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Genesis Energy announces $400m capital raise, government to buy up to $200m of new shares

Source: Radio New Zealand

Genesis Energy chief executive Malcolm Johns . Supplied / Brett Phibbs / PhibbsVisuals

Brimming hydro lakes and less use of coal and gas have powered Genesis Energy to a strong lift in half year profit, as it moved to raise $400m to finance new generation projects.

Key numbers for the half-year ended 31st December compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $95m vs $70m
  • EBITDAF $303m vs $217m*
  • Company to raise $400m in share sale, government to participate
  • Interim dividend 7.3 cents per share vs 7.13 cps

*Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, fair value instruments – a measure of operating earnings.

Chief Executive Malcolm Johns said increased hydro-generation across the country allowed Genesis to buy cheaper electricity on the wholesale market, divert gas towards industrial customers, and reduce expensive coal and gas-fired generation at Huntly.

That resulted in the company posting record operating earnings.

“Among the factors influencing the result were improvements in how we trade our portfolio, improved fuels management systems and the

improved positioning of our customer books.”

“At the same time, we progressed our renewable generation pipeline for self-sufficiency in the future.”

The company said it would raise $400 million in a sale of new shares, with $100m to new investors and a $300m renounceable rights offer for existing shareholders.

The government confirmed it would invest up to $198m to maintain its 51 percent stake.

“Genesis’ proposed investments will directly contribute to enhancing energy security, including through enabling Genesis to bring more flexible capacity to the market which can be used to address dry-year risk,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis said.

Johns said the capital injection would speed up investment in renewable generation and “firming” capacity such as batteries and flexible thermal backup, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

“We can execute this plan in a five to six-year window, without that funding, we’re looking at 10 to 15 years,” he said.

“Acceleration of opportunities that meet Genesis’ capital allocation framework are expected to both enhance value for Genesis’ customers as well as shareholders by bringing forward earnings growth and strengthen Genesis’ ability to support New Zealand’s energy security.

Genesis’ maintained its full year earnings forecast between $490m-$520m.

Johns said wholesale power prices were expected to normalise as hydro conditions eased, meaning Genesis would likely run more gas-fired generation in the second half of the year.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/genesis-energy-announces-400m-capital-raise-government-to-buy-up-to-200m-of-new-shares/

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Total lunar eclipse: New Zealand has ‘front-row seat’ to only lunar eclipse of 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

The “Blood Moon” is pictured during an eclipse in the night sky over Sydney on September 8, 2025. AFP / DAVID GRAY

It might pay to stay up late next week with a total lunar eclipse taking place.

According to Stardome, the only lunar eclipse of 2026 will begin on Tuesday, 3 March around 9.45pm.

“In just 10 days, Aotearoa New Zealand will have a front-row seat to witness a total lunar eclipse in its entirety – the only lunar eclipse of 2026.”

The moon will begin to enter Earth’s shadow, “slowly dimming before turning a deep red hue at around 11pm”.

The total eclipse – also known as a “Blood Moon” – will happen just after midnight on Wednesday, 4 March, with the best time to catch it about 12.30am.

No special equipment was needed to view the eclipse, Stardome said.

“Just your eyes and a clear view of the sky. Be sure to check the forecast for your local area if you’re planning to watch this dazzling celestial display.

“There will not be another total lunar eclipse until 2028, and we are among the few locations able to watch the entire event unfold over the Pacific. Only an estimated 2 percent of Earth’s population will be able to view this eclipse from beginning to end.”

MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons said at this stage, there was “reasonably good news” in that the weather was expected to be settled across much of the country when the eclipse is due to happen.

However, because it was happening in the middle of the night and overnight cloud was a possibility, viewing could be obscured.

It was too early to tell what may be the best places across Aotearoa to view the eclipse – with viewers urged to check the forecast closer to the time.

According to Nasa, totality of the eclipse will also be visible in eastern Asia, Australia, the Pacific, and North and Central America.

Partial visibility will be visible from central Asia and much of South America – but it will not be visible in Africa or Europe.

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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/2026/02/23/total-lunar-eclipse-new-zealand-has-front-row-seat-to-only-lunar-eclipse-of-2026/

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Third person dies after crash on State Highway 1 in Marlborough

Source: Radio New Zealand

State Highway 1, near Redwood Pass, was closed for six hours while the serious crash unit conducted a scene examination. Google Maps

A third person has died after a crash between a car and a campervan on State Highway 1 in Marlborough.

Emergency services were called to the crash near Redwood Pass, about 10.40am on Sunday.

Two people died at the scene, and three others were taken to Wellington Christchurch hospitals.

Police said on Monday that a third person has since died in a hospital, while one other was still critically hurt and another in a serious condition.

State Highway 1 was closed for six hours as police investigated.

The road has since reopened.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/third-person-dies-after-crash-on-state-highway-1-in-marlborough/

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Chorus posts modest half-year profit

Source: Radio New Zealand

Chorus’s chief executive said the company had coped with tougher economic times and restrained consumer spending, as it looked to become an all-fibre operation. RNZ

Telecommunications company Chorus posted a modest half-year profit on the back of a lift in sales and connections to its fibre network, and lower costs.

Key numbers for the six months ended December 2025 compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $15m vs loss $5m
  • Revenue $506m vs $500m
  • Expenses $149m vs $154m
  • Guidance full year operating earnings top end of $710m-$730m
  • Interim dividend 24 cents per share vs 23 cps

Chief executive Mark Aue said the company had coped with the tougher economic times and restrained consumer spending, as it looked to become an all-fibre operation.

“We have a clear aspiration to become a simplified all fibre business with 80 percent uptake by 2030, and this result is a culmination of the work we’ve done over recent years to reshape Chorus … we are focused on growth, simplicity and efficiency.”

Chorus added about 31,000 new fibre connections taking its total to 1.13 million, about 72 percent of the households in the regions in which it operates.

At the same time it disconnected 60,000 copper phone lines and expected to clear the remaining 3000 in its territory by the middle of the year.

Fibre broadband revenue was higher while Chorus reduced its operating costs.

Aue said the Chorus network was delivering faster connection speeds because of demand from businesses and households for cloud services, multi device use, and artificial intelligence.

However, he said it was also taking steps to cater for a large number of households who could not afford to connect.

“Nearly 400,000 households cannot afford a package of meaningful digital access – a challenge felt in every region and community across the country.”

He said Chorus was launching what it called “Equity Fibre”, which would be available to households meeting affordability and need-based criteria.

Aue also said fibre was proving its worth in bad weather events, with fewer faults and quicker repair times.

The company said it did not anticipate any significant change arising from the government’s decision to sell $643m worth of debt securities issued to finance Chorus’s roll out of the broadband network.

Forsyth Barr analyst Benjamin Crozier said the result was a “solid” one helped by stronger than expected cost controls.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/chorus-posts-modest-half-year-profit/

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Record uptake nearly doubles advanced nurse education scholarships

Source: New Zealand Government

A record 235 primary care registered nurses will begin advanced education this year – nearly doubling the number originally planned – following strong demand for the Government’s new Registered Nurse Primary Care Scholarships, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Last year we committed to supporting up to 120 primary care registered nurses each year over four years to undertake advanced education. The very high level of demand has shown how strongly nurses want to take up these opportunities, which is why I’m pleased to confirm 235 scholarships have been awarded for this year, with placements beginning from next week,” Mr Brown says.

“This is the highest number of primary care nurses ever supported into advanced education in a single year.”

Of the 235 registered nurses currently working in primary and community healthcare settings, 147 will work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Prescribing and 88 will undertake a Master of Nursing. The expansion has been achieved within existing funding.

“Nurses who complete these qualifications can become registered nurse prescribers, working as part of collaborative healthcare teams and prescribing from an approved list of medicines. Many will continue along the pathway to become nurse practitioners.”

Mr Brown says this additional training capacity comes at an important time following the recent expansion of prescribing rights announced in December.

“Nurse prescribers can now prescribe 211 additional medicines – covering a wide range of common and long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and menopause symptoms. As more nurses gain these advanced qualifications, patients will see real benefits through faster, more convenient access to care closer to home.

“Growing the number of nurse prescribers is a practical way to improve access to care, particularly for patients who rely on regular, ongoing treatment. Enabling nurses to work at the top of their scope helps reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals and ensures more patients can be seen sooner.

“New Zealand registered nurses already deliver exceptional care in communities across the country. Empowering more of them to prescribe will help build a more responsive and sustainable health system, while strengthening the pipeline into future nurse practitioner roles.

“I want to congratulate every nurse who has taken up this opportunity. Choosing to continue your training while serving your community is a significant commitment, and it reflects the dedication you have to improving care for New Zealanders. Thank you for the vital role you play in supporting patients, families, and communities across the country.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/record-uptake-nearly-doubles-advanced-nurse-education-scholarships/

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New faces sought for Pureora Hunting Competition

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  23 February 2026

The free annual hunting competition has been run by DOC’s Maniapoto team, with support from the NZ Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), for more than 30 years.

Allan – who’s been a part of the NZDA for 30 years – has been involved in for the competition numerous times, collecting the jaws, summarizing the results and relaying the information to the hunters. He was recently made an association life member.

He believes there’s scope for the competition to grow if more newcomers are willing to join in.

“We need wider involvement,” Allan says. “The prizegiving is a very family-friendly event – we see the same faces every year, and some have been coming for generations.”

The Pureora Hunting Competition includes a junior category, for hunters less than 15 years old. Young hunters can enter goat tails, rat tails and mustelids.

The fact the competition focusses on Pureora and is run by DOC makes it unique. DOC also runs the National Goat Hunting Competition, which has a broader nationwide focus and launched in 2023.

Allan says the consistent hosting of the competition – apart from 2020 and 2022 when the country was under COVID-19 restrictions – means there’s now 12 years of data and 580 hunted deer to glean information from.

“After COVID-19 lockdowns effectively banned hunting, I expected to see an influx of young deer into the competition when it restarted,” Allan says.

That wasn’t the case.

“Young jaws were rather sparse at the competition. Bored locked down locals were hunting hard – they really kept the freezer topped up.”

Allan believes the competition has the potential to become a significant contributor to wild deer management for the Pureora Forest, and as it’s run by DOC it has the potential to expand further.

DOC Principal Ranger Maniapoto Kina Tweedale says the competition gives participants a chance to hunt competitively during the Roar – rather than recreationally – in lush native forest and potentially claim prizes for their efforts.

“If your kind of naturing is a good hunt in the forest or you think it could be, then we’re keen to see you involved. The competition has a great sense of camaraderie, and we know it’s important to the local hunting community.”

The competition will open on 14 March and culminate with prizegiving at DOC’s Pureora Field Base workshop on Sunday 26 April.

For more information, visit Pureora Hunting Competition.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/new-faces-sought-for-pureora-hunting-competition/

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No lights spark Police interest

Source: New Zealand Police

Eagle-eyed Police who spotted a vehicle driving with no lights on through the streets of Papakura overnight have taken a pair into custody.

At about 12.30am, a vehicle travelling with its lights off sped past a Police car on Great South Road.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says units did not attempt to stop the stolen vehicle and instead initiated assistance from the Police Eagle helicopter.

“Eagle located the vehicle still travelling at excess speed with its lights off, narrowly avoiding a collision with another vehicle.

“The vehicle has then turned into Glenburn Place where two occupants bailed out while it was still moving, causing it to crash through a fence.”

Inspector Hoyes says the pair allegedly attempted to flee through neighbouring properties.

“Unfortunately for them, we had our eyes in the sky who were able to direct staff on the ground to their locations and they were both taken into custody without incident.

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

Two youths, both aged 14, have been referred to Youth Aid Services.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/no-lights-spark-police-interest/

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Kiwi pole vaulters scrapping for world championship spots

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand pole vaulter Imogen Ayris. Simon Stacpoole / www.photosport.nz

The Athletics New Zealand selectors have a dilemma on their hands as they try to finalise their squad for next month’s World Indoor Championships in Poland.

New Zealand’s three female pole vaulters are fighting for just two spots at the event.

On Monday morning, Imogen Ayris vaulted a personal best 4.76 metres at a meeting in France to gain the qualifying standard for the world indoors. Four athletes finished on 4.76m, with a Czech athlete Amalie Svabikova winning on a countback. Ayris finished third.

Olivia McTaggart also delivered a season’s best performance of 4.70m to finish in 5th at the same competition, while Eliza McCartney recorded 4.70m at the Auckland Champs on Friday.

The trio have now all met the entry standard for the championships, but nations are only able to enter two athletes per event.

Both Ayris and McTaggart are scheduled to compete again in Europe before the World Championship qualifying period closes.

McCartney, the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, is scheduled to compete at the national championships in Auckland next week, but now may consider heading overseas to compete to help impress the selectors.

Ayris and McTaggart competed in last year’s World Indoor Championships, finishing ninth and eleventh respectively.

McCartney, who won the silver medal at the 2024 World Indoors in Glasgow, set the national record mark of 4.94m in 1998.

All three pole vaulters have also qualified for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Sprinters Zoe Hobbs and Tiaan Whelpton have run world indoor qualifying times in recent weeks, while shot-putter Tom Walsh is also scheduled to compete in Poland.

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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/2026/02/23/kiwi-pole-vaulters-scrapping-for-world-championship-spots/

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Tourism Holdings’ profits increase after strong half-year

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Campervan operator Tourism Holdings (THL) says strong growth in its rental business has helped drive first-half net profit up 17 percent, with revenue growth of 4 percent.

“Our rentals business remains the engine of THL’s business model and continues to power our global revenue performance,” chief executive Grant Webster said.

“Globally, rental performance remained strong during H1 FY26, with 11 percent growth in sale of services revenue (primarily rentals) in the first half.

“As of today, we are seeing global forward rental revenue for future travel periods more than 15 percent higher than at the same point last year, despite the decline seen in the US market.”

Key numbers for the six months ended December compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $29.6m vs $25.3m
  • Revenue $477.3m vs $458.4m
  • Underlying net profit $29.5m vs $26.5m
  • Interim 3 cents per share vs 2.5 CPS

“We remain confident in the outlook for global tourism. The industry is finally moving away from pre-Covid comparisons,” Webster said.

“Structural drivers, including growing global airline capacity and growing demand for our category of free independent travel, continue to support a positive outlook for RV rentals.

“Looking ahead, we expect continued momentum and growth through calendar year 2026 in New Zealand, Australia and Canada, with these markets seeing between 20 percent to 30 percent growth in forward rental revenue.

“The downside is that we are in an environment where the USA is ‘off the menu’ for many international travellers this year. While the 2025 high season still had the benefit of solid booking intakes before the Liberation Day tariffs were announced (subject to some cancellations), the entire 2026 booking window has been impacted.”

Progress on the strategic initiatives announced in August 2025

“We continue to view FY26 as a transition year as we implement transformational initiatives against a background of ongoing weakness in RV sales markets, broader macroeconomic challenges, and uncertainty regarding the timing of a recovery,” Webster said.

“Notwithstanding this, we are focused on our forecast for FY26.”

The company expected full-year underlying net profit to be in the range of $43m and $47m, including a $1m reduction associated with the timing of its UK divestment.

He said challenging vehicle sales conditions persisted, and the second half of FY26 was expected to largely reflect the trends seen in the first half, with any meaningful recovery unlikely within the current financial year.

Net debt was expected to be less than $400 million.

“Looking further ahead, the execution of our strategic initiatives, continued recovery in international tourism and rental demand, alongside ongoing cost-out actions, are expected to materially benefit FY27.

“We expect gross fleet capital expenditure in FY26 to be around $210 million, reflective of our fleet and capital management decisions.”

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/2026/02/23/tourism-holdings-profits-increase-after-strong-half-year/

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Update: Fatal crash, SH1, Marlborough

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm a third person has died following a serious crash on State Highway One near Redwood Pass.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash at around 10.40am on Sunday 22 February.

Two people died at the scene, and three others were transported to hospital with serious to critical injuries.

Sadly, despite best efforts by medical professionals, a third person has since passed away.

The two other injured remain in hospital in a serious and critical condition.

The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination and the road has since reopened.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/update-fatal-crash-sh1-marlborough/

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Should you trust airlines to get you into the UK on an expired passport?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Gill Bonnett

Changes to the United Kingdom’s entry requirements for dual citizens come into force on Wednesday, but a last-minute update has added further confusion according to travel agents.

Late last year, the British government announced anyone classed as a British citizen would soon need a valid UK passport to enter the country, or have to get a $1300 certificate in their foreign passport.

But on Friday, the Home Office said it will now allow airlines to decide whether to accept an expired British passport alongside a valid foreign one.

Travel Agents’ Association chief executive Julie White told Morning Report leaving it to the airlines’ discretion was risky.

“You can’t rely on that and look, it’s expensive, it’s stressful and you’ve taken annual leave so our suggestion is, you really should be travelling with the right documentation.

“We’re inundated with people contacting our travel agents around clarity because it really is confusing.”

She said airlines could only deal with the information they’d been provided and would face fines if they got it wrong.

“So, if the person standing in front of them has got a New Zealand passport with an ETA [Electronic Travel Authorisation], they will go through a set of questions … the liability then sits on the person travelling, which may actually be denied entry into the UK and turned around.”

White said the British Embassy had not been forthcoming about how airlines would know whether a person required a new passport/ETA or not, but expected people to be questioned upon entry into the UK about whether they had a British parent.

She said the motivation behind the changes was driven by the UK’s desire to tighten its borders and also its move toward digital.

“As they move along to [become] more digitally enabled, I think they’d have greater clarity on who has what rights.”

She said a grace period to comply with the rules would be helpful, but with the changes coming into effect in only three days’ time, thought it was unlikely.

White said some people had chosen to cancel or defer their travel due to the stress, noting insurance wouldn’t cover the cost.

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/2026/02/23/should-you-trust-airlines-to-get-you-into-the-uk-on-an-expired-passport/

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Pedestrian hit by car outside Te Anau business

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services were at the scene. (File photo) RNZ

A pedestrian has been hit by a car in Te Anau.

Police said the crash was reported at 8.45am on Monday on Town Centre, in Te Anau.

The road was closed between Te Anau Terrace and Miro St.

Police said the pedestrian had been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Diversions were in place and motorists would need to avoid the area and expect delays.

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/2026/02/23/pedestrian-hit-by-car-outside-te-anau-business/

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Serious crash, Town Centre, Te Anau – Southland

Source: New Zealand Police

The road is closed near Town Centre at Mokonui Road, Te Anau following a serious crash outside a business at about 8.45am today.

Emergency services are currently at the scene of the crash involving a car and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian has been transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Diversions are in place and motorists will need to avoid the area and expect delays.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

END

Issued by Police Media Team.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/serious-crash-town-centre-te-anau-southland/

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NZ-funded chatbot to support Ukrainian children’s mental health after four years of war – World Vision

Source: World Vision

This week as Ukraine marks the grim anniversary of four years of war and a growing mental health crisis, World Vision New Zealand is funding a digital chatbot to help caregivers support children living through conflict.

Four years of armed combat, bombings, and death have scarred children and nearly 85% of households report psychosocial distress among children, with nearly one-third of under-fives showing visible signs of anxiety and trauma [i]

World Vision New Zealand Acting Head of Fragile and Developing Contexts, Andy Robinson, says the impact of the war on children will last generations.

“Children in Ukraine are growing up feeling unsafe and scared.  Many have been separated from their fathers, and many will have witnessed death and violence at close quarters.

“We’re seeing high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.  Professional mental health services are limited and families are overwhelmed.   World Vision hopes that this digital chatbot will give parents practical ways to support their children’s mental health and wellbeing right now,” he says.

The Parenting in Crisis Chatbot, locally named Batkivska Opora, is a digital tool that provides Ukrainian caregivers with evidence-based guidance on child protection, psychosocial support, and positive parenting amid the ongoing war.

In partnership with Parenting for Lifelong Health, it delivers practical, culturally-adapted guidance via messaging platforms using text, audio, illustrations, and short videos, and provides strategies for stress management, positive parenting, and child protection.

Its flexible, low-bandwidth format ensures access, even in remote or low-connectivity areas.

“This is not a replacement for professional care, but it will help parents who are already struggling with displacement, lost jobs, reduced income, and ongoing security concerns who tell us that they don’t have the resources to support their children effectively,” Robinson says.

A recent World Vision report found that access to protection and mental health services was extremely limited in Ukraine with only 28% of households reporting that they are able to access services from NGOs or UN agencies, leaving 72% without child protection or mental health support at a time of heightened vulnerability.[ii]

The chatbot will initially be trialled with around 500 parents before being scaled-up to reach thousands and complements World Vision’s other work to support children and families in Ukraine. 

World Vision’s Ukraine Response Director, Arman Grigoryan, says children and families are currently suffering not only the perils of war, but of an extremely cold winter.

“Winter intensified the risk facing children.  It compounds learning loss, emotional distress, and protection concerns all at once.  When power cuts disrupt schooling and displacement interrupts in-person education, children suffer and lose stability.  Children and families in Ukraine need extra support in winter – it is a life-saving intervention,” he says.

More than half of families report disruption to their children’s education. A quarter of children are unable to attend school due to unsafe conditions, and a third cannot access online learning because of power outages.[iii]

As Ukraine enters another winter at war, World Vision New Zealand is calling on New Zealanders to help expand support for children and families facing prolonged trauma.

To help support Ukrainian children, visit www.wvnz.org.nz/CHR

Notes:  

World Vision New Zealand is a children’s charity working to overcome poverty and injustice so that children can build a brighter future.  World Vision works to support the most vulnerable children in more than 100 countries around the world.

World Vision has been working in Ukraine since the war began in 2022 and in that time has supported more than 2.3 million people, including more than one million children.  World Vision has provided food, non-food items, cash assistance, protection, education, livelihoods, and mental health support.  We operate in 22 of Ukraine’s 24 regions and continue to deliver both immediate relief and long-term recovery programmes.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/23/nz-funded-chatbot-to-support-ukrainian-childrens-mental-health-after-four-years-of-war-world-vision/

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Person dies after car hits tree and flips in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said the vehicle hit a tree and flipped onto its side in the middle of the road. RNZ / REECE BAKER

A person has died after they were injured in a crash where a vehicle hit a tree and flipped in Auckland.

Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash on Eugenia Rise, Totara Heights, at 1.23am on 17 February.

Police said the vehicle hit a tree and flipped onto its side in the middle of the road.

One person was taken to the hospital in a serious condition.

In an update on Monday, police said they died on Thursday evening.

Another person suffered moderate injuries in the crash.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, with enquiries ongoing into the cause of the crash.

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/2026/02/23/person-dies-after-car-hits-tree-and-flips-in-auckland/

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Stars and royals on the Bafta red carpet

Source: Radio New Zealand

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales, arrive at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards in London, on 22 February, 2026.Jaimi Joy / POOL / AFP

‘One Battle After Another’ US singer-songwriter and actor Teyana Taylor.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘Bugonia’ US actress Emma Stone.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ and ‘Stranger Things’ US actress Sadie Sink.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘Sinners’ US actor Michael B. Jordan.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘Marty Supreme’ French-US actor Timothée Chalamet.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘Adolescence’ British actress Erin Doherty.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ and ‘Game of Thrones’ British actress Hannah Waddingham.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ US actress Glenn Close.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘Bugonia’ US actor Jesse Plemons and ‘Roofman’ US actress Kirsten Dunst.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘The Bride!’ US actress Maggie Gyllenhaal.AFP / Adrian Dennis

‘One Battle After Another’ US actor Leonardo DiCaprio.AFP / Adrian Dennis

Nigerian-British actress Wunmi Mosaku poses with the award for best supporting actress in the film ‘Sinners’.AFP / Justin Tallis

‘BOONG’ Indian film director Lakshmipriya Devi and Indian film producer Ritesh Sidhwani pose with Paddington The Bear and the award for best children and family film.AFP / Justin Tallis

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/stars-and-royals-on-the-bafta-red-carpet/

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Health NZ’s redundancy payouts a ‘disgraceful waste of money’ – PSA

Source: Radio New Zealand

The redundancies were forced on Health NZ by government cuts, says the PSA. RNZ

Spending millions on redundancy payouts for non-clinical staff at Health NZ is a “disgraceful waste of money”, says the PSA union.

Te Whatu Ora made nearly $58 million in redundancy payouts between late 2023 and 2025.

In total, $57.91 million in payments for voluntary redundancies and early exits for non-clinical staff were made between 1 November 2023 and 31 December 2025, according to figures released under the Official Information Act to the PSA union.

PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimmons said the union estimated the agency let go about 2800 workers through cuts and voluntary redundancies during this time.

She said the non-clinical staff such as IT experts and administrators were still desperately needed in the public health system.

“We’ve lost administrators, we’ve lost IT experts, we’ve lost analysts, we’ve lost people that support training of health professionals – all people who played a critical role in our health system, who have more to give and who will be missed.”

Fitzsimmons said the $58 million in payouts was a “disgraceful waste of public money”, that will have “costs on our health system for years to come”.

She said the redundancies were forced on Health NZ by government cuts, citing major cuts in the agency’s IT department last year as one example.

“Everyday, we’ll see the cost of these departures in IT failures, in longer waiting lists, and in clinicians needing to do more of their own administrative and clerical work at the expense of seeing patients.”

Health Minister Simeon Brown said the government’s priority was ensuring more resources are directed to frontline care, rather than “back-office bureacracy”.

He said fewer New Zealanders were waiting for elective surgery or a first specialist assessment than at the start of last year, emergency department wait times are improving, along with childhood immunisation rates.

“This progress is being supported by significant workforce growth, including around 2000 additional nurses and hundreds more doctors employed by Health New Zealand since 2023.”

A Health NZ spokesperson said voluntary redundancy was a choice staff could make based on their own circumstances.

“Changes that have been made within Health NZ are part of an ongoing effort toward a more sustainable future for healthcare.

“We want to ensure our resources and people are organised to strengthen and support the front-line so more New Zealanders get the right healthcare when and where they need it.”

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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/2026/02/23/health-nzs-redundancy-payouts-a-disgraceful-waste-of-money-psa/

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Fatal crash, Totara Heights

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash on Eugenia Rise, Totara Heights on 17 February.

Emergency services were called to the single vehicle crash at around 1.23am.

The vehicle had hit a tree and flipped into its side in the middle of the road.

One person suffered moderate injuries, with one person being transported to hospital in a serious condition.

Sadly, they passed away in hospital on Thursday evening.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, with enquires ongoing into the cause of the crash.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/fatal-crash-totara-heights/

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Fisher & Paykel Healthcare seeing ‘good growth’ across hospital products

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has upped its full year revenue and profit guidance on the back of “good growth” in its full range of hospital products.

“We have continued to see good growth across the full range of our hospital products so far during our second half,” managing director Lewis Gradon said.

“While relative seasonal respiratory hospitalisations in the northern hemisphere winter may continue to impact the second half result, our performance to date suggests pleasing progress in our efforts to change clinical practice.

“Continuous improvement activities and other efficiency gains are also contributing to improvements in our gross margin and operating margin.”

23 February 2026 guidance* versus 29 November 2025

  • Net profit $450m – $470m vs $410m – $460m
  • Revenue $2.30b vs $2.17b – $2.27b
  • Assumes US exchange rate of 60 US cents vs 57 US cents
  • Does not incorporate any potential refund of US tariffs paid to date during the 2026 financial year.

Update on US tariffs

The company updated its view on US tariffs following a US Supreme Court decision invalidating tariffs imposed by the US administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

“There are still a number of uncertainties regarding the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling for companies that import into the United States,” it said.

“The company continues to work through the complexities associated with the US court rulings, refund processes and application of free trade agreements and the Nairobi Protocol to its products, and will provide an update on tariff impacts with its full year results at the end of May.”

The company continued to view the current and proposed tariff structures in the context of cost increases that will be mitigated over time by the company’s long-standing continuous improvement activities.

“As such, the company does not currently believe these matters have any material impact on the company’s long-term direction, strategy or sustainable profitable growth.”

F&P declined to comment further.

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/2026/02/23/fisher-paykel-healthcare-seeing-good-growth-across-hospital-products/

Posted on

Media Advisory – Commissioner of Police Award presentation to Samson Aruwa

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are invited to the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Samson Aruwa in recognition of his courageous actions at a critical incident in Dunedin on the night of 5 October 2019.

On that night, during a life threatening crowd crush at a student gathering, Samson demonstrated exceptional courage, calmness, and leadership. Tragically, the night was marked by the loss of Sophia Crestani, whose life and memory are honoured with enduring respect.

The Commissioner of Police Richard Chambers will be presenting this award on behalf of New Zealand Police, with Sophia Crestani’s parents in attendance, as well as University of Otago Vice Chancellor Grant Robertson, Southern District Commander Superintendent Jason Guthrie, and members of Southern District Police leadership.

Date: Thursday, 26 February
Time: Please meet no later than 10.50am
Location: Clocktower, University of Otago, 362 Leigh Street, Dunedin (there is a bench seat dedicated to Sophia Crestani nearby and the presentation will take place there).

RSVP: media@police.govt.nz 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/23/media-advisory-commissioner-of-police-award-presentation-to-samson-aruwa/