Category: LiveNews

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Super Rugby Pacific preview: Moana Pasifika

Source: Radio New Zealand

Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we’re checking in on last year’s fairytale team, Moana Pasifika.

Highlanders team preview

Overview

Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga before the Super Rugby Pacific – Moana Pasifika v Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland – on Saturday 5th April 2025. Photo credit: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

Moana pretty much saved themselves from extinction by finishing in seventh place and memorably making the play-offs last year. That was done off the back of a gigantic workload by Ardie Savea, who will not be with the team this year as he plies his trade in Japan. His absence will be the talking point over Moana this year, as they look to keep the momentum going on and off the field.

The Good

Photosport Ltd 2020

Despite Savea leaving, the squad assembled by coach Tana Umaga is definitely beginning to make Moana look more like a favoured destination than second or third resort. Former Hurricane and All Black Ngani Laumape is the big addition to the midfield, while Jimmy Tupou and 132 kg Alefosio Aho will add a lot in the second row.

The Bad

Moana Pasifika. Andy Radka/ActionPress

While they’ve stepped out of last resort category, Moana are seemingly in another stage they probably don’t want to be in. Kyren Tamouefolau’s departure to the Chiefs is a sign that other teams are now very much eyeing up any young talent Moana produces, so the pressure is on to be a title contender simply to make those players stick around.

Big boots to fill

Moana Pasifika Miracle Faillagi scores his third try during the Super Rugby Pacific match, Moana Pasifika v Hurricanes, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland. Michael Thomas/ActionPress

Miracle Faiilagi has been handed the unenviable task of replacing Savea as not only captain, but also the key loose forward. However, he will have plenty of help in the form of Semisi Paea and last year’s breakout star Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.

What makes Moana fans different

Moana Pasifika fans during the Super Rugby Pacific – Moana Pasifika v Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium. Photosport

Moana went from playing in front of three men and a dog to establishing a fan base so dialled in they made North Harbour Stadium feel like Ellis Park. The most important game on the calendar is now definitely the crosstown derby with the Blues, which will likely be ramped up through both sides’ willingness to take shots at each other on social media.

Big games

Once again, it’s all of them. There will be an extra edge when Moana travel across town to play the Blues at Eden Park in round five, while they host their rivals in round 11. That run from round three on sees them play the Chiefs twice and the Crusaders once as well, after which we’ll have a decent barometer of what sort of post-Ardie reality Moana are in.

2026 squad

Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tito Tuipulotu

Hookers: Mamoru Harada, Millennium Sanerivi, Samiuela Moli

Locks: Alefosio Aho, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage

Loose Forwards: Dominic Ropeti, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Tupou Afungia

Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini

First Fives: Faletoi Peni, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini

Midfield: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu

Outside Backs: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili

Next up on Monday: The Blues

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/super-rugby-pacific-preview-moana-pasifika/

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Green MP seeks recognition of tohorā/whales as legal persons

Source: Radio New Zealand

Whole blue whale fluke credit Mark Carwardine

A Green MP wants tohorā/whales to be recognised as legal persons.

In New Zealand, laws have been passed to grant legal personhood to natural features, allowing them to be represented in court and have rights similar to those of individuals.

Teanau Tuiono has lodged a member’s bill, the Tohorā Oranga Bill, which would give whales inherent rights, including the right to freedom of movement, a healthy environment, and the ability to thrive alongside humanity.

“Because they’re such an iconic taonga species, they’re like an avatar for the environment, it’s incredibly important to protect them as a species and protect their habitat as well, and the part that they play in the fuller ecosystem,” Tuiono said.

Green MP Teanau Tuiono RNZ / Mark Papalii

With whales under threat from commercial fishing, pollution, and the climate crisis, a different approach to marine protection was needed.

“Humans, we often see ourselves as the centre of the world and the centre of our universe. Actually, we share the planet with other species and with other sentient species as well.

“I think recognition would shift the mindset of decision-makers across a range of environmental laws to make sure they’re paid specific attention.”

He said iwi Ngāti Wai and the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund had been heavily involved in the kaupapa.

“I’d like to acknowledge the work of Ngāti Wai as part of Hinemoana Halo, who are in many ways the genesis of this and other iwi around the country who are looking at different ways to do whale conservation around whale strandings as well, and everyone who loves the moana.”

Members’ bills are put forward by an MP who is not a minister, and are drawn via a ballot system.

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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/2026/02/06/green-mp-seeks-recognition-of-tohora-whales-as-legal-persons/

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Waitangi 2026: Dawn service in pictures

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Politicians, church leaders, local iwi and a crowd in the thousands attended the dawn service which kicked off Waitangi Day celebrations.

The service included a rowdy reception for deputy prime minister David Seymour, who faced boos, and audience members heckling him during his speech. A pūtatara (conch shell) could also be heard blowing.

RNZ photographers and journalists were at the service.

Here is how the morning unfolded in pictures.

Sunrise at Waitangi today. RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Crowds gathered early for the dawn service. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The governor general Dame Cindy Kiro, deputy prime minister David Seymour, National’s Dr Shane Reti and Labour leader Chris Hipkins at the service. RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Defence Force personnel at the service. RNZ / Mark Papalii

One of those attending. RNZ Mark Papalii

Waitangi Day 2026 is marked at Te Whare Rūnanga, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. RNZ Mark Papalii

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour delivers his reading. RNZ Mark Papalii

Bishop Te Kito Pikaahu asked the crowd for calm while Seymour delivered his prayer. RNZ/Mark Papalii

A protestor during Seymour’s reading. RNZ Mark Papalii

A band plays during the service. RNZ Mark Papalii

The crowd as the sun rises. RNZ Mark Papalii

Greens’ co-leader Marama Davidson. RNZ Mark Papalii

Dame Cindy Kiro. Mark Papalii

National’s Dr Shane Reti. Mark Papalii

Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Mark Papalii

Bagpipes at the dawn service. Mark Papalii

A flag is raised at the dawn service. Mark Papalii

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/waitangi-2026-dawn-service-in-pictures/

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Body located, Napier

Source: New Zealand Police

A body has been located at a beach in Napier.

At around 8:25pm on Thursday 5 February, Police were notified that a body was seen in the water off The Esplanade, Westshore.

Police and Coastguard responded and conducted a search for the body, which was located just before 1:30am.

A formal identification process is underway, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/body-located-napier/

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Five apprehended following burglary in Upper Hutt

Source: New Zealand Police

Four youths and a 20-year-old man have been apprehended following a burglary at a commercial premises in Upper Hutt overnight.

Hutt Valley Area Commander, Inspector Wade Jennings says Police were notified of an attempt to break into a store on Main Street at around 12:40am.

“The alleged offenders made multiple attempts to gain access to the store, however those attempts were unsuccessful. They then fled the scene in a vehicle.”

That vehicle was later seen by Police where it was stopped, and five people were apprehended.

“The quick reporting of this incident by the store owner assisted Police greatly with gathering all necessary information, leading to locating and apprehending these youths.

“We understand the impact that this kind of offending has on local businesses and will continue to work to ensure we hold these offenders to account.”

The alleged offenders are due to appear in Court on 12 February.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/five-apprehended-following-burglary-in-upper-hutt/

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Black Caps scramble to beat the US in World T20 warmup

Source: Radio New Zealand

Matt Henry celebrates a wicket. photosport

Seamer Matt Henry grabbed five wickets and came up clutch in the final over as the Black Caps saw off the United States by seven runs in a T20 World Cup warmup match in Mumbai.

It capped a difficult day for New Zealand, who couldn’t field ill batsmen Rachin Ravindra, with a viral infection having struck the team this week, according to coach Rob Walter.

Devon Conway was only cleared late to play the game while fellow-opener Finn Allen missed the game with a shoulder complaint.

Walter said he expected to have a fully fit squad to choose from for Sunday’s opening pool match against Afghanistan in Chennai.

Henry at least showed he was fit and firing, finishing with 5-32 as the US reached 201-8 off their 20 overs, in response to New Zealand’s 208-7.

The unheralded American side needed 12 to win off the final over but experienced seamer Henry halted them in their tracks, conceding just four runs and taking the wickets of Shubham Ranjane and Mohammad Mohsin off the second and fourth balls.

Earlier, Henry claimed the scalp of Andries Gous from the first ball of the chase and he later removed Milind Kumar for 43, while legspinner Ish Sodhi (2-27) dismissed top-scorer Saiteja Mukkamalla for 50.

New Zealand’s best with the bat was opener Tim Seifert, who blasted 66 off 31 balls before retiring to give others time at the crease.

Glenn Phillips struck a rapid 40 and Daryl Mitchell contributed 32.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/black-caps-scramble-to-beat-the-us-in-world-t20-warmup/

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How an ancestry DNA test can potentially blow up your life

Source: Radio New Zealand

If you unwrapped an online ancestry DNA test for Christmas, you might be feeling curious – even excited – about discovering your cultural heritage and family tree.

But did the accompanying card warn it could also blow up your life?

Before you join the more than 26 million people globally who have undertaken ancestry DNA testing through direct-to-consumer companies, there are some important things to consider.

Public health genomics expert Dr Jane Tiller categorises ancestry testing as “recreational genetics” and says accuracy is not guaranteed.

Google DeepMind / Pexels

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/how-an-ancestry-dna-test-can-potentially-blow-up-your-life/

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Fears over financial impact of Wellington’s south coast sewage leak

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dive Wellington runs sessions in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve almost everyday.  Supplied / Dave Drane

Wellington divers are not only worried about the environmental cost, but the financial fallout of having raw sewage spewing onto the south coast.

The beaches are off limits, after a “catastrophic failure” at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant flooded the site, and sent raw sewage spilling from an outfall close to shore at a rate of 70 million litres a day.

A couple of kilometres from the outfall is the eastern boundary of the Taputeranga Marine Reserve.

Since 1998 Dive Wellington has overlooked the reserve, with owner Dave Drane telling RNZ he was lucky to have it on his doorstep.

“It’s a jewel you know, but no one will be using it for the … forseeable future, and it’s a major part of our business taking people diving in it.”

Since the treatment plant’s failure was discovered – around 1am on Wednesday – Wellington Water has found 80 percent of its equipment damaged, with full repairs expected to take months.

In an update on Thursday evening, it said it was working to redirect the untreated wastewater into an outfall 1.8km offshore, as soon as possible, and put screening in to remove items such as sanitary pads.

But it warned the temporary fix would not completely stop periodic discharges from the outfall pipe close to shore.

A rāhui from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay remained in place, preventing people from going in the water, collecting seafood, or walking their dogs on the beach.

Drane said the dive and snorkelling business was used to navigating ‘no swim’ warnings following bouts of heavy rain, but the current situation would cost it severely. Supplied / Dave Drane

Drane said the dive and snorkelling business, between Ōwhiro and Island bays, was used to navigating ‘no swim’ warnings following bouts of heavy rain, but the current situation would cost it severely.

“It’s going to affect us financially, in lots of ways. Even the bad advertising from it, where people think, ‘well, I’m not going to learn to dive in Wellington’, but also the bookings that we’ll have to cancel.”

Drane said 30 students were lined up to dive in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve next week, which now would not happen.

Diving in the harbour was an option, he said, but it was nothing like the reserve, where divers were guaranteed to see crayfish, extensive fish life, and even octopuses.

The whole thing had left him feeling “pretty rubbish,” he said, and he believed water quality in the marine reserve was an ongoing concern.

The failure had come amid upgrades at the treatment plant that should reduce discharges according to Wellington Water, but in the meantime had limited the plant’s capacity.

“There’s been overflows everytime there’s a significant downpour of rain,” Drane said.

“We get a notification to say that you can’t go on the coast for the next two days or in the harbour or wherever. I think it’s good that they’re doing upgrades to the treatment plant … it’s long overdue, definitely, but I think it’s a bit late possibly and that’s half the problem.

“We’ve got this jewel right on our doorstep and we’re ruining it.”

Mountains to Sea Wellington provides lessons, a community snorkelling programme and marine education. Supplied / Mountains to Sea Wellington / Kristine Zipfel

Busiest time of year at risk

Following the news of the wastewater plant’s failure, Zoe Studd was scrambling to figure out what to do with “potential months” of beach closures.

The co-founder of Mountains to Sea – an organisation that aimed to connect people to nature – said it was their busiest time of year.

“We run a huge number of school programmes and they’ve all been impacted by the spill.”

Studd said a month of community snorkelling days were also up in the air.

“That’s 600 to 700 people, so they can’t take place. So we are scrambling to think about … some of the other locations where we can hold [them].

“A spill like this obviously really impacts us, but it’s really devastating to think about what some of those potential impacts might be for our coastal environment as well.”

She said it was hard to understand how a failure on such a scale had happened, but said the initial shock at the news had turned to sadness.

“Just really upset about it. That’s our backyard, we spend all our time in those waters, we absolutely love it – most Wellingtonians do.

“We won’t be the only people by any means who are feeling really distressed by the idea that they can’t be in and around their coastline.”

Studd was hopeful the issue would get resolved quickly, but until then said she would not be going anywhere near the water.

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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/2026/02/06/fears-over-financial-impact-of-wellingtons-south-coast-sewage-leak/

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A tale of two waka

Source: Radio New Zealand

This is a story about two vintage wooden boat cultures, Māori and Pākehā, which come together every Waitangi weekend at the popular Lake Rotoiti Wooden and Classic Boat Parade.

It’s a story inspired by the 1911 hand-coloured photograph above, which was taken at Lake Rotoiti in the central North island by Rotorua photographer of the day C P Parkerson.

It was a time before Pākehā holiday homes on the lake. When simple wooden waka kōpapa carved out of totara logs – like the one pictured – were still common as a principal mode of transport. By the 1950s kōpapa were rare.

The culture around wooden boats is rich for both Māori and Pākehā at Lake Rotoiti – and both are under revival.

Every Waitangi for 28 years, the parade has gathered vintage wooden boats: dinghies, pleasure launches,steam boats, yachts, elegant 50s speedboats and – early prototypes of jetskis – hydrocycles.

The parade is the work of a key community organisation around the lake, the Classic Wooden Boat Association. Restoration of some seriously beautiful wooden craft having become a major part of contemporary lake culture. They follow in the wake of the wealthy families who built holiday homes here in the 1930s.

Local retiree Caroline Main – who lives a few bays along from the settlement of Ōtaramarae – recalls as a child when a visiting launch was the only contact they had with the outside world. Today having a stately wooden launch, ‘The Snark’, to sedately move around the lake is an important part of the Mains’ lives.

The Rotorua region is our lake district, with a series of interconnected lakes and waterways. Long before roads and rail, waka plied the waters here on the state highway of its day, into the central North Island.

Rotoiti and nearby Lake Okataina were places renowned for waka carvers with Ngāti Tarāwhai a nationally recognisedcarving school and the great totara harvested from the forest, says Jim Schuster at Ruato on the lake. Schuster is an acclaimed marae restorer, and great-great-grandson of renowned carver Tene Waitere.

In recent years the wooden boat parade is bringing together Pākehā and Māori, with two Te Arawa waka joining the flotilla.

While the the great Te Arawa waka taua (war canoe) often heads to Waitangi, says an organiser Eugene Berryman-Kamp, the paddlers are also practised to participate in waka tangata (“a people lover”) and waka tētē (fishing canoe).

Berryman-Kamp credits the rising popularity of waka ama with the young, since the 80s, as a big part of the revival of waka culture.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/a-tale-of-two-waka/

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Summer drowning numbers tracking higher than last year

Source: Radio New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon says ways to mitigate the risk of drowning include not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags. Surf Lifesaving NZ

The number of people that have drowned across the country this summer is tracking higher than last year, Water Safety New Zealand says.

There had been 30 deaths over the past two months in waterways, lakes and beaches which compared to 34 in total last summer.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon said in 2026 18 people had died in the water – seven more than the same time last year.

“Many of those have happened when the weather was last at its best, so earlier in January.”

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon. Water Safety NZ

Scanlon said often days of bad weather kept people away from the water, so it was weekends like the one ahead which were of particular concern to the organisation.

“It is often that people sort of underestimate the conditions when the weather comes clear again, and they unexpectedly find themselves in trouble.”

He said there were ways to mitigate the risk of drowning such as not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags.

Water Safety New Zealand encouraged people to have a great time in the water this weekend, but to enjoy beaches and waterways safely, he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/summer-drowning-numbers-tracking-higher-than-last-year/

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Opposition infighting gives coalition brief relief at Waitangi

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sits with coalition party leaders Winston Peters and David Seymour. RNZ/Mark Papalii

Analysis: For once, it was the opposition feeling some heat at Waitangi, as Te Pati Māori’s internal turmoil spilled out on the ātea.

The public airing of dirty laundry was one of the few moments of note at this year’s political pōwhiri, with Thursday’s events otherwise proceeding much as everyone expected.

Protesters’ plans to block ministers from the Treaty Grounds came to naught, squashed quickly by security. And the activists left well before the coalition leaders had even begun to speak.

The government speeches were met by some stray heckles, sure, and some sustained grumbling, but nothing like the theatre of the past two years.

Perennial agitators Winston Peters and David Seymour seemed almost disappointed at the muted response, with the former clearly trying to provoke a reaction from the crowd.

For his part, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered a well-foreshadowed address, preaching the importance of working through differences with words and debate.

It’s advice that perhaps Te Pati Māori should have taken on board.

Anticipation was high ahead of the party’s Waitangi appearance, its first time fronting to the north since the co-leaders’ no-show at Ngāpuhi’s emergency hui late last year.

On Monday, the party was sitting in court, with its out-and-then-in-again MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi fighting to reverse her expulsion and be permanently reinstated.

In the most blistering of speeches on Thursday, her son Eru Kapa-Kingi upbraided Te Pati Māori – “sort yourselves out” – lamenting the “silencing” of his mother and the wider region.

At first, Waititi appeared to offer an olive branch in response: “I can hear the anger and feel the pain”.

He even extended an apology of sorts: “If I have done you wrong, I offer you my head.”

But any such contrition was short-lived. The speech was immediately followed by a haka tautoko which saw Waititi’s wife Kiri Tamihere-Waititi advance on the host side.

As she squared off with Eru Kapa-Kingi, eyeballing him, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi shouted from the marae’s veranda: “hoki atu” or “go back”.

Any brief hopes of reconciliation were dashed.

Mariameno Kapa-Kingi underlined the point later as she stood to speak, defiant: “I’m not going anywhere.”

Speaking to media afterwards, Waititi said the party’s next steps would depend on the court’s judgement.

But he bristled at Te Pati Māori being singled out, claiming many parties had shown division before.

He turned his sights on others in the opposition, decrying Labour’s efforts to try win back the Māori seats.

“Labour don’t do MMP very well,” Waititi declared. “A vote for Labour is now a vote for New Zealand First.”

The comments could apply just as well to the Greens, who used Thursday’s events to unveil their own candidates in the Māori electorates.

Notably, they include a former lawyer for Te Pati Māori, Tania Waikato, and a former Te Pati Māori candidate, Heather Te Au-Skipworth.

Green co-leaders Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson sit alongside ACT’s deputy leader Brooke van Velden. MARK PAPALII / RNZ

Greens’ co-leader Marama Davidson made short shrift of Waititi’s suggestion that they leave the Māori seats alone: “Nobody owns any seats. Nobody owns any votes.”

Labour and the Greens came to Waitangi, hoping to present a united front and to draw a contrast with the warring factions within the coalition. They leave further away from that goal than closer.

Asked what he made of the opposition’s showing at Waitangi on Thursday, Luxon dodged the question, saying that was not his focus.

But Finance Minister Nicola Willis could not help herself: “They looked messy,” she said, a smile on her face.

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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/2026/02/06/opposition-infighting-gives-coalition-brief-relief-at-waitangi/

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Southern Brown Kiwi lays rare two eggs

Source: Radio New Zealand

A picture of a Southern Brown Kiwi. TUI DE ROY / Minden Pictures / Biosphoto

A Tokoeka, also known as the Southern Brown Kiwi, from the Haast region has surprised conservation workers with laying two eggs this season, which is uncommon for the species.

Devon Collins from the West Coast Wildlife Centre, which helps to incubate and hatch Kiwis that are at risk to predators, said Tokoeka usually lay one egg per year due to the low food availability in the colder climate of the South Island. In comparison to the North Island Brown Kiwi, which can lay three to four eggs per a year.

He said the centre received three Tokoeka eggs this season, including two from the same mother.

Collins said the first egg from this mother was the second smallest Tokoeka they’ve ever successfully bred at the centre in 15 years, weighing 320 grams. Her second egg weighed 360 grams.

While there are tens of thousands of Tokoeka on Stewart Island and in Fiordland, the Haast region has a much smaller population of around 400, said Collins.

“Every egg means a lot, every egg we can get our of hands on and get out of the hands of introduced predators, that would otherwise probably take that egg or that chick, is really important for us, so the difference between two and three eggs coming in per season is pretty massive,” said Collins.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/southern-brown-kiwi-lays-rare-two-eggs/

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Summer drowning numbers tracking high than last year

Source: Radio New Zealand

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon says ways to mitigate the risk of drowning include not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags. Surf Lifesaving NZ

The number of people that have drowned across the country this summer is tracking higher than last year, Water Safety New Zealand says.

There had been 30 deaths over the past two months in waterways, lakes and beaches which compared to 34 in total last summer.

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon said in 2026 18 people had died in the water – seven more than the same time last year.

“Many of those have happened when the weather was last at its best, so earlier in January.”

Water Safety New Zealand chief executive Glen Scanlon. Water Safety NZ

Scanlon said often days of bad weather kept people away from the water, so it was weekends like the one ahead which were of particular concern to the organisation.

“It is often that people sort of underestimate the conditions when the weather comes clear again, and they unexpectedly find themselves in trouble.”

He said there were ways to mitigate the risk of drowning such as not doing water activities alone, wearing life jackets and to swim between the flags.

Water Safety New Zealand encouraged people to have a great time in the water this weekend, but to enjoy beaches and waterways safely, he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/summer-drowning-numbers-tracking-high-than-last-year/

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‘For our mokopuna’: Rangatahi voices rise at Waitangi

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tai tamariki from Te Wharekura o Tauranga Moana at Waitangi hold a paraikete (blanket) gifted to rangatahi MP Tamatha Paul, inscribed with ‘Ka hao te rangatahi’ – a message that the next generation will take up the work and responsibility. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Rangatahi at Waitangi say the decisions being made today must be grounded in the wellbeing of future generations, with many calling for stronger action on climate change and greater Māori participation in decision-making.

Taane Aruka Te Aho, who has been attending kaupapa alongside iwi leaders in Te Tai Tokerau, said being present in those spaces was about preparing the next generation of leaders.

“It’s important for us to understand what sort of mahi goes into the iwi chairs forum because we are the next generation of leaders,” he said.

“Because we want to be a part of it. We want to make a difference to ensure that our mokopuna, to ensure that our uri whakatipu are living in flourishing futures.”

Te Aho was one of the rangatahi leaders of Te Kāhu Pōkere – the group that travelled to Brazil for COP30 last year on behalf of Te Pou Take Āhuarangi, the climate change arm of the National Iwi Chairs Forum.

Taane Aruka Te Aho was one of the rangatahi leaders who travelled to Brazil for COP30 last year. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Tumai Cassidy, a Ngāi Tahu rangatahi leader who is also attending Waitangi this year, said caring for the environment was central to that future.

“Something that’s quite close to my heart is around our environment and how do we look after the environment and how do we stop these impacts from climate change that are battering our communities,” he said, adding that rangatahi had a crucial role to play.

“I think it’s important for rangatahi to be at the table, to listen, to learn, so that when they’re of that age where they’re leading their iwi, they have a broad range of experiences, all that history, those kind of things to inform our future decision making,” he said.

“But I think it’s good for rangatahi to be at the table and offer a different perspective as well.”

Tumai Cassidy (Ngāi Tahu) says caring for te taiao is key for future generations. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Iwi leaders say that involvement is already being seen on the ground.

Pou Tangata chairperson Rahui Papa said rangatahi were not just observing this year’s iwi chairs forum, but actively helping run them.

“Some of the rangatira, especially from Te Kahu o Taonui, have designated some of their rangatahi, and they’re wandering around, they’re being the hosts, they’re taking part in actually the facilitation of the hui, which is awesome,” he said.

“So you have some of the older folk that sit as chairs and things like that, but they’re actually bringing an air of succession into the facilitation of these hui.”

Papa said rangatahi from across the country had also travelled to Waitangi to help shape what their own future pathways could look like.

“They will be the stewards, they will be the custodians and the guardians of all aspects of te ao Māori in their time.”

Three kōtiro gift rangatahi MP Tamatha Paul a paraikete (blanket) inscribed with the kupu ‘Ka hao te rangatahi’ – a message that the next generation will take up the work and responsibility. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Ngāti Kawa Taituha, Te Tii Marae chair said rangatahi involvement reflected a long line of intergenerational responsibility.

“It’s just again, adding and enhancing the mana of our tūpuna, the signatories, and then down to us, the descendants,” he said.

“And here we are today, carrying out all that mahi of our forebearers. Putting in all the effort to set up our next generation. Obviously, that’s what it’s all about for us.”

He said rangatahi were playing roles both behind the scenes and in visible leadership spaces during the commemorations.

“I think this is kind of really cool to see these groups of rangatahi coming to the marae, being part of the pōwhiri,” he said.

“These groups here are really organised leadership groups, and specifically honing in on really being in tune with our taumata, and capturing all this kōrero.”

Te Rangitukiwaho Edwards, Rangatahi MP for Te Tai Tokerau, welcomes Parliamentarians to Waitangi. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

‘Haere ki te pōti’

With an election year approaching, some rangatahi also linked their hopes for mokopuna with political participation.

Aruka Te Aho encouraged whānau to focus on their own communities and lift Māori voter turnout.

“We have three options,” he said.

“One is to elect a government and work with a government that prioritises te iwi Māori and the environment to increase climate funding.

“Two, we stop moaning about what this government can’t do for us and seek funding opportunities globally or elsewhere to ensure that we get that ‘moni’ motuhake. Or thirdly, we just keep doing what we’re doing and suffer the consequences.”

He said increasing Māori participation in voting was key.

“What we need to do is look at our own backyard, look at our own rohe and see what we can do to get soldiers out in terms of getting the voting up to ensure that Māori have a seat at the table so that we can make real change,” he said.

“Haere ki te pōti.”

Cassidy’s focus this election was centred on the environment.

“Vote for the taiao, vote for the environment. Without the environment, we’re not going to be here,” he said.

The focus on mokopuna and future generations is also being carried by a group of rangatahi taking part in a six-day hīkoi from Cape Rēinga to Waitangi, due to arrive on 6 February.

Many of the young people involved say they are marching to stand up for future generations and to send a message about honouring Te Tiriti.

The hīkoi is expected to make its way across Waitangi following waka celebrations.

The hīkoi made its way through Kerikeri on Wednesday morning, on is way from Cape Rēinga to Waitangi. RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/for-our-mokopuna-rangatahi-voices-rise-at-waitangi/

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Watch live: Dawn ceremony kicks off Waitangi Day

Source: Radio New Zealand

Celebrations getting underway for Waitangi Day, starting with a dawn service which we are livestreaming on this page. Plus, follow our live coverage of all the action through the day from Waitangi and around the rest of Aotearoa on our liveblog below.

Follow our live coverage of all the action through the day at the top of this page.

The people of Ngāpuhi deliver a powerful haka, welcoming parliamentarians onto the upper Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/watch-live-dawn-ceremony-kicks-off-waitangi-day/

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Super Bowl LX: Everything you need to know

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Demarcus Robinson jumps on the confetti as he celebrates winning the NFL Super Bowl LIV game against the San Francisco 49ers in in 2020. Photosport

Seattle Seahawks v New England Patriots

Kick-off: 12:30pm, Monday 9 February

Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Live blog updates on RNZ Sport

Part sport, part spectacle, part national holiday.

Whether they are tuning in for the iconic halftime show, the unforgettable ads, or maybe even some football, one hundred million eyes glued to screens during Super Bowl 60.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy goes on the line in the biggest day of the US sporting calendar.

Here is everything you need to know.

Who, where and when?

The Super Bowl returns to Levi’s Stadium for the first time in a decade as the Seattle Seahawks meet the New England Patriots at 12:30pm NZT Monday 9 February. Home of the San Francisco 49ers, the Silicon Valley stadium boasts a capacity of just under 70,000 and is hosting the Super Bowl for only the second time.

The teams

New England Patriots

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Patriots experienced a massive and unexpected turnaround this season. After consecutive 4-13 seasons, they finished the regular season with an impressive 14-3 record, earning first place in the AFC East and first division title since 2019.

Both offence and defence were excellent, going undefeated 8-0 on the road and posting their best winning percentage (.824) since their 2016 Super Bowl season.

The Patriots defeated the LA Chargers 16-3 in the Wild Card Round, then the Houston Texans 28-16 in the Divisional Round. In the AFC Championship Game, they pulled out a hard-fought 10-7 victory over the Denver Broncos.

That earned their first Super Bowl appearance since the Brady-Belichick era, an ominous sign to everyone that had consigned the perennial powerhouse franchise to history.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks finished with a 14-3 record, good enough for top seed in the NFC and their best regular-season mark in franchise history.

They carried that momentum into the playoffs, securing their first playoff win since 2019 and advancing through to defeat the LA Rams 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game.

The win marked their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2014 season and only the fourth in franchise history. They will be desperate to make up for the last time they made it this far, when they lost in dramatic fashion to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.

Key players

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has thrown for over 4000 yards and became an MVP candidate. Strategic additions like wide receiver Stefon Diggs elevated the team’s playmakers, while rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson also made a major impact, rushing for 911 yards and nine touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who signed a major free-agent deal, has delivered one of the best seasons of his career. Darnold has also thrown for over 4000 yards and came up clutch in the postseason. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the league in receiving yards with 1,793 and broke the Seahawks single-season receiving record. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon and safety Nick Emmanwori’s big seasons have helped the Seahwaks defence rank among the league’s top units.

Any Kiwis?

There is! Seahawks runningback George Holani was born in Auckland and moved to the US at three-years-old.

Holani is of Tongan heritage and is one of 11 children. His football journey started at the age of eight, before also trying his hand at rugby.

Holani has been with the Seahawks since 2024 after joining as an undrafted free agent.

The 24-year-old is second on the depth chart and should get a few carries on Monday.

Halftime

It’s no secret that the halftime show is often more anticipated than the game for the many bandwagon fans.

This year will see the most streamed artist in the world take centre stage, the “King of Latin Trap”, rapper, singer, and songwriter, Benito Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny.

The choice has been met with some backlash in conservative circles, who have lashed out with ugly rhetoric against the Puerto Rican, in a similar vein to what Kendrick Lamar dealt with in 2025.

Whether or not you’re familiar with his music, expect a spectacle, as the man knows how to hype a crowd.

Fans will also get a dose of nostalgic punk rock courtesy of Green Day, who surged to popularity in the early 2000’s with his such as American idiot and Boulevard of Broken Dreams.

Trump and Bad Bunny

Just as he inserted himself into the Super Bowl narrative in 2025 due to his feud with Taylor Swift, president Donald Trump has again bogarted headlines with his staunch opposition to Bad Bunny.

To the utter horror of a certain portion of American fans, spurred on by the president, the selection of a an artist who almost exclusively sings Spanish to perform at halftime is a crime against their country, Ironically ignoring the fact that Bad Bunny is a US citizen.

The Puerto Rican has been an outspoken critic of Trump, and the President in turn has boycotted the Superb Bowl.

“I’m anti-them,” Trump said. “I think it’s a terrible choice. All it does is sow hatred. Terrible.”

Bad Bunny hit back at the president and his ICE squad during his Grammy acceptance speech.

“We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans,” he said deriding the recent wave of latino deportations.

History

The game came about due to there being two competing football competitions, the American Football League and the National Football League. The first AFL/NFL Championship game was held in 1967 after numerous attempts to make it work throughout the decade but it wasn’t officially named the ‘Super Bowl’ until 1970 when the leagues merged. Each edition became denoted by Roman numerals two years later.

The numbers

By the time the ball is kicked, billions will already have been banked. Tickets are starting at around $6000 NZD for the ‘cheap seats’, ad slots are selling for more than $12 million for 30 seconds, and Americans are set to spend north of $20 billion on Super Bowl Sunday.

Spare a thought for the poultry, with more than a billion chicken wings to be eaten and washed down with 300 million gallons of beer.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/06/super-bowl-lx-everything-you-need-to-know/

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Total greenhouse gas emissions fall 1.1 percent in the September 2025 quarter – Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): September 2025 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/total-greenhouse-gas-emissions-fall-1-1-percent-in-the-september-2025-quarter-greenhouse-gas-emissions-industry-and-household-september-2025-quarter-stats-nz-news-story-and-informat/

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Waitangi Day – Governor-General’s message for Waitangi Day 2026

Source: Government House

The Governor-General of New Zealand, Her Excellency Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, has released a message to mark Waitangi Day 2026. A download link to the filmed message is included below.
Please note that this message is embargoed until Waitangi Day, and may not be published, broadcast, or shared in any form before 12:01am on 6 February 2026. Media are welcome to use the full video or excerpts across television, radio, online, and social media platforms following that time.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/waitangi-day-governor-generals-message-for-waitangi-day-2026/

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Waitangi Day – Celebrating Shared Voyages for Waitangi Day 2026

Source: Mango, DOB Group – for Google.


Anchored in history and guided by stars, today’s Waitangi Day Doodle was created by Kiwi artist Morgan Darlison of Kaitiaki Studios, reflecting our shared histories of migration and voyage to Aotearoa’s shores. 

“We all came under the same stars and across the same ocean,” explains Morgan. “This artwork represents the wairua (spirit) of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), as we move toward a better future with mutual respect and safety for all – especially for the next generation.”

The Doodle, in commemoration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi signed on February 6, 1840, depicts beautifully drawn elements of shared cultural navigation techniques:

  • The ‘G’ holds a Kūaka bird (bar-tailed godwit) that undertakes a significant migration from Northern Alaska returning annually, connecting to the idea of Pacific migration routes that would have been followed on journeys to New Zealand.

  • Alongside, the ‘o’s hold a western-style compass and a map of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

  • Below the “g,” is a pūnga (anchor), which represents the story of landing and putting down roots, intentionally tethered to the “l” to convey a sense of settling. 

  • The “l” includes a Pacific motif, symbolising the dispersal of people across the Pacific during the journey and the shared collective histories and similar cultures of the region. 

  • The final “e” contains a whai (stingray), symbolising Pacific migration journeys, and species seen along the way. Whai also symbolise kaitiakitanga, representing the idea of having someone look after you on your journey.

In the creative process, Morgan began with concepts before letting her hand take over and the creative expression flow onto the page. Having started as a pencil and paper artist in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Morgan’s formal arts education truly began once she found her place at Toihoukura in Gisborne. Morgan has been involved in varied areas such as spatial design, corporate design and branding, commissions of visual art, interiors range, workshops and community projects. Having been mentored locally by many tohunga in different industries, Morgan’s personal style is characterised by very detailed work, fine lines, feminine themes, and a preference for single-colour compositions.


Google has celebrated Waitangi Day through a Google Doodle since 2018 with each year’s artwork offering a unique perspective on te Tiriti and current context. From revitalising language in the digital age to sharing our rich histories on a global stage, by integrating te ao Māori into our technology and elevating local artists, we aim to honour Aotearoa’s unique legacy.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/waitangi-day-celebrating-shared-voyages-for-waitangi-day-2026/

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Greenpeace – Massive win for moana as Taranaki seabed mining application rejected

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace along with iwi and environmental groups are calling the decision to reject Trans Tasman Resources proposal to mine the Taranaki seafloor “a massive win for people power and the ocean”.
In a draft decision, released today, the Fast Track expert panel declined the Australian company’s application to mine the seabed in the South Taranaki Bight.
The panel declined consent for the project, finding it would likely cause material harm to marine ecosystems, threatened species like pygmy blue whales and penguins, and concluded it could not be safely managed, even with conditions attached.
Greenpeace Aotearoa seabed mining spokesperson Juressa Lee says: “This is the outcome we have been fighting for over 12 years. It shows exactly what happens when communities, iwi, experts and ocean protectors stand together.
“This win today is a powerful validation of what iwi and the communities of Taranaki and Aotearoa have been saying for years – seabed mining is simply too destructive to go ahead.
“The resistance to seabed mining in Aotearoa and around the Pacific is strong and persistent. From Taranaki, to the Cook Islands, and across Te Moananui a Kiwa, people are rising up against this destructive industry.
“Now the New Zealand government must listen. Nearly 60,000 people around Aotearoa signed petitions calling for an outright ban on seabed mining in Aotearoa. 
“As we head into an election year, government officials should remember that this is who they represent and commit to taking bold action to protect the moana by banning seabed mining.
“Greenpeace Aotearoa protested against Trans Tasman Resources‘ attempt to start a seabed mine in Taranaki, occupying the offices of mining industry lobby group Straterra in September 2024. Just months later, along with Ngāti Ruanui, Greenpeace activists shut down the Sydney AGM of Australian mining company Manuka Resources, the parent company of Trans-Tasman Resources.
Lee says: ,”Iwi, the local community, and tens of thousands of New Zealanders have stopped Taranaki being carved up for sale. To prevent this happening again, we must ban seabed mining outright for the waters of Aotearoa, and ensure the moana is never pillaged to line mining industry pockets.”

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/greenpeace-massive-win-for-moana-as-taranaki-seabed-mining-application-rejected/