Category: MIL OSI – New Zealand

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Reckless ride ends in court for teen

Source: New Zealand Police

A teenager’s reckless ride on an electric bike through the North Shore found him making a hard landing into court.

On Tuesday night, Police initially responded to an aggravated robbery on Coliseum Drive, Albany at 7.41pm.

Inspector Aron McKeown, Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, says the teenage victim was outside a fast-food restaurant at the time.

“A teenage male offender has approached the victim, allegedly stealing his electric trail bike at knifepoint,” he says.

“The bike has been driven across the car park towards the mall and out of sight.”

The Police Eagle helicopter had been in the area for another matter, when the crew became aware of the job unfolding.

“Eagle responded and located the bike being driven at excessive speed on the Northern Busway southbound.

“The bike has continued to be tracked by Eagle, as it exited at Constellation Station, making its way onto the Northern Motorway.”

No units pursued the bike, but its movements were tracked from above.

Inspector McKeown says the bike was seen exiting at Tristram Avenue, heading for Beacroft Park.

“He has cut through a football game being played at the time, before heading towards Milford.

“This reckless run came to an end after he fell off the bike on Bevyn Street.

“The 15-year-old didn’t suffer any injuries, but he did find himself in handcuffs and under arrest,” he says.

Waitematā East CIB has charged the male with aggravated robbery, reckless driving and possession for supply of cannabis.

He will be appearing in the North Shore Youth Court today.

“We are ensuring the young victim is being provided by support after this unsettling event,” Inspector McKeown says.

“I’d like to acknowledge all the frontline staff, Eagle and our CIB investigators for their work in responding to this incident.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/reckless-ride-ends-in-court-for-teen/

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Palmerston North Hospital ED expansion underway

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction is underway to expand and upgrade Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This redevelopment is a practical, front-line investment that will make a real difference for patients and staff, helping to reduce wait times while improving safety, privacy, and the overall flow of care,” Mr Brown says.

The $14.455 million project is part of the Government’s $100 million hospital infrastructure programme funded through Budget 2025, accelerating improvements across health facilities nationwide.

“The upgrade will increase emergency department capacity by around 40 percent, delivering 15 additional points of care, a new mental health assessment room, and redesigned spaces that support better patient flow, privacy, and safety.

“Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department was built 25 years ago, and demand now far exceeds what it was designed for. This redevelopment will deliver a modern, efficient, patient-centred environment that is better equipped to respond to growing demand and seasonal pressures, including winter.”

Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department is the central hub for emergency care across the MidCentral district, supporting Whanganui Hospital, Dannevirke Community Hospital, and Horowhenua Health Centre.

“This investment strengthens the wider regional network and helps ensure people across region can access timely emergency care close to home.”

Mr Brown says the Government’s $100 million investment programme is delivering 21 local projects across the country to expand and upgrade clinical spaces, strengthen essential infrastructure, and reduce the risk of disruption to critical health services.

“Our Government is focused on practical improvements that strengthen hospital services and put patients at the centre, with targeted upgrades that lift capacity where it is needed most, including here at Palmerston North Hospital.”

The emergency department will remain open throughout the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed in June 2026.

“This work is being carried out while keeping services running, ensuring patients can continue to access care as we build the capacity Palmerston North needs for the future,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/palmerston-north-hospital-ed-expansion-underway/

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Grey Lynn shooting: Kayden Stanaway to spend at least eight years in prison for murder

Source: Radio New Zealand

Flowers at the scene where Maxwel-Dee Repia was killed. (File photo) Lucy Xia / RNZ

A teenager who murdered another after months of feuding will spend at least eight years behind bars.

Maxwel-Dee Repia, 18, was killed on Turangi Rd in Grey Lynn in September, 2024.

Three others he was with were also injured in the shooting.

Kayden Stanaway, who was 19 at the time of shooting, pleaded guilty to murder and three counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Stanaway was sentenced to 16 years for murder at the High Court at Auckland, with a minimum period of eight years behind bars.

MORE TO COME…

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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/2026/02/11/grey-lynn-shooting-kayden-stanaway-to-spend-at-least-eight-years-in-prison-for-murder/

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Senior navy officer found not guilty of encouraging junior to kiss her

Source: Radio New Zealand

Commanding Officer Bronwyn Heslop. RNZ / Lucy Xia

A senior navy officer facing court martial over allegations of encouraging a junior to kiss her on the cheeks at a bar during an overseas operation in 2023 has been found not guilty of doing an act to prejudice service discipline

She can now be named as the former Ship Commander of HMNZS Canterbury – Bronwyn Heslop.

Heslop, who spent 36 years in the Navy, is currently in the role of Military Maritime Operation Orders – Instructions and Procedures – after Commander Wayne Andrew took on the of Ship Commander fo HMNZS Canterbury in September 2025.

The charge under the Armed Forces Discipline Act, which includes any act likely to bring discredit on the service of the Armed Forces, carries a penalty of up to two years imprisonment.

A panel of three senior military officers, acting as a jury would in a civilian court, delivered their unanimous verdict of “not guilty” on Wednesday morning, after more than five hours of deliberation across Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, at the Court Martial sitting at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

Former Ship Commander of HMNZS Canterbury Bronwyn Heslop. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Judge William Hastings declined to grant Heslop name suppression earlier this week, but suppressions had to remain in place, after her lawyer signalled an appeal.

However, Heslop’s lawyer told the Court Martial that today’s verdict meant they no longer had grounds for an appeal and that no appeal would be filed.

Judge Hastings lifted the interim order, which allows media to name Heslop.

On Monday, both the former junior officer who was allegedly encouraged to kiss the senior officer, as well as Heslop, took the witness stand.

The alleged interaction happened in Fiji in March 2023, when the junior officer first joined HMNZS Canterbury, and officers were given leave for a few days after docking and were drinking at a bar in town at night.

The former junior officer, who was the sole witness for the prosecution, said the senior officer first caught the attention of him and another junior officer when she tapped on a glass pane and gestured for a kiss through the other side of the glass, and later gestured for them to come inside the bar and tapped on her cheeks to gesture for a kiss.

Devonport Naval Base. RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

Heslop denied seeking a kiss on the cheek from the junior officer, and said her level of intoxication was two, on a scale of zero to ten, with zero being sober, when they arrived at the bar.

Another navy officer called as a defence witness said they’d spent the majority of that night with Heslop and did not see them with the junior officer.

The former junior officer, during cross-examination by the accused’s lawyer, conceded that he didn’t tell the whole truth when first approached by the military police in August 2024, as he didn’t think he’d be taken seriously and that he was worried his career would be affected if he spoke up.

Under cross-examination by the defence lawyer, he admitted that alcohol affected his memory of some events of the night, but was adamant that he had a clear memory of the alleged core interaction with Heslop.

Heslop in 1998 became the first female officer to be in charge of a Royal New Zealand Navy vessel, when she took command of HMNZS Moa.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/senior-navy-officer-found-not-guilty-of-encouraging-junior-to-kiss-her/

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New Zealand’s corruption-free reputation takes hit for fourth-year in a row – survey

Source: Radio New Zealand

Voter fraud allegations and a lack of transparency around political lobbying and funding were some of the top concerns. (File photo) Pixabay/shafin_protic

New Zealand’s reputation for low levels of corruption has taken a hit for the fourth year in a row.

In global organisation Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perception Index – a survey of surveys measuring how corrupt a country is thought to be – New Zealand’s score has fallen two points.

New Zealand still ranked highly in fourth place alongside Norway, and behind Denmark, Finland and Singapore.

“We used to be first in the world and we’ve just seen a continual drop down the ladder – about 10 percent in four years,” Transparency International New Zealand chairperson Anne Tolley said.

“It sort of feels like the wheels are coming off a bit and that’s really dangerous for our democracy.”

Voter fraud allegations and a lack of transparency around political lobbying and funding are some of the top concerns, with prosecutions for bribery, deception and misuse of public funds adding to potential reputational damage.

“A strong democracy has people feeling very confident about those democratic systems and wanting to take part,” Tolley said.

Corruption perception versus reality

Transparency International’s concerns were mirrored in the pilot report released Tuesday from the Anti-Corruption Taskforce, lead by the Serious Fraud Office.

The report looked at how big the issue of fraud and corruption was within public agencies and how well-equipped they were to find and prevent it.

“Cases of internal fraud and corruption are almost certainly being under-reported, due to a number of factors, and the true scale of the issue remains unclear,” the report said.

It highlighted the need for a national anti-corruption strategy, according to Tolley, and it was crucial for New Zealand’s reputation as a small trading nation reliant on global relationships.

“The world’s become more conscious of dirty money – that money is that’s derived from the drug trade and prostitution and modern slavery,” she said.

“We’re all more aware of being sure that we are we are investing and trading with a country that has good systems in place to stop that.”

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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/2026/02/11/new-zealands-corruption-free-reputation-takes-hit-for-fourth-year-in-a-row-survey/

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Government – A message from HM King Charles III on the 100th anniversary of the constitutional relationship between Tokelau and New Zealand

Source: Government House

A message from HM King Charles III on the 100th anniversary of the constitutional relationship between Tokelau and New Zealand
To the people of Tokelau, Malo Ni! My wife and I have such fond and lasting memories of meeting members of the Tokelauan community during our visits to New Zealand, and so it gives me great pleasure to extend my warmest greetings to you on the very special occasion of the 100th anniversary of Tokelau’s unique relationship with New Zealand.
The flag of Tokelau depicts a canoe under full sail, voyaging towards the stars of the Southern Cross; stars which have helped Tokelauans navigate the Pacific waters for centuries. On this milestone anniversary, I hope that all Tokelauans can take pride in their nation’s voyage over the past 100 years and your many achievements in that time. The Tokelauan voice is vital on the global stage, reminding the world of the urgency with which we must all act to ensure that the rich natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage not only of your nation, but also of so many small island states around the world, continue to thrive in the years to come.
Although, sadly, I am unable to join you in person as you embrace this opportunity to reflect on the past and look towards the future, I particularly wanted to send you my very best wishes for your celebrations.
CHARLES R.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/government-a-message-from-hm-king-charles-iii-on-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-constitutional-relationship-between-tokelau-and-new-zealand/

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University Research – Stark differences in COVID-19 vaccination rates between Māori and non-Māori, research finds – VUW

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

A new study analysing COVID-19 vaccine uptake has found markedly lower vaccination rates among Māori, which researchers link to existing inequities in healthcare access.

The study looked at vaccination rates from December 2020 to May 2023, finding 28.4 percent of Māori were unvaccinated during this period, compared with 14.7 percent of non-Māori.

“Based on these numbers, we estimate 78,880 fewer Māori were fully vaccinated than would have been the case if vaccination rates were the same for both groups,” said Dr James Mbinta, lead author of the study and a research fellow at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

The study also found marked differences in rates of partial vaccination, with Māori more likely to receive only the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and not go on to get the second dose.

Enrolment in a primary health organisation (PHO) was flagged as a key factor influencing whether Māori received at least one dose of the vaccine. The study also found those living in lower-income households and in lower-quality and crowded housing were less likely to be vaccinated.

“For Māori, the likelihood of being partially or fully vaccinated was higher among those enrolled in a PHO. This highlights the need for vaccination strategies that include improving PHO enrolment, especially for populations that have a known higher risk of severe health outcomes from COVID-19,” said co-author Andrew Sporle (Ngāti Apa, Rangitāne, Te Rarawa), an honorary academic in the Department of Statistics at Auckland University and managing director of research firm iNZight Analytics.

Previous research has shown Māori have higher rates of both hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 compared with the general population.

“Our findings highlight the crucial need to ensure vulnerable populations can access healthcare. Targeted approaches, using evidence from data generated by rigorous studies such as this, are needed to address health disparities and ensure equitable access to healthcare resources,” said co-author Professor Colin Simpson, a senior adviser in the School of Health at Te Herenga Waka and professor in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Auckland University.

 

Results of the study are published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. The research was funded by the Ministry of Health.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/university-research-stark-differences-in-covid-19-vaccination-rates-between-maori-and-non-maori-research-finds-vuw/

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ASB Bank posts $765 million half-year profit

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

ASB Bank has reported a flat half-year profit as higher expenses offset higher improved lending and margins.

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

  • Net profit $765m vs $763m
  • Cash profit $719m vs $714m (excludes one-offs)
  • Total income $1.84b vs $1.78b
  • Operating expenses $839m vs $695m
  • Bad debt provisions $3m vs $17m
  • Net interest margin 2.35% vs 2.29%

The bank’s profit showed improvement in key areas of increased lending, larger margins, and improved income, but was balanced by a significant rise in expenses because of the settlement of the a class legal action over credit disclosures.

Chief executive Vittoria Shortt said the bank was seeing signs of economic improvement and that was flowing through into business.

“We are seeing more confidence in the economy, supported by lower interest rates and good export earnings in key sectors.”

“This is evident in the uptick we’ve seen in business lending, with more lending growth across small business, commercial and rural this half than in the previous financial year,” Shortt said.

Overall lending rose 6 percent to $118.7b, with housing loans up 8 percent, and rural and business lending 4 percent.

Total customer deposits rose 5 percent.

Banks have been competing for market share in the housing market, amid falling interest rates and large numbers of borrowers refixing their mortgages.

Net interest income – the difference between what the bank borrows at and charges for loans – increased 8 percent, while net interest margin, regarded as a measure of profitability, rose six basis points to 2.35 percent because of timing effects from interest rate hedges.

The amount set aside for bad and doubtful debts fell to $3m from $17m.

Expenses surge on case settlement

ASB’s operating expenses surged 21 percent to $839m, mostly because of the $135.6m out of court settlement of a class legal action brought by former consumer for alleged breaches of credit disclosure rules.

ASB never accepted liability, but said the settlement was a “pragmatic” way to settle the issue.

Shortt said ASB had spent more on improving its anti-scam defences and engaging with affected customers.

She said the bank, owned by Australia’s CBA, was also improving its technology to simplify its processes and offer better products to customers, as well as advance its own lending for social housing and business technology investment.

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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/2026/02/11/asb-bank-posts-765-million-half-year-profit/

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Banking – ASB half year result: Supporting our customers for long-term prosperity

Source: ASB

ASB has reported a cash net profit after tax (NPAT) of $719 million for the six months to 31 December 2025, up 1% on the prior comparative period.  Statutory NPAT was $765 million.

Since December 2024, home lending has grown 8%, while business and rural lending grew by 4%.  Total customer deposits increased by 5%.

Net customer margins remain flat, reflecting higher home lending margins and lower deposit margins.  Net Interest Margin (NIM) was up 6 basis points driven by higher earnings due to timing effects from interest rate hedges.

ASB KiwiSaver Scheme funds under management grew by more than $1.7 billion to more than $20.6 billion, thanks to continued strong returns to customers and top quartile performing funds.[1]  Collectively, ASB Group Investments manages more than $31 billion for investors across its range of five products.

Operating expenses were $839 million, an increase of 21% largely driven by the settlement of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 class action proceedings, and investments in people, technology modernisation, digital experience and regulatory compliance.

Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt says “While the geopolitical outlook remains uncertain, we are seeing more confidence in the economy, supported by lower interest rates and good export earnings in key sectors.  This is evident in the uptick we’ve seen in business lending, with more lending growth across small business, commercial and rural this half than in the previous financial year.

“We remain well positioned to support our personal and business customers as they continue to tackle higher costs, navigate volatility or transition to growth.”

Investing in our customer experience

“We continue to make significant investments so customers choosing to bank with ASB have a simple and modern experience, where they feel informed and confident about making important financial decisions and safer knowing we actively seek to protect them from fraud and scams.

“Through our technology modernisation we are simplifying the way we work and the services we provide, removing overlap and complexity and offering products that might better suit our customers’ changing needs.

“We have a focus on service excellence and meeting customers’ expectations of faster and simpler processes, with quicker decisions on their home loan applications.  Building on our capability for single home loan applications to be started digitally through the ASB Mobile App, in November we extended this functionality to include joint home loan applications.  Customers can track the progress of their application and view indicative pricing in the ASB Mobile App, so they remain informed at every step.”

Further customer protections

“Fraud and scams remain an issue for New Zealand, and we continue to seek to make banking with us safer with enhanced customer protections against economic crime.

“We are now able to share data between banks related to digital fraud and money mule activity through the Fraud Reporting Exchange and New Zealand Data Exchange.  We remain available to assist customers 24/7 on our 0800 ASB FRAUD line.”

 Investing in New Zealand

“While we’ve seen business lending growth pick up, with increases across agricultural and property lending, for long-term prosperity New Zealand needs to become more productive.

“We are backing business customers to boost their productivity using artificial intelligence and technology in partnership with the New Zealand Product Accelerator and universities.  Following a successful pilot, the programme is being scaled up this year to match up to 100 ASB business customers with AI, business analytics and data science masters’ students to work on their business.

“We are continuing to show up for rural New Zealand with offerings to help with transformation and succession through our Every Hectare Matters programme, and reduce costs with ASB’s Smart Solar 0% lending to assist the switch to renewable, resilient energy.  We are supporting the future of the dairy industry and empowering the next generation of farmers towards the goal of farm ownership with financial support and expertise in partnership with the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and Fonterra.

“These initiatives are highly valued by the rural sector, as a result we have grown our rural lending more than any other bank in the 12-months to September 2025.[2]

“Long-term prosperity also requires that we have enough housing to support our growing population and easier access to more affordable housing solutions.  We have doubled our commitment to $1 billion to accelerate the development of social and affordable housing and the long-term delivery of thousands of new homes.  To date we have committed $517 million for social and affordable housing, and this half we committed nearly $50 million to a Māori social housing provider in Tāmaki Makaurau to deliver more than 150 homes.”

Saving for the future

“Regular savings provide a pathway to long-term financial wellbeing and broader economic resilience for Aotearoa.

“We have put a lot of effort into the ASB Investment Funds and the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme so we can offer competitive investment options for customers.  We have multiple top performing KiwiSaver funds with low fees, and this is a powerful combination that can make a big difference for our nearly half a million ASB KiwiSaver Scheme members who stand to benefit when purchasing a first home and/or in retirement.

“We remain focused on how we can help tamariki build financial literacy and early savings habits.  In November, we reintroduced our Kashin moneybox to celebrate ASB’s 150 years of supporting Kiwi kids to get one step ahead with money.  We’ve seen a notable increase in the opening of new Headstart accounts, helping children to start their savings journey.  We continue to support the delivery of financial education nationwide with nearly 45,000 students participating this half in our GetWise and Tikitiki o Pūtea programmes in schools.”

 

[1] ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Conservative, Moderate, Balanced and Growth funds are in the top quartile for 12-month performance to 31 December 2025, Morningstar KiwiSaver Survey (Dec 2025).

2 RBNZ quarterly release, 12-months to September 2025.

 

Income Statement ($ millions)

 

 

 

 

 

For the half year ended 31 December

2025

2024

Dec 25 vs Dec 24 %

 

Net interest income

1,602

1,471

9

 

Other operating income

233

233

–

 

Total operating income

1,835

1,704

8

 

Operating expenses

(839)

(695)

21

 

Operating performance

996

1,009

(1)

 

Loan impairment expense

(3)

(17)

(82)

 

Net profit before tax

993

992

–

 

Corporate tax expense

(274)

(278)

(1)

 

Cash net profit after tax (“Cash profit”1)

719

714

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of Cash profit to Statutory profit

 

 

 

Cash profit

719

714

1

 

Reconciling items:

 

 

 

 

Hedging and IFRS volatility2

7

(7)

large

 

Notional inter-group charges3

53

71

(25)

 

Reporting structure differences4

6

6

–

 

Tax on reconciling items

(20)

(21)

(5)

 

Net profit after tax (“Statutory profit”)

765

763

–

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance indicators (cash basis)

 

6

 

Net interest margin (%)

2.35

2.29

6 bpts

 

Return on assets (%)

1.0

1.1

(10) bpts

 

Operating expenses to total operating income (%)

45.7

40.8

490 bpts

 

Return on average total equity (%)

12.0

12.6

(60) bpts

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statutory Balance Sheet ($ billions)

 

 

 

 

As at 31 December

2025

2024

Dec 25 vs Dec 24 %

 

Advances to customers

118.7

111.6

6

 

Total assets

139.7

131.9

6

 

Deposits and other borrowings

94.5

94.8

–

 

Total liabilities

127.4

120.5

6

 

 

 

  1. Cash profit reflects the Banking Group’s underlying operating results and excludes items that introduce volatility and/or one-off distortions which are not considered representative of ongoing financial performance. These items are calculated consistently year on year and do not discriminate between positive and negative adjustments.
  2. Hedging and IFRS volatility includes unrealised fair value gains or losses on economic hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting and unrealised fair value gains or losses on the ineffective portion of hedges that do qualify for hedge accounting under NZ IFRS. These fair value gains or losses are excluded from Cash profit/(loss) since the asymmetric recognition of the gains or losses does not affect the performance of the Banking Group over the life of the hedge.
  3. This represents the recognition of a notional cost of capital from the ultimate parent and other allocated costs which are not included in Statutory profit. Comparative information (including the tax impact) has been restated to conform to presentation in the current period. As a result, the return on average total equity and operating expenses as a percentage of total operating income have been restated accordingly.
  4. The results of certain business units within the CBA Group are excluded from Cash profit for management reporting purposes but included in Statutory profit.

 

 

 

[1] ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Conservative, Moderate, Balanced and Growth funds are in the top quartile for 12-month performance to 31 December 2025, Morningstar KiwiSaver Survey (Dec 2025).

[2] RBNZ quarterly release, 12-months to September 2025.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/banking-asb-half-year-result-supporting-our-customers-for-long-term-prosperity/

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Equal employment opportunities

Source: Privacy Commissioner

This policy outlines the commitment of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) to equal employment opportunity, diversity and inclusion and to eliminating the barriers that cause or perpetuate inequalities in employment.

OPC aims to provide equal employment opportunities to make the most of the talents of all our people and attract top talent to the organisation. This policy applies to all OPC employees, including those on secondment to us.

Policy Statement

OPC is committed to upholding its responsibilities as an Equal Employment Opportunities employer and creating a workplace that attracts, retains and values a diverse workforce. 

2.2.    To achieve this OPC seeks to:  

a)    provide equal opportunities for recruitment, retention, development, and promotion of all its current and prospective employees, regardless of gender, sex, marital status, religious/ethical belief, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, or sexual orientation

b)    develop and maintain a workplace culture that values and supports diversity and inclusion

c)    ensure that it provides a safe, supportive, and healthy environment for all employees that is conducive to quality service delivery

d)    provide a workplace that welcomes, respects, and includes rainbow and takatāpui communities 

e)    identify and seek to eliminate all aspects of policies and procedures or other institutional barriers that cause or perpetuate inequality in respect of the employment of any person or group of persons

f)    ensure all staff appointments are made solely on the basis of merit, and that all promotions, advancements, salary reviews and professional/career development opportunities are based solely on merit

g)    seek to improve employment opportunities for groups who are traditionally under-represented in either occupational groups or levels of seniority, in particular women, Māori and Pacific people

h)    not tolerate any form of unfair discrimination in the workplace on any ground, including gender, sex, marital status, religious/ethical belief, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, or sexual orientation

i)    promote equal employment opportunities as an integral part of OPC workplace policies and practices

j)    monitor, review and evaluate progress towards achieving equal employment opportunities. This includes assessing and, if required, reducing identified gaps at all levels of the organisation.

Responsibilities 

General Manager

Framework development, implementation and compliance monitoring. Progression against OPC’s Kia Toipoto and DEI Action Plans.Supporting and training for OPC leaders and teams.

Managers

Creating an environment that promotes EEO/diversity. Understanding their obligations under applicable legislation and processes and ensuring compliance.Ensuring that all practices and procedures that apply to the staff for whom they are responsible are consistent with this policy.

All employees

Accountability for themselves and their activities to act in accordance with our EEO principles and OPC values.

References

Relevant Legislation

Persons/ Areas affected All OPC employees and secondees
Contact General Manager
Approval authority Senior Leadership Team
Last review date February 2026

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/equal-employment-opportunities/

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Nearly 40,000 more building products approved

Source: New Zealand Government

Thousands more plumbing and drainage products already used widely in Australia can now be accessed easily by Kiwi tradies and do-it-yourself homeowners.  
 
“The Government is focused on fixing the basics and building a better future for New Zealand, and that means making it easier and more affordable to deliver the homes and public buildings that will ease house prices and lift living standards,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.  
 
“It’s great to see the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recognise a second tranche of overseas building products certified under the reputable Australian WaterMark scheme, issuing 54 recognition notices that cover around 38,274 products. 

“A first round in October made it easier to bring more than 90,000 WaterMark-approved products onto the market, including tapware, water service products, and sanitary and stormwater drainage products. 

“While these materials are already tried and tested in Australia and familiar to many tradies in New Zealand, Kiwi builders and designers previously had to individually demonstrate that each product met Building Code requirements when applying for consent to use it. 

“By amending the Building Act through the Overseas Building Products Amendment Bill, MBIE can now recognise building products already certified under overseas schemes in comparable countries in the tens of thousands, rather than one at a time.
 
“The granting of these recognition notices means Building Consent Authorities must accept the products as compliant, reducing unnecessary red tape, costs, and delays while allowing a more diverse range of materials to be used. 

“Supply chain shocks and shortages choke building productivity. Better access and greater choice provide industry with more resilience and increases market competition to put downwards pressure on prices for tradies and homeowners. 

“As MBIE continues to review overseas building products under the new law, tradies and homeowners can expect even better access to essential materials, including plasterboard, cladding, windows, and doors.”

Notes to editor:  

  • “Recognition notice” is the official term for approval of an overseas building product or standard by MBIE. 
  • Notices are not a blanket approval for all WaterMark certificates. Only products that have a valid, up‑to‑date certificate listed on a current notice can be used as meeting the required standards. 
  • Recognition notices are now publicly available at www.building.govt.nz, along with a diagram showing how these overseas standards fit within New Zealand’s building regulatory framework. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/nearly-40000-more-building-products-approved/

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No dog, no – more “canine tourists” seen in cars in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  11 February 2026

Pets are not permitted in New Zealand’s national parks or on DOC land where dogs are prohibited – even if the hounds are inside vehicles – and owners could face a $400 infringement fee.

DOC Principal Investigations Officer Marlous Heijs says staff at Aoraki/Mount Cook are seeing more canines in cars because they’re monitoring vehicles during the paid parking pilot running at Whitehorse Hill.

Staff have issued seven infringement notices in less than two months.

“We know this is an issue right around the country, but over the past couple of months our staff have seen it first hand at Aoraki, where they’ve spoken to people and gathered information and evidence,” she says.

“Some of the photos are quite classic. The dogs are clearly enjoying hanging out the windows and taking in the mountain air – but the issue of dogs in national parks is serious.”

“The rules are there to protect our precious native species. Dogs are loveable and popular pets, but they can have a massive impact on protected birds, plants and animals – and any pet can make a mistake and attack wildlife, defecate or dig something up,” she says.

A report compiled and released by DOC’s National Compliance Team in October 2025 revealed 75 recorded incidents of dogs attacking, killing, or harassing wildlife between 9 September 2020 and 12 August 2025.

“People sometimes plead ignorance of the rules or try and argue their pets staying in the vehicle don’t present an issue, but we’ve seen dogs being let out to have a run around and to toilet,” Marlous says.

“There is also an animal welfare issue, given how long it takes to drive to Aoraki and the amount of time people spend there,” she says.

Last December the SPCA issued a media release asking people to be more aware over summer about the risk of leaving their pets in cars during the hot December/January months.

SPCA receives hundreds of calls every summer about dogs left in hot cars – a preventable and heartbreaking welfare issue.

“You wouldn’t leave a child in a hot car,” says SPCA CEO Todd Westwood. “Please do the same for your furry family members.”

Todd says SPCA is reminding the public even on mild days, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly. On a 21°C day, a car parked in the shade with windows down can still reach more than 31°C in just 10 minutes, and more than 40°C in 30 minutes.

“Dogs cannot cool themselves effectively in enclosed spaces. Panting alone is not enough. Parking in the shade or lowering windows does little to reduce the risk.”

Marlous says she’s surprised at what some pet owners do and it’s not just dogs. People have brought in cats and even goats into various national parks around the country wanting to walk the tracks.

She says it’s a pet owners’ responsibility to do research before taking pets onto public conservation land.

Roads running through some national parks in New Zealand are administered by Waka Kotahi/NZTA and as public roads, you are permitted to drive through them with a pet in your car. Aoraki/Mount Cook is not one of them.

“Many of the roads within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park are administered by DOC and are known as a ‘park road’. This includes most of the roads within Mount Cook Village and the road to White Horse Hill Carpark where many short walks start. These roads are part of the National Park therefore the same rules apply (no dogs in vehicles). These are all well signposted, and there is plenty of information online about where you can (and can’t) take your dog.”

Marlous Heijs says the clear message for everyone is pet owners have a key role to play in looking after nature.

“Our message is ‘leave your dog at home if you’re going naturing in a national park’. There are plenty of other places to go with your dog, but this isn’t one of them.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/no-dog-no-more-canine-tourists-seen-in-cars-in-the-aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/

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Finance Minister promises to release data showing gas plan will lower power bills

Source: Radio New Zealand

Finance Minister Nicola Willis. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has committed to releasing all the calculations which she says show the government’s new gas plan will reduce New Zealanders’ power bills.

The government is pushing ahead with plans to build a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility in Taranaki, funded by a charge levied on electricity companies.

Labour was quick to label the levy a “gas tax” which would be passed on to consumers, driving up power bills.

But speaking on Morning Report’s politics panel on Wednesday morning, Willis said the official advice was that the new facility would provide more energy security, ultimately bringing bills down.

“At the moment, in New Zealand, everyone pays a big risk premium for the fact that everyone is desperately worried that in the days when there’s not enough rain in the lakes and the sun’s not shining and the wind’s not blowing, we do not have enough gas.”

Willis said that risk premium would go down once the plant was built around 2028.

“The advice we’ve received… is that the reduction in the risk premium will far outweigh the cost to the energy generators of supporting the development of the LNG plant.

“We did all the analysis because we wanted to be clear that there would be more benefit than cost – and the analysis is very clear.”

Labour Party energy spokesperson Megan Woods. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Responding, Labour’s energy spokesperson Megan Woods said that was “absolute nonsense”.

“This is putting a gas tax on New Zealanders at a time when they’re already struggling with their power bills. The government hasn’t released the modelling. They haven’t shown us the alternatives they looked at.”

Woods said National was scrambling for solutions after cancelling Labour’s whole work programme on affordable energy storage.

“They are going for an expensive option that is going to be… taxed on New Zealanders each and every month, on their power bill, because this government has failed to do the work.

“There’s a reason they didn’t release the modeling yesterday with all the other papers.”

Willis said the government would release that modelling “pretty shortly”.

“But let’s just remember: Labour’s decisions pushed power prices up. Our solution will save Kiwis money,” Willis said.

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/2026/02/11/finance-minister-promises-to-release-data-showing-gas-plan-will-lower-power-bills/

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How to limit processed meats for lunch

Source: Radio New Zealand

I have a confession to make.​

I buy myself a really expensive prosciutto that is cured only with salt. My kids, on the other hand, are fed ham and salami with ingredients that have a long list of weird chemical-sounding additives like pyrophosphates and polyphosphates hidden behind the numbers like E451 and E452. My prosciutto is merely considered processed, whereas what I feed my kids reaches the level of ultra-processed. 

Look here, people, my prosciutto is more than $100 a kilo, and I buy the tiniest amount each week. Grocery store ham or salami costs a little over $30 a kilo.

A sandwich with layers of ham and mayonnaise.

victor_16605

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/how-to-limit-processed-meats-for-lunch/

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How to set RNZ as your preferred source when you Google Search

Source: Radio New Zealand

The ‘preferred sources’ feature lets you customise your results. Unsplash

A new Google feature lets you choose which publishers you want more of in your Search results, offering you a more personalised experience.

The ‘preferred sources’ feature lets you customise your results and by selecting RNZ as yours, you’ll see more of our articles in Google Top Stories and Search results, which means more of our great journalism.

As New Zealand’s independent non-commercial public media organisation, RNZ serves as a platform for topics that matter to New Zealanders, delivering a diverse range of content that reflects who we are for over 100 years.

To make sure you see more of RNZ’s content in search results It’s really simple; just click here and type RNZ into the box, tick the box next to rnz.co.nz, and you’re done.

Alternatively you can:

  • Open Google and search for any topic, e.g. “NZ news”
  • Click on the Cards star icon on the right of Top Stories
  • Search for RNZ and tick the box
  • Click “Reload results”

Once you select sources, those publishers will appear more often and more prominently in the Top Stories or the dedicated “From your sources” section of the Search results page – it’s that easy.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/how-to-set-rnz-as-your-preferred-source-when-you-google-search/

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Minister to attend Munich Security Conference

Source: New Zealand Government

Defence Minister Judith Collins departs today for Germany to attend the international Munich Security Conference. 

“In a turbulent and unpredictable world, the Munich Security Conference is an important opportunity to debate key security issues that impact New Zealand,” Ms Collins says.

“This year the conference brings together global decision-makers and military leaders from more than 100 countries, working to bolster cooperation, collective security and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.”

During the three-day conference Ms Collins will hold bilateral meetings with a number of New Zealand’s long-standing defence partners, including the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Defence, John Healey, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

She will also speak at a session focused on the interconnected nature of security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.

“I look forward to sharing New Zealand’s perspectives on a range of international issues, particularly the interconnected security challenges facing both of our regions such as Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and escalating strategic competition. 

“As a small nation reliant on trade at the bottom of the southwest Pacific, we must take every opportunity to sit at the table and advocate for our interests and values.”

Ms Collins will return to New Zealand on 16 February.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/minister-to-attend-munich-security-conference/

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Govt Cuts – MSD plan to cut security guards risks repeating mistakes of the past – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to pause a proposal to cut security guards from three to two at 20 offices around the country until the union is satisfied that proper risk assessments have been carried out.
MSD is planning to introduce the two-guard model at smaller centres across the country from Waiuku through to Gore (see note below).
“Every worker deserves to be safe at work, and this decision risks repeating the mistakes of the past,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The PSA formally asked for site specific risk assessments to be undertaken in a letter to MSD on 3 February 2025.
“The PSA met with MSD this week to discuss concerns that the proposal to reduce security guards was developed without consultation with workers who would be most impacted.
“MSD claims to have undertaken a site assessment, but this has not yet included consultation with workers on the sites or the union. The voice of workers and the union is critical for risks to be properly considered.
“We have asked for a copy of the so-called site assessments so we can determine if they adequately assess risk facing our members. MSD has not agreed to provide the assessments but has agreed to discuss them further with the PSA.”
MSD has now committed to engaging with PSA members at each site which is a welcome development, but we have no commitment that decisions to reduce security guard numbers will be re-visited.
“We remain concerned that the approach from MSD disrespects the vital role security guards play in keeping both MSD workers and members of the public safe. They can de-escalate tense situations before they spiral out of control.
“People often come to MSD offices at the most stressful times of their lives – dealing with unemployment, housing insecurity, or financial hardship. Sometimes they take their frustrations out on frontline staff.
“In an environment of increased unemployment and lack of housing, this is exactly the wrong time to be reducing security.”
The PSA will continue to press MSD for specific risk assessments that reflect the concerns of workers for each of the 20 impacted sites before the proposal can be finalised.
Note: the impacted offices are in Alexandra, Balclutha, Cambridge, Dannevirke, Feilding, Foxton, Gore, Greymouth, Marton, Matamata, Ngāruawāhia, Ōtaki, Queenstown, Stratford, Taihape, Te Kūiti, Wainuiomata, Waitara, Waiuku and Westport
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/2026/02/11/govt-cuts-msd-plan-to-cut-security-guards-risks-repeating-mistakes-of-the-past-psa/

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Real Estate – Does size really matter? In the New Zealand property market – yes, it does!

Source: RealEstate.co.nz

Kiwis prepared to pay almost 50% more for a three-bedroom home
Getting the bedroom/bathroom combo right can add up to half a million to a home’s price
Renovations can pay dividends, but not all are created equal

Latest data from realestate.co.nz shows an extra bedroom can add anywhere from $150,000 to more than $450,000 to a home’s asking price.

In 2025, the national average asking price for a two-bedroom home was $640,794. This increased to $844,009 for a three-bedroom home, an increase of 31.7%. But the real gains come with the addition of a fourth bedroom, with the average asking price increasing 44.1% to $1,216,635.

 Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says the price increases highlight how additional space remains a key driver for property value.

“Kiwis are still attracted to more space and see value in that, whether it’s to accommodate a growing family, work-from-home flexibility, or future-proofing an investment.”

However, it is the combination of bedrooms and bathrooms where the biggest gains can be seen.

In 2025, the average asking price of a 3-bed 2-bath home was $987,609. This increased by almost 40% to $1,376,229 for a 3-bed, 3-bath home, a difference of $388,620.

For a bigger home, the average asking price of a 4-bed, 2-bath home was $1,173,682 but increased 44% to $1,690,982 with a third bathroom, a difference of more than half a million dollars.

Within every bedroom category, adding bathrooms pushes prices significantly higher – showing that bathrooms are a major price driver across all home sizes.

Not all upgrades are equal: know your market

Williams says for those homeowners considering a renovation, look at the bigger picture before picking up a hammer, because a reno isn’t always a sure-fire way to increase their sale price.

” We know bedrooms and bathrooms affect average asking prices but before homeowners embark on a renovation, liveability needs to be factored in. An odd layout that adds a bedroom or bathroom but reduces living, dining, or entertaining space, or negatively impacts the flow within a home, is less likely to bring the gains owners are hoping for.”

“Not all renovations are created equal, as buyers are drawn to homes that suit their lifestyle. We always encourage homeowners to think about who they’re renovating for – themselves or future buyers.”

About realestate.co.nz | New Zealand’s Best Small Workplace (2025)

Realestate.co.nz – your home for property search.  

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry. We are certified carbon neutral (2024 & 2025) and in 2025, realestate.co.nz was crowned Best Small/Micro Workplace in New Zealand by Great Place to Work.

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.    

Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.  

Want more property insights?  

Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.  

 Glossary of terms:  

Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.  

Price drop reflects the difference between a property’s original asking price when listed on realestate.co.nz and its price at the point of sale or withdrawal. While it doesn’t show the final sale price, it provides a strong signal of how much sellers are adjusting to meet buyer demand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/real-estate-does-size-really-matter-in-the-new-zealand-property-market-yes-it-does/

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Energy Sector – Power prices predicted to surge – Consumer NZ

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ expects power prices to increase by about 5% in 2026 – a blow to households already hit with a 12% increase to power bills last year.

Households should brace for another big bump in power prices in the year ahead. The price predictions from Consumer NZ come at a time when nearly half of all New Zealanders are concerned about the cost of their household energy.¹

“Power bills are hiking up because of an increase in lines charges’ costs – that’s the cost of delivering power to your house, and it’s the amount on your bill that stays the same regardless of how much power you use,” said Paul Fuge, Powerswitch manager.

The lines charge makes up just over one-third of the power bill, and a small hike to that fixed cost makes a big difference to monthly bills.

Consumer recommends budgeting for an increase to power bills from the end of April. Customers can expect line charges alone to climb by an average of $5 per month through to 2029.  

“The lines charge will add an average of $5 per month to your bill, but this figure will vary depending on where you live and who your retailer is. As well as the fixed costs, we expect consumers will face increases to the cost of the electricity they use too,” said Fuge.

Why power prices keep going up

The cost of running and maintaining the electricity networks has increased, and this cost flows through to people’s power bills.

“It’s an unfortunate reality that households are being asked to shoulder higher charges to have electricity delivered to their homes. But at the same time, heavy rainfall over summer – so extensive that major hydro lakes are spilling water –has driven down wholesale electricity prices. Those lower generation costs should be easing the pressure on consumers by offsetting these rising lines charges. That doesn’t seem to be happening. And that’s deeply unfair.”

The impact of ever-increasing power bills

Consumer’s research found that, last winter, one in five New Zealanders went to bed early to stay warm, one-quarter of people went without heating when it was cold and nearly one in five people cut back on food or other essentials to pay a power bill.²

“These drastic measures to manage power bills are not limited to one age group – young adults, older New Zealanders and everyone in between are being forced into uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe choices.  

“Based on our price predictions for 2026, we think the situation will only get worse,” says Fuge.

Consumer’s tips for managing power price surges

Check you’re on the cheapest plan – Power retailers are constantly changing their offers. Just because you picked the cheapest plan last year, it doesn’t mean it’s the best plan available now. You can find if there’s a plan that’s better for you through the free and independent power comparison website Powerswitch.

Keep your eye out for April price rises – Power retailers typically increase their prices from April. Mark a date in your diary for after 1 April to check in with Powerswitch to see if there are further savings you could make by switching then.

Understand your power usage – If you can do most of your power-hungry activities, like running your washing machine and dryer, in off-peak periods, you could make big savings. Off-peak periods are usually late at night, the middle of the day and weekends. You need to be on a time-of-use plan to save the most from your off-peak power usage. Being careful with when you use your power could potentially help you offset the price rises that we are predicting.

Notes

¹ Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker January 2026
² Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker October 2025

Consumer NZ’s Sentiment Tracker is an online survey based on a nationally representative sample of the New Zealand population. Results are weighted by age, gender and region based on Stats NZ 2018 Census data. Respondents are sourced from Dynata, an external panel provider. Surveys are conducted quarterly with at least 1000 respondents, with a margin of error of +/-3.1%.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/energy-sector-power-prices-predicted-to-surge-consumer-nz/

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How rugby and NZ are giving hope in war-torn Ukraine

Source: Radio New Zealand

Anton Shashero with Sir Graham Henry. Sarah Gloyer Waiheke Gulf News 

While the country has been dragged into a devastating war, two Ukranians are ensuring that rugby stays alive in their home, and that young players have a potential path to safety.

Anton Shashero is coach of Ukraine’s national under-16 side, and thanks to a collaboration between some prominent rugby minds in Aotearoa, he and best friend Maksym Dulia have spent the past week in the country learning from some of the best in the business.

Shashero said the invasion has had an horrific impact on players and the sport in Ukraine.

“A lot of players from the senior national team and from the under-18 team have already died. A lot of them are in the war. In almost in every family now in Ukraine, someone have lost someone. It’s huge. It’s huge.”

He said rugby acts as a beacon for young men during dark times, and for Shashero and Dulia, it had a significant impact.

“When we were kids, rugby was everything for us. You can travel, you can have friends, you can share your moments with boys on the field and it’s the values rugby which rugby gave us.”

That path was able to be extended across the other side of the world,

“We knew that we wanted to come to New Zealand and try to learn from the best. So it was our dream.

“When our boys see that we’re here with the All Blacks, it has a huge impact for them, for their families and for everyone in Ukraine, when they see that we here, it’s big moment now for Ukraine.”

Upon arrival, the pair spent time with Sir Graham Henry, the Hurricanes and at the IRANZ institute.

Anton Shashero and Maksym Dulia at IRANZ in Upper Hutt. supplied

The initiative is part of a broader plan to bring Ukrainian youth boys and girls teams to play in Aotearoa a joint effort between IRANZ, Henry and Brent Impey of Kiwi KARE, a foundation which provides New Zealand aid to Ukraine.

IRANZ general manager Wayne Taylor said it felt like the right thing to do.

“The country has been through a lot of hardship and sport can be something really positive, obviously the timing wasn’t great though with the war but it’s still something we are really keen to do, we are hoping to still get some funding and that it will still happen in the future.”

Impey said that despite everything going on in Ukraine, their passion for sport persists as the five team senior mens rugby competition continues to run.

“Their goal is to reach the 2032 Olympics in sevens, so i thought how can New Zealand help make that happen? We can be a part of reconstruction through sports diplomacy. It represents an opportunity, for New Zealand to be a visionary. “

Infrastructure in Ukraine has been significantly compromised as a result of Russian strikes, forcing Shashero to host junior camps to be held outside of the country.

“We usually do camps outside of Ukraine, in Poland and Georgia and now we go to Portugal for international tournament,” Shashero said.

Shashero and Dulia will take what they have learned home as his young side prepare to take on the best in the Northern Hemisphere.

“We have been given some fundamental things which we implement, now we have to fight to try to become the best team in the Europe. We want to show we can win against the best teams like France, Ireland, England.”

The game has come a long way in Ukraine, as Shashero vividly recalls his first trip to the European champs as a youngster where his team was soundly beaten.

“All we did was trained one week and went there and we couldn’t play well against them.”

Shashero said he has been blown away by the passion for rugby in New Zealand.

“I was at a rugby club and saw a boy maybe one years old, he cannot speak now but he already passing the ball and it’s amazing.”

Having seen some secrets behind competing on the global stage, Shashero also hopes to one day bring a Ukrainian side to Aotearoa.

“I hope that one day one will come in the future. I hope and I believe that if we prepare them for such long period, they can be on the same level with them, especially with New Zealand specialists helping us with this. I hope that it’s going to rise.”

Shashero and Dulia mixing with Hurricanes players. supplied

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/how-rugby-and-nz-are-giving-hope-in-war-torn-ukraine/