Category: New Zealand

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Climate News – Earth Sciences NZ January climate summary – record rainfalls

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Exactly how wet was it last month? Very.
Fifteen locations recorded their wettest or second-wettest January, including an astounding 494 mm of rain at Whitianga in the Coromandel Peninsula. Kaikōura logged 266 mm of rain, which is 562 percent of normal January rainfall, and Tauranga and Whitianga both had 515 percent of their normal rainfall.
This was thanks to two significant areas of low pressure 18-20 January and 20-22 January.
More highlights:
– The highest temperature was 36.8°C, observed at Napier on 11 January.
– The lowest temperature was 0.0°C, observed at Waipounamu on 30 January.
– The highest 1-day rainfall was 274 mm, recorded at Tauranga on 21 January.
– The highest wind gust was 194 km/h, observed at Cape Turnagain on 11 January.
– Of the six main centres, Tauranga was the warmest and wettest, Dunedin was the coolest, driest, and least sunny, and Auckland was the sunniest.
– The sunniest four regions in 2026 so far are Taranaki (286 hours), Tasman (270 hours), Auckland (258 hours), and wider Nelson (254 hours).

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/climate-news-earth-sciences-nz-january-climate-summary-record-rainfalls/

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Legal Issues – High Court Confirms RNZRSA Acted Lawfully while Adopting New Constitution

Source: Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA)

The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RNZRSA) welcomes today’s High Court decision, which confirms that the organisation acted lawfully and in good faith when it adopted transitional provisions under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 to approve its new constitution.

The Court rejected a challenge brought by a small number of Auckland-based RSAs, finding that the RNZRSA was within its rights to rely on transitional provisions that allowed constitutional changes to pass with the support of 50 percent of votes cast, rather than the 75 percent threshold that previously applied.

In its judgment, the Court held that the 2022 Act intentionally grants incorporated societies greater flexibility during the transition to the new legal regime and allows them to adopt new constitutions using a simplified voting threshold, provided the process is transparent and properly notified.

The Court accepted that the RNZRSA had acted in the best interests of members, noting that they had obtained specialist legal advice before recommending the transitional approach and had clearly communicated the proposed process to its member RSAs. The Court found no evidence of improper purpose, procedural unfairness, or any attempt to circumvent members’ rights. The Court also found that the RNZRSA had undertaken a “careful and thorough planning, drafting and consultation process” for the new constitution.

“We are pleased the Court has confirmed that the RNZRSA followed a sound and legally robust process,” said Board Chair Rhys Jones. “This decision brings clarity and certainty, allowing us to continue modernising our organisation so we can better support veterans and their whānau.”

The Court also recognised that the RNZRSA’s adoption of the new constitution was necessary to ensure timely compliance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, which requires all societies to transition to updated governance frameworks, and to allow member RSAs time to adopt their own constitutions.

“We undertook this process in good faith, guided by expert legal advice, and with the best interests of our members and New Zealand’s veteran community at heart,” Jones said. “The High Court’s findings affirm that commitment.

The RNZRSA’s National President Tony Hill welcomed the decision and the opportunity it has provided to continue strengthening the organisation.

“We look forward to moving on as a united group, working constructively with all member RSAs to continue building and strengthening the RNZRSA to meet the challenges of the future, and ensure we are able to support all of our veterans.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/legal-issues-high-court-confirms-rnzrsa-acted-lawfully-while-adopting-new-constitution/

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Fair and efficient military justice proposed in Bill

Source: New Zealand Government

Legislation to modernise the military justice system has passed its first reading today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.

“The Armed Forces Discipline Law Amendment Bill modernises New Zealand’s military justice system so that it is fairer, more efficient, and more transparent,” Ms Collins says.

“The Bill will make our system easier to navigate, allowing commanders to focus on operational readiness in an increasingly volatile world.”

“The current military justice system is out-of-date, with no substantial changes made since 2007. These updates align it more closely with developments in the civilian justice system. 

The Bill will introduce a Minor Discipline Sanction System for very low-level offending, such as being late for duty, avoiding the need for a Summary Trial. Serious, complex and sensitive offending will follow a new streamlined and independent pathway to Court Martial, overseen by the Director of Military Prosecutions. 

New search powers will increase the New Zealand Defence Force’s ability to investigate alleged offending, while providing better protections for those subject to them. These include the power for officers in charge of Defence Areas to authorise searches within those areas, and for judicial warrants to be sought for sensitive searches of electronic devices and areas outside Defence Areas, aligning with Bill of Rights Act requirements.

The Bill extends the right to elect trial by Court Martial to most offences and introduces a new power to drug test members of the Armed Forces for disciplinary purposes.

“Our Armed Forces must maintain strong discipline so they are always ready to protect New Zealanders,” Ms Collins says.

“We hold our personnel to a high standard and they should expect the same from their military justice system.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/fair-and-efficient-military-justice-proposed-in-bill/

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Police arrest group over vehicle crime

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have caught up with a group of young people likely involved in a wave of vehicle crime across parts of Auckland.

Frontline units deployed across the North Shore and west Auckland in the early hours of this morning.

It all began just before 3.30am in Hillcrest.

Inspector Jason Edwards, of Waitematā Police, says a member of the public reported vehicles being interfered with on Stanaway Street.

“We received reports that vehicles parked on the street were being interfered with by a group of males before they fled in another vehicle,” he says.

“Units quickly responded into the area and enquiries began to locate this group.”

Four vehicles had been interfered with by the group, and Police also located an ignition barrel on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Police Eagle helicopter was watching as a group of young people abandoned a stolen vehicle in Massey around half an hour later.

Inspector Edwards says they were seen trying on foot walking onto Zefiro Drive.

“Ground units were directed to their location with all five quickly taken into custody,” he says.

“We have established this group had just been travelling with two stolen vehicles in tandem, before colliding with each other on the Royal Road offramp.

“They abandoned one vehicle and had carried on a short distance.”

Those arrested are aged between 13 and 16.

Four males have been charged with unlawfully getting into a vehicle and will appear in the Waitākere Youth Court today.

Inspector Edwards says the group is also being spoken to in relation to other vehicle crime across west Auckland and the North Shore.

“This is an outstanding result for Police and our community,” he says.

“I would like to acknowledge all the frontline teams from the North Shore and Henderson, as well as our Crime Squad that responded this morning.”

Police continue to ask the community to report suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.

“Police acknowledge the vigilant member of the public for reporting the suspicious activity in the first instance,” he says.

“We know that stolen vehicles are used to commit further offending against the community, so to be able to disrupt this group is a great outcome.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/police-arrest-group-over-vehicle-crime/

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Fire crews battle blaze at workshop in Hawke’s Bay

Source: Radio New Zealand

Five fire trucks and two water tankers are at a blaze in Eskdale. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Multiple fire crews are battling a blaze that’s engulfed a workshop in Eskdale, north of Napier.

Emergency services were called to the rural Seafield Road property about 1.20pm.

Fire and Emergency says it has five fire trucks and two water tankers working in the building that is about the size of a three bay garage.

It could not say whether anyone was injured.

St John confirmed it was at the scene.

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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/2026/02/10/fire-crews-battle-blaze-at-workshop-in-hawkes-bay/

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Two students hit by cars before school on Monday morning

Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied / St John

Two Auckland students are in Starship Hospital after being struck by cars before school on Monday.

Police said one intermediate-aged student was hit by a car at about 8.15am while crossing Whangaparāoa Road in Stanmore Bay.

In a statement, Whangaparāoa College confirmed one of its students was hit.

It said the student was receiving medical treatment and would make a full recovery.

Police said another intermediate child was hit by a different car on Onewa Road in Northcote at 8.26am.

St John said both children who suffered moderate injuries were taken to Starship in ambulances.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/two-students-hit-by-cars-before-school-on-monday-morning/

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Third US lawsuit against author Neil Gaiman dismissed by judge

Source: Radio New Zealand

Neil Gaiman at an event in 2024. Jamie McCarthy / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA

All three US lawsuits accusing author Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting his children’s nanny in Auckland four years ago have now been dismissed.

Scarlett Pavlovich filed lawsuits against Gaiman and his wife Amanda Palmer in the US states of Wisconsin, Massachusetts and New York last year.

She accused Gaiman of multiple sexual assaults while she was working as the family’s nanny in 2022.

The New York lawsuit was dropped last year, and the Wisconsin lawsuit was dismissed in October, with the judge saying Pavlovich needed to pursue the case in New Zealand.

AP has now reported that US District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston threw out the Massachusetts filing late last week on the same grounds.

The British author has denied the claims, but argued that as the alleged abuses occurred in New Zealand – where Pavlovich is a citizen and Gaiman has permanent residency status – the US had no jurisdiction over the allegations.

Pavlovich sued Gaiman, author of The Sandman comic book series and the novel American Gods, while Palmer was accused of knowing that Pavlovich was vulnerable, and failing to warn that Gaiman had a history of predatory behaviour, according to court papers.

The lawsuits sought unspecified damages that were “reasonably believed” to exceed US$1 million (NZ$1.7m) on multiple claims, Reuters earlier reported.

In his motion to dismiss, Gaiman called the claims a “sham”, saying while he and Pavlovich did engage in “sexual activity”, they never had sexual intercourse and it was always consensual.

“None of Pavlovich’s claims are true,” Gaiman said.

Pavlovich painted a very different picture of the events in an interview last year with Vulture, a US entertainment news page for the New York Magazine.

Pavlovich said she agreed to baby-sit the couple’s child, but soon Gaiman began sexually abusing her, including by raping her, choking her, and assaulting her in the presence of his child, according to court papers.

The abuse allegedly lasted several weeks, until Gaiman and his child left for Europe.

At the time, she was 22 and Gaiman was 61.

Following the publication of the allegations, Gaiman wrote that he had “never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”

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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/2026/02/10/third-us-lawsuit-against-author-neil-gaiman-dismissed-by-judge/

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New data shows record 2025 permitting activity

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s exploration and mining pipeline is strengthening, with record levels of mineral permit applications received and decided in 2025, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

New data from New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M) shows the agency received 551 applications last year, up from 450 in 2024, and made 521 decisions, compared to an annual average of 363 since 2017. Of the 178 approvals for new activity, 163 related to gold.

“Nine out of 10 new permit applications granted last year targeted gold, with the South Island set to benefit most from this activity. The West Coast alone accounted for more than 40 per cent of new gold‑related approvals, reinforcing its position as one of New Zealand’s most active and enduring mining regions,” Mr Jones says.  

“What is particularly encouraging is the good spread of applications across the development lifecycle. The mix of prospecting, exploration, and mining permits reflects healthy progression through the development pipeline. Tier 2 hobby permits are being converted into the newly created Tier 3 permit class, which applies a more proportionate and fit‑for‑purpose regulatory burden to small‑scale activity.

“This demonstrates a sector that is gathering momentum and investing in New Zealand’s future. A strong exploration pipeline, coupled with a notable uplift in mining stage activity, shows companies are not only seeking new opportunities but progressing them with confidence.

“The results also highlight strong activity among mid‑sized mining projects — operations that play an important role in regional economic growth and capability building. Multiple operators advancing projects rather than a small number of large ventures dominating the landscape is positive for the sector’s resilience.”

Across the sector, 237 change applications were decided in 2025, reflecting a high level of variation and optimisation activity as operators refine work programmes and permit conditions — a clear indication of active management of mineral assets.

“What we’re seeing is a sector that is humming — investing, exploring, and planning for long-term activity. This momentum is good for regional economies, good for jobs, and good for New Zealand’s broader resource development strategy,” Mr Jones says

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/new-data-shows-record-2025-permitting-activity/

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Body recovered from Bay of Plenty river

Source: Radio New Zealand

The body was recovered from the Waioweka River in Ōpōtiki on Tuesday morning.

Police say they recovered a body from the Waioweka River on Tuesday morning after a search for a man who was swept downstream after falling from a boat in the Bay of Plenty town of Ōpōtiki last month.

Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, said the body was recovered from the river at about 9am.

“This has been a long slow search, hindered at times by the weather as well as impacted by the slips on SH2,” Cooney said in a statement.

Police earlier said that they were called out at about 5.30pm on Friday 23 January after reports that a man had fallen from a boat and a search of the area was carried out with a vessel found nearby.

Cooney thanked all those who assisted in the search efforts including Land SAR volunteers, local jet boat and helicopter operators, the Police National Dive Squad and iwi whose knowledge of the river and surrounding terrain had been invaluable.

The formal identification process is underway, and the man’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/body-recovered-from-bay-of-plenty-river/

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Name release: Homicide investigation, Raumati Beach

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Wellington Field Crime Manager:

Police can now release the name of the woman found deceased at a Matatua Road, Raumati Beach address on Monday 9 February.

She was 56-year-old Lauraine Margaret Stewart of Raumati.

We acknowledge this is an incredibly difficult time for Ms Stewart’s family and we are providing them with support.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to grievous bodily harm with further charges being considered. He has been remanded in custody to appear in the Porirua District Court on 4 March 2026.

The investigation into the circumstances of Ms Stewart’s death continues with the primary scene examination expected to be completed in the coming days.

Several search warrants were executed yesterday in support of the investigation and there will be an increased Police presence in the Kāpiti area.

We want to reassure the members of the community that there is no ongoing risk to public safety following this incident.

Police are appealing to the public on information around the incident.

Anyone with information that might help our enquiries can call 105, quoting reference number 260209/8606.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/name-release-homicide-investigation-raumati-beach/

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Body recovered, Waioeka River – Bay of Plenty District

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney

Police and teams searching for a man missing since January have located and recovered a body from the Waioeka River this morning at about 9am.

This has been a long slow search, hindered at times by the weather as well as impacted by the slips on SH2.

Police would like to thank all those who assisted in the search efforts.

In particular we would like to acknowledge Land SAR volunteers, local jet boat and helicopter operators, along with iwi whose knowledge of the river and surrounding terrain has been invaluable.

We are also grateful for the assistance of the Police National Dive Squad.

This has been a true team effort and everyone involved has provided incredible support to the search teams.

The formal identification process is underway, and the man’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/body-recovered-waioeka-river-bay-of-plenty-district/

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Update 2: Serious assault, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro Crime:

Police investigating a serious assault on Fitzgerald Avenue around 12.20pm yesterday are appealing to the public for information around the incident.

The investigating team are looking for any photos, CCTV, or dashcam footage along Fitzgerald Avenue between Cambridge Terrace and Bealey Avenue between 12.15pm and 12.45pm on Monday 9 February 2026 to aid in their enquiries.

If you have witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage available covering travel between the section of road, please contact Police and quote file number 260209/0262.

The victim from the incident remains in hospital, in a stable condition.

A scene guard was put in place around the property where the incident occurred overnight, and Police are completing a scene examination which is expected to finish today.

Police will maintain an increased presence in the area as they carry out their enquiries and would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any further threats to public safety.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/update-2-serious-assault-christchurch/

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Foxton Police taking dangerous bike riding complaints seriously

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Acting Sergeant Mike Skates, Foxton Police:

Police in Foxton and Foxton Beach are proactively dealing with reports made over bad driving on dirt and quad bikes in the area.

Three bikes have already been impounded, and several young people have been spoken to in relation to the reports. Charges have not been ruled out.

Police would like to urge all quad bike and dirt bike riders to ride safely. Wear your helmets, drive to a safe speed, and keep in your lane.

Police are asking the public to continue to make reports on dangerous driving so that officers can follow them up and hold offenders to account.

Photos and video footage is helpful for Police to follow up on offenders that quickly speed off when driving unlawfully. These can also be used to identify the bikes, hotspots and times dangerous driving occurs and helps to identify the riders.

If you see any dangerous driving, call 111 immediately.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/foxton-police-taking-dangerous-bike-riding-complaints-seriously/

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Disability support improvements begin

Source: New Zealand Government

From this week, a new nationally consistent approach will begin to benefit disabled people, families and carers who use supports funded by Disability Support Services (DSS).  

Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says the new approach is significant and confirms the first tranche of the changes announced in September 2025.

“We listened to the disability community who said that the assessment and allocation processes needed to be easier, more consistent and streamlined,” Louise Upston says.

“We’ve also responded to Independent Review findings that disability support services had become a postcode lottery for disabled people around the country.

“From this week, All Needs Assessment Service Coordination organisations (NASCs) and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites will use the same approach to assess needs and ensure supports are allocated fairly and consistently – no matter where people live.

“After their assessment, people will get a clear plan focused on their needs and explaining the purpose of their funding. Support will be available if they need it to help them manage their plan.

“Families and carers can also now be considered as part of the assessment. We recognise that better support for the wellbeing of families and carers also greatly improves the disabled person’s wellbeing and quality of life. 

“In April, further improvements mean people with flexible funding will get budgets to manage within and current purchasing rules will be removed (including the March 2024 changes).

“We recognise that disabled people are the experts in their own lives. This will give greater choice and control over their supports and spending to around 38,500 people who already receive flexible funding.

“Throughout this stabilisation period, it’s been important for us to continue to listen. These improvements are informed by what more than 1,800 disabled people, families and carers told us during nationwide consultation last year.

“The changes will also provide a more stable foundation to strengthen the disability support system over the longer term.” 

Notes for Editors

Disability Support Services is working with NASCs, EGL sites and hosts to ensure a smooth transition for disabled people, families and carers who use disability supports.
People will receive improved information before their assessment to help them prepare and understand what to expect during the process.
Following their assessment, people and their families will gain a personalised “My DSS” funding plan which sets out the intent of the funding and what’s required to support their disability needs.
The DSS website www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz / Changes to disability support services | Disability Support Services has more information on the changes.

 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/disability-support-improvements-begin/

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Police on the scent of shoplifter

Source: New Zealand Police

A teenager faces court after failing to give Police the slip after a shoplifting in Te Atatū Peninsula.

Police responded to a dairy on Te Atatū Road just after 8pm on Monday night.

“Two males had entered the dairy, when one allegedly reached over the counter and grabbed a range of vape products,” acting Inspector Nick Salter, Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, says.

“When challenged by the employee, this young male has managed to get passed and out the front door, fleeing on foot.”

Police units attended the business and reviewed CCTV footage of the offending.

Acting Inspector Salter says a Police dog handler was deployed in the area and were quickly on the scent.

“The Police dog eventually tracked to an address on Imelda Road, where two teenage males were located.

“A packaged vape was also located discarded in the nearby area.”

Following enquiries, a 16-year-old male was arrested and has since been charged with shoplifting.

He will be appearing in the Waitākere Youth Court today.

The second male, a 13-year-old, was transported home.

“It’s a great result by all our frontline staff responding yesterday evening,” acting Inspector Salter says.

“This young man is being held to account for his actions and in the process, we have managed to recover all the stolen property.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/police-on-the-scent-of-shoplifter/

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Person falls from Christchurch’s Tūranga library

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. Christchurch’s central city library Tūranga. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A person has been taken to hospital in a critical condition after a fall from Christchurch’s central Tūranga library.

Emergency services were called to the building near Cathedral Square shortly before 11am on Tuesday.

Three fire trucks worked to free the person.

The library is closed for the day.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/person-falls-from-christchurchs-turanga-library/

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Work safety group says proposed law change likely to increase harm to people

Source: Radio New Zealand

Minister for Workplace Relations Brooke van Velden says she is looking to cut health and safety red tape for low-risk businesses. 123RF

A work safety group says a new bill before Parliament is likely to increase harm to people and cause cost blowouts from accidents.

The amendment bill is the first big change proposed in a decade to health and safety laws brought in after the Pike River disaster.

The bill sets out to cut death and injury rates, and compliance costs, by focusing on the most serious critical risks and reducing confusion.

But the Institute of Safety Management said this ignored the fact most workplace harm was not at the critical end.

“All of the back injuries, the psychological harm, violence and aggression, all of the things that are the most common, the most costly and overall the most harmful, wouldn’t meet the definition of critical risk,” spokesperson Mike Cosman told RNZ on Tuesday.

The bill would increase compliance costs for firms that would need to keep checking if they qualified as “small” enough under the law to avoid managing many risks, he added.

The bill adds a new definition of critical risk and businesses would be responsible for checking if it applied to them.

The official disclosure about the bill said the law in place since 2016 put too many duties on to businesses, and the “broad nature … has led to confusion and overcompliance” with many finding it difficult to prove to regulators they were complying.

“Focusing the system on critical risks is designed to direct attention and resources towards preventing serious workplace harms and away from more minor issues,” it said.

The government aims for the bill to enable stronger approved codes of practice (ACOPs) within particular high-risk industries to help tamp down on risks. The forestry industry recently launched a new ACOP.

Cosman retorted that the bill should not take an “either-or” approach.

Most businesses wanted to do the right thing but “the clear message is if you’re a small firm, you don’t have to provide instruction, training, supervision, even PPE for your workers … unless it’s in relation to a critical risk”, he said.

“So for those firms who are looking for a way out, this will provide it.”

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has talked about dealing to the “huge culture of fear” around Worksafe by changing it to prioritise education over punishment.

However, a common theme of criticism for years had been that Worksafe was too soft and, for instance, did not go after company directors and executives enough.

Cosman said the bill reflected a dogma that compliance costs were inherently bad, rather than reflecting accurately the submissions to a nationwide roadshow and review that van Velden fronted.

“We see this as a significant missed opportunity to improve New Zealand’s patchy record on health and safety,” he said in a statement.

“These changes are likely to increase harm to workers, families, businesses, communities along with cost blowouts for the Government books in ACC, health and welfare.”

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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/2026/02/10/work-safety-group-says-proposed-law-change-likely-to-increase-harm-to-people/

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Police at scene of Christchurch stabbing

Source: Radio New Zealand

The scene of the stabbing. RNZ / Nathan McKinnon

Police are examining a central Christchurch property where a man was critically injured in a stabbing.

Emergency services were called to the two-storey block of flats in Fitzgerald Avenue at 12:20pm on Monday, where they arrested a person.

A scene guard remained at the units overnight.

RNZ / Nathan McKinnon

Police did not believe there was a threat to public safety.

The property remained cordoned off on Tuesday morning, where blood stains and chalk could be seen on the driveway.

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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/2026/02/10/police-at-scene-of-christchurch-stabbing/

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WorkSafe to revisit Mt Albert Aquatic Centre after man’s finger torn off, boy’s teeth smashed on hydroslide

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mt Albert Aquatic Centre. Supplied / Community Leisure Management

Worksafe will revist an Auckland aquatic centre after a boy smashed his front teeth while on a hydroslide – the second recent injury involving the same slide.

A man was injured at the Mt Albert Aquatic Centre in late December, losing his finger when a ring caught on a bolt inside the slide, the NZ Herald reported.

Worksafe was notified following the incident.

Less than a week later, the 12-year-old boy was injured.

According to the NZ Herald, the boy was thrown around inside the slide, knocking his front two teeth on its inside joiners on 2 January.

The boy’s mother told the media outlet an emergency dental appointment the next day showed he had hit a nerve on the tooth and it “could be problematic the rest of his life”.

She said the tooth would now be “covered under ACC for life”.

WorkSafe said improvements had been made when its inspector visited the centre two days after the man was injured. But a spokesperson said an inspector would go back to the aquatic centre this month following the boy’s injury.

Auckland Council said the slide had been inspected twice within the last six months.

Head of service partner delivery, Garth Dawson, said the council would continue to work with operator Community Leisure Management and the slide manufacturer to ensure it was safe.

Community Leisure Management’s director Kirsty Knowles said it was improving signs at the hydroslide.

The NZ Herald reported the man’s finger was able to be reattached by a surgeon.

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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/2026/02/10/worksafe-to-revisit-mt-albert-aquatic-centre-after-mans-finger-torn-off-boys-teeth-smashed-on-hydroslide/

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EIT carpentry course lays foundation for Gisborne apprentice

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

23 hours ago

Max Elsmore is building a future in the construction industry after completing a certificate in carpentry at EIT Tairāwhiti.

The 20-year-old from Gisborne completed the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry Strand) (Level 3) last year, and has recently begun a building apprenticeship with Brendan Fry Building Ltd.

“The course prepared me really well. It helped me understand what was going to be happening on site and what would be expected of me.”

Max Elsmore completed the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry) (Level 3) last year, and has recently begun a building apprenticeship with Brendan Fry Building Ltd.

His pathway into trades began while he was in Year 12 at Gisborne Boys’ High School through the Trades Academy – a year-long trades programme for secondary students.

“That gave me a good idea of what I was actually interested in.”

After leaving school at the end of Year 12, Max spent time working in several jobs before deciding to commit to a trade career.

“I tried a few different things, but none of them really stuck. That’s when I decided to go back to EIT and get some proper knowledge behind me.”

Encouraged by discussions with EIT Assistant Head of Trades (Tairāwhiti) Tim Jagusch, Max enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry Strand) (Level 3) – a 36-week course focused on core building skills, tool use and worksite expectations.

He said the learning environment at EIT played a key role in preparing him for employment.

“The tutor explained things in a way I could understand, and the class was really good. We shared information and helped each other out, which made it easier to learn.”

Now in the early stages of his apprenticeship, Max says he is enjoying the challenge of working on site and learning from experienced builders.

“I’m enjoying learning everything about it. My workmates are keen to teach me, which makes it even better.”

As part of his apprenticeship, Max will continue completing theory and assessments through EIT’s NZ Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) alongside his practical training.

For Max, the appeal of building lies in seeing projects take shape.

“Watching something being built from the ground up is pretty satisfying. Knowing you helped create something that will be there for a long time – that’s what I enjoy most.”

Looking ahead, he hopes to become a qualified builder, gain his Licensed Building Practitioner status, and eventually run his own business.

“I’d like to get qualified first, and then maybe one day have my own building business if that’s achievable.”

He encourages others considering trades training to explore study at EIT.

“It’s a great place to learn. And it’s a really good environment.”

Howard Irving, School of Trades and Technology Tutor, said Max arrived on the course genuinely eager to learn, and that enthusiasm showed from day one.

“His consistent attendance and positive attitude made him an absolute pleasure to teach. The supportive environment created by us, along with the encouragement from his fellow ākonga, helped Max thrive throughout the programme. Altogether, these factors contributed to a highly successful pre trade experience and set him up with a solid foundation for his future pathway.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/10/eit-carpentry-course-lays-foundation-for-gisborne-apprentice/