Category: Sport

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Teen athletics star Sam Ruthe smashes mile world record for his age

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sam Ruthe. photosport

Running sensation Sam Ruthe has become the fastest 16-year-old to ever run the mile, achieving the feat at the Cooks Classic in Whanganui on Saturday night.

The Tauranga teenager clocked three minutes, 53.36 seconds to go under the former world record mark held by Australian Cam Myers.

Ruthe was narrowly beaten to the finish line by two-time Olympian and training partner Sam Tanner, who helped push the youngster on, as he has done in other races on the domestic scene.

“It feels incredible. That was my goal coming into this race. I was trying to beat Tanner as well, but as soon as the gun started, I just wanted to run as fast as possible,” Ruthe told TVNZ.

“To lead out some of this race was something I felt I just had to do. I’ll hopefully get my time down faster.”

Tanner, 25, defended his national men’s senior mile title, surging past Ruthe in the home straight to win in 3min 53.36sec.

Sam Tanner and Sam Ruthe, 800m, Potts Classic, Mitre 10 Park, Hastings. Kerry Marshall/Photosport

It came a week after Ruthe pipped Tanner in an exciting 800m race at the Potts Classic in Hastings.

Last year the pair finished in a dead heat in the final of the men’s 1500m at the national championships.

Both will leave for the United States next week, with Ruthe eyeing four indoor mile races on successive weekends, in a campaign he believes will be important for his development.

Ruthe is now seventh on the list of all-time New Zealand milers, having overtaken the legendary Sir Peter Snell.

In other notable results, sprinters Tiaan Whelpton and Zoe Hobbs won the respective men’s and women’s 100m titles in sharp – though wind-assisted – times.

Ireland’s Laura Nicholson ran a smart time of 4min 43.75sec to win the women’s mile.

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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/2026/01/25/teen-athletics-star-sam-ruthe-smashes-mile-world-record-for-his-age/

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Kiwi pro Josh Burnett wins third Tour of Southland cycling title, joining ranks of tour greats

Source: Radio New Zealand

Southlander Josh Burnett was originally set to miss out on Tour of Southland due to injury, but the event was rescheduled from November last year due to a storm. supplied

Southland’s Josh Burnett has become just the sixth rider to win three or more Tour of Southland titles, joining an elusive club that includes Brian Fowler and Hayden Roulston.

Burnett (team PowerNet), who rides for a professional team in Spain, started the day with a 19 second lead over Cambridge’s Matthew Wilson (Advanced Personnel Cycling Team). However an outstanding individual time trial by Wilson in the morning saw him take the stage victory and cut the lead to just 10sec heading into the final 77km stage, from Winton to Invercargill.

The fast and furious final stage was lashed by wind and rain throughout, with Wilson making a bold attack on the penultimate lap of the tour’s Waikiwi circuit finish before the two frontrunners finished safely in the bunch to repeat the one-two finish they recorded in 2024.

Burnett’s name now joins the likes of Warwick Dalton, Tino Tabak, Fowler, Roulston and Michael Vink as riders who have won New Zealand’s most prestigious stage race three or more times.

It almost didn’t happen, with Burnett originally ruled out of the November event by a badly broken arm and only coming back into the equation when an extreme weather event meant the 2025 edition was postponed until January.

“I was just planning on helping the Mito-Q boys out and cleaning their bikes. To get this opportunity, I’m super grateful to PowerNet, it’s such a well-run team. Both on and off the bike we’ve had such a good time this week. It’s a massive credit to Aaron (Sinclair) who has put this team together for the past few years. All I’ve had to think about is riding my bike,” Burnett said.

To get the chance to return from riding for his Spanish professional team, Burgos Burpellet BH, and win his home race was something special, Burnett said.

“It definitely hasn’t sunk in. I was just taking it day by day and I’m just really proud to be from this region,” he said.

“There’s no other bike race in the world where I get this amount of support so I’ve got to lap it up where I can. In Spain I can’t even read the signs, so when I’m here I make the most of it.”

Burnett, who also won the King of the Mountain classification, paid credit to his team mates, who were challenged throughout the week, particularly after losing team captain Ollie Jones to a crash on Tuesday.

“For sure there were some expectations on my shoulders all week, but I think it was mainly transferred onto my team mates, making them ride the front for three days, so a big shout out to those boys, because without them I wouldn’t have had the chance to contest the stages or be in contention.”

Burnett highlighted the battle he had with Wilson for the second Southland tour in a row. The pair sparred throughout the week, especially with one-two finishes on both the Remarkables and Bluff Hill finishes. Daniel Whitehouse (Quality Food Southland/Gough Brothers) was third overall at 1min 38sec.

“Massive credit to Matt because he is super strong and I’m sure he’s going to win a Southland one day, that’s for sure.”

Riders taking part in the Tour of Southland earlier this week. supplied

The final stage was won by Southland’s Nick Kergozou, the second time he has won the finale. Kergozou (Open Country-TES) said he was proud to win the stage and claim his fourth Sprint Ace title in his ninth Southland tour.

“I’m ecstatic with that. Matt Wilson was putting it in the gutter pretty hard. He was throwing it all out there and I knew I just had to follow to keep the sprint jersey alive.”

Timaru’s Noah Hollamby (Onya Bike) completed an outstanding debut Tour of Southland, winning the under 23 jersey and finishing fourth overall. Australian Ben Dyball (Macaulay Ford-Good Tech Team) was the leading over 35 rider, and fifth overall.

Macaulay Ford-Good Tech Team won the teams classification, while Christchurch’s James Krzanich (Lattitude Cycling Team) was named the Most Combative rider for the final stage and the tour overall.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/01/24/kiwi-pro-josh-burnett-wins-third-tour-of-southland-cycling-title-joining-ranks-of-tour-greats/

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Black Caps batter Bevon Jacobs takes sensational Super Smash form into India T20 series

Source: Radio New Zealand

Bevon Jacobs has been the form batter of the domestic Super Smash competition. Photosport

Bevon Jacobs’ scorching Super Smash form has not gone unnoticed, even if it’s not quite enough to secure a spot at next month’s T20 World Cup.

The Auckland Aces batter was an unlucky omission from the Black Caps squad, a casualty of the its increasing depth.

National coach Rob Walter admits it would be nice to have a squad of 20 for the tournament.

“Unfortunately, there are only 15 spots, but most importantly, we have a guy who is performing very well at home, who is very confident in his game and would be ready to jump at an opportunity, if it came his way.”

Jacobs has been sensational in the domestic T20 competition, hammering six consecutive half-centuries at an average of 90 across seven innings.

‘Watching him go about his business and seeing him play the way he has played, long may that continue,” Walter said. “He has a real hunger for growth, and it’s nice to be in position where we have players in and out of the squad, who can come in and do a job for their country.”

Jacobs will get the chance to press his claims further, as he joins the Black Caps in India for a five-match T20 series.

Staying on in India after his strong performances in the one-dayer will be Kristian Clarke, who played a starring role in his maiden series, claiming seven wickets – including master Virat Kohli twice – across the three games.

“A lot has been made about what a historical achievement it was and the make-up of squad makes it more special – eight newbies in India for the first time,” Walter said. “It is a unique experience, and I was chuffed at how they rose to the occasion and delivered.”

Although the World Cup is just around the corner, Walter said the side were still focussed on the task at hand.

“It’s incredibly important to be present in this series and not look beyond that,” he said. “Playing in India is part of the cricketing experience growing up that you dream about and that doesn’t change.”

A newlook side will contest the T20 series, with just a handful backing up from the one-dayers, but Walter has no concerns about losing momentum with the personnel change.

Black Caps celebrate their one-day series win in India. Photosport

“The foundations have been set for some time now,” he said. “We expect those players to fit back into the group quite seamlessly.

“Everyone has been very active, so its more about coming together.”

The Black Caps will sweat on the fitness of allrounder Michael Bracewell, who suffered a calf injury in the series win at Indore.

“The prognosis is fairly positive, so we are hopeful his name will still be on that list.”

Walter said his 11 for the World Cup were pretty well set in stone.

“It is a broad continuum of conditions that you can be thrown in India, but we have a pretty strong idea and some wonderful combinations.

“Any team you put on the field, you expect them to compete to win.”

The first T20 at Nagpur begins at 2.30am Thursday NZT.

Black Caps T20 Squad v India

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi

*Kristian Clarke (games 1,2 & 3)

Black Caps T20 World Cup squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

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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/2026/01/21/black-caps-batter-bevon-jacobs-takes-sensational-super-smash-form-into-india-t20-series/

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Kiwis smashing it abroad: Lawyer swaps robes for national colours on field

Source: Radio New Zealand

Across borders and industries, New Zealanders are carving out space, building influence and exporting creativity. In this series, RNZ speaks to Kiwis making their mark abroad, those coming home, and those living somewhere in between.

When Wellington lawyer Natalie Olson pulled on the Thai national women’s football jersey for the first time, it was a moment she never imagined would happen — let alone so quickly.

The Thai-born 23-year-old represented the country at last year’s Southeast Asian Games, the region’s biggest sporting event, after a breakout season with Wellington United that saw her score 35 goals, netting her the Golden Boot in the Women’s Central League.

Natalie Olson with fellow Thailand national women’s football players after the team won bronze at the Southeast Asian Games at the end of last year.

Supplied / FA Thailand

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/01/21/kiwis-smashing-it-abroad-lawyer-swaps-robes-for-national-colours-on-field/

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What is going on with the Beckham family feud?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Many people find the Christmas holidays strain their family relationships, but few go to the extent of issuing lengthy statements on social media about them. If you’re the first-born son of a mega-famous and wealthy power couple, however, it’s the easiest way to stoke a gossip fire that’s been smoking for months.

Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham, the eldest child of Victoria and David Beckham has released an explosive six-page statement addressing the strained relationship with his parents.

The 26-year-old said he had been subject to “endless attacks from my parents, both privately and publicly, that were sent to the press on their orders”.

Former England footballer David Beckham (5L) and his wife Victoria Beckham (3R) pose on the red carpet with their children, and partners, (from L) Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham upon arrival to attend the Premiere of “Beckham” in London on October 3, 2023.

HENRY NICHOLLS

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/01/21/what-is-going-on-with-the-beckham-family-feud-2/

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Tennis: Lulu Sun loses to qualifier at Australian Open

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lulu Sun of New Zealand at the Australian Open. LUKAS COCH/Photosport

New Zealand’s Lulu Sun was beaten by Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 7-5 in the first round of the Australian Open in warm conditions on court 13.

It was the first match of the year for Sun who has been trying to recover from a wrist injury. Fruhvirtova had come through qualifying winning three matches.

Twenty-four-year-old Sun held significant leads in both sets, 3-1 in the first, after breaking her opponents serve in the first game of the match and again 3-1 in the second.

The left-handed New Zealander, ranked 86th, looked to fight back in the second set after being down 3-5 and held off several match points before winning her own serve and breaking her opponents to level the scores 5-5.

However, Fruhvirtova ranked 132 then broke Sun’s serve to go ahead 6-5 and then held her own serve to win the match.

Erin Routliffe and her new doubles partner Asia Muhammad are in action on Wednesday afternoon.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/01/21/tennis-lulu-sun-loses-to-qualifier-at-australian-open-2/

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Serious incident, Onehunga

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Jason Homan:

Police are responding to a serious incident in Onehunga.

Shortly after 11am Police received reports a person had received injuries consistent with a gunshot wound at a property on Arthur Street.

One person has been transported to hospital in a critical condition.

An increased Police presence will remain in the area while enquiries are underway.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, and use the reference number P065151258.

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

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/01/21/serious-incident-onehunga-2/

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Government backs economic growth in Southland

Source: New Zealand Government

Southland is set for a major economic boost, with the Government committing a $3.1 million loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to kickstart an industrial subdivision near Gore, Associate Minister for Regional Development Mark Patterson announced today.

“The 43-hectare development is a 50/50 partnership between Ngāi Tahu iwi authority Hokonui Rūnanga and Robertson Transport Limited. It tackles the critical shortage of large industrial lots in the Gore District and supports long-term prosperity for both partners and the wider Eastern Southland community,” Mr Patterson said.

The $13.6 million project, strategically positioned on State Highway 1, will transform underutilised farmland into a thriving industrial hub. It is expected to create up to 50 jobs during construction and attract industries such as fertiliser distribution, farm equipment services, warehousing, and retail.

“Importantly, this development will provide Hokonui Rūnanga with a sustainable income stream through long-term leases, enabling it to fund vital health and social services for the community,” Mr Patterson said.

The RIF is delivering the infrastructure Southland needs to diversify its economy and build resilience. It also tackles a critical shortage of prime industrial land in the Gore District, which needs an additional 100 hectares to meet future growth.

Southland already delivers 12 per cent of New Zealand’s pastoral exports with just two per cent of the population. This investment will help ensure the region’s economy continues to thrive,” Mr Patterson said.

Construction is expected to start in mid-2026, following rezoning and consents. 

This development marks the first stage of Hokonui Rūnanga’s 90-hectare master plan, with future stages set to include marae relocation, papakāinga housing, and a potential childcare facility.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/01/21/government-backs-economic-growth-in-southland/

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‘They’re hungry’: Shark warning to Kiwis after spate of Australian attacks

Source: Radio New Zealand

Riley ‘Sharkman’ Elliott swimming with a mako shark. Amber Jones

Beachgoers, swimmers and surfers are not immune to the risk of shark encounters when taking a dip in New Zealand waters, an expert says.

The advice comes amid high alert across the Tasman, following four shark attacks across New South Wales in less than 48 hours.

A 12-year-old boy was in intensive care, after sustaining critical injuries to both his legs in an attack near Shark Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Sunday.

Two attacks, both on Sydney’s northern beaches, then occurred in the space of a few hours on Monday.

A 27-year-old man was in a critical condition after suffering severe injuries to his legs at Manly’s North Steyne Beach. Earlier that day, an 11-year-old boy escaped injury, after a large bite was taken out of his surfboard at Dee Why.

A 39-year-old man also escaped serious injury in the latest shark attack at Point Plomer on the Mid North Coast on Tuesday.

The state government was working with Northern Beaches Council and Surf Life Saving NSW in response to the cluster of attacks.

Following a bout of bad weather, Australian experts said ocean conditions were ripe for shark activity, particularly bull sharks.

Marine biologist Professor Culum Brown of Macquarie University said sharks were drawn to freshwater flushes to feed on fish and dead animals, as they drifted down from rivers.

New Zealand shark scientist and conservationist Dr Riley ‘Shark Man’ Elliott has run a long-standing, tag-and-trace programme across the country.

Speaking to RNZ from a boat in Foveaux Strait, Elliott said the attacks were tragic, but also a reflection of growing population bases.

Sydney beach closed after shark attack. ABC News / Gavin Coote

“[Great white sharks] have been protected for several decades now and that should increase their numbers, but they do breed very slowly, so their numbers haven’t exploded,” he said.

“Human populations have grown dramatically and there’s more water recreation, more activities, more sports, more surf appliances. Innately, there’s more people in the water.”

Although shark attacks were not as common in New Zealand, compared to the warmer climes of Australia, other environmental factors heightened risk.

“Sharks don’t [hunt] people,” Elliott said. “Where they make mistakes is when they’ve been drawn into a food source, they’re hungry, the visibility’s poor and then people go in the mix.

“Urbanisation, sedimentation, agriculture, all these things… our harbours used to be crystal clear, now they’re muddy and gross.

“These animals are trying to hunt in that poor visual environment.”

New Zealand shark scientist and conservationist Dr Riley ‘Shark Man’ Elliott. Supplied

Elliott recommended avoiding swimming in periods following heavy rainfall, in river mouths, during dusk and dawn hours, and around ocean carcasses.

The conservationist had spotted three Australian-tagged great white sharks during his Fiordland expedition.

“Equally, some of the sharks I’ve tagged down here have gone to Australia, so they move very big distances,” he said.

A diver was flown to hospital, after being bitten by a shark – presumed to be a great white – at Dusky Sound in Fiordland National Park last April.

Shark sightings have also been reported in Auckland, Christchurch and Whangārei in recent weeks.

Elliott said shark attacks were tragic reminders that the ocean wasn’t a playground.

“If we want to co-exist in nature, we need to understand it, we need to respect it, we need to take care of it.”

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/01/21/theyre-hungry-shark-warning-to-kiwis-after-spate-of-australian-attacks-2/

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David Beckham breaks silence after son Brooklyn cuts ties

Source: Radio New Zealand

The spat burst out into the open after Brooklyn Beckham, 26, accused his parents of being “controlling” and placing “countless lies” in the media to preserve the facade of a perfect family

Speaking to CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Sir David said he had tried to educate his children about the online world.

“Children are allowed to make mistakes, that’s how they learn. So that’s what I try to teach my kids,” he said. “But you know, you have to sometimes let them make those mistakes as well.”

Sir David made the comments during a general discussion about the risks of social media, having earlier avoided journalists’ questions about the saga.

Reports of tension between Brooklyn and his parents started soon after he wedded actor Nicola Peltz, the daughter of US billionaire Nelson Peltz, in 2022.

Brooklyn said for years he had made “every effort” to keep the matter private, but he now had no choice but to “tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been published”.

He said his parents had been “trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding” and had pressurised him to sign away the rights to his name, a step he had refused.

In one of the most damaging accusations, he said his mother, former Spice Girl and fashion designer Victoria, had hijacked his first dance with his wife at his wedding.

“She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone,” he said, in a post on Instagram.

“I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life,” he added.

Brooklyn’s post tossed a grenade into “Brand Beckham”, the multi-million-pound family business that traces its origin back to his soccer star father making his debut for Manchester United at the age of 17 in 1992.

Sir David cemented his position in the British establishment last year when he was awarded a knighthood at the age of 50 for his contribution to sport and charitable causes.

He won six league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League with the club, before playing for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. He also captained England, winning 115 caps.

His 1999 marriage to Victoria Adams, ‘Posh Spice’ in the Spice Girls, united football with pop music to create ‘Posh and Becks’, a celebrity couple rivalled only by Britain’s royals in tabloid appeal.

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/01/21/david-beckham-breaks-silence-after-son-brooklyn-cuts-ties/