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Tropical geckos in Australia are more adaptable than we thought

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keith Christian, Professor of Zoology, Charles Darwin University

Earth is teeming with life: creatures big and small have spread and adapted to vastly different environments. Many animals can also change their physiology – how their bodies function – in response to local fluctuations. Just think of hibernating bears in winter, for example.

But some places experience less fluctuation. When you imagine the tropics, you’re likely picturing something akin to a travel brochure – lush and always warm.

Indeed, temperatures in the tropics are relatively stable, so some biologists have suggested tropical animals can’t adjust their physiology in response to a changing environment.

For animals in tropical rainforests that’s somewhat true. However, a bigger portion of the tropics consists of savannas with strongly seasonal rainfall. For the animals that live here, water is as important as temperature when it comes to shaping their physiology.

My colleagues and I studied geckos from Australia’s seasonal tropics to see if they can adjust to the seasons. Our new study, published in The Journal of Experimental Biology, challenges conventional views on what we know about reptiles and their ability to adjust to the seasons.

How geckos avoid drying out

With their scaly skin and ability to survive in deserts, reptiles are often viewed as being impervious to seasonal rainfall fluctuations.

Geckos, a type of nocturnal lizard, are particularly abundant in the tropics around the world. We measured water loss during the wet and dry seasons in closely related species of geckos in the genus Gehyra. They are impressive climbers that typically live in trees or on rocks.

In lizards, about 70% of the water loss happens across the skin, with some water also lost from the eyes and the air they exhale. Depending on habitat and how closely related they were, we expected to find differences among gecko species in the rate of water lost.

Instead, the striking result was their ability to change water loss seasonally. Compared to the wet season, the dry season water loss was reduced by up to 76%.

The plain tree dtella (Gehyra gemina) lives in Western Australia. Geoff Byrne/iNaturalist, CC BY-NC

It’s clear geckos need to conserve water in the dry season, but why not have low rates of water loss throughout the year?

We suspect there could be a cost to holding in the water in the dry season – possibly related to an increase in molecules that prevent the indiscriminate leaking of water across the skin of all land-based animals. When water is abundant in the wet season, they relax their hold, and water loss increases.

The geckos likely preserve water in direct response to how humid the air is. However, seasonal rainfall brings other important changes to tropical savannas.

Insect prey are less abundant in the dry season, and having less food available means animals in the seasonal tropics must adapt in other ways too. Previous studies of amphibians and reptiles in this region show the animals conserve energy by reducing activity, lowering body temperatures, and slowing their metabolisms in what’s known as “metabolic depression”.

Now we can add changes to the permeability of their skin to the list of seasonal adaptations that allow geckos to survive the harsh conditions of a long dry season.

Getting ready ahead of time

Interestingly, animals start deploying these adaptations very early in the dry season, which lasts from May to October in the region where they live. In the geckos, the shift to lower water loss happened in May, despite there being rain early in the month.

This tells us the geckos adjust in anticipation of physiological stress, rather than in response to it.

There’s also evidence the animals aren’t just responding to general cues for that time of year, such as sun angle or day length.

For example, monitor lizards living in the savanna change their behaviour early in the dry season, but individuals of the same species living near the floodplain of the South Alligator River delay the seasonal adjustments until the plain dries late in the season. And other monitors that live near permanent water, forgo the seasonal changes altogether.

Although we don’t know how proximity to water affects water loss in geckos, what we know about other animals suggests the cues they respond to are early changes in humidity, or possibly something to do with food availability.

Gehyra australis, also known as the Australian house gecko. Max Tibby/iNaturalist

Adapting in a harsh world

Far from being inflexible, many animals in the seasonal tropics have evolved a range of adaptations in response to the harsh conditions they experience every dry season.

Some of these adaptations are unique, such as underwater nesting by the northern long-necked turtle. Some, such as metabolic depression, are variations of strategies animals use elsewhere.

And some, such as the geckos’ changes to water loss, may just be more obvious because the animals are above ground and observable, unlike ones hibernating in the winter somewhere inaccessible.

Global climate change involves more than increased temperatures. Other consequences may include changes in rainfall patterns and insect population declines.

Decreased food availability would have devastating consequences to future animals in the seasonal tropics.

However, over evolutionary time, the fact they live in variable seasonal conditions means they’ve adapted to survive at least some, less devastating environmental changes.

– ref. Tropical geckos in Australia are more adaptable than we thought – https://theconversation.com/tropical-geckos-in-australia-are-more-adaptable-than-we-thought-266777

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/03/30/tropical-geckos-in-australia-are-more-adaptable-than-we-thought-266777/

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Connemara cancellations will impact freight companies -Transport NZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

This morning BlueBridge extended cancellations until at least Tuesday evening. RNZ / Bill Hickman

It’s been nine days since sailings were halted aboard the embattled BlueBridge ferry, Connemara due to a technical fault.

This morning, BlueBridge extended cancellations with the ferry no longer expected to resume services until at least Tuesday evening.

Bluebridge apologised for the disruptions and was directing customers to their online Refunds and Compensation page for any claims relating to the cancellations.

If you’re affected by the cancellations, contact bill.hickman@rnz.co.nz

Transporting New Zealand head of policy and advocacy Billy Clemens said the Connemara shipped up to 400 trucks and trailer units across the Cook Strait each day.

“It will be frustrating for our members who move billions of dollars worth of freight across the Strait every year.

“Customers and business will end up waiting longer but freight companies will also have to manage considerations like managing their drivers rest and work break requirements,” he said.

Clemens said he understood BlueBridge was working to manage the increases to demand created by the cancellations and some companies would have arrangements with both ferry providers to help keep freight flowing in the face of the disruptions.

But he said the ageing ferry fleet meant that breakdowns and cancellations would be an ongoing issue until the ferries could be replaced.

“The cancellations have implications on our members. We’re keeping a watching brief on this from BlueBridge.

“The current age of ferries operating on the Strait means that maintenance issues and sailing disruptions are more likely, particularly through to 2029 when we see the replacement of those Interislander vessels. That’s the position that the industry’s in,” Clemens said.

Clemens said the current delays were yet to reach a “critical” juncture for the industry.

“At the moment there’s still three vessels operating across the Strait. What road freight companies are good at doing is managing these kinds of challenges,” Clemems said.

BlueBridge has been approached for comment.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/connemara-cancellations-will-impact-freight-companies-transport-nz/

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Fuel crisis: Auckland mayor says government should promote public transport over driving

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wayne Brown said getting people out of their cars would help reduce congestion in busy metropolitan centres like Auckland. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says those struggling with soaring petrol prices should be taking public transport, not getting an extra $50 a week.

Almost 150,000 workers with children are set to receive financial support as part of the government’s fuel crisis package.

But Brown believes the government should put that money towards promoting public transport.

“There’s a crisis at the moment with fuel. It’s a golden opportunity in one form or another to encourage more use of public transport.

“$50 isn’t going to buy them [workers] enough petrol or diesel to go in every day [of the work week]. This shows you how expensive it is to drive your car into the city, it’s slow, it’s annoying.

“Catching the bus for $50 a week is bloody cheap. We should be advertising that. That’s where they should put some money.”

Aucklanders pay a maximum of $50 a week for buses and trains. Brown suggested the government could lower the Auckland Transport HOP card fare cap to $40 while petrol prices are high.

“Subsidising it a bit more would’ve been a better spend, and it would’ve been cheaper and got a better result.”

He said that getting people out of their cars would also help reduce congestion in busy metropolitan centres like Auckland.

“To pay people to carry on doing exactly what they did before, when we know it’s not a good idea to have everyone driving into the city, strikes me as dumb, really.”

He said Time of Use Charging to get people off motorways during peak hours would be a reality for motorists in the city very soon.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/fuel-crisis-auckland-mayor-says-government-should-promote-public-transport-over-driving/

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A war without accountability: why the Middle East crisis is also a legal quagmire

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anna Marie Brennan, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Waikato

What began with surprise US and Israeli strikes on Iran one month ago has hardened into a grinding stand-off, with no clear way out.

The conflict’s opening blows on February 28 killed senior leaders in Tehran, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel, US bases and Gulf infrastructure.

Years of tension over Iran’s nuclear programme and its regional influence have now boiled over into open warfare, with diplomacy faltering as both sides entrench their positions.

On the ground in Iran, the violence is worsening what was already a strained human rights situation. News reporting from within the country carries daily images of damaged neighbourhoods, overwhelmed hospitals and families fleeing tit-for-tat strikes.

One incident in particular – the US airstrike on a school in Minab in southern Iran that left dozens of girls dead – highlights the scale of the devastation, as well as the war’s murky legal context.

Future war crimes investigators will need to ask some obvious questions. Was the school a civilian site, was it used for military purposes, what precautions were taken and was the civilian harm excessive relative to any military advantage?

Only then will responsibility be able to be determined – but such clarity is likely to be a long way off.

When the law is clear, but accountability is not

Many observers have already criticised the shaky legal basis for the conflict.

Some have described the US position – as set out in a letter to the United Nations invoking self-defence and the protection of Israel against an alleged imminent threat from Iran and its allied groups – as thin.

Others have argued that strikes supporting the stated goal of regime change were unlawful, citing the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force against the political independence of a state and the principle of non-intervention.

At this point, it is safe to assume that accountability for alleged international crimes by all sides to this ongoing conflict will remain elusive.

The International Criminal Court has no automatic jurisdiction because the United States, Israel and Iran are not parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court and defines its powers.

A UN Security Council referral of the situation to the court for investigation and possible prosecution is also unlikely, given the high potential for any such move to be blocked by veto-wielding permanent members.

Is any accountability likely to come through internal investigations by the states involved? This too is uncertain, as such investigations are often classified or narrowly framed by military and legal authorities.

This means independent investigators are often left to piece together their cases from satellite imagery, authenticated videos, mass graves, weapon remnants and medical and mortuary records.

While this can establish what happened and where, linking harm to identifiable decision-makers and proving intent is far harder while the conflict continues and key military records remain sealed.

This is not to say the laws of war themselves are ambiguous. They require forces to distinguish between civilians and fighters, avoid excessive civilian harm and take practical precautions.

International criminal cases turn on attribution and intent, meaning investigators must show who authorised an attack and what they knew. But without insider witnesses or key evidence, that is difficult, and proper accountability for war crimes often fall short.

A pattern of impunity?

We have seen this pattern before, where efforts to secure accountability are blocked or weakened by international deadlocks.

In 2014, the UN Security Council attempted to refer alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity against civilians in Syria’s civil war to the ICC. The effort failed after Russia and China vetoed it, citing concerns about sovereignty and the impact on a political settlement.

In 2021, the UN Human Rights Council ended the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen – an independent body tasked with investigating and reporting on violations by all parties – after some member states voted against renewing it. This removed one of the international community’s few mechanisms for documenting human rights abuses.

The ongoing crisis in Gaza has also proved a defining test of whether international law can be enforced.

The ICC has opened an investigation into Palestine and issued arrest warrants for senior Israeli and Hamas officials over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

But such warrants depend on states to enforce them, and cooperation has been limited. A parallel UN inquiry has found Israel has committed genocide, yet the path to legal accountability remains contested.

In Iran, a similar outcome – or lack of one – now appears sadly likely.

– ref. A war without accountability: why the Middle East crisis is also a legal quagmire – https://theconversation.com/a-war-without-accountability-why-the-middle-east-crisis-is-also-a-legal-quagmire-279199

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/03/30/a-war-without-accountability-why-the-middle-east-crisis-is-also-a-legal-quagmire-279199/

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USP academic calls for better press freedom protections in face of Fiji’s declining media trust

By Cheerieann Wilson in Suva

Public trust in Fiji’s mainstream media has significantly declined, a journalism academic has told the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, citing decades of political upheaval, censorship and institutional pressure.

At its third expert hearing in Suva, the commission heard from University of the South Pacific’s associate professor of journalism Shailendra Singh, who detailed how censorship, intimidation and political pressure had weakened the media landscape over decades.

Dr Singh, who is contributing to the commission’s media chapter, told the TRC that repeated disruptions — including the 1987, 2000 and 2006 coups — had lasting consequences on press freedom and public discourse.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, he outlined how newsrooms faced closures, financial strain and the loss of skilled journalists, contributing to declining editorial independence and professional standards.

He said journalists were often forced into difficult ethical positions, navigating threats and highly polarised environments, which led to self-censorship, and, at times, uncritical reporting aligned with dominant political narratives.

He described the 2000 and 2006 coups as defining moments for the industry.

The 2006 period, he noted, brought the most stringent controls, including the introduction of the Media Industry Development Act 2010, which entrenched censorship and self-censorship in newsrooms.

Steady decline in public confidence
The long-term impact, he said, had been a steady decline in public confidence.

Dr Singh told the commission that perceptions of bias and compliance had contributed to the erosion of trust, with some members of the public even supporting tighter media control.

At the same time, restrictions on traditional media created space for alternative platforms such as blogs, social media and diaspora outlets — opening new avenues for expression but also raising concerns around misinformation and accountability.

Despite the repeal of the MIDA legislation in 2023, Dr Singh said the sector continued to grapple with its legacy, including financial instability, skills shortages and the risk of renewed political interference.

He recommended stronger legal protections for press freedom, improved training to lift professional standards, greater media literacy and independent regulatory mechanisms.

Republished from The Fiji Times with permission.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/03/30/usp-academic-calls-for-better-press-freedom-protections-in-face-of-fijis-declining-media-trust/

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Greens call for urgent inquiry into food factory closures

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is calling for an urgent select committee inquiry into the closure of Heinz Watties, Greggs, and McCain food processing facilities.

Green Party spokesperson for agriculture Steve Abel, a Member of the Primary Production Select Committee, has written to the Committee expressing serious concern at the closure of long-standing food production facilities. “Understanding the extent of the impact and risks is a matter of urgency that the Primary Production Select Committee should open an inquiry into,” says Steve Abel. 

“The closures of Heinz Watties, Greggs, and McCain food manufacturing sites have implications for New Zealand’s food resilience and security, will cause significant job losses, and threaten the viability of local vegetable growers.” 

“The closures, if they go ahead, will reduce local vegetable processing capacity and compromise New Zealand’s ability to feed itself with local produce.”

“For a lot of families, frozen vegetables are how they get affordable, nutritious food on the table. We need to understand what losing this processing capacity means for them.” 

“There is little public information about what led to these factories closing. If the regulatory environment, energy costs, foreign-owner indifference to New Zealand interests, or anti-competitive behaviour from supermarkets is the problem, the public have a right to know.”

“We’re heading towards greater dependency on imported food, and that puts our food security, food sovereignty, and resilience at real risk.” 

“I am calling on all parties in Parliament to support this urgent inquiry as a matter of national significance for New Zealand’s food system,” says Abel.

The letter is available here.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/30/greens-call-for-urgent-inquiry-into-food-factory-closures/

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Trump’s unpopularity shields Labor in Newspoll and other polls despite fuel crisis

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

Although Anthony Albanese’s ratings are down in three new federal polls, Labor has maintained a comfortable lead, with the combined vote for the Coalition and One Nation at 46–47% (steady in Newspoll, down one in Redbridge and down three in Fox & Hedgehog).

A Newspoll question finds the US action against Iran is very unpopular, while both the Redbridge and Fox & Hedgehog polls show the petrol crisis is overwhelmingly blamed on Donald Trump or the Iran war. Redbridge has Trump at -55 net favourable in Australia. Trump is currently shielding Labor from a backlash over the fuel crisis.

A national Newspoll, conducted March 23–26 from a sample of 1,232, gave Labor 31% of the primary vote (down one since the late February Newspoll), One Nation 26% (down one), the Coalition 21% (up one), the Greens 12% (up one) and all Others 10% (steady).

With One Nation well ahead of the Coalition in second, no two-party estimate was provided. An estimate using 2025 election preference flows gives Labor a lead under 54–46.

Albanese’s net approval fell three points to -18, with 57% dissatisfied and 39% satisfied. Angus Taylor’s net approval was down four points to -7 (42% dissatisfied, 35% satisfied). Albanese led Taylor by 44–36 as better PM (45–37 previously).

By 72–23, respondents disapproved of the United States military action against Iran. By 63–30, they opposed Australia sending naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz. Opposition to the US action is far stronger than in the previous week’s Essential poll (42–26).

Here is the graph of Albanese’s net approval in Newspoll, with a trend line. His net approval has slumped eight points in the last two Newspolls, and is only just above his low of -21 in February 2025. But Labor is in a far better position now than it was then.

Albanese Newspoll ratings.

Redbridge poll: Coalition at just 17%

A national Redbridge and Accent Research poll for The Financial Review, conducted March 23–27 from a sample of 1,003, gave Labor 32% of the primary vote (steady since the late February Redbridge poll), One Nation 29% (up one), the Coalition 17% (down two), the Greens 13% (up one) and all Others 9% (steady).

By respondent preferences, Labor led both the Coalition and One Nation by 53–47 (steady against the Coalition and a one-point gain for One Nation).

Albanese’s net favourability was down four points to -17 (46% unfavourable, 29% favourable). Taylor’s net favourability was down two points to -3, Pauline Hanson’s was down one to -3 and Donald Trump’s was down four points since January to -55. New Nationals leader Matt Canavan debuted at -3.

In a three-way preferred PM question, Albanese had 33% (down one), Hanson 23% (steady) and Taylor 14% (up four).

By 61–14, respondents thought Trump rather than Albanese was most responsible for rising petrol prices.

Cost of living remained the most important issue. Combining the Coalition and One Nation against the combined Labor and Greens, the right led the left by 38–31 on cost of living and also led on four other important issues. The left’s only lead was on healthcare (by 37–32).

Fox & Hedgehog poll

A national Fox & Hedgehog poll for the News Corp papers, conducted March 24–25 from a sample of 1,810, gave Labor 30% of the primary vote (steady since the mid-February F&H poll), the Coalition 23% (down one), One Nation 23% (down two), the Greens 13% (up one) and all Others 11% (up two).

By respondent preferences, Labor led the Coalition by an unchanged 51–49. They led One Nation by 56–44, a three-point gain for Labor. In a three-party preferred question, Labor had 46% (up two), the Coalition 27% (steady) and One Nation 27% (down two). By 2025 election flows, Labor would lead the Coalition by above 53–47.

Albanese’s net approval was down four points to -19 (49% disapprove, 30% approve). Taylor’s net approval was down three to net zero. Albanese led Taylor as preferred PM by 39–35 (40–35 previously). Hanson’s net approval was down four to +5 and Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ net approval was -12.

On what was most responsible for rising fuel prices, 55% blamed the Iran war, 24% the federal government and 15% petrol stations and suppliers. But by 57–18, respondents rated the government’s handling of the fuel crisis poor rather than good. By 76–8, they thought fuel shortages would become widespread across Australia in the coming weeks.

SA election late counting

With 88% of enrolled voters counted in the lower house for the March 21 South Australian election, the ABC has called 34 of the 47 seats for Labor, five for the Liberals, two for One Nation and four for independents, with two still uncalled.

The two uncalled seats are both One Nation vs Liberal contests. In Narungga, One Nation leads the Liberals after preferences by just 25 votes. One Nation is further ahead in MacKillop, but no non-ordinary votes have been counted yet.

Statewide vote shares are 37.6% Labor, 22.8% One Nation, 18.9% Liberals, 10.4% Greens and 10.3% for all Others. Despite beating the Liberals into second by 3.9% on statewide primary votes, the Liberals will win at least one more seat than One Nation, retaining opposition status.

The Liberals’ votes were better distributed than One Nation, and preferences also played a role. The two seats One Nation has clearly won (Hammond and Ngadjuri) were in contests with Labor where Liberal preferences helped One Nation. But in One Nation vs Liberal contests, Labor, Greens and Other preferences have helped the Liberals.

Trump’s US ratings fall to record low

I last covered the Iran war’s effect on Trump’s US ratings two weeks ago. His net approval then was -13.8 in analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of US national polls, and it has now fallen to -16.6, with 56.7% disapproving and 40.1% approving. Trump is below his previous worst net approval of -15.0.

In the last two trading days, the benchmark US S&P 500 stock market index has lost 3.4%. Since a peak on February 25 in the week before the Iran war started, it has lost 8.3%.

While the S&P is near a “correction” (a 10% drop), it’s still well above a “bear market” (a 20% drop). High petrol prices probably explain Trump’s ratings drop more than the stock market.

Silver also has an aggregate of US support for the Iran war. Net support has fallen 5.1 points in the last two weeks to -14.5, with 53.8% opposed to the Iran war while 39.3% support it.

– ref. Trump’s unpopularity shields Labor in Newspoll and other polls despite fuel crisis – https://theconversation.com/trumps-unpopularity-shields-labor-in-newspoll-and-other-polls-despite-fuel-crisis-279522

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/03/30/trumps-unpopularity-shields-labor-in-newspoll-and-other-polls-despite-fuel-crisis-279522/

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Fiji’s former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau dies at 84

RNZ Pacific

Former Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau died on Thursday, aged 84.

Ratu Epeli, a chief and former Fiji military commander, served as president from 2009 to 2015.

He also served as Speaker of Parliament from 2019 to 2022.

Local media reported Ratu Epeli died at the Suva Private Hospital after being admitted earlier on Thursday evening.

In Saturday’s frontpage story titled “Nailatikau is no longer with us”, The Fiji Times described the late president as “widely respected for his leadership and dedication to the people of Fiji”.

The Fiji Sun described him as a “respected chief, soldier, diplomat and statesman”.

A former opposition leader and high chief, Ro Teimumu Kepa, said Ratu Epeli’s death had left many people in shock.

“The flowing tributes on social media shows how his personality touched many lives that he came in contact with,” she wrote in a social media post.

The ‘people’s president’
Fiji’s former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum described Ratu Epeli as “the people’s president”.

“Ratu Epeli Nailatikau lived his life among his people, not above them. We see that in the countless stories coming in from across the country about his personal interactions with everyday people,” Sayed-Khaiyun said.

“He put his belief of the dignity of every Fijian into practice every day, including the day he promulgated our Fijian Constitution in 2013 which granted every citizen an equal voice in our democracy while concomitantly protecting everyone’s specific rights including the marginalised and the vulnerable.

“And as if God hadn’t given the man enough rare qualities — he had both a wonderful singing voice and the wits to know when to close out a long night in song and send us all home on a high note.”

The Fiji Labour Party said that as the great-great-grandson of Ratu Seru Cakobau — one of Fiji’s most significant figures — and the grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga, “Ratu Epeli was undoubtedly a scion of royal lineage”.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/03/30/fijis-former-president-ratu-epeli-nailatikau-dies-at-84/

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Fruit fly response a success

Source: New Zealand Government

The latest Oriental fruit fly detection controls in Papatoetoe have been lifted from today thanks to a swift biosecurity response, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

“No further evidence of this pest has been found since the discovery of three male Oriental fruit flies in early March, which is welcome news.”

“An infestation could devastate our production and export market if it ever became established in the country.

“I’m proud of our rigorous biosecurity system, which includes the treatment of fruit before it arrives in New Zealand, checks at the border at both airports and import facilities, and surveillance trapping to catch any flies that slip through with passengers or on imported goods. Its thoroughness and the professionalism of our Biosecurity New Zealand staff help keep our industries safe every day.”

Mr Hoggard says the successful eradication of this pest wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation and support of the local community, local businesses, and sector groups.  

“I commend local efforts to follow the restrictions, which has gone a long way towards protecting our horticultural sector and our home gardens.”

Biosecurity New Zealand has now successfully handled 16 fruit fly responses over the past 30 years.

While the response is now concluding, the national fruit fly surveillance programme remains in place. This includes nearly 8000 traps set nationwide during the peak fruit fly season and checked regularly.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/30/fruit-fly-response-a-success/

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‘Stay in your lane’: Experts urge against following running influencer advice

Source: Radio New Zealand

A woman checks in with her phone at various intervals along her 30-kilometre run route.

As the video flashes back it shows her getting ready, putting on her running belt and shoes.

On another account, a man speaks directly to the camera explaining what his next race will be. He’s training for an ultramarathon where he’ll try run for days around a loop course, until there’s no one left standing.

Katie Dall is a run coach and personal trainer based in Brisbane.

ABC News: Lottie Twyford

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/30/stay-in-your-lane-experts-urge-against-following-running-influencer-advice/

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Open secret: Illicit cigarettes readily available in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Black market cigarettes are being brazenly sold at heavily discounted prices in Auckland, undermining one of the biggest barriers to smoking – the cost.

The illicit packets of cigarettes and bags of loose tobacco have none of the scary health warnings and carry no information about quitting.

They are typically sold at prices that fail to include the hefty excise tax on tobacco, which Customs says amounts to $30.13 on a packet of 20 cigarettes.

Customs says organised crime is involved, and dairy owners warn it’s only getting worse.

Customs excise duties are taxes added to tobacco and other potentially harmful products.

However, the price of tobacco products being sold on the black market is typically less than half the excise duty that must be paid.

Importing cigarettes without paying the excise duty is illegal, and offenders can be charged with defrauding customs revenue.

It’s also illegal for retailers to sell illicit cigarettes, with offenders facing a six-month prison sentence, a $20,000 fine or both.

Given the stiff penalties business owners face for selling such products, it’s somewhat surprising to find them being sold over a shop counter in suburban Auckland.

Nestled between a hardware shop and a massage parlour, the store in an East Auckland shopping centre looks like any other.

Inside a glass-topped front counter are packets of cigarettes for sale.

The prices of the cigarettes are written on the packets in black marker, ranging from $13 to $15 – less than a third of the usual price.

A screenshot of a video of tobacco products that has been posted on Facebook. Facebook

The East Auckland store is one of a number of outlets in the country’s largest city that RNZ believes is offering illicit tobacco products for sale.

Not only do the products avoid excise tax the government could use in the health system to treat conditions related to smoking, but they also hurt the profit margins of small business owners offering legitimate tobacco products.

Tara Singh Bains, owner of several retail stores in the Auckland suburb of Manurewa, said it was hard for small business owners not to be tempted by the price differences.

“Every pack of 20 cigarettes we sell is priced between $36 to $40, with margins of just $3 or $4,” Bains said.

“Whereas a pack of illegal cigarettes – mainly smuggled from China, including the most popular brand Double Happiness – is sold at $13 to $15. Here the margins can be anything between $8 and $10 per pack,” he said.

“This solid profit, along with the involvement of organised crime groups, is the main reason contraband cigarettes are being brazenly sold across Auckland,” he said.

“People like us who … are doing the right thing are approached regularly by people distributing illicit cigarettes and encouraged to join multiple outlets engaged in this illegal activity.”

Daljeet Singh Sidhu, a retailer based in Papakura, claimed the black market for tobacco products in Auckland was an open secret.

“The surprising thing is everyone in the business community knows who is engaged in selling illegal cigarettes, [but] no action is taken against them,” Sidhu said.

“This lukewarm attitude of authorities is ensuring compliant retailers are weakened, while rogue retailers expand and organised crime gains a stable cash engine.”

Sidhu claimed legitimate businesses had experienced a drop in revenue of more than 75 percent for tobacco sales over the past six months or so.

Himanshu Parmar, vice chairperson of Dairy & Business Owners Group that represents more than 5000 entities nationwide, said members had increasingly complained of how readily available black-market cigarettes had become.

“A number of dairy owners in particular have reported significant hardship because they have chosen not to participate in what has become a very prevalent illegal tobacco sales network,” Parmar said.

“Importantly, this also affects other impulse purchases that typically accompany tobacco sales, such as confectionery, drinks and other small retail items,” he said, noting that the combined sales were a critical part of a store’s daily revenue.

“Successive governments have placed significant emphasis on plain packaging and health warnings to highlight the risks associated with smoking,” he said.

“Illegal cigarettes typically bypass these regulations and do not carry the required warnings about the dangers of tobacco use.

Parmar said adulterated tobacco products were particularly worrying.

“Because these products are part of an illegal supply chain, there are serious concerns about the quality and contents of the tobacco itself,” he said.

“Consumers simply do not know what additional chemicals or harmful substances may be present.”

In 2011, Canada’s national police force warned that adulterated cigarettes could contain significantly more cadmium, lead, tar and carbon monoxide than standard cigarettes.

The issue doesn’t appear to be confined to Auckland.

Jay Patel, owner of a dairy in Hamilton, said his cigarette sales had plummeted in recent months.

“Everyone is selling – why are you not selling?” Patel said, repeating a question he often gets from his customers.

“As a result, my cigarette sales have dropped by almost 80 percent in the past three or four months.”

Patel called for harsher penalties to be introduced, with undercover operations increased to catch those selling illicit cigarettes red-handed.

“The fine for selling illegal cigarettes should be something to the tune of $10,000 or more,” he said.

“The current fines, which these retailers engaging in illicit tobacco trade earn in a day, is nothing more than a slap on the wrist.”

Several retailers in Auckland – who all spoke on condition of anonymity – said they had made multiple complaints about illicit tobacco products to authorities, as well as to their local boards and Takanini MP Rima Nakhle.

RNZ has approached police, Health New Zealand and Ministry of Health for comment on the issue, but they all deferred questions to Customs.

Customs acknowledged that tobacco smuggling had become more organised, large scale and sophisticated.

This came amid warnings New Zealand’s illegal tobacco market would become as bad as Australia’s.

Robert Beaglehole, chair of anti-smoking group ASH, said while it was in smokers’ interests to buy cheaper smokes, it carried risk.

“The danger of that, of course, is that the illegal trade grows and, as we’ve seen in Australia, gets totally out of control,” Beaglehole said.

Beaglehole said an illegal tobacco market could lead to a decline in tax revenue used to fund the very health system that smokers might one day be forced to rely on.

Nigel Barnes, chief customs officer for fraud and prohibition, said seizures figures had been trending upwards for the past decade.

In 2025, Customs seized 11.1 million illicit cigarettes and cigars.

Just 9.2 million illicit cigarettes and cigars were seized in 2024, 8.48 million in 2023 and 4.8 million in 2022.

Seizures of illicit cigarettes and cigars in 2017 amounted to just over 3 million.

Barnes said the illegal tobacco industry was part of the organised crime ecosystem.

“These aren’t opportunists, they’re organised criminal groups by definition,” Barnes said. “It will typically involve multiple people, and there is a lot of money involved.”

Barnes highlighted the price differential between legitimate and illicit tobacco products.

“If they had paid the excise, they’d be selling you that at a massive loss, which is highly unlikely, so that’s a strong indicator that [it’s] illicit tobacco.”

Nakhle said she was concerned by the reports of an increase in illicit cigarette sales in South Auckland.

“This is both a crime issue and a health issue, and it is something that communities in Takanini and across South Auckland are right to be concerned about,” she said.

“People selling cheap, illegal cigarettes are not doing our communities any favours. These actions make smoking more accessible, particularly in lower-income areas, and that cuts across the work that has been done by our government to help people quit.”

Nakhle pledged to continue raising the issue with police and her parliamentary colleagues.

Manurewa Local Board member Marshal Ahluwalia said numerous dairy and small business owners in his area had raised concerns about how the illicit tobacco products were harming their businesses and creating unfair competition for those who followed the law.

“Illegal cigarettes are cheaper, which encourage people to smoke more,” Ahluwalia said.

“Authorities need to take stronger enforcement action,” he said. “At the same time, agencies … should actively confiscate these products and ensure they are removed from the market.”

Meanwhile, retailers pointed to the emergence of “pop-up dairies” that act as fronts for illicit tobacco sales in their complaints to authorities.

Parmar claimed such shops typically displayed basic grocery items worth a total of $1000, with the real focus being the sale of illicit tobacco products to locals.

“I am aware of a small town in South Waikato that now has one of these so-called pop-up dairies,” Parmar said.

“Local retailers have raised concerns with police, but no action has been taken. They were instead advised to contact the health department, which unfortunately has led nowhere so far.”

Customs warned retailers to refrain from selling illicit tobacco products.

“Engaging in the illicit tobacco market … potentially exposes [them] to other organised crime risk types, so it’s to be avoided,” Barnes said.

Parmar urged retailers selling illicit cigarettes to think about the harm they were causing.

“Our advice to anyone involved in selling illegal tobacco is simple: stop immediately,” he said. “It is not worth risking prosecution that could ultimately prevent you from operating a business at all.”

Ahluwalia called on business owners to think about the impact on the wider community.

“No profit is more important than the health and wellbeing of our communities,” he said. “So please just stop.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/open-secret-illicit-cigarettes-readily-available-in-auckland/

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Injured Fin Melville-Ives wins halfpipe World Cup series crown

Source: Radio New Zealand

Finley Melville Ives. www.photosport.nz

Fin Melville Ives has made history by winning the freeski halfpipe Crystal Globe, crowned men’s World Cup series champion as New Zealand celebrated a triumphant end to the season.

Compatriot Luke Harrold won the final event in Switzerland on Monday morning (US time) to clinch his first ever World Cup event win while Melville Ives finished on top of the overall standings despite not competing.

The 19-year-old reigning world champion broke his collar bone during the qualifying rounds of last month’s Winter Olympics in Italy and was stretchered from the course.

Finley Melville Ives lies on the snow after crashing in the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe qualification run 2. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

The serious injury meant he was never likely to line up in Silvaplana, leaving him exposed to be passed.

However, he retained his lead on 280 points, having won two previous rounds and notching a runner-up finish in the five-leg World Cup series.

He is the first New Zealander to win the freeski halfpipe Crystal Globe.

Harrold thrilled

It was also an unforgettable day for 17-year-old Harrold, who pipped Estonia’s Henry Sildaru with his second-run score of 93.25 after posting 80.25 in his first.

Gold medallist Luke Harrold of New Zealand celebrates on the podium during the Medal Ceremony of the Freestyle Skiing Men’s Freeski Halfpipe at the Winter Youth Olympic Games, South Korea, 2024. PHOTOSPORT

Harrold upped the ante in his second run with a switch right alley oop double 900 critical grab, a switch left alley-oop double 900 mute, then a switch left cork 720 Japan, a right dub 1260 mute, to end on a massive left double 1620 safety on the last hit.

“I was at the top, I was trying to have as much fun as possible. Just wanting to try to give everything I had in this last run, last run of the year. Just gave it my all and it worked out, so I’m super happy,” Harrold said, who failed to reach the final in his maiden Olympic appearance last month.

“To come away with the win and land that last run really meant a lot in the last World Cup of the year. There were a few World Cups and the Olympics in the middle where I wished I maybe did a little bit better, so to end the year like this is incredible.”

Sildaru topped the men’s overall Freeski Park and Pipe standings.

Thomas runner-up

New Zealand freeskier Mischa Thomas competes in the halfpipe at the Winter Olympics, 2026. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

There was more success for New Zealand in the women’s halfpipe finale, with Mischa Thomas runner-up in her first World Cup podium finish.

Reigning women’s world champion Zoe Atkin of Great Britain clinched victory to secure the Crystal Globe with a score of 86.75,

Thomas, 18, was second with 80.75 to finish her rookie season in style.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/injured-fin-melville-ives-wins-halfpipe-world-cup-series-crown/

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Small, medium businesses on high alert amid fuel crisis

Source: Radio New Zealand

Six in 10 (61 percent) of those surveyed said fuel was critical or very important to their ability to operate. Quin Tauetau

Small and medium-sized businesses (SME) are on high alert as global tensions put pressure on fuel prices and supply.

A pulse survey by MYOB of more than 230 SME decision-makers indicates high levels of concern about being prepared to mitigate operational and financial impacts of fuel pricing and supply.

More than half (55 percent) of the SME business owners and operators said they were very or extremely concerned about the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel pricing and supply, while a further 27 percent said they were moderately concerned and 16 percent slightly concerned. Just 3 percent said they weren’t concerned at all.

Six in 10 (61 percent) of those surveyed said fuel was critical or very important to their ability to operate.

Just over half (52 percent) said higher fuel costs hit their business the most through supplier price increases, followed by the costs of the business’s own fleet (47 percent), courier and freight costs (41 percent) and supply chain disruption (30 percent).

MYOB chief customer officer Dean Chadwick said ongoing local customer support will play an important role in helping many businesses manage through the pressures and uncertainty they were feeling.

“This is also a time where broader support can make a real difference. For the wider public who are also feeling the pinch, choosing to support local businesses where possible, paying promptly and recognising the pressures operators are under, can all help SMEs navigate what could be a very challenging period ahead.”

More than a third of decision-makers surveyed were considering increasing prices to customers (37 percent), followed by reducing spending in other areas (35 percent), encouraging team members to work from home or reducing days on site (16 percent), and changing transport or logistics arrangements (16 percent).

Increasing stock levels and reducing operating hours were also being considered by some.

“While the current pressures are outside a business owner’s control, there are still practical steps SMEs can take to stay on the front foot – from regularly reviewing costs and maintaining visibility over cashflow, to having open conversations with suppliers and partners about pricing where needed,” Chadwick said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/small-medium-businesses-on-high-alert-amid-fuel-crisis/

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Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward councillor Christine Fletcher promises probe into unruly Mt Albert party

Source: Radio New Zealand

Christine Fletcher was contacted by fearful local residents. RNZ / Finn Blackwell

A councillor for the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert is asking the council’s chief executive to investigate after an out-of-control party of teens left several injured.

Teenagers ran for their lives, when trouble broke out on Phyllis Street on Friday night.

Two people were hurt, after a vehicle drove toward partygoers, while another two were injured in wider disorder.

Neighbours said the home was listed on short-stay accommodation sites and had been used for parties before.

One neighbour said locals had raised the problem with local MPs and other authorities, but nothing had changed.

Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward councillor and former Auckland mayor Christine Fletcher told RNZ the unrest could not happen again.

“It’s completely unacceptable,” she said. “While, at the moment, the matter sits with police, we have to – within council – look at those areas for which we’re responsible,” she said.

“Infringements, noise infringements, whether it’s the sale of alcohol… we need to actually do a check to see what complaints have been lodged over this past year, because we cannot see a repeat of that just terrible behaviour.”

Fletcher said the incident was significant and had to be taken seriously.

“Let’s leave it with police at the moment, but know that there will be an investigation going on behind the scenes.”

Fletcher said she had been contacted by two residents with young families, wondering what on earth had happened.

“We’re not living in a warzone and we do not need to see this type of behaviour. We need to get to the bottom of it and understand how this has been allowed to happen.”

Local Anna McKessar earlier told RNZ she was putting her children to bed just before 10pm, when a group of screaming teens came running towards her home.

“I was really worried about the young people that I could see, and whether they were trying to get away and whether they were safe.”

She said a few hundred people were gathered there, before violence spilt out onto the road.

“They shouldn’t have been having this ruckus party,” she said.

Another Phyllis Street resident, who did not want to be named, said she was woken by the sounds of the “violent” altercation.

“There was so many people out there screaming and shouting at each other, and they were kicking the gates and fences of random houses down Phyllis Street. It sounded like people were getting really hurt.”

Police said they wanted to hear from anyone with footage from the event or who had not yet spoken with them.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/albert-eden-puketapapa-ward-councillor-christine-fletcher-promises-probe-into-unruly-mt-albert-party/

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Advocacy group calls for prioritisation of food security amid fuel crisis

Source: Radio New Zealand

It comes as food processors Watties and McCain plan to close some of their plants. Unsplash / Eduardo Soares

There is currently no requirement for supermarkets to keep locally produced food on the shelves, with an advocacy group calling for change before it’s too late.

Eat New Zealand has renewed calls to prioritise more food for domestic consumption.

It comes as food processors Watties and McCain plan to close some of their plants.

Eat New Zealand chief executive Angela Clifford said the group would like a strategy to support both commercial manufacture destined to be sent overseas, and secure domestic food supplies for New Zealanders.

Eat New Zealand has a membership base made up of farmers, fishers, food manufactures and consumers.

Eat New Zealand chief executive Angela Clifford says New Zealand’s food system has become financialised. Supplied

Clifford told Nine to Noon that while exporting food was a big part of the economy, it had led to the centralisation of the food system.

“We have continued to see the lack of ownership of our food system in recent years. You know, we have no security plan, no vision to feed our own people.

“In food systems we talk about the need for redundancy – that is so we don’t find ourselves in a situation with just a few manufactures, because if anything goes wrong, say like a global fuel crisis, it means that you run out of options.

“When we see global companies not invest in the infrastructure of our manufacturing plants here in New Zealand, we sort of lead to this diminishment overtime… and we are at that stage now.”

Financialisation of food

Clifford said New Zealand’s food system had become financialised.

“Our food system is to make money from, it’s not to feed us.

“So we have these examples of that, we have these supermarkets that are making really significant profits, but don’t really have any guard rails or priorities in terms of feeding us.”

She called for decentralisation, which she said could include the creation of regional food hubs, community or public markets.

“As a country we really need… a regionalisation of our food system.”

It wasn’t about replacing export, but focusing on smaller local food systems, she said.

Foodstuffs responds

Foodstuffs says New Zealanders can be confident that food supply remained secure, even amid current cost pressures. Belinda Feek/Open Justice

In a statement, Foodstuffs told Nine to Noon New Zealanders could be confident that food supply remained secure, even amid current cost pressures.

It said they had long-standing relationships with New Zealand growers and manufacturers, including partners like Wattie’s, who have produced a significant portion of their Own Brand frozen vegetables.

“That reflects both a strong local growing sector and our preference to offer customers New Zealand-grown produce.

“We value the role local growers play and recognise how important it is to keep food production viable in New Zealand.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/advocacy-group-calls-for-prioritisation-of-food-security-amid-fuel-crisis/

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Exceptional students named in 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards

Source: New Zealand Government

Fourteen outstanding students from across the country have been named recipients of the 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards,” Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair Erica Stanford says.

“The Awards honour the legacy of the 28th (Māori) Battalion and support the next generation of Māori leaders. It is a privilege to recognise these New Zealanders for their leadership, resilience and academic excellence,” Ms Stanford says.

“This year’s recipients reflect the dedication, talent and aspirations these awards seek to celebrate. They demonstrate the values that carry forward the extraordinary legacy of the 28th (Māori) Battalion.”

The 2026 scholarship and award recipients include include two doctoral candidates, two master’s students, three undergraduate students, and three vocational education and training students. The winners of the 2025 Ngarimu Video Competition and the Ngarimu Waiata Competition have also been recognised.

This week, members of Ngā Rongo Toa ā Ngarimu, the alumni network for former scholarship recipients, came together to advance plans that will see more mentoring and support to the next generation of Ngarimu scholars. This will strengthen connections across past and present recipients.

“Building the alumni network will help enable scholarship recipients, both past and present, to continue inspire and support one another,” Ms Stanford says.

“I want to acknowledge the inaugural members of the Alumni, for their leadership and dedication in bringing this project to life, and I wish the recipients this year the absolute best in their next endeavours.”

The Ngarimu scholarships were established in 1945 to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Māori Battalion including Victoria Cross recipient Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu. More than 300 students have been recognised since the fund began, contributing as leaders across Aotearoa, New Zealand and internationally.

Media contact: Michael van der Kwast +64 21 875 347

Notes for editor:

The 2025/2026 recipients of the Ngarimu VC and 28 (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards are: 

  • Uenukuterangihoka Tairua Jefferies (Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Maniapoto)
  • Arna Whaanga (Ngāti Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa)
  • Xavia Tuera Connolly (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Ngāruahine, Mōkai Pātea, Ngāti Whakaue, Whakatōhea, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Whātua)
  • Tiffany Radich (Ngāti Awa)
  • Temaea Taeaki (Ngaiterangi, Kiribati)
  • Isla Mariana Fellows (Ngāti Mutunga ki Taranaki, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri)
  • Hinerangi Nicholas (Tūhoe, Ngaiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Kuki Airani)
  • Tūī Mārama Keenan (Ngāti Porou)
  • Tiffany Daphne Shirtliff (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou)
  • Janine Aroha Tito (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Mahuta)
  • Skyla Storm Ngawaki Te Moana (Te Whānau a Apanui)
  • Florence Kararaina Ngā Mata O Manaiawharepu Grace (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Te Whānau a Apanui)
  • Hineata Durie-Ngata (Ngāti Porou, Rangitāne, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Whakatere, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Awa)
  • Mahaki Chambers (Ngāti Porou)

The inaugural members of Ngā Rongo Toa a Ngarimu | Ngarimu Alumni Group are:

  • Associate Professor Elana Curtis
  • Dr Truely Harding
  • Dr Julian Wilcox
  • Dr Marise Kerehi Stuart
  • Mr Kingi Kiriona
  • Mr Te Aorere Pewhairangi
  • Mr Brigham Riwai-Couch
  • Mr Tamati Waaka

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/exceptional-students-named-in-2026-ngarimu-vc-and-28th-maori-battalion-memorial-scholarships-and-awards/

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Phoenix women ‘gutted’ after home loss

Source: Radio New Zealand

Pia Vlok of the Wellington Phoenix reacts. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz

Phoenix women’s coach Bev Priestman was left bitterly disappointed after finishing their home regular season with an upset loss.

The Phoenix were beaten 1-0 by lowly Western Sydney in Porirua which ended their hopes of winning the minor premiership and may prove costly in the play-off picture.

It was their second successive loss and now Wellington are in a three-way battle for second spot and a first round bye in the top six play-offs.

“I’m just gutted,” Priestman said.

“The fans have been unbelievable for us this season. I know it’s not the end but it’s the last home game of the regular season [and] I would have really liked to give them something to write home about.”

Bev Priestman head coach of the Wellington Phoenix Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz

Melbourne City secured top spot, while the Phoenix, Canberra and Adelaide are all within a point of each other.

A win over Adelaide on Friday will secure the Phoenix second spot and avoid an elimination game. Instead they would qualifying for a home and away semi-final.

“Now we’ve got a tight turnaround and we’ve got to stand up and be counted going into this Adelaide game.

“What I would say is that adversity is good for you and you don’t choose when it hits you. Now it’s time to react to adversity.”

“Adelaide’s a big trip but a big opportunity to respond and that’s what I’m most excited about.”

A-League standings (points and goal differential)

Melbourne City 37 +15

Wellington Phoenix 31 +19

Canberra United 31 +7

Adelaide United 30 0

Brisbane Roar 28 -3

Central Coast Mariners 27 +1

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/phoenix-women-gutted-after-home-loss/

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Auckland power cable ‘possibly’ intentionally damaged, causes diesel leak

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

Fire and Emergency have discovered that it is a power cable – not a fuel pipe – which has caused a diesel leak in South Auckland on Monday.

Three crews have been at the scene on Great South Road in the suburb of Manurewa since 6.30am on Monday morning.

Northpower helped Fire and Emergency to establish that it was a power cable with fuel insulation around it in order to cool it down.

FENZ assistant commander Chris Delfos said there would be some ecological damage to the waterway as a result of the leak.

It will be working with Auckland Council to mitigate as much of that as possible.

Emergency services at the scene Kim Baker Wilson/RNZ

Earlier, Delfos told the New Zealand Herald that it appeared there had been some sort of “sabotage” to the pipeline.

In a later press conference, Delfos said the damage was “possibly” intentional.

Firefighters were working to prevent any further fuel loss, but the quantity of fuel involved was unknown.

Fire and Emergency NZ and police were called to Great South Road before 7am. Kim Baker Wilson/RNZ

A worker was earlier seen emptying buckets into a large yellow container.

A lane on busy Great South Road was closed with traffic being moved around it.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/auckland-power-cable-possibly-intentionally-damaged-causes-diesel-leak/

Posted on

Kiwi caught on camera a Pureora milestone

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  30 March 2026

Department of Conservation’s Maniapoto Operations Manager Graham Kimber says the bird was filmed by a trail camera set up as part of a non-toxic trial to test a new sausage bait being developed to control introduced predators.

A time stamp on the footage shows the bird was filmed at about 4 am on 25 February, on a camera located in the southern part of the Waipapa Block.

The kiwi is thought to be a western brown kiwi, and it’s the first live member of its species identified in northern Pureora since 2000.

Graham says the appearance of the bird is a welcome surprise – and a reward for the hard work of the DOC team who manage species and predator control in the forest.

“We did not expect to have this bird crop up on a camera,” Graham says.

“Any native birds in Pureora forest face ongoing threats from stoats and ferrets, and ground-dwelling birds like kiwi can also be attacked and killed by dogs.”

Expert DOC staff who have assessed the video believe it is a young bird that has now reached more than 1 kg – meaning it’s probably large enough to fend off a stoat. Without capturing and examining the bird, its gender remains unknown.

“To have this bird emerge is very encouraging for our team and the volunteer groups also contributing to conservation in Pureora,” Graham says.

“We’re rapt our ongoing efforts, including the use of 1080 to control predators, appear to be working. We’re taking this bird as a promising sign we need to keep the pressure on these predators to protect our taonga species.”

Anyone naturing in Pureora Forest Park – including those in the Pureora Hunting Competition – is urged to report any kiwi sightings to DOC, by calling 0800 DOC HOT. Video and photographs are valuable, as are GPS co-ordinates of where the bird is found or a description of its location.

Hunters taking dogs into the forest should ensure they are trained to avoid kiwi.

The trial in Pureora is part of DOC’s research work to develop a 18 g meat sausage for targeting stoats and feral cats. 50 trail cameras were in place to monitor introduced predator and non-target species’ interactions with the non-toxic bait. Previous studies have shown the sausages are highly attractive to feral cats and stoats but not to most native species like kiwi, nor to deer.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/30/kiwi-caught-on-camera-a-pureora-milestone/

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Workplaces must store petrol safely

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

As fuel prices rise, WorkSafe New Zealand is reminding businesses that petrol is extremely hazardous, and improper petrol storage puts workers, property and the public at serious risk. Petrol vapours can ignite from heat, sparks, static, running engines or electrical equipment.

Workplaces must only store what they can safely and legally manage.

Unsafe storage of petrol is dangerous

Petrol gives off flammable vapours that can ignite easily. Vapour exposure can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, loss of coordination, and in high concentrations, unconsciousness or death. Improper storage – such as in enclosed areas or non-approved containers – can quickly turn a workplace into an ignition zone.

Even small quantities stored incorrectly or in the wrong place can create a fire and potentially cause life-threatening conditions.

What workplaces must do

WorkSafe guidance requires petrol to be stored only in approved containers, with portable containers limited to 25 litres, filled to no more than 95%.

A location compliance certificate must be held to store more than 50 litres of petrol. You must engage a compliance certifier who will assess whether the site meets the requirements in the regulations before issuing a certificate.

Register of compliance certifiers(external link)

Approved containers must be kept away from ignition sources, protected from direct sunlight, and never stored in vehicles or enclosed spaces where vapours can accumulate.

These requirements aren’t optional, they exist to keep people safe.

Don’t create unnecessary risk

Workplaces should avoid storing petrol in spaces not designed or ventilated for flammable liquids, such as garages, back rooms, or shipping containers. Everyday electronics can create sparks capable of igniting vapour.

Tips for the safe storage and use of petrol in workplaces

  • Petrol must be stored well away from any potential ignition sources including:
    • No naked lights in the vicinity of petrol.
    • Do not smoke near petrol.
    • Never store petrol containers or equipment with petrol tanks near a flame, for example natural gas water heaters or heating systems.
    • Do not leave petrol containers in direct sunlight or in the boot of a car.
    • Do not use electronic equipment near petrol. A spark from the electronics could ignite the petrol.
  • Never refuel a hot machine engine or a machine engine that is running. Shut down the engine and let it cool off for at least 10 minutes. The highest temperatures attained by a small machine engine occur immediately after shutdown, so it is not safe to refuel then.
  • Use only approved petrol containers. When transporting containers, be sure they are secured in the vehicle. Fill containers to no more than 95% of the container to allow room for thermal expansion. Be sure your containers have secure lids.
  • Never remove the cap from a petrol tank while the engine is hot: combustible vapour can flow out and come in contact with manifolds, exhaust pipes and other hot engine parts.
  • When fuel is transferred from a container into a vehicle, follow basic health and safety precautions:
    • Decant (pour) in the open air – not inside buildings.
    • Use a pouring spout or funnel.
  • If clothing is splashed with fuel, change it immediately.

For more information

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/30/workplaces-must-store-petrol-safely/