The Government is providing a $950,000 loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support a Māori trust to increase productivity on its farmland near Hāwera. The investment is expected to create jobs and drive regional growth, Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced today.
“The loan will support the trust to upgrade essential on‑farm infrastructure and move from passive leasing of its land to more active farm management.
These upgrades will allow the trust to increase its milking capacity, lift stock numbers and boost milk production and profitability by up to 25 per cent,” Mr Patterson said.
The Omuturangi 6E & 7A Ahu Whenua Trust, which administers 84 hectares of land on behalf of 290 owners, will receive the funding and contribute $120,000 to the project.
“In the longer term, the trust’s aspirations are to self-govern and manage their whenua Māori more profitably. They will also use the farm to train their people in commercial farming,” Mr Potaka said.
Without the loan, the land would have reverted from dairying to less-productive livestock grazing, as the old dairy shed had reached the end of its economic life.
“This project will benefit not only the trust’s landowners but also the wider local economy, with the trust engaging local businesses as part of its expansion,” Mr Patterson said.
This loan is a strong example of the RIF’s focus on Māori economic development. It provides investment where funding could not be secured elsewhere and supports regional growth and employment,” Mr Potaka said.
Construction is expected to begin shortly, with a new dairy shed operational later this year.
The bus driver was taken to hospital in a moderate condition.123RF
A 14-year-old has been arrested after a bus driver was assaulted in West Auckland.
Police were called to reports a person had been injured on a bus on Colwill Road in the suburb of Massey at about 7pm.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting said upon arrival, the alleged offender had fled on foot.
The bus driver was taken to hospital in a moderate condition.
“This was an understandably frightening ordeal for the victim and we are continuing to support them,” Detective Bunting said.
He said on Thursday morning, police arrested a 14-year-old in relation to the alleged attack.
The teenager has since appeared in Waitākere Youth Court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault and possession of an offensive weapon.
“People have a right to be safe going about their business, without having to be subjected to any type of violence,” Bunting said.
“Any violent behaviour will not be accepted and those engaging in it will be held to account.”
The teenager will reappear in Waitākere Youth Court on 17 February.
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About 200 pensioners have had the amount they receive in NZ Super affected this week because of a problem with the Ministry of Social Development’s IT system.
One man who contacted RNZ said he had been receiving NZ Super for more than 10 years, as well as a small proportion from Canada because he had worked there briefly.
But his NZ Super payment did not arrive on Monday.
When he called to ask what had happened, he was told there was a system error and everyone receiving Canadian or Netherlands pensions had their NZ Super suspended.
Paula Ratahi-O’Neill, the ministry’s general manger of centralised services, said it was working urgently to fix a fault that affected people receiving overseas pensions.
“The fault was in the IT system that updates overseas pension rates. It has caused a small group of people to have their NZ Super payments incorrectly assessed.
“This has led to some payments being suspended, and in other cases incorrect payments being made.
“We estimate that around 200 clients receiving overseas pensions have been affected. We will continue to monitor numbers.
“We are working with urgency to fix these payments and will be paying amounts owing to people by Friday. We apologise to those impacted by this fault.”
She said the ministry’s technical team was working “at speed” to stop other payments being affected and a data fix should be released by Monday.
Some overseas pensions that are deemed to be similar to New Zealand’s system offset NZ Super.
For every dollar people get from an overseas pension, their New Zealand payment is reduced by one dollar.
According to the government’s website, to count as a pension that offsets NZ Super, the pension needs to be part of a programme providing pensions or benefits, cover something that NZ pensions and benefits cover, such as old age or disability, and be administered by or on behalf of a country’s government.
Voluntary savings schemes generally were not included.
Takapuna CBD – shopping and retail genericRNZ/Nick Monro
Business confidence retreats 10 points from a 30-year high but still seen as strong
Businesses own expectations drop 9 points, but still historically high at 52 percent
Wage pressures start to lift modestly with inflation expectations the highest in 15 months.
More firms expect to raise prices over the next in two years
January’s business confidence is down 10 points from December’s 30-year high but is still considered to be extremely strong.
ANZ Bank’s business outlook’s headline confidence indicates a net 64 percent expected better economic conditions.
While businesses’ own expectations fell by 9 points to 52 percent, that reading was also historically high.
“The economy has clearly turned higher,” ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner said.
“Reported past employment is also rising and is back in the black for all sectors. That hasn’t been the case since late 2022,” she said.
She said reported past activity, which was the best indicator of GDP, rose 3 points to 26 — the second highest reading since August 2021.
“The less-good news is re-emerging signs of inflation pressure.”
Inflation indicators rose to the highest reading in nearly three years (March 2023) with prices expected to rise by 2.1 percent, with wage pressures also expected to increase.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Reports that Victoria Police are issuing anti-association orders to “youth gang members” has sparked fresh debate about how to best deal with youth gang violence in Australia.
These orders have previously been used to reduce the presence of outlaw motorcycle “bikies” and are an attempt to prevent prospective harm.
While such measures may temporarily address public calls for tougher crime control, there have been significant criticisms of association laws in Australia and internationally.
Instead, we need to understand why young people gravitate to gangs, and consider evidence-based early-intervention solutions.
What do the stats suggest?
The number of young offenders in Australia is decreasing.
However, in Victoria, the number of offences committed by youth (aged 10–17 years) has risen in recent months.
Media and political discourses have consistently portrayed young people, and particularly migrant young people, as being responsible for anti-social, delinquent and criminal behaviour.
This fuels public perceptions that young people are out of control, threatening, violent and dangerous. Data from Victoria Police indicate young people account for just 13% of all offenders, yet media coverage of crime seems to focus mainly on youths.
Any durable, street-oriented youth group whose involvement in illegal activity is part of its group identity.
Gangs are often a group of delinquent friends, perhaps drawn together by their shared attitudes and propensity for delinquency.
In Australia, gangs rarely go out to recruit members as is sometimes seen in the United States or Central America. This is because Australia has, for the most part, escaped the transnational street gang presence that drives youth recruiting in other countries.
The risk factors of gang involvement
After the murders of two boys, aged 15 and 12, in Melbourne’s outer west last September, Victoria Police Detective Inspector Graham Banks said:
We need to get to the root cause of why these people are joining gangs and to make it a situation where they don’t want to be involved in that sort of behaviour.
There is no single reason for youth offending. Instead, multiple areas of a young person’s life come together to influence their behaviour: their own beliefs and attitudes, peer group, family, school and community.
Although the relative importance of each category changes across childhood and adolescence, a young person’s risk of violence, offending, or gang membership increases as the number of risk factors rises.
Individual risk factors include low self-control, low empathy, antisocial beliefs and attitudes, substance use, or having been victimised themselves.
Despite media portrayals to the contrary, ethnicity or migration background has not been shown to be a risk factor for violence, offending, or gang membership.
Peers are one of the strongest influences on gang involvement, with young people more likely to offend if their peers are delinquent.
In the absence of a legitimate pathway to social capital, youth gangs can provide a sense of belonging and social identity for disenfranchised young people.
Family risk factors include lack of parental supervision and abusive or neglectful family environments.
Risk factors at school include truancy, low grades, feeling unsafe at school and lack of attachment to school.
Finally, at the community level, we see the impact of risk factors such as socioeconomic disadvantage, low social cohesion and high levels of crime in the neighbourhood.
It is important to remember that although these interconnecting risk factors can increase the risk of a young person offending, they do not automatically cause offending.
If a young person has good conflict resolution skills, positive friendships, strong family relationships and opportunities for education and employment, it is likely their risk of offending is lower.
Yet evidence shows harsher bail laws do not have the desired deterrent effect. They also consistently and disproportionately affect those of a lower socio-economic status.
Queensland’s “adult crime, adult time” policy – which lists 33 offences for which children can receive the same penalty as an adult – has also faced scrutiny for perpetuating harm.
Financially, tough bail and sentencing laws cause unintended consequences that actually cost governments more by failing to break cycles of incarceration.
Violence and gang membership can emerge from a complex interplay of risks across childhood and adolescence. These are unlikely to be shifted by legislation.
Instead, best practice suggests a need to work with young people on early intervention and ideally prevention.
Young people at risk need mentoring, active school engagement and increased employment opportunities. Their families and communities need support.
Sustainable reductions in youth violence and gang involvement will only be achieved by adequately funding and expanding evidence-based early intervention and prevention programs that address the broader social and developmental needs of young people.
Kathryn Benier has received funding from Department of Health and Human Services (Victoria), Department of Justice and Regulation (Victoria), Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), Attorney-General’s Department (Australia), Campbell Collaboration, Department of Homeland Security (USA).
Angela Higginson has received funding from: Australian Research Council; Australian Institute of Criminology; Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS); 3ie; Campbell Collaboration (Dept Homeland Security USA & Public Safety Canada); Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime UK; College of Policing UK; Dept of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; Dept of Social Services; Dept of Innovation, Tourism Industry Development and the Commonwealth Games; Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.
A youth has been arrested and charged following a serious assault on a bus driver in Massey last night.
At about 7pm, Police responded to reports of a person had been injured on a bus on Colwill Road.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā West Area Investigations Manager, says upon arrival the alleged offender had fled on foot.
“The bus driver was transported to hospital in a moderate condition.
“This was an understandably frightening ordeal for the victim and we are continuing to support them.”
He says Police have been making a number of enquiries and this morning arrested a 14-year-old in relation to the alleged attack.
“He has since appeared in Waitākere Youth Court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault and possession of an offence weapon.
“People have a right to be safe going about their business, without having to be subjected to any type of violence.
“Any violent behaviour will not be accepted and those engaging in it will be held to account.”
The youth will reappear in Waitākere Youth Court on 17 February.
People watch on as work at the slip site is halted.RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
Rescue efforts at Mount Maunganui following a deadly slip have resumed after being paused for a second time.
Work resumed at 2pm, several hours after it was suspended, following confirmation that the area was safe to re-enter.
“Following consultation with a number of experts on the ground, the recovery teams have been given the green light to continue with the recovery,” Detective Inspector Lew Warner said.
“While the suspension of work is frustrating for everybody involved, the correct measures must be taken to ensure the safety of everybody at the scene.”
Detective Inspector Warner reiterated the need to keep the recovery team safe.
“These people have been working tirelessly in a range of testing conditions across the last week, to bring families their loved ones back.”
Police said work was temporarily suspended just after 10.30am on Thursday after technology that had been installed to monitor land movement was triggered.
Detective Inspector Lew Warner said earlier on Thursday that the safety of all staff working at the scene is front of mind.
“The systems installed are designed to trigger any potential land movements, and excess water within the scene,” Warner said.
“Geotechnical experts will now conduct a thorough examination of the area before clearance to return to work is given.
“All staff working at the scene have been withdrawn, pending further assessments.”
Staff working at the scene have been stopped.RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
Warner said police would give an update when it was able to.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins got to the disaster site just as work was being halted.
Struggling for words at one point, he described a moving experience meeting workers and victims’ families.
“It’s incredibly hard for them and to the families who have been affected, some of whom I had the opportunity to speak to briefly.
“There just aren’t really any words that you can share that really express the sense of loss that is here and the commitment of the people who are working here now to do everything that they can to support those families and to bring them some comfort.”
Hipkins said everyone was doing everything they could to support those affected and working at the site, but also to protect their safety.
“It’s a very, very difficult time for the families,” Hipkins said.
“I imagine at this point, seven days on, they just need some space and so that’s what we’ve tried to do here.
“I think being here is important to, I guess, express the country’s support, but also recognising that they deserve their space.”
Over the weekend, work was halted for about 24 hours due to a potential slip occurring.
At the time, police said the victim’s families were understandably frustrated by the delay in the recovery work but they understood why it needed to happen.
Slip recovery a ‘dangerous environment’, expert says
Dr Chris Massey, an engineering geologist with Earth Sciences, told Midday Report, one of the biggest issues with digging into an area following a landslide was the potential for the land to be destabilised further.
Massey said while he was not involved with the recovery efforts at Mt Maunganui, generally with landslides there was a possibility that digging into the debris could cause a secondary slip that could kill or hurt people nearby.
“A landslide occurs when soil or rock moves from one location to another… so the key really is managing the risk to people in that lower area who are trying to excavate the debris.
“It’s a really dangerous environment.”
Monitoring a landslide was difficult, Massey said, due to their relatively small size when compared to something like a volcano.
“You need experts to understand where they are. We use different techniques – starting from space, we can monitor the movement of the ground using radar technology, we can then get closer to the ground by monitoring using UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), and aerial photography.”
On the ground sensors could be installed on the surface of the area, Massey said, which monitored movement or even instal sensors in the landslide to monitor when there was moving in the ground.
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Tairāwhiti Civil Defence says more than 25 military troops are expected to be on the ground in flood-damaged East Coast communities – Te Araroa and Wharekahika / Hicks Bay.
Several slips on State Highway 35 during last week’s storm has separated the townships from one another, and access into each remains restricted.
Civil Defence said it was working alongside Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou and the defence force to deliver emergency supplies to isolated communities on the coast, such as food, medicine, personal protective equipment, and cleaning gear.
It said the military were also providing vital information on where support is needed most.
Gisborne District Council’s Diana Dobson said medical drops were ongoing and on Thursday a doctor, nurse practitioner, and medical officer of health landed in Wharekahika / Hicks Bay – where an emergency shelter and water purification system had been set up at Hinemaurea Marae.
Facebook / Tairāwhiti Civil Defence
Speaking to RNZ from a busy Hinemaurea Marae, Ani Pahuru-Huriwai – of the Wharekahika/Potaka/Waikura flood relief team – said the community was doing well, all things considered.
“[We’re] thankful for the people that are worrying about us, we are okay, we’re very grateful for the support that we’ve been receiving from around the country.
“It has been devastating for us – heartbreaking seeing our paradise like this – but we will get through. We’re working together very well, and probably the silver-lining in all this is [that] everyone has come together.”
Pahuru-Huriwai said the focus now was on getting the community through the days ahead.
Dobson said a further 20 buildings were to undergo safety assessments in the coming days, with 14 properties red stickered and 17 given yellow stickers across Te Araroa, Onepoto and Hicks Bay.
She said internet access had been restored to all areas.
The New Zealand Defence Force has been approached for comment.
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Nelson mayor Nick Smith, regional development Minister Shane Jones and former Nelson Marina CEO and current city councillor Nigel Skeggs.RNZ/Samantha Gee
Nelson Marina has received a $13 million loan from the government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund for a new service centre and a vessel hoist for marine maintenance.
The project is part of the marina’s wider redevelopment, which is estimated to take 15 years and cost $120m.
In announcing the funding in Nelson on Thursday, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said the project would create well over 100 jobs.
“It is anticipated this part of the project will create up to 110 jobs during construction and up to 180 ongoing roles once completed, while promoting local innovation within the marine sector,” he said.
Nelson City Council, which owns the marina, will also contribute $12.89m in co-funding for the expansion.
A maximum of $10.5m will go towards the marine service centre, which includes a mix of workshops for boat building and maintenance, office space and retail shopfronts for marine-related businesses, with construction due to begin in 2027.
A further $2.4m will be used to upgrade the existing boat yard and hardstand to double its current footprint, with capacity increasing from 14 to 54 bays. It also includes the purchase of a new 110-tonne straddle lift, which has already arrived from Italy and will replace the old 50-tonne machine once a new runway is built.
Jones said Nelson’s sea-based “blue economy” added more than $350m a year in GDP to the region and employed more than 3700 people. It serves as a base for a number of industries, including fishing and aquaculture and is a popular tourism destination. Nelson is also an important centre of marine research and marine engineering.
“This investment aligns with the RIF’s priority of supporting growth through enabling infrastructure that ensures regions are well-connected and productive,” he said.
The new 110-tonne travel lift at the Nelson Marina which was built in Italy.RNZ/Samantha Gee
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said the announcement followed an incredibly tough year for the region with many job losses, and it had taken several years’ work to secure the funding.
“Council has worked hand in hand with the marina to secure this government investment of almost $13 million, which will enable us to accelerate our ambitious development plans for Nelson’s Marina. It’s a great way to start 2026 and a real boost for the city’s economic recovery,” he said.
“We want Nelson to become New Zealand’s lead marine centre by growing our blue economy – the go-to place for recreational and commercial boat building and maintenance, fishing and aquaculture and for marine science and associated professional services.”
The proposed Marina Service Centre at the Nelson Marina.Supplied/Nelson City Council
Nelson Marina Management chair Rick Herd said the investment would deliver long-term economic, social and maritime benefits.
“By improving infrastructure at the marina, we’re helping to future-proof Nelson’s waterfront and ensuring it continues to deliver value for locals, visitors, and marine operators alike,” he said.
Minister for the South Island, James Meager, said the marina upgrade was a priority for the region.
“After a tough 2025 for Nelson-Tasman, I know the creation of 110 jobs during the marina’s expansion phase and the 180 ongoing roles once completed will be welcomed by the community,” he said.
Construction is expected to start in May and be completed in mid-2028.
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Detection dog handler Jonah Kitto-Verhoef and his possum detection dog Scout are often the first deployed into an area with low possum density to help them decide where to rule out and where they should hone their efforts.Supplied/Predator Free Dunedin
Conservationists expect to officially declare the Otago Peninsula possum-free soon and put more pest species in their sights.
There have been years of mahi from residents, community groups and the Predator Free Dunedin collaboration to remove the pest from about 9000 hectares on the peninsula.
A steep patchwork of backyards, gullies and bush is the last line of defence to stop them from reinvading.
More than 25,000 possums have been removed from the area over the years.
The Halo Project, a delivery partner of Predator Free Dunedin, is leading the efforts on the ground, using AI cameras, trail cameras, and possum scat detection dog, Scout, to track down any remaining survivors.
The Halo Project, a delivery partner of Predator Free Dunedin, checks the elimination efforts in the Silver Peaks near Dunedin.Supplied/Predator Free Dunedin
Its predator-free project manager Jonah Kitto-Verhoef said the community buy-in had been impressive and important, helping to report different sightings and granting permissions to clear predators from their properties.
“Possums don’t really care about who owns the habitat. Obviously, it will straddle several adjoining properties,” he said.
Kitto-Verhoef was also the handler for possum scat detection dog, Scout.
Detection dog Scout sniffs for scat to find possums.Supplied/Predator Free Dunedin
Scout was a crucial part of their response as he helped them to work out where they needed to invest their efforts and where they could move on, he said.
“Half the challenge is having the data confidence to make operational decisions with the speed that we need to do so the scat dog compared to every other technique, maybe bar thermal drone, is the real game changer for us to be able to move rapidly.”
Predator Free Dunedin project lead Rhys Millar said the wider project area stretched across more than 40,000 hectares including Orokunui Ecosanctuary and in the city.
Rhys Millar.Supplied/Predator Free Dunedin
“We’re now at a point where we feel confident that we can eliminate possums and we’re beginning to explore multi-species elimination operations, which will encapsulate rats, the suite of mustelids as well as possums,” Millar said.
“We’re going to likely include feral cats and also rabbits in the mix. Not that rabbits are a target species for Predator Free 2050, we believe by removing rabbits it will make the control of mustelids a lot easier.”
That included looking at which toxins, traps and tools were appropriate for the different communities and areas they covered.
Awareness campaigns and community conversations about the impact of cats and feral cats on native wildlife were already underway, he said.
Kitto-Verhoef said they were already noticing more bird life and more diversity of plants that would usually be snacked on by possums.
Thermal drones are used to help find remaining possums where densities are low.Supplied/Predator Free Dunedin
“We’ve got people in residential areas who are winning flower competitions with their magnolias for the first time because they’ve been browsed so heavily by possums.
“People enjoy crops of broad beans and their roses so I guess our view of success is often in a conservation lens but for some people success is being able to grow a healthy rose bush.”
It was exciting to see less pressure on the ecosanctuary’s fence and vulnerable species spilling out from Orokonui, and now that plan was to improve survival rates of native species, he said.
While he was excited to celebrate success on the peninsula, Kitto-Verhoef said he was excited for the next challenge.
Possums caught on infrared cameras.Supplied/Predator Free Dunedin
Millar said they were only funded until the middle of 2027.
“Current funding uncertainties do make forward planning beyond the next two years quite difficult so it’s really important for us to prove that we can deliver.”
They might reach a time where they had to simply maintain their wins and tread water rather than expand further as it was vital not to lose the hard-won gains, Millar said.
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The recovery operation at Mount Maunganui has resumed, several hours after being suspended this morning.
Detective Inspector Lew Warner says work restarted officially at 2pm, after the team received confirmation from experts that the area was safe to enter and resume operations.
“Following consultation with a number of experts on the ground, the recovery teams have been given the green light to continue with the recovery.
“While the suspension of work is frustrating for everybody involved, the correct measures must be taken to ensure the safety of everybody at the scene.
“I want to reiterate that it is absolutely necessary that we do everything in our power to keep the recovery team safe.
“These people have been working tirelessly in a range of testing conditions across the last week, to bring families their loved ones back.”
Work continues near the ablution block
The recovery team, involving Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s urban Search and Rescue, and contract drivers are continuing to focus on the area where the ablution block was.
“This is meticulous work which we have to conduct extremely carefully. Teams will continue to work delicately through the area of interest, and we expect this to take some time,” says Detective Inspector Warner.
Police are not yet in a position to comment on what has been located to date, however expect the recovery to continue in the coming days.
One week since the landslide
Today marks one week since the landslide. Police would again like to acknowledge the community for the outpouring of support.
“The Mount Maunganui community is an extremely tight-knit community, and ever since this devastating event, they have come together and offered any assistance they can for the families, the emergency workers and everybody impacted,” says Detective Inspector Warner.
“We would also like to acknowledge the many staff assisting with the recovery. Not just the recovery team, but our family liaison officers and other specialist staff across the board.”
Police continue to seek imagery of mountain prior to slip
Police are asking anyone with video footage and images of the slip at Mt Maunganui to upload it via this online portal.
We are particularly interested in any footage or images of the campsite and Mount Maunganui between Wednesday night right through to the time the slip happened and the immediate time after the slip.
We have already received more than 100 video clips and photos through the portal and we want to thank those who have taken the time to send this in.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on January 29, 2026.
What the ‘mother of all deals’ between India and the EU means for global trade Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, Adelaide University The “mother of all deals”: that’s how European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the new free trade agreement between the European Union
What the ‘mother of all deals’ between India and the EU means for global trade Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, Adelaide University The “mother of all deals”: that’s how European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the new free trade agreement between the European Union
Eyes of Fire: Gripping tale of adventure, tragedy and testament to environmental activism Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – BookHero Review Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior, by David Robie, isn’t only a gripping tale of adventure and tragedy but also a testament to the enduring spirit of environmental activism. It serves as an important reminder of the power
What is extremism, and how do we decide? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keiran Hardy, Associate Professor, Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University As controversy over Australia’s new hate laws continues, last weekend’s so-called March for Australia rallies were the latest in a string of events that have raised the temperature of public debate. It’s hard to generalise about the motivations
United Israel Appeal – Australian charity channels tax free donations direct to IDF soldiers SPECIAL REPORT: By Stephanie Tran Since 2013, more than $400 million in tax-deductible donations have flowed through an Australian charity, including direct to IDF soldiers. United Israel Appeal (UIA) Australia has remitted $376m to Israel via its global partner Keren Hayesod, according to Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) financial disclosures. In 2024 alone, UIA
Submarine mountains and long-distance waves stir the deepest parts of the ocean Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Kolbusz, Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 2019 Southeastern U.S. Deep-sea Exploration When most of us look out at the ocean, we see a mostly flat blue surface stretching to the horizon. It’s easy
Will killing dingoes on K’gari make visitors safer? We think it’s unlikely Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bradley P. Smith, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, CQUniversity Australia Line Knipst/Pexels, CC BY After the tragic death of Canadian backpacker Piper James on K’gari (Fraser Island) on January 19, a coroner found the 19–year–old had been bitten by dingoes while she was still alive, but the most
Monumental ambitions: the history behind Trump’s triumphal arch Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Garritt C. Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Waikato Getty Images Donald Trump took time out this week from dramatic events at home and abroad to reveal three new design concepts for his proposed “Independence Arch” in Washington DC. All three renderings resemble the famous
One Nation surges into second place in two polls, but Labor remains well ahead after preferences Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Five federal polls have been released in the last week, with three of them having some fieldwork after the Coalition split on January 22. One Nation is
In his last book, Julian Barnes circles big ideas and reflects on his shortcomings Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Flanery, Chair in Creative Writing, Adelaide University Julian Barnes, author of 14 previous novels, ten volumes of nonfiction, and three collections of short stories under his own name, plus four crime novels under the pseudonym Dan Kavanagh, has announced that his new novel, Departure(s), will be
How much would you pay for school to provide your child with lunch every day? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brittany Johnson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University Peter Cade/Getty Images Most Australian children bring their lunch to school through a “lunchbox system”. But there is a growing push for schools to provide students with lunch. Despite decades of efforts to promote better nutrition, it
Your sense of self is deeply tied to your memory – here’s how Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shane Rogers, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Edith Cowan University You might say you have a “bad memory” because you don’t remember what cake you had at your last birthday party or the plot of a movie you watched last month. On the other hand, you might precisely
Why is my migraine worse in summer? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lakshini Gunasekera, PhD Candidate in Neurology, Monash University K8/Unsplash For people with migraine, summer can be a double-edged sword. You may be able to relax more, sleep in, enjoy the sunshine, and spend time with family and friends. But other factors – such as glare, heat, and
Fossil fuels are doomed – and Trump can’t save them Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney The past three years have been the world’s hottest on record. In 2025, Earth was 1.44°C warmer than the long-term average, perilously close to breaching the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5°C. This warming is fuelling
How much would you pay for school to provide your child with lunch everyday? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brittany Johnson, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University Peter Cade/Getty Images Most Australian children bring their lunch to school through a “lunchbox system”. But there is a growing push for schools to provide students with lunch. Despite decades of efforts to promote better nutrition, it
Antihero Marty Supreme is sociopathic in his pursuit of glory. Why do we want him to win? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Oscar Bloomfield, PhD Candidate in Film Studies, Deakin University A24 Marty Supreme is a frenetic tale inspired by Marty Reisman, the charismatic American table tennis champion of the 1950s. Charged by Timothée Chalamet’s electric lead performance – alongside a stellar supporting cast (including Gwyneth Paltrow), and director
Pacific women scholars call for ‘radical shift’ in global health systems By Khalia Strong of PMN News A new paper by women scholars warns colonial power structures are still shaping health systems across the Pacific region. They are calling for a radical shift in global health leadership and decision-making. The call comes from a new paper published this month in The Lancet Regional Health – Western
PSNA seeks urgent police talks after ‘rock through window’ attack on Palestine supporters Asia Pacific Report The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) has asked for an urgent meeting with Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and is calling for “cohesive action” over escalating attacks by Israel supporters against Palestinians and human rights activists. The network said in a statement a rock had been hurled through the window of New Plymouth
View from The Hill: Nationals rebel stirs the pot but Littleproud is dug in Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra A little-known Nationals MP, Queenslander Colin Boyce, who declared on Wednesday he will move for a spill of the party’s leadership, has tossed a grenade but David Littleproud appears firmly dug in. Littleproud’s breaking of the Coalition has had a
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Jonno Duniam on the ‘frenzy’ over hate speech laws and the Coalition split Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Last week, the Coalition fell apart for the second time since the last federal election – which was just eight months ago. Both the Liberals and Nationals are in crisis. Sussan Ley’s leadership of the Opposition now appears to be
The PM and ministers are running late. The press conference will begin shortly in the media player above
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is about to speak to media at the Tai Rāwhiti Emergency Coordination Centre after visiting nearby weather-hit areas by helicopter.
He’s joined by Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Chris Penk.
Bishop earlier issued a statement, updating the status of roads around the country.
An estimated 1000 truckloads of debris still need to be cleared from State Highway Two through the Waioweka Gorge after the recent wild weather.
The Bay of Plenty road remains closed due to about 40 slips along the route.
Bishop said crews were working seven days a week, with the goal of reopening at least one lane as soon as it was safe.
State Highway 35 on the East Coast had also been hit hard, with one section between Te Araroa and Pōtaka likely to be out of action for some time.
Meanwhile, State Highway 25 between Whangamatā and Whiritoa was not expected to reopen until next month.
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, Adelaide University
The “mother of all deals”: that’s how European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the new free trade agreement between the European Union and India, announced on Tuesday after about two decades of negotiations.
The deal will affect a combined population of 2 billion people across economies representing about a quarter of global GDP.
Speaking in New Delhi, von der Leyen characterised the agreement as a “tale of two giants” who “choose partnership, in a true win-win fashion”.
So, what have both sides agreed to – and why does it matter so much for global trade?
What has been agreed
Under this agreement, tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exported to India will be eliminated or reduced. This will reportedly mean savings of approximately €4 billion (about A$6.8 billion) annually in customs duties on European products.
The automotive sector is the big winner. European carmakers – including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Renault – will see tariffs on their vehicles gradually reduced from the current punitive rate of 110% to as little as 10%.
The reduced tariffs will apply to an annual quota of 250,000 vehicles, which is six times larger than the quota the UK received in its deal with India.
To protect India’s domestic manufacturers, European cars priced below €15,000 (A$25,500) will face higher tariffs, while electric vehicles get a five-year grace period.
India will almost entirely eliminate tariffs on machinery (which previously faced rates up to 44%), chemicals (22%) and pharmaceuticals (11%).
Wine is particularly notable – tariffs are being slashed from 150% to between 20–30% for medium and premium varieties. Spirits face cuts from 150% to 40%.
In return, the EU is also opening up its market. It will reduce tariffs on 99.5% of goods imported from India. EU tariffs on Indian marine products (such as shrimp), leather goods, textiles, handicrafts, gems and jewellery, plastics and toys will be eliminated.
These are labour-intensive sectors where India has genuine competitive advantage. Indian exporters in marine products, textiles and gems have faced tough conditions in recent years, partly due to US tariff pressures. That makes this EU access particularly valuable.
What’s been left out
This deal, while ambitious by India standards, has limits. It explicitly excludes deeper policy harmonisation on several fronts. Perhaps most significantly, the deal doesn’t include comprehensive provisions on labour rights, environmental standards or climate commitments.
While there are references to carbon border adjustment mechanisms (by which the EU imposes its domestic carbon price on imports into their common market), these likely fall short of enforceable environmental standards increasingly common in EU deals.
And the deal keeps protections for sensitive sectors in Europe: the EU maintains tariffs on beef, chicken, dairy, rice and sugar. Consumers in Delhi might enjoy cheaper European cars, while Europe’s farmers are protected from competition.
Second, the Donald Trump factor. Both the EU and India currently face significant US tariffs: India faces a 50% tariff on goods, while the EU faces headline tariffs of 15% (and recently avoided more in Trump’s threats over Greenland). This deal provides an alternative market for both sides.
And third, there’s what economists call “trade diversion” – notably, when Chinese products are diverted to other markets after the US closes its doors to them.
Both the EU and India want to avoid becoming dumping grounds for products that would normally go to the American market.
A dealmaking spree
The EU has been on something of a dealmaking spree recently. Earlier this month, it signed an agreement with Mercosur, a South American trade bloc.
That deal, however, has hit complications. On January 21, the European Parliament voted to refer it to the EU Court of Justice for legal review, which could delay ratification.
This creates a cautionary tale for the India deal. The legal uncertainty around Mercosur shows how well-intentioned trade deals can face obstacles.
The EU also finalised negotiations with Indonesia in September; EU–Indonesia trade was valued at €27 billion in 2024 (about A$46 billion).
For India, this deal with the EU is considerably bigger than recent agreements with New Zealand, Oman and the UK. It positions India as a diversified trading nation pursuing multiple partnerships.
However, the EU–India trade deal should be understood not as a purely commercial breakthrough, but also as a strategic signal — aimed primarily at the US.
In effect, it communicates that even close allies will actively seek alternative economic partners when faced with the threat of economic coercion or politicised trade pressure.
This interpretation is reinforced by both the deal’s timing and how it was announced. The announcement came even though key details still need to be negotiated and there remains some distance to go before final ratification.
That suggests the immediate objective was to deliver a message: the EU has options, and it will use them.
Australia has eliminated tariffs on all Indian exports, while India has removed duties on 90% of Australian goods by value, rising from an original commitment of 85%.
This EU-India deal should provide impetus for Australia and India to finalise their more comprehensive Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, under negotiation since 2023.
The 11th round of negotiations took place in August, covering goods, services, digital trade, rules of origin, and – importantly – labour and environmental standards.
The EU deal suggests India is willing to engage seriously on tariff liberalisation. However, it remains to be seen whether that appetite will transfer to the newer issues increasingly central to global trade, notably those Australia is now trying to secure with Indian negotiators.
Chasing an Australia-EU deal
Australia should take heart from the EU’s success in building alternative trading relationships.
This should encourage negotiators still pursuing an EU–Australia free trade agreement, negotiations for which were renewed last June after collapsing in 2023.
These deals signal something important about the global trading system: countries are adapting to American protectionism not by becoming protectionist themselves, but by deepening partnerships with each other.
The world’s democracies are saying they want to trade, invest, and cooperate on rules-based terms.
Nathan Howard Gray receives funding from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Mandar Oak and Peter Draper do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The Transport Agency has now confirmed the two people were pest control contractors and Worksafe has been notified. A witness had earlier told RNZ he understood the helicopter was involved in goat culling in the area.
The Transport Agency is providing support to those affected by the crash.
Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins said earlier on Thursday that a significant recovery operation took place to recover both victims from the crash site.
“Police are working to formally confirm the identity of those who were recovered, but are unable to do so at this stage of the investigation,” Inspector Perkins said.
“Our thoughts remain with their families and friends at this time.”
The area where a helicopter crashed on Wednesday.RNZ/Samuel Rillstone
A witness, who was first to reach the crash, said he was checking a body for vital signs as the Westpac rescue chopper arrived.
He said he could not find any sign of life before he made the call to get clear of the aircraft.
The man said the Westpac crew soon spotted another body in thick scrub, on steep terrain some distance from the wreckage.
Cordons remain in place around the Battle Hill campground while police examine the scene.
Civil Aviation Authority investigators have completed their preliminary scene examination.
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For the first time in almost 50 years, the Government is building new day specialist schools that will support children with high and complex needs to thrive through its commitment to learning support, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.
“These two new schools represent a hugely significant and long-awaited milestone for specialist education in New Zealand, and for the students and their families who need them,” Ms Stanford says.
“The provision of more day specialist schools is long overdue in New Zealand. It has been a priority for me as Minister, and we know many parents of children with high and complex needs want the option of a specialist education setting.
“We’ve listened to families, communities and specialists around opportunities to help young New Zealanders with higher and complex needs. I am excited for the children who will be pupils and delighted that these options are becoming available for them.”
From Term 2 2027 and Term 1 2028, two day specialist schools are set to open in Palmerston North and South Auckland in response to the increasing demand for specialist education provision in these regions.
The new schools bring the number of specialist schools operating across New Zealand to 29, filling gaps in areas that were short on resources. The last day specialist school established was Hamilton North School in 1977.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis says ensuring all Kiwi kids have the support they need to learn has been a priority in this Government’s budgets.
“That’s why the Government provided an additional $746.9 million in last year’s Budget to ensure earlier identification of and better help for children with additional physical, learning and behavioural needs.
“I am delighted that that these new schools are being established. They will benefit both kids and their parents.”
Ms Stanford says the Government believes that inclusion is choice and specialist schools do an incredible job for students with high and complex needs.
“Since coming to office, we’ve funded 50 new specialist classrooms and the redevelopment of four specialist schools,” Ms Stanford says.
“Choices have been limited, due to distance and local specialist schools lacking capacity. These new schools will give families in these regions more choice and confidence that their children can learn in an environment that suits them.
“We are committed to supporting all students to unlock their potential, and I’m pleased that these new schools will give more young New Zealanders the learning and support that helps them to thrive.”
The new schools will be manufactured offsite using a standard building design and layout. These will provide purpose-built teaching spaces and facilities to meet the broad range of needs their students may have. They will include accessible indoor and outdoor learning spaces, along with family space and therapy areas.
Auckland’s rail network is one major step closer to a modern, more reliable metro system with the completion of the final large-scale pre-City Rail Link works, Rail Minister Winston Peters, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say.
“The last few weeks of hard graft represent a major achievement for public transport and freight in Auckland,” Rail Minister Winston Peters says.
“After five years of sustained, weeks-long disruptions, rail work will increasingly be delivered in short, targeted closures timed for periods of lower demand that bring Auckland into line with how modern networks are maintained overseas.
“That sustained disruption has strengthened the network ahead of the City Rail Link to handle more frequent trains and builds on major completed upgrades such as extending electrification to Pukekohe and delivering a third main line through the busiest rail junction – work we started in 2020.
“We thank commuters for their patience with bus replacements, and the many workers across KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, City Rail Link Limited and subbies who put in the hard yards.”
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the completion of the final large-scale pre-City Rail Link works marks the end of the most disruptive phase of rail upgrades in Auckland.
“With trains now back running fully following the four-week summer closure, the five-year programme to rebuild the busiest and most critical parts of the network is complete,” Mr Bishop says.
“This work has rebuilt Auckland’s rail network from the foundations up, so it is ready to support City Rail Link and deliver more trains, more often, with far greater reliability.
“Successive governments have invested more than $560 million – including $159 million in Budget 2024 – to carry out the work.
“We’d like to recognise the efforts of the 1,300+ people who worked across more than 300 sites during the 2025–26 summer rail upgrade. Over the course of the closure, teams replaced foundations and track, installed new drainage, renewed key rail components, removed two level crossings, and carried out the first full network-wide test of the City Rail Link timetable.
“That test saw 84 trains operating across the network at the same time, the largest number ever run simultaneously on Auckland’s metro rail system.
“The hardest and most disruptive work is now behind us. There really is light at the end of the tunnel.
“While there will still be a few more line closures prior to City Rail Link’s opening, these closures are expected to be much shorter and less disruptive.
“What Aucklanders should expect from here is a more reliable network, fewer long shutdowns, and a rail system ready to deliver the full benefits of City Rail Link.”
Mayor Wayne Brown says the milestone shows tangible progress for Aucklanders after years of disruption.
“It has been a long and frustrating time for Aucklanders, especially businesses who have had to put up with disruption for years, so I thank them for their patience as this project has been completed,” Mayor Brown says.
“It’s the most complex project undertaken in New Zealand but there is payoff coming for Auckland. One of my key policies is to Get Auckland Moving and City Rail Link will deliver a stronger, safer rail network that can support more frequent services, reduce congestion and better connect the city as it continues to grow.”
The summer works also delivered key improvements at major stations. On the Western Line, progress at Henderson Station means both tracks are now operating, restoring peak-time services to their usual 10-minute frequency.
Major progress has also been made at Takanini, Glen Innes,and Te Mahia with piling largely complete and lift shafts now well underway for new pedestrian bridges that will permanently replace level crossings later this year.
City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail are now focused on further testing and commissioning ahead of opening. Additional short closures are planned in the lead-up to City Rail Link opening, with disruption largely limited to weekends and public holidays wherever possible.
Key facts and figures
1300+ people worked across the Auckland metro network over the summer works
Five-year Rail Network Rebuild now complete ahead of City Rail Link opening
84 trains used in the first full network-wide test of the future CRL timetable
Since RNR began more than 80 kms of track across the 182 km Auckland network has been replaced
1,600+ sleepers replaced and 20 crossover turnouts installed
6km of drainage and 6km of foundations replaced
Two more level crossings removed and major station upgrades delivered
Eyes of Fire: The Last Voyage and Legacy of the Rainbow Warrior, by David Robie, isn’t only a gripping tale of adventure and tragedy but also a testament to the enduring spirit of environmental activism. It serves as an important reminder of the power of collective action and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.’
This book is a compelling narrative that delves into a poignant moment in history and its lasting repercussions. Set against the backdrop of Pacific activism, the book meticulously chronicles the ill-fated journey of the Greenpeace vessel, the Rainbow Warrior, in a vividly detailed account that captures the tension and ideals of environmental advocacy.
The story unfolds as the Rainbow Warrior embarks on a critical mission to protest nuclear testing in the Pacific. The ship’s crew, a resolute group of environmental activists, intends to disrupt nuclear tests that threaten to devastate the delicate ecology of the region. Traversing the vast and often perilous waters of the Pacific, the campaigners demonstrate unwavering commitment to their cause.
Traversing the vast and often perilous waters of the Pacific, the campaigners demonstrate unwavering commitment to their cause.
However, their journey turns tragic on the night of 10 July 1985, when French secret agents carry out a covert sabotage operation in Auckland Harbour, New Zealand, bombing the ship in a stunning act of violence that reverberates globally.
David Robie, a veteran journalist and witness to the events, offers an insightful account filled with his personal experiences and observations. Through his lens, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical dynamics at play and the fierce dedication of those aboard the vessel.
[embedded content] 40 years on: The Rainbow Warrior, the bombing and French colonial culture in Pacific – David Robie talks to the Fabian Society
Dr Robie incorporates a deeply human perspective, portraying the hope, courage, and grief that accompany such a devastating loss.
The tragedy claimed the life of Fernando Pereira, a courageous Portuguese-born photographer who tragically perished in the attack, igniting international outrage and drawing widespread attention to both the cause of environmental protection and the political tensions underlying the act of sabotage.
Dr Robie’s narrative goes beyond the immediate incident, reflecting on the far-reaching consequences for Greenpeace and the environmental movement at large.
Following the attack, the remnants of the Rainbow Warrior were repurposed into a living reef in a New Zealand bay in 1987, a symbol of resilience and renewal. Subsequently, Rainbow Warrior II was commissioned, and later still, Rainbow Warrior III, carrying on the legacy of their predecessor in the fight for environmental justice.
The prologue in the 2025th edition is by former Prime Minister Helen Clark and the foreword by former Greenpeace International co-executive director Bunny McDiarmid. This edition has major new sections on climate crisis and updates.
Original 1985 Rongelap mission Rainbow Warrior crew members Bunny McDiarmid and Henk Haazen return to the Marshall Islands in March 2025.
