Category: LiveNews

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World Vision – AFGHAN CHILDREN FACE HUNGER CRISIS AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT CUTS FOOD SUPPLY AND INCOME

Source: World Vision

World Vision is warning of a rapidly worsening hunger crisis in Afghanistan after Iran halted food exports due to the escalating conflict across the Middle East.
Afghanistan is heavily reliant on both Iran and Pakistan  for food imports, but trade with its neighbours has now largely dried up following a significant escalation in hostilities over the border region with Pakistan, and amid widening conflict across the Middle East and Gulf region.
Afghanistan imports 80% of its market needs, and Iran is typically the largest supplier of these vital food and agricultural products.
These food shortages, combined with price spikes and the forced return of nearly two million Afghans from Iran over the past year are conspiring to create a massive hunger and economic crisis for a country where nearly four million children [i] are already acutely malnourished.
New Research by World Vision and research agency Samuel Hall reveals that lost income from families who were living in Iran or Pakistan is also pushing thousands of Afghans into deep debt.
The Compounding Returns report surveyed more than 400 families in Herat, Faryab and Kabul and found that lost remittances (money sent home by family members working abroad)causes not just a temporary income gap, but a rapid and multifaceted shock.
It reveals that:
  • 65%  of households depended on remittances for more than three quarters of their income, leaving them highly exposed when those transfers end.
  • 94%  reported an immediate loss of income, often within days of a family member’s deportation.
  • 97%  fell into debt to pay for food, healthcare, rent and other basic needs.
  • One  in five children has been forced out of school because families can no longer afford fees, supplies or transport, or because children must now contribute to household income.
World Vision National Director, Thamindri De Silva, says the impact has been devastating .
“Remittances from Iran were the economic backbone for many families and when that backbone is removed overnight, the shock travels quickly from income to food, from food to debt, and from debt to children’s wellbeing.
“To prevent a deepening child protection crisis, we must stabilise communities early and protect children before harmful coping becomes irreversible.”
Samuel Hall CEO, Nassim Majidi says external support is vital to help families weather the economic storm brought about through the loss of income from Iran and Pakistan.
“Our research found a clear pathway: deportation cuts off remittances, income collapses, debt rises, and households are pushed into harmful coping strategies that undermine children’s education, health, and safety. With almost no external support reaching most affected families, the priority must be a sequenced response – stabilise families, protect children, and support recovery through realistic, market-linked livelihoods.
Zuleika, a 23-year-old woman from Ghor says the impact has been devastating.
“Since my father was deported, we have faced serious economic problems. The first change was a lack of food. Two of my brothers were in grade eight and we had to withdraw them from school. They now work for a soup seller.
“We continue to reduce our expenses. If we cannot buy gas in the future, we may have to burn old clothes to keep warm. There is no support from the community and little assistance.”
The report warns that if deportations continue while humanitarian funding declines, the risks to children will intensify.
World Vision is calling for greater support for Afghanistan to provide livelihood support and maintain community resilience.
World Vision has been working in Afghanistan for nearly 25 years providing food, clean water, child and maternal health services, child protection programmes, and education support.
To help support World Vision’s work in Afghanistan, please donate here: https://www.worldvision.org.nz/give-now/childhood-rescue/afghanistan/

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/world-vision-afghan-children-face-hunger-crisis-as-middle-east-conflict-cuts-food-supply-and-income/

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Culture and Heritage – New Zealand creatives embrace digital tools

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

New research shows that seven out of 10 creators use digital tools for creative or cultural practices. Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae says the research shows that creatives are already well on their way to exploring these technologies. 
“The main benefits they noted were improved efficiency and helping to generate new ideas,” he says. The 2025 survey is the first time questions have been asked about creatives use of digital tools. 
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage’s latest Cultural Participation Survey also shows that 65 percent of New Zealand creatives are now using generative artificial intelligence (AI). Nearly half use these tools to support or refine their ideas, one in three to produce art and creative work, and 14 percent to share their creations with a wider audience. 
However, for creators who do not use digital tools in their practice, more than a third reported a lack of technological skills or knowledge was a barrier. 
“This shows that creatives may need support to further develop their technical skills,” Leauanae says. 
Manatū Taonga is working with MBIE to support the creative and cultural sectors’ uptake of new technology, including responsible use and development of AI and accessibility technology. 
The work is part of Amplify, a national strategy that shows how government will help create an environment in which New Zealand’s creative and cultural sectors can flourish over the next five years. 
The findings reflect the Ministry’s recent Long-Term Insights Briefing Culture in the Digital Age, which highlights the innovative ways creatives are using digital technology, along with future risks and opportunities for the cultural and creative workforce. 
About the survey 
The Cultural Participation Survey, which began in 2020 and is undertaken by Verian, surveyed 2,000 adults aged 18-years-old and over from around the country in September and October 2025. 
The survey monitors cultural participation rates in arts, heritage, and media activities over time. 
Manatū Taonga will use the findings to better understand cultural participation to inform its priorities, investments, and strategies. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/culture-and-heritage-new-zealand-creatives-embrace-digital-tools/

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Warrant leads to numerous charges

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have seized firearms, ammunition and drugs during a search warrant at a Te Kamo property.

Whangārei CIB were executing a search warrant on Mcmillan Avenue on Tuesday afternoon.

“Police were making enquiries into a family harm matter when the discovery of illegal items were made,” Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says.

“We have located a bolt action .22 rifle, a sawn-off shotgun and a range of ammunition.”

Police also located a large quantity of packaged cannabis and cash.

Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says two occupants at the address were arrested, with various items seized by staff.

A 46-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman have been jointly charged over the finds, and will appear in the Whangārei District Court.

They have been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and a pistol, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of cannabis for supply.

“It’s a great outcome for the wider community that these firearms are no longer in circulation, and the pair charged will now be put before the courts,” Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/warrant-leads-to-numerous-charges/

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Health – Drug Foundation welcomes substance harm action plan

Source: NZ Drug Foundation

The NZ Drug Foundation is welcoming a new substance harm action plan that it says has many interventions the sector has long called for.

The government’s Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm 2026 – 2029 was announced by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey this morning. (ref. https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/action-plan-to-prevent-and-reduce-substance-harm-2026-2029 )

Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the plan has a strong focus on early intervention and peer-based support.

“We’re delighted to see some of the cost-effective, commonsense solutions we’ve long called for set out in the government’s action plan,” she says.

“Many of the new actions in this plan came directly from a summit we convened with the addictions and harm reduction sector last year. It’s a real credit to Minister Doocey and the Ministry of Health that they’ve taken what came out of the summit seriously, consulted further with the sector, and put many of the solutions we’ve all called for into a clear roadmap.”

The plan includes a range of new actions and initiatives, including:

  • Establishing a community-based peer follow-up service for people who’ve been discharged after a non-fatal overdose or other drug harm event
  • Improving access to overdose reversal medication and overdose prevention training
  • Investing in community-based mutual aid and peer-led services
  • Expansion of the Pregnancy and Parenting Service to support women and whānau with substance use issues
  • Support to grow the skills and expertise of the addictions and harm reduction workforce.

Helm says the interventions will save lives and save the health system money.

“One of the biggest predictors of a fatal overdose is having had a non-fatal overdose previously, so the peer follow-up service for people who’ve been hospitalised after a drug harm event is an absolute no-brainer,” she says. “Glasgow runs a similar service that has seen great success. I have no doubt it will save lives here.”

“We’re also really pleased to see more investment in community-based mutual aid and peer support groups, which will increase the options for people with addiction issues to get accessible support early,” Helm says. “These groups provide spaces for people experiencing problems to support each other to make changes. For many people this approach can be an effective way to prevent more serious harms that would cost the health system much more down the track.”

“It’s also great to see an emphasis on overdose prevention, including improving access to overdose reversal medication, information and training. We’ve been calling for action on this for a very long time.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/health-drug-foundation-welcomes-substance-harm-action-plan/

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Environment – EPA continues positive trend for hazardous substances decisions

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) maintained the upward trend for hazardous substances decisions in the second quarter of the 2025-26 year.
Dr Lauren Fleury, Manager Hazardous Substances Applications, says the EPA continues to use rapid assessment pathways where possible. Of the 16 approved applications in the second quarter, 13 were decided by rapid assessment.
“This reflects our commitment to assessing applications based on the risks posed and the priority we’re giving to reducing the queue of applications.
“It also reflects the development of our new staff who have been supported in their training by more experienced team members. In time, this will mean more resources are available for complex applications and operational improvements,” she says.
A total of 37 hazardous substances applications have been approved in the first half of the 2025-26 year.
Dr Lauren Fleury say, “We acknowledge concerns about the number of applications awaiting assessment and we are committed to keep improving our performance in this area.
“Our new hazardous substances quarterly reports are providing a clearer picture of trends and our performance.”
The latest hazardous substances quarterly report shows the queue of applications fell to 84, down 12.5 percent from 96 on 1 July 2025. This is the lowest number of applications in the queue since early 2022. In the second quarter, we approved two higher-complexity applications- one for an agricultural herbicide containing a new active ingredient and one for a non-agricultural insecticide.
In this period, 15 containment applications were decided, up from six in the first quarter, consistent with seasonal trends in previous years. Performance for containment application assessments continues to be well within the statutory timeframes.
Dr Fleury says, “the report also makes clearer the complex Category B and Category C applications that are currently progressing through their assessments, acknowledging this is the area of highest interest for many stakeholders.”
Strengthening relationships with industry
The EPA continued senior-level engagement with the Sector Leaders Forum as part of progressing the recommendations from the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review, as well as numerous operational level engagements to better understand the challenges and opportunities of stakeholders.
Dr Fleury says, “the EPA is further engaging with industry to explore ways to prioritise assessment of substances with the highest potential to improve economic or environmental outcomes.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/environment-epa-continues-positive-trend-for-hazardous-substances-decisions/

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Watch: Polyfest opens with dawn ceremony

Source: Radio New Zealand

The world’s largest secondary school Pasifika cultural festival officially kicked off at the Manukau Sports Bowl in Auckland on Wednesday with an intimate flag raising ceremony.

The sun crept over the horizon, met with traditional waiata as the flags of the Pacific were hoisted into the air, marking the start of day one of ASB Polyfest – where the cultural diversity of Aotearoa’s students is being celebrated.

The Manukau Sports Bowl has been transformed into a cultural hub with five stages featuring the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga, as well as a stage dedicated to Diversity.

Festivals director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu was full of excitement as Polyfest began this morning with a dedication.

“It’s a very special time for our Pasifika and Diversity stages to be able to bless their flags and sing a hymn, as well as just come together as well,” she told RNZ Pacific.

ASB Polyfest festivals director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu RNZ Pacific / Coco Lance

“It’s a good vibe with the sunshine over us right now at the dawn service with our flags and, yes, we are excited. We can’t wait to see the kids come in.”

More than 80,000 people are expected to attend to support the 263 groups from 73 schools who are registered to perform this year.

The Samoan stage will have a kava ceremony, while Tonga kicks off their speech competition.

While Polyfest mainly showcases Pacific students, Leo-Mauu said they embrace all cultures.

The diversity stage is the place to be today as students from all backgrounds were given the opportunity to share their heritage.

“We have to embrace the fact that our children are blended and come from different cultures,” he said.

“We’ve got also a lot of smaller Pacific groups that are on that stage as well. And then we’ve also got some new ones coming in this year, so there’s Germany and Latino that are coming through to celebrate on the diversity stage.”

Breona Nassau and Joseph Tulua from Tangaroa College at ASB Polyfest. RNZ Pacific / Coco Lance

Breona Nassau and Joseph Tulua from Tangaroa College said the diversity stage helps them learn more about their peers heritage.

“We’ve got some of the other cultures from our school performing on the diversity stage, so I’m really excited to support them.”

“Getting a taste of all of the cultures in one, seeing cultures I’ve never seen before.”

Faith Fomai, a student from Southern Cross Campus, is attending her first Polyfest.

“One thing that I’ll probably look forward looking at is the diversity and all our countries come together to perform and to represent each other’s culture,” she said.

“I think it’s just like, at least learning your roots, staying cool, also just be connected and be one.”

Southern Cross Campus students at ASB Polyfest. RNZ Pacific / Coco Lance

Meanwhile, Halatau Teputepu from Otahuhu College said this is his last year joining Polyfest, and he wants to make it count.

“You know, showcasing our culture, embracing our culture, our ancestors, and just dancing for our last year, we’re not gonna do Poly again and hopefully we bring back the trophies.”

Otahuhu College students at ASB Polyfest on Wednesday. 18 March 2026. RNZ Pacific / Coco Lance

The Pacific and Diversity stages run until Saturday.

Manukau’s Due Drop Event Centre will host the Māori stage with performances scheduled from 30 March – 2 April.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/watch-polyfest-opens-with-dawn-ceremony/

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Greenpeace hold ‘nitrate emergency’ demonstration outside Environment Southland meeting

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace activists are demonstrating outside Environment Southland today, handing out copies of a recent report on Southland groundwater to force councillors to confront the realities of nitrate contamination in the region. Greenpeace says that high levels of nitrate in drinking water in the region warrant immediate action to protect the health of the community.
Environment Southland’s ‘Nitrogen Contamination in Southland Groundwater’ report, published in January 2026, showed that nitrate in Southland’s groundwater and drinking water supplies was ‘both regionally widespread and locally severe in multiple locations.’
Greenpeace Aotearoa agriculture campaigner Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says, “The alarm bells are ringing. There is a nitrate emergency in Southland and it’s time for the regional council to take action.
“The report is explicit. There is widespread nitrate contamination throughout the region, and no one who has read the report could deny that Southland is experiencing a nitrate emergency. And yet Environment Southland has done nothing. It would seem some councillors either haven’t read the report, or they’re in denial about the findings.”
“The main cause of this crisis is cow urine and synthetic nitrogen fertiliser from the intensive dairy industry. A number of councillors have a clear connection with Fonterra or fertiliser companies, which means that these councillors have vested interests in turning a blind eye to the nitrate crisis polluting their constituents’ drinking water.”
A third of the Environment Southland councillors declared pecuniary interests in either Fonterra, or fertiliser companies Ballance and Ravensdown.
Environment Southland’s report states that there may be more than 15,000 Southlanders at risk of exposure to high concentrations of nitrate in drinking water.
Drinking water nitrate has been linked to several health risks, including bowel cancer, preterm birth, and Blue Baby syndrome. Recent research also indicates a correlation between high levels of nitrate in drinking water and an increased risk of dementia.
Deighton O’Flynn says, “No one should have to worry that the water from their kitchen tap could be making them sick, and yet for many people here in Southland, that is their reality.
“People’s health should be prioritised ahead of political interests and dirty dairy profits. It’s time for the council to take action and protect their communities from intensive dairy’s nitrate pollution.”
Last year, Environment Canterbury became the first council in Aotearoa to declare a nitrate emergency, following widespread concern from Cantabrians over the safety of their drinking water.
“Declaring a nitrate emergency is just the start, but it is an indication that the council is taking this seriously,” says Deighton-O’Flynn.
“Ultimately, Environment Canterbury and Environment Southland both need to take action to stop the pollution at its source. That means reducing dairy herd sizes, and ending synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/greenpeace-hold-nitrate-emergency-demonstration-outside-environment-southland-meeting/

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Coromandel brown kiwi move off Motutapu for the first time

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 March 2026 Source:  Save the Kiwi

These kiwi were transported back to the region by representatives from Ngāti Hei and Ngāti Huarere for release on the Kūaotunu Peninsula.

Motutapu, an island connected to Rangitoto in Tīkapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf, is a kōhanga for Coromandel brown kiwi. Since 2012, 156 Coromandel brown kiwi have been sourced from the Hauraki-Coromandel region and released on the predator-free island of Motutapu. This is the first muster for the island as part of the next phase in the ‘To the Motu and Back’ strategy.

The kōhanga strategy aims to create a source population of kiwi at a location safe from introduced predators such as stoats. The adult offspring of this population will be moved back to the Hauraki-Coromandel region to accelerate growth of wild populations.

The Coromandel subspecies of brown kiwi are the rarest of North Island brown kiwi. There are now over 300 Coromandel brown kiwi living on Motutapu and Rangitoto islands. Save the Kiwi has determined there are enough kiwi to start moving their offspring back to the Hauraki-Coromandel region, with the muster running from 15 – 24 March 2026.

“Today marks the beginning of the second phase of this strategy for accelerating kiwi recovery in the Hauraki-Coromandel region.” says Paula Judd, Save the Kiwi Kōhanga Coordinator for Coromandel brown kiwi. “We look forward to the kiwi population in this kōhanga site growing and boosting the populations throughout the Hauraki-Coromandel region forevermore.”

“This could not have been possible without the sustained pest and predator control efforts of individuals, iwi, community groups and the Department of Conservation in the Hauraki-Coromandel region, as well the support from Ngāi tai ki Tāmaki, the Department of Conservation, and the Motutapu Restoration Trust to keep Motutapu predator-free.”

“These manu are taonga and being able to return them back to their rohe is part of how we’re taking care of these manu for the future generations.” says Billy Brown from Ngāi tai ki Tāmaki.

Department of Conservation Operations Manager Kat Lane says, “the pest-free islands you can see from Auckland’s coastline play a really important role in conservation on a national scale.”

She adds, “Alongside many partners and the public, we work hard to keep predators such as stoats and rats away from these islands – and the success of these kiwi show how native species can thrive in the absence of introduced predators. Over a decade from the first birds arriving, we’re so proud to be now sending kiwi back to the mainland.”

Kiwi return has been years in the making

‘To the Motu and Back’ has been highly successful through the sustained effort of individuals, iwi, community and the Department of Conservation in the Hauraki-Coromandel region to protect kiwi and their support of the kōhanga initiative.
“Save the Kiwi has actively supported the efforts of kiwi community groups in the region and we’re thrilled to see kiwi return to each of the sites.” says Paula.

Save the Kiwi would like to acknowledge Fullers 360 for supporting today’s event.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/coromandel-brown-kiwi-move-off-motutapu-for-the-first-time/

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$468k to help reduce dog bite incidents

Source: New Zealand Government

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says a grant of $468k from the Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund to the SPCA for dog desexing will help address irresponsible dog breeding and the dangers posed by dog roaming in New Zealand. SPCA’s own contribution will bring the total funding for this initiative to nearly $1.2 million. 

The Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund provides one-off grants to not-for-profit organisations and for projects that fall outside the scope of the Lottery Grants Board distribution committees.  

“The SPCA wrote to me offering solutions for dog attacks, suggesting that funding towards dog desexing programmes could be pursued with the aim of reducing dog bite incidents,” says Ms van Velden. 

“Like many New Zealanders, reports of uncontrolled dogs roaming and irresponsible dog breeding has concerned me.  

“There have been four lives lost in four years, and every year thousands of injuries from dog bites are recorded. The toll of these incidents on communities and families has grown too large, and preventative measures are needed. 

“This desexing programme is part of a wider Government package to tackle the problem of these horrific attacks, with further detail to be announced soon.” 

Overpopulation of roaming dogs contributes to the threat of these attacks on public safety, wildlife, and farming communities. This grant will be used for a targeted desexing programme for dogs most likely to roam or contribute to uncontrolled dog breeding in Auckland and Northland.  

“Desexing is one of the most effective tools we have to keep communities safe and improve animal welfare,” says Dr Arnja Dale, SPCA Chief Scientific Officer.  

With three of the last four fatal dog attacks occurring in Northland, focusing on these areas has the greatest potential for harm reduction. It is expected to reduce the roaming dog population and prevent 7,500 puppies being born in the first year and approximately 45,000 puppies across the lifetime of the desexed female dogs in the programme. 

The SPCA will provide the Minister with quarterly progress reports on programme delivery and the number of dogs desexed. 

Notes to editor:

Animal welfare projects are one of Minister van Velden’s priority areas for the fund. She has approved $766,873 in grants for cat desexing programmes since the start of this term.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/468k-to-help-reduce-dog-bite-incidents/

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Organised crime group linked to alleged hitman from US accused of bribing prison guards, bail address managers

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi was killed in August 2024.

Police allege an organised crime group they’ve linked to the killing of a New Zealand man corrupted prison officers and bail officials.

It’s understood the man that was killed, Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi, was not involved in the drug world.

RNZ earlier revealed that Tanginoa Tangi, one of three people charged with murdering Vi in August 2024, flew back to the USA where he has since been charged with attempting to murder someone else. If convicted there he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.

The homicide investigation, dubbed Operation Block, is linked to Operation Mexted, a joint investigation by the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) and Customs, which targeted a transnational organised criminal cell.

Nine people are before the courts in relation to Operation Mexted.

Last week, Judge Yelena Yelavich lifted a suppression order on parts of a court document that details police allegations against the group. The rest of the document remains suppressed pending an appeal to the High Court.

Police claim the group, which included both New Zealand and US citizens, was responsible for the importation and dealing of methamphetamine and the trafficking of firearms.

The financial gains from the group’s activities were allegedly laundered through various construction and other companies in an attempt to conceal their source.

Vi’s death followed a series of shootings in the South Auckland area, which police claim were arranged by the syndicate, but which failed to reach the intended target.

The court document setting out police allegations against the group, details the roles police believe each defendant played in the operation.

One of the defendants, a 35-year-old Auckland man, is accused of being one of the senior members with direct reporting back to a more senior member in the US.

Police say that once he was arrested in September 2024, another person who was his “lieutenant” assisted him from outside while he was remanded in custody. This person’s role included laundering the syndicate’s financial proceeds as well as administration of the syndicate’s activities.

Police allege this included corrupting prison officers and bail address managers “to facilitate the movement of the syndicate’s property”.

After the 35-year-old man’s arrest, police claim the person also took control of a cryptocurrency account through which about $4.9 million had been transferred since the start of 2025.

Police accuse the syndicate of using various methods to traffic illegal consignments of drugs and firearms into the country, including using corrupt agents at international airports in the US and in New Zealand as well as New Zealand Post.

They claim the group rented Airbnbs at multiple addresses throughout Auckland to assist them in their activities.

In June 2025, the American syndicate members were arrested. Following this, police say the other members started attempting to move their property and assist the members in prison.

The remaining members also moved addresses.

In July 2025, three members were captured on CCTV checking into the Park Hyatt Hotel in downtown Auckland. Police allege that between 2023 and 2025 one of the “lieutenants” spent $164,000 on room bookings at the hotel, including rooms that cost as much as $1400 a night.

In that same month, police claim the “lieutenant” contacted a Corrections officer at Mt Eden prison who had been “corrupted” by the group and asked to move an associate of the syndicate to another part of the prison.

They are also suspected of arranging the officer to provide cigarettes to another person in prison.

Police allege that after the arrest of the American defendants, one of the members of the group started communicating with higher members of the syndicate, both in New Zealand and overseas.

In a 10-day period in August 2025, the man is accused of importing 7 consignments into New Zealand from the US containing almost 18kgs of methamphetamine. Forensic analysis to confirm the precise amount of methamphetamine is ongoing.

The court document also claims that while on EM bail the 35-year-old engaged in various mobile chat communications with a senior offshore member of the syndicate about ongoing efforts regarding their drug importations.

In September 2025, the man received a photograph from another defendant, who was at another EM bail address, while he was at the gym as well as photographs of him outside his bail address wearing his bail bracelet.

Later that month the 35-year-old was arrested again while walking along Tamaki Dr in Auckland with a mobile phone, in breach of his bail conditions.

After his arrest, one of the staff at the bail support service, was caught on camera clearing his room before police arrived, including removing “high value items” including a Rolex. Police claim the “lieutenant” called the staffer on Instagram while he was clearing the room.

That afternoon, the “lieutenant” called the manager of the bail support about the 35-year-old’s arrest. They were overheard saying “what are we gonna do damn it” to which the manager replied: “they can just bugger off”.

The “lieutenant” was arrested two days later at the Park Hyatt Hotel.

That same day police issued a press release announcing the five-month operation.

Acting Customs Investigations Manager Simon Peterson said at the time Customs used its “investigative and specialist expertise” to track the syndicate.

“Customs identified the suspects smuggling cannabis plants and resin into the country, tracking their smuggling activities throughout and gathering evidence.

“The offenders now face charges for the importation of 18 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as importation charges for cannabis.”

The US national

RNZ has obtained court documents in relation to the charges Tangi faces in the USA.

He’s accused of attempted murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, fleeing a pursuing police officer’s vehicle while driving recklessly, and possession of a firearm.

He has pleaded not guilty and is set to go on trial next month.

A spokesperson for the local District Attorney’s office told RNZ the office was “generally aware” that Tangi had another pending matter in New Zealand and that they were aware an extradition warrant existed.

Tangi was facing a possible life sentence with the possibility of parole, the spokesperson confirmed.

“Regarding the New Zealand matter, the DA’s office does not litigate extradition proceedings. However, we expect that once Mr Tangi’s case here in California concludes, the extradition process to New Zealand would move forward at that time.”

RNZ sent several questions to Tangi’s lawyer, who declined to comment.

“We cannot comment at this time and do not foresee being able to offer anything in the near future.”

In a statement to RNZ on Friday afternoon, police confirmed a third person had been charged with murder in relation to Vi’s death.

“The man is currently in custody in the United States for offences committed in that country and is now subject to an extradition process,” Counties Manukau CIB detective inspector Shaun Vickers said.

“We are working with the relevant authorities in relation to this.

“This is the third person charged over to Mr Vi’s death and our investigation remains ongoing.”

As the matter is before the courts, police are limited in providing further information, Vickers said.

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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/2026/03/18/organised-crime-group-linked-to-alleged-hitman-from-us-accused-of-bribing-prison-guards-bail-address-managers/

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Government, SPCA putting $1.2 million towards desexing dogs

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. An animal control officer with a roaming dog. RNZ / Felix Walton

Hundreds of thousands of dollars is being directed by the government to try to curb rife uncontrolled dog breeding in Auckland and Northland.

The funding comes after a spate of serious dog incidents, including the death of 62-year-old Mihiata Te Rore in a remote Northland settlement in February. The SPCA says three of the last four fatal dog attacks had been in Northland.

Almost $500,000 of money from the Lottery Minister’s Discretionary Fund is going toward desexing.

The SPCA, which is continuing calls for a law overhaul, is putting up a further $700,000.

There was an urgent need for preventative action to protect people, animals and communities, the SPCA said.

Together, the money is enough to desex about 3000 dogs from what’s thought to be up to 51,000 across both regions that are not desexed.

It’s enough to stop around 7500 puppies in a year or about 45,000 across the lifetimes of desexed females.

Unregistered or roaming dogs that have not been desexed were specifically in the SPCA’s sights.

The programme is for early intervention, stopping litters, reducing roaming and lowering the chances of people suffering serious bites.

The funding is ringfenced, and the programme will run from this coming 1 April to 31 March 2027.

Mihiata Te Rore was killed by a pack of dogs at a property at Kaihu, near Dargaville. Supplied

Before Mihiata Te Rore was killed by a pack of dogs at a property at Kaihu, near Dargaville, the government appeared uncertain on the idea of law changes.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts had said there was no time for changes before the election and would not commit to changes if the government stayed in power.

After the death, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was open to changing the law.

The three dogs that attacked Te Rore were later put down.

The SPCA said there needed to be more than money, and that the current laws lacked teeth.

With the announcement on Wednesday, the SPCA called for an “urgent and comprehensive overhaul” of dog control laws as well as standardised national guidelines for every council.

It also wants a national database for dog bite incidents, strong and enforceable breeding rules, and updated Code of Welfare and ongoing funding for desexing.

In Auckland, one of the regions targeted, animal control staff have been busier than ever.

Last year Auckland Council got almost 17,000 reports of roaming dogs and more than 1300 reports of dog attacks on people.

Each year the council impounded about 10,000 dogs – releasing most of them – and it too has been calling for an overhaul of the decades-old Dog Control Act.

“We want people to be out and about, enjoying our parks, going for walks and having the fear of being attacked by a dog is not something that we want,” it said last month.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/government-spca-putting-1-2-million-towards-desexing-dogs/

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Shadows cast on Auckland’s Sunfield development

Source: Radio New Zealand

Artist’s impression of the planned Sunfield development in Auckland. Winton / supplied

One of Auckland’s largest new housing developments – the Sunfield community near Ardmore Airport in South Auckland, given the go-ahead under fast-track rules – has raised the ire of local politicians.

Developers Winton envisage nearly 4000 homes, a town centre, retail and healthcare buildings, three retirement villages and approximately 26 hectares of parks and reserves and ecological areas. Regional development minister Shane Jones says it will deliver up to $3.2 billion to the economy and support more than 24,000 jobs over the 10- to 15-year building period.

But concerns have been raised that it sits on a flood plain, is located near an airport, and does not have the extensive transport, water and sewerage infrastructure needed to support it.

The fast-track panel that gave the go-ahead did attach a number of conditions, including the need for stormwater and drainage management plans. But Kelvin Hieatt, the chair of the Papakura Community Board, and Auckland councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, say those have not been met.

“We’re sort of downstream of everything, and you consider what’s got to go into that suburb and if there is a major storm, major flooding coming through, eventually their systems get overwhelmed and it’s going to be coming downstream,” Hieatt told RNZ’s Nine to Noon on Wednesday.

“Our Papakura stream is the receiving environment and it’s going to come out through our communities. So that’s the last thing we want to see.”

Hieatt said the land Sunfield was being built on was peat, “so what doesn’t drain away has to run off. And particularly when you’ve got these large storms moving through, once the ground is soaked, it has to go somewhere. You couldn’t build in enough residue, residual infrastructure up there to accommodate it. It’s got to go somewhere once you overload it.”

Auckland councillor Richard Hills. Alexia Russell

He said the presently rural area presently had no treated water, stormwater, power, communications infrastructure or plans for transport.

“There’s nothing. Everything’s got to come out from Papakura to that area. There was some planning in the past… but that land is noted after, particularly after the Anniversary Day storms and then Cyclone Gabrielle as being flood-prone and at-risk. There’s a lot of work gone into the future development strategy to keep those areas rural…

“One of the things with this development is there’s supposedly no cars on site.”

Sunfield’s plan involves electric shuttle buses once the population hits a certain level. But not before then. Hills called it bad city planning.

“They don’t even start the electric bus until 445 households are already in there, and they’re going to give them temporary parking for the first part of their lives there and then have the electric bus come in and I guess the cars just magically disappear… It is not normal city planning, and people expect us in all those neighbouring neighbourhoods to this site to deal with it, and we may not be able to.”

Hieatt said future residents might not appreciate being so close to an expanding airport either.

“We [don’t] want another Western Springs, where we have infrastructure that’s been in for decades, decades and decades before people move in, all of a sudden they think, ‘Oh, well, it’s my peace and quiet.’ Hang on a sec, you’ve moved in at the end of a runway, you know?”

Hills said there was little the council could do to slow down the development until it met its standards.

Sunfield community concept sketch. Winton/Supplied

“Fast-track supersedes all. I mean, we only get a couple of days to respond. Most of the work can’t be done. If you look through the Watercare responses, they say they didn’t [have time to check] some of the evidence they needed.

“So it doesn’t mean that there won’t be still resource consenting processes for housing in that development… but even through this process, there’s been no work on the overland flow paths, which is a normal process. There’s sort of no real suggestion about how stormwater is dealt with in a flood situation.

“It does deal – or supposedly deal – with lighter storms or heavy rain. But we know from 2023 and from this year across New Zealand how drastically things can change and where you build is just as important as how the infrastructure is around it.”

He said unless the developer planned to look after the development “forever”, eventually problems would end up back with the council.

“We have no plans for wastewater and water supply in that site anytime soon. And so it’s just pulling out-of-sequence infrastructure spending from current urban areas to these areas, which I’m assuming we’re going to be forced to do under the fast-track.”

He said the council was not trying to stifle development, but there was only so much it could do, particularly if rates were getting capped.

Winton was invited to join Nine to Noon to talk about its plans, but no one was available.

In a statement, it said the engineering solution for the Sunfield community had been designed by a ‘tier 1’ engineering firm, and the work had been peer reviewed by a further two equally well qualified independent engineering firms.

It said the stormwater solution for Sunfield was based on stage one of the Awakeri Wetlands, which serviced part of the Sunfield site, which was designed and constructed by Auckland Council and was currently operational.

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Interest rates rise, so what’s the best strategy now?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Economists were split on whether the conflict in the Middle East would mean lower or higher interest rates. Stuff/Kathryn George

Banks are moving interest rates higher, but the right term to pick depends a lot on how you think the economy will fare through the rest of this year.

BNZ on Wednesday increased its 18-month rate by five basis points, to 4.69 percent. Its two-year rate lifted by 20 to 4.89 percent, its three-year rate by 30 to 5.29 percent, its four-year rate by 30 to 5.49 percent and the five-year rate to 5.69 percent.

A day earlier, Westpac said it was increasing its rates, too. The one-year rate lifted by 10 basis points to 4.59 percent, and the two-year and three-year rates by 30 basis points to 5.19 percent and 5.29 percent, respectively.

It comes on the back of rising wholesale interest rates, which drive what it costs banks to borrow the money they lend.

The two-year rate has lifted from about 2.6 percent at the end of February to more than 2.8 percent.

Squirrel chief executive David Cunningham said although economists were split on whether the conflict in the Middle East would mean lower interest rates because of the impact on the economy, or higher interest rates because of the impact on prices, the markets were pricing in hikes.

“Ultimately, what the market prices is what flows through to the mortgage rates. We’ve really seen the pass-through of much higher swap rates, and so the banks naturally protect their margins and lift mortgage rates.”

He said other banks were likely to follow.

“The lowest point on the curve now is the six-month rate… if you take the six-month rate, it’s much lower right now, but you’re betting on interest rates not increasing, you’re almost betting against the market and taking the risk that they won’t be as high as the market’s pricing.”

Six month rates are available from about 4.49 percent, although some of the main banks are also offering one-year rates at that level, too.

Cunningham said if people thought markets had got ahead of themselves, it could be worth taking a shorter fix. “I’d probably go with six months on the basis that it feels to me like the market’s gone all gloom, and if anything, we’re going to unquestionably have a weaker economy because of the Middle East conflict.

“When it finishes, the oil price comes back down to the same level.

“Eventually, the world has a habit of sorting itself out, then the inflationary threats sort of disappear.”

He said people would need to consider their own circumstances and how they could cope with an increase, if interest rates did move higher.

But Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said there was “so much risk to the upside on lots of bad stuff at the moment”.

“Even though the two-year is a bit higher… in a world of uncertainty, paying a bit more in the short term to lock in at 5 percent-ish for two years is probably not a bad thing in my view.”

He said anyone who fixed for six months could be underestimating the chance of interest rates rising later this year.

“Financial markets would tend to back me up on that in terms of what swap rates and longer-term rates have done over the last few weeks.”

He said he expected a lift in the official cash rate in September.

“I guess the difficulty for the Reserve Bank is they’re trying to weigh up the negative effects on growth from higher fuel prices versus the effects of higher fuel prices on inflation more generally.

“We still have the view that businesses are more in a mindset to pass that kind of thing on than they were a decade ago… the Reserve Bank probably has to push back against that more than might otherwise be the case.”

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False alarm shows mine’s safety culture is built to last

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

A routine incident at New Zealand’s deepest gold mine has given WorkSafe inspectors rare, real-world proof that years of joint safety training are paying off.

WorkSafe has been embedded with the Snowy River gold mine project, near Reefton, since 2018. But in November 2025 safety lessons were put to the test.

A dump truck operator at the mine spotted what he thought was smoke rising from his vehicle during a during routine work, he acted immediately. He triggered the automatic fire suppression system and activated emergency protocols immediately. Within minutes, all underground workers had retreated to self-contained refuge chambers – airtight shelters capable of protecting workers from smoke and gas for up to 48 hours.

The “smoke” turned out to be harmless steam from the engine’s coolant system. But the response was anything but routine.

“Speed is everything in an underground fire,” says WorkSafe extractives chief inspector Paul Hunt. 

“These chambers are lifesavers – and historically, underground fires are among the most dangerous events in mining.”

WorkSafe’s lead mines inspector John Ewen, who has worked alongside the site’s team, says the response reflected something that can’t be fabricated.

“Trust, respect, consistency and communication is key – even if it means fielding calls at two o’clock in the morning. It comes down to years of rigorous inspections and reviews, so mine operators know they can call me any time if they’re not sure about something.”

On a recent site visit, John Ewen quizzed a new employee about emergency procedures. The worker answered without hesitation. “It shows the company is taking safety seriously. It’s so rewarding to witness.”

He says had the incident been a real fire, he is confident every worker would have made it out safely.

John Ewen at Snowy River gold mine near Reefton.

But Paul Hunt is clear: one strong result doesn’t mean the job is done.

“This shows the systems in place are quite good. But there are no guarantees – there could be a serious incident next week. You can never get too confident, otherwise you’re in trouble.”

Snowy River general manager Patrick Enright credited the whole team. “Through training and a programme of emergency exercises with internal and external input, the team have come a long way. It is very comforting to know that if a situation does arise, the team are well placed to handle it.”

Gold production at Snowy River is expected to begin later this year.

Media contact details

For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/false-alarm-shows-mines-safety-culture-is-built-to-last/

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Strong summer of naturing wraps up as storm recovery continues

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 March 2026

The Department of Conservation booking data from 1 October to late January shows visitors spent more than 323,000 nights in huts and campsites over the peak season, broadly in line with last summer. While severe weather and temporary closures affected some traditionally busy locations, many regions experienced strong growth as people adapted their plans, explored different places and made the most of new and upgraded facilities.

Several regions recorded notable increases, including Otago (+30 per cent), Wellington/Kāpiti (+35 per cent), Wairarapa (+71 per cent), and Taranaki (+96 per cent) following the reopening of Pouākai Hut. The central North Island and Marlborough also saw steady growth, supported by new bookable huts and campsites.

However, January storms, followed by further severe weather in February, caused widespread damage across DOC-managed sites.

Storm damage has been recorded across conservation sites around the country, with early estimates for repairs and recovery currently between $2.25 million and $3.2 million. Assessments are continuing following the latest February weather event, and costs are expected to increase.

“We’ve seen strong demand right through summer, even with the disruption storms have caused in some regions,” says Cat Wilson, Director Heritage and Visitor.

“Our teams have worked incredibly hard to assess damage quickly and prioritise the most important repairs, so we can safely restore access for visitors and support local communities.”

Over the coming weeks, DOC will continue assessing the full extent of storm damage, prioritising recovery efforts and refining cost estimates. Progress in some areas depends on council roads reopening to allow access for repair crews and equipment. DOC will also consider how to meet recovery cost requirements within existing funding.

“Even though summer is over, we know people enjoy naturing year-round,” says Cat Wilson. “By being flexible about where and when we visit, especially while some places recover, we can keep enjoying the outdoors while protecting it for the future.”

In the four areas where a state of emergency was declared in January, inspections are nearing completion. Of 47 known affected sites in these areas, 40 have now been assessed, with damage estimated at $1.7 million to $2.6 million.

Immediate recovery priorities focused on:

  • Reopening accommodation for visitors (six campgrounds and three huts) – $227,000
  • Restoring access to camps and tracks (12 roads) – $416,000
  • Reopening more than 26 tracks – estimated $1.1 million to $2 million

Three campgrounds – Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay in Coromandel, and Dickeys Flat in the Bay of Plenty – have already reopened following repairs.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/strong-summer-of-naturing-wraps-up-as-storm-recovery-continues/

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David Seymour announces new iwi-led charter school for Wellington region

Source: Radio New Zealand

Associate Education Minister David Seymour RNZ / Mark Papalii

An iwi-led charter school will open in Porirua later this year.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the Ngati Toa-run secondary school for children in Y7-13, Kura Toa, would open in the third school term.

Seymour said Ngāti Toa’s education organisation, Puna Mātauranga, would work with the school along with Te Pikau o te Rangi, an iwi-designed service that supported learners.

He said the school and others opening this year would take the total number of privately owned, publicly funded charter schools to 21.

Seymour said Kura Toa would provide pastoral care founded on an iwi framework and would track students’ physical, mental, cultural, and social wellbeing.

He said it would ensure none of its students were falling through gaps in the education system.

Seymour said 28.5 percent of Māori students in Porirua left school without achieving NCEA Level 1, compared to 17.8 percent across all students in Wellington and 32.9 percent achieved NCEA Level 3 or higher, compared to 43.8 percent of all students in the region.

He said Māori youth were referred to attendance services at a rate of 23 per 1000, nearly twice the Wellington rate of 12.8 per 1000.

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Fire and Emergency postpones decision on cutting 140 jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland firefighters protest for better pay and work conditions on November 2025. RNZ/Lucy Xia

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) has once again postponed its final decisions about restructuring.

Originally, FENZ said it would decide before Christmas on a proposal made last November to cut 140 positions and make changes to 700 roles in total.

It pushed that back to January, then again to Wednesday.

It has now been postponed again.

“The release of Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s organisational structure consultation decisions has been postponed until we have received the second determination from the Employment Relations Authority,” it said.

This second Employment Relations Authority (ERA) ruling was in response to two unions challenging FENZ’s consultation process.

FENZ said the ERA’s first ruling aligned with its position that it was not required to consult with the unions before issuing its change proposal last November, and that it can consult with them at the same time about the reason for changes and actual proposed changes.

The two sides were scheduled to go back to facilitated bargaining for two days in late March.

The Professional Firefighters Union earlier dropped a proposed ban on some administrative duties, such as doing fire reports.

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Consumers ‘nervous’ about economic outlook amid war in Middle East

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Quin Tauetau

Consumer confidence slipped in the March quarter as global uncertainty made households more nervous about the economic outlook.

The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index fell 1.8 points to 94.7. A level below 100 indicates pessimists outweigh optimists.

Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod said the survey was conducted in the first two weeks of March, when the Middle East war took hold.

“Against that increasingly uncertain global backdrop, households have grown a little more nervous about the economic outlook,” he said.

“However, at the time we spoke to households, many will not have seen the full impact of the conflict or experienced the rise in fuel prices.”

Ranchhod said the longer the war went on, the economy would see more disruptions and lead to more pressure on households.

“Many households actually told us that their financial position had improved over the past year, and that lifted spending appetites in recent months,” he said.

“However, cost-of-living pressures are picking up again, led by sharp increases in fuel prices.”

Confidence was highest in Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay, followed by Auckland, with both regions sneaking into optimism territory above 100.

Taranaki/Manawatū-Whanganui was the most pessimistic region.

“Women remain much more pessimistic than men and their confidence has dropped this quarter by 4.7 points, down to an index score of 85.9. In contrast, men have experienced a small rise in confidence of 1.5 points to 104.1,” said Imogen Rendall, market research director at McDermott Miller.

“Looking ahead to next year, both men and women have similar expectations for their personal finances, with around a quarter expecting to be worse off.”

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Four teens charged charged burglary and high-speed chase in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police at the scene. RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

Four teenagers have been charged over an Auckland home invasion that resulted in a high-speed chase across the city, ending on Karangahape Road with a forced stop.

The accused – aged between 15 and 17 – are due to appear in the Manukau Youth Court on Wednesday.

They face charges of aggravated burglary and the driver has been charged with assaulting a person with a blunt instrument and failing to stop.

It started with an alleged armed home invasion in the sleepy eastern suburb of Howick and ended with police forcing a stolen ute to stop on Auckland’s Karangahape Road.

Manukau area commander Shanan Gray said four people, one armed with a machete, carried out the home invasion in Howick before stealing a white Ford ute and heading south, shortly after 3pm on Tuesday.

The superintendent said the ute reached high speeds and drove dangerously, sometimes on the wrong side of the road, as the four people made their way through Manukau and Ōtara.

Police inspect a Ford ute at the scene. RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

The police helicopter watched from above and Gray said at times, the ute crashed into cars and rammed patrol cars as they headed into the city.

Members of the police armed offenders squad (AOS) joined in the chase and a sponge round was fired.

Gray said a police dog was also used in the arrest.

The drama unfolded in the afternoon as commuters began making their way home from work.

A shopkeeper who only wanted to be known as Dave said the ute was heading into oncoming traffic when it was stopped.

“It was like full speed, boom. And the cop’s car … it just hit from the side. At that moment one guy jumped from the car with his hands up.”

A crashed car at the scene. Kim Baker Wilson/RNZ

A bridal shop worker, Jessie, was talking with a client when she heard two collisions outside on the street and what sounded like an explosion and a gun shot.

“I saw this white ute that had seemingly been the one that had crashed earlier, a bunch of men all kind of piled out of the car and all kind of got down on their stomachs…

“It had clearly been a police chase that had been going on for a while, because there were lots of police cars and police on them right away, and police dogs as well,” she said.

The worker said she was pretty shaken and locked the doors to their shop.

“We’re definitely kind of accustomed to some craziness happening outside on K’Road, so we’re definitely quick to lock our doors on occasions to keep our team and customers safe.

“But yeah, definitely nothing like this has ever happened before.”

Two other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Kim Baker Wilson/RNZ

She said one of the vehicles that the white ute crashed into looked like it had a young couple in, but she said they looked unhurt.

“It is extremely lucky that the reckless behaviour of these individuals did not result an anyone suffering serious injuries.”

Gray said two of the accused needed hospital treatment following the events.

“The victim of the aggravated burglary in Howick was shaken by the violent event that took place and has been provided support.”

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Moana Pasifika’s Augustine Pulu gets three week ban for dangerous tackle

Source: Radio New Zealand

Moana Pasifika halfback Augustine Pulu tackles Blues opposite Sam Nock. Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz

Moana Pasifika halfback Augustine Pulu has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle during his side’s 43-7 defeat to the Blues last weekend.

It’s a blow for Moana who have three tough games on the horizon. They host the Crusaders on Friday before matches against the Highlanders and Chiefs.

The high shot on Blues opposite Sam Nock occurred in the 17th minute of the Super Rugby match at Eden Park with former All Black Pulu receiving a yellow card which was later upgraded to red.

After the game Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga lamented Pulu’s sending off and said it made it harder for his side.

“That did harm us. It obviously harmed Sam Nock, which isn’t ideal. He’s a good, young man,” Umaga said.

“To play half an hour with 14 players… but the funny thing is, when we did have 14 men, we seemed to have a lot more urgency and showed what we can do.

“When we were 15, it wasn’t the same.”

The judiciary determined that the mid-range entry point of six weeks/matches was appropriate for the incident in which Pulu made direct contact with a swinging arm to an opponent’s head, with no mitigation.

Due to Pulu’s guilty plea and other factors such as his prior disciplinary record and remorse, the judiciary applied the full 50 per cent reduction in sanction, reducing the ban to three weeks.

The ban will be reduced to two weeks if Pulu takes part in World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme.

If he doesn’t attend the coaching programme he will miss Moana Pasifika’s upcoming matches against the Crusaders (21 March), Highlanders (27 March) and Chiefs (11 April).

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