Category: LiveNews

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Tax Reform – Govt pushing ahead with Bill to end transparency on how much tax the wealthy actually pay

Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

10 March 2026, 3 pm – The repeal of a provision that allowed Inland Revenue (IRD) to conduct its research into the tax paid by high net worth individuals in 2023 is being criticised as a ‘blow to tax transparency’ by Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign.

The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2025-26, Compliance Simplification and Remedial Measures) Bill was reported back from the Finance and Expenditure Committee yesterday, with the Government majority on the committee endorsing the repeal of s.17GB, which enabled IR to conduct the 2023 research that found the wealthiest 311 families in the country had an effective tax rate of 9.4%, compared to middle income earners who had an effective tax rate of just over 20%.

“This research was ground-breaking”, says Glenn Barclay, spokesperson for both Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes.”It allowed us to see for the first time the extent of taxation inequality in Aotearoa NZ, reflecting the deep income and wealth inequality we have in this country, and its repeal will be a blow to tax transparency.”

“Other countries, which already have capital gains and wealth taxes, have access to this information as a matter of course, but here we needed this provision to shine a light on the impact the lack of taxes on wealth have on government revenue and the imbalances in our current tax system.”

Tax Justice Aotearoa was one of many organisations that argued for the provision to be maintained and is deeply disappointed that the Government majority didn’t listen.

This was not the only blow to transparency in this Bill. The committee also confirmed the repeal of specific legislative provisions for trust disclosures. These sections make specific requirements for annual disclosures of information to IRD by all but certain exempted types of trusts.

“These general disclosure requirements on trusts are very important,” says Glenn Barclay. “Unlike the Register of Companies there is practically no public information available anywhere about who controls or might benefit from a trust, and given the significant amount of wealth held in trusts there is huge potential here for the wealthiest to minimise the tax they pay, while ordinary people pay tax on every dollar they earn.”

Given the importance of trusts in Aotearoa NZ and given the lack of a register of trusts and other disclosure requirements, the minimum disclosure requirements should remain in legislation.

Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes Campaign calls on the Government to scrap these moves against tax transparency and ensuring the wealthiest pay their fair share.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/10/tax-reform-govt-pushing-ahead-with-bill-to-end-transparency-on-how-much-tax-the-wealthy-actually-pay/

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Kiwi artists to take the stage at global music festival with cultural diplomacy support

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“I’m excited to see the announcement that New Zealand’s music industry and talent will be well-represented at a major international music showcase this year,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
“Strengthening New Zealand’s global cultural presence is a key part of the government’s Cultural Diplomacy International Programme (CDIP), which has provided $57,000 to enable New Zealand to be a lead country partner at The Great Escape music festival’s 20th anniversary, held in Brighton, England.
“Cultural diplomacy is a powerful vehicle for telling our stories internationally. It enhances New Zealand’s visibility, builds deeper global connections, and supports wider diplomatic, trade and tourism outcomes.
“CDIP will invest approximately $3 million over three years to support initiatives that elevate New Zealand’s creativity and culture on the world stage, which aligns with New Zealand’s creative and cultural strategy Amplify.
“A big congratulations to the New Zealand Music Commission for leading the way on this opportunity, and to the New Zealand delegation including the performing artists,” says Leauanae.
More about CDIP on the Ministry for Culture and Heritage website Cultural Diplomacy International Programme | Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/kiwi-artists-to-take-the-stage-at-global-music-festival-with-cultural-diplomacy-support/

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Business Canterbury – Holidays Act Replacement a Relief for Business

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury welcomes the introduction of the Employment Leave Bill to Parliament – a long‑awaited and much‑needed replacement for the Holidays Act, which has been overly complex and unclear for decades.

Chief Executive Leeann Watson says, “The business community will be relieved to see progress on legislation that has been under formal review since 2018.”

“Businesses will be very pleased to see this Bill enter Parliament, and congratulations must go to the Government and Minister van Velden for taking a piece of legislation that has been stuck in review for years and delivering changes that will make it clearer and more workable for both employers and employees.

“The leave calculations in the Holidays Act required an advanced calculus degree to navigate, and too often left both employees and employers unsure about the fairest way to determine entitlements.

“Payroll legislation will always need to balance ease of use with fairness and practicality, but where the Employment Leave Bill has landed is lightyears ahead of the current Act. It removes another significant layer of red tape and will help businesses focus more firmly on growth and on employing more people.

“Moving to a pro‑rated minimum sick leave entitlement also removes an absurdity within the current law, where employees working fewer hours could receive disproportionately higher entitlements. It is not hypothetical, we regularly see situations where an employee working one or two days a week becomes entitled to five or even ten weeks of sick leave, which employers must cover to keep operating. That can come at the cost of being able to hire additional staff.

“As with the Holidays Act, the provisions in the new Bill set out minimum entitlements only. Employers will still be able to offer packages that go beyond the minimum requirements, and many already do.

“Continuity across political cycles will be important for employers. We look forward to confirmation from the Opposition that this Bill, given its two‑year implementation period, will be carried through if there is a change of Government after the 2026 Election.

“The Employment Leave Bill completes a key set of reforms the business community has long been calling for.

“This Bill finishes the trifecta of policy changes businesses asked for ahead of the last election: resource management reform, health and safety reform, and Holidays Act reform. We look forward to working with the Government on the next set of improvements that will best support businesses to grow and hire more people.”

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/business-canterbury-holidays-act-replacement-a-relief-for-business/

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Tsunami warnings when you need them, where you need them: NEMA and MetService join forces

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

 

When a tsunami could be on the way, warnings need to reach as many people as possible. A new initiative from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and MetService will ensure more New Zealanders are informed the moment a warning is issued.

MetService.com will now display an automated tsunami warning banner whenever NEMA issues a tsunami warning or advisory.

“Tsunami warnings only work if people see them and act on them, and we’re pleased to be working with MetService to keep people safe,” says John Price, Director Civil Defence Emergency Management at NEMA.

“This will bring together NEMA and MetService’s large audiences, so New Zealanders are more likely to get the information they need, when they need it.”

This isn’t the first time NEMA and MetService have teamed up to help keep New Zealanders safe. In October 2025 the agencies partnered with digital out-of-home providers to automatically display MetService Orange and Red Severe Weather Warnings on billboards in affected areas.

“MetService’s purpose is to make weather intelligence easily accessible so New Zealanders can make informed decisions and stay safe,” said Kathryn Blackmore, Sales Manager at MetService.

“Working with NEMA allows us to support public safety in a way that goes beyond weather services.”

NEMA is now exploring how automated tsunami messaging could be shared on other government websites, helping ensure more people see these crucial warnings as soon as they take effect.

To learn more about what to do when a tsunami warning is issued, visit getready.govt.nz/emergency/tsunami

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/tsunami-warnings-when-you-need-them-where-you-need-them-nema-and-metservice-join-forces/

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BusinessNZ – Employment Bill brings long-sought clarity at last

Source: BusinessNZ

Business New Zealand welcomes the introduction of the Employment Leave Bill to Parliament this week, which is set to replace the Holidays Act – a source of significant confusion and costs for employers in the past.
Employment Relations Policy Manager Paul MacKay says the shift to an hours-based accrual system for both annual and sick leave is the most significant change in leave legislation since the introduction of paid holidays in the 1940s.
“BusinessNZ has been advocating for an accrual-based approach for well over a decade and it’s great to see change is finally happening. Until now it has been particularly difficult for employers where employees work variable hours, such as hospitality, manufacturing and health workers. This change significantly simplifies the system for both employers and employees.
“The Employment Leave Bill is a big step towards providing long sought clarity to the provision and payment of leave to employees.”
BusinessNZ also supports the provision for a two-year implementation window for the new law.
“This window is sensible and gives payroll providers, employers and employees time to adjust to new systems, rewrite contracts, and work through transition issues.”
MacKay says the Bill provides for a remediation to process to assist finalising issues that arise under the current law, “which is a welcome change, as many employers have faced difficulties in working out the correct approach to leave entitlement and payments”.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/businessnz-employment-bill-brings-long-sought-clarity-at-last/

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Consumer Issues – Thousands call for government-led clarity over flight rights

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ delivered a petition to parliament today, signed by more than 10,500 New Zealanders, calling on the government to require airlines to tell passengers their rights when flights are delayed or cancelled.

The petition asks associate minister of transport, James Meager, to use existing powers in the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) to compel airlines to clearly inform passengers of their rights when a flight is disrupted.

Despite amendments made to the CAA last year, giving the minister the power to require airlines to inform passengers about their rights, no action has been taken.  

“Thousands of New Zealanders have told us they’re sick of being left in the dark,” says Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy. “When a cancellation or delay is the airline’s fault, passengers have rights. The problem is that, unlike other jurisdictions, airlines don’t have to tell them. That’s unacceptable.

“Right now, there are passengers forking out hundreds of dollars for costs they incur as the result of a disruption, but often it’s the airline that should be covering the cost.”  

Passengers left without crucial information

Consumer’s research shows that:

four in ten people who flew in the past 2 years experienced a delay or cancellation

more than three quarters of travellers rely on the airline for information about their rights

nine in ten are not fully aware of what those rights actually are.

Airlines are not required to inform passengers whether a disruption was caused by an event within their control – information that directly affects whether a traveller can claim reimbursement.

“Disrupted passengers are being left out of pocket because they’re not being given the information they need from their airline. Sometimes they are even actively misled,” says Duffy.

The issue was highlighted last year when Jetstar was fined $2.25 million for misleading passengers about their entitlements under the CAA.  

The Commerce Commission is also currently investigating whether Air New Zealand has breached the Fair Trading Act in its communications with passengers regarding their rights when flights are delayed or cancelled for reasons within the airline’s control.

A simple fix the minister can make now

Under the CAA, when a domestic flight disruption is caused by an event within an airline’s control – such as staffing, mechanical or operational issues – passengers are legally entitled to:

a refund (assuming they don’t accept another flight)

reimbursement of costs they’ve reasonably incurred because of the disruption – up to 10 times the cost of their ticket or the actual cost of the delay (whichever is lower).

Similar rules exist for international flight disruptions but differ depending on where you are flying from, where you’re heading and where the airline is based.

“The law is complex and most people don’t fully understand it. Over 10,500 people want airlines to tell them their rights when their flights are disrupted. The minister should not ignore them. He already has the power to fix this,” says Duffy.

Notes

Consumer NZ launched the petition in September 2022 after receiving a large volume of complaints from travellers who struggled to find out why their flight was disrupted and whether they were entitled to compensation.

In other countries – including those within the European Union – airlines must proactively tell passengers their rights. Consumer says New Zealanders deserve the same protections.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/consumer-issues-thousands-call-for-government-led-clarity-over-flight-rights/

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Taranaki man jailed for killing friend who looked upon him as an older brother

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rakai Jacob Thompson. RNZ / Robin Martin

The family of a Taranaki teenager killed by a friend – who he looked upon as an older brother – says they have lost a loving son, protective brother and cherished moko.

Rakai Jacob Thompson was jailed for five years for the manslaughter of 17-year-old Te Omeka Pairama Akariri-Buckley when he appeared for sentencing at the High Court in New Plymouth.

The Bell Block teenager died after being stabbed by 26-year-old Thompson following a botched night out in July 2024, attempting to rustle sheep to fill their freezers.

Tensions heightened during the night, culminating in an altercation at Thompson’s Waitara home, where he stabbed his friend, inflicting wounds to the chest and abdomen.

He later died in hospital.

A jury acquitted Thompson of Akariri-Buckley’s murder in December.

Te Omeka Pairama Akariri-Buckley, 17, died in 2024. Supplied / Police

Wearing a prison-issued white t-shirt, Thompson sat with his head bowed as members of the Akariri-Buckley whānau read victim impact statements to a room full of supporters, many of them wearing black t-shirts with Te Omeka Forever 17 printed on them.

After karakia were said, Donna Akariri told the court her son lived a life full of “aroha and purpose”, and she wanted to share the impact his death had on his whānau and friends.

“He was loving, talented, funny and full of life. He was a loved and devoted son, a loving, loyal brother, a cherished mokopuna, a treasured nephew, a playful uncle and a loyal, dedicated, loving partner.”

Akariri said the age-group representative rugby league player “had many passions, and he poured his whole heart into them”.

“He led haka for Puketapu School and Spotswood College, always standing proud, always giving it his all”.

He also loved music and the family had donated his drum kits to Manukorohi Intermediate in Waitara following his death, hoping others would take up his passion.

Akariri said her son was particularly close to his brother Don: “They got into mischief, laughed, cried and loved like they were twins”. She said he a devoted partner to his girlfriend, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

“His death was sudden, violent and not just senseless, but his loving and caring generosity at that time was destroyed. It took him,” she said.

“It took from us, not only a son, but a future, his future, and the future that we imagined with him in it, we will never again feel the warmth of his loving, caring nature, or hear that spontaneous, infectious laughter that could life any room.

“I want everyone to know that Te Omeka was a beautiful, happy, loving, caring young man who always gave me a kiss goodnight and whenever he left home for the day. Followed with ‘Iove you mum’. He was loved deeply, and he loved deeply in return, his was a life full of promise.”

At the end of her victim impact statement, she turned and held a portrait of her son up towards Thompson, who kept his head bowed.

Friends and whānau of Te Omeka Akariri-Buckley gathered outside the New Plymouth Court. RNZ/Robin Martin

Fighting back tears, Akariri-Buckley’s girlfriend told the court that although the teenagers had only known each other a few months, they could already imagine a life together.

“But no, because surely his life was taken on this road right in front of me. I literally watched his life drain out of his body. I felt so hopeless. There was nothing I could do to help,” she said.

“I would not wish this pain on anyone. Every single day, I wish I could change what happened that night. There is now a huge gap in my life.”

Crown solicitor Prue Lange argued the seriousness of Thompson’s offending and the impact it had on the family and friends of Akariri-Buckley were aggravating factors ahead of his sentencing.

“The Crown suggests a starting point no less than eight years imprisonment.”

Lange argued the use of a 25cm boning knife to stab Akariri-Buckley, the serious nature of his wounds and a level of premeditation in Thompson’s offending put it at the more serious end of the scale.

“He had the knife in his hand, whether he took it outside, or was already outside, he then went straight to Te Omeka and DJ to aggressively confront them, and then used it intentionally against Te Omeka… Mr Thompson used entirely unnecessary and gratuitous violence.”

Lange acknowledged Thompson’s early plea, remorse and willingness to engage in restorative justice, but argued against a sentence reduction for self-defence or provocation. The victim had assaulted the defendant immediately before the fatal stabbing.

The Crown wanted a minimum non-parole period of half of the eventual end sentence.

Thompson’s defence counsel, Paul Keegan KC, put forward a starting point of between six and seven years in jail, pointing to the outcome of December’s trial.

“The prisoner Rakai Thompson appears for sentencing, having been convicted of manslaughter. The jury, of course, found Mr Thompson not guilty of the murder.”

Keegan rejected the Crown’s depiction of Thompson “lying in wait’ for Akariri-Buckley and his brother and argued his actions were essentially defensive “albeit excessive”.

“The human tragedy of this incident is only made more profound when considering Mr Thompson’s link to Te Omeka,” he said.

“Mr Thompson did not intend to kill Te Omeka and counsel submits that in those frantic few seconds, he simply did not turn his mind to the potential consequences of his actions.”

Keegan argued that Thompson was a low risk of reoffending and a minimum non-parole period was not necessary.

Justice Jason McHerron began his sentencing by acknowledging the friends and whānau in court and praising Thompson for his quiet demeanour.

He didn’t find the defendant’s actions amounted to premeditation, but agreed he was enraged and the force that he used “was clearly excessive”.

Justice McHerron had a starting point of seven-and-a-half years in jail, reflecting the use of a weapon and the seriousness of the injuries, but gave discounts for Thompson’s early guilty plea, remorse and the effect of his imprisonment would have on his young daughter, before arriving at a jail term of five years.

He didn’t impose a minimum non-parole period.

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/10/taranaki-man-jailed-for-killing-friend-who-looked-upon-him-as-an-older-brother/

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Health – GenPro welcomes steps to support GP training but warns workforce crisis needs broader action

Source: GenPro

GenPro Chair Angus Chambers has welcomed changes to how first-year GP trainees are employed, saying any measure that encourages more doctors into general practice is positive.

“Access to a family doctor is the biggest challenge facing general practice and therefore our patients. Many practices across New Zealand are struggling to recruit doctors, and patients are seeing the consequences through longer wait times and reduced access to care.”

“Anything that increases the number of GPs entering the workforce is a good thing,” Chambers said.

However, Dr Chambers said the announcement represents a pipeline intervention rather than a solution to the workforce pressures currently facing general practice.

“This change may make it easier for some doctors to enter GP training, which is welcome. But it’s important to be clear that this is an HR improvement to the pipeline of junior doctors. It’s not a solution to the workforce shortages we are experiencing right now.”

Dr Chambers noted that even the current number of GP training places is not always fully taken up.

“We are still not seeing all the available GP training vacancies being filled each year. That should tell us something important about the attractiveness of general practice as a career.”
He said one of the key reasons is that incentives for general practice still lag behind those offered in many other medical specialties.

“Doctors are making rational career decisions. When other specialties offer stronger incentives or more secure career pathways, it’s not surprising many choose those options.”

Chambers said simply increasing the number of training places or changing who employs trainees i in their first year will not solve the problem.

“This is the third or fourth government that has listened to the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners’ advice that increasing training places will fix the GP shortage. It won’t. It’s only one piece of a much bigger puzzle.”

He said the underlying issue continues to be the financial sustainability of general practice.

“The real pressure point is funding. The funding going into general practice has not kept pace with rising operating costs or the changing and increasingly complex medical needs of New Zealanders.

“Until we address the sustainability of general practice, it will remain difficult to attract and retain enough doctors to meet the needs of communities.
 
“After years of under investment by successive governments, general practice needs further increases in Health New Zealand capitation funding for it to stay viable. A similar increase to that delivered in Budget 2025 is needed in 2026,” Dr Chambers says.

He said GenPro looks forward to continuing to work with the Government on broader reforms to ensure primary care remains strong and accessible.

“Strengthening the pipeline matters, but we also need to make general practice a sustainable and attractive career for the doctors who will deliver care to New Zealanders in the decades ahead.”

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/10/health-genpro-welcomes-steps-to-support-gp-training-but-warns-workforce-crisis-needs-broader-action/

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Public criticism of staff by Dunedin City councillor serious breach of code of conduct

Source: Radio New Zealand

Benedict Ong complained about the staff member to the council’s chief executive and two journalists. Supplied

A Dunedin City councillor was in serious breach of the council’s code of conduct when he publicly criticised a staff member, an independent investigator has found.

Benedict Ong sent an email complaining about the staff member’s performance to the council’s chief executive and two local journalists in February.

Dunedin councillors are set to consider possible sanctions for Ong at a meeting on 25 March, which could include a demand for a public apology or a vote of no confidence.

Ong will also be given a chance to defend himself.

The independent investigation led by barrister Steph Dyhrberg found that Ong’s actions could have been a deliberate attempt to retaliate against the staff member and discredit her.

“By disclosing the allegations to the media, Cr Ong breached the requirements to treat all employees with courtesy and respect and avoid publicly criticising any employee,” she said.

Councillor Ong had earlier filed his own code of conduct complaint against councillor John Chambers, saying he had made inappropriate remarks during a meeting.

An investigator reviewed the evidence, including a transcript of a phone call with a council staff member, and found that Ong’s version of events was not supported.

The complaint was dismissed because it lacked substance.

On 4 February Ong wrote to the chief executive and journalists accusing the council staff member of “apparent political bias” and a “lack of political neutrality”.

While he did not name the staff member, she was found to be “readily identifiable” to journalists.

Dyhrberg said Ong had already been put on notice several times about maintaining confidentiality.

“It is reasonable to infer Cr Ong knew what he was doing was inappropriate,” she said.

“No-one should be victimised or discredited for agreeing to participate in a code of conduct complaint process.”

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/10/public-criticism-of-staff-by-dunedin-city-councillor-serious-breach-of-code-of-conduct/

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Appeal for information following burglary, Mackenzie

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating a burglary in Middle Valley, Mackenzie are appealing for information from the public.

On Sunday 8 March, Police received a report of a theft from a church on Middle Valley Road, which occurred sometime between 19 February and 4 March.

Stolen from the church was a large brass Eagle lectern.

If anyone has seen this lectern, or has information that could assist Police’s investigations, please get in contact with us.

Police can be contacted via 105, either over the phone, or online. Please reference the file number 260309/9096.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/appeal-for-information-following-burglary-mackenzie/

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Fatal crash, Isla Bank, Southland

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm two people have died following a serious crash in Isla Bank, Southland.

The two-car crash was reported to emergency services around 8.40am, at the intersection of Fairfax-Isla Bank Road and Isla Bank-Flints Bush Road.

Despite emergency services best efforts, two people sadly died at the scene.

The road has since reopened following a scene examination by the Serious Crash Unit. 

Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/10/fatal-crash-isla-bank-southland/

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Jevon McSkimming asked to pay back taxpayer-funded hotel nights with Ms Z

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jevon McSkimming was sentenced in December to nine months of home detention. RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers asked disgraced former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming for a “swift reimbursement” of funds used to pay for up to 10 stays at hotels in Wellington during an affair.

Chambers wrote to McSkimming last week after the Independent Police Conduct Authority released a summary of its investigation into McSkimming’s decision to invite a woman he was having an affair with – Ms Z – to stay with him in hotel accommodation paid for by police, on numerous occasions, primarily in 2016.

In the letter, obtained by RNZ under the Official Information Act, Chambers referred to the IPCA’s report in relation to his “overnight status in Wellington hotels with Ms Z”.

“You have confirmed that 8-10 times you stayed with Ms Z in Wellington hotels at the expense of police, but ultimately the taxpayer. The IPCA made an adverse finding in this respect.

“It is appropriate for you to reimburse police for these 8-10 hotel stays, and you are asked to reimburse police as soon as possible. You have knowledge of the hotels in which you stayed and the approximate cost at the time.”

Chambers said he welcomed McSkimming’s response and “swift reimbursement”.

The IPCA said its investigation was “impaired by a lack of records of travel expenditure and credit card statements from the time, due to the nine to 10 years that has elapsed since the spending occurred”.

The IPCA had not been able to review McSkimming’s credit card expenditure, and relied on the evidence of the complainant, McSkimming, his former executive assistant and one of his supervisors at the time.

“In 2016 and 2017, Mr McSkimming’s workplace was at Police National Headquarters in Wellington. He lived about 60-70kms away.”

McSkimming and his executive assistant at the time told the IPCA that he was regularly required to attend functions or late meetings in Wellington or catch early morning flights.

“On those occasions, his executive assistant would book accommodation at a Wellington hotel, paid for by police. The rationale for these bookings was explained to us as being to avoid a long drive home after a work event, or where he was required to attend a social function to ensure he was not having a drink and then driving.”

McSkimming told the IPCA he thought Ms Z stayed with him eight to 10 times.

“This is corroborated by Ms Z. Mr McSkimming breached policy by not informing his senior manager approving the travel that she would be staying with him. If he had done so, we consider it highly likely that approval would have been declined.

“In any case, whether or not he informed his manager, he breached the Police Code of Conduct by staying in hotels at Police expense and inviting the woman with whom he was having a sexual relationship to join him. If he had paid for the hotels himself, that would have been a different matter. However, the fact that the hotels were paid for by police gives rise to the perception that he was using taxpayer money to further a clandestine affair, thus bringing police into disrepute.”

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Chambers earlier said he was “very concerned” to learn of McSkimming’s use of hotels in Wellington and agreed with the findings of the IPCA.

“This showed a disregard for taxpayers’ money and Police expenditure policy.”

Chambers said the police policy for sensitive expenditure required spending to be reasonable and able to withstand parliamentary and public scrutiny.

Mitchell earlier said he welcomed the IPCA report and its findings, which showed the investigations conducted by police were appropriate and adequate.

“Any misuse of taxpayer money is, under all circumstances, unacceptable. I support the Commissioner in his efforts to recoup these expenses,” Mitchell said.

“It is my view that unless there are exceptional work-related circumstances, staff should not require hotel accommodation in the same centre as their normal place of work.”

McSkimming’s expenses

RNZ earlier requested a copy of all expenses made by McSkimming covering the time of his affair.

Police responded with a screenshot of an expenses claim from 2017 and credit card statements for McSkimming covering the 2018 calendar year.

“New Zealand banks retain credit card statements for seven years, after which records are no longer available. No additional expenses have been identified beyond those attached, and credit card records for 2016 and 2017 are no longer held as they fall outside the seven-year timeframe. Therefore, any additional credit card statements are unavailable, and police have no reason to believe these records are held by any other agency.”

McSkimming’s work credit card had a $2000 limit. The 2018 credit card statements reveal he spent some time in Canada and the United States early in the year.

On 6 April, McSkimming stayed at the Thorndon Hotel, about a five-minute walk from Police National Headquarters. The accommodation cost $121.

A significant number of expenses relate to purchases at Wellington International Airport.

In November 2018, there were some expenses at SkyCity Hotel in Auckland and a $229 payment for Audioblocks, as well as an $80 excess baggage payment in Wellington. There was also an $80 transaction at Queenstown Airport.

He also spent $112 at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown.

In December, there was a $147 payment at Wellington International Airport, followed by a $98 payment later that month.

RNZ asked Richard Chambers for comment on the expenses detailed in the OIA.

“This happened a number of years ago and without detailed records of the reasons for this expenditure, I cannot say whether it was appropriate,” he said.

“However, these expenses would have been considered against the travel policy at the time and were approved by a supervisor.”

Chambers said it was appropriate for police policy to provide for reasonable expenses for executive travel.

“Those expenses can include the use of hotels, parking, petrol and transport such as taxis. Such expenses should only be for work-related purposes, reasonable, and able to withstand public scrutiny.”

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/2026/03/10/jevon-mcskimming-asked-to-pay-back-taxpayer-funded-hotel-nights-with-ms-z/

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Have you seen Neriah?

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are asking for the public’s help finding 10-year-old Neriah, who has been reported missing from the Ōtāhuhu area.

Neriah was last see yesterday at about 7.30am on Church Street, Ōtāhuhu.

He is described as about 133cms tall with brown eyes and black hair and was wearing a blue singlet with a white Nike logo and blue shorts.

Police and Neriah’s family have concerns for his welfare and would like to find him as soon as possible.

If you have seen Neriah, or have any information that could help us find him, please call 111 and reference file number 260310/3413.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/have-you-seen-neriah/

Posted on

National Party politicians rule out leadership bid

Source: Radio New Zealand

Education Minister Erica Stanford has often been tipped as a possible leadership contender. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Education Minister Erica Stanford has been damning in her assessment of last week’s disastrous poll result for National, calling it a “bad week” for the party and for the caucus.

Speculation has been swirling about Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s leadership after the Taxpayers’ Union Curia Poll result put National on 28.4 per cent – the party’s lowest result since Luxon became leader.

Asked on Tuesday whether she was happy with the result, Stanford – often tipped as a possible leadership contender – said: “No, of course not”.

“We’ve got to do a lot better as a party, all of us pull together, we’ve got to respect what voters are telling us,” she said.

In addition to the horror poll, Luxon also struggled to articulate the government’s position on the Iran conflict and flubbed his answers to questions on the same topic at his post-Cabinet press conference last week.

Asked whether it was a bad week for the prime minister, Stanford said the result reflected poorly on the party.

“I would say it’s a bad week for the National Party and our caucus, and we’ve got to do better all of us together, pull together and remember that our focus is on the New Zealand people, and in my case, raising student achievement,” Stanford said.

Any speculation she was vying for the top job was “reporters interviewing their own typewriters”, Stanford said, adding that she supported the prime minister “100 percent”.

On Tuesday afternoon, Stanford ruled out making any bids for the leadership.

“We have a leader, he’s doing a really good job, and I am part of a high-performing team just doing my job, reforming the education system.”

In a busy day in Parliament – when the Covid-19 inquiry report was released, National MP and Minister Shane Reti announced his retirement, and MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi was reinstated to Te Pāti Māori by the High Court – National Party ministers and backbenchers were resolute in their support of the prime minister.

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said he had “no intentions” to run for the top job. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said he backed Luxon and looked forward to the coming election campaign.

Asked whether he wanted to be the leader, he repeatedly said he had “no intentions” to run for the top job but also refused to rule out a future bid.

“It’s got nothing to do with me… I’m not here to answer questions about me running for the leadership, because, as you know, I support the prime minister.”

Tim Costley, MP for Ōtaki, said that asking Luxon to step down, should his polling worsen, had never crossed his mind.

“We’ve got a strong caucus. We’ve got 49. We’re looking great.”

Banks Peninsula MP Vanessa Weenink said she was not concerned about her seat, which was one of the most marginal at the last election.

“I’m not worried about my job. I’m not worried about my seat. I’m worried about the country if we have an alternative government.”

Takinini MP Rima Nakhle put her level of support for the prime minister at “123 percent”, while Upper Harbour MP Cameron Brewer said the caucus was unified.

“We respect the guy, we’re tight, we’re disciplined, and you can see that with all our answers in the last 72 hours. You know, we actually just want to get on with the job.”

The prime minister himself continued to brush off concerns about the poll, telling reporters on Tuesday that the party’s caucus meeting would feature normal business, adding the team was “really united, really focused, really driven”.

But Labour leader Chris Hipkins blasted National for getting itself into “one heck of a mess”.

“They promised they were going to fix the economy, they’ve shrunk it. They promised they were going to get Kiwis into work, more Kiwis are unemployed now. They promised they were going to fix government debt, government debt’s gone up. They promised they were going to fix the cost of living, the cost of living’s got harder for New Zealand households.

“Whether it’s Christopher Luxon or one of the other ministers who was involved in all of those decisions leading the National Party, the problem is they haven’t done what they said they were going to do.”

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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/2026/03/10/national-party-politicians-rule-out-leadership-bid/

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Rugby: Crusaders teammates trade punches as tensions spill over at training

Source: Radio New Zealand

Crusaders’ forward Kershawl Sykes-Martin is one of the players reported to have been involved in the dust-up in training. Joe Allison

Days after a significant loss to the Blues, tensions rose at Crusaders training on Tuesday with reports of punches thrown.

Stuff is reporting prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin and lock Will Tucker were involved in a dust-up at Rugby Park in Christchurch during a contact session.

Captain David Havili was reportedly the man to break up the altercation.

After training, coach Rob Penney did his best to downplay the tension, telling reporters he was not fazed by the clash between his players and even welcomed it.

“So there should be,” Penney said when asked if there was tension in the camp after the 29-13 defeat to the Blues.

“It was a really lovely sight to see, actually. It is a reflection of how much it means. The boys aren’t happy with the performances and the outcomes.

“Very proud young men are going to come up against each other, and create a bit of sandpaper from time to time.

“But it’s not a thing that is going to affect negatively. We are all over it, the boys are fine.”

Penney expected there could be more scuffles at training in the future.

“It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last.”

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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/2026/03/10/rugby-crusaders-teammates-trade-punches-as-tensions-spill-over-at-training/

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Move-on orders ‘not welcome here’, Wellington leaders say

Source: Radio New Zealand

The move-on powers announced in February will mean police can move on rough sleepers or people displaying disorderly behaviour as young as 14-years-old. RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The Wellington region’s mayors, as well as iwi, church and social support agency leaders, say the government’s proposed move-on orders are not welcome in the region.

An open letter decrying the introduction of powers to enable police to relocate people from certain areas – under threat of fines or imprisonment – has been sent to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

But Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the letter was “overly simplistic” and its signatories were “ignoring the facts”.

The letter – signed by 21 Wellington leaders – described the initiative as a “superficial and unhelpful” approach.

“Whilst we accept and understand that anti-social behaviour on the part of some must be able to be responded to, we don’t consider that moving a person to some other unspecified place fixes the problem, nor does anything to address the issues that individual is dealing with, and in fact, potentially causes significant harm,” the signatories wrote.

Breaching a move-on order – which would require someone to leave an area for up to 24 hours – risked a fine of up to $2000 or a three month jail term.

Community leaders ‘united’ in opposition – Mayor Andrew Little

Wellington City Mayor, Andrew Little, said it was important to show the government that leadership in the region was united in opposition to the legislation.

“What we’re all trying to do is just emphasise to the government that – if they’re serious about dealing with the issue – we actually need to be focussed on what the underlying solutions are. Not cosmetic measures that shift the problem to somewhere else,” Little said.

Little said he understood community and business concerns over rough sleeping and antisocial behaviour – but the initiative failed to offer any real solution to the problem.

“[The signatories] are all organisations that [have] people in the front-line dealing with the homelessness and rough sleeper issue and they don’t take their roles and responsibilities lightly. We know it causes concern to a lot of people – including people whose lives and business are disrupted by it. But the move on order – as a response to it – simply is not a solution,” Little said.

Legislation sends the wrong message to vulnerable people

Porirua mayor Anita Baker said the “vast majority” of people who found themselves on the streets we’re struggling with complex issues including mental health challenges, drug dependancy and a lack of appropriate services and housing options.

Baker said the legislation risked sending the wrong message to already disadvantaged people.

“It’s sending an indication to these people that we don’t really care. A $2000 fine, how are they even going to pay that? They can’t afford to be in a house so I think it is unhelpful.

We need more mental health services, we need more houses, how about providing those?” Baker said.

She said the legislation offered nothing to organisations already working to improve the circumstances of people living rough.

“Across the Wellington region there is already a strong collaborative approach between councils, police, health providers, housing organisations, iwi and NGOs.

“The focus is on outreach, connecting people to services, and creating pathways into stable housing. That work recognises that homelessness and related behaviour are usually the visible end of much deeper issues. Our priority will continue to be solutions that address those causes rather than measures that simply push the problem somewhere else,” Baker said.

Letter ‘overly simplistic’ – Paul Goldsmith

Goldsmith responded to requests for comment sent to Luxon.

He said the letter was “overly simplistic” and it’s signatories were “actively choosing to ignore the facts”.

“Only people who refuse those orders, will face prosecution. A move-on order, is not a criminal charge.

“This is about reclaiming our streets and our city centres for the enjoyment of everybody who visits, works and lives there” Goldsmith said.

Goldsmith said police had “the expertise to connect people with the support services they may require”.

“New Zealanders are fair-minded people, and our culture is one where we seek to help those who are in need, but that doesn’t mean we should accept our city centres, particularly our showcase tourist spots, becoming places of intimidation, and dysfunction,” Goldsmith said.

A protest against the move-on orders by people living and working in Auckland’s central city. Supplied

Police ‘overworked as it is’

Police Association head Steve Watt said police on the beat were “overworked as it is” did not have the resources to deal with the issues that led to people sleeping on the streets.

“The vast majority of people that are out on the street suffer from mental health issues, financial issues, anxiety issues. They’re all issues that really need to have specialist capability wrapped around them as opposed to police picking them up off the street and moving them along,” Watt said.

Watt said some members did welcome the additional powers but he felt the tools to deal with criminal behaviour on the streets were already available to police.

“There is legislation in place in order to deal with people that are on our streets, acting disorderly, being threatening towards members of the public or being offensive.

“We have powers under the Summary Offences Act in which we can deal with this. So what we’re talking about here is non-criminal activity and basically having an order to ship that problem down the street,” Watt said.

Legislation ‘another layer of mistreatment’

CEO of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Helmut Modlik said the legislation would add “another layer of mistreatment” into already difficult lives.

“Moving somebody from one spot to an undisclosed second spot without any substantive response to the reason why they were there in the first place is – by my definition – ‘superficial’.

“We don’t want want anything that just adds another layer of mistreatment, or ignoring or unhelpfulness into the lives of these people whose lives are full of all of that,” Modlik said.

He said the legislation was far removed from what he understood to be the values of New Zealanders.

“Nobody likes to see extreme examples of homeless people making a nuisance of themselves. But if people take just a few minutes just to actually understand what’s going on for those poor souls – why they’re there and what’s going on – then a very different response is what follows.

“That should guide us. That should guide our public policy, that should guide our investable activity in this domain. Not a nod to a narrow spectrum of interests and a superficial response. Which is what it is.

“There’s nothing about it that aligns with my understanding of what kind of people we are here in Aotearoa,” Modlik said.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/move-on-orders-not-welcome-here-wellington-leaders-say/

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Police acknowledge sentencing of Keith Wicks-Cairns

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Keith Wicks-Cairns in the High Court at Dunedin today.

Wicks-Cairns was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of seven years and three months.

Detective Sergeant Reece Munro says this is a positive outcome for the victims and our community.

“We are glad to see action taken against this offender, who caused harm to not only his victims, but the wider community.

“We also want to congratulate the tireless commitment in the wider North Dunedin area by our partners, led by University of Otago proctor Dave Scott.

“It is satisfying to know that individuals such as the proctor are tirelessly advocating for their community.”

Police have and will continue to undertake prevention activity in the wider Dunedin area to prevent such offences.

“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners, including the Dunedin City Council, to build on our community’s crime prevention and deterrence CCTV networks.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/police-acknowledge-sentencing-of-keith-wicks-cairns/

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2026 Global WLAN Industry Forum Convened in Barcelona, Advancing a New AI-WLAN Industry Ecosystem

Source: Media Outreach

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2026 – On March 2, 2026, the “2026 Global WLAN Industry Forum,” hosted by the World WLAN Application Alliance (WAA), was held in Barcelona, Spain. Under the theme “AI-WLAN: Envisioning a New Premium Intelligent WLAN Ecosystem,” the forum brought together over a hundred technical experts, operators, equipment manufacturers, and representatives from international organizations from around the world to discuss the integrated development path of AI and WLAN.

Currently, the deep integration of AI and WLAN has become a global trend in the development of the short-range communication industry. As the world’s first international industry organization dedicated on WLAN application experience, WAA proposed the goal of building a “Global Hub for AI-WLAN Technical Exchange and Standardization.” During the forum, WAA, jointly with international organizations, operators, and leading equipment enterprises, released the “International Cooperation Initiatives on AI-WLAN Standardization” and signed memorandums of understanding with the World Broadband Association (WBBA) and the Global Intelligent Internet of Things Consortium (GIIC), laying a solid foundation for breaking down standards barriers and advancing technical collaboration.

ZHANG Ping, President of the WAA, stated that building a new intelligent ecosystem with AI-WLAN is the shared vision of the industry. GAN Bin, Vice President of Huawei, mentioned that AI transforms wireless local area networks from “passive response” to “active prediction,” better meeting the differentiated needs of various industries.

During the keynote session, representatives from international standards organizations and industry leaders such as IEEE, ITU-T, ISO/IEC, SAMENA, WBA, China Mobile, Huawei, H3C, and Qualcomm engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as technological evolution, standard harmonization, and scenario-based implementation. The panel discussion focused on AI-WLAN applications and standardization innovation, consolidating industry consensus.

As a professionally significant and internationally oriented industry event, the hosting of the 2026 Global WLAN Industry Forum not only established a core platform for global WLAN industry collaboration and exchange but also strengthened international consensus on the integrated development of AI and WLAN, reinforcing the foundation for global industry cooperation. WAA will leverage this forum as an opportunity to continuously deepen the two-way integration of AI and WLAN, further enhance international cooperation, and continue to play its role as a “coordinator” and “promoter.” It will persistently build bridges for global industry collaboration, deepen international technical exchanges and standard cooperation, and promote the benefits of high-quality WLAN experiences for users worldwide, collectively writing a new chapter in the development of the AI-WLAN intelligent network ecosystem.

Hashtag: #WLAN #AI-WLAN

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/2026-global-wlan-industry-forum-convened-in-barcelona-advancing-a-new-ai-wlan-industry-ecosystem/

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Have you seen Rhonda?

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for sightings of Rhonda Hurley, who has been reported missing in Ōtorohanga.

Rhonda, aged 75, went for a walk at around 9.30pm yesterday and has not returned home as expected.

She has health conditions and there are concerns for her welfare.

If you think you may have seen Rhonda since last night, or have information which might help us locate her, please call 111.

Please quote file number 260310/3946.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/10/have-you-seen-rhonda/

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Health Committee inquiry will help inform aged care service improvements

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has welcomed the Health Committee’s report following its inquiry into aged care support services for people experiencing neurological cognitive disorders. The formal response to the inquiry was tabled in Parliament today.

The inquiry was a commitment in the New Zealand First-National coalition agreement.

“New Zealand has very good aged care, but there are challenges in the system that are well-understood, and need to be addressed” Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says.

“This report makes a valuable contribution to the work underway to strengthen services.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that people needing aged care, including those with neurological cognitive disorders are supported and able to access the right services, in the right place and at the right time”

The Health Committee launched its inquiry into neurological cognitive disorders, like dementia, in 2024.  It received more than 100 submissions and visited several aged care facilities and service providers across the country.

The Committee’s report made 14 recommendations on improving support for people with neurological cognitive disorders. These relate to access to aged residential care, home and community support services, carers and the aged care workforce.

The Government’s formal response to the inquiry notes all the recommendations.

“Many of the report’s recommendations will be considered through the work already underway on aged care, including through the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group,” Ms Costello says.

The Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group was established last year to provide independent recommendations to Ministers on the sustainability and future direction of the aged care system.

It is expected to provide advice and recommendations to Ministers by mid-2026 and will consider the Health Committee’s report as part of this work. 

“The Government thanks the Health Committee and all submitters for their contributions, which will inform the wider aged care work programme,” Ms Costello says. 

“We are committed to ensuring older people, including those with neurological cognitive disorders, can access timely, high-quality services that support them to live and age well.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/health-committee-inquiry-will-help-inform-aged-care-service-improvements/