a target of 50,000 fewer people on the Jobseeker benefit by 2030.

So far, there had been an 18 percent jump: from 190,000 in December 2023 to 223,500 in December last year.

The 18 to 24-year-old age group on the Jobseeker benefit had grown the most in that period, rising 32 percent.

Minister blames former Labour government

Upston said the numbers were a result of the coalition inheriting “difficult economic conditions and a tough labour market” from the former Labour government.

“Unemployment has been rising since 2021 and is always one of the last things to improve after a recession,” she said.

“We know there is more work to do to grow the economy, fix the basics and build a welfare system focused on getting more people into work.”

More than 83,500 people came off a main benefit and found work last year, she said.

The government’s initiatives to curb benefit numbers included the traffic light system which was working well to ensure jobseekers were fulfilling their obligations, she said.

In Parliament on Wednesday, Labour’s Willie Jackson grilled Upston about rising Jobseeker numbers.

Upston said Labour’s increased spending during the Covid-19 pandemic drove up inflation, leading to higher unemployment.

“That’s why the forecast has always been due to get worse before it gets better,” she said.

Labour’s social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime said the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon needed to take responsibility.

“It’s been more than two years since National took office, their excuses are getting old and shows just how out of touch they are,” she said.

“Christopher Luxon promised to fix the cost of living. He hasn’t just failed – he’s made it worse.”

Labour’s social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. VNP / Phil Smith

High unemployment driving benefit dependency, but set to improve – economist

The rise was largely driven by a weak labour market, said Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen said.

“There has been a larger proportional increase in Jobseeker support benefit requirements compared to all other benefits on average,” he said.

The government had options to intervene but they were not all politically or socially palatable, Olsen said.

That included clamping down access to benefits.

Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

“Which could well reduce the overall numbers, but would likely leave a number of New Zealanders out in the cold and facing very challenging circumstances at a time when we know that the number of jobs being advertised in the economy are still 25 percent lower than pre-pandemic and the unemployment rate is at a 10-year high.”

The government could also try to create jobs but that was expensive and could lead to higher inflation, said Olsen.

“The government doesn’t have a lot of spare money to all of a sudden magic up a whole bunch of jobs there in the short term without generating other economic challenges in other areas.

“So at the moment, our expectation would more be that the government will look to try and reduce the number of beneficiaries over time as the labour market improves, and we do expect that will happen over the next couple of years.”

Although unemployment was high, there had also been a 0.5 percent expansion in the number of jobs which was the largest in about two and a half years, he said.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/beneficiary-numbers-soar-to-12-year-high-despite-governments-reduction-promise/

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Some Aucklanders ‘very wound up’ over housing intensification plans

Source: Radio New Zealand

An apartment on Hobson Street in central Auckland. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Aucklanders are having mixed reactions to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s plan to push ahead with intensification in inner-city suburbs.

Last month, the government agreed to reduce Auckland’s minimum housing capacity from roughly two million to 1.6 million in the coming decades. That is still 400,000 more than the 1.2 million under its current Unitary Plan.

Mayor Brown said his council would be asking the government to allow more housing density within 10 kilometres of the city, where there is good public transport and infrastructure.

Sally Hughes, from the Auckland heritage group the Character Coalition, said she was worried about what the council’s plans would mean for suburbs with historic architecture.

“We’re very concerned about Kingsland, Mount Eden, and the North Shore, which are all included in that 10km where intensification isn’t going to be reduced. We’re very unhappy about that decision,” Hughes said.

Auckland Councillors are yet to see any of the more than 10,000 public submissions it received on a future housing plan for Auckland last year.

About 50 council staff were working to summarise the feedback for councillors to review in the next few months.

Mayor Wayne Brown said his council would be asking the government to allow more housing density within 10 kilometres of the city. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Hughes said the public’s concerns should be heard before any decisions are made.

“A number of councillors have expressed concern that they were making this decision, including the arbitrary 10km, without seeing any of the submissions,” she said.

“That’s our concern, too. We fear Aucklanders aren’t being listened to.”

Long-time Parnell resident Laurie Mayne said he, along with two other people, including his wife Stephanie, had brought on a lawyer and an economist to put an alternative proposal to the council and the government.

They are proposing that intensification be restricted to the city centre, metropolitan centres, and within 800 metres of rapid transit stops, with greenfield development making up the rest of the housing capacity required.

“The threat for the likes of my wife and I, and every other Parnell resident and every other Ponsonby and Mount Eden resident, is not that we will be inundated with 15-storey buildings. We’re not concerned about that because that’s not an issue. That will never happen,” Mayne said.

“What we’re concerned about is the theft of our property rights by a developer coming in, being enabled to and encouraged to build a 15-storey apartment building right on my boundary.

“That’s what’s getting people in Auckland, rightly very wound up.”

St Georges Bay Road in Parnell, Auckland. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

He said their proposal could deliver the 1.6 million capacity needed.

But Jon Reeves, of the Public Transport Users Association, welcomed the council’s decision.

He said the government had invested a lot in improving the city’s public transport network, including the City Rail Link, which was due to open later this year.

“It would make logical sense to increase housing and intensification around the public transport nodes. We obviously want more bums on seats to help pay for the investment,” Reeves said.

But he said there was a balance to strike.

“We don’t want to just demolish every heritage area to put up large apartment blocks. Places like Parnell, you have to weigh it up. Do we want to demolish what character is left there or not, and that’s a question that not only the council but residents should have a say about.”

Director of the transport advocacy website Greater Auckland, Matt Lowrie, also agreed with the mayor’s approach.

“It makes sense that the focus of intensification will be in the areas closest to the city centre, on good public transport routes, and in town centres. Those are the areas where there’s the highest amenity and the most attractiveness for development, and also the best transport links to the city centre, where a lot of people are working,” Lowrie said.

“There’s a whole lot of noise that’s gone on from people who have been successful in the past in forcing development out to the fringes in places like Flatbush, leading to people having long commutes because they’ve tried to prevent housing in their areas.

“What we’re seeing now is housing being put in the places where it should be put, which is close to the city.”

He believed people did not need to be fearful about suburbs being taken over by high-rises.

“Just because something is zoned for an apartment doesn’t mean that it’s going to be built.

“For example, we’re already seeing where zoning allows for five-and-six-storey apartments, two to three-storey townhouses are being built instead.

“That’s a key point that often people miss about this. It’s just allowing development, should people want to. But those locations close to train stations and busway stations are ideal for more homes.”

Final decisions about Auckland’s housing needs aren’t expected to be made until mid-2027.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/some-aucklanders-very-wound-up-over-housing-intensification-plans/

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Police investigating threat made towards Timaru school

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Police say there is no information to suggest a threat made towards a Timaru school was credible.

Police were alerted to the message about 7.45pm on Tuesday.

“We will not detail the specifics of the threat, however, investigators are actively pursuing positive lines of enquiry to identify the person responsible for sending the message,” Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker said.

“Officers are providing reassurance patrols in the area, and we are working closely with the school as the investigation progresses.”

Police are unable to comment further.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/police-investigating-threat-made-towards-timaru-school/

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Preliminary report into Moa Point wastewater plant made private during Crown review

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lyall Bay beach and the rest of Wellington’s south coast has been off limits since the Moa Point treatment plant failed on 4 February. RNZ / Krystal Gibbens

A preliminary report into the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has been handed to Wellington City Council officers, but will not be made public while the Crown review is taking place, Wellington Water says.

Wellington Water said the report it commissioned was handed to staff on Tuesday night.

The plant suffered huge damage in a failure in February, and since then millions of litres of raw sewage have been pumped into Cook Strait.

The government announced a Crown Review Team would investigate the failure under the Local Government Act 2002, in the weeks following the incident.

A rāhui was also put in place on the stretch of southern coast from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay, and was lifted a few weeks later.

The majority of wastewater is being screened and discharged through the long outfall pipe, but excess volumes of unscreened wastewater are going into the sea through the short outfall pipe.

Wellington Water said Moa Point can only pump between 1300 and 1500 litres per second through the long outfall – more than enough for average dry weather flows.

It said a preliminary assessment has been completed, and specialists are working through further assessments following a detailed physical inspection of the plant.

Wellington Water said final assessments are needed to figure out the repair timeframe, and assured the community all parties involved are acutely aware of the need to deliver this as quickly as possible, without jeopardising the quality and accuracy of the recovery.

Initial equipment has also been ordered to keep the plant operating in an interim state.

Wellington Water said not everything will be ordered to get the plant operational again until final assessments have been completed and repair options have been agreed with the council.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/preliminary-report-into-moa-point-wastewater-plant-made-private-during-crown-review/

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NZ contributes changes to Pacific fisheries

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has secured orange roughy catch limits in the South Pacific for another two years at a Pacific regional fisheries meeting, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

The proposal brought to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) by New Zealand and Australia, was adopted without opposition from other member countries.

“The adoption of New Zealand’s proposal to retain current levels of orange roughy catch in this fishery until 2028 is a vote of confidence in our commitment to commercially viable and sustainable South Pacific fisheries,” Mr Jones says.

“This decision, combined with last year’s agreement at SPRFMO to increase carry forward of unused annual catch, supports jobs in New Zealand and our economy, and makes a real difference for our fishing industry.”

A further proposal by New Zealand to increase the bycatch threshold for coral and sponge before fishers are required to move on from the area was not supported.

“While I’m disappointed there was not agreement on this proposal, New Zealand will be making the same proposal next year. I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure continued access to the South Pacific fishery.

“I reiterate that this proposal is based on the best available scientific information we have, and will ensure our commercial fishers in the South Pacific are not hampered by needlessly restrictive rules, while still preventing significant adverse effects on the marine ecosystem,” Mr Jones says.

New Zealand’s proposal to strengthen measures to protect seabirds in bottom longline and trawl fisheries was adopted at the meeting.

“Many of our taonga seabirds, including albatross and petrels, range across the Pacific. These measures are crucial for their protection. They align with international best practice, as well as the rules that apply for commercial fishers in New Zealand waters,” Mr Jones says.

New Zealand also made progress in the establishment of binding labour standards for crew on fishing vessels operated by member countries in the high seas of the South Pacific. The proposal from New Zealand and the United States recognises the unique work environment on board fishing vessels and the vulnerability of crew to exploitation.

“While no consensus was reached at this meeting, there was good progress on the text of the new rules which establish basic minimum conditions for crew on fishing vessels. “We will continue this important work with the aim of having these adopted in 2027 so fishing crews in the region are protected from exploitation and the same ethical standards apply to all fishers in the region.”

“I remain committed to ensuring New Zealand has access to commercially viable fisheries in the Pacific, and I will continue to advocate for fisheries management that strikes a balance between environmental protections and these economic benefits,” Mr Jones says.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/nz-contributes-changes-to-pacific-fisheries/

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Recap: White Ferns pull off series sweep against Zimbabwe

Source: Radio New Zealand

The White Ferns have pulled off another series sweep against Zimbabwe after winning the third and final One Day International in Dunedin by 200 runs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the White Ferns set the visitors 304 to win thanks to a 94-run knock from Maddy Green and 80 runs from opener Amelia Kerr.

Kerr, the captain, then picked up five wickets.

Earlier, the White Ferns won the T20 series 3-0.

Read back on the action:

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/recap-white-ferns-pull-off-series-sweep-against-zimbabwe/

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One person dies from e-scooter crash injuries

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. 123RF

A person has died in hospital after crashing off an e-scooter in the town of Twizel late last month.

Police said the e-scooter crash happened on 28 February.

No other vehicle was involved in the incident.

Police said the person passed away in hospital yesterday from their injuries.

The death has been referred to the coroner.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/one-person-dies-from-e-scooter-crash-injuries/

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Appeal for information: Fatal crash, SH5, Taupō

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal crash on State Highway 5, Taupō, on Monday.

On Monday 9 March, around 2.10am, Police were called to the single vehicle crash where sadly one person was located deceased.

The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain on going.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the manner of driving of a Green Land Rover Discovery towing a trailer with two motorcycles.

Alternatively, if you have dashcam footage from the State Highway 5, Taupō, or surrounding areas, in the late hours of Sunday 8 March to the early hours of Monday morning, please get in touch.

Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 260309/9199.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/appeal-for-information-fatal-crash-sh5-taupo/

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Under-35s buying less vapes could be result of tighter regulations

Source: Radio New Zealand

Justin Lester, director of Dot Loves Data said this trend was likely a consequence of tightening restrictions around marketing and flavours. 123rf

Under-35s are spending less on vapes each year, according to an analysis of bank transactions by Dot Loves Data.

Eighteen to 24-year-olds spent $90 million on vape products throughout 2025, down from $105 million in 2024.

And among those aged 25 to 34 – historically the largest spending cohort – spend was down from $122m in 2024, to $113m in 2025.

Justin Lester, director of Dot Loves Data, said those numbers had been trending down since 2023 – and so far, were continuing to fall in 2026.

Dot Loves Data, based in Wellington, was bought by ANZ in 2022, giving it exclusive daily access to ANZ transactions on credit and eftpos cards, which made up 35 percent of transactions nationwide.

Overall, Lester said, vape spend was down, after peaking at $34 million a month in 2025. By this January, that figure had dropped to $32 million.

Annually, New Zealanders spent a total of $401 million on vaping products in 2025, compared with $417 million in 2024.

It was not possible to see what products people were buying based on the data, Lester said, and they didn’t collect data for under-18s.

Lester said this trend was likely a consequence of tightening restrictions around marketing and flavours.

The government had made a range of regulation changes in recent years, including a ban on disposable vapes and a restrictions for marketing and flavours.

However, it was a different story among older demographics. For age groups over 35, spending remained comparatively steady, even increasing in line with price increases.

In general, men spent more on vapes than women.

According to the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey, 11.7 percent of adults were daily vapers, with the highest rates found among those aged 18 to 34, Māori and Pacific people, and adults living in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

Jonathan Devery, chairperson of the Vaping Industry Association (VIANZ), said the figures were encouraging, and pointed to those restrictions targeting young people having an effect.

While data wasn’t available for under-18s, the ASH Year 10 Snapshot Survey of up to 30,000 students each year, showed regular vaping was on the decline.

Devery said those who didn’t experiment with vapes as teenagers were less likely to carry the habit into their twenties.

“Daily and experimental use amongst that age group has been on a steady decline for five years now, so I think you’re seeing a relationship between those under-18s not experimenting or using those products as they were five or so years ago, and those Kiwis falling into the new dataset no longer using those products.”

Devery said, according to retailers, the disposable ban had had the largest impact on sales.

He said research had shown the older generation tended to be the ones who had replaced a smoking habit with vaping, and were not such big users of the disposable, fun-flavoured alternatives.

ANZ data far higher than government estimate

The ANZ number was far higher than the Ministry of Health’s estimated total sales for “notifiable products” (vaping, smokeless tobacco, and herbal smoking products).

In 2024, the most recent year available, it was “at least $280 million”, compared to ANZ’s $401 million. The ministry noted its estimate was based on specialist vape retailers reporting their sales data, and was incomplete.

Data for 2025 was not available for comparison.

Devery explained those estimates relied on retailers and distributors accurately reporting their sales, but that wasn’t always happening, and a better, clearer platform for reporting data might help.

“Retailers, distributors, suppliers are all doing their best with the education and platform that they have available to them.”

A Ministry of Health spokesperson said it continued to work with industry to improve the usability and reliability of the annual returns system.

As the law left a relatively short window in which to submit annual returns, it had taken “a pragmatic approach” to ensure industry participants had enough time to submit complete and accurate information by allowing late or corrected submissions.

“This helps ensure that any information released publicly reflects the most accurate picture of the market,” it said.

But Letitia Harding, chief executive of the Asthma Foundation, said there needed to be harsher consequences for retailers for poor reporting. “It’s got to have enforcement, and that’s definitely been lacking,” she said.

The ministry said for the past year its compliance focus had been on retail practices that presented the greatest potential public health risk, like sales to minors, visibility and advertising restrictions.

“Annual returns reporting remains important for regulatory oversight; however, it has not been an area where limited compliance resources have been heavily directed.”

The ministry said it was unable to comment on the reported discrepancy between its number, and ANZ’s, “as we do not have visibility of how ANZ has collected or calculated its information, including what market segments or assumptions may have been included”.

Regulations may be having an effect, but there’s more still to do: Asthma Foundation

Harding said while there was no doubt regulations were having an impact, she was still concerned by other studies which showed 18 to 24 year-olds maintained a high rate of daily vaping. “They’re the ones we’re concerned don’t have the support to quit vaping.”

She was also cautious the data didn’t show what products people were buying, and how many. “It would be interesting to see what’s going out.”

Box mods, or non-disposables – typically favoured by older generations – tended to be more expensive. But you only needed to buy it once, and then the only ongoing expense was vape juice.

The data on locality, however, was well supported by existing evidence, she said, and it was concerning to see vape spend highest in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/under-35s-buying-less-vapes-could-be-result-of-tighter-regulations/

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Positive lines of enquiry into threat against school

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are making enquiries after a threat was made towards a Timaru school, however there is no information to suggest it is credible.

Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker says Police were alerted to the message about 7.45pm on 10 March.

“We will not detail the specifics of the threat, however investigators are actively pursuing positive lines of enquiry to identify the person responsible for sending the message.

“Officers are providing reassurance patrols in the area, and we are working closely with the school as the investigation progresses.

“At this time, we are unable to comment further, however ask anyone with direct information to contact us.”

You can make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260310/5712.

Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/positive-lines-of-enquiry-into-threat-against-school/

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CTU stands in solidarity with teachers

Source: NZCTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey is supporting NZEI Te Riu Roa and calling on Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche to back down from his plans to offer individual employment agreements to primary teachers.

“This is an outright attack on the tens of thousands of teachers up and down the country who choose to join together to fight for better pay and conditions,” said Grey.

“It is totally unacceptable that the Public Service Commissioner is attempting to turn teachers against each other and undermine solidarity across the sector.

“Brian Roche has overstepped the mark by breaching good faith bargaining and undermining the role of unions. This comes after his scandalous decision last year to run taxpayer funded ads to attack striking workers.

“It’s time for Roche to take his responsibilities to support public servants seriously. It is the workers who keep the public service running, not ministers. He has an obligation to them.

“As New Zealanders we love our teachers. They deserve to be paid what they’re worth and valued for their tireless work educating our tamariki.

“The CTU and wider union movement stands in solidarity with primary teachers and NZEI Te Riu Roa in the face of this outrageous attack,” said Grey.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/ctu-stands-in-solidarity-with-teachers/

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Job Losses – Heinz Wattie’s Announces Proposed Changes to Operations in New Zealand

Source: Heinz Wattie

Today, Heinz Wattie’s Limited announced proposed changes to certain areas of its New Zealand business as part of the company’s shift to focus on its long-term strategy.

After careful consideration, the company is proposing to discontinue sale and production of frozen vegetables and Gregg’s coffee, as well as dips sold primarily under Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands. These products would be phased out over the course of the year. 
The proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities located in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King Street, Hastings. 
Approximately 350 roles are expected to be impacted as a result of the proposed site closures and other changes across the business. The final number would be confirmed following consultation and consideration of redeployment opportunities.
Heinz Wattie’s Managing Director, Andrew Donegan, said: “We are deeply aware of the impact this would have on our people, their families, our growers and suppliers, and the communities we have been part of for many years. These are people who have helped build this business over decades, and our priority now is supporting them.”
“The decision to start this process was not taken lightly. Numerous alternatives and options were explored before reaching this phase. It is a necessary step to position our company for the future.” Donegan adds. 
Over recent years, the manufacturing environment in New Zealand has become increasingly difficult.  Globally high inflation and various industry challenges have all placed ongoing pressure on the commercial performance of the business.
The business will continue to work closely with employees, union representatives, growers, suppliers, retail partners and other local stakeholders throughout the consultation period.

ABOUT HEINZ WATTIE’S
A subsidiary of The Kraft Heinz Company, Heinz Wattie’s is a major food producer with a proud New Zealand heritage. Founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, Wattie’s is home to the nation’s favourite tomato sauce, baked beans, spaghetti and a wide range of fruit and vegetable products and meals enjoyed by millions of Kiwis up and down the country. Learn more about New Zealand’s best-loved food brand, by visiting www.watties.co.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/job-losses-heinz-watties-announces-proposed-changes-to-operations-in-new-zealand/

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Education – MIT and Unitec showcase united vision at ASB Polyfest

Source: Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec

Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland – 11 March 2026 – One Waka. One Future. Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec will present a powerful symbol of unity and shared purpose at ASB Polyfest 2026, unveiling a joint presence that reflects their unification this year as a single organisation serving our communities and learners in Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland.

ASB Polyfest will be held across two events in 2026: the Pacific and Diversity Stages from 18–21 March at the Manukau Sports Bowl and Te Paparewa Māori stage from 30 March–2 April at the Due Drop Event Centre.
At the heart of MIT and Unitec’s presence this year will be a shared marquee – which brings to life Tāmaki Waka Hourua, a values framework guiding MIT and Unitec as they align their strengths, expertise and aspirations in one shared direction and purpose.
Waka Hourua, means ‘a double-hulled canoe’ and symbolises what were previously two institutions now travelling forward together alongside the communities they’ve proudly served for over 50 years.
Director Maori Education, Dr Wiremu Manaia explains: “This framework is grounded in core Māori principles:Whakapapa – the ancestral line that binds crew and vessel, Mana whakahaere – authority and responsibility to steer, Kotahitanga – unity of purpose, Mauri – the collective life force.”
These principles align with this year’s Polyfest theme, “Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi nō te Moana nui a Kiwa, āke, ake, ake!” (“The environment lives in me, as I live in it – a Pacific Youth Eco-Warrior for generations to come”).
MIT and Unitec’s shared presence represents a unified future under the guiding whakataukī:
“Nā te kaha ka whakatutuki, nā te kotahitanga ka whai hua.”
With strength we achieve; through unity we succeed.

A Defining Year. A Legacy Spanning More Than Two Decades
As Polyfest celebrates its 51st year, MIT and Unitec’s united presence marks a defining milestone.

In January 2026, the two institutions formally came together as the largest on campus provider of vocational education in Aotearoa New Zealand — a single, independent regional entity focused on delivering stronger outcomes for learners, industry and communities across Auckland.
Polyfest, widely recognised as Australasia’s largest secondary school cultural festival, will once again draw more than 80,000 visitors across six cultural stages representing the Cook Islands, Diversity, Māori, Niue, Samoa and Tonga.
MIT and Unitec’s presence at Polyfest builds on a longstanding relationship with the festival and the communities it represents.
“Although MIT and Unitec have come together as a new joint entity, our long and proud history of serving our communities and learners across Tāmaki Makaurau for more than 50 years remains as strong as ever. Our presence again this year at ASB Polyfest reflects that commitment,” says Executive Director, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.
For more than 20 years, our institutions have stood alongside the festival — supporting ākonga (students) as they develop confidence, cultural pride and leadership.
“Unitec became the first tertiary sponsor of Polyfest in 2003. MIT proudly sponsored the Niue stage in 2010, and together we sponsored the Tongan stage in 2025. These milestones reflect a deep and enduring relationship with a festival that celebrates the identity, culture, and aspirations of our Pacific communities,” Peseta says.

Visible Unity, Stronger Pathways

Polyfest is more than a cultural festival — it’s a powerful platform where education can lift the hopes and aspirations of Pacific youth.
“Through events like this, we can help young people see the pathways available to them in education and employment with our schools,” Peseta says.
“At MIT and Unitec, we are incredibly proud of our Pacific learners. They are achieving great qualifications and going on to strong career outcomes, contributing their skills and leadership back into their communities and across the country.”
MIT and Unitec are strengthening pathways from secondary school to tertiary study and employment. As one organisation, they offer broader programme options, enhanced learner support, deeper industry connections and a regionally focused approach designed specifically for Auckland.
“We’re continuing to strengthen our relationships with schools, families and communities across the region. This week, we welcomed careers advisors from across Aucklan to connect with our teams and learn more about the opportunities available for their students,” Peseta says.
For high schools, whānau and communities attending Polyfest, the message is clear: MIT and Unitec are united, future-focused and committed to being the education provider of choice for Auckland’s young people — now and for generations to come.
Want to know more about our course offerings, programmes and career pathways at MIT and Unitec? Find us at the MIT and Unitec Marquee at Polyfest. Come meet our amazing kaimahi (staff), take a selfie at our activations, or leave a message.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/education-mit-and-unitec-showcase-united-vision-at-asb-polyfest/

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Missing man located, Horeke

Source: New Zealand Police

A 64-year-old man who went missing in the Far North last night has been located safe and well after spending a night in the bush.

Police received a report at around 8.45pm that a man had become separated from his group during a walk near Horeke.

Detective Inspector Geoff McCarthy, of Northland Police, says the man did not have a phone on him and the weather was deteriorating.

“Police and Land Search and Rescue activated at 10pm and searched large areas of bush through the night.”

With no sign of the man by daybreak, the Horeke community rallied together to help find him.

“This morning, Police and LandSAR received extensive assistance from the community and the man’s whānau.”

“The man was located safe and sound at around 9.30am, and was able to walk out of the bush,” Detective Inspector McCarthy says

Police appreciate the support received from the local community.

“Police would like to thank the Horeke community for their help in locating him.”

ENDS

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/missing-man-located-horeke/

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Vehicle seized after anti-social road user activity in Porirua cemetery

Source: New Zealand Police

On Monday 9 March at about 7.30pm, Police received multiple reports from members of the public of a blue Ford Falcon car speeding within the grounds of the Whenua Tapu Cemetery in Porirua.
Inspector Renee Perkins, Area Commander Kapiti-Mana, says “It is alleged the driver of the Ford vehicle, drove recklessly in the grounds of the cemetery for about 15 minutes, along with other vehicles. It’s lucky no one was hurt due to this dangerous behaviour.”

“Thanks to information provided by the public, and through our initial enquiries, we were able to seize one of the vehicles and we continue our search for the other vehicles and their drivers. This real time information is crucial in helping us know where to be and assists in our investigations, allowing us to take action like seizing vehicles and holding those responsible to account.

“Not only is this a dangerous activity within a cemetery, but it is also incredibly disrespectful for a place where people go to grieve and remember their loved ones who have passed.”

Anita Baker Mayor of Porirua says “This type of dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated. It costs money to fix damage left by unruly drivers. We are grateful to members of the public who contacted Police at the time the incident was taking place.” 

If anyone witnessed this incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage and is yet to contact us to please do so.

If you have information that can assist in our enquiries, you can contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, using the reference number P065700148.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/vehicle-seized-after-anti-social-road-user-activity-in-porirua-cemetery/

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New Solicitor-General appointed

Source: New Zealand Government

Anna Adams has been appointed Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, Attorney-General Judith Collins announced today.

“Ms Adams is an outstanding lawyer and leader,” Ms Collins says.

“She has extensive experience in public law and has worked for many years at the highest levels of our legal system.

“Ms Adams also brings strong private‑sector leadership, having chaired a major national law firm. That mix of legal expertise and practical leadership makes her exceptionally well suited to the role of Solicitor-General.

“She is widely respected for her judgement, integrity and commitment to the law. I am confident she will provide strong and effective leadership at Crown Law and continue the high standards expected of the Solicitor-General.”

The Solicitor-General is a key constitutional role, serving as the Crown’s principal legal adviser, providing advice to the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General and Cabinet, and leads the Crown Law Office. The Solicitor-General is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Governor-General.

Ms Adams is an expert in public law with 28 years of experience across advisory work and litigation. She has acted in criminal prosecutions and civil cases for both public and private sector clients and has appeared as lead counsel in more than 100 cases in the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal, including complex coronial inquests and major inquiries.

Ms Adams is currently a barrister at Bankside Chambers. She previously spent 20 years at Meredith Connell, serving as lead partner for public and health law and later as Chair of the Board. She also holds governance roles, including on the board of PHARMAC.

Ms Adams holds an LLM from Yale Law School, an LLB (Hons) and a BA from the University of Auckland. She has been appointed for five years from 11 May 2026.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/new-solicitor-general-appointed/

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Fatal crash: Forrest Hill

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash on William Souter Street, Forrest Hill this morning.

Police were called at around 8.55am to reports of a single-vehicle crash.

A car has mounted the curb and hit two people before impacting a building.

One person was transported to hospital in a critical condition, and they have sadly now died from their injuries.

Two people sustained moderate injuries. One was transported to hospital and the other was treated at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance.

Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/fatal-crash-forrest-hill/

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Appeal for information following serious assault, Mahia

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Joshua Jones – Wairoa CIB: 

Police are appealing for information following a serious assault at an address in Mahia at the end of February.

On Saturday 28 February, around 11.30pm, Police were called with a report that a man had entered an address uninvited, on Newcastle Street, and seriously assaulted one of the occupants.

The man was confronted by another occupant of the address, who has hit the man over the head with a golf club causing injury to his head and face – as a result he has fled from the property on a side-by-side quadbike, down Newcastle Street and onto Weld Street.

This is a very serious incident that has happened in a place where the victim should have been able to feel safe. The victim sustained serious injuries, and both occupants are understandably very shaken by the incident.

Police have conducted initial enquiries, but have been unable to identify the man, and are now seeking the public’s assistance.

The man is described to be in his 30s or 40s around 6’1”-6’3”/185.4cm-190.5cm in height, and of chubby build. He was reported to be wearing a white singlet and jeans. He has very short, black, hair and a receding hair line.

Police are asking for anyone that has seen a man matching this description, or who had unexplained head injuries from the weekend of Saturday 28 February, to please get in touch.

Additionally, we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed a dark coloured quad bike in the Newcastle Street and Weld Street areas, between 11pm and midnight on that Saturday night, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage of the area.

Information can be provided by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and clicking “update report”, or by calling 105.

Please quote file number 260301/0548.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/appeal-for-information-following-serious-assault-mahia/