Category: MIL NZ OSI

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Onehunga shooting: Police seize firearm in ongoing investigation

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are continuing to make progress in investigating a shooting in Onehunga last month.

The Auckland City Organised Crime Unit has been investigating the incident on Arthur Street on 16 January 2026.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce says the investigation team executed a search warrant at a Māngere property on Friday.

“Our detectives were supported by the Armed Offenders Squad, in which we have recovered a shotgun and ammunition,” he says.

“At this stage we are unable to confirm this firearm was involved in the original offending.”

Police have charged a 43-year-old man with unlawful possession of a firearm as well as unlawful possession of ammunition.

He appeared in the Auckland District Court over the weekend.

“We have no tolerance for blatant violence involving firearms in our community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce says.

“The public will appreciate we can’t share the details of the work ongoing, however we have a dedicated investigative team that is working to hold those involved to account for what happened that day.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Bunce continues to call for any information to assist the ongoing investigation.

If you can assist, update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 260116/9278.

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

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/onehunga-shooting-police-seize-firearm-in-ongoing-investigation/

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Wellington Water chair’s resignation ‘right thing to do’ – Mayor Anderw Little

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington mayor Andrew Little. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Wellington’s mayor says he has confidence in Wellington Water’s current leadership, after its chair resigned in the wake of the Moa Point crisis.

Nick Leggett [ttps://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/586892/wellington-water-chair-nick-leggett-resigns-over-moa-point-sewage-disaster stepped down] on Sunday, saying the failure at the Moa Point treatment plant was deeply serious and had affected the environment, public health and the community.

Last week the plant failed – sending millions of litres of raw sewage into Cook Strait per day.

Mayor Andrew Little said Leggett’s resignation was the right thing to do, and he believed the remaining directors could lead work on restoring the plant.

“Particularly the deputy chair person who is going to be stepping up – Bill Bayfield – I have confidence they [the directors] will continue to lead the organisation to respond effectively, they have to do that in conjunction with Wellington City Council.”

Little said Leggett made the decision to resign, and that it was “the right thing to do”.

“Wellington Water has I think been struggling with some public confidence issues for some time, this further incident doesn’t help. And it’s not a question of blame, it’s about indicating the organisation accepts the seriousness of it.”

File photo. Nick Leggett. RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Little said he spoke with Leggett last week, who raised with him that he was considering resigning.

He said the priority now was for the organisation to set about fixing the plant.

“The focus now though has to be on Wellington Water being supported to get the recovery done, and an assessment of the damage and a plan for reinstating it, and that’s got to be top priority and that’s my expectation as what they’ll be focusing on.”

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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/2026/02/16/wellington-water-chairs-resignation-right-thing-to-do-mayor-anderw-little/

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Auckland’s Eden Park to host State of Origin match in 2027

Source: Radio New Zealand

Watch above: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Tourism Minister Louise Upston announce the deal.

A State of Origin match will be played in Eden Park in Auckland in 2027 following three years of high-level talks with the NRL and the Australian Rugby League Commission.

It is expected that 50,000 fans will pack the stadium for the Queensland versus New South Wales match.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said securing State of Origin reflected the city’s strength as a major sporting centre.

“From the outset, Auckland made it clear we wanted to bring State of Origin to our city, and we’ve worked hard to secure it,” he said in a statement.

“We know how to host major events, and we know the value they bring. This match will mean full hotels, busy restaurants and bars, and thousands of visitors experiencing everything our region has to offer.”

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow of the Maroons celebrates after scoring a try during the State of Origin game two match between the Queensland Maroons and the NSW Blues. AAP / Photosport

Hosting State of Origin is expected to attract more than 10,000 international visitors from Australia, generate nore than 50,000 international visitor nights, and inject an estimated $17.4 million into the Auckland economy.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys AM said the historic clash would give New Zealanders the opportunity to experience the intensity of the game’s greatest rivalry.

“Rugby league is the number one sport in Australia and the Pacific, and the growth we have seen in New Zealand over recent years has been nothing short of extraordinary,” V’landys said.

Sir Graham Lowe, the only New Zealander to coach a State of Origin team as a former Queensland coach, said the occasion would be one to remember.

“Kiwis are excited about State of Origin, but there are only a few of them that have had the opportunity to actually watch it live. This will be a fantastic occasion for Auckland,” he said in a statement.

The 2027 fixture is being co-funded in partnership by Auckland Council Events and the New Zealand Government via the Major Events Fund.

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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/2026/02/16/aucklands-eden-park-to-host-state-of-origin-match-in-2027/

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State of Origin heads to New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Government

In an historic moment, New Zealand will host its first-ever State of Origin match next year at Eden Park, a major event expected to draw thousands of international visitors and deliver a significant economic boost for Auckland.

The New Zealand Government and Auckland Council have worked in tandem, alongside the Australian Rugby League Commission, to bring the sporting spectacular to Auckland. 

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says securing one of Australasia’s biggest sporting events represents a major win for fans, tourism and New Zealand sport.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Blues and Maroons across the ditch for the very first time,” Louise Upston says.

“This is a milestone moment for rugby league in New Zealand, but it is so much more than a game. 

“Hosting State of Origin is expected to attract over 10,000 of our Aussie neighbours, generate more than 50,000 international visitor nights, and inject an estimated $17.4 million into the economy. 

“With a significant Australian audience, our biggest tourism market, this match will showcase Auckland on an international stage, and put New Zealand on the map as a world-class destination for major events.”

The State of Origin series is one of the fiercest rivalries in global sport, pitting Queensland and New South Wales against each other in a high‑intensity three‑match contest. Next year, for the first time ever, one of the series matches will be played on New Zealand soil.

Hosting events has been made even easier because of changes to planning restrictions at Eden Park announced by the Government today, which will unlock the opportunity for more major events to be hosted at the stadium.

The 2027 fixture is proudly supported by the Government’s Major Events Fund and Auckland Council Events.

Dates and ticket details for the State of Origin fixture will be confirmed by the NRL later in the year.

Attached:

NRL State of Origin fact sheet

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/state-of-origin-heads-to-new-zealand/

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More gigs, more goals, more growth: Eden Park planning restrictions eased

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is building Eden Park’s future as a major events venue, making significant changes to local planning rules that have been holding Eden Park back from its full potential, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Late last year the Government launched an investigation into whether outdated planning rules were unnecessarily limiting Eden Park’s ability to host major events and deliver jobs and economic growth for Auckland and the rest of the country,” Mr Bishop says.

“That investigation, which included public consultation in November, found the rules were overly restrictive, out of step with modern stadium use, and were directly constraining economic activity. We have now accepted all of the recommendations in full, with some technical amendments to reflect feedback from Auckland Council.

“The changes will allow Eden Park, New Zealand’s largest stadium with a capacity of around 50,000, to host more major events that bring significant benefits to the local and national economy.

“Under the new settings, Eden Park will be able to host up to 12 large concerts and 20 medium-sized concerts per year as permitted activities, without needing resource consent. That’s up from its current limit of 12 concerts, which were not permitted to be from more than six different artists or acts.

“The changes also enable a wider range of events, including exhibitions, displays, markets, fairs, trade fairs, and cultural and community events.”

Chris Bishop says the changes are expected to be in place in April 2026.

“Concerts will be able to take place on any day, must finish by 11pm, and can run for up to eight hours. This is a significant increase on the current maximum of five hours on a weekday and six hours on a Saturday.

“Night-time sports games will be permitted on any day, including Sundays, provided noise standards are met. Existing caps on the number of night games per year and per 35-day period, as well as the restriction on day-night cricket matches, will be removed.”

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston says it’s a huge step forward for major events.

“We know big events deliver. For example, over three years, 14 Auckland shows (including Coldplay and Pearl Jam) generated $33.7m for the local economy with 490,000 attendees,” Ms Upston says.

“These changes sit alongside the Government’s $70 million events and tourism investment package announced in September, which is about helping New Zealand compete internationally, attract world-class events, and give both visitors and locals more reasons to get out and enjoy them.”

Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says Eden Park is our national stadium and a critical piece of infrastructure for Auckland and New Zealand, and these changes secures its future as a premier events venue.

“This is a significant win for Auckland and for New Zealand. Strengthening Eden Park’s ability to host major events supports our broader work to grow the economy and ensure Auckland remains a world-class destination.

“It means more jobs, more activity for local businesses, and more opportunities for people – whether they live here or are visiting – to enjoy more events at our largest stadium,” Mr Brown says.

“These common-sense changes will enable Eden Park to operate like a modern, world-class stadium and deliver more jobs and economic benefits for Auckland and the rest of New Zealand,” Mr Bishop says. 

Note to editors: 

Please see attached fact sheet which compares the key changes to Eden Park’s existing restrictions with the status quo.

Regulation-making power background:

The investigation was conducted under the new regulation-making power in the Resource Management Act, recently passed into law through the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025. 

The regulation-making power enables the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform to remove or modify provisions in RMA plans where they negatively impact economic growth, development capacity or employment.

The Minister must investigate the impacts of the provisions and whether specified statutory criteria are met and produce an investigation report which must be made publicly available.

The Minister must then report to Cabinet with the findings, for a final decision on any changes to the RMA plan. 

The changes will be delivered via regulations, which will require Auckland Council to amend its plan without using the regular plan-making process.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/more-gigs-more-goals-more-growth-eden-park-planning-restrictions-eased/

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‘Every tonne matters’: The climate scientist who wants to give you hope

Source: Radio New Zealand

for Monday AM

University of Bremen glacier scientist Ben Marzeion RNZ / Kate Newton

The ice sheets are unstable, the glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, and one of the world’s largest carbon polluters has just abandoned its global and domestic efforts to curb emissions.

Every new climate change headline seems to bring another reason to be despondent about the existential challenge the world faces.

“Sometimes I just want to bury my face in the remaining snow and ice,” British Antarctic Survey director of science Petra Heil told a Wellington audience last week.

Enter Ben Marzeion.

The University of Bremen glacier scientist, in New Zealand for the international Climate in the Cryosphere conference last week, has every reason to be gloomy.

The warming that the world has already locked in – roughly 1.2° Celsius above the pre-industrial average and still rising – means the world is projected to lose 40 percent of all glacier ice over the coming centuries, half of that within the lifetimes of children born today.

But Marzeion’s presentation at the conference was not about that.

Instead, together with colleagues, he has been quantifying the impact that saving one tonne – or even one kilogram – of carbon emissions can have.

“People often really feel powerless when they’re thinking about climate change,” he told RNZ.

“They think, ok, if I change something, I do a little bit, it’s going to be meaningless if no one else is changing anything.”

He and fellow researchers always believed that way of thinking was “really wrong” – so they set about finding the numbers to prove otherwise.

“The main message is that small changes in emissions lead to changes in the climate system, in the Earth’s system, that are surprisingly big, actually.”

The average person on the planet contributes between five and 10 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, he says.

Reducing that by even 10 percent makes a difference.

“One tonne of CO2 reduction keeps, for example, nine tonnes of glacier ice in the mountains that would melt otherwise.”

The same reduction prevents 12 cubic metres of sea level rise.

It keeps 250 grams more fish in that sea, through averted increases in ocean temperatures.

By similar mechanisms, it protects growing conditions enough to create six more kilograms of rice, or a kilogram of meat.

“All those things, and many more, are happening at the same time – it’s not that you have to pick one,” Marzeion says.

An artwork by Olafur Eliasson, The Glacier Melt, highlights glacier loss over 20 years. David St George

The research looked at the effect of even tinier emissions decreases.

“If I take my bike for around three kilometres instead of driving a car, I save one kilogram of glacier ice.”

The numbers sound small, but they are real, and they compound, he says.

“The idea behind this, really, is to show there is no lower limit to meaningful climate mitigation. Anything you can do is helpful, there is nothing that is too small to be relevant.”

He does not want to see the numbers misused to place the burden of responsibility entirely on individuals, though, emphasising that global and national political action is still vital.

“It’s often used as an excuse not just for individual people but for companies or countries not to do anything – saying we are a small country, if we lower our emissions but the US or China is not doing anything, it doesn’t make a difference.

“And that’s simply wrong – it does make a big difference.”

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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/2026/02/16/every-tonne-matters-the-climate-scientist-who-wants-to-give-you-hope/

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Science and Ethics – New animal-free alternative flies to NZ today replacing blood from unborn calves

Source: Beyond Animal Research

For the first time in New Zealand, a new animal-free alternative to Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is being imported today by a charity, and will be trialled in a research laboratory, marking a major milestone for both science and animal welfare in Aotearoa.
Today (16/02/26) the first shipment of FRS Pioneer, an animal-free, serum-free alternative to FBS, is en route to Aotearoa as part of a New Zealand pilot study being organised by local charity Beyond Animal Research (BAR).
Foetal Bovine Serum is a widely used laboratory product made from the blood of unborn calves and has been a default ingredient in cell culture research globally for decades. Despite growing ethical and scientific concerns, New Zealand laboratories have not previously had access to such a cost-effective, innovative, trial-ready alternative.
That changes from today.
“This is the incredible moment where change for animals used for science happens” says Tara Jackson, co-founder of Beyond Animal Research.
“For the first time, New Zealand researchers can test this new, genuine alternative to foetal bovine serum in their own labs. This shipment represents years of scientific innovation – and the beginning of a new chapter for how research can be done in Aotearoa.”
The shipment marks the official start of BAR’s New Zealand pilot study, which will support researchers to trial FRS Pioneer in research and teaching settings, document outcomes, and build local evidence to support wider uptake of animal-free methods, not just here in NZ but globally.
FRS Pioneer was developed by Dr Katie Bashant Day, Chief Scientist at Media City Scientific, in response to long-standing limitations of animal-derived serums, including ethical concerns, batch-to-batch variability, contamination risk, and supply instability.
“Foetal bovine serum is inconsistent by nature – every batch is different because every animal is different,” says Dr. Day.
“Animal-free alternatives like FRS Pioneer are designed to be more consistent, more reproducible, and better aligned with where modern science is heading. Seeing this product arrive in New Zealand for real-world trials is incredibly exciting.”
New Zealand is also a producer and exporter of foetal bovine serum, with pregnant cows sent to slaughter and blood collected from their unborn calves for use in laboratories domestically and overseas. BAR says the pilot study represents an opportunity for New Zealand to lead a transition away from this practice.
“New Zealand has the chance to be part of a global solution, not just the supply chain,” says Jackson.
“This pilot is about removing the practical barriers that stop researcher and their labs from changing – access, cost, logistics, and confidence – and replacing them with real, local evidence.”
The first researchers participating in the pilot are based at Victoria University of Wellington, with further institutions expected to join as the study progresses.
A spokesperson from Victoria University of Wellington says the pilot reflects growing interest within the research community in more ethical and scientifically robust tools.
“Researchers are increasingly aware of the limitations of animal-derived products,” the spokesperson says.
“Being able to trial an animal-free alternative in a New Zealand context is a valuable opportunity to assess both scientific performance and practical feasibility.”
BAR says the pilot is the first step in a longer-term goal to make the routine use and production of foetal bovine serum in New Zealand unnecessary and therefore obsolete.
“This single shipment matters,” says Jackson.
“But what matters more is what it enables – better science, greater transparency, and real progress for animals.”
Notes
  • Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is produced from the blood of unborn calves after pregnant cows are slaughtered.
  • Globally, around 800,000 litres of FBS are produced each year. Because only a small amount comes from each calf, that volume likely represents the deaths of around one to two million unborn calves worldwide annually.
  • FBS from NZ is manufactured (including slaughtered) in NZ and exported internationally.
  • Through an Official Information Act request to MPI, we confirmed that between January and November 2025, NZ exported approximately 29,000 kilograms of foetal bovine serum (FBS). Based on industry yield estimates, this volume is likely to have come from the blood of tens of thousands of unborn calves – conservatively between 28,000 and 83,000 foetuses in 2025 alone.
  • FBS is widely used for cell culture e.g. studying human diseases, discovering new medicines, producing vaccines and cell therapies, freezing and storing cells for future experiments
  • Animal-free, serum-free alternatives can reduce ethical harm and improve scientific consistency and reproducibility.
  • This is the first import of FRS Pioneer into New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/science-and-ethics-new-animal-free-alternative-flies-to-nz-today-replacing-blood-from-unborn-calves/

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Live: Wild weather warnings issued across NZ, five districts in states of emergency

Source: Radio New Zealand

A fifth State of Emergency has been declared ahead of severe weather expected to strike tonight and overnight.

Manawatū District Council is the latest to make the declaration – in a post on social media, the council said it has activated its emergency response team and is closely monitoring river levels.

Heavy rain, rising rivers, slips, flooding, strong winds, and power outages are likely, the council said.

It advised people to take the declaration seriously and prepare now, while there is still daylight, make sure devices are charged and people have a battery-powered radio at the ready to listen to news updates.

The Rangitīkei, Tararua, Waipā and Ōtorohanga districts are also under states of emergency.

In a post on social media, Rangitīkei District Council said Mayor Andy Watson had made the declaration and the council had activated its emergency response team, and is closely monitoring river levels.

The council said it had also activated its process to close the Napier-Taihape Road.

It warned people to take the declaration seriously and prepare, while there is still daylight, including making sure devices are charged, and there was a battery-powered radio handy to listen to news updates.

An orange heavy rain warning has already been upgraded to a red warning – the highest level. The warning affects Manawatu, Rangatikei and Ruapehu Districts north of Feilding and east of State Highway One from 6pm tonight.

MetService said the heightened warning means there is a threat to life from dangerous river conditions and significant flooding and slips.

It says the weather conditions will isolate communities and make some roads impassable.

Several more weather warnings and watches have been issued for the east and lower North Island and the top of the South Island.

This latest burst of stormy weather comes as several regions reel from severe storms that have already closed roads, flooded properties and damaged infrastructure.

We’ll be bringing you the latest weather news updates in our live blog through the afternoon and evening.

RNZ/Marika Khabazi

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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/2026/02/15/live-wild-weather-warnings-issued-across-nz-five-districts-in-states-of-emergency/

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Serious crash closes road in Merivale

Source: Radio New Zealand

One person has serious injuries following a single-vehicle crash in Christchurch’s Merivale.

Police said officers were called to Heaton Street, between Allister Avenue and Circuit Street, at 5.50pm on Sunday.

“Initial indications suggest one person has been seriously injured.

“The road is closed, with diversions in place.”

Police said people should avoid the area if possible.

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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/2026/02/15/serious-crash-closes-road-in-merivale/

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Wellington Phoenix women fall to Central Coast Mariners in shocking conditions

Source: Radio New Zealand

Teenager Peta Trimis celebrates an outrageous strike for the Central Coast Mariners Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz

Chasing a fifth straight win and club record, the Wellington Phoenix women suffered a 2-1 defeat to bogey team Central Coast Mariners in their A-League clash.

Players from both sides battled fierce winds hitting the Wellington region with blustery conditions slowing the tempo of the match at Porirua Park on Sunday evening.

A stunning free kick from 19-year-old attacker Peta Trimis put the Mariners in front in the 16th minute as she curled a right-footed strike into the top corner.

Phoenix striker Mackenzie Anthony hit the equaliser in the 28th minute scoring her first goal for Wellington.

Central Coast’s Tamar Levin used the strong winds swirling for the reigning A-League champions to score on the stroke of halftime.

The defeat ends the Phoenix’s four-game winning run as they were outplayed by a side showing greater patience and superior finishing skills in the howling winds.

Wellington are second on the competition ladder, two points behind leaders Melbourne City.

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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/2026/02/15/wellington-phoenix-women-fall-to-central-coast-mariners-in-shocking-conditions/

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Body found, Mahia

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Tuai Senior Constable Tony Maultsaid:

Police are making enquiries after the body of a person washed up at Mahia, near Wairoa.

A member of the public made the discovery on Mahanga Beach about 1pm on Saturday 14 February and called Police.

Specialist officers from Tairāwhiti attended and the formal identification process is ongoing. Due to the circumstances, this work may take some time.

A post-mortem will be carried out in the coming days, which will assist the enquiries being carried out by Police.

Further information will be released proactively when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/body-found-mahia/

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Aussie Tom Slingsby capitalises on Black Foils crash for New Zealand SailGP honours

Source: Radio New Zealand

Australia celebrate their New Zealand SailGP victory off auckland’s Wynyard Point. Getty Images

Despite defending his New Zealand SailGP crown off Auckland’s Wynyard Point, Aussie supremo Tom Slingsby harbours mixed feelings about how his team achieved their feat.

The three-time series champion had a front-row view of the horrible high-speed crash that sent New Zealand and France out of the regatta on Saturday, and admitted the Kiwis’ absence played a big part in the Flying Roos’ repeat success.

“Us winning in Auckland again, I’m not sure why, but it’s become a very happy hunting ground for us and it was very unfortunate the Kiwis weren’t there today,” Slingsby reflected. “We always want to compete against the best teams and the Kiwis, in those conditions, would have been our biggest rivals, I feel.

“Sad for them not being there, but we just focused on ourselves and we’re really happy to convert it into a win.”

Slingsby and Black Foils counterpart Peter Burling have developed a strong rivalry over their years on the professional sailing circuit, and the incident took its toll on the Aussies, as it did on the rest of the fleet.

“I happened to be looking right at it when it happened,” he said. “It was very scary.

“The Kiwis, as a team, we love to hate them, but individually, I love all of those guys. They’re just amazing people and, when a crash like that happens, I instantly think, ‘They’re all my friends and friends I’ve had for a long, long time’.

“When they called off the race, I was happy, because my mind definitely wasn’t on the game. We want the Kiwis out there and we don’t want to see anything like that ever.”

NZ grinder Louis Sinclair suffered compound fractures to both legs in the mayhem and underwent surgery on his right leg overnight. Slingsby messaged Burling to offer his support and hoped to see the Kiwis back on the water soon, although Sydney in two weeks seemed a stretch.

“They’re a champion team,” he said. “No-one knows timelines or when they’ll be back, but we know the day they come back, even if it’s not for championship wins this season, they’ll be out to win as much prize money and events as they can.”

NZ boat ‘Amokura’ was virtually destroyed, when it swerved into the path of the French, who flew over the bow and sliced it in two.

Some drivers questioned the sense of having 13 boats jockeying for position on such a small course in tricky wind conditions and organisers responded by introducing a split-fleet format for the first time on Sunday.

The fleet had experimented with smaller fields in practice, with the anticipated addition of a 14th team next year likely to force the change fulltime.

Slingsby had mixed feelings about the reduced format.

“The racer in me wants the full fleet there,” he said. “I just feel like the full fleet is why we do this – it’s lots of boats and lots happening.

Black Foils boat ‘Amokura’ is salvaged, after crashing with France on the Waitematā Harbour. Felix Diemer for SailGP

“At the same time, you’ve got to make changes, when something like that happens, whether it’s a permanent change or not. At least for today, I totally agree with the split fleet.

“We need to show we’re making changes here and not taking this accident lightly. With windy conditions today and a bigger forecast, I think it was the right call.”

While common sense prevailed, the diluted version felt like the SailGP equivalent of golden oldies scrums in rugby. Let’s just get out of Auckland with no further damage.

Racing was already brought forward to avoid the worst of the weather forecast and conditions changed dramatically again for the three-boat final, where speeds reached 100kmh and crews battled just to keep their boats upright.

Slingsby and his team now head home to Sydney, and he doubts two weeks will allow enough time for New Zealand or France to repair their boats.

“From my technical and structural knowledge of these boats, I think there’s no chance either of those boats are there,” he said.

“For sure you’re facing mental battles. We had a bit incident in Christchurch a couple of years ago and I remember, heading back out onto the racetrack, there were a few little scars there.

“As soon as they fire the gun, I was able to black it out and we got straight back into it.

“I know Peter Burling better than most people, and he will just get back in there and be ripping around the whole way.”

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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/2026/02/15/aussie-tom-slingsby-capitalises-on-black-foils-crash-for-new-zealand-sailgp-honours/

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Health and Policy – Burnett Foundation Aotearoa welcomes the Government’s decision on U=U

Source: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

Associate Health Minister Doocey’s decision to sign the U=U declaration today is a critical step on the road towards zero locally acquired HIV transmissions in Aotearoa New Zealand.
U = U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). It means that a person living with HIV who is on effective treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to sexual partner(s).
“The U=U message helps increase testing, treatment adherence, and viral suppression rates, but most importantly, it increases the confidence and dignity of people living with HIV. It’s proof that science and compassion walk hand in hand,” says Liz Gibbs, CEO of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa.
This decision makes New Zealand the 5th country to sign the multinational U=U Call to Action, behind Australia, Canada, the USA, and Vietnam.
“Currently people living with HIV may face prosecution under the Crimes Act for HIV non-disclosure to their sexual partners (unless they are using a condom), even if they are on treatment with an undetectable viral load and therefore pose zero risk of transmission. With the Government’s official endorsement of U=U, it gives the Police, Courts and government departments the backing required to modernise outdated guidelines and policies, so they are in-keeping with the latest science.” says Gibbs.
This is a significant step forward that many across the HIV and sexual health community have been advocating for several years, and we are thrilled to see it finally come to pass.
About Burnett Foundation Aotearoa:
The Burnett Foundation Aotearoa is a national organisation dedicated to preventing HIV transmission, supporting people living with HIV and reducing stigma across Aotearoa. For 40 years, it has driven public health education, advocacy, and community-led support. The foundation empowers people with knowledge, care, and connection, working towards a future with zero HIV transmissions. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/health-and-policy-burnett-foundation-aotearoa-welcomes-the-governments-decision-on-uu/

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Weather News – MetService Red Warning for Manawatu, Rangitikei and Ruapehu Districts

Source: MetService

Covering period of Sunday 15 – Monday 16 February 2026 – At 2:36pm MetService escalated the Severe Weather Warnings in Manawatu, Rangitikei and Ruapehu Districts north of Feilding and east of State Highway One to a Red Warning for Heavy Rain, in consultation with the Horizons Regional Council.    

All MetService Warnings have the potential for impacts, but Red Warnings are reserved for the most extreme weather events where significant impact and disruption are expected.

The escalation to a Red Warning comes as a deep area of low pressure sinks southwards across the eastern coast of the North Island, feeding heavy rain into the region, accompanied by strong gusty winds.

The heaviest rain is forecast for overnight tonight, Sunday, into Monday with the Red Severe Weather Warning running from 6pm Sunday to 2pm Monday.

MetService meteorologist John Law says, “It will be a wet and windy night for many parts of the lower and eastern North Island tonight, with rain returning and persisting through the night. The rainfall around Taihape and the eastern areas of Manawatu is of particular concern, bringing a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding, slips and disrupting travel.”

“A Red Warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People should also be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services.”

This is the second Red Warning MetService has issued this year, and it’s the 21st Red Warning weather event since the highest alert level was introduced back in May 2019.

Severe Weather Warnings and Watches also cover much of the eastern and lower North Island both for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds. With strengthening winds forecast though the night, Strong Wind Warnings for severe gales extend from the Cook Strait coast right up the eastern coast with a high chance that the warnings in Hawke’s Bay, eastern Taihape, the Tararua District and Wairarapa could be upgraded to a Red Warning. The strong winds will also be generating rough seas and large waves around the southern and eastern coasts of the North Island.  
 
As the weather system sinks southwards wind and rain will reach down to the top of the South Island, where some Severe Weather Warnings and Watches are also in place.  
 
Keep up to date with weather and warnings via metservice.com or our free MetService weather app.  

MetService also now provides push notifications for Severe Weather Warnings via our app.  More information can be found here about enabling them. 

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:

This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/weather-news-metservice-red-warning-for-manawatu-rangitikei-and-ruapehu-districts/

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Politics – Seymour’s calls for small government lazy politics straight from hard-right playbook – ignores NZ’s growing challenges – PSA

Source: PSA

ACT Leader David Seymour’s latest attack on the public sector is straight out of the hard-right playbook – slash and burn now, worry about the consequences later.
“We’ve seen this movie before Iin the 1980s and 90s and we know how it ends – with worse services for New Zealanders and the country less able to deal with the challenges we face,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The last thing New Zealand needs is more ideologically driven re-structuring designed to meet some arbitrary numerical target and bugger the impact on what really matters – the future of our country and the health and well-being of New Zealanders.
“This is lazy politics from David Seymour and an attempt to distract from the failure of the Government to address the high cost of living facing New Zealanders.
“Seymour wants to cut agencies at exactly the wrong time. New Zealand’s population is growing rapidly and aging. We face a massive infrastructure deficit. Climate change is here right now, as recent severe storms even this week show.
“On top of that, we have our unique bicultural obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, severe homelessness and high unemployment, and being an isolated island nation dependent on biosecurity – these challenges are complex and require more capability, not less, they need specialist agencies.
“Now is the time to be investing in the public services here to support New Zealand, not make more damaging cuts.
“The sad irony is that every time there’s a crisis – whether it’s Pike River, the Christchurch earthquakes, or the 15 March mosque attacks – the Royal Commissions consistently recommend more resources and clearer accountability, not fewer agencies.
“What Seymour dismisses as ‘vanity portfolios’ are often responses to specific community needs and advocacy. The Cancer Control Agency exists because cancer advocates fought for years for independent national leadership. Agencies serving women, Pacific peoples, and ethnic communities exist because these groups were historically underserved by government.
“Seymour claims reducing agencies will magically boost productivity and wages. That’s fantasy economics. Countries with strong public services – like Norway, which he name checks – invest heavily in their public sector and pay their workers well.
“ACT’s ideological belief in a minimal state will leave ordinary Kiwis to fend for themselves while the wealthy like Seymour’s landlord mates get tax cuts.
“The truth is New Zealand needs a capable, well-resourced public service to tackle the challenges ahead. Seymour’s slash-and-burn approach would leave us weaker, less prepared, and less able to protect New Zealanders when they need it most.
“Voters will have a clear choice this election – and the PSA will be saying loud and clear that ACT wants to sacrifice our future all for a deeply flawed ideology.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/politics-seymours-calls-for-small-government-lazy-politics-straight-from-hard-right-playbook-ignores-nzs-growing-challenges-psa/

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Hamilton woman assaulted in her home after confronting intruders

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police say the incident happened at around 9pm on Saturday night. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

A Hamilton woman has been seriously assaulted in her own home after confronting two men trying to get inside.

Police said the assault happened on Clarkin Road in Fairfield at about 9pm on Saturday.

The woman was injured and needed hospital treatment.

Police said her attackers took off toward River Road.

Detective Senior Sergeant Neilson said police would be carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.

“Nobody should be unsafe in their own home and the victim is understandably shaken. We’re providing wrap around support for her.”

Police are appealing to the public for information, and say even the smallest detail could be crucial.

“If you know something about this abhorrent crime, please come forward as soon as possible.

“We’re still working to establish the full circumstances and ask anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the neighbourhood around Clarkin Road to review the video and contact us if it shows suspicious or unusual activity.”

Police were particularly interested in the period between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday.

The public can report information online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, using the reference number 260215/9344.

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/2026/02/15/hamilton-woman-assaulted-in-her-home-after-confronting-intruders/

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As it happened: Fleet split for day two after big NZ-France crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

SailGP organisers have decided to split the fleet for day two of racing off Wynyard Point, after the huge high-speed crash between New Zealand and France on Saturday.

One sailor from each team was taken to hospital, with Kiwi grinder Louis Sinclair reported in stable condition with compound fractures to both legs.

Neither team will front for competition on Sunday, when stronger conditions are expected on the water.

Racing starts at 11.30am.

Follow all the live action here:

Black Foils’ boat Amokura lifted out of the water, after crashing with France. Felix Diemer for SailGP

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/2026/02/15/as-it-happened-fleet-split-for-day-two-after-big-nz-france-crash/

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On the run: Police recruitment run challenge at ‘Round the Bays

Source: New Zealand Police

Commissioner of Police Richard Chambers lead a team of 66 Police runners at the Southern Cross ‘Round the Bays event in Wellington this morning.

Staff from the Police executive, non-sworn employees, sergeants, constables and recruits took part, some running the 8.4km and others completing the 21km race.

New Zealand Police teamed with ‘Round the Bays to create a 2.4km recruitment activation as part of the ongoing recruitment drive which included an appearance by the Police Pipe Band and the Police Maritime Unit – Lady Elizabeth IV.

Commissioner Chambers entered the 8.4km run and made it home in under one hour, alongside fellow keen runner Assistant Commissioner Corrie Parnell.

Commissioner Chambers says, “In typical Wellington fashion, the wind was the winner on the day. It was excellent to see so many Police staff take part in the event, including our outstanding recruits. Fitness is an important part of the recruitment process and joining up with ‘Round the Bays allows us to reach future recruits who have got what it takes. Running is a big part of my daily routine – it helps keep me focused. I admit I had to eat Corrie Parnell’s dust in that race. However, I am pretty stoked I still hit the PAT time even if it was a little slower than the last time I did it about 30 years ago.”

Assistant Commissioner Parnell says, “I run daily as my primary form of exercise which also allows me time to decompress. On Saturday mornings I run the Parkrun 5K event which takes place at various locations across New Zealand and the world.  This is another great opportunity to network with like-minded people and gets you up and going at the weekend.”

Thanks to a timing mat at the 2.4km mark, runners could see if they have what it takes to train and complete the running portion of the police Physical Appraisal Test (PAT).

The run is part of the four components of the PAT and while the ‘Round the Bays time can’t be counted towards the PAT – it’s a great training tool to help with longer distance runs.

Two members of recruit wing 393, who graduate in March, raced home ahead of the Director of Training at the Royal New Zealand Police College, Superintendent Sam Keats. “I was running alongside Lachlan and Flynn for most of the race, and then towards the end, they burst off to finish ahead – they ran a great race.”

Wellington Harriers member, 14-year-old student Harry says, “I did the 8.4km run in 36 minutes today, which was pretty good”. Harry also easily completed other parts of the PAT – acing the standing jump and the grip strength test, two of the PAT components which were available to try at the finish line.

As part of the recruiting drive, Chambers wore a blue bib with emergency number 111 on it and Parnell wore the Police non-emergency number 105. 

For a bit of fun, other officers and Police employees wore bibs marked with Police radio codes such as 103, 106 and 107.

The Honda Half Marathon 21km race was won by Toby Gualter, the son of a retired former Police officer.

The next ‘Round the Bays run with a Police recruitment activation will occur in Auckland in two weeks on 8 March.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/on-the-run-police-recruitment-run-challenge-at-round-the-bays/

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Adolescence writer Jack Thorne on his new TV adaptation of castaway novel Lord of the Flies

Source: Radio New Zealand

Adolescence writer Jack Thorne hopes the UK will follow Australia in introducing a social media ban for children under 16.

“I think it’s amazing that Australia is ahead of the world in terms of the social media ban,” Thorne says.

“It’s hopefully going to spread like wildfire through the world, because I think it’s an incredibly important thing.”

Lord of the Flies and Adolescence were written and filmed at the same time.

Stan

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/15/adolescence-writer-jack-thorne-on-his-new-tv-adaptation-of-castaway-novel-lord-of-the-flies/

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SailGP live updates: Fleet split for day two after big NZ-France crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

SailGP organisers have decided to split the fleet for day two of racing off Wynyard Point, after the huge high-speed crash between New Zealand and France on Saturday.

One sailor from each team was taken to hospital, with Kiwi grinder Louis Sinclair reported in stable condition with compound fractures to both legs.

Neither team will front for competition on Sunday, when stronger conditions are expected on the water.

Racing starts at 11.30am.

Follow all the live action here:

Black Foils’ boat Amokura lifted out of the water, after crashing with France. Felix Diemer for SailGP

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/2026/02/15/sailgp-live-updates-fleet-split-for-day-two-after-big-nz-france-crash/?doing_wp_cron=1771107070.6770188808441162109375