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Infrastructure Commission clarifies suggestion of Auckland Harbour Bridge toll

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tom Kitchin

The Infrastructure Commission has moved to clarify its suggestion around tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with the government considering whether a toll will help pay for a new Waitematā Harbour crossing.

The government has been at pains to stress no decisions have been made around tolling the existing bridge, and the Infrastructure Commission said it was not specifically recommending a toll over options like targeted levies.

In the National Infrastructure Plan, published on Tuesday, the Infrastructure Commission said new revenue would be needed to help fund a new crossing, and a $9 toll on the existing bridge and the new crossing could raise between $7 billion to $9 billion.

On Tuesday, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said it was a “big decision” for the country to make, and a decision he would not get ahead of.

Infrastructure Commission chairperson Geoff Cooper told RNZ the plan highlighted that given New Zealand already invested a large proportion of its infrastructure spend in transport, there was a need to increase user revenues if additional major projects were to be added to the network.

“This could mean increasing existing charges, introducing new charges like tolls, or investing in ways that increase usage and growing the revenue base,” he said.

He said the Waitematā Harbour crossing was one such example where the consideration was needed, and for projects that could not proceed within existing funds, new revenue mechanisms, which could be tolls, target levies, or other charges, should be investigated.

“To illustrate a scenario for what this might look like, we present high-level analysis that a $9 toll on both new and existing crossings could raise up to $7-9 billion to help pay for the crossing,” he said.

“However, we have not undertaken a detailed comparison of alternative revenue options, and hence we do not specifically recommend a toll over options like targeted levies. Ultimately it will be up to decision-makers to decide on the best mechanism for paying for new infrastructure such as this.”

Finance minister Nicola Willis said a $9 toll was a “completely hypothetical scenario”.

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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/2026/02/18/infrastructure-commission-clarifies-suggestion-of-auckland-harbour-bridge-toll/

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Crucial SH35 connection restored

Source: New Zealand Government

State Highway 35 will once more connect Tairāwhiti to eastern Bay of Plenty, when it reopens at 7am tomorrow, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

It’s been three weeks since heavy rainfall and flooding caused slips above and below the road, closing the road between Pōtaka and Te Araroa isolating the communities in between.

“NZ Transport Agency crews have been working alongside local contractors since the storm at the end of last month to restore access as quickly, and safely, as possible,” Mr Bishop says.

“While there have been multiple slips along this stretch of state highway, the focus has been on two particular areas – the Waikura slip between Pōtaka and Hicks Bay, and the largest slip of all, the Punaruku slip, closer to Te Araroa.

“A quarter of a million cubic metres of rocks and soil came down in the Punaruku slip, and workers have shifted 25,000 cubic metres of it to restore access.

“Now, NZTA has confirmed the section of SH35 from Pōtaka through to Hicks Bay and around to Te Araroa will be open daily between 7am and 7pm from tomorrow morning. That means people and freight will again be able to travel all the way through to Gisborne.

“Outside those opening times, the road will close again to allow crews to continue working.

“We know how important this is for medical appointments, to replenish supplies and reconnect with family and friends.

“It’s been a tough three weeks for communities stuck in between the cordons, and while there have been limited convoys in place, the work to restore public access is no mean feat. I’d like to thank the community for their patience and support over this period, and East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick for her strong local advocacy.

“I’d also like to thank all the crews who have been working so hard around the clock and in all kinds of weather conditions to make this re-opening possible.

“The road may be open, but it’s still very fragile. Crews will be working on it for some time to come. People travelling through will need to remember to take extreme care – the journey will take longer, the road will be down to single lane in multiple locations, and lower speeds and traffic management will be in place

“For communities up and down SH35, the sight of hi-vis vests, hard hats and rollers has become all too common since Cyclone Gabrielle. There’s going to be more of that to come and I’m thanking people in advance for their support – it makes all the difference for the crews on the ground.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/crucial-sh35-connection-restored/

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Southland Police continue search for missing man Kevin Belling

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant John Kean:

The search for missing 62-year-old Kevin Belling continues as Southland Police conduct searches in waterways in the Motu Rimu area.

Kevin was last seen at his Motu Rimu farm on Friday 9 January and was reported missing on 18 January.

Police Search and Rescue and Land Search and Rescue teams have conducted extensive searches, including at Kevin’s Caeser Road property in Kapuka.

Southland Police are now proceeding to examine effluent ponds and other waterways on the Motu Rimu farm owned by Kevin.

Unfortunately, Kevin has not been found, and Police continue to appeal for any information that could help us find him.

Police urge the community to be vigilant and check their rural properties for any signs of Kevin.

If you have information that can assist in the search to locate Kevin, please contact Police online at 105 or call 105.

Please use the reference number 260118/6964.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/southland-police-continue-search-for-missing-man-kevin-belling/

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Super Rugby Preview: Seven Moana debutants, Barrett back, duel derbies await

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jordie Barrett is back in the capital and will start in the midfield against Moana. Photosport

The Hurricanes have entered the chat.

After sitting out round one with the bye, the Canes will open their campaign in the capital on Friday night against a buoyant Moana side bringing Pasifika bragging rights back from Lautoka. Jordie Barrett is back after a sabbatical in Ireland while Japan captain Warner Dearns makes his Super Rugby debut. Coach Clark Laidlaw will also have plenty of fire-power from the pine in the form of All Blacks Cam Roigard and Billy Proctor.

For Moana, it was a case of ‘Ardie who? as Tana Umaga’s men pulled off one of the toughest tasks in Super Rugby, victory in the sweltering fortress of Lautoka over the Drua in round one. They return to Wellington for the first time since the Canes crushed them 64-12 to close out their 2025 campaign.

Umaga has opted to give seven debutants a run at the caketin, while Sam Moli will lead the team with Miracle Faiʻilagi to bring impact from the bench.

After surviving gruelling New Zealand derbies in round one, the Highlanders and Chiefs will collide in another all-kiwi clash under the roof in Dunedin. A clutch Cameron Millar penalty and gutsy defence in the dying stages saw the Highlanders earn their first win since May of 2025 as they upset the defending champion Crusaders in round one.

The Chiefs’ win came in far more controversial fashion, with All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i’s early try against the Blues awarded at the time, later ruled to constitute an illegal action as he left the ground to launch over two defenders. The result struck however, unlike many passes in a clunky display by both sides. The same fixture closed out the regular 2025 season with the Chiefs taking a 41-24 victory.

Closing out the weekend is one of Super’s greatest rivalries. The Crusaders and Brumbies have engaged in several iconic battles over 30 seasons, including the 2000 and 2004 deciders. It was a typically thrilling encounter the last time these sides met, the Crusaders snatching a 33-31 win courtesy of a late George Bell try. Round one brought contrasting fortunes for both teams, the defending champion Crusaders edged by their southern rivals while the Brumbies battered the Force 56-24 in Perth.

Elsewhere, the Blues head across the Tasman to meet the Force with both teams searching for their first wins of the season and the Waratahs host the Drua in Sydney.

Other selection notes

A big weekend for Japanese rugby with both Dearns and Mamoru Harada making their debuts, Harada named on the bench for Moana Pasifika.

Also joining Super Rugby ranks will be newcomers Alefosio Aho, Faletoi Peni, Simon Peter Toleafoa, Lolani Faleiva Konrad Toleafoa former Brisbane Bronco Israel Leota, all earning callups for Moana.

Cortez Ratima will sit out the trip to Dunedin for the birth of his second child while Emoni Narawa will play his 50th match for the Chiefs. Jona Nareki will also notch his half century for the Highlanders.

Injury ward

The Chiefs will be without bruising flanker Samipeni Finau who is recovering from while Wallace Sititi is out for the week with a hamstring niggle. Du’Plessis Kirifi misses the next fortnight for the Hurricanes as he manages a calf complaint while Ruben Love’s ankle will keep him out of action for the next month at least.

Moana are still without former All Black Augustine Pulu, lock Jimmy Tupou and the promising young Niko Jones. For the Highlanders, Finn Hurley is still at least three weeks from a return while Xavier Tito-Harris and Andrew Knewstubb could be back for round three.

The Blues are down their two top locks with Sam Darry out with concussion and Patrick Tuipulotu still recovering from a shoulder injury, targeting a round six return.

Team lists

Hurricanes vs Moana

Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday February 20

Sky Stadium, Wellington

Live blog updates on RNZ

Hurricanes: 1 Xavier Numia, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Siale Lauaki, 4 Hugo Plummer, 5 Warner Dearns, 6 Devan Flanders, 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Brayden Iose, 9 Ereatara Enari, 10 Brett Cameron, 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 12 Jordie Barrett (c), 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 14 Josh Moorby, 15 Callum Harkin

Bench: 16 Jacob Devery, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Matolu Petaia, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Arese Poliko, 22 Cam Roigard, 23 Billy Proctor

“It was a huge crowd against Moana last year, so hopefully we can create that again and put in a performance that gets our fans excited and gets them coming back for the rest of the season.” – Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

Moana Pasifika: 1 Abraham Pole, 2 Samiuela Moli (c), 3 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 4 Veikoso Poloniati, 5 Alefosio Aho, 6 Semisi Paea, 7 Konrad Toleafoa, 8 Dominic Ropeti, 9 Siaosi Nginingini, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Tuna Tuitama, 12 Faletoi Peni, 13 Glen Vaihu, 14 Israel Leota, 15 Simon Peter Toleafoa

Bench: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Tito Tuipulotu, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Allan Craig, 20 Miracle Faiilagi, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 William Havili, 23 Tevita Ofa

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the depth within our group, if we want to get all the way to the end of this competition, we’re going to need everybody.” – Moana coach Tana Umaga

Highlanders vs Chiefs

Kick off: 7.05pm Saturday February 21

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Live blog updates on RNZ

Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Rohan Wingham, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy (VC), 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game), 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (C), 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

“The Chiefs are a bit like the Crusaders, stacked with All Blacks and have performed very well in recent seasons, so another huge challenge for us and one we are looking forward to.” – Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6 Kaylum Boshier, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Quinn Tupaea (vc), 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa

“These local derbies are brutal. There is no inch given and it will go up another notch against the Highlanders who are coming off an equally tough win against the defending champions Crusaders.” – Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbs

Force vs Blues

Kick off 9.35pm Saturday February 21

HBF Park, Perth

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Anton Segner, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

“Going over there, we know we need to be at our best. We’ve taken a lot of lessons from last week and the focus is on being accurate, disciplined, and connected for the full 80 minutes.” – Blues coach Vern Cotter

Crusaders vs Brumbies

Kick off 3.35pm Sunday February 22

Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch

Live blog updates on RNZ

Crusaders: 1 Finlay Brewis, 2 George Bell, 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Dom Gardiner, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Rivez Reihana, 11 Sevu Reece, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Braydon Ennor, 14 Chay Fihaki, 15 Will Jordan

Bench: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Louie Chapman, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Leicester Fainga’anuku

“We always look in the mirror first. Collectively, we could have done some things a little differently, but it is what it is. We’ve got to look forward now and take what we learned into the game we’ve got at home on Sunday.” – Crusaders coach Rob Penney

Waratahs vs Fijian Drua

Kick off 9.35pm Friday February 20

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

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/2026/02/18/super-rugby-preview-seven-moana-debutants-barrett-back-duel-derbies-await/

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CRL to lift tourism and major events in Auckland

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland competes in a highly dynamic global market for tourists and major events. The City Rail Link (CRL) is tipped to give the city a new edge in both arenas. 

Annie Dundas, Director Destination for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says greater ease of access enabled by the CRL will support the agency’s aims.

“CRL will help elevate all our goals. We work hard to secure a strong pipeline of major and business events. In the last financial year, the events we supported in Auckland delivered more than $89 million in GDP – they are crucial for our success as a region and a country,” she says.

We sat down with Annie Dundas and asked her more about how she thinks the City Rail Link will enhance Auckland’s tourism and events sectors when the new rail system opens in the second half of 2026.

This is part of an occasional Q&A series with urban and economic development leads within the Auckland Council group, looking ahead at the region-wide benefits of the City Rail Link for multiple sectors.

Our Q&A with Annie Dundas:

Q. What is the role of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited?

We are Auckland Council’s cultural, events and destination agency. We attract visitors to the region, invest in major and business events and deliver cultural events such as Pasifika Festival and BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival.

We champion Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s global reputation and strive to make it a vibrant place to live and visit. We own and operate venues and cultural institutions including Auckland Zoo, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Aotea Centre, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa, The Civic, Western Springs Stadium, North Harbour Stadium and Go Media Stadium.  

We also attract performing arts to the city through New Zealand’s largest performing arts organisation Auckland Live, and put on free Auckland Council Events in public spaces for all to enjoy.

Q. How will the CRL help visitors to our region experience it better?

Getting people around more swiftly will be a game-changer. The CRL is not just about new stops in the city, it enables better train services across Auckland by linking up the network and unlocking space for more trains to travel more often. It will provide visitors an easier way to experience more of our region – if they’re in downtown Auckland or arriving on a cruise ship, they’ll be able to hit Karangahape Road or an event at Go Media Stadium much more easily. If they’re staying further away, they can get to the waterfront, which we know is a major drawcard for visitors, much more easily.

This ease of travel will be especially valuable for visitors here for business events. Usually they’ll stay longer than three or four days, and are likely to attend a conference at say, the new NZICC or Aotea Centre. The new Te Waihorotiu Station will be right on those venues’ doorsteps – this will make us an even more business event friendly city. There will be frequent services, meaning no long waits for the next train. It will be a true international experience. It positions our reputation very well internationally.

CRL stations and surrounding areas also incorporate beautiful Māori design – it’s important to represent our unique culture in this way and we know visitors value this. 

Recently re-opened glasshouse entrance to Waitematā Station.

Q. How about locals – will it make coming into the city for events easier?

It will take away parking stress and cost for a much wider group of people and make it easier for them to get to events and shows. If you live in Maungawhau (Mt Eden) for example, you’ll be able to get to Waitematā Station in less than 10 minutes, then Spark Arena is right there. If you live in Henderson, you’ll be able to get to Te Waihorotiu Station in 35 minutes, 24 minutes quicker than the current public transport. That station is very close to The Civic, Basement Theatre, Q Theatre, Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Centre – so suddenly getting to that concert or a free festival in Aotea Square becomes a lot more attractive. From Glen Innes in the east, you’ll be able to get to Te Waihorotiu Station in 15 minutes, 10 minutes quicker. So we are really excited about the barriers it will reduce and cultural participation it will encourage for all Aucklanders.  

Q. What about major events in Auckland with crowds of more than 10,000 people?

For major events coming up including the British & Irish Lions Women’s Series in 2027, Cricket World Cup in 2028, and men’s Lions tour in 2029, the CRL will be amazing. Fans flowing in and out of Eden Park will be able to hop down to Waitematā Station at the waterfront in just 13 minutes. That will make it easier to enjoy bars and restaurants before and after matches and give huge crowds multiple hospitality options. There will also be a single train ride from the east to Eden Park on the new network, which will make it easier for families in the eastern suburbs to go along.

At Go Media Stadium in Penrose where Ed Sheeran just performed, access will be easier with a single train ride from the west to the stadium on the new network.

We’ve just brought in a wayfinding map at Go Media Stadium that links through to public transport and gives information about the nearby Penrose train station that will connect to the new CRL stations. We’ll be able to integrate it with our existing tools and strategies to reduce barriers to attendance.

Q. What if people want to go out or stay out after work for a cocktail or to see a live band – will the CRL help?

Yes. Part of our work at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is to encourage a humming night-time economy. More frequent trains until about midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and between 1am and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, will make it easier to go out or stay out later for a larger group of people.

There will also be a single train ride from the south to the famous night-time precinct of Karangahape Road. No more switching between trains and buses on the way. Fewer people will need to bring a car into town just so they can stay out at night after work. So definitely – the CRL is an important piece of the puzzle to help us elevate Auckland nightlife.

Q. How important is transport connectivity for what Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is tasked with achieving?

Ease of access, which the CRL will improve, will help us achieve our goals. We work relentlessly to secure a strong pipeline of major and business events in a hugely competitive global market. 

We also push hard to attract screen production and boost visitor numbers from key markets including Australia, North American and Asia and run world-class attractions including Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland Zoo – in all these areas, ease of access and movement is vital. Visitors know about our scenery – but we need to offer more.

Having a truly international city where it’s easy to get around is a crucial part of the ecosystem of drawcards we offer to make Tāmaki Makaurau an amazing place to live, work and visit.

Viaduct Harbour. Photo credit: AucklandNZ.

Read more about the benefits of CRL in earlier Q&A on OurAuckland.

Learn how the new network is expected to lift Auckland’s international standing with Barry Potter; support the region’s productivity with Gary Blick; and provide everyday benefits for Aucklanders and visitors across the region with George Weeks.  

City Rail Link information brochures are available in eight languages on the Auckland Transport website.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/crl-to-lift-tourism-and-major-events-in-auckland/

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Next stop for the Northwest Busway

Source: New Zealand Government

NZTA has applied for statutory approvals for the Northwest Busway project under the Fast‑track Approvals Act (FTAA), marking a major milestone for a project that will deliver faster, more frequent and more reliable public transport for Auckland’s growing northwest, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. 

“The project, similar to the successful Northern Busway, will provide a busway alongside State Highway 16 (SH16) between Brigham Creek and the city centre, and seven stations connected to the local bus and road network,” says Mr Bishop.

“People in the northwest are crying out for better transport options in one of the region’s largest planned growth areas, where an additional 100,000 people, along with 40,000 new homes and 40,000 new jobs, are expected by 2051.

“Lodging under the FTAA represents progress for the Northwest Busway, which is going to provide more transport choices for communities in the northwest. This is about building the future of public transport in New Zealand. Auckland is our largest city, and this will help support jobs and drive growth.  

“The Northwest Busway includes a park and ride station at Brigham Creek and stations at Westgate, Royal Road, Lincoln Road, Te Atatū, Point Chevalier and Western Springs. It will be able to move up to 9,000 passengers per hour in each direction, the equivalent of four motorway lanes.  It will also provide a reliable 25-minute journey time from Brigham Creek to the city centre – all day, every day.  

“Construction is already underway on the new Westgate Station, which will open later this year, and works on the Brigham Creek Station are expected to start next year.

“The busway will increase the capacity of State Highway 16 by nearly 20% during peak times by freeing up space on the motorway for freight and those that need it.  

“Aucklanders want better, faster and more reliable public transport and this project is a priority for this Government, so I welcome the progress being made by NZTA with the lodgement of statutory approvals for the project under the FTAA.

“The approvals will enable NZTA to construct the project in stages as further funding is made available. 

“The Northwest Busway project has received around $550 million, covering statutory approvals, design and site investigations, construction of the Westgate Station and Brigham Creek Station and Park & Ride, and targeted property acquisition. 

“The Northwest Busway project is part of an integrated plan to provide better connections to the wider transport network and maximise investment in other public transport projects like City Rail Link.” 

Notes to the editor: 

  • The northwest of Auckland is home to 90,000 people and is one of the city’s largest planned growth areas. 
  • 60 percent of residents commute out of the area for work and education, which means the Northwestern Motorway regularly suffers from congestion and delays.
  • This project covers an 18km corridor and navigates a heavily built-up urban environment. This means it requires underpasses and structures to navigate motorway interchanges, and it impacts some utility assets and property which also add to the cost. 
  • The whole project has a benefit cost ratio of 2:1, with the first stage at 6.3:1 so for every dollar that’s spent we’re getting high benefits in return.
  • Stage 1 will see new stations at Brigham Creek and Lincoln Road as part of a $330m – $380m package of work. 
  • Stage 2 will include the separated and bi-directional busway from Brigham Creek to Te Atatū, along with the stations at Royal Road and Te Atatū, the second stage of Westgate station, and the city centre connection at Newton at an estimated investment of $4,100m – $4,600m*. 
  • The Point Chevalier and Western Springs stations are to be delivered as a third stage. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/next-stop-for-the-northwest-busway/

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Economy – There’s still time to assess the effects of prior OCR cuts – Cotality

Source: Cotality – Commentary by Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson

As widely expected, the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, under new Governor Anna Breman, held the official cash rate unchanged at 2.25% today. This was firmly in line with the forward guidance from the previous meeting in November and it reflects the expectation that spare capacity in the economy should ultimately pull inflation back down again.
Many of the key economic forecasts released today were essentially unchanged from three months ago. The RBNZ expects the economy to expand by just short of 3% this year, with employment rising consistently and the unemployment rate edging down from 5.4% to 5.0% by the end of 2026. CPI inflation may already be back within the 1-3% target band this quarter.
The decision also noted that “if the economy evolves as expected, monetary policy is likely to remain accommodative for some time”. 
This suggests no immediate rush to bump up the OCR. Even so, the forecast track was ‘pulled forward’ a little, pointing to the probability of a rate rise late this year rather than early next year, as previously indicated. This really just endorses what financial markets and many commentators had already been suggesting was likely to happen and reflects the Bank’s suggestion that “settings will gradually normalise”.
For the housing market, it also just remains a case of waiting to see how a range of conflicting forces play out. On one hand, although banks have already been pushing small moves in some mortgage rates lately, generally they remain fairly stable and much lower than before. This will be supporting property sales activity and house prices.
By contrast, however, a cautious attitude still prevails across the market, and it’s difficult to see a sharp turnaround for activity or prices until jobs growth picks up and the unemployment rate falls more emphatically. This looks set to be a story for later in 2026 rather than sooner.
Indeed, the RBNZ itself predicts that property values could even fall a bit further in the next 3-6 months before edging higher later this year. They could end up flat for 2026 as a whole and only rise by 3.0% in 2027. 
Based on the recent rise in physical housing stock versus population, and also the new restraint of debt to income ratio caps, it’s hard to disagree too much with those modest expectations.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/economy-theres-still-time-to-assess-the-effects-of-prior-ocr-cuts-cotality/

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University Research – Lab discovery offers hope for lymphoedema – UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

A newly discovered molecule shows promise for treating painful lymphoedema.

Scientists have made a breakthrough that could lead to effective treatments for lymphoedema, a painful swelling condition for which there is currently no cure.

Lymphoedema can be congenital or caused by an injury, but it mostly occurs as an unintended consequence following breast-cancer treatment.

It occurs when the lymphatic system, which moves fluid throughout the body via specialised vessels, is damaged, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues.

“Our group of researchers has discovered a new molecule and pathway that together promote lymphatic vessel growth,” says Dr Jonathan Astin, a senior lecturer in molecular medicine and pathology in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. See Cell Reports.

“We initially made this discovery in zebrafish but have also shown that the factor works in human lymphatic cells.”

The scientists discovered the growth-promoting molecule, known as ‘insulin-like growth factor’, or IGF, accelerates the growth of lymphatic vessels in zebrafish, so has potential to repair damaged vessels.

They then worked with a University colleague, senior research fellow Dr Justin Rustenhoven, to grow human cells in the lab and found the IGF, could also ‘instruct’ human lymphatic vessels to grow.

“This work is of interest to the medical community as it provides an additional way to induce lymphatic vessel growth,” says Astin.

“This is especially important for people with lymphoedema. In Aotearoa New Zealand, approximately 20 percent of women who have lymph nodes removed as part of breast-cancer treatment will develop lymphoedema, and currently there is no cure.”

There is another molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), that also promotes the growth of lymphatic vessels; the IGF molecule may work together with VEGF to promote the growth of lymphatic vessels, says Astin.

The work was conducted in Astin’s lab by then doctoral student Dr Wenxuan Chen and involved collaborations with Dr Kate Lee, Dr Justin Rustenhoven and Professor Stefan Bohlander, all in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, as well as a lab in the US.

“We use fish primarily because they’re very simple, but they’re still remarkably similar to us,” Astin says.

“The advantage of using fish is we can fluorescently label lymphatic vessels so that they glow and then image vessel growth in a whole larva or embryo and not impact its growth at all.

“We can just watch it grow, and things happen much quicker in a fish, because they develop much faster.”

The next step will be to test an IGF‑based therapy on mice with lymphoedema to see whether it helps.

Astin is cautious about promising too much but says this holds the potential to become a therapy for this painful, incurable condition in the future.

Read about ‘openness in the use of animals for research’: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/research/about-our-research/openness-in-animal-research.html

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/university-research-lab-discovery-offers-hope-for-lymphoedema-uoa/

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Outgoing Netball NZ chairperson denies any pressure to step down

Source: Radio New Zealand

AAP / www.photosport.nz

The outgoing Netball New Zealand chairperson says changes at the top will help inject new energy into a sport that is facing significant challenges.

The national body last night confirmed that chairperson Matt Whineray and three appointed board members had decided to step down.

It followed the resignation of CEO Jennie Wyllie in December after a disastrous year for the sport, which included the suspension of Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua, who was later reinstated.

The story dominated headlines for weeks and calls for “heads to roll” at Netball NZ were loud.

Whineray denied anyone felt pressure to step down but said the board accepted the netball community expected some changes at the top after a difficult 2025 and new blood would be beneficial.

“It really came out of individual reflections on what was right for them personally and what we think is right for Netball New Zealand going forward. So the opportunity to get some new perspectives, new capabilities, some new energy and really reset the momentum and focus on the really important next couple of years is what we’re all thinking about,” Whineray said.

The national body was working in an environment that had changed rapidly in the past decade, including greater competition from other female codes. The future of the ANZ Premiership was still up in the air, with no broadcast rights agreement in place from beyond 2026.

While participation rates at grass roots are pleasing, Whineray believed the next CEO has a tougher job than what it entailed a few years ago.

“The media landscape, broadcast rights opportunities, and commercial environment has all changed. The person who is heading up a national sporting organisation has to be able to manage the commercials on one hand and balance that with the delivery of the community game and high performance programmes and that’s a challenging space to be.”

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua after her reinstatement. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

There were eight members on the Netball NZ board, split between four elected members and four appointed members, including Whineray.

Aliesha Staples, Stephen Cottrell, and Pavan Vyas are the other appointed members leaving their roles. Appointed members help ensure a board has a range of skills and experience to call on across a number of fields including commercial, legal, IT and tech.

Cottrell for instance brought 25 years of experience, including strategy and project management roles for New Zealand Rugby. He currently works for a global events and entertainment company, and is a principal in his own sports advisory law firm.

The Netball NZ constitution sets a maximum of three terms of three years. With Whineray’s nine year limit on the board due to finish at the start of next year, he said stepping down now made sense as his replacement will be in charge of recruiting the next CEO.

Jane Patterson was brought in as interim CEO but the board will advertise for a permanent boss in a few months.

The board positions will be advertised soon and an appointment panel will be made up of a couple of board members and one external member, expected to be veteran administrator Kereyn Smith.

Netball NZ has called in Smith, who in recent years has helped cycling and yachting with their issues.

“Kereyn’s been giving us a hand on a number of fronts and helping both within Netball New Zealand but also with our connections with the wider netball community so it’s been very helpful to have her in there, given her really deep experience in sports administration but also really great connections across the netball system.”

Matt Whineray has served on the board for over eight years. Supplied/NZ Super Fund

Whineray said Smith had been involved in looking at some high performance changes but said that was now largely being run by Chelsea Lane, who was appointed as Head of Performance – Silver Ferns, in the new year.

The decision to suspend Dame Noeline and her coaching team in September was met with widespread shock in the netball community. The lack of information led to a lot of speculation and fans vented their frustrations on social media, mostly directed at Wyllie and the board.

Whineray emphasised that the decision to suspend the Silver Ferns coaching team, was a board decision, not driven by any individual.

“The board made that decision on advice from our legal advice.”

He said the board can not make decisions on how the public might react.

“That’s the board making a decision about what’s in the best interests of the Silver Ferns environment and of the players and all of those who are working in the environment. Ultimately we have to wear the public response but you shouldn’t be making decisions like that with an eye on how the public is going to react.

“The board were all involved in this, we were supporting Jennie and working with Jennie through this process and I think the personal insults and the abuse were awful for all involved.”

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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/2026/02/18/outgoing-netball-nz-chairperson-denies-any-pressure-to-step-down/

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Plans to deliver food and meds to more than 100 people trapped near Ngawi in Wairarapa

Source: Radio New Zealand

Residents are also concerned about a second bridge undermined by floodwaters at Hurupi Stream. Supplied / Sharon Durrant

Plans are underway to deliver food and increasingly urgent medical supplies to more than 100 people trapped near Ngawi on Wairarapa’s southern coastline.

Two bridges are out of action on the only roads into several rural and coastal communities – completely cutting them off – following torrential that hit overnight on Sunday.

Trucks are currently dumping boulders and metal into a 3-4m hole that opened on Tuesday at the Turanganui River bridge on Lake Ferry Road.

RNZ understands the goal is to reopen the road by Wednesday evening, restoring access to communities in Lake Ferry and Whangaimoana.

A bridge on Cape Palliser Road at the Hurupi Stream, known as the Banana Bridge, has been scoured out at the road edge and has been deemed structurally unsafe by the South Wairarapa District Council. Supplied

But a second bridge on Cape Palliser Road at the Hurupi Stream has since triggered an urgent warning from authorities.

The bridge, known as the Banana Bridge, has been scoured out at the road edge and has been deemed structurally unsafe by the South Wairarapa District Council.

“The bridge must not be used under any circumstances until it has been inspected and formally cleared by a qualified engineer,” it said.

A civil engineer was due to assess the bridge on Wednesday morning and as yet there was no timeframe for a fix.

A large hole has opened up at the Lake Ferry Road bridge cutting off communities in South Wairarapa. RNZ / Mary Argue

A council spokesperson said 119 people were trapped to the east of the bridge along the coastline to Ngawi.

Local Gavin Fenwick said the Hurupi bridge failure had caught people out, with holidaymakers and tourists among those who were stuck.

He said some people were getting quite desperate for food and medical supplies and he and his wife Donna had been helping organise a supply drop into the area, which was expected later on Wednesday.

The single-lane bridge to Lake Ferry, Wairarapa, has been gouged out by floodwaters. Supplied / South Wairarapa District Council

Fenwick said with medications that needed to be taken, the need for a delivery was getting “quite urgent”.

In an update on Wednesday morning, Powerco said 315 properties across Wairarapa were still without power following the storm.

Fenwick said fortunately contractors got over the bridge before it failed, restoring power by Monday night and while locals were quite “upbeat,” it was a different story for the tourists.

“It’s the campers that are here that have … just done a day trip and now they’re stuck here. Pretty hard for them.

“There’s not a lot of them, luckily, most of them got out in time, but there are a couple hanging around still. One of them put in an order for a food drop this afternoon, because they had basically nothing by the sound of it.”

More than 100 people are isolated on the south coast of Wairarapa after the “Banana Bridge” across the Hurupi Stream was deemed structurally unsafe. SWDC / Google Maps

The Fenwicks were also behind the well-known ‘Ngawi Big 3’ fishing competition due to be held this weekend, but Gavin Fenwick said the uncertainty around the bridge meant it had to be postponed.

In a post on social media the Ngawi Sports Fishing Club said given the state of the road, the postponement shouldn’t come as a surprise.

“The new proposed dates are 13th, 14th & 15th March – subject to the road being safe and accessible.

“We know everyone is itching to get back out there, but right now safety comes first. With our coast currently isolated, we’re focused on supporting our local community first and appreciate your understanding.”

A bridge on Cape Palliser Road at the Hurupi Stream. Supplied

Fenwick said the competition had been running since about 1992 and a few years ago had more than 500 entries – injecting quite a bit of cash into the local economy, but he said the call had to be made.

“People plan this months in advance and they can’t just be hanging around [wondering] ‘do we leave or do we not?’ We’ve got people come over from Australia even, they’re here in Wellington waiting to come out here.”

He said he spent Tuesday putting away all the prizes.

“It’ll have to happen another day.”

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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/2026/02/18/plans-to-deliver-food-and-meds-to-more-than-100-people-trapped-near-ngawi-in-wairarapa/

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Prices continue to rise at global dairy trade auction

Source: Radio New Zealand

The price rises at the latest global diary trade auction have been described as a “very good result” for New Zealand dairy farmers. 123RF

Dairy prices rose again at the global dairy trade auction overnight – continuing a reversal of last year’s downward swing and raising questions about whether a $10 milk payout could be back on the table.

The average price rose 3.6 percent to US$4028 a tonne – it follows the 6.7 percent rise a fortnight ago, and is the fourth consecutive increase of the year.

Rabobank Dairy Analyst Emma Higgins said it was a “very good result” for New Zealand dairy farmers, with meaningful gains across key products.

The price of wholemilk powder, which strongly affects farmer payouts, rose 2.5 percent to US$3706 a tonne.

Prices for other products were mostly stronger, including a sharp increase in butter which rose over 10 percent.

“Overall, the event reinforced a couple of things. First is that there is improving demand sentiment across the dairy complex,” Higgins said.

“With current current dairy commodity prices where they are, the question begs whether we’ll start to see an increase in the farmgate milk price forecast for the 2025/26 season.”

Higgins was cautiously optimistic, adding there was still a lot of milk available on the global market at the moment.

“We’ve had some incredibly strong growth in the European Union, particularly driven from Ireland, France and Poland. And then if we think about the United States, we’ve seen consistently strong milk production for the majority of 2025.

“That was the reason that we saw weaker commodity prices at the back half of last year. It was the reason that we saw farmgate milk prices slashed by Christmas time.

“Now we’ve got the situation where demand is starting to improve, and at the same time, we’re starting to see perhaps some signals as we move through 2026 that supply environment will start to tighten up.”

She said current market dynamics would suggest there was support for lifting the current milk price forecast from where it sits at that midpoint range of $9, up to somewhere around the $9.50 per kilogram of milk solid mark.

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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/prices-continue-to-rise-at-global-dairy-trade-auction/

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ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for February 18, 2026

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on February 18, 2026.

PNG one step away from blacklist, warns global money laundering watchdog
By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist Papua New Guinea is under a close watch for money laundering, running a risk of being abandoned by global investors. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has placed PNG on its “grey list” due to “strategic deficiencies” in government oversight. The grey-list means that watchdog officials are monitoring closely,

Hamas refuses to follow US-Israel calls to unilaterally disarm in Gaza, says senior official
Democracy Now! In Gaza, a senior Hamas leader involved in the ceasefire negotiations has told Drop Site News that Hamas will not agree to demands that it unilaterally disarm. Basem Naim also said that Hamas would not submit to Israel’s demand for a total demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip. This comes amid reports that President

Indigenous businesses are losing millions to fraudulent firms. We need stronger oversight
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gaala Watson, Lecturer, Indigenous Business Hub, UQ Business School, The University of Queensland Over the next five years, the federal government plans to buy more from Indigenous businesses, while cracking down on a practice known as “Black cladding”. That’s when non-Indigenous businesses fraudulently exaggerate or falsify Indigenous

Australia plans to sell off defence land to developers – but could it deliver homes instead?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Sundermann, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning and Design, Monash University The federal government plans to sell A$3 billion of Department of Defence properties on prime land across Australia, including Paddington in Sydney, St Kilda in Melbourne and Victoria Barracks in Brisbane. The sales may help the

5 weird armours from history
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grace Waye-Harris, Early Career Researcher in History, Adelaide University For the medieval knight, armour was essential. It provided protection on the battlefield and signified status and rank. As the medieval period came to a close, Renaissance ideals of peace and diplomacy prevailed and the need for battle-hardened

How Israel won the Pacific – and its backing at the UN
Asia Pacific Report Several small Pacific countries regularly vote in support of Israel at the United Nations in spite of overwhelming opposition for the Zionist state in the Middle East over its genocide in Gaza. Why? In this AJ+ video short, senior presenter/producer Dena Takruri sets out to explain the Pacific backing for Tel Aviv,

Caitlin Johnstone: More shockingly honest confessions from the Empire managers
COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone US Empire managers have been making some surprisingly honest admissions in recent days, with Senator Lindsey Graham saying the wars of the future are being planned in Israel and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for a return to old-school Western colonialism. During a Monday press conference in Tel Aviv after

Eugene Doyle: Silencing Francesca Albanese – ‘Not in our name’ Gaza reflections
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese is again at the heart of a witch hunt over a speech she made at the Al Jazeera Forum last week that was “doctored” by the pro-Israel and anti-United Nations NGO UN Watch to claim falsely that she described Israel as the “common enemy”. Albanese responded — as shown by

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/02/18/er-report-a-roundup-of-significant-articles-on-eveningreport-nz-for-february-18-2026/

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New military health centre opens at Burnham

Source: New Zealand Government

A first-of-its-kind health and rehabilitation centre has opened at Burnham Military Camp to support the health, wellbeing and operational readiness of New Zealand Defence Force personnel. 

“Kiwis who put on the uniform put their lives on the line to defend and protect New Zealand and its people. They deserve the best support possible to proactively care for their minds and bodies, and to help them get back on their feet when they’re injured,” Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk says.  

“The new Military Health and Performance Centre, Tû Manawa Ora, at Burnham Military Camp is the first combined health and rehabilitation facility across the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) estate, bringing together a broad range of services under one roof.” 

The new facility includes: 

  • Comprehensive medical treatment centre
  • Dental services
  • Physiotherapy, rehabilitation and performance spaces
  • Psychological resilience, pastoral care, social work and counselling services
  • Education, research, simulation and training facilities
  • Staff and logistics areas
  • Emergency response, including ambulance facilities 

“Today’s opening represents a step forward in how the Defence Force looks after its people, setting a new standard for healthcare infrastructure across camps and bases,” Mr Penk says. 

“Providing multi-disciplinary care will benefit both the prevention and treatment of health issues, ensuring Defence personnel are well supported during service and continue to thrive long after they leave the Force.  

“Military healthcare professionals now also have a modern, fit-for-purpose environment that enables the delivery of high-quality health, rehabilitation and performance services, which in turn will improve retention and operational readiness across the Defence Force. 

“Building the centre at Burnham, the largest military base in the South Island, reflects its strategic importance. The camp plays a key role in New Zealand’s national security system, supporting training, operational deployments, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. 

“Completed in just 18 months, the $22 million project is a testament to the combined efforts of the Defence Estate and Infrastructure group, construction partner Hawkins New Zealand, and our Alliance partners Ernst & Young, GHD NZ and Beca. 

“This new centre demonstrates to our Defence people that while they dedicate themselves to serving New Zealand, we are committed to ensuring they have the health, wellbeing and working environments they need to perform at their best.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/new-military-health-centre-opens-at-burnham/

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Wellington Water stops pumping raw sewage directly into Tarakena Bay

Source: Radio New Zealand

Untreated water leaked onto the capital’s south coast beaches due to the Moa Point Treatment Plant flooding. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Wellington Water has stopped pumping raw sewage through a five metre pipe directly into the sea at Tarakena Bay.

The 1.8 kilometre long pipe into Cook Strait was overwhelmed during recent heavy rain, so the water company had to revert to the short pipe – but that has now not been used for 24 hours.

Wellington Water said it was trying to increase the volume of sewage that can be pumped to the long pipe, because after the plant’s massive failure two weeks ago, it can only cope in dry weather.

“We are working this week to construct a much larger air vent on the outfall pipe to help improve the flow of water through the pipe,” it said.

“We are continuing to look for other options to increase the flow through the long outfall pipe, remembering that screening remains the only treatment function in operation.”

The plant can pump between 1300 to 1500 litres per second through the long pipe, which Wellington Water said was “more than enough” for average dry weather flows (700-900 litres per second).

Anything above those limits had to be diverted to the short pipe, it said.

Wellington Water was also dealing with a bad smell at the plant.

“Odour monitors are being installed to measure the impact at sites surrounding the plant,” it said.

“We have one unit available and will confirm when this is in place.”

Water sampling did not take place on Monday due to the bad weather, so there were no results to report on Wednesday.

Tuesday’s results will be available on Thursday.

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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/2026/02/18/wellington-water-stops-pumping-raw-sewage-directly-into-tarakena-bay/

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Cyclists thigh-deep in water days after rain

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Petone railway underpass on a nearly-new $70 million cycleway is thigh-deep in water more than two days after the storm and heavy rain in Wellington.

Surprised cyclists on Wednesday morning entered the 30m-long tunnel under the main Hutt Valley rail line with just their tyres underwater, but ended up with it most of the way up their bike frames – and very wet legs and shoes.

“Holy crap,” said one, “it’s quite deep.”

Alan rode through on his electric bike. RNZ / Phil Pennington

Another, commuter Alan, who went through on his electric bike, submerging the motor and part of the battery, told RNZ he hoped it would not be ruined.

Alan said he had no idea the tunnel was flooded – there were no warning signs either on Wednesday or Tuesday at the well-used underpass, though the water could be spotted from above.

“I was like OK, sweet, I’ll be fine then … I was like holy s***, holy s***, holy s***,” said Alan, laughing.

He then sobered a little. “I hope that didn’t damage my motor,” he said, “I hope it’s going to be fine.”

His jeans were still dry – he’d put his legs up on the bike’s top bar and the motor carried him through.

One cyclist laughed as he rode through the floodwaters. RNZ / Phil Pennington

The cycleway’s two rail underpasses were a particularly expensive part of the 3km path that blew out its budget by almost three times. It will be linked up later this year with the $300m-plus harbour cycleway-cum-seawall through to Ngauranga.

The northern underpass, near Normandale bridge, was dry on Wednesday.

At the Petone underpass, a cyclist heading north got off and turned around.

“It’s brand new,” he said. He had been through the water on Tuesday but expected by Wednesday it would be dry.

“Probably should do a better job than that but I’m sure there’s plenty of people got a lot worse than this.”

Also on Wednesday, political parties were arguing over the latest plan to fix the country’s failing or missing infrastructure, which contained a damning assessment of the shortfall – and recommended less-than-forecast spending on transport.

RNZ / Phil Pennington

The Transport Agency Waka Kotahi fronted the Petone-to-Normandale cycleway build with a little bit of local funding from about 2019-2023.

But it said maintenance was the responsibility of Hutt City Council.

“They are better placed to comment on frequency of flooding there.”

However, the city council told RNZ to ask Wellington Water about the drainage issues.

Wellington Water is in a crisis over Moa Point’s massive infrastructure failure.

“This was a significant weather event, affecting infrastructure across the city and in areas where we have not seen impacts before,” the council said in a brief statement on Wednesday afternoon.

“There is a big clean up happening given the storm damage.

“Council and contractors are focused on prioritising public safety and critical infrastructure.”

RNZ / Phil Pennington

At the underpass, a biker who had made it through the water from the south, heading north, told another heading the other way into the city: “I wouldn’t put your bike through it.”

“Thanks,” came the reply, “we’ve gone this far. We might as well finish it off.”

The second woman cyclist was, like most of the other riders, pretty chill about it.

“I wasn’t expecting this, that’s for sure,” she said, “but you know, it’s a hot day, so it’s quite refreshing.”

RNZ / Phil Pennington

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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/2026/02/18/cyclists-thigh-deep-in-water-days-after-rain/

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SH87 Clarks Junction near Middlemarch closed due to serious crash

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are in attendance at a serious crash near Clarks Junction between Rocklands Road and Johnson Road in Otago.

The crash involving two vehicles occurred at about 2.15pm today.

The driver of one vehicle has been transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Diversions are in place on SH87 while emergency services work at the scene.

Please expect delays in this area.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/sh87-clarks-junction-near-middlemarch-closed-due-to-serious-crash/

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Major outage on YouTube website

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Thousands of users worldwide are experiencing an outage on YouTube’s website with a “something went wrong” sign coming up on its homepage.

It appears that embedded YouTube clips are still playing, however the YouTube website is inaccessible.

There had been more than 200,000 reports of problems on the website, according to the unofficial, crowd-sourced site, Downdetector, Yahoo Finance UK reported.

This sign appears for some people when going to YouTube’s home page. Supplied / Screenshot

More to come ….

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/major-outage-on-youtube-website/

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New diplomatic appointments

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced two new diplomatic appointments:

•           Georgina Roberts, High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.

•           Aramiro Tai Rākena, Ambassador to Brazil.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/new-diplomatic-appointments-2/

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Actor arrested after Mardi Gras fight

Source: Radio New Zealand

Shia LaBeouf was arrested just after midnight on Tuesday (local time) in New Orleans where police said the 39-year-old Transformers film star assaulted two men in a fight during Mardi Gras.

The actor has previously faced a series of arrests and legal issues, including pleading guilty to a charge of obstruction. Police said he was charged with two counts of simple battery.

Officers were called about 12.45am (local time) to a business on Royal Street where two men reported being assaulted.

A police statement said LaBeouf had been causing a disturbance and growing increasingly aggressive. When a staffer tried to remove him, LaBeouf allegedly struck the man several times with closed fists.

The victims told police LaBeouf left but soon returned and acted even more aggressive. Several people tried to restrain him and briefly let him up in hopes he would leave, but he allegedly hit the same staffer again, punching his upper body. Police said he then punched another man in the nose.

Bystanders held LaBeouf until officers arrived. He was taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries and released.

Police gave no additional details on what triggered the disturbance or the victims’ conditions.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/actor-arrested-after-mardi-gras-fight/

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Advocacy – Up to 50 New Zealanders are fighting Israel’s genocide in Gaza – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

 

PSNA is calling for government accountability to stop and punish New Zealanders going to fight in Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.

 

A UK report by Classified, from official Israeli sources, shows 39 dual New Zealand/Israeli citizens, and 11 others with more than one additional passport, are serving in the Israeli Defence Force, which is carrying out genocide in Gaza. (The full dataset is in Hebrew at the foot of the article at this link) 

 

“The news that New Zealanders are participating in ongoing mass killing and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza is abhorrent,” says Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-Chair Maher Nazzal. “Our government must do what it can to stop these New Zealanders perpetrating genocide.”

 

“Israel’s political and military leaders are charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu, for example, is wanted for trial on war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

 

“As well as killing perhaps hundreds of thousands and wholesale starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, Israel is still systematically destroying all civilian infrastructure: schools, hospitals, churches and mosques, farmland and crops.  Even New Zealanders’ graves in World War One cemeteries are not immune.”

 

“There’s no excuse for anyone fighting for a state committing genocide” says Nazzal. “Our government must step in and rigorously investigate the actions of each and every one of these 50 New Zealanders in the IDF.”

 

“New Zealand has obligations under the international Genocide Convention to do what it can stop a genocide.  New Zealand charged Mark Tayor for membership of ISIS in 2004.  There is ample precedent.  The government must be consistent.”

 

“All of these New Zealanders serving in the IDF have various degrees of culpability in the genocide, certainly the moment they set foot in Gaza.  But they would also be liable for actions at military facilities inside Israel, fuelling up bombers, for example, or calculating missile coordinates.”

 

“These soldiers must be identified, and their service in Israel’s army examined, alongside their social media accounts and those of the brigades and soldiers they joined.”

 

“The government must also collaborate with international agencies for evidence of how many of these people have already been identified for investigation of war crimes.”

 

“The Hind Rajab Foundation is working to identify specific Israeli war criminals for referral to the International Court of Justice,” says Nazzal.

 

New Zealand law does not specifically prohibit citizens from fighting overseas. But the government must act in this case, where New Zealand citizens are participating in a genocide, and also under our Fourth Geneva Convention obligations, where these New Zealand citizens are also enforcing an illegal occupation of Palestinian Territory.

 

“Despite the so-called October 2025 ceasefire, Israel has continued its daily killing of Palestinians, destruction of infrastructure and occupation creep.  Israel still refuses to allow the agreed amount of food, water and humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza.”

 

“Here is a case of direct responsibility by New Zealand citizens, about which the government can’t wash its hands and ignore.”

 

Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair PSNA

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/advocacy-up-to-50-new-zealanders-are-fighting-israels-genocide-in-gaza-psna/