Category: LiveNews

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Taranaki green hydrogen energy project construction starts this month

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Kapuni gas plant in South Taranaki. RNZ / Robin Martin

Five years after almost $20 million of funding was announced for a green hydrogen facility in South Taranaki construction is set to begin this month.

The project includes supplying renewable electricity to the Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ Kapuni facility – via four 206-metre wind turbines – and producing green hydrogen for emissions-free transport at Hiringa Energy’s refuelling operations.

Around 50 construction jobs will be created and seven permanent roles.

The former Provincial Growth Fund made the $19.9m investment in 2020. Its full cost is up to $112.3m with the additional co-funding supplied from the project partners.

In a statement, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones bemoaned delays to the project.

“We’ve waited more than five years for this project to begin, after it was delayed by years of red tape and appeals under the previous Resource Management Act consent process.

“A delay like this, for a project so important to a regional economy, shouldn’t have happened. I welcome the economic benefits, jobs, and alternative energy source this initiative will bring to Taranaki.”

Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust, the representative body for Ngāruahine iwi, including Ngāti Manuhiakai and Ngāti Tu, the two hapū with uncontested mana whenua over the land, appealed against the project on Treaty, cultural and environmental grounds, with support from Greenpeace.

The High Court and subsequently the Court of Appeal ruled against the appeal.

Jones said the project would be one of the first in New Zealand to integrate wind, industrial renewable electricity supply and zero-carbon green hydrogen fuel production at scale.

“The initiative unlocks significant local investment and will be a vital contributor to long-term, development in the region and will help diversify the Taranaki economy by supporting new, innovative clean energy industries,” Jones said.

The project is a partnership between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Limited, Hiringa Energy Limited, Parininihi ki Waitōtara, and Todd.

Construction starts at the facility this month.

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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/2026/02/05/taranaki-green-hydrogen-energy-project-construction-starts-this-month/

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Woman accused of stealing thousands from elderly women in Hamilton and Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / REECE BAKER

A woman is before the courts accused of stealing more than $5000 from elderly women living alone in Hamilton and Auckland.

Police claim the 37-year-old targeted the women deliberately, entering their homes under false pretences and taking their bank cards to withdraw cash.

Detective sergeant Mike Mead said the woman faces four charges of burglary, three charges of using a bank card for pecuniary advantage, and shoplifting.

He said all the victims were in their 80s.

The woman is expected to appear in Waitākere District Court tomorrow.

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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/2026/02/05/woman-accused-of-stealing-thousands-from-elderly-women-in-hamilton-and-auckland/

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Treaty concerns push out Santana Mines open-cast mine decision to October

Source: Radio New Zealand

The view towards the proposed mine site between Bendigo and Ophir. RNZ / Tess Brunton

Fast-track panel members are expected to make a decision on a proposed open-cast mine near Cromwell by late October, while Kā Rūnaka has signalled that granting approvals could be in breach of Treaty settlements.

Santana Minerals applied in November for consent to tap into a gold deposit between Bendigo and Ophir.

When fast-track panel convenor Jane Borthwick sought the company’s views on a 110-120 working-day decision timeframe in December Santana Minerals insisted that officials aim towards the default timeframe of 30 working days.

In a statement released on Thursday, Santana Minerals said the panel convener had confirmed a 140 working-day timeframe.

In a memo posted online, Borthwick said the longer time frame was partly because of Kā Rūnaka concerns about potential Treaty settlement breaches.

“Kā Rūnaka say their concerns are significant and immutable,” she said.

A seven-member panel had been appointed to assess the application and would start work on 25 February.

Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring Supplied

Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring said while a shorter timeframe was preferable, the confirmation of a decision by 29 October was a “critical transition point”.

“This is an important step forward and confirmation of a firm statutory decision date which gives the project clear line of sight through the fast-track process,” he said.

The panel will be chaired by former High Court judge Matthew Muir KC and includes Gina Sweetman, Philip Barry, Roger MacGibbon, Tim Mulliner, Peter Kensington and Douglas Johnson.

Santana said the members had expertise across mining, environmental science, planning, hydrology and geotechnical engineering.

Borthwick said Kā Rūnaka had sought a hearing on cultural evidence and legal issues.

The timeframe also included six weeks for expert conferencing.

Borthwick said she had appointed seven panel members instead of the usual three because of the wide range of subject-matter expertise required.

If approved, the project would carve out a 1000m by 850-metre open pit, plus three smaller satellite pits and a tailings dam.

Santana previously told shareholders that the company planned to extract its first gold by about March 2027.

The project has had [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/571161/otago-locals-range-from-curious-to-staunchly-opposed-on-giant-gold-mine fierce pushback from some residents who argue it could threaten local tourism and viticulture, and cause irreparable harm to the environment, making it unsuitable for fast-tracking.

Santana Minerals said the work to support its consent application was “one of the most intensive and comprehensive studies ever conducted on the Dunstan Mountains”, with environmental considerations central to project planning.

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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/2026/02/05/treaty-concerns-push-out-santana-mines-open-cast-mine-decision-to-october/

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Kauri Protection Education Trailer: Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri to launch at Waitangi

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  05 February 2026

This mobile kauri education resource brings a unique multi-sensory experience to the people of Te Tai Tokerau and its visitors. The public are invited to visit from 9:30 am at the sports field, M1, opposite the Treaty Grounds.

The innovative advocacy and education platform results from a partnership between the Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab (a collective of four Te Tai Tokerau iwi), Northland Regional Council (NRC), and the Department of Conservation, with support from Ministry for Primary Industry’s Tiakina Kauri. The partners share a clear goal: strengthen community understanding of kauri protection and support action on the ground to keep kauri safe.

Debbie Martin from Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab says: “The partnership has been guided by the CoLab’s whakataukī / vision: E kore te kauri e tū mokemoke. Our kauri never stand alone. The forest ecosystem stands with kauri, as do all hapū, iwi and community. Unchecked, disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida (PA), would devastate kauri forests, and consequently the wellbeing of the ngahere and its people. We are all connected.”

Chair of NRC’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party Jack Craw says: “Protecting our kauri is something every one of us can play a part in. Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri will help grow the awareness and know how our communities need to keep these taonga thriving.”

Martin Akroyd, Plant Pathogen Manager for DOC acknowledges the value of the partnership: “It has been fantastic working together in collaboration on an advocacy initiative to help our communities understand the impact the disease has on kauri, and the behaviours required to ensure the trees are protected when out naturing in the majestic kauri forests in Te Tai Tokerau,” he says.

Visitors to Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri can engage with both visual and hands on immersive learning activities, including:

  • Kauri bark rubbing activity
  • The relationship between kauri and tohorā, brothers of land and sea as told by Ngātiwai
  • Kauri hygiene protocols to prevent the PA disease from spreading
  • Get to know the flora and fauna that live and interact with kauri as whānau
  • Virtual reality experiences within kauri ngahere

Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri will travel across Te Tai Tokerau to kura, schools, and community events Northland. Please email matauranga@kauriora.org.nz for more information.

Background information

The Kauri Ora Iwi CoLab is a collective of four Te Tai Tokerau iwi represented by Te Roroa Commercial Development Limited, Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, Ngātiwai Trust Board and Ngāti Kurī Trust Board. Together, these iwi are mana whenua over approximately 60 percent of the remaining kauri whenua in Te Tai Tokerau. The CoLab exists to ensure the survival of kauri through iwi led biosecurity, governance, and operational leadership and excellence.

Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri was inspired by the Waikato Regional Council’s (WRC) kauri trailer resource — an initiative that has proven impactful in community and school settings. We gratefully acknowledge the support and sharing of WRC of resources and guidance.

Featuring Tane Mahuta, Rakau Rangatira from Waipoua, we acknowledge Te Roroa for allowing us to represent their taonga on Te Ara Mātauranga o Te Kauri.

Partners acknowledge the permission to share the Ngātiwai korero of Kauri and Tohorā: Brothers Of Land And Sea.

Partners acknowledge the funding and visuals provided by Tiakina Kauri.

Phytophthora agathidicida

  • Kauri is threatened by a soil-borne pathogen called Phytophthora agathidicida (PA).
  • PA is spread by soil movement, including by:
    – footwear, clothing or equipment that touches the soil
    – vehicles that have driven through infected areas
    – animals, including wild pigs and stock, that have walked through infected areas.
  • PA infects kauri trees through their roots and restricts their ability to transport water and nutrients between their roots and the leaves. This causes the condition known as kauri dieback disease, which eventually starves the kauri.
  • There is no proven way to cure a kauri tree that has been infected by the PA pathogen, and there are limited treatment options.
  • To date, the PA pathogen has been detected in the Northland, Auckland, and Waikato regions, but we do not yet know how many kauri trees have been infected by it.
  • Ensuring the survival of kauri for future generations depends on all of us taking actions and doing everything we can to stop the PA pathogen from spreading.

Contact

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/kauri-protection-education-trailer-te-ara-matauranga-o-te-kauri-to-launch-at-waitangi/

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Green Member’s Bill to recognise the personhood of tohorā

Source: Green Party

Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono has launched his Member’s Bill to recognise whales as legal persons with inherent rights, including the right to freedom of movement, a healthy environment, and the ability to thrive alongside humanity. 

“Our tohorā are sacred ancestors for many communities across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, but they are under threat from commercial fishing, pollution, and climate change.” says Teanau Tuiono. 

“This Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana, to create a law that would protect whales by legally recognising their mana.” 

The Bill describes te mana o te tohorā through five fundamental principles: Freedom of movement and migration, protection of natural behaviours, protection of social and cultural structures, right to a healthy environment, and the right to restoration and regeneration of habits and ecosystems.  

“Indigenous peoples are the enduring kaitiaki of our moana. When we follow their lead, we can protect our precious species and the places they call home.” 

“The Tohorā Oranga Bill will recognise the inherent mana of tohorā and require decision-makers under a range of environmental law to recognise and provide for the rights of tohorā. 

“By recognising the mana of tohorā, this Bill represents a transformation in how we protect our marine species and the wider moana.” says Teanau Tuiono.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/green-members-bill-to-recognise-the-personhood-of-tohora/

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Auckland FC expand search to end goalkeeper shortage

Source: Radio New Zealand

Oli Sail’s Auckland FC debut was shortlived after he was stretchered off the field with a knee injury on Saturday. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

In one fateful hour, Auckland FC went from having goalkeeping riches to needing to go to market in a global search for a new shotstopper.

All White Oli Sail had played back-up to Michael Woud between the sticks for 14 consecutive games in the A-League this season.

Sail finally got a call-up off the bench on Saturday, against his former side Perth Glory, a game he was subbed out of just after the hour mark with a season-ending knee injury.

The 30-year-old had surgery on Wednesday and coach Steve Corica said Sail could be sidelined for six to seven months.

With Sail out and the team’s other contracted goalkeeper, Joe Knowles, also injured, as well as Reserves goalkeeper Eli Jones battling glandular fever and the club’s OFC Pro League keepers in Papua New Guinea, Corica said the club was actively looking for another goalie to join the ranks.

“There’s a lot of goalkeepers around, but a lot of them are unavailable at the moment,” Corica said.

A-League experience was not critical in the search for the replacement, but if they knew the league, Corica did see that as a bonus.

“The window’s open so we can bring players in. We can look overseas as well to bring a young goalkeeper back, the search is wide.”

After getting dropped, Woud was not benched for long and could now be crucial to turning around Auckland’s defensive lapses.

“He had a good start to the season, I think the last couple of games he’s made a couple of errors which was the decision to change him.

“But he knows what he’s done and how good he can play. I spoke to him [on Thursday] and he seems in good spirits and he’s going to have to be.

“He’s got his second chance really quickly so it’s up to him now.”

Confidence as a cure-all

Logan Rogerson is being called on by his coach to get on the scoresheet this season. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Corica sees confidence as a cure-all to the situation Auckland FC are in.

Third on the A-League ladder with one win from six games in January, the team has conceded 10 goals in the calendar year and scored eight.

Corica has identified the next three games on the schedule – Sydney FC home, Sydney FC away and Wellington Phoenix away – as important for the team’s spirits.

He believed double success against Sydney would buoy them for the third and final New Zealand derby of the season.

Auckland’s leading goalscorers look different this season from last.

Jessie Randall, Lachie Brook and Sam Cosgrove are joint leaders on the club’s goalscoring tally this season with six each.

Guillermo May and Logan Rogerson who were leading that tally last season, have yet to make much of an impact on the scoresheet, with May slotting one goal and Rogerson still goalless.

Corica wanted more from that duo to ease the load on Randall, Brook and Cosgrove.

Sam Cosgrove of Auckland FC celebrates his goal with Jesse Randall. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

“Football is all about confidence and some players are confident players and if they’re feeling a little bit hard done by or not getting in the right positions to score that’s up to them to change that.

“We can try and help them in that department as well but we do have players that can score more goals and the more goals we score then we maybe aren’t in that situation that we let teams back into games.”

In Auckland’s first season in the A-League the club was known for scoring late winners or salvaging results after the 90-minute mark. In season two, late in the game is where Auckland have dropped points, especially of late.

“It really only started against Melbourne City, which was three weeks ago and that was the first time we’ve ever lost from a leading margin but since then the Central Coast game they came back and got a draw out of it but we expected to win that game at home and obviously against Perth it happened again so it’s a confidence thing as well.

“It’s like winning, when you’re winning games it just comes naturally and when you’re conceding goals late on and that period comes again this weekend they’ll start to think about it and it’s how we deal with it and the mentality and the strength we have to get through that period.”

Corica rued some missed opportunities to put distance between them and the other clubs earlier in the season but was up for the challenge of getting back to the top of the ladder with 11 games still to play.

“We’re still in a good position right now and I think the league is a lot closer this year from top to bottom, so the team that wins the league probably won’t get as many points as we did last season because everyone is beating everyone.”

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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/2026/02/05/auckland-fc-expand-search-to-end-goalkeeper-shortage/

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Police investigation launched after man turns up at hospital with gunshot wound in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Police are investigating after a man was shot in the Auckland suburb of Māngere overnight.

Officers were alerted by ambulance staff just after 12.30am.

The man took himself to Middlemore hospital, presenting with a gunshot wound.

Police said he had suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers said police were looking into how and where the man was injured.

He was asking anyone in the community with information to get in contact.

“If anyone in the community has information, they can contact Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 260205/5954.”

“Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/police-investigation-launched-after-man-turns-up-at-hospital-with-gunshot-wound-in-auckland/

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‘Girl queen and a bit of skin’: The thrifted and homemade outfits of Laneway

Source: Radio New Zealand

Thrift it, borrow it or make it was the motto for this year’s Laneway festival -goers.

Some wore cowboy hats and sparkly clothes that paid tribute to headliner Chappell Roan, known for her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.

Others, who were more thrilled to see artists such as Lucy Dacus and Geese, ignored the cowboy princess theme and opted to prioritise their comfort, favourite colour schemes and sun safety. 

Auckland’s Western Springs hosted Laneway this year.

RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/girl-queen-and-a-bit-of-skin-the-thrifted-and-homemade-outfits-of-laneway/

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Child fatally struck by car in rural Canterbury town named as 10-year-old Alexander Bennett

Source: Radio New Zealand

Springston School. Anna Sargent

A child who died after being hit by a car in a rural Canterbury town has been identified as a 10-year-old boy from Springston.

Police said Alexander Bennett was walking on Leeston Road near Springston when he was hit about 3.30pm on Wednesday.

He died at the scene.

Bennett was a pupil at Springston School.

In a statement, the Springston School Te Kura o Makonui board said its thoughts were with the child’s family, and staff and students were being supported.

“We have had a tragic passing of a student of our school. We are unable to provide any further details at this point as the police investigation is continuing,” they said.

Police said enquires into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing.

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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/2026/02/05/child-fatally-struck-by-car-in-rural-canterbury-town-named-as-10-year-old-alexander-bennett/

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Man arrested following Taupō CBD fire

Source: New Zealand Police

The quick action of Police has resulted in the arrest of one person following an investigation into a suspicious fire at a commercial premises on Oruanui Street in Taupō.

The fire was reported to emergency services around 10.30pm on Tuesday 3 February.

One property sustained substantial damage, and spread to the adjoining building, which sustained minor fire damage.

Thankfully, the premises were unoccupied, and no injuries were reported.

A fire investigator inspected the scene on Wednesday morning, indicating the fire was lit deliberately.

Evidence led to a 53-year-old man being charged with arson. He appeared in the Taupō District Court today and is remanded in custody until 17 March.

As the matter is now before the courts, Police cannot comment further.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/man-arrested-following-taupo-cbd-fire/

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Lanes blocked, Southern Motorway, Auckland

Source: New Zealand Police

The Southern motorway is down to one lane following a four-vehicle crash this afternoon.

The crash was reported to Police at 4.05pm.

One vehicle has flipped on to its side and is blocking the right-hand lanes.

There are multiple injuries reported ranging from minor to moderate.

Motorists are asked to delay travel if possible and expect delays.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/lanes-blocked-southern-motorway-auckland/

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Joint action stops 4.2 tonnes of cocaine

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand agencies have collaborated with French authorities in a major international operation that has intercepted 4.24 tonnes of cocaine in French Polynesia, Customs Minister Casey Costello announced today.

The New Zealand Customs Service, New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) supported French authorities, with assistance from the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), to stop a vessel and seize 4.24 tonnes of cocaine on Monday 2 February.

“One of the explicit actions in the new Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Action Plan launched in December was for these agencies to work together on a maritime campaign to target and take down transnational organised crime networks operating across the Pacific,” Ms Costello said. 

 “This is the first major success of that campaign, Operation Kiwa, and I am delighted at the agility with which the agencies have swung into action and worked with their French and US partners to deliver this result. Stopping transnational organised crime requires international cooperation and strong partnerships.

“Operation Kiwa combines the expertise and capabilities of Customs, NZDF and the GCSB to deliver enhanced intelligence operations and maritime surveillance to patrol the region and protect New Zealand and our Pacific partners.

 “We want to stop organised crime groups and their products from reaching anyone’s shores and causing harm to our people and economies.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/joint-action-stops-4-2-tonnes-of-cocaine/

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Heating up the hāngī pit ahead of Waitangi Day celebrations

Source: Radio New Zealand

Marae assistant chairman and renowned Māori chef Joe Mcleod is helping his marae create around 500 ready-to-eat hāngī packs for the event in Wellington. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

A Wellington marae is putting its hāngī made up of mostly koha kai underground on Friday, in preparation for the city’s Waitangi Day celebrations tomorrow.

Thousands are expected to gather at Waitangi Park in Te Whanganui a Tara on Friday for large community event Te Rā o Waitangi that honoured the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 1840.

Ngā Hau e Whā o Paparārangi marae in Newlands helped feed those celebrating Waitangi Day in the city for many years.

Marae assistant chairman and renowned Māori chef Joe Mcleod had previously led hāngī operations to feed thousands at Te Tii Waitangi Marae.

Joe McLeod Supplied/Peter Gordon

This year, he was helping his marae create around 500 ready-to-eat hāngī packs for the event in Wellington, featuring local kai like meat and huawhenua (vegetables).

“Pork, lamb chicken in our packs. Potato, pumpkin, kumara, cabbage and stuffing. That’s the standard pack, and then we have a vegetarian pack,” he said.

“They go real quick.”

Mcleod said much of the kai was donated by the community and local supermarkets, and he was amazed by the support.

“We have a very strong local network.”

He said helping feed the crowds there was a lovely experience, that recognised the important moment in the history of Aotearoa.

“We’re there to celebrate and be there to provide a service for our people,” he said.

“It’s a fun thing. We’re giving back to celebrate with our country, and it’s a special event to celebrate a special moment.”

Mcleod was classically trained in French cuisine and dozens more culinary styles throughout his long career.

These days, he was more focussed on sharing matauranga Māori kai with other marae to pass on his knowledge.

“Letting them know that our food culture is still alive.

“The resources our ancestors used are still here, most of them, and our primary resources are still accessible through various connections that marae networks have.”

Live music, kapa haka and local kai are some of the highlights expected in Wellington from midday tomorrow, ahead of Saturday’s Wellington Pasifika Festival also at Waitangi Park from midday.

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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/2026/02/05/heating-up-the-hangi-pit-ahead-of-waitangi-day-celebrations/

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Three people hurt after crash in Waikato

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cambridge Road near Racecourse Road heading towards State Highway 1 was closed. RNZ / Tim Brown

Three people are injured after two vehicles collided in Cambridge, Waikato.

Police said Cambridge Road near Racecourse Road heading towards State Highway 1 was closed after the crash, which was reported just after 2pm.

Three people are injured, one in a serious condition and two sustaining moderate injuries, a police spokesperson said.

“They are receiving medical attention,” they said. “The road will remain closed as emergency services work the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.”

Cordons are in place at SH1 Cambridge East exit for southbound traffic and Peake Road for northbound traffic.

Police ask motorists to choose alternative routes or delay travel.

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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/2026/02/05/three-people-hurt-after-crash-in-waikato/

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Crime spree ends in custody

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have thwarted a small crime wave across a west Auckland suburb, with a man facing a raft of burglary charges.

Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit has been investigating the spree of offending in recent weeks in Glen Eden.

Police have laid four burglary charges, with a further 10 burglaries still under investigation.

Detective Sergeant Mike Mead says Police first became aware of an increase in reports of property crime in Glen Eden in late January.

“Our team started looking into instances of burglary and shoplifting around the area,” he says.

“In a lot of cases the same offender description began to emerge.”

The TCU team then set about locating a person of interest.

“Through eyewitness accounts and local knowledge, it didn’t take long to identify the alleged offender,” Detective Sergeant Mead says.

“He was arrested and charged not long afterwards.”

Detective Sergeant Mead says a 23-year-old man is facing charges over four Glen Eden burglaries, and further charges cannot be ruled out.

“I am pleased with the work of our team bringing this alleged offender to account, we will not accept this type of behaviour and offending in our community.”

The man appeared in the Waitākere District Court earlier this week on multiple charges of burglary, theft, receiving, assault, speaking threateningly and shoplifting.

He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear on 26 February.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/crime-spree-ends-in-custody/

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Fisher-Black defends time trial cycling title, Olympic triathlete Hayden Wilde fourth

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nelson’s Finn Fisher-Black. © SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd)

Finn Fisher-Black has defended his time trial title at the Elite Road National Championships in Cambridge, while Olympic triathlete Hayden Wilde showed he’s right up there with some of New Zealand’s best riders.

Fisher-Black went back to back with a time of 52:24.29 in the men’s 44.2 kilometre event, over a minute faster than Glenn Hayden in second place.

World Tour rider Ben Oliver came third and wild card Hayden Wilde, who is better known on the triathlon circuit, came fourth.

Two-time Olympic medallist Wilde was 2:06 slower than Fisher-Black. He finished faster than the likes of Paris Olympic track rider Tom Sexton, and World Tour riders Reuben Thompson, and George Bennett.

Hayden Wilde during the bike section of the 2024 Ironman in Taupo. PHOTOSPORT

Wilde, 28, is currently ranked the No. 1 male triathlete in the world, having secured the prestigious 2025 T100 Triathlon World Championship title in December 2025.

He is back home for summer on his ‘off-season’. He competed in the 2020 edition of the road race, but Thursday was his first entry in the time trial.

Wilde is also competing in Saturday’s road race at the cycling nationals at Te Awamutu.

In the Elite Women’s time trial Ella Wyllie finished the 27.6 kilometre circuit with the quickest time in 37 minutes 45.34 seconds.

Mikayla Harvey was just 29 seconds behind, and Paris Olympic track rider Bryony Botha came third.

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

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The sector with 17,000 more full-time jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand

Accommodation and food services saw the largest increase in jobs over the last year, up just over 25,000, with around 17,000 more full-time and 8000 more part-time roles. 123rf

Unemployment has hit its highest level in a decade, but beneath the headline numbers some sectors are faring much better than others.

Stats NZ said this week the unemployment rate hit 5.4 percent in the three months to December, the highest since March 2015.

A total of 165,000 people were unemployed, a rise of 4000 on the previous quarter and 10,000 on a year ago. More people reported being available for work in the quarter.

Brad Olsen, chief executive at Infometrics, said while the number of full-time roles was down 0.9 percent year-on-year, the number of part-time positions had increased 2.1 percent, or 11,400 jobs.

“Accommodation and food services has seen the largest increase in jobs over the last year, up just over 25,000, with around 17,000 more full time and 8000 more part-time roles,” he said.

He said retail, health and information, media and telecommunications also had strong part-time growth in employment.

“For retail, there were 400 fewer roles overall, with 4100 fewer full time roles but 3700 more part-time roles, as retailers look to right-size their workforce for still mixed spending patterns. Health roles are up 7000 jobs overall over the last year, but this is made up of around 3000 fewer full-time roles but nearly 10,000 more part-time roles as the health sector manages budgets.”

In manufacturing, there were 7000 fewer manufacturing roles in December compared to a year earlier, driven by a drop of 7300 full-time positions offset a little by a 200 lift in part-time roles.

He said across the economy as a whole, a quarter of all roles were part-time.

“The increase in part-time work does seem to be a bit around businesses who are needing more capacity but aren’t willing or able to commit to full-time work immediately. That’s probably a bit of a sign of the slight tentativeness in the economy. You’ve had surveys recently which have suggested businesses are more upbeat about the general economy and have stronger expectations that they will both invest and hire more and there’s evidence of that but I think everyone’s just a bit shy at the start.”

He said there was a turnaround in tourism that was helping employment in that sector. “It’s now in a good space above 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels. There does seem to be more consistency in accommodation and food services because you’ve had lifts in both full-time and part-time work.

“Accommodation and food services is one of the industries with a much stronger focus on part-time work anyway but that increase in employment seems fairly broad-based. I do wonder if there’s an element of Kiwis seem to be spending a bit more on food and food-related items compared to straight-up retail options. You’ve seen retail employment actually fall a touch.”

He said people seemed to be spending on groceries and going out to eat a bit more but not as much on physical items.

The biggest declines in job numbers were in manufacturing, construction and some transport activity.

“Construction has seen declines across the board. You’ve got a nearly 11 percent decline over the last year in part-time construction work, an 8.2 percent decrease in full-time construction work, and that leaves an overall 8.4 percent decline.

“There’s just less to do than what there was a couple of years ago, and so the construction workforce has had to right-size a bit more.”

Some industries were facing longer-lasting change than others, he said.

“For construction, I’d find it hard to believe at the moment that construction would make it back to its peak level of employment, just because construction activity levels are likely to remain below peak.

“So if you needed so many workers to do all the work back in 2022-23 when it was really difficult to find builders, if you don’t have quite as much activity, you probably won’t see that high level of construction employment again, not necessarily in the short term at least.

“A lot of those other industries, I’d certainly be expecting as we sort of go through the year a bit more of a transition from that part-time focus to more of a full-time focus. But that will, I guess, for a lot of businesses, again, who are thinking that they’re a bit shy about hiring, they will be wanting to see sort of more stronger levels of sales and activity coming through before they commit to that permanent employment.”

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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/2026/02/05/the-sector-with-17000-more-full-time-jobs/

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Woman arrested after elderly people targeted

Source: New Zealand Police

A brazen offender allegedly ripping off elderly people across Hamilton and Auckland communities will face court.

Police executed a search warrant at a Rānui property today, investigating fraud and burglary offending between December 2025 and January 2026.

A 37-year-old woman has been arrested and now faces court, as enquiries continue.

Detective Sergeant Mike Mead, from the Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit, says thousands of dollars had allegedly been stolen from the victim’s accounts.

“We will allege in court that this woman’s offending deliberately targeted elderly woman living alone in their homes,” he says.

“In several instances the woman allegedly entered these homes under false pretences, taking advantage of vulnerable victims where bank cards have been taken and used to withdraw cash.”

Police will allege more than $5,000 was fraudulently obtained from these victims, two in Hamilton and one in Auckland.

All up the woman faces four burglary charges, three charges of using a bank card for a pecuniary advantage and shoplifting.

Detective Sergeant Mead says Police will oppose the 37-year-old’s bail when she appears in the Waitākere District Court tomorrow.

“This is nothing short of despicable, targeting victims all aged in their 80s,” he says.

“Our investigators have worked meticulously in piecing together this spate of offending, including CCTV footage and banking records.”

Police enquiries are ongoing, and further charges cannot be ruled out at this stage.

“I know the community will share a dim view of what has happened to these women, taking advantage of their trusting nature.

“This offending has left them fearful and caused a significant amount of distress.

“Police have moved quickly to make an arrest to prevent any further harm to the community.”

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/woman-arrested-after-elderly-people-targeted/

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Name release, fatal crash, Springston

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the person who died following a crash in Springston on 4 February.

He was 10-year-old Alexander Bennett, of Springston.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/name-release-fatal-crash-springston/

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Road closed, Cambridge Road near SH 1

Source: New Zealand Police

Cambridge Road near Racecourse Road heading towards State Highway 1 is closed following a two-vehicle collision, reported just after 2pm.

Three people are injured, one in a serious condition and two sustaining moderate injuries. They are receiving medical attention.

The road will remain closed as emergency services work the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

Police ask motorists to choose alternative routes or delay travel.

Cordons will be in place at SH1 Cambridge East exit for southbound traffic and Peake Road for northbound traffic.

Motorists may experience delays in the area.

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/05/road-closed-cambridge-road-near-sh-1/