Category: MIL-OSI

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One Nation surges to new high as Coalition slumps to record low in latest Newspoll

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

Newspoll, Redbridge and Morgan polls all have One Nation second behind Labor, with the Coalition third. However, there are no Labor vs One Nation two-party estimates.

A national Newspoll, conducted February 5–8 from a sample of 1,234, gave Labor 33% of the primary vote (up one since the previous Newspoll three weeks ago), One Nation 27% (up five), the Coalition 18% (down three), the Greens 12% (steady) and all Others 10% (down three).

This is a record high for One Nation in any poll and a record low for the Coalition. But last week’s Redbridge and Morgan polls had One Nation leading the Coalition by seven and 4.5 points respectively. On current polls, One Nation is beating the Coalition into second place.

In a single-member electoral system like the House of Representatives, the consequences for a major party that falls to third would be brutal. On current polling, the Coalition would struggle to win ten of the 150 House seats.

As the Coalition is no longer second, no Labor vs Coalition two-party estimate was released by Newspoll. None of the three polls in this article have released a Labor vs One Nation two-party estimate. A late January YouGov poll gave Labor a 57–43 respondent-allocated preference lead over One Nation.

Analyst Kevin Bonham has Labor vs Coalition and Labor vs One Nation two-party aggregates using 2025 Senate preference flow data. He has Labor leading One Nation by 54.1–45.9 and the Coalition by 54.3–45.7. With the massive drop in the Coalition vote since the last election, this method may not be reliable.

Anthony Albanese’s net approval improved one point to -10, while Sussan Ley’s net approval slumped 11 points to a new low of -39, the worst for a major party leader in Newspoll since Labor’s Simon Crean in 2003. Albanese led Ley as better PM by 49–30 (51–31 previously).

This graph shows Albanese’s net approval in Newspoll since he became PM in 2022, with a smoothed line fitted.

Amid the Coalition’s turmoil, Labor will be relieved this poll was not worse for them after the Reserve Bank raised interest rates last Tuesday.

One Nation’s poll surge and a potential Labor vs One Nation contest

Before the December 14 Bondi terrorist attacks, One Nation had already surged from 6.4% at the last election to the high teens in polls. I believe this reflected frustration from right-wing voters with Labor’s landslide at the election and the perceived weakness of Ley’s leadership.

The Bondi attacks played into One Nation’s anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim themes, sending it into the 20s, just behind the Coalition. The Coalition split on January 22 has resulted in One Nation overtaking the Coalition on primary votes. The Coalition reformed yesterday, but the damage may already be done.

If One Nation replaces the Coalition as the main right-wing party at the next election, I believe Labor has advantages. While One Nation leader Pauline Hanson’s net favourability surged 16 points to -3 in the Redbridge poll below, she hasn’t yet come under media and Labor scrutiny for her policies. If One Nation is seen as a potential government by the next election, they will receive far more scrutiny.

One Nation is further to the right than the Coalition. An important reason for Labor’s landslide was that the Coalition was perceived as too close to US President Donald Trump. With Trump at -51 net favourable with Australians in the Redbridge poll, it will be difficult for a pro-Trump party to win.

The next Australian federal election is due by May 2028, before the next US presidential election in November 2028.

Redbridge poll has One Nation seven points ahead of Coalition

A national Redbridge and Accent Research poll for The Financial Review, conducted January 22–29 from a sample of 1,003, gave Labor 34% of the primary vote (down one since the last Redbridge poll in December), One Nation 26% (up nine), the former Coalition parties 19% (down seven), the Greens 11% (down two) and all Others 10% (up one).

No Labor vs One Nation two-party estimate was provided, with Labor leading the Coalition by an unchanged 56–44 using 2025 election preference flows.

Albanese’s net favourability was down 11 points to -10, while Ley was down 12 to -32. Albanese led Ley as preferred PM by 37–9 with 34% for neither (41–12 previously).

While both Albanese and Ley slumped, Hanson’s net favourability surged 16 points to -3 and Barnaby Joyce’s net favourability was up eight points to -19.

Liberal leadership aspirants Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor were respectively at an even 16–16 and 17–13 unfavourable, while Nationals leader David Littleproud was at 27–13 unfavourable. Donald Trump was at 67–16 unfavourable.

Morgan poll: One Nation now leading Coalition

A national Morgan poll, conducted January 26 to February 1 from a sample of 1,401, gave Labor 30.5% of the primary vote (steady since the January 19–25 Morgan poll), One Nation 25% (up 2,5), the Coalition 20.5% (down two), the Greens 12.5% (down 0.5) and all Others 11.5% (steady).

There was no Labor vs One Nation two-party estimate. Labor led the Coalition by 56–44 using respondent preferences, a 0.5-point gain for the Coalition. By 2025 election flows, Labor led by an unchanged 54.5–45.5.

The four January Morgan polls have had One Nation and the Coalition going in opposite directions. One Nation was at 15% in the first poll, then 21%, 22.5% and 25%, while the Coalition began at 30.5%, then 24%, 22.5% and 20.5%.

Morgan also released demographic breakdowns from its four January polls. Compared with November to December, Labor led the Coalition in all states, regaining a 51–49 lead in Queensland. Labor’s biggest lead was in South Australia (61–39), which holds a state election on March 21.

Labor led by 56–44 with women and 52.5–47.5 with men. They led by 65.5–34.5 with those aged 18–34, 58–42 with those aged 35–49 and 51.5–48.5 with those aged 50–64. The Coalition led by 58–42 with those aged 65 and older.

One Nation’s support was highest in New South Wales at 25.5%, beating its traditional strongest state of Queensland (24%). Their support by age peaked with those aged 50–64 at 27%.

Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. One Nation surges to new high as Coalition slumps to record low in latest Newspoll – https://theconversation.com/one-nation-surges-to-new-high-as-coalition-slumps-to-record-low-in-latest-newspoll-274839

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/09/one-nation-surges-to-new-high-as-coalition-slumps-to-record-low-in-latest-newspoll-274839/

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Call to levy services to keep financial mentor sector viable

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fincap, the organisation that represents financial mentors around the country, has made the proposal to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.

Financial mentors say organisations that benefit from their services should be willing to pay a levy.

Fincap, the organisation that represents financial mentors around the country, has made the proposal to the Finance and Expenditure Committee.

Forty-four financial mentor services lost funding in the latest round and Fincap spokesperson Jake Lilley said they are increasingly having to ask staff to take pay cuts or work as volunteers to be able to continue operating.

“We’ve had a lot close,” he told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

He said it was a concern that the industry was also losing experienced people who knew how to navigate the complex situations that clients would seek help with.

But demand for their services has increased, and Lilley says many organisations rely on their services, including KiwiSaver providers who often suggest people making a hardship application seek help from a mentor.

Lilley said while financial services providers would have their own hardship teams, there were usually limits to what it was appropriate for them to discuss with clients. Financial mentors could look at people’s situations as a whole.

“You can get into a situation where the loudest creditor is the one who is paid when someone hasn’t got the assistance to look at the situation as a whole.”

He said some mentors said it took eight hours of their time to help a client with a KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal application.

Telecommunications and power companies also benefited from mentors’ work, he said.

David Baines, of Christchurch’s Kingdom Resources services, said his organisation lost funding in 2024.

“We were in a situation where government funding provided about 80 percent of our total income.” he said.

Of 11 staff, two became volunteers and four reduced their income, he said. But he said Kingdom Resources still received referrals from government agencies, even though funding had been stopped.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/call-to-levy-services-to-keep-financial-mentor-sector-viable/

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New trans-Tasman standards agreement signed

Source: New Zealand Government

A new agreement between Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia means improved products and opportunities for local businesses and households, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says.

“This agreement is what this Government is all about – fixing the basics and building the future. It will make it easier to operate across New Zealand and Australia, reducing costs for businesses and improve the quality and safety of goods and services that consumers rely on every day,” Mr Simpson says.

In August 2025, Prime Minister Luxon and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed in their Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ meeting the importance of trans-Tasman standards and ongoing partnership.

“By aligning standards and adopting trusted international rules in areas like artificial intelligence, data management and cybersecurity, New Zealanders can have greater confidence that new technologies are being used safely and responsibly.

“Reducing fees and red tape will also free up businesses to invest in innovation and growth, supporting jobs, strengthening digital trade, and helping New Zealand businesses compete internationally – delivering long-term benefits for the wider economy.”

The two national standards bodies have signed a new Standards Development and Distribution Agreement and Statement of Operating Procedures.

Mr Simpson says the agreement reaffirms the commitment to trans-Tasman standards alignment.

“It ensures our standards system reflects modern science, technology, regulatory and business practice. It’s a win for New Zealand businesses, consumers, and our economy.”

Mr Simpson commended Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia for their close cooperation and focus on economic growth.

“Harmonised standards with Australia are a priority for this Government. The standards relationship between Australia and New Zealand is internationally unique and highly-valued, having delivered significant economic benefits to both countries.

“The new agreement has support from industry stakeholders on both sides of the Tasman and lays the foundation for future joint trans-Tasman standards development with Australia.”

Notes to editors:

 This agreement will ensure:

  • Shared standards to help businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, improve quality and meet regulatory requirements in both countries
  • Companies can focus on innovation, growth and global competitiveness
  • Adoption of international standards in areas such as artificial intelligence, data management, and cybersecurity gives businesses confidence to use new technologies
  • Removal of commissioning fees for New Zealand industry for joint Australian-New Zealand standards development
  • Support for digital trade and help New Zealand businesses remain competitive internationally
  • A stronger voice for New Zealand industry in the early scoping and prioritisation of joint standards work.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/new-trans-tasman-standards-agreement-signed/

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Health Research – New international report warns global drug policies are failing

Source: NZ Drug Foundation

The NZ Drug Foundation says a major new report on international drug policy reform over the past 10 years shows that the drug control system has failed and countries like New Zealand urgently need to change direction.

The UNGASS decade in review: Gaps, achievements and paths for reform report assesses progress made since the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs, widely viewed as a potential turning point in global drug policy.

NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says it paints an incredibly grim picture, with many challenges hampering efforts to reduce the harm from drugs including the financial crisis facing the United Nations, threats to the international rule of law, AI-fuelled illicit trade and reduced funding for harm reduction.

“Old tropes, and the ‘war on drugs’ approach that is regaining momentum in the United States and elsewhere, need to end. Aotearoa New Zealand risks sliding into the same chaos seen in parts of North America if nothing changes,” Helm says.

“All the evidence tells us these approaches are continuing to push things in the wrong direction – the increase in harm and deaths globally over the last ten years is just staggering.”

The report shows that under the current international settings:

  • More drugs are being consumed. 
  • More potent and new substances have emerged, many of which are volatile and toxic. 
  • More people are using drugs. An estimated 316 million people aged 15-64 used drugs in 2023, which is a 28% increase since 2016 and far outpaces 9% global population growth. 
  • More people are dying as a result of drug use. Between 2016 and 2021, more than 2,678,000 people died (not including deaths from armed conflict in countries that supply the global drug market). 

There has been an alarming level of incarceration that has disproportionately affected marginalised communities. About 20% of the global prison population – or one in five people – is in prison for drug offences. Of those people, 22% or 2.5 million people are in prison for drug possession alone.

“Sadly, these international trends are all too familiar in New Zealand. Our Safer Drug Laws for Aotearoa New Zealand report shows that everything from addiction, to overdose deaths, to criminalisation have increased under our current approach – it’s painfully obvious that we need to change,” Helm says.

“We lose almost three New Zealanders per week to overdose, methamphetamine and cocaine use have doubled in the past year, new toxic substances like nitazenes are killing people and 3,000 New Zealanders have been criminalised for cannabis consumption in the past two years.”

More and more money has been spent on reducing supply, including drug busts, to little or no effect. In fact, mounting evidence shows that law enforcement strategies aimed at disrupting trafficking organisations have often been counterproductive. Instead of reducing supply, they have fragmented criminal groups, creating more dynamic and violent competition over illegal markets.

“Both internationally and here at home, we spend vastly more on combating the supply of drugs than on reducing demand and the harm caused. This approach has not worked so it’s time to take a different approach,” Helm argues.

There are a few bright spots to be found over the 10 years the report canvasses. 59 jurisdictions in 39 countries have now adopted some form of decriminalisation, compared to 33 jurisdictions in 23 countries in 2016. And 45 countries – including Aotearoa New Zealand – have adopted laws and policies to improve access to medicinal cannabis since 2016, bringing the global total to 63.

Helm says that for New Zealand to start turning things around, decriminalisation of drug use, coupled with significant investment in health and harm reduction services, has the clearest evidence of success internationally.

“For example, Portugal’s two decades of experience of decriminalisation is compelling,” she says. “Overdose deaths fell dramatically, HIV transmission rates plummeted, and the burden on the criminal justice system was eased, all without an increase in drug use. Portugal now has one of the lowest rates of drug-related deaths in the EU.”

“The evidence is clear that any law reform efforts must be coupled with significant investment in support, including ringfenced funding for services designed and delivered by Māori, who have experienced the greatest harm from our current laws,” she says.
 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/health-research-new-international-report-warns-global-drug-policies-are-failing/

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Graham Parks named NZ Cricket interim boss

Source: Radio New Zealand

Graham Parks. photosport

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed Graham Parks will take charge as its interim chief executive until a full time replacement is found for Scott Weenink.

Parks, who has been NZC’s chief venues and events officer, has agreed to provide a stopgap as CEO, taking over from Catherine Campbell, who has acted as designated CEO since Weenink’s departure in December.

A statement from NZC said: “Graham is a long-serving member of our senior leadership team; has the skillset required for the assignment, is up to speed on current projects and events, and shares the trust and goodwill of NZC staff, members and stakeholders.

“Catherine Campbell will lead the Venues and Events function during this period.”

While Parks will continue to be based in Lincoln, he has agreed to split his time in Auckland to liaise more closely with NZ’s personnel and stakeholders.

NZC said it will advertise for the CEO role within the week and hopes to annouce the successful candidate by early April.

Scott Weenink. photosport

Weenink announced he was stepping down a week before Christmas following months growing concern that the board and the chief executive were no longer on the same page.

Weenink cited fundamental differences with key stakeholders over the long-term direction of the game and a potential change to structure of T20 cricket.

Sources told RNZ Weenink had been “fighting for his survival” since November amid a power struggle related to the domestic game.

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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/2026/02/09/graham-parks-named-nz-cricket-interim-boss/

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Major bank raises medium-term fixed term mortgage rates

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

The rise in home loan rates continues with ASB Bank the latest to increase medium-term fixed mortgages.

It has marginally lowered its six-month rates, but loans for one year through to three years have been raised between 10 and 20 basis points.

ASB Bank said the rises reflected the increase in wholesale interest rates, which had risen more than half a percentage point since the last Reserve Bank decision at the end of last November.

ASB’s six month rate is 4.59 percent, down six basis points. The one year rate has risen to 4.59 percent, the 18-month rate 4.75%, two years now sits at 4.95 percent and the three year rate is 5.19 percent.

All major retail banks have their fixed mortgage rates over the past couple of weeks.

Last week BNZ cut its six-month rate by 20 basis points to 4.49 percent. But the four-year rate lifts by 26 basis points to 5.55 percent and the five-year by 40 basis points to 5.69 percent.

ANZ is reducing its six-month rate by 20 basis points and increasing its two-year and four-year rates by 20. Its five-year rate will increase by 30. That takes its two-year special to 5.49 percent and its five-year special to 5.99 percent.

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/2026/02/09/major-bank-raises-medium-term-fixed-term-mortgage-rates/

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The shape of the game: Mark Robinson’s challenge to create new rugby fans

Source: Radio New Zealand

World Rugby Chief of Rugby Mark Robinson. Photosport

Mark Robinson doesn’t officially start his new role at World Rugby for another few months but already has made some strides into what looks to be a major brief from the sport’s global governing body.

The former NZ Rugby chief executive has been given the rather broad title of Chief of Rugby, which he explains will revolve around capitalising on commercial opportunities, bringing alignment to the game and, most notably, winning over new fans around the world.

“It’s about how it’s presented, how we present iconic events and even just how rugby is talked about,” explained Robinson from his new home on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

“Then as part of that, thinking about fan acquisition and the conversion of fans.”

Probably of most interest to lifelong rugby fans is Robinson’s view on how rugby is actually presented, and what can be done to create consistency. For example, in stadium replays have the ability to affect refereeing decisions, something that in 2024 played a big role in the All Blacks losing to the Springboks at Ellis Park.

Pre match entertainment before All Blacks v South Africa Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship, Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg. Nic Bothma/ActionPress

“The way that the match presentation responds, the commentary teams work, creating really much improved alignment around the way that looks and feels on match day. As well as the use of data.”

That last one feels like an enigmatic nut to crack, as for over 30 years of professionalism rugby has struggled to latch on to any sort of compelling data sets for fans other than the good old territory and possession.

Nevertheless, Robinson believes that figuring it out will provide a much easier pathway for new fans to understand the game. One of football’s greatest strengths is that the officials don’t actually officially communicate with the players verbally, removing the need for them to even understand each other’s languages. Rugby, on the other hand, sees the referee act as an extra commentator and can only do so in English at test level.

Jack Crowley of Ireland is shown a yellow card by referee Matthew Carley during the Quilter Nations Series 2025 match between Ireland and South Africa at the Aviva Stadium. Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

“It’s obviously seen as a key tenant, ensuring the game can balance accuracy within officiating and entertainment and spectacle,” said Robinson.

“I guess over the last little while, we’ve seen some amazing rugby but I think we’ve also seen some rugby that maybe the product could be improved upon.”

Then there’s the issue of maximising commercial revenue, something Robinson has been unashamedly upfront about ever since taking the top job at NZR. His view is very much that rugby is leaving money on the table, especially when it comes to exploring new markets, as well as broadcast and sponsorship deals.

“There’s definitely an opportunity to elevate the way we think and say more on our game, globally. And to do that, we need to be clear on our product, what the game looks like and what the game philosophies are is part of that. Areas like entertainment, spectacle and, and accuracy around officiating. Now some of the things we need to be really clear on. And I think the second part of it relates to the value in the game.”

Mark Robinson. Graphic: Liam K. Swiggs PHOTOSPORT

It’s way too early to tell what the outcome of Robinson’s new mission will be, considering he hasn’t even sat down at his desk yet. But for now, he’s been heavily involved in World Rugby’s Shape of the Game initiative, which Robinson said would provide better clarity around what’s emerging as a touchy subject in the rugby world.

“I’m sure we’ll be doing a lot as it relates to new markets, and that that will give us a clearer understanding of preserving aspects of the history and the traditions of the game, the values associated with it. While we’re pushing new frontiers, I’m sure there are ways that we can harness both.”

That’s all well and good, but the nature of online discourse around tinkering with the game’s laws has become so toxic it will make it a tough sell. For example, some of the northern hemisphere reactions to Super Rugby Pacific’s recent changes are bafflingly over the top considering they don’t even compete in the competition. But the perception is there that the likes of New Zealand and Australia are attempting to get laws changed to suit the style of play, which admittedly is not entirely unfair. Ever the agent of change, Robinson can see a way forward, though.

“I think there’s shifts hinged around the need, the acknowledgment to evolve in some areas, quickly. At the top of the list is to be more, you know, engaged, thoughtful and adaptable around fans.”

That does lead into the fact that if this role ends up being as substantial as it could be, New Zealand and its rugby allies find themselves with a powerful player in the administrative scene. For now though, Robinson is looking forward to getting in and attempting make new fans around the world, while reaffirming the love of rugby that already exists.

“With the World Cups coming up, new competitions like the Nation’s Championship, the Greatest Rivalry Tour. They’re a great shop window opportunities for the for the product to be positioned as best as possible.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/the-shape-of-the-game-mark-robinsons-challenge-to-create-new-rugby-fans/

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Arts – The NZSA Youth Mentor Programme seeks Emerging Young Writers

Source: NZSA

The NZSA Youth Mentor Programme seeks Emerging Young Writers – YOUTH WRITING MENTORSHIPS OPEN FOR 2026

Four secondary school students will have the opportunity to be mentored by one of New Zealand’s best professional authors in order to develop their craft and hone their writing skills.

The NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme offers aspiring young writers aged 15 -18 a mentorship, from May to November. The intent of the mentor programme is to foster and develop emerging writing talent with the support of established authors. There are 4 places awarded each year in the youth programme, and it is a game-changing opportunity for young writers.

NZSA has been running successful assessment and mentoring programmes since 1999 that aim are to nurture, encourage, inspire and develop emerging writers with the support of established writers through mentoring and assessment.

Deadline for applications: 6 April 2026
Find out about how to apply: www.authors.org.nz

Comments from previous youth mentees
Eleazar Kenese from Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland was paired with award-winning novelist, poet, journalist and editor, Mikaela Nyman and told us: “I feel that I made a lot of progress under this mentorship as I was introduced to new ways of writing poetry, I progressed as a writer as Mikaela helped me to explore different styles, themes and ideas and under this guidance I was able to write a poem that got published in an anthology. This mentorship was extremely helpful to my progress as a writer as it also gave me a deeper understanding of the standards of poetry in terms of punctuation and purpose (using punctuation as a tool to convey an emotion or thought rather than just for readability)”.

Leo Reid from Hamilton had award-winning author Kyle Mewburn as their mentor in 2024 and had this to say: “Through the NZSA Youth Mentorship Program, I have developed my skills as an author outside of simply writing. My mentor Kyle was endlessly kind and patient with me and I feel I have grown into myself using her help. Kyle offered me the experience of working with a seasoned author as well as providing me with extremely beneficial feedback. I know I can apply these newfound skills to projects outside of the one I had been working on with Kyle. I will look back on this shared time with her as one of immense value to myself, on both a personal level and as a writer.”

“I feel that I improved my skills as a writer and made a great deal of progress in terms of my project — I now have a clear structure, a plan moving forward and many smaller pieces to work with and develop further. Michelle has helped me build confidence in my work and consider things I previously didn’t, such as pacing and specific characterisation, as well as highlighting my strengths,” said Stella Weston who was partnered with writer and editor, Michelle Elvy.

The Youth Mentor Programme is run by the NZSA, the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa. We offer memberships for writers at all stages of their careers including students. Our assessment and mentorship programmes, such as our annual Youth mentorships, are offered with the support of Creative New Zealand.

NZSA is the principal organisation representing over 1800 writers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Founded in 1934, we administer prizes and awards, provide professional development, offer mentorship and assessment programmes, trade discounts, share industry news and opportunities, and provide spaces for writers to meet via 8 regional branches, a Next Page youth network, and Nga Kaituhi Māori. We offer online and in-person regional and national events. NZSA collaborates across the book sector to make NZ writing and NZ writers more visible. We advocate for writers’ and champion fair reward.

NZSA is a not-for-profit incorporated society and a registered charitable entity – CC61705
 
www.authors.org.nz

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/arts-the-nzsa-youth-mentor-programme-seeks-emerging-young-writers/

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How fake NZ news pages are swamping Facebook with AI slop

Source: Radio New Zealand

An AI-generated video claimed to show Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Waitangi. Screenshot / Facebook

Analysis – A flood of “fake NZ news” pages are swamping social media with misleading slop, including using AI to animate still photos of a Mount Maunganui landslide victim.

Dodgy Facebook pages devoted to churning out AI-generated images and videos are almost unavoidable on the site now – and they’re still fooling an awful lot of people.

In an investigation I conducted for the Australian Associated Press, a Facebook page calling itself “NZ News Hub” – which has no connection whatsoever to the now-defunct Newshub – has been pushing out dozens of posts a week that take the legitimate reporting by news organisations including RNZ, the New Zealand Herald, Stuff and others, and add sloppy AI-generated images or videos to them.

In one case, a video was posted that grotesquely animates a still photo of a 15-year-old Mount Maunganui landslide victim, making her appear to dance.

The page’s bio proclaims “NZ News Hub brings you the latest New Zealand news, breaking stories, politics, business, sport, and community updates”, but it does not appear to contain any original reporting.

For instance, on Waitangi Day, the page published a post that appeared to be a video of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Waitangi, but was clearly generated by AI.

Nevertheless, the page, which has nearly 5000 followers, has dozens of people “liking” and commenting on its posts as if they were real. Many of their followers appear to be business pages and even include a few politicians.

A still image of a press conference by Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was animated by AI. Screenshot / Facebook

Attempts by AAP to get “NZ News Hub” to comment went unanswered.

Andrew Lensen, a senior lecturer in AI and programme director at Victoria University of Wellington, said that the “News Hub” page’s images were clearly AI-generated.

“These pages want to get as much engagement (reactions, comments, shares) as possible, in order to build their following/exposure and potential ad revenue,” he told me for my AAP piece.

False images of a recent flooding disaster at the Mahurangi River. Screenshot / Facebook

The easy availability of AI tools now has made it possible for pretty much anyone to launch a “fake news” factory, with little moderation by tech giants to keep the flood at bay. Many fake pictures show a “SynthID” watermark indicating Google’s AI tools were used to create them – but you have to know how to find that watermark in the first place.

False images of the Mount Maunganui landslide have flooded social media. Screenshot / Facebook

The Mount Maunganui disaster that killed six people led to a flurry of AI slop online, as RNZ has previously reported.

Many images circulating on social media don’t look like the actual site at all, another AAP investigation found.

False information about the victims has also been circulating.

An image of landslide victim Sharon Maccanico, 15, dancing was misleadingly animated by AI by the Facebook page ‘NZ News Hub.’ Screenshot / Facebook

A still photo that was provided by NZ Police to the media of victim Sharon Maccanico, 15, dancing was animated by NZ News Hub in a post to make it look as if the teenager was doing almost impossibly acrobatic dance moves, set to a jaunty soundtrack.

NZ News Hub has taken many recent RNZ stories and reposted large portions of the reporting while adding misleading AI tweaks to them.

One post took a recent press conference by Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis and used a still image taken by an RNZ photographer to create an AI video of them speaking about the upcoming November election.

Another recent post referred to RNZ reporter Tim Brown’s recent pieces on Tauranga parents mourning their daughter’s suicide, but used AI to animate an RNZ image so the couple appeared to be smiling at each other. Brown confirmed no such video was taken by RNZ.

Legitimate images have been misleadingly animated by AI in some cases. Screenshot / Facebook

Many images do bear the hallmarks of AI, but others are harder to discern. Still, there are typically tells.

An image claiming to be of police officers responding to recent anti-immigration protests in Auckland shows the “police” all have incorrect uniforms and extremely blurred and distorted faces. While another picture that claims to be from police operations to recover a drowning victim on the Mahurangi River last month has so-called police with “POPFIL” written on the back of their uniforms – and the river shown doesn’t look anything like the actual river.

Even the iconic NZ kererū isn’t immune to AI tinkering. A story RNZ ran last week about the dangers of the native wood pigeon running into windows was picked up, but the image was bafflingly replaced with an AI-generated bird that doesn’t look anything like a kererū.

An AI generated image based off a legitimate RNZ story. Screenshot / Facebook

It’s possible some of the AI images are being used to avoid copyright wrangles by stealing legitimate news websites’ photos, Lensen said.

“Trust in journalism is already a huge concern, and any source that presents itself as a fake source of news will just increase distrust further,” Lensen told me.

Many false Facebook pages also churn out stories about celebrities with enticing headlines promising “truths REVEALED” and scandalous information, which is rarely borne out in the actual copy. Such stories often link to exterior websites laden with pop-up ads and trying to build up traffic and clicks to eventually earn revenue.

False images of East Cape flooding generated by AI. Screenshot / Facebook

This “NZ News Hub” is hardly alone out there in slop-land. Pretty much every news event you can think of, whether it’s a shark attack in Australia, the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro or the assassination of Charlie Kirk, has had fake news posts and images smothering social media within minutes of the event.

Many of these pages are actually run from countries that are nowhere near where the news came from, such as Vietnam or Malaysia, Facebook page transparency information shows.

AI generated images often have trouble with text, such as this image that claims to be about recent sewage spills in Wellington. Screenshot / Facebook

Even if Facebook acts on these specific pages, dozens of copycats will likely crop up instantly.

There are multiple sites sharing fake NZ AI news images already. False images and videos can be widely seen on TikTok, Instagram, X and many more too, of course.

It’s part of the general social media platform decay that has been christened “enshittification” by author Cory Doctorow.

Lensen said he felt pages such as NZ News Hub showed traditional media should be very cautious on using AI in their reporting.

“As AI slop becomes more and more widespread online, people may turn back to these established platforms as a trusted source. But if the established platforms also use AI, then where do we go for the truth?”

RNZ has a series of AI principles that are available online and will generally not publish, broadcast or otherwise knowingly disseminate work created by generative AI.

Many of the “NZ News Hub” posts have been reported to Meta, owner of Facebook, but as of this writing they’re still up.

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/2026/02/09/how-fake-nz-news-pages-are-swamping-facebook-with-ai-slop/

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Review: Bradley Cooper’s ‘Is This Thing On?’ is a lukewarm bath

Source: Radio New Zealand

American actor Bradley Cooper’s latest turn in the director’s chair (after Maestro and A Star is Born) ambitiously tries to evoke the warm, low-key dramedies of a bygone era.

But its well-intentioned and often well-crafted parts never fully come together enough to really pull the heartstrings.

It’s all just kind of okay.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/review-bradley-coopers-is-this-thing-on-is-a-lukewarm-bath/

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Fire Safety – Open fire season for Wairarapa

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

All parts of the Wairarapa District which have been in a restricted fire season move back into an open fire season as of 8am Monday 9 February, until further notice.
An open fire season means you do not need to apply for a permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to light an outdoor fire.
Fire and Emergency’s Wellington Community Risk Manager Philip Soal says the restricted fire season has been revoked for Inland Northern, Inland Central, South Wairarapa, Western Ranges, Southern Coastal, Central Coastal and Northern Coastal.
“This means all Wairarapa is now in an open fire season,” he says.
Philip Soal says the fire danger in the Wairarapa has reduced to the point that fire restrictions are no longer required.
“The wetter than normal weather we’ve had means escaping fires will travel slower and will be easier to extinguish.
“However, the conditions can change quickly, so if you’re planning on lighting a fire, remember to continue going to www.checkitsalright.nz to check if it’s safe to light.”

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/fire-safety-open-fire-season-for-wairarapa/

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Banking and Finance – ASB adjusts interest rates

Source: ASB

ASB has today lowered its 6-month mortgage rate, while increasing some longer term fixed home loan and term deposit rates, as wholesale interest rates continue to rise.  

ASB’s one to three year fixed home loans have increased by between 10 and 20 basis points. To support savers, ASB has also lifted term deposit rates on all terms from nine months to five years, including a 35-basis point rise to its two-year term deposit.  

Fixed home loan rates are influenced by several market factors, particularly wholesale interest rates. Longer term wholesale interest rates have increased by more than 50 basis points since the November 2025 OCR announcement, driving up the cost of providing fixed home loans.

“Today’s changes reflect the reality of our higher wholesale interest rate environment. While this upward movement is good news for savers, with our term deposit rates for two years and above now starting from 4.00%, we know homeowners are watching rates closely. We are here to support, and encourage customers to talk to us around what approach may work best for them,” says Adam Boyd, ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking.

  

Home Loan 

Current Rates

New Rates

Rate Change

6 Months

4.65%

4.59%

– 6 bps

1 Year

4.49%

4.59%

+ 10 bps

18 Months

4.65%

4.75%

+ 10 bps

2 Years

4.75%

4.95%

+ 20 bps

3 Years

5.09%

5.19%

+ 10 bps

4 Years

5.55%

5.55%

N/C

5 Years 

5.69%

5.69 %

N/C

 

Term Deposit 

Current Rates

New Rates

Rate Change

1 Month

1.80%

1.80%

N/C

2 Months

2.00%

2.00%

N/C

3 Months

2.85%

2.85%

N/C

 

4 Months

3.00%

3.00%

N/C

5 Months

3.10%

3.10%

N/C

6 Months

3.45%

3.45%

N/C

9 Months

3.50%

3.55%

+ 5 bps

12 Months

3.45%

3.50%

+ 5 bps

18 Months

3.50%

3.65%

+ 15 bps

24 Months 

3.65%

4.00%

+35 bps

36 Months 

4.00%

4.15%

+ 15 bps

48 Months 

4.10%

4.30%

+ 20 bps

60 Months 

4.40%

4.50%

+ 20 bps 

 

ASB has practical information for customers on the current interest rate environment available on its website as well as support to help customers take control of their financial wellbeing and achieve their goals at its Financial Wellbeing Hub.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/banking-and-finance-asb-adjusts-interest-rates/

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PSNA calls on government to condemn desecration of New Zealand war graves in Gaza

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

PSNA is calling on the government to condemn Israel’s desecration of New Zealand war graves in Gaza.

Israeli bulldozing of the graves was confirmed last week but the New Zealand government has not responded with any comment.

Palestinian Essam Jaradah, who has tended the New Zealand graves for 45 years, confirmed their destruction in an interview with the Guardian newspaper.

“Common decency demands we condemn Israel for this abuse of our war dead,” says Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-Chair John Minto. “If it happened anywhere else in the world the government would register shock and be appalled.”

“Australia has spoken out but nothing from New Zealand. No protest expressed, no demand Israel apologise, no request for access to inspect the damage.  Nothing.”

“Neither has there been any response from the New Zealand Returned Services Association.”

Minto says Israel relied on what he called huge and sympathetic media attention for more than two years, demanding the return of the remains of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza.

“It seems the only human remains which matter are Israeli ones. Over a period, Israel has systematically destroyed Palestinian cemeteries and now the war graves of our soldiers.”

There were 23 graves of New Zealand World War I soldiers in the Commonwealth War Cemetery, plus another two from the 280 strong Rarotongan Company from the Cook Islands, which also fought for Britain to capture Palestine from the Turkish Ottomans.

“The families of these soldiers deserve to hear their government speak out” says Minto.

Earlier reports show appalling and deliberate damage and bodies desecrated in at least 16 other cemeteries across Gaza and Canada reported damage to the war cemetery where Canadian soldiers lie alongside New Zealanders.

According to a CNN report:

Cemeteries are given protections as “civilian objects” under international law and are afforded special protections, with limited exceptions.

“Israel has always flouted international law, and the desecration of cemeteries adds to the long list of its war crimes in Gaza,” says Minto.

“There might be some people who believe Israeli excuses that there are tunnels under everything in Gaza, so everything should be bombed or bulldozed flat.”

“But Israel has no right to be there.  It is in illegal occupation of Gaza and the other Palestinian Territory of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”

“If Israel respected international law, and withdrew its military occupation, the graves would not have been desecrated” says Minto.

The land for the cemetery was gifted by the people of Palestine. 

“We are not aware that any New Zealand politician has ever visited these graves in Gaza so probably the Prime Minister will turn his back on Israeli desecration of our history as he has on the mass killing, starvation and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza.”

John Minto
National Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/psna-calls-on-government-to-condemn-desecration-of-new-zealand-war-graves-in-gaza/

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Real Estate – Capital city takes charge with record number of new rental properties listed

New Zealand Rental Report, January 2026 – Capital city takes charge with record number of new rental properties listed.

Wellington hits record high with 965 properties listed for rent in January
Scarfies had less choice with 32.9% fewer new rental listings in Otago than January 2025
National average rent falls to $634/week, down 2.0% year-on-year

Students moving to the capital for the start of the academic year are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a rental property. In January, Wellington reached a record high of 965 properties listed for rent, a whopping 54.2% more rental listings than the same time last year.

However, students heading south face a much tighter rental market.

Otago’s new rental listings were down 32.9% year-on-year, with just 139 properties listed for rent this January, compared to 207 in January 2025.

Meanwhile, Canterbury offered students more choice with 892 new rental listings in January 2026, an increase of 16.9% on same time last year.

Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz says, the data shows just how important timing and location are for student renters.

“For students heading back to campus, where you study has a big impact on your rental experience. Wellington renters are spoilt for choice this year, while those moving to Otago will need to be organised and act quickly in a far more competitive market. It’s very much a tale of two cities.”

A little more left in the pocket as average weekly rents fall

Students in Wellington may also find they have more in their bank accounts – average weekly rents have fallen 8.9% year-on-year to $659/week, although this remains above the national average rental price of $634/week.

Renters in Auckland are also paying above the national average rent, with the average rent in the City of Sails at $686/week, down just 1.8% on January 2025.

The average weekly rent has fallen in Otago (down 4.1% year-on-year to $519/week in January 2026) and stayed flat in Waikato (down 0.3% year-on-year to $556/week). Canterbury is the only university region to record an increase in average weekly rental prices in January, up 1.2% to $584/week.

Williams says these year-on-year declines suggest landlords in some regions are having to be more competitive on price, particularly where supply has lifted.

 “We’re seeing rental markets behave very differently across the country. For student renters, these figures underline how local supply conditions shape affordability. More choice gives renters leverage, but in markets where supply hasn’t lifted, prices remain resilient.”

Which regions are seeing a rise in rental stock?

National rental stock increased 9.8% in January 2026, with 7,830 rental properties available compared to 7,129 properties in January 2025.

Hawke’s Bay recorded the greatest year-on-year increase in stock levels, up 115.8% compared to January 2025 to 123 properties. Wairarapa also recorded a significant increase in stock levels, up 97.3% year-on-year to 73 properties, while Gisborne recorded the third highest year-on-year increase in stock levels in January 2026, up 56.4% year-on-year to 61 properties.

Williams says the lift in rental stock nationally is an encouraging sign of activity in the market.

“Overall, this is a rental market offering very different experiences depending on where renters are studying or relocating. For those who have flexibility around location, there are real opportunities emerging, but in tighter markets, preparation and speed remain key. Understanding local conditions has never been more important.”

About realestate.co.nz | New Zealand’s Best Small Workplace (2025)

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry. In 2025, realestate.co.nz was crowned Best Small/Micro Workplace in New Zealand by Great Place to Work.

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.    

Glossary of terms:  Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.  

New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for sale on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. The site reflects 97% of all properties listed through licensed real estate agents and major developers in New Zealand. This description gives a representative view of the New Zealand property market.  

Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for sale on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.  

Rate of sale is a measure of how long it would take, theoretically, to sell the current stock at current average rates of sale if no new properties were to be listed for sale. It provides a measure of the rate of turnover in the market.  

Seasonal adjustment is a method realestate.co.nz uses to represent better the core underlying trend of the property market in New Zealand. This is done using methodology from the New Zealand Institute of

Economic Research.  

Truncated mean is the method realestate.co.nz uses to supply statistically relevant asking prices. The top and bottom 10% of listings in each area are removed before the average is calculated to prevent exceptional listings from providing false impressions.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/real-estate-capital-city-takes-charge-with-record-number-of-new-rental-properties-listed/

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Gaming – Holy Cow! Meadow Fresh Unveils the First of its Kind Fantasy Dairy League

Source: Meadow Fresh

New Zealand is taking fantasy sports to a whole new level with a league only Kiwis could dream up: Meadow Fresh Fantasy Herd – what we believe to be the world’s first fantasy league powered by real cows.

Created by Meadow Fresh, the game lets players draft real cows for their chosen team, score points from live farm data, and compete for a $20,000 top prize. Just like fantasy football, which relies on real athlete stats, Fantasy Herd draws on actual milking outputs and behavioural data collected from the herd at Nottingham Dairy Farm in North Otago, New Zealand.

Fantasy Herd ambassador Tav Hughes – content creator, meme connoisseur, and proud champion of Kiwi culture – says jumping in was an easy yes.

“I love anything that helps bridge the gap between town and country.  Most people only ever see the finished dairy products on the supermarket shelves, not the tech, care and effort behind them,” Hughes says. “Fantasy Herd is a crack-up idea, but it’s also educational and uniquely Kiwi. I reckon people are going to get hooked.

“Or at least until my darling COW HABUNGA takes home the gold!”

Meadow Fresh Marketing Manager, Jen Jones says the aim is simple: make dairy farming fun, visible and accessible to everyone.

“Although dairy remains one of New Zealand’s defining industries, its place in Kiwi culture has evolved.

“With Meadow Fresh Fantasy Herd, we wanted to shine a positive light on dairy by creating something unexpected, entertaining, and true to what modern dairy really looks like, it’s exciting and high tech.”

Just like traditional fantasy sports, Fantasy Herd players are selecting their own lineups, drafting real cows, each wearing a solar-powered smart collar from New Zealand’s ag-tech company Halter.  

Helen Moore, VP Marketing and Growth at Halter explains:

“Halter’s collars monitor every cow’s location, behaviour, and movement. This gives farmers a valuable tool to maximise their productivity and to care for their animals. We’re stoked to surface the data and insights that Halter farms rely on, and bring it to everyday Kiwis.”

North Otago farmer Tim Richards, whose cows star in the game, says it’s been a hit on-farm too.

“The cows don’t even know they’re athletes yet, but we’ve been laughing over who should be captain. If a bit of friendly competition helps people appreciate the care behind the dairy products in their fridge, that’s amazing.”

Draft opens 9th February, one week before the first round, giving players time to build their herds, choose their captain cow, and join a league. After six rounds, the herder with the highest total score will be crowned Fantasy Herd Champion and take home $20,000*.

Players can register and build their fantasy herd now at www.fantasyherd.co.nz.

*T&Cs apply. NZ res 18+. Commences 26/1/26. Ends 30/3/26. Full T&Cs available at www.fantasyherd.co.nz

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/08/gaming-holy-cow-meadow-fresh-unveils-the-first-of-its-kind-fantasy-dairy-league/

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More Australians are international sports fans, especially the NFL. Are local leagues threatened?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Karg, Professor, Deakin University

Australian sport fans have long shown interest in international leagues.

Australian fans watch and stream the United States’ National Basketball Association (NBA) games at one of the highest rates outside of North America.

When it comes to the US’ National Football League (NFL), Australians’ interest has historically been limited to major events like the Super Bowl. But an increased focus from the NFL’s head office suggests many Australians’ interest has grown from casual to committed, with the NFL challenging local leagues for fan interest.

Our research teams recently conducted a national survey quantifying Australians’ consumption of national and overseas leagues.

It reveals interest in the NFL now exceeds 1.7 million adult Australians. This is around 8% of Australians aged 18-80, almost 2% higher than three years ago, and now matches the number of Australian fans of the NBA.

The NFL and NBA sit second to only the English Premier League in Australian fan interest (3.5m) for international professional team leagues.

NFL is heating up Down Under

Drivers of the NFL’s growth in Australia are strategic and clear. Simply and most critically, the league has become more available.

To the envy of many other sports, it boasts visibility on free-to-air channels and multiple streaming services, alongside free and accessible highlights packages on streaming channels and non-match content from documentaries to social content.

Expansion outside of the United States has also been deliberate and prolific: in 2025, the NFL hosted games in Brazil, Mexico, England, Ireland, Spain and Germany.

Australia, as well as France, will be added to the rotation of international sites this year. The match at Melbourne’s MCG in September will be the first NFL game to be played in Australia.



Read more:
It’s the most American of sports, so why is the NFL looking to Melbourne for international games?

Based on recent years, Australia’s 1.7 million adult NFL fans will be among an expected non-US audience over of more than 60 million who tune into Monday’s Super Bowl, joining a further 120 million expected to watch within the US.

We found NFL interest is far more prominent in males and audiences in the 30-50 age brackets. Conversely, the NBA retains higher interest for audiences under the age of 30.

Of the 1.7 million NFL fans in Australia, we found:

  • 72% support a team (San Francisco and New England lead the way)
  • 62% watched games live or highlights at least fortnightly
  • 29% follow non-game content on social media fortnightly
  • 47% own merchandise of a team
  • two-thirds have watched a documentary related to the sport
  • one in six play fantasy sport aligned to the NFL
  • one in five gamble on an NFL game monthly.

The Australian NFL fanbase, like other sport and non-sport brands across industries, remains dominated not by hardcore fanatics but by medium and light users.

Around 30% of Australian NFL fans would be classified as light fans (which means only half support a team and 65% only watch highlights) while 26% are highly committed fans (which means 96% follow a team and 86% watch games live at least every few weeks).

These segments and consumption patterns mirror those for EPL and NBA fans in Australia. Even the AFL, our leading local league, boasts large medium and light user segments which are critical for driving core revenues.

A threat to local leagues?

Interest in the NFL is growing among Australian adults and now exceeds interest in established local leagues including Super Rugby and Super Netball.

However, our evidence suggests major local leagues shouldn’t be too worried yet about losing fans.

On average, those who identify as Australian NFL fans follow five professional sport leagues. But Australian fans who are not NFL fans follow, on average, two or three leagues.

This pattern of increasingly shared or fluid fandom aligns with global shifts that see fans consuming more sports, in different ways.

The NFL is not replacing established Australian sports. However, it is part of an ongoing challenge to local leagues’ share of fan numbers, attention and spend.

Australian sports must understand and layer new features of sport consumption (such as ease of access, flexible viewing, highlights and storytelling beyond matchdays).

These aspects, combined with media and global strategies have allowed the NFL to build and now grow low and medium interest fan groups.

The question is no longer whether Australians care about US (and increasingly global) sports such as NFL but how local sport organisations adapt to their growing appetites.

Professor Adam Karg consults to and conducts research for a number of organisations across Australia and globally. His academic and consultancy research has received funding from organisations including the Australian Research Council, the Australian Sports Commission, Government bodies, national and state sport governing bodies and professional leagues and/or teams including those from the Australian Football League, National Rugby League, National Basketball League and the A-League.

– ref. More Australians are international sports fans, especially the NFL. Are local leagues threatened? – https://theconversation.com/more-australians-are-international-sports-fans-especially-the-nfl-are-local-leagues-threatened-274619

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/09/more-australians-are-international-sports-fans-especially-the-nfl-are-local-leagues-threatened-274619/

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Kiwi company T&G fights to get illegal orchards torn down in China

Source: Radio New Zealand

Illegal Scilate apple trees have been destroyed in a Gansu province orchard. Supplied

Illegal apple orchards in China have been torn down after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of New Zealand horticulture company T&G.

T&G owns the IP rights to its Scilate apple variety, which is marketed as ENVY – it’s grown both here and through a licensed grower in China.

But a company in the Shandong Province, China’s main apple growing region, grew and sold the variety using similar markings to T&G’s ENVY.

The Supreme People’s Court has issued a final judgment in favour of T&G in the dispute with a Chinese defendant.

The court has ordered the defendant to pay significant damages to T&G and to stop all infringement of the company’s Scilate plant variety rights.

The court has also supervised the destruction of a large number of illegally planted trees in the Gansu province.

T&G chief executive Gareth Edgecomb said this is a significant win for the company.

“We welcome this ruling by the Supreme People’s Court and the commitment it shows under China’s strengthened Seed Law to safeguard plant variety rights and put a stop to illegitimate production and infringement.

“With it being the second ruling in T&G’s favour, by China’s highest court, it establishes a strong judicial precedent for the handling of similar infringement disputes in China,”

Edgecomb said over the last 20 years T&G had invested significantly in the research and development of new varieties.

“The Court’s judgment, as well as the recent Regulations on the Protection of New Plant Varieties, which give the authorities strong powers to investigate and enforce infringement of plant intellectual property rights, will benefit plant breeders, growers, customers and the horticulture sector.

“It provides T&G with further confidence to continue investing in China knowing our intellectual property is well protected.”

Kiwifruit marketer Zespri has also been plagued by illegal plantings in China and has had successful prosecutions.

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/2026/02/09/kiwi-company-tg-fights-to-get-illegal-orchards-torn-down-in-china/

Posted on

Super Bowl LX live: New England Patriots v Seattle Seahawks

Source: Radio New Zealand

The New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Six-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show.

Kick off for the Super Bowl is approximately 12.30pm NZT.

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

Kick off for the Super Bowl is approximately 12.30pm NZT. Todd Rosenberg

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-live-new-england-patriots-v-seattle-seahawks/

Posted on

Serious crash, Greenmeadows

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a crash involving a car and a cyclist on Avondale Road, reported around 8.24am.

One person is reported to have serious injuries and is receiving medical treatment.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

Motorists may expect high traffic and delays. Traffic control is being managed around Avondale Road, Knightsbridge Place and Osier Road.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/serious-crash-greenmeadows/

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How you can buy a house in Herne Bay for less than $940,000

Source: Radio New Zealand

Herne Bay is usually the country’s most expensive area. Supplied/ CC BY 2.0 – GPS 56

Townhouses are giving buyers a cheaper way in to even some of the country’s priciest suburbs.

There has been a boom in townhouse construction over recent years, particularly in Auckland and Christchurch. In the past five years there have been a total of just over 48,000 townhouses, flats and units – not including apartments and units in retirement villages – consented in Auckland.

But the cheaper price point of townhouses has made some suburbs accessible to first-home buyers who might previously have been priced out.

Cotality head of research Nick Goodall said the cheapest townhouses in the country compared to the median value of standalone houses were in Herne Bay, usually the country’s most expensive area.

There, townhouses cost a median $936,000 and houses $3.03 million.

That was followed by St Mary’s Bay, at $852,000 and $2.87m and Parnell at $886,000 and $2.87m.

Mt Eden was fourth, with a median townhouse value of $703,000 compared to a median value of $2.13m for houses.

Goodall said the data probably reflected how expensive houses were in those suburbs.

Cotality head of research Nick Goodall. Supplied / Cotality

“It’s also reflective of how expensive the land is in those suburbs because they’re close to town and land is more expensive the closer you get to town.

“So that gap widens for a townhouse which doesn’t necessarily get any or much use of land, it’s more about the structure itself. That’s why generally speaking you see a cap on the value of a townhouse.”

He said town houses had been staying on the market for longer and owners and developers had been having to drop their price more to sell during the period that the market had been softer.

Over the past 12 months, standalone houses had seen value falls of -0.7 percent, with -1.7 percent for townhouses, and -4.1 percent for apartments. But since the peak, the price of houses in Auckland was down 23.5 percent compared to 22.2 percent for townhouses and flats.

He said townhouses were a good option for people who wanted to get into the central suburbs and could not otherwise afford it.

“If a buyer is looking at their list of wants and needs and location is on there and that’s more important for a period of time, whether that’s five, seven, 10 years, until you might be thinking about having children or you need a bigger space … even for a young child it’s probably fine, it’s when you get to a bit older you might start thinking about [moving]. It’s all about age and stage and using it to build equity and all those things.”

While apartment values have tended to lag houses, Goodall said that would be less true of townhouses.

“They still seem to be doing pretty well through the cycle whereas with apartments it’s a bit different … you really have no apportionment of land … when you look at the 10 or 20 year performance apartments just do not see that same growth that houses would … with townhouses the difference is much less.”

He said the difference in price movement would be less in a “normal” period where there had not been so much building. “I think you will probably see houses perform better because they have more land and a lot of value is in the land … but townhouses are not completely devoid of it.”

Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub.

Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub agreed the difference was the land. “When you buy houses in New Zealand you’re buying the land. It’ s a land speculation engine, right? When you’ve got townhouses you don’t have a lot of land and also it comes with issues of shared title and whatnot.”

He said there would also be a price difference but it provided options and choices.

“Would I expect those prices to just converge to standalone house prices? No. Will the gap fluctuate over time? Of course.”

He said there could also be a range of quality within the townhouse market. “The concern I have is around the lowest cost to build, the designs are often not good for things like ventilation, noise – a lot of the houses built during the Covid period where inspections weren’t able to be done physically. We don’t know what kind of problems might be stored up there.

“The liveability and reliability are the two things that I worry a little bit about … a lot of that can be fixed by design which I think we will get to but there’ll be a cohort of people who will be in houses that are cheap to buy but uncomfortable to live in.”

The areas with the biggest decline in town house prices the past year were Omokoroa, Western Bay of Plenty, down 17.9 percent to $711,000; Whalers Gate New Plymouth, down 15.3 percent to $437,000; and Waihi Beach, down 14.7 percent to $782,000.

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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/2026/02/09/how-you-can-buy-a-house-in-herne-bay-for-less-than-940000/