MIL-OSI – Page 107 – MIL-OSI Export

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A third of New Zealanders have savings of less than $500, Westpac says, with Auckland and Northland lagging the rest of the country.

Westpac has released new data that shows Canterbury and Otago are top of the savings stakes – in both regions 28 percent of Westpac customers are making monthly payments into savings, and they have the highest median savings balance of $4200.

Those regions also had the highest proportion of customers with savings of $15,000 or more, at 32 percent.

Auckland and Northland were at the opposite end, with only 20 percent of customers making monthly payments into savings and median savings balances of less than $1500.

Overall, 36 percent of people had less than $500 in savings. The median amount being saved each month was $150 and only 38 percent had a Westpac KiwiSaver balance over $40,000.

Some savings account interest rates are quite low.

Warren Ngan Woo, programme manager for financial wellbeing for Westpac NZ, said that could be driving people to look at other options.

“I think people are looking at those options around other sort of investment types.

“When you think of platforms that are out there, those micro investment platforms that are on the market … people are sort of saying, maybe I’ll shave a little bit off my savings, put a little bit into that to have a little bit of a dabble, a bit of a go into that.

“I always encourage people to just do your research, make sure it fits you and what you’re looking at … people should look at other avenues, try not to have all your eggs in one basket but have a look at different investment classes that might suit their life and stage and their position and what their goals are now and into the future.”

Sarah Hearn, Westpac’s managing director of product, sustainability and marketing, said customers with money in low-interest accounts received nudge emails encouraging them to look at better options.

“Good savings habits can make a big difference in the long run. Even if you’re only putting aside a small amount each month, simply establishing the behaviour is a great start,” she said.

She said some people would be focusing on paying off their mortgages rather than saving but 81 percent of Westpac home loan customers had a savings account.

“We know costs are typically higher in Auckland than in other regions and that’s reflected in this savings data,” she said.

“And around the country, households and businesses continue to grapple with high costs. Saving more money might feel unrealistic for many people right now and we understand that. But taking some time to review your overall spending and making small savings commitments can have a big impact over time.”

Ngan Woo said the South Island’s outperformance reflected the positive signs of activity in the economy.

“Auckland being a big economic hub that it is, we haven’t been immune to a few things with business closures and the like and restructures across businesses.”

He said the overall figure of 36 percent having a balance of less than $500 painted a picture of things still being difficult for households.

“We’re trying to do our best to keep things as optimistic and positive as possible, it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, if we keep talking about, ‘oh, it’s hard, it’s tough’ .”

He said he encouraged people to start small and build lasting habits that could be built upon when circumstances improved.

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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/2026/02/24/new-zealanders-dismal-savings-balances-revealed/

February 24, 2026

Waitaki council rejoins Southern Waters partnership

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ratepayers are being warned of massive rates rises ahead, no matter what plan is implemented. RNZ

Waitaki District Council is rejoining the Southern Waters partnership it ditched last year.

The council has announced it will team up with Central Otago, Clutha and Gore district councils to deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services after its in-house water services plan was rejected by the Department of Internal Affairs.

The Mackenzie and Timaru District Councils are also expected to make a decision about joining the partnership on Tuesday afternoon.

Waitaki Mayor Mel Tavendale said a large organisation would deliver clear benefits in efficiency and cost savings.

Tavendale said she was hopeful the other two councils would also join.

“Choosing a larger entity will deliver the best outcome for Waitaki,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Rebecca Ryan said the decision to join Southern Waters was a leap of faith, “but not a blind leap”.

“It makes sense from an affordability and sustainability perspective, and ultimately that is the biggest issue our community is facing,” she said.

Councillor Frans Schlack said an in-house model was ultimately unsustainable.

“It would fail in the foreseeable future in terms of water services compliance and charges to Waitaki’s water customers. The establishment of a six-district CCO will be. .. the most economical long-term water service delivery option for our district,” he said.

Waitaki District Council said it was continuing a review of the condition of its water assets ordered by the Department of Internal Affairs.

It would submit its plan to be part of a joint water entity by the deadline of 30 June 2026, a council spokesperson said.

In a statement shared on the council website on Tuesday, councillor Sven Thelning warned ratepayers should still be aware of massive rates rises ahead.

“It wouldn’t have mattered even if we’d gone in-house, or whatever option we picked. It’s going to hurt,” Thelning said.

“There’s a lot of work needing done out there, and it’s going to cost – and your elected council no longer has the ability to kick the can down the road, which is how we’ve got here. We should have better asset management over time, to prevent this happening again.”

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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/2026/02/24/waitaki-council-rejoins-southern-waters-partnership/

February 24, 2026

Farmers being cautious with profits

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

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

He said spending did differ from individual to individual.

Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good. Supplied

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

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

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

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

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

While farmer confidence is up – spending is slow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/farmers-being-cautious-with-profits/

February 24, 2026

A forest on the brink of recovery: Kawau Island poised for a pest-free comeback

Source: Auckland Council

Te Kawau Tūmaro ō Tōi / Kawau Island’s forests are showing strong signs they can recover – when long-standing pressures from introduced mammalian pests are removed.

A new baseline forest monitoring report, prepared ahead of a major pest eradication programme, paints a clear picture of both the damage done by browsing animals such as wallabies and possums, and the hopeful future that could follow their removal.

Once the programme is fully completed, Kawau could become one of the largest permanently inhabited islands in the Hauraki Gulf to be free of pest mammals.

Introduced to Kawau Island in the mid-to late-1800s, the four remaining species of wallabies have had a profound impact on the island’s forests. Alongside other pest mammals, they have heavily eaten seedlings and saplings, creating what ecologists describe as a “recruitment bottleneck”– where young plants struggle to grow into the next generation of forest.

Despite this, the forests have not lost their resilience.

Auckland Council’s Principal Specialist for Natural Environment Operations Lisa Tolich says the really encouraging thing is that the building blocks for recovery are still there.

“We’re seeing a dominance of native plants, plenty of seedlings waiting for their chance to grow, and bird communities that are still relatively intact. That tells us these ecosystems are ready to respond once the pressure is lifted.”

Kawau Island has been identified as a strategic priority area under Auckland Council’s Regional Pest Management Plan. The ‘working towards a pest-free Kawau Island’ programme is a collaborative effort led by Auckland Council with funding through the Natural Environment Targeted Rate as well as funding from central government and third-party philanthropic donations. The project is supported by the Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust, the Department of Conservation and developed alongside the local community.

The programme is being rolled out in stages. Stage one, which began in autumn 2025, focuses on removing wallabies and possums – the primary browsing pests. A second stage, subject to feasibility, approvals, funding and further community engagement, would target mammalian predators such as rats and stoats.

Before any eradication work began, a network of forest monitoring plots was established across the island to capture a detailed snapshot of current forest health. This baseline allows scientists and land managers to track changes over time, understand how different forest types respond, and adapt management as needed.

The recent findings show recovery is unlikely to look the same everywhere.

Broadleaved forests with existing diversity are expected to bounce back more quickly, while kānuka-dominated areas and exotic forests may take longer to diversify. There is also a note of caution: removing browsing pressure could allow some invasive weeds, currently kept in check by pests, to spread rapidly if not closely monitored.

“Eradication isn’t the end of the story, it’s the beginning of a new phase of stewardship,” says Tolich.

“Ongoing monitoring will be critical so we can spot emerging issues early and respond before they become major problems.”

To do this, the report recommends re-measuring forest plots every two to three years in the short term, then every five years over the longer term. It also suggests targeted monitoring of high-value native species to better understand how individual populations respond to a pest-free future.

Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee Councillor Richard Hills says the findings offer a hopeful message.

“While decades of browsing have destroyed native flora and held Kawau Island’s forests back, the potential for recovery is strong.

“With sustained effort, careful monitoring and community support, Te Kawau Tūmaro ō Tōi forests will once again grow, regenerate and thrive which is promising news for the biodiversity of all of our Hauraki Gulf islands not just Kawau.”

Read the full report on Knowledge Auckland.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/a-forest-on-the-brink-of-recovery-kawau-island-poised-for-a-pest-free-comeback/

February 24, 2026

Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges pest control delivers outstanding gains for native wildlife

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland’s Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges are thriving, with new monitoring results confirming a dramatic reduction in possum and rat numbers while delivering ideal conditions for native wildlife to flourish.

Results from Auckland Council’s 2025 Hūnua aerial pest control operation, funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate, show possum numbers have dropped from a pre-control Residual Trap Catch (RTC) of 2.2 per cent to just 0.16 per cent post-control. Rat numbers saw an even more dramatic decline, falling from a pre-monitor Rodent Tracking Index (RTI) of 90–100 per cent to 1.34 per cent.

Auckland Council’s Project Manager Miranda Bennett says these results are outstanding and exceed the targets set in the 2025 operational plan.

“We aimed for under two per cent RTC for possums and under three per cent RTI for rats, and both were comfortably achieved. At these levels, the forest can recover, and native species can thrive.”

Council has identified sites of significant biodiversity value that require possum control at or below two–five per cent RTC, while national technical guidance, including from the Kōkako Recovery Group, supports rat control targets below three per cent RTI. The Hūnua results sit well within these benchmarks.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee says the outcome clearly demonstrates the value of pest control and maximising the tools we currently have available.

“This work shows what is possible when science, experience and long-term commitment come together. The return of native birds nesting again in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges, is a powerful signal these forests are healthier and more resilient.”

Despite significant weather delays, the aerial operation was completed park-wide by the end of October, perfectly timed for the summer bird breeding season. Kōkako, kererū, kākā and other native species are now benefiting from a low-pest environment during their most critical breeding period.

The 2025 operation treated 19,885 hectares using aerially applied 1080, alongside 130 hectares of ground control. In total, 22 private land parcels were treated, and 855 kilometres of tracks and roads were cleared of bait by volunteers and council staff, ensuring public access could reopen quickly and safely.

This work is part of a long-term, integrated pest management programme, with aerial control carried out around every three years to maintain ecological gains. Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunu has now remained below five per cent possum levels for a decade, with clear biodiversity benefits to show for it.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels,” says Bennett.

“Rats in particular can reinvade within six months, so our rangers, volunteers and community partners are already back on the ground checking traps and protecting key kōkako breeding areas.”

Since 2019, Auckland Council has also funded possum control across the 14,000-hectare “Hunua Halo” on surrounding private land, working alongside landowners, mana whenua, DOC, Watercare and community groups to slow reinvasion and protect the park’s gains.

“This is collaboration and targeted investment delivering at its best,” says Cr Hills.

“Together, we’re giving nature the breathing space it needs and the results speak for themselves.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/te-ngaherehere-o-kohukohunui-hunua-ranges-pest-control-delivers-outstanding-gains-for-native-wildlife/

February 24, 2026

Bamboo: beloved backyard feature or Auckland’s quiet green invader?

Source: Auckland Council

Bamboo has a reputation problem. To some Aucklanders it’s a design darling – sleek, fast-growing and perfect for privacy. To others, it’s the plant that ate the fence, cracked the driveway and popped up next door without permission.

Originally from South America and Asia, bamboo is one of the most extraordinary plants on earth, with more than 1,400 species. None, however, are native to New Zealand.

Bamboo first arrived in the mid-1800s, reportedly with Governor Grey, who planted it for ornamental appeal. Those historic plantings still stand today at the Auckland Domain and Kawau Island’s Mansion House.

Over time, crown research institutes imported bamboo for agricultural trials, and by the 20th century it was being grown for food, construction and gardens. That’s when the love–hate relationship began.

Running bamboo – a pest plant in Auckland.

Auckland Council’s Senior Regional Advisor Pest Plants Holly Cox says bamboo quickly became a plant that inspires strong feelings.

“People admire its beauty and versatility, but those dealing with invasive plantings can find it incredibly frustrating.”

The key difference lies underground.

Clumping bamboo stays put and is widely used in Auckland’s courtyards and compact gardens that do not cause any problems. Running bamboo, however, is a pest plant that spreads through aggressive underground rhizomes and can take over large areas if left unchecked. Large running species push through fences, paths and even underground services.

Running bamboo pest plant that has spread from one property to another.

With Auckland’s diverse population, demand for bamboo has grown, particularly from communities wanting edible shoots or a reminder of home. But the nuisance and likely damage risks are real. Invasive running bamboo can outcompete regenerating native trees, forming dense stands that dominate the landscape, also making it a potential environmental risk.

For those wanting to plant bamboo, Auckland Council encourages gardeners to talk to suppliers and nurseries to establish which bamboo species with best for their space.

To limit the damage, Auckland Council has banned six high-risk species under the Regional Pest Management Plan. These bamboos can’t be sold, bred or planted, although existing plants can be moved within the same property boundary.

Bamboo doesn’t spread by birds or wind. Instead, it creeps quietly through rhizomes which is why neighbour disputes are common.

Senior Conservation Advisor Michelle Brinsden say she gets many requests for help with bamboo removal on private property.

“Council can’t enforce removal unless it breaches the pest plan. The responsible action is to remove your bamboo or at the very least control it, so it doesn’t spread beyond your boundary.

“If invasive running bamboo isn’t controlled early, it can quickly spread underground, cross property boundaries, and become extremely costly to remove.”

There is some unexpected, good news. Several invasive species, including black and golden bamboo, are currently flowering worldwide, a rare event that often leads to the plant’s death. In Auckland, many affected groves are already thinning and weakening, reducing their invasive impact.

Bamboo isn’t Auckland’s villain but planted carelessly, it can become one.

For more information on bamboo, visit the Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau website.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/bamboo-beloved-backyard-feature-or-aucklands-quiet-green-invader/

February 24, 2026

Environment – EPA approves biological control agent to combat invasive Chilean flame creeper

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the release of a leaf-feeding beetle (Blaptea elguetai) as a biological control agent to combat Chilean flame creeper (Tropaeolum speciosum), an invasive weed in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Chilean flame creeper is an invasive pest plant that spreads quickly and smothers native plants. It is now a threat in many regions, especially Southland, Otago, and Canterbury. It can be found on Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. It is also becoming a problem plant in Manawatū-Whanganui.

Environment Southland, on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, applied to import the beetle as removing the weed by hand or using herbicides is not very effective, takes a lot of time, and can harm nearby plants.

EPA Acting Manager of New Organisms and International Applications, Peter Day, says the leaf-feeding beetle offers a low-maintenance solution that can reach areas that are hard to access.

“The decision to approve introduction of this organism was made by an independent decision-making committee, which follows a rigorous, evidence-based assessment.

“The risk assessment provided by the applicant showed that the Chilean flame creeper leaf beetle is highly unlikely to harm native plants or animals. It also does not bite or sting, so there is no health risk to people.”

Mr Day says the decision followed public consultation, engagement with mana whenua, and consideration of international best practice.

“New Zealand has a strong track record of using biological control agents to manage invasive weeds with minimal impact on native ecosystems.”

In recent years the EPA has approved other biocontrol agents for weeds such as Darwin’s barberry, purple loosestrife, old man’s beard, Sydney golden wattle, and moth plant.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/environment-epa-approves-biological-control-agent-to-combat-invasive-chilean-flame-creeper/

February 24, 2026

Greenpeace – Seabed miners ‘trespassed’ from Taranaki waters, after Fast Track withdrawal

Source: Greenpeace

Iwi representatives from Taranaki have delivered a ‘trespass’ notice to seabed miners in Sydney today, warning the company against pursuing any future plans to pillage the seabed in Aotearoa.

Hand delivered by Rukutai Watene of Ngāti Ruanui, alongside Greenpeace Aotearoa, the notice was served peacefully at the headquarters of Manuka Resources – parent company of Trans Tasman Resources (TTR). Manuka Resources Co-Founder Haydn Lynch was on site but refused to engage with Watene or Greenpeace Aotearoa and shut himself in an office.

For over a decade TTR has been trying – and failing – to start an iron sand mining operation off the coast of Taranaki.

The notice “expels” the company from Taranaki, and comes after TTR withdrew from the Fast Track process after the panel issued a draft rejection of their seabed mining proposal earlier this month.

Rukutai Watene, who delivered the notice, says:

“We are here today to send a clear message that seabed mining is not wanted or needed in Aotearoa. We’ve fought Trans-Tasman Resources multiple times since 2014 and we’ve won every time, even at the Supreme Court. Article two of Te Tiriti o Waitangi guarantees Māori authority over our taonga. We will protect Papatūānuku, from the maunga to the moana. Seabed mining won’t ever take place on our watch.”

In February, the Fast Track Panel issued its draft decision denying TTR approval for its project. The decision was celebrated by the iwi, communities and environmentalists who have fought this mine every step of the way. Last week TTR announced they were withdrawing from the Fast Track process before the final decision was issued.

Juressa Lee, Greenpeace Aotearoa’s seabed mining campaigner says:

“This activity serves as a warning to Manuka and TTR: stay away, do not try to revive your plan, or expect resistance. The message from iwi, Taranaki locals, environmental groups and the New Zealand public has been united and clear for decades: no seabed mining is welcome in Aotearoa.”

“TTR has a habit of ditching official processes when they don’t go their way and exploring other “easier” avenues to resurrect their zombie project. We’re here to say any attempt to start seabed mining in Aotearoa – whatever avenues or workarounds mining companies try to use – will face strong resistance.”

In 2024, the company withdrew from the Environment Protection Authority consenting process right before the new Fast Track legislation was announced, providing TTR a new pathway.

Later that same year, Ngāti Ruanui and Greenpeace representatives interrupted Manuka’s AGM, calling for them to withdraw their seabed mining plans.

Lee says, “Even with pro-industry ministers desperate to help get seabed mining over the line, TTR has failed yet again to prove their project won’t destroy the ocean, violate indigenous rights or provide major economic benefits. They will never win against the people-powered movement who have staunchly resisted their ocean destruction.

“This company has been rejected numerous times, and it is time a line was drawn under this project. Political parties must commit to banning seabed mining in Aotearoa. Communities shouldn’t have to fight every single deluded miner that comes knocking.

“Across the Pacific, seabed mining companies are rushing to carve up the ocean for profit, including in the High Seas, and the domestic waters of nations such as the Cook Islands, Aotearoa and American Samoa.”

Lee adds that global powers including the Trump administration are also trying to make it easier for seabed mining companies to do this.

“The US is attempting to fast track mining permits, and pressuring states such as New Zealand to sign Critical Minerals deals. In response, the government has just announced a new minerals slush fund. It remains to be seen if TTR will try to use this to breathe life into their besieged project.

“Enough is enough. The courts have said no, iwi have said no, the community has said no, tens of thousands of New Zealanders have called for a ban.

“Now we need politicians to listen – commit to banning seabed mining and ensure that Aotearoa holds the line against this destructive industry from ever getting a foothold. The ocean is too precious to mine, and we must defend it.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/greenpeace-seabed-miners-trespassed-from-taranaki-waters-after-fast-track-withdrawal/

February 24, 2026

Events – Swim with sharks in new live family theatre experience at Auckland Museum

Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

Swimming with Sharks is coming to Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum for a limited season across March and the April school holidays. Created in collaboration with internationally renowned puppet theatre company Erth, Swimming with Sharks is an immersive live theatre experience that allows visitors to get up close to an extraordinary array of sharks, from the prehistoric past to the oceans of today.

Through expressive puppetry and engaging storytelling, tamariki will discover the diversity of sharks that inhabit the seas around Aotearoa and beyond. Meet the kitefin shark, the largest bioluminescent animal on the planet; learn about “shaggy beard” sharks that dwell on the ocean floor; and encounter an impressive five-metre-long great white shark. Along the way, hear fascinating facts about these often-misunderstood ocean creatures and explore the essential role they play in the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems.

Jo Brookbanks, Public Programme Content Specialist at Auckland Museum, says Erth is internationally recognised for their extraordinary wildlife puppetry.

‘We’re excited to be working again with Erth to bring another engaging live experience to our audiences.’

‘Visitors may remember Erth’s previous shows at Auckland Museum, the much-loved Prehistoric Aquarium and Dinosaur Zoo. Swimming with Sharks continues that tradition of combining beautiful puppetry with real science in a way that’s accessible, educational and fun for tamariki and their whānau,’ says Brookbanks.

Scott Wright, Artistic Director at Erth, says the performance encourages children to see sharks in a new light.

‘Sharks have captured imaginations for generations. With Swimming with Sharks, we invite young explorers to step into an ocean world and discover the beauty, diversity and importance of these extraordinary animals,’ says Wright.

Each performance runs for approximately 20 minutes. Children are invited to sit up-close on floor cushions, while adults can join them or relax on sofas at the back. Relaxed sessions are available.

Tickets are offered on a ‘Pay What You Can’ basis. Children aged 0–4 are recommended free tickets, while children aged 5–15 and adults can choose their own ticket price. All attendees require a ticket.

Performances take place on 7–8, 14–15 and 21–22 March, and 3–19 April, with sessions at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Tickets are available now at aucklandmuseum.com.

While visiting, families can also explore the Museum’s special exhibition Sharks for an even deeper dive into the science and stories behind these iconic marine animals, on now until Monday 1 June. See aucklandmuseum.com/sharks for full details.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/events-swim-with-sharks-in-new-live-family-theatre-experience-at-auckland-museum/

February 24, 2026

Ukrainian children endure four years of war – longer than World War II – ChildFund NZ

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Tomorrow will mark four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“That’s longer than the duration of their war against the Nazis,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund New Zealand.

“Charities like ChildFund have remained working in the country and the region since the start, through our local partners. We could not support the children we do, without the generosity of Kiwis who have kept supporting us since the war started.”

The latest statistics are shocking:

4.6 million children entering their fourth consecutive year of disrupted schooling
10% of school and educational facilities damaged (1,700 facilities)
2,859,000 children displaced; one third of Ukraine’s child population
62.89% of these displaced children are now refugees
Bombs have killed or injured more than 3,200 children since February 2022.
2025 saw a 10% increase over the year prior for child casualties
Nearly 200 medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged in 2025 alone.

Through its partner, We World, ChildFund New Zealand has also helped support 7,334 people (adults and children) across Ukraine with mental and psychosocial health sessions. Safe centres for children have been set up in protected and underground spaces, offering educational, psychosocial and recreational activities.

This winter, temperatures have already dropped to -20 degrees Celsius. The renewed attacks on energy infrastructure mean widespread blackouts, and no reliable access to heating and water.

“Ukrainian children and their families need us more than ever.”

Donate here: https://childfund.org.nz/emergency-response-fund/

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/ukrainian-children-endure-four-years-of-war-longer-than-world-war-ii-childfund-nz/

February 24, 2026

Health – GP pharmacist led support strengthens patient care and clinical confidence

Source: ProCare

In four months’ time, essential funding that is helping improve patient outcomes and freeing up GP time is set to end, despite outstanding results. ProCare has been supporting practices to integrate pharmacists, emergency care paramedics, physiotherapists, and care-coordinators into practices, through the Comprehensive Primary and Community Care Team (CPCT) initiative.

Grey Lynn Family Medical Centre, part of the ProCare Network, is praising the impact of CPCT and has outlined how it has significantly improved support for patients with complex medicine needs.

Dr Kavi Deo, GP and Clinic Director of Grey Lynn Family Medical, says: “Having pharmacists embedded in the team over the last 18 months has been transformative. Medication optimisation, reconciliation, and prescribing are safer and more accurate. Patients now book directly with pharmacists because they value and trust the help they receive.”

Dr Deo says the daily collaboration between pharmacists and GPs has strengthened clinical decision making and improved efficiency.

“Pharmacists bring expertise about medicines into the clinical conversation. That allows our GPs to focus on diagnosis and broader medical management, while also giving our less experienced clinicians more support and prescribing confidence. Overall, there has been great improvements in patient care, clinical workflow, and team-based practice.”

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare, says the model shows the opportunities for collaboration in primary care, and the kind of innovation and investment the health system needs more of.

“Programmes like CPCT show how we can design workforce models that truly complement the skills of a whole clinical team. When pharmacists and GPs work together in a structured, well supported way, it strengthens patient care and ensures each professional is working at the top of their scope.

What we’re seeing at Grey Lynn is a good example of how collaboration can lift outcomes without adding pressure to general practice. It helps free up GP time for the complex care only they can provide, and it leads to safer medicine use and better patient understanding.”

Norwell adds that ProCare is committed to supporting practices to embed these roles sustainably.

“As more practices recognise the value of this model, we are looking ahead to how it can be maintained over the long term. This is exactly the kind of co-ordinated team based care our system needs, to ensure better outcomes for our communities.

The funding is set to end on 30 June 2026. ProCare is advocating to Health New Zealand to continue support for multidisciplinary teams.

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/24/health-gp-pharmacist-led-support-strengthens-patient-care-and-clinical-confidence/

February 24, 2026

ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for February 24, 2026

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on February 24, 2026.

Cuba has survived 66 years of US-led embargoes. Will Trump’s blockade break it now?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Trapani, Associate Lecturer of History and International Relations, Western Sydney University After toppling Venezuela’s leader earlier this year, the Trump administration has turned its sights on Cuba. The near-total blockade of the island is now posing the greatest challenge to the government since the Cuban missile

Two new federal polls have One Nation gaining on Labor
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Two new federal polls by DemosAU and Fox & Hedgehog have the combined primary vote for Labor and the Greens dropping as One Nation continues to surge.

Prohibitive policies drove organised crime in Australia 100 years ago. It’s happening again
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Martin, Associate Professor in Criminology, Deakin University Organised crime has a long history in Australia. For more than a century, criminal groups have accumulated vast fortunes, committed countless acts of intimidation and coercion and, at times, extreme and spectacular violence. In the process, they have become

Buying a car? Here’s what you need to know about new safety ratings
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor and Principal Fellow in Urban Risk and Resilience, The University of Melbourne Most people know about car safety ratings and many take them seriously when choosing a new car. In Australia and New Zealand, safety ratings are issued by the Australasian New Car

These shoes are best for hip and knee arthritis, according to science
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kade Paterson, Associate Professor of Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Melbourne People with hip and knee osteoarthritis are advised to wear “appropriate footwear” to minimise their pain. Does that mean heels are out? Does it matter if you wear runners or something a little stiffer? How about

The Moment: Charli XCX is the ultimate chronicler of contemporary pop stardom
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alice Pember, Assistant Professor of Film and Television Studies, University of Warwick “Want to go again?” a choreographer asks Charli XCX at the start of the mockumentary The Moment. It’s the latest entry in the pop star’s rapidly expanding cinematic empire, propelled by the stratospheric cultural impact

3D-printed ‘ghost guns’ are not as untraceable as criminals think – new study
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Georgina Sauzier, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry, Curtin University 3D-printed guns are a growing threat to public safety. The blueprints used to make these firearms can be found online, making them easily accessible. With a relatively cheap 3D printer and a quick web search, anyone could print

Roger Fowler’s legacy – and the Polynesian Panthers connection
Polynesian Panther Party Legacy Trust The Polynesian Panthers met Roger Fowler in the early 1970s when Ponsonby was home to the largest urban Pacific population in Aotearoa. He helped establish the Ponsonby People’s Union for Survival and ran several much needed community focused programmes like a food co-op, tenant’s rights advice and support. He was

We studied primary care in 6 rich countries – it’s under unprecedented strain everywhere
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Felicity Goodyear-Smith, Professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Primary care – the kind delivered by general practice (GP) clinics – is the backbone of every health system. When it works, we barely notice it. It keeps people healthy, detects

Calls for a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are growing, but how realistic is one?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Noah Eliot Vanderhoeven, PhD Candidate, Political Science, Western University The next major international sporting event, the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is already garnering international scrutiny. There have been numerous calls to boycott it. Calls for a boycott

Scrapping business class could halve aviation emissions – new study
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milan Klöwer, NERC Independent Research Fellow, University of Oxford Air travel is famously one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, and the number of air passengers keeps increasing. Electric planes and “sustainable” aviation fuels are still a long way off making a dent in the industry’s emissions

Misconduct in public office: three reasons why the case against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is so complex
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Hazell, Professor of British Politics and Government & Founder of the Constitution Unit, UCL Following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for possible misconduct in public office, both the palace and the government will be hoping that his case might be brought to a swift conclusion. There

Desperate, intelligent, irreverent: in Big Kiss, Bye-Bye, Claire-Louise Bennett breaks up with illusions
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Georgia Phillips, Lecturer, Creative Writing, Adelaide University In Burnt Norton, the opening section of T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets, the poet moves down a passage “we did not take” and passes through a door “never opened” to arrive in a mythic rose garden. Here, in the thorny cradle

Why are the phrases ‘globalise the intifada’ and ‘from the river to the sea’ so contested?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Martin Kear, Sessional Lecturer, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney In the aftermath of the Bondi terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration that killed 15 people, the New South Wales government is moving toward banning phrases it argues incite hatred. The Queensland government has

What are your options if you can’t afford to repay your mortgage?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura de Zwaan, Senior Lecturer, School of Accountancy, Queensland University of Technology After just three rate cuts in 2025, interest rates have risen again in Australia this year. It’s unwelcome news for many borrowers – particularly those still struggling with the increasing cost of living. Currently, the

Reality check: America’s Next Top Model docuseries never apologises for abuse of contestants
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rebecca Trelease, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, Auckland University of Technology If you’ve spent much time on the internet, you probably know how to yell “I was rooting for you!” The clip from “Cycle 4” (iykyk) of America’s Next Top Model which aired in 2005 went uncontrollably

Delving into ‘deep time’: what NZ’s ancient past reveals about its present
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James S. Crampton, Professor of Paleontology and Stratigraphy, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington We know Aotearoa New Zealand is home to many geographically and biologically special features. Yet few of us know it also has its very own measure of “deep time”. Known as

One of the biggest stars in the universe might be getting ready to explode
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sara Webb, Lecturer, Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology One of the largest known stars in the universe underwent a dramatic transformation in 2014, new research shows, and may be preparing to explode. A study led by Gonzalo Muñoz-Sanchez at the National Observatory of

Can blood tests really detect cancer?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John (Eddie) La Marca, Senior Research Officer, Blood Cells and Blood Cancer, WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) If you’re feeling worn out or have suddenly lost some weight, your doctor might send you for a blood test. Blood tests are a common way

When feral cats are away, potoroos and bandicoots are more likely to play
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University All animals need to eat to survive, grow and reproduce. To do so, they also need to avoid being eaten. This is a big challenge for many of Australia’s native mammals,

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/24/er-report-a-roundup-of-significant-articles-on-eveningreport-nz-for-february-24-2026/

February 24, 2026

Violent aftermath of Mexico’s ‘El Mencho’ killing follows pattern of other high-profile cartel hits

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angélica Durán-Martínez, Associate Professor of Political Science, UMass Lowell

The death of a major cartel boss in Mexico has unleashed a violent backlash in which members of the criminal group have paralyzed some cities through blockades and attacks on property and security forces.

At least 73 people have died as a result of the operation to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho.” The head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was seriously wounded during a firefight with authorities on Feb. 22, 2026. He later died in custody.

As an expert in criminal groups and drug trafficking in Latin America who has been studying Mexico’s cartels for two decades, I see the violent aftermath of the operation as part of a pattern in which Mexican governments have opted for high-profile hits that often lead only to more violence without addressing the broader security problems that plague huge swaths of the country.

Who was ‘El Mencho’?

Like many other figures involved in Mexico’s drug trafficking, Oseguera Cervantes started at the bottom and made his way up the ranks. He spent some time in prison in the U.S., where he may have forged alliances with criminal gangs before being deported back to Mexico in 1997. There, he connected with the Milenio Cartel, an organization that first allied, and then fought with, the powerful Sinaloa Cartel.

A wanted poster for ‘El Mencho.’ United States Department of State/Wikimedia Commons

Most of the information available points to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel forming under El Mencho around 2010, following the killing of Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel Villarreal, a Sinaloa Cartel leader and main link with the Milenio Cartel.

Since 2015, Jalisco New Generation Cartel has been known for its blatant attacks against security forces in Mexico – such as gunning down a helicopter in that year. And it has expanded its presence both across Mexico and internationally.

In Mexico, it is said to have a presence in all states. In some, the cartel has a direct presence and very strong local networks. In others, it has cultivated alliances with other trafficking organizations.

Besides drug trafficking, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is also engaged in oil theft, people smuggling and extortion. As a result, it has become one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico.

What impact will his death have on the cartel?

There are a few potential scenarios, and a lot will depend on what succession plans Jalisco New Generation had in the event of Oseguera Cervantes’ capture or killing.

In general, these types of operations – in which security forces take out a cartel leader – lead to more violence, for a variety of reasons.

Mexicans have already experienced the immediate aftermath of Oseguera Cervantes’ death: retaliation attacks, blockades and official attempts to prevent civilians from going out. This is similar to what occurred after the capture of drug lord Ovidio Guzmán López in Sinaloa in 2019 and his second capture in 2023.

Violence flares in two ways following such high-profile captures and killings of cartel leaders.

In the short term, there is retaliation. At the moment, members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are seeking revenge against Mexico’s security forces and are also trying to assert their regional authority despite El Mencho’s death.

These retaliatory campaigns tend to be violent and flashy. They include blockades as well as attacks against security forces and civilians.

Then there is the longer-term violence associated with any succession. This can take the form of those who are below Oseguera Cervantes in rank fighting for control. But it can also result from rival groups trying to take advantage of any leadership vacuum.

The level and duration of violence depend on a few factors, such as whether there was a succession plan and what kind of alliances are in place with other cartels. But generally, operations in which a cartel boss is removed lead to more violence and fragmentation of criminal groups.

Of course, people like Oseguera Cervantes who have violated laws and engaged in violence need to be captured. But in the long run, that doesn’t do anything to dismantle networks of criminality or reduce the size of their operations.

What is the current state of security in Mexico?

The upsurge in violence after Oseguera Cervantes’ killing occurs as some indicators in Mexico’s security situation seemed to be improving.

For example, homicide rates declined in 2025 – which is an important indicator of security.

But other measures are appalling. Disappearances are still unsettlingly high. The reality that many Mexicans experience on the ground is one where criminal organizations remain powerful and embedded in the local ecosystems that connect state agents, politicians and criminals in complex networks.

Criminal organizations are engaged in what we academics call “criminal governance.” They engage in a wide range of activities and regulate life in communities – sometimes coercively, but sometimes also with some degree of legitimacy from the population.

In some states like Sinaloa, despite the operations to take out cartel’s leaders, the illicit economies are still extensive and profitable. But what’s more important is that levels of violence remain high and the population is still suffering deeply.

The day-to-day reality for people in some of these regions is still one of fear.

And in the greater scheme of things, criminal networks are still very powerful – they are embedded in the country’s economy and politics, and connect to communities in complex ways.

How does the El Mencho operation fit Mexico’s strategy on cartels?

The past two governments vowed to reduce the militarization of security forces. But the power of the military in Mexico has actually expanded.

The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum wanted a big, visible hit at a time when the U.S. is pushing for more militarized policies to counter Mexico’s trafficking organizations.

But this dynamic is not new. Most U.S. and Mexican policy regarding drug trafficking organizations has historically emphasized these high-profile captures – even if it is just for short-term gains.

Violence has flared in Mexico’s Jalisco state since the death of Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes. Arturo Montero/AFP via Getty Images

It’s easier to say “we captured a drug lord” than address broader issues of corruption or impunity. Most of the time when these cartel leaders are captured or killed, there is generally no broader justice. It isn’t accompanied with authorities investigating disappearances, murders, corruption or even necessarily halting the flow of drugs.

Captures and killings of cartel leaders serve a strategic purpose of showing that something is being done, but the effectiveness of such policies in the long run is very limited.

Of course, taking out a drug lord is not a bad thing. But if it does not come with a broader dismantling of criminal networks and an accompanying focus on justice, then the main crimes that these groups commit – homicides, disappearances and extortion – will continue to affect the daily life of people. And the effect on illicit flows is, at best, meager.

– ref. Violent aftermath of Mexico’s ‘El Mencho’ killing follows pattern of other high-profile cartel hits – https://theconversation.com/violent-aftermath-of-mexicos-el-mencho-killing-follows-pattern-of-other-high-profile-cartel-hits-276728

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/24/violent-aftermath-of-mexicos-el-mencho-killing-follows-pattern-of-other-high-profile-cartel-hits-276728/

February 24, 2026

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Little said they had to be practical and realistic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 24, 2026

Two new federal polls have One Nation gaining on Labor

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

Two new federal polls by DemosAU and Fox & Hedgehog have the combined primary vote for Labor and the Greens dropping as One Nation continues to surge. There’s no sign of a boost for the Coalition from Angus Taylor replacing Sussan Ley.

At the 2025 federal election, the combined primary vote share for Labor and the Greens was 46.8%, while the combined share for the Coalition, One Nation and Trumpet of Patriots was 40.1%. In the two polls below, the total right vote is 49% and the total left vote 41–42%.

A national DemosAU poll for Capital Brief, conducted February 16–20 from a sample of 1,551, gave Labor 29% of the primary vote (down one since a mid-January DemosAU poll), One Nation 28% (up four), the Coalition 21% (steady), the Greens 12% (down one) and all Others 10% (down two).

No two-party estimate was given, but seat projections had Labor winning 76–85 of the 150 House of Representatives seats, still enough for a majority but down from 87–95 in January. One Nation was winning 43–54 seats, up from 29–38, the Coalition 9–20 (10–22 previously), the Greens an unchanged 0–2 and all Others 3–7 (6–11 previously).

Anthony Albanese’s net positive rating was down three points to -17, with 46% giving him a negative rating and 29% positive. Taylor’s initial net positive was -4 (28% negative, 24% positive), up 14 points on Ley. Pauline Hanson’s net positive improved four points to -1 (38% negative, 37% positive).

In a three-way preferred PM question, Albanese led with 37% (down two), followed by Hanson at 25% (down one) and Taylor at 19% (up three from Ley).

Cost of living was rated the most important issue by 45%, followed by housing at 18% and immigration at 13%. Respondents were asked which of Labor, the Greens, One Nation or the Coalition were best for various issues.

Combining One Nation and the Coalition against the combined Labor and Greens gives the right a 44–32 lead over the left on cost of living, a 41–32 lead on housing and a 53–26 lead on immigration.

Fox & Hedgehog poll: Labor down to 51–49 lead

A national Fox & Hedgehog poll for the News Corp papers, conducted February 17–19 from a sample of 1,625, gave Labor 30% of the primary vote (up one since an early January Fox & Hedgehog poll), One Nation 25% (up four), the Coalition 24% (down one), the Greens 12% (down two) and all Others 9% (down two).

In a “three party preferred”, where Greens and Other voters are asked which of Labor, One Nation or the Coalition they prefer, Labor had 44% (down two), One Nation 29% (up four) and the Coalition 27% (down two). Respondent preferences gave Labor just a 51–49 lead over the Coalition, a two-point gain for the Coalition. Labor led One Nation by 53–47, a three-point gain for One Nation.

Albanese’s net approval was unchanged in the latest Fox & Hedgehog poll. Joel Carrett/AAP

Albanese’s net approval was an unchanged -15 (47% disapprove, 32% approve). Taylor’s initial net approval was +3 (26% approve, 23% disapprove) (Ley’s net approval was -13). Albanese led Taylor by 40–35 as preferred PM (39–31 vs Ley). Hanson’s net approval was up 12 points to +9 (44% approve, 35% disapprove).

On reducing the capital gains tax discount, 35% both supported and opposed. By 59–17, respondents supported an immigration ban from “high risk” areas. By 64–15, respondents did not think “ISIS brides” should be allowed to return to Australia.

Resolve poll on international relations

I previously covered the mid-February federal Resolve poll for Nine newspapers. In further questions, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a net likeability with Australians of -60, United States President Donald Trump -41, Chinese President Xi Jinping -26, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu -20, United Kingdom PM Keir Starmer -5 and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky +22.

The US’s net likeability was -17, down 21 since October and 34 from two years ago. China’s was -24, the UK’s +41, Japan’s +53 and New Zealand’s +67.

On the greatest threat to Australia in the next few years, 31% said China (down 23 since January 2023), 17% the US, 5% Russia and 31% all equally.

By 62–11, respondents thought Taiwan was a sovereign nation rather than a region of China. On any conflict between China and Taiwan, 36% thought Australia should support Taiwan, 7% support China and 38% not take sides.

On the Ukraine-Russia war, 40% thought Australia should maintain its current support for Ukraine, 16% increase its support (down nine since March 2025) and 21% decrease or withdraw support for Ukraine (up seven).

Tasmanian federal EMRS poll

A Tasmanian federal EMRS poll, conducted February 16–19 from a sample of 1,000, gave Labor 30% of the primary vote, One Nation 24%, the Liberals 18%, the Greens 13%, independents 12% and others 2%. One Nation only received 6.0% at the 2025 federal election in Tasmania.

Labor led the Liberals by 60–40 after preferences (63.3–36.7 at the last election), and they led One Nation by the same 60–40 margin. Figures for the five Tasmanian federal seats were given, based on samples of 200 per seat.

In Braddon, One Nation and Labor were tied 50–50, from primary votes of 34% One Nation, 31% Labor, 16% Liberals, 7% Greens and 10% independents. Labor was winning all other seats easily. Albanese led Taylor as preferred PM by 45–31 statewide.

Queensland DemosAU poll: LNP far ahead

A Queensland state DemosAU and Premier National poll, conducted February 10–20 from a sample of 1,044, gave the Liberal National Party (LNP) 34% of the primary vote (down three since the October DemosAU poll), Labor 28% (down one), One Nation 21% (up seven), the Greens 10% (down two) and all Others 7% (down one).

The LNP led Labor by 56–44 after preferences, a two-point gain for the LNP. All Queensland polls now have the LNP far ahead.

LNP Premier David Crisafulli had a net +16 approval, with 39% positive, 38% neutral and 23% negative. Labor leader Steven Miles was at net -10. Crisafulli led Miles as preferred premier by 43–32 (44–32 previously). By 44–36, respondents thought Queensland was headed in the right direction (42–38 previously).

– ref. Two new federal polls have One Nation gaining on Labor – https://theconversation.com/two-new-federal-polls-have-one-nation-gaining-on-labor-276595

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/24/two-new-federal-polls-have-one-nation-gaining-on-labor-276595/

February 24, 2026

Cuba has survived 66 years of US-led embargoes. Will Trump’s blockade break it now?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Trapani, Associate Lecturer of History and International Relations, Western Sydney University

After toppling Venezuela’s leader earlier this year, the Trump administration has turned its sights on Cuba. The near-total blockade of the island is now posing the greatest challenge to the government since the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.

Cuba is quickly running out of oil, creating a dire political and economic crisis for the island’s 11 million residents.

US President Donald Trump’s embargo has prevented any oil tankers from reaching the island for months. A ship carrying Russian fuel is now reportedly on the way to the island to attempt to break the blockade, but the US has seized other ships that have previously tried.

The Trump administration has also threatened tariffs on any nation that tries to send Cuba fuel, putting Latin American leaders in an uncomfortable position. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called out the embargo as “very unfair”, but she’s been careful not to antagonise Trump by putting an emphasis on the Cuban “people”, not the government.

This is not the first time the US has isolated Cuba, or coerced Latin American leaders to take part. Cuba has been under a US embargo for the past 66 years, which has stunted its economy and caused widespread human suffering.

The island has always found a way to get by, but can it survive this new round of American pressure?

Animosity grows in the 1950s

The Cuban Revolution caught the United States by surprise in 1959. During the Cold War, the US had supported dictatorships in Latin America, such as Cuba’s Fulgencio Batista, with political, financial and military support, creating widespread anti-US activism across the region.

After coming to power, revolutionary leader Fidel Castro instituted modest reforms to land tenure and infrastructure to support the impoverished people. Then-US President Dwight Eisenhower opposed these moves because of their impact on US commercial interests on the island. This opposition turned into a US embargo of Cuban sugar imports in 1960.

Fidel Castro and his revolutionary fighters in the mountains of Cuba in 1956. Wikimedia Commons

In response, Castro looked to the Soviets as an export alternative. Eisenhower retaliated by refusing to ship oil to Cuba, leading Castro to sign an oil deal with the Soviets and eventually nationalise American and British refineries. In 1961, Castro declared his adherence to “Marxism-Leninism”.

Castro and Cuba were hugely popular throughout Latin America. When the Cuban military defeated the CIA-trained force of exiled Cuban fighters at the Bay of Pigs in 1961, Castro was lauded for standing up to the US, though few knew of the military and intelligence support coming from the Soviets.

And when President John F. Kennedy began the campaign to remove Cuba from the Organisation of American States (OAS) in 1961, most Latin American democracies moved to block it.

To bring the those leaders to his side, Kennedy used a carrot-and-stick approach. He proposed an “alliance for progress” to meet the “basic needs of the [Latin] American people for homes, work and land, health and schools”. But his government also passed the Foreign Assistance Act, which established a total blockade of the island and prohibited US aid to any country providing assistance to Cuba.

The OAS removed Cuba as a member the following year and, in 1964, voted to embargo all trade to Cuba, except food and medicine.

Life under the embargo

The embargo prevented Cuba from reaching the modern technological age. Instead, it existed in socialist bubble, emphasising the care of its people over economic development.

Nonetheless, Cuba’s Cold War economic growth was comparable to its neighbours. In 1970, the nominal GDP per capita for Cuba was US$645 (A$900), slightly lower than Mexico and about double the Dominican Republic. By 1990, it was US$2,565 (A$3,600), about 80% of Mexico’s and more than triple the Dominican Republic’s.

Cuba was not industrialised, but the country did reach full literacy before any other Latin American nation and extended health care to all Cubans. Cuba then exported its teachers and doctors throughout Latin America, and beyond.

A Cuban doctor treats a cholera patient in Haiti in 2010. Sophia Paris/MINUSTAH via Getty Images

However, life on the island was still difficult, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

With no clear replacement for Soviet imports and subsidies, the economy began to buckle. From 1990 to 1994 (a time known as the “Special Period”), food production decreased by 40%, leading to food rationing, malnutrition and other health issues.

Protests broke out across the island in 1994 and some 35,000 Cubans fled on boats for Florida.

A boat in the Bay of Havana carries fleeing Cubans away from the island and towards the United States in August 1994. Jose Goitia/AP

Cuba and the US after the Cold War

However, the end of the Cold War brought newfound sympathy and assistance from Cuba’s neighbours. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, for example, provided Cuba with oil in exchange for Cuban doctors.

Then, in 2009, the OAS voted to readmit Cuba and allow for regional trade and tourism again.

US President Barack Obama followed suit in 2014, saying the US embargo of Cuba had “failed”.

His administration then initiated what would become known as the “Cuban thaw”. Then-President Raul Castro visited Washington in 2015 and, the following year, Obama became the first US president to visit Cuba since 1928.

Obama did not end the embargo, but he did open the door to US tourism, providing a lifeline for Cuba’s economy.

US President Barack Obama, centre, with his wife Michelle Obama and daughters take a walking tour of Old Havana in 2016. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

Why is Trump punishing the island again?

Now, Trump is reimposing the Cold War-era embargo on the island and ramping up the pressure on President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s government.

The White House claims Cuba presents a “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States, saying the island is cooperating with “dangerous adversaries” on intelligence activities, chief among them Russia and China.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned Trump’s embargo, saying “we do not accept anything like this”.

If Russian oil makes it to Cuba, more aid could follow. If that eventuates, the US will have invited Russia into its backyard again, laying the foundation for another Cold War-style stalemate, with the Cuban people once more trapped in the middle.

– ref. Cuba has survived 66 years of US-led embargoes. Will Trump’s blockade break it now? – https://theconversation.com/cuba-has-survived-66-years-of-us-led-embargoes-will-trumps-blockade-break-it-now-276065

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/24/cuba-has-survived-66-years-of-us-led-embargoes-will-trumps-blockade-break-it-now-276065/

February 24, 2026

Two measles cases detected, linked to overseas travel

Source: Radio New Zealand

AFP / Science Photo Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 24, 2026

Arataki Project Fast-tracked in Hawke’s Bay

Source: New Zealand Government

A new residential development is set to deliver more homes and an economic boost for Hawke’s Bay following the Fast-track approval of the Arataki subdivision in Havelock North says Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop.

CDL Land NZ Limited lodged its application in July 2025 to provide up to 200 new homes across an 11-hectare site.

“Approval has taken just 5 months following the commencement of the expert panel,” says Mr Bishop.

“The project is estimated to generate around $78 million in investment and create approximately 629 jobs over the five-year development period during construction.

“This project will be very important for the people in Hawke’s Bay. It will create work for local people, bring investment into the area, and deliver more homes for families choosing to build their lives in the area.

“Housing affordability continues to be a challenging issue for the people of Hawke’s Bay. Over the last 10 years, house prices in Hawke’s Bay increased by 134 per cent and rental prices increased by 86 percent.

“Hawke’s Bay is another example of how the supply of homes has not kept up with growth. This means locals and temporary workers struggle to find affordable housing.

“This development of hundreds of homes will make a real difference in Hawke’s Bay, where demand for housing is high.

“This is the sixth Fast-track housing project and eleventh project overall to be approved through Fast-track.”

Notes to editor:

For more information about the project: Arataki

Fast-track by the numbers:

11 projects approved by expert panels.
18 projects with expert panels appointed.
149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
47 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
28 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
On average, it has taken 122 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope.

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels:

Arataki [Housing/Land]
Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]
Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]

Expert panels have been appointed for:

Ashbourne
Ayrburn Screen Hub
Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project
Green Steel
Haldon Solar Farm
Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme
Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works
Mahinerangi Wind Farm
Pound Road Industrial Development
Ryans Road Industrial Development
Southland Wind Farm Project
Sunfield Masterplanned Community
Takitimu North Link – Stage 2
The Point Mission Bay
The Point Solar Farm
Waitaha Hydro
Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project
Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/arataki-project-fast-tracked-in-hawkes-bay/

February 24, 2026

Report on under-pressure Waikato wetland delivers clear message

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 24 February 2026

The wetland spans 7,000 hectares of swamps, fens and peat bogs and is one of New Zealand’s seven sites recognised globally for its ecological significance under the international Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Under the Convention, Ramsar Sites must be continually monitored. New Zealand is required to notify the Convention if the ecological character of one of our Ramsar wetlands has changed or is likely to.

This is the first time New Zealand has delivered an international report integrating science alongside maatauranga Maaori, underpinned by the principles of the Ramsar Convention, to comprehensively assess changes in ecological character.

DOC Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says the report, released today, concludes the Whangamarino has deteriorated since it was designated a Ramsar site in 1989.

“Whangamarino has faced mounting pressures for decades, but recent events have made things worse. Poor water quality led to fish and bird deaths in 2022-23, triggered by very low oxygen and a botulism outbreak following floods and extensive input of contaminants and organic matter into the wetland. The human-induced fire in October 2024 was another setback.”

The report identifies a concerning decline in water quality, indigenous wetland habitat, the wetlands’ Australasian bittern/matuku population, and cultural values recognised by mana whenua.

These declines are driven by the modified water regime in the wetland, poor water quality, large-scale fire, and invasive species such as koi carp.

For Waikato Tainui, Whangamarino is a taonga, deeply connected to identity and wellbeing, with significant ecological and cultural values.

“This report confirms what our people have been observing over many years. Maatauranga Maaori and lived experience tell us that the pressures on Whangamarino are cumulative and long-standing, and that restoration must address the whole system; water quality, hydrology, invasive species, and land use, not just individual symptoms,” says Marae Tukere, General Manager, Oranga.

“We acknowledge mana whenua and their tireless mahi monitoring, reporting, and working to mitigate impacts. Their kaitiakitanga and commitment are integral to protecting and sustaining our taiao.”

Internationally, there’s growing recognition that incorporating traditional knowledge and cultural perspectives into conservation reporting produces better conservation outcomes.

Tinaka says the report gives a fuller picture of the ecosystem’s decline and a deeper understanding of what this loss means for mana whenua and local communities.

“By thoroughly assessing the state of both ecological and cultural values in the Whangamarino, the report targets restoration efforts and builds the foundation for a strong collaborative response to revive both the ecology and mauri of Whangamarino.”

Waikato Regional Council Environmental Science Manager Dr Mike Scarsbrook said degradation had occurred over many decades, with the causes and solutions complex and interconnected.

Waikato Regional Council is leading the development of an action plan to respond to the decline, supported by DOC, Waikato Tainui, Waikato River Authority, mana whenua representatives, Fish and Game, landowners and other stakeholders.

The action plan will assess and prioritise actions to improve the health of nearby Lake Waikare (one of the adjacent waterbodies that feeds into the wetland) and Whangamarino itself. The action plan will address the full system, including hydrology, land use, water quality, biodiversity, cultural values and community connection.

“It’s taken a long time for Whangamarino and Lake Waikare to degrade, so it will take a long time for it to recover. Success of the action plan depends on sustained collaboration, investment and accountability – no single intervention will solve the problem. Progress relies on multiple coordinated actions,” says Dr Scarbrook.

DOC also has work underway to control pest plant species at the site, to reduce the spread of willow, golden dodder and royal fern.

Assessment of ecological change of the Whangamarino Wetland Ramsar Site, New Zealand – He arotake i te whakaumu hauropi o te rohe kooreporepo o Whangamarino, Aotearoa (PDF, 6,245K)

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/report-on-under-pressure-waikato-wetland-delivers-clear-message/

February 24, 2026

New Pharmac proposal for melanoma patients

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s proposal to widen access to two medicines for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma.

“Improving access to cancer medication in New Zealand is important to cancer patients, and their families. That’s why it has been a focus of this Government,” Mr Seymour says.

Pharmac is proposing to widen access to nivolumab and ipilimumab for people with stage 3B to stage 4 melanoma from 1 May 2026.

“This proposal would give people who meet funding criteria another immunotherapy option before surgery, while the cancer is still operable. This lowers the chance of the cancer coming back,” Mr Seymour says.

“Nivolumab and ipilimumab are immunotherapy medicines that help the immune system better recognise and attack certain types of cancer. Using them together can have a stronger effect on the immune response.

“Clinical advisers told Pharmac that using these treatments together before surgery, then adjusting treatment after surgery based on how well the cancer has responded, can lower the chance of melanoma coming back. Nearly two in three people have a very strong response by the time their tumour is removed, with significant shrinkage or very little active disease remaining.

“Because of this strong early response, many people may not need further treatment after surgery. This can mean fewer ongoing infusions, and fewer hospital visits for people with melanoma, their families, and carers.

“When used early and together, Nivolumab and ipilimumab means some patients require fewer infusions. This is better for patients. It also frees up health resources by reducing pressure on hospitals and oncology infusion centres. We expect this proposal would save about 1,000 infusion hours each year.

Mr Brown says the Government is focused on ensuring New Zealanders have faster access to more effective cancer care.

“From strengthening early detection through expanded screening, to speeding up treatment and improving access to the latest medicines, our priority is making sure Kiwis can get the right care at the right time,” Mr Brown says.

“New Zealanders elected a Government they could trust to invest in better cancer treatments, which is why we provided a $604 million boost to Pharmac. This investment, including funding for 33 new cancer medicines, is expanding access to life-saving and life-extending therapies for thousands of New Zealanders.

“Today’s announcement marks a further step forward in expanding access to advanced treatment options so more melanoma patients can benefit from improved outcomes,” Mr Brown says.

Consultation on the funding proposal opens at 2pm on Tuesday 24 February and closes at 5pm, Monday 9 March 2026. Have your say here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2026-02-proposal-to-widen-access-to-nivolumab-and-ipilimumab-for-resectable-melanoma

Pharmac is engaging with clinicians, the public, and advocacy groups including Melanoma New Zealand to understand the practical impacts of funding these medicines. Feedback will be considered before a decision is made by Pharmac’s Board, or its delegate.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/24/new-pharmac-proposal-for-melanoma-patients/

Category: MIL-OSI

New Zealanders’ dismal savings balances revealed

Waitaki council rejoins Southern Waters partnership

Farmers being cautious with profits

A forest on the brink of recovery: Kawau Island poised for a pest-free comeback

Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges pest control delivers outstanding gains for native wildlife

Bamboo: beloved backyard feature or Auckland’s quiet green invader?

Environment – EPA approves biological control agent to combat invasive Chilean flame creeper

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

Greenpeace – Seabed miners ‘trespassed’ from Taranaki waters, after Fast Track withdrawal

Source: Greenpeace

Events – Swim with sharks in new live family theatre experience at Auckland Museum

Ukrainian children endure four years of war – longer than World War II – ChildFund NZ

Health – GP pharmacist led support strengthens patient care and clinical confidence

ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for February 24, 2026

Violent aftermath of Mexico’s ‘El Mencho’ killing follows pattern of other high-profile cartel hits

Who was ‘El Mencho’?

What impact will his death have on the cartel?

What is the current state of security in Mexico?

How does the El Mencho operation fit Mexico’s strategy on cartels?

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

Two new federal polls have One Nation gaining on Labor

Fox & Hedgehog poll: Labor down to 51–49 lead

Resolve poll on international relations

Tasmanian federal EMRS poll

Queensland DemosAU poll: LNP far ahead

Cuba has survived 66 years of US-led embargoes. Will Trump’s blockade break it now?

Animosity grows in the 1950s

Life under the embargo

Cuba and the US after the Cold War

Why is Trump punishing the island again?

Two measles cases detected, linked to overseas travel

Arataki Project Fast-tracked in Hawke’s Bay

Report on under-pressure Waikato wetland delivers clear message

NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE

Contact

New Pharmac proposal for melanoma patients