Category: LiveNews

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National would only support ‘gold standard’ live animal exports, Todd McClay says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Todd McClay says he does not think there will be a resumption of live animal exports any time soon. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The National Party has withdrawn its support for resuming live animal exports by sea.

Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard announced on Tuesday that the government would not get round to resuming the trade this term as there were more pressing matters.

The government vowed to reinstate the trade with a new gold standard of animal welfare, but after making it into ACT and National’s coalition agreement – the plan seemed to get lost in the cogs of Parliament.

Speaking to Midday Report Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay said his party had withdrawn support for reinstating the trade.

“It was a policy that the National [Party] had before the last election, and I put it forward as our agricultural spokesperson then, now as agricultural minister. But I was also very clear that we had to have a gold standard, and for animals to leave New Zealand, it had to be the highest level of animal welfare and animal husbandry that New Zealanders would expect.

“We are not convinced that that is possible and so we’ve said that we won’t support that anymore.”

Labour banned live exports by sea three years ago due to animal welfare concerns.

Before the ban the trade which was worth about $300 million a year saw cattle shipped to China to help build the dairy herd there.

McClay said if a case could be made where animal welfare could be guaranteed National would relook at it.

“But I don’t think that is possible so we’re not supporting it. It’s not something I think we’ll see any time soon.”

Green Party spokesperson Steve Abel RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Green Party spokesperson Steve Abel said National and ACT should never have committed to reinstating exports.

“Look, I think that neither National nor ACT did the background work on establishing if they were committed to the principle of upholding the highest animal welfare standards, which is what New Zealanders expect.

“Can they resume this fundamentally cruel trade? There is no veterinary expert who independently states that that was ever possible. That answer should have been able to be got before the last election.”

Abel said he was glad the truth has come to light.

“This gold standard idea is a public relations exercise that has no substance in fact and the minister, it sounds like, has rightly pulled the pin on the plans to resume live exports at sea.”

Abel said the live animal export industry wassn’t one National should be bending over backwards for.

“It’s a tiny cohort of particularly vested interests who want to reinstate this trade and the public don’t like it because New Zealanders do not want to see animals suffering.

“There should be no future for live exports in New Zealand and it’s a good thing if the National Party are committed to make sure it doesn’t come back.”

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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/2026/03/11/national-would-only-support-gold-standard-live-animal-exports-todd-mcclay-says/

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Woman dies, child hurt car crashes into cafe on Auckland’s North Shore

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A woman has died after a car mounted the curb and ploughed into a cafe in Auckland.

The crash, about 9am on Wednesday, closed William Souter Street in the North Shore suburb of Forrest Hill.

Three people were initially hurt – one critically, one with moderate injuries and one with minor injuries. Two were taken to hospital.

Police have confirmed one of those injured had since died.

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

“We just heard a massive crash sound,” Jess, who works in a neighbouring store, told RNZ.

“I was out back and I thought maybe some of our shelves had fallen down, so I rushed out to the front of the store, and lo and behold, there’s just a car on the sidewalk.”

Jess said she and her manager both rushed out and could see that the car had “obviously” crashed into the cafe.

“The first thing we saw was obviously the lady that was really injured, she was lying on the ground and there was, like, another girl, it looked like quite a young girl, whose face was bleeding as well so there were like two very noticeably injured,” she said.

“And the first thing was just to call 111, just because obviously we saw that the lady who was hit was in a not so good situation, she was in a lot of pain and she kind of looked super, super confused so we called emergency right off the bat.

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

“The car obviously has taken out the door area, the whole glass panel, it’s almost like a split glass panel and the one glass panel is literally floating in mid-air.”

Jess said they then tried to keep people away from the entrance so there were no further injuries.

She credited another nearby worker.

“The cat doctor next door to us, there is a cat nurse, she was brilliant in that situation, she ran right across from the cat doctor and she sat on the ground with the injured lady and she just sat with her and talked her through it. She was amazing,” Jess said.

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A worker at the cafe that was hit by the car said a woman and her daughter were sitting at the time.

“Very sad news to see today. Thinking of all those involved,” North Shore MP Simon Watts said in a post on Facebook.

St John sent three ambulances and two rapid response units.

Police said only one vehicle was involved.

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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/2026/03/11/woman-dies-child-hurt-car-crashes-into-cafe-on-aucklands-north-shore/

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New Solicitor-General appointed

Source: New Zealand Government

Anna Adams has been appointed Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, Attorney-General Judith Collins announced today.

“Ms Adams is an outstanding lawyer and leader,” Ms Collins says.

“She has extensive experience in public law and has worked for many years at the highest levels of our legal system.

“Ms Adams also brings strong private‑sector leadership, having chaired a major national law firm. That mix of legal expertise and practical leadership makes her exceptionally well suited to the role of Solicitor-General.

“She is widely respected for her judgement, integrity and commitment to the law. I am confident she will provide strong and effective leadership at Crown Law and continue the high standards expected of the Solicitor-General.”

The Solicitor-General is a key constitutional role, serving as the Crown’s principal legal adviser, providing advice to the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General and Cabinet, and leads the Crown Law Office. The Solicitor-General is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Governor-General.

Ms Adams is an expert in public law with 28 years of experience across advisory work and litigation. She has acted in criminal prosecutions and civil cases for both public and private sector clients and has appeared as lead counsel in more than 100 cases in the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal, including complex coronial inquests and major inquiries.

Ms Adams is currently a barrister at Bankside Chambers. She previously spent 20 years at Meredith Connell, serving as lead partner for public and health law and later as Chair of the Board. She also holds governance roles, including on the board of PHARMAC.

Ms Adams holds an LLM from Yale Law School, an LLB (Hons) and a BA from the University of Auckland. She has been appointed for five years from 11 May 2026.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/new-solicitor-general-appointed/

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Fatal crash: Forrest Hill

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash on William Souter Street, Forrest Hill this morning.

Police were called at around 8.55am to reports of a single-vehicle crash.

A car has mounted the curb and hit two people before impacting a building.

One person was transported to hospital in a critical condition, and they have sadly now died from their injuries.

Two people sustained moderate injuries. One was transported to hospital and the other was treated at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance.

Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/fatal-crash-forrest-hill/

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Appeal for information following serious assault, Mahia

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Joshua Jones – Wairoa CIB: 

Police are appealing for information following a serious assault at an address in Mahia at the end of February.

On Saturday 28 February, around 11.30pm, Police were called with a report that a man had entered an address uninvited, on Newcastle Street, and seriously assaulted one of the occupants.

The man was confronted by another occupant of the address, who has hit the man over the head with a golf club causing injury to his head and face – as a result he has fled from the property on a side-by-side quadbike, down Newcastle Street and onto Weld Street.

This is a very serious incident that has happened in a place where the victim should have been able to feel safe. The victim sustained serious injuries, and both occupants are understandably very shaken by the incident.

Police have conducted initial enquiries, but have been unable to identify the man, and are now seeking the public’s assistance.

The man is described to be in his 30s or 40s around 6’1”-6’3”/185.4cm-190.5cm in height, and of chubby build. He was reported to be wearing a white singlet and jeans. He has very short, black, hair and a receding hair line.

Police are asking for anyone that has seen a man matching this description, or who had unexplained head injuries from the weekend of Saturday 28 February, to please get in touch.

Additionally, we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed a dark coloured quad bike in the Newcastle Street and Weld Street areas, between 11pm and midnight on that Saturday night, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage of the area.

Information can be provided by going online to https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and clicking “update report”, or by calling 105.

Please quote file number 260301/0548.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/appeal-for-information-following-serious-assault-mahia/

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Labour reshuffle: Willow-Jean Prime loses education portfolio

Source: Radio New Zealand

Willow-Jean Prime has picked up the social development role. VNP / Phil Smith

Willow-Jean Prime has lost the education portfolio, but picked up social development, as Labour reshuffles its decks ahead of the election.

Ginny Andersen will take on the education role, making her the third Labour MP to take on the role in just over a year.

Peeni Henare‘s departure from Parliament, along with Adrian Rurawhe earlier this year, has given Labour leader Chris Hipkins an opportunity to change things up.

“These refreshed portfolios ensure our team will hit the ground running when we win the election in November,” Hipkins said.

Willie Jackson, who had taken on the social development role last year, will instead take on Māori Crown Relations.

Ginny Andersen will take on the education portfolio. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Speaking to the changes, Hipkins said Prime’s new social development role required “care, empathy, and a strong focus on improving outcomes for New Zealanders,” while Jackson would focus on running a “winning campaign” in the Māori seats.

Among the other changes are Damien O’Connor picking up Henare’s defence spokesperson role, Reuben Davidson taking over economic development, and Tangi Utikere becoming the spokesperson for state-owned enterprises.

Willie Jackson, who had taken on the social development role last year, will instead take on Māori Crown Relations. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Vanushi Walters moves considerably higher up Labour’s list, and takes over foreign affairs from Henare.

New list MP Georgie Dansey has been given the rainbow issues and regulation roles. Dan Rosewarne, who will re-enter Parliament following Henare’s retirement, has been given the rural communities and small business portfolios.

Duncan Webb, who has announced he will retire at the election, has lost all of his spokesperson roles.

Vanushi Walters takes over foreign affairs from Peeni Henare who is departing politics. VNP / Phil Smith

His justice portfolio has been given to Camilla Belich.

Hipkins said Webb would instead take on a “mentoring role to support our team.”

The Prime Minister is also expected to announce a ministerial reshuffle in the coming weeks, following the retirement of Judith Collins and Dr Shane Reti’s announcement he will step down at the election.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/labour-reshuffle-willow-jean-prime-loses-education-portfolio/

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90% of New Zealand homes in need of immedate maintenance

Source: Radio New Zealand

Images showing rot in beams and exposed wood and peeling paint on window frames. Branz/supplied

About 90 percent of homes in New Zealand are in need of immediate maintenance, with the total cost of the work thought to be $27 billion, research has found.

Centre for Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment (CRESA) – with Building Research Levy backing – is running a project aimed at helping owners keep their homes well cared for in an affordable way.

CRESA’s research director Kay Saville-Smith, told Nine to Noon, the 90 percent figure came from a variety of resources including the latest condition survey done by the centre along with other research it had done.

Saville-Smith said any home that did not operate well, for example, losing heat or getting too warm counted as being in need of maintenance.

The risks associated with an unmaintained home were that it could become damaged during any adverse weather events.

Older homes were likely to be in need of repairs, Saville-Smith said, particularly if the home had not been well maintained on a regular basis.

She said while new builds were less likely to need immediate maintenance, they were not always suitable for the conditions and environment of where they had been built.

Old weatherboard homes for example with wooden window frames, were pretty straightforward to maintain, Saville-Smith said, but for many houses things were not so simple.

“Homeowners, particularly as they age, get less and less willing and sometimes less capable of some of the work.”

Over the years, there had been many design periods which used lots of different sorts of cladding and roof tiles, she said, and every different type of cladding on a home moved in a different way.

Different cladding moves in different ways. (File photo) 123RF

“The main thing consumers can do when choosing homes and designs is to understand and think about these things.

“You want a resilient home not one that just looks a bit flash.”

She said it was also important for homeowners to remember low maintenance did not mean no maintenance.

AUT Professor of Construction Management John Tookey, said a lot of general maintenance which needed to be done on homes was relatively small including clearing gutters, touching up paint, checking for gutter cracks and treating surfaces.

He said problems arose “when the outside gets inside.”

“If you don’t maintain, issues can become serious,” he said.

At this stage, Saville-Smith said she did not have data on how much people were paying to keep their homes maintained but they were working with housing providers to get a better idea of this.

She said CRESA wanted to work with designers and housing providers as well as the building industry on how to build better, more resilient homes.

Tookey said the biggest barrier for homeowners with maintaining their houses was finances. Everything from mowing grass to trimming trees came at a cost if someone was being hired to do it.

The next thing it came down to was skills and an ageing population, he said.

“We’ve become increasingly a victim of our sedentary lifestyle.”

His advice for homeowners who did not have access to a lot of funds was to “focus on the small stuff”.

That included using treatments on wood and touching up the house with paint.

He said by the time a problem was big enough to get someone in to fix it, it was going to be expensive.

“Deal with small problems before they become big problems and have a regular budget for maintenance.”

Tookey said it was good to try and set up one day each month where you can do maintenance around your home.

Coming into winter, Tookey said it was good to prepare your home by making sure there were curtains to keep in the heat, along with insulation under the floor and in the roof. He suggested purchasing a dehumidifier to take the moisture out of the air was also good.

Saville-Smith envisioned a checklist of home maintenance for a number of different styles of homes which could be given to homeowners.

She hoped the project would be able to get out the door within 18 months.

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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/2026/03/11/90-of-new-zealand-homes-in-need-of-immedate-maintenance/

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Small ideas, big impact: How simple digital tools help Auckland’s factories thrive

Source: Auckland Council

If you travel past Auckland’s many factories, it’s not immediately obvious how much these businesses contribute to our everyday life. But they do, producing everything from stainless-steel tubing to food products, plastics, electronics and specialist components. 

They’re also a very important part of New Zealand’s prosperity. Auckland’s manufacturing firms keep thousands of people in work and contribute billions to the economy. In the year to the end of March 2025, Auckland’s manufacturing sector contributed more than $12.5 billion to New Zealand’s GDP, more than a third of the country’s total manufacturing contribution.   

Yet behind the factory doors, many of these businesses face a common challenge – how to keep up in a world where digital technology is moving faster than ever. 

A new initiative called Digital Manufacturing Light (DMLight) is looking to change that. DMLight helps small factories add simple, low-cost digital tools to their existing machines and processes – things like basic sensors and dashboards that show what’s happening on the factory floor in real time.  

Tested and adopted from a University of Cambridge initiative by the University of Auckland with support and investment from Auckland Council, DMLight shows that a little bit of tech can go a long way to improve productivity. 

Accessible, low-cost DMLight digital tools can quickly help factory staff spot problems sooner and avoid bottlenecks. A sensor showing when a machine stops unexpectedly can save hours of guesswork – hours saved can mean fewer delays and stronger local businesses.  

For manufacturing firms, using DMLight is like upgrading your existing car with new sensors rather than buying a brand-new vehicle.  

The Government has now committed up to $475,000 per year for three years to expand DMLight. Starting 1 April 2026, the programme will support at least 180 small and medium-sized manufacturers across Auckland, Waikato, Northland and Bay of Plenty. Support includes help choosing the right digital tools, hands-on installation, and training so local workers can install, run and maintain the technology themselves. 

Case study 

During the Auckland pilot for DMLight, the University of Auckland and Auckland Council team worked with companies such Spiraweld Stainless Ltd, which retrofitted its older, semi-automatic spiral pipe welding machine using the DMLight method. The company added low-cost, off‑the‑shelf components (computer‑vision camera, stepper motor actuator, Raspberry Pi controller and HMI) to automate welding-gap control with minimal disruption and cost. No existing equipment needed to be replaced – just the addition of approximately $1000 in hardware of low-cost tools to give operators clearer information. 

To learn more 

Any small or medium-sized manufacturer in Auckland, Waikato, Northland and Bay of Plenty can reach out to the programme team at dmlight@auckland.ac.nz to learn more or register interest. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/small-ideas-big-impact-how-simple-digital-tools-help-aucklands-factories-thrive/

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Cut it out: recidivist burglar caught by Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Matamata Police have arrested a recidivist burglar after an electronic tracking tag alerted officers to the location of a stolen lawnmower.

A local officer took the report of the burglary on Monday morning, with the victim stating that the $1,200 brand new lawnmower had an electronic tracking tag attached for security.

Police quickly went to a private address where the tracking tag had been shown pinging, locating and recovering the lawnmower to much delight of the victim.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on a charge of receiving property over $1,000 and has been remanded in custody. They will appear for a second time in the Hamilton District Court on 24 March.

“This is a great outcome for all, being able to quickly recover a stolen item and catching a recidivist burglar red-handed,” said Senior Sergeant Aaron Fraser, Waikato East Response Manager.

“Police encourage you to keep valuable belongings out of sight and secured, note down serial numbers of tools or notable appliances, and engrave belongings if you can.

“In this case, adding an additional element of security like an electronic tracking tag came up trumps for the victim and greatly aided officers in locating the stolen item,” said Senior Sergeant Fraser.

To report burglaries and thefts, contact Police. If it’s happening now, call 111, for any incidents after the fact, call 105 or make a report online by clicking ‘Update Report’. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/cut-it-out-recidivist-burglar-caught-by-police/

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Hawke’s Bay Police Open Day

Source: New Zealand Police

MEDIA ADVISORY: Hawke’s Bay Police Open Day

Hawke’s Bay Police invite everyone to an Open Day at the Hastings Police Station on Sunday 15 March from 10am-12pm (gates close at 11.30am).

Entrance via Market St Police Station gates.

Held at the rear of the station, the event will host a patrol car, Police Dogs, the Armed Offenders Squad, Police Search and Rescue and much more. Find out more about a career in Police.

The ‘Cinema car” will also be there, which is an upcycled police vehicle converted into a mini cinema to watch the latest Police YouTube vlog ‘Ride Along’ and other recruitment reels.

ENDS

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/media-advisory-hawkes-bay-police-open-day/

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Greenpeace – Renewed calls for Govt to lower nitrate contamination limits, following Danish precedent

Source: Greenpeace

In  an open letter launched this morning, Greenpeace is calling on the New Zealand Government to put public health above industry profits by lowering the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water. (ref. https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/publication/open-letter-nitrate-limits/ )
This follows the Danish Government’s move to lower the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water, after an expert panel recommended it should reduce from 11.3mg/L – which is also New Zealand’s current standard – to 1mg/L. The panel’s recommendation was to take a precautionary approach to protect against the risk of bowel cancer.
Greenpeace Aotearoa freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says, “Rural families’ drinking water is being poisoned by the intensive dairy industry, yet the New Zealand Government is burying its head in the sand and pretending there’s no problem.”
“A growing body of international evidence has linked elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water with several human health risks, including bowel cancer, preterm birth, and Blue Baby syndrome.”
“But while Denmark moves to protect people from these health risks, the Luxon Government is protecting dairy industry profits.”
Appelbe says that the Danish situation is a ‘good news story’ – one that New Zealand needs to replicate.
“The Danish Government has recognised a threat to human health, and taken action to stop the problem from getting worse.
“Nitrate contamination has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer, preterm birth, and at high levels, Blue Baby syndrome. Another recent international study suggests a correlation between high nitrate in drinking water and increased dementia risk. The weight of the available evidence supports taking a precautionary approach and reducing exposure to nitrate contamination.”
“The evidence is clear. Nitrate contamination puts people’s health at risk. That’s why we’re calling on the Luxon Government to lower the Maximum Allowable Value – the legal limit – for nitrate in drinking water now.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/greenpeace-renewed-calls-for-govt-to-lower-nitrate-contamination-limits-following-danish-precedent/

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Animal Welfare – Government drops plans to revive live animal export trade – SAFE

Source: SAFE For Animals

SAFE is celebrating news that the Government will not move forward with plans to reinstate live animal exports by sea, ensuring the ban on the trade remains in place at least for this parliamentary term.
Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed yesterday that Cabinet had been unable to reach agreement on reviving the industry.
SAFE CEO Debra Ashton says the announcement is a huge relief.
“Live export forces animals into gruelling journeys across oceans where they can spend weeks confined on crowded ships, exposed to extreme heat, distress, and injury,” says Ashton.
“No animal should have to endure that.”
Ashton says the outcome reflects the strength of public opposition to the trade.
“More than 57,000 people signed a petition in 2024 calling on the Government to protect the ban. New Zealanders made it clear they did not want to see animals shipped overseas on long and dangerous journeys.”
The Government had previously signalled it intended to revive the trade under what it described as a “gold standard” for animal welfare.
Ashton says that promise was never credible.
“There is no such thing as a ‘gold standard’ for shipping live animals across oceans. The risks are inherent to the trade itself.”
“No amount of regulation can remove the suffering animals endure during weeks at sea, or guarantee their welfare once they arrive overseas.”
SAFE says it remains concerned that the minister responsible for animal welfare continues to support the trade.
“Live export has repeatedly been shown to put animals at significant risk,” says Ashton.
“It raises serious questions about whether someone who supports this trade is the right person to hold the animal welfare portfolio.”
SAFE says yesterday’s announcement will be welcomed by the tens of thousands of people who spoke up to defend the ban.
“This is a moment to celebrate,” says Ashton.
“People across the country stood up for animals, and today those animals are safer because of it.” 
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
Notes: 
– On 10 November 2025, SAFE filed a formal complaint relating to Andrew Hoggard’s oversight of the animal-welfare portfolio, citing a pattern of regulatory capture in which industry interests have been allowed to override legal requirements and scientific evidence, thereby undermining public trust in animal-welfare governance.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/animal-welfare-government-drops-plans-to-revive-live-animal-export-trade-safe/

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Health and Politics – Government Acknowledges Aged Care Pressures But Families and Carers Still Carrying the Load

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association says today’s Government response to the Health Committee inquiry into aged care capacity recognises serious system pressures but leaves families and informal carers continuing to shoulder the consequences.
The inquiry examined how well the aged care sector can support people experiencing neurological cognitive disorders, including dementia. While the Government has welcomed the report and referred its recommendations to the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group for further consideration, no immediate actions or support measures were announced.
Association Chief Executive Tracey Martin says that delay has real-world impacts beyond providers, it lands hardest on families.
“Behind every delayed reform is a daughter reducing her work hours, a spouse managing complex care alone, or a family struggling to find a bed close to home. When the system strains, families absorb the pressure.”
Inquiry Highlighted Growing Strain on Families
The Health Committee heard extensive evidence about:
  • Limited availability of aged residential care beds
  • Financial barriers to accessing care
  • Workforce shortages affecting service quality and continuity
  • Inconsistent access to home and community support
  • The particular challenges of dementia care
These pressures often leave families filling gaps in care, navigating fragmented services, and carrying emotional, physical, and financial burdens.
“Families are becoming the default providers of care when services are stretched. That is not sustainable and it is not fair.”
Respite and Support Still Uncertain
While the Committee recommended establishing regular respite care programmes to support carers, the Government response points only to ongoing strategy work, with no new funding or delivery commitments.
“Respite is not a luxury – it is what keeps carers healthy enough to continue caring. Without reliable respite, burnout is inevitable.”
Delays in Funding Reform Flow Through to Households
The Government confirmed that aged care funding reform will be considered as part of a broader review process reporting back in 2026.
Until then:
  • Bed shortages persist
  • Dementia services remain financially constrained
  • Providers struggle to expand capacity
  • Access delays push care responsibilities back onto families
“When funding models don’t reflect the real cost of care, services can’t expand. When services can’t expand, families wait longer or cope alone.”
Home Care Progress Welcome But Gaps Remain
The Association acknowledged positive signals around:
  • More flexible home and community care services
  • Moves toward nationally consistent funding
  • Longer-term provider contracts
However, implementation timelines remain unclear.
“Supporting people to remain in the communities they know and love is the right goal. But families need to see changes on the ground, not just policy workstreams.”
A Human Issue, Not Just a System Issue
New Zealand’s ageing population means more families will face complex care decisions in the coming years.
“Aged care is not an abstract policy area. It determines whether older people can live with dignity, and whether families can remain families – rather than becoming exhausted, unsupported care coordinators.”
Call for Urgency
The Advisory Group is expected to report by mid-2026.
“We respect the need for careful policy design, but the lived reality is urgent. Families and carers need practical support now – clearer pathways, available beds, sustainable services, and meaningful respite.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/health-and-politics-government-acknowledges-aged-care-pressures-but-families-and-carers-still-carrying-the-load/

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Arrests made, drugs and firearms seized, Canterbury

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells: 

Police have arrested two men and seized amounts cash, methamphetamine, firearms, and ammunition, in Canterbury.

Over the past two weeks, Police executed search warrants at various properties linked to Mongrel Mob gang members, in Christchurch and North Canterbury.

During these searches, Police located and seized several thousand dollars in cash, methamphetamine, several firearms, and ammunition.

Police also discovered a “chop shop” and have been able to recover several stolen vehicles. A further five vehicles were seized by the courts due to unpaid fines.

As a result, two men, who are both patched Mongrel Mob members, were arrested.

They are remanded in custody, due to reappear in the Christchurch District Court in the coming weeks.

A 34-year-old is due to appear on 25 March and a 29-year-old is due to appear on 1 April. Both are facing charges relating to driving matters, possession of methamphetamine for supply, possession of cannabis, and unlawful possession if ammunition.

Police are not ruling out further charges.

Police are committed to disrupting and minimising the social harm caused by gangs in our community. If you have any information or concerns about illegal activity, please make a report through 111 if there is an immediate threat, or through 105 – with as much detail as possible – either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/arrests-made-drugs-and-firearms-seized-canterbury/

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Consumer NZ – No u-turn to petrol for New Zealand EV owners

Source: Consumer NZ

New research from Consumer NZ shows an overwhelming 96% of electric vehicle (EV) owners would buy another EV, confirming strong satisfaction among current owners.

Consumer has released findings from its latest car reliability and satisfaction survey, representing responses from 5,791 members and supporters collected in November and December 2025.

“This survey canvassed car owner experiences, providing insights into preferred engines, brand performance, reliability and overall owner satisfaction,” says Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy.

While petrol vehicles continue to dominate the nation’s roads, making up 59% of cars New Zealanders own, the landscape is shifting. The share of EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) has grown from 12% in 2023 to 17% in 2025. Hybrid ownership has also risen significantly, increasing from 10% to 15% over the same period.

“This indicates a gradual but growing shift towards going electric on our roads,” says Duffy.  

Over half of EV owners made the switch with the anticipation of lower running costs, and 81% of current owners say their operating costs are much cheaper. Environmental considerations were also a key factor.

“Our research found that one of the more affordable electric vehicle brands ranked highly when it came to price and reliability, outstripping performance on some better-known petrol brands,” says Duffy.

However, despite 56% of EV owners wanting lower running costs, 29% kept the same power plan after buying an EV, even though they would now be using more energy.

“This highlights the importance of heading to Powerswitch to the find the best deal for your energy needs. There are significant savings to be made on power by shopping around,” says Duffy.

The survey also explored how drivers feel about vehicle safety technology. Reversing cameras and sensors topped the list as respondents’ most valued safety features, while lane-keeping assist was ranked the most annoying.

For more insights into New Zealand’s best and worst cars, including reliable motoring, owner satisfaction, maintenance and repair costs, and the recipients of Consumer NZ’s annual People’s Choice awards, see the full survey results at consumer.org.nz/products/ car-reliability  

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/consumer-nz-no-u-turn-to-petrol-for-new-zealand-ev-owners/

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Crusaders back themselves to turn around slow start in Super Rugby

Source: Radio New Zealand

Crusaders halfback Noah Hotham in action against the Blues. Brett Phibbs

The Crusaders concede they have not been good enough but are confident they can turn around their disappointing start to the Super Rugby season.

The defending champions have won just one of their first four games with losses to the Highlanders, Brumbies and Blues.

Coach Rob Penney concedes they weren’t up to scratch, but said making wholesale selection changes was not the answer.

“Just a bit of a cohesion issue,” Penney said.

“We’ll fix that through consistent selections and working hard and we’re doing all that.”

Blues winger Caleb Clarke scores a try against the Crusaders. Brett Phibbs

That pressure is mounting on the Crusaders and that was evident in training on Tuesday with a couple of players involved in some “push and shove”.

“So there should be,” Penney said when asked if there was tension in the camp.

“It was a really lovely sight to see, actually. It is a reflection of how much it means. The boys aren’t happy with the performances and the outcomes.

“Very proud young men are going to come up against each other, and create a bit of sandpaper from time to time.”

Penney insists morale remains high among the squad and he’s confident they can get their season back on track, starting with a win over the Highlanders on Saturday night in Christchurch.

“No, it’s awesome. The group is really well connected, enjoy each other’s company and are desperate to do well. Yeah, there’s been some hiccups, but they’re not catastrophic and there’s a deep determination to turn this around.”

Last weekend’s 29-13 defeat at Eden Park was a hard watch for Crusaders fans with the visitors giving away multiple turnovers.

Penney concedes their preparation for the Blues game could have been better.

He said the coaches and senior players must help the less experienced members of the squad learn to perform consistently.

“Some of these young men are still finding a way to prepare for football at this level,” Penney said.

“It’s about trying to give those without the experience an opportunity to grow and develop and those with the experience the chance to help to teach them.”

George Bell scores for the Crusaders during the Crusaders v Brumbies Super Rugby match at the Apollo Projects Stadium. PhotoSport / John Davidson

The Crusaders defensive efforts also left a lot to be desired against the Blues and Penney said the players have taken ownership for some individual errors.

“Yeah, they were very courageous. In our review process, it’s not an environment where they’re intimidated to say they’ve made a mistake. It creates a learning opportunity and that’s the way we view it and they’ve been awesome on that front.”

The Crusaders host the Highlanders in Christchurch on Saturday night, their third New Zealand derby of the season.

“As a team, as a group, we’ve got some really good strategies around trying to nullify their strengths and expose our strengths as often as we can,” Penney 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/2026/03/11/crusaders-back-themselves-to-turn-around-slow-start-in-super-rugby/

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Covid booster should be given alongside annual flu vaccine – experts

Source: Radio New Zealand

Covid-19 booster vaccination rates are dropping. (File photo) AFP

The latest wave of Covid-19 is being driven by low vaccination rates, a health expert says.

Latest number show 50 hospitalisation and 19 deaths with the virus within the span of a week.

University of Otago professor of public health Michael Baker said earlier this week, New Zealand was experiencing its ninth wave of the virus.

The chairperson of General Practice New Zealand, Dr Bryan Betty, told Morning Report, vaccination rates were dropping, with the number of people getting a booster hovering at 56 percent.

As Winter came closer, Betty believed we would see the Covid booster being promoted alongside the annual flu vaccination.

“I think lining it up with it [the flu vaccine], does make sense.”

He said he would like to see people getting a Covid booster once a year, especially if they were aged over 65, or over 50 if of Māori descent.

Betty noted Covid-19 was not seasonal and affected people year round.

Covid-19 is not seasonal. (File photo) 123rf.com

“Covid is always with us, it never goes away. When immunity drops we see a wave. Due to low immunisation rates that wave is occurring at the moment.”

Betty said 56 percent of the eligible population had the Covid-19 booster while 14 percent of non-Māori and 28 percent of Māori were not vaccinated at all.

“The booster vaccination is important to protect yourself against these very irregular waves of Covid that can occur,” Betty said.

Health NZ’s national director of public health service Dr Nick Chamberlain, said while Covid hospitalisations and cases had increased in recent weeks, levels remained below previous peaks.

“Since the arrival of Covid in our communities, we have been seeing both summer and winter Covid-19 increases, but from the available data, recent increases are currently not near the magnitude of 2022-2024 rates of Covid-19 illness.”

Chamberlain said since fewer people were testing and reporting results, most cases were identified in hospitals. He said there was no single dominant variant driving the increase.

Health NZ was monitoring Covid-19 trends through wastewater testing, hospital data, genomic sequencing and case reporting, he said.

“As we head into winter, we encourage people, particularly those at higher risk, to get your flu vaccination and stay up to date with their Covid‑19 boosters.”

Betty said lots of patients weren’t testing due to the fact tests were not subsidised by the government.

“Our advice is to stay home in those situations.”

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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/2026/03/11/covid-booster-should-be-given-alongside-annual-flu-vaccine-experts/

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Jacinda Ardern joins star-studded Auckland Writers Festival line-up

Source: Radio New Zealand

Some of literature’s biggest names – from Aotearoa and around the world – will hit the stage for this year’s Auckland Writers’ Festival in mid-May.

The festival’s 2026 programme features more than 220 artists participating in more than 170 ticketed and free events. Audiences will be among the first in New Zealand to hear former prime minister Jacinda Ardern she talks about her Ockham Awards nominated memoir, A Different Kind of Power.

Other notable names include Mick Herron of ‘Slow Horses’ fame, acclaimed Australian writer Helen Garner and Irish author Roddy Doyle, as well as English novelist Ian McEwen and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales.

Local authors on the slate include 2026 Honoured Writer Bill Manhire, Witi Ihimaera, Catherine Chidgey, Tusiata Avia, Charlotte Grimshaw, and Elizabeth Knox.

Younger audiences are being offered ‘Pukapuka Adventures’ – a free programme of family activities – and ‘Plot Twist’, a new branch of the festival aimed at rangitahi that includes zine making, DJs and BookTok meetups. Dav Pilkey, creator of the best-selling Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, will also be attending.

The Auckland Writers’ Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, with 85,000 attendees in 2025 and 2024. Artistic director Lyndsey Fineran says she hopes the festival will entertain, enlighten and inform every type of reader.

“Nothing has thrilled me more than seeing attendances soar over the last two years and watching a broader range of readers (and the reading-curious…) fill our theatres.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/jacinda-ardern-joins-star-studded-auckland-writers-festival-line-up/

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Tall Ferns newcomers make international debut alongside USA’s biggest names

Source: Radio New Zealand

Caitlin Clark for USA and Emma Rogers for the Tall Ferns will both made their senior team debuts at the Basketball World Cup qualifiers this week. Photosport

Three of the biggest stars of USA women’s basketball share something special with a trio of inexperienced New Zealanders.

Jade Kirisome and cousins Emma and Briarley Rogers will make their debut for the Tall Ferns in Puerto Rico this week as New Zealand attempts to qualify for this year’s Basketball World Cup.

On the opposite side of the court WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese are also in line to make their senior national team debuts for USA at the six-team tournament.

While New Zealand’s newbies shone in the domestic competition Tauihi, which is broadcast internationally, Clark, Bueckers and Reese are a different level of recognisable for hoops fans around the world.

USA basketballer Paige Bueckers. ISHIKA SAMANT

Regardless of where they come from, the stadiums they normally play in, or the domestic accolades they already have, all players are bound to feel a few butterflies when they pull on their national team kit for the first time on the world stage.

Just getting the call from coach Nat Hurst that she had made the team was nervous moment for Emma Rogers who was named Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa’s Most Improved and Youth Player of the Year last year.

“Literally my hands were shaking, and my hands were sweating so much but was just really excited,” she said.

For Clark, who plays for the Indiana Fever, the opportunity to be back on court after an eight month injury lay-off added to her emotions.

“I don’t want to call it nerves but excitement to play,” Clark told American media this week.

“This is a really cool opportunity. If you don’t feel that way, then you probably don’t care enough.”

USA are the reigning world champions and have already booked their place at September’s global showpiece in Germany, so the qualification tournament is an opportunity to build connections between a group that does not play together often.

In stark contrast the Tall Ferns need to build on-court chemistry and win.

Tayla Dalton is the most experienced Tall Fern at this week’s World Cup qualification tournament. Supplied / BBNZ

With 18 games for the Tall Ferns captain Tayla Dalton is the most experienced player on the youthful roster that is missing players with American college commitments and injury.

Dalton has seen veteran players leave after the last Olympic cycle and is now helping to guide the new talent like Kirisome and Rogers.

“Everyone has their own journey to make it to this level and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go from high school to America for college and then here, or it doesn’t mean you have to play WNBL.

“You can play in Tauihi, you can play from high school. There’s so many different pathways.”

While some thought New Zealand had been dealt a bad hand by landing in the qualification group that included the world champs and world number six Spain alongside Senegal, Italy and hosts Puerto Rico, Dalton had a different view.

“When the pool first got announced I had so many people sending it to me going, ‘oh my goodness you guys got ripped off’ or ‘you’re in the hardest pool’.

“But I honestly was just so excited, it’s not every day you get to play USA, the last time the Tall Ferns played them was over 15 years ago.

“And Spain, these are some of the best players in the world and this is why you play, because you want to compete against the best.

“And then personally, quite selfishly, I was on the team that lost to Puerto Rico on the buzzer beater to get to the Paris Olympics, so to get to have them in our pool and play against them in their home country, I think it would be pretty cool to win that game back.”

The top three teams from the tournament will go to the World Cup, but with USA already locked in, the fourth of the six teams should also get their ticket punched.

With five games in seven days Dalton said they would need to be strategic in San Juan.

“That’s the thing with these FIBA tournaments, they’re pretty full on, pretty heavy load on the body and very quick turnaround.

“So that’s why we’re just making sure all 12 girls are ready to go, because at any moment, anyone’s number’s going to be called up.

“I think we’re very realistic, we’ve got three target games in particular.

“USA and Spain, if we’re being very honest, these are two of the best teams in the world and we’ll get out there and we’re not competing to come close, we’re competing to win against all five teams.

“But there might be a couple games where we really rotate everyone through.”

The Tall Ferns first game of the World Cup qualification is on Thursday at 7am (NZT).

The Tall Ferns squad

  • Tayla Dalton (Tauranga Whai), 18 games
  • Tegan Graham (Perth Lynx), 3 games
  • Pahlyss Hokianga (Tokomanawa Queens & University of Portland), 13 games
  • Jade Kirisome (Tauranga Whai), debutant
  • Rebecca Pizzey (Southern Hoiho), 5 games
  • Sharne Robati (Adelaide Lightning), 5 games
  • Briarley Rogers (Tokomanawa Queens), debutant
  • Emma Rogers (Mainland Pouākai & Fairfield University), debutant
  • Emme Shearer (Tauranga Whai & UC Capitals), 8 games
  • Ashlee Strawbridge (Adelaide Lightning), 11 games
  • Ella Tofaeono (Adelaide Lightning), 11 games
  • Charlotte Whittaker (Mainland Pouākai & Adelaide Lightning), 8 games

The games

  • March 12 v Spain, 7am
  • March 13 v Italy, 10am
  • March 15 v Senegal, 7am
  • March 16 v United States of America, 7am
  • March 18 v Puerto Rico, 1pm

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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/2026/03/11/tall-ferns-newcomers-make-international-debut-alongside-usas-biggest-names/

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Person dies on popular walking track near Wānaka

Source: Radio New Zealand

Skyline Track near Wānaka. Department of Conservation

A person has died on a popular hiking track near Wānaka.

Emergency services were called to the Skyline Track, which runs along the ridgeline between Roys Peak and the Cardrona Valley, just before 3pm on Tuesday.

The body was recovered by a helicopter.

Police will not say what caused the death, but it will be referred to the coroner.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/person-dies-on-popular-walking-track-near-wanaka/