Category: Public Media

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Wellington Water chair Nick Leggett resigns over Moa Point sewage disaster

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nick Leggett. RNZ / Angus Dreaver

The chair of Wellington Water has resigned following the Moa Point crisis.

Nick Leggett said the failure of the Wellington treatment plant was deeply serious and had affected the environment, public health and the community.

A failure at the treatment plant on Wellington’s south coast earlier this month has been spilling 70 million litres of untreated sewage a day into Cook Strait.

Labelled an environmental disaster by the city’s mayor, Wellington Water has warned it could be months before the plant is operating again and the waters are again swimmable.

Leggett said leadership carried responsibility, and stepping aside would allow Wellington Water to focus on fixing the problems and restoring public trust.

An independent government review would examine the causes of the failure. Leggett said he would fully cooperate with that process.

His last day will be Monday. Deputy chair Bill Bayfield will take over as interim chair.

Leggett had been in the role since 2023.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/15/wellington-water-chair-nick-leggett-resigns-over-moa-point-sewage-disaster/

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Weather: Heavy rain and damaging gales set to lash eastern and southern North Island

Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied/ Dan Bailey

Heavy rain and severe gales are forecast to batter the eastern and southern North Island, parts of Marlborough and North Canterbury, and the Chatham Islands.

MetService issued multiple orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings on Sunday, warning of dangerous conditions from Sunday morning through to Monday evening.

Heavy rain warnings in place

An orange heavy rain warning is in force for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti south of Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay, about and east of Wairoa, from 6am Sunday until 5am Monday. Between 100 and 150 millimetres of rain is forecast, with peak intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour on Sunday afternoon.

Rain may briefly ease overnight before becoming heavy again early Monday. There is a moderate chance of the warning being upgraded to red.

Further south, Hawke’s Bay south of Waipukurau, including the Ruahine Range and eastern hills from Cape Kidnappers southwards, is under an orange warning from noon Sunday until 9am Monday.

MetService expects 100 to 140mm of rain, with intense bursts of 20 to 30mm per hour, especially overnight Sunday into Monday.

Inland areas of Whanganui and Manawatū north of Marton, including Taihape, are covered by a warning from 6pm Sunday until 2pm Monday, with 100 to 150mm of rain forecast and peak rates of 10 to 20mm per hour.

A prolonged warning is also in place for Wairarapa, the Tararua District and the Tararua Range from 2pm Sunday until 7pm Monday. MetService says 120 to 160mm of rain is expected over the eastern hills and Tararua Range, and 50 to 80mm across the rest of Wairarapa.

Intensities of 20 to 25mm per hour are possible in elevated areas, particularly overnight.

MetService warns streams and rivers may rise rapidly, with surface flooding, slips and hazardous driving conditions likely.

Damaging winds forecast

Severe gales are also expected.

Wairarapa and the Tararua District are under an orange strong wind warning from 6pm Sunday until 9am Monday, with southwesterly gusts reaching 120km/h in exposed places.

In Wellington and eastern Marlborough, north of Clarence, severe south to southwesterlies are forecast from 6pm Sunday until 3pm Monday, with damaging gusts of up to 130km/h in exposed areas.

Although winds are expected to ease during Monday afternoon, they may remain close to severe gale strength in some places until midnight.

Meanwhile, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti south of Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay face severe west to southwesterlies from 5pm Sunday until 7am Monday, with coastal gusts also reaching 130km/h. There is a moderate chance this warning could be upgraded to red.

MetService says damaging winds could bring down trees and powerlines, and make travel hazardous, particularly for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Emergencies ongoing

The latest warnings come as parts of the country remain in recovery mode from recent storms.

Local states of emergency are in place in the Waipā District and Ōtorohanga District after widespread flooding in Waikato, where a man died in floodwaters near SH39 on Friday.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell says the country is in a “perpetual cycle of response and recovery”, with 25 local states of emergency declared in the past two years.

In Waipā, the district council says its Te Tahi Water Treatment Plant has been significantly damaged. Water has been redirected to Pirongia at reduced flow, and residents are being asked to conserve water for drinking and hygiene only, and to flush toilets sparingly.

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Super Rugby Pacific wrap: Rusty Chiefs, hot Highlanders and Moana’s miracle

Source: Radio New Zealand

One moment summed up the Blues’ night against the Chiefs, and it happened before the game had even kicked off. An honour guard of the original 1996 Super 12 winning side stood ready to clap the Blues onto Eden Park, but no one told the players and they ran out the other side, leaving the crowd groaning in embarrassment.

The well-intentioned yet poorly executed theme then continued for most of the next 80 minutes, with the Blues showing glimpses of what they’re capable of. Unfortunately for them and the crowd, it was usually followed by a knock-on or a penalty. It took over half-an-hour for them to score at all, which then wasn’t followed up by any meaningful period of dominance.

Even at halftime the clunkiness was evident, three Kiss Cam targets awkwardly weren’t even looking at the screen and missed their cue – on Valentine’s Day no less.

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It’s not as if the Chiefs were any better in their eventual 19-15 win, mind you. It seemed like both sides were still in preseason mode and it wasn’t until the game entered the final 10 minutes that they were able to click into gear, with three All Blacks combining for the winning try.

That effort from Cortez Ratima was enough for new Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes to breathe a sigh of relief.

“We absorbed a hell of a lot of pressure in that second half,” he admitted post-match.

“What it took was us just staying in that moment and falling back to our prep. We worked it up the middle of the field and had one opportunity, which we converted.”

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Meanwhile, Blues captain Dalton Papali’i lamented his side’s inability to seize key moments.

“We took our foot off the throat, they got two penalties down in our half. It’s small moments that win or lose these games and we gave them three moments to execute, and they did. It cost us the game.”

All I need is a Miracle, while the Highlanders shock the Crusaders

Miracle Faiilagi is two things – a headline writer’s dream and a very, very good rugby player. His three tries helped Moana Pasifika won the Battle of the Pacific 40-26 over the Drua, a surprisingly comfortable scoreline at the otherwise formidable Churchill Park in Lautoka.

Not many were giving Moana much hope after Ardie Savea’s exit for this season, but if they can dig deep and rally around Faiilagi, there’s a way forward for the expansion team whose even existence is constantly precarious.

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While the Highlanders’ 25-23 win over the Crusaders was impressive and celebrated everywhere outside of red and black country, you don’t need to look too far into the past to know that this isn’t the best indicator of how their season will go. This is the second season in a row that they’ve beaten the defending champions in their first home game, last year they ended up losing nine of their next 10 games and coming last.

The same can be said for the Crusaders, who were very flat and still had a chance to win it on the last play. Their redemption season in 2025 still had hiccups, like a big loss to Moana at home, but ultimately that was a long way from the business end of the competition that the Crusaders generally revel in. Put simply: they will be a lot better than this going forward.

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Meanwhile, Max Jorgensen may well have scored the try of the season already on Friday night with his ankle-breaking effort in the Waratahs’ surprisingly comprehensive win over the Reds. Like the Highlanders, the Tahs have form when it comes to early season mirages, but the hope for a strong side in Sydney is something that goes beyond their long suffering fans.

The Tahs’ 2014 final win was the highest attended Super Rugby game in history. It’s fair to say that the appetite among competition bosses to have the narrative revolve around the biggest potential market is large, but it’ll take more than this one result to make that happen.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/15/super-rugby-pacific-wrap-rusty-chiefs-hot-highlanders-and-moanas-miracle/

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Christchurch supermarket shelves stripped of bottled water after boil water notice issued

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

Christchurch City Council is looking at bringing in drinking water to parts of the city as supermarkets sell out, after a boil water notice for bacteria contamination was sent to tens of thousands of residents.

A public health alert was issued on Saturday afternoon for around 14,000 households in New Brighton, Burwood, Wainoni, Aranui and Southshore.

It said all water, including filtered water, needed to be continuously boiled for at least one minute after routine testing discovered total coliforms in the Rawhiti water zone.

Total coliforms are a broad category of bacteria that can be found in faeces, but also live in the environment, including in soil and plants.

They do not generally pose a direct health risk, but the presence of total coliforms indicated bacteria were present and that treatment has not been effective or that treated water was vulnerable to contamination, according to the website of water regulator Taumata Arowai.

Residents and people travelling into the area received multiple emergency text alerts about the problem throughout Saturday.

Linwood Ward Councillor Yani Johanson said boil water notices on metropolitan water supplies were relatively rare, though noted the Rawhiti zone was under a notice for four days following the discovery of e.coli in 2019.

He had pressed the council for more details and advocated for bringing in water tankers to key spots to alleviate the burden for residents.

Some residents would be anxious and would want as much detail as possible about the levels of bacteria and the cause, particularly given the supply is chlorinated, he said.

Residents in the affected suburbs were already struggling with a surge in offensive odours from the city’s damaged sewage plant, which have plagued the eastern suburbs since a fire destroyed key infrastructure at the Bromley Wastewater Plant in 2021, and had intensified again over recent weeks.

“It’s another blow for the community,” he said.

Coastal Ward Councillor Celeste Donovan said the council was looking at options to bring in water, especially as supermarkets in the area were struggling to keep bottled water stocked.

Celeste Donovan with former Mayor Lianne Dalziel. Supplied / Kirk Hargreaves

On Saturday, the council arranged for a water tanker as New Brighton hosted thousands at the Coast to Coast finish line.

Donovan said there was never a good time to get news of bacterial contamination, but the alerts began just as more than 1000 multi-sport athletes, their supporters and spectators descended on New Brighton pier.

“Obviously with a lot of people who aren’t able to boil water at home, we wanted to make sure that people had access to water on site because we had thousands of people turning up for the Coast to Coast.”

Donovan said the influx of visitors was one of the reasons for the repeated emergency alerts, which reached everyone in the area – not just residents.

The council would update the community once further testing had taken place, but it could take a few days to lift the notice even if test results were clear as the council will have to identify the source of the bacteria before it can remove the boil notice, she said.

People could check if they were in the affected area on the council website or Facebook page, she said.

She acknowledged the community’s frustration at another infrastructure issue affecting residents in the area.

“I think that’s why it’s important we put out good information now, but there is a lot of frustration in the community and it highlights how important it is to continue to invest in infrastructure like our water pipes and making sure we avoid things like rates caps in the future,” Donovan said.

Bromley sewage plant. Screenshot / Christchurch City Council

The council was committed to communicating with residents over the lingering stench from the Bromley sewage plant, she said.

Last month, anger boiled over about increasingly bad odours and a lack of information, with residents walking out of a heated public meeting after demanding more information, better communication and more support.

“The main thing is actually getting rid of the stench, which is the goal, of course. So speeding up the permanent fix is the priority and making sure that those live in that impacted area get all the support they need.”

A Christchurch City Council spokesperson said routine testing found total coliforms, but not E.coli in the water supply.

“Total coliforms are a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, and their presence in the water network serves as an indicator of potential contamination and the possible existence of harmful pathogens.”

The council said staff and contractors were undertaking further testing and investigations to understand the cause of the contamination.

The boil water notice will be in place until further notice, it said.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/15/christchurch-supermarket-shelves-stripped-of-bottled-water-after-boil-water-notice-issued/

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‘Never seen anything like’ weather that hit Waipā – local

Source: Radio New Zealand

Water rushing over a blown out culvert on Corcoran Rd, Te Pahu, Waipā. Ryan Vickers

A Waikato man says he had never seen damage like the scenes on his parent’s Waipā farm following Friday’s intense rain.

The South Waikato was hit hard by severe weather that hammered the North Island, causing widespread flooding and slips, and the death of a motorist in floodwaters.

Ryan Vickers said the weatherbomb that hit parts of the district was so localised, he had no idea how bad it was from his Hamilton home just 30 minutes away.

But after a long and nervous night for his mother, who was left trapped on the farm after flooding destroyed vehicle access, he drove to the property at the base of Mt Pirongia on Saturday.

What he saw shocked him.

“I’ve lived in rural communities most of my life, and I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Vickers said a relatively small creek on the property flooded, presumably banking up before bursting with huge force.

“I feel like what must have happened is a slip covered the creek further up, and then it kind of broke, like a dam breaking.

“What came down was the water shifting massive boulders bigger than cars and just throwing them down the mountain.

“It took out logs and trees. Stuff within five metres either side of the river [has] just been shredded, picked up and thrown down the hill.

“Then it got to the bridge, the crossing mum and dad had going up to their farm, and it’s just smashed that as well.”

To get to the Waipā farm, Vickers was forced to take back roads and travel across farmland, before using heavy machinery to clear tracks and create a path out through the back of the farm.

He said while the property had a generator, he expected it to be without water for days.

Fences, bridges, roads and livestock have been damaged or swept away, and several nearby properties are cut off.

He said it was a close-knit community, and everyone would pitch in to help out.

The driveway belonging to Ryan Vicker’s parents was scoured by raging floodwaters which took out roads and bridges. Ryan Vickers

His mother was no stranger to intense weather and flooding, but she described the noise of tumbling boulders as terrifying.

“She was worried, given what happened at the Mount, she was worried a slip could come down at their place, and she was up there by herself because Dad’s working on another farm at the moment.”

His mum got no sleep on Friday, and was a little “shell-shocked” by the experience, he said.

Vickers said the increasing frequency of these type of events pointed to a shift in the climate.

“All these hundred-year events that happen every few years, something’s changed hasn’t it?”

The South Waikato region took a particular beating from Friday’s thunderstorms, with roads, homes and infrastructure damaged in widespread flooding.

Around 80 people were forced to evacuate their homes and a motorist died when his vehicle became submerged at Puketotara on Saturday night.

Flooding and slips have closed State Highway 3 between Te Awamutu and Ōtorohanga, State Highway 39 – Pirongia to Ōtorohanga, and State Highway 31 – Kawhia to Tihiroa, as well as dozens of local roads.

Mayor Rodney Dow said the district had experienced widespread flooding, slips and inundation.

“The situation in Ōtorohanga is serious.”

A local state of emergency for the Ōtorohanga district was declared in the early hours of Saturday morning, with a declaration for Waipā following on Saturday afternoon.

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SailGP: Black Foils collide with France, two sailors including one Kiwi injured

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Black Foils SailGP collide with the DS Automobiles SailGP Team France. Felix Diemer for SailGP

Sailors from the New Zealand and France teams have been rushed to Auckland hospital, after a high-speed collision in race three of the New Zealand SailGP event off Wynyard Point.

Racing was suspended, when the two boats came together on the opening leg, with the Black Foils seemingly losing control of their rudder and spinning back into the French.

France had nowhere to go and flew over the bow of Amokura, as their rivals disappeared up the course towards the first mark. As they rounded the mark and headed back towards the two entangled boats, race organisers called the race off and safety crews rushed to the wreckage.

Wreckage from the DS Automobiles SailGP Team France F50 catamaran is moved in the technical area after the collision. James Gourley for SailGP

All crew members were quickly accounted for, but two sailors – one from each team – were injured and taken ashore, conscious and alert.

The Black Foils later confirmed grinder Louis Sinclair was in stable condition with compound fractures to both legs.

“This one was super scary and above the margins,” said France driver Quentin Delapierre. “Hopefully, we will find some solutions, so we never see this kind of stuff again.

“I cannot say anything about the incident – everything happened so quickly and it is super cloudy in my head.

“I didn’t review the footage, so I cannot say accurate things, but it was probably the scariest I have experienced.

“Full support to Team NZ and also my teammates. Hopefully, everyone is OK.”

The damaged boat of the DS Automobiles SailGP Team France is craned from the water in the technical area after a collision with Black Foils SailGP Team. James Gourley for SailGP

Delapierre would not reveal which of his crew was injured and could not speculate on whether his boat would be back on the water for Sunday.

“At the moment, it looks difficult for us to race tomorrow, but nothing is impossible, so we’ll see.”

The Black Foils boat has made it to shore, but is not in good shape. RNZ

Unsurprisingly, the Black Foils did not put anyone up for media questions, but driver Peter Burling and strategist Liv Mackay were both spotted – shaken, but apparently uninjured – afterwards.

“A member of the Black Foils is being treated at Auckland Hospital, following a collision with the France boat during racing today,” they later posted on social media.

“The team member was transferred in a stable condition. All five other athletes onboard returned to base safely.

“Further updates will be given when available.

“Thank you for the support and aroha at this time.”

Later, they named Sinclair was the injured crew member.

“Sinclair is receiving treatment for compound fractures to both legs, but is in a stable condition.”

New Zealand SailGP marks the first occasion 13 boats have contested racing, with the addition of Artemis Sweden for this year’s series. Spain missed the season’s opening event at Perth, after suffering damage in practice, but the fleet was at full strength for the first time at Auckland.

The collision left two injured from each team. Phil Walter

All 13 teams were jostling for position off the startline, making the tight run to the first mark chaotic. That leg is usually the fastest of the race, exacerbating the risk.

Next year, organisers hope to add a 14th team to the championship and will likely split the fleet into smaller heats of seven, as they for practice racing currently.

A collision between Black Foils driven by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke and DS Team France, driven by Quentin Delapierre at the start of race 3. Phil Walter

Sunday’s forecast suggests even more wind on the course, with racing brought forward a few hours to avoid the worst of the current weather bomb over the North Island.

“I don’t know what’s the league position, but probably tomorrow, we need to take some decisions to avoid this kind of stuff,” Delapierre said. “We were probably above the margin today, so we’ll see what happens.”

Delapiere admitted the fleet size may have contributed to the accident.

“It’s probably part of the equation, but it’s way more complicated than that, so I don’t want to say too much.”

This is New Zealand’s second major crash in as many events.

Moments into the season-opening race at Perth last month, the Black Foils collided with Switzerland, losing their stern, and were unable to race again that weekend.

They faced an anxious repair process over following weeks, but Amokura was apparently back to full integrity for their home regatta, as the home team finished third and first in the first two races to lead the event into race three.

This time, the damage to boat and crew is even more serious.

After the Perth incident, NZ driver Peter Burling was judged at fault and became the first to incur demerit points under newly introduced SailGP ‘Super Licence’ protocols.

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Concerns weather could push raw sewage towards Wellington’s shoreline

Source: Radio New Zealand

Untreated water was leaking onto the capital’s south coast beaches due to the Moa Point Treatment Plant flooding and being turned off. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Wellington Water is concerned that the weather could increase the likelihood of raw sewage being pushed towards the shoreline.

Progress is being made at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to clean it, mitigate the odour, and inspect the damage.

Nearly 80 percent of the equipment inside the plant was damaged in a meltdown on 4 February.

Megalitres of raw sewage have spilled into the Cook Strait since, but not through the short outfall pipe since the following day.

However, Wellington Water is warning that wastewater will have to be discharged through that pipe if there is increased flow into the plant.

MetService has placed heavy swell warnings, strong orange wind warnings and a heavy rain watch on some parts of Wellington for Sunday and Monday.

Wellington Water previously said the removal of sewage from the plant and cleaning its rooms were ongoing.

It was also working on understanding the state of the plant’s equipment and operations.

“This assessment will take some time, and we still expect there will be an extended outage at the plant.”

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Ōtorohanga mum helped sound the alarm of neighbourhood flooding

Source: Radio New Zealand

An Ōtorohanga mum of four waded through knee-deep water in the early hours of Saturday morning to raise the alarm of flooding with her neighbours.

The South Waikato town was put into a State of Emergency shortly before 1am on Saturday as torrential rain lashed out on the region.

The block of flooded homes off Phillips Avenue. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

About 80 people were evacuated across homes on Phillips Avenue, Rangiatea Road, Kio Kio Station Road, a marae, and a camping site, sheltering at Te Kotahitanga Marae or with friends.

Trish Osterman said the rain had eased on Friday night when she went to bed, and she didn’t expect that things would pick up again in the early hours of the morning.

Trish Osterman’s flooded home in Ōtorohanga. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

She said she was woken about 3am by the sound of water gurgling.

When she went out and saw her street flooded, she decided to go door to door knocking on her neighbours’ homes to warn them, wading through water that was already knee deep, in her gumboots.

Trish Osterman, Otorohanga Kindergarten teacher and mum of four. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

“I did have to take a light with me, because you couldn’t see through the water, it was pretty murky it was dark, really hard to wake people up, had to do a lot of banging on windows, obviously everyone was sleeping…but eventually they did wake up.”

Osterman’s eldest son Callum called Fire and Emergency for help, as she was alerting the neighbours, and the family of six were able to shelter at a friend’s house for the night.

Trish Osterman’s eldest son Callum. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Returning to her house on Saturday morning, Osterman said the water had risen to about 2 inches deep across her rooms, before slowly dropping throughout the day.

Water levels receded slowly throughout Saturday, but as of Saturday afternoon, large puddles remained surrounding some homes on Phillips Avenue, the local school was still surrounded by water, and many paddocks remained inundated.

The mayor said in his update this morning that the weather event in the Otorohanga district and wider region was significant, with about 150mm-300mm of rain recorded within the period of an hour.

The Osterman family’s flooded backyard RNZ/Marika Khabazi

The family’s backyard remained flooded on Saturday, and their garden where Osterman’s eight-year-old son planted pumpkins and watermelons has also been soaked in contaminated flood waters.

The weekend flood has devastated Otorohanga and its surrounds, claiming the life of a man who was trapped in a submerged car at Puketotara on State Highway 39, about 7 kilometres south of Pirongia.

RNZ had also spoken to an Otorohanga man who had to be evacuated by boat after finding himself in waist deep water in his bedroom.

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Super Rugby Pacific: Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika

Source: Radio New Zealand

Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi goes over for a try during the Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika, Super Rugby Pacific match, Churchill Park, Lautoka. ActionPress

Moana Pasifika have stunned the Fijian Drua in Lautoka, winning 40-26 at Churchill Park. Captain Miracle Faiilagi was the hero for Moana, scoring a hat trick and putting in a massive shift in the humid conditions. Faiilagi has taken over the unenviable task of following Ardie Savea’s massive season in charge of Moana, but showed that he has the presence to inspire the competition underdogs.

The home side looked strangely listless in the opening stages at their traditional fortress, at which they’ve beaten every New Zealand Super side apart from the Hurricanes since their admission to Super Rugby Pacific. That lethargy helped Moana shoot out to a 21-0 lead through tries to Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and two to Faiilagi.

The Drua finally woke up after 20 minutes, with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre finishing off a sustained period of attack, but Tevita Ofa answered back for Moana 10 minutes later.

Faiilagi completed his hat trick straight after the break to make the score 33-12 and setting Moana up for a comfortable victory, but the Drua mounted a far more comprehensive fightback that saw Ilaisa Droasese and Temo Mayanavanua score to pull them within a converted try of the lead.

However, committed defence from the well-conditioned Moana side and some solid performances from their bench saw them close out the game, Ofa Tauatevalu tacking on some insurance at the end with a well taken try.

The win will give Moana plenty of confidence when they head to Wellington next weekend to face the Hurricanes, while the Drua go to Sydney for a meeting with the Waratahs.

Read how the game unfolded below:

Team lists:

Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (co-captain), 6. Mesake Vocevoce, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Kemu Valetini, 11. Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Virimi Vakatawa, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Manasa Mataele, 15. Ilaisa Droasese; Bench – 16. Penaia Cakobau, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Joseva Tamani, 20. Isoa Tuwai, 21. Frank Lomani (co-captain), 22. Isikeli Rabitu, 23. Epeli Momo

Moana: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Chris Apoua, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Allan Craig, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (captain), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Solomon Alaimalo, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili; Bench – 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 19. Ofa Tauatevalu, 20. Dominic Ropeti, 21. Siaosi Nginingini, 22. Denzel Samoa, 23. Glen Vaihu

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no metedata. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/super-rugby-pacific-fijian-drua-v-moana-pasifika/

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NRL pre-season: Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles

Source: Radio New Zealand

Warriors Ali Leiataua scores a try, NRL Pre Season Challenge, NZ Warriors v Sea Eagles. McLean Park, Napier. Saturday 14 February, 2026 Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz

It’s only pre season. That’s what Warriors fans will be telling themselves after an uninspiring, error-ridden performance in Napier in their first hit out of the year.

An ugly outing in Napier saw the Warriors go down 33-18 to a young Manly Sea Eagles side, an ominous sign for Andrew Webster’s men.

Solace will be taken in the fact several frontliners were missing through All Stars duty, and there was plenty of energy provided late by the rookies off the bench.

Harry Inch, Paea Sikuvea and Jack Thompson had brief shining moments, but their introduction was darkened by dozens of mistakes which didn’t allow the home side any momentum or cohesion.

Ali Leiataua bagged a brace, both from Manly errors with the greasy conditions wreaking havoc, and while some rust is to be expected in pre season, the Warriors were far from a well oiled machine at McLean Park.

They have just six days to fix their faults, as they head across the Tasman to meet the Dolphins on Friday.

Follow how the game unfolded:

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Wade Egan Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/nrl-pre-season-warriors-v-manly-sea-eagles/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Blues v Chiefs live updates

Source: Radio New Zealand

Laghlan McWhannell during the Chiefs v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 7 June 2025, (Photo by Mark Taylor / action press) Mark Taylor

The Chiefs have rolled up State Highway 1 for a date with the Blues on Valentine’s Day, as both sides open their Super Rugby Pacific seasons at Eden Park. Kick-off is at 7:05pm NZT.

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

Team lists

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4 Sam Darry, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Kaylum Bosher, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Kyle Brown

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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/2026/02/14/super-rugby-pacific-blues-v-chiefs-live-updates/

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SailGP: Black Foils collides with France, two sailors including one Kiwi injured

Source: Radio New Zealand

A collision between Black Foils driven by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke and DS Team France, driven by Quentin Delapierre at the start of race 3. Phil Walter

Sailors from the New Zealand and France teams have been rushed to Auckland hospital, after a high-speed collision in race three of the New Zealand SailGP event off Wynyard Point.

Racing was suspended, when the two boats came together on the opening leg, with the Black Foils seemingly losing control of their rudder and spinning back into the French.

France had nowhere to go and flew over the bow of Amokura, as their rivals disappeared up the course towards the first mark.

The windward hull of the NZ boat has been sliced in half, so they won’t be seen on the water again this weekend.

The collision left two injured from each team. Phil Walter

As they rounded the mark and headed back towards the two entangled boats, race organisers called the race off and safety crews rushed to the wreckage.

All crew members were quickly accounted for, but two sailors – one from each team – were injured and taken ashore, conscious and alert.

NZ driver Peter Burling stayed on his boat, overseeing the salvage. He and counterpart Quentin Delapierre looked shaken.

Race three has been abandoned, and organisers have cancelled Saturday’s remaining races.

This is New Zealand’s second major crash in as many events.

Moments into the season-opening race at Perth last month, the Black Foils collided with Switzerland, losing their stern, and were unable to race again that weekend.

They faced an anxious repair process over following weeks, but Amokura was apparently back to full integrity for their home regatta, as the home team finished third and first in the first two races to lead the event into race three.

This time, the damage to boat and crew is even more serious.

After the Perth incident, NZ driver Peter Burling was judged at fault and became the first to incur demerit points under newly introduced SailGP ‘Super Licence’ protocols.

New Zealand SailGP marks the first occasion 13 boats have contested racing, with the addition of Artemis Sweden for this year’s series.

Spain missed the season’s opening event at Perth, after suffering damage in practice, but the fleet was at full strength for the first time at Auckland.

All 13 teams were jostling for position off the startline, making the tight run to the first mark chaotic. That leg is usually the fastest of the race, exacerbating the risk.

Next year, organisers hope to add a 14th team to the championship and will likely split the fleet into smaller heats of seven, as they for practice racing currently.

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/2026/02/14/sailgp-black-foils-collides-with-france-two-sailors-including-one-kiwi-injured/

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Black Foils collides with France, two sailors including one Kiwi injured

Source: Radio New Zealand

A collision between Black Foils driven by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke and DS Team France, driven by Quentin Delapierre at the start of race 3. Phil Walter

Sailors from the New Zealand and France teams have been rushed to Auckland hospital, after a high-speed collision in race three of the New Zealand SailGP event off Wynyard Point.

Racing was suspended, when the two boats came together on the opening leg, with the Black Foils seemingly losing control of their rudder and spinning back into the French.

France had nowhere to go and flew over the bow of Amokura, as their rivals disappeared up the course towards the first mark.

The windward hull of the NZ boat has been sliced in half, so they won’t be seen on the water again this weekend.

The collision left two injured from each team. Phil Walter

As they rounded the mark and headed back towards the two entangled boats, race organisers called the race off and safety crews rushed to the wreckage.

All crew members were quickly accounted for, but two sailors – one from each team – were injured and taken ashore, conscious and alert.

NZ driver Peter Burling stayed on his boat, overseeing the salvage. He and counterpart Quentin Delapierre looked shaken.

Race three has been abandoned, and organisers have cancelled Saturday’s remaining races.

That’s the second event in a row that the Black Foils have suffered major damage.

New Zealand SailGP marks the first occasion 13 boats have contested racing, with the addition of Artemis Sweden for this year’s series.

Spain missed the season’s opening event at Perth, after suffering damage in practice, but the fleet was at full strength for the first time at Auckland.

All 13 teams were jostling for position off the startline, making the tight run to the first mark chaotic. That leg is usually the fastest of the race, exacerbating the risk.

Next year, organisers hope to add a 14th team to the championship and will likely split the fleet into smaller heats of seven, as they for practice racing currently.

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/2026/02/14/black-foils-collides-with-france-two-sailors-including-one-kiwi-injured/

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New Zealand SailGP as it happened: Day one off Auckland’s Wynyard Point

Source: Radio New Zealand

The SailGP professional sailing league returns to the ‘City of Sails’ for the second event of the 2026 series, performing in front of an expanded Wynyard Point grandstand.

Can New Zealand bounce back from last year’s disappointment and a hectic few weeks of repairs to their boat, or will the Aussies retain bragging rights on the Waitematā Harbour?

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

A collision between Black Foils driven by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke and DS Team France, driven by Quentin Delapierre at the start of race 3. Phil Walter

Black Foils lead Denmark during New Zealand SailGP off Auckland. Felix Diemer for SailGP

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/2026/02/14/new-zealand-sailgp-as-it-happened-day-one-off-aucklands-wynyard-point/

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Live: State of Emergency declared in Ōtorohanga

Source: Radio New Zealand

Pictures and stories coming out of Ōtorohanga tell of the extent of the flooding and hasty evacuations, after a deluge overnight caused waters to rise rapidly in the Waikato district.

The town was put into a State of Emergency in the early hours of Saturday. Houses and buildings have been surrounded by floodwaters and cars have been submerged. About 80 people were evacuated from a camping site, marae and at least two houses overnight.

Ōtorohanga mayor Rodney Dow has spoken of his sadness after a man was found dead in a submerged car at Puketotara on State Highway 39, and urged those affected to be careful and to stay safe.

Many roads and highways are closed, and people in the area have been warned to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Forecasters are calling for people to stay up to date on weather updates, as more wild weather has stamped orange and red weather warnings across much of the North Island, and some of the South Island, with heavy rain and strong wind warnings and watches for many places for Saturday and Sunday.

Flooding in Ōtorohanga, captured by drone from the air, on Saturday. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

Phillips Avenue, Ōtorohanga. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

David and Joy Wickham were evacuated from a campervan camping site after water from the nearby river began to rise. They returned to find it underwater today. Supplied/ Joy Wickham

Follow how the events of Saturday unfolded:

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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/2026/02/14/live-state-of-emergency-declared-in-otorohanga/

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Live: Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika – Super Rugby Pacific

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action as the Fijian Drua take on Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Kick-off is at 4.35pm

Team lists:

Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (co-captain), 6. Mesake Vocevoce, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Kemu Valetini, 11. Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Virimi Vakatawa, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Manasa Mataele, 15. Ilaisa Droasese; Bench – 16. Penaia Cakobau, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Joseva Tamani, 20. Isoa Tuwai, 21. Frank Lomani (co-captain), 22. Isikeli Rabitu, 23. Epeli Momo

Moana: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Chris Apoua, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Allan Craig, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (captain), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Solomon Alaimalo, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili; Bench – 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 19. Ofa Tauatevalu, 20. Dominic Ropeti, 21. Siaosi Nginingini, 22. Denzel Samoa, 23. Glen Vaihu

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

Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/live-fijian-drua-v-moana-pasifika-super-rugby-pacific/

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Nestlé Milo bars recalled for possibly containing rubber

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Nestlé-brand Milo Dipped Snack Bars were recalled as they may contain rubber. Supplied

A recall has been issued for imported Nestlé-brand Milo Dipped Snack Bars as they may contain rubber.

NZ Food Safety acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop said that the rubber could pose a choking risk.

The batch numbers being recalled are 5316, 5317, and 5318 TD15 with a best-before date of August 2026.

Those can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund, or be thrown out.

The bars were manufactured in Australia and were also subject to recall there.

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/2026/02/14/nestle-milo-bars-recalled-for-possibly-containing-rubber/

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Live NRL pre-season: Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Warriors take on the Manly Sea Eagles in their opening pre-season trial at McLean Park in Napier.

Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is out, after picking up a low-grade hamstring injury at training ahead of the team’s trip to Hawke’s Bay.

He will also miss the 20 February game against the Dolphins, but is expected to return for the round one clash with the Roosters at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium on March 6.

Kick-off against the Sea Eagles is at 3.40pm.

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

Wade Egan Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/live-nrl-pre-season-warriors-v-manly-sea-eagles/

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Earth Tongue get a taste for analogue on new release

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington psych rock duo Earth Tongue’s latest album was recorded old school in LA with Ty Segall on production duties.

Multi-instrumentalist garage king Segall is famous for his lo-fi approach to recording, the result was Dungeon Vision a raw record, drummer Ezra Simons told Music 101.

“I don’t wanna say rough around the edges, but it’s a raw record. And we worked with a pretty punk rock producer, you know. It was all fully analogue.

Earth Tongue.

Nicola Sandford

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/earth-tongue-get-a-taste-for-analogue-on-new-release/

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New Zealand SailGP live updates: Day one off Auckland’s Wynyard Point

Source: Radio New Zealand

The SailGP professional sailing league returns to the ‘City of Sails’ for the second event of the 2026 series, performing in front of an expanded Wynyard Point grandstand.

Can New Zealand bounce back from last year’s disappointment and a hectic few weeks of repairs to their boat, or will the Aussies retain bragging rights on the Waitematā Harbour?

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

Fans celebrate a Black Foils win from the Wynyard Point grandstand. Iain McGregor for SailGP

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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/2026/02/14/new-zealand-sailgp-live-updates-day-one-off-aucklands-wynyard-point/