Category: New Zealand

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School support staff reach pay settlement

Source: New Zealand Government

Education Minister Erica Stanford is welcoming the conclusion of negotiations to renew both the Support Staff in Schools and the Kaiārahi i te Reo and Therapists’ Collective Agreements.

A 23 March ballot with members of the NZEI Te Riu Roa and E Tū returned a majority vote to ratify the two collective agreements, benefiting around 37,000 support staff.

“The settlement announced today is a positive result for our valued support staff, who play a vital role in our education system,” Ms Stanford says. 

“Teacher aides, library staff, administrators, science techs, therapists, and kaiārahi i te reo support over 800,000 students across the country. This settlement is a positive step which will see them receive cumulative increase of at least 4.55 percent within 12 months,” says Ms Stanford.

“The majority of staff also receive yearly progression, which provides annual increases as they move up the pay scale.

“We are also continuing our investment in learning support with a special approved provider PLD fund for staff who work directly with students who experience behavioural or learning needs associated with neurodiversity. This fund will provide up to $8 million total over the life of the fund.”

“Every student deserves the chance to succeed and go on and live the life they want. We’re making sure that every student, regardless of background, has that chance. We will continue to support our education workforce with the tools they need to help our young people reach their potential.”

Notes for editors: 

Full details of the settlement can be found here: Collective Agreement negotiations | Education Workforce

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/school-support-staff-reach-pay-settlement/

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Small eruption spotted at Whakaari-White Island

Source: Radio New Zealand

A still image from the video from Earth Sciences’ Whakatāne camera, about one minute after the eruption occurred. Earth Sciences NZ

There has been a small eruption at Whakaari-White Island, with a plume of ash briefly visible.

Earth Sciences New Zealand said the volcano erupted at 5.35pm, with “a single slug of dark grey volcanic ash” rising to about 1300 metres.

It dissipated within a few minutes, but not before it was captured on an Earth Sciences camera on the Bay of Plenty mainland.

In a bulletin issued about the eruption, Earth Sciences duty volcanologist Steven Sherburn said the volcanic alert had been lifted to level to 3 because of the eruption – that indicated minor volcanic activity.

“While eruptive activity has ceased for now, volcanic activity could re-escalate with little or no warning,” he said.

“Further sudden, more explosive events could therefore affect the crater floor and immediate vicinity of the island, although ashfall affecting the mainland remains unlikely.”

The aviation colour code was lifted to orange which indicated heightened activity but little or no ash.

Whakaari had some had some minor volcanic activity and steam emissions in the past few weeks, Sherburn said.

Today’s eruption was also visible on MetService satellites.

Earth Sciences would continue to closely monitor the island for any changes in activity, but Sherburn noted they were relying on cameras and observation flights because there were no sensors on the island.

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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/2026/03/24/small-eruption-spotted-at-whakaari-white-island/

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The Warehouse fined for selling toy that was choking risk

Source: Radio New Zealand

SUPPLIED

The Warehouse has been fined more than $200,000 for selling a toy that was a choking risk for children under three.

The Commerce Commission said the “Roo Crew Take-Apart Vehicle Toys” were potentially dangerous because they contained multiple small parts and had failed several safety tests.

It said the District Court had imposed a fine of $234,000.

Commission head of Fair Trading and Product Safety Investigations Simon Pope said: “While the toys did carry some warnings, they were labelled and marketed for use by children aged 36 months or under.

The Warehouse has issued a recall notice for the Roo Crew Take-Apart Vehicle, saying its small parts pose a choking hazard for children under three. The Warehouse / Supplied

“Multiple parts came off each variation of the toy, and they failed small parts testing.”

This meant they did not comply with the product safety standard under the Fair Trading Act.

The Warehouse previously issued a voluntary recall notice for the toy.

The Commission said it encouraged anyone who still had one of the products to return them for a full refund.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/the-warehouse-fined-for-selling-toy-that-was-choking-risk/

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NRL: Injured NZ Warriors star Luke Metcalf returns early against Wests Tigers

Source: Radio New Zealand

Luke Metcalf is helped off the field against Brisbane Broncos last June. Tertius Pickard/www.photosport.nz

NZ Warriors star Luke Metcalf has been named for an early return to action, when his team take on Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium on Friday night.

Metcalf, 27, suffered a season-ending knee injury last June and was originally slated for a return about rounds 8-10, but that was advanced to rounds 7/8 two weeks ago.

That prognosis has leapt forward spectacularly – about a month – and coach Andrew Webster has named him at five-eighth for the round-four encounter against Wests.

Metcalf was leading Dally M Medal standings – the NRL’s Most Valuable Player award – when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament against Brisbane Broncos.

More to come

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/nrl-injured-nz-warriors-star-luke-metcalf-returns-early-against-wests-tigers/

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Fuel costs support package: Will those who most need help get any?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Food is the one thing people can cut back on when the car runs low on fuel, say aid agencies. AFP / ROBERT MICHAEL

The government’s support package for those struggling with the cost of fuel is simply not enough, an advocate for beneficiaries says, warning it could push people towards crime.

Almost 150,000 families with children will receive an extra $50 a week to help ease the pain from soaring petrol prices.

Speaking at a media conference earlier today, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the relief would come through a boost to the in-work tax credit – part of the Working for Families scheme – and it will kick in from April.

Another 14,000 families will qualify for a part payment as part of the government’s “targeted assistance”.

The increase is temporary and will last a year or until the price of 91 octane petrol drops below $3 a litre for four consecutive weeks.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the package struck the right balance and it was a “hard reality that we cannot alleviate the pressure of rising fuel costs for everyone”.

There is nothing for beneficiaries, superannuitants and those without children in the package, which will cost up to $373 million if it runs the full 12 months and is funded through new spending earmarked for the government’s May budget.

Willis noted the 1 April annual increases would provide a boost to benefits and superannuation payments, saying benefit rates remained “structurally higher” after increases under the previous government.

“We will be increasing main benefit rates on the 1st of April so a couple with children receiving jobseeker support receive an increase of nearly $20 a week.”

But Auckland Action Against Poverty co-chair Agnes Magele said that $20 a week would make little difference to those struggling to make ends meet.

“It’s a clear message to the people that the government really don’t care about the beneficiaries,” she said. “That extra $20, how can that be some sort of relief when people are still faced with food prices going up, now petrol prices are going up… that’s not going to make any difference at all.”

She said the fuel costs were forcing people into tough choices to survive.

“The cost of living doesn’t suddenly disappear just because someone isn’t in paid work.

“We had young ones coming in last week, and I’m being real when I say this – they’re looking at robbing the petrol station. And that’s the kind of effect that it has on the people on the ground.

“Normally the bills they have to choose from is either their rent, or their power, and they’re essential needs …. when people have to make a choice to sacrifice one of those that means the government’s not doing what they’re supposed to be doing in order to see that the people are thriving.”

She said the $50 boost was welcome for those who could receive it, but it would not go very far and was “a band-aid solution”.

Those on the benefit and looking for work would also struggle to get to appointments for training and interviews if fuel costs continued to rise, she said.

‘They can’t afford both transport and food’

Bonnie Robinson from the Salvation Army told Checkpoint while it was good news for those families who get that assistance, there would still be a lot of families who are struggling already to meet the basics who will not be getting anything.

She said that definitely included families who relied on a benefit who were already struggling.

“Eighty-five percent of the families who come to our food banks for food support are on benefits. So they are already struggling, the petrol price increase is going to make that harder and we are already seeing just in the last week or two, an increase in the number of people coming to a food bank for the first time.

“The petrol prices have pushed them over from coping to not coping and then needing to come for food support because they can’t afford both transport and food.”

Robinson said there was growing pressure on food parcel services as more people sought them out.

“We’re still delivering about 40 percent more food assistance than we did pre-Covid, it hasn’t dropped back to pre-Covid situation.”

She said when it came to tight budgets, food was the only area where they had wriggle room to cut back.

“And sometimes it gets trimmed to the point where people don’t have enough to eat.”

Whangārei Care Centre budget advisor Dianne Harris said her clients had not yet noticed a significant difference in fuel costs, but were very aware that it was happening.

“This extra $50 will help them, because it hasn’t hit yet”.

She told Checkpoint that the rise in food prices and the general cost of living was more of a concern at he moment, and her clients were becoming far more conscious of their budget than they ever had before.

“They are having to find watch they are doing more, they are having to think seriously about how many times they decide to go to the supermarket or go out.”

She was also concerned that people would get used to the extra $50, only to have it snatched away after a year.

“That’s when the struggle might happen again.”

Harris said there was an increase in the number of people using Afterpay and wanting to access their KiwiSaver funds, but stressed that this would not solve the problem.

“If a person has a minus in their budget but they are not paying any of their debts… the minus is still going to be there.”

The Greens had offered over the weekend to support National to introduce additional supports, including making public transport free, and other relief.

The government has maintained that supports during the fuel crisis must not increase debt levels, particularly after ratings agency Fitch downgraded New Zealand’s outlook from stable to negative.

Hipkins dismissed the Greens’ proposal as a “wishlist”, but said he would not be doing the same until he could see how much solutions might cost and how they would be delivered.

Magele said that was not good enough.

“They need to step up a little bit more. I think that they’ve been a little bit weak and not pushing back,” she 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/2026/03/24/fuel-costs-support-package-will-those-who-most-need-help-get-any/

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All Blacks rebooted: Rennie calls in new guard for revival mission

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tana Umaga was left ‘a little bit speechless’ after the announcement. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

Dave Rennie has assembled his crew to rebuild the All Blacks empire.

Neil Barnes, Tana Umaga and Mike Blair have been named alongside incumbent Jason Ryan as Rennie’s coaching team.

After a period marked by inconsistency and growing pressure, the team now turns the page on Scott Robertson’s tenure, with a new era on the horizon.

‘Proud is an understatement’

An elated Umaga said his promotion was a bit of a pinch me moment.

“A little bit speechless. Proud is an understatement really. To be back part of a team that holds a special place for me and my family, it’s unbelievable really.”

Few are as passionate about the black jersey as Umaga, who played 74 tests, and was first Pasifika captain of the All Blacks where he had an 86 percent win rate.

He knows full well the pressures that come with the jersey, having become public enemy number one in the United Kingdom during the 2005 Lions tour.

“Being a part of the All Blacks is a big job. You can’t get away from it. I’ve been fortunate enough to actually captain this side, and that was a big job. I had to understand what comes with, the sacrifices that not just yourself, but your family have to make. So I go in there with eyes wide open and understanding those pressures. I’ve felt that pressure before and understand what I’m getting myself into, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Despite a turbulent 2026, Umaga has overseen a transformative period for Moana Pasifika.

He admits it will be tough to walk away from the franchise at the conclusion of the current Super Rugby season.

“I won’t lie. It wasn’t something that I expected when I thought about my goals for this year. Spanner is probably a too strong a word, but just something that I wasn’t expecting, but it’s an opportunity that I don’t think anyone would pass up. I’ve invested a lot of my time and I have great belief about what we’re trying to do here and the movement behind Moana Pasifika, and I still do and I will always have a place in my heart with this club and this movement.”

The 52-year-old said he will not look to change his philosophy in the All Blacks environment.

“I can’t be anyone else but Tana Umaga because that’s who I am. I can only be who I am. It’s up to me to make sure that they can see the person behind those titles. I’ve got to make sure that they understand that I did that, but now I’ve got to make sure that I’m the best defensive coach I can be for this team.”

Umaga has learnt plenty of lessons during his 18-year coaching career – among them, a reputation that precedes you is not always a positive.

“I spent a lot of time just trying to be myself and not be what everyone made up me to be as the All Black captain, because that’s all anyone would call me and knew me as. In my coaching roles, as you do, you say your doors open, but I didn’t have many players coming through in my early career and I wondered why. It was Sonny Bill Williams that told me that ‘everyone’s scared of you, Tana’. So that’s up to me to make that first step around breaking down those barriers and that’s probably the biggest thing I can do to try and move us forward as quickly as we can.”

Umaga said he was a fan first and foremost.

“I just want what’s best for the All Blacks since I was a kid and when I was in there, now I’m going in there on a different role as a coach. I still want the same thing.”

Serving as Rennie’s right hand, head assistant coach Neil Barnes.

Another with a straight-shooting style, Barnes’ coaching career began in the amateur era in 1993.

He is embracing the challenge that awaits him.

“It’s taken a bit of grasping, I’m not frightened of it. I’ve had so many years in rugby, do inside of me, there’s that inner confidence that I’ve done the work.”

Neil Barnes will act as Rennie’s second in command. Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz

‘I don’t sugar-coat things’

A throwback to the more gruff rugby days, Barnes will bring a direct approach.

“I don’t profess to be a hard arse. At the end of the day, I’m honest. I don’t sugar-coat things. I think the players respect that they’re going to get feedback that is honest and accurate.”

Barnes believes that quality teams are built from the ground up.

“You can’t build a house without a strong foundation under it, all the stuff you guys see in the house, all the windows and the glossy stuff is a waste of time when a strong wind comes along if you haven’t got the thing pinned down to the foundations. The game is just the same. There’s simple basics from that you need to adhere to which will make you strong.”

While there was plenty of conjecture around who had what roles within the Scott Robertson regime, barnes said there will be no such issue under Rennie.

“There’s no cloudiness about roles here. Rens has told us the areas that we’re responsible for, but at the same time, he would expect myself or others to be able to challenge inside our environment to do what’s best for the players, the team, and our country.”

Barnes was aware of the scrutiny that comers with the gig, but was embracing it.

“Wins and losses happen in sport. We’re going to lose the odd one too. I’m sorry, but we will. The good thing about this country is people will let us know because they’re passionate about it and that’s good. That shows they care. I’d be more worried if the place was silent.”

Having spent time with Canada, Fiji, Taranaki and the Chiefs, Barnes has a well rounded resume.

But it’s one standout characteristic that no doubt attracted Rennie.

“I don’t think it would matter whether I was playing snakes and ladders or an international game. I’ve got the same s*** about me that I want to win. I am a competitive person and I expect every player in our team to have the same level of competitiveness that we’re there to get results.”

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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/2026/03/24/all-blacks-rebooted-rennie-calls-in-new-guard-for-revival-mission/

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Earthquake of magnitude 7.6 strikes Tonga islands

Source: Radio New Zealand

Screenshot / Earthquaketrack

A tsunami was not expected after a deep 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near the Tonga islands on Tuesday, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

“There is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the earth,” PTWC said.

The quake was at a depth of nearly 238 km, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The earthquake’s epicentre was over 150 km from the town of Neiafu in Tonga, the USGS added.

NZ’s National Emergency Management Agency said it was assessing the quake to see if it had created any tsunami that could affect here.

More to come…

– Reuters/RNZ

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/earthquake-of-magnitude-7-6-strikes-tonga-islands/

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Winston Peters says New Zealand not ‘rushing to contribute military forces to this conflict’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Winston Peters says critics have been scaremongering and indicating the government is rushing to contribute military forces to the conflict. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The Foreign Minister says people shouldn’t be alarmed that “somehow we’re going to be engaged in some military exercise” following statements by the head of NATO including New Zealand as one of 22 countries “coming together” to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

It comes as Labour raises concerns about the “broad nature” of a joint statement New Zealand was part of over the weekend, and what the commitment may open the country up to.

Winston Peters said there had been “scaremongering” from critics who say the government is “rushing to contribute military forces to this conflict”.

“What absolute crap, what absolute nonsense – New Zealand is not a party to this conflict, and we have absolutely no intention of joining it,” he said at Parliament on Tuesday.

Currently, the government won’t comment on what potential resources would be considered or committed if New Zealand was requested to help, due to it being a hypothetical issue.

Earlier on Tuesday the government said it had not made any commitment towards military action in the Middle East, but Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he was very concerned about “what the government had signed us up to”.

He was referring to a joint statement the government signed with 19 other countries condemning Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf.

Over the weekend, the government joined 19 other countries in condemning Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf.

In a collective statement, the countries including the United Kingdom and Germany, expressed “deep concern” about the escalating conflict. The statement also expressed its signatories would be ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”.

They called on Iran to immediately cease threats, laying mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block commercial vessels from travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.

Luxon clarified any such future support would need to be considered by Cabinet.

On Tuesday, Hipkins said the government had “basically” signed the country up to say “we’re ready and willing to participate in securing the strait”.

He then said that was a “slight paraphrase,” but “effectively, that’s what they’ve signed up to”.

“I don’t think we should be making a broad commitment like that at this point. Any support that New Zealand provides should be after a United Nations mandate, and at this point that doesn’t exist,” Hipkins said.

Speaking to Fox News, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said countries including Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Bahrain and the NATO alliance were working to “implement [US President Donald Trump’s] vision of making sure that the Strait of Hormuz is free, is opening up as soon as that is possible”.

Asked for clarification about this comment, Winston Peters said Rutte did not speak for New Zealand and he had probably been misinformed.

“We haven’t been asked, and should we be asked – we would consider it. That’s all I’ve said,” Peters emphasised.

In Parliament during an urgent debate on the conflict in the Middle East, Peters said the government was committed to working with partners to try and address one of the consequences of this conflict, that was higher fuel prices for New Zealanders.

In Parliament during an urgent debate on the conflict in the Middle East, Peters said the government was committed to working with partners to try and address one of the consequences of this conflict, which has huge implications for us, our partners and the global economy.

“But that is not the same as saying we are definitely going to contribute.

“If we receive a request, or if an international coalition was established in the future to safeguard commercial shipping, any possible contribution would be a matter for – guess who – the Cabinet first of all, to determine based on careful consideration of New Zealand’s interests.”

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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/2026/03/24/winston-peters-says-new-zealand-not-rushing-to-contribute-military-forces-to-this-conflict/

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Appeal for information following violent assault, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police

Christchurch Police investigating a violent assault in the CBD are appealing for information from the public to assist in identifying the person pictured as we believe they can assist in our enquiries.

On Thursday 19 March, Police were called to Worcester Street at around 10pm following reports of a person received injuries consistent with being stabbed.

Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton says the victim was transported to hospital in a serious condition and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

“We are now working to identify the person pictured as we believe they were in the area at the time of the incident and have information that can assist our investigation.”

Police are also appealing for any CCTV or dash-cam footage in the Latimer Square area and the Hereford, Worcester, Gloucester, Armagh, and Barbadoes Streets between 9.30pm and 10.30pm on Thursday.

“If you have any footage, no matter how small or irrelevant you may think, it may be the final piece of the puzzle we need for our enquiries.

“If you have not yet spoken with us, please get in touch,” says Detective Sergeant Rolton.

Any information, CCTV, or dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries can be provided to us online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105.

Please use the reference number 260320/0514.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/appeal-for-information-following-violent-assault-christchurch/

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Independent review to look at Whanganui flight school facing $11 million loss

Source: Radio New Zealand

Whanganui District Council has lost $11 million from its investment in the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy. RNZ/Robin Martin

An independent review is to take a warts-and-all look at Whanganui District Council’s commercial pilot school, which is closing facing an $11 million loss.

Councillors approved the review of the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA) 9-2 at a full council meeting today

Ahead of the vote, Mayor Andrew Tripe told councillors it was important the organisation learned from its mistakes and not “waste a crisis” and find out exactly what happened, so it could be more disciplined with future investments.

“Today we receive a very honest report about the NZICPA,” he said. “We are looking at a total loss of $11 million over the 11-year life of the investment and the effect on rates this coming year is 0.8 percent.

“This is a difficult number to digest, but we will not hide from it and we are choosing a controlled responsible divestment to ensure aviation training here continues without the financial risk to this council.”

Tripe said the academy was born from a desire to see Whanganui Airport thrive and to bring a new industry to the city.

“At it’s peak it was a success contributing $9.8 million to our annual GDP and supporting about 100 jobs.”

But the world changed after Covid-19 lockdowns, the withdrawal of Provincial Growth Fund support for an Advanced Aviation Hub and other factors meant the operation was no longer sustainable for ratepayers, Tripe said.

Council bought the academy – then called Flight Training Manawatū – in 2015 for $800,000 via its commercial arm Whanganui Holdings.

Later rebranded as the NZICPA it would close in June.

The $11 million loss was based on an estimated loss on assets sales – including aircraft – and other costs of $2.5 million, and operating losses of $8.5 million.

An independent review was estimated to cost between $50,000 to $150,000.

A internal council report prepared by chief financial officer Mike Fermor, which laid bare issues faced by the flight academy, recommended the review “to support transparency and capture lessons from the experience for future council investments”.

Councillor Charlotte Mesler spoke in favour of the review.

“We do still owe our community some clear answers about what we did know, what risks were identified or missed and how did we respond when things started to go wrong?”

She said that could only be achieved through a truly independent review process.

“Without that level of scrutiny we risk marking our own homework.”

Councillor Rob Vinsen baulked at the cost of the review.

“I cannot see the point of spending up to $100,000 for information we already know. This report on our agenda is extensive.

“It’s a very very good report which explains exactly what has gone on since the first entry on 6 of December 2017 … purchasing three Cessna.

“I don’t believe you need to hire a consultant to tell us that. The new chief executive could lead and internal review with their team and come up with any of that information. It’s all there..”

Fermor’s report found the flight school was set up with the best of intentions to boost the local economy, create jobs, attract international students, and increase activity at Whanganui Airport, but was hit by a series of setbacks.

These included border closures during Covid-19, which it survived due to $300,000 in council loans, the withdrawal of Provincial Growth Fund support for a proposed Advanced Aviation Hub and the closure of key building due to earthquake risk

In 2025, the NZICPA’s accreditation was also temporarily suspended during a Civil Aviation Authority safety investigation “materially changing its risk profile” prompting council to pump in another $2.3 million to prop up the pilot school.

At this stage the focus turned to managing risk and looking for a new operator for the struggling flight school.

It wasn’t all bad, while it operated the flight academy returned tangible benefits contributing approximately $9.8 million per year to local GDP and supporting about 96 full-time equivalent jobs at its peak, the report said.

Although a buyer was not found for NZICPA, Oamaru-based New Zealand Airline Academy – which looked at a purchase – was now operating a pilot school at Whanganui Airport and paying an $829,000 annual leases.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/independent-review-to-look-at-whanganui-flight-school-facing-11-million-loss/

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Why it’s going to get harder to win big on Lotto

Source: Radio New Zealand

The changes to Powerball take effect in the second half of 2026. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Changes coming for Lotto will make it less likely that people will win the big prize – but more likely they’ll collect a small one.

In what it calls its first “matrix change” in 19 years, Lotto will increase the number of Powerballs in its draw machine from 10 to 14.

This reduces the chances of winning Powerball from about 1 in 38.4 million to about 1 in 53.7 million for every line on a ticket.

Lotto will also add a “division eight” prize, raise the starting Powerball jackpot from $4 million to $5m, and increase the maximum jackpot from $50m to $60m.

Lotto chief executive Jason Delamore said the jackpot would be more likely to roll over to the next draw, which would deliver larger prizes when people won, while prizes in all other divisions would also be increased as part of the changes.

“The new Powerball division eight is a gamechanger. We expect its introduction will lift the total number of weekly Powerball winners by 30 percent, from about 47,000 winners to 62,000 winners on average.”

The changes to Powerball take effect in the second half of 2026.

He said lotteries around the world regularly refreshed their games in response to changes in population, customer expectations, inflation and other factors.

“Powerball had just eight balls when we launched in 2001. The jackpot started at $1 million and topped out at $15 million.

“We’ve made tweaks to the game in 2007, 2010, 2015 and 2017, so the current gap since the last update has been longer than usual.

“The changes we’re announcing today are our most exciting yet, with more chances to win and bigger prizes, including the new starting jackpot of $5 million, up from $4 million today.

“We’re really happy that we’ve managed to retain what people love about Powerball, while making a few refinements along the way.

“Furthermore, the price to play the game will remain unchanged.”

Massey University marketing expert Bodo Lang said he did not think the move would hurt ticket sales.

“Why do people play Lotto? The superficial surface answer is because they want to win money and maybe stop working. But what you’re selling when you’re selling a Lotto ticket is you’re selling hope.

“And if that hope is sustained by the new scheme I think it could totally work.”

Koura KiwiSaver founder Rupert Carlyon said people needed to be clear that Lotto was a type of gambling – not an investment.

“We know that people with lower financial security are more likely to buy Lotto tickets as they are looking for a way out of their current situation. People are already prioritising Lotto tickets over feeding their kids and these changes will only make it worse.”

He said many people realised they did not need to win a huge jackpot. “Even though that would be lifechanging, I think a lot of people would be really happy with something in the hundreds of thousands because it would probably make a large dent in their mortgage.”

Delamore said evolving Powerball was a key part of the organisation’s future strategy as it approaches its 40th birthday next year.

“Lotto NZ is owned by all New Zealanders and all of our profits – totalling more than $6.7 billion since 1987 – go to the Lottery Grants Board for distribution to the community.

“This change to Powerball will help support consistent and predictable returns back to a wide range of causes, including grassroots sports, cultural groups and health organisations.”

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Golden Bay gold mine proposal pushing ahead ‘without any genuine community consent’, say locals

Source: Radio New Zealand

Protesters occupy the drilling site in Sams Creek, in the Upper Tākaka Valley. Supplied / Timothy Firkin

Golden Bay locals are continuing to campaign against a proposed gold mine, fearing it will harm the region’s famed Te Waikoropupū Springs.

Australian mining company Siren Gold hopes to extract billions of dollars worth of gold at Sams Creek in the Upper Tākaka Valley. Exploration drilling which began in 2022, is continuing while the application for a mining permit is assessed.

Environmental advocate Timothy Firkin said two activists locked themselves to the main drilling rig at Sams Creek for about 12 hours during the weekend.

They were joined by other Golden Bay residents who remained concerned about the potential impact of the mine on the environment and the lack of engagement with the community, Firkin said.

“We feel there’s no social licence and that Siren Gold is pushing ahead without any genuine community consent,” he said.

“These are the clearest waters in the Southern Hemisphere, some of the clearest water ever measured on earth and the headwaters of the Tākaka Valley feed the Arthur Marble Aquifer that runs into Te Waikoropupū Springs and, beyond that, that water services everyone in the community.”

Protesters occupy the drilling site in Sams Creek, in the Upper Tākaka Valley. Supplied / Timothy Firkin

The group were concerned about the suitability of the site for a mine given the combination of high rainfall and seismic risk, Firkin said.

They were also worried about the management of toxic waste, arsenic-laden rock and the likely use of cyanide for extraction, he said.

The actions of activists at the weekend were a bid to disrupt the exploration drilling and came after two years of campaiging against the proposed mine, he said.

“We’ve invited them to community talks, we’ve asked for direct engagement. They’ve answered none of our questions and said that they would wait until after the mining licence was granted to engage with community,” Firkin said.

“We feel that area of the Kahurangi National Park was cut out solely for prospecting and we feel that place alone is worth protecting. Sam’s Creek is one of the most beautiful waterways I have ever set foot on and that whole area around there … I would be so heartbroken if there was a giant open cast mine in the entranceway to the Kahurangi National Park.”

The group wanted to engage with Siren Gold and voice their concerns but did not hold out much hope, he said.

Community group mounts legal challenge

Environmental advocacy group Save Our Springs last year applied for judicial review of government decisions linked to the controversial proposal.

The application was filed against Siren Gold and its subsidiary Sams Creek Gold along with Resources Minister Shane Jones and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment chief executive Nic Blakeley.

It sought declarations the exploration permit expired in March 2021 and the mining permit application should not have been accepted because it was lodged after the exploration permit’s expiry or because it did not include required information under the Crown Minerals Regulations 2007.

Protesters occupy the drilling site in Sams Creek, in the Upper Tākaka Valley. Supplied / Timothy Firkin

Siren Gold chief executive Zane Padman said the company had filed a statement of defence and a hearing date had been set for September.

The occupation over the weekend had a negligible impact on its exploration work, he said.

“I am more concerned for the safety of all involved. Entering work sites, climbing unharnessed on operating equipment and on buildings and flying drones where helicopters are operating is simply dangerous,” Padman said.

“The irony here is that the solutions to the concerns these members of the community hold are best informed by the results of the drilling.”

The company was willing to engage with people who were reasonable in their behaviour and were prepared to work with Siren Gold to identify responses to issues they hold, he said.

Exploration drilling was ongoing at the site as the company awaited the result of its mining permit application, he said.

“The mining permit is simply a procedural step that provides the holder with exclusivity to extract a specific resource from a specific location but does not give authority to activate mining,” he said.

“Any mine development is years away and any activity is required to undertake RMA consent processes for permissible activities, land owner approval, safety procedures and environmental standards to be met and community engagement including with iwi.”

Siren Gold said, in a recent update to the Australian Securities Exchange, it was part way through drilling 20 holes as part of its exploration work.

Its current estimate was that more than 800,000 ounces of gold could be mined at Sams Creek with a yield of about 2.8 grams of gold per tonne.

Drilling was expected to be completed by April with an updated mineral resource estimate to be completed after that.

MBIE minerals and offshore renewable energy national manager petroleum John Buick-Constable said the Sams Creek Gold mining permit application was still being assessed.

“There are no statutory timeframes for assessing or deciding a permit application. Each permit application brings its own complexities and there also may be times when more information is required to progress an application,” he said.

The average targeted timeframe for processing a tier one minerals mining permit was 240 working days.

The company’s existing exploration permit remained in force while its mining permit was being assessed, Buick-Constable said.

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Wellington Airport completes major runway safety upgrade

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke next to the completed engineered materials arresting system bed. WELLINGTON AIRPORT / SUPPLIED

Wellington Airport has installed new runway safety zones with energy absorbing blocks at the end of each runway.

It said the engineered materials arresting system (EMAS), would provide additional safety in the unlikely event an aircraft accidentally overran the runway during take-off or landing.

It also effectively extended the usable length of the runway, providing a landing distance increase of 143m and a take-off distance increase of 37m.

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said it had been hard work, which was done mainly between 1am and 6am each night to avoid impacting flights.

He said the most complicated part of all, occurred on Monday overnight, with the final changeover involving about 80 people.

“All of our line markings had to be updated in one go, for which we used 15 line marking trucks – pretty much every crew available in the lower North Island.

“We planned and rehearsed the sequence of everything to the minute to ensure we were all set for flights to begin on the new settings from 6am this morning.”

The new runway dimensions would mean the airport was now capable of handling widebody aircraft non-stop from major hubs in Asia and North America, Clarke said, along with enabling full passenger loads on outbound services to destinations which had previously been out of reach.

But, new services were not being announced at this stage, Clarke said, however, Wellington was the largest market in Australasia that did not have a direct connection to Asia.

“The turbulence currently felt by the travel industry will settle in time and we can all look forward to celebrating the arrival of long-haul flights to the capital when the time is right.”

Each EMAS bed was about 55 by 90 metres and made up of more than 3000 individual blocks which were made in the United States and shipped to Wellington in 2025.

Preparation on the project began in April 2025, and was completed a week ahead of schedule and within the $35m budget, Clarke said.

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Is fuel support package ‘generous’ or not enough?

Source: Radio New Zealand

The payment would continue until the price of 91 drops below $3 a litre. (File photo) RNZ / Quin Tauetau

Commentators are split on whether the fuel support package announced by the government on Tuesday is generous – or leaving out some of the most needy New Zealanders.

The government announced it would give $50 a week to families who qualify for the in-work tax credit.

This means they must be a parent or caregiver working at least 30 hours a week combined as a couple or 20 hours as a single parent, not receiving a main benefit.

In the current tax year, the income cut-off for receiving the tax credit was around $89,000 of annual household income for a family with one child, $112,000 for a family with two children and $135,000 for a family with three children.

The payment would continue until the price of 91 petrol drops below $3 a litre for four consecutive weeks, or a year, whichever comes first.

About 143,000 households would receive the $50 in full, from April 7. Another 14,000 would receive payment at a lower rate.

Isaac Gunson, spokesperson for the Child Poverty Action Group, said it would help working for families but there was nothing for people relying on benefits.

“Close to a quarter of a million children live in households receiving a core benefit and the idea that there’s no additional support for them that will be made available is pretty outrageous.”

While Finance Minister Nicola Willis said they were potentially less affected because they did not have to travel to work, Gunson said they would still need to travel for groceries or job interviews.

He said the 3.1 percent increase in benefits from April 1 would not be enough.

“The idea that benefit dependent households won’t face as big a downturn in their finances because they don’t have the same obligations to go to work… that just doesn’t stand up.”

But Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said the policy was surprisingly generous, because the average amount that households spent on fuel each week before prices started to rise was $65.

“The immediate sticking point is going to be people who need to travel to work … this at least takes away one of those critical concerns that people might have had.”

The support package would cost up to $373 million and be paid from the Budget 2026 operating allowance.

Eaqub said the government might earn an extra $180 million in GST revenue as a result of higher petrol prices.

But Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said it was likely that would be diverted spending from other things, if the petrol price was higher.

“If you have to spend a whole bunch more on fuel that will attract more GST but unless your income has magically increased by the same amount, which it clearly hasn’t, you’re spending less on other things in the economy.”

He said the support plan made sense because the government wanted it to be timely and targeted.

“The fact that it can come in so quickly, and probably most importantly for the government politically, is that you see direct money in your account rather than having to wait for a cashback or not noticing that it’s come off your headline tax figure or something. That’s useful. And I think also the government has been quite clear that it was going to be limited.

“It highlights that for the government, they can’t control what’s happening across the world.

“And emitting a whole bunch of tax money they don’t have anyway, and therefore having to borrow for it to fund much wider support, would be a fairly reckless economic decision. This one coming from within the current operating allowance has kicked something else that the government might have done at budget time out and put this in instead. That seems to be a reasonable swap.

“The fact that it is targeted towards those who are already getting something like the in-work tax credit, does seem to be a pretty reasonable way to try and tightly target as much as possible the support and just get it out the door.”

Gunson said the winter energy payment should be increased.

“At the moment it’s about $20 a week for single parents and $31 a week for couples and people with children. That needs to go up irrespective of the current crisis that’s going on.

“We’d like to see the government lift it by at least 30 percent to make up for inflation as well as the current crisis to really help low-income families receiving a core benefit out.”

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McCain to close Hastings vegetable processing plant by January 2027

Source: Radio New Zealand

Roberto Machado Noa

McCain has announced it will close its Hastings vegetable processing plant by January 2027.

In a letter to growers, McCain said it reviewed operations at the site but was unable to find a sustainable pathway under the current model.

“The closure follows a review of our Hastings operations, which considered a range of options to strengthen the long-term position of the site.

“Despite meaningful effort, we were unable to identify a sustainable pathway under the current model. As a result, we will transition to sourcing vegetable products through trusted supply partners within our broader network.”

It’s not clear how many workers at the plant and growers this will affect.

McCain said it will honour all existing contractual commitments through the current season.

“Production at Hastings will continue through the remainder of the processing and packing season as planned.

“We recognise that this decision may have implications for future growing seasons and we are committed to working with you directly to discuss what this means for your individual circumstances.”

It said the company’s agriculture team would be in contact with growers to ensure they have clarity and support as we move through this transition.

It comes as Watties proposes to stop all production of frozen vegetable lines in New Zealand, affecting 220 growers in Canterbury.

Consultation on the Watties proposal closes on Wednesday.

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Fuel-crisis package is paper-thin

Source: NZCTU

The Government’s proposed support package for families in a fuel crisis is woefully inadequate, says NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.

“Some families will get limited relief from this package. But the Government is doing nothing for families who don’t receive the in-work tax credit. They are doing nothing for pensioners. They are doing nothing to make this country more energy secure.

“92% of households won’t get anything from this package. New Zealanders already doing it tough – pensioners, welfare recipients, single people – won’t see any relief. It won’t help those working in rural communities who are facing huge price increases.

“Industries across the country are under pressure from rising fuel costs. We are already in a cost-of-living crisis, and now fuel prices risk flowing through to the price of food and other essentials. And yet the Government is choosing to provide minimum relief while Kiwi families are struggling.

“During the global financial crisis and the pandemic, the Government worked with working people and their unions on solutions to the nation’s problems. Now is the time for Government to talk with unions about what real, long-term solutions might look like,” said Grey.

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Brooke van Velden resignation is a chance for U-turn

Source: NZCTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey is calling on the Government to pause harmful employment legislation in light of Brooke van Velden’s resignation.

“Brooke van Velden’s legacy as Workplace Relations and Safety Minister is one of the worst in this country’s history. Much of the legislation passed on her watch has wrecked the longstanding landscape of employment relations in New Zealand.

“Stealing pay equity overnight from more than 300,000 workers in low-paid, female-dominated sectors. Delivering real-term pay cuts for workers on the minimum wage for three years running. Letting multinational corporate lobbyists dictate our contractor law. These decisions demonstrate van Velden’s priorities as Minister.

“The Minister has two bills before the House that continue her track record of trampling on workers’ rights. In light of the Member’s resignation, we are calling on the Government to halt any further progress on the Employment Leave Act and the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, and to work with unions on real, long-term solutions to the issues these Bills raise.

“The Government now has an opportunity to do right by working people. The next Minister for Workplace Relations should be one who truly understands the struggle of workers in a cost-of-living crisis, and who listens to working people and their unions,” said Grey.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/brooke-van-velden-resignation-is-a-chance-for-u-turn/

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Who will be eligible to get an extra $50 a week as part of the fuel crisis package?

Source: Radio New Zealand

The policy was estimated to cost $373 million if it ran for a full year. (File photo) RNZ / Quin Tauetau

The government announced almost 150,000 families will receive an extra $50 a week to help ease the pain caused by soaring petrol prices, but who can expect to see that money show up in their account next month?

Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the relief would come through a boost to the in-work tax credit – part of the Working for Families scheme.

People would start seeing the full benefit in their bank accounts from 7 April, if they were paid weekly, or 14 April, if they were paid fortnightly.

Who will get $50 a week?

Only low-to-middle-income workers who have children would be eligible for the payments, Willis said.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis making the announcement on Tuesday. Samuel Rillstone/RNZ

It excluded beneficiaries, superannuitants and those without children.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Willis said for beneficiaries, there would be usual increases on April 1 which “working families” did not automatically get.

“And I’d also note, working families face the obligation to get to and from work each day. Beneficiaries do not face that obligation,” Willis said.

“The policy is carefully targeted to families in the squeezed middle – parents who are working hard for a living, are not eligible for main benefits, and yet have modest household incomes with which to support their children,” Willis said.

“We know these families will be hit particularly hard by the global fuel-price shock. We are delivering them timely relief.”

In the current tax year, the cut-off for receiving the tax credit was around $89,000 of annual household income for a family with one child, $112,000 for a family with two children and $135,000 for a family with three children.

Willis said the government could not relieve price pressures for all businesses and families who were feeling price pressures. She said “large, untargeted government spending programmes” could make the situation worse by driving up inflation and debt.

She said while families that missed out would also have welcomed support, the government was “limited by the big increase in debt that occurred in the aftermath of Covid”.

“If it’s not you getting the support today, just know it might be your friend, it might be your family member, it might be the person serving you at the cafe today. Working families who cannot easily avoid higher fuel costs.”

How long will it continue?

The temporary increase would last for as long as one year, or until the price of 91 octane petrol dropped below $3 a litre for four weeks in a row, Willis said.

How do you get it?

Families who were already receiving the in-work tax credit (IWTC) payments, would not need to do anything to receive the money, the government said, with Inland Revenue automatically delivering the increase.

For people who didn’t receive the IWTC payments who thought they might be available, they needed to contact Inland Revenue.

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Black Ferns grapple with eligibility rules as players seek more rugby

Source: Radio New Zealand

Amy Rule and Georgia Ponsonby during the anthem before a test against Canada in 2025. © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz

Amy Rule knows how much playing top flight rugby in the UK has elevated her game – but it has also left her facing a dilemma that the Black Ferns have not encountered until now.

Before this season, no Black Fern had played in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) competition in the UK. Eight New Zealand internationals took up contracts for the current 2025/26 season.

Rule was the first Black Fern to sign to the competition when she announced in June last year that she was joining Exeter Chiefs after the World Cup.

Five of the eight players provided injury cover for respective clubs.

Maia Roos, Tanya Kalounivale, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, and Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant are in that group and will travel from England at the end of this month to join the squad for the Pacific Four series.

Loose forward Layla Sae will miss much of the 2026 season after suffering a serious knee injury on duty for her English club Harlequins.

Three veterans – Amy Rule, Alana Borland (nee Bremner), and Georgia Ponsonby – gave up Black Ferns contracts to play full seasons in the UK competition, making them ineligible for Whitney Hansen’s first squad as Black Ferns coach.

Ponsonby however, was granted an exemption by the NZR board due to injuries leaving depth at hooker thin, and was on Monday named in Hansen’s 30-strong squad for next month’s series.

Rule said she wanted a new experience after last year’s World Cup, which was a disappointing campaign for the Black Ferns when they finished third.

“I ended my contract with the Black Ferns to play a full season here because I had been with New Zealand Rugby and the Black Ferns for over five years and I wanted to live in a different country, and experience a different type of rugby. We can’t play this game forever, and I just want to play as much rugby as possible,” Rule said.

The tighthead prop said unless she plays some domestic rugby in New Zealand later this year, she will not be eligible for the Black Ferns for the whole of 2026.

“I want to finish off the season with Exeter Chiefs and when I finish I don’t know what that looks like after, it’s still up in the air.

“New Zealand Rugby have been pretty strict on how they do their rulings and to be eligible for Black Ferns you have to play in the New Zealand domestic competition. I’m not showing 100 percent intention of coming back this season but time will tell.”

Black Fern veteran Amy Rule. Paul Yates / www.photosport.nz

The 25-year-old admits she will have some “big decisions to make” in the next couple of months, knowing if she were to re-sign with Exeter for the 2026/27 season it could rule her out of a big year for the Black Ferns.

The inaugural British and Irish Lions Women’s Series will take place in New Zealand in September 2027.

“It is historic and I definitely want to be a part of it and put my hand up for it but it’s just going to be dependent on how the calendar falls into place, what I decide to do this year and moving through into next year.

“Time will tell, it’s all kind of happening at the moment what the next couple of years look like, or even heading towards the 2029 World Cup.

“Definitely got a close relationship with New Zealand Rugby and having those conversations, obviously I’ve got a good relationship with Whitney and all the management so conversations are being had.”

Ponsonby and Borland too will have to start thinking about whether they sign on for another year with Ealing Trailfinders.

It remains to be seen whether NZ Rugby will continue to allow players to sign with UK-based clubs on short-term contracts, without it affecting their eligibility.

Ponsonby said those conversations would happen shortly.

“I’m not really sure what path I want to take but I need to have conversations with coaches here and coaches back home to see what can or cannot happen,” Ponsonby said.

“I think the Black Ferns are still having conversations about what they will and won’t allow. Obviously there are girls who have come over here this season for injury cover, who are just signed until the end of March.

“Whether or not that will be an option for players again for the next season I’m not sure. I hope they create that opportunity for players to come over here and play a half season because it’s really beneficial. I’m not sure if the option will be available again or not.”

More rugby needed

One of the reasons so many Black Ferns took up contacts in the UK was the fact that they faced months without playing.

Last year New Zealand Rugby announced it was shifting the dates of Super Rugby Aupiki so it would not clash with new international windows.

Previously played through March and April, Super Rugby Aupiki has been pushed back to June, with six regular season games and a grand final.

Black Fern Alana Borland (nee Bremner) was part of the Black Ferns loose forwards. www.photosport.nz

It meant from October to April there was no top-level rugby for women’s players in New Zealand.

The quirk with PWR is that it breaks for seven weeks during April and May, before resuming for the final two rounds of regular season, then semi-finals and a final.

During that break the northern hemisphere players can compete in the Six Nations for their respective countries, while Rule and Borland will watch the Black Ferns Tests from afar.

As for what she’s getting out of playing PWR, Rule said it was pushing her to a new level.

“In New Zealand the only real opportunities to really hone your craft was in Aupiki and then international level – so I had six games to grow my craft before playing international rugby.

“Whereas here week in week out, I can really push myself, take risks, make mistakes and you just can’t beat playing rugby compared to training, I think it’s helped my game immensely.”

While it’s seen as a semi-professional competition, with some players working full-time jobs, Rule said the amount of training resembled a full-time programme.

Rule said the sheer number of minutes players got across the 18-game regular season made a huge difference.

“Here we are training nearly every day, we do Monday, Tuesday, we have Wednesday as recovery day, and Thursday is another training day and then you play on the weekends. And we get about triple the amount of games here so it’s intense.”

Change needed?

Hansen said the feedback from Black Ferns who took up contracts in the UK had been overwhelmingly positive.

“They’ve really enjoyed it, they’ve had some really good learnings across that time and I think it’s been cool having that come back and help to grow us as well. It’s been the right thing for them in this moment and we’re excited to have them back with us for the next bit of their journey,” Hansen said.

The All Blacks eligibility rules have been thoroughly dissected over the years but this is the first time it has really been tested when it comes to the Black Ferns.

New Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen. photosport

Apart from exceptions for senior All Blacks on approved sabbaticals, players must play for a New Zealand-based Super Rugby team to be eligible for New Zealand.

The policy aims to protect the domestic game and prevent a talent exodus to overseas leagues in countries like France and Japan, which attract top international talent with high salaries.

But Black Ferns players haven’t been lured by big salaries because they don’t exist. What they have been drawn to is the level of competition they are getting in the PWR.

The Black Ferns also have some ground to make up if they want to be on top of the world again. England looked untouchable at last year’s World Cup, winning the title on the back of a record-breaking streak of 33 consecutive Test wins.

Hansen said any exemptions under the eligibility rules, would have to go through the NZR board.

“We’ve got an exemption around Georgia [Ponsonby] because we’ve got a couple of injuries and niggles that are sitting in our hooker depth at the moment, so we had to go back to the board and talk about that and what that would look like and ultimately it was the best decision for the team to ask her to come back in and to make that exemption.”

Hansen confirmed Rule and Borland could become eligible for Black Ferns tests in the back end of this year if they played some domestic rugby.

“It’s for this campaign they are ineligible, essentially we’ll go in to Super Rugby Aupiki and we might still see someone come in the back end of that, cover a position or end up in that space, playing NPC. There’s lots of opportunities to be selected again or contracted again for the Black Ferns but that will really depend on what they decide to do next for their rugby journey.”

At this stage Hansen does not believe the eligibility rule needs re-visiting for the Black Ferns.

“I don’t think so at the moment, it’s been really clear on what is and isn’t and when we’ve needed to go back to the board to talk about that then we’ve got the exemption that we’ve needed because it’s been a clear and obvious choice that it was the right thing to do so not at this time.

“We’ve got some athletes who we’ve worked together with clubs that are over there who are covering injury. And for those other three, it was a look at like what’s next for them, it’s at the back of a world cup and them making some decisions on what’s next in their rugby.”

Ponsonby said playing PWR had “massively” helped her game.

“Getting to play with world class players …in our team we’ve girls from England, Ireland, Wales, Spain, Canada, USA … all over the show. I think that’s the beauty of this competition, it is the best in the world for that reason.

“You’ve got the best players in the world spread out across the teams and it shows in the results so far. Every single game is a tough match and you don’t know who’s going to win.”

Georgia Ponsonby has played hooker for NZ for many years. Photosport

Borland was the first to sign with Ealing Trailfinders, then Ponsonby received a message from the coach gauging her interest and ultimately decided it was an opportunity she couldn’t turn down.

The 26-year-old is flatting with Borland and her husband, who she lived with for two years in Christchurch.

“We moved our lives over here, I’m just the third wheel,” she laughs. “But it’s great, we love our life over here.”

Ponsonby had got used to the idea that she was not going to be part of the Black Ferns this year so was grateful to be given an exemption for the PAC4 series.

Ponsonby said the demand for New Zealand players was high.

“There’s definitely the appetite over here, they love us as rugby players and what we bring. There’s other countries, the likes of France and Spain that are trying to recruit international players.

“I hope NZ Rugby do open those doors for people, but at the same time we’ve got a great competition back home with Aupiki and my hope is that expands into something bigger and we get to play Australia because that would only grow our own competition as well, I see the merit in both.”

Competition dates

PWR 2025/26

  • 25 October – 30 March
  • Two month break for international window
  • Resumes 30 May – Final 29 June

Black Ferns 2026 Pacific Four Series

  • 12 Apr – v USA, Sacramento
  • 18 Apr – v Canada, Kansas City
  • 25 Apr – v Wallaroos, Sunshine Coast

Super Rugby Aupiki 2026

  • 13 June – 25 July
  • Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Final – 1 August

Farah Palmer Cup 2026

  • Kicks off 29 August
  • Finals set for late October

Remaining Black Ferns Tests confirmed for 2026

  • O’Reilly Cup – 22 Aug vs Wallaroos
  • 5th Sept vs South Africa, Johannesburg
  • 26 Sept vs England, Twickenham
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$50 a week for lower-income working families

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is moving quickly to provide extra support for low-to-middle-income working families as conflict in the Middle East drives up fuel prices and adds pressure to household budgets.

From 7 April, about 143,000 working families with children will get an extra $50 a week through a boost to the in-work tax credit. The boost will also expand eligibility to around 14,000 additional working families, who will receive the tax credit at an abated rate.  

The increase will be temporary, lasting for one year or until the price of 91 octane petrol drops below $3 a litre for four consecutive weeks. 

“This temporary boost will deliver support to working families who are under significant cost-of-living pressure, without making inflation worse or further driving up Government debt,” Nicola Willis says.

“The policy is carefully targeted to families in the squeezed middle – parents who are working hard for a living, are not eligible for main benefits, and yet have modest household incomes with which to support their children. We know these families will be hit particularly hard by the global fuel-price shock. We are delivering them timely relief. 

“The Government will implement these changes at pace. Tomorrow we will introduce an Amendment Paper to the Taxation Bill currently before Parliament, so these changes can be enacted from 1 April.

“Most eligible households will not need to do anything to receive the increase. It will be paid directly into their bank accounts, starting on 7 April if they are paid weekly, and 14 April if they are paid fortnightly. 

“We are very aware that almost all Kiwi businesses and families are feeling price pressures as a result of the global shockwaves hitting New Zealand, but equally we know that responding with large, untargeted Government spending programmes could make things worse for Kiwis by adding more pressure to inflation and debt. We are making careful choices in order to protect New Zealand’s economic future. 

“The Government is conscious that a careless response to this crisis could have long-lasting and painful consequences. We saw this in the aftermath of Covid, where excessive spending more than doubled debt and sent inflation soaring and mortgage rates skyrocketing. Kiwis are still grappling with the effects of that today.

“That is why we are focused on temporary, timely support that is targeted to the workers who need it most, while continuing to manage the public finances carefully. 

“The policy is estimated to cost a one-off $373 million if it runs for the full year and less if it does not. There is no ongoing cost in future years because the change is time-limited. 

The cost will count against the Government’s operating allowance for the 2026 Budget so has already been factored into the Treasury’s fiscal forecast.

“Funding the policy this way will not add to forecast debt or inflationary pressures. It is consistent with the Government’s fiscal strategy which seeks to balance the books and bend the debt curve down.

“We cannot control global oil markets or international conflicts.

“But we can soften the impact on working families who cannot easily avoid higher fuel costs by delivering support in a responsible and well-targeted way.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/50-a-week-for-lower-income-working-families/