Category: LiveNews

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‘Will be a bit of chat’: Former Crusader prepares to tussle with old team-mates

Source: Radio New Zealand

Joel Lam made his Moana Pasifika debut last weekend against the Blues. Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz

Former Crusader Joel Lam is expecting plenty of banter as Moana Pasifika get set to meet his old side.

Lam has been handed halfback duties for Moana in Saturday night’s round five clash, his first start in Super Rugby, against the side he earnt his first cap with.

He anticipates a few verbal jabs to be thrown his way on the pitch.

“I’ve got a a lot of mates in the Crusaders team that I went to the academy with straight out of school, so definitely a lot of familiar faces in that line-up, so, there will probably be a bit of chat.”

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Lam, who started the year without a Super Rugby contract.

“I got brought in on a player interim contract for the pre-season block and managed to secure myself a few more weeks after the pre-season. Last year was full of challenges and growth, it was actually quite funny the way it played out.”

Lam wasn’t even playing the same code in 2025, before Samoa came out of nowhere to offer him an international debut.

“I got a bit of a taste of playing hooker at league and said, ‘why not?’ So signed up to the Hornby Panthers, played a few club games there, and then moved over to the ditch to Brisbane and played for Souths Logan Magpies. Then got a call from Manu Samoa and I was back on tour.”

Lam scoring a try for Samoa in 2025. Stephen Parker / www.photosport.nz

The 23-year-old made his Samoa debut in a loss against Tonga last year.

He said the reconnecting with his cultural roots had been special.

“Jack, my cousin, skipper of Samoa. He has been a great mentor to me. Being exposed to Samoa has obviously led me down the path of reconnecting with that side of my family.”

Lam comes from rugby royalty, Pat, AJ, Ben and Jack among the famous names in the game.

“There’s a good chunk of us, 350 plus of us, granddad’s a brother of 21. There’s a lot of us in our aiga, which is pretty cool and special to me.”

After making his mark for Samoa, Moana came calling.

“They had always known I was from the Crusaders region, there’d been a few conversations along the way, they said, ‘we’ve seen and heard about you. We’re really keen to get you in.’ And as soon as I stepped in the door, I’ve just felt welcomed. It definitely feels at home here.”

Lam said his time in league helped sure up his defensive skills.

“It definitely gave me some, I don’t know if I can say this, but it gave me some balls. Making tackles off the back fence.”

Back in union, Lam has already spent more time on the field for Moana, having only played ten minutes off the bench for the Crusaders in 2023.

Lam’s rugby journey began in the Canterbury academy. Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz

Despite limited opportunities, he looks back on his time in Christchurch fondly.

“The standards that they hold is something that I still carry to this day and how I go about my professionalism. I’ve taken a lot from what the organisation preaches.”

But after his time in the 13-man code, the nuggety number nine said his game has evolved.

“Moana Pasifika flair suits me more. The aggression, energy, and collisions.”

Lam gets the chance to unleash that new-found aggression on some old team-mates, who he said will be sure to remind him of his Crusader’s roots.

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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/2026/03/20/will-be-a-bit-of-chat-former-crusader-prepares-to-tussle-with-old-team-mates/

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Du Val property group collapse: Forensic accountants continue to find ‘areas of concern’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Du Val co-founder Kenyon Clarke. kenyonclarke.com

Forensic accountants are continuing to find “areas of concern” as they look into the accounts of the failed Du Val Group.

Statutory managers have released their latest six-month report into the group of about 70 entities that collapsed in 2024 owing more than $300 million to hundreds of people.

Its founders Charlotte and Kenyon Clarke have had their personal assets and passports frozen.

In the latest report, the statutory managers said they could not give many details about their latest discoveries because they did not want to prejudice any formal action that may come later.

The Financial Markets Authority was also investigating the group and had the power to pursue charges if warranted.

Today’s report showed the statutory managers still had many unanswered questions – the Clarkes had refused to be interviewed and had gone to the Court of Appeal seeking the right to refuse.

The managers said extensive forensic accounting analysis needed to continue partly because of the group’s “materially incomplete” accounting records.

“While investigations have progressed and further related issues have been identified for analysis, to ensure that any potential subsequent formal action is not prejudiced, no further information is currently able to be disclosed regarding our ongoing investigations into these areas of concern,” they said.

Broad concerns identified in earlier reports remained, including about GST transactions and the lack of clarity about goods paid for by the company but possessed by the Clarkes.

Since the last report, the debt owed by the group had fallen from $268 million to $226 million.

That was partly because some of its property developments had been sold including the Earlsworth, Sunnyvale and Edmonton residential projects.

None has been sold for a high enough price to cover the debt owing on them.

Investors in Du Vals Build to Rent Fund were likely to receive about 41 cents in the dollar on their investment after the sale of the fund’s residential properties in May last year, the report said.

Work was underway to sell to more developments, it said.

The report also gave an update on a British legal case against some Du Val entities that had wound up in New Zealand’s courts.

The British courts ordered Du Val to pay $1.35m (NZD) in damages and $164,205 (NZD) in costs.

The person awarded the costs was seeking to have the judgement recognised in New Zealand but the statutory managers opposed that in the High Court, the report said.

The judgement was pending.

The statutory managers are John Fisk, Stephen White and Lara Bennett.

They had previously been working under the PWC banner but the company sold its business restructuring arm to the global firm Teneo earlier this year.

The Authority said today it could not provide any update on where its investigation was at for “legal and confidentiality” reasons.

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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/2026/03/20/du-val-property-group-collapse-forensic-accountants-continue-to-find-areas-of-concern/

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Health and Alcohol – Ki Tua o Matariki: Alcohol Law Changes Risk Pushing Harm Further Into Everyday Life

Source: Ki tua o Matariki

Alcohol Law Changes Risk Pushing Harm Further Into Everyday Life
Ki Tua o Matariki (KToM) is warning that proposed changes to alcohol laws could increase harm for whānau Māori by making alcohol more visible, more accessible, and more normalised in everyday spaces.
The Government has announced reforms aimed at reducing barriers for businesses, including limiting who can object to alcohol licences, allowing wineries, breweries and distilleries to hold both on- and off-licences, and enabling places like barbers and hairdressers to serve alcohol.
KToM CEO Zoe Witika-Hawke says the changes risk shifting alcohol further into daily life at a time when many whānau are already under pressure.
“These changes might seem small on their own, but together they make alcohol more present in our everyday environments- and that matters,” says Witika-Hawke. We know alcohol outlets are more concentrated in lower-income communities, while access to health support is often more limited. “That imbalance matters- because it shapes the environments our whānau are living in every day.”
“Alcohol harm is not just about individual choice. It’s shaped by how available it is, where it shows up, and what becomes normal.”
Whānau Already Carrying the Load
The reforms come as many whānau face increasing financial pressure, with petrol prices in Tāmaki Makaurau now sitting above $3 per litre, alongside rising costs of food, rent, and power.
“Our whānau are already making tough choices every day- between fuel, kai, and keeping the lights on,” says Witika-Hawke. “At a time like this, increasing access to alcohol raises real questions about priorities.”
Community Voice at Risk
One of the most significant changes would restrict who can object to alcohol licence applications. KToM says this risks weakening community voice- particularly for Māori communities whose boundaries and realities do not align with territorial authority lines.
“Our communities know what harm looks like where they live,” says Witika-Hawke. Liquor stores
“Reducing their ability to speak into these decisions removes an important layer of protection.”
FASD and Intergenerational Impact
KToM is also highlighting the ongoing impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), with estimates suggesting 1,800 to 3,000 babies every year may be affected. That’s roughly 8 babies per day.
FASD is lifelong and preventable and disproportionately impacts tamariki Māori.
“Every increase in alcohol availability increases risk- particularly for māmā hapū navigating stress and systemic barriers,” says Witika-Hawke.
“We need to be clear- this is not about blaming māmā. Stigma has never prevented harm. Safe environments and strong support systems do.”
A Wider Direction of Travel
KToM says the proposed changes sit within a broader shift away from prevention-focused policy.
“We’ve seen smokefree protections rolled back, and now alcohol access expanded,” says Witika-Hawke.
“Taken together, these decisions shape the conditions our whānau are living in.”
Alcohol harm is already estimated to cost Aotearoa $9.1 billion annually, placing pressure on communities and an already stretched health system.
Calling for Balance
KToM acknowledges the importance of economic growth but says it must not come at the expense of whānau wellbeing.
“We are not anti-business- we are pro-whānau,” says Witika-Hawke.
“If we want safer communities and healthier futures, alcohol policy must prioritise prevention, not increased exposure.”
Looking Ahead
Ki Tua o Matariki is calling for a balanced approach that protects community voice, strengthens prevention, and invests in whānau wellbeing.
“Our whānau are already carrying enough,” says Witika-Hawke.
“Policy should reduce harm- not make it easier to access.” 

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/20/health-and-alcohol-ki-tua-o-matariki-alcohol-law-changes-risk-pushing-harm-further-into-everyday-life/

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Analysis: PM Christopher Luxon takes the reins and risk on looming economic crisis

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealanders are really starting to feel the pinch from the United States and Israel’s attacks as fuel prices get close to $4/litre at the pump. RNZ / Quin Tauetau

Analysis – An unexpected address from the Prime Minister in Wellington this week spoke volumes about the economic crisis the government is staring down the barrel of.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis and the minister responsible for fuel security, Shane Jones, have been doing the heavy lifting on what the impacts may or may not be for New Zealand’s economy if the conflict in Iran drags on.

Already suffering a cost of living crisis, New Zealanders are really starting to feel the pinch from the United States and Israel’s attacks as fuel prices soar past $3 at the pump and the flow-on effects mean almost everything else – food, services, flights – also climb to unaffordable levels.

It’s an attack on the economy and that’s an issue National has pinned its electoral hopes on in November after promising in 2023 to get the country back on track.

Late last year Labour surpassed National as the party most trusted to respond to the economic challenges, and in the most recent Ipsos Monitor this month the two parties were neck-and-neck on the issue.

Labour is also seen as more capable on inflation and cost of living.

That’s no small concern for the major governing party as it prepares for a tightly-contested election, while simultaneously dealing with an economic shock not of its own making.

Enter Christopher Luxon.

While the foreign affairs’ nuances of the war in Iran are certainly not Luxon’s forte, on the economy he feels more comfortable and has a reputation at least as a former chief executive for knowing what he’s talking about on that front.

But until Thursday he wasn’t doing the talking – Willis and Jones were.

Luxon had tasked the pair with leading the work and then jumped on a plane for four days to the Pacific at about the exact time the situation reports got bleaker back home.

The ministerial advisory group is having online meetings every morning to get updates from officials, and Willis has been doing blanket coverage media interviews and press conferences for the past couple of weeks.

Jones has taken the lead on the fuel security element and has been very much second in command.

So not surprising Luxon chose to high-tail it down to the Beehive for a face-to-face meeting with his officials on Thursday morning about what the state of play is.

For the seven days prior he’d only been receiving updates via reports and phone calls and was keen to hear the lay of the land from those at the coal face of the government’s response.

It led to a last-minute decision to hold a media conference at Parliament, alongside Willis, where the substance of what the government was doing hadn’t changed but the tone certainly had.

The purpose of the media conference was two-fold: tell New Zealanders they need to be realistic about what might be coming down the line and how bad it might get, and put the prime minister in charge of a looming crisis.

The hope for National is that it can claw back the narrative of being a safe pair of hands when the economy is in choppy seas, but the flip side is that if things do get worse before they get better and things haven’t improved at all for Kiwis’ backpockets come the election, then it’s Luxon and Willis who will wear all of it.

The war coming to an end soon is crucial to their success because even if it does end in the next week or three, the lag effect is such that it will still take time for the economy to bounce back.

With an election just shy of eight months away, it isn’t a lot of runway.

The biggest take-away from Thursday’s update was the work being done to prepare cost-of-living relief for some people if the pain at the pump, the supermarket, and almost everywhere else, continues.

Willis has signalled she’s tasked Inland Revenue with finding the best way to get targeted, temporary, and timely funding to those working Kiwis who will be impacted the most.

The biggest problem she has isn’t how to administer it, but when to pull the trigger on it.

Go too early and the government books end up looking worse for longer, but go too late and voters feel like they’ve been abandoned.

Expect discussions on the specifics of that payment to be high on the agenda at Monday’s Cabinet meeting.

National has talked a big game on being fiscally prudent.

If there’s even a whiff of Willis and Luxon sliding into cost-of-living relief creep to try keep as many voters as possible happy in the months ahead, it will be deputy prime minister and Act leader David Seymour shouting the loudest.

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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/2026/03/20/analysis-pm-christopher-luxon-takes-the-reins-and-risk-on-looming-economic-crisis/

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Understanding Auckland’s regional flood maps

Source: Auckland Council

In Auckland, we’ve seen how natural hazards like flooding, coastal erosion and landslides can impact people, homes and businesses.

We’re also seeing more Aucklanders interested in knowing about their flood risk including when they’re looking to purchase property or move into a new rental property. This includes checking the flood hazard maps on Auckland Council’s Flood Viewer or Geomaps beforehand, or by purchasing a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report.

Here is some useful information on how and why we publish these maps, and what they mean.

Why does Auckland Council publish flood maps?

Auckland Council is required to maintain hazard information that is publicly available – including flooding. This publicly available flood information, including flood plains, flood prone areas, and overland flow paths are free to view and published online on Flood Viewer and Geomaps websites.

The maps are produced for a whole catchment, group of catchments or at a regional level to show how water moves across the landscape. They’re not site specific (based on individual property data) and don’t include flood mitigations to a building.

What else are these maps used for?

In addition to informing the public, these flood maps are underpinned by detailed hydrological and hydraulic modelling that Auckland Council uses to analyse catchments and understand how flooding occurs.

This modelling helps the council design, upgrade, and prioritise stormwater infrastructure across the region. It is also used by the transport sector when designing roads, culverts, and associated assets, ensuring they are resilient to flooding.

Property developers rely on the same information to understand stormwater requirements for new developments and to ensure their proposals appropriately manage flood risk.

Why is this information on LIM reports?

A LIM report provides a high-level summary of information we hold about a property. It’s a ‘snapshot in time’ and identifies hazard information the council holds about a property at the specified date and time – new information and reports are not created when a LIM is purchased, we compile the most recent information we hold at that time. 

For flood maps, information is taken from regional and/or catchment maps and an overlay is applied showing the boundaries of the requested property. It is not based on individual property data and does not include any mitigations that may have occurred at the property for a building or home.

Auckland Council has a legal obligation under the law (the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 section 44B) to identify natural hazards relating to a property, which are known to us, on LIM reports – this includes flooding.

How can I find out more information about the natural hazard information (like the flood maps) on a LIM?

The LIM report does not provide or replace site-specific information or property-level reports. It’s a starting point and a summary of the information we hold.

Those receiving LIMs are encouraged to use the report to further their due diligence, like ordering a copy of the council’s property file, reaching out to our technical specialists or seeking opinions and/or advice from independent third-party specialists.

What flood maps are included in LIMs?

LIMs include a map entitled ‘Natural Hazards – Flooding’, which displays information about the following potential flood hazards in relation to the site:

  • Flood plains
  • Flood prone areas
  • Flood sensitive areas
  • Overland flow paths

The absence of flooding information on the maps does not exclude the possibility of site flooding, including from local depressions or overland flow paths on nearby properties.

Also important to know is that Auckland Council does not have information on flood sensitive areas for all of Auckland. This potential hazard will only be depicted if the information exists.

What’s the difference between flood plains, flood prone areas and overland flow paths?

Flood plains:

Flood plains appear in low-lying areas and next to streams and rivers. As many historical streams have been piped, flood plains may appear in areas where you haven’t seen water before.

Flood plains are mapped from hydraulic modelling results and show the predicted flood extents during a 1 per cent annual exceedance probability (AEP) storm, assuming the stormwater system is functioning as intended and not blocked.

Flood prone areas:

Flood prone areas are topographical depressions/low lying areas where water can become trapped and pool.

In flood prone areas, water pools and gets trapped when the stormwater outlet pipe is blocked, or when the rainfall intensity exceeds the capacity of the stormwater network. Flood Prone Areas are identified by GIS techniques and not hydraulic modelling.

Overland flow paths:

Overland flow paths show the route water will take as it flows downhill through the landscape when there is no piped network or the capacity of the piped stormwater system is exceeded.

Water can move very quickly over land during heavy rain, forming temporary fast‑flowing streams. On Flood Viewer, these are shown as lines, but in reality, the water will spread more broadly across the surrounding area.

Overland Flow Paths are identified using GIS‑based terrain analysis, which connects the lowest points in the landscape (known as the thalweg) to map the route that water will take downhill. These paths are derived from topography and are not based on hydraulic modelling.

Major earthworks can alter the topography, and in some instances, developers may provide surveyed data to the council following a development which may result in changes to the flood mapping.

You can learn more about the different types of flood hazards on Auckland Council’s Flood Viewer.

What data are the flood plain maps based on?

The flood plains on LIM reports, and published on Flood Viewer, are based on an extreme weather event with a one per cent chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given year – this is also called a 1-in-a-hundred-year event.

To produce these maps, we consider things like:

  • the hydraulics of water flowing through pipes, channels, and overland
  • the hydrology of different rainfall events
  • land‑use types and soil characteristics
  • and climate change.

The data is then updated across the region at catchment scale, to reflect the best and most current information available at the time.

It uses surface topography captured through LiDAR – laser imaging, detection and ranging via aircraft like drones. The LiDAR data used for 95 per cent of our maps was flown in 2016, which means the flood‑plain map on the LIM reflects the landscape as it existed at that time.

The topography (land features like elevation, water bodies) data the models are based on is from 2016. How does the council account for this?

As the topography data used to inform the flood hazard maps is from 2016, when requested, we have provided a written acknowledgement of this to property owners. In the letter, we acknowledge that this means that the maps may not reflect changes made on the property including flood mitigation measures that may have been introduced by development.

Alongside this, we are in the process of providing a clarifying statement on all LIM reports to indicate when the data used to model the flood risk was gathered.

New models are expected soon. A new Auckland wide LiDAR survey was flown in 2024, and we are currently rebuilding all flood models using this updated data. This is detailed, technical work that must be done catchment by catchment – but it could be done more frequently in the future.

How often are the flood plains updated?

Councils are not required to update natural hazard information immediately whenever development occurs. Given the scale of construction across Auckland, it would be impracticable to continuously remodel every catchment for every change in topography as soon as earthworks are completed.

Auckland Council has followed a regular, cyclic update process since regional flood‑plain mapping began in 2012. Historically, this schedule has been appropriate, and only since the severe weather in early 2023 has public awareness of flood risk increased to the point where this timing has become more visible in the property market.

With more interest from Aucklanders, we’re looking at increasing how frequently we run this exercise including increasing the cadence.

Why can’t the information on my resource consent be used to show a property’s flood exposure – can the maps be adjusted?

We do not base flood‑plain maps on individual resource consent information. Earthworks plans provided for resource consents only analyse the immediate development site, not the full catchment.

Developments often occur in stages over several years, consents may be varied, and construction frequently changes from the original design. For these reasons, resource consent data cannot be used as a basis for catchment wide flood plain modelling.

However, in some cases, this data can be used to update flood prone areas. This is as it is a different type of hazard to flood plains and does not require modelling – so the topographical data can be more easily updated.

My property is showing as in a flood risk area – who can I talk to for more information?

In the first instance – reach out to Auckland Council. By talking to us, we can see if we can provide you with the information you’re looking for and explain what it means and why a property is impacted. 

We often find that the concerns people have with flood information are based on a misunderstanding of the data rather than the information itself. A conversation may be a simple way to avoid the expense of engaging an expert to dispute information which is unlikely to change.

For more information on addressing or updating information that appears on a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) from Auckland Council, visit our website. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/understanding-aucklands-regional-flood-maps/

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Isolated communities grappling with rising fuel costs

Source: Radio New Zealand

Town of Waitangi on Chatham Island. Vk2cz / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

Chatham Island council is meeting this afternoon to try and come up with a way to soften the blow as diesel prices jump a dollar a litre for the isolated community.

Meanwhile, in Waiheke Island, petrol prices are sitting [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/590158/foodstuff-s-petrol-stations-continue-to-offer-discounts-despite-stores-running-dry close to $4 and the main Waiheke ferry is making some timetable changes to accommodate increasing fuel costs.

Petrol stations across the country are seeing a bump in drivers filling up amid fears over the Iran war and potential shortages, but Chatham’s runs slightly differently.

The islands ship petrol and diesel to the island. It’s heavily reliant on diesel as the main form of fuel to power the island.

Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust chief executive and council interim CEO Bob Penter said diesel was at $2.29 per litre and petrol at $4.50 per litre before the conflict in the Middle East.

He said they have capacity to store 400,000 litres on the island, but the problem will arise when they have to buy more at the current prices.

“Diesel has experienced much greater price increases rather than the increases we are seeing with petrol, so diesel is where we are experiencing most of our pressure at the moment.

“The higher prices are starting to flow through to what we need to purchase to top up our on island supplies, so we will have to consider over the next few days, looking at when we need to announce price adjustments and the price is obviously likely to increase.

“It’s risen about a dollar in purchase cost.”

But Penter is determined not to put that increase directly on islanders.

“The main concern for us is if we are able to soften the blow for Chatham Islanders, rather than the price climbing up a steep faced waterfall, if we can have a bit more of a gentle slope with gradual increases rather than a sudden shock.”

“We will give people as much forewarning as we can of any price changes. It won’t be a price at 11.59pm and another price at 12am and they don’t find out till morning.”

He said because the island had some resilience with storage and stock levels there was hope.

“We can potentially absorb some of the price increases from the new stock coming in as we release the old stock, so its just how we manage that in terms of a timing pathway and ensuring that we are meeting our purchase price that we have to pay.”

Chatham Islands was already the most expensive place to buy petrol in New Zealand before the conflict at $4.50.

He said it had to be that price because it was a expensive and dangerous process to get it.

“Petrol is probably ok at the moment because we do have some reserves… we are watching it really closely… if the current pricing structure we are seeing for petrol in New Zealand continues then I’m afraid inevitable it’s going to flow through to the Chathams and what we are able to price petrol for.”

As for the Hauraki Gulf, ferry company Fullers said despite the rising costs they have no current plans to make changes to the pricing.

It said they will make timetable changes to some destinations so they can ensure a reliable and sustainable service.

Fullers said it will revert to its off peak timetable slightly earlier than planned, starting Saturday.

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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/2026/03/20/isolated-communities-grappling-with-rising-fuel-costs/

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Live cricket: White Ferns v South Africa Proteas women – third T20

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the cricket action as the White Ferns take on South Africa in Auckland for their third T20 international match.

The five-match series is currently tied 1-1.

First ball at Eden Park is 2.45pm.

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/2026/03/20/live-cricket-white-ferns-v-south-africa-proteas-women-third-t20/

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PFIS Group Announces Global Rebranding to Alpina Legacy: A Strategic Evolution Grounded in Swiss Excellence

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – PFIS Group, a Swiss-rooted wealth structuring advisory firm, today announced a comprehensive rebranding to Alpina Legacy. This strategic transformation marks a significant milestone in the firm’s history, aligning its corporate identity with its profound Swiss heritage and its core mission of safeguarding cross-generational wealth.

Mr. Samy Reeb, CEO of Alpina Legacy

Refining our Identity After Years of Strategic Growth

Since its inception, PFIS Group has undergone an extraordinary journey of expansion. What began as a specialised boutique advisory practice in cross-border insurance has evolved into a formidable international platform. Today, the firm operates 8 offices worldwide, holds intermediation licenses in 34 countries, and has successfully advised on the structuring and restructuring of over USD 1 billion in private wealth.

“After years of rapid international expansion and hundreds of complex client engagements, we realised that our identity needed to catch up with our evolution,” said Mr. Samy Reeb, CEO of Alpina Legacy. “This rebranding comes at a pivotal moment. After establishing a robust global footprint, we are returning to our roots—not by shrinking our horizons, but by deepening the Swiss values that have always been the bedrock of our success.”

A Name that Bridges Heritage and Future

The new name, Alpina Legacy, was meticulously chosen to reflect the dual pillars of the firm’s value proposition:

  • Alpina: A tribute to the firm’s Swiss foundation. It symbolises the precision, discretion, and unwavering regulatory discipline associated with the Swiss financial tradition. In an increasingly volatile global landscape, “Alpina” represents the stability and rigour that the firm’s institutional partners and clients rely upon.
  • Legacy: Defines the firm’s ultimate purpose. It underscores a commitment to helping internationally mobile families, entrepreneurs, and investors protect and transmit their wealth across jurisdictions and generations through compliant, sophisticated insurance solutions.

Strengthening Partnerships and Roots

The transition to Alpina Legacy also reinforces the firm’s commitment to its global network of private banks, asset managers, and institutional partners.

“Our business partners are the lifeblood of our operation. By rebranding to Alpina Legacy, we are signalling our long-term commitment to the standards they expect from a Swiss-rooted firm,” added Samy Reeb. “As we look back on our years in operation, we recognise that our growth was only possible because we remained close to our roots while remaining agile in the face of complex regulatory environments.”

A New Chapter in Wealth Structuring

While the name and visual identity have changed, Alpina Legacy’s dedication to excellence remains constant. The firm will continue to provide bespoke cross-border planning and international insurance solutions, ensuring that the wealth created today becomes the enduring legacy of tomorrow.

Hashtag: #AlpinaLegacy

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/pfis-group-announces-global-rebranding-to-alpina-legacy-a-strategic-evolution-grounded-in-swiss-excellence/

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Have you seen Tracey?

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are asking for the public’s help finding 15-year-old Tracey, who has been reported missing from the Conifer Grove area.

Tracey was last seen on 27 February and was reported missing on 4 March.

She is described as about 150cms tall with brown eyes and black hair and was wearing a purple t-shirt and black Nike pants.

Police believe she may be in the wider Auckland or Waikato areas.

Police and Tracey’s family have concerns for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible.

If you have seen Tracey, or have any information that could help us find her, please call 111 and reference file number 260305/8454.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/have-you-seen-tracey-2/

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Winston Peters meets Cook Island PM ‘informally’, but no deal on key issues

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cook Islands PM Mark Brown and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters held an informal discussion at Peters’ private residence in Auckland on Friday, 20 March 2026  Supplied / Minister of Foreign Affairs

Winston Peters has met “informally” with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown at Peters’ home in Auckland.

Four days ago, Peters’ office said they had no plans to meet Brown while he was in New Zealand.

In a joint statement, they said they discussed “fundamental challenges facing the New Zealand-Cook Islands relationship over the past 18 months” though there appeared to be no resolutions.

“Political dialogue between the two countries will continue in the coming weeks in order to determine whether these challenges can be resolved in the present circumstances,” it stated.

“In the meantime, the Governments of the Cook Islands and New Zealand will not be providing further comment.”

Christopher Luxon said on Thursday that he would not meet with Brown in any capacity, preferring to keep it between officials.

“I’m confident we’ll get to a good place in the end, we’ve made some good progress recently, but I’m going to let our officials handle that progress,” he said.

Addressing a room of dignitaries on Wednesday, Brown said his country was “growing in influence” globally on its “voyage of statehood”.

“Our desire to pursue our own policies and interests have been reflected in our growing participation on the international stage,” Brown told a room of dignitaries.

“There are times when we must pause and consider whether the conventions and evolved understanding between our freely associated states remain aligned … we find ourselves in such a moment.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/winston-peters-meets-cook-island-pm-informally-but-no-deal-on-key-issues/

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Venue access: how we manage our bookable community spaces

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s Director of Community Rachel Kelleher responds to concerns about the council’s approach to venue hire of our community meeting halls and shared spaces.

It is with huge gratitude that I acknowledge the messages of support our staff and the council has received over the past few days, regarding our response to the awful disruption of a family-friendly Pride event at Te Atatū Peninsula Library last weekend.

It has been uplifting to see the voices of leaders throughout New Zealand also extend their support to our brave staff and affected communities, along with the widespread public condemnation of this harmful activity.

We are also grateful for police support, to ensure that all remaining Pride events at our venues continue to be uplifting occasions to celebrate Auckland’s rainbow communities.

We are actively monitoring any health, safety or security risks at future events.

Venue hire

We have been asked questions about the use of our community venues and whether the council should apply tighter restrictions on bookings – particularly from groups like Destiny Church with strong views that not everyone shares.  

So, I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about how Auckland Council provides access to our collection of more than 100 bookable community venues across the region on the principle that they are available for anyone to hire. We are obliged to ensure everyone throughout Auckland has fair and equal access to connect and enjoy using these spaces.

This doesn’t mean that we endorse the content of an event, or the views of participants, but rather that we must manage our venues in a neutral and non-discriminatory manner.

It is not always easy to maintain that careful balance between providing a public service (venues for hire) and expressing our council values, including ensuring our people feel supported on our position on diversity and inclusion.

This sometimes leads to tension, and pressure to do more in support of one community or group, over another.

When differences arise between the views of the various groups using our community venues, and there is potential for conflict or any risk to public safety, we work closely with the police and security experts to determine if activities should go ahead.

An example of this occurred in 2023, when the council terminated venue bookings at the Mount Eden War Memorial Hall in response to safety concerns from two groups with strong opposing views planning to gather on the same night.

Consistent with our obligations as a public authority, we will continue to operate our venues on the principle that they are available to all Aucklanders, but will not hesitate to address or terminate bookings if terms are breached or safety compromised.

With respect to the events at the events at the at Te Atatū Peninsula Library last Saturday, council is supporting the police with their investigations and has not ruled out taking further action against those individuals involved.  

Venue hire requirements:

  • All venue hire bookings agree to comply with council’s venue hire terms and conditions. These set out the circumstances in which the council may terminate a booking and include situations where the event might breach the law or the conditions themselves or where the management or control of the event is deficient.

  • It is always the responsibility of venue hire users to ensure their events are managed safely, and to meet the terms and conditions of our venue hire policy.

  • Where we have concerns that an event may raise health and safety or security concerns we work with the organisers and relevant agencies to ensure that these concerns are addressed ahead of the event. 

  • Our community venues are operated on the principle they are available for anyone to hire. If a booking is accepted, it doesn’t mean that we endorse the content of the event, but rather that we are obliged to manage our venues in a non-discriminatory manner.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/venue-access-how-we-manage-our-bookable-community-spaces-2/

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Appeal for information on fight at Common Room bar in Hastings

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Sergeant Heath Jones, Hastings Criminal Investigation Branch

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone else affected by a group of people fighting at a local Hastings pub, to come forward.

The fight occurred between 1.30 and 2am on Sunday 8 March.

Police received reports of a brawl involving men and women inside the Common Room bar which is located at 227 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings. 

Several people were injured, some seriously, with one requiring hospital treatment.

Police are disappointed at the aggressive and careless behaviour on display at the Common Room that night and will be holding any offenders to account.

We are asking the public for information to help identify the offenders and anyone else who was there at the time who may have suffered injuries or witnessed the fight.

If you were there, or you know someone affected please call 105 or make a report online by clicking ‘Make a report’ referencing the file number 260308/6292.

Police are looking to identify the male in the images attached. In two photos he is seen wearing a fawn ‘Gucci’ baseball cap with a white shirt.

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

We encourage anyone who witnesses illegal activity and violent behaviour to call Police immediately on 111.

END

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/appeal-for-information-on-fight-at-common-room-bar-in-hastings/

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Moa Point report reveals air bubble may have caused massive failure

Source: Radio New Zealand

The catastrophic failure of the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant may have been caused by air trapped in the pipes, a report has revealed.

The Wellington plant failed last month, flooding the facility and sending millions of litres of raw sewage into the sea each day.

Wellington City Council on Friday released the first report into the ongoing saga.

Wellington Water commissioned the engineering report on 5 February – the day after the failure – to understand how the plant could be operated during the recovery.

Experts from Stantec used software to develop a hydraulic model of the plant, and replicated the likely flow of water running through the plant when it failed.

While the report was not commissioned to identify the cause, it revealed valuable information, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little’s office said.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little said the report was just one piece of the puzzle. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

“The report found that air can become trapped in the wastewater bypass pipeline, particularly when there is a high flow of wastewater passing through the plant.

“It is possible that trapped air could disrupt the flow of wastewater, pushing it backwards and flooding the plant.”

There was a “significant risk” of the air being trapped in the system, causing a “choke point” the report said.

And if it did happen, it would be “a likely cause of the flooding”.

The bypass system allows screened wastewater to bypass further treatment – like disinfection – and be discharged out to sea when the plant is at maximum capacity.

The experts suggested Wellington Water install additional air release equipment at specific locations in the system.

Wellington Water chief operating officer Charles Baker speaking to media following the release of the report. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

“This is expected to provide some improvement to the issues identified until the design of a new bypass pipeline alignment and connection can be developed and implemented.”

The report was just one piece of the puzzle, Little said.

“There are other areas of interest that require a more detailed investigation, and Wellington Water has commissioned an external specialist to conduct a wider investigation into these other factors.

“It’s natural to want a quick answer, but it’s important that we take the time to uncover all the facts and not draw conclusions too early.

“Wellingtonians deserve assurance that our recovery addresses the root cause and any related factors, so we can be confident we’re preventing this from happening again.”

The Wellington plant failed last month, flooding the facility and sending millions of litres of raw sewage into the sea each day. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Air pocket ‘burping’ seen since

The report revealed that Veolia, the plant operator, told Wellington Water at a meeting this week that crews had observed the burping of air pockets during the storm on 3 March when there was a high level of water running through the system.

“The operator … observed burping of large air pockets and large splashes from the outlet chamber during the initial pumping sequences,” it said.

That showed the air release capacity of a vent pipe downstream had been exceeded at times, the report said.

More risks identified

The experts identified other potential risks at the plant and made a number of technical recommendations.

“Wellington Water should address the potential risk of a blockage or debris in the outfall section of the pipe and implement monitoring of operating pressures in the ocean outfall (during the recovery phase at a minimum).”

The company should also review the condition of existing air and isolation valves, and replace them if necessary, the report said.

CCTV from the pipeline showed the polyurethane liner had eroded and cement mortar had potentially degraded in some sections, it said.

“This has occurred due to high velocity super-critical (shallow and fast) flow impacting on the liner.

“This flow regime presents risks to the long-term durability of the effluent pipeline liner and structural steel which warrants additional review and investigation.”

An independent Crown review into the failure is also underway, and its final report is expected in August.

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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/2026/03/20/moa-point-report-reveals-air-bubble-may-have-caused-massive-failure/

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Empty pumps at two North Island truck stops concern rural transporter

Source: Radio New Zealand

Danniverke Carriers owner Nigel Castles expects further price rises for fuel are inevitable. 123rf

A rural transport company carting stock to the meat works couldn’t get the fuel it needed at two North Island commercial truck stops.

Pumps ran dry in Wairoa and Eltham on Thursday when the Stephenson Transport truck and trailer units from Central Hawke’s Bay were on a freezing works run.

Owner Bruce Stephenson said it’s a situation he’s never faced during his seven decades in the business.

“We had stock trucks on the road obviously all over the place. We couldn’t get fuel in Wairoa and we couldn’t get fuel in Eltham,” he said.

“They were loaded with stock heading to the works, so we had to stretch things out a bit – it gets a bit tricky when you’re doing that sort of thing.”

He fielded phone calls from his concerned drivers wondering what to do next.

“I’m talking about truck stops where we fuel up and where we get our contract prices from. That’s where access is relatively easy for a big truck and trailers with crates on.”

“So we had to go to service stations and find one we could get under the canopy of.”

Danniverke Carriers owner Nigel Castles is also coping with the swiftly evolving situation.

His company also carts stock around the country and he’s concerned about the massive spike in prices.

And his family-owned business can’t absorb the soaring fuel prices alone.

He’s reluctantly passing these increases on to farmers and estimates his fuel bill is up 20 percent from the start of the year.

The company filled its tanks last week, and he hopes the next delivery will arrive in a week.

With no signs of tensions easing in the Middle East, he expects further price rises for fuel are inevitable.

“The next lot of fuel supply is actually going to go up again,” he said.

“Definitely out on farm there’s a lot of worry, and as transporters we certainly don’t want to come to a grinding halt either.”

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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/2026/03/20/empty-pumps-at-two-north-island-truck-stops-concern-rural-transporter/

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SIM Global Education Highlights Integrated Undergraduate Experience, Combining Academic Learning and Career Preparation

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – Undergraduate education today extends beyond academic instruction, with institutions increasingly emphasising the development of practical skills, career readiness and personal growth. At SIM Global Education (SIM GE), the undergraduate experience is structured to combine academic learning with career preparation and student engagement, reflecting the evolving expectations of higher education.

Through partnerships with universities in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia, SIM GE provides access to internationally recognised degree programmes delivered in Singapore. Students are supported by a learning environment that integrates classroom instruction with opportunities for applied learning and professional development.

A Structured Undergraduate Experience
A typical weekday at SIM GE reflects a balance between academic commitments and broader developmental activities.

Mornings are generally dedicated to lecture preparation and collaborative study, with students making use of campus facilities designed for both individual and group learning. Formal classes, including lectures, seminars and case discussions, typically take place later in the morning. These sessions often incorporate group-based assignments and presentations, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.

Midday periods frequently involve informal collaboration, with students using shared spaces to coordinate group work and prepare for assessments. This collaborative approach reinforces teamwork and communication skills, which are essential in professional environments.

Afternoons may include academic support activities, such as consultations and workshops offered through the Student Learning Centre. These resources are designed to strengthen competencies in areas including academic writing, research methodologies and presentation skills.

Career development forms an integral component of the undergraduate experience. SIM GE provides access to career advisory services, networking opportunities and industry engagement initiatives, allowing students to gain insights into employer expectations and explore potential career pathways prior to graduation.

Beyond academic and career-focused activities, students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular engagements. With a wide range of student clubs, interest groups and volunteering initiatives available, these activities provide opportunities to develop leadership, interpersonal skills and cross-cultural understanding within a diverse student community.

Evenings are often dedicated to independent study, assignment completion and preparation for upcoming classes, reflecting the balance between structured learning and self-directed development.

Supporting Holistic Student Development
The undergraduate experience at SIM GE is designed to support both academic progression and personal development. Through a combination of structured coursework, academic support services, career preparation and student-led activities, learners are able to build a broad set of competencies relevant to both further education and employment.

This integrated approach enables students to develop practical skills, expand professional networks and gain exposure to diverse perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive preparation for the demands of the global workforce.

References:
1. Devanshi Soni student story –
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/from-new-delhi-to-singapore-how-sim-global-education-shaped-devanshi-sonis-global-journey/articleshow/122850280.cms

2. SIM GE Student Ambassador Yong Kunyada story –
https://regional.simge.edu.sg/philippines/en/scholar-student-ambassador-yong-shares-her-experiences-of-learning-and-thriving-in-sim/

3. SIM Student Learning Centre – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/learning-support

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/sim-global-education-highlights-integrated-undergraduate-experience-combining-academic-learning-and-career-preparation/

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SEEK’s AI Lead Speaks at Global Talent Summit: How responsible AI is helping connect candidates and hirers with trust in an increasingly noisy hiring market

Source: Media Outreach

Jobsdb by SEEK hosts “The Hong Kong HR Awards 2025/26” celebrating industry excellence

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – Mr Grant Wright, Group Executive, Artificial Intelligence at SEEK, the parent company of Jobsdb, spoke at the “Global Talent Summit Week – Hong Kong’s International Talent Forum” on 18 March 2026, organised by the Labour and Welfare Bureau and Hong Kong Talent Engage. At the panel titled “Thriving in a dynamic talent landscape – Sustaining skills and fostering resilience”, Mr Wright addressed the challenge of increasing noise in the recruitment market and outlined how SEEK is leveraging its responsible AI framework and automated verification tools to help employers identify authentic talent signals.

Mr Grant Wright, Group Executive, Artificial Intelligence at SEEK, the parent company of Jobsdb, spoke at the “Global Talent Summit Week – Hong Kong’s International Talent Forum” on 18 March 2026

Building trust with Responsible AI and verification

At the forum, Mr Wright described the current global talent landscape as increasingly noisy with the rise of AI agents and the use of large language models in the recruitment process making it harder to assess candidates fit and motivation without the right tools.

“In a world where AI allows every candidate to put their best foot forward, traditional signals like the CV and cover letter tell us less than they used to,” said Mr Wright. “Simply applying for a role is no longer necessarily a signal of motivation or suitability. In this noisier AI environment, marketplaces play a critical role to connect interested and high-fit candidates and hirers faster, and to add more trust to the process.

SEEK established a dedicated Responsible AI team in 2017 to address fairness and bias in AI-driven matching. Mr Wright outlined the company’s core principles for ensuring technology empowers rather than excludes.

“AI makes predictions, which means by definition it can be wrong. We must consider the impact of those predictions on individuals,” Mr Wright added.

“Humans can be biased in recruitment, and we need to recognise that exists in the system and in the data we train on. Our responsible AI team and processes aim to ensure AI improves outcomes for everyone and creates opportunity.”

SEEK has invested in AI to improve customer experiences for over a decade, building one of Asia Pacific’s most established AI teams. Beyond making job hunting and hiring simpler, SEEK is focused on using AI to add trust and efficiency into our marketplace. This proprietary technology powers every stage of the hiring process:

  • Enhanced targeting for high-fit candidates: SEEK identifies which candidates are a high fit for a role. This allows us to predict a candidate’s likelihood of being shortlisted for any given job ad. High-fit candidates are three times more likely to be shortlisted.
  • Enhanced Efficiency and Search Experience: Features like AI-assisted ad writing help employers create compelling job descriptions, while AI-powered analytics provide real-time insights to optimise ad performance. At the same time, candidates can use natural, everyday language to describe what they’re looking for, and personalised search models match them to the most relevant roles.
  • Responsible AI and Trust: SEEK’s dedicated Responsible AI framework focuses on fairness, transparency and bias mitigation in AI‑driven matching. To combat market friction and build confidence, SEEK has also introduced automated verified credentials, reducing verification times from days to seconds, increasing hirer trust in the integrity of matches and helping candidates stand out.
  • Voice AI Refence Checks: SEEK also leverages natural language AI to transform the reference checking experience. SEEK’s voice AI assistant allows referees to complete checks through natural conversation with SEEK’s Voice AI service. This cuts completion time for hirers in half, from 24 to 12 minutes, while capturing more data than traditional reference checking methods.

When asked about his vision for Hong Kong’s workforce over the next five years, Mr Wright highlighted that while Hong Kong has always been exceptional at attracting talent, the automation of entry-level tasks could pose a risk to traditional learning curves.

“I would like to see Hong Kong focus on the development problem for the future workforce,” said Mr Wright. “If you take away entry-level jobs, you remove the safe space for newcomers to ‘fail fast’ and learn how an organisation works. That would be a real challenge, and I hope to see Hong Kong find a solution to bridge this gap for the betterment of organisations and future talent.”

Celebrating excellence in HR

The dialogue on the future of work continued later that day as Jobsdb celebrated industry excellence at ‘The Hong Kong HR Awards 2025/26’. With the theme ‘Empowering Talent and Technology Towards Tomorrow’, the awards recognised 70 companies, for their excellence in talent acquisition and management strategies. The ceremony was attended by approximately 450 guests, witnessing the industry’s achievements in integrating technology with talent development.

Mr Bill Lee, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Jobsdb by SEEK, stated, “Now in its fifth year, The Hong Kong HR Awards are once again dedicated to celebrating the exceptional organisations and visionary individuals who are reshaping the future of people strategy in Hong Kong. This year’s winners demonstrate how forward‑thinking employers are transforming talent attraction, development and engagement through the smart use of data and technology. We are also proud to introduce the inaugural SEEK APAC Employer of the Year Award, recognising excellence across our Asia markets plus Chinese Mainland and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a hub for talent in Asia Pacific. At Jobsdb, we are committed to providing the tools and insights to help the local workforce navigate this transformation and unlock new possibilities for growth.”

For the full list of winners and more details, please visit:
https://hk.employer.seek.com/page/the-hong-kong-hr-awards-2025-26-winners

Hashtag: #Jobsdb #AI #SEEK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/20/seeks-ai-lead-speaks-at-global-talent-summit-how-responsible-ai-is-helping-connect-candidates-and-hirers-with-trust-in-an-increasingly-noisy-hiring-market/

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Dan Hooker’s bare-knuckle backyard fights to be monitored by Christchurch police

Source: Radio New Zealand

The gloves are coming off for the next instalment of Dan Hooker’s “1 Minute Scraps”. youtube

Police are monitoring a bare-knuckle fighting event in Christchurch organised by MMA professional fighter Dan Hooker.

The seventh-ranked UFC lightweight contender announced another “1 Minute Scraps” event on social media recently, telling hopefuls the event “is gonna scrap the gloves, we’re going bare-knuckle”.

A $50,000 prize was on offer for the winner with each combatant getting $1000 and $5000 available for each knockout.

Hooker told The Rock FM‘s Morning Rumble he had chosen the city for Sunday’s event because “I believe Christchurch has the craziest people”.

“We had thousands of people try to enter this. This excites me as a fighter,” he said.

The seventh-ranked UFC lightweight contender announced another “1 Minute Scraps” event on social media recently. STEVEN MARKHAM

Backyard-style fights have previously attracted backlash from some people involved in combat sports with the Boxing Coaches Association labelling it “straight-out thuggery“.

Following the criticism, Hooker told online combat sport programme the Ariel Helwani Show that, “there’s a few lefties having a sulk”.

“Since when did putting gloves on in the backyard and having a punch up become illegal?” Since when is that a crime?” he said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells said police were aware of the event.

“We have spoken with the organisers of the event, who have been cooperative, and confirmed they are running a lawful event which they have done previously,” he said.

“Police monitored previous events run by these organisers and had no issues. However, we will continue to monitor such events, and anyone found to be participating in unlawful or antisocial behaviour should expect to be held to account for their actions.

“If anyone witnesses any concerning or antisocial behaviour is urged to call 111 in an emergency, or 105 to report non-urgent information.”

Hooker had promised to run more events in the future and said his plans for the next one “gets even more wild”.

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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/2026/03/20/dan-hookers-bare-knuckle-backyard-fights-to-be-monitored-by-christchurch-police/

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‘I go into a Zen space, my body takes over’ – circus star’s rare balancing act

Source: Radio New Zealand

In his La Ronde performance, Adam Malone’s burlesque-inspired feats include a “chaotic” hoop act in which he manipulates fast-spinning blunt objects with his hands.

Less stressful, he says, is pulling off his take on the traditional but rare ‘Washington Trapeze’, which involves balancing on his head.

“I go into a bit of a Zen space, and I balance, and my body kind of takes over for me,” Malone tells RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

Adam Malone is also a renowned hula-hoop artist.

Benji Hardwick

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/20/i-go-into-a-zen-space-my-body-takes-over-circus-stars-rare-balancing-act/

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One dead, one seriously injured after crash on SH2 in Gisborne District

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Robin Martin

One person has died following a crash on State Highway 2/Matawai Road, Waipaoa, in the Gisborne region on Friday morning.

Police were notified of the two-vehicle crash near McMillan Road just before 7am.

One person was found dead at the scene.

Another person received serious injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

Police had warned earlier there would be extensive delays for motorists.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.

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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/2026/03/20/one-dead-one-seriously-injured-after-crash-on-sh2-in-gisborne-district/

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Man found dead at Hastings construction site

Source: Radio New Zealand

A scene guard would remain in place while investigators probed the scene, police said. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Police enquiries are underway after a man was found dead at a construction in Hastings earlier this week.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu said police were called to the site at 7pm on Thursday 18 March.

“The man was not an employee at the site and his death is currently being treated as unexplained,” Whiu said.

A scene guard would remain in place while investigators probed the scene.

“Work is under way to formally identify the man and at this stage we are unable to provide any further details regarding his identity,” Whiu said.

Police were asking anyone with relevant information to reach out using the 105 and quote file number 260319/6453.

Information could also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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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/2026/03/20/man-found-dead-at-hastings-construction-site/