Dangerous driving leads to arrest

Source: New Zealand Police

A dangerous driver allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road with his children in the car will now face court.

At about 12.20am, Police attempted to stop a vehicle seen travelling at excess speed on Pilkington Road, Panmure.

“The vehicle failed to stop and has then been observed running a red light before continuing on,” Auckland City East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun, says.

“Units have managed to spike the vehicle in Ōtāhuhu and again in Manukau, where the vehicle has continued at low speed on the wrong side of the road.”

Senior Sergeant Ngau Chun says the driver was eventually blocked by Police and quickly taken into custody.

“Four family members were inside the vehicle at the time, and the driver’s behaviour was extremely concerning.

“We work hard to stop and prevent dangerous driving because we know this can, and does, result in serious crashes with sometimes dire consequences.

“If you see any dangerous driving activity please contact Police on 111 if it’s happening now or 105 if it’s after the fact.”

A 40-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court on 19 February charged with failing to stop and ill-treatment/neglect of a child under 18.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/dangerous-driving-leads-to-arrest/

Common sense approach to life-saving medicines

Source: New Zealand Government

Trained Oranga Tamariki staff will shortly be able to administer life-saving medicines, in a common sense move that will also allow young people to access the services of Nurse Practitioners.

“Previously only a doctor or nurse could administer EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, and if there wasn’t a doctor or nurse at the residence when a young person had a severe medical reaction, staff in the room were unable to respond,’ says Minister Chhour.

“This put young people at serious risk, it is unconscionable and defies common sense, we could not let that continue.

“Trained staff will shortly be authorised to administer emergency injectable medications in residences and potentially save lives.”

The changes introduced include:

  • Trained and authorised residence workers will be allowed to use emergency injectable medications to save the life of a young person experiencing a medical emergency.
  • The types of approved emergency injectable medications will begin with EpiPens and Glucagon Pen Kits, while new emergency injectable medications can be approved for use in the future.
  • EpiPens may be administered without a prescription to enable access to this emergency medication when a young person may have an unknown allergy.
  • Young people can access the services of Nurse Practitioners, while maintaining the right for young people to access a Medical Practitioner if they prefer.
  • Young people will also have access to prescribed medications from authorised prescribers.

“We expect these changes to come into effect by mid-2026 and Oranga Tamariki will be working closely with residence staff to ensure they are well-trained and confident in their ability to use these medicines in an emergency situation,” says Minister Chhour.

Training and authorisation for staff will start shortly, beginning with EpiPen use. Annual refresher training will follow.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/common-sense-approach-to-life-saving-medicines/

Mautohe Cathedral Cove closed as weather warnings issued

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  13 February 2026

Periods of rain, some it heavy, are predicted for Coromandel through 13, 14 and 15 February. A MetService Orange Weather Warning for the area was issued at 11 am today.

DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says the Trigger Response Action Plan for Mautohe Cathedral Cove requires tracks to close whenever weather warnings are issued amid rainfall events.

“DOC has a vital responsibility to manage visitor risk at the site,” Nick says.

“That approach means closing the tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove when we see heavy rain events coming in.

“We want people to be safe, that’s our priority. This is not the time to go naturing at Mautohe Cathedral Cove – do not put yourself at risk.

“The local team hopes to reopen the tracks to the cove once the storm passed, and inspections have been undertaken by DOC staff,” Nick says.

Nick says DOC’s north Coromandel campsites are open – but visitors should consider whether camping is sensible with wet weather forecast, and should check Thames Coromandel District Council and NZTA websites for road information.

DOC closed the tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove on 21 January due to a storm that swept across the North Island. The tracks were damaged and remained closed until 30 January while a geotechnical inspection was undertaken.

Earlier geological assessments at Mautohe Cathedral Cove have also shown there is a residual risk of landslides and rockfalls as the soil above and around the cove dries out following rain events.

The cove can still be accessed from the sea but anyone planning to do this should think carefully about the risks – including the possibility of rockfall and further landslides – and whether visiting is sensible at this time.

Tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove were closed in February 2023 due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Garbrielle. DOC repaired the tracks through the second half of 2024, and they reopened to visitors in December 2024.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/mautohe-cathedral-cove-closed-as-weather-warnings-issued/

Moa Point sewage spill raises bird strike fear at Wellington Airport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Airport is taking safety measures for planes following the Moa Point failure. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Wellington Airport says it has noticed increased bird activity near its runway this week, and it is taking safety measures for planes following the Moa Point failure.

The sewage plant melted down last week, flooding the building with waste and sending raw sewage into the nearby south coast.

Nearby beaches remained off limits due to tens of millions of litres of screened but untreated sewage flowing out the plant’s 1.8-kilometre outfall pipe each day.

Wellington Airport’s location is very close to Moa Point.

With the risk of bird strike for aircraft in mind, its head of operations, Matthew Palliser, told RNZ they were monitoring the animals.

“We are keeping a close eye on bird activity around the airport and have noticed some increased activity at times this week, but we are always prepared for this.”

Palliser said the airport had regular patrols checking the runway and that they worked closely with the Airways control tower.

“When required, we use a range of tools to scare birds off, including different noises.

“We also have a full-time Wildlife Officer who monitors bird activity.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/moa-point-sewage-spill-raises-bird-strike-fear-at-wellington-airport/

One killed, others injured in crash on Canterbury highway

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / REECE BAKER

One person has died following a crash in north Canterbury that left multiple people trapped.

Emergency services were called to State Highway 7, north of Waikari, at about 6.40am on Friday after a car went off the road.

At least four Fire and Emergency NZ crews worked to help free people trapped in the car.

Police said despite best efforts of emergency services, a critically injured person died at the scene.

St John said two others were in a serious condition and a third person was in a moderate condition.

State Highway 7, between McRaes and Mt Alexander roads, was blocked as a result of the crash, a police spokesperson said.

“The road remains closed while emergency services work at the scene.

“Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.”

St John had sent three ambulances and a helicopter to help.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

“Traffic management is in place and motorists should expect delays.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/one-killed-others-injured-in-crash-on-canterbury-highway/

NZ-AU: U.S. Department of Commerce Increases Duties on Chinese Battery-Grade Graphite to 160%+ in Final Determinations

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NOVONIX Limited (NASDAQ: NVX, ASX: NVX) (“NOVONIX” or the “Company”), today acknowledged the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (“Commerce”) final determinations in the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations covering anode active materials (“AAM”) imported into the U.S. from China. The total amount of the tariffs applicable to AAM imported from China will be at least 160%, subject to a final affirmative determination by the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) that the U.S. AAM industry has been materially impeded because of Chinese AAM imports. The ITC’s final determination is expected in March 2026.

Highlights
Subject to the ITC’s final determination on material impediment:

  • An antidumping duty of 93.5% will be imposed on AAM imports from China from specified companies and a duty of 102.72% will be imposed China-wide on all other exporters
  • A countervailing duty of 66.82% to 66.86% will be imposed on all AAM imports from China producers
  • These duties will remain in effect unless revoked and will be reviewed every five years

“These determinations represent a meaningful step toward restoring fair competition in the U.S. anode materials market,” said Mike O’Kronley, CEO of NOVONIX. “By addressing longstanding trade distortions, these measures strengthen the foundation for domestic production of critical battery materials, accelerate investment in U.S. manufacturing, and support the creation of high-quality advanced manufacturing jobs. We believe this materially enhances NOVONIX’s competitive position as we continue scaling synthetic graphite production in North America.”

The duties apply broadly to anode-graphite materials, as defined by Commerce, including synthetic and natural graphite products, whether coated or uncoated, and blended materials used in lithium-ion battery applications.

The previously imposed 25% tariff under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and 20% tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) on AAM imports from China remain in effect. The legal validity of the IEEPA tariffs is currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

NOVONIX supports the transparent and rules-based enforcement of U.S. trade laws and believes these determinations represent an important step in promoting fair competition, strengthening domestic battery supply chains, and encouraging long-term capital investment in advanced manufacturing in the United States.

With the most advanced synthetic graphite production capability in North America, NOVONIX is strategically positioned to support customers seeking secure, domestically produced anode materials. The Company continues to execute on its strategy to expand high-performance synthetic graphite production in the United States, reinforcing supply chain resilience, U.S. energy security, and long-term manufacturing competitiveness.

Additional information regarding the determinations is available through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance records.

This announcement has been authorized for release by NOVONIX Chairman,
Mr. Ron Edmonds.

About NOVONIX
NOVONIX strives to reduce supply chain risk, support U.S. energy independence, and establish a resilient battery materials supply chain. The company is building a North American platform for critical battery materials—anchored by its Chattanooga, Tennessee headquarters and anode materials operations, expanding through its patented all-dry, precursor-free cathode synthesis technology, and supported by industry-leading battery cell testing and R&D services.
Together, these capabilities position NOVONIX as an integrated supplier of advanced battery materials and technologies powering the energy storage and electrification economy.

To learn more, visit us at www.novonixgroup.com or on LinkedIn and X.

For NOVONIX Limited
Investors: ir@novonixgroup.com
Media: media@novonixgroup.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements about the Company and the industry in which it operates. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would,” or other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements in this communication include, among others, statements made regarding the creation and development of new technology, anticipated production capacity at its facilities, anticipated customer demand, the impacts of economic uncertainty, tariffs, and other legislation on our timely achievement of targets and customer milestones, our ability to obtain or maintain and benefit from additional government funding and other support, our expectations of the benefit of the antidumping and countervailing duty determinations, tariffs imposed on China and other countries, improving and growing battery testing equipment and research and development services business, continued investment in and efforts to commercialize the cathode synthesis technology, and efforts to help localize the battery supply chain for critical materials and play a leading role in the transition to cleaner energy solutions.

The Company has based such statements on current expectations and projections about future events and trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Such forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the timely deployment and scaling of its furnace technology, ability to meet the technical specifications and demand of existing and future customers, the accuracy of estimates regarding market size, expenses, future revenue, capital requirements, needs and access for additional financing, the availability and impact and compliance with the applicable terms of government funding and other support, ability to obtain patent rights effective to protect its technologies and processes and successfully defend any challenges to such rights and prevent others from commercializing such technologies and processes, and regulatory and economic developments in the United States, Australia, and other jurisdictions. These and other factors that could affect its business and results are included in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F. Copies of these filings may be obtained by visiting the Company’s Investor Relations website at www.novonixgroup.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes, and actual performance and outcomes may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement in this communication is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/nz-au-u-s-department-of-commerce-increases-duties-on-chinese-battery-grade-graphite-to-160-in-final-determinations/

Warrant to arrest: Steven Te Maru Walters

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are working to locate Steven Te Maru Walters, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.

Walters, 40, is wanted by Police in relation to breaching his release conditions and is known to frequent the Whangārei area.

It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.

If you have seen Walters or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250220/4117.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/warrant-to-arrest-steven-te-maru-walters/

Foreign Minister hosts Commonwealth Secretary General

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on her first official visit to New Zealand today. 

“The Commonwealth plays an important role in bringing countries together around shared values,” Mr Peters says. 

“New Zealand welcomes the Secretary-General’s engagement in the Pacific and her focus on reform, and we look forward to continued engagement on priorities of mutual interest.” 

In their talks in Auckland, Mr Peters emphasised New Zealand’s support for a Commonwealth that is effective, accountable, and focused on its core strengths, including democracy, good governance, human rights, and the rule of law. 

Discussions also focused on the Secretary-General’s ambitious reform agenda and the importance of initiatives such as the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration in delivering tangible impacts for small states, including the Pacific.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/foreign-minister-hosts-commonwealth-secretary-general/

Fatal crash, Karaka Road / State Highway 7, Waikari

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm that one person has died following a crash in Hurunui this morning.

The single vehicle crash on Karaka Road / State Highway 7 was reported about 6.40am.

Despite best efforts by emergency services sadly one person died at the scene.

In addition, one person has been seriously injured and two people have been moderately injured.

The road was closed while emergency services worked at the scene, and it has now reopened.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/fatal-crash-karaka-road-state-highway-7-waikari/

Football: Injured All Whites star Chris Wood gets ‘positive news’

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites captain Chris Wood is on the comeback from injury. PHOTOSPORT

All Whites captain Chris Wood’s road to recovery from a knee injury has taken many routes, but the striker has had positive news as he looks ahead to the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Wood suffered the injury in mid-October while playing in the English Premier League for Nottingham Forest and had surgery in December.

While he has been sidelined, Wood has watched Forest slip towards the relegation zone and fire a third manager this season.

“The easiest thing to say would be it’s part and parcel of football, but it’s been frustrating,” Wood said of his recovery in an interview recorded by Nottingham Forest.

“The manner of the injury has not been perfect because we’ve tried different things, had setbacks, having to go down different routes with surgery and things like that. It’s not been smooth sailing.”

Wood said by “suffering through the lows” of this season it would help him “come back stronger and better”.

“It’s getting better day by day, which is great. Had some positive news yesterday from the surgeon to say I can get on to the next stages and things like that, so it’s better for my rehab now.

“I’ve got to do the right things to get back fit and ready.”

The 34-year-old said he was looking forward to returning to play before the end of the Premier League in May and the World Cup, which kicks off in June.

“There is a lot on the horizon which will be fantastic to be a part of, and the World Cup is definitely one of them.”

He will miss the All Whites’ FIFA Series in Auckland next month.

The All Whites’ last warm-up game before the World Cup is against England.

“Coming up against England will be a great occasion, a tough opponent for us… we’ve always wanted to pit ourselves against the best and England is definitely one of the best and one of the favourites for the World Cup, so it will be a good experience, for sure.”

Wood was recognised with The New Zealand Society’s inaugural Pride of New Zealand award in London last week.

Aware of the influence he had on the next generation of football players in Aotearoa, Wood said he wanted to be an inspiration.

“We’ve had a lot of Kiwis playing across the world at great levels but we’ve only ever had six ever play in the Premier League, and that’s something you’ve got to be extremely proud [of].

“We want more Kiwis playing in the Premier League or playing at high levels around the world, and we’ve got quite a lot who do it, but hopefully there can be a lot more coming after seeing what can be achieved with Kiwis around the world.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/football-injured-all-whites-star-chris-wood-gets-positive-news/

Football: Injured All Whites star Chris Wood get ‘positive news’

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites captain Chris Wood is on the comeback from injury. PHOTOSPORT

All Whites captain Chris Wood’s road to recovery from a knee injury has taken many routes, but the striker has had positive news as he looks ahead to the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Wood suffered the injury in mid-October while playing in the English Premier League for Nottingham Forest and had surgery in December.

While he has been sidelined, Wood has watched Forest slip towards the relegation zone and fire a third manager this season.

“The easiest thing to say would be it’s part and parcel of football, but it’s been frustrating,” Wood said of his recovery in an interview recorded by Nottingham Forest.

“The manner of the injury has not been perfect because we’ve tried different things, had setbacks, having to go down different routes with surgery and things like that. It’s not been smooth sailing.”

Wood said by “suffering through the lows” of this season it would help him “come back stronger and better”.

“It’s getting better day by day, which is great. Had some positive news yesterday from the surgeon to say I can get on to the next stages and things like that, so it’s better for my rehab now.

“I’ve got to do the right things to get back fit and ready.”

The 34-year-old said he was looking forward to returning to play before the end of the Premier League in May and the World Cup, which kicks off in June.

“There is a lot on the horizon which will be fantastic to be a part of, and the World Cup is definitely one of them.”

He will miss the All Whites’ FIFA Series in Auckland next month.

The All Whites’ last warm-up game before the World Cup is against England.

“Coming up against England will be a great occasion, a tough opponent for us… we’ve always wanted to pit ourselves against the best and England is definitely one of the best and one of the favourites for the World Cup, so it will be a good experience, for sure.”

Wood was recognised with The New Zealand Society’s inaugural Pride of New Zealand award in London last week.

Aware of the influence he had on the next generation of football players in Aotearoa, Wood said he wanted to be an inspiration.

“We’ve had a lot of Kiwis playing across the world at great levels but we’ve only ever had six ever play in the Premier League, and that’s something you’ve got to be extremely proud [of].

“We want more Kiwis playing in the Premier League or playing at high levels around the world, and we’ve got quite a lot who do it, but hopefully there can be a lot more coming after seeing what can be achieved with Kiwis around the world.”

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/2026/02/13/football-injured-all-whites-star-chris-wood-get-positive-news/

Opposition finds change to school lunch scheme’s name hard to swallow

Source: Radio New Zealand

David Seymour eating a school lunch. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

A free school lunches programme rebrand has dropped the reo Māori name Ka Ora Ka Ako, in a move Associate Minister of Education David Seymour says is “delivering real value”.

The change comes alongside a new purpose statement and a review of the overall policy.

Papers released under the Official Information Act showed Cabinet agreed on 20 October to rename the programme formerly known as ‘Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches’, to simply ‘Healthy School Lunches’.

“People need to know what things are,” Seymour said. “That’s why we’re using an English name that everyone understands. Delivering real value with taxpayer money is important to Kiwis. That’s why we’ve delivered a healthy school lunch programme which gets the same results, and has been forecasted to save the taxpayer almost $300m already.”

He said they would continue to find ways to ensure the programme fed children “and gets value for the taxpayer”.

Labour’s Willow-Jean Prime said the change was “beyond ridiculous”.

“This government is more worried about what the programme is called than ensuring that our children have lunches that don’t explode. This government’s school lunches program has been a flop.”

Green MP Teanau Tuiono said it was “the opposite of virtue signalling”.

“I’m going to call it toxic signalling to their base… that’s going to bring out a particular contingent of people that think that way… It’s anti-Māori, it’s racist and in many ways pathetic.”

Seymour saying everyone could understand English was “just an excuse”, Tuiono said. “The English and the Māori sit right next to each other.”

A student from Otahuhu College holds an example of a school lunch in 2025. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said it was a “sad reflection of the views of this government”, and showed ACT was trying to get votes.

“We’ve seen Winston [Peters, NZ First leader] double down and basically say, ‘Unless you are a good Māori, you don’t deserve to have Māori representation.’ … These guys on Friday, sitting there saying, ‘Oh, we don’t want to see Māori names in the schools.’

“Expect the campaign from these two parties to be an attack at the Treaty, an attack at Māori, and it starts by again attacking our reo – no surprise.

“Buckle up, believe in yourself and vote against this type of divisive politicking.”

Seymour rebuffed the opposition’s criticisms.

“If they’re getting excited about minor administrative issues like this, they’ll be in opposition for a very long time,” he said.

Ngarewa-Packer denounced that.

“Takes a certain type of narcissist to sit there and trivialise the significance of food in schools, the significance of culture and communities, the significance of te reo Māori… it’s just too important for us to sit quiet and let David dismiss it as administrative.”

Tuiono said if it was so minor, “Why is the effort being put put on this in the first place?”

The papers showed Cabinet considered the original objectives of the programme “no longer fit for purpose”.

Those objectives include providing regular access to healthy lunches to reduce risk of food insecurity, improve wellbeing and promote attendance at school, and boost local economies through job creation including by providing a living wage.

They will be replaced by a new single primary objective, “to mitigate the impact of food insecurity in school”, and new “sub-objectives” focused on mitigating “the immediate negative impact of hunger on a student’s ability to learn” and “the long-term negative effects of food insecurity on a child’s physical, cognitive, and neurological development”.

The Ministry of Education was directed to investigate how to achieve the objectives, including whether curbing food insecurity could be better achieved “in other contexts that reach children during the time they are not at school”.

The review would also investigate other ways to target those at risk of food insecurity including “exploring a voucher-type solution and use of the Integrated Data Infrastructure Database” – indicating it could be brought into a Social Investment approach.

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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/2026/02/13/opposition-finds-change-to-school-lunch-schemes-name-hard-to-swallow/

Four children escape as bus goes up in flames at Leigh

Source: Radio New Zealand

Four children were on board when the bus caught fire. Supplied / Police

A bus carrying children has been extensively damaged by a fire.

Emergency services were called to the fire near the north Auckland village of Leigh just before 8.30am on Friday.

Police said the bus, which was on Pakiri Road, was “extensively damaged” by the blaze.

“Four children were onboard at the time of the fire and they have all been safely removed,” Sergeant Mark Stallworthy said.

“It’s fortunate that no one has been hurt.”

Sergeant Stallworthy said Pakiri Road is down to one lane until about midday.

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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/2026/02/13/four-children-escape-as-bus-goes-up-in-flames-at-leigh/

Health and Safety changes will harm workers

Source: NZCTU

The new Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill is a dangerous move away from the longstanding commitment to ensure all workers should come home healthy and safe, says New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.

“New Zealand has a long way to go to make workplaces safer, and this Bill is a huge step in the wrong direction.  This Bill is only the latest in a string of anti-worker attacks from Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke Van Velden.

“Under the guise of clarity and cost-saving, the Bill establishes a two-tier safety system where workers in small businesses will have significantly less protection at work than workers in larger organisations.

“The size of the business you work for shouldn’t dictate your standard of safety at work. Every worker should come home safe at the end of the day.

“Every 15 minutes in New Zealand a worker suffers an injury that requires more than a week off work. Instead of trying to improve our health and safety systems, this Government is choosing to water them down even further.

“75% of ACC’s work injury costs are made up of so-called less serious risks, but this Bill does little to address this issue. Workers in small businesses facing day-to-day risks like violence and aggression, stress and fatigue, and musculoskeletal injuries will suffer because of these changes.

“Everyone deserves protection at work. The Government is putting workers in harm’s way and saying to businesses that they don’t need to keep workers safe. This Bill is heartless,” said Grey.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/health-and-safety-changes-will-harm-workers/

Turkish delegation visit strengthens historic bond

Source: New Zealand Government

The friendship forged after the Gallipoli campaign more than a century ago is stronger than ever, following an official visit by a senior Turkish delegation, Veterans Minister Chris Penk says. 

The delegation comprised Mr Ömer Toraman, the Governor of Çanakkale — the province encompassing the Gallipoli Peninsula — Mr İsmail Kaşdemir, President of the Gallipoli Historical Site Directorate, and Mr Kerem Yenigün, District Governor of Eceabat. 

During their time in New Zealand, the delegation met with Foreign Minister Winston Peters, laid a wreath at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, visited the popular Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa, and met with officials. 

“It was a privilege to engage with our Turkish friends once again. We greatly appreciate the time they have taken to travel across the world to New Zealand. Their visit demonstrates the strength of the bond between our two nations,” Mr Penk says. 

“Our relationship, forged through shared sacrifice during the First World War, has endured and evolved across generations. Every year, many New Zealanders travel to Türkiye as a rite of passage to pay their respects on the Gallipoli Peninsula as part of Anzac Day commemorations.” 

Mr Penk acknowledged the continued generosity of the Turkish Government and people in welcoming New Zealand visitors to Gallipoli.  

“Honouring the sacrifice of all those who served on the Peninsula remains deeply meaningful for New Zealanders,” Mr Penk says.  
 
“With growing instability around the world and increasing unrest, it is more important than ever to strengthen our collective resolve to uphold peace and understanding.  

“The relationship between Türkiye and New Zealand stands as a remarkable example of enduring reconciliation, and a testament to mutual respect and shared values. 

“We must heed the lessons of history and commit to working together for a peaceful and cooperative future that acknowledges the past.”

“While those shared sacrifices at Gallipoli will always provide a foundation for the relationship, we continue to collaborate to extend our connection in a range of other areas, including through youth engagement and cultural exchanges.” 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/turkish-delegation-visit-strengthens-historic-bond/

Northcote’s new community hub gets underway

Source: Auckland Council

Northcote is rapidly transforming – and with nearly 890 new homes already completed, another 300 under construction and more planned, improved community facilities are essential. To support this growing neighbourhood and create better spaces for people to connect, a new multi-purpose community hub will begin next month on the site of the existing library.

A new community hub for a growing community

The new facility will bring together the library and key community services  Hearts & Minds, North Art, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Plunket – into one modern, flexible space.

Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Direction, at the Auckland Urban Development Office, says, “The heritage-listed library building will be upgraded and complemented by a new contemporary wing, offering shared spaces, community rooms for hire and an enlarged front plaza. It’s going to be a modern vibrant, welcoming space for the community to come together and enjoy.”

“At the back, a covered veranda will connect to the neighbouring Puāwai Cadness Reserve, which is also being upgraded, to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience for visitors.”

A revitalised Puāwai Cadness Reserve

When finished, the reserve will offer new recreational spaces and improved amenities. Kate says, “We’re excited for the community to be getting an improved community hub and a dramatically enhanced reserve. A new basketball court, a large lawn area with a pavilion, children’s play spaces, toilets, and generous new planting will create a more attractive usable and greener environment.”

Improving stormwater and building resilience

Stormwater management will also be significantly upgraded. Kate says, “The new hub, reserve upgrade and final section of Te Ara Awataha, Northcote’s new greenway, will improve drainage to further mitigate the long-standing flooding issues in the area, while delivering valuable environmental, community and health benefits.”

Temporary Library and Services During Construction

To prepare for construction, Northcote Library will close from Monday 16 February and reopen on Monday 2 March 2026 at a temporary hub at 1 Ernie Mays Street. Hearts & Minds, NorthArt, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Plunket will be there too until the new hub and reserve opens at the end of 2027.

Despite the smaller footprint, library services and operating hours will remain the same and car parking will continue to be available on the corner of Ernie Mays Street and College Road. Northcote Library Manager Lucia Mataia says, “We’ll prioritise our most popular and interesting items on shelves. And thanks to our free request and collection service, customers will still have full access to the entire Auckland Libraries network.”

Part of Northcote’s wider 10-year transformation

The new community hub is a key milestone in Auckland Council’s major long-term redevelopment of Northcote’s town centre. Over the next few years, community facilities will be upgraded, followed by the staged modernisation of the shopping precinct.

Ernie Mays Street will be extended from 2027 to become the new main street, and there will be a larger supermarket, new shops and eateries, offices, homes, car parking, and a new town square – creating a vibrant heart for the local community.

Find out more on the AUDO website.

The Auckland Urban Development Office leads Auckland Council’s urban transformation projects – working with mana whenua, developers, and the community to create vibrant, future-ready neighbourhoods.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/northcotes-new-community-hub-gets-underway/

Phoenix women chase A-League title

Source: Radio New Zealand

Makala Woods of Wellington Phoenix celebrates her goal with Brooke Nunn and Lucia de Leon. www.photosport.nz

The Wellington Phoenix can be forgiven for showing a bit of swagger after reaching the top of the A-League standings.

For the first time in their history, the Phoenix were number one in the standings, albeit briefly, after beating Brisbane on Waitangi Day, their fourth successive win.

Melbourne City took over top spot later in the weekend, but the Wellingtonian’s brief stint at the summit did give coach Bev Priestman the opportunity to think about the possibility of winning the league.

“It’s there right, it’s real and it is definitely in sight for us,” Priestman told RNZ.

In her first season in charge, Priestman has the team playing some impressive football despite the loss of a couple of key players to injury.

Wellington Phoenix FC women’s coach Bev Priestman www.photosport.nz

She said the unbeaten run in the last month had shown the team’s desire.

“Players getting through moments and willing to do anything for the team is the difference. You see teams be successful with players running through a brick wall for each other.”

However, she said they can’t get carried away.

“There is a mindset when you’re top of the table to be hunted rather than be the hunter, so we’ve got to forget about the table and just do us and get as many points as we can in our remaining matches.”

The Phoenix have seven wins, three draws and three losses this season and sit two points behind Melbourne City. They take on seventh-placed Central Coast Mariners in Porirua on Sunday.

They have scored the most goals so far this season (27) while their defence has also been solid, conceding just 10 goals – the least in the league, while they’ve had five clean sheets.

Pia Vlok is sixth in the goal-scoring rankings with five goals, Makala Woods is second in goal assists and Brooke Nunn is third in chances created.

Despite their lofty standings, Priestman is expecting more from her side.

“This team hasn’t hit the level that I know they can and that is the scary thing as a coach, I still think this team has more.”

Emma Pijenburg of Wellington Phoenix. www.photosport.nz

However, Priestman said the players need to remember what has go them to this position and that means remaining positive.

“What we don’t do is play it safe, (we’ve got to) go full throttle, doing us and doing it well.

“We just have to keep being brave, playing forward. What I don’t want is sideways and backwards. I want us to step forward, stand up and be counted.”

Priestman doesn’t believe they are the best team in the league, but that isn’t the priority for her.

“Everywhere I go right now people are talking about this team and that’s what we wanted, to create a movement and make this country a women’s football country.

“That’s what it means to this group, more than points and accolades, we want people talking about this team and what this team can do.”

In their four previous seasons, the Phoenix have finished 10th, 11th, 8th and 9th.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/phoenix-women-chase-a-league-title/

Relying on tug boat from Australia risks lives, council leaders say

Source: Radio New Zealand

Interislander ferry Kaitaki was sailing into Wellington Harbour in January 2023 with 854 passengers on board when it lost power. KiwiRail

Council leaders on both sides of Cook Strait say lives could be put at risk due to its emergency tug being off-contract from this month.

In November it was announced the government had sunk plans to station an open ocean tug in the Cook Strait long-term after it said the costs outweighed the benefits.

The government also announced it would end the contract for the MMA Vision open ocean tug this month, rather than June when it was contracted for.

For years local government leaders on either side of the North and South Island had been calling for open ocean tugs after several near-miss accidents.

One of these was in January 2023 when the Interislander ferry Kaitaki was sailing into Wellington Harbour with 854 passengers on board and lost power, which resulted in a mayday call.

Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter said the absence of an emergency tug posed unacceptable risks.

Daran Ponter. RNZ / Dom Thomas

“Cancelling the MMA Vision contract puts lives and economic lifelines in peril.”

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor agreed, saying it was one of the most complex stretches of water in the world to navigate.

“It’s also a shipping route of national significance where the government is responsible for safety.”

The two leaders had penned a letter to Transport Minister Chris Bishop asking for an extension of the MMA Vision’s contract. They said not having the tug nearby would risk human safety, financial stability and the environment given the clean-up cost and damage if a large ship sank.

Ponter said from July, the closest vessel that would have emergency open ocean tug capability would be 1200 nautical miles away in Australia.

“That’s about five days of travel time. We cannot depend on harbour tugs for open-ocean rescues. They are not designed, equipped or crewed for towing large vessels in Cook Strait – where conditions are frequently beyond their operating parameters.”

RNZ has approached Bishop for a response.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/13/relying-on-tug-boat-from-australia-risks-lives-council-leaders-say/

Lanes reopen following crash, Woodhill

Source: New Zealand Police


District:

Northland

Police can advise all lanes have now reopened following an earlier crash at the intersection of Western Hills Drive and Maunu Road, Woodhill. 

We thank motorists for their patience while the scene was cleared.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/lanes-reopen-following-crash-woodhill/

School bus fire, Leigh

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services have been attending a school bus fire near Leigh this morning.

The incident was reported on Pakiri Road just before 8.30am.

The bus has been extensively damaged by fire.

“Four children were onboard at the time of the fire and they have all been safely removed,” Sergeant Mark Stallworthy says.

“It’s fortunate that no one has been hurt.”

Sergeant Stallworthy says Pakiri Road is down to one lane until about midday.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/13/school-bus-fire-leigh/