Category: Public Media

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Infrastructure Commission clarifies suggestion of Auckland Harbour Bridge toll

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tom Kitchin

The Infrastructure Commission has moved to clarify its suggestion around tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with the government considering whether a toll will help pay for a new Waitematā Harbour crossing.

The government has been at pains to stress no decisions have been made around tolling the existing bridge, and the Infrastructure Commission said it was not specifically recommending a toll over options like targeted levies.

In the National Infrastructure Plan, published on Tuesday, the Infrastructure Commission said new revenue would be needed to help fund a new crossing, and a $9 toll on the existing bridge and the new crossing could raise between $7 billion to $9 billion.

On Tuesday, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said it was a “big decision” for the country to make, and a decision he would not get ahead of.

Infrastructure Commission chairperson Geoff Cooper told RNZ the plan highlighted that given New Zealand already invested a large proportion of its infrastructure spend in transport, there was a need to increase user revenues if additional major projects were to be added to the network.

“This could mean increasing existing charges, introducing new charges like tolls, or investing in ways that increase usage and growing the revenue base,” he said.

He said the Waitematā Harbour crossing was one such example where the consideration was needed, and for projects that could not proceed within existing funds, new revenue mechanisms, which could be tolls, target levies, or other charges, should be investigated.

“To illustrate a scenario for what this might look like, we present high-level analysis that a $9 toll on both new and existing crossings could raise up to $7-9 billion to help pay for the crossing,” he said.

“However, we have not undertaken a detailed comparison of alternative revenue options, and hence we do not specifically recommend a toll over options like targeted levies. Ultimately it will be up to decision-makers to decide on the best mechanism for paying for new infrastructure such as this.”

Finance minister Nicola Willis said a $9 toll was a “completely hypothetical scenario”.

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Dogs in fatal Kaihu attack had gone after other animals

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police at the scene of the fatal attack. RNZ

The dogs that killed a woman in Northland yesterday came onto a neighbour’s property recently and pack attacked their dog.

The Kaihu local says it was “really quite frightening” living near the animals.

Mihiata Te Rore, 62, was visiting a person she knew at a property in the small Northland town of Kaihu when she was attacked and killed on Tuesday.

Police say the three dogs involved lived at the property.

Te Rore is the third person to be killed by dogs in Northland in the past four years, sparking calls for more to be done by local and central government to deal with the growing problem.

Police have been at the taped-off home where Te Rore died on Tuesday.

A local – who RNZ has agreed not to name – said authorities were warned in the past year about issues with the dogs.

He has had his own experience with the four dogs he says live at the property.

“They’ve actually come onto my property and attacked my dog,” he said.

“They pack attacked him, all four have pack attacked my dog, and that was just over six months ago.”

Like many in the community, he was frightened.

“It is quite stressful because you don’t even know if you’re going to get attacked and for me, I’ve got to go out my drive to get to my letterbox, and you don’t know whether the dogs are around the corner,” the man said.

“It’s really quite frightening.”

‘Nothing had been done’

The man said Tuesday’s attack should never have happened.

“There were so many warnings before that happened and nothing had been done,” he said.

“I can’t believe that people are ringing dog control and yet nothing had been done.”

Statistics from the Kaipara District Council showed the number of dogs impounded by the council more than doubled over the four years from 2021 to 2025.

In the period from July 2022 to July 2025, there were 174 call-outs for dog attacks, but only one person was prosecuted in the same period.

RNZ asked the council to comment on these figures, but have not received a response.

The Kaipara District Council promoted cycle trails in the Kaihu area where Te Rore was killed.

Three years ago, Mike Wespel-Rose was biking on a track from Dargaville to Russell with his wife, when the pair were chased by dogs from a nearby property north of Whangārei.

“They were chasing us, and chasing us, it went on for quite a few minutes.”

“They jumped up on my wife’s bike […] we didn’t dare stop because God knows what we might’ve faced, so we just rode like crazy, very fearful about what might happen,” he said.

Wespel-Rose said the dog issue in the north is a symptom of wider problems with crime and poverty.

“It needs more resourcing doesn’t it, so that it can be dealt with more fully,” he said.

“It’s a tough one.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Te Rore’s death as unacceptable, and said the council needed to act.

“I would expect that within seven days that the Kiapara District Council is taking action and going after the dogs, and packs of dogs that are out there,” he said.

“Just imagine being a mum with a young baby, or young toddlers, and the anxiety that that causes.”

Push to reform laws ignored

However, Auckland Council’s Animal Management said its push for the government to reform dog control laws over the past year had fallen on deaf ears.

Elly Waitoa from the council’s animal management department said she was shocked that as recently as Tuesday morning, the government had told them they were not considering changes to the dog control act.

Meanwhile, police have said they want to hear from anyone in the Kaihu community who has had issues with dogs roaming in the area.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said the dogs involved were now with Animal Management.

“This was a very upsetting and tragic event in which a woman has suffered unsurvivable injuries,” he said.

“I know the community will have a lot of questions; our investigation is still in the early stages and our focus is on establishing all the facts in this case.”

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Super Rugby Preview: Seven Moana debutants, Barrett back, duel derbies await

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jordie Barrett is back in the capital and will start in the midfield against Moana. Photosport

The Hurricanes have entered the chat.

After sitting out round one with the bye, the Canes will open their campaign in the capital on Friday night against a buoyant Moana side bringing Pasifika bragging rights back from Lautoka. Jordie Barrett is back after a sabbatical in Ireland while Japan captain Warner Dearns makes his Super Rugby debut. Coach Clark Laidlaw will also have plenty of fire-power from the pine in the form of All Blacks Cam Roigard and Billy Proctor.

For Moana, it was a case of ‘Ardie who? as Tana Umaga’s men pulled off one of the toughest tasks in Super Rugby, victory in the sweltering fortress of Lautoka over the Drua in round one. They return to Wellington for the first time since the Canes crushed them 64-12 to close out their 2025 campaign.

Umaga has opted to give seven debutants a run at the caketin, while Sam Moli will lead the team with Miracle Faiʻilagi to bring impact from the bench.

After surviving gruelling New Zealand derbies in round one, the Highlanders and Chiefs will collide in another all-kiwi clash under the roof in Dunedin. A clutch Cameron Millar penalty and gutsy defence in the dying stages saw the Highlanders earn their first win since May of 2025 as they upset the defending champion Crusaders in round one.

The Chiefs’ win came in far more controversial fashion, with All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i’s early try against the Blues awarded at the time, later ruled to constitute an illegal action as he left the ground to launch over two defenders. The result struck however, unlike many passes in a clunky display by both sides. The same fixture closed out the regular 2025 season with the Chiefs taking a 41-24 victory.

Closing out the weekend is one of Super’s greatest rivalries. The Crusaders and Brumbies have engaged in several iconic battles over 30 seasons, including the 2000 and 2004 deciders. It was a typically thrilling encounter the last time these sides met, the Crusaders snatching a 33-31 win courtesy of a late George Bell try. Round one brought contrasting fortunes for both teams, the defending champion Crusaders edged by their southern rivals while the Brumbies battered the Force 56-24 in Perth.

Elsewhere, the Blues head across the Tasman to meet the Force with both teams searching for their first wins of the season and the Waratahs host the Drua in Sydney.

Other selection notes

A big weekend for Japanese rugby with both Dearns and Mamoru Harada making their debuts, Harada named on the bench for Moana Pasifika.

Also joining Super Rugby ranks will be newcomers Alefosio Aho, Faletoi Peni, Simon Peter Toleafoa, Lolani Faleiva Konrad Toleafoa former Brisbane Bronco Israel Leota, all earning callups for Moana.

Cortez Ratima will sit out the trip to Dunedin for the birth of his second child while Emoni Narawa will play his 50th match for the Chiefs. Jona Nareki will also notch his half century for the Highlanders.

Injury ward

The Chiefs will be without bruising flanker Samipeni Finau who is recovering from while Wallace Sititi is out for the week with a hamstring niggle. Du’Plessis Kirifi misses the next fortnight for the Hurricanes as he manages a calf complaint while Ruben Love’s ankle will keep him out of action for the next month at least.

Moana are still without former All Black Augustine Pulu, lock Jimmy Tupou and the promising young Niko Jones. For the Highlanders, Finn Hurley is still at least three weeks from a return while Xavier Tito-Harris and Andrew Knewstubb could be back for round three.

The Blues are down their two top locks with Sam Darry out with concussion and Patrick Tuipulotu still recovering from a shoulder injury, targeting a round six return.

Team lists

Hurricanes vs Moana

Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday February 20

Sky Stadium, Wellington

Live blog updates on RNZ

Hurricanes: 1 Xavier Numia, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Siale Lauaki, 4 Hugo Plummer, 5 Warner Dearns, 6 Devan Flanders, 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Brayden Iose, 9 Ereatara Enari, 10 Brett Cameron, 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 12 Jordie Barrett (c), 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 14 Josh Moorby, 15 Callum Harkin

Bench: 16 Jacob Devery, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Matolu Petaia, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Arese Poliko, 22 Cam Roigard, 23 Billy Proctor

“It was a huge crowd against Moana last year, so hopefully we can create that again and put in a performance that gets our fans excited and gets them coming back for the rest of the season.” – Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

Moana Pasifika: 1 Abraham Pole, 2 Samiuela Moli (c), 3 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 4 Veikoso Poloniati, 5 Alefosio Aho, 6 Semisi Paea, 7 Konrad Toleafoa, 8 Dominic Ropeti, 9 Siaosi Nginingini, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Tuna Tuitama, 12 Faletoi Peni, 13 Glen Vaihu, 14 Israel Leota, 15 Simon Peter Toleafoa

Bench: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Tito Tuipulotu, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Allan Craig, 20 Miracle Faiilagi, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 William Havili, 23 Tevita Ofa

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the depth within our group, if we want to get all the way to the end of this competition, we’re going to need everybody.” – Moana coach Tana Umaga

Highlanders vs Chiefs

Kick off: 7.05pm Saturday February 21

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Live blog updates on RNZ

Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Rohan Wingham, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy (VC), 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game), 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (C), 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

“The Chiefs are a bit like the Crusaders, stacked with All Blacks and have performed very well in recent seasons, so another huge challenge for us and one we are looking forward to.” – Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6 Kaylum Boshier, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Quinn Tupaea (vc), 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 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa

“These local derbies are brutal. There is no inch given and it will go up another notch against the Highlanders who are coming off an equally tough win against the defending champions Crusaders.” – Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbs

Force vs Blues

Kick off 9.35pm Saturday February 21

HBF Park, Perth

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Anton Segner, 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 Kurt Eklund, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

“Going over there, we know we need to be at our best. We’ve taken a lot of lessons from last week and the focus is on being accurate, disciplined, and connected for the full 80 minutes.” – Blues coach Vern Cotter

Crusaders vs Brumbies

Kick off 3.35pm Sunday February 22

Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch

Live blog updates on RNZ

Crusaders: 1 Finlay Brewis, 2 George Bell, 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Dom Gardiner, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Rivez Reihana, 11 Sevu Reece, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Braydon Ennor, 14 Chay Fihaki, 15 Will Jordan

Bench: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Louie Chapman, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Leicester Fainga’anuku

“We always look in the mirror first. Collectively, we could have done some things a little differently, but it is what it is. We’ve got to look forward now and take what we learned into the game we’ve got at home on Sunday.” – Crusaders coach Rob Penney

Waratahs vs Fijian Drua

Kick off 9.35pm Friday February 20

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

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Outgoing Netball NZ chairperson denies any pressure to step down

Source: Radio New Zealand

AAP / www.photosport.nz

The outgoing Netball New Zealand chairperson says changes at the top will help inject new energy into a sport that is facing significant challenges.

The national body last night confirmed that chairperson Matt Whineray and three appointed board members had decided to step down.

It followed the resignation of CEO Jennie Wyllie in December after a disastrous year for the sport, which included the suspension of Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua, who was later reinstated.

The story dominated headlines for weeks and calls for “heads to roll” at Netball NZ were loud.

Whineray denied anyone felt pressure to step down but said the board accepted the netball community expected some changes at the top after a difficult 2025 and new blood would be beneficial.

“It really came out of individual reflections on what was right for them personally and what we think is right for Netball New Zealand going forward. So the opportunity to get some new perspectives, new capabilities, some new energy and really reset the momentum and focus on the really important next couple of years is what we’re all thinking about,” Whineray said.

The national body was working in an environment that had changed rapidly in the past decade, including greater competition from other female codes. The future of the ANZ Premiership was still up in the air, with no broadcast rights agreement in place from beyond 2026.

While participation rates at grass roots are pleasing, Whineray believed the next CEO has a tougher job than what it entailed a few years ago.

“The media landscape, broadcast rights opportunities, and commercial environment has all changed. The person who is heading up a national sporting organisation has to be able to manage the commercials on one hand and balance that with the delivery of the community game and high performance programmes and that’s a challenging space to be.”

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua after her reinstatement. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

There were eight members on the Netball NZ board, split between four elected members and four appointed members, including Whineray.

Aliesha Staples, Stephen Cottrell, and Pavan Vyas are the other appointed members leaving their roles. Appointed members help ensure a board has a range of skills and experience to call on across a number of fields including commercial, legal, IT and tech.

Cottrell for instance brought 25 years of experience, including strategy and project management roles for New Zealand Rugby. He currently works for a global events and entertainment company, and is a principal in his own sports advisory law firm.

The Netball NZ constitution sets a maximum of three terms of three years. With Whineray’s nine year limit on the board due to finish at the start of next year, he said stepping down now made sense as his replacement will be in charge of recruiting the next CEO.

Jane Patterson was brought in as interim CEO but the board will advertise for a permanent boss in a few months.

The board positions will be advertised soon and an appointment panel will be made up of a couple of board members and one external member, expected to be veteran administrator Kereyn Smith.

Netball NZ has called in Smith, who in recent years has helped cycling and yachting with their issues.

“Kereyn’s been giving us a hand on a number of fronts and helping both within Netball New Zealand but also with our connections with the wider netball community so it’s been very helpful to have her in there, given her really deep experience in sports administration but also really great connections across the netball system.”

Matt Whineray has served on the board for over eight years. Supplied/NZ Super Fund

Whineray said Smith had been involved in looking at some high performance changes but said that was now largely being run by Chelsea Lane, who was appointed as Head of Performance – Silver Ferns, in the new year.

The decision to suspend Dame Noeline and her coaching team in September was met with widespread shock in the netball community. The lack of information led to a lot of speculation and fans vented their frustrations on social media, mostly directed at Wyllie and the board.

Whineray emphasised that the decision to suspend the Silver Ferns coaching team, was a board decision, not driven by any individual.

“The board made that decision on advice from our legal advice.”

He said the board can not make decisions on how the public might react.

“That’s the board making a decision about what’s in the best interests of the Silver Ferns environment and of the players and all of those who are working in the environment. Ultimately we have to wear the public response but you shouldn’t be making decisions like that with an eye on how the public is going to react.

“The board were all involved in this, we were supporting Jennie and working with Jennie through this process and I think the personal insults and the abuse were awful for all involved.”

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Plans to deliver food and meds to more than 100 people trapped near Ngawi in Wairarapa

Source: Radio New Zealand

Residents are also concerned about a second bridge undermined by floodwaters at Hurupi Stream. Supplied / Sharon Durrant

Plans are underway to deliver food and increasingly urgent medical supplies to more than 100 people trapped near Ngawi on Wairarapa’s southern coastline.

Two bridges are out of action on the only roads into several rural and coastal communities – completely cutting them off – following torrential that hit overnight on Sunday.

Trucks are currently dumping boulders and metal into a 3-4m hole that opened on Tuesday at the Turanganui River bridge on Lake Ferry Road.

RNZ understands the goal is to reopen the road by Wednesday evening, restoring access to communities in Lake Ferry and Whangaimoana.

A bridge on Cape Palliser Road at the Hurupi Stream, known as the Banana Bridge, has been scoured out at the road edge and has been deemed structurally unsafe by the South Wairarapa District Council. Supplied

But a second bridge on Cape Palliser Road at the Hurupi Stream has since triggered an urgent warning from authorities.

The bridge, known as the Banana Bridge, has been scoured out at the road edge and has been deemed structurally unsafe by the South Wairarapa District Council.

“The bridge must not be used under any circumstances until it has been inspected and formally cleared by a qualified engineer,” it said.

A civil engineer was due to assess the bridge on Wednesday morning and as yet there was no timeframe for a fix.

A large hole has opened up at the Lake Ferry Road bridge cutting off communities in South Wairarapa. RNZ / Mary Argue

A council spokesperson said 119 people were trapped to the east of the bridge along the coastline to Ngawi.

Local Gavin Fenwick said the Hurupi bridge failure had caught people out, with holidaymakers and tourists among those who were stuck.

He said some people were getting quite desperate for food and medical supplies and he and his wife Donna had been helping organise a supply drop into the area, which was expected later on Wednesday.

The single-lane bridge to Lake Ferry, Wairarapa, has been gouged out by floodwaters. Supplied / South Wairarapa District Council

Fenwick said with medications that needed to be taken, the need for a delivery was getting “quite urgent”.

In an update on Wednesday morning, Powerco said 315 properties across Wairarapa were still without power following the storm.

Fenwick said fortunately contractors got over the bridge before it failed, restoring power by Monday night and while locals were quite “upbeat,” it was a different story for the tourists.

“It’s the campers that are here that have … just done a day trip and now they’re stuck here. Pretty hard for them.

“There’s not a lot of them, luckily, most of them got out in time, but there are a couple hanging around still. One of them put in an order for a food drop this afternoon, because they had basically nothing by the sound of it.”

More than 100 people are isolated on the south coast of Wairarapa after the “Banana Bridge” across the Hurupi Stream was deemed structurally unsafe. SWDC / Google Maps

The Fenwicks were also behind the well-known ‘Ngawi Big 3’ fishing competition due to be held this weekend, but Gavin Fenwick said the uncertainty around the bridge meant it had to be postponed.

In a post on social media the Ngawi Sports Fishing Club said given the state of the road, the postponement shouldn’t come as a surprise.

“The new proposed dates are 13th, 14th & 15th March – subject to the road being safe and accessible.

“We know everyone is itching to get back out there, but right now safety comes first. With our coast currently isolated, we’re focused on supporting our local community first and appreciate your understanding.”

A bridge on Cape Palliser Road at the Hurupi Stream. Supplied

Fenwick said the competition had been running since about 1992 and a few years ago had more than 500 entries – injecting quite a bit of cash into the local economy, but he said the call had to be made.

“People plan this months in advance and they can’t just be hanging around [wondering] ‘do we leave or do we not?’ We’ve got people come over from Australia even, they’re here in Wellington waiting to come out here.”

He said he spent Tuesday putting away all the prizes.

“It’ll have to happen another day.”

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Prices continue to rise at global dairy trade auction

Source: Radio New Zealand

The price rises at the latest global diary trade auction have been described as a “very good result” for New Zealand dairy farmers. 123RF

Dairy prices rose again at the global dairy trade auction overnight – continuing a reversal of last year’s downward swing and raising questions about whether a $10 milk payout could be back on the table.

The average price rose 3.6 percent to US$4028 a tonne – it follows the 6.7 percent rise a fortnight ago, and is the fourth consecutive increase of the year.

Rabobank Dairy Analyst Emma Higgins said it was a “very good result” for New Zealand dairy farmers, with meaningful gains across key products.

The price of wholemilk powder, which strongly affects farmer payouts, rose 2.5 percent to US$3706 a tonne.

Prices for other products were mostly stronger, including a sharp increase in butter which rose over 10 percent.

“Overall, the event reinforced a couple of things. First is that there is improving demand sentiment across the dairy complex,” Higgins said.

“With current current dairy commodity prices where they are, the question begs whether we’ll start to see an increase in the farmgate milk price forecast for the 2025/26 season.”

Higgins was cautiously optimistic, adding there was still a lot of milk available on the global market at the moment.

“We’ve had some incredibly strong growth in the European Union, particularly driven from Ireland, France and Poland. And then if we think about the United States, we’ve seen consistently strong milk production for the majority of 2025.

“That was the reason that we saw weaker commodity prices at the back half of last year. It was the reason that we saw farmgate milk prices slashed by Christmas time.

“Now we’ve got the situation where demand is starting to improve, and at the same time, we’re starting to see perhaps some signals as we move through 2026 that supply environment will start to tighten up.”

She said current market dynamics would suggest there was support for lifting the current milk price forecast from where it sits at that midpoint range of $9, up to somewhere around the $9.50 per kilogram of milk solid mark.

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Wellington Water stops pumping raw sewage directly into Tarakena Bay

Source: Radio New Zealand

Untreated water leaked onto the capital’s south coast beaches due to the Moa Point Treatment Plant flooding. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Wellington Water has stopped pumping raw sewage through a five metre pipe directly into the sea at Tarakena Bay.

The 1.8 kilometre long pipe into Cook Strait was overwhelmed during recent heavy rain, so the water company had to revert to the short pipe – but that has now not been used for 24 hours.

Wellington Water said it was trying to increase the volume of sewage that can be pumped to the long pipe, because after the plant’s massive failure two weeks ago, it can only cope in dry weather.

“We are working this week to construct a much larger air vent on the outfall pipe to help improve the flow of water through the pipe,” it said.

“We are continuing to look for other options to increase the flow through the long outfall pipe, remembering that screening remains the only treatment function in operation.”

The plant can pump between 1300 to 1500 litres per second through the long pipe, which Wellington Water said was “more than enough” for average dry weather flows (700-900 litres per second).

Anything above those limits had to be diverted to the short pipe, it said.

Wellington Water was also dealing with a bad smell at the plant.

“Odour monitors are being installed to measure the impact at sites surrounding the plant,” it said.

“We have one unit available and will confirm when this is in place.”

Water sampling did not take place on Monday due to the bad weather, so there were no results to report on Wednesday.

Tuesday’s results will be available on Thursday.

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Cyclists thigh-deep in water days after rain

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Petone railway underpass on a nearly-new $70 million cycleway is thigh-deep in water more than two days after the storm and heavy rain in Wellington.

Surprised cyclists on Wednesday morning entered the 30m-long tunnel under the main Hutt Valley rail line with just their tyres underwater, but ended up with it most of the way up their bike frames – and very wet legs and shoes.

“Holy crap,” said one, “it’s quite deep.”

Alan rode through on his electric bike. RNZ / Phil Pennington

Another, commuter Alan, who went through on his electric bike, submerging the motor and part of the battery, told RNZ he hoped it would not be ruined.

Alan said he had no idea the tunnel was flooded – there were no warning signs either on Wednesday or Tuesday at the well-used underpass, though the water could be spotted from above.

“I was like OK, sweet, I’ll be fine then … I was like holy s***, holy s***, holy s***,” said Alan, laughing.

He then sobered a little. “I hope that didn’t damage my motor,” he said, “I hope it’s going to be fine.”

His jeans were still dry – he’d put his legs up on the bike’s top bar and the motor carried him through.

One cyclist laughed as he rode through the floodwaters. RNZ / Phil Pennington

The cycleway’s two rail underpasses were a particularly expensive part of the 3km path that blew out its budget by almost three times. It will be linked up later this year with the $300m-plus harbour cycleway-cum-seawall through to Ngauranga.

The northern underpass, near Normandale bridge, was dry on Wednesday.

At the Petone underpass, a cyclist heading north got off and turned around.

“It’s brand new,” he said. He had been through the water on Tuesday but expected by Wednesday it would be dry.

“Probably should do a better job than that but I’m sure there’s plenty of people got a lot worse than this.”

Also on Wednesday, political parties were arguing over the latest plan to fix the country’s failing or missing infrastructure, which contained a damning assessment of the shortfall – and recommended less-than-forecast spending on transport.

RNZ / Phil Pennington

The Transport Agency Waka Kotahi fronted the Petone-to-Normandale cycleway build with a little bit of local funding from about 2019-2023.

But it said maintenance was the responsibility of Hutt City Council.

“They are better placed to comment on frequency of flooding there.”

However, the city council told RNZ to ask Wellington Water about the drainage issues.

Wellington Water is in a crisis over Moa Point’s massive infrastructure failure.

“This was a significant weather event, affecting infrastructure across the city and in areas where we have not seen impacts before,” the council said in a brief statement on Wednesday afternoon.

“There is a big clean up happening given the storm damage.

“Council and contractors are focused on prioritising public safety and critical infrastructure.”

RNZ / Phil Pennington

At the underpass, a biker who had made it through the water from the south, heading north, told another heading the other way into the city: “I wouldn’t put your bike through it.”

“Thanks,” came the reply, “we’ve gone this far. We might as well finish it off.”

The second woman cyclist was, like most of the other riders, pretty chill about it.

“I wasn’t expecting this, that’s for sure,” she said, “but you know, it’s a hot day, so it’s quite refreshing.”

RNZ / Phil Pennington

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Reserve Bank leaves official cash rate at 2.25%

Source: Radio New Zealand

New RBNZ governor Anna Breman. RNZ / Supplied

The Reserve Bank has held the official cash rate steady at 2.25 percent, as expected.

The central bank says the economy is gradually recovering but it is uneven, and its priority is to get inflation back into the middle of its target band.

More to come…

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Woman killed by dogs in Kaihu named as Mihiata Te Rore

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

Police have identified Mihiata Te Rore as the woman killed by dogs north of Dargaville yesterday.

The 62-year-old was killed while on a Kaihu property just before midday.

Police say the three dogs involved live on the property, and are now with Animal Management.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says they want to hear from anyone in the Kaihu community who has had issues with dogs roaming in the area.

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Police seek help after Mount Maunganui landslide cordon breaches

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the people in the images provided, who police believe can help with enquiries into a breach of the Mount Maunganui landslide cordon. SUPPLIED/POLICE

Bay of Plenty Police are asking for the public’s help to identify three people they believe can help with enquiries into breaches at the Mount Maunganui landslide cordon.

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the people in the images provided, who police believe can help with enquiries into a breach of the Mount Maunganui landslide cordon. SUPPLIED/POLICE

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the people in the images provided, who police believe can help with enquiries into a breach of the Mount Maunganui landslide cordon. SUPPLIED/POLICE

Police said they believe these people may be able to help with enquiries into a breach of the cordon on Wednesday 11 February and Sunday 15 February.

“If you are one of these people, or you recognise them, please update us through 105 either online or over the phone.”

On Wednesday morning police said a man had also been arrested after allegedly breaching the cordon and charged with breaching the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, as well as careless driving.

The cordon has been in place since the deadly landslide that killed six people at a campground in January.

Tauranga City Council said it aimed to lift part of the temporary road cordon around the Mt Maunganui landslide around lunchtime on Thursday.

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

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Children still no safer than when Malachi Subecz was murdered – latest report

Source: Radio New Zealand

Children are still no safer than when Malachi Subecz was murdered, according to a new report from the Independent Children’s Monitor.

It is the second review of the implementation of the recommendations from a report into Malachi’s death, and has showed little progress has been made.

Malachi died of a blunt force head injury in Starship Hospital 2021, and weighed just 16 kilograms because he had been starved.

A report into his death by the late Dame Karen Poutasi in 2022 found five critical gaps in the system, and made 14 recommendations.

One of those recommendations was for the Independent Children’s Monitor to review the recommendations themselves.

Malachi Subecz died of a blunt force head injury at Starship Hospital in 2021. Supplied

In 2024, its first review found a “disappointing and disheartening” lack of priority given to them, and committed to review them again.

Just as it did with the prior review, the Independent Children’s Monitor looked at the responses to the report, and the implementation of actions agencies set for themselves.

The 2025 review, titled Towards a stronger safety net to prevent abuse of children, found that little had changed.

“There continues to be a high proportion of reports of concern from professionals that do not result in further action by Oranga Tamariki and where tamariki and rangatahi are not seen,” it said.

The review engaged with a wider range of agencies than in 2024, including Corrections, Early Childhood Education providers, and representatives from agencies and non-governmental organisations that were party of multi-agency response teams responding to police callouts for family violence, or to reports of concern made to Oranga Tamariki.

It also spoke to Oranga Tamariki staff.

“Kaimahi from agencies and services, including Oranga Tamariki, continue to tell us they are concerned about the risk to tamariki and rangatahi,” the report said.

“System settings have not changed, gaps remain and tamariki and rangatahi are still no more likely to be seen by Oranga Tamariki now than when Malachi was killed.”

A report into Malachi Subecz’s death was made by the late Dame Karen Poutasi in 2022. RNZ / Angus Dreaver

The gaps Dame Karen found in 2022 were:

  • When sole parents are charged and prosecuted, the needs of dependent children are not well enough identified
  • The process for assessing risks to a child is too narrow and one-dimensional
  • Agencies and services are not proactively sharing information, despite having the ability
  • A lack of professionals’ and services’ reporting of risk of child abuse
  • The system allows children to remain “invisible” even at key moments

Her report also made 14 recommendations, including combining medical records to make them available for health workers working with children, and increased education and public awareness.

Initially, the government did not accept all of Dame Karen’s recommendations outright, wanting further advice on five of them, including mandatory reporting of children at high risk of harm.

In 2025, the government decided it would accept the remaining recommendations.

The report acknowledged this was a “first step” but now “careful and thoughtful” implementation was needed.

“Until change happens on the ground and in communities, tamariki will continue to be no safer. As this review finds, the gaps identified by Dame Karen have not closed and tamariki continue to fall through the safety net.”

Progress since the previous report had been slow, and while better visibility and reporting of concerns were important, it could only go so far.

“Even once all the recommendations have been implemented, it would not solve the fundamental problem – Aotearoa does not yet have a child protection system that is always able to respond when needed.”

The report noted a further 24 tamariki had been killed by someone who was supposed to be caring for them, since Malachi’s death.

While it did not go into the specifics of those children’s lives and circumstances, it found 11 were known to Oranga Tamariki before their deaths, and 19 of the alleged perpetrators were known to police in varying ways.

At the time the Independent Children’s Monitor was conducting the report, police had completed 10 family violence death reviews, with a further 12 in progress. Oranga Tamariki had completed seven child death reviews, and two more were in progress.

“Police and Oranga Tamariki, for the most part, undertake reviews in isolation from other agencies. Their reviews focus on internal practices rather than broader systemic issues,” the report said.

A coroner’s report released last week found everything possible went wrong for Malachi in the last six months of his life, with opportunities to identify the abuse and torture he suffered not picked up by those who could have intervened.

Coroner Janet Anderson found similar gaps to Dame Karen Poutasi, which were also found by the oversight agencies.

Even back in 2022, Dame Karen said her findings were not new.

“Implementing the Poutasi recommendations may make tamariki and rangatahi at risk more visible, but to make them safer, Oranga Tamariki and the wider child protection system must be able to respond when needed,” the 2025 report said.

Oversight agencies call on government to go faster

The Independent Children’s Monitor, Arran Jones, said 18 months on from the first review, three years on since Dame Karen’s report, and four years since Malachi’s death, work was “just beginning,” and until change happened on the ground and across all communities, tamariki would continue to be no safer.

“Our review also found that even if everything Dame Karen said was needed to close the gaps is done, we are not confident that Oranga Tamariki will be able to respond appropriately,” he said.

The oversight agencies, including the Independent Children’s Monitor, the Ombudsman, and the Children’s Commissioner, called on government agencies to act faster.

“The stark truth that 24 children – most of them babies – have died through abuse by the person meant to be caring for them must shock us into action. The lives of other children depend on it,” said Children’s Commissioner Claire Achmad.

The Chief Ombudsman, John Allen, said the findings raised the important need for cross-agency collaboration, but acknowledged there were green shoots out there, pointing to an in-person hub pilot at the Oranga Tamariki national contact centre, and its work with community-based providers.

“Community led organisations know the whānau well and are better equipped to intervene early and provide immediate support while at the same time taking pressure off the wider system,” he said.

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Pedestrian seriously injured after Māngere crash involving a truck

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said the pedestrian has been taken to Middlemore Hospital with serious injuries. RNZ / Richard Tindiller

A pedestrian is seriously injured after a crash involving a truck in South Auckland.

It happened at the intersection of Savill Drive and Massey Road in Māngere East just before midday on Wednesday.

Police said the pedestrian has been taken to Middlemore Hospital.

Diversions are in place and drivers are being told to expect delays.

The Serious Crash Unit and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team have been notified.

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Posted on

Lane blocked on Auckland’s northwestern motorway following crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Calvin Samuel

A crash on Auckland’s northwestern motorway has blocked lanes.

Accoding to the NZ Transport Agency, the crash has occurred just after the Waterview Tunnel.

Two lanes were inititally blocked but at 11.45am, NZTA said one lane had reopened.

The crash has occurred just after the Waterview Tunnel. Supplied / NZTA

A traffic camera shows traffic building up.

Traffic on the motorway as of midday. Supplied / Google Maps

“Pass with care and expect delays,” NZTA said.

Traffic is also gridlocked citybound, back to Te Atatū, the opposite side of the crash.

RNZ / Calvin Samuel

More to come…

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Posted on

Wellington and Lower North Island still without power days after weather bomb

Source: Radio New Zealand

This Wellington Electricity map shows the extent of area where individual homes remain without power SUPPLIED

People are still without power across Wellington and the lower North Island, days after destructive winds and heavy rain tore through the region.

Wellington Electricity puts the current outages at over 1000, and expects most properties to have power back on by tonight.

It says crews have restored power to most customers, but have discovered secondary faults on some lines which are taking longer to restore.

The winds that struck Wellington on Sunday and Monday were the strongest in a decade, tearing down power lines down across paddocks, roads, and over people’s vehicles.

A tree had fallen on power lines on Hornsey Road in Wellington on Monday. Supplied / Caleb Gordon

Is your power still out? Contact ellen.odwyer@rnz.co.nz

Manawatū-Whanganui was also affected, with Manawatū district mayor Michael Ford saying PowerCo crews were trying to remove trees blocking roads so crews could get to the power lines.

As of this morning, 1,632 homes and businesses in Powerco’s area were still without power, including 679 in Manawatū, 638 in Whanganui, and 315 in Wairarapa.

Trees blown down on Mondayin the Wellington suburb of Brooklyn. RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Elliot Childs, an RNZ employee, said his family had been without power for two full days – and it had only just been restored this morning.

Childs said his house in Ranui, Porirua, lost power just before 5 am on Monday morning, and was restored mid morning today.

He said the outage had been “frustrating” without being able to cook anything, and use hot water for washing and showers.

“I’m lucky enough that work has let me borrow one of the big power banks that we’ve got here – so I managed to power the freezer off of that for a little bit – but yeah, it’s been very frustrating, and quite difficult.”

He said he was “very relieved” the power was now back on.

Wellington Electricity has been approached for comment on remaining outages.

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Tower expects rise in weather-related claims to nearly halve profits

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tower insurance chair Michael Stiassny says some progress to tackle the impacts of extreme weather events had been “haphazard, inadequate and painfully slow”. RNZ

  • Tower paid out $12m already in bad weather claims, expects more
  • Company has $45m fund for big events, a quarter already spent
  • Full year underlying profit will be almost halved if events fund exhausted
  • Chair criticises lack of action on climate change as “costing lives and money”

Local insurance company Tower expects a rise in weather-related claims will nearly halve its profits this year, as its chair criticised the lack of action to confront climate change.

The company’s annual meeting heard it had already used about $12 million of its budgeted $45m to cover large events, and expected more costs from the storms of the past week.

“This includes the October windstorm, the Timaru hailstorm in November, and the late January nationwide storm,” chief executive Paul Johnston said.

“Claims from the stormy weather across New Zealand over the past few days are still being assessed and at this early stage, Tower expects costs to exceed its … large events threshold.”

It forecast its full year underlying profit would be between $55m-$65m from a record $107m in 2025 if it used all of its large events fund.

Johnston told the meeting the first part of the year has been steady with growth in house policies, premium growth, and adding new customers.

The company said its risk based pricing meant it building a less vulnerable business, while its technical upgrades have sped up the processing of claims with more motor claims were being referred directly to repairers.

Climate change costing lives and money

The retiring chair, business veteran Michael Stiassny, said too little progress was being made in tackling climate change.

“In the wake of the tragic events at Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Warkworth, we face a chilling reality. Climate change is here, and it’s costing lives and money.”

He said some progress to tackle the impacts of extreme weather events had been “haphazard, inadequate and painfully slow”.

Stiassny said three years after Cyclone Gabrielle there had been no decisive action to prevent loss of life, prevent building on flood plains, active measures to protect against floods from more frequent and severe rain events.”

“Are we confident that our infrastructure is resilient and will cope with large storms that are no longer anomalies? The answer is a resounding no.”

Insurance review questioned

Stiassny also questioned the planned review of the insurance industry ordered by the government earlier this month from financial regulators to look at the high cost of insurance and growing evidence that some companies are refusing to insure certain towns or parts of towns.

“The rate of premium increase is either on par with the sum insured increase or much lower. In short, premiums have not climbed as much as some Ministers have said,” he said.

“The real issue when it comes to insurance affordability is the cost of living more generally for Kiwis. With costs of all goods and services spiralling up significantly more than incomes, it is inevitable that some people are unable to afford insurance.”

He said levies for Fire and Emergency and Natural Hazards Insurance made up about 40 percent of premiums, over which it had no control.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/tower-expects-rise-in-weather-related-claims-to-nearly-halve-profits/

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Police sent to Auckland school after ‘threats towards students’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Western Springs College’s principal says there was an “altercation” last week and a threat made on social media. RNZ / Lauren Baker

Police have been posted at an Auckland school after what it says were threats from another school.

“Last Thursday, a group of students from another school made threats toward our students during the school day,” Western Springs College principal Ivan Davis said.

“While nothing occurred on school grounds, an altercation took place later that afternoon at the Great North Road bus stop.”

The principal, in a post on the school’s Facebook, said there was then another threat made on social media.

That resulted in an increased police presence at the school on Tuesday.

“Our staff and involved whānau have been working tirelessly to contain the situation,” Davis said.

The school was getting strong support from police, he added.

“Please speak with your child and reiterate the importance of not leaving school without permission.

“It is vital that students do not put themselves in potentially dangerous situations by exiting the gates during the day or engaging with external groups,” Davis said.

Police have been approached for comment.

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Weather live: Evacuations as landslip narrowly misses homes in Dunedin

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow our live blog at the top of this page for updates.

Banks Peninsula remains cut off by road after widespread damage from flooding and slips.

Canterbury’s civil defence controller Duncan Sandeman says the focus on Wednesday will be opening roads and restoring communications.

The peninsula was pelted by ten times the monthly average rainfall in the last 48 hours. Part of State Highway 75, the main road from Christchurch to Akaroa, was closed overnight.

Follow our live blog at the top of this page for updates.

Roads damaged after floods in Akaroa. Nathan McKinnon

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Posted on

The ‘sausage sensei’ who says his snags are art

Source: Radio New Zealand

If you’ve ever wanted to craft the perfect sausage, Texan Bill Dumas could make your dreams come true.

Known as the Sausage Sensei, Dumas is on his second visit to New Zealand for two sausage-making workshops.

And while sausages are a beloved barbeque staple in many parts of the world, for Dumas, they’re much, much more.

The sausage sensei’s creations.

Supplied

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Posted on

First Home Loan scheme gets another option

Source: Radio New Zealand

The loan underwritten by Kainga Ora. RNZ

ASB has joined the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme, which allows borrowers to buy a house with a deposit of only 5 percent.

The loan is underwritten by Kāinga Ora, so borrowers are usually able to access the same interest rates as buyers with 20 percent deposit.

Previously it had only been available through Westpac, Kiwibank, The Co-Operative Bank, SBS, Unity, Nelson Building Society and NZHL.

ASB executive general manager personal banking Adam Boyd said home ownership was a “cornerstone of financial wellbeing and security for many New Zealanders”.

“This loan helps to get more people into their own homes without the challenge of saving a large deposit while managing everyday expenses, like rent.”

He said people using the scheme could also be eligible for ASB’s cash back offer.

Glen McLeod, head of Link Advisory, said it added another lending option for people thinking about buying a first home.

“The underlying criteria and approval process remain the same, as Kāinga Ora is still the gatekeeper for applications. More lender choice is positive, but the practical impact will depend on each client’s situation and how they meet Kāinga Ora’s existing requirements.”

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