Category: Radio New Zealand

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Ōtorohanga mum helped sound the alarm of neighbourhood flooding

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Osterman family’s flooded backyard RNZ/Marika Khabazi

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

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

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/otorohanga-mum-helped-sound-the-alarm-of-neighbourhood-flooding/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read how the game unfolded below:

Team lists:

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

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

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no metedata. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

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

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

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NRL pre-season: Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow how the game unfolded:

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Wade Egan Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

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

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

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Super Rugby Pacific: Blues v Chiefs live updates

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

Team lists

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

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

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

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

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/super-rugby-pacific-blues-v-chiefs-live-updates/

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

The collision left two injured from each team. Phil Walter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/sailgp-black-foils-collides-with-france-two-sailors-including-one-kiwi-injured/

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

The collision left two injured from each team. Phil Walter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/black-foils-collides-with-france-two-sailors-including-one-kiwi-injured/

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

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

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

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/new-zealand-sailgp-as-it-happened-day-one-off-aucklands-wynyard-point/

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Live: State of Emergency declared in Ōtorohanga

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phillips Avenue, Ōtorohanga. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

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

Follow how the events of Saturday unfolded:

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/live-state-of-emergency-declared-in-otorohanga/

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Live: Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika – Super Rugby Pacific

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

Kick-off is at 4.35pm

Team lists:

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

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

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Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

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

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

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Nestlé Milo bars recalled for possibly containing rubber

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/nestle-milo-bars-recalled-for-possibly-containing-rubber/

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Live NRL pre-season: Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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Wade Egan Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

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

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Earth Tongue get a taste for analogue on new release

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

Earth Tongue.

Nicola Sandford

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

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

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

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/new-zealand-sailgp-live-updates-day-one-off-aucklands-wynyard-point/

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Can my stepchildren force me to sell my home – Ask Susan

Source: Radio New Zealand

Susan Edmunds. RNZ

Got questions? RNZ has a podcast, Got questions? RNZ has a podcast [www.rnz.co.nz/podcasts/nostupidquestions No Stupid Questions with Susan Edmunds].

We’d love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but – even better – you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz

Re my joint family home and joint savings. I believed these are owned by (me) the surviving partner?

Nothing is in my partner’s name only. I invited my partner’s far-flung adult children and adult grandchildren to the funeral weekend.

My own grandchild overheard them talking about a legal claim to force me to sell my home for their benefit.

My partner and I registered it as our joint family home when we built it three decades ago and it took me more than two decades to care for my non working partner and pay off the mortgage.

I am fit and well and live in my home. My friends, children, grandchild and activities are nearby.

I am extremely upset by their claims as are my own children?

Can my “steps” legally force me to sell my home to provide money for them? My legal firm said this is “not possible” then changed their position.

This is a tricky question and we got into it a bit more on the podcast this week.

Michelle Pope, who is principal trustee at Public Trust, said usually assets held in joint names, as in your family home and savings, will automatically pass to the surviving joint owner.

“However, it’s important to confirm whether the property is legally owned jointly or in equal/unequal shares.

“If it’s jointly owned, it will in most cases pass directly to the surviving owner through what’s called ‘survivorship’ in legal language and will not form part of the deceased person’s estate.

“If not, the deceased’s share will need to be administered as part of their estate, which can add complexity.”

As for whether your stepchildren could force a sale, she said probably not.

But your partner’s estate could make a claim to claw back assets that could then be subject to a claim from the stepchildren.

“An example could include if they believe they are not adequately provided for in their father’s will. If successful, selling assets might be an outcome of any legal decision.”

Pope said because your partner had a will, there would be more clarity about what was intended to happen.

“Having a will can help reduce the risk of legal disputes and give clarity for families but cannot prevent claims being made.

“Blended families are increasingly common and estate planning in these situations can be complex.

“We strongly recommend people seek professional advice to explore options and ensure your estate plan reflects your intentions.”

How do I find a financial adviser who will give me truly independent financial advice?

I’m reasonably happy with my financial plans but it’s always good to check with an expert.

However I know many advisers are remunerated through commissions and therefore are only going to recommend products or providers that pay them.

My current investment plans mainly revolve around low fees broad market index funds so I’m worried by seeking financial advice someone will try to steer me away from this and towards higher fee actively managed products because of commission. I want truly objective advice and to not be suspicious of what’s in it for the adviser.

You’re right that many financial advisers are paid by the organisations that they place their clients with.

Historically, I think that’s been because people have been really reluctant to pay an upfront fee – and the advisers need to be paid somehow.

If you want to avoid that, you could look for an adviser who is going to charge you a fee instead. You might pay by the hour for their time, or a set amount for a financial plan or ongoing monitoring and advice.

But all advisers are bound by rules including the need to disclose how they are paid and by whom as part of their advice process.

Nick Hakes, who is chief executive of Financial Advice NZ, which represents advisers, said they would need to explain how they charged, what they were paid and the scope of their advice.

“My encouragement to any client seeking a financial adviser is to go with a whole list of questions so not just about how they might be remunerated but have they helped someone in similar circumstances to you? And how did they help? Remuneration method is just one of a series of questions which all client should be asking financial advisers.”

He said Financial Advice NZ had a directory online that listed all the members of the professional body. That could be a good place to start to look through your options and see who might be a good fit.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/can-my-stepchildren-force-me-to-sell-my-home-ask-susan/

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Ōtorohanga flooding in pictures: Residents wake to waist-deep water

Source: Radio New Zealand

A local state of emergency has been declared in Ōtorohanga, Waikato, after the district was lashed by heavy rains.

The declaration was made at 12:57am on Saturday and will stay in effect for seven days.

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

“The situation in Ōtorohanga is serious.”

He said the community was grieving following news that a man had died after his car became submerged in floodwaters.

Here is some of the footage and imagery that emerged following the deluge:

Flooding on nearby Kio Kio Station Road. Supplied / Colin Payne

Floodwaters in Ōtorohanga, on Saturday 14 February, 2026. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow said the community was grieving following news that a man had died after his car became submerged in floodwaters. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

A car near Ōtorohanga Primary School was submerged following the flooding. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Flooding in Ōtorohanga, on 14 February 2026. Supplied/ Joy Wickham

Flooding on Corcoran Road on Saturday morning. Facebook/Waipā District Council

Flooding on Kio Kio Station Road, where residents were evacuated overnight. Supplied / Colin Payne

Flooding at Ōtorohanga Museum. Supplied / Amanda Kiddie

A slip on State Highway 39, Ōtorohanga. Supplied / Otorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade

Flooding on State Highway 39, Ōtorohanga. Supplied / Otorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade

Flooding in Ōtorohanga, on 14 February 2026. Supplied/ Joy Wickham

Bystanders observe flooding around Phillips Avenue in Ōtorohanga on 14 February 2026. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A garden bed floating on a flooded property on Phillips Avenue following flooding in Ōtorohanga.

Flooding on Phillips Road, Ōtorohanga. RNZ / Lucy Xia

Trish Osterman’s home following flooding in Ōtorohanga. RNZ / Lucy Xia

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/otorohanga-flooding-in-pictures-residents-wake-to-waist-deep-water/

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Violence against prison healthcare workers flying under the radar, union says

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Department of Corrections told RNZ it couldn’t reveal the number of its medical staff who have been assaulted by inmates. 123RF

The main nursing union says violence against prison healthcare workers is flying under the radar.

The Department of Corrections told RNZ it couldn’t reveal the number of its medical staff who have been assaulted by inmates, because information about the specific roles of prison staff attacked at work was held on individual files and not readily retrievable.

However, it said a manual scan of its files showed that most assaults in prisons were against officers, and a small proportion are against medical staff, which aligned with anecdotal reports from frontline leaders.

The Nurses Organisation’s corrections spokesperson, Michael Pye, said many prison nurses didn’t report assaults and considered violence part of their job.

“One because it’s part of the job and two because the systems that allow you to do report it are quite time consuming in terms of getting on and doing the job and three there’s a slight sense of scepticism that nothing is going to change,” he said.

Pye, who is also a prison nurse, said that anecdotally assaults against Corrections medical employees were up.

“We’ve had serious injuries to the head and face, requiring ongoing treatment. People have been lashed out at, people have been spat on and so on.”

Pye said the NZNO and Corrections were establishing a joint working party to look at violence and aggression against prison healthcare staff.

Corrections’ Commissioner Custodial Services Leigh Marsh said serious assaults represented a small proportion of the total assaults against its staff, but any assault was “unacceptable”.

“In recent years, we have placed an increased importance on staff recording prisoner on staff assaults, regardless of whether they result in injury.”

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/violence-against-prison-healthcare-workers-flying-under-the-radar-union-says/

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Christchurch City Council issues boil water notice for eastern suburbs

Source: Radio New Zealand

All water, including filtered water, needs to be continuously boiled for at least one minute, although jugs with an automatic cut-off switch can be used, as long as they are full. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Christchurch residents in eastern suburbs are being warned to boil their water because of bacteria contamination.

A public health alert was issued for people living in New Brighton, Burwood, Wainoni, Aranui and Southshore.

It said all water, including filtered water, needs to be continuously boiled for at least one minute, although jugs with an automatic cut-off switch can be used, as long as they are full.

Residents and people travelling into the areas will receive text alerts about the problem.

Supplied

More to come…

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/christchurch-city-council-issues-boil-water-notice-for-eastern-suburbs/

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Is a Valentine’s Day wedding a good idea?

Source: Radio New Zealand

For many couples, February is peak wedding season – and Auckland celebrant Nate Dunn is feeling it. With 12 ceremonies booked this month alone, he says it’s the busiest time of year for him and many of his colleagues.

While Valentine’s Day occasionally becomes the big day – by design or by chance – Dunn isn’t convinced it’s always the best choice. One major factor is cost, especially for flowers.

“For myself, I’m booked for the next two to three years for February and I know couples who are looking at some of the more popular vendors – like photographers and venues – they really need to be thinking two years out if they’re getting married in February, because all the good venues and good vendors book out really fast,” Dunn told Morning Report.

Nate Dunn says February is the busiest month of the season.

Supplied / Rebecca Bradley Photography

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/is-a-valentines-day-wedding-a-good-idea/

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Why being hopeful is more radical than ever now

Source: Radio New Zealand

The most radical thing that you can do right now is hope, according to acclaimed British playwright Simon Stephens.

Best known for his Tony and Olivier award-winning adaption of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Stephens says sharing an experience with people who you might disagree with politically, ideologically or culturally has never been more radical than now.

“It’s an increasingly rare thing nowadays to go and sit in a room with people you don’t know and share an experience, to look in the same direction and engage in the same story together … to turn your phone off and look in the same direction with people who you not only might not know, but if you did know them, you might not agree with them about some things,” Stephens told Saturday Morning.

Playwright Simon Stephens accepts the award for Best Play for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” onstage at the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on 7 June, 2015 in New York City.

Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions / AFP

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/14/why-being-hopeful-is-more-radical-than-ever-now/

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Cam Melville Ives misses snowboard halfpipe medals

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cam Melville Ives at the 2026 Winter Olympics. www.photosport.nz

First time Olympian Cam Melville Ives struggled to complete his runs in the snowboard halfpipe final and finished in 12th place at Livingo Snow Park.

The Wanaka rider qualified in eighth for the Winter Olympics final but was among the athletes that could not put down clean runs on Saturday.

Melville Ives’ first run score of 43, which included a backside double-cork alley-oop and a frontside triple cork 1440, was his best result from his three runs.

The halfpipe was the 19-year-old’s only event of the Milano Cortina Games.

Japanese athletes dominated the early runs in the halfpipe final with a trio of riders scoring in the 90s on their first attempts, before Australia’s Scotty James broke into the top positions on his second run.

Team Japan’s 24-year-old Yuto Totsuka won the gold medal in his third Olympics, secured with a 95.00 scored in his second run. James was unable to improve on his final run to finish with back-to-back silver medals in his fifth Olympic appearance.

Japan’s 19-year-old Ryusei Yamada finished with the bronze medal in his first Olympic Games.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/14/cam-melville-ives-misses-snowboard-halfpipe-medals/