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One-legged Carlos Ulberg wins UFC heavyweight title by miracle knockout

Source: Radio New Zealand

Carlos Ulberg became the first Kiwi to claim the UFC light-heavyweight belt. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

King Carlos has his crown.

Kiwi Carlos Ulberg is the new UFC light-heavyweight champion, after knocking out Jiří Procházka in round one, while on one leg.

Ulberg blew out his knee, after stepping back and landing awkwardly, and was clearly compromised, as he hobbled around the Octagon.

Procházka did not attack the knee, but instead opted to enter a firefight, a decision he said he regretted in his post-fight interview.

The Czech implied he showed mercy on Ulberg before the finish, but none was shown in return, as Ulberg swung for the fences and stunned the world.

With one final desperation shot, Ulberg landed a picture-perfect check left hook, landing flush on the jaw of Procházka.

The lights were instantly shut off, Ulberg’s follow-up barrage academic, as his miracle killshot had already done the damage.

Ulberg becomes the first fighter from Aotearoa to claim the light-heavyweight title.

See how the event unfolded below.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/12/one-legged-carlos-ulberg-wins-ufc-heavyweight-title-by-miracle-knockout/

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Rāwene residents urged to use less water after main break

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rāwene residents are urged to conserve water, after a water main broke under Parnell Street, the town’s main road. Supplied/Far North District Council

Residents and businesses in the Far North town of Rāwene are urged to immediately reduce water use, due to a major break in a main.

The Far North District Council said Sunday morning’s break had caused water storage levels to plummet to just 15 percent.

Everyone connected to the Ōmanaia-Rāwene water supply must reduce consumption immediately, or risk the town’s reservoir and taps running dry.

Hokianga Hospital was not affected by the break.

The council said some residents would be without water entirely for at least four hours, while contractors carried out repairs.

A water tanker stationed on Russell Esplanade would provide free, treated water until 6pm or when water supplies were restored.

The water main break was caused by a section of Parnell Street slumping at the intersection with Mariner Street.

Even after the pipe was repaired, residents would need to conserve water for at least 24 hours, while the reservoir refilled.

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/2026/04/12/rawene-residents-urged-to-use-less-water-after-main-break/

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Protesters rally across Aotearoa in condemnation of Israel, US ‘warmongering’ and ‘shameful’ NZ

Asia Pacific Report

Thousands of protesters took part in the “Stop Wars Aotearoa” rallies across New Zealand today, calling for an end to the illegal war on Iran and the brutal onslaught on Lebanon this week breaching a fragile two-week truce.

While high-powered delegations from Iran and the United States were arriving in Islamabad for historic mediation talks being brokered by Pakistan, protesters in Auckland, Christchurch and other places across New Zealand were challenging the US and Israeli “warmongering” and criticising the New Zealand government’s “shameful” stance.

Led by US Vice-President JD Vance, the Americans arrived to take part in direct talks with their Iranian foes for the first time since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

A “Hands off Iran” banner at Auckland’s “Stop Wars Aotearoa” rally and march today. Image: Asia Pacific Report

Ironically, Americans living in New Zealand were among those protesting in Auckland.

Kelby Dalton of Americans Abroad Against the War told the cheering crowd in Aotea Square that many of his compatriots condemned the US warmongering under President Donald Trump and were leaving the US in droves – not because they hated America, but because “we love America” and want the destructive political direction to change.

One of the rally organisers, Socialist Aotearoa activist and Unite unionist Joe Carolan declared the protesters opposed all wars and championed freedom – “Hands off Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Venezuela, Cuba and Iran.”

Carolan said: “We will not be provoked by those who believe in violence down at the US Consulate, those who say that violence can bring freedom, those who think that Netanyahu can guarantee women’s rights in Iran.

“Are you joking?

Counter-protest
He was referring to a small counter-protest of Israeli and Shah-supporting Iranians outside the US Consulate in downtown Auckland who were calling for resumed bombing of Iran.

“These people are guilty of a genocide where 60,000 people have been killed [in Gaza].

Protesters in the “die-in” in the street outside the US Consulate in Auckland marking the slaughter of 168 Iranian schoolgirls by US bombs in Minab on the opening day of the war. Image: Asia Pacific Report

“No liberation for women – or anyone in Iran – can come from the pedophile Donald Trump or the genocider Netanyahu.”

The protesters marched to the US Consulate at the Citygroup Building in Customs Street and staged a “die-in” to mark the targeted slaughter of 168 children at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in the southeastern Iranian city of Minab by US bombs.

This tragedy took place on February 28, the opening day of the illegal and unprovoked US-Israel war on the Islamic Republic.

Bill Bradford of the Workers First Union and Filipino community advocate Mikee Santos and a group of Filipino union activists spoke out about how the US military machine and imperialism had exploited migrant communities around the world, especially in the Middle East.

A wide range of speakers, politicians, civil society leaders and trade unionists earlier addressed the main rally, including Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa’s co-chair Maher Nazzal — “we cannot all be free until Palestine is free” — Labour Party’s Phil Twyford; Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez-March, Alliance Party’s Victor Billot, Council of Trade Unions’ president Sandra Grey and the union choir.

Stop Wars Aotearoa organiser Joe Carolan . . . “No liberation for women – or anyone in Iran” from the US-Israeli attacks. Image: Asia Pacific Report

‘Standing with peace and justice’
Two displaced Afghani women speakers thanked everybody for “standing up against American and Israeli imperialism — and for standing with justice and peace”.

Miriam Majud recited a 13th-century humanist poem “Bani Adam” (“Sons of Adam” or “Human Beings”) by Iranian Sufi poet Saadi Shirazi, in Farsi (Persian) and in English.

Bibi Amena gave a speech highlighting Iranian achievements for women in contrast to mainstream media reports.

“I am not from Iran, and I have never visited Iran. But I want to talk about what Iran has done for my people,” she said.

Two Afghani women speaking about the illegal and unprovoked war on Iran today. Image: Asia Pacific Report

“In 1979, when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, Iran opened its borders for us. In 2001, when American and NATO forces invaded and brutally occupied Afghanistan, Iran once again opened its borders.

“For 40 years, Iran hosted millions of Afghan refugees — not in camps, but in cities among their own citizens. They gave us homes, schools, hospitals. They gave us a life of dignity.

“Now the same America that destroyed my home Afghanistan attacks Iran. The same Israel that bombs Gaza bombs Iran.

Today I stand with Iran because yesterday Iran stood with my people — just as Iran has and continues to stand with Palestine, with Yemen, Cuba, Lebanon, Venezuela and with every other oppressed nation fighting for freedom from the chains of neocolonialism.”

She pointed out that while the regimes in Washington and Tel Aviv “love to pretend they care about women’s rights – it’s only while bombing them”.

“Today, Iran’s female literacy rate is 99 percent, one of the highest in the world. Over 60 percent of Iranian university students in science and engineering are women,” she said.

“Again, one of the highest statistics in the world. 49 percent of doctors in Iran are women.

“Iranian women are engineers, pilots, doctors, judges, parliamentarians, and professors. They lead pro-government rallies, they guard their bridges and power plants against US and Israeli bombs.

“They’re not waiting for permission from Tel Aviv or Washington.”

PSNA’s co-chair Maher Nazzal speaking at Auckland’s Aotea Square today. Image: Asia Pacific Report

‘We can bring change’
In Otautahi Christchurch, Iranian-Kiwi columnist and writer Donna Miles told protesters that New Zealand and the world ought to leave Iran to sort out its own future free of global interference.

Iranian-Kiwi activist and writer Donna Miles . . . “Peace in the Middle East is possible.” Image: PSNA Ōtautahi screenshot

“We can bring change. We have brought change. And we can do so if Iranians are left alone — if sanctions are lifted, if the middle class in Iran are able to breathe. And if civil society is able to thrive.

“This is what we need. Leave us alone. America needs to get out of the Middle East.

“Peace in the Middle East is possible. It’s not unachievable. Israel needs to end its occupation of Palestine and America needs to end its imperialism.”

Miles also questioned the New Zealand government?

“How shameful it was to see [Foreign Minister] Winston Peters standing next to [Secretary of State] Marco Rubio soon after Trump made those tweets threatening extremist war crimes wiping out an entire civilisation, ending a country in one night, taking it back to the stone age — and we have a minister who stood there silent.”

Her critical comments came just days after her article in The Press warning that US President Trump “can’t kill off Iranians’ resilient spirit”.

PSNA’s Del Abcede and other protesters in Aotea Square today. Image: Asia Pacific Report
Americans Abroad Against The War protesters in today’s Auckland march against the US Consulate. Image: Asia Pacific Report

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/04/12/protesters-rally-across-aotearoa-in-condemnation-of-israel-us-warmongering-and-shameful-nz/

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Storm News – Cyclone Vaianu Response Update #2

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is continuing to respond to 111 calls for assistance in areas affected by Cyclone Vaianu.
Most of the calls have come from the east coast of the North Island, reflecting the path of the storm and the high winds and rainfall.
Since 5am today, fire crews have responded to more than 100 calls, relating to wind damage and surface flooding.
Fire and Emergency is maintaining full readiness to respond to incidents in all areas already affected by the cyclone and in places where the full force is still to come.
Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says specialist resources including teams with enhanced rescue and water response capability are in position ready to assist local brigades.
“In addition, resources will be moved from Rotorua to the Bay of Plenty to assist in areas most impacted by weather.
“We want to acknowledge and thank our communities for adhering to the safety advice and keeping off the roads and out of flood waters.
“We urge people to remain vigilant and to keep informed through your local Civil Defence and for weather updates MetService.”

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/12/storm-news-cyclone-vaianu-response-update-2/

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ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 12, 2026

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 12, 2026.

‘Ten minutes of terror’ – Lebanon death toll tops 300 from Israel’s ‘Black Wednesday’
Democracy Now! AMY GOODMAN: As the US and Iran prepared to hold ceasefire talks in Pakistan today, Israel is continuing to bomb Lebanon. The death toll from Israel’s massive attack on Wednesday topped 300. More than 1150 people were injured. In a span of 10 minutes, Israel struck 100 sites across Beirut, the Beqaa Valley

ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 11, 2026
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 11, 2026.

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/04/12/er-report-a-roundup-of-significant-articles-on-eveningreport-nz-for-april-12-2026/

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How to stop your bed becoming a microscopic eco-forest

Source: Radio New Zealand

Up to 300ml of sweat goes onto our sheets every night, along with the skin cells we shed, says a microbiologist.

“And it doesn’t matter what the temperature is outside, you will still sweat. And don’t forget the dead skin cells that you shed as well, that the house dust mites will then come along and happily eat,” Primrose Freestone professor in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester told RNZ’s Sunday Mornings.

For this reason, she is an advocate of the morning shower.

Washing cotton sheets at 60 degrees centigrade will sanitise them.

Unsplash

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/12/how-to-stop-your-bed-becoming-a-microscopic-eco-forest/

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Discipline problems but Black Ferns score commanding win over USA at Pacific Four

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mererangi Paul scores a try for the Black Ferns against the United States in their World Rugby Pacific Four series in Sacramento, 12 April, 2026. PHOTOSPORT

A hat-trick of tries to winger Mererangi Paul has helped propel the Black Ferns to a 48-15 victory in their opening Pacific Four match in Sacramento.

Their ever-willingness to attack paid off for the New Zealanders in the second half, after leading just 19-15 at halftime, as they gave Whitney Hansen a superb start in her first test as head coach.

Paul scored tries in the eighth, 15th and 52nd minutes, showing her speed, kick-and-chase and brilliant finishing skills.

Renee Homes also grabbed a double and added five conversions and a penalty for a total of 23 points. She missed out on another possible conversion when the referee timed her out for taking too long.

The New Zealanders scored seven tries to two for the Americans, who played with grim determination in the first half and manged a number of steals at the breakdown.

For all the positives for their win, the Black Ferns have discipline problems to sort out with three yellow cards issued against them. One of them – against reserve prop Tanya Kalounivale for head contact during a cleanout, was upgraded to red, with the TMO declaring it had “a high degree of danger”.

Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Vici-Rose Green also got yellow cards, with the team playing with just 13 on the field at one stage late in the match, which finished in torrential rain at Heart Health Park .

The Black Ferns play Canada in their next match next Saturday, with the New Zealanders keen to avenge their World Cup semifinal loss when the teams last met in September.

See how the game unfolded below:

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/12/discipline-problems-but-black-ferns-score-commanding-win-over-usa-at-pacific-four/

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‘Monkey off our back’: What we learnt from Warriors win over Storm

Source: Radio New Zealand

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck celebrates a try saving tackle on Storm wing (and Warriors successor) Will Warbrick. AAP / Photosport

Analysis: There’s no better way to put championship aspirations back on track than a big win over an opponent that has bullied you in the past.

So it was for NZ Warriors, who ended a two-game slump with a 38-14 victory over Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park.

Over the previous 11 years, the Storm had absolutely owned the Warriors, rattling up 17 consecutive wins – and some of them demoralisingly heavy.

That’s not the kind of rival you want to face, when you’re trying to regroup from a couple of disappointing performances, but the Auckland side showed they still had the goods to venture deep into playoffs this year.

“Really proud,” coach Andrew Webster admitted. “I’m not going to lie, it’s been a frustrating period when we haven’t won, so to give Warriors fans a reason to smile and get that monkey off our back is not a bad thing at all.

“It was more that we wanted to get back to playing out best football. There was a lot of chat that they would come out firing, because of the way they’d been going, but we had two performances we weren’t really proud of and wanted to get back to playing how we wanted to.

“If we got rid of the streak – I won’t call it a voodoo [sic] – that would be a bonus.”

Webster wasn’t presumptuous enough to describe this performance as season-changing, but it was certainly an indication of how he wanted his team to play moving forward.

“What this win does for us will only tell in coming weeks, but it should certainly leave us with confidence that, when we play the style we want to play, and turn up for each other and have your mate’s back, we’re going to get what we want most often.

“Hopefully, it does keep us going.”

Here are some key takeaways from the game.

Best player

Let’s start with the obvious. Front-rower Jackson Ford probably gave his waning Dally M chances a boost, clocking the full 80 minutes, scoring a try, and leading his team in both running metres (162) and tackles (35).

Think about that stat for a second. In 46 games so far this season, only one other player has achieved this – Parramatta Eels forward Jack Williams against Wests Tigers.

Ford has now done it three times and is also the only player to lead his team in both categories for the season.

He made a couple of mistakes – his dropped kickoff return led to Cooper Clarke’s opening try for the Storm – but more than made up for it, as the game wore on.

Jackson Ford reaches out to score a try against the Storm. AAP / Photosport

After his hattrick last week, Wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scored two more tries this week and should have had a third, if fullback Taine Tuaupiki hadn’t been such a hungus midway through the second half.

Without the mixed messages of Luke Metcalf outside him, Tanah Boyd continued to own the No.7 jersey, and continues to lead the competition in kicking metres and try assists, while Chanel Harris-Tavita made a strong case to retain the five-eighth spot.

His vicious tackle on Storm prop Josh King sparked a melee, as the Warriors reminded their rivals of the one-sided scoreline.

“I think that’s just out game,” captain James Fisher-Harris said. “We go good when we’re physical.

“It wasn’t just because it was the Storm – that’s how it’s supposed to be for us going forward.”

Another feature of the performance was the strong contribution off the interchange, led by Demitric Vaimauga, who ran like a demon for 130 powerful metres and also inflicted some punishing tackles.

“I thought our whole pack was great,” Webster said. “Lots to celebrate with our forwards and we just can’t do it without them.

“When they play their best and they’re physical, we play really good football.”

Key moment

Not so much a turning point, as a statement.

Late in the contest, with no real hope of mounting a comeback, the Storm sent big wing Will Warbrick rumbling towards the corner flag.

The Warriors edges have been exploited heavily in the past, but not this time, as Roger Tuivasa-Sheck hurtled out of the night and crashed Warbrick into touch.

This moment was all the more poetic for the fact that on 31 March 2026.

Warbrick will replace RTS in the Warriors line-up next season], but clearly the incumbent was not yet ready to make way for his successor, as he waggled his finger Dikembe Mutombo-style.

Not in my house, mate.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck tackles Will Warbrick into touch. AAP / Photosport

“The goal-line defence at the end was probably the proudest part,” Webster reflected. “We kept putting ourselves under pressure, got a couple of unlucky calls, but kept turning up right to the end, which was awesome.”

Best try

Watene-Zelezniak’s second try was a perfectly worked practice ground special, with Boyd putting up a kick near the line, centre Ali Leiataua chasing it down and Vaimauga providing the final pass to his wing.

His first try was completely opportunistic, with Boyd throwing a long pass that dribbled along the ground, evading four Storm defenders and three Warriors attackers, before it was snapped up and finished off.

Injuries etc

The Warriors were forced to shuffle their backline for this encounter, with Metcalf (hamstring) and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (neck) ruled out by injury, and Adam Pompey by judiciary.

Webster simply handed the No.6 jersey back to Harris-Tavita, and 24 hours out, named Leiataua and Leka Halasima as his midfield.

An hour before kickoff, he pulled a fast one, switching Tuivasa-Sheck to centre, handing a Warriors debut to speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira and keeping Halasima in the second row.

After his unsuccessful 2024 midfield move, RTS stuck exclusively to wing last season, despite his team’s revolving door of centres, so the timing of this switch seemed bizarre, but it paid dividends.

After a couple of listless outings, Tuivasa-Sheck seemed re-invigorated by the assignment.

The only obvious casualty from the game was front-rower Tanner Stowers-Smith, who seemed to be nursing a hamstring on the bench, although Watene-Zelezniak was also clutching his face, after a late head clash.

What the result means

Where do we start?

That 17-game hex no longer hangs over the Warriors.

The 24-point margin represents their biggest win over the Storm, surpassing the 28-12 outcome in Melbourne in 2002.

After back-to-back losses to Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks, the Warriors have regained their mojo and claimed second on the competition table, two points behind Penrith Panthers and ahead of six other teams on points differential.

The Tigers or Newcastle Knights will vault past them, when they meet on Sunday afternoon.

Melbourne Storm

Perhaps this game told us more about the Storm than the Warriors.

After leading 22-12 at halftime of last year’s grand final, they were run down by Brisbane Broncos and don’t seem to have recovered from that disappointment.

Storm captain Harry Grant surveys the one-sided scoreboard against the Warriors. AAP / Photosport

They’ve lost several players from that line-up, notably fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen (retired), wing Xavier Coates (injury), forwards Shawn Blore (injury), Eliesa Katoa (head injury) and Tui Kamikamica (stroke), as well as enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona (boxing), who was suspended.

Their losing streak now extends to four straight, after winning the opening two games of their campaign, and they sit 13th on the table.

This time last year, four-time defending champions Penrith Panthers were one off the bottom of the ladder in the midst of a similar run, but reeled of 10 consecutive victories to eventually reach the preliminary finals, so the Storm aren’t sunk yet.

On Friday, they face 2025 minor premiers Canberra Raiders, who also languish unexpectedly near the foot of the competition.

What’s next

The Warriors now return to Go Media Stadium to face struggling Gold Coast Titans, who have one win from five games so far this season, but face Parramatta Eels (2-3) on Sunday afternoon.

While that sounds like an easy assignment, bear in mind the Titans have won three of their last four against the Warriors and seven of the last 10, including a 66-6 hiding across the Tasman in 2024.

They have also won their last three at Mt Smart – exactly the kind of team that can bring you back to earth quickly.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/12/monkey-off-our-back-what-we-learnt-from-warriors-win-over-storm/

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Live: UFC 327 – Carlos Ulberg v Jiri Prochazka

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s own Carlos ‘Black Jag’ Ulberg will clash inside the cage with Jiri ‘Czech Samurai’ Prochazka for the UFC light-heavyweight strap in Miami, after champion Alex Pereira relinquished his title to move to heavyweight.

Prochazka brings one of the wildest, most unorthodox and chaotic striking styles in the game, while Ulberg uses a methodical, calculated approach to dismantle opponents.

These elements will combine to create a violent reaction in the Octagon and only one man will emerge with gold.

Main card starts 1pm NZT.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/12/live-ufc-327-carlos-ulberg-v-jiri-prochazka/

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State of Business Poll shows business owners facing rising stress levels

Source: Radio New Zealand

Alongside the negative economic outlook is a growing sense of strain among business owners themselves. Unsplash/ Blake Wisz

New Zealand business owners are facing rising levels of stress after years of tough economic conditions, according to the latest State of Business Poll from Research New Zealand.

The April poll, which surveyed more than 400 business owners and senior managers, found nearly two‑thirds of respondents believe the current state of the economy is “bad” or “very bad”.

That figure has remained stubbornly high and is worse than comparable surveys conducted earlier last year.

Alongside the negative economic outlook is a growing sense of strain among business owners themselves.

All types of business owners, regardless of their industry category, business size, or region, are feeling stressed.

The poll found 83 percent of respondents reported experiencing some level of stress, with many saying they had struggled to feel hopeful or optimistic in recent weeks.

Research New Zealand managing partner Emanuel Kalafatelis said the survey showed a business community that has been under sustained pressure for an extended period.

“Most business owners are still very much in survival mode,” he said.

A record 42 percent of respondents said they had hardly ever felt hopeful or optimistic in the last two weeks, or not at all.

Only 22 percent said they had felt optimistic frequently over that period.

While the ongoing conflict in the Middle East was a concern for many firms, Kalafatelis said it was just one of many existing challenges rather than the sole cause of weak confidence.

Nearly three‑quarters of respondents said they were worried about the impact of the conflict on the broader economy, and about half believed it would directly affect their own business.

“While the domestic economy has continued to splutter in the interim, the conflict in the Middle East has put a further spanner in the works,” Kalafatelis said.

The survey also found significant caution about the year ahead.

Around a quarter of respondents expect sharp declines in revenue or profitability over the next 12 months, and nearly a third anticipate costs rising by 20 percent or more.

As a result, 52 percent of businesses said they were focused on just maintaining their current size, 16 percent were looking to downsize, and just 31 percent were planning any expansion or new investment.

Speaking after the release of the survey, Kalafatelis said the findings underscored the need for stronger government support for businesses under strain.

He told RNZ that targeted measures, including subsidies, could help firms cope with rising costs and prolonged uncertainty.

The survey of 433 business owners and managers was conducted online, between 24 March and 2 April 2026.

The maximum margin of error is +/- 5.8 percent (at the 95 percent confidence level).

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/2026/04/12/state-of-business-poll-shows-business-owners-facing-rising-stress-levels/

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Firefighters battling restaurant fire at luxury golf course north of Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

The fire was throughout the building and the roof. (File photo) Pretoria Gordon / RNZ

Firefighters are battling a large fire at a luxury golf course north of Auckland.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said multiple calls about the fire came in just after 10am on Sunday about a fire at a restaurant at the Te Arai Links golf course.

The fire had spread throughout the building and its roof, the spokesperson said.

Multiple fire crews were working at the scene.

No injuries had been reported.

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/2026/04/12/firefighters-battling-restaurant-fire-at-luxury-golf-course-north-of-auckland/

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Storm News – Cyclone Vaianu Response Update #1 5am Update

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

5am Update
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been responding to a small number of 111 calls for assistance as a result of the weather across parts of the North Island.
Director of Operations Brendan Nally says that, as at 5am, crews have responded to twelve incidents related to Cyclone Vaianu, none of them life-threatening. Most of the incidents are related to the winds, with fallen trees affecting property and roofs lifting. In addition, Fire and Emergency assisted Civil Defence and Police with precautionary evacuations from coastal areas in Northland and Bay of Plenty during the day yesterday.
Enhanced rescue teams remain pre-positioned in Whangarei, Auckland, Rotorua, Tairawhiti, and Coromandel to support local fire brigades.
Fire and Emergency’s National Coordination Centre is activated, along with its Region Coordination Centres in Auckland and Tauranga.
The next update will be around 7am, unless there is a significant change. The updates will also be on the news page of our website www.fireandemergency.nz.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/12/storm-news-cyclone-vaianu-response-update-1-5am-update/

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Storm News – Northland overnight update on Cyclone Vaianu

Source: Northland Regional Council

Severe winds were recorded across parts of Northland overnight. Wind gusts of up to 120km/h were observed at Cape Reinga and Tutukākā Harbour, while Hokianga Harbour recorded gusts of up to 110km/h.
In relation to rainfall, the southeastern areas of Northland have seen the highest totals, with Whangārei recording approximately 90 millimetres during the warning period as of 6am.
As the system continues to move south, winds across Northland are beginning to shift to the south-west. Gale south-westerlies are expected to continue affecting parts of the region throughout today.
Both the Strong Wind Warning and Heavy Rain Warning for Northland remain in place until later this morning, with conditions scheduled to be reviewed by MetService around 10am. People are encouraged to continue monitoring official forecasts and warnings at: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-north
At this stage, the majority of rivers across the region are receding, although some river levels remain elevated and may still be rising.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency closed State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge from 7pm yesterday due to safety concerns. Crews are currently assessing conditions, and a decision on whether the gorge can safely reopen will be made later this morning. The most current information on the state highway network is available via NZTA’s Journey Planner: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
Northland Civil Defence continues to advise people to delay any unnecessary travel. Those who do need to be on the roads are urged to drive to the conditions and take extra care.
At this time, no additional road closures have been confirmed. However, inspections are ongoing and further issues may be identified. Roading crews will respond as quickly as possible, and motorists should allow extra time for travel.
Yesterday afternoon, six households in Kerikeri were proactively evacuated due to the potential risk posed by nearby trees. Most residents, along with their pets, were able to stay with friends and family.
Overnight, Top Energy reported two power outages:
  • One affecting 786 customers in the Omapere-Opononi-Whirinaki area
  • One affecting 373 customers in the Waikare through to Rawhiti area
Both outages are currently expected to be resolved around the middle of the day today. At this time, Northpower is reporting no outages, with crews remaining on standby.
Members of the public who encounter storm-related damage or roading issues on public property are encouraged to report them directly to their local council:
Northland Civil Defence continues to work closely with local councils, emergency services, and partner agencies and will provide further updates as conditions change.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/11/storm-news-northland-overnight-update-on-cyclone-vaianu/

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Two dead, two in critical condition, after Gisborne crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

(file photo) RNZ / REECE BAKER

Two people have died after a crash near Gisborne overnight, police say.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Tucker Road, about 11.40pm on Saturday.

Two people were found dead at the scene.

Two more were in a critical condition and were taken to hospital, while two others were moderately injured.

Only one vehicle was involved in the crash, police say.

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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/2026/04/12/two-dead-two-in-critical-condition-after-gisborne-crash/

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Live: Pacific Four – Black Ferns v USA in Sacramento

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the action, as the Black Ferns take on USA in Sunday’s Pacific Four game in Sacramento.

Three players will make their debuts with new coach Whitney Hansen’s first team selection – loose forward Mia Anderson, halfback Tara Turner and winger Justine McGregor.

All three were on the reserves bench.

Kickoff is 11am NZT.

Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Laura Bayfield, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7. Kennedy Tukuafu, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Ruahei Demant, 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 13. Amy Du’Plessis, 14. Mererangi Paul, 15. Renee Holmes

Bench: 16. Vici-Rose Green, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 20. Mia Anderson, 21. Tara Turner, 22. Hannah King, 23. Justine McGregor

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/12/live-pacific-four-black-ferns-v-usa-in-sacramento/

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Fatal crash, Tucker Road, Gisborne

Source: New Zealand Police

Two people have died after a serious crash in Gisborne overnight.

Emergency services were called to a single vehicle crash on Tucker Road at around 11.40pm.

Sadly, upon arrival, two people were located deceased.

Two people were transported to hospital in a critical condition, and two others received moderate injuries.

Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/12/fatal-crash-tucker-road-gisborne/

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‘She has lain forgotten’: the Māori composer whose 110-year-old song features in Hollywood blockbuster

Source: Radio New Zealand

Alongside hits by The Beatles and Harry Styles, the soundtrack to sci-fi blockbuster Project Hail Mary includes a powerful version of the waiata ‘Pō Atarau’, a song originally written in te reo Māori which became a global hit in English as ‘Now is the Hour’.

Erima Maewa Kaihau (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Te Ata) — the woman who first penned its vocal melody and original te reo lyrics back in the mid-1910s — didn’t receive the attribution or payment she deserved for her song’s success, says Austin Haynes.

“It’s a real shame that she has lain forgotten for such a long time, and that the song has become detached from her own name and kōrero, her own story,” he tells RNZ’s Nights.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/12/she-has-lain-forgotten-the-maori-composer-whose-110-year-old-song-features-in-hollywood-blockbuster/

Posted on

One dead after electric bike crash

Source: Radio New Zealand

(file photo) RNZ / Tom Kitchin

One person has died after a crash involving an electric bicycle on a rural road near Palmerston North.

The crash on Banks Road at Rongotea happened about 12:40am Sunday, and only one vehicle was involved, police said in a statement.

The rider died at the scene, they said.

A scene examination has been carried out at the site, and the road has now reopened.

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/2026/04/12/one-dead-after-electric-bike-crash/

Posted on

Fatal crash, Rongotea

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died early this morning following a single vehicle crash.

The crash involved an electric bicycle on Banks Road, Rongotea about 12.40am.

Sadly the rider died at the scene.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/04/12/fatal-crash-rongotea/

Posted on

Most charter schools reached or surpassed target starting enrolments

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mastery School sin Christchurch logo. RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon

Enrolment figures show most of the first eight charter schools have reached or surpassed their target starting enrolments.

The schools set up last year had 658 pupils between them and only Māori boarding school Tipene and Mastery Schools in Christchurch had not reached their establishment rolls, which were used to determine their minimum funding.

Tipene had 72 students and an establishment roll of 100 while Mastery Schools had 104 and an establishment roll of 150.

Among the schools for secondary-aged pupils North West College in Auckland had 143 students, The BUSY School 111, and Christchurch North College 52.

Among the primary schools Te Rito – Te Kura Taiao in Northland had 110 students, Twin Oaks Classical School had 80 ,and École Française Internationale Auckland 66.

A further eight charter schools opened more recently, and the total number of students in all 16 charters was 1471 at 1 March this year.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour said the schools had grown quickly.

“We knew there was demand for charter schools. In some cases, demand was even higher than we expected. Northwest College in Auckland has had to move into a bigger building to accommodate its growth, and its waitlist continues to grow. Newer schools are in huge demand too. Twin Oaks School only opened in Term 3 last year, and already has to move into a bigger space next term,” he said.

Seymour said Charter School Agency calculations showed if the schools reached average size they would cost less per student than average-sized state schools of the same type.

He said a charter primary school with 180 pupils would cost $8,278 per student compared to $8,762 per student for a state school of the same size.

A charter secondary school with 1000 students would cost $10,741 per student compared to $11,040 for a state school of the same size.

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/2026/04/12/most-charter-schools-reached-or-surpassed-target-starting-enrolments/