Category: LiveNews

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Police RUN recruitment operation in Auckland

Source: New Zealand Police

Ahead of a major recruitment activation and partnership with Round the Bays in Auckland this Sunday, Police are announcing more recruit wings are coming to Auckland. 

Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers says at Round the Bays last year the Commissioner announced a new campus in Auckland offering senior courses and recruit wings.

“A year on that campus is already a huge success – especially for recruit training,” she says.

“We can now confirm our third Wing at the RNZPC Auckland Campus will start on 29 June, and we are planning more for next year.”

Deputy Commissioner Rogers says Police heard feedback from the recruits that graduated from the Auckland Campus last year about what a great experience it was.

“They’ve raved about the benefits of being close to family, the quality of the facilities, the tight knit group they built and how smooth their transition into district was after training was complete,” says Deputy Commissioner Rogers.

“Many of our Auckland recruits are more established and have families, they’ve told us their dream of becoming a police officer wouldn’t have been possible without the RNZPC Auckland Campus.”

Providing recruits the opportunity to train closer to home continues to be a drawcard, with the RNZPC Auckland Campus supporting efforts to grow the Police workforce, especially in priority recruitment areas of Tāmaki Makaurau and Northland. 

“We’re also open to offering spaces on the Auckland Wing to those interested in relocating to support them in their move.

“Wings in Auckland are limited, and capped to a maximum of 40 recruits, so don’t hesitate,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers says.

“If you are ready to start your training for one of the most rewarding careers there is, come visit the Police recruitment activation at Round the Bays or apply now at New Cops.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/police-run-recruitment-operation-in-auckland/

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New Zealand family in Kuwait waits to hear if they can return home

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kuwait-based Kiwi family, from left, Malia-Lavalea Magele, Pauline Toleafoa, Koulton Magele, Sinsemillia Magele and Sage Magele. Supplied

A New Zealand family living in Kuwait is anxiously waiting to hear whether they will be able to return home, after the Defence Force confirmed it would deploy planes to the Middle East.

As part of contingency preparations, consular staff and two C-130J aircraft will be sent to the Middle East in preparation for evacuation operations.

The Foreign Affairs minister, Winston Peters, has said the planes will take people “out of nearby danger” to less dangerous places, where they can make arrangements to come home.

Sinsemillia Magele moved to Kuwait with her husband Sage and their two children Koulton and Malia-Lavalea in May 2021.

Sinsemillia and Sage work as teachers. The children’s aunt, Pauline Toleafoa, is also with them, having moved in 2020.

But now the family was looking to return home.

“It’s like Covid 2.0, with missiles and sirens. We just need to keep that routine going, and find ways to be calm, but also not ignore the situation that’s going on,” she said.

“We’re just trying to keep normality as much as we can, stay in routine, try not to run to the window every time we hear bangs and sirens.”

The children are struggling and want to leave Kuwait, Sinsemillia Magele says. Supplied

RNZ spoke to Magele on Thursday morning New Zealand time, or shortly after midnight in Kuwait.

The hour of the phone call was not a bother. It is when the sirens go off, and the missiles fly over. The family was wide awake.

“We can see it from our apartment building. The missiles come over us from Iran, and then they’re intercepted pretty much above our building. So we feel the shakes, the windows are moving, the booms are loud, and then you have the sirens going on in the background,” she said.

“So it is scarily becoming a little bit normal. This morning, when the sirens started going off, I was like ‘be quiet, just let us sleep for a little bit longer.’ And obviously that must be a tactic as well, just to keep us wide awake, I guess.”

The children were becoming increasingly nervous and wanting to return home.

“They are struggling. They don’t know how to help, and they can’t really help. They want to get us out of here, but I think the whole explaining to them the airspaces are closed, like we can’t go anywhere, we can’t, and it’s not safe to travel,” she said.

“We can’t move, it’s not safe. So they just can’t comprehend in their minds, they’re like ‘get out.’ But the reality when you’re over here, like we can’t, and it’s not like the movies. They’re not going to send in a helicopter to land in front of our building, take us home, like it’s just the reality of being here.”

From left Sinsemillia Magele, Sage Magele, Koulton Magele, 13, Pauline Toleafoa and Malia-Lavalea Magele. Supplied

Kuwait’s health ministry has confirmed an 11-year-old girl was killed by falling debris.

Magele said the girl was from a sister school.

Keeping a routine has been paramount, especially for the children.

The parents make sure they are logged on to school in the morning, lunch, daily workouts or throwing around the rugby ball, mid-afternoon naps, and are in constant contact with family back home.

“Most of our energy at the moment is making sure that they’re OK, because this is a whole other world to them. Us moving here in the first place was crazy to them, so a lot of our time and energy goes into reassuring them that we’re OK.”

Prayer and scripture have also been important, particularly from Pauline.

“She’s always making sure that scriptures are getting through to us, and her family back home are fasting and praying daily for us. So that gives us definitely a big sense of comfort.”

Sinsemillia Magele says the family definitely wants to return to New Zealand if they are able to be evacuated. Supplied

Like other Gulf states, Kuwait has a large expatriate population. Magele said the community was “spiralling,” and the family was trying to shield themselves from that.

“We’re New Zealanders, we’re Māori, we’re Samoan. We’re also there for our community because they’ve helped us through everything here,” she said.

The government is yet to confirm where the two planes will be deployed, although Defence Minister Judith Collins said the location would be selected “taking safety and other practical factors” into account.

Operational security has meant there would be limits on exactly how public the information will be made, in regards to when and where the planes would be deployed.

Magele said some tourist companies in Kuwait were “making a lot of money off this” by taking buses of people into Saudi Arabia, but she saw that as too much of a risk, especially if they still could not get a flight out.

The largest share of New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel are in the United Arab Emirates, which Magele said was either a 12 hour drive, or an hour-and-a-half long flight, although again there were no flights at the moment.

“If evacuation support becomes available, we would absolutely want to return home. Without a doubt.”

Kuwait has been good to them.

The children, now 13 and 10, have grown up as “global citizens” and the country has provided them many opportunities.

But a recent shake had put things into perspective.

“You know what? There was, the other morning, it was about 6:20am, and there was just a huge bang. And I jumped up and said ‘this is not the normal life I wanted for my children. This is not normal. This is not what I want for them, not coming from New Zealand, Aotearoa, not coming from Samoa. We don’t want this for our kids.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/05/new-zealand-family-in-kuwait-waits-to-hear-if-they-can-return-home/

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Upper Hutt’s pride: The making of new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie

Source: Radio New Zealand

Newly appointed All Blacks coach Dave Rennie. Photosport

The former mayor of Upper Hutt says the appointment of new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie is a moment of immense pride for the community that helped shape him.

On Wednesday, Rennie was named the new All Blacks head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, seeing off Jamie Joseph in the two-man race to replace Scott Robertson.

The 62-year-old former Chiefs coach and coach of the Wallabies, will take up the role in June, when the Japanese Rugby League One season ends.

For Wayne Guppy, the news was personal.

Guppy, who served as Upper Hutt mayor for 24 years until 2025 and is a life member of the Upper Hutt Rugby Club, has known Rennie since his teenage years.

He coached him, coached alongside him, and watched him grow from a promising young Heretaunga College player into a leader whose influence was felt well beyond the clubrooms.

Both born and bred in Upper Hutt, Guppy coached Rennie as a player and also coached alongside him when they looked after the Upper Hutt Colts three decades ago.

They later reunited in the early 2000s with the Wellington B team.

“I coached him, played with him, his wife worked for us in the pharmacy, we go a long way back … I knew his parents really well,” Guppy said.

Guppy believes the man he calls ‘Rens’ will be successful with the All Blacks.

“He was always a star, he was always a stand-out as a young man, he was always a leader and he was a good person from day one when he came out of Heretaunga College and then came into the club as a young man with a reputation because he’d played very good rugby at college and came into the premier side at Upper Hutt.

“Rens just fitted in and very quickly became one of the stars and leaders within that squad, he’s had that leadership quality all his life.”

Former Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy. RNZ / Reece Baker

Guppy said Rennie, who also taught at an intermediate in Upper Hutt many years ago, was an icon in the community.

“He’s Upper Hutt’s most famous son and I know that all of Upper Hutt and the Wellington region are excited for him and proud. It’s a proud moment for the city to have him get arguable the toughest job in the country and he’ll do it proud.”

Guppy said he was impressed with him as a young man.

“He was one of those young men that grew up and knew what was right and what was wrong and not many do that … he treated everyone the same and respected people.”

The former mayor said Rennie had a knack of creating a winning culture that people wanted to be a part of and his attention to detail was exemplary. Guppy expects to see players excel Rennie’s his guidance.

“You will see All Black teams are respected around the world again because Rens will create that culture, everyone’s important in his team,” said Guppy.

“There will be no player in that All Black side that goes out and doesn’t know what they have to do, what’s expected of them.”

Guppy hoped that after nine years coaching overseas, that Rennie might consider settling back in Upper Hutt.

“I’ll give him a ring him this morning and tell him that this is where home is mate, you better come home to Upper Hutt,” Guppy laughed.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/05/upper-hutts-pride-the-making-of-new-all-blacks-coach-dave-rennie/

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New Zealand has small, important role in Middle East solution, expert says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and US President Donald Trump. Supplied / PMO

A geopolitical analyst says New Zealand has a small but important role to play in a peaceful solution in the Middle East.

The United States and Israel have continued airstrikes on Iran as the conflict moves into its fifth day.

Dr Geoffrey Miller told Midday Report that both countries had plenty of ammunition to keep the strikes going.

“The firepower of Israel and the United States in particular is unmatched, and you would expect they can continue this war from the air for quite a long time,” he said.

“The US is the biggest military in the world; no doubt they’ve got more ammunition, more firepower up their sleeve.”

But he said airstrikes could only get them so far.

“The issue is that you cannot win this war from the air, and that’s the problem. What is the endgame of this war? Iran is showing no mercy against the Gulf States, it’s continuing to fight back, and just in the last half hour or so, there have been new strikes on Bahrain, also towards Israel. That’s despite all these strikes from the air from Israel and the United States on Iran for, now, five days,” Dr Miller said.

Geopolitical analyst Dr Geoffrey Miller. Supplied

“We’ve now got an Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon, and airstrikes over Beirut, we’ve got drones being intercepted going as far as NATO airbases in Turkiye, just across the region, is chaos and destruction and devastation.”

He said New Zealand, as a small but well-liked country, could work towards a diplomatic solution.

“New Zealand needs to be really thinking about all of this. Christopher Luxon had a phone call with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the president of the United Arab Emirates, last night. He said, in the readout that came out on X after that, that New Zealand was keen on negotiated solutions, on de-escalations,” Dr Miller said.

“I think New Zealand can, in a small way, be part of that. New Zealand has had an embassy in Tehran for fifty years, it’s had an embassy in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia for forty years, and has good ties with many of the Gulf States.

“New Zealand can be part of the solution to this conflict, because what we need is a diplomatic solution. There is no military solution to what we’re seeing in the Middle East, going down this path of war is only going to lead us to more chaos, destruction and devastation.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/05/new-zealand-has-small-important-role-in-middle-east-solution-expert-says/

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One in court following burglary and flee, Hokitika

Source: New Zealand Police

Hokitika Police have arrested and charged a man following a burglary last week in Hokitika.

On Thursday 26 February, Police received a report from a local contractor that items had been stolen from their site.

The following day, a Police unit saw a man driving a vehicle that was known to be pink stickered. The driver was signalled to stop, however he failed to do so and fled.

Police did not pursue the vehicle, instead conducted area enquiries which led to locating the vehicle abandoned on Adairs Road, before the driver soon returned and was arrested.

During a search of the vehicle and the very near vicinity, officers located a number of items including those that were reported stolen the day before.

West Coast Area Commander, Inspector Jacqui Corner says this was a great quick catch by local staff.

“I would like to commend the officers involved in this arrest – their attention to detail in noticing the vehicle that was not supposed to be on the road, is what has led to this quick result.

“I am also very pleased that we were able to return the stolen goods to their rightful owner and hold the alleged offender to account,” says Inspector Corner.

The 57-year-old man is due to appear in Greymouth District Court on 25 March, facing a range of charges related to driving offences and receiving stolen goods.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/one-in-court-following-burglary-and-flee-hokitika/

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Nominating committee for the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation appointments

Source: New Zealand Government

Two new appointments have been made to the nominating committee for the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, alongside two reappointments, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

Experienced corporate leaders Tim Mitchell and Juliet Tainui-Hernandez have been appointed.

Committee Chair Michelle Tsui, and committee member Mark Butcher have been reappointed to their roles from August 1 this year.

The committee identifies and recommends highly qualified candidates for the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board which oversees the NZ Super Fund and the Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund.

“Tim Mitchell brings strategic oversight, recruitment expertise, and a strong understanding of the NZ Super Fund’s governance framework, alongside global investment community connections to identify effective governance candidates,” Nicola Willis says.

“Juliet Tainui-Hernandez is an internationally connected executive leader with 25 years’ experience in legal and financial services. She has governance, risk management, sustainability, and human capability expertise.”

Mr Mitchell’s and Mrs Tainui-Hernandez’s terms began on 1 March this year.

Ms Tsui has been on the committee since 2018 and Chair since August last year.

Mr Butcher has served on the committee since May 2018.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/nominating-committee-for-the-guardians-of-new-zealand-superannuation-appointments/

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New NZ-Chile cooperation arrangement to deliver for agriculture sectors

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Chile have signed an arrangement to boost agricultural cooperation and drive sector success, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.

“Agriculture is at the heart of the New Zealand and Chilean economies. We have similar farming systems, similar geographies, and both advocate for open, rules-based trade,” Mr McClay says.

“The new Strategic Agricultural Arrangement 2026 – 2030 signals our strong commitment to working together and strengthening our agricultural relationship.

“Key features of the arrangement include encouraging regional and global collaboration and developing our people. We will work together to exchange expertise, promote and advance sustainable agricultural development, undertake important research and innovation, and build climate resilience.”

Last year New Zealand and Chile marked 80 years of diplomatic relations, and two-way trade reached $342.94 million in the year ending September 2025.
 

“The new arrangement will enable New Zealand and Chile to seize agricultural opportunities, tackle shared challenges, and ultimately achieve more together,” Mr McClay says.

“This Government is laser-focused on building the future, boosting returns for farmers, growers, producers and exporters, growing the economy and driving prosperity for New Zealanders.”

The arrangement was signed by Mr McClay and Chile’s Minister of Agriculture Dr. Ignacia Fernández.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/new-nz-chile-cooperation-arrangement-to-deliver-for-agriculture-sectors/

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NRL: NZ Warriors v Sydney Roosters – what you need to know

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kiwis teammates James Fisher-Harris and Naufahu Whyte will face off, when the Warriors host the Roosters at Go Media Stadium. Photosport/RNZ

NRL: NZ Warriors v Sydney Roosters

Kickoff: 8pm Friday, 6 March

Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ website

NZ Warriors kick off their 2025 NRL campaign on Friday night against Sydney Roosters at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium.

The home side haven’t enjoyed much success against their rivals in recent times and they will find another old enemy lurking in the Roosters line-up.

Here’s how the game shapes up:

History

Over 48 previous meetings, Sydney Roosters hold a 24-23 head-to-head advantage, with one draw – a 31-31 deadlock at Allianz Stadium that remained unresolved through ‘Golden Point’ in 2007.

That superiority is far more pronounced over the last 10 encounters, where the Roosters enjoy an 8-2 advantage. The first of those defeats came in 2017 at Mt Smart Stadium and the most recent was their last game at the same venue 12 months ago.

Centre Ali Leiataua scored two tries in the 14-6 victory, after the home team trailed 6-4 at halftime, kept their opponents scoreless over the second 40 minutes.

Sydney’s biggest winning margin was 58-6 in 2004, when centre Justin Hodges scored three tries for a home team coached by Ricky Stuart and captained by Brad Fittler. The Roosters would win the minor premiership, but lost to Canterbury Bulldogs in the grand final.

The Warriors’ biggest win was 42-16 in 2006, with Jerome Ropati scoring four tries. The result was part of an impressive finish that saw them win eight of their last 12 games, but a four-point penalty for violating the salary cap ultimately cost them a spot in the playoffs.

Jerome Ropati scores a try against Sydney Roosters. Tim Hales/Photosport

Form

Neither team managed to win during the pre-season, with the Warriors falling 33-18 to Manly Sea Eagles and 38-34 to the Dolphins.

Missing seven players to the Māori v Indigenous All Stars game, they were forced to field a very inexperienced team against the Sea Eagles, but performed much better seven days later at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval, where they led 34-20, before coach Andrew Webster gave his bench a run late.

The Dolphins scored three converted tries in the last 10 minutes – Tevita Naufahu, John Fineanganofo and Brian Pouniu were all born in Auckland – to snatch victory.

Sydney also fielded a makeshift line-up in their 42-26 loss to Wests Tigers, but were closer to full strength for a 28-22 defeat against Parramatta Eels, when they led 22-12 at halftime.

Teams

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Demitric Vaimauga, 16. Leka Halasima, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 20. Morgan Gannon

Reserves: 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 22. Luke Hanson, 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Co-captain Mitch Barnett hasn’t recovered from last year’s season-ending knee injury enough to return for the opening round. He was due for testing in Sydney last week and hopes are high he will be available next week.

Front-rower Jackson Ford will start in his place, Chanel Harris-Tevita has recovered from his pre-season calf niggle to line up outside Tanah Boyd in the halves, while winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has bounced back from his hamstring twinge.

Marata Niukore is still nursing a calf strain and Jacob Laban will take his place in the second row. Englishman Morgan Gannon is poised for an NRL debut from the interchange.

Morgan Gannon may make his NRL debut for the Warriors off the bench. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Roosters: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Billy Smith, 4. Robert Toia, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Daly Cherry-Evans, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Naufahu Whyte, 9. Benaiah Ioelu, 10. Lindsay Collins, 11. Angus Crichton, 12, Nat Butcher, 13. Blake Steep

Interchange: 14. Conor Watson, 15. Siua Wong, 16. Egan Butcher, 17. Spencer Leniu, 18. Cody Ramsey, 19. Fetalaiga Pauga

Reserves: 20. Salesi Foketi, 21. Tommy Talau, 22. Toby Rodwell

Veteran half Daly Cherry-Evans will make his first-game debut for the Roosters, after spending the first 15 years of his career at Manly.

Last time he faced the Warriors, he provided the gamewinning field goal in his Sea Eagles farewell.

With off-season recruit Reece Robson sidelined by a broken thumb, Auckland-born Benaiah Ioelu will line up at hooker, while Victor ‘the Inflictor’ Radley will begin the new season serving a 10-game suspension for his part in the drugs scandal also involving Kiwi Brandon Smith.

Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase was the competition’s top tryscorer last year, while centre Robert Toia was Dally M Rookie of the Year.

Player to watch

When fullback James Tedesco lost his NSW Origin spot in 2024, after 22 consecutive appearances, many probably assumed he was entering the twilight of his career.

James Tedesco fends off Nathan Cleary during the 22025 NRL. DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAP/Photosport

Instead, he produced one of his best seasons in 2025, winning the Dally M Medal for the second time and taking Captain of the Year honours for good measure.

“We’ve got a world class fullback that we’re coming up against on the weekend,” Warriors counterpart Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad said. “It’s a really good challenge, a really good individual challenge… he can do whatever he wants, but if we get the ‘W’, I’ll be happy with that.”

Kiwi player to watch

Since the departure of Kiwi hardman Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, young countryman Naufahu Whyte has elevated his game to fill the void, logging 23 games in each of the last two seasons and bringing up his 50th appearance for the Roosters last year.

His progress has made him an automatic selection for the national team and he will come up against NZ captain James Fisher-Harris this week.

“I’ve admired the bro for a long time now, ever since he was first in the Kiwis,” Fisher-Harris acknowledged. “Just the way he holds himself on and off the field.

“He’s developed into a good player now and last year he was killing it. He’s my bro and I’m keen to go at it.”

What they say

“It’s surprised me how well he trains for a guy who’s 37 years old. He doesn’t miss a session, he’s out there doing extras and looks after himself really well.”

Tedesco on new recruit Cherry-Evans

Daly Cherry-Evans celebrates his winning field goal against the Warriors in his final game for Manly. Jeremy Ng/www.photosport.nz

“A bit like us, I’m sure they’re not going to be perfect round one, but they will be experienced enough through those three [Cheery-Evans, Tedesco and Walker] to come with plenty of options. They’re a dangerous spine and Cherry’s going to add a lot.”

Webster on what to expect from Cherry-Evans

New rules

The NRL has brought in some new regulations that will challenge coaches’ adbility to adjust through the early rounds.

  • Trainers won’t be able to run onto the field during play, a move designed to prioritise player safety, while also reducing messages being carried onto the field from coaches.
  • Interchange benches will now consists of six players, but only four can be used up to eight times per game. This will allow coaches to carry specialist replacements among their subs.
  • Defensive teams will no longer have a seven-tackle set, if the attacking team knocks on in goal.
  • Infringements beyond the 20-metre line will be punished with a six-again call, replacing the previous 40-metres threshold.
  • A proposal to give teams the option of kicking off or receiving the kickoff after a try was shelved for now.

What will happen

Too early in the season to make any informed predictions. This is a talented Roosters roster, but the result will come down to whoever can find some early-season cohesion quickest.

Cherry-Evans and Tedesco certainly know how to beat the Warriors, and their combination is scary.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/05/nrl-nz-warriors-v-sydney-roosters-what-you-need-to-know/

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Was it really a rubbish summer this year? What the numbers say

Source: Radio New Zealand

Canterbury flooding – Little River – 17 February 2026 RNZ/Nathan McKinnon

The latest data from Earth Sciences New Zealand shows just how wet and cool it was at some points this summer for parts of the South Island and lower North Island.

Chester Lampkin from Earth Sciences New Zealand told Morning Report although it may not have seemed like the best summer, overall the summer was about average, he said.

“Essentially we had a warm start to the summer, December was nearly 1C above what is considered the average and temperatures were near average for January and then it just got a little bit colder.”

In February temperatures were half a degree below average, there was low pressure and more southerlies, he said.

“As a result this is going to end up being an average summer, people won’t remember it that way but statistically that’s how it played out.”

The summer was dominated by lots of high pressure but there were three very unsettled periods, he said.

Flooding at Little River in Canterbury on 17 February 2026. RNZ/Nathan McKinnon

It was unsettled from Christmas to New Year holiday period with many places getting a lot of rain and wind, he said.

From around 20 to 22 January it was also unsettled and that was when record rainfall in Coromandel and Bay of Plenty saw the tragic incidents that occurred there, he said.

“We have the storm that occurred around Valentines Day that brought heavy rain to Gisborne and rain and wind to the Wellington region and parts of the South Island and continued all the way down to Banks Peninsula and Otago.”

Parts of the South Island and lower North Island such as Wellington Christchurch and Dunedin had above normal rainfall and below or near normal in terms of temperature, he said.

Earth Sciences New Zealand’s map forecasting the seasonal climate outlook from March-May 2026. Earth Sciences New Zealand

The weather pattern in autumn is expected to be similar to what happened in the summer, he said.

“That means the possibility of some tropical intrusions or some tropical air seeping southwards from the tropics across the North Island and perhaps the upper South and temperatures will likely be reflected in that if we get more tropical lows that’ll keep temperatures down, at western areas, particularly the South Island will be a little warmer than average but maybe you won’t notice it because it’ll be cooler autumn air.”

Lampkin said it would be difficult to predict how much sunshine there would be but his best guess was that “a lot of New Zealand would be in the cloud for much of the autumn as well”.

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Corey Peters determined to make last Paralympics a golden one

Source: Radio New Zealand

Corey Peters heads to Milan with four Paralympic medals already to his name. PHOTOSPORT

Corey Peters has spent most of the past decade chasing winters.

For 12 straight years, the New Zealand sit-skier went season to season without a break, building a career that has delivered four Paralympic medals, including downhill gold at Beijing in 2022. But the road to Milan has looked nothing like the ones that came before it.

Instead of relentless travel and northern hemisphere campaigns, Peters stepped away after the birth of his first child, Valentina, in 2023. He wanted to be present for her first year – and for his partner – and said the decision was one of the best he has made.

“I wanted to build that connection and bond with my daughter,” Peters told RNZ.

“Up until then, it had been 12 years of back-to-back winters without a season off. So it was a perfect excuse to have a break from the first year of an Olympic cycle. I wanted to support my partner and just be there for Valentina as much as I could.”

He had barely begun his return when a setback followed. A dislocated shoulder in training wiped out much of the next season, meaning Peters effectively spent the first two years of his daughter’s life largely at home.

“In hindsight, it was kind of a blessing in disguise really,” he said. “We’re really close and have a good relationship.”

That closeness has made this campaign different in more ways than one. Valentina, now three, struggles with his time away.

“She’s always saying how much she misses daddy and asks when I’m coming home. That goes to show the bond that we’ve created.”

It has also shifted his motivation.

“Up until then, I guess I’d been doing it for myself and now I feel like I am doing it for them as well.”

Peters won gold at the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022, adding to his two silver and one bronze in his medal collection. AFP/Xinhua

But fatherhood brought doubt too – particularly in a discipline as unforgiving as downhill sit-skiing.

“One of the biggest things that I did struggle with was how much risk you wanted to put into it,” he said. “You’re aware of your body and not wanting to crash.”

Working with a sports psychologist and logging more time in the start gate gradually restored his belief. Now, on the eve of his fourth Paralympics, he feels competitive again.

The Milan Games, which officially begin on Friday, will likely be Peters’ last at this level. At 42, he acknowledges another four-year cycle may be a stretch, though a world championships campaign next year remains a possibility.

He arrives in Italy as the defending downhill sitting champion after his breakthrough gold at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, where he also claimed silver in the Super-G. His first Paralympic medal came at the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympics with silver in the giant slalom, followed by downhill bronze at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Paralympics.

He has never left a Games empty-handed – a record he is keenly aware of.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I want to get one,” he said. “To have that 100 percent success rate at each Games that I’ve participated in – that’s kind of in the back of my mind.”

This time, though, he knows the challenge will be steeper. The Cortina course is more technical than the one in China, with rolling terrain and blind breakovers that punish hesitation. The field has also deepened, as the sport continues to grow.

“It’s certainly not going to be an easy task. You’ve got a bit of a target on your back. Every four years, the competition improves.”

Peters will contest the downhill, Super-G and giant slalom in Milan and says a multi-medal haul would be “the icing on the cake” of his career.

Peters came away with silver in the giant slalom sitting event at his first Paralympics in Sochi 12 years ago. Supplied

His path to the top of the sport was anything but conventional. A former Taranaki age-group and development squad rugby representative, Peters’ life changed in 2009 when he suffered a crushed spinal cord in a motocross accident. After four months in a spinal unit learning to navigate life in a wheelchair, he discovered sit-skiing in 2011 – a sport that would reshape his future.

“It’s been massive for overcoming the spinal cord injury,” he said. “It completely changed my life.”

Whatever happens in Milan, Peters expects skiing to remain part of it. Even if this is his final Paralympics, he plans to continue recreationally, frequenting his local fields at Cardrona and Treble Cone.

“It’s the sense of freedom that it gives you,” he said. “Your disability kind of disappears when you’re in the sit-ski. You don’t have the same limitations on you as you do in the wheelchair on a day-to-day basis.”

For now, though, his focus is firmly on one more push at the highest level – balancing the pursuit of another medal with the perspective he has gained away from the slopes.

The downhill sitting event is scheduled for late Saturday night (NZT), with the Super-G and giant slalom later in the programme.

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/2026/03/05/corey-peters-determined-to-make-last-paralympics-a-golden-one/

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Appointments – GUARDIANS APPOINTS JONES TO HEAD REAL ASSETS

Source: Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation

The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, manager of the $90 billion NZ Super Fund, has appointed Brendon Jones to the role of Head of Real Assets.

Jones, who joined the Guardians in 2014 as an analyst in the New Zealand Direct Investment team, has been key to some of the Super Fund’s most significant investments, including Kaingaroa Tipu, NZ Gourmet, Fidelity Life and Kiwibank. More recently, Jones has led the NZ Super Fund’s involvement in the Taranaki Offshore Partnership’s proposal to develop a 1GW wind farm in the South Taranaki Bight.

Guardians co-Chief Investment Officer Will Goodwin said Real Assets made up some 15 percent of the Fund’s total value, and the sector presented significant opportunities for future growth.

“Domestic infrastructure, for example, is one area we see as providing the type of investment opportunity that suits our competitive advantages as a locally-based sovereign fund with a long investment horizon,” said Goodwin.

“We are very keen to build on the success we have had in infrastructure investing overseas through the likes of renewable energy companies Longroad and Galileo and apply that expertise and the partnerships we have built up in our home market.”

Jones said he enjoyed the diversity of the Real Assets portfolio.

“Real Assets covers everything from our agriculture and horticulture investments in New Zealand and Australia, through renewable energy projects in the US and Europe, to the various residential developments we are currently involved in around New Zealand.

“It’s satisfying to work on projects that provide social and environmental benefits to the community, as well as financial returns to the Fund.”

Prior to joining the NZ Super Fund, Jones spent six years in investment banking in Sydney, including time with RBS and Moelis. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce with First-Class Honours in Finance from the University of Auckland.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/05/appointments-guardians-appoints-jones-to-head-real-assets/

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“Children living in fear”: More than 100 million children impacted in Middle East regional conflict – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

At least 100 million children in countries directly impacted by the escalating violence in the Middle East and wider region face deepening fear, distress and the risk of physical harm and displacement, Save the Children said. 
This is the most expansive conflict in the region in decades, impacting at least 15 countries with strikes destroying homes, schools and hospitals in some of the worst-affected countries. Children are at heightened risk of physical and mental harm, exploitation and abuse. 
Nearly 200 children have been killed in the first five days, according to official and media reports – the equivalent of more than six classrooms full of children. 
Many schools across the wider region have closed due to the conflict, children are being kept inside and not allowed out to play, families are struggling to access healthcare services, and children are struggling to sleep. 
Prices of certain food items have skyrocketed in some areas. Families living in the region have spoken of doing everything they can to protect their children, ranging from fleeing homes to seek safety in schools and other buildings to moving in with relatives and friends with basements and more secure areas. 
Save the Children staff said people are taping up windows to stop the glass shattering with explosions and playing white noise to help their children sleep. 
Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe Regional Director, said children were paying the highest price in the conflict: 
“Every war is a war on children, and as always, we are seeing children impacted the most. Children are living in fear, caught in the crossfire of this adult war. We have already seen nearly 200 children killed, and more innocent lives could be lost without immediate action. Children must never be considered as acceptable ‘collateral’. Wars have laws and children must be off limits in every conflict. 
“Children across the region are terrified of being pulled into a devastating regional war. For some, this is the first time they have faced blasts and explosions that shake their homes, and they don’t understand what is happening. Others have faced too many years of conflict that have marred their childhoods. Some have been displaced multiple times and lost all sense of safety and security. 
“More than 100 million children are living in areas that have been impacted by the escalating hostilities. Every possible effort must be taken to end all hostilities, prevent further escalation, and safeguard children. Only diplomacy can prevent further civilian suffering and create the conditions for lasting security for children across the region. Any further escalation risks pushing an already fragile region into a wider conflagration, with children paying the highest price of a war that they played no part in creating.” 
Save the Children urgently calls on all parties involved to immediately de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by ensuring that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, are spared from attack. 
The use of explosive weapons in populated areas risks severe harm to civilians, especially children, and should be avoided at all costs. 
Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights organisation, reaching tens of millions of children annually in about 110 countries through its work to save and improve children’s lives. 
Save the Children is currently raising funds in New Zealand to support the response in the Middle East through its Children’s Emergency Fund.
Notes:
  • [1] In the first five days since the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East and the wider region, government statements and media reports indicate that at least 181 children under the age of 10 have been killed in Iran, eight in Lebanon according to the country’s ministry of health, three in Israel and one in Kuwait
  • More than 100 million children live in at least 15 countries that have been impacted by the escalation including Bahrain, Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, occupied Palestinian territory, Syria, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. At least 14 countries have experienced one or more missile or air strikes since 28 February, while Israel closed some of the border crossings into Gaza following this escalation. Child population data for 2026 is taken from UN World Population Prospects. 

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/05/children-living-in-fear-more-than-100-million-children-impacted-in-middle-east-regional-conflict-save-the-children/

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Crash, Shenandoah Highway / SH65, Tasman

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a report of a crash on Shenandoah Highway.

Police were called to the crash involving a single vehicle about midday.

Initial reports indicate two people with moderate injuries are being assessed by Ambulance.

Shenandoah Highway / State Highway 65 is currently closed between Awapiriti and Maruia West Bank Roads.

Police ask motorists to avoid the area where possible and expect delays. Visit NZTA’s Journey Planner site for updates on traffic flow.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/05/crash-shenandoah-highway-sh65-tasman/

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“Children living in fear”: More than 100 million children impacted in Middle East regional conflict – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

At least 100 million children in countries directly impacted by the escalating violence in the Middle East and wider region face deepening fear, distress and the risk of physical harm and displacement, Save the Children said. 
This is the most expansive conflict in the region in decades, impacting at least 15 countries with strikes destroying homes, schools and hospitals in some of the worst-affected countries. Children are at heightened risk of physical and mental harm, exploitation and abuse. 
Nearly 200 children have been killed in the first five days, according to official and media reports – the equivalent of more than six classrooms full of children. 
Many schools across the wider region have closed due to the conflict, children are being kept inside and not allowed out to play, families are struggling to access healthcare services, and children are struggling to sleep. 
Prices of certain food items have skyrocketed in some areas. Families living in the region have spoken of doing everything they can to protect their children, ranging from fleeing homes to seek safety in schools and other buildings to moving in with relatives and friends with basements and more secure areas. 
Save the Children staff said people are taping up windows to stop the glass shattering with explosions and playing white noise to help their children sleep. 
Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe Regional Director, said children were paying the highest price in the conflict: 
“Every war is a war on children, and as always, we are seeing children impacted the most. Children are living in fear, caught in the crossfire of this adult war. We have already seen nearly 200 children killed, and more innocent lives could be lost without immediate action. Children must never be considered as acceptable ‘collateral’. Wars have laws and children must be off limits in every conflict. 
“Children across the region are terrified of being pulled into a devastating regional war. For some, this is the first time they have faced blasts and explosions that shake their homes, and they don’t understand what is happening. Others have faced too many years of conflict that have marred their childhoods. Some have been displaced multiple times and lost all sense of safety and security. 
“More than 100 million children are living in areas that have been impacted by the escalating hostilities. Every possible effort must be taken to end all hostilities, prevent further escalation, and safeguard children. Only diplomacy can prevent further civilian suffering and create the conditions for lasting security for children across the region. Any further escalation risks pushing an already fragile region into a wider conflagration, with children paying the highest price of a war that they played no part in creating.” 
Save the Children urgently calls on all parties involved to immediately de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by ensuring that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, are spared from attack. 
The use of explosive weapons in populated areas risks severe harm to civilians, especially children, and should be avoided at all costs. 
Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights organisation, reaching tens of millions of children annually in about 110 countries through its work to save and improve children’s lives. 
Save the Children is currently raising funds in New Zealand to support the response in the Middle East through its Children’s Emergency Fund.
Notes:
  • [1] In the first five days since the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East and the wider region, government statements and media reports indicate that at least 181 children under the age of 10 have been killed in Iran, eight in Lebanon according to the country’s ministry of health, three in Israel and one in Kuwait
  • More than 100 million children live in at least 15 countries that have been impacted by the escalation including Bahrain, Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, occupied Palestinian territory, Syria, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. At least 14 countries have experienced one or more missile or air strikes since 28 February, while Israel closed some of the border crossings into Gaza following this escalation. Child population data for 2026 is taken from UN World Population Prospects. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/children-living-in-fear-more-than-100-million-children-impacted-in-middle-east-regional-conflict-save-the-children/

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Economy – Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the seven months ended 31 January 2026

Source: New Zealand Treasury

Thursday, 5 March 2026 – The Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the seven months ended 31 January 2026 were released by the Treasury today. The January results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2025 (HYEFU 2025), published on 16 December 2025, and the results for the same period for the previous year.

The key fiscal indicators for the seven months ended 31 January 2026 were overall favourable compared to the forecast. The Government’s main operating indicator, the operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx), showed a deficit of $6.0 billion. This deficit was $1.9 billion smaller than forecast. Net core Crown debt was lower than forecast by $1.1 billion at $184.3 billion, or 41.9% of GDP.

Core Crown tax revenue was $70.4 billion, broadly in line with forecast (0.1% below), with small offsetting variances across the major tax types.

Core Crown revenue was $77.3 billion, around $0.4 billion (0.6%) below forecast. Revenue from the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme was lower than expected due to the decline in the NZU price since the forecasts were prepared.

Core Crown expenses, at $83.1 billion, were $1.2 billion (1.5%) below forecast, reflecting lower spending across a range of functional classifications.

The OBEGALx deficit was $1.9 billion less than the forecast deficit. This reflects the core Crown variances mentioned above coupled with favourable results from Crown entities and State-Owned Enterprises.

The operating balance was a surplus of $4.0 billion, $4.5 billion stronger than forecast. The variance reflected a favourable OBEGAL result of $1.8 billion and stronger‑than‑forecast net gains on non‑financial instruments ($2.8 billion), partly offset by weaker-than-expected net gains on financial instruments ($0.3 billion).

The core Crown residual cash deficit of $1.9 billion was $0.8 billion smaller than forecast, reflecting lower operating outflows and higher capital cash inflows.

Net core Crown debt at $184.3 billion (41.9% of GDP) was $1.1 billion lower than forecast. This variance was largely driven by the smaller‑than‑forecast core Crown residual cash deficit mentioned above.

Gross debt at $220.6 billion (50.2% of GDP) was $3.6 billion lower than forecast. This reflected lower‑than‑forecast issuances of Euro Commercial Paper and Treasury bills of $1.8 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.

Net worth attributable to the Crown at $183.5 billion (41.7% of GDP) was $4.6 billion higher than forecast. This favourable variance largely reflects the stronger operating balance result of $4.5 billion, discussed previously.

  

  Year to date Full Year
January
2026
Actual1
$m		 January
2026
HYEFU 2025
Forecast1
$m		 Variance2
HYEFU 2025
$m		 Variance
HYEFU 2025
%		 June
2026
HYEFU 2025
Forecast3
$m
Core Crown tax revenue 70,392 70,452 (60) (0.1) 124,198
Core Crown revenue 77,250 77,683 (433) (0.6) 136,919
Core Crown expenses 83,084 84,329 1,245 1.5 149,047
Core Crown residual cash (1,923) (2,753) 830 30.1 (14,802)
Net core Crown debt4 184,335 185,418 1,083 0.6 196,987
          as a percentage of GDP 41.9% 42.2%     43.3%
Gross debt 220,577 224,211 3,634 1.6 227,225
          as a percentage of GDP 50.2% 51.0%     50.0%
OBEGAL excluding ACC (OBEGALx) (6,002) (7,883) 1,881 23.9 (13,852)
OBEGAL (6,458) (8,236) 1,778 21.6 (16,934)
Operating balance (excluding minority interests) 4,022 (504) 4,526 – (6,547)
Net worth attributable to the Crown 183,485 178,844 4,641  2.6  172,693
          as a percentage of GDP 41.7% 40.7%     38.0%

Using the most recently published GDP (for the year ended 30 September 2025) of $439,709 million (Source: Stats NZ).
Favourable variances against forecast have a positive sign and unfavourable variances against forecast have a negative sign.
Using HYEFU 2025 forecast GDP for the year ending 30 June 2026 of $454,497 million (Source: The Treasury).
Net core Crown debt excludes the NZS Fund and core Crown advances. Net core Crown debt may fluctuate during the year largely reflecting the timing of tax receipts.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/economy-interim-financial-statements-of-the-government-of-new-zealand-for-the-seven-months-ended-31-january-2026/

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Health – Strengthening the primary care workforce: The College welcomes employment changes for GPEP 1 registrars

Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) welcomes the Minister’s announcement that Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) will become the direct employer for General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) Year One registrars from February 2027.
GPEP 1 registrars will continue to be able to choose practice employment alongside this new change.
The College and Health NZ have worked together on this change to provide registrars with a smoother transition into GPEP with pay, terms and conditions aligned with other specialist vocational programmes.
College CE, Toby Beaglehole says that the announcement continues the positive momentum towards investing in the future of primary care and ensuring it remains sustainable.
“This announcement is a very positive step forward in removing barriers for house officers joining our GPEP programme, with the continuation of their employment with Health NZ.”
“Alongside the new Primary Care pathway for PGY2s, this is another step forward that continues to build the attractiveness of being a specialist General Practitioner, which will result in a more sustainable primary care system in New Zealand. We know specialist GPs are vital to the health of our communities in New Zealand and are at the frontline of our health care system.”
The 2022 Malatest report highlighted that leaving the hospital-based system was the most significant barrier for doctors entering GP training.
“It’s great that GPEP registrars can choose to be employed under Health NZ, with the resultant benefits of continuity of employment that come with this and hopefully enabling similar conditions of employment to their hospital colleagues,” says Dr Ella Barclay, Chair of the College’s Registrar Chapter.
The College continues to aim to get 300 registrars into the GPEP training programme each year, with a clear focus on strengthening New Zealand’s primary care workforce by ensuring that we have more GPs and the workforce pipeline remains sustainable.
With Health NZ now becoming the employer of registrars who are not employed by a private practice in their first year of GPEP training, the College will retain its leadership over educational content, training standards, quality assurance, and clinical placements.
The option for registrars to be employed by a private practice will remain a core component of the GPEP training pathway and has not changed under this agreement.
The College and Health NZ will work together to ensure this process is seamless for new registrars applying for GPEP in 2027.
Applications for the 2027 GPEP intake will be  open from Monday 9 March – Monday 13 April 2026. Find out more and apply on the College website:  Specialise as a general practitioner | RNZCGP

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/health-strengthening-the-primary-care-workforce-the-college-welcomes-employment-changes-for-gpep-1-registrars/

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Health and Employment – Payroll failure hits pay for 4,000 Waikato health workers, urgent review needed

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on Health NZ to conduct an urgent review after a widespread failure in its payroll system left around 4,000 Waikato hospital and health workers without pay yesterday.
The payroll glitch affected roughly half the Waikato health workforce. For workers living pay cheque to pay cheque, the impact was immediate and real. One PSA member was unable to pay their rent.
“Workers turned up and did their jobs, caring for patients, keeping hospitals running, and they deserved to be paid on time. A payroll failure of this scale is not a minor inconvenience, it causes real hardship,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
Health NZ has apologised to staff and said the failure was a result of ‘an error in the rostering system used to calculate pays’. Staff would be paid tonight.
“Apologies are not enough; Health NZ must urgently get to the bottom of what happened here and make sure it never happens again. What we do know is the Government’s spending cuts and axing of health workers do not help.
“This is not an isolated incident,” said Fitzsimons. “IT failures have become a recurring feature of our public health system and that is no accident. Just last week a critical medical imaging system was down for two hours across Auckland and Northland hospitals delaying results for clinicians.
“The PSA has repeatedly warned that cuts to Health New Zealand’s Digital Services workforce would make IT failures more likely and harder to fix.
“Health NZ has shed around 23% of its IT workforce, more than 500 staff to meet the Government’s spending cuts. On top of that some 2,800 health workers, including critical clerical and admin workers, have lost their jobs.
“Doing this while the system is already under strain is reckless. Yesterday’s payroll failure is a direct consequence of running a health system without the resources it needs,” said Fitzsimons.
The PSA is calling on Health Minister Simeon Brown and Health NZ to urgently review the state of the health system’s digital infrastructure and to halt further cuts to the Digital Services workforce until a full and independent assessment of IT risk has been completed.
“Workers and patients cannot afford for the Government to keep ignoring the warning signs. It’s time for the Health Minister to act,” said Fitzsimons.
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/2026/03/05/health-and-employment-payroll-failure-hits-pay-for-4000-waikato-health-workers-urgent-review-needed/

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Construction worker pulls man from burning house in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A construction worker has described pulling someone from a burning house in the Auckland suburb of Ponsonby.

A number of firefighters are at the scene on Tawariki Street, with crews using an aerial crane to try contain the fire on Thursday.

Jeremy Lodder was working at a construction site nearby when he noticed a fire on the other side of the road.

Jeremy Lodder was working at a construction site nearby when he noticed a fire on the other side of the road. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

He stopped working and leapt into action.

“I just thought it was a burn off, but it was a strange place for it in the middle of the city. I realised it was pretty close to the brick walls and once I saw that, I stopped my machine that I was using, told the other boys to stop, talked to the supervisor who was here [and] told him to call the fire brigade,” Lodder said.

“… knocked on the doors, found one guy in there, got him out, while the house was on fire.”

Lodder said he’s seen house fires before and knows how fast they can spread.

“That’s why as soon as I saw it I jumped out [and] stopped my gear.”

Workers were at a construction site nearby when they saw the fire. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) Senior Station Officer Michael Manning told RNZ there were multiple calls just after 10am.

“We got here within a couple of minutes and the rear of the house was well involved in fire and the neighbouring house was also starting to catch fire,” he said.

He said the first home has extensive damage, but the neighbour’s home has been spared and has only scorch marks.

“The crews did an excellent job stopping the fire moving through that property,” he said.

Manning said the police were called while there were initial concerns for the whereabouts of the person at the home and whether they were hurt or missing.

“He’s now been located and is speaking with our fire investigators and police,” Manning said.

Firefighters at the scene of the fire in Ponsonby. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Six fire trucks and more than 20 crew were called in.

Manning said it had been a busy morning for Auckland fire crews. They responded to the Ponsonby fire fresh after attending a fire on Hobson Street in the CBD.

“We had just recommissioned from that when this job came in,” he said.

Crews are using a high-reach ladder truck from Wellington to take the roof off and put out the remaining pockets of fire,” Manning said.

The fire comes a day after a person died in another house fire in Auckland.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/05/construction-worker-pulls-man-from-burning-house-in-auckland/

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Wellington eco-sanctuary Zealandia facing huge bill after wild winds hit region

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington’s eco-sanctuary Zealandia is facing a bill of tens of thousands of dollars following last month’s wild winds.

In February, the lower North Island was hit by a brutal storm which brought down trees, shut roads and cut off power to thousands.

The capital experienced its strongest winds in more than a decade with gusts of 193 kilometres an hour recorded at Mount Kaukau, and 128km/h at Wellington Airport.

At Zealandia, which was home to Takahe, Kākā, Little Spotted Kiwi and more, the sanctuary’s conservation and restoration general manager Jo Ledington told RNZ the weather event had been described as like being in a “snow globe”.

RNZ / Mark Papalii

“That’s what it felt like, we came in and it just felt like the whole valley had been shaken, there was just leaf debris everywhere up to sort of 10 centimetres on tracks in places.”

Ledington said the wind toppled pine trees as tall as 30 metres which needed to be cleared.

“They are very big, big old trees.”

She said it had taken a financial toll on the community organisation.

RNZ / Mark Papalii

“The cost of cleaning up is high I have had to pull my team off their normal work of maintaining the predator free fence and yeah we have pulled everyone onto these tracks to get the cleaning up done.

“And then of course we need professional arborists to come in and do that really big heavy work and that comes at a significant cost.”

It was unclear what that full cost would be yet.

“It will be tens and tens of thousands yeah, we are running an appeal at the moment, and we have had incredible community support for that.”

RNZ / Mark Papalii

She said with Zealandia shutting more often due to storms, they were planning for how they dealt with the new normal of more severe weather.

That included refreshing the site’s predator proof fence with the latest climate data.

“The rebuild will be building for our future projections of wind and whatever gets thrown at it.”

It was hoped that the trees would be cleared by the end of March.

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/2026/03/05/wellington-eco-sanctuary-zealandia-facing-huge-bill-after-wild-winds-hit-region/

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Government backs Kiwi seafarer workforce growth

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s taking action to grow New Zealand’s ageing seafarer workforce and improve its supply-chain resilience, through a major investment in training opportunities for those entering the industry, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.

“Our local seafaring industry is under significant pressure. Many experienced seafarers are nearing retirement, and strong competition from international shipping, combined with thin margins make it difficult for Kiwi operators to train replacements,” Mr Meager says.

“These ongoing issues are threatening the long-term resilience of our coastal freight services. That’s why we’ve committed $8.3 million from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund to trainee places on ships (known as training berths).

“This support will significantly ease financial pressures on domestic vessel operators training the workforce of tomorrow. It means they can cover things like trainees’ wages, food and travel, course costs and PPE equipment. 

“We’ve seen how recent storms and major events like Cyclone Gabrielle significantly impact communities. In many cases the only way to deliver essential supplies is by sea, due to road and rail links being cut off.

“However, those vessels can only operate if they have skilled, qualified seafarers, engineers and deck officers to staff them. Training capacity is being severely constrained by the number of berths available.

“Maritime schools can provide the required vocational training, but without training berths for sea time, trainees can’t enter the workforce. Time at sea is often a requirement for other roles in the maritime sector such as port pilots, tug operators, harbourmasters and ship surveyors.

“Building a home-grown supply of talent will not only support coastal shipping, but the wider maritime sector that underpins New Zealand’s local and national economy. It will ensure we can move our goods around the country, particularly in a time of crisis.

“This yet another example of our Government’s dedication to fixing the basics and building the future of New Zealand.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/government-backs-kiwi-seafarer-workforce-growth/