Category: MIL NZ OSI

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Bill paves way for MCERT

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has introduced legislation to Parliament to establish the new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), a key step in delivering its ambitious reform agenda across housing, transport, urban development and the environment.

The Environment (Disestablishment of the Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Bill paves the way for the Ministry for the Environment to integrate into MCERT alongside the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Transport, and the local government functions of the Department of Internal Affairs.

“The new agency will be at the heart of tackling some of New Zealand’s greatest economic and environmental challenges, from housing affordability and our infrastructure deficit to climate adaptation,” RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Ministry for the Environment is the only agency forming MCERT that was established by statute. That means it is the only Ministry that requires legislative change to enable the new department to be created, and we are moving swiftly to make that happen.”

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says the amendment to the Environment Act will formally disestablish the Ministry for the Environment and transfer its statutory responsibilities to the Secretary for the Environment.

“MCERT will administer the Environment Act, with its chief executive fulfilling the role of Secretary for the Environment, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of environmental oversight.

“Environmental functions remain a core part of the new Ministry’s work. Bringing related portfolios together in one department will provide integrated, practical advice that both protects our environment and lifts prosperity for communities across New Zealand.”

MCERT is set to be established from 1 April 2026 and become operational from 1 July 2026. A chief executive for the new agency will be appointed in the coming months.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/bill-paves-way-for-mcert/

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Te Huia service extension welcomed

Source: New Zealand Government

The New Zealand Transport Agency’s decision to extend the Waikato-Auckland passenger rail service Te Huia is welcomed, Rail Minister Winston Peters says.

“Te Huia came into existence because we funded KiwiRail to refurbish the carriages and build a dedicated mechanical depot in Hamilton,” Mr Peters says.

“The five-year trial service was negatively impacted by the Covid-19 Auckland shutdowns in its first year, so a one-year extension is pragmatic and means a fair assessment can be given.

“This Waikato Regional Council’s service has received strong patronage, developed into a weekday commuter and weekend city connector, and has 98 percent customer satisfaction rates which are a credit to operator KiwiRail’s crews.

“We are pleased to see the service will continue,” Mr Peters says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/te-huia-service-extension-welcomed/

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Environment comes last as Government abolishes dedicated ministry

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is condemning the Government’s decision to disestablish the Ministry for the Environment.

“This is failure by a Minister who has turned her back on the very portfolio she was entrusted to protect. Abolishing her own ministry is as monumental as it is shameful,” said Green Party environment spokesperson Lan Pham. 

“The Ministry for the Environment exists because in 1986 New Zealanders decided that protecting our natural world needed a dedicated voice at the heart of government. 

“Burying the Ministry for the Environment inside a super-ministry designed to drive growth and infrastructure sends a clear signal that the environment comes last for this Government. 

“This is a Minister who claimed the balance had swung ‘too far’ towards the environment, even as her own ministry’s reporting showed air pollution, freshwater pollution, ocean pollution, and biodiversity loss all getting worse. 

“At a time when climate change is flooding our communities week after week, costing billions of dollars, lives, and livelihoods, this Government’s response is to dismantle the ministry responsible for environmental protection. 

“Abolishing the Ministry to streamline consent processes for roads and mining tells you exactly what this Government values more. It is economic growth at any cost. 

“Adding an ‘E’ to a new super-ministry and expecting New Zealanders to believe the environment will be looked after is fooling no one. New Zealanders deserve so much better,” said Pham.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/environment-comes-last-as-government-abolishes-dedicated-ministry/

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Public engagement on civil and political rights

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice

Headline: Public engagement on civil and political rights

The Government wants to hear from the public and civil society organisations before 19 March 2026 on its draft report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (the Covenant).

General Manager, Civil and Constitutional at the Ministry of Justice, Kathy Brightwell, says all countries that have signed up to the Covenant have agreed to submit reports to the United Nations Human Rights Committee providing detail on how civil and political rights are being upheld.
 
The report, which is New Zealand’s seventh, responds to the recommendations and events following our last examination in 2016.
 
“New Zealand has a strong human rights record, and the draft report summarises New Zealand’s commitment to upholding civil and political rights. These rights include the right to life, liberty and security, to privacy, freedom of expression, association and assembly and criminal procedure rights, such as the right to a fair trial,” she says.

The content takes a constructive approach in explaining issues New Zealand is facing and what is being done to address these issues. 

The New Zealand Government will submit the final report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee following the consultation process.

How you can get involved

Your feedback will help to inform the report and provide information about how the Government is upholding civil and political rights in New Zealand. 

Submissions are open from 19 February 2026 to 19 March 2026. You can submit:

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MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/public-engagement-on-civil-and-political-rights/

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Hamilton-to-Auckland train Te Huia trial extended to June 2027

Source: Radio New Zealand

Te Huia was launched in April 2021 for a five-year trial which was due to end in June 2026, but has now been extended by a year. RNZ / Gill Bonnett

The Hamilton-to-Auckland train, Te Huia, has been given an extra year to prove itself.

The train provides an interregional passenger rail service between the regions of Waikato and Auckland.

On Thursday afternoon the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) board agreed to a Waikato Regional Council request to keep government funding steady at 60 percent for a one-year extension.

The council took the step to ask for the extension in December 2025, expressing a need for certainty from NZTA before the council began its long term plan process.

The council argued that the current trial had been too heavily affected by Covid delays, being temporarily banned from operating in Auckland, and repeated line closures on the Auckland network.

Te Huia was launched in April 2021 for a five-year trial which was due to end in June 2026. It will now continue until the end of June 2027 with government funding steady at a 60 percent funding assistance rate.

Waikato Regional Council said councillors would now be asked to support continued local funding at the current rate when they meet next week to consider the budget for 2026/27.

The future of Te Huia and its funding would then be discussed with the public as part of the 2027-2037 Long Term Plan process.

Waikato Regional Council chairperson Warren Maher thanked the NZTA board for its decision.

“I also note the support we received from local councils, as well as champions of Te Huia.”

In December, letters of support from Auckland, Hamilton City, Waipā and Waikato district councils said they were committed to sustainable economic growth across the sub-region, along the Hamilton to Auckland corridor, and in the emerging economic zone centred around the north Waikato and south Auckland areas.

Also earlier this month, approximately 300 supporters attended a “Stack the Station,” event at Hamilton’s Frankton Station, calling for the permanent future of the Te Huia passenger rail service.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/hamilton-to-auckland-train-te-huia-trial-extended-to-june-2027/

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Tourists through new pathway triple in two months

Source: New Zealand Government

A new travel option that enables eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors to cross the ditch to New Zealand visa free is bringing in a considerable boost in tourism and revenue, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say.

“In December, we announced that 13,000 Chinese and Pacific travellers had already visited, with 24,000 total requests approved. After two months, that number has now almost tripled to 36,800 visits, along with 54,000 requests approved,” Ms Stanford says.

“With average visitor spend at $5,800 for Chinese visitors, according to the International Visitor Survey, that amounts to an estimated economic injection of $210 million for Kiwi businesses from those who have visited, with Chinese visitors making up around 36,200 of visits through the new pathway.

“We are committed to supporting Kiwis businesses to thrive, and these results, which boost our wider tourism sector. Tourism is our second largest export and it is fantastic to see results which boost our wider tourism sector.” 

“Everybody wants the chance to visit and experience New Zealand, and through our change to allow more people to visit through visa-free travel from Australia, it appears to be a no-brainer.”

Ms Stanford says the change that was introduced was a deciding factor in people visiting New Zealand – 85 percent of Chinese travellers and 82 percent of Pacific travellers surveyed said they travelled here specifically because of the new NZeTA option.

Ms Upston says this is already bringing in a sizeable boost in revenue across the country, and in particular our key tourism regions.

“Visitor spending is going directly into local businesses. That includes shops, eateries, accommodation, and tour operators – and this is spending which may not have come into New Zealand prior to the change. This is all part of our Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future. 

“The South Island remains extremely popular, with 67 percent of Chinese and Pacific visitors arriving at an international airport in the South Island to start their travels.

“The travel changes we’ve made are reflective of this Government’s stance – we back Kiwi businesses and we back our regions. We are relentlessly focused on making smart, commonsense, and sometimes simple changes, which bring big value for New Zealanders.”

Notes to editor:

Since November, eligible Chinese and Pacific Island Forum passport holders travelling to New Zealand from Australia no longer need to obtain a Visitor Visa . Instead, they can apply for a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) as part of a 12-month trial. 

Instead of spending $441 and waiting an average of 4 days, individuals from China travelling via Australia can pay as little as $117 and have their application for an NZeTA processed in 24 hours. Individuals from the Pacific can pay as low as $17 instead of spending $216 and waiting an average 6 days for a visitor visa.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/tourists-through-new-pathway-triple-in-two-months/

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Update – serious incident, Northcote

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves:

Police are following strong lines of enquiry after four people were injured at a Hoani Street address last night.

Emergency services were called to the property about 9.30pm after a report of an altercation between two parties.

Four people were injured, two of whom remain in hospital.

Police staff continue to examine the scene to gather information about the incident and those involved.

Our initial enquiries have confirmed that a firearm was discharged at the scene.

We have also established that this was a gang-related incident and was targeted towards parties at this address.

We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling for the community, and would like to reassure people that we do not believe there is a risk to the wider public.

Residents can expect to see additional patrols in the area as we carry out our enquiries.

We would still like to hear from anyone who might have information about this incident or those believed to be involved.

If you can help, please call 105 and reference 260218/3391.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/update-serious-incident-northcote/

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British dual nationals with NZ passports no longer need new UK passport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dual citizens face having to get both passports and keep them up to date – and to get a UK passport soon if they want to travel from the end of February. Gill Bonnett

The British government is now allowing dual nationals to have a lifelong digital stamp in their New Zealand passport instead of buying a new UK one.

Thousands of people have already rushed to buy a British passport after being told an alternative certificate of entitlement – costing £589 ($1329) – would last only as long as their current foreign passport.

But, in a change quietly announced on the UK passport’s website eight days ago, it said that from 26 February certificates of entitlement will be linked to new passports for free.

“At the moment certificates of entitlement are stickers (vignettes) placed in a passport. We are going to change this to a digital record.”

RNZ asked the British High Commission in Wellington if it had sent out a media release about any of the changes. It pointed to a January 2025 media release that dealt only with the issue of introducing ETAs (Electronic Travel Authorisations) and not the new requirement for British passport holders, or certificates of entitlement.

It has been asked for further comment on the issue of digital certificates of entitlement.

In questions about whether staff will be at airports to assist its citizens when the new passport requirement comes in next Wednesday, it said consular assistance was provided for all citizens abroad who needed it.

Many British migrants had asked why the passport requirement was introduced, after the UK government said it was to make their borders more secure. When asked for more information, the High Commission told RNZ it had already provided that reasoning.

Travel agents are warning travellers about next week’s border changes in the UK. Jasmine Fair / RNZ

Counting aliens

UK law professor Elspeth Guild, who specialises in border controls, said the rationale behind the changes could be led by a drive for better statistics.

“A number of countries insist that where their nationals are entering their ‘home’ country they must use their ‘home’ passport. This requirement seems to have a basis in the entitlement of countries to know whether their citizens are at home or not.

“The new insistence on the use of the home passport when entering a state, I think it [is] linked to the entry-exit databases where a lot of modifications were required to deal with dual nationals, and now states want to know. There is a justification in that citizens arriving home cannot be subject to immigration rules (at least in the UK), but if the authorities do not know that the person is a citizen they will be classified as an alien, and then when they fail to leave at the end of their permitted stay they mess up the statistics on how many ‘illegal’ immigrants are floating around.”

She said while revenue generation was also a possible reason for the new policy, several countries which permit dual nationality had tightened up their processes.

For travellers embarking on a trip to the UK next week who had British parents but no visible link to the UK, she had some words of comfort.

“Unless the place of birth stated on the passport indicates that the person may have birthright citizenship somewhere else, it is virtually impossible without a detailed investigation to know whether someone is a dual national. This is particularly so where citizenship was acquired through ancestry rather than place of birth.”

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/british-dual-nationals-with-nz-passports-no-longer-need-new-uk-passport/

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Black Foils begin physical, emotional repairs after horror SailGP crash with France

Source: Radio New Zealand

Salvage crew survey the wreckage of Black Foils’ Amokura boat at New Zealand SailGP. James Gourley for SailGP

The Black Foils are drawing heavily on the strength of injured grinder Louis Sinclair as they come to grips with the horror crash that all but destroyed their F50 boat during New Zealand SailGP last weekend.

As the 13-boat fleet sprinted off the startline of Saturday’s third race, NZ driver Peter Burling seemed to lose control of Amokura’s rudder and swerved sharply into the path of France, whose boat ploughed over the top of bow, slicing it in two and leaving Sinclair with compound fractures in both legs.

He underwent surgery on the weekend and was pictured on social media overnight, leaving hospital on his own two feet.

“I just want to really commend Louis for how he’s handled himself throughout this whole incident,” Black Foils wing trimmer Blair Tuke said. “He’s been amazing really in true Louis fashion, and holding true to the values and characteristics we hope all our team members instil.

“Amazingly calm right from the first incident out on the water to the surgery in Auckland Hospital and as he comes out now for what will now be quite a long recovery back to full health.

“With his calm demeanour and unique sense of humour, he’s really brought strength to all of us through this time.”

The New Zealand team have spoken publicly for the first time since the high-speed crash that shocked thousands of spectators watching from the massive grandstand on Wynyard Point.

In happier times, the Black Foils, with Louis Sinclair second left, celebrate their SailGP victory at Portsmouth 2025. Jason Ludlow for SailGP

Team bosses Tuke and driver Burling are still processing exactly what happened in those fateful seconds before, during and after impact.

“We started off with a great two races, and were really enjoying the conditions and feeling comfortable in the boat,” Burling recalled.

“We started off race three and were going down reach one to windward of the Italian boat. We ended up high on the foil and ended up sliding sideways.

“We hit a system limit, which drastically escalated that situation, and had to take quite drastic action to avoid the Italian boat to leeward, which resulted in us touching down. Obviously, the incident followed that.”

Burling said once the spray had cleared, he could see his four crewmates safe, knowing strategist Liv Mackay was on the other side of the boat out of harm’s way.

Louis Sinclair leaves hospital, after surgery to compound fractures of both legs. Facebook/NZ SailGP Team

“At that stage, you’re thankful everyone’s safe, but very quickly we realised Louis had his legs stuck in the bottom of the cockpit and we can only commend Louis on his demeanour through that time.

“It was incredible to see someone in a situation like that remain so calm, and be such an instrumental part of telling us what he was feeling and where the pressure was, and getting the two boats apart.

“I think we can all learn a lot from Louis through this time and it’s pretty incredible to see the way he responded in the situation, but we’re also incredibly proud of the rest of our team and the way everyone came together in a tough situation, and the French team as well.

“They were dealing with situations on board, but definitely came straight to our aid.”

French strategist Manon Audinet sustained several abdominal bruising, when she was catapulted forward on impact, breaking the steering wheel. She is also under medical observation and is recovering well,

Burling has replayed the incident over and over in his mind, but has also had the benefit of a myriad other perspectives on the incident.

“The thing with SailGP is there are so many camera angles, all the audio and all the different aspects,” he explained. “It’s really nice in some ways to know that your memory of the whole situation was pretty accurate.

“It’s also interesting some things you didn’t see or weren’t concentrating on at the time, how everything unfolded.

New Zealand and France collide during New Zealand SailGP off Auckland’s Wynyard Point. Felix Diemer for SailGP

“It’s all part of the wider review process from here.”

New Zealand SailGP represented the first occasion all 13 teams raced on the water together, and other drivers suggested jamming that many boats onto the compact Waitematā Harbour course in tricky wind conditions probably didn’t help the situation.

Organisers responded by splitting the fleet into smaller heats on Sunday, increasing safety, but possibly detracting from the spectacle.

SailGP is still investigating the incident, but has already ruled New Zealand and France out of the Sydney regatta next week.

Inspections have confirmed Amokura’s central pod and port hull emerged relatively unscathed, and can be used to repair the damage to the French boat. Because they did not cause the impact, returning France to the startline will take priority.

Given the extent of damage to their boat, the Kiwis are probably waiting for completion of the next new boat, which SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts indicated could be June.

“From here, we’re still working out that exact path forward,” Burling said. “We definitely won’t be in Sydney and SailGP is still undertaking that wider planning process around when the Black Foils will be back on the startline.

“We’re having to play a little bit of a waiting game now.”

In the meantime, the mending continues.

“For the wider team, mental and physical health is paramount through this time,” Tuke said. “We’re just taking it day by day to make sure everyone is supported in the way that they need as individuals.

“It was a really horrific incident and how we manage our path back from here is really important.”

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/black-foils-begin-physical-emotional-repairs-after-horror-sailgp-crash-with-france/

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More flexibility for Auckland housing plan

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will amend the Resource Management Act to reduce the minimum housing capacity required for Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120 from just over 2 million homes to 1.6 million homes, says Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop.

“Housing growth in Auckland is critical to fixing our housing crisis, driving growth and raising living standards, the central mission of this Government,” Mr Bishop says.

“The changes I’m announcing today will make sure Auckland grows in the areas that make the most economic sense and where there is strong support for growth – the city centre, around stations benefiting from investment in the City Rail Link, around rapid transit stops, and in and around town, local and metropolitan centres.

“Aucklanders have been clear that they want housing growth – in the right places and where infrastructure can support it. Today’s changes show the Government has listened to Aucklanders.

“The Auckland Unitary Plan allows development capacity of around 1.2 million homes, while Plan Change 120 currently allows capacity of around 2 million homes. The Government’s changes, to be made via legislation in the near future, reduce the minimum capacity required to the mid-point between 1.2 and 2 million.

“The journey of how we got to this point is a long and complicated one. 

“When the coalition Government came to office, Auckland Council asked the Government to let them withdraw Plan Change 78, which implemented the Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) across Auckland. The Council also wished to “downzone” various areas affected by flooding risk.

“The Government campaigned on allowing the Council to withdraw from using the MDRS, and so the law was changed in 2025 to allow the Council to develop a new plan (Plan Change 120). As part of allowing the Council to do that, the government required the new plan to allow large uplifts in development around stations benefitting from investment in the City Rail Link, and provide at least the equivalent amount of capacity as Plan Change 78 (around 2 million homes).

“The 2 million number was never a build target. It is technical capacity figure based on theoretical maximum development if every site is fully developed, which obviously never happens.

“It is clear from listening to Aucklanders that the legislative requirements on the Council meant they had very little room to respond to concerns raised through more than 10,000 submissions on Plan Change 120.

“Today’s announcement gives the Council much more flexibility about where density goes in Auckland. The Council will still be required to give effect to the National Policy Statement on Urban Development, including enabling greater development around rapid transit stations and the City Rail Link, but after meeting those requirements, they have real flexibility.

“In practical terms, this is likely to mean less blanket intensification in some suburbs and more growth focused around the city centre, town, local and metropolitan centres, as well as rapid transit and stations benefiting from investment in the City Rail Link.

What this means for Aucklanders

Legislation will be introduced and progressed quickly to minimise disruption to the existing process.

“Plan Change 120 has already received more than 10,000 submissions. Those submissions remain valid,” Mr Bishop says.

“Once the new capacity requirement is in place, Auckland Council will decide which parts of the plan change to withdraw or amend.

“If parts are withdrawn, the existing Auckland Unitary Plan zoning will remain in place.

“For parts that continue, updated provisions and maps will be provided to the hearings panel, and Aucklanders will have further opportunities to provide feedback.

“This process will be transparent and Aucklanders will be able to have their say.

I have also initiated an investigation into Auckland Unitary Plan provisions affecting the city centre.

“Auckland’s CBD is the economic heart of New Zealand. While previous reforms increased capacity there, we know there is still significant unrealised potential.

“If planning controls are unnecessarily constraining housing and business development in the city centre, I am prepared to act, using the same powers I used recently to change the Auckland Unitary Plan relating to Eden Park concert restrictions. Any additional housing enabled there will count toward the requirement to enable at least 1.6 million homes.

The legislation will also resolve a transitional issue affecting approximately 400 developers and property owners who were relying on the Medium Density Residential Standards when an earlier plan change was withdrawn in 2025.

“Auckland is New Zealand’s economic capital. We are not backing away from growth,” Mr Bishop says.

“We are ensuring growth happens in the right places, in a way that Aucklanders can support.

“We can increase housing supply, protect the liveability of our suburbs, and strengthen the city centre at the same time. This change allows us to do all three. It’s all part of our drive to fix the basics and build New Zealand’s future.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/more-flexibility-for-auckland-housing-plan/

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SkyCity doubles half-year profit to $12.1m, has high hopes for convention centre

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Ziming Li

Casino operator Sky City’s first half profit is nearly double that of the year earlier, despite a drop in revenue associated with ongoing regulatory costs and operational changes.

Chief executive Jason Walbridge said the first half reflected a planned period of operational transition, with the second half of the year ending in June focused on ongoing work to support its long-term operating objectives.

He said strong revenue contributions from food and beverage were a highlight of the result.

The company was also looking to sell some assets, targeting proceeds of $200 million within the next 12 months, which will be used to pay down debt.

  • Net profit $12.1m vs $6m
  • Revenue $411.7m vs $421m
  • Underlying net profit $14.4m vs $38m
  • Interim dividend nil vs nil

“We are undertaking a disciplined review of our operating model to ensure our cost structures reflect the current environment, while maintaining our commitment to compliance and customer experience,” Walbridge said.

He said revenue dropped 2.4 percent reflecting the introduction of mandatory carded play and continued investment in anti-money laundering (AML) measures and host responsibility capability, as well as costs associated with the opening of the International Convention Centre (NZICC) on 11 February.

Still, he said the full year underlying profit was tracking to expectations, though no dividends were expected to be paid in the near-term. SkyCity reaffirmed its full year underlying profit guidance in a range of $190-$210m, which compared with $72m in the first half.

Remediation costs

Walbridge said total costs were higher over the first half period partly because of ongoing investment in AML host responsibility and technology, particularly in Adelaide.

“Those remediation costs will leave our business when we complete the programme in June next year.”

Walbridge said the opening of the NZICC was a major milestone for SkyCity, with a strong forward events pipeline supporting future visitors to the precinct, with more than 110,000 expected over the next few months.

He said civil legal action between construction firm Fletcher Building and SkyCity over cost over-runs will play out over the next couple of years, with no meaningful update in the near future.

Asset sales

SkyCity was also actively marketing its 99 Albert Street building in Auckland, as well as continuing to look for a buyer of its Auckland car park concession, which had so far failed to attract an acceptable offer.

While it was considering the sale of other assets, Walbridge said those had not been disclosed so far.

“Carded play was introduced to strengthen our host responsibility framework and support player welfare,” Walbridge said.

“Six months on, we are seeing some operational benefits from the additional customer data and visibility it provides.”

Walbridge said SkyCity intended to take part in the New Zealand licensing process for online gambling, with legislation expected to be put in place from 1 May 2026.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/skycity-doubles-half-year-profit-to-12-1m-has-high-hopes-for-convention-centre/

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Home invader caught in stolen vehicle

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Senior Sergeant Craig Bates, Acting Waikato West Response Manager:

Waikato West Police have arrested a brazen burglar who broke into a home, stealing the victim’s car and belongings in the night. 

Shortly before 11pm last night, the victim was sleeping when they were woken to intruders searching the property for items.

The burglars then stole several belongings before fleeing in the victim’s vehicle.

Police responded immediately, assessing the scene and patrolling the area for the stolen vehicle. That vehicle was subsequently spotted by officers and was stopped near Te Awamutu.

The driver was arrested without incident.

A 40-year-old man has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and will appear in the Hamilton District Court today.

Police urge homeowners to consider options to safeguard their property and belongings from potential burglaries.

Having CCTV, alarms, motion-activated lights, and securely locked windows and doors can help your home be less of a target.

Call 111 in an emergency.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/home-invader-caught-in-stolen-vehicle/

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Appointments to SOE boards

Source: New Zealand Government

State-Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown has today announced a series of reappointments to four companies in the State-Owned Enterprises portfolio.

At AsureQuality Ltd, Peter Landon-Lane has been reappointed as Chair and Dr Belinda Storey has been reappointed as a director, both for terms commencing 1 July 2026.

At Dunedin International Airport Ltd, Catherine Taylor has been reappointed as Deputy Chair for a term beginning 1 April 2026.

At the Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd, Dr Brendon Puketapu has been reappointed as Deputy Chair for a term starting 1 March 2026.

At New Zealand Post Ltd, Bruce Wattie has been reappointed as a director for a term commencing 1 April 2026.

“These reappointments reflect the Government’s commitment to ensuring our state-owned enterprises are supported by strong, experienced governance. The directors bring deep capability and proven leadership, and will continue to provide the stability and oversight needed as these organisations deliver for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/appointments-to-soe-boards-2/

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Auckland Airport posts ‘positive’ half-year result

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland Airport has posted a steady half-year result. RNZ / Kim Baker-Wilson

Auckland Airport has posted a steady half-year result, with the company cautiously optimistic about passenger growth in the near term.

Key numbers for the six months ended December 2025 compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $177m vs $187.3m
  • Revenue $519.6m vs $499.9m
  • Underlying profit $157.1m vs $148.1m
  • Passenger numbers 9.64m vs 9.46m
  • Interim dividend 6.5 cents per share v 6.25 cps

Its bottom line profit decreased 5 percent amid a jump in depreciation expenses reflecting new assets the airport commissioned. Stripping aside one-offs, underlying profit increased 6 percent.

Chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui said the passenger demand trend was “positive”, and singled out the China Eastern Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires service as a highlight, which she said was proving popular.

“While the passenger demand trajectory is certainly positive, we expect the ongoing global fleet shortages to continue to weigh on the availability of new seat capacity supply and the pace of growth in the near term,” she said.

The airport said it had been a promising start to the 2026 financial year for international travel, with seat capacity up 1.8 percent from a year ago, lifting non-transit passenger movements to 93 percent of pre-Covid levels.

“Travellers on North American routes continue to be exceptionally well served with seven airlines competing in the market, and we’re welcoming more inbound visitors to New Zealand on these routes than ever before,” Hurihanganui said.

Temporary disruption as work continues on terminal

Hurihanganui said construction of the integrated domestic jet terminal remained on track for completion in 2029.

Construction activity at the international terminal over the next 18 months would become more visible to travellers with the opening of a temporary check-in facility.

“This next stage of the build, where we are upgrading the check-in area at the international terminal, is an essential step in delivering the long-term capacity, resilience and improved customer experience travellers have been asking for at Auckland Airport,” she said.

“Travellers can expect some temporary disruption as this complex work gets underway, particularly in international departures.”

Hurihanganui said the airport was working with airlines and government agency partners to minimise

The airport forecast full-year underlying profit of between $295 million and $320m, and forecast capital expenditure guidance of between $1 billion and $1.2b.

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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/2026/02/19/auckland-airport-posts-positive-half-year-result/

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When grief throws a ‘wrecking ball’ into your life – name it

Source: Radio New Zealand

Grief needs a name if you want to move on from it, says resilience expert and educator, Lucy Hone.

In her new book, How Will I ever Get Through This?, she calls it a “bloody, f#$%ing thing” (or BFT).

“I think there is amazing, important power in actually acknowledging that what you are going through is a BFT,” says Hone.

Ed Hone/supplied

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/when-grief-throws-a-wrecking-ball-into-your-life-name-it/

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SPCA calls for reinstated funding for desexing after deadly dog attack

Source: Radio New Zealand

Minister for Local Government Simon Watts said he was seeking urgent advice on dangerous dogs. 123RF

The SPCA is calling for an overhaul of dog control laws and for the government to reinstate funding for the desexing of menacing and roaming dogs.

The agency said it had been campaigning for a review of the Dog Control Act 1996, for more than 10 years.

Mihiata Te Rore, 62, was killed by a pack of three dogs at a property in Northland’s Kaihu on Tuesday- the third fatal attack in the region in the last four years, and the fourth nationwide.

Kaipara District Council’s animal management said it had received four complaints about the dogs since November last year, and visited the property twice in February – though were unable to talk to the owner or uplift the dogs.

Minister for Local Government Simon Watts said he was seeking urgent advice on the issue.

SPCA senior science officer Alison Vaughan told Morning Report the Dog Control Act was “hopelessly out of date” and there needed to be a substantive, urgent, evidence-based review, and an overhaul.

Vaughan said there was a lack of consistency in how local governments responded to dog attacks, and that needed to change.

Shane Jones. RNZ/Samantha Gee

“What we really need right now is leadership from central government so we can get standardised national guidelines, so we can get more funding to address desexing of menacing and roaming dogs, because right now this population is continuing to grow.”

Asked about thoughts on minister Shane Jones’ comments on Morning Report that his father’s generation would shoot dangerous dogs, Vaughan said there needed to be solutions to address the underlying issues.

“We do know from overseas examples that indiscriminate culling of roaming dogs doesn’t find a sustainable solution, so it may reduce numbers temporarily, but if we don’t address the irresponsible breeding and roaming, we will see population quickly rebound.”

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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/2026/02/19/spca-calls-for-reinstated-funding-for-desexing-after-deadly-dog-attack/

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Manhunt after clash between rival gang members leaves four people hurt, one critical in Christchurch

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police were at the scene on Hoani St in Christchurch’s Northcote. SAM SHERWOOD / RNZ

An incident that left four people injured, one critically, in Christchurch is believed to involve rival gangs Black Power and Mongrel Mob, RNZ understands.

Emergency services were called to an address on Hoani Street in Northcote about 9.30pm on Wednesday.

One person has life-threatening injuries, and another was seriously hurt.

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

The two others had minor or moderate injuries, police said.

RNZ understands the incident is believed to involve members of rival gangs Black Power and Mongrel Mob.

An RNZ reporter at the scene last night was told by police that there had been reports of shots being fired.

When asked whether the incident involved firearms, Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill said: ” This forms part of police enquiries.”

“The community can be assured that police are working at speed to identify and locate those involved.

“Police believe the parties involved are known to each other and the risk to wider public is minimal.”

Hill said there would be more officers in the Northcote area today “as we work to resolve this incident as swiftly as possible”.

A scene examination is underway at the property.

Police are appealing to anyone in the area who may have witnessed anything last night to contact them. They can be contacted on 105 using file number 260218/3391.

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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/2026/02/19/manhunt-after-clash-between-rival-gang-members-leaves-four-people-hurt-one-critical-in-christchurch/

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Maritime NZ highlights safety risks on Seven Sharp

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Maritime NZ featured in the lead story on Seven Sharp on Wednesday, 4 February.

The story examined the rapid emergence of new recreational water craft and the safety risks that can arise as technology and usage patterns evolve.

The segment focused on how innovative designs – particularly faster, quieter and more powerful craft – are changing the way New Zealanders interact on shared waterways, and why safety messaging must evolve alongside them.

Supported by wing foil instructor Simon Croft and eFoil expert Greg Wright, the story opened with a review of the technology, followed by on-water demonstrations.

Matt Wood, Maritime NZ’s Principal Advisor Recreational Craft, was interviewed as part of the story, providing Maritime NZ’s perspective on the practical risks associated with these new craft.

Matt highlighted that while innovation can deliver environmental and performance benefits, it can also introduce unfamiliar handling characteristics, higher speeds, and reduced visibility or audibility to other water users. These factors can increase the likelihood of incidents, particularly when operators are inexperienced or unaware of how their craft behaves in different conditions.

The story reinforced core safety messages: understanding your craft, wearing lifejackets, maintaining situational awareness, and respecting other users on busy waterways. With swimmers, paddleboarders, paddle craft and powered vessels often sharing the same spaces, the consequences of misjudgement or lack of knowledge can be serious.

The segment also emphasised that most incidents are preventable through preparation, education and responsible decision‑making.

Watch now (You need to log in to TVNZ) 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/maritime-nz-highlights-safety-risks-on-seven-sharp/

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Sales plummet for business near Moa Point sewage spill

Source: Radio New Zealand

Vicky Shen says she will have to reduce staff hours to stay afloat after a nearly 70 percent drop in her business. Bill Hickman / RNZ

Businesses on Wellington’s South Coast are doing it tough since the failure of the Moa Point wastewater plant forced the closure of some of the capital’s most popular beaches.

An association of local businesses, Destination KRL, said hospitality and other water-dependent employers had lost – on average – more than half their customers in the last two weeks.

They have called for support from Wellington City Council.

Worst timing possible

On a warm, still summer evening at Wellington’s Lyall Bay, the usually bustling beach is deserted.

Co-owner of nearby Botanist cafe Maria Boyle said the sunny weather – especially following a storm in the capital – would usually see her cafe packed with customers.

“With this weather everybody gets out, they’re excited, the weather’s nice. We would be completely full right now and we’ve got, maybe, a quarter of the amount of tables we’d normally have.”

Maria Boyle of the Botanist cafe her daytime customers have halved since the plant failed. Bill Hickman / RNZ

She said daytime customers had nearly halved since the plant failed.

Boyle said – for her business – the closure of the beaches could not have come at a worse time.

“We essentially rely on this busy summer trade to get us through winter. Last winter was the worst winter we’ve ever had. For this to happen – after the last two years of terrible hospitality – it’s a disaster.”

Further down the beach, local fish and chip shop Seaview Takeaways had been feeding beachgoers for nearly 34 years. Owner Vicky Shen said in the last two weeks they had lost nearly 70 percent of their business.

She had planned to cut staff hours to stay afloat.

“I have to deal with it. So I will cut down some hours of my labour. I will do it myself. So I will work longer myself – so that’s very difficult – but otherwise I can’t afford it.”

Surfboard maker Jack Candlish of Verdure Surf builds his boards within sight of the city’s most popular surf break – right next to Wellington Airport and Moa Point.

Surfboard builder Jack Candlish says he’s considering relocating if the closure of the beaches “drags on”. Bill Hickman / RNZ

He usually sold just over a third of his boards to locals, but said he had not received a single local inquiry since news of the contamination of the surf spot broke.

“If it drags on much longer we’ll probably look at relocating. It’s something that we’ve already thought about doing but this has been a bit of a kick to, kind of, fast-track that process.

“We might as well be in Palmerston North as far as I’m concerned, when the beach isn’t even accessible.”

Another massive mountain to climb

Steve Walters of Destination KRL said he had heard from about 30 businesses in the area reporting dramatic losses over the last fortnight.

He said people in the beachside suburb paid some of the highest rates in the country, and if a solution could not be put in place quickly the council should step in to help.

“We’ve got government workers being reduced in this town and people being pretty tight with their money. Now on top of that a combination of entities have failed in providing a service which these businesses have paid for, so they’re feeling ‘we’ve just suddenly got another massive mountain to climb’ and they need support to get over that.”

A spokesperson for Wellington City Council said they had been in touch with business leaders in the area and were looking at how best to support affected businesses. But the council could not provide details of any plans at this stage.

“We appreciate the Moa Point plant failure will be having an impact on the South Coast, in particular some of the businesses in Lyall Bay,” a spokesperson said.

“We want to encourage Wellingtonians to get down to Lyall Bay, especially on a good day, and pay the cafes and other businesses a visit and spend some money.”

Wellington Water said it could be months before the plant was back in operation.

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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/2026/02/19/sales-plummet-for-business-near-moa-point-sewage-spill/

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$80m RIF funding for critical minerals projects

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has ring-fenced $80 million in the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop and process domestic critical minerals resources, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development and Resources Minister Shane Jones say.

“Critical minerals are used everywhere, from clean energy technologies and electronics to aviation, medical technology and more. They are essential to modern life,” Mr Peters says.

“A year ago the Coalition Government released its Minerals Strategy and Critical Minerals List. Since then, there has been increasing interest by a number of countries in securing supplies of critical minerals and rare earths.

“With global demand clearly rising, New Zealand is in a position to be a credible and reliable source of critical minerals and an essential link in the international supply chain,” Mr Peters says.

“By backing the extraction and processing of our own critical minerals resources, the New Zealand Government is sending a message to the world that we are serious about contributing to the critical minerals market.”

“New Zealand engages with a broad range of partners to gather information about the scope of market interest in this sector, and how that relates to the New Zealand Government’s objectives and priorities.

“We will continue to engage with the New Zealand public appropriately, as and when policy and project proposals around critical minerals are developed,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Jones says the $80m Regional Infrastructure Fund package will help New Zealand turn its resources into more jobs, investment and long‑term value for its communities.

“Our regions hold substantial deposits of critical minerals that could support a strong, sustainable economic recovery and position the country at the forefront of high‑value industries,” Mr Jones says.

“By supporting the development of critical minerals opportunities in New Zealand, we create jobs, build self-sufficiency, improve national resilience, and benefit from the new infrastructure, technology and skills that come with development.

“It’s important that we think beyond just extraction when it comes to critical minerals. Developing advanced processing techniques and technology that could help other countries to unlock their resources is an equally exciting prospect. That could open the door to new and deeper partnerships with countries looking to strengthen their own supply chain resilience.

“Given the scale of opportunity, and the importance of the sector to regional development, it makes sense to create this $80m package to help realise those benefits while supporting our Minerals Strategy, which lays a strategic and enduring path for the mineral sector.”

Relevant projects which meet the criteria and have already applied to the Regional Infrastructure Fund will be considered. Applications for new projects will also be accepted for consideration. 

Successful projects will be announced when they have been evaluated and ministers have made decisions.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/19/80m-rif-funding-for-critical-minerals-projects/