Category: Radio New Zealand

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Should third party vehicle insurance be compulsory? Why the costs could outweigh the benefits

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Supporters of compulsory third-party vehicle insurance argue that it will prevent innocent drivers from facing hefty repair bills they can’t afford.

However, recent comments from the transport minister suggest that such a change wouldn’t be happening anytime soon.

Chris Bishop told interest.co.nz that the mandatory third-party vehicle insurance wasn’t considered by the government as part of changes to the driver licensing system.

He also said the gains were not necessarily as high as everyone else thought, given the huge number of New Zealanders already had vehicle insurance.

Automobile Association road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said making third-party insurance compulsory was complicated.

He told Nine to Noon it needed very careful consideration as it could add extra costs to both parties.

“When you have something like this, it has the potential to push premiums up for everybody to try and get that coverage,” Thomsen said.

“The last survey that was done in New Zealand looking at this, and it was quite some time ago, we had about 92 percent of drivers having insurance.

“To try and get to 100 percent, probably impossible because even the countries that have compulsory insurance haven’t achieved that.”

Thomsen said an important consideration was the cost of enforcing third-party insurance.

Some of the European countries were getting close to around 98 percent, but there was a catch, he said.

“They have spent a lot in terms of enforcement. They have to have a lot invested in databases that can link up,” Thomsen said.

“Most of the ones that have got that high have camera networks looking at license plates quite extensively. “

Thomsen said just like car registrations or warrant of fitness, while both mandatory, you will never get to 100 percent.

He acknowledged how frustrating it could be to get compensation after a crash with an uninsured driver.

But he said the key question was whether a compulsory system would actually provide more benefits than the costs.

“We don’t think the case has been made for that yet. We would like to see more updated information because most people already have insurance,” Thomsen said.

“We know warrant of fitness, car registrations, those are both mandatory and compulsory and we know not everybody has those. So, we’re never going to be able to get to 100%.

“How much better could it be? I think more information is needed.”

Thomsen also stressed that New Zealand did have a form of compulsory insurance through ACC, which covered the costs of injuries.

He said while Australia had compulsory third-party insurance, it was only for injuries, which was the same as ACC here.

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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/2026/03/02/should-third-party-vehicle-insurance-be-compulsory-why-the-costs-could-outweigh-the-benefits/

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Tyres slashed on three ambulances during Manukau break-in

Source: Radio New Zealand

St John district operations manager Andy Everiss said the action was highly disrespectful. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Police are searching for a group of people who slashed the tyres of ambulances in South Auckland this weekend.

They said the offenders broke into a gated yard at Hato Hone St John’s Manukau Station on Saturday night, puncturing five tyres across three ambulances.

“These are destructive actions, and consequences of actions such as this can put people’s lives at risk,” Senior Sergeant Roelof Burger said.

“As the vehicles are inoperable for a period of time, this impacts St John’s ability to respond to those who are in need of medical attention within our community.”

But St John district operations manager Andy Everiss said the action was highly disrespectful.

“Thankfully, this incident did not severely impact our emergency ambulance response, and we remain available to respond in an emergency,” he said.

Police are seeking CCTV or dashcam footage from the nearby Plunket Ave and Wiri Station Road to help identify the people responsible.

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/2026/03/02/tyres-slashed-on-three-ambulances-during-manukau-break-in/

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The Detail: Net fishing is in, then out again as National Party does a backflip

Source: Radio New Zealand

A ring net fishing boat in Northland. Seafood NZ 

National has announced that, if re-elected, it would ban ring-net fishing in some areas of the Hauraki Gulf, but the policy they’ve promised to reverse was their own

The battle has been long – fish versus fishing.

Now, the fight over the future of the Hauraki Gulf has erupted again, this time over politics, promises and what policy critics call a backflip.

Nine months out from the election, the National Party has pledged to ban the controversial practice of ring-netting in 12 high protection zones and to review rules around bottom trawling corridors. Currently, two high-protection zones can be accessed by five commercial fishers.

Announced by conservation minister Tama Potaka, the new policy pushes against a decision his own government made last year and comes as a “confusing” blow to Seafood New Zealand.

“The health of our oceans and the sustainability of our fisheries resources are absolutely critical to us,” Seafood New Zealand chief executive Lisa Futschek tells ‘The Detail’. “Without that, we don’t have businesses, we don’t create jobs and we don’t supply healthy protein to Kiwis,

“We work really hard on these credentials, but the policy reversal… I really do question whether it is about sustainability.”

She says the five fishers allowed to fish in the two high-protection areas “run small family businesses, they have been fishing in the area for decades, it’s really low impact, they have small boats… and their nets are hand set and hauled”.

“It’s hard to argue this is a sustainability measure,” Futschek says. “It’s really unfortunate, because these ring-net fishers were caught in what are now high-protection areas, lines were drawn, their operations weren’t considered and it really is unfair.”

“The exceptions that the government made were just transitions for these guys, so they could adapt their businesses and prepare for some time in the future, when those exceptions were no longer allowed.

“The fact that the National caucus has decided to roll those back early – or certainly they are electioneering on that promise – is really confusing to us, because it isn’t about sustainability and we would like to understand what it is really about.”

Newsroom senior business journalist Andrew Bevin, who is covering the story, tells ‘The Detail’ the policy backflip is a surprise move by the National Party.

“It’s not often you see someone campaigning to undo their own decision as an election policy,” says Bevin, whose story ran under the headline ‘Fisheries emerges as unlikely election battleground’.

“To come out with a fisheries policy nine months before the election tells you that this is something we are going to have a real discussion about this year.”

He says National has opted to campaign for this new policy, because the current situation is “just so unpopular”.

“It’s become a poster child of what has been seen as an anti-environmental agenda from the coalition and this perceived favouring of industry over fishing rights for the public – recreational fishermen, who are cut out of these high protection areas.”

Environmental groups, scientists and recreational fishers have long been vocal that the Gulf is under pressure like never before.

They point to declining biodiversity, stressed fish stocks and seabeds scarred by trawling, but Futschek argues that commercial fishers are being unfairly painted as ocean villains when, in their view, they’re among the most regulated fishers in the world.

“To say that the commercial fishing industry is responsible for the decline in biodiversity and ecosystems in the Gulf is simply wrong,” she says. “Putting the blame at our feet is completely unfair and I reject that.”

She says quotas, monitoring and strict rules already govern what they can catch – and further bans could cripple businesses, coastal jobs and food supply chains.

She believes the current setup works.

“New Zealand can be hugely proud of a quota-management system that has seen our stocks revive, has seen us fishing sustainably, has seen us the envy of the world, really, in terms of the way we manage our fishery.”

She says the seafood industry is adapting – trialling new gear, reducing seabed impact, investing in sustainability – but trust, she admits, is harder to rebuild than a fish stock.

That may be the real battle here. Not just fish versus fishing – but credibility versus suspicion.

Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.

You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/the-detail-net-fishing-is-in-then-out-again-as-national-party-does-a-backflip/

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NZ share market falls in first trading since US-Israel strikes on Iran

Source: Radio New Zealand

The benchmark NZX50 fell 1 percent in early trading, or 145 points. RNZ / Angus Dreaver

The New Zealand share market has opened sharply lower following the latest conflict in the Middle East.

The benchmark NZX50 opened down 1 percent, before extending its losses to be down 1.3 percent mid-morning.

Market heavyweights Auckland Airport, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, and Infratil led the market down.

The New Zealand dollar, along with the Australian dollar, was also weaker as investors looked to reduce their global risk exposure.

The Kiwi fell 0.8 percent to be 59.5 cents against the United States dollar, while the Australian dollar fell more than 1 percent against the US dollar in early trade.

Investors tend to sell riskier assets during times of geopolitical volatility, with money diverted to safe haven investments like bonds.

Oil prices are also expected to rise when international trading resumes.

In an early morning note, BNZ senior interest rate strategist Stuart Ritson said financial markets began the week “facing heightened uncertainty”.

“The scale of the attacks, and Iran’s response, has exceeded expectations, pointing to further demand for safe-haven assets and upward pressure on oil prices,” he said.

“With President Trump calling for regime change and signalling the risk of a protracted conflict, the range of potential outcomes has widened, and will likely weigh on risk-sensitive assets.”

Oil prices had already moved higher prior to the attacks, Ritson said.

Brent crude – the global benchmark for oil – closed more than 2 percent higher at US$72.50 per barrel ahead of the attacks, and prices were expected to rise sharply.

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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/2026/03/02/nz-share-market-falls-in-first-trading-since-us-israel-strikes-on-iran/

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Tyres slashes on three ambulanceduring Manukau break-in

Source: Radio New Zealand

St John district operations manager Andy Everiss said the action was highly disrespectful. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Police are searching for a group of people who slashed the tyres of ambulances in South Auckland this weekend.

They said the offenders broke into a gated yard at Hato Hone St John’s Manukau Station on Saturday night, puncturing five tyres across three ambulances.

“These are destructive actions, and consequences of actions such as this can put people’s lives at risk,” Senior Sergeant Roelof Burger said.

“As the vehicles are inoperable for a period of time, this impacts St John’s ability to respond to those who are in need of medical attention within our community.”

But St John district operations manager Andy Everiss said the action was highly disrespectful.

“Thankfully, this incident did not severely impact our emergency ambulance response, and we remain available to respond in an emergency,” he said.

Police are seeking CCTV or dashcam footage from the nearby Plunket Ave and Wiri Station Road to help identify the people responsible.

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/2026/03/02/tyres-slashes-on-three-ambulanceduring-manukau-break-in/

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The Detail: Net fishing is in, then out again

Source: Radio New Zealand

A ring net fishing boat in Northland. Seafood NZ 

National has announced that, if re-elected, it would ban ring-net fishing in some areas of the Hauraki Gulf, but the policy they’ve promised to reverse was their own

The battle has been long – fish versus fishing.

Now, the fight over the future of the Hauraki Gulf has erupted again, this time over politics, promises and what policy critics call a backflip.

Nine months out from the election, the National Party has pledged to ban the controversial practice of ring-netting in 12 high protection zones and to review rules around bottom trawling corridors. Currently, two high-protection zones can be accessed by five commercial fishers.

Announced by conservation minister Tama Potaka, the new policy pushes against a decision his own government made last year and comes as a “confusing” blow to Seafood New Zealand.

“The health of our oceans and the sustainability of our fisheries resources are absolutely critical to us,” Seafood New Zealand chief executive Lisa Futschek tells ‘The Detail’. “Without that, we don’t have businesses, we don’t create jobs and we don’t supply healthy protein to Kiwis,

“We work really hard on these credentials, but the policy reversal… I really do question whether it is about sustainability.”

She says the five fishers allowed to fish in the two high-protection areas “run small family businesses, they have been fishing in the area for decades, it’s really low impact, they have small boats… and their nets are hand set and hauled”.

“It’s hard to argue this is a sustainability measure,” Futschek says. “It’s really unfortunate, because these ring-net fishers were caught in what are now high-protection areas, lines were drawn, their operations weren’t considered and it really is unfair.”

“The exceptions that the government made were just transitions for these guys, so they could adapt their businesses and prepare for some time in the future, when those exceptions were no longer allowed.

“The fact that the National caucus has decided to roll those back early – or certainly they are electioneering on that promise – is really confusing to us, because it isn’t about sustainability and we would like to understand what it is really about.”

Newsroom senior business journalist Andrew Bevin, who is covering the story, tells ‘The Detail’ the policy backflip is a surprise move by the National Party.

“It’s not often you see someone campaigning to undo their own decision as an election policy,” says Bevin, whose story ran under the headline ‘Fisheries emerges as unlikely election battleground’.

“To come out with a fisheries policy nine months before the election tells you that this is something we are going to have a real discussion about this year.”

He says National has opted to campaign for this new policy, because the current situation is “just so unpopular”.

“It’s become a poster child of what has been seen as an anti-environmental agenda from the coalition and this perceived favouring of industry over fishing rights for the public – recreational fishermen, who are cut out of these high protection areas.”

Environmental groups, scientists and recreational fishers have long been vocal that the Gulf is under pressure like never before.

They point to declining biodiversity, stressed fish stocks and seabeds scarred by trawling, but Futschek argues that commercial fishers are being unfairly painted as ocean villains when, in their view, they’re among the most regulated fishers in the world.

“To say that the commercial fishing industry is responsible for the decline in biodiversity and ecosystems in the Gulf is simply wrong,” she says. “Putting the blame at our feet is completely unfair and I reject that.”

She says quotas, monitoring and strict rules already govern what they can catch – and further bans could cripple businesses, coastal jobs and food supply chains.

She believes the current setup works.

“New Zealand can be hugely proud of a quota-management system that has seen our stocks revive, has seen us fishing sustainably, has seen us the envy of the world, really, in terms of the way we manage our fishery.”

She says the seafood industry is adapting – trialling new gear, reducing seabed impact, investing in sustainability – but trust, she admits, is harder to rebuild than a fish stock.

That may be the real battle here. Not just fish versus fishing – but credibility versus suspicion.

Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.

You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/the-detail-net-fishing-is-in-then-out-again/

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Major through road in Lower Hutt closes for next nine months

Source: Radio New Zealand

The works have already drawn the ire of local residents. Pretoria Gordon

A major through road in Lower Hutt will be closed for the next nine months as part of a series of road works in Hutt City.

From 2 March until December 2026, the intersection between Queens Dr and High St will be closed while the existing roundabout is converted to a traffic lighted intersection as part of the new Melling Interchange.

The works are part of the Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi project, formerly known as RiverLink.

“During the closure period, we will be relocating underground services like power, water, gas, and fibre; installing new drainage and stormwater systems; new footpaths, traffic islands, new signage and road markings to direct road users around the upgraded layout once we’ve replaced the existing roundabout with traffic lights,” the group said in January.

It said it expected these works to be among the most disruptive of those being undertaken as part of the Melling Interchange.

“We’re acutely aware of not only the impact it’ll have on how people move around the area, but of the cumulative impact of all the work going on around the Melling area and CBD.

“The only other way we could make the necessary changes to the intersection would involve 18 to 24 months of stop/go traffic management, weekend and night closures, and ultimately, a less safe environment for you to drive through and for our crews to work in. This closure will allow us to get far more work done in a much shorter period.”

The $1.5 billion Te Awa Kairangi project will include flood protection and river restoration work, urban revitalisation, and improvement to road and rail infrastructure, as well as new cycleways and pathways. It is not expected to be completed until some time in 2031.

But the works have already drawn the ire of local residents who have reported roadworks to date have caused gridlock and long delays.

It comes as commuters have been venting their frustration about a suite of works causing long delays.

There have been reports that the traffic sometimes backs up the off-ramps and causes delays on the motorway.

Some say their commute times have tripled, hitting set after set of road works.

But others say the problems are worth bearing for the improvements the work will bring.

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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/2026/03/02/major-through-road-in-lower-hutt-closes-for-next-nine-months/

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Live: US-Israeli strikes on Iran could last ‘weeks’, 48 Iranian leaders and 3 US soldiers killed

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow the latest with our live blog above

Israel and the US have begun a fresh waves of strikes on Iran, targetting the Iranian leadership, its air defences and its ballistic missile capabilities.

The US military says it has sunk nine Iranian warships and is “going after the rest” in attacks which US President Donald Trump says have killed 48 top Iranian leaders – including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Three US service members have also been killed and five seriously injured.

Trump said he envisages the conflict could last four weeks.

The attacks have sparked warnings about KiwiSaver, fuel and inflation in New Zealand.

Major Middle Eastern airports have been shut and regional gateways including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi were closed.

MFAT is advising New Zealanders in affected areas to shelter in place and leave when it is possible to do so.ces and its ballistic missile capabilities.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attacks on Saturday, which US President Donald Trump said were aimed at overturning Tehran’s government.

Follow the latest with our live blog at the top of the page

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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/2026/03/02/live-us-israeli-strikes-on-iran-could-last-weeks-48-iranian-leaders-and-3-us-soldiers-killed/

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Tall Blacks beat Guam to boost World Cup hopes

Source: Radio New Zealand

Reuben Te Rangi of New Zealand. David Rowland/www.photosport.nz

The Tall Blacks have beaten hosts Guam 99-67 to go two-from-two in their second window of qualifiers for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Reuben Te Rangi started the game with the Tall Blacks first five points, before Jack Andrew scored four of his own.

New Zealand’s up and in defensive scheme seemed to be doing the job as Guam struggled to put points on the board early.

Keanu Rasmussen entered the game, knocking down a corner three ball to score his first points as a Tall Black as the visitors extended their lead.

New Zealand’s defensive intensity continued to cause troubles for the Guam players, as the Tall Blacks continued to make baskets with regularity, opening up a 20-point lead halfway through the second quarter.

Guamanian guard, Takumi Simon, was doing everything he could to keep his side in the hunt, finishing the first half with 13 points, but it was the Tall Blacks who’d take a 51-34 lead into half time.

The Tall Blacks didn’t take long to get back into their work at the start of the second half, with Andrew continuing to lead the way down low, taking his tally to 16 points with another putback half-way through the third quarter.

Britt started to get going with six the the third, while the Tall Blacks continued to extend their lead to 19 points.

It was more of the same in the fourth quarter, as New Zealand continued to tack on points and further their lead.

Andrew finished with 20 points while Te Rangi had 15 and Rasmussen 14.

Flavell was happy with the team’s performance.

“We watched the Australian game the other day, so we came in with full respect for this Guam team,” Flavell said.

“For us it was all about our defensive mindset, two guys in particular, Simon and Freeman. We really obviously concentrated on those two in particular and tried to keep them quiet. For the most part I thought we did a pretty good job. Simon got going in the second half but for the most part, really happy with our team’s performance on the defensive end.”

Flavell also very happy with the way the team’s new additions.

“Jack Andrew, Sam Timmins, Kruz Perrott-Hunt and Jackson Ball – they just arrived the other day. I said to them, you’re gonna make mistakes, we’re going to be somewhat rusty here and there on the offensive end.

“But they came straight in and added to our side. For us, that’s our identity.”

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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/2026/03/02/tall-blacks-beat-guam-to-boost-world-cup-hopes/

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Kiwi driver Scott McLaughlin second at Indycar Grand Prix of St Petersburg

Source: Radio New Zealand

picture id=”4JSEOEB_AFP__20260228__2263973903__v2__HighRes__NttIndycarSeriesFirestoneGrandPrixOfStPeters_jpg” crop=”16×10″ layout=”full”] Scott McLaughlin was runner-up at the Indycar Grand Prix in St Petersburg.

Kiwi polesitter Scott McLaughlin has clawed his way onto the podium at the Indycar season opener in the United States, but was ultimately defeated by Spain’s Alex Palou.

Four-time defending champion Palou took the victory defeating the New Zealand driver by 12.49 seconds on the St Petersburg street circuit. Christian Lundgaard finished third.

Palou was leading on 59 of 100 laps. With six laps to go McLaughlin’s overtaking skills saw him move up the field in the battle for second with Lundgaard.

McLaughlin was more than pleased with the “good start” for the season, but conceded he’d hoped for more after qualifying at the front of the grid.

McLaughlin secured pole for the season opener at St Petersburg. DAVID JENSEN

“Look, Alex was super fast, but you know I think it’s just a mixed bag on what tyre you start on,” he told SkySport.

“Maybe we come back here again and maybe you start on reds, and you just get them out of the way.

“We made the passes we needed to make at the right times, and I thought we maximised our day which is what we needed to do.”

Fellow Kiwi Sir Scott Dixon had a weekend to forget, crashing out in the opening practice when he hit the wall. And in a further setback in today’s Grand Prix he lost a tyre on lap 40 and took no further part in the race.

New Zealand’s Marcus Armstrong was 11th after starting seventh on the grid.

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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/2026/03/02/kiwi-driver-scott-mclaughlin-second-at-indycar-grand-prix-of-st-petersburg/

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Winds could see Cook Strait ferry services cancelled

Source: Radio New Zealand

Bluebridge and Interislander in Picton Marlborough sounds RNZ/ Rachel Thomas

The Bluebridge Cook Straight ferry service is indicating strong southerlies could cause delays and cancellations on Monday and Tuesday.

It says strong winds and large swells are expected, and customers would be notified of any disruption.

“A southerly weather system is forecast for Cook Strait on Monday and Tuesday, bringing strong winds and large swells. The worst of the conditions are forecast for Monday afternoon and may result in delays or possible cancellations.”

RNZ has contacted KiwiRail to ask if Interislander services will also be affected.

No formal weather watches or warnings were in place for the region, MetService’s website showed.

“A southerly flow covers the North Island on Tuesday, while a large high in the Tasman Sea extends over the South Island, its severe weather outlooks said, noting a “strong or gale southeasterly flow” for the offshore Chatham Islands.

Meanwhile, ferry services connecting Eastbourne and Wellington City have been cancelled at least 10am Monday because of the conditions.

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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/2026/03/02/winds-could-see-cook-strait-ferry-services-cancelled/

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Christopher Luxon won’t say if NZ supports US strikes on Iran

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has told Morning Report the Iranian regime is an evil one and has been a destabilising force in the Middle East.

But he would not be drawn on whether the government supports the strikes by the United States and Israel against Tehran.

Asked by presenter Corin Dann whether New Zealand supported the attacks on Iran, Luxon said it condemned the Iranian regime as evil and as having claimed countless lives.

“We understand fully why the Americans and the Israelis have undertaken the independent action that they’ve taken.

“Our position is the same as the Australian position.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday the government supported the United States acting to stop Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Pressed on whether the strikes were legally right, Luxon said it would be up to the US and Israel to explain the legal basis for their attacks the attack.

Former Prime Minister Helen Cark has called the government’s stance a disgrace and says New Zealand should support a rules-based international order.

Luxon said what was disgraceful was the repressive Iranian regime which had killed thousands of its own people who had taken to the streets calling for freedoms.

“Iran has been a destabilising force. It has supported armed proxies throughout the region. It has seen tens of thousands of people murdered by own government, who were asking for freedom and rights.”

In a statement on Sunday, Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister and Winston Peters said New Zealand had consistently condemned Iran’s nuclear programme and its “destabilising activities” in the region and “acknolwedged” the strikes.

“Iran has, for decades, defied the will and expectations of the international community. The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people. The Iranian regime has long since lost that support,” they said.

Helen Clark at Chris Hipkins’ state of the nation speech last week. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

“In this context, we acknowledge that the actions taken overnight by the US and Israel were designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.”

Luxon and Peters condemned in the “strongest terms Iran’s indiscriminate retaliatory attacks” on neighbouring states.

The statement also said “we call for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law.”

Clark told Morning Report said the statement was a disgrace.

“What was wrong with it was it didn’t call out the illegal strike against Iran in the middle of diplomatic negotiations “which were going quite well and further talks were scheduled”.

“The whole point of international law is to put rules around when force is legitimate,” she said.

“A strike is justified if there is an imminent threat of attack, which clearly there was not.”

She said the initial strikes by the US and Israel violated international law.

“The New Zealand government seems only interested in the Iranian retaliation and not looking at the reason for the retaliation, which was the attack by the United States and Israel,” she said.

“I think it’s consistent with a steady drift in New Zealand foreign policy to realign strongly with the United States, which at this particular time seems even more questionable as a strategy.”

“We’re not putting a stake in the ground in defence of the international rule of law.”

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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/2026/03/02/christopher-luxon-wont-say-if-nz-supports-us-strikes-on-iran/

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Health workers vote to ratify new collective agreement with Health NZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. RNZ / Peter de Graaf

More than 3500 health workers have voted to ratify a new collective agreement with Health New Zealand after a drawn out 18-month bargaining process.

Mental health nurses and assistants are included in the agreement, which will give them a 2.5 percent pay rise and an $800 lump sum payment each.

The agreement was reached after 18 months of bargaining between the Health New Zealand and the Public Service Association.

Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said it was a step in the right direction for their workers, but more funding was needed to address problems in the health system.

Health New Zealand’s initial offers were far too low and it took strike action to get a fair offer, Fitzsimons said.

More funding was needed to fix deeper problems in the health system, she said.

“All political parties must commit to a properly funded public health system that ensures safe staffing levels, and delivers quality are for all New Zealanders.”

The collective agreement covering 12,000 allied health workers was also ratified last Tuesday.

Voting will soon be held on a third health agreement for policy, advisory, knowledge and specialist workers.

Health NZ has been contacted for comment.

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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/2026/03/02/health-workers-vote-to-ratify-new-collective-agreement-with-health-nz/

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‘Ens…ification’ blamed as Kiwis feel down about internet

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sixty percent of Kiwis use AI weekly, but 68 percent are ‘very or extremely concerned’ about it being used to produce harmful content. File photo. 123rf

Fewer and fewer New Zealanders are feeling positive about the internet, despite many spending hours online per day.

A study by Internet NZ has found that only 72 percent of Kiwis think the positives of the internet outweigh the negatives, despite nearly half spending four or more hours online a day.

InternetNZ chief executive Vivien Maidaborn said that figure had been slowly declining from 90 percent in 2019.

“The concern is potentially increasing because of what’s now being called the ‘enshittification’ of the internet by the big players who are really prioritising profit over user experience.”

Maidaborn said the research showed the increasingly complex relationship people have with the internet.

“Love it or hate it, we’re all using the internet a great deal… it’s become so integral to our day to day. But that doesn’t mean it’s something we enjoy engaging with.”

Attitude towards AI

The research also found kiwis were feeling increasingly confident in using artificial intelligence, but concerned about its potential to produce harmful content.

It found 60 percent of Kiwis used AI weekly, but 68 percent were ‘very or extremely concerned’ about it being used to produce harmful content.

AI could amplify some of the worst parts of the internet, Maidaborn said.

“Scamming phishing, targeting of particular groups with harm. All of those things can happen way faster than human speed with AI.”

The findings reflected the pace at which AI has grown in the past few years, Maidaborn said.

“In a very short time, we’ve gone from most people having a very limited understanding of what AI is and what it can do, to it being in use every day in almost every household.”

AI also brought opportunity, but more policy guidance was needed from the government so that people were not using unregulated tools, Maidaborn 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/2026/03/02/ens-ification-blamed-as-kiwis-feel-down-about-internet/

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2026 Taite Music Prize finalists announced

Source: Radio New Zealand

Marlon Williams, Geneva AM, Tom Scott and Jazmine Mary are among 10 finalists for the 2026 Taite Music Prize.

The award, named in honour of late Dylan Taite, one of Aotearoa’s respected music journalists, recognises outstanding independent New Zealand albums released in the past year.

The award will be presented on Wednesday, 29 April at the International Convention Centre, Auckland, at the same time as the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, IMNZ Classic Record and the Independent Spirit Award.

Marlon Williams will tour NZ in 2026 before taking a break for a ‘wee while’.

Supplied

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/2026-taite-music-prize-finalists-announced/

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I’m educated and a fan of science, so why do I follow superstitions?

Source: Radio New Zealand

As kids, many of us are told that if we go outside with wet hair, we’ll catch a cold. And as adults, we might spend an extra few minutes drying our hair before stepping out.

Many tall buildings in Anglo countries don’t label the 13th floor, while buildings in East Asia often skip floor four.

If a player I barrack for is having a winning streak, and a commentator mentions it, I might feel like the player is “jinxed” and their winning streak will end.

We can be quite creative in how we assemble information, in ways that are totally incompatible with science.

Unsplash

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/im-educated-and-a-fan-of-science-so-why-do-i-follow-superstitions/

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Person dies in crash, car submerged in river

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A person has died on State Highway 1 in Taihape, to the north of Spooners Hill.

Police were advised at 7.25am on Sunday that a car had gone off the road and into Hautapu River.

The car was found submerged in the river with significant damage from the crash.

It was removed from the river on Sunday afternoon.

The driver was the sole occupant.

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/2026/03/02/person-dies-in-crash-car-submerged-in-river/

Posted on

‘Ens…ification’ blamed for as Kiwis feel down about internet

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sixty percent of Kiwis use AI weekly, but 68 percent are ‘very or extremely concerned’ about it being used to produce harmful content. File photo. 123rf

Fewer and fewer New Zealanders are feeling positive about the internet, despite many spending hours online per day.

A study by Internet NZ has found that only 72 percent of Kiwis think the positives of the internet outweigh the negatives, despite nearly half spending four or more hours online a day.

InternetNZ chief executive Vivien Maidaborn said that figure had been slowly declining from 90 percent in 2019.

“The concern is potentially increasing because of what’s now being called the ‘enshittification’ of the internet by the big players who are really prioritising profit over user experience.”

Maidaborn said the research showed the increasingly complex relationship people have with the internet.

“Love it or hate it, we’re all using the internet a great deal… it’s become so integral to our day to day. But that doesn’t mean it’s something we enjoy engaging with.”

Attitude towards AI

The research also found kiwis were feeling increasingly confident in using artificial intelligence, but concerned about its potential to produce harmful content.

It found 60 percent of Kiwis used AI weekly, but 68 percent were ‘very or extremely concerned’ about it being used to produce harmful content.

AI could amplify some of the worst parts of the internet, Maidaborn said.

“Scamming phishing, targeting of particular groups with harm. All of those things can happen way faster than human speed with AI.”

The findings reflected the pace at which AI has grown in the past few years, Maidaborn said.

“In a very short time, we’ve gone from most people having a very limited understanding of what AI is and what it can do, to it being in use every day in almost every household.”

AI also brought opportunity, but more policy guidance was needed from the government so that people were not using unregulated tools, Maidaborn said.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/ens-ification-blamed-for-as-kiwis-feel-down-about-internet/

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One killed in Ruapehu crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services were called to the scene in the Ruapehu District just after 11pm on Sunday (file image). RNZ / Richard Tindiller

One person has died after a three-vehicle crash on State Highway 4 in the settlement of Erua on Sunday night.

Emergency services were called to the scene in the Ruapehu District just after 11pm.

One person died at the scene. Another person sustained critical injuries, and four others minor.

The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene and enquiries were ongoing.

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/2026/03/02/one-killed-in-ruapehu-crash/

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Rugby: All Blacks halfback Cortez Ratima re-commits to NZ Rugby to after next World Cup.

Source: Radio New Zealand

Will Jordan celebrates with Cortez Ratima after scoring. Wallabies v New Zealand All Blacks, 2024 Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup test match, Accor Stadium, NSW, Australia, Saturday 21st September 2024, Copyright David Neilson / www.photosport.nz David Neilson/Photosport

All Blacks halfback Cortez Ratima has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs to the end of 2028.

The 24-year-old said it was an easy decision, especially after the recent birth of his second son.

“I have a new baby at home and being in one place and having a stable home life is good for our family,” Ratima said.

“I love this club and how they have supported me and my family. I’m loving what [Chiefs coach] Jono [Gibbes] and the other coaches are doing and there’s no place I’d rather be.”

Cortez Ratima of New Zealand All Blacks during series against England, 2024. PHOTOSPORT

Ratima has played 38 games for Waikato and 60 for the Chiefs since his Super Rugby debut against the Crusaders in 2022.

He has played 21 tests since making his All Blacks debut against England in 2024.

Ratima said with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia getting closer, competing for a place in the All Blacks was a huge motivator.

Gibbes was delighted Ratima was staying with the side.

“It’s great to have a player of Cortez’ ability stick with us. It shows his faith in what we are doing and where we are heading, which is terrific. It’s also a reflection on the culture we have here at the club.

“Cortez is a talented young man and it is exciting to know he and his whānau will be a part of the Chiefs for another three years, at least.”

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/2026/03/02/rugby-all-blacks-halfback-cortez-ratima-re-commits-to-nz-rugby-to-after-next-world-cup/