Category: LiveNews

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Further statement from the family of Max Furse-Kee + photo

Source: New Zealand Police

The following is a statement on behalf of Max Furse-Kee’s mum:

On 22 January, our world changed forever. Our beloved Max was suddenly and unimaginably taken from us.

Max was not doing anything reckless, and this tragedy was not the result of poor judgement or a lack of care.

He simply went to take a shower, in the wrong place at the wrong time. There was nothing that could have prepared us for this.

As a family, we cannot begin to imagine life without him. Max was our communal baby, a beautiful soul who brought immense light, laughter, and love into our world.

We are grieving not only the person we have lost, but all the milestones, memories, and future moments that will now never be. No words are big enough to capture this pain.

On Wednesday, 4 February, we will hold a memorial to celebrate Max’s short but deeply meaningful life. Further details will be shared soon.

We respectfully ask that attendance be limited to family and close friends. A live stream will be available for those who wish to honour Max from afar.

We are overwhelmed by the messages of love, comfort, and support that have come from across New Zealand and around the world. Thank you all.

While we do not have the capacity to respond individually, please know that we are reading them all, and they mean more to us than we could ever express.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), the Rapid Relief Team, all the machinery operators who worked extremely carefully, local Iwi, Kaitiaki and our incredible Police Family Liaison Officers.

You have worked tirelessly to care for us and to bring Max home. We have seen how deeply this has affected everyone involved, and your compassion and kindness will help carry us through the days ahead.

We take great comfort in knowing that Max spent his final days with Sharon, someone he loved so deeply, and with her family, who loved him too.

Please keep Max and all the other affected families in your thoughts. Love your loved ones, life can be heartbreakingly unfair.

We thank you for continuing to respect our privacy at such a difficult time.

Forever Max’s mum. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/further-statement-from-the-family-of-max-furse-kee-photo/

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12-month prescriptions now available

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Twelve-month prescriptions for long-term medications take effect from Sunday.

Patients can now get a script for up to 12 months of medication – up from three – with their doctor’s permission.

People with 12-month prescriptions will still need to collect their medication every three months, so the changes will not reduce their overall number of visits.

Pharmacists remain concerned. Some have previously told RNZ that explaining the changes, and getting used to a new system, will only add to their already heavy workload when staff are in short supply.

Gemma Perry-Waterhouse, who owns Sanders Pharmacy in Te Awamutu, said a shortage of pharmacists would make explaining the new system while keeping up with other responsibilities challenging.

“There has been a decline in the number of pharmacies in New Zealand, and there’s a serious workforce issue. We don’t have enough pharmacists.

“We are concerned about this rollout and how much time it will take to explain to all patients what to expect with 12-month scripts; the fact that it isn’t for everyone, that their doctor needs to decide that.

“Be kind to your pharmacy if you’re popping in to talk about a 12-month script and what to expect, because we’re all under a lot of pressure at the moment.”

In announcing the plan, Health Minister Simeon Brown said the previous system “creates unnecessary barriers for patients on stable, long-term medications like asthma inhalers, insulin for diabetes, and blood pressure tablets.

“It means added costs for patients and more paperwork for health professionals, taking time away from patients with more urgent or complex needs…

“It’s a win-win for patients and the health system – fewer avoidable hospitalisations, better health outcomes and reduced long-term costs.”

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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/2026/02/01/12-month-prescriptions-now-available/

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Football: Auckland FC lose A-League top spot after Perth defeat

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC’s Nando Pijnaker. photosport

Injuries have marred Auckland FC’s 2-1 loss to Perth Glory – result that sees the visitors drop from first to third in the A-League standings.

Jesse Randall put Auckland in front just before halftime, rounding out a week in which it was announced the young forward will join Scottish club Dundee United at the end of the season.

However, Steve Corica’s team failed to hold on, conceding goals to Jaiden Kucharski in the 75th and 90th minutes to leave them with just one win from their last six matches.

Of concern to Corica will be injuries that forced goalkeeper Oli Sail and defender Nando Pijnaker from the field.

Sail, who replaced Michael Woud in the starting lineout, was stretchered from the field with an apparent knee problem midway through the second half, having slipped while taking a goal kick.

Pijnaker was forced off in the first spell with an unspecified leg injury.

Newcastle Jets have claimed top spot on the table, followed by Sydney FC.

Auckland FC’s next two matches are against Sydney – the first at home on Saturday next week.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/football-auckland-fc-lose-a-league-top-spot-after-perth-defeat/

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TAIC to send team of investigators to Akaroa following ferry grounding

Source: Radio New Zealand

Akaroa supplied

A dedicated investigation team from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission will be on the ground in Akaroa, following the grounding of a Black Cat ferry on Saturday afternoon.

Louise Cook, chief investigator of accidents, said there were reportedly 38 passengers and three crew on-board the 17-metre catamaran, on a wildlife cruise.

They were evacuated to nearby boats and no injuries were reported.

Cook said getting the facts straight was vital, and she was keen to hear from people who were on-board or witnessed the accident, and to receive any photos or video footage.

The investigation team would be travelling to Akaroa “as soon as practicable”, TAIC said in a statement.

Over the next several days, they would be seeking and recovering any wreckage, securing electronic records – including photos, videos, and location data on people’s cellphones – and interviewing witnesses.

Following the accident, passenger Chris Friedman – visiting from San Francisco – told RNZ it was a stressful experience on his last day in New Zealand.

He said there was a loud sound, as if the boat had run over something, and he thought it might be a rock. It was followed by a whizzing sound that could have been from the engine.

“We were never really fearful that we were going to go down with the ship, but there was a teenager on-board who was quite scared and was crying, and there was also an older woman who was rather traumatised,” he said.

The passengers were taken to the main wharf at Akaroa and no one was injured, he said.

Environment Canterbury said it was monitoring and assessing the catamaran to minimise the impact of any fuel leaks or debris on the environment.

“We are working alongside the owner, emergency services, the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, iwi and the local community.”

Black Cat Cruises said it was the first time in more than 40 years that anything like this had happened.

It was launching its own investigation, and said it would also be working with authorities.

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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/2026/02/01/taic-to-send-team-of-investigators-to-akaroa-following-ferry-grounding/

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Wellington City Mission launches free dental service

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Wellington City Mission is launching a free dental service.

It will open on 10 February and run three days a week.

The Mission’s Murray Edridge said the need for the service was substantial, with one in three adults suffering from untreated tooth decay.

He said people on low incomes and in hardship suffered the most.

“And that’s been a consequence of lifestyle or circumstance or just the things that they’ve faced throughout their lives, and their inability to access services because of cost and other things has prevented them attending to that.”

The service would be delivered by Ora Toa dentists, with appointments available by referral only from social agencies across the Greater Wellington region.

Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge. Wellington City Mission

“We all know how miserable life is if you have sore teeth,” Edridge said.

“It’s just one of those things that significantly affects anybody’s wellbeing, and therefore the opportunity to provide a service to support people who have problems with their teeth is an amazing privilege that the City Mission is taking hold of.”

The service will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from Whakamaru on Oxford Terrace.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/wellington-city-mission-launches-free-dental-service/

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Shocks, jocks and a Beatle: February’s best TV

Source: Radio New Zealand

Vanished

In this high-stakes mystery mini-series, Kaley Cuoco’s dream holiday becomes a nightmare when her boyfriend disappears mid-journey on a train to the South of France. As she rushes to find him she finds herself brushing up against dangerous people and the hard truth that her partner isn’t who she thought he was. Filmed entirely on location, the series has slick euro-thriller feel and should satisfy those looking for an intriguingly high tension, binge session.

Watch: Prime Video

When: Friday, 27 Feb

Sam Claflin as Tom Parker, Kaley Cuoco as Alice Monroe in Vanished.

Supplied

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/shocks-jocks-and-a-beatle-februarys-best-tv/

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$150,000 road cone hotline an ‘absurd’ waste of public money – Labour

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nearly $150,000 was reportedly spent on the project. Photo / 123RF

Labour says a review of the government’s axed road cone hotline – designed to report excessive and unnecessary traffic cone use – was an “absurd” waste of public money.

A WorkSafe review found excessive use of cones at just 6 percent of the 250 sites inspected.

Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said nearly $150,000 was spent on a project that was “clearly not going to be required in the first place”.

“I mean, we’re talking about huge amounts of public money that could be prioritised to address real concerns that the public is feeling right now.”

The digital hotline was launched last year as part of the government’s wider health and safety reforms.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden directed WorkSafe to place more emphasis on guidance and education, rather than enforcement.

The hotline allowed members of the public to report what they believed was excessive or unnecessary use of traffic cones and other temporary traffic management devices.

The government shut down its hotline on 19 December, six months ahead of schedule. By then, WorkSafe had received more than 1300 notifications.

Reports peaked at 641 in June, before dropping to 217 in July.

“This pilot has done exactly what we needed it to do,” Van Velden said at the time. “It gave the public a voice, identified the root causes of concern and clarified WorkSafe’s role in temporary traffic management.”

WorkSafe chief executive Sharon Thompson said the review showed the main issue was not widespread non-compliance, but inconsistent use of NZTA’s newer, risk-based guidance by councils.

“As a result, cone use was often consistent with council-approved plans, even if it appeared excessive to the public.”

Labour had previously described the initiative as a “performative battle”.

Utikere noted that by September, the government had spent $148,545 on the hotline – $136.15 for “every one of the 1091 complaints logged to that point”.

As of November 2025, there was an average of fewer than 20 valid complaints per week nationwide, he said.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/150000-road-cone-hotline-an-absurd-waste-of-public-money-labour/

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How your brain can be trained like a muscle

Source: Radio New Zealand

If you have ever lifted a weight, you know the routine: challenge the muscle, give it rest, feed it and repeat. Over time, it grows stronger.

Of course, muscles only grow when the challenge increases over time. Continually lifting the same weight the same way stops working.

It might come as a surprise to learn that the brain responds to training in much the same way as our muscles, even though most of us never think about it that way. Clear thinking, focus, creativity and good judgment are built through challenge, when the brain is asked to stretch beyond routine rather than run on autopilot. That slight mental discomfort is often the sign that the brain is actually being trained, a lot like that good workout burn in your muscles.

Tasks that stretch your brain just beyond its comfort zone, such as knitting and crocheting, can improve cognitive abilities over your lifespan.

Unsplash

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/how-your-brain-can-be-trained-like-a-muscle/

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Government cuts biosecurity levy for international travellers

Source: New Zealand Government

From today, the biosecurity part of the Border Processing Levy will drop by 30 percent for most arriving travellers, Minister for Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard says

“The change will see the biosecurity levy reduce from $16.92 to $12.03 for incoming air passengers,” says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

“After COVID-19, Biosecurity New Zealand raised the levy to cover border costs and rebuild operations.

“With air travel recovering faster than expected those costs are now paid off, we can lower the levy while keeping strong biosecurity controls in place.

“It’s great to be in a position to ease costs on international travellers and Kiwis coming home, while still keeping our border safe from environmental and economic threats.

“The Border Processing Levy funds biosecurity services such as x-ray screening, detector dogs, and other protections. 

“Farmers, growers, foresters and fishers are the backbone of this economy. That makes the biosecurity controls funded by the levy critical for New Zealanders’ standard of living.

“The government remains committed to modernising border biosecurity.

“We have set aside funding from the levy to allow Biosecurity New Zealand to invest in new border technology and more detector dogs.

“This includes investing in a digital border programme that will build on the successful introduction of the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and deliver smarter passenger processing and new x-ray technology.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/01/government-cuts-biosecurity-levy-for-international-travellers/

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Controlled explosion rocks residents north of Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

A marine locator marker was blown up at a beach on Auckland’s Whangaparāoa Peninsula. Auckland Council

A controlled explosion has rocked residents on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula north of Auckland after a marine locator marker was found floating at Okoromai Bay.

The markers are pyrotechnic devices designed to ignite on contact with water, and are used to indicate a location at sea.

A Defence Force spokesperson said it was found in the water by a member of the public, and handed in to the Coast Guard, which called in the NZDF and police.

A cordon was put up around the beach, and it was blown up by a Defence Force ordnance disposal team.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/controlled-explosion-rocks-residents-north-of-auckland/

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Dance music fans take a minute silence at DJ Fisher show in Mount Maunganui

Source: Radio New Zealand

About 25,000 dance music fans flocked to Mount Maunganui to see Australian DJ Fisher.

A minute silence was held to acknowledge the six lives lost in a landslide tragedy nine days ago at the nearby Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park.

All of the six victims have now been formally identified after the landslide on 22 January.

A rāhui is in place at the site where the six people – including two teenagers – were caught in the slip.

The Fisher event was on the calendar for the last weekend of January, and plans to go ahead were made thoughtfully, Trademark Live co-director Toby Burrows told RNZ.

“Everything was sort of on pause for a bit there,” he said, in the week that followed the tragedy.

“We’ve just been working with council and local kaumātua to get their blessing, which we got. It’s been pretty tender times down here, for everyone.”

Tauranga-based Burrows had heard from DJ Fisher, and other acts daily, who wanted to make sure everyone involved was fit to go ahead.

“They’ve been in close touch with us about it … They’re all deeply moved by it all, obviously and concerned.

“….It’s very close to home for us, and we’re down at the mountain like every day, you know, and a lot of our staff are as well, so it’s rocked us real hard.”

Burrows said the festival had used their platform to help raise funds for the families and community affected.

“Objectively I think it’s like people need to actually come together and talk about this as well. It’s not necessarily like celebrating, but just being with your friends. And it’s not a necessarily a time to just, you know, be at home by yourself … but I understand if people don’t feel it’s appropriate.”

Burrows, along with Mitch Lowe, were behind one of the country’s biggest music festivals, Bay Dreams.

UB40, featuring Ali Campbell, will perform at Bay Oval at Waitangi Weekend, as part of the Kingston Calling 2026 tour.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/dance-music-fans-take-a-minute-silence-at-dj-fisher-show-in-mount-maunganui/

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Cricket: Northern Districts cruise to Super Smash men’s title

Source: Radio New Zealand

Brett Hampton hits out in his Super Smash man-of-the-match performance. Photosport

Northern Districts have lived up to their top seeding with a five-wicket win over the Canterbury Magicians to claim the Super Smash men’s domestic T20 crown at Hagley Oval.

Chasing 172 runs for victory, the regular-season leaders showed their class, reaching their target with more than two overs to spare – their third title in the past five years.

Canterbury were in early trouble, losing the toss and put into bat. Opener Chad Bowes fell to the third ball of the innings from Zak Gibson and the Magicians were staggering at 57/5 in the ninth over.

Black Caps test captain Tom Latham was the only member of the top order to gather any momentum, accumulating 34 off 23 balls, but when he and captain Cole McConchie fell within six balls, Northern seemed well in control.

Wicketkeeper Mitch Hay and Leo Carter both scored half-centuries to rescue their team somewhat, putting on a century stand that dragged them to 171/5 after their allotted overs.

Hay was unbeaten on 56 off 34 balls, including three sixes, while Carter had 54 off 36, with seven fours, but the total seemed a few runs short of par.

Brett Hampton was the best of the bowlers with 3/37 off his four overs, while spinner Tim Pringle was the most economic with 1/20 off his four.

Northern began the chase strongly, with openers Katene Clarke and Hampton compiling 89 off 49 balls for the first wicket.

Both were dismissed by Michael Rae in the ninth over and the Magicians took 4/23 to halt the charge. Hampton hammered 55 off 23 balls, including five sixes, and was ultimately named Player of the Match.

They were still well ahead of the required run rate, which became less than a run a ball, when Joe Carter sent Rae towards the perimeter fence in the 17th over.

Rae had the last laugh though, as Carter (47 off 28) ballooned the next ball to Bowes, leaving his lower order to find 15 runs for victory.

He need not have worried, as Scott Kuggeleijn audaciously lapped Fraser Sheat over the keeper for four in the next over to complete the win with 13 balls to spare.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/cricket-northern-districts-cruise-to-super-smash-mens-title/

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Serious motorcycle crash causes delays on State Highway 3

Source: Radio New Zealand

Motorists have been advised to expect delays after a serious crash involving a motorcycle on State Highway 3 at Ratana on Saturday afternoon. Screenshot

Motorists have been advised to expect delays, after a serious crash involving a motorcycle on State Highway 3 at Ratana on Saturday afternoon.

The crash happened about 4.20pm, between Whanganui and Bulls.

The rider of the motorbike was being treated for critical injuries.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/serious-motorcycle-crash-causes-delays-on-state-highway-3/

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Wellington Blaze surge late to claim Super Smash crown again

Source: Radio New Zealand

Georgie Plimmer and Jess Kerr celebrate Wellington’s Super Smash women’s title. © Photosport Ltd 2026 www.photosport.nz

Wellington Blaze have beaten Auckland Hearts to claim the Super Smash women’s crown in a nailbiting final in Christchurch.

The Blaze won their seventh title in the past nine years and closed off their second threepeat in that time.

Chasing 147 to win, they reached their target with a ball to spare, thanks to captain Jess Kerr, who hit 17 runs, including two sixes and a boundary, in the final over at Hagley Oval.

Kerr was unbeaten on 46, the hero of the five-wicket victory, as she orchestrated the late surge, after the innings faltered in the middle stages.

Opener Rebecca Burns hit an imperious 55 from 41 balls and put on 66 for the first wicket with Georgia Plimmer (28 from 27), before things went awry for a while.

The Hearts batted first and scored 146/5, with their top order all getting starts. Izzy Gaze and Brook Halliday both scored 31, and captain Maddy Green 29, while Xara Jetly took 2/27 for the Blaze.

Rebecca Burns bats for Wellington against Auckland Hearts. © Photosport Ltd 2026 www.photosport.nz

Burns and Plimmer got the Blaze off to a great start in their chase, but things slowed after their departures, with Jetly and Hannah Francis dismissed cheaply, and Kerr, batting at No 3, having trouble finding strike.

She and Jess McFadyen (11) combined to give them a chance in the latter stages, and were still together when they needed 16 off the final over from Halliday.

On their scoring rate up, it looked a few runs too many, but Kerr hit a six off the second ball, before McFadyen was run out trying for a second run off the third ball.

Kerr smacked another six and then hit a cover drive to the boundary to give the Blaze the win, as her teammates stormed the field.

Molly Penfold was the best of the Heart bowlers, with 2/14 off her four overs.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/wellington-blaze-surge-late-to-claim-super-smash-crown-again/

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Sixth, final victim of Mount Maunganui landslide confirmed as Jacqualine Wheeler

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jacqualine Wheeler was a respected member of the equestrian community. Supplied

Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua has been formally identified as a victim of the Mount Maunganui landslide.

She’s the last of six people marked as missing in the days following the slip.

The others were, in the order of their formal identification, Max Furse-Kee, 15, Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, Sharon Maccanico, 15, and Susan Doreen Knowles, 71.

The slip tore down tents, caravans and structures, when it swept through the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park and the Mount Hot Pools on 22 January at 9.29am.

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell had earlier confirmed on social media that Wheeler, known as Jackie, was from the area and was the founder of Colour Concepts, an interior design store in Rotorua.

Wheeler had been on her annual summer camping trip with long-time camping buddy Susan Knowles, who was formally identified earlier today.

The pair went camping there together every summer, Holtom said.

Equestrian magazine Show Circuit posted a tribute to the pair on social media.

“Sue and Jackie were well known, and deeply respected within the local equestrian community and this news has come as a profound shock to all who knew them,” it said.

Chief coroner Anna Tutton told the court, despite the procedural nature of the hearing, Jackie as a person had been at the centre of the investigation. While her family were not in attendance at the court, Tutton extended her condolences to them.

She said Wheeler was described as the “backbone and matriarch” of her family.

Evidence was presented by Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Griffiths, who told the court Wheeler had been identified by her fingerprints and by comparing her DNA with that of her daughter.

The remains would now be released from custody of the coroner to the family.

As this was the final identification hearing, Tutton thanked everyone who had been involved in the recovery and identification of the victims, including emergency services, those standing on a cordon, driving diggers and trucks, caterers and cleaners.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/sixth-final-victim-of-mount-maunganui-landslide-confirmed-as-jacqualine-wheeler/

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English cricketer Harry Brooks admits lying about Wellington nightclub incident

Source: Radio New Zealand

Harry Brook speaks after England’s loss to the Black Caps in Wellington, the day after he was hit by a nightclub bouncer. Photosport

England whiteball captain Harry Brook has admitted he lied about being on his own, when he was hit by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on their New Zealand tour in November.

Brook, 26, told media last week he was alone, when he went to a nightclub on the night of 1 November, the eve of their one-day match against New Zealand in the capital.

He has now acknowledged other team-mates were present at the nightclub.

The Daily Telegraph had reported Brook, Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were at the nightclub.

“I accept responsibility for my actions in Wellington and acknowledge others were present that evening,” Brook said.

“I regret my previous comments and my intention was to protect my teammates from being drawn into a situation that arose as a result of my own decisions.

“I have apologised and will continue to reflect on the matter. This has been a challenging period in my career, but one from which I am learning.

“I recognise I have more to learn regarding the off-field responsibilities that come with leadership and captaincy. I remain committed to developing in this area, and to improving both personally and professionally.”

The New Zealand tour was Brook’s first as captain of England’s whiteball side. They lost the match in Wellington.

Brook was fined £30,000 (NZ$70,000) and given a final warning, after he reported the incident to team management, but that only came to light publicly about two months later, after the Ashes series, which Australia won 4-1.

In an interview with BBC Sport last week, Brook said some players had gone with him to get some food in Wellington.

Harry Brook in action for England against the Black Caps. PHOTOSPORT

“I took it upon myself to go out for a few more and I was on my own there. I shouldn’t have been there.

“I was trying to get into a club and the bouncer just clocked me, unfortunately. I wouldn’t say I was absolutely leathered – I’d had one too many drinks.”

The Daily Telegraph reported the cricket regulator was preparing a report, after receiving paperwork on Brook, Bethell and Tongue from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last week. It said Bethell and Tongue had also already been fined by the ECB.

The regulator was able to fine or suspend players for disciplinary offences.

When he apologised to the England team and fans last week, Brook rejected suggestions the side had a drinking culture.

There had been criticism on the Ashes tour, when a video surfaced of opener Ben Duckett apparently drunk during the team’s mid-tour break in Noosa.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/english-cricketer-harry-brooks-admits-lying-about-wellington-nightclub-incident/

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Photo provided by the family of Jackie Wheeler

Source: New Zealand Police


Location:

Bay of Plenty

Jackie Wheeler’s family have provided the following photo for media to use.

The family will not be providing further comment and ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre


Images(s):

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/31/photo-provided-by-the-family-of-jackie-wheeler/

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Surfers pay tribute to those killed in Mount Maunganui landslide

Source: Radio New Zealand

Surfers participated in a paddleout during the 2026 Grom Series. Supplied

Surfers participated in a paddleout on Saturday during the first event of the 2026 Billabong Grom Series to pay their respects to the victims of the Mount Maunganui landslide.

The paddleout was organised by Surfing New Zealand and Bay Boardriders, who are hosting the event at Tay Street Beach, Mount Maunganui.

Surfing New Zealand chief executive Ben Kennings said it was organised as a way to “go out and pay our respects”.

Kennings said people were coming to the event from all around the country to have fun and it was a good opportunity to acknowledge the lives lost in the landslip.

“Whenever we lose someone, the surf community does it,” Kennings said, referring to a paddleout, and he said it was a good way to acknowledge that things were “not normal” in Mount Maunganui.

Surfers included those participating in the event, as well as local surfers.

The second day of competition takes place on Sunday, one of three stops in the series, with the next event at Whangamatā, before finishing at Piha in late February.

State of Emergency extended

The State of Emergency declared for Tauranga following recent severe weather has been extended until Wednesday.

The Tauranga City Council said the focus remains firmly on supporting the recovery operation and the whanau of the six people who died in the landslide.

The memorial along the fenced-off area will remain, but all messages and momentos will be relocated to the He Maimai Aroha Community Care Centre, when the cordon is moved.

Business owners or residents inside the cordoned-off area will need a permit to get through the road closures with a vehicle, the Tauranga City Council said.

Earlier on Saturday, Fire and Emergency stood down its specialist Urban Search and Rescue team at Mount Maunganui.

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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/2026/01/31/surfers-pay-tribute-to-those-killed-in-mount-maunganui-landslide/

Posted on

More than 40 rescued before tourist boat capsized at Akaroa

Source: Radio New Zealand

Akaroa (file photo) supplied

A boat full of tourists have been rescued, after their vessel started taking on water at Akaroa, near Christchurch.

More than 40 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, when a tourist boat grounded in Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula.

Thirty-eight passengers and three crew were aboard the vessel, run by Black Cat Cruises, when struck trouble just outside the Akaroa Heads.

They’ve been taken back to the main wharf and the company said, while some were shaken, no-one was injured.

Efforts were underway to recover the vessel and a spokesperson said there was no environmental damage at this stage.

Black Cat Cruises said it’s grateful to local boaties who helped with the evacuation.

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/2026/01/31/more-than-40-rescued-before-tourist-boat-capsized-at-akaroa/

Posted on

More than 40 rescued before tourist boat capsized in Akaroa

Source: Radio New Zealand

Akaroa (file photo) supplied

A boat full of tourists have been rescued, after their vessel started taking on water at Akaroa, near Christchurch.

More than 40 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, when a tourist boat grounded in Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula.

Thirty-eight passengers and three crew were aboard the vessel, run by Black Cat Cruises, when struck trouble just outside the Akaroa Heads.

They’ve been taken back to the main wharf and the company said, while some were shaken, no-one was injured.

Efforts were underway to recover the vessel and a spokesperson said there was no environmental damage at this stage.

Black Cat Cruises said it’s grateful to local boaties who helped with the evacuation.

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/2026/01/31/more-than-40-rescued-before-tourist-boat-capsized-in-akaroa/