Category: United Kingdom

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Will you get a solar rebate from your power company?

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Electricity Authority will soon require distributors to pay rebates to reward customers generating electricity, such as rooftop solar. Supplied/SolarZero

Electricity networks around the country will soon provide rebates for power exported during peak periods – but not every power company will pass those on to consumers directly.

From 1 April, the Electricity Authority will require distributors to pay rebates to reward customers generating electricity, such as rooftop solar, when the power network faces highest demand.

Vector was offering 5.24c per kWh for 7am to 11am export in June, July and August and 5pm to 10pm export in May through to September. WEL Networks is offering 6.35c per kWh from 7am to 9.30am and 5.30 to 8pm between 1 June and 31 August. Powerco is offering 7c on weekdays from 7am to 11am and 5pm to 8pm between 1 April and 30 September. Scanpower’s rebate reaches 13c.

Power companies separately offered their own prices to customers exporting power, and these could vary a lot.

The Electricity Authority said ensuring customers were fairly rewarded for supplying power to the network was part of its work programme.

“In January we announced the decision that electricity distribution businesses – lines companies – will need to pay rebates when households and small businesses supply power to the network at peak times, from April 1.

“This applies to those with a network connection size up to 45kVA and that can export up to 45kW of electricity back to the network.

“The electricity distribution companies’ rebates will be passed on to consumers through the electricity bills they receive from their retailer. While these rebates will be repackaged by the retailer, they may not be itemised on consumers’ power bills as a clear amount of money back. Some retailers itemise their bills more than others.”

Larger companies also needed to offer time-of-use pricing to encourage people to shift use to off-peak times.

Genesis chief revenue officer Stephen England-Hall said the company took into account distribution charges and rebates when it set its plans and pricing for customers.

“Customers on our day/night or other time-of-use plans typically benefit from lower network charges during off-peak periods, and these are already reflected in the appropriate tariffs.

“Effective from 1 July 2026, the Electricity Authority’s new regulations regarding export rebates will require retailers to offer time-varying plans that ‘provide a financial benefit’ to customers for export patterns that reduce pressure [on] the electricity system, including at peak times.

“Our range of products and plans will be updated to reflect this and enable customers to choose the one that suits them the best.

“We regularly review and update our pricing and product features, and will take the form and scale of these new rebates into account in this process.”

Mercury said it set buyback rates using a range of inputs including expected wholesale costs, network charges and network rebates. “We will factor these rebates into our time-of-use plans which we are due to launch in the next couple of months.”

Lisa Hannifin, chief customer officer at Meridian, said it offered customers 17c for solar export across all periods of the day.

“We’re pleased there are now more incentives available to encourage customers to export at peak times. We’re currently upgrading our billing system, which will allow for this new rebate to be incorporated into our solar plans and expect this will be reflected in our products from the middle of the year.”

At Octopus, chief operating officer Margaret Cooney said the full rebate should be passed on when it became available.

“The rebate will vary by network depending on what the circumstances are in that network and how much value they’re essentially getting based on the state of the grid and times of the year in which it’s of value to them.

“Some of them are much more generous than others, but we think it’s a great start. And I think one of the things that we hope to see is that networks learn that value of the distributed energy providing a more cost-effective solution rather than just building out more poles and wires.”

She said the rebates were intended to reward customers for what they were doing so it made sense to pass them on.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/will-you-get-a-solar-rebate-from-your-power-company/

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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://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/23/two-key-names-missing-from-whitney-hansens-first-black-ferns-squad/

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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.

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

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Tiny extinct bat found in NZ fossil record

Source: Radio New Zealand

An artist’s impression of a short-tailed New Zealand bat, similar to the new Mystacina nymphe species newly discovered in Otago. Gavin Mouldey / supplied

A palaeontologist studying fossil fragments in Central Otago has identified a previously unknown, but now extinct, bat.

University of New South Wales professor Suzanne Hand has been studying fossil fragments found in Central Otago that are 16 to 19 million years old.

She says the bat has been named Mystacina nymphe, ‘nymphe’ after the Greek word for a forest spirit.

The new nymphe species are related to the modern short-tailed bat, but much smaller, weighing between eight and 10 grams.

New Zealand currently has two living species of pekapeka or bat, including one short-tailed bat (another short-tailed species was last seen in 1967, the Department of Conservation (DOC) says, and thought to be extinct). But working at the St Bathans site in Otago, Hand has found Aotearoa once had at least five different species of short-tailed bat.

“So this was a time when it was much warmer in New Zealand than it is now, probably like a sub-tropical to warm temperate kind of climate … The forests were probably even more diverse … and what we’re finding is that a lot of different animals lived at the time, and one of them was this tiny little bat that we found.”

An interesting collection of reptiles also once lived in New Zealand too, she said.

“Alongside this amazing diversity of bats were also things like crocodiles, and turtles, and swiftlets, and all sorts of animals that are not found in New Zealand today once lived there.

“And it looks like that as the climate changed and things got cooler, and the forest changed and so on, a lot of those animals disappeared.”

The area near where the new short-tailed bat fossil was found, at St Bathans, Otago. Alan Tennyson/Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Short-tailed bats are now found only in New Zealand, but they were once found in Australia too, before becoming extinct there. They filled an important role as pollinators for some plants.

“They’re also known as walking bats or burrowing bats, because they spend quite a lot of time on the ground foraging, not like normal bats … and they’re very distantly related to vampire bats in South America,” Hand says.

“The New Zealand bats are really, really special. Very precious, and very very important in terms of their ecological roles today. And in the past there was a greater diversity of them, so they ranged from these very small ones, eight to 10 grams – so that’s a little bat – up to about 40 grams, which is actually a very large bat.”

Hand says the extinction of her newly found nymphe species was linked to historical cooling of the climate.

Bats were very sensitive to environmental changes, Hand said, and could be an early indicator of environmental stress. New Zealand’s remaining species were under significant pressure.

“Bats are changing, they’re changing their habits, they’re changing their distributions, and so on. At the moment it hasn’t been great, because bats are not evolving fast enough to keep up with … these really fast changes human-induced climate change is bringing.”

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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/2026/03/22/tiny-extinct-bat-found-in-nz-fossil-record/

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Education delegation heads to Australia for maths engagements

Source: New Zealand Government

Education Minister Erica Stanford is heading to Australia with an education delegation of 15 principals and deputy principals to attend the Maths Fact Fluency Masterclass and Explicit Mathematics Conference.

“Raising student achievement and closing the equity gap are at the heart of our education reforms, and teaching maths brilliantly is absolutely central to that,” Ms Stanford says.

“Our engagements in New South Wales are set to provide valuable opportunities to learn from what Australia is doing well so that we can provide an even stronger maths offering for our children.

“Like New Zealand, the majority of schools in New South Wales are working to implement explicit mathematics instruction. During the visit, our delegation will hear from Australian experts and practitioners who have been leading that work. Topics include:

  • Understanding the Australian journey toward structured/explicit mathematics instruction
  • Exploring impacts from both school and system perspectives
  • Gaining insight into effective implementation across system, school and classroom levels
  • Learning from the real-world effects of significant shifts in mathematics instruction
  • Understanding how staff, families and wider communities have been engaged
  • Learning about the challenges encountered and lessons learned
  • Receiving practical guidance for those at the beginning of the journey

“We will also be sharing our Government’s plan to lift achievement and close the equity gap in New Zealand. I look forward to sharing experiences and ideas,” Ms Stanford says.

“When we began our education reforms, we promised to follow the research and evidence on how children learn best, so that we could give them the world-leading education they deserve. 

“I look forward to hearing from overseas professionals as we strengthen education ties and continue our job to provide the best education for Kiwis.”

Minister Stanford travels to New South Wales on Wednesday 18 March and returns to New Zealand on Saturday 21 March. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/education-delegation-heads-to-australia-for-maths-engagements/

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Key players missing for All White World Cup warmup games

Source: Radio New Zealand

Chris Wood of the New Zealand All Whites. © Bildbyrån Photo Agency 2025 © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has been unable to call on a number of key players for World Cup warmup games at home against Finland and Chile later this month.

Missing through injury are regulars Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Matt Garbett, Nando Pijnaker, Sarpreet Singh, and captain Chris Wood.

However, all are set to return to play ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June and July.

There is a debut call-up for Newcastle Jets’ Lachlan Bayliss.

“These are two really important games for us as we continue building towards the World Cup, so it is great to name our squad to play in front of our home fans for the last time before the tournament,” Bazeley said.

“I want to congratulate Lachlan Bayliss on his debut All Whites call-up. He has been in great form over the last few months with Newcastle Jets, so I’m pleased to bring him in for the first time at senior level.

“We know the deadline for naming our FIFA World Cup squad is getting closer and closer, so we are pleased to be able to give opportunities to a number of players to state their case, especially with a few regulars unavailable for this window.

“Finland and Chile should be great tests for us, and we look forward to taking them on in front of all of our home fans at Eden Park.”

The FIFA Series games at Eden Park also involve Cape Verde.

85th ranked New Zealand play 75th ranked Finland on 27 March and 55th ranked Chile on 30 March.

All Whites squad:

Kosta Barbarouses (70 caps, 9 goals) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia

Lachlan Bayliss (debut) Newcastle Jets, Australia

Joe Bell (28/1) Viking FK, Norway

Tyler Bindon (20/3) Sheffield United, England (on loan from Nottingham Forest)

Max Crocombe (19/0) Millwall, England

Andre De Jong (11/2) Orlando Pirates, South Africa

Francis De Vries (15/1) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Callan Elliot (7/0) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Eli Just (38/8) Motherwell, Scotland

Callum McCowatt (28/4) Silkeborg IF, Denmark

James McGarry (3/0) Brisbane Roar, Australia

Ben Old (18/1) AS Saint-Étienne, France

Alex Paulsen (5/0) Lechia Gdańsk, Poland (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)

Tim Payne (48/3) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand

Jesse Randall (5/1) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Logan Rogerson (16/2) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Alex Rufer (22/0) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand

Marko Stamenic (33/3) Swansea City, Wales

Finn Surman (13/2) Portland Timbers, USA

Ryan Thomas (23/3) PEC Zwolle, Netherlands

Bill Tuiloma (45/4) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand

Ben Waine (26/8) Port Vale, England

Michael Woud (6/0) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/16/key-players-missing-for-all-white-world-cup-warmup-games/

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The caretaker: Chris Greenacre on his fourth go-round as Phoenix interim coach

Source: Radio New Zealand

Chris Greenacre during his current Wellington Phoenix head coach duties. AAP Image/Matt Turner / Photosport

Taking over a struggling team mid-season is one of football’s toughest gigs. Chris Greenacre has now done it four times for the Wellington Phoenix.

The club turned to the experienced coach again last month after Giancarlo Italiano’s abrupt departure adding another chapter to his extraordinary coaching journey.

Coaching was always Greenacre’s plan. Along with a handful of Tranmere Rovers team mates in England in the early 2000s he was part of the Professional Football Association’s pilot scheme of putting current players through their coaching badges. By the time he landed in New Zealand as a Phoenix player he had a UEFA B licence but no real outlet to use it.

Little did he know his first real head coaching job would be, what was at the time, New Zealand’s only professional team.

It is a position many coaches struggling in lower leagues could only dream of landing in their lap, but for Greenacre the unconventional rise was not always easy to navigate. He has yo-yoed between head coach and assistant roles, between the A-League team and the Reserves team in New Zealand domestic competitions.

The Englishman went from being a club legend on the field that hung up his boots somewhat prematurely in 2012 to just months later being head coach while Ricki Herbert was on international duty with the All Whites.

“If I’m really honest, I didn’t know anything, and that’s just the nature of the beast,” Greenacre said of the first time, 13 years ago, in a role he now has a level of familiarity with.

“I think in an ideal world, if you can come through the youth team ranks and develop like that, I think it’s really the best way forward.

“But unfortunately, or fortunately, my path was to go straight in at the top, which rarely happens.”

Chris Greenacre during a training session at Newtown Park in 2012. Photosport

However, being in the right place at the right time has been a theme during Greenacre’s 17 years with the Phoenix.

Whether it was scoring a crucial goal from centre-forward in one of his 84 A-League games or a timely transition to coaching.

Herbert had been the one to see Greenacre’s potential on and off the field.

Injured and frustrated with his lot at Tranmere Rovers, Greenacre arrived at the Phoenix in 2009 after a chance conversation with former Socceroo Gareth Edds.

Edds was on the radar of A-League clubs wanting to bring Aussies home and on the other side of the world Rovers players were paying attention to what the league was doing.

Despite not taking the field, due to injury, when Herbert and former Phoenix chief executive Tony Pinata visited England to check out their potential visa player, the bosses liked what they saw from the level that the Rovers were playing at and the wheels were in motion to get Greenacre from League One to the A-League.

Herbert then opened the door for the shift straight from player to assistant coach, a role that Greenacre could not turn down despite feeling like he could have played on.

Chris Greenacre celebrates scoring for the Phoenix in 2010. Dave Lintott/Photosport

“It was a bit of a risk, I think, because I’m a bit of an advocate for players to play as high as you can for as long as you can. I still say that to players now, if you can keep playing, keep playing, it’s the best place to be.

“Then coaching is probably the next best thing.

“I probably didn’t take my own advice, but felt that, hopefully, coaching was where I wanted the next part of my football journey to take me.”

Since then Greenacre has maximised his opportunities working as an assistant with four of the next five Phoenix coaches after Herbert.

Former Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay of Sydney FC greets interim coach Chris Greenacre of the Phoenix during the round 19 A-League Men match between Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC this month. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

He also filled in as an interim coach after Ernie Merrick, Darije Kalezic, Mark Rudan and Ufuk Talay.

He was not an assistant to Italiano – opting instead to go back to the Phoenix academy system for professional and personal reasons.

“It was me recognising that I need more hands-on on the grass, where I’m making the main decisions, and that’s what that allowed me to do over that period of time.

“Also my daughter was about six at the time, during the Covid time, so to not travel to Australia and to spend some time with my wife and daughter was crucial as well.

“On the back of that, I’d completed my pro licence and it was a way of me to be able to put into practice the knowledge and stuff that I needed on my coaching journey at that particular time.”

After two and a bit seasons in charge, Italiano left after a big loss to their northern rivals Auckland FC last month and Greenacre, who is head of the Phoenix academy’s pro development, once again got the call from management to fill the void.

The academy operates separately from the A-League team and Greenacre had no insight into what had gone on this season before his sudden arrival with the top team.

“You never really understand what’s going on internally when you’re on the outside, even though you’re a staff member at the club.

“You don’t know what the relationship is with players and the past coach, you just see a product like you see with the fans on the weekend, so you really have no detail around what’s going on. I think the key to it for me has been trying to get around as many people as I can who were directly involved in it, not involved in it, players, to try and get a real feel as quickly as possible of where you think you might be able to improve it, keep it, steady the ship.”

Taking over with only a small number games left in the season is more about continuance rather the stamping his own style.

“The players are conditioned in a certain way of training, and you may not always see eye-to-eye in that, but you’ve got to also understand that these players are conditioned in this moment, so changing behaviours is really, really difficult instantly, and that obviously takes time, but we don’t have time.”

As a coach, Greenacre wanted to be a balance between man manager and tactician.

“I think the way the game’s evolved, certainly man management’s a really big part of that. Generations have changed, and I think generations look at the world differently.

“I think as a coach, you have to evolve like that. If you remain stuck in, as they say, old-school ways, I think you’re getting left behind. It’s really important that you evolve with the generations that you’re coaching with.”

Nurturing relationships with star players as well as those who did not make it professionally was important to Greenacre in his work with the academy and Reserves team.

“I get really proud of being involved in some of the players that have gone on to do great things and get moves and play overseas.

“I’m as much proud of some of the guys that I’ve played who haven’t made it, who I know I’ve had a really good connection and relationship with, and you still get text messages and calls even now off players that didn’t quite make it, and they appreciate that what we were trying to do in terms of helping them develop as players.”

Being tactically up to speed was also important to the 48-year-old.

“I’m sure in the next few months, years, that my beliefs and how I see the game being played will evolve again.”

Chris Greenacre and Matthew Ridenton during training in 2021. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Over time Greenacre had taken the “best attributes” of some coaches he had worked with and integrated them into his own approach to coaching.

“There’s obviously coaches that I haven’t enjoyed playing under, coaches that I’ve worked alongside where I’m kind of not really a fan of what they’re doing, and even if it’s the learning from, I probably wouldn’t do that because look how this has made me feel.

“There’s a lot of people that I’ve been really fortunate enough to and proud to have worked with, whether the relationships have been great or not so much.”

The way Greenacre believed he could finally turn the recurring interim role in a permanent position was by winning. The Phoenix have six games left in the season.

Before the end of the month the club is expected to name their next head coach.

“Results give you the best chance, and instant success, I suppose, probably gives you the best opportunity.”

Being a familiar face around NZCIS where the Phoenix are based could also finally give Greenacre an edge this time.

“I think, having been in an environment for a long time, people get to see actually how you work on a daily basis, and not necessarily when you’re under the spotlight of a first-team coach, so I suppose people get to see your mannerisms and things that you do and things they may like, things they don’t like.”

Greenacre’s reputation and ability to develop sought after talent through the academy to the first team who were then sold on to Europe could be another tick on the appointment check list for a club that valued being a stepping stone in player’s careers.

“Ultimately, the powers that be make the decision, and if it’s yes, it’s great, if it’s not, it’s not, and we kind of move on, and that’s just how professional sport works.

“I do have aspirations to coach at the highest level. If that happens, great. If it doesn’t, it’s a similar role to playing. I didn’t quite make it to the Premier League, but I aspired to be there.

“Am I happy that I made a living out of the game as a player at the level I did? A hundred percent. I’ve been proud to say that I made a living out of the game.”

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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/2026/03/14/the-caretaker-chris-greenacre-on-his-fourth-go-round-as-phoenix-interim-coach/

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Cricket: Seven decades since one of New Zealand’s biggest wins

Source: Radio New Zealand

John Reid in 2015 in his study surrounded by memorabilia from his cricketing career. Supplied / Lisa Thompson

This week’s one of despair for New Zealand cricket lovers, after the Black Caps were outclassed in the T20 World Cup final.

But, today is a special anniversary in cricket history – it’s 70 years since New Zealand won its first test match, after 26 years of trying.

The victory over the West Indies at Auckland’s Eden Park came in the 45th attempt, going back to January 1930. They’d suffered 22 losses and drawn 22.

As the victorious cricketers walked off Eden Park many in the crowd jumped the fence and swarmed their heroes.

Among the fans sprinting to the middle was 11-year-old Anand Satyanand.

The future governor-general of New Zealand, now Sir Anand, rushed to see history unfold as it seemed the game was heading for a tight finish.

“I went from Richmond Road School with a small group of friends,” he said.

“We were a cricket-mad school, as I recollect, and from Richmond Road one caught the bus to the reservoir on the corner of Ponsonby and Great North Road and then walked along and across the gully to Eden Park.”

The Right Hon. Sir Anand Satyanand, former Governor General of New Zealand. RNZ

Once there he was among those snapped by press photographers capturing the euphoric scenes.

“I was sitting on the terraces with my friend Ken Pratt… and clearly in a moment of excitement we jumped the fence and walked across the ground, hence that photograph that appeared in the New Zealand Herald of the two teams coming off the field, surrounded by a group of cricketing followers.”

A copy of that now hangs in Sir Anand’s laundry. In the picture he’s carrying his school satchel over his shoulder.

It was a low-scoring match – both teams scored at less than 2 runs an over – and the West Indies on the final day needed 268 runs to win the series four-nil.

But the New Zealanders, especially medium fast bowlers Harry Cave and Don Beard, took advantage of the tricky conditions and bowled them out for 77.

The New Zealand line-up even included former West Indies player Sammy Guillen, but was missing the great batsman of the era, Bert Sutcliffe, who played 42 tests but was never once on a winning side.

Expectations heading into the game were low. The West Indies had thrashed New Zealand in the three preceding tests and it was only a year since New Zealand was humiliated – bowled out for 26 by England, still a world-record low score.

It was quite the turnaround. At the after-match presentations captain John Reid was hailed as a hero, as the crowd gave him more than one round of three cheers.

He later said it was the best day of his cricket career – the non-drinker even tasting champagne during the celebrations.

“For once it wasn’t us who bowled that one loose ball each over, or who dropped the vital catch,” he told journalist Joseph Romanos in their 2000 book, John Reid – A Cricketing Life.

Former New Zealand cricketer John F Reid. PHOTOSPORT

Bill Frith, who was then 10, remembers watching as much of the match as he could, rushing there on the final day from Mt Roskill Intermediate.

In those days you’d get into the last session for free.

“I remember being on the terraces, which were grass at that time. It was quite a good-looking ground at that time, and I can remember the jubilation at the end, with the players pulling the stumps out and souveniring them and and that sort of thing.”

Still years until daylight saving arrived, the players were battling the gloom, but New Zealand had conditions in its favour.

“In those days you could go out and inspect the pitch. And the pitch there, around where the ball pitched, was sort of like corrugated iron,” Frith said.

“I’d be interested to know what it was like on the day we bowled the West Indies out.”

The Press newspaper described the bedlum: “It was a memorable scene at the end. The ground, all green and gold, was besieged by the crowd of 7000 that watched the final act…

“The crowd, savouring to the full the flavour of the occasion, had not fully dispersed when the teams left the ground an hour later.”

Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack even reported local offices closing early to let workers head to the ground as victory drew near.

Frith and Sir Anand both thought the win might herald a period of success, but it wasn’t to be, and New Zealand struggled at cricket until the 1970s, not winning another test until the 1961-2 summer.

Since then the team has risen to be one of the best in the world – a long innings the pair have enjoyed watching.

Both men fondly remember watching cricket history take place.

“I follow cricket today, but not with the day-to-day enthusiasm of when I was 10 and 12,” Frith said.

“I used to go down to Eden Park and watch all the club games. I used to go and watch the Black Caps practice, and they’d sometimes bowl to me.

“I was the archetypal cricket tragic at that time.”

Sir Anand was similar, although he said his playing ability never matched his enthusiasm.

“I think it was a vital turn of the road for New Zealand cricket to to be able to foot it against a major cricket playing nation and to win,” he said.

“New Zealand had been treated as a rather secondary sort of member of the world cricket fraternity.

“England and Australia only played us on an irregular basis, but the victory against the West Indies was a pointer to the the modern game, where New Zealand is a contender that is treated very seriously.”

SCORES: New Zealand 255 (John Reid 84, Tom Dewdney 5-21) and 157-9 declared (Denis Atkinson 7-53) beat West Indies 145 (Hammond Furlonge 64, Tony MacGibbon 4-44, Harry Cave 4-22) and 77 (Cave 4-21, Don Beard 3-22).

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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/2026/03/13/cricket-seven-decades-since-one-of-new-zealands-biggest-wins/

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Judicial appointments announced

Source: New Zealand Government

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced two judicial appointments to the High Court.

Manukau Crown Solicitor Natalie Walker has been appointed as a High Court Judge, and Christchurch Barrister and Solicitor Christopher Gambrill has been appointed as a High Court Associate Judge.

Natalie Walker

Justice Walker graduated from the University of Auckland in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws. After a period with Chapman Tripp, she attended University College London and graduated with a Master of Laws (Distinction) in 2000.

On her return to New Zealand in 2001, Justice Walker spent six months as a junior barrister for the late John Haigh QC before joining Auckland Crown Solicitor’s firm Meredith Connell. Specialising in Crown prosecution work in the District and High Courts, Justice Walker was made Senior Crown Counsel and an Associate of the firm in 2008, and joined the partnership in 2013.

In 2014, Justice Walker left the partnership at Meredith Connell to establish Kayes Fletcher Walker alongside two other directors. In 2015 she was appointed the Crown Solicitor at Manukau, the first appointment to that warrant. As a Principal Crown Prosecutor, Justice Walker prosecuted serious crime in the Counties Manukau region, and represented the Crown in appeals to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Justice Walker also holds a Diploma of Māori Language Fluency from Te Wānanga Takiura o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa.

Justice Walker’s appointment as a High Court Judge will take effect on 28 May 2026, and she will sit in Auckland. 

Christopher Gambril

Associate Judge Gambrill graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in 1992, and worked with Simpson Grierson Butler White in Wellington until 1994. 

In 1995 he joined London law firm Berwin Leighton and was admitted as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales in 1996. On his return to New Zealand, he worked as a commercial litigator with law firms White Fox & Jones in Christchurch and Simpson Grierson in Auckland until 2005.

From 2005 to 2019 Associate Judge Gambrill was based in the United Arab Emirates, working with advocate and legal consultancy firms. He spent nine years as a special counsel with Everys Legal Consultancy, the branch of an English law firm, conducting proceedings before the Courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre, a separate common law jurisdiction operating in Dubai, and arbitrations.

Since March 2020, Associate Judge Gambrill has been a special counsel working in commercial litigation at Martelli McKegg in Auckland, with principal areas of practice including company and insolvency law, conflict of laws, and trust and equity, disputes. He is also a fellow of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand.   

Associate Judge Gambrill’s appointment as a High Court Associate Judge will take effect on 30 March 2026, and he will sit in Christchurch.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/judicial-appointments-announced-2/

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The British Council announces new support for Southeast Asian artisan communities with a 48,000 GBP in funding across the region

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – The British Council has announced a new phase of support for craft artisans and creative entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia, launching a train-the-trainer programme to support the strengthening local creative economies in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Participants take part in a British Council Craft Toolkit training session, designed to equip local trainers with practical business skills to support artisan communities and strengthen sustainable creative livelihoods across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

The series of online ‘Craft Toolkit’ trainer programmes were held in early 2026, focused on delivering practical business and skills training to artisan communities. This training was held online and in person with the aim to enhance the sustainability of their practice by teaching business skills.

In new funding support announced, 48,000 GBP will be provided to the Southeast Asian artisan communities to deliver Craft Toolkit training to more artisans across the region. This funding is looking to create lasting local impact in the region to build skills.

Craft Toolkit in Action

Originally developed by the British Council in collaboration with Applied Arts Scotland, the Craft Toolkit is a digital learning platform designed to help craft artisans and entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. The Toolkit includes five modules covering business planning, product development, sales and marketing, financial management, and sustainability, alongside downloadable resources and train-the-trainer materials.

Between 2019 and 2022, Craft Toolkit training reached artisans in 22 countries worldwide and is available in 12 languages. Ninety-three per cent of participants said the programme helped them find new inspiration, while more than a third reported direct changes in how they design and develop craft products—leading to improved incomes, stronger leadership, and more resilient craft businesses.

Manami Yuasa, Regional Arts Director, East Asia, British Council, said:
 “Across Southeast Asia, craft is both a vital source of livelihood and a powerful expression of cultural identity. By investing in local trainers and providing access to practical, digital learning through the Craft Toolkit, we are supporting artisan communities to strengthen their businesses, preserve their cultural heritage, and build more sustainable futures. This programme is about long-term impact—ensuring skills and knowledge remain rooted in the communities that need them most.”

Training in Southeast Asia

In January and February, the British Council delivered a five-week online train-the-trainer programme. The trainers were selected through British Council partner organisations and craft networks. The trainees who are part of the local craft communities, are committed to delivering Craft Toolkit training within their networks over the following 12 months.

Training was conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation available in Thai, Vietnamese, Burmese, and Bahasa Indonesia.

The Craft Toolkit modules are currently available in English, Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian.

By investing in local trainers and digital learning, the British Council aims to support skills development, preserve cultural heritage, empower under-represented communities, and strengthen the creative industries across Southeast Asia.

https://www.britishcouncil.org
https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-council/
https://www.facebook.com/BritishCouncilMalaysia
https://www.instagram.com/my_british/

Hashtag: #BritishCouncil #Malaysia #CraftToolkit #CreativeEconomy #CulturalHeritage #SoutheastAsia

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/2026/03/12/the-british-council-announces-new-support-for-southeast-asian-artisan-communities-with-a-48000-gbp-in-funding-across-the-region/

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MCKL rolls out Open Day, inviting students and parents to discover Future-Ready Education Pathways

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a student will make. For those exploring quality pre-university and diploma pathways, Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) invites students and parents to its upcoming MCKL Open Day happening on 13 and 14 March 2026, from 9am to 5pm at both its Kuala Lumpur and Penang campuses.

With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and holistic education, MCKL continues to empower students with programmes that open doors to universities worldwide while nurturing character and purpose.

During the two-day Open Day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore MCKL’s range of top-tier Pre-U and Diploma programmes, speak directly with experienced lecturers, and receive personalised academic guidance to help them choose the pathway that best suits their ambitions.

Students can also take advantage of exclusive Open Day rebates, including RM500 rebates on selected programmes and RM2,000 rebates for Diploma programmes, available only during the Open Day period.

What to Expect at MCKL Open Day

Visitors to the campus can look forward to a variety of engaging and informative activities, including:

  • Discovering MCKL’s Pre-University and Diploma programmes
  • Learning about MCKL as a Qualifications Scotland (QS) Approved Centre
  • Taking a Career Guidance Test
  • Meeting academic advisors for personalised consultations
  • Exploring available scholarships, financial aid and PTPTN loan options

Conveniently located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the campus is next to Tun Sambanthan Monorail Station and only 10 minutes from KL Sentral, making it easily accessible for visitors. Meanwhile, the Penang campus is situated in the heart of Georgetown, providing students in the northern region with access to the same quality education.

Meet MCKL Beyond Campus

For students who may not be able to attend the Open Day, MCKL will also be participating in several upcoming education fairs, providing another opportunity to meet the college’s academic advisors and learn more about its programmes.

Visitors can meet the MCKL team at the following fairs:

  • Coursemap Education Fair at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur – 14 & 15 March 2026
  • Sure Expo Education Fair at Midvalley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur – 28 & 29 March 2026
  • MEF Penang at Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang – 28 & 29 March 2026
  • Sure Expo Education Fair at Midvalley Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur – 4 & 5 April 2026
  • Sure Expo Education Fair Midvalley Exhibition Centre, Johor Bahru – 11 & 12 April 2026

These fairs provide students with the chance to explore their study options, receive course counselling, and discover how MCKL can support their academic journey.

Start Your Journey with Confidence

For over four decades, MCKL has built a strong reputation for nurturing students who excel academically while developing the values, character, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Whether through its Open Day or education fairs, MCKL welcomes students and parents to discover how the college can be the launchpad for their future success.

To learn more, visit mckl.edu.my or speak to the MCKL team at the upcoming events.

https://mckl.edu.my/
https://www.linkedin.com/school/methodist-college-kuala-lumpur/
https://www.facebook.com/share/19qkXtd7P7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.instagram.com/methodistcollegekl?igsh=MTJzYzFkM203NGlzbg==

Hashtag: #MCKL #openday #educationfair #penang #kualalumpur

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/2026/03/12/mckl-rolls-out-open-day-inviting-students-and-parents-to-discover-future-ready-education-pathways/

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Black Caps World Cup octet in, eight more out for South Africa series

Source: Radio New Zealand

South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram (L) and David Miller (R) with New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson at the T20 World Cup. AFP

After nearly three months in the subcontinent, the Black Caps are finally headed home, albeit without the trophy they wanted, and staring down one last challenge before they part ways.

A five-match T20 series against South Africa, starting on Sunday, will cap off the home summer.

The series comes less than a week after the T20 World Cup final loss against India in India. And two months after their first ever one-day series win in India.

The cricket calendar can be relentless and Black Caps coach Rob Walter had that in mind when the team for the South Africa series, which begins in Mt Maunganui, was selected.

Eight players from the World Cup squad – captain Mitch Santner, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi – will play at least some part in the series.

“Primarily, we want to find a nice balance now between giving guys off, it was a pretty intense nine weeks to be fair in India and Sri Lanka, and obviously stepping straight into a five-match series in a couple of days’ time,” Walter said.

“So, sort of managing the guys who are going to PSL (Pakistan Super League), going to IPL (Indian Premier League), with guys who didn’t have much game time in the actual World Cup itself and working hard to get that balance right.

“That’s the nature of the beast right now in international cricket and understanding we also have to take care of our players

“Those guys left everything out there from a World Cup point of view.”

Walter said he was in “constant communication” with the playing group to gauge their readiness to continue into another series.

“You still need to be in a mental space to put your best foot forward for your country when you’re competing.

“But we have a fairly decent showing of our World Cup squad in the series, which is great, and there’s a lot of keenness from the players’ point of view to actually play, which is awesome, given that it’s been a pretty hectic little while.”

Ishan Kishan of India celebrates his fifty runs ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Grand Final. www.photosport.nz

Selector Gavin Larsen said they had to be “pragmatic” in selecting the squad.

“We’re lucky to have strong depth across the different skill sets, which has afforded us the opportunity to rest a few players and introduce some others,” Larsen said.

“That provides an excellent opportunity for many to stake their claim for regular inclusion in the T20 team moving forward as we begin a new World Cup cycle.

“It’s been a busy couple of months for those on the road and with the South Africa series ahead, a tour to Bangladesh in April-May during the IPL and PSL windows, alongside a New Zealand A tour to Sri Lanka and followed by winter tours to England and West Indies – keeping our players fit and fresh in the short and the long term is our top priority.”

Those who would be taking a break after the World Cup to manage workloads or family life were: Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert and Matt Henry.

Top order batters Katene Clarke and Nick Kelly are in line to make their T20 debuts during the series, as is Central Districts spinner Jayden Lennox.

Clarke’s maiden Black Caps call-up follows a break-out Super Smash season where the 26-year-old topped the competition run-scoring charts with 431 runs, including an unbeaten century, as his Northern Brave side claimed the T20 domestic title.

Katene Clarke of the Northern Brave. Photosport

“Katene is someone we’ve been keeping an eye on for a while now and so it was great to see him shoot the lights out in the Super Smash and force his way into his first Black Caps squad,” Larsen said.

“He’s an explosive player who possesses plenty of power and a variety of shots. He’s shown destructive ability inside the power play, but also crucially the ability to bat deep in an innings too.”

Lennox’s first inclusion in a Black Caps T20 squad follows his successful ODI debut series against India in January where he claimed 3-84 from his 20 overs against the formidable home batting line-up.

Kelly’s been a consistent performer for the Wellington Firebirds across the formats in recent years and earns his maiden T20 call-up off the back of his ODI debut series against Pakistan at home last April.

Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson get their chance to impress after being selected for the full five-game series, with Clarkson back in the side for the first time since playing eight T20Is in 2024.

Tom Latham, who was the top run-scorer for the Canterbury Kings in the Super Smash, makes his return to the national T20 set-up as a wicket-keeper-batsman and will also take over the captaincy reigns from Santner for the final two matches.

With Conway departing after three matches, Central Stags gloveman Dane Cleaver will join the squad for the end of the series, having last played for New Zealand in 2023.

South Africa arrived in New Zealand with three players from their World Cup squad that was knocked out of the tournament by the Black Caps.

None of their players with IPL contracts will travel to Aotearoa.

Walter, a former South Africa coach, knows the Proteas team that does come will still provide a challenge.

“The depth in South Africa has always been strong. Obviously, the SA20 competition has developed a lot of younger players in South Africa, so from that point of view, they have a pretty good team,” Walter said.

“Most of them have played international cricket, or have done very well domestically so it’ll be a good challenge.”

Black Caps T20 squad v South Africa

  • Mitchell Santner (c) (matches 1-3)
  • Katene Clarke* (4-5)
  • Josh Clarkson
  • Dane Cleaver (wk) (4-5)
  • Devon Conway (wk) (1-3)
  • Lockie Ferguson (2-3)
  • Zak Foulkes
  • Bevon Jacobs
  • Kyle Jamieson
  • Nick Kelly*
  • Tom Latham (wk) (c – 4-5)
  • Jayden Lennox* (4-5)
  • Cole McConchie
  • Jimmy Neesham
  • Tim Robinson
  • Ben Sears
  • Nathan Smith
  • Ish Sodhi

*Potential T20I debut

Michael Bracewell (calf), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back) and Blair Tickner (ankle) were not considered for the series due to injury.

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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/2026/03/11/black-caps-world-cup-octet-in-eight-more-out-for-south-africa-series/

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Urgent Waitangi Tribunal inquiry into government’s removal of schools’ Treaty obligations

Source: Radio New Zealand

The tino rangatiratanga haki (flag) outside Parliament on the day of the Treaty Principles Bill introduction. RNZ / Emma Andrews

The Waitangi Tribunal has granted urgency to an inquiry into the government’s decision to scrap school boards’ legal duty to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reset Te Mātaiaho, the New Zealand Curriculum.

Northland iwi Ngāti Hine and hapū Te Kapotai, alongside the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI), filed the claim in November last year, arguing the changes undermined Māori rangatiratanga, partnership and equity in education.

The claimants say the removal of Treaty obligations from school boards risks causing significant and irreversible harm to Māori learners and their whānau.

In the Waitangi Tribunal’s decision, it said the changes had constitutional significance and met the threshold for urgency.

“Any legislative change altering the nature and manner of the Crown’s Treaty obligations has a constitutional significance. That is especially so in a case where Māori have not been consulted.”

While the Tribunal noted the Crown had acknowledged there was no engagement with Māori on the decision to amend the law, it said removing the statutory obligation for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti had “immediate consequences for the status of the Treaty and for tamariki Māori within the education system”.

The Tribunal also rejected the Crown’s argument that other inquiries or future policy reviews could address the issue, saying those pathways would not provide “timely or targeted scrutiny”.

The Treaty of Waitangi. RNZ / Quin Tauetau

The requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti was introduced in 2020 as part of reforms to the Education and Training Act.

The government later removed the provision in 2025, with Education Minister Erica Stanford saying at the time of the anouncement that Treaty obligations sit with the Crown, not schools.

“School boards should have direction and we are giving very clear direction. You need to ensure equitable outcomes for Māori students, you need to be offering te reo Māori and you need to be culturally competent,” she said at the time.

Since the change, more than 1800 kura – around 70 percent of schools across Aotearoa – had publicly reaffirmed they would continue giving effect to Te Tiriti.

The Tribunal acknowledged the number of schools that had pledged to continue honouring Te Tiriti in its decision. However, it said the absence of a statutory framework could make those commitments inconsistent across the edcation system.

NZEI President Ripeka Lessels, the head of the country’s largest education sector union. NZEI supplied

NZEI Te Riu Roa president and claimant Ripeka Lessels welcomed the Tribunal’s decision, saying it sent a strong signal about the seriousness of the issue.

“I’m absolutely elated that they have granted urgency. It isn’t something that is done lightly for the Waitangi Tribunal,” she told RNZ.

Lessels said the decision to grant urgency reflected growing public and sector support for Te Tiriti.

“There was a time in our history where we didn’t have it, we didn’t have to give effect to it at all. And so nobody did. Nobody taught it. Nobody made references to it. Schools certainly didn’t see the importance of it until the Education and Training Act put in section 127. So that’s why it’s really, really important that we challenge what this government has unilaterally decided around moving the Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

She said removing the Treaty obligation signalled where the government’s priorities lay.

“By removing section 127 of the Education and Training Act, they are clearly deprioritising Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te reo Māori, tikanga and mātauranga Māori from legislation.”

Lessels said the Tribunal inquiry was an opportunity to challenge the government’s decision.

“We have to challenge this removal. We don’t want future generations looking back and thinking this happened and nobody stood up against it.”

Ngāti Hine leader Waihoroi “Wassi” Shortland speaks at Ruapekapeka Pā. RNZ / Peter de Graaf

Speaking to RNZ, Ngāti Hine kaumātua and claimant Te Waihoroi Shortland said removing the obligation felt politically motivated.

“When you have it dismissed out of hand, for no other reason than people feel like they are losing something or they’re giving up something to Māori when they recognise the articles of Te Tiriti in any way, shape or form … it plays out to a largely Pākehā constituent that has no time to consider these things,” he said.

“People forget that two nations made this deal (Te Tiriti o Waitangi). One of them was Māori and one of them was the Crown of England … then one nation turns around and swallows the other one up and says, everything we decide is for your good.

“It’s been that way for 186 years. These kind of actions remind us that we haven’t moved very far in all of that time.”

Asked why Ngāti Hine felt it was important to file a claim, Shortland said his people were following the guidance of their tūpuna, Te Ruku Kawiti.

“In his ōhaki to Ngāti Hine – his last legacy statement to Ngāti Hine – he challenged all Ngāti Hine descendants to hold fast to our faith and to protect the commitments of our tūpuna … at any time that the words of the document that they signed up to are challenged, then Ngāti Hine must stand and oppose,” he told RNZ.

“We often can’t rely on the system of government to do that for us. Even with two sides of the Parliament, it doesn’t matter which one is in. It usually is a case that they both begin in their own interests first, and Māori are way, way in the distance second.”

In a statement to RNZ, Education Minister Erica Stanford said she was unable to comment.

“As the matter is currently before the Tribunal it would not be appropriate for me to comment.”

A date was yet to be set for the hearings.

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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/2026/03/11/urgent-waitangi-tribunal-inquiry-into-governments-removal-of-schools-treaty-obligations/

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Kiwi artists to take the stage at global music festival with cultural diplomacy support

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“I’m excited to see the announcement that New Zealand’s music industry and talent will be well-represented at a major international music showcase this year,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
“Strengthening New Zealand’s global cultural presence is a key part of the government’s Cultural Diplomacy International Programme (CDIP), which has provided $57,000 to enable New Zealand to be a lead country partner at The Great Escape music festival’s 20th anniversary, held in Brighton, England.
“Cultural diplomacy is a powerful vehicle for telling our stories internationally. It enhances New Zealand’s visibility, builds deeper global connections, and supports wider diplomatic, trade and tourism outcomes.
“CDIP will invest approximately $3 million over three years to support initiatives that elevate New Zealand’s creativity and culture on the world stage, which aligns with New Zealand’s creative and cultural strategy Amplify.
“A big congratulations to the New Zealand Music Commission for leading the way on this opportunity, and to the New Zealand delegation including the performing artists,” says Leauanae.
More about CDIP on the Ministry for Culture and Heritage website Cultural Diplomacy International Programme | Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/kiwi-artists-to-take-the-stage-at-global-music-festival-with-cultural-diplomacy-support/

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Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine return for White Ferns series against South Africa

Source: Radio New Zealand

Suzie Bates (R) and Sophie Devine (L) of New Zealand celebrate their win over Pakistan at the 2024 T20 World Cup in UAE. PHOTOSPORT

Former captain Sophie Devine along with veteran batter Suzie Bates return to the White Ferns squad for this month’s T20 series against South Africa.

Devine, Bates, Georgia Plimmer and Flora Devonshire were all unavailable for the current series against Zimbabwe which finishes on Wednesday.

Bates has recovered from a quad injury, Devonshire a broken finger and Plimmer a shoulder injury.

The five match series, which includes double headers with the Black Caps and Proteas, starts in Mount Maunganui on Sunday.

Devine is set to make her return to the side for the first time since the World Cup in India in October, as the White Ferns continue their preparation to defend their title at the T20 World Cup in England later this year.

New Zealand is ranked fourth in T20 cricket with South Africa fifth.

Head Coach Ben Sawyer said the injection of Bates and Devine’s experience could only do good things for the team.

“Their quality on the field really does speak for itself but what they bring to the group culturally is really important for us as a team. I’m looking forward to having them mix in with some of the newer members of the squad.”

New Zealand’s Georgia Plimmer bats DJ Mills / PHOTOSPORT

Sawyer expressed his excitement at having Plimmer available again.

“Her role at the top of the order is a key one and it’ll be great to have her back as we continue to build toward that World Cup later in the year.”

The squad features 15 players, with Auckland Hearts’ Bree Illing and Otago Sparks’ Polly Inglis making way for Devonshire and Canterbury Magicians’ Lea Tahuhu after the first two T20Is.

White Ferns T20 Squad v South Africa

Melie Kerr (C) – Wellington Blaze

Suzie Bates – Otago Sparks

Sophie Devine – Wellington Blaze

Flora Devonshire** – Central Hinds

Izzy Gaze – Auckland Hearts

Maddy Green – Auckland Hearts

Brooke Halliday – Auckland Hearts

Bree Illing* – Auckland Hearts

Polly Inglis* – Otago Sparks

Jess Kerr – Wellington Blaze

Rosemary Mair – Central Hinds

Nensi Patel – Northern Brave

Georgia Plimmer – Wellington Blaze

Izzy Sharp – Canterbury Magicians

Lea Tahuhu** – Canterbury Magicians

*first two T20s only

**last three T20s only

Schedule

Sunday 15 March, 1st T20I’s, Bay Oval

Tuesday 17 March, 2nd T20I’s, Seddon Park

Friday 20 March, 3rd T20I’s,Eden Park

Sunday 22 March, 4th T20I’s, Hnry Stadium (Wgtn)

Wednesday 25 March, 5th T20I’s, Hagley Oval

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/suzie-bates-sophie-devine-return-for-white-ferns-series-against-south-africa/

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Shoes on or off inside? What are the rules?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Across Aotearoa, our indoor shoe etiquette is shaped by culture, faith, upbringing and our own ideas about cleanliness.

Guna Magesan, president of the Hindu Council, says that even if a host tells his whānau shoes are fine inside, they’ll usually remove them anyway. For him, it’s about respect, cultural values, discipline and cleanliness.

It’s a habit of daily life which he says most Hindus, especially those from rural or traditional backgrounds, have become accustomed to, he told RNZ in an email. Even while living abroad, it’s become a tradition passed down through generations, he says.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/10/shoes-on-or-off-inside-what-are-the-rules/

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Several top Kiwi netballers undecided on Silver Ferns future

Source: Radio New Zealand

From top-left clockwise, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Jane Watson, Whitney Souness, Gina Crampton. Photosport

Several top Kiwi netballers preparing to play in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league are still undecided about whether they will make themselves available for the Silver Ferns ahead of the sport’s biggest events.

Nine current and former Silver Ferns will test themselves in the Australian league this year, widely regarded as the world’s toughest domestic netball competition. It comes after Netball NZ loosened its eligibility rules last year, allowing players based overseas to remain eligible for the Silver Ferns through a formal exemption process.

Among the group snapped up by Australian franchises are several players who have elected not to make themselves available for national selection in recent years – Gina Crampton, Jane Watson and Te Paea Selby-Rickit.

The veteran trio each told RNZ they remain undecided on whether they would put their hands up for the black dress ahead of July’s Commonwealth Games and the 2027 World Cup.

Crampton, who is returning to the court with the NSW Swifts following the birth of her first child, joked she is just focused on “remembering how to play netball again”, while Selby-Rickit and Watson said they planned to take the season as it comes.

The loss of experienced players from the Ferns’ selection pool has raised concerns about squad depth in recent seasons.

Former Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT

Last year skipper and frontline star Ameliaranne Ekenasio stepped aside from the captaincy and made herself unavailable for the international season, saying she needed a break. Her decision came amid a turbulent 2025 season that saw Dame Noeline Taurua stood down as coach following an employment dispute with Netball NZ.

Ekenasio, who turned down offers in Australia to play for the Pulse in this year’s ANZ Premiership, has not ruled out a return to the black dress.

Remembering how to play again

Crampton admits she thought her chance of playing in the most competitive league in the world might have passed her by.

“I probably resided to that fact that that could have been the end. Last year before I fell pregnant I was really excited to play in the SSN, the world leading competition and now getting that opportunity again is very exciting, it’s a little bit daunting for sure. But even just being involved with a club like the Swifts, who have been historically very successful, I’m just excited to be involved and I can’t wait to see how we go this season,” Crampton said.

The specialist wing attack will play alongside Silver Ferns starting shooter Grace Nweke, who effectively forced Netball New Zealand to revisit its eligibility rules when she joined the Swifts last year.

The national body subsequently loosened its rules, which saw six players apply for and granted exemptions to still be able to play for the Silver Ferns.

Crampton and her partner Fa’asiu Fuatai have been based in Sydney since early 2024. That year Crampton was signed as a training partner with the Giants, and played one game as injury cover. The Giants then signed her on a full contract for the 2025 season before Crampton found out she was pregnant.

Gina Crampton last played for the Stars in the ANZ Premiership. Photosport

An opening came up at their cross town rivals for the 2026 season when Australian Diamond and New South Wales stalwart Paige Hadley announced she was pregnant.

Having given birth to baby boy Reggie just seven months ago, Crampton said pre-season had been tough.

“Sort of had a bit of and up and down journey so far, had a few niggles pop up and things. I guess it was a bit of a learning curve on the return after having a baby, but feel like I’m in a good place now, which has been really cool to get back into things and try and remember how to play netball again.”

After the 2023 World Cup where the Silver Ferns finished a disappointing fourth, Crampton took extended leave to join her rugby playing partner in New York, before they moved to Australia.

Would she consider making herself available for the Silver Ferns again?

“Oh gosh, I’m not sure I think you have to say whether you want to be available for selection or not and I haven’t said anything yet,” Crampton laughed. “So I’m not sure, it seems all a bit far away I guess in terms of just having a baby as well, so maybe something to think of.”

As a former Ferns captain Crampton said it was hard seeing the team surrounded in controversy at the back end of last year with the shock suspension of coach Dame Noeline Taurua.

Crampton spent most of her Silver Ferns career under Taurua, who was reinstated after a 51-day stand-off.

“That was really tough, obviously you could see the impact it had on the girls and how I guess everyone reacted to that but I think the awesome thing to see was how they banded together and they had a huge international season. Not being so close to it anymore, didn’t know exactly what was going on but I think the best thing that came out of it was how the girls played those games.”

Unexpected career twist

Te Paea Selby-Rickit was a Tactix stalwart. Photosport Ltd 2021

Shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit said she had enjoyed a better work-life balance over the past two years since stepping away from international netball after several years.

The 34-year-old arguably had the best domestic season of her career last year when she was a key cog in the Tactix side, which claimed a maiden domestic title.

Selby-Rickit is not sure yet if she will make herself available for the Silver Ferns, who have a huge two years ahead.

“I’m just trying to see how this season goes, if the body is all good and I’m still enjoying my netball I might make myself available but at this stage it’s 50/50, still thinking about it. Obviously a big couple of years and they’d probably want a couple of years of commitment so it’s a big decision whether I can commit to that or not but it’s definitely an option but waiting to see how I go,” Selby-Rickit said.

Playing in the SSN is an unexpected career twist for Selby-Rickit.

“Even over the last couple of years when I wasn’t playing for the Silver Ferns I didn’t really consider it, I thought it probably wouldn’t happen. But I’ve always loved watching SSN and admired it and wondered what if? So when the opportunity came up I couldn’t say no.”

No end date

Jane Watson was a key part of the Silver Ferns defensive end at the 2019 World Cup. © Photosport Ltd 2019

Watson has also got a career refresh after signing with the Sydney based Giants. The defender was in strong form for the Tactix last year when the side finally broke its title drought.

“Having played for them for so long, actually getting a win, in previous years we’d been very close, it was a very special moment for the club and the fans and all the people that came before us would have been stoked with that as well,” Watson said.

Watson thought 2025 was going to be her last year of elite netball before the Giants reached out to her just before the ANZ Premiership finals.

The 35-year-old, who has been joined in Sydney by her partner and three-year-old daughter, is not putting an end date on her career.

“I thought that I was supposed to be finishing a couple of years ago so who knows whether this is the last year or not we’ll just have to see what happens.”

Post the 2023 World Cup, Watson played two series for the Silver Ferns later that year but has not made herself available for the black dress since. But the 66-Test cap Silver Fern told RNZ that she has not retired from international netball.

Souness targets Silver Ferns recall

Whitney Souness spent several seasons with the Pulse in the ANZ Premiership. PHOTOSPORT

Former Silver Fern Whitney Souness also signed with the Giants, and was recently named captain before her first SSN season.

The 44-test midcourter missed out on Silver Ferns selection last year and is determined to push for inclusion before July’s Commonwealth Games.

“Not making it last season it was quite tough, it had been a hard season in the ANZ. For me it was probably the best time to go, I think it came at the right time for me to really push myself and what better way to do that than in the SSN competition so it’s been good timing for me to work my butt off and hopefully get back in that squad,” Souness said.

Knowing that she wanted to be considered for Silver Ferns selection, the 30-year-old applied for and was granted an exemption by Netball New Zealand.

“It was a bit of a different process, it was new, a lot of us had come over here so it was a bit of a different situation for me because I hadn’t made the squad so just a lot of comms with me and Netball New Zealand to make sure that I was available to still be part of the squad and have the opportunity to be part of it.”

Kiwis playing in 2026 SSN

  • *Grace Nweke – NSW Swifts
  • *Kelly Jackson – Queensland Firebirds
  • *Maddy Gordon – Queensland Firebirds
  • *Kate Heffernan – Adelaide Thunderbirds
  • *Karin Burger – Sunshine Coast Lightning
  • *Whitney Souness – Giants
  • Jane Watson – Giants
  • Te Paea Selby-Rickit – Queensland Firebirds
  • Gina Crampton – NSW Swifts

* Have been granted an exemption

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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/2026/03/06/several-top-kiwi-netballers-undecided-on-silver-ferns-future/

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Ngāti Pāoa Treaty settlement comes into effect

Source: Auckland Council

After 15 years in motion, the Ngāti Pāoa Treaty settlement came into effect yesterday, marking a significant milestone for the Auckland iwi and for Tāmaki Makaurau as a whole.

The settlement includes a Crown apology, cultural recognition measures, financial redress of $23.5 million, and the return of a number of culturally significant sites across the Auckland region.

Ngāti Pāoa’s interests extend along the western shores of Tīkapa Moana / the Hauraki Gulf and the eastern parts of Auckland, from Te Aroha to Warkworth, including Waiheke Island and across to the Coromandel Peninsula.

The Ngāti Pāoa settlement is the first historical Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi settlement made in Auckland since 2018. It forms a part of a wider programme of settlements across Tāmaki Makaurau, both completed and still to come.

Yesterday’s date also carried historical significance. On 4 March 1840, several Ngāti Pāoa rangatira signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Karaka Bay in Tāmaki Makaurau. The settlement coming into effect on the same date echoes that earlier moment when Ngāti Pāoa first entered into the Treaty relationship with the Crown.

The Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025 gives effect to the Deed of Settlement signed in 2021. The legislation, which received Royal Assent in November last year, settles historical Treaty claims arising from Crown actions prior to 21 September 1992.

Working together into the future

Auckland Council welcomes the settlement legislation coming into effect.

“The settlement of historical grievances is an important step for Ngāti Pāoa and for the region. It supports the growth and development of Ngāti Pāoa and strengthens our ongoing relationship with the iwi and our work together across Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Nicholas Turoa, Tumuaki Huanga Māori / Director Māori Outcomes.

A joint management arrangement is already in place at Ōmaru (formerly Point England Reserve), supporting shared stewardship of a public reserve while maintaining access for the wider community.

Mayor Wayne Brown has written to Ngāti Pāoa to acknowledge the settlement being finalised and to affirm the council’s commitment to continue working together on future aspirations.

“I congratulate Ngāti Pāoa on the passing of its Treaty settlement. It is a significant milestone, and I acknowledge the decades of perseverance it has taken to get here. This milestone has taken a collective effort by the iwi. As a council, we have valued our long-standing relationship with Ngāti Pāoa and look forward to working together on our shared priorities,” says Mayor Brown.

Historical context

The agreed historical account records extensive land alienation through early Crown purchasing practices in Auckland, and the operation of native land laws in the 19th century.

In one example, land in Kohimarama purchased by the Crown in 1841 for £100 and goods was later subdivided and sold for significantly higher amounts, with no reserves set aside for Ngāti Pāoa despite assurances that they would share in the benefits of settlement. Over time, Crown purchasing practices and forced public works takings resulted in the alienation of much Ngāti Pāoa land, leaving the iwi largely landless in the wider Tāmaki area.

The settlement formally acknowledges these historical grievances.

Sites returned and recognised

Twelve sites of cultural significance have been vested in Ngāti Pāoa, including land at Ōmaru, Waiheke Island and other parts of the region.

At Ōmaru, near Glen Innes, the Treaty settlement enables Ngāti Pāoa to establish a marae at Pāoa Whanake and papakāinga housing at Hine-nui-o-te-paua, overlooking the Tāmaki River and Tīkapa Moana / the Hauraki Gulf.

Other redress includes statutory acknowledgements on sites and areas of significance to the iwi, and the recognition of Ngāti Pāoa associations with maunga and places across Tāmaki Makaurau and the Hauraki Gulf.

Several Crown protected areas will also adopt Māori or dual-language names, including in Pūkorokoro / Miranda and Te Haupa Island (Saddle Island).

Together, this settlement redress supports iwi development and formally recognises the enduring connections of mana whenua to place, to landscape, and to the history of this region.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/ngati-paoa-treaty-settlement-comes-into-effect/

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The calmness factor: Finn Allen’s attitude change pays off for Black Caps

Source: Radio New Zealand

Black Caps opener Finn Allen plays a shot during their T20 Cricket World Cup semifinal against South Africa, in Kolkata on March 4, 2026. AFP

Black Caps hero Finn Allen has developed a calmness about his role as an opener that is paying dividends at the T20 World Cup, the team’s batting coach Luke Ronchi says.

Allen turned New Zealand’s semifinal today into a fireworks display, hitting an unbeaten century in just 33 balls, a T20 World Cup record, as they crushed South Africa by nine wickets in Kolkata.

They will play the winner of tomorrow’s semifinal between England and India in the final in Ahmedabad on Monday NZT.

Allen and fellow opener Tim Seifert blazed away, turning South Africa’s total of 169 for eight into an easy-get, achieving the win in just 12.5 overs for the loss of Seifert’s wicket.

Seifert took on the dominant role to start with, his 58 coming in 33 balls, but Allen gradually increased his pace, finishing with a blitz of four sixes and four fours and a solitary single off the last nine balls he faced, bringing up his century and the victory with a boundary.

“The start Finn and Seif gave us chasing that total was just phenomenal,” Ronchi told Morning Report.

“To see Finn keep going on and play the shots he played the way he did in the moment was just amazing.”

Allen’s form at the World Cup has followed an imperious Big Bash campaign in Australia, where he was [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/584964/finn-allen-s-perth-scorchers-power-to-sixth-big-bash-title the leading scorer with 466 runs for the Perth Scorchers, who won the title in January.

“There is a calmness in situations that he is understanding now,” Ronchi said.

“He can grasp situations of a game or an innings and … if there’s an impactful over or an impactful bowler coming on, he knows trying to get through and play certain shots can be massive in that moment and he’s been doing that beautifully.”

Allen’s combination with Seifert had been “awesome” at the World Cup, Ronchi said.

“They give you impetus starting off an innings like that and the guys behind them can play their way and everyone is complementing each other nicely and hopefully we can do it one more time.”

Ronchi paid tribute to the bowlers, who had pinned down South Africa’s batters.

“The bowlers in general did a fantastic job to restrict South Africa to what we did.”

Rachin Ravindra (L) and Finn Allen celebrate the Black Caps’ win over South Africa in their T20 Cricket World Cup semi-final match in Kolkata on March 4, 2026. AFP

He said the preparation leading up to the tournament had been vital in helping the players understand the different styles of cricket needed on differing surfaces.

“We’ve been here now for two months, we’ve played some cricket in Sri Lanka, we’ve played in India, we’ve played on lots of differing grounds.

“That’s always going to help you, because you understand the style of cricket you want to play.”

Ronchi said the team were unconcerned about who their opponents in the final might be.

“Everyone is prepared to face whoever it’s going to be,” he said, adding they knew they had to adapt to the opposition and whatever the surface and conditions in Ahmedabad might be.

It was important the Black Caps grasp all the excitement and lead up to the final.

“You need to embrace it and own it,” Ronchi said.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/05/the-calmness-factor-finn-allens-attitude-change-pays-off-for-black-caps/

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Hardened by the fall: Why Dave Rennie’s setbacks make him the right All Blacks coach

Source: Radio New Zealand

By Tony Johnson, rugby commentator

Three years after being unceremoniously dumped as Wallabies coach months out from 2023 World Cup, Dave Rennie will take on the All Blacks’ top job. PHOTOSPORT

Analysis – The road travelled over the last 26 years by Dave Rennie, from fledgling coach of the Upper Hutt club to the top job with the All Blacks, has been a long and winding one.

A quick promotion to the Wellington ranks in 2000 brought instant success, an NPC title that had eluded the Lions for 20 years, but since then there have been troughs to go with the peaks.

And it’s the experience gained from those most trying of times, notably his dismal 13 from 34 record with the Wallabies before being fired for Eddie Jones just months out from the Rugby World Cup, that might just prove as valuable as that gleaned from his successes.

Tony Johnson has been a Sky Sport rugby commentator for 27 years. Supplied

Sir Graham Henry has often spoken about how he’d had to learn to become a better people manager after his Lions team blew up in Australia in 2001. Were it not for a run of defeats against the Springboks in 2009 that forced he and his coaching team to have a long hard think about what they were doing, would they have won the World Cup two years later?

Failure at high level was something Scott “Razor” Robertson had no real experience of, and it showed. The defeat against England last November not only cost the All Blacks a much hoped for Grand Slam, it had a profoundly deflating impact on the team, from which the rumours of player discontent emerged.

Dave Rennie knows how to handle success, but will have learned much from his failures.

One of his first tasks will be to address the oft reported, but never truly proven cracks in the group and ensure the team ethos is intact. In this regard, his credentials are compelling.

For sure, his back to back successes with the Chiefs owed plenty to an outstanding group of players and a (cliché alert) coaching “Dream Team”, but it was Rennie who realised from the get-go that they were unlikely to win anything unless they figured out just who they were as a club, and who and what they represented.

From that journey of discovery came a powerful kaupapa, He Piko He Taniwha, On Every Bend (of the Waikato River) a Chief. It established a sense of identity Liam Messam describes as “bone deep”, and the hitherto elusive success came instantly. You’ll battle to find a single player from that era with a bad word to say about Dave Rennie.

Dave Rennie was renowned for building a strong team culture at the Chiefs, alongside a coaching dream team. PHOTOSPORT

As for his playing style, one thing Rennie will not be afraid of, is to bring some abrasion. His Chiefs teams infuriated opposition with their policy of clearing out anyone or anything within coo-ee of ruck. It is a risk-reward strategy that can be devastatingly effective when managed well, but a liability if carried out recklessly.

That’s all in the future. Of immediate importance now will be the establishment of a good coaching team around him. Whilst a complete clear-out of Robertson’s group is unlikely, it is also inconceivable that they will all survive. Rennie will want people with him he can trust, who align with his thinking. It won’t work otherwise.

Whilst public opinion appears to be well in favour of the decision, not everyone is convinced. Some have been quick to point at how his methods did not bring success to the Wallabies, a notable win over the Springboks notwithstanding. In his defence, he was trying to coach a team against an impossibly unstable backdrop, and he could hardly have fared worse than the man who replaced him so abruptly.

Some of those doubts may have been allayed by Rennie’s opening press conference, which was carried out with a clarity and authority that his predecessor had always struggle to convey. It also demonstrated his trademark willingness to challenge boundaries, exemplified in his comments about Brodie Retallick.

Retallick has been in outstanding form in Japan, and could clearly be a difference maker, but that would need the NZR eligibility laws to be tweaked.

Scott Robertson tried it with Richie Mo’unga and got nowhere. The fact that Rennie made his pitch with Chair David Kirk right beside him does make you wonder what they might already have discussed.

Kirk has made it clear that whilst a huge year lies ahead in 2026, it’s next years World Cup that is the number one priority. Was Dave Rennie saying “if that’s the task, then how far are you prepared to go to give me the best chance of achieving it?”

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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/2026/03/05/hardened-by-the-fall-why-dave-rennies-setbacks-make-him-the-right-all-blacks-coach/