Category: MIL OSI – New Zealand

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Zero Waste – No support for disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment

Source:  Zero Waste Aotearoa (ZWA)

Zero Waste Aotearoa (ZWA) does not support disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment and bundling its environmental protection functions into the proposed MCERT Mega Ministry.

“This takes us back to an old 1970’s approach by embedding a fundamental conflict of interest into the new mega-Ministry. Environmental protection will be viewed as an internal obstacle to be managed, rather than a statutory goal to be upheld,” says Sue Coutts of Zero Waste Aotearoa.

“Clean and green is part of our national identity.  It underpins our trade and tourism industries. If we don’t have a strong champion to protect our environment we are putting our health, our economy and our future at risk.”

“Almost all of our major environmental indicators show we’re in serious trouble. Our lands, air and water are polluted, biodiversity is under extreme strain and climate goals have been abandoned.”

“Solving New Zealand’s waste, recycling, plastic and chemical pollution problems is already low on the government’s priority list, dismantling the Ministry for the Environment will cross these critical issues off the to-do list altogether.”

“Dismantling the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is nothing less than vandalism of the public interest by a government that has shown it cares very little for the ecological systems that sustain us.”

“Climate, nature, environmental quality and health impacts need a dedicated, independent statutory voice. This helps to ensure any trade offs being made between development and production  and environmental quality and protection are rigorously analysed.”

“Decision making will be less open and transparent, because the new mega-Ministry Chief Executive will carry the responsibility for making trade offs between environmental and development objectives. This will happen at the management level, rather than these being debated and agreed in the public and political realm. There will be fewer opportunities for scrutiny of decision making with a public interest lens or by watchdogs like the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.”

“MfE also plays an important role in managing the Crown’s relationship with iwi regarding natural resources. The current expertise and relationships could be buried or lost in the shift to the MCERT mega ministry.”

“As importantly, resource management law is undergoing a massive overhaul. There is a lot of work to be done setting up the national standards, environmental limits and policy direction that will shape decision making in the future.”

“It makes more sense to leave MfE as it is and properly resource it to do the background work outlined in the new Planning and Environment bills. Restructuring and merging MfE into MCERT will disrupt the team and waste time, energy and resources that could be put into this critical work.”

“As the submission period closes, ZWA encourages the public to understand the negative impacts on environmental protection this will have. ZWA recommends to the select committee that the Ministry for the Environment is not included in this amalgamation, and instead is empowered to actually do the work of caring for our environment.”

Notes

Submissions are open until 4:30 pm on March 11, 2026, for the Environment (Disestablishment of Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Bill.

The Government introduced legislation to establish a Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT)

MCERT would formally disestablish the Ministry for the Environment. The new ministry will be established on 1 April 2026 and become operational from 1 July 2026

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/zero-waste-no-support-for-disestablishing-the-ministry-for-the-environment/

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Universities – Building more sustainably in the wake of cyclones – UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

A new University of Auckland project aims to turn about 1200 Auckland houses destroyed by cyclones into a resource for a more sustainable future.

Associate Professor of Architecture Mike Davis has launched a research project identifying reusable materials in houses that have been deemed unsafe, after being hit by Cyclone Gabrielle and floods in 2023.

The aim is to turn cyclone-damaged houses into an “urban mine” that reuses as much as possible, saving the planet from the pressures of endlessly providing brand new materials, says Davis.

“The tragedy of these houses being lost would be deepened if all the reusable materials in them were dumped in landfills.

“We need to look after the land, which is not about putting stuff in landfills, it’s about reusing materials and putting them into a circular economy,” says Davis, who works in the University’s Māori and Pacific Housing Research Centre, MĀPIHI, and Future Cities Research Centre.

Davis is mapping what materials have come out of the red-stickered houses and where these materials have gone.

“Then we can start to predict what might come out of houses that have been red-stickered or that are damaged in storms in the future,” he says.

Hand-held devices and drones are making 3D scans of various types of houses, such as Keith Hay and Universal homes, villas and bungalows, and state houses. This helps identify the quantities of various building materials typically found in each type of house.

“Building a knowledge bank of the reusable materials available from red-stickered houses will help the construction industry know what materials are likely to be available for reuse,” Davis says.

The project also aims to highlight environmentally harmful materials coming out of cyclone-devastated houses.

This information will be used to develop more sustainable building practices for the future, he says.

“One example is polystyrene, which doesn’t go away, so when a house comes down after 50 years, it’s a massive problem.

“We want to look for alternatives and ask what we can learn about building better in the future.”

Davis says older houses tend to be richer repositories of valuable materials, such as kauri, matai and rimu timber.

“More than 50 percent of timbers can often be reused from earlier buildings.

“Once you get into houses from the 2000s, lots of materials are glued together and it’s much harder to reuse something that’s been glued.”

The research could have real-world impacts in expanding the quantities of building materials available at recycling centres and demolition yards, Davis says.              

About 600 red-stickered houses have already been relocated or deconstructed, but another 600 have yet to be removed from properties.                                                                                  

“The aim is to normalise the idea of buying second-hand materials and seeing that as a positive thing.

“We’re moving away from the idea that everything has to be new, new, new, because that’s resource intensive and not sustainable.”

He aims to develop design principles that will help to future-proof housing, so it is more adaptable, more readily disassembled, and easier to repair.

“We will look at what can we do with relocated houses to make them more affordable and fit for purpose.”

Davis, who has Samoan ancestry, says a fondness for recycling and a hatred of waste is in his DNA.

His great-grandfather built churches and other buildings in the Pacific Islands, where resources are limited and valued.

“New Zealand is also two islands and when you live on an island, what you’ve got is what you’ve got, so you make it last.

“But that’s not going on in the building industry in New Zealand at the moment – there’s a rip, strip and bury mentality,” he says.

Over the past 15 years, his own creative projects have focused on recycled materials.

“We need to see those awesome old timbers as having cultural heritage as well as economic value, because there’s not much kauri coming out of our forests these days,” he says.

Results from the research are expected later this year.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/universities-building-more-sustainably-in-the-wake-of-cyclones-uoa/

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How strong is support for Christopher Luxon? We’re about to find out

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Analysis – The Prime Minister has doubled down in the wake of a horror poll on Friday, saying he is “absolutely not” considering stepping aside from the top job.

Christopher Luxon did a last-minute interview on Newstalk ZB on Friday night after a day of speculation and mounting pressure over whether he could convincingly stay on as prime minister after a new poll showed National had hit 28 percent.

He told ZB, “if there was a problem, I would be doing something about it, but we are a long way away from what we’ve seen published in a TPU poll today”.

The Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll showed the centre-Left bloc narrowly able to govern with 61 seats to the coalition government bloc’s 59 seats.

It had Labour up slightly on 34, while the Greens, ACT, and Te Pāti Māori were all up on 10.5, 7.5 and 3 respectively.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

On Monday, Luxon told RNZ’s Morning Report he wasn’t going anywhere, however, he also said he didn’t ask any of his MPs over the weekend if he had their support because, “they tell me regularly and it’s just not a question that needs to be asked”.

It’s a bold prime minister who assumes the support of his entire caucus after one of his worst weeks in the job, that was bookended by his inability to articulate the government’s position on the Iran conflict last Monday and a poll showing National below the red line of 30 on Friday.

How strong that support is will be made clear when his MPs gather at Parliament on Tuesday morning for their caucus meeting.

The National Party isn’t afraid to tell a few home-truths in their caucus meetings, and Luxon may well be on the receiving end of that this week.

Beyond his caucus’ reckons, the prime minister will also need to manage the concerns of his staff.

On Friday, there were murmurings that some senior staff were increasingly frustrated by their advice being ignored by Luxon and some of the government messaging no longer being convincing.

A poll putting National in the high 20s – the second public poll saying so since October last year – isn’t by any means the end of the prime minister’s career.

It will take a few more polls saying the same thing and a clear trend developing before the pressure will really mount.

At that point it’s those in his caucus who will be turfed out of Parliament first by a worsening National result who will start agitating.

Christopher Luxon and Transport Minister Chris Bishop. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A potential result in the 20s in November will not only impact senior ministers relying on the success of the party list, such as Nicola Willis, Paul Goldsmith, and Gerry Brownlee, but will also be damaging to swing seats like Hutt South, currently held by Chris Bishop.

At the moment, all of the polling shows the party blocs in a position to govern are still neck-and-neck.

That keeps National very much still in the game.

Probably more concerning for Luxon were the favourability results from Friday’s poll showing his net favourability has fallen three points to -19, well behind Labour leader Chris Hipkins on -5.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Even New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is polling better on that score than Luxon with a score of -8, while closer to home Bishop received -14 and Erica Stanford scored -16.

MPs and ministers arriving at Parliament on Monday morning were all publicly backing Luxon, noting the poll wasn’t positive but the prime minister remained the best person to lead.

That will douse some of the speculation fire for today at least.

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/2026/03/09/how-strong-is-support-for-christopher-luxon-were-about-to-find-out/

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Cricket: Black Caps lost World Cup final in the powerplays – Santner

Source: Radio New Zealand

Black Cap Finn Allen during the T20 World Cup grand final. www.photosport.nz

The Black Caps are rueing poor performances in both powerplays in their Twenty20 World Cup loss to India – prolonging their wait for a maiden white-ball World Cup title.

Defending champions India thumped New Zealand by 96 runs in Monday morning’s (NZT) final in Ahmedabad.

Batting first, the co-hosts posted a big total of 255/5. Indian batter Sanju Samson top scored with 89 runs, with fellow opener Abhishek Sharma and No.3 Ishan Kishan both scoring half-centuries.

Despite a half-century from opener Tim Seifert, New Zealand couldn’t keep up with the required run rate. Captain Mitchell Santner scored 43 runs at the back of the innings, but it was never going to be enough, and the visitors were eventually all-out for 159.

Jasprit Bumrah took four wickets for India, which became the first team in history to win back-to-back men’s T20 World Cup titles. It’s also India’s biggest win in a T20 World Cup match.

“They showed their class again tonight with that batting performance,” Black Caps captain Mitch Santner told reporters.

“That was the tale of the day – the two powerplays. I think we were three for 40-odd and they were 90-odd for none.”

Samson and Sharma provided an explosive push and rattled up 92 runs in the six powerplay overs. In contrast, New Zealand’s top-order slipped to 52-3 inside six overs, and the chase never quite took off.

Santner said the run chase was always likely to ride on surviving the first six overs and keeping wickets for a surge later, which did not happen.

“You’re not going to win a chase in the powerplay, but you can lose one. If we pick up a couple early and squeeze the middle, maybe 220 is on. At 250, you need a lot to go your way.”

Hardik Pandya of India celebrates after winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Grand Final. www.photosport.nz

New Zealand bowler Jimmy Neesham picked up three wickets in the 16th over, but the damage was done early on.

“Whether it was to be braver with yorkers or bouncers, we tried a lot of cutters into the wicket that weren’t offering much,” Santner said.

“We all know we weren’t at our best tonight, and if you’re not at your best against a very good team in a final, you get exposed.”

The Black Caps have a long history of reaching deep into tournaments but have lost multiple finals. They were one day international runners-up in 2015 and 2019, and have now become bridesmaids in two T20 World Cups.

More than 86,000 predominantly Indian supporters packed into Narendra Modi Stadium – the world’s largest cricket ground – and Santner praised the hosts’ execution.

“There was definitely a lot of pressure on India in front of so many people, and they did it outstandingly well.”

Santner told Sky Sport he was proud of his team.

“To make it this far, obviously we had some challenges throughout the tournament but at each stage we kind of got through and put on a good show, obviously tonight we were outplayed by a very good team in front of a great crowd.”

Santner said the Black Caps did a lot right to reach the final, including a very good win over South Africa in the semi-final.

“Different guys stepped up at different times throughout every stage. I think we were confronted with challenges throughout every stage and it was nice to get through, and super eights and then the semi-final, we put on a pretty good show – but I guess tonight we were outplayed, but the boys should be very proud of their work.”

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/2026/03/09/cricket-black-caps-lost-world-cup-final-in-the-powerplays-santner/

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SH1 closes as truck and car crash near Milton

Source: Radio New Zealand

St John said an ambulance and a helicopter had been sent to the crash site RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

A helicopter has been sent to a the scene of a collision between a truck and car blocking State Highway 1 near Milton.

The crash happened shortly before 9am near the intersection of Adams Flat Road and Milton Highway.

Police said it appeared people had been injured.

St John said an ambulance and a helicopter had been sent.

NZTA said SH1 near Milton was closed near the intersection with Adams Flat Road.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

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/2026/03/09/sh1-closes-as-truck-and-car-crash-near-milton/

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Obesity experts advise on new treatments

Source: PHARMAC

With high obesity rates in New Zealand and new medicines entering the market, public interest in weight‑loss treatments is understandably strong. 

In June 2025 Medsafe approved semaglutide (Wegovy) for use in New Zealand for weight loss. Medsafe approves medicines for use in New Zealand. They check that these products meet our standards for safety and quality, and that they work as well as we expect them to.  

Pharmac has received three applications to fund semaglutide(external link) for the following conditions: 

  • weight management for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more with at least one weight-related health condition
  • insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes  
  • cardiovascular disease with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or more.

 To help us assess these medicines, a new Obesity Treatments Advisory Group (OTAG) was established and met for the first time in December last year. The group includes a range of clinical expertise and provides objective advice on new obesity treatments and future opportunities. 

 Pharmac’s Manager Expert Advisory, Caroline De Luca, says this is the first step in gathering advice to inform this complicated decision that could affect many New Zealanders lives.

 “When we make funding decisions, we need input from clinical experts in New Zealand so we can understand how the evidence relates in a local context.”

 The current members of the group are:

  • Dr Liza Lack – Clinical Director, National Hauora Coalition – Waikato (Chair – PTAC Member)
  • Dr Bruce King (Chair) – Specialist Internal Medicine and Nephrology (PTAC Member)
  • Dr Wing Cheuk Chan – Public Health Physician
  • Dr Jo McClintock – Clinical Psychologist
  • Dr Rawiri McKree Jansen – General Practitioner
  • Prof Rinki Murphy – Specialist Diabetes Physician
  • Dr James Shand – Endocrinologist
  • Dr Samuel Whittaker – General Practitioner 

 OTAG reviewed the application to fund semaglutide for weight loss in December 2025. The group’s provisional recommendation [PDF](external link) is that Pharmac fund it for chronic weight management in people with a high body mass index (BMI) and associated comorbidities, with a high priority. The full record of the meeting is expected to be available by March.

A recommendation from OTAG is not a guarantee that Pharmac will fund a medicine. It is a vital step in the process for considering this application, but it is not the only consideration.

The OTAG advice will contribute to Pharmac’s assessment of the role of these medicines in New Zealand and consider the impact on individuals, whānau, caregivers, and the wider health system. We will continue to seek input from the clinical and patient communities.

More about our advisory groups

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/obesity-experts-advise-on-new-treatments/

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Reset Programme reflects on progress to transform engagement

Source: PHARMAC

With February marking one year since publication of the Consumer Engagement Workshop Report, it’s a good time to reflect on the positive progress being made to transform Pharmac’s relationship with stakeholders through the Reset Programme.

The report captured the feedback of consumers who had earlier shared their experiences engaging with Pharmac. A clear theme was the need for the organisation to completely reset its approach to consumer and patient engagement to rebuild trust and credibility.

Recommendations from the report also led to establishment of the Consumer and Patient Working Group, chaired by Dr Malcolm Mulholland.

“We’re extremely grateful to have this group providing their insights to help us improve the way we engage with consumers and to make that sure we reflect their needs and perspectives when delivering our work,” says Pharmac Chief Executive, Natalie McMurtry. “This is also supported by the work being done by the existing statutory Consumer Advisory Committee.”

Some of the key milestones achieved by the Reset Programme and its partners to date include:

  • Establishment of the Consumer and Patient Working Group to support the design and delivery of the 12-month Reset Programme
  • Building a centralised consumer database to support improved engagement
  • Creation of a dedicated Consumer Relations Team to strengthen Pharmac’s relationships with consumer and patient groups
  • Feedback from the Consumer and Patient Working Group incorporated into budget information to better demonstrate patient impact
  • Ongoing improvements to the medicines funding application process to ensure a better experience for consumers.
  • Multiple workshops held with the Consumer and Patient Working Group to shape the future 4-year improvement workplan.

Looking ahead, a key focus for the Consumer and Patient Working Group and the Reset Programme is helping to create a Consumer Engagement Framework.

This framework will explain when and how we ask for consumer feedback, how we use people’s insights in our decision-making, and how we intend keep people updated on progress. It’s about making sure consumer voices are included in a consistent, reliable way – both in our future improvement work and in our everyday processes.

The framework will also help ensure a smooth transition once the Reset Programme and the Consumer and Patient Working Group finish on 30 June this year, ensuring that consumer perspectives continue to shape our work in a strong and practical way.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/reset-programme-reflects-on-progress-to-transform-engagement/

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Funding medicines for people with high health needs

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac is working to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders, including those with the highest health needs. This includes Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled people, women, and people living rurally. 


“Health equity ensures everyone has fair access to health care and the opportunity to live well, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” says Director Equity and Engagement, Dr Nicola Ngawati. 

Pharmac’s Equity Policy recognises that different people have different levels of advantage. Pharmac applies an equity lens when making funding decisions. 

Our role under the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 is to secure for eligible people in need of pharmaceuticals, the best health outcomes that are reasonably achievable from pharmaceutical treatment. 

Some of the medicines we’ve funded recently are making a real difference for these groups. Below are some specific medicines and their reach for high needs health groups (from 1 October 2024 to 31 January 2026). 

Palivizumab (RSV prevention)

Protects premature and high-risk infants from severe RSV illness. Māori and Pacific babies are more likely to need this treatment. Recipients by health group: 

  • Māori – 34.3%
  • Pacific– 11.3%
  • Female – 44.6%
  • Rural – 15.7%

Triple inhaler (Budesonide + Glycopyrronium + Eformoterol)

Helps manage COPD, which impacts Māori up to 20 years earlier and causes death at five times the rate of non-Māori. Funded from 1 January 2025. Recipients by health group: 

  • Māori – 28.4%
  • Pacific – 4.5%
  • Women – 57.3%
  • Rural – 24.1%

Insulin (Ryzodeg)

Diabetes prevalence among Māori and Pacific people is about three times higher than other population groups. Funded from May 2025. Recipients by health group: 

  • Māori – 24.1%
  • Pacific – 19.3%
  • Women – 48.8%
  • Rural – 17.9%

Empagliflozen

This medicine helps reduce cardiovascular hospitalisation, slow kidney decline, and improve glycaemic control. Recipients by health group: 

  • Māori – 21.8%
  • Pacific – 7.6%
  • Women – 33.8%
  • Rural – 25.7%

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

From 1 December 2025, Pharmac began funding silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for the treatment and prevention of tooth decay. Dental cavities disproportionately affect Māori, Pacific peoples and people in areas of higher depravation. 

Poor oral health can impact daily life and cause pain and embarrassment. Although SDF is in the early days of funding, its use is expected to reduce the need for hospital‑based dental treatment, remove cost barriers and improve wellbeing.

“We’re pleased that these statistics indicate our funded medicines are reaching those who need them most. We’ll continue to focus on increasing access to key medicines for these groups,” says Dr Ngawati.

“This work is extremely important. By reducing avoidable differences in health outcomes – we create a healthier New Zealand for everyone.”

Note: All figures are from the Pharmaceutical Collection dataset(external link) (as extracted and analysed by Pharmac).

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/funding-medicines-for-people-with-high-health-needs/

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Collaboration on medical device procurement

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac and Health New Zealand (Health NZ) are working towards a more streamlined and coordinated national approach to hospital medical device procurement.

The Government announced changes to the procurement of hospital medical devices(external link) in September last year. Pharmac and Health NZ are now jointly responsible for procuring medical devices, with Pharmac leading procurement for 27 categories of medical devices, and Health NZ leading 28.

Catherine Epps, Pharmac’s Director of Medical Devices, says a programme of work is underway that will deliver greater transparency, consistency and collaboration in medical device procurement across the health system.

 “Our work will ensure the medical devices used in our public hospitals deliver better value and more consistent, fair access for people across the country. Strengthening our partnership with Health NZ and working closely with suppliers means we can make better‑informed decisions and deliver better outcomes.”

Pharmac has agreed a framework with Health NZ for delivering a range of Health Technology Assessments (HTA). We’re now working together to plan a broader programme, including formalising how commissioning and HTA processes will work.

 “It’s encouraging to see the shared commitment to building a more aligned and coordinated approach. This will mean clearer roles, clearer decision points, and more consistent ways of working – giving the sector greater predictability and transparency,” says Epps.

 Over the coming months, the programme will continue to transition to a new joint leadership approach for hospital medical devices and strengthen engagement across the sector.

“It’s an exciting time to be working in medical devices in New Zealand. I’m confident that the work we’re doing now is setting us up to make medical devices procurement work better for everyone involved.”

 More information: 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/collaboration-on-medical-device-procurement/

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New agreement improves access to treatment for New Zealanders

Source: PHARMAC

A multiproduct agreement, which took effect on 1 December last year, is delivering significant benefits for patients and the health system – freeing up thousands of infusion hours and helping services run more efficiently. 

Under the agreement Pharmac is funding five treatments for multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, lung cancer and serious eye conditions. 

Vice President of Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand, Graham Walker, says the new treatments are a ‘game changer’. 

“I got a text the other day from a friend in Christchurch who said his treatment had taken an hour, starting from his arrival at the hospital to catching the bus home. He thought it was marvellous.” 

“There’s also a lot of people that have trouble getting treatment simply because there’s no room at the infusion centre. Now six or seven people can be treated in the time it took to treat one. That’s huge!” 

The agreement with pharmaceutical supplier Roche includes two new treatments, more convenient versions of existing medicines, and continued access to an already funded treatment 

“We were able to fund new medicines through this agreement, but what I’m most pleased about is the impact the new and improved existing treatments will have on people’s lives,” says Pharmaceutical Director, Adrienne Martin. 

“The new injectable treatments can be completed in 15 minutes compared to 3-5 hours for intravenous infusions. 

The reduction in infusion times is expected to save the health system $11 million over five years. It will also ease pressure on hospital services and improve access for patients who previously faced long wait times. 

Read Decision to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis, eye conditions, breast cancer and lung cancer for more details.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/new-agreement-improves-access-to-treatment-for-new-zealanders/

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Kiwi Paul Coll wins third NZ Squash Open title

Source: Radio New Zealand

Paul Coll in action at the New Zealand Open in Christchurch. photosport

Squash star Paul Coll defended his New Zealand Open title in Christchurch on Sunday, with a dominant 11-7, 11-2, 11-5 victory over Egyptian teenager Mohamad Zakaria in the final.

It’s the Kiwi’s third successive New Zealand Open triumph.

Zakaria rallied from a 4-2 deficit to lead 8-7 in the opening game, but that’s where the points ended for the two-time junior world champion.

Coll lifted his intensity and dictated terms with superior court positioning, stringing together four consecutive points to take the game 11-8.

The West Coaster held that momentum in the second game and looked to capitalise on tired legs after Zakaria’s marathon semi-final triumph less than 24 hours prior.

The world number two looked to take the ball early and seemed more comfortable in the longer rallies knowing fatigue was becoming a factor. Coll won the first eight points after the resumption, before clinching the second game 11-2 to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

There was no stopping Coll from there with the finish line in sight in front of friends and family who made the trip from the West Coast. He maintained his level, putting the hammer down to win the third game 11-5 inside seven minutes.

A “stoked” Coll said claiming the title at the Isaac Theatre Royal stage meant a lot to him.

“I’m very happy to win the NZ Squash Open for the third time. I was feeling a bit nervous, he [Zakaria] had a monster match yesterday. I knew he was going to feel tired, but I was trying to put that out of my mind and play my squash,” Coll said.

With the win Coll extended his unbeaten record to 8-0 on the Isaac Theatre Royal stage and moved to a 27-1 overall record for PSA matches held in New Zealand.

“Last year all the players left here saying how good it was and it was such a good showcase for New Zealand. I’m sure it’ll be great in Palmerston North in 2027, I’ll definitely be back to try and make it four [in a row],” Coll said.

Earlier, the Christchurch crowd was treated to a sibling rivalry in the NZ Women’s Open decider as top seed Tinne Gilles held her nerve to beat younger sister Nele 11-6, 5-11, 12-10, 11-9 in 78 minutes.

It’s the Belgian’s first New Zealand Open title, and just her second win in 11 attempts on the PSA Tour against Nele.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/kiwi-paul-coll-wins-third-nz-squash-open-title/

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Ninth wave of Covid-19 suggests wane in immunity, expert says everyone must ‘act to reduce impact’

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf.com – RNZ / Composite Image – RNZ

A public health expert says New Zealand is in its ninth wave of Covid-19.

The latest Health New Zealand figures show 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths with the virus in the past week.

With booster uptake falling and little tracking of long Covid, experts are warning the real impact of the virus may still be underestimated.

University of Otago professor of public health Michael Baker told Morning Report that waves of Covid-19 had been a pattern seen since the Omicron variant started spreading widely in 2022.

In the past four years, there had been roughly two waves per year.

Baker said the waves weren’t seasonal – being equally distributed between winter and summer.

University of Otago professor of public health Michael Baker. Luke Pilkinton-Ching

But this wave wasn’t following the pattern of a new subvariant emerging, which suggested a wane in immunity.

Baker said people were not getting booster shots and for many, it had been quite some time since they were last infected and antibodies were dropping.

It was enough to give the virus “the edge”.

Baker said the virus was still New Zealand’s most impactful infectious disease – equating to about 1000 deaths a year – compared to influenza which accounted for about 500.

Covid-19 was also filling up hospitals – and everyone needed to “act to reduce impact”, he said.

Baker said there was no data to show if people were still testing but many had become more complacent.

Tests were no longer paid for by the government making them unaffordable for some people.

“I think that’s a problem,” Baker said.

Apart from getting boosters – which were available every six months for people over 30 – Baker said self-isolation was the next best way to stop the spread.

He said if people had respiratory symptoms, they should stay home and get a test if they can afford it.

Covid-19 was being tracked through wastewater and hospitalisations – which were currently showing a “big wave”.

As well as topping up antibodies, Baker said getting regular boosters reduced the risk of Long Covid.

The “disabling illness” was not being monitored at all In New Zealand which Baker said was a “gap” in tracking the virus.

He suggested periodic surveys would be enough to track how many people are living with it.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/ninth-wave-of-covid-19-suggests-wane-in-immunity-expert-says-everyone-must-act-to-reduce-impact/

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PM Christopher Luxon facing a ‘last straw scenario’ – commentators

Source: Radio New Zealand

“The trend is not good” for the Prime Minister, says Liam Hehir. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Last week was “disastrous” and a “last straw scenario” for the prime minister, says a former National Party chief press secretary, while another political commentator says National MPs will be considering whether now is the right time for a leadership tilt.

Janet Wilson was chief press secretary for both Todd Muller and Judith Collins and says a recent poll that put National in the 20s was not a “nail in the coffin” for Christopher Luxon.

But she says it encapsulates people’s view of him and the state of play for the National Party as a whole.

Liam Hehir says Luxon’s performance last week when it came to foreign policy did not matter as much as the poll, which reflects a broader trend for him, and “the trend is not good”.

Hehir says first term prime ministers normally get a free run in their first re-election bid, and Luxon is in a “very unusual position for a first term Prime Minister, coming under immense pressure”.

Luxon batted away questions last week about stepping down as party leader following the latest Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll that had National on 28.4 – down nearly 3 points from its poll last month.

Labour was up slightly on 34.4, while the Greens, ACT, and Te Pāti Maori were all up on 10.5, 7.5, and 3.2 respectively.

Luxon told Newstalk ZB on Friday evening none of his Cabinet colleagues had told him to reconsider his future, saying “all of them” back him.

He said he was “absolutely not” considering standing down and said he had the skills to lead the National Party and the country.

Luxon will make his regular media appearances on Monday morning, including on RNZ’s Morning Report, ahead of another week at Parliament that will see the National Party caucus get together on Tuesday for the first time since Friday’s horror poll.

Wilson told RNZ she thought Luxon had lost his messaging and status, “and I think he’s lost his imprimatur at this moment to be a leader”.

She said there were three likely scenarios that could play out this week, the first being what seemed to be occurring now – that Luxon had “dug in,” he would maintain business-as-usual and say he wasn’t going anywhere.

The second scenario was that his senior leadership team had asked him to consider his future, but he says he’s not going anywhere, “it’s a bit like scenario one: status quo is maintained.”

The third scenario, she said, was if Luxon told the senior leadership he wasn’t going anywhere, but the senior leadership team then decided it’s time for change.

She concluded the most likely probability was scenario one, “he is going to dig in and say, it’s only one poll – journalists, the commentariat, have gone mad.”

Hehir told RNZ every single MP in the National Party saw themselves as a potential leader.

“Whenever anyone’s under pressure, whenever the actual leader is under pressure, they will be wondering to themselves whether or not it’s the right time.

“You’d have to be crazy not to assume that in the wake of a series of pretty bad polls, that the ambitious people in the party aren’t considering their options.”

Wilson explained the effect on a caucus when polling was low was “severe,” that it was “horrific, actually”.

“What happens is MPs start doing the numbers, and they start looking at the likelihood of what their chances are for the upcoming election, and whether, in fact, their skin is going to be saved in the midst of the mayhem of what’s going on,” Wilson said.

She got a sense that was occurring right now.

“I think the more that the leader says, ‘there’s nothing to see here, it’s all fine’, the more it exacerbates the problem for those in the back bench.”

Wilson pointed out it was to Luxon’s advantage that a lot of his caucus were newer MPs, “the strategic art of politics is yet to occur to most of them”, though not all of them, she said.

She also referred to the previous political term, where National went through a succession of leaders, and the memory of that time had “frozen” the senior leadership.

“They’ve all been there before, so why would they want to go back to that necessarily?

“They’re aware of the risks. They’re not necessarily thinking about the rewards.”

If there was going to be a leadership challenge, Wilson said it would need to be “quick” and “clean”, and Luxon would need to “sit back.”

Hehir was skeptical about changing a leader in election year.

“It’s a bad idea to change leaders unless you’re absolutely certain that the new leader is going to keep all the votes you currently got and add additional votes.

“It’s the only way that it’s worth the instability, the permutations of a leadership change.”

The complications and difficulties being considered would be the pairing of a new leader and deputy leader, said Hehir.

With the National Party, he said, whenever the leadership is being considered, “you’re not just looking at the ideological factions, but you’re also going to look at the personalities involved.”

“If there was to be a leadership change, it would probably be a disaster unless everything lined up. And I’m just not sure that it does.

“The history of leadership changes in the National Party when they haven’t been managed, has not been good. Very rarely has it resulted in an election win or a changing of a course correction in terms of the overall trajectory.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/09/pm-christopher-luxon-facing-a-last-straw-scenario-commentators/

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Football: Auckland FC draw with Perth Glory

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sam Cosgrove heads in for what was subsequently ruled to be an own goal by Perth Glory in their A-League clash at Mount Smart Stadium, 8 March 2026. www.photosport.nz

Auckland FC’s run for the A-League men’s premiership has suffered a hiccup with a 2-all home draw with Perth Glory.

The Auckland side picked up a point for the draw, but trail leaders Newcastle Jets by four points. The two teams meet next weekend in a clash that Auckland must not lose if they are to stay in realistic contention.

It looked great for the Aucklanders when Sam Cosgrove who after a melee got the ball past Glory goalkeeper Matt Sutton in just the seventh minute.

Perth levelled in the 39th minute when Brian Kaltak found the back of the net with a diving header.

Stefan Colakovski gave Glory a 2-1 lead when he got one past Auckland goalkeeper Michael Woud in the 57th minute, but four minutes later Cosgrove got higher than the Perth players surrounding him to head one into the right post, with Sutton unable to contain the richochet and the ball falling just behind him into the goal.

The referee initially called a foul on Cosgrove, but after VAR intervention he changed the decision, with it ultimately decreed an own goal by Sutton.

There were six minutes of extra time, but neither team could break the deadlock.

The draw leaves Auckland FC three points ahead of Sydney FC who are in third place.

The Glory take on the Phoenix in Wellington next weekend.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/football-auckland-fc-draw-with-perth-glory/

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Police, helicopter rescue boaties, diver of Wellington’s southern coast

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police launch Lady Elizabeth IV found the boat about 6km off the coast.

Police and Westpac Rescue Helicopter have rescued a diver and boaties in windy and choppy conditions off Wellington’s south coast this week.

The police maritime unit responded to an emergency call from two people on a 5.4m runabout about 4pm Thursday, after they struck difficulties with 88km/h winds and two-metre waves, and were being blown out to seas.

The boat owner, who was the only occupant who knew how to drive the boat, had been scuba-diving and was still in the water closer to shore.

Police called in the rescue helicopter and volunteer coastguard to assist, and about 4.30pm, the police launch Lady Elizabeth IV found the boat about 6km off the coast.

Constable Stephanie Cox was able to board the boat in tricky conditions and drive it back to Owhiro Bay.

An hour later, the diver was located on a remote shore, after surfacing and realising his boat had gone. He was airlifted to Wellington Airport.

No-one was harmed, but all three were shaken by the experience.

“These two men can consider themselves lucky,” senior launch master Constable Nicko McGregor said. “These difficult weather conditions were no place for a small runabout to be.

“This is a reminder of how quickly situations at sea can change. Good preparation and formal training make a real difference, when things don’t go to plan on the water.”

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/2026/03/08/police-helicopter-rescue-boaties-diver-of-wellingtons-southern-coast/

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NZ Navy’s HNZS Te Kaha leaks hundreds of litres of oil into Akaroa Harbour

Source: Radio New Zealand

The oil spill is contained on Akaroa Harbour. Facebook/Environment Canterbury

A Royal New Zealand Navy vessel has spilled hundreds of litres of oil into Akaroa Harbour on Saturday morning.

About 200-300 litres of oil leaked from the HMNZS Te Kaha, due to a defect to an oil cooler on the ship’s starboard engine, a defence force spokesperson said.

Immediate steps were taken to clean up the oil.

Crew used absorbent pads to clean up surface oil and an inflatable boat to disperse the oil.

“The source of the leak has been isolated and no further oil is leaking,” she said.

The ship has been in Akaroa Harbour on a training exercise and remains anchored there on Sunday.

Environment Canterbury Regional on-scene commander Emma Parr said teams were helping clean-up efforts, focused on containing and recovering the oil from the water’s surface.

Parr said the method was working well.

“We’ll continue this approach as long as weather, daylight and sea conditions allow.”

Parr said anyone who saw or smelled oil should report that to Environment Canterbury’s Pollution Hotline, 0800 765 588.

“If you observe any affected wildlife, please do not touch it. Keep a safe distance and call us on the number above.”

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/2026/03/08/nz-navys-hnzs-te-kaha-leaks-hundreds-of-litres-of-oil-into-akaroa-harbour/

Posted on

Five die during treacherous weekend on North Island roads

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / REECE BAKER

One person has died after a crash on State Highway 1, just north of Tūrangi, near Rawhira Road.

The road remained closed and diversions were in place around the western side of Lake Taupō.

Motorists were advised to continue avoiding the area.

The past 24 hours have been treacherous on the roads, with four other people dead in separate crashes.

One was killed on Coast Road in Karitane on Sunday morning and a motorcyclist died in a crash on Foxton Shannon Road in the Manawatū soon after.

At about 12.30am, an occupant was killed in a single-vehicle crash at Paparoa.

On Sunday afternoon, police also confirmed the driver of a vehicle involved a Dome Valley crash on Saturday evening died at the scene.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/five-die-during-treacherous-weekend-on-north-island-roads/

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Diver and boaties rescued after being blown out to sea

Source: New Zealand Police

Teamwork between the Police Maritime Unit and Westpac Rescue Helicopter successfully rescued a diver and boaties in windy and choppy waters off the Wellington South Coast earlier this week.

Around 4pm on Thursday 5 March, the Wellington Police Maritime Unit responded to a 111-emergency call to Police from two people on board a 5.4m runabout on Wellington’s South Coast.

The boaties were experiencing gale force winds up to 88km/h, it was getting rougher with up to 2m waves as they were being blown out to sea.

The boaties also reported that the boat owner and skipper who had been on the trip with them had been scuba diving closer to shore and was still in the water.

With the escalating situation and risk to the boaties and diver’s lives, Police called on emergency support from Life Flight’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Wellington’s Volunteer Coastguard to assist in rescue efforts.

Around 4.30pm, the Police Launch vessel, Lady Elizabeth IV, located the small runabout about 6km off Wellington’s South Coast.

The missing skipper/scuba diver was the only one of the three of them who knew how to drive the boat properly. The two boaties left onboard were unable to drive the boat to safety.

Crew on the Police Launch were able to use their tender (inflatable boat) to safely put a crew member onto the runabout. This was challenging in the rough conditions but necessary in the circumstances.

Launch Crew member Constable Stephanie Cox was able to take control and drove the runabout back to Owhiro Bay boat ramp on Wellington’s South Coast.

Around 5.30pm after the initial 111 call to Police, the Westpac Rescue helicopter located the missing diver on a remote shore waving out to them. The diver had surfaced after his dive, realised his boat had gone and he then managed to swim to shore on the south coast. The diver was flown back to the Life Flight base at Wellington Airport.

Both boaties and the diver were unharmed but shaken after the experience.

Senior Launch Master Constable Nicko McGregor says the incident highlights the importance of preparation before going out on the water.

“These two men can consider themselves lucky. These difficult weather conditions were no place for a small runabout to be.”

Constable McGregor says when heading out on the water, make sure you:

  • Check the weather, sometimes the wind and waves can couple to make an unsafe day on the water – especially if you’re not a confident and experienced boatie
  • Carry proper safety equipment
  • Have at least two forms of communication, and ensure they are put in a waterproof case or pouch
  • Everyone on board understands basic emergency procedures.

“This is a reminder of how quickly situations at sea can change. Good preparation and formal training make a real difference when things don’t go to plan on the water,” says Constable McGregor.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/diver-and-boaties-rescued-after-being-blown-out-to-sea/

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Palestine Forum of New Zealand Marks International Women’s Day

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Honouring the Courage, Resilience, and Strength of Palestinian Women – Palestine Forum of New Zealand joins communities around the world in commemorating International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026. This year, we dedicate its observance to the extraordinary Palestinian women mothers, doctors, journalists, teachers, and activists who continue to demonstrate unparalleled courage and resilience in the face of ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

As the global community reflects on the theme of gender equality and women’s rights, we call on New Zealanders and the international community to recognise that Palestinian women are not merely victims of circumstance; they are leaders, caregivers, and the backbone of their communities, holding families and societies together under conditions of extraordinary hardship.

The Untold Stories of Palestinian Women

Palestinian women have long stood at the forefront of their people’s struggle for dignity, self-determination, and survival. From the fields of Gaza to the refugee camps of the West Bank, Lebanese border towns, and the Palestinian diaspora worldwide, women have been the anchors of family life, cultural preservation, and community resistance.

Today, Palestinian women face compounding crises: displacement, loss of loved ones, restrictions on movement, and limited access to healthcare and education. Yet, in the face of these immense challenges, they continue to lead, educate, heal, and inspire. Their stories must be told, their voices must be amplified, and their humanity must be recognised.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand’s Call to Action

On this International Women’s Day, Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls upon:

•  The New Zealand Government to take a firm and principled stand in advocating for the protection of Palestinian women and children under international humanitarian law.

•  The United Nations and international human rights bodies should urgently investigate and address the specific and disproportionate impact of the ongoing conflict on Palestinian women.

•  New Zealanders from all walks of life are to stand in solidarity with Palestinian women to listen to their stories, support humanitarian aid organisations, and speak out against injustice.

•  Media organisations dedicate space and airtime to the voices of Palestinian women, ensuring their experiences shape the global narrative.

“Palestinian women do not ask for pity; they ask for justice. They ask for the world to see them as they truly are, strong, dignified, and deserving of every right that every woman on this Earth deserves. On this International Women’s Day, we say: “We see you, we stand with you, and we will not be silent.”

– Palestine Forum of New Zealand

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/palestine-forum-of-new-zealand-marks-international-womens-day/

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ChildFund – Just Hours From NZ – Women Still Fight for Basic Rights

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Too many women in our shared home of the Pacific still struggle to access clean water for their families.
“It’s the 21st century, and yet only hours away from New Zealand, women have to watch their children get sick, or worse, from contaminated water. They have to prioritise finding clean water instead of focusing on earning an income or building a future,” says CEO of ChildFund New Zealand Josie Pagani.
“Clean water has a domino effect. Get that right, and development across the whole Pacific will improve.”
Nearby Pacific nations continue to face barriers to health, including access to clean water. Women and their children often walk for hours to collect and boil unsafe water, a time-consuming and exhausting task.
“This is a practical problem that can be solved if we just come together as donors, businesses and aid charities to make it happen.
“At ChildFund we believe New Zealand could make sure every child in the Pacific has access to clean water by 2036, if we stick to this clear target and work together.”
ChildFund New Zealand has partnered with Pacific communities for many years, as well as supporting women and children in places like Ukraine and Gaza, Sri Lanka and Africa. As part of a global ChildFund alliance, it reaches over 36 million people in 70 countries.
Access to clean water is a global issue:
  • 1 in 4 people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water. ( WHO)
  • Women and girls collect water in about 7 out of 10 households without water on the premises. ( WHO)
  • Globally, women and girls spend 250 million hours per day collecting water. ( UN Water)
  •  Over 1 billion women globally lack access to safely managed drinking water services. ( UN) 
“Thanks to our supporters, we provided access to clean drinking water for 4,309 people across the world last year. What makes a real difference is that when donations go to water projects, every dollar is matched by five dollars from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” says Josie Pagani.
Solar-powered water purification units, costing only $250 each, plus desalination tanks, and water tanks have been introduced in remote Pacific communities in the outer islands across the Pacific.
“Gender equality is not an abstract thing. It’s about everyday rights: clean water, good health, economic security for women and their children.
“When communities have the basics sorted, like clean water, women are free to realise their potential, earn a living. All of which helps to lift their communities out of poverty.”
“Clean water changes everything. So on this International Women’s Day, let’s roll out more water projects to women and children across our own region,” says Josie Pagani.
For more information about ChildFund New Zealand’s work in the Pacific and how women and communities are leading their own change, visit childfund.org.nz.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/08/childfund-just-hours-from-nz-women-still-fight-for-basic-rights/