Category: LiveNews

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Milestone Systems expands Singapore footprint with the launch of Asia Experience Centre, strengthening regional leadership in video technology

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2026 – Milestone Systems, a world leader in data-driven video technology, today announced the opening of its new Experience Centre in Singapore, representing a major expansion of the company’s regional footprint in Asia. The Centre will serve as a next-generation hub for solution design, cross-industry collaboration, and real-world testing of video innovations enabled by data analytics, hybrid-cloud architectures, and AI. It directly complements the Singapore government’s national agenda, announced at 2026 Budget by PM Lawrence Wong, by creating a stronger foundation for safe, industry-ready AI adoption in critical sectors.

Milestone Systems Singapore Experience Centre

The new facility underscores Milestone’s long-term commitment to Asia and supports the region’s rapid transition toward intelligent, automated and increasingly interconnected operational environments. It is designed to help governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructure operators accelerate deployments of video-driven solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and resilience while ensuring that innovation aligns with global standards of responsible AI adoption.

“Asia is the world’s most dynamic security and smart infrastructure market, and enterprises are expecting deeper operational intelligence and more adaptable system architectures,” said Kiean Khoo, Asia Business Head, Milestone Systems. “Our expanded Singapore hub gives the region the capabilities, collaboration space, and expertise required to address these new opportunities and scale innovation.”

Asia’s security and smart infrastructure market accelerates

Asian growth in demand for intelligent video and integrated security solutions is being driven by rapid urbanisation, infrastructure expansion, and rising expectations for real-time operational insights across airports, transport hubs, hospitality, critical infrastructure, and public spaces.

“Our expanded presence in Singapore reflects two clear realities: the scale and pace of demand across Asia, and the importance of scaling through open ecosystems and responsible innovation,” said Morten Illum, Chief Revenue Officer, Milestone Systems. The Experience Centre will play a pivotal role in helping partners and customers build AI-enabled solutions that are trustworthy, interoperable and ready for real-world complexities.”

The Asia-Pacific Physical Security Market size is estimated at USD 42.25 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 59.54 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period (2025-2030).[1] It is increasingly defined by intelligent video, access control, and integrated security solutions. Market trends show a significant migration from legacy CCTV systems to IP-based, hybrid, and cloud-enabled platforms, with an emphasis on interoperability, analytics, and AI-driven decision-making.

“As the region accelerates into the AI-era, our customers are looking for trusted, high-quality data to power autonomous decision-making,” Khoo added. “The new Experience Centre is built to help organisations validate AI-driven workflows safely and responsibly. It lets businesses experiment, optimise and innovate with the confidence that their systems meet the highest standards of governance, transparency and human oversight. “

A strategic hub for the era of Agentic AI

As organisations adopt AI—systems capable of planning, reasoning and autonomously executing tasks—video technology is becoming a core source of trusted, high-value data. The Asia Experience Centre will act as a proving ground for businesses seeking to explore how video, sensors, and multimodal data can be integrated to support e.g. AI agents in performing complex operational workflows.

The Centre features an expanded environment for scenario testing, multi-vendor integration, and modelling of high-density, real-time environments such as airports, urban transport, critical infrastructure, manufacturing floors, retail ecosystems, hospitality facilities and smart city districts. It can evaluate how AI workflows interact with real operational conditions, including video quality, data continuity, cybersecurity controls, and compliance requirements.

Driving innovation for a more connected and resilient Asia

Illum added further: “Milestone Systems is deepening its role as a catalyst for innovation across the region’s evolving security and smart-infrastructure landscape with the launch of the Asia Experience Centre. By combining open-platform video technology, responsible AI principles, and a strong partner ecosystem, the Centre will help accelerate Asia’s transition toward safer, smarter and more data-driven environments.”

Hashtag: #MilestoneSystems

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/2026/02/25/milestone-systems-expands-singapore-footprint-with-the-launch-of-asia-experience-centre-strengthening-regional-leadership-in-video-technology/

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Health – Growing demand shows addictions sector needs more investment

Source: NZ Drug Foundation

An increase in people accessing specialist addiction treatment highlights the hard work the sector is doing despite a longstanding lack of funding, the NZ Drug Foundation says.

A new monitoring report released by Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission today shows an increase in people accessing specialist addiction treatment, with over 3,000 more people accessing these services in 2024/25 compared to the previous year.

Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the increase is positive, but more investment is needed to meet the need in the community.

“It’s remarkable to see the heroic work that the sector is doing despite being underfunded for decades,” Helm says.

“We can’t solve issues like the big increase in methamphetamine harm without a step change in investment in addiction support. It’s desperately needed.”

Helm points out that despite the increase in people accessing services, the number of declined referrals to specialist addiction services is also increasing.

“The increase in declined referrals is concerning and it’s important we understand what is driving this.”

The report also shows more New Zealanders are accessing drug harm reduction information and support online, highlighting the importance of platforms like The Level.

The number of people accessing substance use support online has more than doubled in the last five years, from an estimated 73,326 people in 2020/21 to 197,494 in 2024/25.

Of that number, 174,818 people accessed information via The Level, the NZ Drug Foundation’s online harm reduction platform, in 2024/25.

Helm says the significant growth demonstrates that people who use drugs want to know how they can stay safer.

“Getting trustworthy information and advice in front of people early, no matter where they sit on the spectrum of drug use, is a no-brainer. It saves lives, prevents people from developing more severe issues, and saves the health system money.”

Helm says that if people can access information and support early enough, many substance use issues can be addressed at home or with whānau support, and don’t necessarily need intensive specialist support.

“We’ve focused hard on improving the self-help sections of The Level, with lots more planned this year, so it’s pleasing to see the growth in people accessing this crucial information.”

Notes:

Find the latest report from Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission on their website: https://www.mhwc.govt.nz/news-and-resources/mental-health-and-addiction-service-monitoring-2026-downloads
The Level combines research with real-life experiences from people who use drugs in New Zealand and provides relevant, trustworthy, and easy to understand support and advice. It is operated by the NZ Drug Foundation.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/health-growing-demand-shows-addictions-sector-needs-more-investment/

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Multiple injuries after bus crash in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Multiple people have been injured after a bus crash in the Auckland suburb of Grafton this afternoon.

Hato Hone St John said three ambulances and one rapid response unit were sent to the scene on Carlton Gore Road / Park Road, shortly after 2.30pm

“Four patients have been assessed and are being transported to Auckland City Hospital, three in moderate condition and one in minor condition.”

The crash involved a construction truck, according to a witness.

– more to come

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/25/multiple-injuries-after-bus-crash-in-auckland/

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National and New Zealand First go head to head over Hauraki Gulf

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ First’s Shane Jones and National’s Tama Potaka. RNZ

New Zealand First has hit out at National after its coalition partner promised to campaign on stronger fishing protections in the Hauraki Gulf.

National’s conservation spokesperson Tama Potaka laid out the position his party would take to the election campaign over the weekend.

He said the coalition’s decision to allow commercial fishing in two of the 12 High Protection Areas (HPAs) in the gulf had caused “widespread concern” from the public.

Last year, the government passed legislation establishing 12 HPAs, where most commercial and recreational fishing were prohibited, and five sea floor protection areas.

At the time, the opposition criticised the government for a late-stage amendment allowing commercial ring-net fishing operators exclusive access to two of the HPAs.

“National will look to reinstate the ban on all fishing in the High Protection Areas,” Potaka said over the weekend.

“A further decision, to allow bottom trawling in some designated trawl corridors in the Gulf has also been controversial so we will review that also.”

‘Who will pay for it?’ – Shane Jones

New Zealand First’s deputy leader Shane Jones said National’s decision risked $250 million worth of property rights secured in a major treaty settlement more than 30 years ago.

“Any suggestion that commercial fishing has to be terminated and trawling has to be outlawed in the Hauraki Gulf almost certainly lead to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of property rights being cancelled.”

Jones said National’s policy would “lead to the unravelling” of the 1992 Sealord Deal – a significant fisheries settlement that gave iwi 50 percent of the Sealord company and a substantial quota of fish caught through the Quota Management System.

He said everyone weighing into the debate needed to bring a “level of even handedness” to discussions to avoid a massive taxpayer bill.

“We can float what we like as politicians in the election campaign but at some point in time, manifesto ideas will meet the sheer cold reality of who will pay for it.

“People who want to terminate commercial fishing in the Hauraki Gulf need to take account of who will bear the costs because we’re not a communist country that goes around summarily cancelling property rights.

“The advocates for terminating commercial fishing in the Hauraki Gulf are essentially saying they want to terminate property rights. Well, we’re not Venezuela.

“If you want to terminate property rights then you have to deal with compensation and no one who proposes the termination of fisheries is willing to explain or justify why a quarter of a billion dollars should be spent on turning the hierarchy golf into a mill pond.”

Potaka said National could protect the Gulf while also respecting fishery settlements.

“High Protection Areas were always intended to provide genuine protection, and if elected we will restore that integrity in a way that upholds our obligations and respects existing fisheries settlements.

“New Zealanders expect clarity and consistency in how marine protections are applied, and we are being clear that safeguarding the long-term health of the Hauraki Gulf is the responsible course for its future and for the country.”

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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/2026/02/25/national-and-new-zealand-first-go-head-to-head-over-hauraki-gulf/

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Government scraps its quarterly action plans

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon previously said the plans helped create momentum and drive focus. RNZ / Nathan McKinnon

The government appears to have scrapped its quarterly action plans, after not releasing one so far this quarter.

At the start of the term, the Prime Minister released the things the government planned to do in its first 100 days.

Once that was completed, the government moved to quarterly plans, starting in April 2024.

“Having a clear plan with specific actions and timeframes for delivery creates momentum and drives focus,” Christopher Luxon said at the time.

Each plan would contain about 30 to 40 actions within the government’s three pillars of ‘rebuild the economy and ease the cost of living,’ ‘restore law and order,’ and ‘deliver better public services.’

Its most recent one [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/575209/the-33-things-the-government-plans-to-do-before-the-end-of-year

from October 2025], for example, contained actions to introduce the planning legislation that will replace the Resource Management Act, pass the legislation to enable time of use charging, and release the English and Maths curriculum for Years 0-10.

Some commitments in the plans were more vague, such as “take policy decisions” around legislation that would appear in a future plan, or “raise the energy” of international relationships to signal Luxon would be taking an overseas trip.

Others were simply a product of timing, such as “deliver a Budget,” which happens the same time every year.

With the release of each subsequent plan, the government would also say which of the actions on its previous plan it had not achieved or which were still in progress.

On Monday, Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the plans were “slightly absurd” and had become “an exercise in managerialism” rather than setting the direction for the country.

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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/2026/02/25/government-scraps-its-quarterly-action-plans/

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MediMap urgently seeks court injunction to protect stolen data after cyber hack

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ/Calvin Samuel

MediMap, the hacked health portal, is heading to court to try to block people accessing and using the data that has been breached.

It was breached on Sunday, and the company has now taken the platform offline while it investigates.

It’s used for prescribing and giving medication in places like residential aged care, hospices, disability services and community health.

In a new statement on Wednesday, it said it was urgently seeking an injunction to protect the information of impacted people.

“This injunction would prohibit anyone from accessing, using, copying, sharing, or publishing any MediMap data that may have been unlawfully obtained, and would seek to limit any further spread of that information online,” it said.

MediMap said it also sincerely apologised for any distress the hack may have caused.

“We understand this situation is concerning for residents, patients, their families, and healthcare providers.”

It said its own investigation into what it called alleged unauthorised access and data modification was ongoing, and that the company was working to find any personal information that may have been accessed by an authorised third party.

“Once this process is complete and we have verified the facts, we will contact affected customers directly regarding any necessary next steps,” its statement said.

According to information sent by MediMap to care providers in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and seen by RNZ, fields that were changed included patient name, date of birth, location within the facility, assigned prescriber or pharmacy, allergy or intolerance information or discharge or deceased status.

Providers with the portal offline have told RNZ medication was now being organised the old-fashioned way – on paper.

A Nurses Organisation member at George Manning Lifecare and Village in Christchurch told RNZ they needed double the number of registered nurses on each shift just to give out medication.

Aged Care Association chief executive Tracey Martin said every care home had a “disaster” plan to fall back on in case of something like a system outage.

“Basically, they had to switch back to paper-based.”

She understood it was not having an effect on residents, who were all still receiving medication, but some facilities might have needed to bring in extra staff who were qualified to double check the medication, before it was given to residents.

“It certainly takes longer, it’s certainly more painful than the efficiencies that you get through a digital system,” Martin said.

Most of the questions being asked were: “Is my mum still getting her medication?” and “How are you making sure that she gets what she needs?”

“With regard to somebody being marked as deceased or not? Well, our facilities have got the person there, so they know they’re not deceased. So while from a system perspective that is really interesting and needs to be sorted, from a real-life perspective, that individual’s still there, still being cared for.”

FAQs released by MediMap

Among the information sent from MediMap care providers were lists of frequently asked questions those companies might be getting, and how to respond to them, along with a draft email providers could use as a template to inform patients, residents and families.

MediMap said it was working with external cyber security and forensic specialists, Health NZ, and relevant authorities to identify which facilities and resident records had been affected, and passwords were being reset across all users “as a precautionary measure”.

“Importantly, we have been advised that there is currently no evidence that medication charts or medication administration records have been altered,” it said.

“Has resident data been exposed? – At this stage, we cannot confirm whether any resident data has been accessed beyond viewing, extracted, or exposed externally. The investigation is ongoing.”

“When will our facility be brought back online? – Facilities will be restored in phases. Facilities where current resident information has not been modified will be restored first following internal validation. Facilities where resident information may have been impacted will be contacted directly by MediMap to confirm current resident details prior to restoration.”

“Why are discharged or deceased residents being reviewed? – Some resident status information may have been incorrectly modified. Historical records will be reviewed following restoration of current residents.”

What is the health agency saying?

Health New Zealand, while supporting the company’s investigation, said MediMap, as a privately owned company, was solely responsible for its security and it needed to do everything it could.

Its digital services acting chief information technology officer Darren Douglass said New Zealanders expected companies involved in healthcare to secure systems and platforms so private information was safeguarded.

Privacy commissioner says New Zealanders expect better

The privacy commissioner told Midday Report changing people’s information was as much of a breach of privacy as stealing it.

With the system offline, he said, patients are now “relying on the professionalism of the health sector” to ensure they got the right medication.

Michael Webster said New Zealanders rightly expected companies with sensitive information to have higher standards of privacy and protection than any other area.

“The expectation out there from New Zealanders is increasingly, this information has to be protected, and has to be seen to be protected as well as any information – and better.”

He said it was not yet known how many people had been affected.

The commission was working with MediMap to understand the scale of the hack, Webster said, and he expected to receive updates as that work progressed.

MediMap has declined an interview with RNZ, but has again been approached for comment.

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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/2026/02/25/medimap-urgently-seeks-court-injunction-to-protect-stolen-data-after-cyber-hack/

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3G shutdown: Spark to block phones unable to call emergency 111

Source: Radio New Zealand

Spark said it will be proactively blocking mobile phones unable to make emergency 111 calls once its 3G network shuts down on 31 March. 123RF

Spark says it will be blocking phones unable to call emergency services on 111 after its 3G shutdown.

All three main mobile operators – Spark, 2degrees and One NZ – are shutting down their 3G networks and upgrading their sites to either 4G or 5G.

This means some devices, not just phones, but also things like medical, security alarms and vehicle trackers will cease working with the network. Phone calls, including to 111, will not work.

On Wednesday, Spark said it will be proactively blocking around 300 mobile phones that can make standard calls, send texts, and access data over 4G, but will be unable to make emergency 111 calls once its 3G network shuts down on 31 March.

It said these devices were not sold by Spark, and most of the impacted models are from the ASUS range.

Some of the phones can remain connected if a software update is completed. However, phones that are not updated, or do not have a software update available to them, will be permanently blocked from Spark’s network on 31 March.

“These mobile phones are unique in how they are impacted by the 3G shutdown. They can send texts, make regular calls, and access data, but they have not been correctly configured by the device manufacturers to connect to emergency calling over 4G,” Spark chief customer officer Greg Clark said.

“We believe this presents a significant safety risk. Customers using these phones could mistakenly assume their device is fully functional when it isn’t, particularly if it’s later sold, gifted, or handed down. It will only be once they try to call 111 that they will realise there is an issue, and by then it could be too late.”

Clark said the company has been monitoring Australia’s 3G shutdown and learned from its experience to block devices unable to call emergency services.

He said Spark has been contacting affected customers who need to upgrade.

To find out if your phone will work, you can text ‘3G’ to 550 for free, which will let you know if your device can use 4G. If it says you cannot, you will need to investigate further.

Some phones may need to change their settings, while others may need to be replaced.

For phones bought overseas that were having trouble connecting to 4G, telcos advise customers to try downloading the latest software. If this doesn’t work, customers may need to replace the phone.

Devices with no software update available that will be blocked from 31 March:

  • ASUS ROG Phone 5S
  • ASUS ROG Phone 6
  • ASUS ROG Phone 6 Pro
  • ASUS ROG Phone 6 Ultimate
  • ASUS ZenFone 7 ZS670KS
  • ASUS ZenFone 8
  • ASUS ZenFone 9
  • ASUS ROG Phone
  • ASUS ZS672KS

Devices with software update available (will be blocked if this is not actioned before 31 March 2026):

  • ASUS ROG Phone 7
  • ASUS ROG Phone 8
  • ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
  • ASUS ROG Phone 9
  • ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro
  • ASUS ZenFone 10

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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/2026/02/25/3g-shutdown-spark-to-block-phones-unable-to-call-emergency-111/

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Auckland local body election rivals unite against racism

Source: Radio New Zealand

Candidates contesting a local body election in Papatoetoe want ethnicity left out of the race as they vie for one of the four seats that are up for grabs.

A Manukau District Court judge in December voided the outcome of the 2025 vote for the Papatoetoe subdivision that forms part of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.

The ruling came after irregularities were found on some ballot papers.

The decision has since been challenged in the Auckland High Court, with the winning candidates of the Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team – Kunal Bhalla, Sandeep Saini, Paramjeet Singh and Kushma Nair – filing a petition for a judicial review.

Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team candidates (from left) Kushma Nair, Sandeep Saini, Kunal Bhalla and Paramjeet Singh RNZ / Blessen Tom

High Court Justice Jane Anderson reserved her decision last week, calling it a “tricky, conceptual, intellectual exercise” and promising to deliver a judgement as quickly as possible.

On the campaign trail over the weekend, Bhalla said the Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team had not been implicated in any electoral wrongdoing.

“It is important to emphasise that the honourable District Court did not make any findings of wrongdoing against the Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team or any of its candidates,” Bhalla said.

“[But] after the decision, not only us but the entire Indian community has been targeted with racially motivated commentary.”

Kunal Bhalla is a Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team candidate for the local body election. RNZ / Blessen Tom

Rejecting allegations of electoral fraud, Paramjeet Singh took exception to language “defaming the entire South Asian community [used] by some vested interests who don’t like immigrants”.

“If I did something wrong – which I categorically say we didn’t – punish me,” he said. “Why are you calling my entire community a criminal?”

The Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team found unlikely support from the other side of the political spectrum, with all four Labour-affiliated candidates echoing a similar sentiment.

Three-term Labour MP Ashraf Choudhary, who has been a local board member since 2016, refuted the targeting of a particular ethnicity.

“People need to understand what happened here,” Choudhary said.

Ashraf Choudhary is a former MP and a Labour candidate for the local body election in Papatoetoe. RNZ / Blessen Tom

“When we got to know something wrong had happened, we went to the court,” he said. “The other party there – the defendant party – was Election Services … not other candidates.

“Later when the [District] Court found some evidence of fraud, it ordered a new election. That judgement [had] nothing to do with ethnicity and should be seen as such.

“I completely refute the racially targeting of one particular ethnicity with allegations of fraud.

“Even in our team … three of us are from South Asian background,” added the former lawmaker who immigrated from Pakistan decades ago, referring to teammates Raj Pardeep Singh and Avinash Kaur Dhaliwal, both of whom are of Indian origin.

Labour candidates (from left) Avinash Kaur Dhaliwal, Lehopoaome Vi Hausia, Raj Pardeep Singh and Ashraf Choudhary RNZ / Blessen Tom

Former Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member Lehopoaome Vi Hausia, who filed the petition in the Manukau District Court, is the fourth member of the Labour ticket.

“As a New Zealand-born Tongan, I completely identify with what is happening with the Indian community after the District Court judgement,” Hausia said.

“The actions of a few, which undermined our democracy, is not a reflection of an entire community. Efforts to do so are unfortunate and condemnable.”

Raj Pardeep Singh is a Labour candidate for the local body election in Papatoetoe. RNZ / Blessen Tom

South Auckland-based criminal lawyer Raj Pardeep Singh said the misinformation contradicted progress the community had made over the years.

“Indians have been part of New Zealand growth story over three, four generations now, and we have constantly punched above our weight,” he said.

“In terms of owning small and medium-sized businesses to support the country’s economy and generate employment, the Indian community’s contribution in New Zealand is immense I would say.”

There was general agreement among the candidates that the Indian community lacked political representation, which had previously caused issues relevant to the community to be ignored.

“The situation is even more dire if you look at ethnic women representation in the local government,” Dhaliwal said. “This is why I have put my hand up to contest the local board elections.”

Avinash Kaur Dhaliwal is a Labour candidate for the local body election in Papatoetoe. RNZ / Blessen Tom

If elected, she wanted council and government information to be disseminated in major ethnic languages.

“I have been a social worker volunteering at the local gurdwara,” she said.

“In my experience, a lack of awareness due to language barriers is a big drawback ethnic women face here.”

Putting the debate over ethnicity to one side, it’s hard to differentiate between the campaigns run by the trio of four-member teams contesting the Papatoetoe election.

“Everyone wants a safe, clean and prosperous town,” said Peter Dons, who is running under the Independently Papatoetoe ticket with former local board member Albert Lim, Chris Webb and Weakley Alison.

“So we are campaigning on the usual things – transport hub connections, fixing potholes, more CCTV for better security, as well as keeping libraries open and municipal pools free.”

Sandeep Saini is a Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team candidate for the local body election. RNZ / Blessen Tom

Saini of Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team said other concerns in the electorate included illegal dumping and roaming dogs.

“Papatoetoe has seen an increase in homelessness in recent years, which has caused problems of mental health and drug abuse,” Saini said. “If we get elected to the local board again, we will focus on these issues.”

Nair, an ex-banker, wanted better financial accountability of the local board finances.

“We will make sure all funding is equally divided between all subdivisions in our local board area,” he said.

Kushma Nair is a Papatoetoe Ōtara Action Team candidate for the local body election. RNZ / Blessen Tom

Hausia from the Labour team, who was deputy chair of the local board last term, said housing intensification was a hot-button issue for the community, which he noted had been adding pressure on infrastructure, including roads and parking.

“We want to plant more trees as well,” Hausia said. “Papatoetoe has one of the lowest tree canopy cover in Auckland, which we need to improve.”

Bhalla, who called his colleagues “a team of first timers”, was determined to campaign hard over the next few weeks.

“We have amped up our efforts in terms of door knocking, attending events, mobilising the community and listening to their day-to-day concerns,” he said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/25/auckland-local-body-election-rivals-unite-against-racism/

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Fire and Emergency New Zealand and DOC renew their Service Agreement

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  25 February 2026 Source:  Fire and Emergency New Zealand and Department of Conservation

The Agreement covers how the two organisations work together. It includes the fire control services provided by DOC including services such as advice, research, and personnel for deployments. It covers the designated services provided by Fire and Emergency including training of DOC personnel, wildfire risk analysis, data sharing and advice, and fire investigation reports.

Fire and Emergency Chief Executive and National Commander Kerry Gregory says the Agreement reflects the shared commitment to protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s public conservation land, including fire prevention, research, and raising public awareness.

“It refreshes and strengthens our already strong partnership, with clearer roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for both organisations,” he says.

DOC Director-General Penny Nelson says the renewed Agreement shows the strong ongoing relationship between DOC and Fire and Emergency, which is vital to protect special places and unique threatened species.

“Wildfire is a significant threat to biodiversity values, tracks and huts, and public safety, and the risk is only increasing due to climate change. Recent examples like the Tongariro National Park fire show how devastating wildfire can be and the importance of an effective, coordinated response,” Penny Nelson says.

“The refreshed Agreement gives us greater clarity and confidence in how we work together, and strengthens our ability to protect our people, our places, and our taonga.”

Kerry Gregory says the Agreement recognises that fire is a growing risk driven by climate change,and it acknowledges the shared focus on prevention, mitigation, and reducing risk.

“The Agreement also recognises the importance of working with Māori as tangata whenua and reinforces both agencies’ commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Kerry Gregory says.

“Ngā mihi nui to the people in the joint project group involved in the review.”

The associated Schedules (which detail the supporting operational, service specification, and financial processes) will be jointly developed and finalised within 12 months of signing of the Operational Services Agreement. The existing 2021 Schedules will be retained in the interim.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

media@fireandemergency.nz

media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/25/fire-and-emergency-new-zealand-and-doc-renew-their-service-agreement/

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Further appeal in Omahu homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kris Payne: 

Hawke’s Bay Police investigating the homicide of Sharlene Smith are releasing further information and appealing for public assistance.

On Tuesday, 3 February 2026, Police were called to a worksite on Taihape Road, Omahu, after Sharlene’s body was located on the property.

Through ongoing enquiries, Police have identified a likely route taken by a vehicle of interest. We know this vehicle was used on the day Sharlene’s body was left at the worksite, and officers have carried out extensive work to locate and review CCTV footage from the relevant timeframe.

Police are appealing for sightings of a white 2005 Mazda 3 sports hatchback between 8am and approximately midday on Sunday 1 February 2026, travelling from the Awatoto area, through Taihape Road/Omahu Road and the Fernhill area, and into Marewa, Napier. [see pictured map]

We are asking anyone who saw this vehicle, or who has home, business, or dashcam CCTV footage from those areas during that time, to please contact Police if not already spoken to.

Police are also seeking two items, belonging to Sharlene, that are believed to have been discarded along the same route:

  • a handbag [pictured], and
  • a Samsung Galaxy A06 mobile phone.

Anyone with information is urged to get in touch through 105, either online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, or by calling 105, and referencing file number 260203/9739.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/further-appeal-in-omahu-homicide/

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Whakaari White Island survivor Kelsey Waghorn’s long road to recovery

Source: Radio New Zealand

“It was a normal day up until it wasn’t,” Whakaari White Island guide and survivor Kelsey Waghorn says.

Waghorn, then 26, wasn’t even rostered on to work on 9 December 2019 when the volcano erupted killing 22 people and injuring 25 others. She had been called up to work that morning.

Most the of day was unremarkable until it became a fight for survival, she told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

Kelsey Waghorn, 2020.

Supplied

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/25/whakaari-white-island-survivor-kelsey-waghorns-long-road-to-recovery/

Posted on

Ramadan recipes to indulge in after sunset

Source: Radio New Zealand

Across Aotearoa, the iftar table (the meal that marks the breaking of the fast) at mosques, markets and homes can be a vibrant spread of flavours cherished across the Middle East, Asia and beyond.

From comforting savoury bites to rose-flavoured sweets, these dishes reflect generations of culinary tradition. Though many of these homemade favourites are enjoyed year-round and across communities, they take on a special meaning during Ramadan.

As worshippers gather after sunset, these recipes offer warmth, nourishment, and just the right touch of sweetness to restore energy after a day of fasting.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/25/ramadan-recipes-to-indulge-in-after-sunset/

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Man admits murder of Bernice Marychurch on Auckland bus

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kael Leona at an earlier appearance. RNZ / Lucy Xia

A man has admitted to murdering a woman on an Auckland bus two years ago.

Bernice Louise Marychurch was killed in October 2024 while on the Number 74 bus in Onehunga.

There were nine other passengers onboard.

The man charged with her murder, 38-year-old Kael Leona, handed himself in to police shortly after.

He had previously pleaded not guilty on grounds of insanity but at a hearing at the High Court in Auckland this morning, Leona pleaded guilty to murder and strangulation.

He was expected to go to trial in March.

Bernice Louise Marychurch. Facebook

Marychurch’s murder prompted a number of calls for more security aboard busses.

Auckland’s deputy mayor Desley Simpson hoped they would consider safety officers, while more police were allocated for public transport in the wake of the fatal stabbing.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown had said he would look into whether the Sentencing Amendment Bill should expand aggravating factors to all public transport users.

“An expansion could include making offences against all public transport users an aggravating factor, ensuring greater protection for those who rely on buses, trains, and ferries,” he said.

“The Bill already provides for a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers.

“This is about making sure that public transport remains safe for everyone, whether you are a worker or a passenger. It sends a clear message that violence and abuse in these spaces will not be tolerated.”

Police Minister Mark Mitchell had condemned the attack, calling it senseless and horrific, adding that peopled deserve to safe on buses, trains and ferries.

Meanwhile, Bus and Coach Association chief executive Delaney Myers told Morning Report there needed to be more people around and on buses to act as a deterrent for bad behaviour and to give people additional confidence using public transport.

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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/2026/02/25/man-admits-murder-of-bernice-marychurch-on-auckland-bus/

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A call to court: Woman charged over burglaries

Source: New Zealand Police

A Police response to calls for help brought a woman’s alleged offending spree across Auckland suburbs to a halt.

The woman will now face court over two burglaries and a stolen vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Shaun Richardson, of Auckland City Police, says units responded to Grey Lynn after 2.30am following calls from residents around Richmond Road.

“Residents reported hearing a woman calling for help in the vicinity of Westmoreland Street West.

“Police and ambulance attended the area and eventually located a woman stuck at a property under renovation; she had fallen between a retaining wall and earthworks.”

Units on scene established a burglary had occurred at the address.

Senior Sergeant Richardson says the woman was allegedly in possession of a handbag which had been stolen.

“Further checks established the handbag had allegedly been stolen just hours earlier in Epsom,” he says.

“Just before midnight, an offender had allegedly entered a house and stolen a handbag and keys, before driving off in a late model Audi hatchback.”

The 31-year-old woman was transported to hospital for her injuries.

She has since been charged with two counts of burglary for both the Epsom and Grey Lynn incidents, as well as unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

Police have opposed the woman’s bail.

It’s expected a bedside court hearing will take place later today.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/a-call-to-court-woman-charged-over-burglaries/

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Statement following sentencing of Nathan Boulter

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police acknowledge the sentence handed down to Nathan Boulter for the murder of Chantal McDonald in the High Court at Christchurch. The 37-year-old will now serve a minimum of 17 years in prison without parole.

Today’s sentence will never bring Chantal back, or end the devastating sense of loss inflicted on her loving family.

There is no prison term that will ever make up for what happened to Chantal or the profound sense of loss her loved ones have had to endure.

However, today brings a small comfort in knowing the community will be protected from a violent, controlling and pathetic gutless coward who so needlessly took Chantal’s life.

It is extremely disappointing that he made the decision to not physically appear in Court today and face Chantal’s family.

Chantal was a much-loved and devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was regarded as a vibrant and special person to all who knew her, which makes her loss even harder to bear for those who were lucky enough to know her.

We are continuing to provide support for Chantal’s family as they navigate life without her.

Her family have been extremely dignified throughout this entire process and I commend them for that.

They are appreciative of the support they have received, but request privacy. They ask that media do not attempt to contact them.

I want to thank all of the Police investigators, staff, and the Crown prosecutor who dedicated themselves to getting justice for Chantal.

They have worked relentlessly to bring this case to court and hold Chantal’s killer accountable for his horrendous crime.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/statement-following-sentencing-of-nathan-boulter/

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Tech Security – What to Do After a Data Breach

Source: Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners

A data breach is when an unauthorised third-party accesses sensitive or confidential information. Think: login details, NHI and IRD numbers, or financial information. Breaches can stem from cyberattacks, like phishing or malware, but also from insider threats or system flaws.

If your data was exposed through a breach the risks are largely the same. If only your email or phone number are involved, the impact may be limited to spam, scams, or unwanted contact. But if financial details or NHI numbers are exposed, you could face stolen funds, credit damage, and even identity theft.

1. Confirm if your data was compromised

When a company suffers a data breach, they’re legally required to notify affected customers. But even without an official notice, unusual account activity may signal trouble. That’s why it’s important to check proactively for signs of a data breach instead of waiting for confirmation.

·       Check your accounts: Look for weird transactions, password changes, altered settings, or new login alerts.

·       Review your credit reports: Scan your credit reports for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.

·       Watch for suspicious login alerts.

·       Try a data breach checker: Plug your information into a breach detection tool to see if your data has surfaced on the dark web – the hidden part of the internet where leaked data is often posted or sold.

2. Determine what data was exposed

Different kinds of data exposure lead to different risks.

·       Personally identifiable information (PII): Exposure of PII, like your full name, address, or birth date can make you a more vulnerable scam target.

·       NHI number: This is a significant security concern, as an NHI number can be exploited for identity theft, insurance claims, and phishing scams.

·       IRD number: This is among the most serious breaches, since IRD number can be used for identity theft and fraud.

·       Email address: If your email appears in a data breach, you’re likely to see an uptick in spam and phishing messages.

·       Passwords: If your password or account credentials are leaked, you are at heightened risk of account takeovers.

·       Credit card details: If your credit card details are exposed in a data breach, you’re at risk of credit card fraud.

3. Secure vulnerable accounts

After a data breach, attackers may try to break into your accounts or lock you out of them.

·       Change your passwords.

·       Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).

·       Remove unfamiliar devices.

4. Freeze or lock your credit

If highly sensitive information like your IRD number is exposed in a data breach, criminals could try to open new lines of credit in your name. Placing a credit freeze on your credit reports prevents lenders from accessing them.

5. Set up fraud alerts

Fraud alerts give lenders a heads-up that you may be a victim of fraud when they run your credit. If you were involved in a breach or suspect you may have been, request the standard one-year fraud alert. If you actually fell victim to identity theft, look into an extended fraud alert, which protects you for seven years.

6. Monitor your reports

Continue to monitor your reports closely for at least a year after a data breach – potentially longer if you notice suspicious activity.

·       Bank statements: Review transactions for unauthorised or unfamiliar charges.

·       Credit reports: Look for unfamiliar accounts or credit checks that could signal fraud.

7. Warn people you know

If your accounts or contact details were exposed in a data breach, attackers may try to use that information to scam your friends, family, or coworkers. To reduce the risk, give your contacts a heads-up so they know to be cautious with unusual messages. Remind them not to click suspicious links, download unexpected attachments, or share sensitive information without confirming it’s really from you. A quick warning can go a long way.

How to protect yourself from future data breaches

No one can fully guarantee protection from a data breach, but good security habits can reduce your risk and limit the damage if one occurs.The key is to protect your accounts, share less information, and stay alert for scams:

·       Use multiple email accounts.

·       Strengthen your passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for every account.

·       Look out for signs of scams.

·       Verify before you click.

·       Limit information sharing.

·       Sign up for identity theft protection.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/tech-security-what-to-do-after-a-data-breach/

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Murder of Chantal McDonald: Nathan Boulter jailed for at least 17 years

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nathan Boulter NZPA / David Rowland

A man who stalked then murdered a woman in her Christchurch home has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Nathan Boulter was sentenced in the High Court at Christchurch this afternoon by Justice Owen Paulsen after pleading guilty to murdering Chantal McDonald in July last year.

He was jailed for life with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years.

McDonald had been in a brief relationship with Boulter.

After she ended it, he harassed, stalked and threatened her, making nearly 600 calls in two weeks.

Boulter stabbed her 55 times with a hunting knife, as she arrived to her Parklands home with her children.

Chantal McDonald Supplied

More to come …

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/25/murder-of-chantal-mcdonald-nathan-boulter-jailed-for-at-least-17-years/

Posted on

What people with tourette’s want you to know

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson has explained he left the British Film and Television Awards (Baftas) ceremony early on Monday night, aware his outbursts were causing distress.

Davidson was attending the ceremony to support the film I Swear, which tells the story of his life living with the syndrome. Tourette’s can cause involuntary movements and sounds, including words.

Davidson’s outbursts during the ceremony included a racial slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindon, who are Black, were presenting an award.

Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo present during the BAFTA Film Awards in London.

Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for BAFTA

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/25/what-people-with-tourettes-want-you-to-know/

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What do Trump’s latest tariffs mean for New Zealanders?

Source: Radio New Zealand

US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. AFP / Brendan Smialowski

New Zealand exporters are relatively better off after the latest tariff move from the United States.

NZ Post wrote to exporters on Wednesday morning, explaining how the new 10 percent tariff will apply.

The levy came into effect late on Tuesday evening after the Supreme Court last week blocked many of President Donald Trump’s earlier sweeping import taxes. New Zealand exporters had previously been facing a 15 percent tariff.

The administration is applying the 10 percent levy to all imports, including those coming from New Zealand.

However, Trump – angered by the Supreme Court ruling – has threatened to raise the tariff to 15 percent but has not yet issued an official directive.

NZ Post said the measure was scheduled to last until 24 July unless extended or amended.

“In most cases, a 10 percent import duty will apply unless the item falls within an excluded category…

“Some product categories are excluded from the temporary import duty, including certain pharmaceuticals, electronics, passenger vehicles, aerospace products, and qualifying goods from Canada and Mexico.”

NZ Post said its tools and systems would be updated to reflect the new requirements and people could continue to send items as normal.

Part of doing business with US

Jarrod Kerr Supplied / Gino Demeer

Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr said a 10 percent tariff was annoying and a “good revenue generator” for the US government.

But he said it did not do a lot to divert trade. “Particularly in New Zealand where our currency is a bit weaker than where it was, that kind of helps digest that sort of traffic. From what I’ve heard from many of our exporting clients, particularly those going into the United States, the United States is quite a profitable market for them. They pay good prices. I got the feeling they could wear a lot of this.”

He said tariffs of 10 percent or even 15 percent, as previously expected to apply to many New Zealand exports, would just become part of the cost of doing business. “If it’s a 30 percent tariff and higher he [the US President] was originally throwing around, that means much more discomfort in markets and more diversion of trade elsewhere. You might just give up on the US and start exporting more to Australia or trying to get more into China or somewhere else. Isn’t it great we’ve got a free-trade agreement with India? These sort of things all matter a lot more.”

Trump was causing volatility and uncertainty at a time when businesses wanted less volatility and more certainty. “But I don’t think it’s enough to derail us.”

‘A winner in the short term’

Kelly Eckhold Newshub

Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said it was an improvement for New Zealand.

“We were on 15 percent and it does seem that the categories of exports that had concessions under the previous regime continue to have them, so beef and horticulture are not subject to that 10 percent tariff so in that sense we’re a winner at least in the short term.”

He said what happened in the medium term would depend on what the US decided to do. “[Trump] has this tool available to him for 150 days and he has indicated an intention to replace the previous tariffs with tariffs under different authorities. Those authorities require him to appeal to national security and also trade and balance of payments imbalance issues to justify them. Most of those things I think are difficult to apply to New Zealand’s exports. I’m hopeful we do have some uncertainty but the range of surprises can be capped.”

He was cautiously optimistic. “The really good thing I think is that the discretionary ability to raise tariffs to really high levels … that’s the power that’s been removed by the Supreme Court and that has been the thing that’s really raised uncertainty and driven behaviours in the last year.”

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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/2026/02/25/what-do-trumps-latest-tariffs-mean-for-new-zealanders/

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Firearms incident, Hei Hei

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant David Parker:

A scene examination is ongoing at a Hei Hei property in Christchurch following an firearms incident this morning.

Police were called to a Keri Place address around 4:35am to reports a vehicle was seen leaving the area at speed.

It was also reported that gunshots were heard.

Police attended and located evidence outside the property, which was unoccupied, to indicate a firearm had been discharged.

There will be a Police presence in the area while officers make a number of enquiries, working to determine what happened.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/25/firearms-incident-hei-hei/