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Australia can’t reach its ambitious climate targets with current policies. Here are 6 things we can try

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Hatfield-Dodds, Honorary Professor of Public Policy, Australian National University

Ludvig Hedenborg/Pexels, CC BY-NC-ND

In less than ten years, Australia has to cut its emissions 62–75% below 2005 levels. Given reductions in emissions over the past 20 years, that translates to cutting emissions 47–65% below current levels. As of last year, that’s about 440 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Under current climate policies, official projections indicate annual emissions will fall 32% by 2035, leaving a sizeable 70–150Mt gap. That’s big. Australia’s cars, trucks and other road vehicles emitted a total of 82Mt last year, for instance.

In a new report, we show Australia will need new policies that provide clearer signals and stronger incentives to stand a chance of reaching its goal.

Policies strong and weak

Economists have long seen a broad-based price on carbon as the most efficient way to drive down emissions.

But Australia’s decades-long climate wars and the repeal of the so-called carbon tax in 2014 has effectively taken this option off the table.

Instead, we have a suite of different policy approaches in three broad groups:

Strong policies

Around 64% of Australia’s net emissions are covered by strong regulation and incentives. In electricity (34% of emissions), clear policy direction coupled with investor momentum is replacing coal and gas generation with renewables and storage. This is already driving lower prices. Emissions are projected to fall 86% by 2035. In industry (30% of emissions), the Safeguard Mechanism covering the 200 largest industrial emitters is projected to cut emissions around 40% by 2035.

Weak or missing incentives

Policies for transport (19% of emissions) and smaller industrial facilities (13%) are falling short. Compared with most advanced nations, the vast majority of transport emissions in Australia are unregulated. The government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard gives car buyers more low- or zero-emission options, but lacks incentives to reduce day-to-day emissions. Industrial emissions for smaller facilities are not subject to incentives or constraints.

Opt-in opportunities

The remaining 4% of net emissions come from agriculture, waste and land use. Here, carbon stored in growing vegetation (74Mt) effectively offsets most of the emissions from agriculture (82Mt) and waste (14Mt). Most agricultural operations are export-oriented and have few low-cost ways to cut emissions. The immediate goal is to work towards a future where importers of emissions-intensive food bear the costs of quality credits used to offset these emissions.

Clear policies have driven change in Australia’s electricity sector.
Steve Tritton/Shutterstock

Bridging the emissions gap

Here are six new ways to accelerate emissions cuts.

1: Fix electricity

Despite progress, there’s unfinished business in electricity policy. Current policies guide new investment but not how power generators are operated. As a result, coal and gas plant operators don’t have incentives to cut emissions.

The solution, as Grattan Institute experts have argued, is to expand the Safeguard Mechanism to cover electricity by creating a limit for total electricity sector emissions which would reduce over time.

2. Wind back fossil fuel subsidies

Incredibly, governments are still doling out fuel tax credits to make it cheaper for heavy freight to burn diesel. Removing these subsidies would boost government coffers by $4 billion a year and motivate fleet owners to shift to more efficient and lower-emission trucks. Next, policymakers could remove tax incentives encouraging Australians to buy bigger utes and light commercial vehicles.

Fuel tax credits subsidise diesel bills for trucks and heavy freight.
Rhys Moult/Unsplash, CC BY-NC-ND

3. Expand the Safeguard Mechanism

The Safeguard Mechanism requires Australia’s largest emitters to progressively cut emissions, either directly or by buying Australian Carbon Credit Units as offsets to meet their emissions obligations.

A well-regulated carbon credit system reduces the cost of complying with the mechanism by more than 60%. This enables Australia to impose more stringent obligations on industry than other nations, including in sectors such as steel and air transport that currently lack cost-effective options to cut emissions.

Expanding the Safeguard Mechanism to cover smaller industrial facilities would drive uptake of low-cost emission reductions, according to the Productivity Commission. Our research shows lowering the threshold from 100,000 to 25,000 tonnes would drive greater cuts in on-site emissions, boost demand for carbon credits, and increase long-term credit prices.

4: Tackle carbon credit price malaise

Carbon credits act as a visible carbon price. If their value goes up, businesses have an incentive to reduce their direct emissions and rely less on credits. But this logic only stacks up if investors are confident in policy settings – and expect the carbon price to rise over time.

Reaching net zero will require a rising carbon price. We project credit prices will be flat or falling over the next three years, at around $35 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, before growing to around $70 per tonne by 2035. But we cannot rule out the chance of prices staying low. If this happens, it will suppress business investment in directly reducing emissions.

Governments should reduce this risk by transparently intervening if prices are too low, such as by stepping in to buy credits. As maximum prices are already set through the cost containment measure, this would effectively create a price corridor similar to the Reserve Bank’s target range for inflation.

We find higher prices could lead to an extra 80Mt in cuts by big industrial facilities over ten years, with less reliance on credits.

5. Remove handbrakes on investment

In 2023, the Safeguard Mechanism underwent reform. But these reforms aren’t yet leading to investment in low-emissions facilities and equipment due to weak carbon credit prices, policy uncertainty and a slow start to obligations.

The government could bring forward the next review of the mechanism to this year to align it with the carbon credits review and make policy announcements possible earlier. This would give investors the certainty they need to invest.

6. Expand carbon credits to include nature

Linking carbon credits to promoting nature outcomes could boost the value proposition. Moving from the current carbon focus to “nature positive carbon credits” would reward landholders for using their land to store carbon and restore habitat and put upward pressure on credit prices.

No time to waste

Australia is already living through the consequences of climate change.

To do its part in preventing climate change from worsening, Australian policymakers need to design and introduce more policies to reach its new emissions target.

Reform is never easy. But most Australians know full well that the costs of doing nothing will be far greater than the costs of sensible policy action.

Steve Hatfield-Dodds advises not-for-profits, businesses, and national, state and territory governments on climate and sustainability strategy. He was a member of the Chubb Review of arrangements for Australian Carbon Credit Units in a personal capacity in 2022.

– ref. Australia can’t reach its ambitious climate targets with current policies. Here are 6 things we can try – https://theconversation.com/australia-cant-reach-its-ambitious-climate-targets-with-current-policies-here-are-6-things-we-can-try-275088

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/09/australia-cant-reach-its-ambitious-climate-targets-with-current-policies-here-are-6-things-we-can-try-275088/

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Dirtbike dangers raised as 3yo suffers facial injuries after father crashes in Northland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dirt bikes have become a menace on some New Zealand streets. Photo / File Coopersgrl / Reddit

A three-year-old child has suffered severe facial injuries after his father crashed while doubling him on a dirt bike in Northland, police say.

The crash has highlighted the danger of dirt bikes being used on city streets – and an alarming trend of riders taking young children for high-speed joyrides, almost always without helmets.

Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong, area prevention manager for Mid North police, said the Kaikohe crash involved a three-year-old boy and his father.

The child was seriously hurt and the 22-year-old rider was facing child welfare and driving charges.

Armstrong said the child was being doubled at the time of the crash.

He was unable to say more given that the case was now before the courts.

RNZ understands the child’s injuries included a broken jaw and facial lacerations.

Dirt bikes were a problem in Kaikohe in particular, but there were also regular incidents in Whangārei – including the death of a rider in March last year – and in Auckland, where a group of about 40 bikes sped across fields where children were playing sport on 1 February.

“A big problem is the fact that a lot of these bikes are not warranted. They’re not registered, they’re not roadworthy. The riders themselves are not licensed, and some of the driving behaviour is just dangerous, reckless and unruly,” he said.

Senior Sergeant Clem Armstrong, of Mid North police, says dirt bike riders are putting children in serious danger by taking them joy riding on city streets. RNZ / Peter de Graaf

“There’s no consideration for members of the public and other road users, and it’s just a huge safety concern for us. I’ve seen first-hand people who have been seriously hurt, and the absolute last thing we want is for somebody to lose their life as a result of this sort of stuff.”

An alarming trend involved riders taking young children as passengers.

“A lot of the bikes that we come across, they don’t have brakes, they don’t have tread on the tyres. So there’s just so many risks, ultimately it will lead to more people being seriously hurt.”

A Kaikohe resident, who did want to be named for fear of retribution, said dirt bikes tore past his home frequently.

They created noise and nuisance and the riders put themselves at risk by pulling wheelies in traffic, but it was the danger to small children that made him “deeply, deeply anxious”.

“Parents, mothers and fathers alike, will take a little, tiny baby for a ride down the street, and the child is sitting in front of them, with no restraints,” he said.

“They’re doing at least 50k, if not more, and the child thinks it’s an absolutely wonderful thing. But they have no idea what would happen if they suddenly hit something. They would just go flying like a bag of cement and have to be scraped off the road 20 metres ahead.”

That has already happened with the severely injured three-year-old, he said.

“That still hasn’t stopped them. You still see it. Those small children don’t have an opportunity to say, ‘No, this is dangerous, and I don’t want to do it’. And parents are giving them what they think is a good time.”

Armstrong said no particular age group was involved, and many of the riders fancied themselves as experts.

“A lot of them, in their own minds, believe they’re really good riders, but a lot of the time they’re actually poor. They don’t have the knowledge or experience, and they haven’t gone through any sort of proper learning.”

Armstrong said police took the offending seriously and would hold people to account through the courts, with tools such as CCTV used to identify offenders.

Bikes could be impounded for 28 days up to six months.

Any rider signalled to stop should do so, because fleeing could lead to charges of dangerous driving or failing to stop.

Consequences for those who stopped could be less severe, such as education.

Armstrong said thrill-seeking was often their motivation, and many had no access to bike tracks or other places to ride so they took to streets and footpaths.

“They may think it’s a fun thing to do, but it’s not fun when we’re dealing with seriously injured people, especially kids,” he said.

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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/2026/02/09/dirtbike-dangers-raised-as-3yo-suffers-facial-injuries-after-father-crashes-in-northland/

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Yes, One Nation’s poll numbers are climbing. But major party status – let alone government – is still a long way off

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrea Carson, Professor of Political Communication, La Trobe University

Recent polling has delivered a spike for the anti-immigration party One Nation, triggering media speculation that Australian politics is on the cusp of a populist realignment.

The latest Newspoll had Labor on 33%, One Nation on 27% and the Coalition on just 18% of primary votes, which constituted both an historic high for One Nation and an all-time low for the Coalition.

Headlines tell us Pauline Hanson’s party is “soaring”, with some analysts asking if she could lead the country or emerge as opposition leader amid a populist uprising.

Yet, the evidence for either of those happening is thin. For a start, it relies on mid-term polling following a landslide victory for Labor in the 2025 election – in other words, is shows one in four Australians would currently vote for One Nation.

A 27% primary vote is certainly a notable boost for Hanson’s party. But framing it as a pathway to One Nation leadership misreads what is fundamentally a Coalition-induced problem. Here are several reasons why One Nation’s support is likely to hit a ceiling.

Historically, One Nation’s limited electoral success has been mostly in Queensland (22.7% first preference in the 1998 state election) and upper houses, where it currently holds four Senate seats out of 76.

Even then, the two One Nation senators contesting the 2025 election were well below quota on primary votes and relied heavily on Coalition preference flows to leapfrog rivals in the WA and NSW count. It was as much about a Coalition preference deal as a One Nation success story.

Australian prime ministers emerge from the lower house (the brief exception was John Gorton), where One Nation has virtually no presence beyond the defection of former National party leader, Barnaby Joyce. Turning a poll spike into a One Nation government would require Hanson (or Joyce) to contest a lower house seat, sustained national support across diverse issues, and a leap from niche anti-immigration messaging to broad policy appeal.

Mid-term polls, especially those not counting undecided voters, often reflect protest sentiment rather than durable electoral momentum. Excluding undecided voters fails to show the degree of voter volatility, especially this far out from a full-term election due in 2028.

Labor’s primary vote has also softened, taking on heavy criticism for its response to the Bondi massacre, and with interest rates rising again and renewed mortgage pain, it too is not immune to a mid-poll protest vote.

Governments (and opposition parties) can suffer mid-term slumps without translating into election losses. Only a year ago, polling pointed to a one-term Labor government and a Coalition victory. Five months later, Labor secured an unprecedented 94-seat win and Liberal leader Peter Dutton lost his own seat.

As former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, once quipped: “A week can be a long time in politics”, so too with early polling and the final ballot.

One Nation’s recent boost is framed as a rise in right-wing populism tapping into a wave of global anti-immigration sentiment.

But there’s no denying voter frustration with Liberal–National infighting. Sussan Ley’s weakened leadership, with Angus Taylor openly canvassing for her job, has created openings for protest from disaffected Coalition supporters. A quarter of voters at the last election had already moved away from the major parties leading to the rising tide of the independents, particularly the teals, at the expense of former (moderate) liberal heartland seats like Kooyong in Victoria.

Twice in nine months, the Coalition partnership has imploded. It has been patched back together again now, but few see this as a solid arrangement, and most expect an imminent leadership spill in the Liberal Party.

While dismayed National voters could switch to One Nation and follow Joyce, it would put a handful of National seats in play at best. This is especially so given the Queensland version of the party, the Liberal National Party, remains a united single entity against the federal Labor government.

Further, the likelihood of moderate Liberals agreeing to a One Nation–Liberal Coalition replacing the Nationals, is fanciful. Liberal member for Flinders Zoe McKenzie dismissed this notion last week.

Geography and candidate quality further limit Hanson’s prospects. Australia’s population is concentrated on the east coast, where One Nation’s support is uneven, and weak in major cities. Some commentators suggest current polling and high profile recruits such as Cory Bernardi could see upcoming state elections produce lower house One Nation representatives. Even so, state voting patterns are not good predictors of federal election outcomes. Queensland is a good example of that.

One Nation has long struggled to recruit candidates capable of surviving media scrutiny and upholding parliamentary responsibilities. Since the party’s inception until 2023, out of 36 One Nation representatives at state and federal level, only seven have lasted long enough to face re-election. The party’s history of candidate controversies – think of Hanson’s falling-outs with Mark Latham, Fraser Anning and David Oldfield – have been a drag on the party.

Structural factors reinforce these limits. Preferential and compulsory voting systems favour parties with broad public appeal, making it hard for niche-issue parties like One Nation to translate short-term polling attention into seats.

Hanson’s decades-long focus on immigration, cultural threat, and elite betrayal grabs media attention. She is a shrewd political communicator whose polling narratives and immigration rhetoric reinforce one another, driving visibility and public engagement. For example, a Sky News clip of Hanson headlined “Polling higher than the Liberals” currently has 272,000 views. Another segment on immigration, framed around claims that migrants “don’t want to assimilate”, has drawn 180,000 views.

Yet, the party’s message amplification should not be confused with persuasion. These are the same anti-migration themes Hanson has promoted since the 1990s, with limited success in expanding her electoral base. They ignore immigrants’ vital roles in Australia’s health and regional workforces, and in Australian society more generally.

While anti-immigrant sentiment has risen in the wake of the horrific Bondi terror attack, issue salience fluctuates. The most important issues closer to polling day are typically broader, such as cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, health and aged care. And the next election is still two years away.

For now, the polls tell us more about voter frustration, volatility and media incentives than about who will govern Australia in 2028.

Andrea Carson receives funding with colleagues from the Australian Research Council to study political trust.

Finley Watson receives funding through an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship.

– ref. Yes, One Nation’s poll numbers are climbing. But major party status – let alone government – is still a long way off – https://theconversation.com/yes-one-nations-poll-numbers-are-climbing-but-major-party-status-let-alone-government-is-still-a-long-way-off-275086

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/09/yes-one-nations-poll-numbers-are-climbing-but-major-party-status-let-alone-government-is-still-a-long-way-off-275086/

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Concerns about increased ‘nangs’ use in Hawkes Bay being aimed at young people

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cartridge of nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas or nangs, can cause serious health problems. AFP/ GARO

A significant jump in the recreational use of nitrous oxide, or nangs, has community leaders worried, with claims big canisters of the gas are being marketed to children.

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas, known as laughing gas, which is used as a painkiller in medical and dental procedures.

It is also used in catering to make whipped cream.

If inhaled recreationally nangs can have dangerous long-term side effects like nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord.

Under the Psychoactive Substances Act it’s illegal to sell the product for recreational use.

In recent weeks, dozens of the discarded canisters have started turning up in the Hawke’s Bay prompting a crisis meeting.

Stewart Whyte of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga called the hui and told Checkpoint they were made aware of the issue through a retailer in the area.

“We just got a contact through one of the retailers here that actually works with oxygen bottles for dive supplies and things like that… and he had collected quite a few apple bins [worth] over a short period of time.”

A 1.6 litre cannister of nitrous oxide. Photo / File Supplied

Whyte said the largest canisters they had found had been around the size of a large thermos flask.

“They’re marketed in such a way that they’re very colourful and obviously aimed at young people. They certainly don’t look like industrial canisters for making whipped cream.”

While medical grade nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, Whyte said these canisters are purely nitrous oxide, making them extremely dangerous.

“These big canisters, I believe, have about 300 hits within each one.”

Whyte is worried the problem is bigger than what anyone is anticipating.

“It seems to me that it’s gone under the radar for quite a long period of time. I think the use of this particular substance though has spiked. Certainly the evidence of the empty canisters turning up at this company would be evidence of that.”

“There are huge side effects, quite dangerous to people’s health for the use of this product. So it is quite concerning.”

He said with evidence that nangs have contributed to fatalities on the roads, it is clear the gas is already affecting whanau.

“There is impacts already that can evidence people have been seriously hurt, the nervous system’s damaged, people have been blacking out for 30 minutes or longer,”

“While it might be a short-term, 30-second hit for a young person, what we need to do really quite clearly and quickly is to inform our community that these products are out there and at the moment they’re readily available through retail outlets with very little law to protect our young people from the danger that they present.”

A meeting with community leaders was held two weeks ago to discuss the issue.

Whyte said leaders landed on a two-step approach to addressing their concerns.

“One is educating and informing our community of the danger of this particular product. The second one is to try and get our retailers together that are offering this product to see if there’s a willingness for them to not supply it.”

“That would be the best outcome that we could achieve.”

He said they also want politicians to look at the law around selling nitrous oxide, banning it from dairies and vape stores, and making it available only from licensed premises that deal in catering.

“I think that would be the logical next step, but it’s a longer-term project.”

“There’s no reason for them to be in a dairy.”

Whyte said their number one priority is to spread awareness within the community, something that he said he has already seen rising.

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/2026/02/09/concerns-about-increased-nangs-use-in-hawkes-bay-being-aimed-at-young-people/

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Homicide investigation launched after ‘much-loved’ grandmother found dead at worksite

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A homicide investigation has been launched after the discovery of a woman’s body at a worksite in Hawke’s Bay last week.

On Tuesday, police were called to a property on Taihape Road in Omahu, near Hastings after a body was found.

She has since been identified as Sharlene Smith, aged 64, from Rotorua.

“We continue to support her loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” detective inspector James Keene said.

“Our early enquiries have established that this was a tragic and avoidable death of a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister, and we are determined to find answers for her whānau,” detective

inspector James Keene said.

Keene said a committed team were investigating, but was also calling for the public’s help.

Police are appealing for sightings of a white Mazda 3 2005 sports hatch on 30-31 January within the Taihape Road/Omahu Road Fernhill area.

Anyone who may have witnessed any other suspicious activity in the area during that time period are also encouraged to contact police.

People can get in touch through the 105 service, quoting reference number 260203/9739.

You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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/2026/02/09/homicide-investigation-launched-after-much-loved-grandmother-found-dead-at-worksite/

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Watch: Taranaki’s Liquefied Natural Gas import facility expected to save New Zealanders millions

Source: Radio New Zealand

The government says a Liquefied Natural Gas import facility in Taranaki will save New Zealanders about $265 million a year.

Energy Minister Simon Watts on Monday announced a contract was expected to be signed by the middle of the year, with construction finishing next year or early 2028.

Watts told media the facility would provide Kiwi’s “greater security and peace of mind”.

“As a government we are taking swift and decisive action”.

While Luxon said it would “provide a reliable back-up source.”

“I’m sorry, we are going to be investing in energy and electricity in this country.

“We need to get rid of the dry risk,” Luxon told reporters on Monday.

Watts would not confirm whether power prices would be cheaper next winter.

“I’m not going to guarantee, based on the advice I’ve been given the benefits outweigh the costs.”

The opposition party was briefed on the decision, Watts said.

A factsheet supplied by the government said the infrastructure costs would be paid for through a levy on electricity of between $2 and $4 /MWh.

The facility was expected to cut future prices by at least $10/MWh, and curb an expected 1.25 percent reduction in Gross Domestic Product from higher energy prices.

While an exact location for the import facility was yet to be determined, all the shortlisted submissions were in Taranaki, Watts said.

Procurement started in October in response to the independent Frontier report, which the government largely rejected.

The report said developing an import facility would make no economic sense if it was used only for firming, when generation is low.

Watts said the government would design an import model bringing in “large shipments only when needed”, and would later become a “fuel source for industrial, commercial and residential users”.

The factsheet said modelling from MBIE had shown the LNG import facility would “effectively cap gas prices”.

MBIE also modelled four other options for cost, timeliness, impact on energy prices, flexibility and wider impacts – but LNG imports were found to achieve lower electricity prices at relatively low capital cost.

Options modelled included a new thermal generation plant to run on coal or biomass; a combination of new and converted ‘peaking’ plant, that would run on diesel; a combination of a new unit at the Huntly power station, new and converted peaking plants, and a demand response; or a combination of LNG importation and refurbishing the Taranaki Combined Cycle plant.

“Other options, including renewable projects, were considered but not advanced due to a range of factors such as expected time to construct, feasibility of generating power reliably on the required scale, and effects on electricity market incentives.”

How did we get here?

Luxon in August 2024 said New Zealand was in an “energy security crisis”, with Winstone and Oji Fibre mills blaming power prices as they began consulting on closures, and NZ First’s Shane Jones accused the gen-tailers of profiteering.

He announced “urgent” actions including an independent review of the sector and removing regulatory barriers for an LNG import facility, which Cabinet agreed to consent.

At that time, a timeframe of winter 2026 was expected.

The government largely rejected the recommendations of the review carried out by Frontier Economics, with sector players including Simon Bridges criticising a lack of bold action.

“It would make no economic sense to develop an LNG import terminal to meet just dry year risk as the large fixed costs would be spread over a relatively small amount of output,” the Frontier report said.

“If an LNG terminal is contemplated as a last resort to provide NZ with a secure energy system, this should be considered as part of a wider gas supply strategy for communities and industrial users where gas is the most economic source of energy.”

Watts at the time said the government would begin procurement the following week and expected to have the facility up and running by winter 2027.

An earlier report in July for the four major gen-tailers Contact, Meridian, Genesis and Mercury – as well as gas company Clarus – found it could take three to four years to set up an import facility at costs ranging from $200m to $1b.

RNZ In-Depth’s Kirsty Johnston in November reported the response from “almost every corner – other than the gas industry itself – was a collective groan”, with sector commentators calling it a “band-aid” solution that “doesn’t make logical sense”.

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/2026/02/09/watch-taranakis-liquefied-natural-gas-import-facility-expected-to-save-new-zealanders-millions/

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Scene guards in place after Christchurch man stabbed

Source: Radio New Zealand

Scene guards are set to remain in place overnight in central Christchurch. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

A scene guard will remain in place in central Christchurch overnight as police continue to investigate a serious assault.

Detective Sergeant Caroline Johnson said police were called to a property on Fitzgerald Avenue at around 12:20pm on Monday, where a man was found in a critical condition, with injuries consistent with being stabbed.

“A scene examination, and police investigation, is ongoing.

Scene guards will remain in place overnight – as this occurs, there will be increased police visibility in the area.”

Police also reassured the public that there was not believed to be a threat to public safety.

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/2026/02/09/scene-guards-in-place-after-christchurch-man-stabbed/

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Delivering LNG to support energy security

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will contract to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility in a critical step to strengthen New Zealand’s energy security and support economic growth, Energy Minister Simon Watts says.

The decision follows extensive analysis and the first stage of procurement.

“New Zealand is experiencing a renewable electricity boom, but a rapidly declining gas supply has left our electricity sector exposed during dry years, when our hydro lakes run low,” Mr Watts says.

“The result is greater reliance on coal and diesel, and ultimately higher electricity prices, putting more financial pressure on families and making businesses less competitive.”

Independent analysis from Sense Partners found that higher energy prices have had a significant impact on the New Zealand economy, leading to a $5.2 billion loss in GDP in 2025.

“For Kiwis that means fewer jobs, lower wages and a slower recovery as New Zealand emerges from a challenging period of high inflation and high interest rates,” Mr Watts says.

“In the last two years, the Government has taken a series of positive steps designed to improve the affordability and availability of energy, as part of our plan to fix the basics and build the future. 

“That includes fostering greater competition through tougher regulation of major energy companies and enabling greater development of New Zealand’s natural resources to unleash the supply of renewable and non-renewable energy. 

“Establishing an LNG import facility is an important next step.”

The LNG import facility will provide a reliable backup fuel source, reducing the impact of dry-year risk on electricity pricing and stabilising electricity costs. It will also add another layer of resilience by giving New Zealand access to additional supply options if domestic gas supply tightens unexpectedly.

“Just having a reliable back up is expected to save Kiwis around $265 million per annum by reducing price spikes and lowering the risk premium built into power bills that exist because of supply challenges, equivalent to around $50 per annum per household,” Mr Watts says.

“If domestic gas supply continues to decline and drive-up gas prices, the availability of LNG is estimated to be worth $1.2 billion per annum to the New Zealand economy by 2035. Access to LNG is also expected to protect around 2000 jobs from the economic impact of rising energy prices and gas shortages.”

The Government has shortlisted leading proposals and is progressing to commercial contracting, with the aim of signing a contract by mid-2026. The facility could be operational as soon as 2027 or early 2028. 

“Located in the Taranaki, the project will create jobs during construction and provide long-term skilled roles once operational, reinforcing the region’s role at the heart of New Zealand’s energy system,” Mr Watts says.

Access to LNG will support many gas-dependent industries to consider their long-term energy needs and invest accordingly, by reducing the risk of supply disruptions and extreme price volatility. 

The Government will design an import model that brings LNG in large shipments and only when needed, minimising exposure to international gas prices and keeping the door open for new technologies.

Further details on the procurement process and project milestones will be shared in the coming months.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/delivering-lng-to-support-energy-security/

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District Court Judge Ema Aitken says she did not shout when disrupting NZ First event at exclusive club

Source: Radio New Zealand

District Court Judge Ema Aitken at the Judicial Conduct Panel on Monday. Finn Blackwell / RNZ

A lawyer has told a Judicial Conduct Panel removing a judge is done to protect the judiciary, as the inquiry into acusations a District Court Judge disrupted a New Zealand First event begins.

Judge Ema Aitken was appearing before a Judicial Conduct Panel in Auckland on Monday, accused of disrupting a function at Auckland’s exclusive Northern Club in 2024.

She was accused of shouting that NZ First leader Winston Peters was lying.

Judge Aitken said she didn’t shout, didn’t recognise Peters’ voice when she responded to remarks she overheard and didn’t know it was a political event.

Presenting the allegations of misconduct to the panel, Special Counsel Tim Stephens KC said the panel was responsible for reporting on the Judge’s conduct, finding the facts, and ultimately recommending if the Judge should be removed.

Special counsel Tim Stephens KC (left) and Jonathan Orpin-Dowell (right). Finn Blackwell / RNZ

He noted it would not be up to the panel to remove the Judge.

“Whether to remove the Judge is a decision for the acting Attorney General and not the panel,” Stephens said.

“But the attorney is only able to remove the judge if the panel concludes that consideration of removal is justified in the panel’s opinion.”

Stephens said the removal of a judge was not a disciplinary matter.

“It’s not a punitive or disciplinary measure,” he said.

“Rather, its function is protective, it protects public confidence in the judicial system, it protects the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary.”

It came down to a matter of fitness for office, Stephens said.

The Judicial Conduct Panel, (right to left) Hon Jillian Mallon, Hon Brendan Brown KC and Sir Jerry Mateparae. Finn Blackwell / RNZ

He spoke about the legislative history and grounds that formed the basis for considering removal of a judge, including existing legislation from Australia.

“My overall submission in terms of the law is that the panel may form the opinion that consideration of removal is justified,” Stephens said.

“If that’s met, the panel may form that opinion, if the attorney, acting lawfully and in accordance with the purposes of the Act, could conclude that removal was an available outcome.”

The Panel was yet to hear from Judge Aitken’s lawyer.

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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/2026/02/09/district-court-judge-ema-aitken-says-she-did-not-shout-when-disrupting-nz-first-event-at-exclusive-club/

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Update: body located on worksite, Omahu, Hawke’s Bay

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector James Keene, Field Crime Manager, Eastern District Police:

The discovery of a woman’s body at a worksite in Omahu, Hawke’s Bay last week is now being treated as a homicide.

Police were called to the Taihape Road site on Tuesday 3 February after the woman was found on the property.

She was Sharlene Smith, aged 64, from Rotorua. We continue to support her loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

Our early enquiries have established that this was a tragic and avoidable death of a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister, and we are determined to find answers for her whānau.

We have a committed team of investigators working on this investigation, and we are also calling on the public to help.

Police are appealing for sightings of a white Mazda 3 2005 sports hatch on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January within the Taihape Road/Omahu Road Fernhill area. [Car pictured is similar in appearance]

We would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed any other suspicious activity in the area during that time period.

Anyone with information can get in touch through our 105 service, quoting reference number 260203/9739.

You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/update-body-located-on-worksite-omahu-hawkes-bay/

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Government backs energy resilience in Far North

Source: New Zealand Government

Reliable, affordable electricity is on the way for a kura (school) and five marae north of Kaitaia with a grant of up to $1.26 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced today.

“Marae and kura often double as vital civil defence centres for locals in times of crisis. The solar power generated from this project will supply six essential community hubs with reliable, reduced cost power, improving the region’s energy security and strengthening its resilience during emergencies.”

The project called Whiti Mai Te Rā is forecast to save the marae and kura more than $100,000 per year in energy costs. 

“The funding will pay for solar panels and batteries at Te Rangi Āniwaniwa Kura and at five rural marae north of Kaitaia. A diesel generator will also be installed to ensure the kura has additional power if required in a civil defence emergency. 

“The funding recipient Aupouri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa Trust is partnering with Northland power company Kaumātua Energy, who will install and maintain the systems and act as the electricity retailer. Kaumātua Energy will also co-fund 15 percent of the $1.48 million project.”

Mr Potaka says the initiative delivers long-term value and responds directly to the needs of the community.

“Whiti Mai Te Rā will strengthen communities by improving resilience, enabling critical infrastructure, and supporting energy security. 

“The government is proud to partner this locally led solution, which will ensure essential community facilities can support people for generations to come,” Mr Potaka says.

Installation of the solar panel and batteries begins in March 2026, starting with the kura before rolling out to the five marae.

Note to editors:

Aupōuri Ngāti Kahu Te Rarawa (ANT) Trust is a community-based organisation serving the Far North of New Zealand, offering Whānau Ora social services that address health, justice, housing, education, and financial challenges. 

ANT Trust is dedicated to supporting whānau to thrive, delivering tailored solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term empowerment for individuals and families. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/government-backs-energy-resilience-in-far-north/

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School bus catches fire in Mangawhai

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / REECE BAKER

A school bus has caught fire just south of the township of Mangawhai.

All 20 children on board and the driver are safe, police say.

The bus caught fire near on Mangawhai Road near the intersection with Carter Road.

Did you see the fire? Get in touch or send pictures to iwitness@rnz.co.nz

The road is closed until the scene is cleared.

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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/2026/02/09/school-bus-catches-fire-in-mangawhai/

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Basketball; Breakers bring in new CEO, Troy Georgiu, after 11 months

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Breakers ceo Troy Georgiu supplied

Former Perth Wildcats chief executive officer (CEO), Troy Georgiu is crossing the Tasman to take on the same role with the New Zealand Breakers.

The Breakers CEO role had been vacant since the basketball club brought in new owners in March.

Georgiu has a 20-year legacy in the NBL and the club said in a statement his mandate was to make the Breakers “the NBL’s premier sporting organisation, on and off the court”.

Starting with the Wildcats in 2002, Georgiu served as commercial manager for a decade before leading the club as CEO from 2017 to 2022.

Georgiu was on board with the Wildcats when the team secured back-to-back NBL championships in 2019 and 2020 and was “instrumental in maintaining the club’s legendary 35-year finals streak while delivering record-breaking membership and commercial revenue”.

His professional profile sent out by the Breakers highlighted his work as a brand revitalisation expert in “building and protecting much-loved sporting brands, ensuring they resonate with fans while meeting rigorous profitability standards”.

Following his tenure in Perth, Georgiu transitioned into business advisory.

Breakers Chairperson Marc Mitchell said Georgiu was a “world-class executive who understands the unique intersection of community, brand, and winning”.

“After conducting a global search Troy emerged as our first choice and we are excited to bring in a proven executive of his calibre.

“Our goal is to make the Breakers the top sporting brand in New Zealand, and Troy is the leader to help us get there.”

Georgiu said he understood the importance of the Breakers to basketball in New Zealand.

“I am honoured to lead this next chapter for a club that is a cornerstone of New Zealand sport. My focus is on building a front office that is as high performing as our team on the court.

“We want to grow the club, engage our fans more deeply, and ensure the BNZ Breakers compete for Championships every year.”

Georgiu will oversee all aspects of the club’s business operations.

Dillon Boucher is the president of basketball operations, overseeing all aspects of basketball and performance and his role remained unchanged as Georgiu joined the club immediately.

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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/2026/02/09/basketball-breakers-bring-in-new-ceo-troy-georgiu-after-11-months/

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New poll predicts hung Parliament

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

Neither the right or left bloc would be able to govern if an election were held today, according to the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll.

The Labour Party has dropped 0.3 points to 34.1 percent, while National dropped 0.2 points to 31.3 percent.

New Zealand First dropped 1.4 points to 10.5 percent, while the Greens jumped 2.6 points to 10.3 percent.

The ACT Party dropped 0.3 points to 6.7 percent, while Te Pāti Māori dropped 0.1 points to 2.9 percent.

The combined projected seats for the centre-right bloc was down 3 seats to 60, while the combined seats for the centre-left block rose 3 seats to 60.

On these numbers, there would be a hung Parliament.

For parties outside of Parliament, TOP was on 1.4 percent (+0.7 points), NZ Outdoors and Freedom was on 1.2 percent (+0.6 points), Vision NZ was on 0.4 percent (+0.1 points), and New Conservatives were on 0.1 percent (-0.2 points).

Cost of living remained the most important issue, jumping 7.4 points to 34.9 percent; the highest result since May 2024.

The economy more generally sat as the second most important issue on 12.0 percent (-2.8 points), followed by health on 9.2 percent (+0.4 points).

The poll was conducted by Curia Market Research Ltd for the NZ Taxpayers’ Union. It is a random poll of 1000 adult New Zealanders and is weighted to the overall adult population. It was conducted by phone (landlines and mobile) and online between Sunday 1 February and Tuesday 3 February 2026. It has a maximum margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.

Curia is a long-running and established pollster in New Zealand. In 2024 it resigned its membership from the Research Association New Zealand (RANZ) industry body.

Polls compare to the most recent poll by the same polling company, as different polls can use different methodologies. They are intended to track trends in voting preferences, showing a snapshot in time, rather than be a completely accurate predictor of the final election result.

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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/2026/02/09/new-poll-predicts-hung-parliament/

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ASB, Kiwibank last of the major banks to hike longer term rates

Source: Radio New Zealand

The changes bring ASB and Kiwibank into line with all other major banks. SUPPLIED

Fast changes in wholesale interest rates have seen ASB and Kiwibank become the last of the major bank lenders to hike their longer term fixed home loan rates.

ASB’s increases range between 10 to 20 basis points for loans fixed between 1 and 3 years, while Kiwibank has made adjustments to its 2 to 5 year rates. Both banks have shaved a little off their six month offering.

The changes bring ASB and Kiwibank into line with all other major banks, which have also bumped up rates in recent weeks.

ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley says the switch from talk of cuts to possible interest rate hikes in the Reserve Bank’s latest outlook has compelled markets to adjust pricing.

“We’ve seen for 2 year rates, a good 50 basis point increase in wholesale rates and nearly 60 for the 3 year, since the Reserve Bank’s statement last year, so to date the moves we’ve seen with mortgage rates aren’t really keeping up with that yet.”

Nick Tuffley says all banks are seeing similar impacts on their funding costs, leading them to pass on the increases to borrowers.

“I think the key message for people is that period of really low interest rates, super low interest rates, has gone, but the market’s settling into a reality of the cash rate’s likely to be on hold for most of this year, but we’re past the lows now,”

While tough for borrowers, savers will benefit from higher term deposit rates across the board, with banks looking to attract funding. Term deposit rates beyond the 9 month mark have had a significant adjustment, up anywhere between 5 and 35 basis points.

“Not too long ago, you could get a 2 year mortgage for not less than 4 and 4.5 percent,” says Nick Tuffley.

“Now you can put money on deposit for two years at 4% percent so quite a catch-up.”

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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/2026/02/09/asb-kiwibank-last-of-the-major-banks-to-hike-longer-term-rates/

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Bus fire, Mangawhai

Source: New Zealand Police

A section of Mangawhai Road has been closed following a school bus fire.

Police assistance was requested at 3.55pm.

The bus has caught fire near the intersection with Carter Road, south of the Mangawhai township.

Police can advise all 20 people aboard, 19 children and one driver, are all safe and accounted for.

The road is expected to be reopened once the scene is cleared.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/bus-fire-mangawhai/

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Update: Serious assault, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Caroline Johnson:

A scene guard will remain in place in central Christchurch overnight as Police continue to investigate a serious assault.

At around 12:20pm today Police were called to a property on Fitzgerald Avenue, where a man was found in a critical condition, with injuries consistent with being stabbed.

A scene examination, and Police investigation, is ongoing. Scene guards will remain in place overnight – as this occurs, there will be increased Police visibility in the area.

Police want to reassure the public that there is not believed to be a threat to public safety.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/09/update-serious-assault-christchurch/

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$28 million boost for hill country erosion control

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is further protecting productive land by committing nearly $28 million for erosion control projects, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today.

Applications for funding support under the Hill Country Erosion Programme (HCEP) opened today, and councils across the country are invited to submit proposals for eligible projects. This round allocates $27.8 million for erosion control work to be delivered between 2027 and 2031.

The programme helps reduce the impacts of severe weather, protect soil health, and limit downstream damage.

“This programme is one of our most effective tools for supporting farmers and growers to protect their land and prepare for future storms,” Mr McClay says.

“We want to continue safeguarding productive farmland around the country, while reducing the environmental and economic impacts of erosion on local communities.”

Cabinet established the programme in 2007 and Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service’s current $25.2 million investment (2023–2027) is supported by $87 million in cash and in-kind contributions from 14 partner councils and from landowners, reflecting their strong support.

The funding went towards the councils delivering regionally tailored programmes that include treating vulnerable land, working with landowners to create farm-scale erosion control plans, and building regional capability.

Information on the HCEP and the 2023-2027 regional programmes can be found here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/forestry/funding-tree-planting-research/hill-country-erosion-programme

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/09/28-million-boost-for-hill-country-erosion-control/

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Man appears in court after woman’s body found at Raumati Beach home

Source: Radio New Zealand

A homicide investigation is underway. (File photo) RNZ / Richard Tindiller

A 24-year-old man has appeared in court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, after a woman was found dead in a Kāpiti Coast house.

Police were called to the Matatua Rd address in Raumati Beach at 1.15am on Monday.

A homicide investigation was underway, and police were considering further charges against the man.

He appeared in Porirua District Court on Monday afternoon, and was due back in court in early March.

His name was suppressed.

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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/2026/02/09/man-appears-in-court-after-womans-body-found-at-raumati-beach-home/

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Wellington mayor Andrew Little wants ministerial inquiry into Moa Point sewage plant failure

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Wellington’s mayor is hopeful the government will back his calls for an inquiry into the Moa Point sewage plant failure.

Mayor Andrew Little is meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Monday, where the sewage facility will be a focus of conversation.

It flooded last week, destroying much of the plant’s electronics and sending raw sewage into the nearby south coast.

Wellington Water’s chief executive has warned nearby beaches may be shut for months.

Little told Midday Report there was large public interest in the failure, meeting the level of a government inquiry.

“Given the range of parties involved… in order to have a genuinely cohesive, independent review, I think a ministerial inquiry is needed,” Little said.

“That allows the inquiry to have the powers to get the right information and give us an accurate assessment about the causes of the failures.”

Little hopes discussions with Luxon are constructive.

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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/2026/02/09/wellington-mayor-andrew-little-wants-ministerial-inquiry-into-moa-point-sewage-plant-failure/