Category: LiveNews

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Moa Point: Regional mayors have their say on what happens next and who will pay

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Some mayors in the Wellington region have weighed in on the Moa Point sewage plant failure and who should pay for it.

The facility started pumping raw sewage into the ocean off the south coast after it completely failed early Wednesday morning last week.

On the following Thursday evening, the raw sewage was diverted from being dumped near the coast to a 1.8km outfall pipe.

Wellington Water had warned it may need to use the short outfall pipe if it were to rain in the city.

Mayor Andrew Little said the Moa Point plant was a Wellington City Council asset, and it would deal with who pays once the plan to get the plant back online was in place.

In the meantime, the council would foot the bill.

“If there’s been a breach of obligations, a breach of duties, then that – to me – has to be sorted out between the parties. In the meantime, the critical thing is to get the [plant] recovered, fixed and back operating. The Wellington City Council will no doubt underwrite that cost.

“We want to know what went wrong, where the responsibility lies and if we can recover any costs, then obviously we want to do that.”

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said councils were waiting to see what an independent inquiry into the meltdown revealed – and who should pay – to repair the plant.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker. SUPPLIED

Baker supported Wellington Water and said the failure could have happened to almost any plant in the region. She said the problems at Moa Point reflected nearly 50 years of councils declining to invest in water infrastructure.

Upper Hutt Mayor Peri Zee supported calls for an independent inquiry into the facility’s failings.

“We absolutely need to see accountability and in principle costs apportioned by who is at fault.”

South Wairarapa Mayor Fran Wilde said there was no reason her district should help pay to repair Moa Point. Wilde said her council had stopped Wellington Water from running its assets, and the two would part ways in June.

She said capital works had already been delivered more swiftly and at lower cost without Wellington Water.

A Hutt City Council spokesperson said they fully supported an independent review.

“It’s early days, and at this point we haven’t been provided with any information regarding the potential repair costs or if that cost would be shared across the wider Wellington region.”

The spokesperson said the council would not speculate on what might happen until the facts were on the table.

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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/2026/02/11/moa-point-regional-mayors-have-their-say-on-what-happens-next-and-who-will-pay/

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NZ’s biggest triathlon festival toasts 20 years – Challenge Wānaka

Source: Challenge Wānaka

Next week’s anticipated Challenge Wānaka marks 20 years of New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, which has attracted more than 25,000 athletes and injected more than $54 million into the local economy over the past two decades.

Part of the global Challenge Family – which runs middle and long-distance triathlon races in more than 30 countries – the Challenge Wānaka Half has been a cornerstone of NZ’s triathlon scene since 2007. It is regarded as a stepping stone for talented young age-group triathletes hoping to qualify for pinnacle world championship events and turn pro. It’s also a key event for the Wānaka community, providing an annual economic boost for the tourism town.

Challenge Wānaka event director Jane Sharman says that while road bikes, wetsuits and race tech have vastly improved over the past two decades, the pulling power of the event for triathletes and spectators remains the same.

“As we reflect on 20 years, it’s very exciting to see how far the festival has come and everything our athletes have achieved,” she says. “Challenge Wānaka has played a part in launching some incredible pro athletes and international racing careers. But it’s also a fantastic grassroots event where anyone can take part, in the most beautiful corner of the world.

“Of course, the youth events have long been a highlight and some of our pro athletes who started out racing in Challenge Wānaka are now watching their own children participate, so it’s very special for them.”

One of those athletes is two-time Challenge Wānaka winner and former Team NZ cyclor Dougal Allan, who will be cheering on his own children, Flynn and Matilda, at the Challenge Wānaka triathlon festival next week. Some 2100 kids will be taking part in the festival this year, from age two and up.

“Competing in and eventually winning Challenge Wānaka in 2016 and 2017 launched my profile into the world of international triathlon,” he says. “Challenge Wānaka was always known as one of the toughest and most honest long-distance triathlon events in the world and winning it was a huge badge of honour. It also led to being invited to race the famous Challenge Roth event in 2017 in Germany, which remains one of the biggest racing experiences of my life.

“Whether it is an athlete’s ambition to race pro or not, Challenge Wānaka offers the opportunity to be part of a very professionally organised event that offers so much across the weekend, from the event village to the crowd support. It is a truly internationally recognised event that’s made very accessible to domestic athletes. While these days I’m no longer competing, it’s great to be coaching some of those athletes lining up for next weekend’s race.”

The event welcomes athletes from all over NZ and the world every year, and some from closer to home, too. Wānaka GP Dr Andrew McLeod has participated in every Challenge Wānaka race since its inception.

“I don’t remember much of that first race in 2007 but I clearly remember crossing the line, already analysing what I’d done wrong, what I’d somehow done right, and how I’d do it better next time,” he recalls. “Twenty years on – and after races across NZ, Australia, North America and Europe – I’m still learning.

“Along the way my wife Karen and I have been to amazing places, met wonderful people, and so often heard the words: ‘You’re from Wānaka? I’ve always wanted to do that event.’ Being part of something that inspires that reaction is pretty special, and it’s probably why I keep coming back.”

This year’s Challenge Wānaka brings together more than 850 athletes competing in the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half, including 376 athletes in the individual half event. The anticipated professional field features Mike Phillips, Frederic Funk, Jack Moody, Tamara Jewett, Rebecca Clarke, Gabrielle Lumkes, and Lucy Byram. More than 155 teams are also entered, with 18 teams vying for the Gallagher Insurance Corporate Trophy, while friends and family team up for a fun day of swim, bike, and run. Media personality Brodie Kane will take on the 1.9km swim as part of a relay team.  

The 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half is also an opportunity for age-group athletes to claim a National Title and qualify to wear the silver fern at the 2026 World Championships, as part of the Tri NZ Suzuki Series.

“This year’s event is set to be extra special to celebrate 20 years of Challenge Wānaka,” Sharman says. “This festival has always been about more than racing; it’s about community, resilience and the shared excitement of pushing boundaries in one of the world’s most scenic locations. We’re incredibly proud of the athletes, volunteers and supporters who return year after year to help make Challenge Wānaka a standout on the world triathlon stage.”
 
About Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka
The Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka is one of the world’s most scenic triathlon festivals, held annually in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Lakes region. Featuring a range of events, including the flagship middle-distance triathlon, multisport races, and AquaBike, the festival welcomes athletes of all levels. Operated by the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust, a charitable organisation committed to community wellbeing, the event supports youth, adaptive athletes, and local charities through inclusive sport and recreation initiatives. In 2026, the Challenge Wānaka Festival event will mark its 20th year, taking place from February 19 – February 21. Registrations at  www.challenge-wanaka.com

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/nzs-biggest-triathlon-festival-toasts-20-years-challenge-wanaka/

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BusinessNZ – Amid tough energy decisions, LNG plan has potential

Source: BusinessNZ

The Government’s announcement that it will proceed with the procurement of an LNG terminal has the potential to lower the extreme electricity prices NZ experiences in a dry year when the lakes are low, the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) says.
Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says the economic analysis indicates a net benefit to all electricity consumers, including industrial and commercial energy users.
“BEC supports steps made to increase security of supply, and the greater energy security provided by adding another fuel source to the mix is welcome. But it is regrettable that this decision has had to have been made.
“There are no easy choices to get through the energy transition from declining natural gas supplies to renewables. In the current context, LNG appears to have been the necessary course of action.
“As everyone is finding out the hard way, energy is not ‘a nice to have’ but a critical service that enables economic activity and social wellbeing. Without reliable and affordable energy, growth and investment stall.”
Beard says the risk of de-industrialisation in New Zealand is real without policy certainty and strategic direction required to unlock investment in new supply. 
“A comprehensive energy strategy is essential to give the sector clarity and ensure long-term affordability and reliability.
“BEC has long called for such a strategy, one with bi-partisan support. We cannot lurch from pillar to post on the future of energy, with every change of Government. Energy is a fundamental need for a functioning economy and healthy society, and we need to plan for a successful supply of energy with a regulatory environment that gives predictability and encourages investment.
“We look forward to the Government releasing more information as the procurement process moves forward.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/businessnz-amid-tough-energy-decisions-lng-plan-has-potential/

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New approach for Carillon at National War Memorial reflects Anzac connection

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

The iconic Carillon bells have not sounded out across Pukeahu National War Memorial Park since 2020, due to earthquake strengthening to the carillon tower. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has revealed a new approach to ensure visitors hear the instrument played again soon.
“Earthquake strengthening work at the National War Memorial is progressing well and we are planning to reopen before Anzac Day 2026,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
“We’ve been able to draw upon the expertise of carillonists from the Carillon Society of Australia as we plan for future recitals – a fitting connection as we approach Anzac Day.
“Last year, I decided the Ministry would look at new ways to secure more sustainable services for playing the Carillon. Australia provides a useful model. There are more than 20 carillonists in Australia who share the workload between three carillons in Canberra, Sydney, and Bathurst.
“Our plan is to develop local talent and capability over time, so there is a pipeline of future musicians that can play one of the world’s largest instruments, and a taonga of remembrance in the heart of our capital.
“The National War Memorial Carillon is a key part of commemorations at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. We look forward to sharing the schedule for regular recitals once it’s finalised.”
Leauanae acknowledged the long-term service of recently retired National Carillonist Timothy Hurd QSM.
“Timothy has been an important part of Pukeahu National War Memorial Park for more than four decades. We thank him for his dedication and wish him the best for the future,” says Leauanae.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/new-approach-for-carillon-at-national-war-memorial-reflects-anzac-connection/

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Otago University urges students to ‘stay off roofs’ after campus accident

Source: Radio New Zealand

Otago University vice-chancellor Grant Robertson is warning students to stay off roofs after a young man was critically injured falling from a building at the Dunedin campus. Tess Brunton/RNZ

Otago University is urging students to “stay off roofs” after a young man was critically injured falling from a building at the Dunedin campus.

The man was in Dunedin Hospital, after being found by campus staff shortly after midnight on Wednesday.

Police said the injured man was not a student at the university.

The Otago Daily Times reported the young man fell from the Centre for Innovation building near the intersection of Cumberland and Saint David streets.

In a statement, university vice-chancellor Grant Robertson said staff acted quickly and alerted emergency services after finding the man.

“Staff are continuing to work closely with police and providing assistance where possible. As this is a police investigation, we are unable to provide further details about the incident,” he said.

Ahead of Otago University’s O-week celebrations, the university was outlining the importance of safe decision-making.

“With students returning to the city, we strongly encourage everyone to look out for one another, make safe choices and seek help early if they have concerns. Our Campus Watch staff are available 24/7 to assist students in the North Dunedin community,” Robertson said.

Campus Watch staff had begun door-knocking flats in North Dunedin, Robertson said.

“We provide practical information on personal safety, property security, safe behaviour in two-storey flats, avoiding climbing on roofs, waste and recycling requirements and other matters important to a safe start to the year.

“I cannot stress enough about the importance of staying off roofs. The tragic outcomes of that are well-known and we do not want anyone, or their friends and whānau to have to experience that.”

Otago University student and age-grade rugby representative Jayden Broome was still recovering from a critical brain injury, after falling from the roof of a two-storey Dunedin flat in September last year.

The 19-year-old spent four months in hospital and was unable to eat for 115 days following the fall, The Southland Tribune reported last week.

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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/2026/02/11/otago-university-urges-students-to-stay-off-roofs-after-campus-accident/

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Moa Point failure: Wellington Water won’t speak on inquiry issues

Source: Radio New Zealand

Last week’s failure at the Moa Point facility sent raw sewage into the nearby coast. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Wellington Water will not answer any more questions about anything that could be included in a public inquiry into the Moa Point meltdown.

The facility completely failed last Wednesday morning, flooding the building with waste and sending raw sewage into the nearby coast.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little has called for an independent inquiry into the matter.

Wellington Water chief executive Pat Dougherty said in a statement that the water supplier fully supported an inquiry to the failure.

“It is now clear that the inquiry will begin as soon as possible, and we will cooperate fully alongside our work to bring the plant back into operation.”

Dougherty said given the review had been signalled, it meant Wellington Water was not able to provide “any further public statements regarding aspects of the Moa Point incident and response that may be included in the inquiry”.

He said the water provider was committed to transparency while meeting its legal obligations.

“We also appreciate the high level of public and media interest in this incident.”

Wellington Water would still provide regular operational updates, public health advice and water sampling results.

Dougherty told Morning Report on Monday that Wellington Water may have missed early warning signs of the plant’s failure.

RNZ has asked what those red flags were, but Wellington Water has not responded.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/moa-point-failure-wellington-water-wont-speak-on-inquiry-issues/

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Out of control Dunedin university party weeks sparks police concern

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

There is concern that some behaviour at Dunedin’s annual ‘Flo’ and ‘O’ weeks is out of control and highly dangerous, with students clambering onto roofs.

A young man was critically injured on Wednesday after falling about 10 metres from an Otago University building, with a wine bottle found on a ledge.

While he was not a student, police were calling for others to avoid rising similar injuries – which were becoming more common.

“Unfortunately, it seems to be becoming more and more prevalent,” senior sergeant Craig Dinnissen told Checkpoint.

“Flo Week never used to be a thing. It has become more of a thing in the last couple of years and the climbing on roofs has been around since the Hyde Street unmanaged events, which just leads to absolute significant risk and injury when it does go wrong.”

Dinnissen said police had engaged with numerous people to get off roofs and passed their details onto their university for further discussion.

He suggested that students had too much time to get into trouble, with classes yet to start.

“There’s absolutely nothing to do with university … there’s no classes, nothing at all,” Dinnissen said.

It is seven nights of various street parties, excessive drinking and just some poor behaviour and poor decision making, he said.

He said it was the first time away from home for many students, and with nothing else to do, evenings could often get “feral”, with illicit substances also a factor.

Dinnissen said wastewater testing indicated that this time of year was “high use”, with police resources stretched to ensure the safety of everyone.

“It takes a huge amount of time from us, from normal court policing,” he said.

Out of towners joining the parties was another factor.

“We have people travelling all the way from Auckland to come down to partake in the festivities here, both Flo and O Week,” Dinnissen said.

“Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, university students, people from all around the area as well.”

Dinnissen said while police could generally handle local students, people that come from outside the region often had no respect for the environment and the situation they put themselves in.

Without putting an end to the parties, he called for a “significant culture change” and for students to embrace social responsibility.

“These are supposed to be new young adults that are going to lead us into the future,” he said.

“We can’t really hold their hand in that sense, to realise that things are getting out of hand.”

Dinnissen said the last thing police ever wanted to do was to knock on somebody’s door and say your daughter or your son was in hospital.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/out-of-control-dunedin-university-party-weeks-sparks-police-concern/

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Winston Peters denounces Israel for expanding control over occupied West Bank

Source: Radio New Zealand

Winston Peters says Israel’s decision is a ‘major setback for any chance at a two-state solution’. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The foreign minister has denounced Israel for expanding control over settlements controlled by Palestinians in the West Bank.

The measures passed by the Israeli security cabinet also pave the way for more settlements in the occupied territory.

Posting on social media, Winston Peters says Israel’s decision was a ‘major setback for any chance at a two-state solution’.

He says the International Court of Justice was clear Israel’s continued presence in the West Bank is unlawful, and it should reverse course immediately.

His criticism joins that of the United States, Britain, the European Union and a number of Arab nations.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/winston-peters-denounces-israel-for-expanding-control-over-occupied-west-bank/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Are Moana Pasifika getting a raw deal?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika

Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 14 February

Churchill Park, Lautoka

Live blog updates on RNZ

Are Moana Pasifika getting a raw deal when it comes to home matches? Under their current licensing agreement, they can only host five games in Auckland per season, due to fears it would saturate the viewing market.

It means that despite the massive increase in support at their new home of North Harbour Stadium during last year’s breakout season, Moana have decided to play their first home game at Pukekohe’s Navigation Homes Stadium on 27 February against the Force. Their first game back at North Harbour won’t be until round four against the Crusaders, over a month after the season has started.

Read: Moana Pasifika preview

Coach Tana Umaga said that the shift was “just the reality of the environment we live in.”

“Some of the guidelines that are put around us we have no control of. We’re governed by other people in terms of that aspect.”

Moana Pasifika fans, crowd and supporters, Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika, round 16 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Photosport / Elias Rodriguez

Moana’s original licensing agreement as an expansion team was awarded in as conditional in April 2021, but complications over finance, the competition format and getting buy-in from Rugby Australia led to extended delays in it being granted fully. In 2022 it was confirmed that Sport New Zealand provided the $4m underwrite to Moana Pasifika Limited and a $500,000 operating grant for the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust.

It’s believed that the restriction on Auckland-based games was at the behest of cross-town rivals the Blues. That’s meant that Moana need to find new homes for two of their games, with the Force fixture going to Pukekohe and the round nine clash with the Chiefs being played at Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Tonga.

Umaga could see a positive of playing in Pukekohe, given that he played and coached at Counties-Manukau.

“Some of us have a good connection with Puke and it’s obviously out south, so there are our people out there.”

Still, the former All Black captain said the rules could be looked at so that his side could get a full compliment of home games.

Fans at the North Harbour stadium. Coco Lance

“I would love to have a discussion around that. Those (rules) were put in earlier, but I would love to have a discussion around how the how those could possibly change and be better, and we can get on equal footing as other teams. But at this stage we’re not having those. We just got to keep earning the right to make sure that we can keep our place here.”

Umaga made a stark comparison when asked about the equal footing between not just Moana and the Blues, but other local pro teams Auckland FC and the Warriors.

“Financially? Definitely not. But that’s what it is. The people before us, they got us to this point, that’s what they had to do to get us involved in this competition. And I think if we can keep working hard both on and off the field to (be) a big part of this competition, that hopefully you know, we can have those discussions.”

Moana Pasifika open their season on Saturday afternoon with perhaps the toughest assignment in Super Rugby Pacific, facing the Fijian Drua in the oppressive heat and humidity of Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/super-rugby-pacific-are-moana-pasifika-getting-a-raw-deal/

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Christchurch terrorist tried to use top human rights lawyer as his ‘mouthpiece’, court hears

Source: Radio New Zealand

Al Noor Mosque where 51 people were killed in a terrorist attack in 2019. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The white supremacist who massacred 51 people in the Christchurch terror attack attempted to engage a leading human rights lawyer to act as his “mouthpiece”.

Australian Brenton Tarrant wants the Court of Appeal to overturn his convictions and sentence for the March 2019 shootings at Christchurch’s Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre.

The 35-year-old now claims he pleaded guilty only because he was irrational due to the solitary nature of his prison conditions.

On Wednesday afternoon, the court heard from Dr Tony Ellis, who represented the terrorist for about six months in 2021, and Ron Mansfield KC, who represented him for just over a year from late 2021.

Ellis told the court he was primarily engaged by Tarrant to obtain a copy of the Royal Commission of Inquiry’s report into the terror attack.

He obtained a copy of the report and sent it to the prison, however, it did not reach the terrorist.

Ellis said the terrorist had also raised the possibility of launching an appeal. But the lawyer was not willing to act for him.

“If I was going to act for him on appeal he wanted me to do precisely as ordered and basically act as his mouthpiece,” he said.

“I told him I wasn’t prepared to act in those circumstances.”

Ellis had spoken to the terrorist a dozen times on the phone and the conversations were often lengthy.

“Many clients who have been detained in solitary confinement, they want to have a chat with somebody because its psychologically harmful to be left in solitary confinement and you need human interaction,” he told the court.

Mansfield had primarily been engaged to assist the terrorist in preparing for the coronial inquiry into the deaths of the 51 people murdered on 15 March 2019.

He then assisted the terrorist with taking steps towards seeking judicial review of his prison conditions.

Mansfield found the terrorist’s prison conditions to be unsatisfactory.

The terrorist had also raised the possibility of appealing his convictions and sentence, Mansfield said.

However, the terrorist had discussed the possibility of representing himself.

The terrorist dispensed with Mansfield’s services in April 2023 after becoming frustrated at the time it took for his legal matters to progress.

The Court of Appeal will hear legal arguments on Thursday and Friday.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/christchurch-terrorist-tried-to-use-top-human-rights-lawyer-as-his-mouthpiece-court-hears/

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‘It’s just not enough’: Salvation Army warns families are starving

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Salvation Army is warning that families are starving and it wants the government to urgently increase food aid.

Its latest State of the Nation paints a dire picture of worsening child poverty and unemployment, rising family violence and stubbornly high cost of living pressures.

An annual deep dive into Aotearoa’s social wellbeing, the report shows that child poverty is rising, with 156,000 children living in hardship last year.

Dr Bonnie Robinson. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Salvation Army social policy and parliamentary unit director Dr Bonnie Robinson said the statistics were getting worse, rather than better – and it showed on the front line at food banks.

“Families are coming in, and some of those families have got jobs, sometimes several jobs … it’s just not enough,” she said.

“They’re one crisis, or one extra need, one doctor’s visit, one bit of school uniform, away from not being able to afford to feed themselves.”

Paul Barber. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Report co-author Paul Barber said an increase in food insecurity came as access to government support was being tightened.

Food grant limits had not been changed since 2008, he said.

“And you wonder why people aren’t managing to get by.”

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) acting client service delivery general manager Steph Voight said the “overwhelming majority” of food grant applications were approved.

“The amount someone can receive for a food grant varies depending on their circumstances,” she said.

MSD cannot grant someone more than $200 in food grants over a 26-week period, unless they determine there are exceptional circumstances.

“Any decisions on food grant limits would require legislative change and would be for Ministers to make,” said Voight.

Social Development minister Louise Upston said the government was focused on lowering inflation, easing interest rates and cutting taxes.

“$15 million of government funding was announced in Budget 2025 to support community food providers while the economy continues to recover,” she said.

“In addition to the Food Security Communities Programme, MSD also supports other initiatives such as the Kickstart Breakfast and provides Special Needs Grants for food.”

Upston could not comment on further funding ahead of this year’s Budget.

Poverty stats ‘scandalous’ – Greens

Greens co-leader Marama Davidson said it was “scandalous, completely unacceptable” that children live in poverty in New Zealand.

The party’s social development spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March said tens of thousands of people accessed food hardship grants on a regular basis and they were often the last option for families living week-to-week.

“People wouldn’t be calling, or walking into a Work and Income office effectively begging for food if they didn’t need to,” he said.

“The limit that we currently have means that many people are turned away, and when you are homeless, when you may be transient in emergency housing, being asked to show receipts and to prove exceptional circumstances when it’s clear that you’re struggling to make ends meet, is simply just not a reality that people can comply with.”

Māori, Pacific children dealing with effects of colonisation – report

The report showed that tamariki Māori and Pacific children continue to experience disproportionately high rates of hardship.

Salvation Army Te Ao Māori policy analyst Charm Kataraina Skinner said many whānau were dealing with the ongoing effects of colonisation.

“We have children that are starving, and we have whānau that can’t meet their basic necessities.

“Everybody deserves kai on the table.”

Charm Kataraina Skinner RNZ / Mark Papalii

Family violence at highest level in eight years

The report also revealed that family violence was at its highest level since 2018, despite an overall drop in violent crime.

Barber said that was a sign of families under pressure.

“A lot of the violence is concentrated on a few people who experience multiple victimisations,” he said.

Authorities needed to work with those families to understand what help they needed to address the “multiple pressures” they faced, he said.

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Political parties generally sympathetic to easier access to NZ for Pacific Islanders

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters addressing a Pacific crowd on the steps of Parliament on Tuesday after he received a petition calling for visas on arrival for Pacific nationals. RNZ Pacific / Moera Tuilaepa

Political parties are largely sympathetic to a petition for easier access to New Zealand for Pacific nationals – but it’s unclear if it will see progress before the election.

Some are also raising concerns about overstayers.

NZ First leader Winston Peters at midday on Wednesday received the petition with 48,367 signatures calling for Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to get the same travel rights as more than 60 other countries.

Delivered by former MP Arthur Anae – National’s first Pacific MP – the petition now goes to the Petitions Select Committee.

An Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) grants travel to New Zealand without a visa for up to three months at a time, and enables multiple entries for up to two years. The petition says this is a cheaper, more straightforward way to enter Aotearoa.

Peters said New Zealand First supported the petition and would “do our best” to get it over the line with coalition partners before the election.

Having just received the petition, he had not yet discussed it with National and ACT at Cabinet, he said – but had already lobbied Immigration Minister Erica Stanford on it.

“We let her know that we’re not happy and want to work with her on it, but we also sympathise with her inheriting a very difficult department,” he said.

“I hope common sense for it and fairness prevails … we support the parts that can be produced. I mean, we’ve got problems here because you’ve got distance, time and all those things, but all the Pacific people want is a fair go, equivalent to what other nations are getting, and they’re not getting it.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the government would accept the petition, and it would be further thought through after going through the select committee.

Stanford said the matter was on her agenda to consider once the petitions committee had looked into it.

“We’ve had a huge work programme with a number of things we’ve had to tackle, like migrant exploitation and numbers of people in the country coming into the country was, like, 135,000 net.”

She said there were already some measures in place for fast access to visas for Pacific countries.

“Currently our visitor visa processing time is eight days for the Pacific, and if they have an emergency, then there is an escalation process, and we do those far more quickly.

“There’s anecdotal stories, but overall we do an exceptionally good job for our Pacific neighbours.”

But Anae had previously told RNZ’s Checkpoint people from the Pacific had to pay a fee and fill in an application no matter what, and it amounted to discrimination.

“It is the New Zealand Immigration Office and the minister responsible who doesn’t give a damn about us,” he said.

ACT leader David Seymour said it would be up to Stanford but he “some sympathy” for the idea – but was also concerned about the potential for overstayers.

“I’ve had people in the Pacific community approach me and say ‘look, why are we different, why can’t we come’ – on the other hand, you need to be sure that people who get these privileges are going to return.

“If a country has much lower incomes than New Zealand, there’s a big incentive for people to come and not go home. That’s why we check them with visas.”

Asked why those concerns didn’t apply to US citizens – estimated as the third-largest population of overstayers in New Zealand – he said it may need looking at.

“On the other hand, you might ask yourself what’s the rate? They’re the fourth most populous country on Earth, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there was high absolute number – but they’re actually, as I understand it, one of the greatest sources of tourists in New Zealand.”

Peters said those concerns were shared by the Pacific countries who “do not want depopulation if we’re careless”, but could be solved by applying “the Pacific cousins approach”.

“It’s a new psychological approach – we’re going to ensure that before they leave the countries of the origin in the Pacific their elders will be telling them ‘you foul up, you ruin it for the rest of us’.”

He was confident he could secure support from his partners, and if not “the public surge in poll support – or lack of support – might just change their mind for them to think in a much more reasonable way”.

“It’ll take a while, but we’ll not let up until we’ve been successful.”

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said his party was still working on its immigration policy but was “very sympathetic” to the petition. If Peters was unable to get support he said Labour would back a member’s bill “at least to first reading”.

“This is certainly something we need to look at as a country,” he said, but also noted “we want to work through the detail of making sure that we could actually deliver on that commitment”.

He said concerns about overstayers were “a hangover from the Dawn Raids period – and I think it’s well and truly time New Zealand moved on from that”.

Green co-leader Marama Davidson cast doubt on Peters’ commitment to the matter.

“We, I think, are the only political party who are actually going to support more access across our nations and Pacific cousins. I’d like to see all the other parties step up,” she said, and New Zealand First “need to be held to account to actually support it”.

Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said it was an “interesting” commitment from Peters ahead of the election.

“When it comes to actually walking the talk, yeah, where’s Winston?”

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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/2026/02/11/political-parties-generally-sympathetic-to-easier-access-to-nz-for-pacific-islanders/

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‘Reckless’ use of flare blamed for Auckland house fire

Source: Radio New Zealand

Crews found the rooftop fully ablaze when they responded to the call in the Auckland suburb of Rānui. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

An overnight house fire in Auckland that has left a home unliveable was caused by the reckless use of a flare, police believe.

Crews responded to the home at Vino Cina Heights in Rānui after midnight and found the roof fully ablaze.

Police said the home was extensively damaged and it was lucky that nobody died.

“We believe this fire has been caused by a flare, which is commonly used by boaties and one that launches a projectile,” acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie said.

“Based on enquiries so far it appears this is an accidental fire as a result of reckless actions.”

Residents have told police they saw two people running from the area after a loud bang.

“If you have any information, we need to hear from you,” Goldie said.

“I would also call on those people who are involved to do the right thing and own up to what has happened.”

A scene examination was done after the blaze alongside a fire investigator.

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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/2026/02/11/reckless-use-of-flare-blamed-for-auckland-house-fire/

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Smoke billows across New Plymouth’s Bell Block and Waitara due to fire

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emma Andrews

A fire in New Plymouth’s Bell Block has spread smoke across the suburb and the neighbouring town of Waitara.

The fire began on Wednesday afternoon near Bell Block Beach, according to locals.

A helicopter could be seen overhead in Bell Block.

MORE TO COME…

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Fishing charter company fined $60,000 for illegally serving crayfish to customers

Source: Radio New Zealand

It is estimated the crayfish would have cost an estimated $239,610 to $244,500 on the domestic market. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

A Fiordland amateur fishing charter company has been fined for illegally catching and serving an estimated close to $250,000 worth of crayfish to customers.

Fiordland Cruises Limited has been sentenced and fined $60,000 on one charge under the Fisheries Act in the Invercargill District Court after being prosecuted by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

The company will not have to forfeit its vessel, Southern Secret, if it pays a redemption fee of $47,000.

The ministry received several complaints about charter vessels working in the Fiordland Marine Area including allegations that seafood meals were used to encourage paying passengers to take part.

An investigation found Fiordland Cruises Limited took and served 1630 crayfish onboard the 162 amateur fishing charters it ran between January and October 2023.

They would have cost an estimated $239,610 to $244,500 on the domestic market.

Fisheries New Zealand compliance regional manager south Garreth Jay said all charter operators were given clear information on the rules.

That included only passengers who caught fish recreationally could have it served to them on the vessel as a commercial business could not catch fish recreationally to serve to customers, he said.

When fishery officers boarded the Southern Secret, they found that passengers were served crayfish for lunch despite not taking part in fishing, and guests saw crew members clearing cray pots.

“The skipper told us that along with the chef, they would lift the craypots while passengers watched. This is illegal behaviour from a company that does not hold a commercial fishing licence and is not a Licensed Fish Receiver,” Jay said.

“We expect those rules to be followed.”

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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/2026/02/11/fishing-charter-company-fined-60000-for-illegally-serving-crayfish-to-customers/

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Heatwave coming to end this weekend as cold, heavy rain and winds move in

Source: Radio New Zealand

A screenshot of MetService’s rain forecast for 7pm on Saturday. Supplied / MetService

The hot weather across much of the country is expected to cool off this weekend with the possibility of heavy rain and strong winds forecast for some.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said warm, moist air coming over the country from the north had been bringing warm days and muggy nights.

For the next couple of days temperatures were expected to remain in the mid to late 20s, with the nights also warm as temperatures are forecast to stay in the high teens or even the 20s.

MetService has severe thunderstorm watches in place for Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Taihape until 9pm on Wednesday.

A front is forecast to move across the South Island on Friday leading to cooler temperatures on Saturday and a period of heavy rain and strong winds.

MetService said a low may bring heavy rain to parts of the north-eastern North Island on Saturday, with the possibility of it hitting warning criteria in eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Te Tai Rāwhiti and the Wairoa District.

Makgabutlane said a cooler dryer air mass was expected to bring a chill on Saturday for the South Island, then the lower and central North Island on Sunday.

MetService said there was still a high degree of uncertainty in the forecast but it could bring heavy rain and strong southerly winds to parts of the eastern and southern North Island on Sunday.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/11/heatwave-coming-to-end-this-weekend-as-cold-heavy-rain-and-winds-move-in/

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Ten dead after a school shooting in Canadian province of British Columbia

Source: Radio New Zealand

Canadian police responded to reports of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School on Tuesday afternoon (local time). Google Maps

Nine people have been killed in a secondary school shooting in the province of British Columbia.

Canadian police say a shooter has been found dead with what’s thought to be a self-inflicted injury.

In a statement, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they received an active shooter report at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1.20pm local time.

Police entered the school and found six deceased victims, and another died on the way to hospital.

“An individual believed to be the shooter was also found deceased with what appears to be a self-inflicted injury,” Superintendent Ken Floyd, North District Commander, said.

He said in a press conference that police had determined the person’s identity, but were not releasing it at this time.

However, Floyd confirmed it’s the same person described in the active shooter alert sent to phones in the area during the shooting.

In the alert, police described the suspect as a woman in a dress with brown hair.

Police had identified a residence believed to be connected to the shooting, where two additional victims were located deceased.

Officers were conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine if anyone else was injured or linked to the shooting, police said.

Two people had serious injuries and another 25 were being assessed and triaged at the local medical centre for non-life threatening injuries.

Police said all remaining staff and students were safely evacuated from the school and a reunification process was underway for the school families.

The active shooter alert had been lifted by 5.45pm local time, because police “did not believe there were any outstanding suspects or ongoing threats to the public”.

Floyd said additional RCMP resources continued to be deployed into the community to support the response and investigation.

“This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift cooperation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community.”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/11/ten-dead-after-a-school-shooting-in-canadian-province-of-british-columbia/

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Super Rugby Pacific team namings: Highlanders and Blues to start promising loosies

Source: Radio New Zealand

Boom Otago rookie Lucas Casey has been handed a start for the Highlanders for Friday night’s opening clash with the Crusaders. The 22-year-old will run out at number eight, with Sean Withy and TK Howden with him in the loose forwards. The home side has already been rocked by the serious injury to All Black lock Fabian Holland, with Oliver Haig partnering Mitch Dunshea in the second row.

Angus Ta’avao will run out for his fourth Super Rugby side, the Highlanders prop previously representing the Blues, Waratahs and Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Crusaders have kept All Blacks Codie Taylor and Will Jordan on the bench for the game. George Bell and Chay Fihaki start at hooker and fullback respectively, while Ethan Blackadder makes a welcome return at flanker.

Angus Ta’avao during a Blues training session. Super Rugby Pacific, Alexandra Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Tuesday 18 June 2024. © Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Other selection notes

Ngani Laumape will debut for Moana Pasifika at second five, for their match in Lautoka against the Drua. Miracle Faiilagi will lead the team in their first hit out of the post-Ardie Savea era.

Ngani Laumape tees off at Chasing the Fox at Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Bradley Slater and Pita Ahki go straight into the starting lineup for the Blues after signing in the off season. Torian Barnes goes onto the blindside in his debut, after being part of the wider training group at the start of preseason.

Their opponents, the Chiefs, have handed Kyren Taumoefolau a debut on the right wing. Josh Jacomb will start at first five with Damian McKenzie not considered after the birth of his first child last week.

Team lists

Highlanders v Crusaders

Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 13 February

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Live blog updates on RNZ

Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy, 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Rohan Wingham, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

Crusaders: 1 Finlay Brewis, 2 George Bell, 3 Seb Calder, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Dom Gardiner, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Rivez Reihana, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Braydon Ennor, 14 Sevu Reece, 15 Chay Fihaki

Bench: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Will Jordan

Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika

Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 14 February

Churchill Park, Lautoka

Live blog updates on RNZ

Moana Pasifika: 1 Tito Tuipulotu, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 3 Chris Apoua, 4 Tom Savage, 5 Allan Craig, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7 Semisi Paea, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Ngani Laumape, 13 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14 Tevita Ofa, 15 William Havili

Bench: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 19 Ofa Tauatevalu, 20 Dominic Ropeti, 21 Siaosi Nginingini, 22 Denzel Samoa, 23 Glen Vaihu

Blues v Chiefs

Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 February

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4 Sam Darry, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Dalton Papali’I (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Kaylum Bosher, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Kyle Brown

Also this weekend:

Waratahs v Reds

Kick-off: 9:35pm Friday 13 February

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Force v Brumbies

Kick-off: 9:35pm Saturday 14 February

HBF Park, Perth

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/11/super-rugby-pacific-team-namings-highlanders-and-blues-to-start-promising-loosies/

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Blaze at Waikato landfill may have been caused by wrongly disposed lithium batteries

Source: Radio New Zealand

The owner of the landfill said the fire was now under control. (File photo) Pretoria Gordon / RNZ

A blaze at a Waikato landfill may have have been caused by wrongly disposed lithium batteries.

The fire broke out at the Tirohia Landfill, near Paeroa, on Wednesday morning.

Fire and Emergency sent firefighters from several stations.

The fire was now under control and nobody was hurt, the tip’s owners WM New Zealand said.

“Initial reports suggest the fire started when a compactor drove over an item that ignited,” it said.

“It is too early to confirm the cause, but incidents like this are often linked to lithium batteries that have been disposed of incorrectly.”

An investigation was underway, the company said.

WM said there was no risk to workers or the public from the fire.

“Battery fires are becoming more common across the waste sector. When batteries are crushed or damaged, they can ignite and create safety risk.”

The company was urging people to properly get rid of batteries and not throw them out in household rubbish or recycling bins.

Fire and Emergency have been approached for comment.

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Man arrested after stabbing at Christchurch block of flats on Monday

Source: Radio New Zealand

The man appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Police have arrested a man after another man was stabbed at a Christchurch block of flats on Monday.

Emergency services were called to the Fitzgerald Avenue property where the man was found critically injured shortly after midday on Monday.

A 40-year-old man appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Wednesday, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The victim remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Police said they were not looking for anyone else.

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