Category: Natural Disasters

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Burglar caught by victim in their own web

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Acting Superintendent Ash Tabb, Christchurch Metro Acting Area Commander:

A quick-thinking member of the public led Police to a burglar after spotting their own stolen tools on Facebook marketplace.

They arranged to meet the seller and viewed the tools which were reported stolen in January. After seeing the engravement they made, the victim knew the tools were theirs. As they left, they snapped a picture of the offender to pass onto Police. 

Police executed a search warrant on the property and located the tools, returning them to the victim. A further three bags and crate of tools were seized for officers to evaluate whether they were stolen.

A firearm was also located and seized from the roof space.

A 33-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow on a range of charges including receiving stolen property, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and drugs charges.

Police will continue to investigate to determine whether the seized items have been reported stolen.

To prevent theft and help to recover tools:

  • Store your tools securely in a locked cupboard, out of sight.
  • Engrave the tools to help identify them during recovery.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/burglar-caught-by-victim-in-their-own-web/

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Employment Disputes – New Zealanders warned about escalating NZPFU strike action

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is warning New Zealanders about the increasing threat posed by the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) escalating its industrial relations activity to two one-hour strikes per week. 
Strikes are currently planned between midday-1pm this coming Friday and Monday, with subsequent strike notices in place for 20, 23 and 27 February, and 2 March. 
During the strikes Fire and Emergency will still respond to emergency calls but is warning responses will be delayed in areas covered by professional firefighters as the closest, available volunteers will be responding from their stations. 
“We think striking when both parties are actively involved in facilitation needlessly puts the community at risk,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says. 
“We asked for facilitation as there was a significant gap between what we were offering and the NZPFU’s expectations.
“Our offer at the time amounted to a 6.2 percent average increase over 3 years and compared favourably with equivalent recent public sector agreements, but this was three times less than the NZPFU’s settlement proposal.” 
 Fire and Emergency’s pre-facilitation offer would have taken average senior firefighter salaries from a range of approximately $81,000-$87,000 to $86,000-$93,000 at the end of the period, excluding overtime and allowances, which currently add an average of almost $39,000 to annual remuneration.
Over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent, which is more than 10 percent above the average increase for all workers. 
“We continue to call on the NZPFU to call off its now twice-weekly strikes while the process of facilitation takes place. We remain committed to a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement so we can continue working to keep our communities safe.” 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/employment-disputes-new-zealanders-warned-about-escalating-nzpfu-strike-action/

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Weather News – Wet and windy weekend for many – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 12 – Monday 16 February
 

  • Orange Heavy Rain Watch on Friday for eastern Bay of Plenty/northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti
  • Yellow Heavy Rain Watches on Friday for much of the North Island
  • Lower temperatures expected from Saturday.

MetService is predicting the run of warmer-than-average temperatures will end this weekend, as a front moves over the South Island and a low pressure system starts to develop east of the North Island. Both features are expected to bring rain in their wake, as well as strong winds for the North Island and upper South Island. Thunderstorms with localised downpours are also possible for much of the North Island on Friday. Heavy Rain Watches have been issued over most of the North Island from Friday, with an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne/Tairawhiti.

MetService meteorologist Alwyn Bakker states, “Warm and humid conditions over the North Island on Friday are likely to generate thunderstorms, with the potential for localised intense bursts of rain.”

The front moving up the South Island on Friday will bring a burst of heavy rain to western areas, with some rain making it east of the Alps. A southerly moving through on Saturday brings heavy showers and potential thunderstorms for Otago and Canterbury during the second half of the day.

While the low centre developing east of the North Island will be driving much of the weekend weather, its exact position is still uncertain. This means it is tricky to nail down the intensity and location of potential severe weather. The forecast position may change from one day to the next, so if you have plans over the weekend, it’s a good idea to keep checking the forecast.

“We’re currently predicting the rain will stay away until the tail end of Wellington’s Round the Bays on Sunday, which should motivate participants to keep up the pace. However, there will still be strong southerlies during the races, so take advantage of those tailwinds when you can,” advises Bakker.

We still have a couple of days of warmer temperatures and high humidity ahead of us, but things are set to change this weekend as cooler air pushes in from the south. A lot of the South Island will have a cooler-than-average weekend, with a few locations seeing a difference of more than ten degrees between Friday’s and Sunday’s maximum temperatures. Cooler temperatures move up the North Island through Saturday and should stick around into early next week.

For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with one of our meteorologists please call 04 4700 848 or email metcomms@metservice.com

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:

This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/weather-news-wet-and-windy-weekend-for-many-metservice/

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Legislation – Still time for NZ First to do the right thing by workers and vote down Fire at Will Bill – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on New Zealand First to stand by New Zealand workers and vote down the most draconian anti-worker legislation since the notorious Employment Contracts Act in 1991.
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill was set to pass today but has now been removed from the Order Paper.
“Now is the time for NZ First to do the right thing and stand by New Zealand workers as this anti-worker bill goes through its final stages in Parliament,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The bill amounts to a radical change to every workplace and fire at will for each worker, it is a recipe for exploitation.
“There is nothing in the Coalition Agreements that would stop NZ First voting against the Bill at the conclusion of the Third Reading expected next week.
“NZ First has talked about being the party of ‘the responsible face of capitalism’. Responsible capitalism means basic protections for workers from unfair treatment which is what personal grievance remedies and contractor protections and are all about.
“The responsible thing to do right now is to vote against this bill which effectively allow employers to fire workers at will.
“NZ First indicated it wanted to make changes to these provisions at the Bill’s committee stages this week, believing they created a power imbalance but chose not to.
“It’s not too late. We urge NZ First to listen to the concerns of unions and workers before this bill becomes law and hands more power to employers to sack workers.
“We have already seen a huge shift in power to businesses. Workers have been penalised by the Government through 90-day trials, the scrapping of pay equity, the suppressing of minimum wage rises, and the axing of Fair Pay Agreements.
“Now is the time for NZ First to support New Zealand workers – the PSA urges NZ First to vote against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill.”
ENDS
Background Employment Relations Amendment Bill
In summary, the changes will:
– mean workers who are legally unfairly dismissed will have no proper remedies if they have contributed to the situation, however minor.
– allow employers to fire at will workers who are unjustifiably dismissed and earn more than $200,000 – they cannot access a personal grievance process for unjustified dismissal.
– remove the provision that automatically enrols new employees in collective agreements for 30 days. This means new workers will risk being exposed to 90-day fire-at-will trials before understanding the protections offered by collective agreements.
– allow employers to deem workers contractors removing their right to holiday and sick pay and means they can be fired at will – the law change written by multi-national ride share company Uber.
Previous statement
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/legislation-still-time-for-nz-first-to-do-the-right-thing-by-workers-and-vote-down-fire-at-will-bill-psa/

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Gisborne business leader calls for long-term solutions amid ongoing cycle of weather events, cleanups

Source: Radio New Zealand

The chunk of State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki and Mātāwai closed for two weeks. Supplied/NZTA

Economic confidence in Tai Rāwhiti is being lost because of the constant weather impacts on its roading network, a Gisborne business leader says.

Heavy rain and severe flooding swept across the North Island last month, battering communities on the East Coast.

Former chief executive of horticulture company Leaderbrand Richard Burke was calling for a regional and national discussion about long-term transport routes, amid an ongoing cycle of weather events and cleanups.

The chunk of State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki and Mātāwai closed for two weeks, with 40 worksites along the road including eight spots with severe damage due to slips and flooding.

A convoy had been operating three times a day in both directions; that is Gisborne bound and Ōpōtiki bound, since Monday.

Burke told Morning Report a lot of money had been spent fixing the problems rather than looking at “the core issues”.

“People want to talk about the cost of road closures. But the real cost is a lack of investment coming into the region as a result of uncertainty,” he said.

“We’ve got to start thinking, longer term and bigger picture, around how do we not only resolve the issue, but get the region standing on its own feet again. Because there’s a whole lot of really good stuff that happens down here, but we miss it in all the issues that are being created by poor infrastructure and changing weather patterns.”

Burke questioned whether existing roading routes were still fit for purpose.

“The roading infrastructure that comes into the region was really developed by our forefathers who rode horses and stuck to rivers and those sort of things. Whereas now we’re running big trucks and big equipment,” he said.

“And if you’re building that road today, would you really stick to the same path knowing what the issues were.”

Former chief executive of horticulture company Leaderbrand Richard Burke. RNZ / Kate Green

A rethink on alternative routes out of the region was needed, Burke said.

“I’m not underestimating the geological issues that are involved here, because there’s some big hills and some real challenges there. But, you know, unless we start looking at that, we’re not going to get out of the cycle we’re in,” he said.

“We’re just in this cycle of event, of cleanup, of event, of cleanup. And we’re just losing confidence in the region as a result.”

He felt the region was becoming less attractive for future investors due to a lack of certainty and resilience.

“We’ve got some good natural resources down here. We can grow stuff really well,” Burke said.

“But if you can’t be confident of getting stuff out of town or to market, and you can’t attract people here because they feel isolated, then you’re not going to build a decent-sized business.

“So your investment decisions are very different. I think that’s the big cost for the region.”

The government had shown in the past that it was prepared to “bite the bullet” by signing off on unpopular and costly projects, including the Clyde Dam, Burke said.

“Imagine if we hadn’t have done that. It would have cost a lot more now, and where would we be with our power industry,” he said.

“I know it’s a long-term process, but we’ve got to get serious about starting that and put some real attention into it and be brave enough to take some of these projects on.

“Otherwise, we’re not going to move forward.”

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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/2026/02/12/gisborne-business-leader-calls-for-long-term-solutions-amid-ongoing-cycle-of-weather-events-cleanups/

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Weekend weather: Warning for Bay of Plenty with muggy downpours on the way

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

You may need to keep your raincoats handy as the warm weather the North Island is experiencing may take a turn this weekend.

A low-pressure system is lining up a soggy weekend, bringing warm, humid air and the risk of heavy rain, especially for parts of the North Island still recovering after January’s floods.

MetService issued a rain warning for the Bay of Plenty from Friday night until 10am on Saturday.

Between 80 to 100mm of rain was expected to accumulate with the chance of 130 to 150mm in one or two places.

MetService warned it could cause surface flooding, slips and dangerous driving conditions.

MetService meteorologist, Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told Morning Report the next few days will be warm and humid for the North Island.

Makgabutlane said there are a couple of weather systems on the way this weekend.

On Friday, a front is expected to move across the South Island, bringing a period of heavy rain and strong winds.

However, it’s the weather system moving onto the North Island on Saturday that Makgabutlane said was the one of interest.

A trough over the northern Tasman Sea is likely to move onto the North Island, bringing very humid conditions with scattered showers and possible thunderstorms on Saturday through to Monday.

“The two main things to look out for with the system is that intensification. How deep that low-pressure system is will be one thing that tells us how strong or how much rain we will see,” Makgabutlane said.

“The other thing is the location of that weather system. So, if it forms a couple of hundred kilometres to to the east of us, [it’s] probably going to be a lovely weekend for most of us, but even if it forms just a little bit closer to us, then we could be in for quite a wet weekend.”

As things stand, it does look like it will be a wet couple of days ahead, she said.

At this point, the areas that look the most likely to bear the brunt of the weather are most of the North Island on Saturday, and the lower and eastern parts of the North Island on Sunday and into Monday.

“Over the next coming days, I would say certainly keep an eye out for those [weather] watches because they do look likely,” Makgabutlane said.

Along with the heavy rain warning, heavy rain watches were in place for much of the North Island on Friday and Saturday.

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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/2026/02/12/weekend-weather-warning-for-bay-of-plenty-with-muggy-downpours-on-the-way/

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Piopiotahi Milford Sound experiencing record summer

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  12 February 2026

Market intelligence from Great South suggests the Chinese market, which has been slower to rebound since COVID, has swung strongly back this summer – particularly for Chinese New Year.

Great South General Manager Tourism and Events Mark Frood says there has been continued growth in FIT (free independent traveller) demand, meaning more rental cars and self-drive visitors than in recent years.

“Chinese New Year is longer than usual this year – a 9-day holiday period – which is spreading demand and sustaining higher volumes. Air capacity into Auckland from Chinese gateways is up 18 per cent for the Chinese New Year period, and Christchurch capacity is particularly strong, with China Southern having 29 per cent increase for summer December to March period,” Mark Frood says.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is working alongside Great South, Milford Sound Tourism Limited (MSTL), and the Milford Road Alliance to look after Piopiotahi, support peak periods and promote safe travel.

“Located within a remote World Heritage Area with limited infrastructure, managing the peaks of Milford Sound’s visitation is key to protecting both the environment and the visitor experience,” says DOC Operations Manager John Lucas.

“Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, come well prepared, and uphold New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise by travelling safely and caring for the environment.

“The Milford Road is stunning but it can be slow, challenging and stressful to drive, particularly at peak times. Drivers should check weather and road conditions before setting out, allow extra travel and parking time, take care, and be considerate of others,” John Lucas says.

“With high traffic volumes putting pressure on the national park, taking a guided tour or coach is a great way to reduce your footprint, travel stress-free and enjoy the incredible scenery with insights from trained guides.

“Visitor facilities are kept to a minimum in this remote, natural location. People should be prepared to take out all they bring into the park including rubbish and ensure they use the available toilet facilities.

“These small acts of naturing help protect Piopiotahi so it can be enjoyed now and into the future.”

MSTL CEO Haylee Preston says the summer season has been exceptionally busy so far, with December day cruise passenger numbers up 12,117 (13%) and overall visitation six per cent higher than peak pre-COVID levels.

“Indications are that this could be Milford Sound’s busiest summer on record, although we won’t know for sure until the end of February,” Haylee Preston says.

“We’re expecting Chinese New Year to be another peak so MSTL will have extra parking attendants on the ground to help guide traffic and visitors.

“Visitors are advised onsite parking is limited and fills quickly. Those with cruise tour bookings should allow at least two hours to travel from Te Anau and 45 minutes for parking and walking to the terminal.”

DOC continues to work with Ngāi Tahu, community and key stakeholders to deliver short and long-term improvements for conservation and sustainable tourism on the Milford journey, building on recommendations from the Milford Opportunities Project.

Background information

For more information about tourism numbers and trends, visit Data Insights Southland Hub.

Advice for visitors – ‘Always be naturing’

We can all do our bit to take care of ourselves and the nature we enjoy, uphold New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise by preparing for your trip, travelling safely and caring for the environment.

Protect nature

Piopiotahi Milford Sound is a remote and environmentally sensitive area within Fiordland National Park with many rare and unique plants and animals.

  • Keep your distance and don’t feed wildlife.
  • Remove all rubbish from of the national park.
  • Plan comfort stops along the way. Public toilets are available at Knobs Flat and in Piopiotahi Milford Sound.
  • Leave dogs and other pets at home they pose a serious threat to precious wildlife and are not permitted in a national park, even in your vehicle.
  • Follow rules restricting drones, fires and vehicles.

Travel safely

Piopiotahi Milford Sound is situated at the end of a remote alpine road in a sensitive area of dynamic geology which exposes it to a range of natural hazards. It’s important all visitors plan and prepare for their visit.

Advice for drivers

Drive with care and be prepared for potential delays during peak periods.

  • Fill up with fuel before departing Te Anau.
  • Those with cruise bookings should allow at least 2 hours for the journey from Te Anau and 45 minutes to park and walk to the boat terminal.
  • Onsite parking is limited, and fills up quickly.
  • Be considerate of others and follow the guidance of staff and signage.

Find out more about how the Sustainable Destinations Piopiotahi Programme is progressing improvements on the Milford journey.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/piopiotahi-milford-sound-experiencing-record-summer/

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Cyclone Gezani tears through Madagascar, kills at least 31

Source: Radio New Zealand

By Lovasoa Rabary, Reuters

An aerial view of the city of Toamasina. TSIKY SIKONINA

Fierce winds have left a trail of destruction in Madagascar as Tropical Cyclone Gezani hit the island, killing at least 31 people and leaving another four missing, the country’s disaster management office says.

Of the deaths, 29 were recorded in Toamasina, the impoverished Indian Ocean island nation’s second-largest city, and two in a neighbouring district, the National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said in an updated report.

Residents in and around Toamasina described scenes of chaos as the cyclone made landfall late on Tuesday (US Time).

“I have never experienced winds this violent… The doors and windows are made of metal, but they are being violently shaken,” Harimanga Ranaivo said.

Gezani also left at least 36 people seriously injured. More than 2,740 residents were evacuated as a precaution after the cyclone struck coastal communities before moving inland.

The cyclone’s aftermath displaced another 6,870 people, while a total 250,406 were classified as disaster victims, the BNGRC said.

It was the second cyclone to hit Madagascar this year, 10 days after Tropical Cyclone Fytia killed 14 and displaced over 31,000 people, according to the UN’s humanitarian office.

A general view of the city of Toamasina, on the east coast of Madagascar, struck by Tropical Cyclone Gezani on February 11, 2026. TSIKY SIKONINA

Dangerous winds, rising sea levels

At its peak, Gezani unleashed sustained winds of about 185km (115 miles) per hour, with gusts surging to nearly 270km per hour – powerful enough to rip metal sheeting from rooftops and uproot large trees.

Ahead of the cyclone’s arrival, officials shuttered schools and rushed to prepare emergency shelters.

The BNGRC had warned earlier that rising sea levels in Toamasina were already flooding streets.

Homes collapsed under the pressure of the winds, roofs were torn away, walls crumbled and neighbourhoods were plunged into darkness as power lines snapped.

By Wednesday (US Time) morning, Madagascar’s meteorological service said Gezani had weakened to a moderate tropical storm and had moved westward inland, about 100 km north of the capital, Antananarivo.

“Gezani will cross the central highlands from east to west today, before moving out to sea into the Mozambique Channel this evening or tonight,” the service said.

– Reuters

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/12/cyclone-gezani-tears-through-madagascar-kills-at-least-31/

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MetService forecasts wet weather on the way this weekend

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

MetService is warning you may need to keep your raincoats handy as the warm weather the North Island is experiencing may take a turn this weekend.

A low-pressure system is lining up a soggy weekend, bringing warm, humid air and the risk of heavy rain, especially for parts of the North Island still recovering after January’s floods.

MetService meteorologist, Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told Morning Report the next few days will be warm and humid for the North Island.

Makgabutlane said there are a couple of weather systems on the way this weekend.

On Friday, a front is expected to move across the South Island, bringing a period of heavy rain and strong winds.

However, it’s the weather system moving onto the North Island on Saturday that Makgabutlane said was the one of interest.

A trough over the northern Tasman Sea is likely to move onto the North Island, bringing very humid conditions with scattered showers and possible thunderstorms on Saturday through to Monday.

“The two main things to look out for with the system is that intensification. How deep that low-pressure system is will be one thing that tells us how strong or how much rain we will see,” Makgabutlane said.

“The other thing is the location of that weather system. So, if it forms a couple of hundred kilometres to to the east of us, [it’s] probably going to be a lovely weekend for most of us, but even if it forms just a little bit closer to us, then we could be in for quite a wet weekend.”

As things stand, it does look like it will be a wet couple of days ahead, she said.

At this point, the areas that look the most likely to bear the brunt of the weather are most of the North Island on Saturday, and the lower and eastern parts of the North Island on Sunday and into Monday.

“Over the next coming days, I would say certainly keep an eye out for those [weather] watches because they do look likely,” Makgabutlane said.

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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/2026/02/12/metservice-forecasts-wet-weather-on-the-way-this-weekend/

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Wellington Water quiet on Moa Point plans, cites upcoming inquiry

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Water staff are now able to enter the failed Moa Point treatment plant. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Wellington Water staff are now able to enter the failed Moa Point treatment plant but they cannot provide details of the work being done or who is involved.

Nearly 80 percent of the equipment inside the plant was damaged when it was flooded by a backflow of raw sewage last week.

At the peak of the equipment failure, 3300 litres of untreated wastewater went into the sea every second.

Since then a stretch of the Capital’s south coast had been off limits for swimming and gathering sea food.

Wellington Water expected it could be months before the plant was returned to full operations.

It said cleaning work was continuing, with fresh water flushed through the biological treatment areas of the plant to reduce levels of hydrogen sulphide, which made the interior of the plant hazardous to enter.

On Wednesday the water entity said it had “begun a closely managed entry” to the plant.

But it could not confirm specifics regarding who was now able to access the site, the conditions inside, what was being done to ensure the people’s safety or what was being revealed now that access had been acheived.

Earlier this week, Wellington Water chief executive Pat Dogherty said, initially, a room at the bottom of plant, the size of an Olympic Swimming Pool, was 3 metres deep in wastewater.

RNZ’s requests for information regarding the access to the site were put to Wellington Water at the beginning of the week in response to interviews with Dogherty where he said Monday would be the first day staff could safely go into the building to assess the damage.

On Wednesday, a statement from Dogherty said Wellington Water would be stepping back from making public statements about “aspects of the Moa Point incident and response” following an announcement from Wellington Mayor Andrew Little that the government would look to establish an independent inquiry into the plant’s failure as soon as possible.

“Now the inquiry has been signalled, it is important we allow that process to run its course. This means that we are unable to provide any further public statements regarding aspects of the Moa Point incident and response that may be included in the inquiry,” Dogherty said.

At the begining of the week, Little said Wellington City Council and central government would work together to ensure an inquiry was independent and had the right powers to make sure a similar problem never happened again.

Little said a ministerial inquiry would meet his preferred criteria of having independence, the right expertise and the power to access information.

“A ministerial inquiry has all that. It is more formalistic and does take a longer period of time to get the appointments up, get the terms of reference sorted out and then get it going. For me it is about having those criteria met but doing something that is as quick as possible. Those are the things that we are talking through,” Little said.

A spokesperson for Wellington Water said it hoped to provide more details of the work being done in the plant on Thursday.

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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/2026/02/12/wellington-water-quiet-on-moa-point-plans-cites-upcoming-inquiry/

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Golf: Hope that Asia-Pacific tournament will inspire girls to take on the world

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand golfer Eunseo Choi at the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. DAVID CANNON / AFP

Golf New Zealand believes this week’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for the game here.

Eighty-four players from 25 countries will take part in the tournament at Royal Wellington with a career-changing opportunity for the winner.

Current world number one Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand won the inaugural tournament in 2018 with the champion receiving invitations to play a number of key tournaments around the world, including three majors.

New Zealand has 10 players taking part, while many others, not quite at that level, will be on course to see the best amateur players in the region.

The growth of boys golf in New Zealand is on a high and while the interest in the girls game is also on the increase, Golf New Zealand would like to see more.

There are more than 2000 under-19 female players registered in New Zealand, an increase of 450 in the past year.

Golf New Zealand’s talent development manager, Liz McKinnon, said hosting the Asia-Pacific women’s tournament here for the first time provided a great opportunity to showcase the women’s game and to help young players in New Zealand.

“There is the obvious impact for our players that are participating, but also for our girls that aren’t at that level yet about the awareness of the event being here. The exposure and the opportunity to watch the event and see the best players from the Asia-Pacific region.”

Wellington golfer Elise Barber. Supplied / WAAP

Many eyes will be on 13-year-old Wellington player Elise Barber who got a late call-up to the event.

She joins a strong New Zealand contingent that includes top-ranked Kiwi Eunseo Choi, who finished 13th at the 2025 championship, and Vivian Lu, who will make her sixth WAAP appearance.

Elise is a Royal Wellington member and WAAP (Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific) Academy graduate and will be the youngest player in the field.

The Queen Margaret College year 9 student, who plays off a +2.3 handicap, had a strong 2025 season including winning her age division at the Australian Junior Championships. She also helped Wellington secure third at the New Zealand Women’s Interprovincial Tournament.

Glenda Swan, who managed Wellington’s interprovincial team and has watched Elise’s development, believes she could be the next big star.

“She has a really well rounded game for her age and what separates her from others her age is her consistency and composure … she is now thinking her way around the course.”

Swan has also been involved in organising the 353 volunteers needed to help the tournament run smoothly.

While the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) has control of the running of the tournament and the financing of of the players, Royal Wellington club members and the volunteers are those on the ground helping the players and the hoped-for 10,000 spectators enjoy their experience.

Swan said volunteers (aged from 11 to 87) had come from all over the country to help from traffic management to kitchen helpers, scorers and caddies.

Royal Wellington hosted the men’s equivalent tournament in 2017.

New Zealand has 10 players taking part – Eunseo Choi, Vivian Lu, Emma Zheng, Darae Chung, Caitlin Maurice, Juwon Kim, Chloe So, Cherry Lee, Teresa Wang and Elise Barber.

Jeneath Wong of Malaysia will defend her title, while there is a strong contingent from Singapore, China and Australia.

Royal Wellington Golf club house. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT

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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/2026/02/12/golf-hope-that-asia-pacific-tournament-will-inspire-girls-to-take-on-the-world/

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New satellite imagery shows recent storms triggered more than 11,000 slips on East Cape

Source: Radio New Zealand

A new satellite map has revealed the scale of devastation across the East Cape following a January storm. Supplied / Dragonfly Data Science

Recent severe storms have triggered more than 11,000 slips on the East Cape, according to satellite imagery.

Heavy rainfall caused widespread damage and flooding in parts of the North Island in January, with Te Araroa and Hicks Bay some of the hardest hit areas on the east coast.

The communities remain isolated from one another, with multiple landslides blocking State Highway 35, which remains shut to the public between Pōtaka and Te Araroa.

The Transport Agency said the ground was still moving, and further slips have been reported over the weekend near a large landslide at Punaruku – estimated to be 250,000 cubic metres.

Dragonfly Data Science said its before-and-after satellite imagery of the East Cape revealed the scale of the devastation, with comparisons providing a large-scale snapshot of where the land had moved.

It identified more than 11,000 landslips and silt damage covering 900 hectares.

The Wellington-based company said the recent storm caused significant, but concentrated destruction along the coastal northern end of the East Cape.

Dragonfly’s director Finlay Thompson said the map clearly illustrated what happened.

“It provides a birds-eye view of the area following an intense and highly localised storm event such as this, and offers an effective way of assessing how widespread and severe the damage is.”

The company developed a similar map following Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, and Thompson believed such tools were crucial for understanding the “true scale” of such disasters.

He said these types of storms highlighted the gap between disaster response and long-term climate preparedness, and said better tools were needed to plan ahead.

“While this map isn’t a predictive tool on its own, it is an important first step. By linking storm impacts with rainfall and terrain data over multiple events, we could begin to build models that help predict where slips and flooding are most likely to occur in future.

“People’s livelihoods are at stake. While response and recovery efforts are critical and effective, the reality is that communities are living through significant disruption and loss in the meantime – and that’s something we can’t afford to treat as normal.”

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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/2026/02/11/new-satellite-imagery-shows-recent-storms-triggered-more-than-11000-slips-on-east-cape/

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New approach for Carillon at National War Memorial reflects Anzac connection

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

The iconic Carillon bells have not sounded out across Pukeahu National War Memorial Park since 2020, due to earthquake strengthening to the carillon tower. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has revealed a new approach to ensure visitors hear the instrument played again soon.
“Earthquake strengthening work at the National War Memorial is progressing well and we are planning to reopen before Anzac Day 2026,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
“We’ve been able to draw upon the expertise of carillonists from the Carillon Society of Australia as we plan for future recitals – a fitting connection as we approach Anzac Day.
“Last year, I decided the Ministry would look at new ways to secure more sustainable services for playing the Carillon. Australia provides a useful model. There are more than 20 carillonists in Australia who share the workload between three carillons in Canberra, Sydney, and Bathurst.
“Our plan is to develop local talent and capability over time, so there is a pipeline of future musicians that can play one of the world’s largest instruments, and a taonga of remembrance in the heart of our capital.
“The National War Memorial Carillon is a key part of commemorations at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. We look forward to sharing the schedule for regular recitals once it’s finalised.”
Leauanae acknowledged the long-term service of recently retired National Carillonist Timothy Hurd QSM.
“Timothy has been an important part of Pukeahu National War Memorial Park for more than four decades. We thank him for his dedication and wish him the best for the future,” says Leauanae.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/new-approach-for-carillon-at-national-war-memorial-reflects-anzac-connection/

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Moa Point failure: Wellington Water won’t speak on inquiry issues

Source: Radio New Zealand

Last week’s failure at the Moa Point facility sent raw sewage into the nearby coast. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Wellington Water will not answer any more questions about anything that could be included in a public inquiry into the Moa Point meltdown.

The facility completely failed last Wednesday morning, flooding the building with waste and sending raw sewage into the nearby coast.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little has called for an independent inquiry into the matter.

Wellington Water chief executive Pat Dougherty said in a statement that the water supplier fully supported an inquiry to the failure.

“It is now clear that the inquiry will begin as soon as possible, and we will cooperate fully alongside our work to bring the plant back into operation.”

Dougherty said given the review had been signalled, it meant Wellington Water was not able to provide “any further public statements regarding aspects of the Moa Point incident and response that may be included in the inquiry”.

He said the water provider was committed to transparency while meeting its legal obligations.

“We also appreciate the high level of public and media interest in this incident.”

Wellington Water would still provide regular operational updates, public health advice and water sampling results.

Dougherty told Morning Report on Monday that Wellington Water may have missed early warning signs of the plant’s failure.

RNZ has asked what those red flags were, but Wellington Water has not responded.

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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/2026/02/11/moa-point-failure-wellington-water-wont-speak-on-inquiry-issues/

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Police seek information about Rānui fire

Source: New Zealand Police

Waitematā Police is seeking information about a fire at a Rānui house in the early hours of the morning.

Emergency services attended Vino Cina Heights after midnight, with the roof fully alight.

A scene examination was completed today at the address alongside a fire investigator.

“We believe this fire has been caused by a flare, which is commonly used by boaties and one that launches a projectile,” acting Detective Inspector Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB says.

“Based on enquiries so far it appears this is an accidental fire as a result of reckless actions.”

It’s by good fortune only that Police are not dealing with fatalities.

“The house is completely uninhabitable and has been extensively damaged.”

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says Police is seeking information about two people seen running away from the area.

“As a result of an area canvass this morning, residents have reported seeing two people running away after a loud bang was heard.”

A short time later the fire began.

Acting Detective Inspector Goldie says: “If you have any information, we need to hear from you.

“I would also call on those people who are involved to do the right thing and own up to what has happened.”

Anyone with further information to assist us should contact 105 using the reference number 260211/6037.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/police-seek-information-about-ranui-fire/

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‘Education hub’ opens for students cut off from schools by Helena Bay Hill slip

Source: Radio New Zealand

Students cut off from their high schools by a monster slip northeast of Whangārei are instead taking lessons at a temporary ‘education hub’ set up at a local primary school. Supplied / Ngātiwai Trust Board

Northland secondary students cut off from their schools by a massive slip are taking lessons at a temporary ‘education hub’ until the road can be reopened.

Last month’s deluge triggered a landslide on Russell Road which has cut off the main road access for coastal communities northeast of Whangārei.

While the road to the north has reopened following repairs to a washed-out bridge, the detour via the Ōpua ferry adds at least an extra two hours each way to the journey to Whangārei.

The Ministry of Education said students in Helena Bay, Ōakura and Whangaruru normally attended four different high schools in Whangārei.

Isabel Evans, hautū (leader) for Te Tai Raro-North, said an education hub had been established at a local primary school so the affected students could continue learning.

Lessons at He Puna Ruku Mātauranga o Whangaruru, or Whangaruru School, started on Monday.

Evans said students attending the hub would remain enrolled at their usual schools. Learning would be supported on-site using Whangaruru School’s facilities, with students working at their current year levels using learning packs provided by their enrolled schools.

“School leaders will remain in regular contact with hub staff, the students and whānau. The hub will remain in place until the slip is cleared or the road is deemed safe to travel.”

Earlier, Whangārei District Council infrastructure committee chairman Brad Flower said the slip at Helena Bay Hill involved around 100,000 cubic metres of mud, boulders and trees. Some of the boulders weighed as much as 100 tonnes apiece.

Flower said even if contractors were able to shift 1000 cubic metres of debris a day, and worked every day with no weather interruptions, it would take three months to clear the road.

Only once the slip was cleared would it be known if the road itself had been damaged.

In the meantime the council had opened up an alternative ‘lifeline route’ south to Whangārei via Pigs Head Road and Kaiikanui Road.

But that route was narrow, steep and unsealed, with traffic only allowed through in convoys at set times, one direction at a time.

A local state of emergency in the Hikurangi-Coastal Ward, which included the coastal communities worst affected by the storm, was lifted on 3 February.

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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/2026/02/11/education-hub-opens-for-students-cut-off-from-schools-by-helena-bay-hill-slip/

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Safety restrictions eased on four Tauranga homes after landslide

Source: Radio New Zealand

Damaged property from the landslide at Welcome Bay on 23 January. RNZ / Calvin Samuel

All four homes red-stickered in Tauranga’s Welcome Bay after a deadly landslide last month have had their safety restrictions eased.

The large slip hit neighbouring homes on Welcome Bay Road killing two people during the storm that hit the upper and eastern North Island.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council said yellow stickers had replaced the red.

“Given the land had dried out since the weather event, and the ‘additional weight’ on the land reduced, council’s consultant geotechnical engineers deemed the risk of imminent slip had reduced to a point where the properties could be accessed, under certain conditions,” it said.

Three homes had a Y2 type of sticker which allowed short-term access, and one had a more onerous Y1 which allowed access only to certain parts of a building.

It was up to the homeowners what to do next.

“Additional geotechnical investigations for affected properties will need to be undertaken by the homeowners in conjunction with their insurance companies, to identify a way forward to remove the hazards,” council duty controller Peter Watson said in a statement.

The council was not considering an inquiry, he said.

An [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/585703/tauranga-city-council-votes-for-independent-review-into-fatal-mt-maunganui-landslide

independent inquiry] is going ahead nearby under Tauranga City Council into the Mt Maunganui campground landslide that killed six people, and the government may also do an inquiry.

Last month, local resident Dawn McNaughton said there were seven slips on her property on Welcome Bay Road. Supplied

No detailed survey of landslide risks

The history of landslides in the Welcome Bay area included a geotech study in 1980 that said: “Recent subdivisions in Welcome Bay should be examined by a geotechnical engineer as the area contains many inferred landslides, which may be reactivated by urban development.”

It was titled A preliminary assessment of geological factors influencing slope stability and landslipping in and around Tauranga city.

“The site of the fatal slip was not subdivided until the 1990s, with the building having been built in the year 2000, therefore it would not have been one of the subdivisions mentioned in the report,” Watson told RNZ on Tuesday.

The council had not carried out a detailed survey or assessment of landslide risks for the parts of Welcome Bay Road in the district, he said.

“We instead require that the stability of subdivisions on sloping ground … is assessed and demonstrated by an accredited geotechnical engineer or geologist as part of the resource consent process.”

Urban and lifestyle development areas that were known to be susceptible to land instability from studies done in 1981 and 2009 became a focus, but the Welcome Bay Road properties were zoned rural and not included in these studies.

The studies provided input for its district plan hazard maps, covering:

For the latter, “the scale at which this assessment was completed does not allow analysis on a site-by-site or individual subdivision scale”, Watson said.

The Geotechnical Society has a list of geotech studies in the area.

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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/2026/02/11/safety-restrictions-eased-on-four-tauranga-homes-after-landslide/

Posted on

‘Education hub’ for students cut off from schools by Helena Bay Hill slip

Source: Radio New Zealand

Students cut off from their high schools by a monster slip northeast of Whangārei are instead taking lessons at a temporary ‘education hub’ set up at a local primary school. Supplied / Ngātiwai Trust Board

Northland secondary students cut off from their schools by a massive slip are taking lessons at a temporary ‘education hub’ until the road can be reopened.

Last month’s deluge triggered a landslide on Russell Road which has cut off the main road access for coastal communities northeast of Whangārei.

While the road to the north has reopened following repairs to a washed-out bridge, the detour via the Ōpua ferry adds at least an extra two hours each way to the journey to Whangārei.

The Ministry of Education said students in Helena Bay, Ōakura and Whangaruru normally attended four different high schools in Whangārei.

Isabel Evans, hautū (leader) for Te Tai Raro-North, said an education hub had been established at a local primary school so the affected students could continue learning.

Lessons at He Puna Ruku Mātauranga o Whangaruru, or Whangaruru School, started on Monday.

Evans said students attending the hub would remain enrolled at their usual schools. Learning would be supported on-site using Whangaruru School’s facilities, with students working at their current year levels using learning packs provided by their enrolled schools.

“School leaders will remain in regular contact with hub staff, the students and whānau. The hub will remain in place until the slip is cleared or the road is deemed safe to travel.”

Earlier, Whangārei District Council infrastructure committee chairman Brad Flower said the slip at Helena Bay Hill involved around 100,000 cubic metres of mud, boulders and trees. Some of the boulders weighed as much as 100 tonnes apiece.

Flower said even if contractors were able to shift 1000 cubic metres of debris a day, and worked every day with no weather interruptions, it would take three months to clear the road.

Only once the slip was cleared would it be known if the road itself had been damaged.

In the meantime the council had opened up an alternative ‘lifeline route’ south to Whangārei via Pigs Head Road and Kaiikanui Road.

But that route was narrow, steep and unsealed, with traffic only allowed through in convoys at set times, one direction at a time.

A local state of emergency in the Hikurangi-Coastal Ward, which included the coastal communities worst affected by the storm, was lifted on 3 February.

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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/2026/02/11/education-hub-for-students-cut-off-from-schools-by-helena-bay-hill-slip/

Posted on

Nearly 40,000 more building products approved

Source: New Zealand Government

Thousands more plumbing and drainage products already used widely in Australia can now be accessed easily by Kiwi tradies and do-it-yourself homeowners.  
 
“The Government is focused on fixing the basics and building a better future for New Zealand, and that means making it easier and more affordable to deliver the homes and public buildings that will ease house prices and lift living standards,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.  
 
“It’s great to see the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recognise a second tranche of overseas building products certified under the reputable Australian WaterMark scheme, issuing 54 recognition notices that cover around 38,274 products. 

“A first round in October made it easier to bring more than 90,000 WaterMark-approved products onto the market, including tapware, water service products, and sanitary and stormwater drainage products. 

“While these materials are already tried and tested in Australia and familiar to many tradies in New Zealand, Kiwi builders and designers previously had to individually demonstrate that each product met Building Code requirements when applying for consent to use it. 

“By amending the Building Act through the Overseas Building Products Amendment Bill, MBIE can now recognise building products already certified under overseas schemes in comparable countries in the tens of thousands, rather than one at a time.
 
“The granting of these recognition notices means Building Consent Authorities must accept the products as compliant, reducing unnecessary red tape, costs, and delays while allowing a more diverse range of materials to be used. 

“Supply chain shocks and shortages choke building productivity. Better access and greater choice provide industry with more resilience and increases market competition to put downwards pressure on prices for tradies and homeowners. 

“As MBIE continues to review overseas building products under the new law, tradies and homeowners can expect even better access to essential materials, including plasterboard, cladding, windows, and doors.”

Notes to editor:  

  • “Recognition notice” is the official term for approval of an overseas building product or standard by MBIE. 
  • Notices are not a blanket approval for all WaterMark certificates. Only products that have a valid, up‑to‑date certificate listed on a current notice can be used as meeting the required standards. 
  • Recognition notices are now publicly available at www.building.govt.nz, along with a diagram showing how these overseas standards fit within New Zealand’s building regulatory framework. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/nearly-40000-more-building-products-approved/

Posted on

Real Estate – Does size really matter? In the New Zealand property market – yes, it does!

Source: RealEstate.co.nz

Kiwis prepared to pay almost 50% more for a three-bedroom home
Getting the bedroom/bathroom combo right can add up to half a million to a home’s price
Renovations can pay dividends, but not all are created equal

Latest data from realestate.co.nz shows an extra bedroom can add anywhere from $150,000 to more than $450,000 to a home’s asking price.

In 2025, the national average asking price for a two-bedroom home was $640,794. This increased to $844,009 for a three-bedroom home, an increase of 31.7%. But the real gains come with the addition of a fourth bedroom, with the average asking price increasing 44.1% to $1,216,635.

 Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says the price increases highlight how additional space remains a key driver for property value.

“Kiwis are still attracted to more space and see value in that, whether it’s to accommodate a growing family, work-from-home flexibility, or future-proofing an investment.”

However, it is the combination of bedrooms and bathrooms where the biggest gains can be seen.

In 2025, the average asking price of a 3-bed 2-bath home was $987,609. This increased by almost 40% to $1,376,229 for a 3-bed, 3-bath home, a difference of $388,620.

For a bigger home, the average asking price of a 4-bed, 2-bath home was $1,173,682 but increased 44% to $1,690,982 with a third bathroom, a difference of more than half a million dollars.

Within every bedroom category, adding bathrooms pushes prices significantly higher – showing that bathrooms are a major price driver across all home sizes.

Not all upgrades are equal: know your market

Williams says for those homeowners considering a renovation, look at the bigger picture before picking up a hammer, because a reno isn’t always a sure-fire way to increase their sale price.

” We know bedrooms and bathrooms affect average asking prices but before homeowners embark on a renovation, liveability needs to be factored in. An odd layout that adds a bedroom or bathroom but reduces living, dining, or entertaining space, or negatively impacts the flow within a home, is less likely to bring the gains owners are hoping for.”

“Not all renovations are created equal, as buyers are drawn to homes that suit their lifestyle. We always encourage homeowners to think about who they’re renovating for – themselves or future buyers.”

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

Realestate.co.nz – your home for property search.  

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. We are certified carbon neutral (2024 & 2025) and 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.    

Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.  

Want more property insights?  

Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.  

 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.  

Price drop reflects the difference between a property’s original asking price when listed on realestate.co.nz and its price at the point of sale or withdrawal. While it doesn’t show the final sale price, it provides a strong signal of how much sellers are adjusting to meet buyer demand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/11/real-estate-does-size-really-matter-in-the-new-zealand-property-market-yes-it-does/