Category: LiveNews

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Taihape’s Winiata Marae steps up for stranded travellers

Source: Radio New Zealand

Shadrack Simi was in charge of the menu. RNZ / Robin Martin

When the huge storm closed State Highway 1 between Taihape and Hunterville on Monday, leaving hundreds of drivers stranded, the community at Winiata Marae knew just what to do.

They quickly put word out that warm food and a place to rest could be found at the marae on the outskirts of Taihape.

Lulu Simi is a force of nature herself and it was she who was directing the marae’s response to the storm – busy organising gas canister refills and making sure visitors were fed.

“We just knew it would be part and parcel of what we need to do for our community.

“Not only for our local community but for the many hundreds and thousands of people that travel through Taihape to get to their destinations.

“This morning when we woke up it was all back-to-back trucks and cars and families, so we had already put our number out last night.”

Lulu Simi, left, reckons helping out stranded travellers such as Aucklanders Max Briggs and Leilani Kwan-Him is central to its role. RNZ / Robin Martin

The Ngāti Hinemanu and Ngāti Paki hapū marae played a similar role during Cyclone Gabrielle.

At day’s end on Monday night more than 200 people had been through.

“Everyone here just knows that it’s part of our role underneath our marae to look after people and it always makes us feel good to be able to put it on at the drop of a hat.

“And to be able to provide all this kai, all these sleeping places to people who were going to sleep in their cars … you always walk away feeling proud.”

Helen Ropiha-waiwai was heading back to Feilding from the rugby league international in Rotorua with her husband.

She was in awe of the hospitality.

“For me not being from here it was beautiful just to see such a small community just come together and make such a big kai.

“They had enough kai for three bus-loads that they knew were stuck and all the truck drivers and stuff.”

Feilding traveller Helen Ropiha-waiwai was overwhelmed by the hospitality. RNZ / Robin Martin

Helen Ropiha-waiwai even bumped into Moana Steedman – aka Nan – who she knew from the sidelines of schoolboy rugby.

A Taihape local, Nan, reckoned helping others fed the soul.

“It was amazing, you know, not only do we help them but they help us and, you know, to be able to give back to people that’s the amazing part of it. That’s what it’s all about.

Moana Steedman – aka Nan – and her kitchen mate Kui reckon helping others feeds the soul. RNZ / Robin Martin

Aucklander Leilani Kwan-Him was travelling to Wellington with Max Briggs.

They got a tip off about Winiata Marae while killing time at the Taihape library.

“And then they gave us dinner and they were going to give us a place to stay. It was just so nice and we had a really nice meal .”

The food hit the spot too.

“We had chop suey, we had chicken curry – that’s one of the chefs over there – and we had some rice and there was tea and it feels like there was some nibbles. There was everything.”

Shadrack Simi put together the menu.

“For lunchtime today we had like a sausages and gravy, veggies and mashed potatoes. That was all stuff that we just had here on site.

“And then from donated stores and stuff we had here we put on a chicken curry and rice, a beef chop suey and a yellow split-bean curry, a vegan curry.”

Lulu Simi, second right, reckoned many hands made light work. RNZ / Robin Martin

Being nimble was the key to putting on such a spread at short notice.

“I guess it’s just resourcefulness looking at the ingredients you’ve got and then also looking at the day obviously I wanted something hot and nutritious.

“So, the meals had a lot of ginger, garlic, onion, but also things that I know the Kiwi palate will eat like a chicken curry and sausages and gravy.”

Meanwhile, Lulu Simi said the marae stood ready to help again next time wild weather strikes.

State Highway 1 reopened to two-lane traffic at about 6pm.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/taihapes-winiata-marae-steps-up-for-stranded-travellers/

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Insurance costs drop for some households – as other struggle to get it at all

Source: Radio New Zealand

The median price for insurance for a large house in Auckland had dropped 11 percent year-on-year, Consumer NZ said. RNZ

Aucklanders may finally be getting some relief on their insurance premiums – but the same cannot be said for Wellington and Christchurch, and some people are struggling to get it at all.

Consumer NZ said its latest survey of house and contents insurance premiums showed the median price for insurance for a large house in Auckland had dropped 11 percent year-on-year.

But in Wellington and Christchurch, the cost of insurance was up 10 percent.

Wellington was the most expensive city in the country for house insurance. The median cost of house and contents cover for a standard home was $3824 a year, Consumer’s insurance expert Rebecca Styles said.

Dunedin has the cheapest home insurance options, with the median cost for house and contents insurance for a standard home coming in at $2227.

The quotes were based on a couple with a standard-sized house insured for $560,000 and contents for $90,000, and a family of four with a large house insured for $840,000 and contents for $140,000.

Styles said people could often save money by shopping around.

“When we compared policies with the same excess and sum insured across the six centres, we found the median potential saving was about $550.

“More than eight in 10 people have had the same insurance provider for at least three years. When people decide to switch, it’s usually because of price, and with some of the savings available, we can see why.”

She said people who could find a better price elsewhere could use that to try to negotiate a discount with their current provider.

Opting for a higher excess could also mean lower premiums. But Styles said people should not set their excess so high they could not cover it if they had to claim.

“Ask your insurer if your premiums would be cheaper if you installed an alarm or security cameras – the savings might subsidise the installation costs. If you can afford to, pay your premiums annually – you should get a discount.”

Styles said 1 percent of the 3000 people who responded to the survey said they could not switch because no other provider would offer insurance.

The Auckland drop was coming on the back of a large spike after Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding, she said. It could be that flood mitigation efforts and infrastructure improvements were also reducing risk.

But people in high risk areas were likely to find it harder to find insurance, she said.

“I think in Wellington and Christchurch, it’s the same old thing of earthquakes, floods and landslides. And it just means that we’re paying more and more for insurance in those regions.

“With the reports of AA Insurance not covering some postcodes, and I think other insurers are weighing up risk across the country, they’re always monitoring their risk portfolios and making sure they don’t have too much risk in one area more so than another. And, if we don’t do anything about a climate adaptation framework, practically in terms of infrastructure – there’s just more and more frequent extreme weather events and flooding – if the infrastructure doesn’t keep up with that, I think prices will just keep going up and up.”

If someone was struggling to find suitable cover, they could contact the Natural Hazards Commission and ask about its natural hazards cover, which offered more limited protection, she said. “It’s sort of the insurance of last resort for natural hazards. So it would be for your house, it wouldn’t be for your contents.”

She said the government’s investigation into the insurance market would help in terms of giving people assurance about whether they were paying fair price.

“We eagerly await the outcome of that, given it’ll be at least six months.”

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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/2026/02/17/insurance-costs-drop-for-some-households-as-other-struggle-to-get-it-at-all/

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South Wairarapa mayor says ‘there are big concerns’ after destructive storm

Source: Radio New Zealand

A creek had burst in banks on Monday on Lake Ferry Road south of Martinborough, Wairarapa. RNZ/Mary Argue

In the aftermath of the latest destructive storm, South Wairarapa’s mayor is calling for a frank discussion about the country’s future from grassroots to government level.

Torrential rain and gale force winds caused widespread flooding and damage across Wairarapa – closing roads, isolating communities, and cutting power to thousands.

A helicopter view of flooding on the South Wairarapa coast. Supplied / Carterton District Council

South Wairarapa mayor Fran Wilde said it was too soon to discuss the cost of the latest clean-up, but it wasn’t too early to talk about the long-term challenges, as she saw them.

“There are big concerns. These events are going to be more frequent and our whole roading system and our settlement pattern – they weren’t designed around these sorts of weather events.”

South Wairarapa mayor Fran Wilde Supplied

She said the problems weren’t isolated to South Wairarapa and back-to-back storms across the North Island in the past month highlighted issues faced nationwide.

“How are we going to manage this in the future? And what does it mean for our communities, for local government, and for central government?”

Wilde said the roading network was “fragile” in many places across the motu – built decades ago alongside houses that were now at risk of flooding and landslides – and once people had dealt with the brunt of the latest destruction, they needed to confront such issues.

“If you sit back and think longer term, they are serious ones that need to be part of a wider community consultation and discussion.”

South Wairarapa communities were cut off after the storm. RNZ/Mary Argue

She said adaptation was a focus for all councils and she urged the central government not to make it more difficult with changes to the planning framework.

“This is a serious issue and I think the last few months have demonstrated that,” she said.

“But … it’s not just for a few ministers to sitting at the table. The community themselves needs to be actively engaged in this and have an understanding of what the future might bring.”

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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/2026/02/17/south-wairarapa-mayor-says-there-are-big-concerns-after-destructive-storm/

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Tempers flare as officials front for packed Moa Point public meeting

Source: Radio New Zealand

More than 300 people attended a public meeting about the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant disaster. RNZ / Lauren Crimp

Tempers flared at a packed public meeting on Monday night about the meltdown at Wellington’s Moa Point sewage treatment plant.

Officials fronted the crowd of more than 300, but many left disappointed by a lack of clear answers about the disaster that has been sending sewage onto Wellington’s south coast for nearly two weeks.

The event, organised by Rongotai MP Julie-Anne Genter and Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul, was billed as an opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with experts.

Wellington Water chief operating officer Charles Barker – standing in for his boss, whose flight was cancelled – said up front there was only so much he could say with a Crown review imminent, and insurance processes underway.

“So if at times I appear guarded, or I’m taking a bit longer to think, that’s because I’m probably getting close to that point where I have to be careful not to jeapordise any future inquiry, and especially everyone’s insurance,” he said.

That came into play when the big question was asked: what happened?

“Again, I just have to be careful talking about causality,” he said.

All Barker could say was that divers had inspected 300 metres of the 1.8 kilometre pipe that sends wastewater into the Cook Stait, and it appeared to be intact – but something was stopping “optimal flow”.

Mayor Andrew Little also could not say who would pay for the fallout or fix.

“There’s a whole bunch of insurance claims being made by all sorts of parties.

“I suspect insurance companies don’t want to do anything until they have a fair idea about what the possible cause is.”

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The question and answer session was heated at times, peppered with yelling and interruptions.

“What are you going to do to improve that so we don’t face this damn catastrophe again?” cried one man.

Acting Wellington Water chair Bill Bayfield replied: “That will be the subject of the review.”

Taranaki Whānui trustee Benjamin Wynyard-Terry said he did not trust officials’ assurances, and wanted more transparency.

“Pull your heads together, and put your tent up on the beach where this has occurred, and … have a two-day wānanga, and you come up with a real solution so this will never happen again.”

Some had solutions of their own, which included composting or incinerating toilets for every ratepayer “for less than we paid for the sludge plant”.

Te Papa fish expert, Andrew Stewart, had good news for those with environmental fears. He said the weather, and the Cook Strait, massively diluted the sewage.

Had it happened in Wellington Harbour, it would have been an “unmitigated disaster”, Stewart said.

“It is ghastly what’s happened, but I don’t believe it’s going to have a long-term damaging effect.”

The crowd was pleased officials and experts had fronted, but frustrated that they left with only a little more clarity than they walked in with.

“Because of the investigation that is taking place, it feels like a really welcome safety blanket to not be able to provide any further information,” one woman said.

“I got the reassurance in terms of the ecological stuff … that was answered clearly,” said another.

“There was no apology whatsoever and it felt as if they were sort of trying to almost avoid any sort of blame,” one man said.

Wellington Water planned to hold more public meetings.

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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/2026/02/17/tempers-flare-as-officials-front-for-packed-moa-point-public-meeting/

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Live weather: Storm behind North Island destruction moves south to Canterbury

Source: Radio New Zealand

Akaroa hit by flooding as storm moves south. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are being lashed by heavy rain as the wild weather moves south, causing flooding in Akaroa.

MetService said a deep low east of New Zealand is moving slowly southwards, bringing more heavy rain to the lower North Island and eastern South Island.

However, it said the south-to-southwest gales over central New Zealand are easing.

Banks Peninsula is under an orange heavy rain warning until 6pm, with up to 100 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen.

A heavy rain watch is in place for Christchurch (apart from Banks Peninsula), and Canterbury Plains and Foothills between the Rangitata River and Amberley until 10am.

A heavy rain watch for Dunedin (east of Pukerangi) will linger for longer, and is due to expire at 9pm.

Christchurch City Council said it was closely watching the weather, with roading crews on standby overnight. Some surface flooding has already been reported, but more will be known as day breaks.

State Highway 75 between Christchurch and Akaroa was closed at 11pm on Monday because of flooding. An update on the road is due by 7am.

MetService said has also issued heavy swell warnings for the Wellington and Wairarapa coasts from midday, saying large waves and dangerous sea conditions are expected. Coastal inundation is possible about exposed coasts.

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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/2026/02/17/live-weather-storm-behind-north-island-destruction-moves-south-to-canterbury/

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As it happened: Wellington winds strongest in a decade

Source: Radio New Zealand

Akaroa hit by flooding as storm moves south. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

The winds that struck Wellington on Monday were the strongest in more than a decade, MetService says.

Gusts of 193 kilometres an hour were recorded at Mount Kaukau, and 128km/h at Wellington Airport – the highest for both since 2013.

An orange heavy rain warning for the eastern hills of Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua Range, expired at 11pm Monday.

More than 30,000 properties lost power on Monday as wild winds brought trees and power lines down across much of the lower North Island.

Powerco said about 23,000 properties across its network have lost connections and in the Wellington region, about 10,000 have their connections cut.

Manawatū-Whanganui has been hit badly, and the region is under a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, homes on Lincoln Road in Masterton were evacuated due to the threat of falling trees.

Air NZ cancelled flights in and out of several major centres, including the capital, citing strong winds.

“Safety is paramount and we are continuing to closely monitor conditions, with winds expected to reduce later this morning when we expect to resume services,” chief operating officer Alex Marren said.

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are now being lashed by heavy rain as the wild weather moves south, causing flooding in Akaroa.

Downpours have turned the harbour township’s recreation ground into a lake, with some streets awash near the sea.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for the peninsula – where up to 100 millimetres of further rain could fall – until 6pm Tuesday.

Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains and foothills, between the Rangitata River and Amberley, are under a heavy rain watch until 10am.

Christchurch City Council said it is closely watching the weather and is aware of reports of surface flooding.

It said roading crews are on standby overnight, and more will be known in the morning.

Transport officials and councils are closely monitoring water levels in Lake Forsyth that could affect State Highway 75 between Christchurch and Akaroa.

See how the day unfolded in our blog:

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/17/as-it-happened-wellington-winds-strongest-in-a-decade/

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As it happened: Flooding in Akaroa as wild weather moves south

Source: Radio New Zealand

Akaroa hit by flooding as storm moves south. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are being lashed by heavy rain as the wild weather moves south, causing flooding in Akaroa.

Downpours have turned the harbour township’s recreation ground into a lake, with some streets awash near the sea.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for the peninsula – where up to 100 millimetres of further rain could fall – until 6pm Tuesday.

Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains and foothills, between the Rangitata River and Amberley, are under a heavy rain watch until 10am.

Christchurch City Council said it is closely watching the weather and is aware of reports of surface flooding.

It said roading crews are on standby overnight, and more will be known in the morning.

Transport officials and councils are closely monitoring water levels in Lake Forsyth that could affect State Highway 75 between Christchurch and Akaroa.

Further north, the winds that struck Wellington on Monday were the strongest in more than a decade, MetService said.

Gusts of 193 kilometres an hour were recorded at Mount Kaukau, and 128km/h at Wellington Airport – the highest for both since 2013.

An orange heavy rain warning for the eastern hills of Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua Range, expired at 11pm Monday.

More than 30,000 properties lost power on Monday as wild winds brought trees and power lines down across much of the lower North Island.

Powerco said about 23,000 properties across its network have lost connections and in the Wellington region, about 10,000 have their connections cut.

Manawatū-Whanganui has been hit badly, and the region is under a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, homes on Lincoln Road in Masterton were evacuated due to the threat of falling trees.

Air NZ cancelled flights in and out of several major centres, including the capital, citing strong winds.

“Safety is paramount and we are continuing to closely monitor conditions, with winds expected to reduce later this morning when we expect to resume services,” chief operating officer Alex Marren said.

See how the day unfolded in our blog:

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/17/as-it-happened-flooding-in-akaroa-as-wild-weather-moves-south/

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National population estimates: At 31 December 2025 – Stats NZ information release

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/national-population-estimates-at-31-december-2025-stats-nz-information-release/

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Electronic card transactions: January 2026 – Stats NZ information release

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/electronic-card-transactions-january-2026-stats-nz-information-release/

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Weather live: Flooding in Akaroa as wild weather moves south

Source: Radio New Zealand

Akaroa hit by flooding as storm moves south. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are being lashed by heavy rain as the wild weather moves south, causing flooding in Akaroa.

Downpours have turned the harbour township’s recreation ground into a lake, with some streets awash near the sea.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for the peninsula – where up to 100 millimetres of further rain could fall – until 6pm Tuesday.

Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains and foothills, between the Rangitata River and Amberley, are under a heavy rain watch until 10am.

Christchurch City Council said it is closely watching the weather and is aware of reports of surface flooding.

It said roading crews are on standby overnight, and more will be known in the morning.

Transport officials and councils are closely monitoring water levels in Lake Forsyth that could affect State Highway 75 between Christchurch and Akaroa.

Further north, the winds that struck Wellington on Monday were the strongest in more than a decade, MetService said.

Gusts of 193 kilometres an hour were recorded at Mount Kaukau, and 128km/h at Wellington Airport – the highest for both since 2013.

An orange heavy rain warning for the eastern hills of Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua Range, expires at 11pm Monday.

About 15 to 25 mm of rain is expected, on top of what has already fallen.

More than 30,000 properties lost power on Monday as wild winds brought trees and power lines down across much of the lower North Island.

Powerco said about 23,000 properties across its network have lost connections and in the Wellington region, about 10,000 have their connections cut.

Manawatū-Whanganui has been hit badly, and the region is under a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, homes on Lincoln Road in Masterton were evacuated due to the threat of falling trees.

Air NZ cancelled flights in and out of several major centres, including the capital, citing strong winds.

“Safety is paramount and we are continuing to closely monitor conditions, with winds expected to reduce later this morning when we expect to resume services,” chief operating officer Alex Marren said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/16/weather-live-flooding-in-akaroa-as-wild-weather-moves-south/

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“The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science” APRIM2026 Makes Hong Kong Debut

Source: Media Outreach

Gathering Global Experts Delivering Insights from the forefront of Space Science and Sustainability

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – In a landmark development for the region’s scientific community, Hong Kong has been selected to host the Asia-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM) for the first time. Dubbed the “The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science,” this prestigious event will take place from May 4 to 8, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Organised by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and hosted by The University of Hong Kong’s Laboratory for Space Research (LSR), the conference will feature Nobel and Shaw laureates, together with other distinguished scientists from around the world. As a leading astronomical gathering in the Asia-Pacific, the event represents a significant milestone for Hong Kong, underscoring its pivotal role in fundamental research, STEM education, and international collaboration.

A Convergence of Minds in a Burgeoning Space Hub

Professor Quentin Parker, Chair of the APRIM2026 and Director of the HKU Laboratory for Space Research, noted that bringing the “The Olympics of Astrophysics and Space Science” to Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s capacity to serve as a global nexus for astrophysics and space science.

“As Chair of this historic meeting, I am honoured to welcome the global Astrophysics and Space Science community to Hong Kong. We aim to use this platform not only to showcase our city’s capabilities in the ‘New Space’ era but to inspire the next generation of scientists to pursue the unknown,” said Prof. Parker.

Professor Xue Suijian, former Deputy Director of the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, attributed the IAU’s decision to Hong Kong’s highly international environment and academic excellence. He highlighted the city’s growing contributions to deep-space exploration, planetary science, and big data analysis, cementing its role as a bridge for international scientific exchange.

Bridging Fundamental Research and Future Possibilities

While rooted in academic rigour, APRIM 2026 also addresses the paradigm shift from government-led initiatives to the democratised era of “New Space.” The conference offers a platform that links theoretical astrophysics with real-world applications.

Aligning with the global scientific agenda, the conference is expected to bring together nearly 1,000 experts. Discussions will span from the origins of the universe to emerging directions in space exploration, covering key areas such as Planetary Science, Stellar Evolution, and Cosmology. The event will also seek to bridge academia and industry, exploring how frontier technologies can contribute to addressing global challenges.

Championing Space Sustainability

A defining feature of APRIM2026 is its focus on “Space Sustainability.” With the growing density of satellite constellations in low Earth orbit, the scientific community faces urgent challenges, particularly in relation to space debris and light pollution.

Through dedicated sessions and public engagement, the conference will tackle these critical issues, advocating for responsible stewardship of the cosmic environment. By integrating these discussions with outreach sessions including youth-focused workshops, the event aims to cultivate a scientifically literate generation ready to steward the future of space exploration.

Professor Luis C. Ho, Director of the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University, described the meeting as a vital platform for strengthening Asia-Pacific research collaboration. He noted that the event marks a shift from pure fundamental research to industrial application, allowing high-tech solutions to serve the public and open the “blue ocean” of the space economy.

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/2026/02/16/the-olympics-of-astrophysics-and-space-science-aprim2026-makes-hong-kong-debut/

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Wild weather: Strongest winds to hit Wellington in a decade

Source: Radio New Zealand

Taihape weather – flooding and slips aftermath – 16 February 2026 RNZ/Dan Jones

The winds that struck Wellington today were the strongest in more than a decade, says MetService.

Gusts of 193 kilometres an hour were recorded at Mt Kaukau, and 128 kilometres at hour at Wellington Airport – the highest for both since 2013.

There has also been an orange heavy rain warning for the eastern hills of Wellington, also Wairarapa, and the Tararua Range, issued tonight.

The warning is due to expire at 11pm.

About 15 to 25 mm of rain is expected, on top of what had already fallen today.

But attention is turning further south, especially to Banks Peninsula, which is under an Orange Rain Warning and where up to 100-millimetres of further rain could fall.

Christchurch City Council said it was closely watching the weather and was aware of reports of surface flooding.

It said roading crews were being put on stand-by overnight, and more will be known in the morning.

More than 30,000 properties lost power today as wild winds brought trees and power lines down across much of the lower North Island.

Powerco said about 23,000 properties across its network have lost connections and in the Wellington region, about 10,000 have their connections cut.

Manawatū-Whanganui has been hit badly, and the region is under a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, homes on Lincoln Road in Masterton were evacuated due to the threat of falling trees.

Air NZ cancelled flights in and out of several major centres, including the capital, citing strong winds.

“Safety is paramount and we are continuing to closely monitor conditions, with winds expected to reduce later this morning when we expect to resume services,” chief operating officer Alex Marren said.

See how today’s events unfolded with RNZ’s live blog:

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/wild-weather-strongest-winds-to-hit-wellington-in-a-decade/

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Global high jump star Hamish Kerr claims Supreme Halberg award

Source: Radio New Zealand

Hamish Kerr celebrates winning the Men’s High Jump final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. www.photosport.nz

Hamish Kerr has claimed New Zealand’s highest sporting honour at the 63rd Halberg Awards in Auckland, after achieving heights in his career that no other Kiwi high jumper has reached.

Kerr has won the Supreme Halberg Award, capping off an extraordinary 2025 in which he dominated on the world stage.

Kerr – who also secured the Sportsman of the Year title earlier in the evening – won gold at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.

His maiden triumph in Tokyo completed the final piece of Kerr’s collection of global titles. He is now the reigning world champion, Olympic champion (Paris 2024), and Diamond League champion (2025) – an unprecedented achievement by a New Zealand high jumper.

Kerr, who also won last year’s Halberg Sportsman of the Year, took the title ahead of athletics team-mate Geordie Beamish; Freeski Big Air World Champion Luca Harrington; footballer Chris Wood and golfer Ryan Fox.

Kerr’s athletics coach James Sandilands, who guided the 29-year-old through one of the best seasons of his career, was named Coach of the Year – his first win in the category.

Snowboard star Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, who is currently competing at her third Winter Olympics, was named Sportswoman of the Year.

Sadowski-Synnott won a third snowboard slopestyle world title in 2025, and got the accolade ahead of a field including global champions across cycling – Sammie Maxwell and Niamh Fisher-Black; tennis – Erin Routliffe, and rugby – Jorja Miller.

New Zealand snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott. JAMIE SQUIRE / AFP

The Black Ferns Sevens were crowned the Team of the Year after another dominant 2024-25 HSBC SVNS World Series and the SVNS World Championship.

Their unmatched global success stood-out in an impressive line-up of team finalists including Auckland FC; world champion men’s rowing pair Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch; the men’s team pursuit track cycling squad; the New Zealand Kiwis and the New Zealand Black Sox.

Sam Ruthe unsurprisingly beat out the other finalists in the Emerging Talent category after making history in 2025 by becoming the youngest person ever to run a sub-four-minute mile.

Paralympic sprint star Danielle Aitchison was awarded the Para Athlete/Para Team of the Year Award, for her impressive results on the track at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. Other finalists included fellow Para athletics team mate Lisa Adams, Para track cyclists Nicole Murray and Devon Briggs and Para swimmer Cameron Leslie.

International sport administrator and leader Katie Sadleir received the Sport New Zealand Leadership Award, recognising her influential contributions to global sport and her long-standing dedication to athlete well-being and equity.

The Black Ferns Sevens continue to dominate. Jayne Russell / PHOTOSPORT

Kat Mueller was honoured with the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, for her significant work championing inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities across Aotearoa.

Two new inductees to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame were also celebrated. Dame Valerie Adams and Richie McCaw were formally welcomed into the prestigious group, recognising their contributions, achievements, and lasting impact on New Zealand sport.

Full List of Winners – 63rd Halberg Awards:

  • Supreme Halberg Award: Hamish Kerr (athletics – field)
  • Sportswoman of the Year: Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (snow sports – snowboarding)
  • Sportsman of the Year: Hamish Kerr (athletics – field)
  • Para Athlete of the Year: Danielle Aitchison (Para athletics – track)
  • Team of the Year: Black Ferns Sevens (rugby sevens)
  • Coach of the Year: James Sandilands (athletics -field)
  • Emerging Talent: Sam Ruthe (athletics – track)
  • Sport New Zealand Leadership Award: Katie Sadlier
  • Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award: Kat Mueller

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/global-high-jump-star-hamish-kerr-claims-supreme-halberg-award/

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Live weather: Deluge heads south, Banks Peninsula, Christchurch in the firing line

Source: Radio New Zealand

More than 30,000 properties have lost power as wild winds bring trees and power lines down across much of the lower North Island.

Powerco said about 23,000 properties across its network have lost connections and in the Wellington region, about 10,000 have their connections cut.

Manawatū-Whanganui has been hit badly, and the region is under a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, evacuations are underway at homes on Lincoln Road in Masterton due to the threat of falling trees.

Wairarapa assistant commander Ian Wright said it had been a busy night with weather-related call outs, which continue, and that trees coming down are the biggest risk.

He says there are shallow rooted trees on Lincoln Road that are “very, very unstable, so both roads have been closed and the people have been evacuated”.

Air NZ has cancelled flights in and out of several major centres, including the capital, citing strong winds.

“Safety is paramount and we are continuing to closely monitor conditions, with winds expected to reduce later this morning when we expect to resume services,” chief operating officer Alex Marren said.

Five districts – Manawatū, Rangitīkei, Tararua, Waipā and Ōtorohanga District – are in states of emergency.

Follow RNZ’s live coverage above for the most up-to-date information.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/16/live-weather-deluge-heads-south-banks-peninsula-christchurch-in-the-firing-line/

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‘Wannabe athlete’ How To Dad takes on NZ’s best

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jordan Watson, the viral ‘How to DAD’ guy, finds out the answer to ‘how hard can it be?’ in Out of My League, a new series that pits him against six of New Zealand’s elite athletes.

Watson is not without form in the sporting arena and for a while held a world record, he told RNZ’s Afternoons.

“In 2023, I held the 100-metre sprint world record for sprinting in jandals. Now I think I only got it because it’s quite niche and if I publicised it before I did it, someone else faster in New Zealand would have just gone and done it and easily done it.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/16/wannabe-athlete-how-to-dad-takes-on-nzs-best/

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Housing market’s ‘tale of two islands’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland and Wellington stand out as being more oversupplied, say housing experts. RNZ

New Zealand’s housing market is a “tale of two islands”, one economist says – as the fortunes of sellers and house hunters in the South Island rapidly diverge from their northern counterparts.

Real Estate Institute data on Monday added to this picture.

National median prices were up 0.4 percent between January 2025 and last month to a median $753,106. Excluding Auckland, they were up 1.4 percent to $700,000.

But while Auckland and Wellington prices are still down 23.6 percent and 26.9 percent since their post-Covid peak, the West Coast hit a record high of $480,000, up 9.3 percent year-on-year

Southland’s prices were up 5.7 percent year-on-year, Otago’s 6.7 percent and Canterbury 3.4 percent.

An example of what is for sale in Southland for the median price. Supplied

Only Nelson was down 8.9 percent.

But in the North Island, only Waikato, Hawkes Bay and Auckland had a lift in median sales prices in January compared to a year earlier. The increases were 1.4 percent, 2.4 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively.

House price index data shows Auckland prices are down 1 percent a year over five years, and Wellington is down 3 percent a year over the same period, but Christchurch is up 5.4 percent a year, Queenstown 8.1 percent and Invercargill 5.2 percent. Otago and Southland prices are also at new records.

BNZ chief economist Mike Jones said it was a “tale of two islands”.

“The North Island market, if you put all those parts of the country together, is operating at quite a different pace from the south.

“It’s becoming more and more difficult to even talk about the New Zealand housing market as an entity, because it is so divergent amongst those regions.”

He said there was a slow shift south happening as more people migrated within New Zealand.

“Also you’ve got the commodity cash coming through, which is bolstering some of those rural and regional incomes. That’s a story that continues to play out. And then probably the third one is just an affordability dynamic as well, which is that all of these markets, whether it’s in the South Island particularly, are cheaper relative to incomes and rents than the likes of Auckland and Wellington.”

What $950k could buy you in Auckland. Supplied

He said he might have expected the difference to start to narrow but there was no sign of that yet.

“I think with those fundamentals still in place, people still moving south, regional economies performing relatively better, we’ll probably see a little bit more divergence.

“The correction in national house prices ended in April 2023. In the 33 months since, house prices have declined an additional 1.4 percent in Auckland and an additional 3.2 percent in Wellington. At the same time, in Canterbury, Otago and Southland, they’ve gone up 17 percent and 20 percent… So it really shows you how divergent the market has been.”

Jones said there had also been a more aggressive supply response in Auckland, with more building giving buyers more choice.

“If you look at listings per region, certainly Auckland and Wellington stand out as being more oversupplied … there are a few signs of that dynamic slowing down.

“We’re actually getting construction activity start to pick up again, even as population growth is still pretty low.”

Steve Goodey, a property investment coach, said there was “no yield” for investors in Auckland at the moment. “I’m advising clients not to go there for cash flow if that’s what they are after.”

He said there were discounts to be had but not yield. “I like smaller town but not tiny ones.”

He said he had invested recently in Invercargill, Whanganui and Hawera.

Areas like Tokoroa were cheap but there was no prospect of price rises, he said. “While cash flow is what keeps the vehicle of your investing going, capital gains are what makes you wealthy over time.”

Kelvin Davidson, chief property economist at Cotality, said his data showed sales activity outside the main centres picking up fastest.

He said it was likely Auckland and Wellington could lag for a while.

“If you look at house prices, we’ve got a projection that we get a national average rise this year of 5 percent. I wonder if that is probably going to be a bit below 5 percent with the way things are going but as a round number, call it 5 percent.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if. say, Auckland and Wellington are below that number and Invercargill, Nelson, some of these more second-tier cities are a bit stronger. I could see that lasting for a while just reflecting the shape of the economy at the moment.”

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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/2026/02/16/housing-markets-tale-of-two-islands/

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Live weather: Deluge heads south, Christchurch in the firing line

Source: Radio New Zealand

More than 30,000 properties have lost power as wild winds bring trees and power lines down across much of the lower North Island.

Powerco said about 23,000 properties across its network have lost connections and in the Wellington region, about 10,000 have their connections cut.

Manawatū-Whanganui has been hit badly, and the region is under a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, evacuations are underway at homes on Lincoln Road in Masterton due to the threat of falling trees.

Wairarapa assistant commander Ian Wright said it had been a busy night with weather-related call outs, which continue, and that trees coming down are the biggest risk.

He says there are shallow rooted trees on Lincoln Road that are “very, very unstable, so both roads have been closed and the people have been evacuated”.

Air NZ has cancelled flights in and out of several major centres, including the capital, citing strong winds.

“Safety is paramount and we are continuing to closely monitor conditions, with winds expected to reduce later this morning when we expect to resume services,” chief operating officer Alex Marren said.

Five districts – Manawatū, Rangitīkei, Tararua, Waipā and Ōtorohanga District – are in states of emergency.

Follow RNZ’s live coverage above for the most up-to-date information.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/16/live-weather-deluge-heads-south-christchurch-in-the-firing-line/

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Dr Hinemoa Elder: We need more mental health care in NZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

As she comes towards the end of her career as a working psychiatrist, Dr Hinemoa Elder says there’s never been more need for mental health resources to help navigate, “extremely trying times”.

“You know, I’m 60 years old and this feels like the worst confluence of horrible and terrifying global and more local experiences that I’ve seen in my life.”

Indigenous resources, particularly Māori resources, have a valuable place in the spectrum of ways to help people struggling with mental health, she says.

This month, she’s appearing at HamLit in the Hamilton Arts Festival, alongside award-winning poet, Dr Marama Salsano, where the pair will discuss the intersection between culture, creativity and mental health.

“Here is something that may be absolutely new to many of the people who attend. And that’s always provides some different kind of juicy experiences, doesn’t it?

“Because it gets in behind some of our defences.

“We might have some ideas about what might work for us and what might be less helpful. Whereas when we’re presented with something that comes from a different worldview perhaps, or from a Māori worldview, that we haven’t previously been aware of, then it opens up some really new potential, new experiences and a freedom, a freedom to consider our lives differently.”

Prior to her career in psychiatry, Elder was a children’s television presenter, a “fortunate time”, she says.

“Live television is a thing of the past now unless it’s a sports event or some other major national event. Afternoon telly for kids is a thing of the past. So, it was a great moment in time.

“I had a lot of fun, made some great friends, learnt a lot of good skills. And I suppose, yeah, you could see even then, I love coming from a young person’s perspective and trying to engage young people in light-hearted activities that also have some kind of educational element to them as well.”

She carried that interest in young people into her psychiatry career.

“I really like kids. I really like teenagers. I really enjoy the playfulness and the challenge. I like to work hard to understand the tamariki’s perspective and the whānau perspective around them and to think about the people who are not in the room, but who are exerting an influence over their tamariki and their whānau’s experience of what it means to be a tamariki, which is changing rapidly in our world.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/dr-hinemoa-elder-we-need-more-mental-health-care-in-nz/

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Rugby league: Door open for Kiwis to play State of Origin

Source: Radio New Zealand

Born in Sydney, Kiwis player Casey McLean would be eligible for State of Origin. Photosport / David Neilson

With State of Origin set to debut in Auckland in 2027, Kiwis can now also feature in the iconic series after changes to the eligibility criteria.

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) today announced it was amending the Origin selection rules, which paves the way for Australian-born Kiwis to play in the series.

Players were previously required to be eligible to represent Australia or a tier two nation as defined by International Rugby League.

The updated rules remove this restriction, allowing players who who meet the traditional State of Origin criteria and represent tier one nations to be eligible.

The criteria is a player must have been born in New South Wales or Queensland, resided in New South Wales or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday, or their father played State of Origin.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys AM said the changes were a necessary and logical evolution for the game in 2026.

“Rugby league has changed, the international game has grown, and our rules need to reflect that. If a player is eligible to play State of Origin, it makes no sense to exclude them simply because they’ve represented New Zealand or England at test level.”

He said State of Origin is about where you were from and what state you were eligible for – not which country you represent internationally.

“If you’re eligible, you should be able to play for your state. Over 45 years, State of Origin has developed into something special, and we want the best players playing if they’re eligible. The commission has a responsibility to grow both the international game and State of Origin, and this change strengthens both.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/16/rugby-league-door-open-for-kiwis-to-play-state-of-origin/