Category: LiveNews

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Events – Swim with sharks in new live family theatre experience at Auckland Museum

Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

Swimming with Sharks is coming to Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum for a limited season across March and the April school holidays. Created in collaboration with internationally renowned puppet theatre company Erth, Swimming with Sharks is an immersive live theatre experience that allows visitors to get up close to an extraordinary array of sharks, from the prehistoric past to the oceans of today.

Through expressive puppetry and engaging storytelling, tamariki will discover the diversity of sharks that inhabit the seas around Aotearoa and beyond. Meet the kitefin shark, the largest bioluminescent animal on the planet; learn about “shaggy beard” sharks that dwell on the ocean floor; and encounter an impressive five-metre-long great white shark. Along the way, hear fascinating facts about these often-misunderstood ocean creatures and explore the essential role they play in the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems.

Jo Brookbanks, Public Programme Content Specialist at Auckland Museum, says Erth is internationally recognised for their extraordinary wildlife puppetry.

‘We’re excited to be working again with Erth to bring another engaging live experience to our audiences.’

‘Visitors may remember Erth’s previous shows at Auckland Museum, the much-loved Prehistoric Aquarium and Dinosaur Zoo. Swimming with Sharks continues that tradition of combining beautiful puppetry with real science in a way that’s accessible, educational and fun for tamariki and their whānau,’ says Brookbanks.

Scott Wright, Artistic Director at Erth, says the performance encourages children to see sharks in a new light.

‘Sharks have captured imaginations for generations. With Swimming with Sharks, we invite young explorers to step into an ocean world and discover the beauty, diversity and importance of these extraordinary animals,’ says Wright.

Each performance runs for approximately 20 minutes. Children are invited to sit up-close on floor cushions, while adults can join them or relax on sofas at the back. Relaxed sessions are available.

Tickets are offered on a ‘Pay What You Can’ basis. Children aged 0–4 are recommended free tickets, while children aged 5–15 and adults can choose their own ticket price. All attendees require a ticket.

Performances take place on 7–8, 14–15 and 21–22 March, and 3–19 April, with sessions at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Tickets are available now at aucklandmuseum.com.

While visiting, families can also explore the Museum’s special exhibition Sharks for an even deeper dive into the science and stories behind these iconic marine animals, on now until Monday 1 June. See aucklandmuseum.com/sharks for full details.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/events-swim-with-sharks-in-new-live-family-theatre-experience-at-auckland-museum/

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‘We can’t keep telling people just to stay away from the beach’ – Wellington mayor

Source: Radio New Zealand

A rāhui is in place on the southern coast from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay, which covers anything the water touches or can touch with the high or low tides. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Wellington mayor says the current blanket direction for people to stay off all south coast beaches is not sustainable when test results show little risk, and is hinting at a possible change of policy.

There was a major sewage spill earlier this month – the city’s southern coast has been off limits since the Moa Point treatment plant failed catastrophically, pumping millions of litres of untreated sewage into the sea.

There is currently a rāhui in place on the southern coast from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay, which covers anything the water touches or can touch with the high or low tides.

Public health advice has been that people should not swim, surf, dive, fish, collect kai moana, walk dogs along the shore until further notice.

Mayor Andrew Little said the city and regional councils, Wellington Water and public health officials were now getting a picture of the level of risk, with nearly three weeks of monitoring of the impact of the untreated sewage being discharged into the Cook Strait on south coast beaches.

“We wanted to see what happened with the storm last weekend. We’ve worked our way through that and we’re showing good results in terms of a little or no contamination.

“On that basis, what we are looking at being able to say to people is: ‘here are the results, this is what it shows, the risk is pretty low, you make your own decision about whether you want to go onto the beach and and have a swim in the sea’.”

Little said they would also look at having a place where people could go daily to get an update on the risk and factors that could affect it on any given day.

“We can’t keep telling people just to stay away from the beach, stay away from the sea and producing testing results that show little or no risk.”

Little said they had to be practical and realistic.

“It is summertime, this is a beautiful part of Wellington to go to and if there is little or no risk, then let people make the decision about whether they want to use the amenity.”

Little said some risk remained near the outfall pipe, which could be used again.

“But in terms of [places] like Lyall Bay, Princess Bay, Houghton Bay, Island Bay, Ōwhiro Bay the testing results are showing little or no risk.”

Little said they had also had “good discussions” with iwi representatives about the current rāhui.

“They will continue to maintain a position that the health of the sea is at risk.

“But they’re clear to me that that doesn’t affect the public health advice we give about going onto the beaches and having a swim in the in the on the beaches.”

Health New Zealand directed RNZ’s requests for comment to the Wellington City Council and Wellington Water.

RNZ has contacted Wellington Water, the regional council, and Wellington iwi Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika.

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/2026/02/24/we-cant-keep-telling-people-just-to-stay-away-from-the-beach-wellington-mayor/

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Two measles cases detected, linked to overseas travel

Source: Radio New Zealand

AFP / Science Photo Library

Two new cases of measles have been detected and both have been linked to international travel.

Health New Zealand said locations of interest include Auckland International Airport and Waitākere Hospital’s emergency department.

Health officials are attempting to contact people on flight SQ281 from Singapore.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Vipond said measles is a serious and highly infectious illness.

He said anyone with symptoms should phone health care providers before turning up to prevent the spread and the best form of protection was the MMR vaccine.

The measles outbreak which began in September 2025 officially ended earlier this month, but health officials warned the risk remained.

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/2026/02/24/two-measles-cases-detected-linked-to-overseas-travel/

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Arataki Project Fast-tracked in Hawke’s Bay

Source: New Zealand Government

A new residential development is set to deliver more homes and an economic boost for Hawke’s Bay following the Fast-track approval of the Arataki subdivision in Havelock North says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. 

CDL Land NZ Limited lodged its application in July 2025 to provide up to 200 new homes across an 11-hectare site. 

“Approval has taken just 5 months following the commencement of the expert panel,” says Mr Bishop. 

“The project is estimated to generate around $78 million in investment and create approximately 629 jobs over the five-year development period during construction.  

“This project will be very important for the people in Hawke’s Bay. It will create work for local people, bring investment into the area, and deliver more homes for families choosing to build their lives in the area. 

“Housing affordability continues to be a challenging issue for the people of Hawke’s Bay. Over the last 10 years, house prices in Hawke’s Bay increased by 134 per cent and rental prices increased by 86 percent. 

“Hawke’s Bay is another example of how the supply of homes has not kept up with growth. This means locals and temporary workers struggle to find affordable housing.

“This development of hundreds of homes will make a real difference in Hawke’s Bay, where demand for housing is high.  

“This is the sixth Fast-track housing project and eleventh project overall to be approved through Fast-track.” 

Notes to editor:

For more information about the project: Arataki

Fast-track by the numbers:

11 projects approved by expert panels.
18 projects with expert panels appointed.
149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
47 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
28 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
On average, it has taken 122 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:

Arataki [Housing/Land]
Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]

Expert panels have been appointed for:

Ashbourne
Ayrburn Screen Hub
Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
Green Steel
Haldon Solar Farm
Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme
Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works
Mahinerangi Wind Farm
Pound Road Industrial Development
Ryans Road Industrial Development
Southland Wind Farm Project
Sunfield Masterplanned Community
Takitimu North Link – Stage 2
The Point Mission Bay
The Point Solar Farm
Waitaha Hydro
Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project
Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/arataki-project-fast-tracked-in-hawkes-bay/

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Report on under-pressure Waikato wetland delivers clear message

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  24 February 2026

The wetland spans 7,000 hectares of swamps, fens and peat bogs and is one of New Zealand’s seven sites recognised globally for its ecological significance under the international Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Under the Convention, Ramsar Sites must be continually monitored. New Zealand is required to notify the Convention if the ecological character of one of our Ramsar wetlands has changed or is likely to.

This is the first time New Zealand has delivered an international report integrating science alongside maatauranga Maaori, underpinned by the principles of the Ramsar Convention, to comprehensively assess changes in ecological character.

DOC Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says the report, released today, concludes the Whangamarino has deteriorated since it was designated a Ramsar site in 1989.

“Whangamarino has faced mounting pressures for decades, but recent events have made things worse. Poor water quality led to fish and bird deaths in 2022-23, triggered by very low oxygen and a botulism outbreak following floods and extensive input of contaminants and organic matter into the wetland. The human-induced fire in October 2024 was another setback.”

The report identifies a concerning decline in water quality, indigenous wetland habitat, the wetlands’ Australasian bittern/matuku population, and cultural values recognised by mana whenua.

These declines are driven by the modified water regime in the wetland, poor water quality, large-scale fire, and invasive species such as koi carp.

For Waikato Tainui, Whangamarino is a taonga, deeply connected to identity and wellbeing, with significant ecological and cultural values.

“This report confirms what our people have been observing over many years. Maatauranga Maaori and lived experience tell us that the pressures on Whangamarino are cumulative and long-standing, and that restoration must address the whole system; water quality, hydrology, invasive species, and land use, not just individual symptoms,” says Marae Tukere, General Manager, Oranga.

“We acknowledge mana whenua and their tireless mahi monitoring, reporting, and working to mitigate impacts. Their kaitiakitanga and commitment are integral to protecting and sustaining our taiao.”

Internationally, there’s growing recognition that incorporating traditional knowledge and cultural perspectives into conservation reporting produces better conservation outcomes.

Tinaka says the report gives a fuller picture of the ecosystem’s decline and a deeper understanding of what this loss means for mana whenua and local communities.

“By thoroughly assessing the state of both ecological and cultural values in the Whangamarino, the report targets restoration efforts and builds the foundation for a strong collaborative response to revive both the ecology and mauri of Whangamarino.”

Waikato Regional Council Environmental Science Manager Dr Mike Scarsbrook said degradation had occurred over many decades, with the causes and solutions complex and interconnected.

Waikato Regional Council is leading the development of an action plan to respond to the decline, supported by DOC, Waikato Tainui, Waikato River Authority, mana whenua representatives, Fish and Game, landowners and other stakeholders.

The action plan will assess and prioritise actions to improve the health of nearby Lake Waikare (one of the adjacent waterbodies that feeds into the wetland) and Whangamarino itself. The action plan will address the full system, including hydrology, land use, water quality, biodiversity, cultural values and community connection.

“It’s taken a long time for Whangamarino and Lake Waikare to degrade, so it will take a long time for it to recover. Success of the action plan depends on sustained collaboration, investment and accountability – no single intervention will solve the problem. Progress relies on multiple coordinated actions,” says Dr Scarbrook.

DOC also has work underway to control pest plant species at the site, to reduce the spread of willow, golden dodder and royal fern.

Assessment of ecological change of the Whangamarino Wetland Ramsar Site, New Zealand – He arotake i te whakaumu hauropi o te rohe kooreporepo o Whangamarino, Aotearoa (PDF, 6,245K)

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/report-on-under-pressure-waikato-wetland-delivers-clear-message/

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New Pharmac proposal for melanoma patients

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s proposal to widen access to two medicines for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma.

“Improving access to cancer medication in New Zealand is important to cancer patients, and their families. That’s why it has been a focus of this Government,” Mr Seymour says.

Pharmac is proposing to widen access to nivolumab and ipilimumab for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma from 1 May 2026. 

“This proposal would give people who meet funding criteria another immunotherapy option before surgery, while the cancer is still operable. This lowers the chance of the cancer coming back,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Nivolumab and ipilimumab are immunotherapy medicines that help the immune system better recognise and attack certain types of cancer. Using them together can have a stronger effect on the immune response.

“Clinical advisers told Pharmac that using these treatments together before surgery, then adjusting treatment after surgery based on how well the cancer has responded, can lower the chance of melanoma coming back. Nearly two in three people have a very strong response by the time their tumour is removed, with significant shrinkage or very little active disease remaining.

“Because of this strong early response, many people may not need further treatment after surgery. This can mean fewer ongoing infusions, and fewer hospital visits for people with melanoma, their families, and carers. 

“When used early and together, Nivolumab and ipilimumab means some patients require fewer infusions. This is better for patients. It also frees up health resources by reducing pressure on hospitals and oncology infusion centres. We expect this proposal would save about 1,000 infusion hours each year.

Mr Brown says the Government is focused on ensuring New Zealanders have faster access to more effective cancer care.

“From strengthening early detection through expanded screening, to speeding up treatment and improving access to the latest medicines, our priority is making sure Kiwis can get the right care at the right time,” Mr Brown says.

“New Zealanders elected a Government they could trust to invest in better cancer treatments, which is why we provided a $604 million boost to Pharmac. This investment, including funding for 33 new cancer medicines, is expanding access to life-saving and life-extending therapies for thousands of New Zealanders.

“Today’s announcement marks a further step forward in expanding access to advanced treatment options so more melanoma patients can benefit from improved outcomes,” Mr Brown says.

Consultation on the funding proposal opens at 2pm on Tuesday 24 February and closes at 5pm, Monday 9 March 2026. Have your say here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2026-02-proposal-to-widen-access-to-nivolumab-and-ipilimumab-for-resectable-melanoma

Pharmac is engaging with clinicians, the public, and advocacy groups including Melanoma New Zealand to understand the practical impacts of funding these medicines. Feedback will be considered before a decision is made by Pharmac’s Board, or its delegate.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/new-pharmac-proposal-for-melanoma-patients/

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Feathered freeloader turns island shed into a nursery

Source: Auckland Council

A Kawau Island resident recently discovered they had an unexpected, feathered houseguest and he wasn’t paying rent.

Tucked into the corner of a humble garden shed, a determined North Island brown kiwi had dragged together an eclectic collection of plastic, paper and whatever else he could shuffle into place to fashion a cosy nursery. The reason? An egg, carefully laid by mum and now entrusted, as is kiwi tradition, to dad.

In the world of kiwi, the boys do the babysitting. Once the egg is laid, the male takes over incubation duties, sitting patiently for around 75–80 days; one of the longest incubation periods of any bird. For weeks, this devoted Kawau Island papa was spotted slipping out under cover of darkness to feed, then quietly returning to resume his devoted vigil.

Even a curious weka popped by to inspect the unusual setup, poking around to see what the shed-dwelling neighbour was up to.

When concerns were raised about the egg’s progress, a small team including Dr Juan Cornejo from Auckland Zoo and Lisa Tolich, Auckland Council’s Principal Specialist – Natural Environment Operations travelled to the island to assess the situation. The adult male was away at the time, but sadly the egg was cold and no longer viable. Candling confirmed the egg had developed to around 55 days, not far off maturity, but there were no visible blood vessels feeding it.

“It’s always disappointing when an egg doesn’t make it, especially when dad has put in such a monumental effort,” said Lisa Tolich.

“But every nesting attempt tells us something important about how our kiwi are doing and reminds us of just how resilient and determined our kiwi are.”

A comprehensive survey undertaken between January and March 2025 has provided the clearest picture yet of the Kawau kiwi population. Across three trips, trained kiwi dogs detected 56 birds, with 51 adults handled, many in just poor to moderate body condition. No chicks or juveniles were found.

“That absence of young birds suggests breeding success has been low in recent years,” said Tolich.

“Dry conditions, habitat degradation and heavy browsing of undergrowth by wallabies are likely reducing food availability and putting pressure on adults.”

Genetic testing also shows Kawau kiwi have very low genetic diversity, tracing back to a small founding population introduced in the 1860s. While unique traits remain, long-term resilience will rely on careful habitat restoration, wallaby control and managed genetic exchange.

While this chapter has a bittersweet ending, there is a bright side; the cheeky shed-squatter has since been picked up on camera, alive and well and hopefully before long, there will be another chance for him to egg sit with a happier outcome.

For this special Kawau kiwi population, this male, as he returns to his nesting duties, may yet play an important role in seasons to come.

What to do if you find a kiwi nesting on your property

  • Do not disturb! – if the bird is sitting on eggs, don’t move the nest, the egg or the bird
  • Keep it safe – make sure cats and dogs can’t disturb it
  • Consider having a backyard trap
  • Report it – let the Department of Conservation know. They may even want to monitor the bird – 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or
  • Don’t try to handle, feed (including leaving out food) or move the bird.

Visit the Save Kiwi website for more information.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/feathered-freeloader-turns-island-shed-into-a-nursery/

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Three critical safety failures that led to worker losing fingers

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

A worker’s life-changing injuries at a commercial bakery have exposed fundamental safety failures that WorkSafe says are far too common across New Zealand workplaces.

The worker’s hand was pulled into machine rollers at French Bakery in Christchurch in April 2023. His index finger was amputated, thumb partially amputated, and middle finger crushed.

Following a WorkSafe investigation, the company admitted work health and safety failures and has now been sentenced in the Christchurch District Court.

“This incident did not merely affect my hand. It shattered my livelihood, destabilised my family’s future, and left me with a permanent physical and emotional wound,” says the 41-year-old father, who has name suppression.

The case highlights three critical lessons that every business with machinery must act on.

Lesson 1: Lockout failures

Workers were cleaning and maintaining machinery without any method to ensure it couldn’t be turned on while they were exposed to moving parts. Some had never been trained or given proper equipment.

“Lockout/tagout isn’t optional. It’s a fundamental safety control,” says WorkSafe principal inspector, Shaun Millar.

“One worker turned a machine on while another worker had his hand inside it. That’s the nightmare scenario that proper lockout procedures are designed to prevent.”

Example of a lockout/tagout

Lesson 2: Incomplete risk assessments

French Bakery’s risk assessments identified some hazards but completely missed the crushing risk from rotating parts inside the machine involved.

“A tick-box risk assessment is worse than useless because it creates a false sense of security,” says Inspector Millar. “You need to systematically identify every way a worker could be harmed, including during cleaning, maintenance and repairs, not just during normal operation.”

Lesson 3: Training and supervision gaps

Although the business held extensive documentation, workers reported they had not seen lockout tags used, did not know where equipment was kept, and had not been trained in essential procedures.

“This wasn’t a freak accident. This was entirely preventable,” says Inspector Millar. “Every business with machinery needs to ask themselves: could this happen here? If you can’t confidently answer ‘no’, you have work to do.

“The solutions aren’t complicated or expensive. The cost of not doing it is measured in workers’ lives and livelihoods.”

WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and workers to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action. Manufacturing is one of New Zealand’s most dangerous sectors, which is why it’s a strategic focus for WorkSafe.

Read more about machine lockouts

Background

  • French Bakery was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court on 24 February 2026.
  • A fine of $200,000 was imposed, alongside reparations of $45,500
  • French Bakery was charged under sections 36(1)(a) and 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
    • Being a PCBU, having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking, namely carrying out maintenance on a bowl lifting machine and cleaning of a stocking hopper on the Smartline Two automated bakery production line, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed the workers to risk of death or serious injury.

Media contact details

For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/three-critical-safety-failures-that-led-to-worker-losing-fingers/

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Terror threat level to New Zealand assessed as ‘possible’ after language overhaul

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZSIS Director General Andrew Hampton. VNP/Louis Collins

The terror threat level to New Zealand has not changed – but the language used to describe it has.

Following a review by the Combined Threat Assessment Group (an inter-agency group led by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service), the threat level has been assessed as “possible,” which is equivalent to the previous level of “low.”

The NZSIS explained the change in language reflected efforts to explain the threat level in a more meaningful and accessible way to the public.

Director-General of Security Andrew Hampton said the designation ‘possible’ was exactly what it said.

“A terrorist attack in New Zealand is assessed as possible. This is something we should all be concerned about.”

Hampton said the NZSIS had talked about the deteriorating global threat environment “for some time,” and that was continuing.

“We are not yet at a point where the impact of this on New Zealand requires a change in our domestic terrorism threat level, but we are dealing with increasing complexities which makes it harder to detect terrorism threats.

“Although the terrorism threat level remains unchanged, we should not be complacent. A small number of individuals in New Zealand continue to express intent to undertake an act of violent extremism. Some almost certainly have access to the basic capabilities needed to carry out an attack.”

New Zealand’s terror threat level has not changed since November 2022.

The new definitions were expected, highly likely, likely, possible, and unlikely, replacing extreme, high, medium, low, and very low.

Last year, the NZSIS Security Threat Environment report said New Zealand was facing the most challenging national security environment of recent times, with foreign interference, espionage, and online radicalisation all highlighted as threats.

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/2026/02/24/terror-threat-level-to-new-zealand-assessed-as-possible-after-language-overhaul/

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Pharmac proposes to widen access to two medicines for people with melanoma

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac is proposing to widen access to two medicines used to treat melanoma, giving people another funded immunotherapy option that can help lower the chance of the cancer coming back.

The proposal would allow people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma, that can be removed with surgery, to receive nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab before surgery. People who require further treatment after surgery would also have access to funded nivolumab or other funded treatments if suitable.

“Treating melanoma with immunotherapy before surgery can significantly improve how well treatment works,” says Pharmac’s Director of Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin. “This proposal would give people access to another effective treatment option that helps reduce the risk of melanoma returning after surgery.”

Pharmac’s clinical advisors have said that using these treatments together, before surgery, and then adjusting treatment after surgery based on how well the cancer has responded, can lower the chance of melanoma coming back. This approach has been shown to work better than using nivolumab on its own after surgery. Nearly two in three people have a very strong response by the time their tumour is removed, with significant shrinkage or very little active disease remaining.

“For many people, a strong early response may mean less treatment after surgery, with fewer infusions, and less disruption to daily life,” says Martin. “This also eases pressure on infusion clinics and helps the health system manage growing demand.”

People who still need treatment after surgery would continue to have access to funded nivolumab through this proposal, or other funded treatments if suitable.

Pharmac currently funds pembrolizumab, for people with melanoma which can be removed by surgery. Funding nivolumab combined with ipilimumab would mean that some patients would require fewer infusions, which would reduce pressure on hospital oncology infusion centres, and free up resources.

Pharmac estimates around 155 people would receive this treatment in the first year, increasing to about 166 people per year after five years. Most of the people in this group would have otherwise received funded pembrolizumab. Nivolumab and ipilimumab are already approved for use in New Zealand and are funded for some other cancers.

Pharmac is seeking feedback on the proposal from people with melanoma, their whānau and carers, health professionals, and other interested groups.

Consultation closes at 5 pm, Friday 6 March 2026. Feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz. All feedback received before the closing date will be considered before a decision is made.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/pharmac-proposes-to-widen-access-to-two-medicines-for-people-with-melanoma/

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Science, Maths and English resources rolling into classrooms

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is rolling out new Maths, English, and Science resources and initiatives, helping raise student achievement and sparking discovery in primary classrooms with brand-new science kits, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced.

“We’re committed to helping young people who are behind to accelerate and to ensuring they have the foundations to set them up for the next steps in their learning journey,” Ms Stanford says.

New resources now available include:

  • A new teacher-facilitated writing tool for Year 6 to 10 students a year or more behind
  • Maths resources for Year 9 and 10 students
  • New science kits for primary school classrooms

“Today’s Maths and English package will help ensure children are ready when they finish primary school, along with supporting students currently in their early years of secondary school.

“From next week, through our Make it Write action plan, Year 6 to 10 students who are a year or more behind are set to benefit from the new Writing Acceleration Tool.

“Scribo is a teacher-facilitated 14-week tutoring programme that will provide targeted support for each student’s learning needs. 

“The writing tool will help close literacy gaps and strengthen students’ writing, spelling, and grammar. It is curriculum aligned and designed to reflect New Zealand context and culture.

“We have been able to extend the programme to Year 10, which was initially announced for Years 6 to 8. There will be 120,000 student licences available to all state and state-integrated schools. Resources and strong support will be available for teachers alongside the release.”

New curriculum-aligned digital maths resources are also being provided for Year 9 and 10 students, alongside professional learning and development, following feedback from secondary schools. This is a continuation of the maths supports we have provided to every primary school across the country, now rolling up to Years 9 and 10.

“The new digital resources for Years 9 and 10 will include digital textbooks and workbooks guidance for teachers. Over the next three years, the resources are expected to benefit around 140,000 students each year, supporting 6,000 teachers.

“Teachers can choose the extent to which they use the resources, whether in full, or for supplementing existing resources that are working for them. There will also be professional learning development provided.”

Ms Stanford says a major milestone has also been reached in delivering Budget 2025 investments to strengthen science in primary and intermediate schools.

“New science kits are now rolling out across schools. These will be hands on and curriculum aligned, supporting teachers with bringing science to life in classrooms.

“We’re focused on ensuring every child is inspired and engaged with their learning. The new kits will support strong science from an early age and support teachers to deliver practical, interactive lessons.

“Science is such a fun and interesting part of school for so many young people, full of discovery and experimentation. These kits will provide another great dynamic element to lessons that helps spark interest and knowledge that can lead into new pathways in the future. This will help provide a great introduction to STEM subjects, an in-demand area with high-value jobs.”

Through the Government’s investment of $40 million, science kit provision is set to have full national coverage by early 2027, to align with the implementation of the new science curriculum.

“This is a Government that has put more resources into the hands of students to help raise achievement and close the equity gap, through careful financial management and prioritisation. 

“Our children and teachers deserve the resources and supports to set them up for success. We’re committed to increasing the number of students to the expected level and to growing potential – our investment today is about fixing the basics, and teaching the basics brilliantly.”

Notes to editor:

  • The initiatives support the Government’s target of 80 percent of Year 8 students at, or above, the expected curriculum level for their age in reading, writing and maths by December 2030. The Curriculum Insights and Progress Study 2024 showed that:
    • For writing, 24 percent of Year 8 students were at the expected curriculum benchmark.
    • For maths, 23 per cent of Year 8 students were at the curriculum benchmark
  • The Writing Acceleration tool has been made available in response to results released last year from the Curriculum Insights and Progress Study.
  • Scribo is used internationally by leading school systems across Australia, South-East Asia, the USA and the Middle East.
  • The Government has also funded 349 literacy intervention teachers for primary schools and 143 maths intervention teachers through Budget 2025’s learning support investment package.
  • The maths resources are being provided by Education Perfect, a local Kiwi company.
  • In Maths, through Budget 25, maths intervention teachers will also be providing a new 12-week Maths Acceleration Programme for Years 3 to 6. This will facilitate small-group sessions as an addition to the regular classroom programme. More than 800 schools will be using the programme in 2026, with almost 140 additional full-time equivalent teachers already funded.
  • The maths resources into schools programme for Years 0 to 8 has delivered more than one million maths books.
  • Science kits will be developed and provided by House of Science, a reputable local provider. Training and ongoing support will be available for teachers.
  • 720 schools have already registered for a science kit, ahead of the curriculum. There will be, on average, two kits per year level at any one time. The kits will be taken after a period of time and replaced with a brand-new kit.
  • As part of this initiative, an entirely new suite of science kits is in development for Māori‑medium education, with purpose‑built resources for and settings that align with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, the Māori curriculum.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/science-maths-and-english-resources-rolling-into-classrooms/

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Patient data changed as major NZ health app MediMap hacked

Source: Radio New Zealand

An apparent hack of medication platform MediMap has led to some alive patients being marked as deceased, and others labelled as ‘Charlie Kirk’. SCREENSHOT

A digital medical records data company has been taken offline after some patient records were modified.

MediMap is used by some health providers in aged care, disability, hospice and the community to accurately record medication doses.

A notification on the company’s website says the company is investigating the scope of the impact and will remain offline while this happens.

It comes almost two months after privately owned patient portal Manage My Health was caught up in a privacy breach.

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/2026/02/24/patient-data-changed-as-major-nz-health-app-medimap-hacked/

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New online seafarer licensing service coming soon

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Maritime NZ is preparing to launch an online application process for seafarer licensing. We’ve developed this new service through extensive engagement with the sector.

Over the past few years, people across the maritime community have shared valuable feedback on our notifications, certification, and licensing processes. This feedback has guided improvements that will make the process clearer and easier to follow. 

We’re aiming to launch the seafarer licensing online application form in April 2026. The form will guide applicants through each step and tailor the process to the type of certificate they need. It clearly outlines the required documents and applicants can upload everything in one place. This will create a more streamlined experience for applicants and help our staff receive the information they need to progress applications efficiently. 

Director Kirstie Hewlett says the changes reflect Maritime NZ’s commitment to supporting the sector with practical improvements.  

“These improvements are a direct result of listening to the sector and acting on what we heard. We’re also working on a refreshed version of our website, which will have better navigation, improved search functionality, and – most importantly – updated and clearer content.” 

These changes are part of the broader digital platform that Maritime NZ will continue to build and improve over time. 

Kirstie says, “We’re excited to bring these improvements to the sector and look forward to supporting seafarers with a smoother licensing journey.” 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/new-online-seafarer-licensing-service-coming-soon/

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New disclosure rules for local water service providers to come into effect on Friday

Source: Radio New Zealand

It aims to help the public understand how money was spent and how their local water service provider was performing. 123RF

Councils and water service entities will soon have to report how much is being spent on water supplies, what they are charging residents and how they plan to look after their infrastructure.

The Commerce Commission said new disclosure rules would be rolled out from Friday and would help the public understand how money was spent and how their local water service provider was performing.

The commission’s head of water regulation, Charlotte Reed, said providers that managed water and wastewater networks had a responsibility to manage them in ways that protect current users and future generations.

“Economic regulation gives us tools to provide independent scrutiny of providers’ performance,” she said.

Under the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy, 44 councils are handing water supply and management to separate and new water companies, and 23 are keeping services in-house.

Some councils have already signalled that https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561054/this-is-another-insult-water-rates-to-triple-in-central-hawke-s-bay consumers will have to pay more as they upgrade ageing pipes and treatment systems.

The rules would be phased in with providers expected to get data collection systems up and running by June, the commission said.

The commission would turn the data into clear and accessible information for residents and ratepayers, with trends and performance able to be seen across different providers.

“By shining a light on what’s working well and where improvements are needed, communities will be able to have informed conversations about their water services- and providers can focus on delivering the outcomes they want,” Reed said.

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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/2026/02/24/new-disclosure-rules-for-local-water-service-providers-to-come-into-effect-on-friday/

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EIT Auckland marae visit extends welcome to Aotearoa for new international students

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

36 seconds ago

New EIT Auckland students were formally welcomed to Aotearoa during a visit to Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae at Te Whare Takiura o Manukau (Manukau Institute of Technology).

Held on February 13, the visit included a traditional pōwhiri and provided an opportunity for students and staff to engage with Māori tikanga and strengthen their sense of connection and belonging.

EIT Auckland students and staff during their visit to Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae as part of orientation.

Robin Fabish, Pouārahi Māori (Executive Director Māori); Rocky Ropiha, Kaiwhakaako; and Putiputi Te Wake-Munro, Advisor Mātauranga Māori, travelled from EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale.

Robin said it was a real honour to join Rocky, Putiputi and members of the EIT Auckland team in welcoming the new cohort of international students.

“A formal pōwhiri is important for our new students not only for the cultural experience but also to spiritually welcome them to our land.”

“Many have left their families in their countries of origin, so as part of our manaakitanga and commitment to looking after them while they are in our country we’re pleased to be able to welcome them into our whānau.”

Student representatives Sofiya Parveen and Ruwan Dissanayaka also attended the visit to support their peers.
Ruwan said it was a privilege to be part of the marae visit as a student representative.

“I have visited the MIT Marae with EIT several times, and each experience has helped me deepen my understanding of Māori culture, values, tikanga and whakawhanaungatanga.”

EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherie Freeman said marae visits are an important part of welcoming students and helping them settle into life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“EIT warmly welcomes all new students with a pōwhiri and visit to the marae. Our international students often connect with the pōwhiri experience, finding familiar elements within Māoritanga that resonate with their own culture,” she said.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/eit-auckland-marae-visit-extends-welcome-to-aotearoa-for-new-international-students/

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NZ will support Britain removing Andrew from line of succession, Christopher Luxon says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZ

New Zealand would support the United Kingdom’s decision to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession should it move to.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed New Zealand’s stance.

“If the UK Government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it. The UK government has said any proposals would come after the police investigation concludes,” the statement said.

It comes after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to British counterpart Keir Starmer to confirm his country’s support of removal.

Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles by King Charles III last year and hasn’t worked as a member of the royal family since 2019 over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, pictured at Windsor Castle in April 2025, was arrested on Thursday. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images via CNN Newsource

However, he remained eighth in line to the throne.

The British government was considering passing a law to divest Mountbatten-Windsor of his succession rights after he was arrested by police last week, a UK official said.

Earlier on Tuesday, deputy Prime Minister David Seymour said his focus was on issues Kiwis faced.

Seymour told First Up he wouldn’t be drawn into whether New Zealand would back the move, with more pressing priorities back home.

“I think we’ve got 99 problems most New Zealanders are facing right now,” he said.

“This guy’s eighth in the line of succession, and these guys all seem to live to about 100.

“So, of all of the things that you could ask me about or we could be worried about right now, that’s probably a wee way down the list.”

Seymour said Australia had “obviously solved a few more problems” when quizzed if New Zealand had considered their position on the issue.

Good on them, he said.

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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/2026/02/24/nz-will-support-britain-removing-andrew-from-line-of-succession-christopher-luxon-says/

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School of murdered children Yuna and Minu Jo shocked ministry didn’t report disappearance to police

Source: Radio New Zealand

Yuna and Minu Jo attended Papatoetoe South School before their deaths in 2018. Supplied

The school attended by murdered children Yuna and Minu Jo says it’s shocked and saddened the Ministry of Education did not report their disappearance to police.

The children, aged eight and six respectively, attended a local primary school in Auckland before they were murdered by their mother Hakyung Lee in 2018.

Their bodies were not discovered until 2022 in suitcases, when an Auckland family bought the contents of a storage locker in an online auction.

Lee was sentenced to at least 17 years’ jail last November.

Ministry documents released to RNZ under the Official Information Act in January showed Yuna and Minu Jo’s absences took years to be referred to the attendance service, rather than months.

The Ministry of Education commissioned an external review to discover how the failure happened and to tighten procedures to ensure the failures did not happen again.

In a statement, the Papatoetoe South School Board said they were shocked and saddened the ministry had not reported the children’s extended absence to police.

“While we were aware of the systemic complexities involved in inter-agency referrals, seeing and feeling the consequences of these gaps is devastating,” they said.

“This tragedy brings to light the vital importance of transparency of process and robust communication between key child support agencies.”

The board said the loss of the children had been felt profoundly by the school community.

“While our school feels this gap deeply, we recognise and respect that the greatest burden of grief lies with their whānau and those closest to them.”

Out of respect for the police investigation and family privacy, the board said it have been very careful about how it moved forward, but they believed in honouring students in a culturally appropriate and meaningful way.

“We always acknowledge those we have lost during Matariki, and this Matariki will provide our first opportunity for our school community to come together and remember Yuna and Minu privately and respectfully.”

They hoped the external review would lead to a system that was more fit for purpose.

Issues identified in failure to report disappearance

Ministry documents showed the system failed to require the school to submit a non-enrolment notification.

Deputy secretary Helen Hurst said the ministry worked internally to analyse how the school attendance systems had operated in Minu and Yuna’s case.

She said issues had been identified and “processes had occurred” that contributed to the gap between the children returning to New Zealand in May 2018, a month before their murder, and the case going to attendance services in 2020.

“Without those issues, it is likely that the referral would have taken a matter of months following their return rather than years,” Hurst said.

The ministry was not notified at any point that the students were re-enrolled elsewhere, and police were not contacted prior to their investigation, she said.

A timeline showed the ministry’s efforts to find the children.

The non-enrolment process for both Yuna and Minu was initiated in September 2020, two years after their murder.

Case notes from the ministry show home visits were made, immigration checks done, and emails were sent to the children’s school and mother.

Yuna and Minu Jo’s mother Hakyung Lee stares downward during her sentencing. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

By June 2021, there had been no response from Lee, who by then was living in South Korea.

By August 2022, a note said there had still been no contact and the ministry did not know where the children were.

Hurst said the ministry had done further analysis of its systems, and commissioned an external review of how attendance systems and processes operated in the case of Minu and Yuna.

“While the primary role of attendance systems and services is to support students to attend school, we are committed to strengthening the role that the ministry plays, alongside other social sector agencies, in providing a system of support for the safety and wellbeing of children,” she said.

“There is a considerable amount of work underway to improve the support that is provided for school attendance, and any findings from the external review will help us to inform this ongoing work.”

Hurst said work was underway to establish an information sharing agreement with police, to ensure children missing from school are found.

“Work is also underway with police and Oranga Tamariki to provide simplified processes and guidance for steps to be taken any time an attendance service provider has concerns about the welfare or safety of children,” she said.

The ministry had increased the frequency of six-monthly requests to MBIE and Immigration New Zealand, which checks for the return to New Zealand of students who were unenrolled with a reason of ‘gone overseas’.

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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/2026/02/24/school-of-murdered-children-yuna-and-minu-jo-shocked-ministry-didnt-report-disappearance-to-police/

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Boosting manufacturing productivity with digital tools

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is expanding a successful University of Auckland programme that helps manufacturers adopt new technologies, boosting productivity and building skills across their workforce.

“In an increasingly digital world, overseas competitors are reaping the rewards of greater automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud computing,” Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says.

“New Zealand manufacturers need these tools and technologies to sharpen their competitive edge, but some are held back by cost or concerns about disrupting their operations, especially where in-house technical expertise is limited.

“That’s why the Government has committed to a three-year funding package to expand the Digital Manufacturing Light programme, supporting businesses to work smarter, run more smoothly and face future challenges with confidence.

“The expansion will see the programme rolled out to support at least 180 small and medium‑sized manufacturers in Auckland and parts of Waikato, Northland and the Bay of Plenty, where around 55 per cent of New Zealand’s manufacturers are located. 

“Digital Manufacturing Light uses low-cost, off-the-shelf technologies and open-source software to help manufacturers introduce new systems into their existing operations without the need for major capital investment or complex infrastructure.

“Businesses taking part in the programme receive a tailored assessment of their needs, help choosing the right solutions, hands-on installation assistance, and training to ensure the new technology delivers real value on the factory floor.

“A key strength of Digital Manufacturing Light is that it works closely with manufacturers and their own technical staff, building the digital skills into the business that will support sustainable, long-term improvements. 

“Digital Manufacturing Light will support manufacturers to move away from manual and often outdated processes, providing real-time insights into machine performance, bottlenecks, and quality issues. 

“The potential benefits are significant. Research from Xero and the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research shows that faster digital adoption across small and medium‑sized enterprises could lift national GDP by $8.6 billion. 

“The Government is fixing the basics and building the future for New Zealand. Backing programmes like Digital Manufacturing Light is a smart, targeted investment that helps smaller firms grow, innovate, and contribute to our economy and communities.”

Notes to editor:  

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/boosting-manufacturing-productivity-with-digital-tools/

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‘It does seem like a very different group’: Molly Penfold on new-look White Ferns

Source: Radio New Zealand

Molly Penfold of Auckland Hearts celebrates getting a wicket www.photosport.nz

White Ferns bowler Molly Penfold is excited about the new-look team that will take on Zimbabwe over the next couple of weeks.

The two sides will meet in three T20Is and three ODIs starting with the first T20 game in Hamilton on Wednesday night.

The White Ferns are without a number of key players, with Suzie Bates and Eden Carson injured, Sophie Devine not available and Lea Tahuhu under managed workload. Amelia Kerr is the new captain.

The White Ferns squad does contain two possible debutants in spinner Nensi Patel and pace bowler Kayley Knight from the Northern Brave.

Penfold, who has played just 24 games for New Zealand, admits there is a feeling of change.

“It does seem like a very different group, but it is a good opportunity for players who probably don’t get as much game time in the White Ferns to hopefully step up and be in that playing 11, so yes it’s exciting.”

Pace bowler Penfold has no doubt that new captain Kerr will take on the role seamlessly.

“She’s just a natural leader and she is a huge character in this group. We know that coming off the back of Soph’s captaincy as well she has left a big impact on us and so big shoes to fill but I know that Melie will be more than capable of doing so.”

Melie (Amelia) Kerr of New Zealand White Ferns women’s national cricket team. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Zimbabwe has had a change in coaching staff and will now be under the guidance of former White Fern Kate Ebrahim.

Zimbabwe made the change following their sides disappointing T20 World Cup qualifier in Nepal last month with Ebrahim named as interim coach.

Ebrahim played 70 games for New Zealand between 2010 and 2021 and is married to former Zimbabwe batter and current men’s assistant coach Dion Ebrahim.

Penfold admits she was surprised when she learnt that Ebrahim had been appointed Zimbabwe coach.

“It’s cool to see her take up that opportunity, she brings a great competitiveness to the game.”

White Ferns squad v Zimbabwe

Flora Devonshire Central Hinds

Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts

Maddy Green Auckland Hearts

Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts

Bree Illing Auckland Hearts

Polly Inglis Sparks (T20I only)

Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze

Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze

Kayley Knight* Northern Brave (T20I only)

Emma McLeod Central Hinds (ODI only)

Rosemary Mair Central Hinds

Nensi Patel* Northern Brave

Molly Penfold Auckland Hearts (ODI only)

Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze

Izzy Sharp** Canterbury Magicians

White Ferns schedule against Zimbabwe

Wed 25 Feb, 7:15pm, 1st T20, Hamilton

Fri 27 Feb, 7:15pm, 2nd T20, Hamilton

Sun 1 March, 1:15pm, 3rd T20, Hamilton

Thurs 5 March, 11am, 1st ODI, Dunedin

Sun 8 March, 11am, 2nd ODI, Dunedin

Wed 11 March, 11am, 3rd ODI, Dunedin

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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/2026/02/24/it-does-seem-like-a-very-different-group-molly-penfold-on-new-look-white-ferns/

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Crash closes SH2 near Mangatāwhiri

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A serious crash on State Highway 2 near Mangatāwhiri has closed the road in both directions.

Police were called to the crash involving two vehicles just after 11am.

They said initial indications were that there had been serious injuries.

The highway was closed in both directions between Rawiri Road and Kopuku Road.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/crash-closes-sh2-near-mangatawhiri/