Category: Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A tour through Parliament is among several new locations of interest connected to a measles case in a traveller who visited New Zealand.

The traveller was infectious during their visit from 23-27 February.

The new locations include both Auckland and Wellington airport, several trains between Upper Hutt and Wellington, and an afternoon parliament tour.

Health New Zealand said anyone who suspected they had measles should phone ahead before visiting their doctor so they could take precautions to stop it spreading.

Symptoms include a runny nose, fever, cough, sore watery eyes and a rash that develops a few days after the fever.

The new locations of interest include:

• 23/02/2026 (7:30am to 8:30am) Train HVL Epuni to Upper Hutt
• 23/02/26 (9:30pm to 1:00pm) Nga Manu Reserve, Waikanae
• 23/02/26 (12:15pm to 4:15pm) Adrenaline Forest, Porirua
• 23/02/2026 (4pm to 5:30pm) Train HVL Upper Hutt to Epuni
• 24/02/2026 (9am to 10am) Train HVL Epuni to Wellington Station
• 24/02/2026 (3pm to 4pm) Train HVL Wellington Station to Epuni Station
• 25/02/26 (5:15pm to 8:30pm) Fraser Park Sportsville / Ricoh Sports Centre
• 26/02/2026 (8.30am to 9.30am) Train HVL Epuni to Wellington Station
• 26/02/26 (12:00pm to 1:30pm) Cable Car, 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington
• 26/02/26 (1:30pm to 4:00pm) Parliament Tour (bespoke tour for educational group)
• 26/02/26 (4:10pm to 8:20pm) Wellington Airport Domestic Terminal
• 26/02/26 (8:30pm to10:30pm) Auckland Airport Domestic Terminal
• 26/02/26-27/02/26 (9:00pm to 1:00am) Auckland Airport’s International Terminal

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/measles-case-parliament-tour-included-in-new-locations-of-interest/

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Waitaki District Council is considering allowing people aged over the age of 80 park for free in Oamaru.

Age Concern Otago has asked the council to consider removing parking fees as part of its upcoming parking strategy after new parking meters introduced last December made some elderly people anxious.

Age Concern’s Waitaki coordinator Kathryn Bennett said fear of receiving a $70 parking ticket meant some people had stopped coming into town.

“There is a need to ensure that seniors are treated fairly and have equitable access to their community,” she said.

“Free parking for people 80 and over would benefit this demographic as they are often the most challenged with technology.”

Parking costed $2 per hour in Oamaru and people could get one hour free by entering their number plate details into machines.

Bennett pointed to Gore District Council which had two-hour free parking for people aged over 80, although Age Concern preferred all-day free parking in Waitaki.

Gore’s over-80s parking scheme was introduced in October 2021.

Permit-holders were identified via a parking sticker on the front window of their vehicle, of which there were 357 currently in Gore.

A Gore District Council spokesperson said the policy was designed to support older residents, remove financial barriers and encourage social connection and participation in the CBD.

A report would go to Waitaki District Council later this year.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/waitaki-district-council-considers-free-parking-for-seniors-in-oamaru/

Source: Radio New Zealand

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Lights, camera, action, Ōtepoti! A new pitch is hoping to put Dunedin centre stage as the next Hollywood A-list film location.

Enterprise Dunedin has teamed up with Dunedin-raised comedian James Mustapic to entice location scouts, filmmakers and producers to set their sights on the southern city for their next project.

The showreel was designed to sell Dunedin as a place to film, with Mustapic testing his acting chops playing some familiar characters in parodies of famous films.

Around him, the city transformed from a deserted island, the Big Apple, an alien planet to an English Estate.

“Dunedin and its amazing locations are the lead actors, quite the ensemble, I’m just here in a sort of supporting role really,” Mustapic said.

He grew up in Dunedin, but said he had a new appreciation for the city after returning for filming.

“Not many actors can claim to have been in a New York crime drama, historical fiction, sci-fi adventures and fantasy epics all in one location for the same project,” he said.

“The city (and I) got to be cinematic chameleons.”

Film Dunedin, which is part of Enterprise Dunedin, produced the showreel.

Film Dunedin head Stefan Roesch said the city and its surrounds had a lot to offer and was under-utilised as a filming destination.

“You can literally film any genre here, be it sci-fi, zombie. We’ve got [these] beautiful sweeping vistas around Middlemarch which could be amazing for fantasy films or for certain sci-fi genres, and it’s all within half an hour to an hours’ drive if you’re based in Dunedin,” Roesch said.

The showreel was created entirely in-house by Enterprise Dunedin.

Research into screen-influenced tourism showed a significant increase in interest for some locations once a production gained traction, Roesch said.

“A recent report commissioned by the New Zealand Film Commission estimates that $2.7 billion in international tourism expenditure is linked to screen industry output.”

Roesch wanted the showreel to cut through the noise and offer a different take on a typical destination pitch.

“We wanted to do something completely different and create a story that hopefully will garner some attention, and at the same time showcase the width and breadth of our locations in a way that already gives production companies ideas what genres could be filmed in Dunedin,” he said.

The city has a good history of attracting productions – X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Power of the Dog, The Hobbit and Uproar to name a few.

Netflix’s 2022 release The Royal Treatment was filmed in Dunedin and saw more than 42 million viewing hours within the first four days of its release.

“It generated thousands of bed nights … it was a crew of 120-130. I believe 60-65 percent of the crew were locals so there was a great upskilling part in that,” Roesch said.

Dunedin was still underutilised as a filming destination and Roesch said he would love to welcome more sets to the city.

Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker could not wait for more people to see the showreel.

“Super excited about it. When it was shown to all of us councillors there was clapping at the end. It was just such fun and I think the wonderful thing was how much it showcased Dunedin,” she said.

“We have so many different landscapes, so many quirky spots and you don’t really want to be everything to everybody, but I think we are.”

Filming was a boon for accommodation and local hospitality, but she said it also encouraged viewers to become visitors to the city.

“Film brings huge numbers of people into town. It also is great for our city profile because things like The Royal Treatment had huge numbers … watching it…

“We know that people come and see places that were in films.”

She did not want to play favourites when it came to suggesting locations, but said the Hereweka/ Harbour Cone could possibly make a striking Mount Vesuvius on film.

The showreel cost almost $20,000 to produce, with about half the budget covered by income from location permitting fees.

Now the showreel has been launched, there were hopes Dunedin would soon feature on more film call sheets into the future.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/showreel-showcases-dunedin-as-diverse-filming-location/

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/why-a-kiwi-world-record-holder-still-misses-playing-riff-raff/

Source: Radio New Zealand

One person has been injured and armed police have been deployed after an incident in South Auckland this afternoon.

Police said they responded to reports of an injured person on Marne Road in Papakura about 3pm.

A possible weapon may have been used at the scene, said police, and armed officers are attending the incident “out of caution”.

The public have been asked to avoid the Marne Road area, and officers currently have cordons in place.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/armed-police-on-scene-in-papakura-after-person-injured/

Source: Radio New Zealand

An IT project behind the overhaul of firearms regulations has been put on hold, due to uncertainty over what is needed.

A Treasury report from last September, released this week, rated the ‘Arms Transformation’ project as red.

It suggested the police minister intervene to “resolve major issues”.

“Yes, it has been rated red, however nothing has gone wrong,” police told RNZ on Friday.

Usually a red rating in a quarterly investment report meant real doubt a project could be delivered.

In this case a so-called ‘Gateway’ review was done and found “there was uncertainty about the ICT and system requirements that would be required should a new regulator be created”.

Setting up a new regulator depended on a bill still before Parliament.

“The work has been paused, while the legislative process is ongoing,” Firearms Safety Authority business transformation director Richard Wilson said.

He said the Arms Transformation Programme had gone well since it began and was previously rated green/amber.

A digital registry of firearms was built on budget in 2023 and this was being expanded. A review last year found the registry should achieve public safety objectives, once it was fully embedded.

The authority was working with Treasury and the Ministry of Justice on it, Wilson said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/it-project-behind-overhaul-of-firearms-regulations-put-on-hold/

Source: Radio New Zealand

A climate activist says it is up to individuals to do the right thing if the government will not do more to reduce vehicle emissions.

The government is considering scrapping the clean car standard, which limits the average carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipes of new cars brought into the country.

In November, the government slashed the fees importers pay to bring in high-emitting vehicles by 80 percent.

Climate Liberation Aotearoa’s Jen Olsen is urging people not to buy luxury vehicles, such as SUVs, which she said could emit three to four times the amount of carbon per kilometre that petrol vehicles do.

“Carbon emissions are causing the climate emergency and all of the severe weather events that go with it. To go backwards like this for the sake of the motor industry is very disappointing.

“It is going to have to be individuals who decide no, we don’t want these vehicles.

“In a time of climate emergency, when we all need to be thinking about reducing our climate footprint, some things we can live without. Luxury cars are one of them.”

She said opting for an electric or hybrid vehicle was far better for the environment.

“When you’re going to buy a car, there’s always information about the emissions it produces. I would ask people to look at this and take it seriously.

“All the figures say that electric vehicles are far better. Even a hybrid car will use a fraction of the petrol that a petrol car does, saving you money and saving emissions.”

During storms in October 2025, a fallen tree damaged Olsen’s Dunedin home, which she said made the issue even more personal.

“Its been quite a big clean up. I was lucky there was little damage inside my house. But extreme weather is happening more and more, and it’s not going to go away. That’s why I’m so disappointed about where the government is going.”

She said luxury emissions in general were a concern to Climate Liberation Aotearoa, and they were also opposed to people taking luxury cruises and plane flights.

“If you’re going to take a holiday, please don’t take a cruise.

“If people are going overseas to visit family members that’s a different thing, but if you can take a holiday at home, think twice about taking a flight.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/activist-urging-individual-action-as-government-looks-to-scrap-clean-car-standard/

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/meghan-duchess-of-sussex-and-netflix-part-ways/

Source: Radio New Zealand

A two-vehicle crash just south of Motutere has closed State Highway 1.

The crash was reported near Rawhira Road just after 1.10pm on Sunday.

Police said initial indications were that there were serious injuries.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/two-vehicle-crash-closes-sh1-near-bay-of-plenty/

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/herbs-frontman-dilworth-karaka-dies/

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Search and Rescue operation is continuing in Greymouth on Sunday after a person was swept out to sea.

Emergency services got the call around 6pm on Saturday a person was swept out in the Greymouth/Blaketown area.

Police said a kayak was found washed up near Blaketown at around 7.30pm on Saturday and enquiries were being made to find out whether this is linked to the person that was seen.

Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, West Coast Search and Rescue, said the extensive search had involved Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Kotuku Surf Lifesaving and Garden City Helicopters.

“The Emily B Drifter was also deployed, the drifter replicates where a person in the ocean may be.”

Police were asking anybody who recognised the kayak, or has not heard from somebody who was kayaking in Greymouth on Saturday to contact Police via 105, quoting the reference number P065678948.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/search-continues-in-greymouth-after-person-swept-out-to-sea/

Source: Radio New Zealand

Downpours are set to strike the lower South Island, with Fiordland and Southland both under heavy rain watches.

MetService warned that the rainfall could approach warning criteria.

It said there was a moderate chance of Southland’s watch being upgraded to a warning.

The watches are in place from 9am on Sunday, with Fiordland about and north of Dusky Sound’s watch ending at 9pm.

Southland is under a heavy rain watch until 7pm.

️Heavy Rain Watches for Far South ️

A front moves up, slow at first, allowing accumulations to climb a bit in the far south, hence the Heavy Rain Watches. The front then speeds up as it moves northward over the rest of the South Island on Sunday.

We can see the North… pic.twitter.com/D5VmRs2Vl8

— MetService NZ (@MetService) March 7, 2026

Scorching temperatures for South’s east coast

Much of the South Island’s east coast, however, is set for a scorching Sunday, with temperatures almost reaching 30C.

MetService said northwesterly winds and sunny conditions ahead of a cold front were driving the hot temperatures.

It said Blenheim was expected to reach 29C, while Christchurch is forecast to hit 28C. Timaru is also expected to hit 25C, while Ashburton could expect to reach 27C.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/mixed-bag-of-weather-set-for-south-island/

Source: Radio New Zealand

More than $5 million has been granted for a programme to eliminate cervical cancer across the Pacific, with the support of former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern.

The University of Auckland has found the incidence rate of cervical cancer is up to nine times higher in the Pacific Islands than in Australasia.

It said cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease but remains a leading cause of cancer death among Pacific women prompting the university to support the rollout of safe initiatives across the Pacific.

It comes as the Matariki Fund has granted $5.1 million for a programme to eliminate cervical cancer across the Pacific.

The Matariki Fund, administered by Dame Jacinda Ardern, is supporting the programme by expanding access to new and existing locally led cancer prevention initiatives for more people across the Pacific.

Ardern said Pacific women were disproportionately affected by a disease that could be eliminated.

“There is such excellent leadership within the region – this funding is simply about supporting them to save lives with solutions that should be available to everyone.”

Run through University of Auckland’s Centre for Pacific and Global Health, the programme will focus on the Cook Islands and Niue.

Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga said cervical cancer was preventable, yet too many Pacific women continued to die from it.

The programme aligns with the WHO Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer by supporting countries to achieve the “90-70-90” targets by 2030.

This means aiming to achieving 90 percent of girls aged 15 years receiving the HPV vaccine, 70 percent of women screened by age 35 years, and again at 45 years; and 90 percent of women with pre-cancer and invasive cancers treated.

“This investment allows Pacific countries to work together – sharing expertise, strengthening systems, and supporting women leaders – to achieve elimination,” Tukuitonga said.

It would also look to facilitates timely diagnostics to enable treatment for pre-cancerous lesions and invasive cancer.

Professor Judith McCool, head of the School of Population Health and co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, said the funding enabled sustainable, system-level change.

“This grant allows us to move beyond isolated interventions to a truly collaborative, Pacific-led approach. By strengthening leadership, governance, and regional partnerships, we are building the foundations for long-term health equity.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/08/university-of-auckland-supports-5m-programme-to-eliminate-cervical-cancer-in-pacific/