Category: Public Media

Posted on

Farmers being cautious with profits

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

While many farmers are riding a wave of strong farm-gate prices, the profits are only trickling into regional economies as they’re being cautious when it comes to spending.

Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good said farmers are using their profits to service debt and pay for upgrades and maintenance on the farm.

“Farmers have had a superb two seasons and now they have the makings of a third great season, their balance sheets have increased substantially. A year ago, people were getting 60 bucks for a lamb now you’re getting over $220. And cows, you could have bought them two, three years ago for around $900, they’re now between 3 to $4000 a head.

“Even wool is doing well and long may it continue because it certainly makes a difference to the Waikato.”

Good said on-farm profits were trickling into the wider economy.

“The general feeling is that farmers are a lot more conservative than they have been in the past, but they are investing in upgrades to the farm so money is beginning to flow through to the wider Waikato economy and our members are very comfortable with that.”

He said spending did differ from individual to individual.

Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good. Supplied

“I mean we had a boat show here in September and I know manufacturers were selling $300,000 boats quiet comfortably.”

“But equally what I’m hearing is that farmers, when they’re looking at the payout range that Fonterra comes out with, which might be between $8-$10, farmers are hearing the eight not the 10, so they’re being conservative.”

He said retail and hospitality businesses that have survived the last few years are starting to feel things pick up.

“The Waikato economy is actually starting, or has been, taking off for some time. The money is coming in certainly through the farming sector, but equally we’re seeing manufacturing pick up, order books have lengthened and there’s a little bit of quiet confidence that this year could see a recovery. But everyone was thinking that in 2025, so we’re actually waiting to see it actually hit the bank accounts.”

It’s a similar story in South Canterbury, chief executive of the local Chamber of Commerce, Wendy Smith, said.

While farmer confidence is up – spending is slow.

“Yeah it’s been a great season, costs for some farm inputs are down while production is up, so whether or not it’s in dairy, beef, sheep prices, hort, they’re all doing nicely.

“So we’re certainly seeing improved farmer confidence, which is great to see and that will feed through to the economy but it’s still early days.”

Smith said there are pockets of retail and pockets of other industries that are doing really well.

“So some of those areas are construction, retail and car sales, they are doing really well. Others are still saying it’s tighter, but they’re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

When Fonterra’s farmer-shareholders are paid out for the sale of the company’s consumer brands arm – businesses are expecting an uptick in spending, she said.

“We’re anticipating that there will be an increase in expenditure, obviously a number of them will retire debt, but we are anticipating that they’ll upgrade farm equipment, invest in new machinery and other off-farm assets. So that is coming. It’s just taking a little bit of time to feed through. And I think that’s just the reality of people being cautious. You know, there’s been a few tough years. So people are sensibly cautious and investing carefully.”

Head of agribusiness at financial advisory firm Findex, Hayden Dillon, said farmers are in a good position and the momentum is flowing through to service towns and the industries that back agriculture.

Speaking at the recent Southern Fieldays, he said our $80 billion export engine is helping kick-start regional economies that have been sluggish.

“It was highlighted at Fieldays that the highest unemployment rate is in Auckland and the lowest is in Southland. That is a clear example of an export-led recovery.

“We know New Zealand’s productivity record is not flash overall. But that is not the case on farms in Southland and other rural regions. Here, business owners are leading the recovery through exports, bringing in hard foreign currency and building real value in the regions.”

While that is undoubtedly positive, Dillon said good governance and caution still matter.

“We often say farmers are good in a drought and poor in a flush, but microeconomics means staying on top of costs, not taking your eye off the ball, and consistently pushing your service providers, whether that is interest rates or fertiliser pricing. It means making disciplined calls on capital expenditure, thinking carefully about expansion, and using the upside to build long-term legacy and succession plans.”

It also means keeping the same frugal habits that see you through the lean years.

He said farmers shouldn’t let costs creep, manage payroll and people well, shop your interest rates when rolling debt, maximise profits while you can, because the next tight season is never far away.

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/2026/02/24/farmers-being-cautious-with-profits/

Posted on

‘We can’t keep telling people just to stay away from the beach’ – Wellington mayor

Source: Radio New Zealand

A rāhui is in place on the southern coast from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay, which covers anything the water touches or can touch with the high or low tides. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Wellington mayor says the current blanket direction for people to stay off all south coast beaches is not sustainable when test results show little risk, and is hinting at a possible change of policy.

There was a major sewage spill earlier this month – the city’s southern coast has been off limits since the Moa Point treatment plant failed catastrophically, pumping millions of litres of untreated sewage into the sea.

There is currently a rāhui in place on the southern coast from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay, which covers anything the water touches or can touch with the high or low tides.

Public health advice has been that people should not swim, surf, dive, fish, collect kai moana, walk dogs along the shore until further notice.

Mayor Andrew Little said the city and regional councils, Wellington Water and public health officials were now getting a picture of the level of risk, with nearly three weeks of monitoring of the impact of the untreated sewage being discharged into the Cook Strait on south coast beaches.

“We wanted to see what happened with the storm last weekend. We’ve worked our way through that and we’re showing good results in terms of a little or no contamination.

“On that basis, what we are looking at being able to say to people is: ‘here are the results, this is what it shows, the risk is pretty low, you make your own decision about whether you want to go onto the beach and and have a swim in the sea’.”

Little said they would also look at having a place where people could go daily to get an update on the risk and factors that could affect it on any given day.

“We can’t keep telling people just to stay away from the beach, stay away from the sea and producing testing results that show little or no risk.”

Little said they had to be practical and realistic.

“It is summertime, this is a beautiful part of Wellington to go to and if there is little or no risk, then let people make the decision about whether they want to use the amenity.”

Little said some risk remained near the outfall pipe, which could be used again.

“But in terms of [places] like Lyall Bay, Princess Bay, Houghton Bay, Island Bay, Ōwhiro Bay the testing results are showing little or no risk.”

Little said they had also had “good discussions” with iwi representatives about the current rāhui.

“They will continue to maintain a position that the health of the sea is at risk.

“But they’re clear to me that that doesn’t affect the public health advice we give about going onto the beaches and having a swim in the in the on the beaches.”

Health New Zealand directed RNZ’s requests for comment to the Wellington City Council and Wellington Water.

RNZ has contacted Wellington Water, the regional council, and Wellington iwi Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika.

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/2026/02/24/we-cant-keep-telling-people-just-to-stay-away-from-the-beach-wellington-mayor/

Posted on

Two measles cases detected, linked to overseas travel

Source: Radio New Zealand

AFP / Science Photo Library

Two new cases of measles have been detected and both have been linked to international travel.

Health New Zealand said locations of interest include Auckland International Airport and Waitākere Hospital’s emergency department.

Health officials are attempting to contact people on flight SQ281 from Singapore.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Vipond said measles is a serious and highly infectious illness.

He said anyone with symptoms should phone health care providers before turning up to prevent the spread and the best form of protection was the MMR vaccine.

The measles outbreak which began in September 2025 officially ended earlier this month, but health officials warned the risk remained.

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/2026/02/24/two-measles-cases-detected-linked-to-overseas-travel/

Posted on

Terror threat level to New Zealand assessed as ‘possible’ after language overhaul

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZSIS Director General Andrew Hampton. VNP/Louis Collins

The terror threat level to New Zealand has not changed – but the language used to describe it has.

Following a review by the Combined Threat Assessment Group (an inter-agency group led by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service), the threat level has been assessed as “possible,” which is equivalent to the previous level of “low.”

The NZSIS explained the change in language reflected efforts to explain the threat level in a more meaningful and accessible way to the public.

Director-General of Security Andrew Hampton said the designation ‘possible’ was exactly what it said.

“A terrorist attack in New Zealand is assessed as possible. This is something we should all be concerned about.”

Hampton said the NZSIS had talked about the deteriorating global threat environment “for some time,” and that was continuing.

“We are not yet at a point where the impact of this on New Zealand requires a change in our domestic terrorism threat level, but we are dealing with increasing complexities which makes it harder to detect terrorism threats.

“Although the terrorism threat level remains unchanged, we should not be complacent. A small number of individuals in New Zealand continue to express intent to undertake an act of violent extremism. Some almost certainly have access to the basic capabilities needed to carry out an attack.”

New Zealand’s terror threat level has not changed since November 2022.

The new definitions were expected, highly likely, likely, possible, and unlikely, replacing extreme, high, medium, low, and very low.

Last year, the NZSIS Security Threat Environment report said New Zealand was facing the most challenging national security environment of recent times, with foreign interference, espionage, and online radicalisation all highlighted as threats.

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/2026/02/24/terror-threat-level-to-new-zealand-assessed-as-possible-after-language-overhaul/

Posted on

Patient data changed as major NZ health app MediMap hacked

Source: Radio New Zealand

An apparent hack of medication platform MediMap has led to some alive patients being marked as deceased, and others labelled as ‘Charlie Kirk’. SCREENSHOT

A digital medical records data company has been taken offline after some patient records were modified.

MediMap is used by some health providers in aged care, disability, hospice and the community to accurately record medication doses.

A notification on the company’s website says the company is investigating the scope of the impact and will remain offline while this happens.

It comes almost two months after privately owned patient portal Manage My Health was caught up in a privacy breach.

More to come…

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/patient-data-changed-as-major-nz-health-app-medimap-hacked/

Posted on

New disclosure rules for local water service providers to come into effect on Friday

Source: Radio New Zealand

It aims to help the public understand how money was spent and how their local water service provider was performing. 123RF

Councils and water service entities will soon have to report how much is being spent on water supplies, what they are charging residents and how they plan to look after their infrastructure.

The Commerce Commission said new disclosure rules would be rolled out from Friday and would help the public understand how money was spent and how their local water service provider was performing.

The commission’s head of water regulation, Charlotte Reed, said providers that managed water and wastewater networks had a responsibility to manage them in ways that protect current users and future generations.

“Economic regulation gives us tools to provide independent scrutiny of providers’ performance,” she said.

Under the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy, 44 councils are handing water supply and management to separate and new water companies, and 23 are keeping services in-house.

Some councils have already signalled that https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/561054/this-is-another-insult-water-rates-to-triple-in-central-hawke-s-bay consumers will have to pay more as they upgrade ageing pipes and treatment systems.

The rules would be phased in with providers expected to get data collection systems up and running by June, the commission said.

The commission would turn the data into clear and accessible information for residents and ratepayers, with trends and performance able to be seen across different providers.

“By shining a light on what’s working well and where improvements are needed, communities will be able to have informed conversations about their water services- and providers can focus on delivering the outcomes they want,” Reed said.

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/2026/02/24/new-disclosure-rules-for-local-water-service-providers-to-come-into-effect-on-friday/

Posted on

NZ will support Britain removing Andrew from line of succession, Christopher Luxon says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZ

New Zealand would support the United Kingdom’s decision to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession should it move to.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed New Zealand’s stance.

“If the UK Government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it. The UK government has said any proposals would come after the police investigation concludes,” the statement said.

It comes after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to British counterpart Keir Starmer to confirm his country’s support of removal.

Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles by King Charles III last year and hasn’t worked as a member of the royal family since 2019 over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, pictured at Windsor Castle in April 2025, was arrested on Thursday. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images via CNN Newsource

However, he remained eighth in line to the throne.

The British government was considering passing a law to divest Mountbatten-Windsor of his succession rights after he was arrested by police last week, a UK official said.

Earlier on Tuesday, deputy Prime Minister David Seymour said his focus was on issues Kiwis faced.

Seymour told First Up he wouldn’t be drawn into whether New Zealand would back the move, with more pressing priorities back home.

“I think we’ve got 99 problems most New Zealanders are facing right now,” he said.

“This guy’s eighth in the line of succession, and these guys all seem to live to about 100.

“So, of all of the things that you could ask me about or we could be worried about right now, that’s probably a wee way down the list.”

Seymour said Australia had “obviously solved a few more problems” when quizzed if New Zealand had considered their position on the issue.

Good on them, he said.

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/2026/02/24/nz-will-support-britain-removing-andrew-from-line-of-succession-christopher-luxon-says/

Posted on

School of murdered children Yuna and Minu Jo shocked ministry didn’t report disappearance to police

Source: Radio New Zealand

Yuna and Minu Jo attended Papatoetoe South School before their deaths in 2018. Supplied

The school attended by murdered children Yuna and Minu Jo says it’s shocked and saddened the Ministry of Education did not report their disappearance to police.

The children, aged eight and six respectively, attended a local primary school in Auckland before they were murdered by their mother Hakyung Lee in 2018.

Their bodies were not discovered until 2022 in suitcases, when an Auckland family bought the contents of a storage locker in an online auction.

Lee was sentenced to at least 17 years’ jail last November.

Ministry documents released to RNZ under the Official Information Act in January showed Yuna and Minu Jo’s absences took years to be referred to the attendance service, rather than months.

The Ministry of Education commissioned an external review to discover how the failure happened and to tighten procedures to ensure the failures did not happen again.

In a statement, the Papatoetoe South School Board said they were shocked and saddened the ministry had not reported the children’s extended absence to police.

“While we were aware of the systemic complexities involved in inter-agency referrals, seeing and feeling the consequences of these gaps is devastating,” they said.

“This tragedy brings to light the vital importance of transparency of process and robust communication between key child support agencies.”

The board said the loss of the children had been felt profoundly by the school community.

“While our school feels this gap deeply, we recognise and respect that the greatest burden of grief lies with their whānau and those closest to them.”

Out of respect for the police investigation and family privacy, the board said it have been very careful about how it moved forward, but they believed in honouring students in a culturally appropriate and meaningful way.

“We always acknowledge those we have lost during Matariki, and this Matariki will provide our first opportunity for our school community to come together and remember Yuna and Minu privately and respectfully.”

They hoped the external review would lead to a system that was more fit for purpose.

Issues identified in failure to report disappearance

Ministry documents showed the system failed to require the school to submit a non-enrolment notification.

Deputy secretary Helen Hurst said the ministry worked internally to analyse how the school attendance systems had operated in Minu and Yuna’s case.

She said issues had been identified and “processes had occurred” that contributed to the gap between the children returning to New Zealand in May 2018, a month before their murder, and the case going to attendance services in 2020.

“Without those issues, it is likely that the referral would have taken a matter of months following their return rather than years,” Hurst said.

The ministry was not notified at any point that the students were re-enrolled elsewhere, and police were not contacted prior to their investigation, she said.

A timeline showed the ministry’s efforts to find the children.

The non-enrolment process for both Yuna and Minu was initiated in September 2020, two years after their murder.

Case notes from the ministry show home visits were made, immigration checks done, and emails were sent to the children’s school and mother.

Yuna and Minu Jo’s mother Hakyung Lee stares downward during her sentencing. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

By June 2021, there had been no response from Lee, who by then was living in South Korea.

By August 2022, a note said there had still been no contact and the ministry did not know where the children were.

Hurst said the ministry had done further analysis of its systems, and commissioned an external review of how attendance systems and processes operated in the case of Minu and Yuna.

“While the primary role of attendance systems and services is to support students to attend school, we are committed to strengthening the role that the ministry plays, alongside other social sector agencies, in providing a system of support for the safety and wellbeing of children,” she said.

“There is a considerable amount of work underway to improve the support that is provided for school attendance, and any findings from the external review will help us to inform this ongoing work.”

Hurst said work was underway to establish an information sharing agreement with police, to ensure children missing from school are found.

“Work is also underway with police and Oranga Tamariki to provide simplified processes and guidance for steps to be taken any time an attendance service provider has concerns about the welfare or safety of children,” she said.

The ministry had increased the frequency of six-monthly requests to MBIE and Immigration New Zealand, which checks for the return to New Zealand of students who were unenrolled with a reason of ‘gone overseas’.

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/2026/02/24/school-of-murdered-children-yuna-and-minu-jo-shocked-ministry-didnt-report-disappearance-to-police/

Posted on

‘It does seem like a very different group’: Molly Penfold on new-look White Ferns

Source: Radio New Zealand

Molly Penfold of Auckland Hearts celebrates getting a wicket www.photosport.nz

White Ferns bowler Molly Penfold is excited about the new-look team that will take on Zimbabwe over the next couple of weeks.

The two sides will meet in three T20Is and three ODIs starting with the first T20 game in Hamilton on Wednesday night.

The White Ferns are without a number of key players, with Suzie Bates and Eden Carson injured, Sophie Devine not available and Lea Tahuhu under managed workload. Amelia Kerr is the new captain.

The White Ferns squad does contain two possible debutants in spinner Nensi Patel and pace bowler Kayley Knight from the Northern Brave.

Penfold, who has played just 24 games for New Zealand, admits there is a feeling of change.

“It does seem like a very different group, but it is a good opportunity for players who probably don’t get as much game time in the White Ferns to hopefully step up and be in that playing 11, so yes it’s exciting.”

Pace bowler Penfold has no doubt that new captain Kerr will take on the role seamlessly.

“She’s just a natural leader and she is a huge character in this group. We know that coming off the back of Soph’s captaincy as well she has left a big impact on us and so big shoes to fill but I know that Melie will be more than capable of doing so.”

Melie (Amelia) Kerr of New Zealand White Ferns women’s national cricket team. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Zimbabwe has had a change in coaching staff and will now be under the guidance of former White Fern Kate Ebrahim.

Zimbabwe made the change following their sides disappointing T20 World Cup qualifier in Nepal last month with Ebrahim named as interim coach.

Ebrahim played 70 games for New Zealand between 2010 and 2021 and is married to former Zimbabwe batter and current men’s assistant coach Dion Ebrahim.

Penfold admits she was surprised when she learnt that Ebrahim had been appointed Zimbabwe coach.

“It’s cool to see her take up that opportunity, she brings a great competitiveness to the game.”

White Ferns squad v Zimbabwe

Flora Devonshire Central Hinds

Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts

Maddy Green Auckland Hearts

Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts

Bree Illing Auckland Hearts

Polly Inglis Sparks (T20I only)

Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze

Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze

Kayley Knight* Northern Brave (T20I only)

Emma McLeod Central Hinds (ODI only)

Rosemary Mair Central Hinds

Nensi Patel* Northern Brave

Molly Penfold Auckland Hearts (ODI only)

Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze

Izzy Sharp** Canterbury Magicians

White Ferns schedule against Zimbabwe

Wed 25 Feb, 7:15pm, 1st T20, Hamilton

Fri 27 Feb, 7:15pm, 2nd T20, Hamilton

Sun 1 March, 1:15pm, 3rd T20, Hamilton

Thurs 5 March, 11am, 1st ODI, Dunedin

Sun 8 March, 11am, 2nd ODI, Dunedin

Wed 11 March, 11am, 3rd ODI, Dunedin

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/2026/02/24/it-does-seem-like-a-very-different-group-molly-penfold-on-new-look-white-ferns/

Posted on

Crash closes SH2 near Mangatāwhiri

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A serious crash on State Highway 2 near Mangatāwhiri has closed the road in both directions.

Police were called to the crash involving two vehicles just after 11am.

They said initial indications were that there had been serious injuries.

The highway was closed in both directions between Rawiri Road and Kopuku Road.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/crash-closes-sh2-near-mangatawhiri/

Posted on

New maths, English, science resources rolled out at schools after teachers bemoan delay

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Education Minister is announcing new maths, English and science resources that were due to be in schools at the start of this year will now be rolled out.

The resources include a new teacher-facilitated writing tool for Year 6 to 10 students a year or more behind and maths resources for Year 9 and 10 students.

Earlier this month, the Post Primary Teachers’ Association criticised the Minister for not delivering the resources on time and causing an extremely frustrating and stressful start to the school year.

PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said at the time well developed resources and implemented smoothly are “so crucial”, especially with the amount of new content the Minister had introduced.

Education Minister Erica Stanford made the announcement alongside the Prime Minister in Auckland on Tuesday. There will also be new science kits for primary school classrooms, an investment made in Budget 2025.

The writing tool, called Scribo, is a teacher-facilitated 12-week tutoring programme providing targeted support for each student’s learning needs, she explained.

She said it will “help close literacy gaps” and strengthen students’ writing, spelling, and grammar. It was also curriculum aligned and designed to reflect New Zealand context and culture, she said. The programme was now being extended to students in Year 10.

The curriculum-aligned digital maths resources for Years 9 and 10 would include digital textbooks and workbooks guidance for teachers.

“Over the next three years, the resources are expected to benefit around 140,000 students each year, supporting 6000 teachers,” Stanford said.

Teachers can choose the extent to which they use the resources, and there will be professional learning development provided.

She said the science kits were delivering on Budget 2025 investments to strengthen science in primary and intermediate schools.

“These will be hands-on and curriculum-aligned, supporting teachers with bringing science to life in classrooms,” Stanford said.

“Science is such a fun and interesting part of school for so many young people, full of discovery and experimentation.”

She said $40 million was allocated in Budget 2025, and the provision of those kits throughout the country will be achieved by early 2027.

Part of the initiative has an entirely new suite of science kits in development for Māori medium education.

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/2026/02/24/new-maths-english-science-resources-rolled-out-at-schools-after-teachers-bemoan-delay/

Posted on

Bafta night a ‘bit of a blur’, says award winning Kiwi costume designer

Source: Radio New Zealand

It wasn’t easy to get up to accept her Bafta win when she’s used to being behind the scenes, Kiwi costume designer Kate Hawley says.

The night was a bit of a blur, she says, but it was wonderful to share it with her daughter, she told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

“What I’d like to say to anyone younger out there is it’s not an overnight thing.”

But the award meant a lot, she says.

“It’s taken quite a few years and not a few little knockbacks here and there, but it is extra special.

“And when it’s members of the Academy who work in the world of film and that, and when they nominate you, just like the Costume Designers Guild, it means a lot… it’s very special.”

Hawley’s work has been seen in a host of other movies, including Edge of Tomorrow, Mortal Engine, Suicide Squad, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak and The Lovely Bones.

Hawley is also one of nine Oscar nominations for Frankenstein on 3 March in Los Angeles.

“I’ve got two weeks to get back to reality, put my gumboots on and have my community tell me off. Life’s very grounding in between all of this, so it’s just a moment to enjoy and then life carries on really, but it’s lovely.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/bafta-night-a-bit-of-a-blur-says-award-winning-kiwi-costume-designer/

Posted on

Baftas interrupted by racist slur from man with Tourette syndrome

Source: Radio New Zealand

It was the clip heard around the world after Monday’s BAFTA ceremony in London — a man yelling the n-word as two celebrated Black actors, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, presented an award on stage.

The man was John Davidson, the subject of the British indie film I Swear, about a man with Tourette syndrome. Davidson, who has long campaigned for awareness of the condition, told CNN before the ceremony that he was worried about the involuntary tics that mark it.

The actor Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film, went on to win the night’s award for best actor. Davidson said the young English actor studied him closely, asking questions like, “When you have a tic do you know where it comes from? What about tic triggers?” Speaking on the crowded red carpet, Davidson went on: “Certain things — like today, lots of people around, I’m feeling very, you know, more tics in case I lash out. Different situations can trigger different emotions and tics and stuff.”

John Davidson and Robert Aramayo attend the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards Nominees’ Party at the National Portrait Gallery on February 21, 2026 in London, England.

Karwai Tang

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/baftas-interrupted-by-racist-slur-from-man-with-tourette-syndrome/

Posted on

NZME back in profit as Herald, OneRoof and ZB deliver growth

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ/ Brad White

Media company NZME is back in the black with increased earnings, as it put the asset writedowns and tougher economy of a year ago behind it.

The owner of the OneRoof property platform, New Zealand Herald, and Newstalk ZB radio network said it was cautiously optimistic heading into 2026.

Key numbers for the year ended 31 December 2025 compared with a year ago:

  • Profit $13.1m vs $16.0m loss
  • Revenue $345.1m vs $350.2m
  • Operating earnings $62.3m vs $54.2m
  • Expenses $289.3m vs $300.5m
  • Full year dividend unchanged 9 cents per share

Chief executive Michael Boggs said the performance reflected “a huge amount of hard work” across the company, supported by easing inflation and improving business and consumer confidence.

“We’ve remained focused on our digital-first strategy, continuing to innovate and adapt to changing audience and client needs, we’ve reduced our costs, and we’ve simplified our structure to allow us to operate at pace, placing specialist support services under each of our three main business divisions.”

Revenue dipped slightly after the company closed 14 community newspapers at the end of 2024.

OneRoof delivered a strong year, with listings revenue rising 18 percent, lifting its operating profits by a third.

Its audio division – which includes Newstalk ZB – saw operating profits rise by 23 percent, and NZME said it was seeing positive momentum heading into 2026.

The publishing division, led by the NZ Herald, reported total subscriptions rising from 236,000 to 243,000, with digital-only subscriptions up 10 percent.

The company did not offer any earnings guidance for 2026, but chairperson Steven Joyce struck an upbeat tone.

“We have entered 2026 with a strong balance sheet, diversified revenue streams and strong market positions across audio, publishing and OneRoof, providing a solid foundation for future growth,” he said.

“The renewed momentum and focus we have built through 2025 positions us strongly for 2026 and beyond.”

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/2026/02/24/nzme-back-in-profit-as-herald-oneroof-and-zb-deliver-growth/

Posted on

Warriors co-captain Mitchell Barnett to leave at end of 2026 season

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mitch Barnett www.photosport.nz

New Zealand Warriors co-captain Mitchell Barnett will return to Australia at the end of the 2026 NRL season for personal reasons.

Club chief executive Cameron George confirmed today the 31-year-old Kangaroos and New South Wales front rower will be released from the final year of his contract.

It is understood the release is due to Barnett’s child’s medical needs.

Mitchell Barnett during pre-season training in January. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

“We’re very sad to see this happen but Mitch and his family need to be back home,” George said.

“He has become such a big part of our club. We love having him here and we know how much he loves it, too, but it’s important he, Clare and their boys are back around their family support network.”

After recovering from knee surgery in 2025, Barnett has two career milestones in sight as he eyes the 2026 season.

Barnett’s first game of the season will be his 50th for the club, while he’s 23 games away from his 200th career NRL appearance.

The Warriors kick off their 2026 season with a clash with the Sydney Roosters at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium, 8pm on March 6.

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/2026/02/24/warriors-co-captain-mitchell-barnett-to-leave-at-end-of-2026-season/

Posted on

Queensland fruit fly could have ‘massive impact’ on fruit and vegetable crops

Source: Radio New Zealand

The single male fly was found in Mount Roskill. Supplied / Biosecurity New Zealand

The discovery of a Queensland fruit fly in Auckland presents a huge threat to growers and exporters, a horticulture sector advocate says.

A biosecurity operation is underway after the pest, which damages fruit and vegetables, was identified in a surveillance trap in the suburb of Mount Roskill on Wednesday morning.

Horticulture chief executive Kate Scott said while the fly did not pose a health risk to humans, an outbreak would have a significant economic cost.

“The horticulture sector is naturally concerned about the impacts of a new pest being established here and the impact that could have on our ability to produce a wide range of fruit and vegetables.

“The Queensland fly likes to call more than 200 fruit and vegetables home. That could have a massive impact on the quality of our fruit and vegetable crops.”

She warned the country would not be able to export to key markets if the pest took hold here.

But she was confident in New Zealand’s track record of eradicating harmful fruit flies.

“We certainly support the ramping up of trapping and inspections and the movement control areas that are to be implemented.

“We’ve certainly seen last year and in other previous instances where a quick and immediate response is rolled out, that we have been able to successfully contain any threat.”

Biosecurity staff were expected to be on the ground in Mount Roskill over the coming days.

“As part of our response protocol over the next 72 hours, we will be ramping up trapping and inspection, with daily checks in a 200-metre zone from the original find and checks every three days in a second zone out to 1500m,” Biosecurity New Zealand’s Mike Inglis said.

“You may notice increased activity in the neighbourhood as we go about inspections and trapping. Our field officers may ask to look at fruit trees on your property. They will always show you a form of official identification and will only enter your property with your permission.”

Instructions about restrictions in the affected area were expected to be made clear on Thursday.

In the meantime, Biosecurity asked Mount Roskill residents not to take whole fresh fruit and vegetables out of their property.

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/2026/02/24/queensland-fruit-fly-could-have-massive-impact-on-fruit-and-vegetable-crops-2/

Posted on

Hawke’s Bay water storage project a step closer

Source: Radio New Zealand

The proposed Heretaunga Water Storage Facility, would be a 27 million cubic metre dam on private land near Whanawhana, in Hastings District. Supplied

A massive Hawke’s Bay water storage project is one step closer, with geotechnical work having started as part of a feasibility study.

Investigations into the proposed Heretaunga Water Storage Facility, a 27 million cubic metre dam on private land near Whanawhana, near Hastings, have started to address its economic, technical, cultural and environmental viability.

The site would harvest peak water flows from within the catchment and the Ngaruroro River in winter and store the water for release into Heretaunga’s rivers and streams during periods of peak summer demand.

In 2023, an initial pre-feasibility study was completed by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council with support from Kānoa – the Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, which has also funded the next step.

A local group of irrigators, commercial water users, mana whenua and municipal water suppliers took over the project late last year in November, forming a new company – Heretaunga Water Storage Limited – to oversee the feasibility study.

Interim chairperson and Hawke’s Bay grower Xan Harding said it would have two implications for the region.

“The dam itself, the project if it goes ahead, part of that water will be offsetting the existing environmental effects of existing activity and part of it will be available for new water.

“It’s improving existing environmental outcomes and it’s providing room for growth.”

Harding said investigations would also enable comparison with other water security options for the region.

“Hawke’s Bay is a water short region so we know through a combination of measures we need to deliver long term water security for the Heretaunga Plains.

“We need to pull all kinds of levers on both the supply and the demand side of the water equation to get there and water storage is part of that.”

Geotechnical work has started as part of a feasibility study. Supplied

Harding said while the focus of the group was on the feasibility of water storage for the region, that wasn’t to say other efforts like water use efficiency were not important.

He said there were no guarantee the Heretaunga Water Storage Facility project – previously estimated to be a $225 million build – would go ahead but it had the potential to deliver longterm certainty for growers, commercial water users and the Hawke’s Bay community.

“The feasibility assessment is a critical next step and in depth geotechnical and ecological work to support the feasibility assessment is well underway at site,” Harding said.

“We will continue through the feasibility assessment with a view to having this completed around the third quarter of this year, at which point we will make decisions around resource consenting.”

A key part of the Heretaunga Water Storage Facility proposal is that its development would be funded by those who benefit most from the water storage in a user-pays model.

It differs from that of the controversial Ruataniwha Dam proposal – rebranded as the Tukituki Water Security Project – which would see a dam built on the Makaroro River, a tributary of the Tukituki River.

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/2026/02/24/hawkes-bay-water-storage-project-a-step-closer/

Posted on

PGG Wrightson increases half-year profit on back of increased sales

Source: Radio New Zealand

PGG Wrightson is a rural services company (file photo). Supplied

Rural services company PGG Wrightson (PGW) increased its half-year profit on the back of increased sales to a buoyant agricultural sector and farm exports.

Key numbers for the six months ended December compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $17.3m vs $16.0m
  • Revenue $619.4m vs $570.3m
  • Operating earnings $46m vs $41m
  • Full year operating earnings guidance $64m
  • Interim dividend 4.5 cents per share vs 2.5 cps

The big driver of the company’s higher profit was the performance of its retail and water division, which covered sales to farms, orchards, and irrigation, which delivered 85 percent of group revenue.

PGW chairperson John Nichol said the company had seen growth through most parts of the rural sector, particularly in red meat, kiwifruit and apples, while improved earnings for farms flowed through to demand for other rural goods and services.

“The first half was characterised by favourable commodity pricing across a number of key segments for PGW’s customers.

“Improved on-farm profitability translated into demand for PGW’s livestock services, pasture renewal, agronomy, and animal health.”

Nichol said the company had also benefited from its diversification through the acquisition of an animal health products company, the launch of a range of agricultural chemicals, and the leasing of a research station in Hawke’s Bay.

The company’s agency group, which handled livestock sales, wool, and real estate sales, also reported stronger earnings as higher livestock, wool, and rural land prices increased demand.

The two sectors under pressure were wine and cropping with subdued demand weighing on sentiment and investment decisions.

Nichol said the second half of the year was expected to remain strong as the first with the broad rural sector set to continue strongly helped by high commodity prices, a soft currency, lower interest rates, and steady profits .

“Overall conditions across agriculture remain favourable, with most parts of the sector performing well, supported by firm global demand and strong commodity pricing.”

The company has forecast full year operating earnings of around $64m.

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/2026/02/24/pgg-wrightson-increases-half-year-profit-on-back-of-increased-sales/

Posted on

Mercury reports strong return to profit

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ngā Tamariki Geothermal Station. Supplied / Mercury Energy

Renewable energy generator and retailer Mercury has reported a strong return to profit, reflecting ongoing cost savings as well as investment in renewable energy projects.

Mercury chief executive Stew Hamilton said the company had invested 50 percent ($270 million) of the first half earnings in renewable energy and was on track to meet its full year underlying profit guidance of $1 billion, as well as operating costs of $370m – down 6.6 percent on the last year.

Key numbers for the six months ended December compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $20m vs $67m loss
  • Revenue $1.66b vs $1.76m
  • Underlying profit $537m vs $418m up
  • Operating expenses $183m vs $207m
  • Interim dividend 10 cents per share vs 9.6 cps up 4%

[h Results overview

Hamilton said all three of Mercury’s large renewable developments, totalling $1b investment, were progressing on budget and on time.

He said the Ngā Tamariki Geothermal Station unit came online in January 2026, while stage two of Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm and Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm were both due to begin generating this year.

“Our disciplined strategic execution is delivering a strong performance today, while enabling us to invest significantly in new renewable generation for New Zealand, helping meet future demand growth and build resilience,” he said.

“We are on track to deliver on our plan of adding 3.5 terrawatt hours (TWh) of new generation by 2030.”

That was the equivalent of powering an additional 430,000 homes.

“Our contributions are supporting the fastest rate of renewable generation development in history, helping power economic growth over the next two decades,” Hamilton said.

“We are also investing significantly in our existing assets, with Karāpiro Hydro Station upgrade complete and plans to invest $590m in hydro refurbishment over the next decade.

“Enabling our customers to shift consumption and lower their costs is another key focus and we continue to provide additional support to our customers in need.

“We are facing into energy system challenges with confidence, including actively shaping and contributing to solutions for gas and firming, while helping deliver a bright future for New Zealand powered by an increasingly renewable energy supply.”

Outlook

“Our balance sheet remains strong, with capital headroom and prudent risk settings,” Hamilton said.

He said the full year underlying profit guidance of $1b was supported by above average hydro generation and lower operating costs, while the full year dividend guidance of 25 cps remained on track.

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/2026/02/24/mercury-reports-strong-return-to-profit/

Posted on

David Seymour says Andrew’s removal from line of succession not a priority

Source: Radio New Zealand

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says his focus is on New Zealand and issues facing Kiwis – not on joining the chorus to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.

It comes after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to British counterpart Keir Starmer to confirm his country’s support of removal.

Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles by King Charles III last year and hasn’t worked as a member of the royal family since 2019 over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

However, he remained eighth in line to the throne.

The British government was considering passing a law to divest Mountbatten-Windsor of his succession rights after he was arrested by police last week, a UK official said.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, pictured at Windsor Castle in April 2025, was arrested on Thursday. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images via CNN Newsource

But Seymour wouldn’t be drawn into whether New Zealand would back the move, with more pressing priorities back home.

“I think we’ve got 99 problems most New Zealanders are facing right now,” he told First Up.

“This guy’s eighth in the line of succession, and these guys all seem to live to about 100.

“So, of all of the things that you could ask me about or we could be worried about right now, that’s probably a wee way down the list.”

Seymour said Australia had “obviously solved a few more problems” when quizzed if New Zealand had considered their position on the issue.

Good on them, he said.

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/2026/02/24/david-seymour-says-andrews-removal-from-line-of-succession-not-a-priority/