Category: Sport

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Two key names missing from Whitney Hansen’s first Black Ferns squad

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen. Photosport

A couple of key names are missing from Whitney Hansen’s first squad as Black Ferns head coach, with 30-players selected for next month’s Pacific Four Series (PAC4) in the USA and Australia.

Twenty players from last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup return, with eight new faces in-line for potential debuts. Among the squad, nine players were also part of the inaugural Black Ferns XV squad in 2023 under Hansen.

Five Black Ferns who have been playing in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) competition in the United Kingdom have also been named in the squad.

Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant, Tanya Kalounivale, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Georgia Ponsonby will all travel from England to join the squad in the USA.

Ponsonby, who is still contracted with the Ealing Trailfinders until their season-end has been granted an eligibility exemption by the NZR Board due to injuries at hooker making her immediately available for Black Ferns selection.

However, veteran Black Ferns Amy Rule and Alana Borland (nee Bremner), who gave up Black Ferns contracts to play full seasons in the PWR, are not eligible for selection.

Amy Rule has been a regular in the Black Ferns. Paul Yates / www.photosport.nz

Powerful props Maddison Robinson and Mo’omo’oga Palu, with dynamic loose forwards Taufa Bason and Mia Anderson have been named after impressing during last year’s Black Ferns XV and Super Rugby Aupiki campaigns.

Halfback Tara Turner has also earned a call-up alongside emerging outside backs Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a and Justine McGregor. In 2024, McGregor was a high school sensation becoming the youngest player selected in the Black Ferns Sevens squad at just 17 years old.

Rising star Hollyrae Mete-Renata will add depth to the formidable midfield combination of Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy Du Plessis.

Mete-Renata, known for her explosive ball-carrying ability and work rate, had a breakout season in 2024 where she earned the Fiao’o Fa’amausilli Medal as Farah Palmer Cup Player of the Year and has since become a consistent contributor in Super Rugby Aupiki.

Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen said the Pacific Four Series is an opportunity to showcase new talent and measure performance.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate those who have been selected in the Black Ferns for the first time and their whānau. The past few months have been highly competitive in-camp, and this is a testament to all the work they’ve put in throughout the women’s rugby pathway to get to this moment. We’ve got a great mix of experience in this squad, and we can’t wait for our fresh talent to experience their first Black Ferns Test environment,” Hansen said.

“We’re excited to begin our year of an 11-Test calendar, the most-ever games yet for our Black Ferns. PAC4 is a great starting point and provides us with a chance to go and test our game against some of the best in the world.”

The Black Ferns will continue their preparations at training camp in Wellington until Friday, March 27 and travel to the USA the following week ahead of their first Test match against the tournament-hosts in Sacramento on April 12 NZT.

Black Ferns Pacific Four Series squad 2026

Loosehead props:

Maddison Robinson (24, Canterbury, uncapped)

Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (28, Waikato, 10 Tests)

Chryss Viliko (25, Auckland, 19 Tests)

Hookers:

Vici-Rose Green (23, Waikato, 5 Tests)

Atlanta Lolohea (22, Canterbury, 10 Tests)

Georgia Ponsonby (26, Canterbury, 37 Tests)

Tighthead props:

Tanya Kalounivale (27, Waikato, 27 Tests)

Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (21, Waikato, 3 Tests)

Mo’omo’oga Palu (24, Hawke’s Bay, uncapped)

Locks:

Laura Bayfield (27, Canterbury, 6 Tests)

Chelsea Bremner (30, Canterbury, 24 Tests)

Maiakawanakaulani Roos (24, Auckland, 38 Tests)

Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (23, Auckland, 7 Tests)

Loose forwards:

Mia Anderson (24, Waikato, uncapped)

Taufa Bason (19, Manawatū, uncapped)

Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (24, Auckland, 35 Tests)

Kaipo Olsen-Baker (23, Manawatū, 16 Tests)

Kennedy Tukuafu (29, Waikato, 34 Tests) – co-captain

Halfbacks:

Maia Joseph (23, Otago, 16 Tests)

Tara Turner (22, Northland, uncapped)

First-fives:

Ruahei Demant (30, Auckland, 51 Tests) – co-captain

Hannah King (22, Canterbury, 10 Tests)

Midfield:

Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (22, Auckland, 29 Tests)

Amy Du Plessis (26, Canterbury, 22 Tests)

Hollyrae Mete-Renata (22, Manawatū, uncapped)

Outside backs:

Renee Holmes (26, Waikato, 29 Tests)

Ayesha Leti-I’iga (27, Wellington, 30 Tests)

Justine McGregor (19, Black Ferns Sevens)

Mererangi Paul (27, Counties Manukau, 14 Tests)

Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a (19, Waikato, uncapped)

Unavailable for selection: Luka Connor (knee), Kaea Nepia (leg), Layla Sae (knee), Santo Taumata (knee).

Wider training group remaining in camp: Ariana Bayler, Leilani Hakiwai, Marcelle Parkes, Elinor-Plum King, Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono, Sam Taylor, Holly Wratt-Groeneweg.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/23/two-key-names-missing-from-whitney-hansens-first-black-ferns-squad/

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Greens Offer Votes To National Party For Immediate Relief In Fossil Fuel Crisis

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is offering its votes to the National Party to get on with passing a sensible and urgent fossil fuel crisis relief package. With the Greens’ and National’s combined 63 votes, no other political party’s support is necessary.

The Green’s proposed package includes:

  • Making public transport free for users;
  • A Relief Payment for low income people or people who live rurally to help meet additional transport costs;
  • A Windfall Profits Tax to prevent corporate price gouging;
  • Reversing changes to school bus eligibility and routes, and temporary expansion of eligibility for school buses;
  • Reversing the Government’s intended reduction in Total Mobility Support for disabled people; and
  • Increase mileage rates to the 23,000 care and support workers to meet their actual travel costs.

“We agree with the Prime Minister that hope is not a plan. That’s why the Green Party is presenting our plan to support our country through the fossil fuel crisis, targeting support to those who need it most, and reducing demand for petrol,” said Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.

“New Zealanders expect politicians to do everything we can to support people through this immediate crisis, and to minimise future vulnerability by reducing fossil fuel dependence. That’s why we have written to the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance offering our votes to make these obvious solutions a reality, urgently.

“Free public transport is a no-brainer. We remove the barriers to access, reduce congestion, and free up fuel supply for those who don’t have a public transport option.

“If the Government means what it says about ‘preparing for the worst’, now is the time to pull the plug on exorbitantly expensive, low-value projects like the Roads of National Significance and LNG import facility. The Green Party is ready, willing and able to provide the support necessary to invest in building real resilience through renewable energy generation.

“The Green Party’s Fossil Fuel Crisis Relief Payment would be targeted at adults earning under the median income and also people living rurally, where public transport is not available,” said Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.

“The Fossil Fuel Crisis Relief Payment will put money in the pockets of those being squeezed the hardest and those with few other transport options, easing stretched household budgets right now.”

“Petrol companies shouldn’t be unreasonably profiting from this or any economic crisis. A windfall tax would mean any exorbitant profits are redirected to our communities.”

“We need to ensure that corporations aren’t profiting while people in our communities who are struggling or have no alternative transport options pay the price. The Green’s package will provide immediate help for those who need it, reduce demand for petrol, and keep a check on corporate greed,” said Davidson.

Read the letter here.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/greens-offer-votes-to-national-party-for-immediate-relief-in-fossil-fuel-crisis/

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Charging ahead: 2,500+ EV chargers on the way

Source: New Zealand Government

The number of electric vehicle (EV) public chargers around New Zealand will more than double thanks to $52.7 million in zero-interest loans from the Government and co-investment from ChargeNet and Meridian, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Energy & Climate Change Minister Simon Watts say.

“Many New Zealanders have thought about getting an EV, even before the fuel challenges we’re currently facing. But research shows that the lack of public chargers is holding many back from making the switch to an EV,” Mr Bishop says.

“The private sector is reluctant to invest in charging infrastructure until there’s sufficient demand, but demand won’t grow until the lack of public chargers stops putting buyers off. Just as the previous National-led Government did with the ultrafast broadband network rollout, we’re taking action to break that deadlock.”

ChargeNet and Meridian Energy were selected through a contestable, value-for-money bid process. Both companies are co-investing a combined $60 million of their own capital alongside the Government loans, taking the total investment to over $110 million.

“Concessionary loans bring forward private investment in public EV charging infrastructure by lowering the cost of capital, while keeping the taxpayer’s contribution to a minimum,” Mr Bishop says.

“In this case, the average loan per charge point is $20,000, but once repayments are factored in, the net cost to the Crown is around $10,000 per charger, roughly a quarter of what a direct grant would cost.

“We’re also changing our planning rules to make the installation of public EV chargers a permitted activity under the RMA, meaning in most cases no consent is required – another factor that will help to speed up delivery.”

The 2,574 new charge points include 1,374 DC fast chargers and 1,200 AC chargers. DC fast chargers deliver power directly to the battery and can charge a car in 20 to 60 minutes, making them suited to highways and destinations where people stop briefly. AC chargers are slower and better suited to places where cars are parked for longer periods, like shopping centres, workplaces, and residential areas.

“About half the new chargers will be spread across Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, the Wellington region, Christchurch, and Dunedin, with the other half throughout the regions, so drivers outside the main centres will benefit too,” Mr Bishop says.

“New Zealand currently has a bit over 1,800 public charge points, which is among the lowest charger-to-EV ratios in the OECD. Another 161 charge points are also in progress. Combined with the investment being announced today, the national total will be around 4,550. The Government is working towards 10,000 charge points by 2030, roughly one for every 40 EVs.”

“Owning an EV in New Zealand already makes strong financial sense. Electricity is cheaper than petrol and almost entirely generated from renewable sources like wind, geothermal, solar, and hydro,” Mr Watts says. 

“Kiwis are already making the shift to electric vehicles as a cost-of-living choice, and we have seen uptake grow. In February 2026, EV sales were up 10.5 per cent on the same month last year – and anecdotal evidence suggests even greater interest over the past couple of weeks as conflict in the Middle East has seen fuel prices increase.

“At a time when global fuel markets are volatile, that matters. 

“A better charging network means more New Zealanders can take advantage of it, and that’s good for household budgets and our emissions profile alike. EVs produce at least 60 percent fewer lifecycle emissions than petrol vehicles.”

Notes to editor: 

  • Concessionary loans are loans at below-market interest rates (in this case, zero-interest) which incentivise charge point operators to invest in charging infrastructure ahead of demand. The repaid capital can be used for new loans if co-investment is still required or allocated to other initiatives.
  • The loans are administered by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFFCo), the successor organisation to Crown Infrastructure Partners (which delivered Ultra-Fast Broadband). EECA will provide assistance as required.
  • The Government has allocated $66.145m of capital funding for concessionary loans.
  • The concessionary loans will fund up to 50 percent of project capital costs, have a zero percent interest rate, and a maximum tenure of 13 years. The loans have been awarded through a contestable co-investment bid process.
  • Applications were assessed against value-for-money criteria to ensure loans are awarded to projects of greatest benefit and that New Zealand’s EV charging network grows at pace.
  • Consumer monitoring by EECA consistently shows that some of the main perceived disadvantages of EVs include that the driving range is not suitable for long distance travel, and that there are not enough public chargers available. Increasing the availability of public charging infrastructure gives drivers the confidence to switch to an electric vehicle. See EECA’s EV Charging research October 2025 update – EV Charging Research 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/charging-ahead-2500-ev-chargers-on-the-way/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Crusaders crush Moana in Albany

Source: Radio New Zealand

Beware a scorned Crusaders side.

The defending champions avenged last year’s shock loss to Moana Pasifka in ruthless style, crushing the cellar dwellers 50-21 in Albany.

Up by just three at the break, the Crusaders ran riot in the second, producing some scintillating running rugby in the rout.

Moana lost Julian Savea early to what looked like a broken arm before the Crusaders opened the scoring, Braydon Ennor showing tremendous strength to carry three defenders with him across the line.

Sevu Reece went in next to stretch his lead as Super Rugby’s most prolific try scorer, finishing a scorcher for the visitors.

Sparked by a Will Jordan injection, the fullback offloaded infield and from there it was a beautiful exchange of passes, Chay Fihaki with the last one to Reece.

Moana pulled one back as Patrick Pellegrini found a deft offload for Lalomilo Lalomilo who broke clear and linked with Joel Lam to score against his old side.

Replacement Tevita Ofa made it two in quick succession to give Moana the lead, the winger showing great gas to get on the outside of his opposite.

The Crusader’s quickly restored their lead though, Cooper Grant sending a pinpoint kick across for Chay Fihaki to pouch and plant to give them a narrow 17-14 half-time lead.

The second half however, belonged to the Crusaders.

Fainga’anuku kicked off the scoring spree with a mesmeric fourty metre run turning defenders inside out.

George Bell barged his way over for back to back, to really put things out of reach, before debutant Kurtis Macdonald scored with his first touch from a Fihaki cut out ball.

Fihaki capped his stellar night with a second as he exploded through the line and skinned the final man to score his second, Moana getting a late consolation courtesy of an intercept for Siaosi Nginingini.

See how the match unfolded here.

Team lists

Moana:

1. Tito Tuipulotu 2. Millennium Sanerivi 3. Atu Moli 4. Tom Savage 5. Allan Craig 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c) 7. Niko Jones 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 9. Joel Lam 10. Patrick Pellegrini 11. Glen Vaihu 12. Julian Savea 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo 14. Tevita Latu 15. William Havili

Bench: 16. Mamoru Harada 17. Abraham Pole 18. Chris Apoua 19. Veikoso Poloniati 20. Dominic Ropeti 21. Siaosi Nginingini 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop 23. Tevita Ofa.

“We’re in search of playing our game and hopefully we can get it..” – Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga.

Crusaders:

1. Finlay Brewis 2. George Bell 3. Fletcher Newell 4. Tahlor Cahill 5. Jamie Hannah 6. Ethan Blackadder (vc) 7. Johnny Lee 8. Christian Lio-Willie 9. Noah Hotham 10. Cooper Grant (debut) 11. Sevu Reece 12. Dallas McLeod 13. Braydon Ennor 14. Chay Fihaki 15. Will Jordan (c)

Bench: 16. Manumaua Letiu 17. George Bower 18. Seb Calder 19. Antonio Shalfoon 20. Xavier Saifoloi 21. Kyle Preston 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku 23. Kurtis Macdonald (debut).

“We’re going week by week. The aim is to back up a win with a win, build our consistency, prepare well, and hit the ground running. We haven’t had the quickest starts, so doing those things will make it very satisfying.” – Crusaders coach Rob Penney.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/21/super-rugby-pacific-crusaders-crush-moana-in-albany/

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Super Rugby Pacific: Reds beat Fijian Drua in Lautoka

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fijian Drua couldn’t capitalise on their home advantage as they lost their Super Rugby Pacific match 21-6 to the Queensland Reds in Lautoka.

The Drua had won five of their last seven matches on their home turf but struggled to find cohesion in their attacks today.

Both teams made plenty of mistakes in a scrappy affair but the Reds made two telling blows in the second half, and the Drua just couldn’t respond despite trying hard.

The Reds led 7-6 at halftime, but the second spell tries to Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Richie Asiata blunted the Drua effort, as the players made too many handling errors.

The result gives the Reds a bonus point victory and four wins in a row, while the Drua are left in ninth place on the table, with four of their next five games away from home.

See how the match unfolded here.

Kick-off was at Suncorp Stadium at 4.35pm.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/21/super-rugby-pacific-reds-beat-fijian-drua-in-lautoka/

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Black Caps to play rare four-test series in Australia

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kane Williamson with Black Caps fans at the MCG during a test against Australia in 2019. Photosport

The Black Caps will play their first-ever four-test series against Australia when they tour later this year and it will be their first against any opponent in 26 years.

New Zealand’s schedule was released by Cricket Australia on Sunday night, comprising matches in Perth (December 9-13), Adelaide (17-21), Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 4-8), making them the main course of Australia’s home summer.

The 25 previous trans-Tasman series have been three tests or less since hostilities began in 1946.

The tour was originally supposed to be three tests but a fourth was squeezed into a hectic schedule for both teams.

The Black Caps host India directly before crossing the Tasman and Australia then are to leave for India almost straight after the series which will be played within a month, with short turnarounds between all four games.

New Zealand won’t have time to play a warmup match ahead of the Perth opener while Australia will come eight white ball matches against England.

Steve Smith reacts as he is caught by Southee off the bowling of Wagner during play on Day 3 of the second cricket test match. ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand Black Caps v Australia, MCG, Melbourne, Australia. Photosport

New Zealand’s last four-test series was their 2-1 win over England in 1999.

Before that, it was a tour of the West Indies, which the powerful host side won 2-0.

Five test series remain off the agenda for New Zealand. They have played in their history but the most recent was against the West Indies in 1972.

History will be against the current world No.5 ranked Black Caps toppling the top-ranked Australians, who have dominated their recent meetings in the longest form.

Trent Boult celebrates the wicket of Joe Burns during the 2nd ICC World Test Championship match New Zealand Black Caps v Australia. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia. © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz

Australia have won seven of their last eight tests, with the other drawn, including a 3-0 series whitewash when the teams last met in Australia six years ago.

Meanwhile, the White Ferns will also be on Australia’s home schedule next summer, playing six white ball matches in February and March.

There are three T20 matches in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne in late February, followed by three ODI matches in early March.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/23/black-caps-to-play-rare-four-test-series-in-australia/

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Black Caps to play rare four-test series in Australia

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kane Williamson with Black Caps fans at the MCG during a test against Australia in 2019. Photosport

The Black Caps will play their first-ever four-test series against Australia when they tour later this year and it will be their first against any opponent in 26 years.

New Zealand’s schedule was released by Cricket Australia on Sunday night, comprising matches in Perth (December 9-13), Adelaide (17-21), Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 4-8), making them the main course of Australia’s home summer.

The 25 previous trans-Tasman series have been three tests or less since hostilities began in 1946.

The tour was originally supposed to be three tests but a fourth was squeezed into a hectic schedule for both teams.

The Black Caps host India directly before crossing the Tasman and Australia then are to leave for India almost straight after the series which will be played within a month, with short turnarounds between all four games.

New Zealand won’t have time to play a warmup match ahead of the Perth opener while Australia will come eight white ball matches against England.

Steve Smith reacts as he is caught by Southee off the bowling of Wagner during play on Day 3 of the second cricket test match. ICC World Test Championship, New Zealand Black Caps v Australia, MCG, Melbourne, Australia. Photosport

New Zealand’s last four-test series was their 2-1 win over England in 1999.

Before that, it was a tour of the West Indies, which the powerful host side won 2-0.

Five test series remain off the agenda for New Zealand. They have played in their history but the most recent was against the West Indies in 1972.

History will be against the current world No.5 ranked Black Caps toppling the top-ranked Australians, who have dominated their recent meetings in the longest form.

Trent Boult celebrates the wicket of Joe Burns during the 2nd ICC World Test Championship match New Zealand Black Caps v Australia. Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia. © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz

Australia have won seven of their last eight tests, with the other drawn, including a 3-0 series whitewash when the teams last met in Australia six years ago.

Meanwhile, the White Ferns will also be on Australia’s home schedule next summer, playing six white ball matches in February and March.

There are three T20 matches in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne in late February, followed by three ODI matches in early March.

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/2026/03/23/black-caps-to-play-rare-four-test-series-in-australia/

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Shot putter Tom Walsh remains on top of the world

Source: Radio New Zealand

Gold medalist Tom Walsh after the Men’s Shot Put Final at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, Poland, 2026. ANDRZEJ IWANCZUK / AFP

Tom Walsh has retained his World Indoor shot put title to become the all-time record holder in the event.

Walsh kept his best until last, overtaking American Jordan Geist with his fifth effort and then extending that lead with his final throw of 21.82 metres to collect his fourth indoor gold.

He has now won seven indoor medals, a men’s record.

His winning throw of 21.82m was a season’s best.

No other man has won this title more than three times.

Walsh has now equalled Dame Valerie Adams total in indoor gold medals, the two global shot put greats stand alone in their career dominance of the indoor championship arena.

Walsh has previously won gold in 2016, ’18 and ’25, silver in ’24 and bronze in ’14 and ’22.

The 34 year old is also a former world champion (outdoor), winning the title in 2017.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/23/shot-putter-tom-walsh-remains-on-top-of-the-world/

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I do a job where people love to hate me

Source: Radio New Zealand

For 17 years, Lori Davis has been sounding the alarm about the challenges facing SPCA animal welfare inspectors. But the hostility is only getting worse, she says.

“I myself have been threatened, you know, ‘get the F off my property or I will do this’. I’ve had a car driven at me in a driveway, like threatening to be run over, a couple of times. I’ve had a man open the door and holding a knife in his hand,” the Auckland regional manager says.

“I’ve had a man pick up a golf club and threaten to hit me with it. I’ve been cornered on a property in between two males.”

Three quarters of visits by an SPCA officer involve some form of abuse or threat.

RNZ / Angus Dreaver

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/i-do-a-job-where-people-love-to-hate-me/

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$50m plan to double the number of public EV chargers

Source: Radio New Zealand

Aotearoa currently has about 1800 public charge points currently, among the lowest charger-to-EV ratios in the OECD. File photo. ABC News / Brendan Esposito

The government is providing interest free loans of $52.7 million to two companies to boost the number of electric vehicle public chargers around the country.

The zero-interest loans will go to ChargeNet and Meridian Energy, who are investing $60m in capital, and would see 2574 new charge points, 1374 DC fast chargers and 1200 AC chargers.

The move will more than double the country’s chargers, to around 4550.

New Zealand has about 1800 public charge points currently, among the lowest charger-to-EV ratios in the OECD.

In 2023, the National Party promised electric vehicle chargers by 2030 if elected.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the loans kept the taxpayer’s contribution to a minimum.

“In this case, the average loan per charge point is $20,000, but once repayments are factored in, the net cost to the Crown is around $10,000 per charger, roughly a quarter of what a direct grant would cost.

Bishop said it was a chicken and egg situation, with some electric vehicle charger providers reluctant to roll out chargers until there were more EVs on the road, but concerns about the driving range of electric vehicles and a lack of public chargers was one of the main perceived disadvantages of EVs for potential buyers.

“Many New Zealanders have thought about getting an EV, even before the fuel challenges we’re currently facing. But research shows that the lack of public chargers is holding many back from making the switch to an EV,” Bishop said.

“The private sector is reluctant to invest in charging infrastructure until there’s sufficient demand, but demand won’t grow until the lack of public chargers stops putting buyers off. Just as the previous National-led Government did with the ultrafast broadband network rollout, we’re taking action to break that deadlock.”

He said the below-market interest rate loans were preferable to grants.

“It’s a more commercial model, a more sophisticated model, bringing forward that private sector investment.”

“In this case, the average loan per charge point is $20,000, but once repayments are factored in, the net cost to the Crown is around $10,000 per charger, roughly a quarter of what a direct grant would cost.”

Chris Bishop said work on the grants had been underway for some time, but the timing was “fortuitous” given the increased interest in EVs as fuel costs surged due to the conflict in the Middle East. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Some requirements were placed on the loans, such requiring an urban-rural split, but exactly where they went was a commercial decision for the companies, Bishop said.

“About half the new chargers will be spread across Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, the Wellington region, Christchurch, and Dunedin, with the other half throughout the regions, so drivers outside the main centres will benefit too,” he said.

“We’re also changing our planning rules to make the installation of public EV chargers a permitted activity under the RMA, meaning in most cases no consent is required – another factor that will help to speed up delivery.”

Work on the grants had been underway for some time, but that the timing was “fortuitous” given the increased interest in electric vehicles in the wake of surging fuel costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East, he said.

“People look at a petrol price of three bucks, three bucks twenty, and potentially going higher, and they say, jeepers creepers, now’s the time to go electric because the running costs are just so much lower,” Mr Bishop said.

The 10,000 chargers by 2030 target was ambitious, he said.

It was on its way to meeting it, but would require additional Crown investment which would be considered as part of the budget process, he said.

Chair of EV lobby group Drive Electric Kirsten Corston welcomed the news, but said much more needed to be done.

She said the government had promised more than $200m to go towards fast chargers several years ago, and this project only accounted for $52m.

“We’re interested to see what the other commitments are going to be.”

It seemed very unlikely the government would achieve its target of 10,000 chargers before 2030, she said.

New Zealand was falling behind other countries in [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/586362/the-ev-slowdown-how-government-decisions-changed-the-road-ahead

EV uptake] following a sharp decline in purchases following the government’s cancellation of the clean car subsidy.

EVs accounted for around 27 percent of new vehicle sales in 2023, or at least one in four cars sold. Only one in nine cars sold are electric now.

“And you look at Australia, one in five cars sold are electric. In China, one in two cars sold are electric. The global average is one in four cars sold are electric.”

There had been a three-fold increase of inquiries into second-hand and new EVs in recent weeks, she said.

“The challenge for us, though, is we’ve got a country that is still very dependent on importing fossil fuels and we’ve got a government that whilst this is fantastic to see this investment into charging infrastructure we also need investment into electric vehicles to drive uptake.”

Colston said reducing road user charges – which are the same for electric vehicles as for diesel vehicles – would be one way to do that.

Other levers included a Fringe Benefit Tax for light vehicles such as Australia has, or accelerated depreciation for commercial and heavy vehicles.

Drive EV wanted to see investment in making EVs more accessible to more people, she said.

“At the moment, when the average purchase of a car for a Kiwi is around $7000, yes, they can go and access a Nissan Leaf for $5000 – $10,000. But if they’ve got four kids and they need a 200 kilometre range to get around town for the day, that’s not going to meet their needs.

“So we have to create that second, third, fourth hand market for Kiwis to bring that price down – that’s a really critical piece to make EVs available for everyone in our community.”

Getting more people into electric vehicles promised a huge financial opportunity for New Zealanders, Colston said.

“The average household spends $3000 to $4000 a year paying for their petrol or diesel, and if they could electrify, it would be around $1000 a year.”

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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/2026/03/23/50m-plan-to-double-the-number-of-public-ev-chargers/

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Watch: Seven weeks worth of fuel stocks in NZ – Finance Minister Nicola Willis

Source: Radio New Zealand

The finance minister says New Zealand’s fuel stocks remain at seven weeks worth, including stockpiles.

But Nicola Willis concedes that keeping that buffer was still “dependent on ships like this continuing to turn up”.

Speaking on Sunday afternoon at Channel Infrastructure’s Marsden Point Energy Precinct, Willis said she wanted to provide more information to address peoples’ concerns about delays in that supply.

She said New Zealand had a number of places fuel supplies arrive into the country, but Marsden Point is the largest.

Today’s visit comes amid fears of an energy crisis, with the global price of oil skyrocketing in the wake of the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.

Iran’s response has included threatening ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key channel for the transportation of fuel exports from the Middle East, and strikes on US-friendly neighbours’ energy infrastructure.

Marsden Point is New Zealand’s fuel import terminal, and until 2022 also had an oil refining facility. New Zealand now relies on imported refined fuels, without a facility to refine raw products.

Senior coalition politicians are at odds over whether the facility should have been closed.

Marsden Point. RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Willis told Morning Report on Friday price increases were extremely tough and affecting all New Zealanders, but some were feeling it more than others.

“I can’t solve the pain for everyone. The cost of doing that would potentially involve levels of spending that would drive inflation higher, and certainly would put us in a more fragile position in terms of debt.

“So what we are looking at, is there something very targeted and temporary that we could do to assist those workers in particular who are most acutely impacted by these household budget squeezes?”

IRD and Treasury have been asked to come up with a package that could be implemented with urgency ahead of the Budget.

Willis will talk to the media at 2pm – watch it live here.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/22/watch-seven-weeks-worth-of-fuel-stocks-in-nz-finance-minister-nicola-willis/

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Hundreds of Countries, Thousands of Cities, Ten Thousand Events’ Cloud Taiji Global Flash Mob Held at Wudang Mountain in Shiyan, China

Source: Media Outreach

SHIYAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 March 2026 – On March 21, the world’s first “International Taijiquan Day,” jointly organized by the Wushu Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Chinese Wushu Association, the Hubei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Hubei Provincial Sports Bureau, and the Shiyan Municipal People’s Government, officially opened. As one of China’s four main venues, Shiyan staged a themed performance at Wudang Mountain under the banner “Wudang of the World; Taiji for Humanity,” and simultaneously launched the “Hundreds of Countries, Thousands of Cities, Ten Thousand Events” Cloud Taiji global flash mob, inviting Taijiquan enthusiasts worldwide to perform Taiji together and witness this historic moment.

At 9:00 a.m., nearly a thousand guests, inheritors and Taiji culture enthusiasts from across China and abroad gathered at the foot of Wudang Mountain. Landmark sites around the world—Times Square in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sydney Opera House, the Egyptian Pyramids, and others—joined via video link to “dance the charm of Taiji” in unison. Taijiquan practitioners of all ages, genders and ethnicities synchronized to lift the creatively conceived global flash mob “Hundreds of Countries, Thousands of Cities, Ten Thousand Events.” Correspondingly, Yuzhen Palace—covering nearly 60,000 square meters—was transformed into a sea of Taiji: 1,000 practitioners dressed in white performed the nine postures of Wudang Taijiquan together, creating an unprecedented global relay of Taiji culture and a crossocean cultural resonance, vividly illustrating the profound meaning of ” civilizations have become richer and more colorful with exchanges and mutual learning.”

That day also saw the global release of the “Meet Wudang; Practice Taiji” Wudang Taiji Nine Postures tutorial video, with live demonstration by Yang Qunli—Chinese wushu 9thgrade, creator of the Wudang Taiji Nine Postures, and representative inheritor of the provincial intangible cultural heritage Wudang martial arts project. The Taiji cultural performances included a grand thousandperson Taiji exhibition, the combined songandmartial performance “Taiji of the World Meets Wudang,” the martialrooted “Quest for Wudang,” a Wudang Taiji costume show and global release of design results, and the strongly traditional “Ode to Wudang Taiji,” together offering the world a splendid Taiji cultural feast.
On November 5, 2025, the UNESCO General Conference designated March 21 as “International Taijiquan Day.” This is the first UNESCO international day named for a martial art, marking Taijiquan—an invaluable part of Chinese traditional culture—as formally recognized global shared cultural heritage.

Wudang Mountain is an important birthplace of Taiji culture. Today, Wudang has established 57 martial arts promotion centers domestically and internationally, attracting over 3 million Taijiquan practitioners from more than 150 countries and regions as “foreign disciples,” and helping promote Taijiquan practice to over 500 million people worldwide. Every year tens of thousands of international visitors come to Wudang to study, practice martial arts and pursue health. Shiyan has successively hosted large events including the International Wudang Taiji Culture Festival, the Wudang Taiji International Fellowship Competition, the World Taijiquan Health Conference, and the World Traditional Wushu Festival.

In recent years, Shiyan has leveraged Wudang Taiji cultural heritage to accelerate breakthroughs in Hubei tourism and Wudang development, extend industrial chains, and vigorously develop industries such as pilgrimage tourism and ecological wellness. The city is building globally influential tourism products and internationally aligned tourism environments, forging “Wudang of the World, Taiji for Humanity” into an important emblem of Chinese traditional culture in external exchanges. At the same time, Shiyan is actively promoting public Taijiquan classes into communities, schools, government agencies and enterprises so that this thousandyearold martial art “enters ordinary households.”

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/22/hundreds-of-countries-thousands-of-cities-ten-thousand-events-cloud-taiji-global-flash-mob-held-at-wudang-mountain-in-shiyan-china/

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Watch: Nicola Willis visits fuel import terminal at Marsden Point

Source: Radio New Zealand

Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Sunday afternoon will be visiting Channel Infrastructure’s Marsden Point Energy Precinct.

The visit comes amid fears of an energy crisis, with the global price of oil skyrocketing in the wake of the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.

Iran’s response has included threatening ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key channel for the transportation of fuel exports from the Middle East, and strikes on US-friendly neighbours’ energy infrastructure.

Marsden Point is New Zealand’s fuel import terminal, and until 2022 also had an oil refining facility. New Zealand now relies on imported refined fuels, without a facility to refine raw products.

Senior coalition politicians are at odds over whether the facility should have been closed.

Marsden Point. RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Willis told Morning Report on Friday price increases were extremely tough and affecting all New Zealanders, but some were feeling it more than others.

“I can’t solve the pain for everyone. The cost of doing that would potentially involve levels of spending that would drive inflation higher, and certainly would put us in a more fragile position in terms of debt.

“So what we are looking at, is there something very targeted and temporary that we could do to assist those workers in particular who are most acutely impacted by these household budget squeezes?”

IRD and Treasury have been asked to come up with a package that could be implemented with urgency ahead of the Budget.

Willis will talk to the media at 2pm – watch it live here.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/22/watch-nicola-willis-visits-fuel-import-terminal-at-marsden-point/

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Fuel price strains send public transport numbers skyrocketing

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Public transport is experiencing a boom, with commuters flooding onboard while fuel costs soar, and passenger numbers set to tumble.

Last week 91 octane petrol had risen 55 cents a litre since the beginning of the Iran war, with diesel up 90 cents in the same time, hitting personal and commercial budgets amid an existing cost-of-living crunch. And a string of commuters in the main centres told RNZ they were turning to public transport to help cut costs.

  • $4 a litre 91 petrol is coming, but take care with data showing it’s here in main centres

    • Passengers numbers have grown for both buses and trains in Wellington, the Greater Wellington Regional council says.

    Prior to this year, there had been a six percent decrease in public transport use year-on-year. But now, both the price of fuel and ongoing major traffic disruption from construction on Lower Hutt’s RiverLink project had turned that around.

    It means the Wellington Region is expected to have its highest day ever for public transport use in the next couple of weeks.

  • Watch: Seven weeks worth of fuel stocks in NZ – finance minister says

    • The steep trajectory of fuel costs meant the cost of driving 15 kilometres in Auckland reached nearly double the cost of taking public transport last week, Auckland Transport said – without parking costs factored in.

    And the Auckland public transport uptick has already reached records, with Tuesday the busiest day since 2019, councillor Richard Hills said.

    Passenger numbers were seven percent higher than the previous Tuesday, and had 7000 more trips than the previous busiest day.

    “It’s great to see more people choosing public transport and trying it out,” Hills said.

    Wellington public transport challenges levelling as demand increases

    Wellington “has had a hard road for public transport patronage over the last couple of years”, said the regional council’s transport committee chairperson Ros Connolly.

    “We’ve had a number of headwinds, you know. We’ve had working from home, we’ve had quite high numbers of unemployment in the Wellington region, and the cost of living has all meant that our public transport numbers haven’t been as high as we would have liked them to be. So year-on-year we’ve had about a 6 percent year-on-year decrease.

    But in recent weeks, “that number has absolutely turned around,” she said.

    “We’ve definitely seen the impact of higher fuel prices on people’s transport decisions …So unlike Auckland, we haven’t quite topped our highest day since 2019, but we can say we are getting close, and we’re confident that in the next fortnight, if things continue to track the way they have, that we will see Wellington experience that record number.”

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/22/fuel-price-strains-send-public-transport-numbers-skyrocketing/

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Multiple crashes block lanes, people injured

Source: Radio New Zealand

Traffic was blocked in northbound lanes on the South-Western Motorway, SH20, at Onehunga, on Sunday morning. Supplied/ NZTA traffic camera

A crash has blocked lanes on Auckland’s Southwestern Motorway at Onehunga, and northbound drivers are being warned to take another route.

Two vehicles were involved in the crash on State Highway 20, police said.

One person had serious injuries and two were moderately injured.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the northbound motorway at this time, or delay travel,” they said.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said the Queenstown Road offramp was closed as a result of the crash. Motorists should instead use the Hillsborough offramp.

“Allow extra time for diversions. Please follow the directions of emergency services,” NZTA said.

In Southland, Winding Creek Road in Southland was blocked following a single-vehicle crash between midnight and 1am.

Police said injuries were reported, and the Serious Crash Unit was advised.

“Motorists should avoid the road as emergency services work the scene or delay travel. The road is expected to be blocked for most of the day.”

And Invercargill’s Leet Street was closed following a single-vehicle crash around 3am.

“The Serious Crash Unit has been advised, and the road is expected to remain closed for most of the day while emergency services work at the scene,” police said.

“Diversions are in place, and motorists should account for extra travel time.”

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/22/multiple-crashes-block-lanes-people-injured/

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NRL: What we learnt from NZ Warriors’ win over Newcastle Knights

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mitch Barnett returned to the Warrior side against Newcastle Knights. David Neilson/Photosport

Analysis – Skipper Mitch Barnett’s comeback from season-ending knee injury has helped inspire his NZ Warriors to their best NRL start in eight years and second-best in history.

After losing three of last week’s starters, coach Andrew Webster was able to pull a few rabbits out of his hat to cover their absences – including two debuts and the return of an old favourite.

In his final season with the Warriors, Barnett, 31, was held out of the opening two games of the 2026 campaign as a precaution, but his arrival onto his old stomping ground of McDonald Jones Stadium helped boost his side when they needed it most.

“Awesome,” Webster confirmed. “He laid on that try for Jacko and it was nice to hear the Knights fans give him a cheer too.

“It was good to have him back. The last three weeks, he’s made life pretty hard for everyone at training, running hard and tackling like crazy.

“He’ll play more minutes in coming weeks and had to move him to edge-back row, where he did a great job.”

Barnett’s addition to the rotation will cause Webster some headaches over coming weeks, as he tries to balance his team’s winning momentum with the inclusion of their spiritual leader.

Here’s what we learnt from the 38-12 win over the Knights.

Best player

Hard to go past Dally M Medal leader Jackson Ford, who must surely take maximum points again from his 100th NRL appearance.

For the second time this season, he led the Warriors in both running metres (236) and tackles (44) – he led them in tackles for the third time – while also scoring his second try of the season.

Ford already paced the competition in post-contact metres, but chalked up 96 more in this performance, while slotting the first goal of his career, with the conversion of Luke Hanson’s last-gasp try.

“I didn’t get to see it, but I hear it was pretty cool,” Webster said. “He’s getting a lot of praise at the moment and he deserves it, but we’ve been celebrating him internally for a long time now.

“I’m glad everyone’s finally seeing it.”

Webster has a selection dilemma on his hand, now that Barnett is back to reclaim his No.10 jersey.

Despite Barnett’s return, Ford never left the field, after logging 70 minutes-plus in the two previous games.

Jackson Ford celebrates his 100th NRL game with ‘Mahi Mark’. David Neilson/Photosport

With a motor that big, maybe you keep Barnett on the interchange, tag-teaming with fellow skipper James Fisher-Harris and keeping the veterans fresh for a late-season charge.

Webster has a similar predicament at halfback, where Tanah Boyd produced another sterling performance, scoring his third try in as many games, laying on two try assists, breaking the line twice and assisting on another linebreak.

Only Ford’s form has robbed Boyd of more Dally M love, as he led his team with 87 Fantasy NRL points, and his dominance will make it hard for Webster to drop him, when Luke Metcalf becomes available next month.

Fisher-Harris continued his fine early-season touch, while lock Erin Clark is back to where he left off last season, when he was Dally M Lock of the Year.

Key moment

With halftime looming, the Warrior only led 12-6, but were on the right side of a heavy penalty count.

Referee Liam Kennedy had warned the Knights for their repeated infringement at the previous kickoff and finally snapped, when fullback Fletcher Hunt strayed offside near his own goal-line.

With Hunt in the bin, the Warriors needed to capitalise on their numerical advantage and did that, when debutant Luke Hanson put makeshift centre Leka Halasima across for a try and an 18-6 advantage at the break.

Last time Halasima appeared at this venue, he broke Knights’ hearts with his last-minute gamewinner – this one almost as important.

Halasima has now scored four tries in three games and doesn’t seem to care where he does it from – off the interchange, from the second row or the midfield.

The Warriors piled on 30 consecutive points, before the Knights could catch their breath, effectively ending the contest with 20 minutes still remaining.

That’s become a bit of trend this season.

Two weeks ago, they were 6-6 with Sydney Roosters, before unleashing 22 points either side of halfway to build an unassailable lead.

Last week, they conceded the first try to Canberra Raiders, before a 40-point avalanche that buried their opponents.

Best try

Again, so many to choose from.

Was it Barnett’s assist to Ford in the latter’s 100th game or Clark’s first for the Warriors in his 29th outing?

Let’s give it to the final flourish, where wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak gathered a desperate Knights kick after the final siren and offloaded to fullback Taine Tuaupiki, who was a threat every time he touched the ball all night.

Tuaupiki burnt the Knights defence and had the tryline open, but heard the call from Hanson in support and threw a pass that had his mate sidestepping the goalpost to score.

Luke Hanson and Taine Tuaupiki celebrate their last-gasp try against Newcastle. David Neilson/Photosport

Hanson was able to celebrate his arrival in top grade appropriately, with Ford’s conversion the cherry on top.

Should first-grade be this much fun?

Injuries

While Hanson enjoyed a dream debut, the same couldn’t be said for Englishman Morgan Gannon, who lasted less than five minutes, before knocking himself out in a tackle and leaving with concussion.

He will sit out next week, but the Warriors seemed to escape any further casualties.

Hooker Wayde Egan left for a head check midway through the second half, but he was probably due for replacement anyway and returned for the final 10 minutes to close out the game.

There will be a few sore bodies on Sunday and maybe a little concern over Boyd, who was collected in a heavy tackle, as he kicked across the field late. Knights front-rower Trey Mooney was sent to the bin and Boyd walked off what will hopefully prove nothing more than a cork to his leg.

Tuaupiki and Fisher-Harris also stayed down after tackles, and Ford copped an elbow from Dane Gagai to the head, but all remained on the field afterwards.

Barnett seemed to come through 36 minutes without incident, entering the action after 25 minutes and leaving 20 minutes into the second half.

Presumably, fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita will be off concussion protocols and available next week, but second-rower Kurt Capewell’s calf will likely keep him sidelined for a few more weeks yet.

Centre Adam Pompey had his attendance record blemished, when he stayed in Auckland on babywatch. He’ll surely be back next week.

Newcastle Knights

Apparently, Knights coach Justin Holbrook was not impressed with the first-half refereeing and the final penalty count was 11-4 against, with two players sin-binned and three on report.

“I’m not a referee and, if that’s the way he sees it, it’s up to us to fix it,” he offered diplomatically afterwards.

“We haven’t had an issue with it until today, we got it wrong and paid the price for it.”

That’s also become a bit of a trend for the Warriors this season.

Two weeks ago, Roosters coach Trent Robinson seethed over the 11-4 count against his team and the NRL refs almost seem to be making up for all those years that the Warriors have suffered from suspect officiating.

Morgan Gannon’s NRL debut ends early with concussion. David Neilson/Photosport

Newcastle were also unbeaten over their opening two games, emulating last season’s start, when they lost their final nine games and ultimately took the wooden spoon.

“It wasn’t good obviously,” reflected Holbrook. “We played two really good games to start the year, but we were poor with the ball today and made some really basic errors.

“Our skill was poor and obviously our discipline, and you make the game really hard against an opposition that did the opposite of that. We had a tough afternoon.”

They have problems without injured stars Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown, and may lose more to judiciary next week.

Newcastle face another daunting challenge next Saturday, when they travel to unbeaten Canterbury Bulldogs.

What this result means

Don’t look now, but the Warriors are top of the table, baby!

OK, still only week three, but they have a points differential advantage over Penrith Panthers, while Melbourne Storm’s loss to Brisbane Broncos sees them slide a step behind.

The only team that could have topped them this weekend were – incredibly – Wests Tigers, who needed a 56-point win over South Sydney Rabbitohs. They couldn’t manage that.

This is just the second time in club history the Warriors have reeled off three wins to start their season – they managed five straight to start the 2018 campaign.

One hundred-and-twenty points across three games make them the most potent attack in the competition. That’s also the most they’ve ever scored in their opening three games.

What’s next

Next Friday, the Warriors will host the Tigers, whom they have beaten in their last nine encounters.

After several years of mediocrity, Kiwi legend Benji Marshall has dragged Wests off the bottom of the competition, finishing 13th last season.

They started this season with a bye and a promising 44-16 win over North Queensland Cowboys that convinced many they may be playoff contenders.

On Saturday night, South Sydney Rabbitohs dented that perception, with a thrilling 20-16 win over the Tigers, who also lost halves Jarome Luai and Adam Doueihi to injury.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/22/nrl-what-we-learnt-from-nz-warriors-win-over-newcastle-knights/

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‘We’ve got the cattle’: Penney warns Crusaders just getting started

Source: Radio New Zealand

Crusaders winger Chay Fihaki goes over for his second try. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

Revenge served.

The Crusaders dished up a vengeful performance against Moana in Albany, to all but banish memories of their loss to the side at home in 2025.

“They stung us deeply last year,” said coach Rob Penney.

“I wouldn’t say revenge, but it was certainly something that we were well aware of, there was a lot more physical presence about us this year compared with last year.”

The defeat was buried in ruthless fashion, the Crusaders putting fifty on the proud franchise in their first appearance on the North Shore for the year.

After a lacklustre effort from a Will Jordan-less Crusaders against the Blues, Penney threw the challenge down to his backs to take the pressure off their superstar fullback.

Step up Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor and Leicester Faingaʻanuku.

The quartet were lethal with ball in hand alongside Jordan, combining for five scorching tries and some scintillating running rugby.

“You start rattling those names off, and how blessed are we with the talent that we’ve got? We’ve just got to keep supplying the opportunities. The ability for us to have multiple threats across the park is such a key for us, we’ve got the cattle.”

Penney worried too much reliance was being put on their superstar fullback, who was also handed captaincy duties for the clash with David Havili sidelined.

“Will stepped in and took over that leadership role superbly. So really, we didn’t miss a beat.”

After a rough start to their campaign, both Jordan and Penney felt things were clicking for the defending champs.

“It’s nice to get back-to-back victories, we’re a dangerous side and I think there’s still growth for us.” Jordan said.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Cantabs, up by just three at half-time, before the floodgates burst open.

“The job was not fully done, we felt that was close towards the back end of the first half, and the boys just went to work in the second half, it was awesome,” said Penney.

Penney said his side was still far from the finished product.

“We still have a wee way to go. I think we’ve got a lot in us, and so I hope we have the ability to unleash further.”

A scary prospect for opposition sides.

“I hope so,” said Penney.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/21/weve-got-the-cattle-penney-warns-crusaders-just-getting-started/

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Wellington Phoenix score crucial win over Brisbane Roar

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ifeanyi Eze scored the crucial goal for the Phoenix. File photo. AAP / Photosport

A superb goal by Ifeanyi Eze has given the Wellington Phoenix a vital 2-1 win over the Brisbane Roar in Brisbane.

It continues the resurgence of the Phoenix under interim coach Chris Greenacre and crucially keeps them in the hunt for an A-League men’s playoffs spot.

They are now just one point off the top six, as they sit in eighth place.

A loss would have left them with a big mountain to climb with four regular-season matches remaining.

They have had two wins in a row and are unbeaten in their last three under Greenacre, who oversaw a loss to Sydney FC just after he took over from men’s Giancarlo Italiano, who had resigned immediately after the 5-0 drubbing delivered by Auckland FC on 21 February.

The match with Brisbane could have gone either way before Eze’s clincher in the 86th minute.

Former Phoenix player James McGarry put the Roar 1-0 ahead after 14 minutes, with Corban Piper locking the scores up with a tap-in from Isaac Hughes header in the 36th minute.

It remained that way until the late counter-attack saw Luke Brooke-Smith slide a superb pass to Eze, who struck it with great timing to leave Roar goalie Dean Bouzanis no chance of stopping it.

There was an ugly head clash late in the game with a bloodied Hughes having to leave the field, and the Phoenix were able to repel the late attacks by the Roar, whose appeals for two late penalties were rebuffed.

Eze said the win meant everything to the Phoenix.

“This means everything to us, because our main target is getting into the top six,” he told Sky Sport.

“I’m very happy we won, I’m very happy we got the three points.”

It was the Phoenix’s third win over the Roar this season.

The Wellington side will cross the Tasman to play Melbourne Victory next on 5 April, while the Roar will host Sydney FC three days earlier.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/21/wellington-phoenix-score-crucial-win-over-brisbane-roar/

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Live: Blues v Waratahs – Super Rugby Pacific

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the Super Rugby action as the Blues take on the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Kick-off is 9.35pm.

Blues team list:

Ofa Tu’ungafasi 2. Bradley Slater 3. Sam Matenga 4. Josh Beehre 5. Sam Darry 6. Anton Segner 7. Dalton Papali’i (c) 8. Malachi Wrampling 9. Finlay Christie 10. Beauden Barrett 11. Caleb Clarke 12. Pita Ahki 13. AJ Lam 14. Codemeru Vai 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. James Mullan 17. Mason Tupaea 18. Marcel Renata 19. Che Clark 20. Torian Barnes 21. Taufa Funaki 22. Xavi Taele 23. Payton Spencer (debut).

“The Waratahs are always a dangerous side particularly at home in Sydney, so we’ll need to be accurate and disciplined for 80 minutes.” – Blues coach Vern Cotter.

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Super Rugby Pacific: Crusaders crush Moana in Albany

Source: Radio New Zealand

Beware a scorned Crusaders side.

The defending champions avenged last year’s shock loss to Moana Pasifka in ruthless style, crushing the cellar dwellers 50-21 in Albany.

Up by just three at the break, the Crusaders ran riot in the second, producing some scintillating running rugby in the rout.

Moana lost Julian Savea early to what looked like a broken arm before the Crusaders opened the scoring, Braydon Ennor showing tremendous strength to carry three defenders with him across the line.

Sevu Reece went in next to stretch his lead as Super Rugby’s most prolific try scorer, finishing a scorcher for the visitors.

Sparked by a Will Jordan injection, the fullback offloaded infield and from there it was a beautiful exchange of passes, Chay Fihaki with the last one to Reece.

Moana pulled one back as Patrick Pellegrini found a deft offload for Lalomilo Lalomilo who broke clear and linked with Joel Lam to score against his old side.

Replacement Tevita Ofa made it two in quick succession to give Moana the lead, the winger showing great gas to get on the outside of his opposite.

The Crusader’s quickly restored their lead though, Cooper Grant sending a pinpoint kick across for Chay Fihaki to pouch and plant to give them a narrow 17-14 half-time lead.

The second half however, belonged to the Crusaders.

Fainga’anuku kicked off the scoring spree with a mesmeric fourty metre run turning defenders inside out.

George Bell barged his way over for back to back, to really put things out of reach, before debutant Kurtis Macdonald scored with his first touch from a Fihaki cut out ball.

Fihaki capped his stellar night with a second as he exploded through the line and skinned the final man to score his second, Moana getting a late consolation courtesy of an intercept for Siaosi Nginingini.

See how the match unfolded here.

Team lists

Moana:

1. Tito Tuipulotu 2. Millennium Sanerivi 3. Atu Moli 4. Tom Savage 5. Allan Craig 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c) 7. Niko Jones 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 9. Joel Lam 10. Patrick Pellegrini 11. Glen Vaihu 12. Julian Savea 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo 14. Tevita Latu 15. William Havili

Bench: 16. Mamoru Harada 17. Abraham Pole 18. Chris Apoua 19. Veikoso Poloniati 20. Dominic Ropeti 21. Siaosi Nginingini 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop 23. Tevita Ofa.

“We’re in search of playing our game and hopefully we can get it..” – Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga.

Crusaders:

1. Finlay Brewis 2. George Bell 3. Fletcher Newell 4. Tahlor Cahill 5. Jamie Hannah 6. Ethan Blackadder (vc) 7. Johnny Lee 8. Christian Lio-Willie 9. Noah Hotham 10. Cooper Grant (debut) 11. Sevu Reece 12. Dallas McLeod 13. Braydon Ennor 14. Chay Fihaki 15. Will Jordan (c)

Bench: 16. Manumaua Letiu 17. George Bower 18. Seb Calder 19. Antonio Shalfoon 20. Xavier Saifoloi 21. Kyle Preston 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku 23. Kurtis Macdonald (debut).

“We’re going week by week. The aim is to back up a win with a win, build our consistency, prepare well, and hit the ground running. We haven’t had the quickest starts, so doing those things will make it very satisfying.” – Crusaders coach Rob Penney.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/21/super-rugby-pacific-crusaders-crush-moana-in-albany/