Tuesday 24th of March 2026 08:51:29 PM
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Babblers, cops and quacks: the sometimes dark – but often amusing – origins of nicknames for jobs

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Burridge, Professor of Linguistics, Monash University

Pinterest, Canva, Wikimedia, The Conversation, CC BY

These days, human resources (HR) departments want us to use official titles for jobs. But we know the social truths of a job — how well that job gets done, whether we like the person doing it — are much more complex.

Nicknames for jobs help us manage workplace performances, personalities and power beyond HR spreadsheets — and they can be a lot of fun.

Cooks, bastards and babblers

Australians like to call things as they are — and it’s always been that way, as this famed army example illustrates:

Officer addressing a group of men: “Who called the cook a bastard?”

One man shouting above the others: “Who called the bastard a cook?”

Sometimes we’re very direct, but other times there’s a hidden, and often cheeky, hierarchy at work. During the first world war, one ANZAC magazine warned that army cooks ranged from the “grease-besmudged babbler” to the “natty, smart-looking chef”. Babbler is rhyming slang from “babbling brook” for “cook”. Babblers were presumably better at their job than “baitlayers”, “slushies” or “poisoners” — other terms for cooks in the bush.

How not to boil the wrong Billy

But workplace nicknames are more than just pointing out someone who “wouldn’t work in an iron lung” or is more likely to “pick up a brown snake than a rake”. Nicknames are also about creating a friendlier workplace.

Humour and informality are key ingredients for workplace nicknames — Aussies have a knack for keeping things light-hearted. Think of the way “sickie” has flipped its meaning from a day’s sick leave to a day’s leave without being sick.

In the bushie era, some joked that any two men were apt to be named Bill or Jim. The swaggies needed ways to tell all their Bills apart, so you might end up with “Old Billy”, “Young Billy”, “Tall Billy”, “Thin Billy”, “Fat Billy” or “Billy the Rooster”. And, of course, true to Australian character, “Tall Billy” might be short, “Thin Billy” might be fat, and a red-headed Billy was almost certainly called “Bluey”.

One understated but important way to make a “Bill” or “Jim” more likeable is to make them a “Billy” or “Jimmy” — in other words, to add an “-ie” or “-y”, or an “-o” (as in a name like “Johno”). These sorts of endings abound in English, but Australians go a step further than British and Americans in terms of frequency and creativity.

Moreover, the Australian “-o” ending can trace its origins to occupational nicknaming. The earliest Australian examples (“milk-o”, “rabbit-o”, “bottle-o”) date from the late 19th century. All are clipped names for people’s jobs (milkman, rabbit-seller, bottle-collector), though sometimes written with “-oh” because they echo the street vendor calls.

These endings are called diminutives — or hypocoristics, if you want the fancy term. Basically, they’re pet-name endings we tack onto words (often shortened) to show warmth or friendliness. And sure, names like “Johno” and “Susie” can sound affectionate, but most Aussie diminutives like “journo” or “sparky” aren’t about being cute.

It’s still a puzzle which words get which ending. We happily talk about “sparkies”, “chippies” and “brickies”, but never “sparkos”, “chippos” or “brickos. “Ambos”, “garbos and “musos” roll off the tongue, but “ambies”, “garbies” and “musies” don’t. And why are there gaps? People who build are “builders”, not “buildos” or “buildies”.

Much remains unknown about these endings. But what we do know from research that Evan Kidd and colleagues have carried out is that these playful endings really do have social power — the little “-ie”/“-y” and “-o” tags help hold Australian English speakers together.

Shrinks, cops, hacks and quacks

Nicknames also help us cope with the power certain occupations wield over us, and the degree to which we trust those occupations.

For instance, the exact origins of “shrink” for psychiatrist are speculative, but all point to some anxiety about the people who help us with our anxieties. The term first emerged as “headshrinker” and almost certainly owes its origins to the literal practice of head shrinking (as performed by the Jivaroan Indigenous people of South America). The rather grisly label for psychiatrist made its print debut in Hollywood slang in the 1950s — and an on-screen appearance in Rebel Without a Cause certainly popularised the term.

Perhaps the process was originally seen as taking air out of the inflated egos so rife in showbiz — or letting air out of people’s worry-swollen thoughts. Others suggest the term echoes lobotomies once used on those seen as dangerously violent.
Or perhaps it’s simply that shrink reflected the nervous suspicion at the time about what psychiatrists really did to people’s heads — and black humour took the edge off.

More than a few people have also shown a distrust of police officers — who garner nicknames like “five-o” (from the famed television show Hawaii Five-O) or “pigs” and “grunters” (both have entries in James Hardy Vaux’s 1812 dictionary of convict slang).

Of all the nicknames, “cop” is perhaps the best recognised. Certainly, it’s sparked the most interesting narratives about how it came to be. One suggestion is that it was originally back slang from “police” (like “yob” from “boy”) — but there’s too much consonant dropping required here for this to be the most likely story!

Others link it to copper buttons, badges or batons. There are also a number of backronym explanations (retrofitted acronyms, where the words are chosen after the fact to match the letters). It’s often claimed, for example, that “cop” stands for “constable on patrol”. In fact, a copper was simply one who cops (that is, catches criminals).

Journalists also draw scrutiny and have been called “hacks”. In the 1500s, “hack” (short for “hackney”) referred to a horse for hire, usually an inferior or worn-out one. In the 1600s, “hacks” extended to people — “hacks” were drudges or lackeys. Later it specialised to refer to those hiring themselves out to do literary work, usually of poor quality. By the early 1800s, “hack” increasingly was used for journalists (originally “newspaper hack”). And, like so many derogatory names, it’s now more usually affectionate or ironic.

The curious word “quack” has emerged as a catch-all term for those promoting quick and easy cures or get-rich-quick schemes. “Quack” was a shortened form of “quacksalver”, in use since the 1600s for the medical charlatan (although as historian Roy Porter has emphasised, some quacks were decent, caring, well-intentioned people, offering cures when mainstream medicine failed). The inspiration here was the quacksalvers’ loud and bragging promotion of their products.

Our workplace “bean-counters” (US slang since the 1970s) turn people into KPIs, but workers are bound to stay focused on whom we love, whom we fear and whether a bastard’s a cook or a cook’s a bastard. From quacks to babblers, our workplace language isn’t determined in spreadsheets — it’s determined at “smoko”.

The Conversation

Kate Burridge receives funding from the Australian Research Council (SR200200350: Metaphors and Identities in the Australian Vernacular).

Howard Manns receives funding from the Australian Research Council (SR200200350: Metaphors and Identities in the Australian Vernacular).

– ref. Babblers, cops and quacks: the sometimes dark – but often amusing – origins of nicknames for jobs – https://theconversation.com/babblers-cops-and-quacks-the-sometimes-dark-but-often-amusing-origins-of-nicknames-for-jobs-270647

‘Weights of gold in bullion’: how the ancients invested in precious metals

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

Sailko, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC BY

“All I want is an income of 20,000 sesterces from secure investments”, proclaims a character in a poem by Juvenal (1st-2nd century CE), the Roman poet.

Today, 20,000 sesterces would be equivalent to about A$300,000 in interest from investments. Anyone would be very happy with this much passive annual income.

Like today, people in ancient times understood that investing money could help them consolidate and grow their wealth.

As the Roman novelist Petronius (1st century CE) once wrote,

Whoever has money sails with a fair breeze, and governs his fortune as he wishes.

So, how exactly did ancient people invest their money?

A lofty house with hidden silver

In ancient Greek and Roman times, there was no stock market where you could buy and trade shares in a company.

If you wanted to invest your cash, one of the more popular options was to obtain gold or silver.

People did this to protect against currency fluctuations and inflation. They usually kept the metals either in bullion form or in the form of ware like jewellery. Storing these items could be risky and prone to theft.

The Roman poet Virgil (70-19 BCE) describes the estate of a wealthy person that included “a lofty house, where talents of silver lie deeply hidden” alongside “weights of gold in bullion and in ware”.

A talent was the largest unit of currency measurement in ancient Greece and Rome, equivalent to about 25kg of weighed silver.

Detail of Virgil from Mosaic of Virgil Writing the Aeneid
A detail from a mosaic of Virgil Writing the Aeneid, held in the Bardo Museum in Tunis, Tunisia.
Roger Wood/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

Usually the metals were stored in a special vault or security cupboard.

The Roman writer Cicero (106-43 BCE) recalls how a wealthy lady named Clodia would take gold (perhaps bars or ingots or plates) out of a security cupboard when she wished to lend money to someone. The gold could then be exchanged for coinage.

Market booms – and busts

The price of these metals could, however, occasionally be subject to unpredictable fluctuations and crashes in price, though less often than currency.

The Greek historian Polybius (c. 200-118 BCE) says that when a new gold vein was discovered in Aquileia, Italy, only two feet deep, it caused a gold rush. The new material flooded the market too quickly and “the price of gold throughout Italy at once fell by one-third” after only two months. To stabilise the gold price, mining in the area was quickly monopolised and regulated.

When people wanted to trade precious metals, they would sell them by weight. If the gold or silver or bronze had been worked into jewellery or other objects, this could be melted down and turned into bullion.

People must have delighted in owning these precious metals.

The Athenian writer Xenophon (c. 430-350 BCE) gives a clue about the mindset of ancient silver investors:

Silver is not like furniture, of which a man never buys more once he has got enough for his house. No one ever yet possessed so much silver as to want no more; if a man finds himself with a huge amount of it, he takes as much pleasure in burying the surplus as in using it.

A number of Roman wills reveal people leaving their heirs silver and gold in the form of bars, plates or ingots.

Roman Gold Bars AD Bank of England Museum
Roman gold ingot, dating to circa 375 AD, in the Bank of England Museum collection.
Joyofmuseums, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC BY

Commodities that could not be ‘ruined by Jupiter’

Aside from metals, agricultural commodities were also very popular, especially grain, olive oil, and wine.

To profit from agricultural commodities, people bought farmland and traded the commodities on the market.

The Roman statesman Cato thought putting money into the production of essential goods was the safest investment. He said these things “could not be ruined by Jupiter” – in other words, they were resistant to unpredictable movements in the economy.

Whereas precious metals were a store of wealth, they generated no income unless they were sold. But a diversified portfolio of agricultural commodities guaranteed a permanent income.

People also invested and traded in precious goods, like artworks.

When the Romans sacked the city of Corinth in 146 BC, they stole the city’s collection of famous artwork, and later sold the masterpieces for huge sums of money at auction in order to bring profit for the Roman state.

At this auction, the King of Pergamon, Attalus II (220-138 BCE), bought one of the paintings, by the master artist Aristeides of Thebes (4th century BCE), for the incredible sum of 100 talents (about 2,500kg of silver).

Eccentric emperors

Political instability or uncertainty sometimes raised the price of these metals.

The Greek historian Appian (2nd century CE) records how during the Roman civil war in 32-30 BCE:

the price of all commodities had risen, and the Romans ascribed the cause of this to the quarrelling of the leaders whom they cursed.

A bust of Emperor Caligula in the Louvre museum.
A bust of Emperor Caligula in the Louvre museum.
By anonymous – Clio20, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC BY

Eccentric emperors might also impose new taxes or charges on commodities, or try to manipulate the market.

The Roman historian Suetonius (c. 69-122 CE) tells us the emperor Caligula (12-41 CE) “levied new and unheard of taxes […] and there was no class of commodities or men on which he did not impose some form of tariff”.

Another emperor, Vespasian (17-79 CE), went so far as to “buy up certain commodities merely in order to distribute them at profit”, says Suetonius.

Clearly, investing in commodities 2,000 years ago could help build personal wealth – but also involved some risk, just like today.

The Conversation

Konstantine Panegyres does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. ‘Weights of gold in bullion’: how the ancients invested in precious metals – https://theconversation.com/weights-of-gold-in-bullion-how-the-ancients-invested-in-precious-metals-268207

Phoenix crushed by Victory in A-League clash in Melbourne

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Phoenix are now 10th following the defeat to Melbourne Victory. Masanori Udagawa/Photosport

The Wellington Phoenix have fallen to their heaviest defeat of the A-League season, thumped 5-1 by Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

Ramy Najjarine drew the Phoenix level at 1-1 midway through the first half but the hosts scored goals either side of halftime take a two goal lead.

The Victory extended their advantage before the hour mark and added a fifth goal in the 90th minute.

Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano said the team’s defence was poor.

“I had a quick look at the goals that we conceded and I think every goal was preventable,” he said.

“The first goal was taken well. It was a good header but just sloppy second phase awareness for the first two goals. And then the third, fourth and fifth goals were for me comical. Especially coming out at halftime, the lack of pressure on the ball, being aware of where their dangers were and we weren’t protecting the space like we’d spoken about.

“And just the timing of the goals like straight after halftime to make it 3-1. Uncharacteristic goals…and we should have managed defensively a lot better.”

The result drops the Phoenix to 10th on the ladder, three points outside the top six.

Italiano believes it was an “off day” for his side and they can still turn around their fortunes.

“Simply it comes down to focus for 90 minutes and nothing else.

“We’re in most games for a large part. Tonight…was probably the first game that got away from us very early. It’s just staying in those moments and making sure that we don’t make basic errors and mistakes and there’s a lack of application.

“If we can eliminate that then we can still achieve good things this season.”

Italiano made one enforced change to the starting XI with 18-year-old goalkeeper Eamonn McCarron named to make his A-League starting debut in place of Josh Oluwayemi, who suffered an injury early in the 3-1 win over Central Coast prior to Christmas.

Alby Kelly-Heald, Xuan Loke and reserve team fullback Ryan Lee were promoted to the bench.

The Phoenix have little time to dwell on the defeat as they will travel to Brisbane prepare for Saturday’s match against the Roar.

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

Ngā Kaupapa Hirahira o te Tau: A look back at the year that was in Te Ao Māori

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Wiremu Keretene (Ngāti Hine) holds a sleeping child during the waka display at Tii Beach this morning. RNZ / Peter de Graaf

After the rollercoaster year that was 2024 te ao Māori may have expected that to continue into 2025 and in many ways it did with so many stories making for another unprecedented year.

The national Kapa Haka competition Te Matatini returned in February, rising to new heights of popularity with Te Tauihu group Te Kuru Marutea capturing hearts well beyond Māori circles with their powerful solos and of course there was that Waiata ā Ringa from eventual winners Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue.

The festival has also grown to record size, this year saw 55 haka groups competing the most ever and concerns over infrastructure in smaller regions eventually led organisers to move the next festival in 2027 to Waikato, rather than to the Nelson region which had been expected to host.

2025 was also a status qou breaking year in Māori politics, which saw the deaths of influential political leaders, an unprecedented suspension from Parliament, a by-election in Tāmaki Makaurau and a bitter feud within Te Pāti Māori.

But it began with a long and drawn out Select Committee process for the Treaty Principles Bill, a record-breaking 300,000+ submissions were made on the controversial bill which was ultimately defeated near-unanimously at its second reading in April – although its architect David Seymour has promised to reignite the debate in 2026.

The first Koroneihana of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po took place in September, one year on from her ascension as Māori Monarch and the death of her father Kiingi Tuheitia.

Te Ao Māori awaited eagerly to hear what Te Arikinui would say after a year of silence – and her kōrero did not disappoint. She told listeners there were many ways to manifest being Māori, “Kaua tātou e tuku mā ngā porotū kau noa e Māori ai tātou – Tino Rangatiratangatia tō reo, Mana Motuhaketia te taiao, Tino Rangatiratangatia tō hauora, Mana Motuhaketia tō pā harakeke, kei aua kaupapa rā te tino oranga mai o te Māoritanga,” she said.

She also took the opportunity to launch two new economic initiatives, including a multi million dollar Kotahitanga Fund. Could that be a catalyst to take Māoridom into a post Treaty Settlement era?

Here are just a few of the stories that we had the privilege of sharing in 2025:

Dame Tariana Turia

The year had barely begun when news broke that Dame Tariana Turia, the former co-leader of Te Pāti Māori, had died at the age of 80.

At her tangihanga at Whangaehu Marae near Whanganui she was remembered as a principled politician, a fighter for her iwi, including during the 79-day occupation of Whanganui’s Moutoa Gardens in 1995, but by most people simply as Nanny Tari.

She was the first of many of many Māori leaders taken in Te Kupenga o Taramainuku in 2025, less then a month later the Turia whānau were rocked again by the death of Dame Tariana’s grandson Pakaitore Turia.

Then-Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia poses during a portrait session at Parliament on 29 July 2014 in Wellington. Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images

Dame Tariana Turia is carried from Whangaehu Marae to the nearby urupā where she was laid to rest. Pokere Paewai

Several thousand people attended the tangihanga of Dame Tariana Turia. Pokere Paewai

Rātana

The annual Rātana celebrations in January commemorate the birthday of the movements founder Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana and traditionally mark the beginning of the political year.

While the political talk was dominated by the Treaty Principles Bill the event also marked the first visit of the Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po to Rātana since the death of her father Kiingi Tuheititia.

Tainui leader Tuku Morgan described the Kiingitanga and Rātana Church as two movements inextricably bound together.

Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po being welcomed to Rātana. RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Kamaka Manuel. RNZ / Reece Baker

Waitangi

Waitangi commemorations began with the re-opening of the historic wharenui at Te Tii Marae, where at least 300 people gathered to witness the whare’s new carvings, paved courtyard and earthquake strengthening.

Among the annual attractions was the annual waka parade; a staple of Waitangi commemorations and a celebration of the various vessels used by early Māori settlers.

Keen-eyed beach onlookers would also have noticed Bosco, the water surfing French bulldog, who made headlines for his aquatic antics.

Diving of the Waitangi bridge to cool off – a Waitangi tradition. RNZ/ Peter de Graaf

The Ngāti Kahu waka Te Rangimarie is launched next to Waitangi Bridge. RNZ/ Peter de Graaf

Three-year-old French bulldog, Bosco lives the boat life in Paihia and has been surfing for over a year and a half. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

Iritana Tawhiwhirangi

Māori educator Dame Iritana Te Rangi Tāwhiwhirangi, a founder of the Kōhanga Reo movement, died in early February, she was 95.

During her tangihanga at Gisborne’s Te Poho o Rawiri Marae she was remembered as a stern but caring mentor, a lion, a taniwha and a keen golfer.

Many mourners made their way to Te Tairāwhiti, including Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, now the patron of the Kōhanga Reo National Trust and for whom Dame Iritana was a mentor.

Dame Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi Supplied / Te Tai

Mourners arriving at Te Poho o Rawiri Marae in Gisborne. RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Te Matatini

The largest event in Māoridom, the “Olympics of Kapa Haka” Te Matatini, returned in 2025 with Taranaki and Whanganui hosting the biggest competition ever.

Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue from the Te Arawa region emerged as Toa Whakaihuwaka, as champions on the final day at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.

The pōwhiri at Stadium Taranaki kicked off Te Matatini. Emma Andrews

Mōtai Tangata Rau performing at Pukekura, the Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth. Te Matatini Enterprises

Te Matatini champions Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue. Supplied / Te Matatini Enterprises

Matariki mā Puanga

For it’s fourth year the Matariki Public Holiday celebrations highlighted the star Puanga (Rigel) and the communities who observe the star in their astronomical traditions.

The national hautapu ceremony was hosted this year by central North Island iwi Ngāti Rangi at Tirorangi Marae near the base of Ruapehu.

The stars of Matariki pictured between the clouds as viewed from Tirorangi Marae. Supplied by Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Richie Mills

Kaikarakia group at 2025’s Matariki celebrations at Tirorangi Marae. Supplied / Richie Mills

Takutai Tarsh Kemp

The MP for Tāmaki Makaurau Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp died suddenly in June at the age of 50, the Pāti Māori MP had been at Parliament working only the day before.

Before Parliament she founded the Rangatahi Mental Health Youth Hub, managed the first crew from Aotearoa to qualify for the World Hip Hop Championships in the US and lead Manurewa Marae as its chief executive through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Takutai Tarsh Kemp. RNZ / Simon Rogers

Flowers on the House seat of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Takutai Tarsh Kemp being laid to rest on the church grounds behind Opaea Marae near Taihape. Pokere Paewai / RNZ

Koroneihana

The first Koroneihana of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po took place one year on from her ascension as Māori Monarch and the death of her father Kiingi Tuheitia

After a year of mourning many people were eagerly awaiting her first national address. In an emotional speech she told listeners that being Māori was not defined by having an enemy or a challenge to overcome.

Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po receives a koha from Te Wharekura o Kirikiriroa, as she marked the first day of her first Koroneihana celebrations. Image courtesy of Te Tari o te Kiingitanga

Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po. Image courtesy of Te Tari o te Kiingitanga

Te Arikinui with the poi after her first official address. Image courtesy of Te Tari o te Kiingitanga

Te Pāti Māori ructions

Ructions within Te Pāti Māori dominated the headlines throughout the second half of the year. It began with what should have been a moment of celebration for the party with former broadcaster Oriini Kaipara winning the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election in a landslide.

But allegations by former staffer Eru Kapa-Kingi of a “dictatorship” among the party leadership soon spiralled with Te Pāti Māori’s national council voting to expel MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, mother of Eru, and Tākuta Ferris.

Kapa-Kingi has since been reinstated as a member of the party, but the court decision which forced the issue will be revisited at a full hearing in early February next year. Just in time for Waitangi.

Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi. RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

Tākuta Ferris and Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. RNZ/Liam K. Swiggs

Marine and Coastal Area Act (MACA)

In October the government’s changes to the Marine and Coastal Area Act (MACA) passed, making it harder for Māori groups to secure Customary Marine Title (CMT) over parts of New Zealand’s coast.

The law is also retrospective meaning groups who had their title confirmed after 24 July 2024, such as the whānau of Ruapuke Island, will have to go back to court.

Veteran Māori rights activist Reuben Taipari gathered almost 20,000 signatures in only four days on a petition opposing the Bill, which he called worse than the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004.

Ngātiwai chairman Aperahama Kerepeti-Edwards also made his feelings on the Bill clear during a debate and was ejected from Parliament’s gallery for it, then a few weeks later the iwi upped the ante by landing on the Poor Knights Islands to raise a flag and erect a carved pou in protest.

Rueben Taipari after delivering the petition to parliament. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Ngātiwai members travelled to the Poor Knights Islands about 20km off Northland’s Tūtūkākā Coast, by waka hourua Supplied

Sir Tumu Te Heuheu

In September Sir Tumu Te Heuheu Tūkino VII, the Ariki or traditional leader of central North Island iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa died, he was 84.

Succeeding his father Sir Hepi Te Heuheu as Ariki in 1997, he left behind a legacy of commitment to his iwi and to the environment. His son was named his successor, Te Rangimaheu Te Heuheu Tūkino IX.

Sir Tumu Te Heuheu outside his wharenui Tapeka at Waihī. Supplied/The Hui

Sir Tumu (centre). (He is shown here at the tangihanga for Kiingi Tuheitia, in September 2024). Supplied/ Kiingitanga – Tuteri Rangihaeata

WIPCE

After 20 years the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) returned to Aotearoa. Some 4000 delagates representing indigenous nations the world over descended on Tāmaki Makaurau.

The conference covered many different themes on education and many more beyond including Pacific wayfinding and indigenous food, the conference also saw the return of the Hawaiian double-hulled voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa to Auckland 40 years since its voyage to Aotearoa that helped spark a revival of Pacific navigation.

Pōwhiri for the start of four-day WIPCE 2025 conference. Tamaira Hook

The historic waka hourua Hōkūleʻa returns to Tāmaki Makaurau after 40 years. Tamaira Hook / WIPCE

Hawaiian Chef Kealoha Domingo prepares kina during a foraging excursion for indigenous chefs at WIPCE. RNZ/Nick Monro

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

Animal rights advocates call for camera surveillance in shearing sheds

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Source: Radio New Zealand

PETA says video footage captured on New Zealand farms exposes the cruelty involved in sheep shearing. Supplied / PETA Asia

Animal rights advocates are calling for cameras in shearing sheds, saying “welfare training” for shearers is not enough to stop sheep being mistreated.

The government and the industry have this week announced a joint $75,000 fund to support this training.

It is in response to a damning exposé last year by PETA, which released covert footage of sheep being punched and kicked, and triggered an ongoing investigation by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

However, the SPCA’s chief scientific officer, Dr Arnja Dale, said she would be “really disappointed” if this were the only outcome.

SPCA chief science advisor Arnja Dale. Supplied / SPCA

“It’s been more than a year since that exposé. More training is absolutely needed, it’s a good start, but these are not new issues.”

The PETA investigation had attracted international attention and obviously embarrassed the government and the wool industry, she said.

“But if they really cared about animal welfare, they would have addressed these issues with shearing years ago.”

MPI’s own Verification Services had expressed concern about the number of animals arriving at freezing works with fresh and unhealed shearing cuts and injuries, Dale said.

The ministry’s evaluation report following public consultation on the new Code of Welfare for Sheep and Beef Cattle last year also noted NZ Shearing Contractors had reported an increase in cuts and injuries “over time”.

The government had yet to sign off on the new code, which would require farmers to identify and treat sheep with shearing cuts or injuries.

The SPCA would support camera surveillance in both shearing sheds and slaughter houses, Dale said.

“There is no record of how many cuts and significant injuries result in animals being euthanised. There’s no central repository of this information, so we don’t know the full extent of the problem.

“But it would also be great to have shearers being accredited and have compulsory training before they start and checks and balances as they go through their career.”

Part of the problem was that shearers were rewarded for speed and “through put”, she said.

“Some shearers and some farms are putting animal welfare first and putting the emphasis on keeping animals calm.

“We hope that we see not only more time and more care being taken, but also pain relief should be used routinely for all cuts and injuries, and inspection by vets of any injuries or wounds of a significant nature.”

PETA spokesperson Jason Baker said when animals were treated as economic commodities, “welfare loses out to economics every time”.

“A year on from our case, there is still not a single live feed coming from a single shed, because the industry would never dare show the world that shearing is anything but ‘just a haircut’.

“Regardless of what PR moves the industry or government throws up, there is no such thing as humane wool. Anyone who cares about sheep doesn’t wear wool.”

Government won’t fund cameras

Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard. RNZ / Kim Baker-Wilson

However, both the government and the shearing industry have rejected video surveillance as “unnecessary and intrusive”.

Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard said New Zealand did not “spy” on its own citizens.

Furthermore, there would be major technical hurdles to such a scheme, he said.

“Connectivity is a massive challenge for a lot of farms. The key thing here is making sure people are aware of their responsibilities and rules, and that’s the best way of encouraging good behaviour.”

The training programme would help reinforce New Zealand’s reputation for high animal welfare standards, he said.

Industry has ‘nothing to hide’, say shearers

New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association chief executive Phil Holden. Photosport

The New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association chief executive, Phil Holden, said if farmers wanted to place cameras in shearing sheds, that was up to them.

“It’s more about the practical implications of it: who funds them? Who sees the footage? What happens to the footage? All those privacy issues. It’s not as simple as just sticking a camera up. So it’s a rather naive response to what’s a more complicated issue.”

Some companies were trialling the use of cameras in sheds and properties, he said.

“The reality is we’ve got nothing to hide. The industry is in a real solid place and this animal welfare initiative is another step on the journey.

“It’s not something new, it’s been running over the course of the year. We’ve been able to secure another source of funding to just take it to the next level.”

Holden said he was not aware of any increase in shearing injuries to sheep.

Speed was not incompatible with animal welfare in his view: the main focus of the training was keeping the sheep “calm”.

“As long as the animal is calm then it can be shorn fast. I don’t think speed is the issue. It’s about making sure the animal is calm and in a state ready to be shorn and it’s done appropriately by a skilled person.”

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Campground managers hoping for sunnier New Year’s Eve weather

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Campground managers in the North Island are hoping for sunnier weather leading up to New Year’s. Ruth Kuo

Campground managers in the North Island are hoping for sunnier weather leading up to New Year’s after a lashing of wind and rain.

Wild weather battered much of the North Island on Monday, disrupting campers, causing power outages and downing trees.

In Auckland a roof was torn off an unoccupied home in Hillsborough, as fire crews responded to more than 100 weather-related callouts.

The manager of Kūaotunu Campground on the Coromandel Peninsula, Yvette Davey, said the weather had caused a bit of disruption on Monday.

“We have had a couple of campers that their tents were destroyed so they had to go home, other than that people are hunkering down, it’s settled down here,” she said.

Leanne Mills, the owner of Long Bay Motor Camp in Coromandel said campers were not too put off by the wet weather.

“We’ve had a bit of rain [on Monday] but we’ve been lucky campers have just used it as a crash day, just chill out, read a book, sleep,” she said.

“We’ve just got continued support from our regulars, mostly 90 percent Kiwis, so they’ll come and just meet up every year with the same people year after year and they don’t really care if it rains.”

Festivalgoers for New Year’s events such as Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne have been warned to watch out for wild weather on the roads.

Strong wind warnings for the northern and central parts of the North Island have expired but several regions remain in the firing line.

Orange wind warnings remain for Manawatu, Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast until 9am Tuesday, and the Marlborough Sounds, Nelson and the West Coast north of Aoraki Mount Cook until 2pm Tuesday.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Hawke’s Bay until 8am Tuesday.

Tauranga City Council has cancelled all five of its community New Year’s Eve events because of the bad weather forecast.

The council said weather reports indicated heavy rain and strong winds during event set-up, with conditions highly likely to continue into Wednesday.

It said fireworks displays would hopefully still take place from various locations around the city on New Year’s Eve.

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Essential New Zealand Albums: Strawpeople – Broadcast

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Sleek, modern, sophisticated and brimful of hits, their 1994 album Broadcast was a type of album by a type of group that hadn’t really been heard in this country before.

‘Sweet Disorder’ – the biggest hit from Broadcast – won the 1995 Silver Scroll Award for its composers.

The Strawpeople story started in the ’80s, at Auckland student station bFM, where fellow music and recording geeks Mark Tierney and Paul Casserly were working as DJs.

Strawpeople – Broadcast

Essential New Zealand AlbumsSeason 5 / Episode 6

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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How short-form videos could be harming young minds

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Analysis – Online short-form video has shifted from a light distraction to a constant backdrop in many children’s lives. What used to fill a spare moment now shapes how young people relax, communicate and form opinions, with TikTok, Instagram Reels, Douyin and YouTube Shorts drawing in hundreds of millions of under-18s through endlessly personalised feeds.

These apps feel lively and intimate, offering quick routes to humour, trends and connection, yet their design encourages long sessions of rapid scrolling that can be difficult for young users to manage. They were never built with children in mind, although many children use them daily and often alone.

For some pre-teens, these platforms help develop identity, spark interests and maintain friendships. For others, the flow of content disrupts sleep, erodes boundaries or squeezes out time for reflection and meaningful interaction.

Unlike longer videos or traditional social media posts, short-form content provides almost no context, no warning, and no opportunity to prepare emotionally, Easton says.

Unsplash/ Audrey K

More stories

Problematic use is less about minutes spent and more about patterns where scrolling becomes compulsive or hard to stop. These patterns can begin to affect sleep, mood, attention, schoolwork and relationships.

Short-form videos (typically between 15 and 90 seconds) are engineered to capture the brain’s craving for novelty. Each swipe promises something different, whether a joke, prank or shock – and the reward system responds instantly.

Because the feed rarely pauses, the natural breaks that help attention reset vanish. Over time, this can weaken impulse control and sustained focus. A 2023 analysis of 71 studies and nearly 100,000 participants found a moderate link between heavy short-form video use and reduced inhibitory control and attention spans.

Attention hijacked

Sleep is one of the clearest areas where short-form video can take a toll.

Many children today view screens when they should be winding down. The bright light delays the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep, making it harder for them to drift off.

But the emotional highs and lows of rapid content make it particularly difficult for the brain to settle. A recent study found that for some teenagers, excessive short-form video use is connected to poorer sleep and higher social anxiety.

These sleep disturbances affect mood, resilience and memory, and can create a cycle that is especially hard for stressed or socially pressured children to break.

Short-form video use may lead to insomnia.

Beyond sleep, the constant stream of peer images and curated lifestyles can amplify comparison. Pre-teens may internalise unrealistic standards of popularity, appearance or success, which is linked to lower self-esteem and anxiety – although the same is true for all forms of social media.

Younger children are more susceptible

Most research focuses on teenagers, but younger children have less mature self-regulation and a more fragile sense of identity, leaving them highly susceptible to the emotional pull of quick-fire content.

Exposure to material children never intended to see adds risk and the design of short-form video apps can make this far more likely. Because clips appear instantly and autoplay one after another, children can be shown violent footage, harmful challenges or sexual content before they have time to process what they are seeing or look away.

Unlike longer videos or traditional social media posts, short-form content provides almost no context, no warning, and no opportunity to prepare emotionally. A single swipe can produce a sudden shift in tone from silly to disturbing, which is particularly jarring for developing brains.

Although this content may not always be illegal, it can still be inappropriate for a child’s stage of development. Algorithmic systems learn from a brief moment of exposure, sometimes escalating similar content into the feed. This combination of instant appearance, lack of context, emotional intensity and rapid reinforcement is what makes inappropriate content in short-form video especially problematic for younger users.

Not every child is affected in the same way, though. Those with anxiety, attention difficulties or emotional volatility seem more vulnerable to compulsive scrolling and to the mood swings that follow it.

Some research suggests a cyclical relationship, where young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, are particularly drawn to rapid content, while heavy use may intensify the symptoms that make self-regulation difficult. Children dealing with bullying, stress, family instability or poor sleep may also use late-night scrolling to cope with difficult emotions.

This matters because childhood is a critical period for learning how to build relationships, tolerate boredom and handle uncomfortable feelings. When every quiet moment is filled with quick entertainment, children lose chances to practise daydreaming, invent games, chat with family or simply let their thoughts wander.

Unstructured time is part of how young minds learn to soothe themselves and develop internal focus. Without it, these skills can weaken.

New guidelines

There are encouraging signs of change as governments and schools begin to address digital well-being more explicitly. In England, new statutory guidelines encourage schools to integrate online safety and digital literacy into the curriculum.

Some schools are restricting smartphone use during the school day, and organisations such as Amnesty International are urging platforms to introduce safer defaults, better age-verification and greater transparency around algorithms.

At home, open conversation can help children understand their habits and build healthier ones. Parents can watch videos together, discuss what makes certain clips appealing and explore how particular content made the child feel.

Establishing simple family routines, such as keeping devices out of bedrooms or setting a shared cut-off time for screen use, can protect sleep and reduce late-night scrolling. Encouraging offline activities, hobbies, sports and time with friends also helps maintain a healthy balance.

Short-form videos can be creative, funny and comforting. With thoughtful support, responsive policies and safer platform design, children can enjoy them without compromising their well-being or development.

*Katherine Easton is a lecturer of psychology at University of Sheffield. Disclosure statement: Easton has recently received funding from: 2021 – UKRI eNurture (PI) £26,762.00 Hacking the school system. 2022 – Research England, HEIF TUoS (PI) £48,983 Digiware: Knowledge Exchange in Education and Internet of Things. to research young people’s views on the use of technology in their schools

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The biggest Kiwi sporting stories of 2025

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Geordie Beamish. PHOTOSPORT

Controversies, comebacks, suspensions, breakthrough wins and a near perfect seasons, there have been some truly massive sport’s stories involving New Zealanders this year.

RNZ sport looks back at some of the biggest Kiwi sports stories of 2025.

Geordie Beamish’s dramatic tumble

The photo which captured the Geordie Beamish moment was selected as one of three finalists for the 2025 World Athletics Photograph of the Year. Emilee Chinn

New Zealand track runner Geordie Beamish took a tumble at the World Championships in Tokyo in September, which could have ended badly.

Beamish fell during the heats of the 3000m steeplechase after tripping over a barrier on the final lap, and a rival runner’s spiked foot briefly made contact with his face.

Fortunately, Beamish was able to recover and finished second in the heat, after sustaining a couple of scratches to his face.

Two days later, he went on to stun the field in the final, beating hot favourite and two-time Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco to claim gold.

In doing so, the 29-year-old won New Zealand’s first-ever track gold at a World Championships.

Dame Noeline Taurua and the saga of the Silver Ferns coach

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua, photographed on her first day back reinstated in the position. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

What began as a quietly handled cultural review spiralled into one of the biggest controversies in New Zealand netball history. Tensions erupted into public view in September, when Netball NZ abruptly stood down Dame Noeline and her coaching staff just days out from the Taini Jamison series against South Africa.

The move followed a breakdown in talks over proposed changes to the Silver Ferns programme.

The impasse meant Netball NZ made the decision to extend Taurua’s suspension until the end of the year, sidelining the veteran coach from the Constellation Cup series against Australia and next month’s UK tour.

Months earlier, a group of up to seven players had raised concerns about the team environment, prompting Netball NZ to commission a ‘cultural review’. But Taurua and her coaching team of Debbie Fuller and Briony Akle pushed back, forcefully rejecting the findings and the process of the review.

After 51 days, Dame Noeline was reinstated as Silver Ferns coach, but would remain grounded for the end of season Northern Tour while the parties implemented agreed upon changes.

It is understood the changes being worked through involve a re-jig of the Ferns’ management team and a change in the “psych model” for tours.

Auckland FC rise to the top in their inaugural season

Hiroki Sakai and Steve Corica celebrate with the A-League Premier’s Plate. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Established in March 2024, the club spent money to make sure they made an immediate impact in their inaugural season in the A-League, but not many would have expected them to have achieved what they did.

Under the guidance of Steve Corica, Auckland FC went through the 24-25 season with just three losses in the regular competition, finishing five points clear at the top of the standings to claim the Premiership title.

Auckland FC didn’t lose their first game until round nine and by then the city was well an truly behind them.

They beat Wellington Phoenix three times in the New Zealand derby and averaged 18,000 fans at their home games.

With just one loss at home in the regular season the city jumped on their magical run as they became the number one attraction in town.

Captain Hiroki Sakai finished third in the Johnny Warren Medal voting with Guillermo May sixth equal, while Corica was named Coach of the Year and Alex Paulsen Goalkeeper of the Year.

Unfortunately their golden run came to an end in the semi-finals of the play-offs, as they were beaten by Melbourne Victory over two legs.

Ryan Fox wins twice on the PGA Tour

Ryan Fox of New Zealand CON CHRONIS / photosport

It had been 20 years since a New Zealand golfer had won on the PGA Tour and Ryan Fox managed to do that twice during the year.

After a successful run on the European (World) Tour Fox headed to the USA and in his second full season in the world’s toughest championship he tasted success.

He won the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina in May and the Canadian Open in June and finished in the top 40 in the overall season standings.

Those results have now given him some security on the PGA Tour for the next couple of years.

With ten victories world-wide Fox is one of New Zealand’s most successful golfers.

Success in majors is now the aim for the 38 year old.

Special mention to Steve Alker who won twice on the Champions Tour (seniors), had 18 top ten finishes and finished second in the season-ending ranking.

Hayden Wilde completes courageous comeback

Hayden Wilde. PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand triathlete Hayden Wilde was crowned king of the T100 World Triathlon series, after rounding out his season in perfect style.

Wilde won the final race in the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship in sweltering conditions, capping his sixth victory of the season.

The victory in the grand final secured him the overall world title for the 2026 season.

However, it was his comeback from a horror bike crash in May that was the bigger story.

Wilde broke several ribs, had a broken scapula, and a punctured lung after being knocked off his bike by a truck while on a training ride in Tokyo.

Wilde returned to racing less than 100 days after the Japan crash, marking a winning comeback with victory at the T100 London race.

He would go on to win several more rounds before taking the season finale and the overall title.

Liam Lawson completes first full season in F1

New Zealand F1 driver Liam Lawson. DPPI / PHOTOSPORT

While Liam Lawson may not have won any races, or even stepped on a podium, the young New Zealander certainly spent plenty of time in the sporting headlines.

The 23-year-old started 2025 in the Red Bull team but struggled to make an impression alongside team-mate and world champion Max Verstappen.

He was demoted to the junior Racing Bulls team after just two rounds and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.

It wasn’t until the round eight in Monaco where he grabbed his first points, finishing eighth after sacrificing a higher finish by following team orders.

His best run of results came in the middle of the season with a sixth in Austria and a fifth in Azerbaijan.

For the rest of the season Lawson scrapped for points and his survival in the sport.

His efforts were rewarded before the final round in Abu Dhabi when his seat in Racing Bulls was confirmed for 2026, while Tsunoda was relegated to reserve driver.

The pressure remains on the Lawson who now needs consistency to realise his dream of being the best in the world.

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The carers being a helping hand to those in need

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Source: Radio New Zealand

After witnessing the struggles of elderly people and those with disabilities forced to navigate hospital appointments alone, social entrepreneur Lizzie Scott has come up with a solution.

CaringStay Companion Travel has more than 80 “companions” nationwide, who can accompany people to their appointments and take them home afterwards, staying as long as they are needed.

Scott, who started the service two years ago, said it continued to evolve, led by demand.

The company offers a variety of services including walking the dog.

123rf

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Significant changes on the horizon for tourism industry

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Cable car above Rotorua lake and city. 123RF

The Tourism Minister has signalled significant change could be on the horizon for the industry.

Louise Upston has set her sights on doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034, growing the number of Kiwis working in tourism and hospitality, and restoring international visitor arrivals to at least 2019 levels.

In June, she unveiled how the government plans to hit that target, but more details for the medium and long term picture were yet to be revealed.

The targets were ambitious, but she said the industry had pulled together this year.

“It’s getting the balance of continuing to push for visitors to choose New Zealand and then helping them throughout New Zealand where there is still strong capacity and options,” she said.

The industry had been pushing for bold change, and a working group had considered what that change was and how they planned to get there, she said.

Tourism Minister Louise Upston. MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZ

Upston planned to review advice and proposals from officials about the next steps in the roadmap in January.

“Some of it is potentially quite significant change so I would be looking at probably taking something to Cabinet towards the end of quarter one or the beginning of quarter two,” she said.

The government was aiming to see international visitor arrivals reach at least 3.89 million by 2026.

Recent figures showed overseas arrivals hit 3.43 million in the year to September.

“We’ve got momentum, we’ve made significant investments, we are measuring the impact and I’m confident that we will achieve those visitor growth numbers by the end of next year,” Upston said.

That investment – which was often funded by the International Visitor Levy – included a $70 million major events and tourism package and more than $26m for Tourism New Zealand to attract more visitors.

She was confident that [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/557448/how-do-queenstown-residents-feel-about-increasing-tourism-and-its-impact

concerns from areas like Queenstown], where visitors numbers had already surpassed 2019 levels, were being addressed by mahi underway and planned in the Tourism Growth Roadmap.

Queenstown. RNZ / Kymberlee Gomes

She wanted to make sure every ounce of value was squeezed from investments in the industry as well as having consistent and predictable funding, Upston said.

Another priority was attracting more New Zealanders into hospitality and tourism by making sure they could see a career pathway and had ongoing training opportunities as a solid workforce would be a “critical part” in the success of tourism growth, Upston said.

In November, the government announced funding for a new industry-led qualification, Te Haeata, to boost the business events workforce.

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Holiday road toll stands at zero – but drivers still urged to be cautious

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Source: Radio New Zealand

There have been a number of serious crashes over the holiday period, but no fatalities yet. File photo. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

The road toll for the official Christmas holiday period is at zero, but police say people need to continue to stick to the basics of safe driving.

So far this year 268 people have died on the roads, down from 292 last year – which was the lowest number since 2013.

Director of road policing Superintendent Steve Greally said any death on the roads was a tragedy with widespread ripples, but it was good to see numbers headed down.

“We are very encouraged so far this year and when we think about the summer period so far nobody has lost their lives, compared with 15 people at the end of the period last year.

“So things are looking really good, really encouraging, but anything can happen at any time, so we have to be really cautious about that.”

He said drivers need to continue to focus on four key areas – wearing seatbelts or helmets, not driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol or tiredness, not being distracted by phones or other things in the vehicle, and ensuring their speed was suitable for the conditions.

NZTA spokesperson Mark Owen said another tip was for people to go to its Journey Planner webpage for detailed information about their planned route.

He said people can check when roads are expected to be busiest based on previous years.

“Find out when the predicted busy times are. This is typically as we get to the end of the holidays and people are heading back to the main centres, and more towards the middle of the day. If you are travelling at those times you will definitely need to allow more time, or maybe try to leave a bit earlier or later in the day.”

He said people are also encouraged to ensure they are well rested before a long drive, take regular breaks on the journey, and drive to the conditions.

“We are seeing a bit of challenging weather coming across the North Island the next couple of days. So people need to allow to drive to those conditions especially if it is rather wet or windy.

“We want everyone to return from their holidays back to their original destination safely.”

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Concerns for welfare of missing Auckland man

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Stuart has been reported missing. Supplied / Police

Auckland police are asking for any sightings of man whose family are concerned for his welfare.

Stuart is described by police as about 6 foot tall, slender and in his 70s.

He was last seen wearing black pants, a beige shirt, a blue jacket, and a black beanie.

He usually lives and frequents central Auckland. Supplied / Police

Stuart usually lives and frequents central Auckland.

Police said he had been out of touch with his family for some time, which was out of character.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on the 105 number.

“If you have seen him or have any information that might help us locate him, please call 105, quoting file number 251219/9751.”

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Dunedin family dominates Cromwell’s annual cherry spitting competition

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied / Cromwell & Districts Promotions Group

A Dunedin family has swept the podium at the annual Cherry Pit-Spit Championship in Cromwell.

The Collins family dominated multiple categories at the quirky Central Otago event on Sunday, which challenges entrants to hoick a cherry stone as far as possible.

Aaron Collins launched a cherry pit 10.47 metres to take out first place in the men’s category.

His sister, Hannah Collins, placed second in the women’s event, while his children, Emma and Daniel, also finished on the podium.

Aaron Collins launched a cherry pit 10.47 metres to take out first place in the men’s category. Supplied / Cromwell & Districts Promotions Group

The women’s winner was Laure Vaneilhan, from France, who has just arrived for the cherry-picking season and delivered an 7.93m spit.

Cromwell & Districts Promotions Group marketing and communications manager Tanya Dennis said hundreds of people either lined up at the mat, or came along to watch on what she described as a “perfect”, sunny Central Otago day.

“We had people coming from England, we had people from Japan, we had people from Germany and America – these were people that were just curious. They were visiting the region … and then came along to the event. So it was a real cross section, and of course, we had locals and regional visitors as well,” she said.

The event has been running since 2006 and offers plenty of entertainment for spectators, Dennis said.

“Some of the competitors make real light of it, and some get very serious. We’ve got some die hard followers of the event.”

Even kids get involved in the competition. Supplied / Cromwell & Districts Promotions Group

The record belongs to Dunedinite Tui Smith, who fired a pit nearly 16m in 2023.

The world record for cherry pit-spitting is 28.5m, set in Michigan in 2004.

Cherries for this year’s National Cherry Spit Championship were provided by Jackson Orchards in Cromwell, and the day also featured a best-dressed competition and lawn games.

“Anyone can give it a go and the, you know, bragging rights is, of course, the big thing. It’s open to all age groups … and it’s a good day all round,” Dennis said.

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Cricket: A first for Amelia Kerr in big Blaze win

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Blaze captain Melie Kerr after scoring a century in the Super Smash. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT

A stunning century from White Fern Amelia Kerr has helped the Wellington Blaze to a 49-run victory over the Auckland Hearts in the women’s Super Smash.

Kerr completed her first century in top level T20 cricket as the defending champions picked up their second win of the competition.

The 25 year old finished unbeaten on 106 as the home side made 184 for two at the Basin Reserve.

Her century came off 59 deliveries and her innings included 17 fours and one six.

Kerr and fellow White Fern Georgia Plimmer put on 155 for the opening partnership, a Blaze record.

Plimmer made 62 off 53 deliveries.

Bree Illing and Amie Hucker picked up a wicket each for Auckland.

In reply, Auckland scored freely as they started their chase but lost regular wickets and were dismissed in the last over for 135.

Captain Maddy Green top scored with 39, while Xara Jetly grabbed three wickets and Jess Kerr and Nicole Baird took two each for Wellington.

Wellington top the table with two wins, while Auckland have a no-result and a loss.

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ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for December 29, 2025

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ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on December 29, 2025.

Emma Johnston was a visionary scientist, environmentalist and leader, with an abiding hope for humanity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Walker, Visiting Fellow, National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University Emma Johnston, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne who has died aged 52, was a marine ecologist, a visionary leader in science and research, a passionate champion of the environment, a

5 lessons about misinformation from ancient Greek and Roman scientists
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jemima McPhee, PhD Candidate (Classics), Australian National University Institute for the Study of the Ancient World via Wikimedia, CC BY Ancient scientists can be easy to dismiss. Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus, often described as the West’s first scientist, believed the whole Earth was suspended on water.

Music can affect your driving – but not always how you’d expect
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor and Principal Fellow in Urban Risk and Resilience, The University of Melbourne davidf/Getty Images For many of us, listening to music is simply part of the driving routine – as ordinary as wearing a seatbelt. We build playlists for road trips, pick songs

With every extinction, we lose not just a species but a treasure trove of knowledge
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Johannes M. Luetz, Adjunct Professor, University of the Sunshine Coast; UNSW Sydney; Alphacrucis College The extinct desert rat kangaroo John Gould, Mammals of Australia (1845) The millions of species humans share the world with are valuable in their own right. When one species is lost, it has

I love my friends … I do not love their kids
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine E. Wood, Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Swinburne University of Technology At this time of the year, with lots of parties, family catch-ups and holiday plans, you might be reminded of how much you love your friends. But as their kids pester for screen time, drop

Deep in holiday debt? How to start repaying overdue credit and buy now, pay later bills
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angelique Nadia Sweetman McInnes, Academic in Financial Planning, CQUniversity Australia Christmas lunch is over, all the presents are unwrapped. Now comes the hard part: paying for it all. If you’re in that position, you’re not alone. Personal credit and charge-card balances racking up interest hit a four-year

NZ report card 2025: how the country fared in 28 key global and domestic rankings
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato Getty Images Standardised testing and regular progress assessment became key features of the education system this year, so why not apply those same principles to New Zealand as a whole? There’s an important difference here, of course. This exercise

How did Australian laws change in 2025? Here are 6 you need to know
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia The Conversation, CC BY-SA Some people take heart in the idea that the law is resistant to change, arguing that this reinforces its stability. Others delight in its ability to adapt to change, as

Donald Trump’s first step to becoming a would-be autocrat – hijacking a party
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin Bergman, International Affairs Editor, The Conversation We used to have a pretty clear idea of what an autocrat was. History is full of examples: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, along with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping today. The list goes on. So, where does Donald

Brigitte Bardot defined the modern woman and defied social norms
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben McCann, Associate Professor of French Studies, University of Adelaide Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Image Brigitte Bardot’s death, at the age of 91, brings to a close one of the most extraordinary careers in post-war French cultural life. Best known as an actress, she was also a

ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for December 28, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on December 28, 2025.

Emma Johnston was a visionary scientist, environmentalist and leader, with an abiding hope for humanity

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kylie Walker, Visiting Fellow, National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University

Emma Johnston, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne who has died aged 52, was a marine ecologist, a visionary leader in science and research, a passionate champion of the environment, a brilliant and engaging communicator, and a caring mentor. Emma was also our friend.

Born in 1973 and raised in Melbourne, Emma’s star rose swiftly. Her success was driven by a deep love of science, problem-solving and teamwork. Dux of University High School in Melbourne (where there is now a house named after her), she ran the student newspaper and launched an environment group and recycling program.

After completing a PhD in marine ecology at the University of Melbourne, Emma became an associate lecturer at UNSW in 2001, where she built a thriving research group studying the impacts of pollution and climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems. In 2005 she established the Sydney Harbour Research Program, to understand and remediate that city’s great natural asset.

These themes of complexity, interdependence and ecosystem resilience would become guiding metaphors for her subsequent career as a research leader and a fierce advocate for science.

Emma believed research should be about teamwork rather than personal accolades. She supervised a remarkable 33 PhD students, as well as honours students and postdoctoral researchers, and she mentored countless colleagues throughout her career. Busy but never hurried, Emma was generous with her time and attention, and she loved meeting bright and curious people.

As a newly promoted professor, she was chosen to attend the 64th Lindau meeting of Nobel Laureates where she delivered the after-dinner speech.

Her research and science communication earned awards including the NSW Premier’s Award for Biological Sciences, the Australian Academy of Science’s inaugural Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science and the Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science Research.

In 2018, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to higher education and scientific research. She became a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering in 2019 and of the Australian Academy of Science in 2022.

Emma’s leadership has taken many forms. As president of the student union while at university, she delighted in political jousting and loud change-making. Each time she was underestimated in a new role, she was fond of reminding friends that her term as student union president had prepared her for even the cagiest reception.

As a presenter on TV show Coast Australia, her natural style and genuine delight at the wonders of the wild ocean resonated with audiences worldwide.

In 2017, Emma became president of Science & Technology Australia. While there, she helped establish the acclaimed Superstars of STEM program, which works to raise the profile of women and non-binary scientists, and became the organisation’s first president to address the National Press Club, where she proclaimed science’s potential to provide solutions for humanity’s problems.

At around the same time, she was appointed Dean of Science at UNSW, albeit after some initial reluctance about how the job would impinge on her time with her two young children. When her prospective employer offered her more money for childcare, she replied that she actually wanted to see her children, and that a better solution would be simply to not expect her to go to functions most nights of the week.

In February 2025, after a stint as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney, Emma returned to her alma mater as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. This appointment positioned her better than ever to work towards her dream of a resilient, informed and motivated citizenry that can weather the storms of climate upheaval and build a strong future for humanity and the planet.

As a member of the board of CSIRO and a governor of the Ian Potter Foundation, Emma’s leadership and impact on Australian research was broad.

She had a formidable clarity of purpose, and an abiding hope for humanity. Her resilience strategy for the University of Melbourne, finalised just weeks before her death on December 26 2025, was the first step in her ten-year plan to build an extraordinary, empowered and resilient Australia.

As director of the board of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Emma led the 2021 State of the Environment report for the Australian government. In it, she emphasised that the ocean could only absorb so much heat before it would reach catastrophic collapse. Emma wanted nothing less than to save the world, but – like the ocean – in the end she could only do so much.

Emma’s final months were marked by a fierce doubling-down on her mission – she understood she was running out of time. Only 52 years old when she died from complications associated with cancer, she still wasn’t done with parenting, with saving the oceans and the planet, with nurturing and uplifting the next generation, or with remaking the Australian research and higher education landscape.

In a recent voice memo to one of us (Kylie), she said:

What has driven me in my life is a deep love of the science, a love of working with people and helping them to flourish and achieve, and a desire to work with others to protect this world I was immersed in as a scientist. And in that, I feel I have gone well beyond what I ever set out to achieve.

Survived by her husband Sam and their two children, Emma Johnston truly was a leader for our age, a star whose light burned out too soon.

The Conversation

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Emma Johnston was a visionary scientist, environmentalist and leader, with an abiding hope for humanity – https://theconversation.com/emma-johnston-was-a-visionary-scientist-environmentalist-and-leader-with-an-abiding-hope-for-humanity-272609

Former Phoenix player returns home

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Roy Krishna will be a key player for Fiji. Oceania Football

Fiji football star Roy Krishna has signed with Bula FC for the inaugral season of Oceania’s first ever professional football league.

The Suva-based club announced the star signing on boxing day.

“We are thrilled to announce the signing of Roy Krishna, a football legend, who officially joins Bula FC today!”

In a statement the club said Roy Krishna’s journey began in Labasa, where he honed his skills at All Saints High School before making his mark with Labasa FC and the Fiji national team, earning over 60 caps and Oceania top goal scorer.

His path led him to international success, playing for top clubs such as Waitakere United, Auckland City and Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand, and ATK, Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru, and Odisha in the Indian Super League.

A defining moment came in 2019 when Roy won the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal as the A-League’s best player, finishing that season as the top scorer.

Despite offers from abroad, Roy chose to return home this year.

“It’s been an amazing journey playing abroad, but there’s something special about coming back home. It’s where my roots are, and I’m excited to give back,” Krishna said.

“This team is full of young, hungry players with immense potential. I’m here not just to play, but to guide them and show them what it takes to succeed.”

The Phoenix striker Roy Krishna. PHOTOSPORT

Krishna said his decision to return to Fiji is driven by a desire to contribute to the growth of football in Fiji.

“It’s not just about me; it’s about creating something lasting. I want these young players to achieve even more than I did, and I’m here to help them get there,” he said.

After years playing his trade abroad, Krishna said he is also excited to spend more time with his wife and daughter, who have supported him throughout his career.

“Finally being able to share my days with them here is truly the icing on the cake.”

Bula FC said Roy Krishna will wear the number 21 jersey for Bula FC.

“We can’t wait to see his leadership, experience and talent help elevate the club to new heights.”

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

Auckland Harbour Bridge repaint project: Where things stand more than a year later

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Engineers are trialling containment systems on the land-based areas of the bridge – the structures that will allow workers to eventually access and repaint the bridge. RNZ / Lucy Xia

The Auckland Harbour Bridge repaint project – that’s estimated to take 12 years – has been underway for more than a year, with works beginning at the southern end of the bridge in late 2024.

The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the original paint coatings on the 66-year-old truss bridge had reached the end of its designed life and needed a full-repaint, which involved stripping down the existing coating and repainting it.

The project, also known as the Truss Bridge Refurbishment Project, was the main contributor that led to the money spent on maintenance and repairs of the bridge increasing from $12.2 million in the 2023/2024 financial year, to $22.4m in the 2024/2025 financial year.

Waka Kotahi couldn’t confirm how much the entire repaint would cost, but said the project has cost $11.6m to date – covering design analysis, strengthening work and the establishment of equipment for the project.

RNZ caught up with the agency’s manager of maintenance and operations for the Auckland and Northern regions, Jacqui Hori-Hoult, to find out the latest progress and challenges with the project.

A year in: Work done at land-based southern end of the bridge

Hori-Hoult said the initial years of the project will focus on repainting the structures underneath the surface road of the bridge.

“When you’re travelling over the bridge, you won’t see a lot, because our project is focused on the refurbishment of underneath the truss bridge, which is under the actual bridge deck,

“So it’s the steel work on the bridge deck which sits in the harshest environment and is also the oldest part of our bridge.”

Hori-Hoult said that part of the bridge is susceptible to corrosion, and the repaint is key to maintaining the structural integrity of the truss bridge.

She said over the past year, work has been mostly around the land-based southern end of the bridge, where sandblasting is used to remove the old coatings before new coatings are applied.

Earlier, an RNZ investigation revealed that NZTA knew that Harbour Bridge maintenance work contaminated homes at Stokes Point/Te Onewa with heavy metals above permitted levels a decade ago, but residents were not told.

Hori-Hoult said the current work has taken precautions to stop any contaminants from the old paint from polluting the environment.

Waka Kotahi: Challenges in repaint of section of bridge crossing sea

Hori-Hoult said expert teams are still working on the plan for how to execute the repainting of the main section of the bridge that crosses the sea, in a way that ensures no potential pollutants get into the sea.

She said they’re hoping to commence work on the sea based section of the bridge at some point in 2026.

The parts of the bridge which have paint containing lead are mostly in one of the spans at the southern end of the bridge, and Waka Kotahi believes that the rest of the bridge is predominantly lead free, she said.

However, Hori-Hoult said they will be using the same environmental protection measures for the main part of the bridge, as they have done for the work at the land-based ends of the bridge, and this would be challenging due it being over the sea.

“So we’re going to have to put temporary work and scaffolding , like we’ve done with the land base with scaffolding,

“Now we have to work through with our experts around how we can manage to attach our containment units in order for us to do a similar type of work, in a very smaller space, but also to make sure whatever we attach is structurally sound for the bridge to enable us to do the work.”

Hori-Hoult said experts were still figuring out what would be the best type of material for the temporary platform.

“We will be installing that full containment system, that you can see when we’re carrying out the [sand] blasting and painting operations, so all materials generated from our operation is actually disposed of to a managed facility that specialises in contaminated material disposal,” she added.

There’s lots of structural elements to think about, for instance how much additional weight can be added to the ageing bridge, she said.

Waka Kotahi said engineers have been assessing the impacts of installing the containment systems on the bridge, and the level of strengthening that is required.

It said teams have been trialling methodologies in the land-based areas.

Bridge to stay grey after repaint

Hori-Hoult said a decision was made to keep the bridge grey as it always has been with the repaint, despite some internal discussions about a new colour for the bridge.

“The Harbour Bridge has been iconic – it’s 66 years old – so you want to keep it as close to its original colour as possible, because of its age and the mana it holds within our city,” she said.

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

Ministerial advisory group wants commitment to tackling transnational organised crime in Budget 2026

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Chairperson of the ministerial advisory group on organised crime, Steve Symon. (File photo) RNZ / Nick Monro

The chairperson of a ministerial advisory group on organised crime says he won’t be satisfied until he sees the government commit resources to tackling the issue of organised crime.

The government launched a plan earlier this month to combat transnational organised crime, including setting up a new agency and minister responsible, developing inter-agency information sharing, and establishing a maritime campaign to disrupt criminal networks in the Pacific.

“New Zealand and our Pacific neighbours are being increasingly targeted by organised criminal groups, who are using new technologies and new ways of operating,” Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello said then. “We need a different, stronger and more cohesive response.”

Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Chairperson Steve Symon said he was encouraged to see the government endorse the advisory group’s plan, but wanted to see a commitment in Budget 2026.

“What would make me really satisfied, is if we follow through on it, if what we see in the coming months, is rolling up our sleeves and really mucking in to find out exactly what we need to do to make this work.”

Symon said the picture would become very bleak for New Zealand without a real effort to disrupt criminal networks.

“It’s quite a frightening picture, because organised crime is affecting all New Zealanders, whether we necessarily recognise it or not.”

He said the effects of organised crime were reaching into all corners of New Zealand, whether through a rise in methamphetamine use, fraud and cyber fraud, or migrant exploitation.

Symon pointed to Australia’s response to the illegal tobacco problem – which he said was not quick enough to disrupt what had become a $10 billion industry for criminal groups.

He said the advisory group’s recommendation to set up a new department and minister responsible for the issue, was justified when there could be up to 19 or 30 different agencies involved in addressing the problem right now.

“What we’re saying is the New Zealand public expect a co-ordinated response. It expects these agencies to be working together, in fact the public is right, because we will need that if we are going to successfully stop organised crime.”

University of Canterbury’s Pacific regional security hub head Jose Sousa-Santos said the government and the public should be worried about the influx of drugs at the border.

He said despite larger seizures by customs, the price of methamphetamine remained stable.

“Even though we are seizing more methamphetamine over the past decades combined, you can come to the conclusion there is much more methamphetamine coming in.”

Sousa-Santos said drugs were moving through the Pacific from South America, Canada and South East Asia to New Zealand and Australia.

He said Pacific criminal organised groups were starting to take hold in the region, infiltrating and corrupting law enforcement agencies.

He pointed to one part of the government’s plan, which was to set up a joint customs, GCSB, and Defence Force maritime campaign to disrupt organised criminal groups networks across the Pacific.

He said this could strengthen the region’s national security.

“The Pacific Ocean is a large space to operate in, and this will at least ensure that New Zealand is able to be secure and work with our partners in the Pacific, creating a situation where the regions and our partnerships become force multipliers.

“It’s very important that New Zealand has a lessons learnt policy from our neighbours in the US and South-East Asia.

“The tactics which are new to us – such as the narco subs or the low-profile vessels – these are tactics which have been utilised in America, and South-East Asia for decades.”

Costello said previously that New Zealand needed to improve its responses.

“The key thing I think we need to recognise is that organised crime is a business that will do anything it can to make a profit.

“We need to be pivoting and responding in a far more flexible and responsive way than we currently are.”

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

Three men seriously hurt in Auckland assaults remain in hospital

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Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Three men seriously hurt in separate fights in Auckland – one of them a mass street brawl – are still in hospital.

Police have made a public appeal after the disorder in the central city on Saturday night.

In the first assault, a 33-year-old man was seriously injured outside Crown Bar on Queen Street just after 4am.

Fifteen minutes later a 27-year-old was seriously hurt on Karangahape Road where there was an estimated crowd of more than 50 people.

Then 30 minutes after that, a 46-year-old man was also seriously injured at a nearby petrol station.

Police say all three are today in stable conditions.

There are no updates in their investigation.

On Sunday, Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves said: “Police are disappointed at the bad, aggressive and careless behaviour on display on Karangahape Road and will be holding any and all offenders to account.”

The police file number is 251228/4774.

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

Woman lists sole Christmas gift on husband’s Trade Me account – a Star Wars T-shirt

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied / TradeMe

A Lower Hutt woman is keeping her “dark side” in check by reselling the one gift she received from her husband of 20 years on Christmas Day: a Star Wars T-shirt.

The shirt, originally purchased from EB Games, has been listed on her husband’s Trade Me account – in hopes he will get the message.

Speaking to RNZ, Cindy* said she had a laugh when she opened the present on Christmas Day as she was a big fan of Star Wars.

But given it was the only gift she received alongside a pair of socks from her mum, she was a little disappointed.

“My birthday is the 21st so I guess that was his focus. I did get presents for my birthday but yeah, that was not what I expected.”

In the early hours of the morning and after a couple drinks, Cindy decided to list the T-shirt on Trade Me – titled ‘Revenge of the Wife’.

The T-shirt up for grabs. Supplied / TradeMe

“How am I supposed to gently explain to my husband that after 20 YEARS of marriage, receiving only a T-shirt for Christmas may… awaken my dark side?,” she wrote in the listing.

“Answer: I don’t. I list it for sale on his Trade Me account and let the Force handle the rest.

“Up for grabs is this brand new, never worn, still-has-the-tag Star Wars T-shirt, size Small, featuring Revenge of the Sith – 20th Anniversary on the sleeve. Yes, very cool. Yes, very nostalgic. Yes… still a T-shirt for Christmas!”

Cindy wrote the shirt was “perfect” for Star Wars fans, husbands who think a T-shirt is a thoughtful gift and “anyone brave enough to flirt with the Dark Side”.

She said she was selling the item in hopes of “preserving galactic peace in a 20-year marriage” and selling it on the hubby’s account in hopes he “may or may not ‘get the drift’”.

“Buy it before my patience fully turns to the Dark Side. May the Force (and better gift ideas) be with you,” she ended the listing with.

Cindy said he husband took her decision to sell the shirt “really well”.

They often played pranks on each other and Cindy said the foundation to a good marriage was being able to have a “really good laugh” and constructive conversations about things.

It had taught him it might be a good idea to ask her what she wanted for Christmas instead of buying something he liked for himself and then deciding to buy it for her.

In the question and answer section of the listing, it was clear Cindy’s husband had come to realise where he had gone wrong and was contemplating his life choices.

One question from a Trade Me user said: “I’m surprised she didn’t bring forth the light sabre and slash this abomination to shreds…..”, to which he replied: “Point taken, you could say I had the aim of a storm trooper this year … completely missed the mark.”

But after the ordeal, Cindy’s husband had thought long and hard about what she deserved and would be treating her to a massage.

A long one, she said: “I need it”.

And the money from the sale of the shirt?

Cindy said all proceeds from the Trade Me sale would go towards Sea Shepherd – who defend, protect and conserve what she called the “real Jedi”.

* Not her real name

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

Lakes Festival delivers a one-day rave marathon in Hagley Park

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Source: Radio New Zealand

With Christmas done and dusted, the festive season has switched into festival season. A day after Hidden Valley’s 10-year edition at Matakana, the South Island offshoot event Hidden Lakes, now shortened to Lakes festival, returned to Christchurch’s Hagley Park for its fifth edition.

For Mainlanders, Sunday’s high-octane, dance-heavy fete functioned both as an effective means to sweat off that Christmas pudding, and an appetiser for larger marquee events to follow.

I dread to contemplate the revellers at Lakes who are set to back up further south at Rhythm and Alps over the next three nights.

Maribou State performing on stage at Lakes Festival, Hagley Park, on 28 December, 2025.

RNZ / Adam Burns

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

Wellington Phoenix sign White Ferns midfielder

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Emma Pijnenburg of the Football Ferns. MEXSPORT / PHOTOSPORT

The Wellington Phoenix women have signed White Ferns midfielder Emma Pijnenburg for the rest of the A-League season.

The 21 year old replaces Alyssa Whinham, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in round three.

Pijnenburg returns to New Zealand having secured a release from Feyenoord Rotterdam after three years with the Dutch Vrouwen Eredivisie club.

Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman is thrilled to be able to pick up Pijnenburg.

“The club believes in developing and investing in Kiwi talent and Emma is one the country’s brightest,” Priestman said.

“Emma is a technically and athletically gifted player, and I’m really excited to see her play for the Phoenix.

“She’ll complement the midfielders we already have in our squad and will give us great flexibility and options.”

Pijnenburg arrived in New Zealand last week and spent Christmas with her family in Auckland before joining the Phoenix.

“It doesn’t feel like I’m joining a new team because I know so many of the players,” Pijnenburg said.

Pijnenburg moved to the Netherlands as an 18-year-old to live out her dream of playing professionally in Europe.

The seven-cap Fern says it was an amazing experience playing for Feyenoord, but she was unable to say no to the opportunity to sign with New Zealand’s only professional women’s team.

“I’m after some more consistent playing time and I’ve heard really good things about Bev, the style that the Phoenix play and what they’re trying to do.

Pijnenburg believes she suits the way Priestman wants to play and is driven to be part of the first Nix women’s team to qualify for the finals.

“I’m a technical player. I want to get on the ball and connect players around the field.

“And I always look to go forward. I like that style of football and I think that matches what Bev wants from me.”

Emma Pijnenburg will wear the no. 32 shirt for the Wellington Phoenix, which is also her squad number for the Football Ferns.

The Phoenix plan to announce a further women’s signing early in 2026.

The Phoenix sit ninth on the A-League table and play at Western Sydney on Tuesday.

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

Two hospitalised after overnight brawl in Auckland

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Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / REECE BAKER

Two people have been taken to hospital after another overnight brawl in Auckland.

Police were called to Wallson Crescent in Wiri just before 10pm to what they say were reports of a fight involving several people.

One person was left with serious injuries, and another was in a moderate condition.

Police said the offenders left before officers arrived and they are still trying to find them.

Hato Hone St John said it was notified of the incident at 9.53pm.

“Two ambulances, one rapid response unit, and one operations manager responded,” a spokesperson said.

“Two patients, one in moderate condition and one in serious condition, were transported to Middlemore Hospital.”

It follows a mass disorder the night before on Karangahape Road in the central city with an estimated crowd of more than 50 people.

There was also a serious assault at a nearby petrol station, and outside a bar on Queen Street.

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

Brigitte Bardot, the French star you ‘had to see to believe’

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Brigitte Bardot, the doe-eyed beauty whose sensuality brought French cinema to the mainstream, has died aged 91.

Arriving on screen in the 1950s, Bardot swiftly rose to fame as an era-defining “sex kitten”.

She starred in films such as And God Created Woman, Contempt and Jean-Luc Godard’s Masculin Féminin.

French actress Brigitte Bardot on the set of the film “Don Juan 73” directed by Roger Vadim in Stockholm on August 4, 1972.

TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP

‘Close call’: Elderly man saved after collapsing, getting lost during hike in Coromandel

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Kauaeranga Valley. Supplied/DOC.

An elderly hiker who got lost and collapsed wearing only shorts and a singlet was saved by a mother and her two teenagers who huddled around him to keep him warm, police say.

He was in the Kauaeranga Valley in Coromandel with no emergency supplies apart from a phone.

Police were alerted by family at about 10pm on Sunday that the 80-year-old man was lost, had run out of water and collapsed on the trail.

The lost man had made the call.

Police were then able to pinpoint his location through his mobile phone, only 100 metres from Crosbies Hut.

A helicopter was sent but could not land because of deteriorating weather.

But the mother and her two children, who were also on the trail, were about to come to his rescue.

Enquiries by Police Search and Rescue and Department of Conservation revealed they were staying at the nearby hut.

Emergency crews managed to contact them to get to them to help find the lost man.

By this time, a second helicopter was sent but it too could not land because of the worsening weather.

The woman and her teenagers found the man within a short time, made a human circle around him to keep him warm, and made it back to the hut to wait for rescuers.

Eventually they were able to make it, with police and search and rescue teams reaching him at first light on Monday morning.

“He was very close to not being able to continue, and if it weren’t for the family staying at the hut nearby, things could have been very different,” Waikato West area commander Inspector Mike Henwood said.

“If you’re going out on an excursion in the bush, or adventuring on tramping trails, you need to be prepared for any eventuality.

Henwood said it was important to wear appropriate clothing and take food and water even for short walks, especially if hikers were unsure of the area.

He said the elderly man was grateful to see the rescuers when they arrived, but it was an uncomfortably “close call”.

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

Wellington Phoenix determined to end winless run in Melbourne

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Phoenix celebrate their win over Central Coast. Marty Melville/Photosport

Coach Giancarlo Italiano is adamant the Wellington Phoenix can change their “atrocious record” at AAMI Park as they strive to snap a 23-match winless streak at the ground and push themselves into playoff contention.

The New Zealanders take on Melbourne Victory on Monday night in Melbourne.

The Phoenix are currently ninth, level on points with the Victory, with three wins from nine games.

Italiano is confident they can climb the ladder and claim back-to-back wins following their triumph over Central Coast before Christmas.

“It was good for the boys to get away, enjoy Christmas,” Italiano said.

“Training’s been really good this week and we’ve got two hard games now, against Victory and Brisbane.

“The refresh has come at the right time.”

Eamonn McCarron (GK) of the Phoenix. Masanori Udagawa

The game shapes as a huge opportunity for teenage goalkeeper Eamonn McCarron, who is set to play with Josh Oluwayemi unavailable through injury.

McCarron replaced Oluwayemi last Sunday against the Mariners, but this would be his first professional start.

“Joshy won’t travel. It’s precautionary at the moment. I think he needs another week of rehab before he starts being available for first team selection,” Italiano said.

“[Eamonn’s] done well enough in training and the game to show that he can hold his spot. It gives Alby a chance to come up to the bench, which is good for him because he’s been training really hard.

“It’s good to have three goalkeepers of that pedigree.”

Challenges don’t come much bigger than a trip to Melbourne, particularly for a Phoenix side who have a dismal record at AAMI Park.

The Phoenix have won just three of the 39 games they’ve played at the venue against Victorian A-League opposition and haven’t won there since 2017.

Italiano concedes it will be tough.

“I think Victory are a very well rounded squad, they have some good depth, especially up front. Mata’s been very effective. He’s got a little more freedom in the ten. Players like Velupillay, very dangerous.

“Good players, good solid squad, they’ll be very tough to beat.”

The Phoenix could rise as high as fourth with a win, or slip as low as eleventh with a loss.

“To throw a blanket and a generalisation that certain teams are easier than others, it’s not reflective of where the league is. It’s so close at the moment, from top to bottom.

“We lose one game, we go back to the bottom of the table. We win one game, back in contention for the six. Going to games, thinking you’re going to win easily, I think those days are gone.”

Italiano is convinced that this set of players will help the club challenge for the playoffs.

“I have more belief in this team than I have in my seven years here. As a collective, I think the team is very good.

“You can argue that the team is a little bit of a misfit team, in terms of where players have come from, their trajectory and where they’ve played before.

“There’s a lot of boys here who have a lot to prove. For everything that’s been said about our team over the year, I think we’ve been in every game.”

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

The oddest news RNZ covered in 2025

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A statue showing Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein; a roll of bread; the Dalai Lama; a lost and confused kitten; a Fabergé egg that went on a journey. AFP / supplied/ NZ Police / RNZ

2024 set a high bar to beat when it came to things being generally weird, but 2025 comfortably rose to the occasion.

That was perhaps a certainty set in motion late last year, when Americans took a look around and decided four more years of chaos was just what the world needed.

Things were no less unpredictable at home either, with no shortage of strange news filed by RNZ’s own reporters in the past 12 months.

January

It didn’t take long for the first ‘I cannot believe this is an actual headline’ news time to appear, with ‘Kiwi Water Park owner feels “victimised” by iPhone weather app’ appearing before midday on 1 January.

A few days later Meta scrambled to delete AI characters it put on Instagram after it emerged “proud black queer Momma” Liv was actually the creation of a dozen people, most of them white men and none of them Black. Another, presenting himself as a “warm grandpa”, eventually admitted he was nothing more than “a heart of algorithms and profit-driven design”. And before it had a chance to cry tears in rain, Brian too joined Roy Batty in silicon heaven.

The AI creation “Liv” was presented as a “proud black queer Momma” by Meta. Screenshot / Meta

Then we had a report of a fun new thing to do in the capital – go on a “tour of sites of murder, execution, suffering”. Should probably mention the tour focused on historical events, not the present day.

Later in the month RNZ met a woman whose “bread and butter” was removing cockroaches from people’s ears, and a mayor so fed up with his own council he removed a view-blocking abandoned double trailer unit himself.

A man in Invercargill was arrested after choosing to rob perhaps the worst possible victims – a group of elite cyclists.

You’d think selling a house once inhabited by a globally adored singer like Adele would be easy, right? Not if she once suggested the place was haunted, apparently.

In Napier, a woman was embarrassed to tell her visitors to find her house on ‘Pornwall Road’ after someone changed the C to a P. “It’s blatant unnecessary exposure to crude words,” a local shop owner said.

And rounding out an eventful first month of 2025 was a report that concluded the New Zealand economy would be significantly smaller if we didn’t drink so much beer.

February

“I’d ask if she could change her name for starters,” rising MMA fighter Taylor Swift told CNN, sick of the jokes and sniggers that greeted his every entrance.

New Zealand First MP Shane Jones, fresh off yelling “send the Mexicans home” in Parliament, dug a deeper hole by saying he’d had “exciting nocturnal experiences with the Latin American people” then offered the ambassador a shot of tequila.

Shane Jones. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Scientists in Italy came up with what they claimed to be the perfect way to boil an egg, unconcerned their method required more than half an hour of constant attention.

Saturday Morning spoke to a woman who had lived nearly a decade without using money who was beginning to wonder how she was going to pay a for a much-needed dentist appointment.

‘Africa’ by Toto this month was declared the ‘perfect’ song by a group of presumably tone-deaf neurologists and music enthusiasts.

On 27 February, RNZ reported on a woman who had given birth on a flight from Auckland to New Plymouth. Sadly for the baby, its arrival happened after the plane had landed, so its birth certificate will always say ‘New Plymouth’.

Meanwhile in Hamilton, people are “defecating, hanging clothes lines, taking drugs, begging and displaying threatening behaviour” in the city centre, but it’s those taking showers in the Garden Place fountains that really ground one councillor’s gears.

March

In March, England’s top cricketing body was forced to apologise for a joke about the pope that failed to hit the stumps, claiming his heartfelt post about an important day on the Catholic calendar was actually about a cricket match.

Government coalition partner New Zealand First announced it wanted to “remove woke ‘DEI’ regulations” from legislation that it helped put into place five years ago, despite its own constitution urging diversity in candidate selection. Amazingly, this wasn’t even the party’s most circus-level flip-flop this year (more on that below).

The ACT Party took offence at a social media post by Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi that said his lawns were getting a “good f… hiding” because he was treating them like David Seymour.

“Lunch.” Supplied

Speaking of Seymour, in March his much-maligned school lunch programme delivered a lunch consisting of simply just a single bread roll.

April

The second Trump administration’s tough new tariffs spared virtually no one, even slapping a 10 percent levy on “a barren sub-Antarctic Australian territory without a human population, but four different species of penguin”. The president then posted an AI-generated picture of himself as the pope (and that wasn’t even the most offensive of his posts this year).

Meanwhile in Wellington, about 700 people squashed together on Cuba Street to watch a man fold a fitted sheet.

In Queensland, a woman gave birth to someone else’s baby after the wrong embryo was implanted.

A Far North man’s foot was lost in the mail, or possibly stolen.

A Napier man running on the lime paths in Ahuriri was “a bit shocked” to see a few dozen cows break into an estuary for a paddle.

A Napier man out running was shocked to see 20-30 cows in the water at the estuary in Napier about half a kilometre from Pandora Pond. LDR / Linda Hall

The US Navy lost a $100m jet when it literally fell off the side of an aircraft carrier.

May

Insert your own ‘but would you want to?’ reply here, but in May researchers decided to find out if it was possible to survive a nuclear war in Palmerston North.

Chinese scientists were looking into far more important matters, like if it was possible to use AI to speak to a cat.

The US Navy lost a second jet off the same aircraft carrier it did in April.

The Livestock Improvement Corporation’s hall of fame for cattle that sire children received only its second female entry in 70 years, following 59 males and just one other female.

An Auckland kitten used up one of its nine lives when it was found in the bonnet of a vehicle travelling down one of the city’s motorways.

Cat-astrophe avoided after purrfect find in car engine. Supplied/NZ Police

Some Southland Hospital staff were told they could only talk to each other for a maximum of five minutes a day.

Japan’s tourism industry took a hit mid-year when psychics, inspired by a comic book, began predicting a huge disaster.

Mutton Birds singer Don McGlashan had his biggest hit in years at the Aotearoa Music Awards when he told National MP Chris Bishop to “shut up”, calling him a “dickhead” for heckling a performance by Stan Walker. Later in the year he told RNZ he would have said “honourable dickhead” if he knew it was a government minister he was speaking to.

May ended the way every month should, with a truck crash that results in the release of 250 million bees.

June

At the start of June, the first Tasman War broke out with an Australian Navy attack on New Zealand communications infrastructure. Okay, perhaps that’s twisting the truth a bit – but the HMS Canberra did ‘accidentally’ knock out internet and radio transmission across parts of New Zealand. There was no apology noted in the story, so tensions remain high.

Two men were jailed for stealing an 18-carat golden toilet called ‘America’, on exhibition at the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Aussies complained they had been fooled into buying ‘teacup’ pigs that grow into enormous hogs.

In a scene that would make John Cleese proud, a British man robbed a post office armed only with a banana.

Nelson began wondering whether displaying one of only two statues in the world of disgraced former US President Richard Nixon was on-brand for the city.

The Dalai Lama. AFP / Sanjay Baid

July

The second half of the year began with the Dalai Lama announcing that unlike the recently deceased Pope Francis, he planned to live well beyond 130.

After successfully reviving Lord of the Rings, the Beatles and nimbyism, Sir Peter Jackson in July said he was investing money into efforts to bring back the moa.

Some people might that’s cool – but at least thanks to scientists in Chile, we now have a way to test it.

Trump’s silliest utterance of July (at least in front of cameras) was telling the president of a country whose national language is English that he spoke good English.

Did you know the big bang’s source was found this year? In Wellington Hospital, of all places? Okay, might have been a slightly smaller big bang.

Moviegoers at Auckland’s Hollywood Cinema were blindsided by a “baffling” and “uncomfortable” AI-generated video of Russell Crowe as a medieval monk on a 14th century pilgrimage to “the Hollow Wood”, a medieval cinema “established by the first European settlers in 1349AD”.

A real video that made headlines in July was the infamous affair caught on the big screen at a Coldplay concert.

Good news! Asteroid 2024 YR4 in July was confirmed to not be on a collision course with the Earth. Instead, it might hit the moon.

Screenshot from Hollywood Avondale’s AI pre-show video. Damon Packard / YouTube screenshot

August

A senior public servant’s remains were taken to his government department’s office for a memorial service.

A woman who bought a bag of potatoes and found a rock in it was told by the Pak’nSave she bought it from she could keep it.

The Ministry of Education canned a book for young rangatahi readers because it had too many Māori words,

Also in August, the government confirmed for the small price of $671 million, it had locked in a contract to receive no ferries at all.

New obesity research from Auckland University found a single pill of ‘good’ faecal bacteria could significantly improve a patient’s health.

And is anything sacred? A low fat yoghurt won NZ’s best ice cream award this year.

A handout image shows an artist’s digital life reconstruction of ‘Spicomellus afer’, an ankylosaur dinosaur that lived over 165 million years ago. MATT DEMPSEY

In Morocco the coolest-ever dinosaur skeleton was found, “lavishly adorned with armour and spikes”.

September

The month began with a multimillionaire businessman making a “huge mistake”, caught on camera snatching a tennis star’s hat from a child at the US Open.

Looking to one-up the Dalai Lama, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were caught on a hot mic discussing organ transplants and the possibility that humans could live to 150 years old.

Argentina police recovered a painting stolen by the Nazis decades ago after it was spotted in a real estate photo.

Too much time on the porcelain throne can make you nearly 50 percent more likely to develop haemorrhoids, scientists confirmed.

In 1995, Mount Ruapehu exploded in spectacular fashion, triggering a somewhat haphazard emergency response – but reminiscing to RNZ at the 30th anniversary, one volcanologist admitted it was the “best day of my life”.

This month’s dumbest Trump-adjacent news emerged in the final week, when a statue of the president and his old party buddy Jeffrey Epstein was erected in front of the US Capitol.

Statues depict US President Donald Trump and sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein holding hands and dancing in front of the Capitol, in Washington, DC, US, on 23 September, 2025. ALLISON BAILEY / AFP

That same day, the following quote appeared in a legit, real news story: “I believe adding more sausages to the situation will certainly improve our democracy rather than harm it.” Cannot be explained succinctly, you’ll have to read the whole story.

The month ended with the head of the FBI giving the head of the NZ Police an illegal 3D-printed firearm.

October

Nico the Great, a literal cat burglar in Hamilton, since June was reported to have stolen more than 200 items – “many of them women’s undies.”

Canadian rapper Drake lost a legal battle with his own record label, which released a song by a rival artist that called him a “certified paedophile”.

Russia proposed building a tunnel between itself and the United States.

And Trump (you thought we’d get through a month without him?) told former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd what a lot of Australians have probably always wanted to tell him: “I don’t like you either, and I probably never will.”

A surfboard lost in Tasmania’s in 2024 washed up thousands of kilometres away in Raglan.

Albarito Bueno. Supplied

For reasons probably indeterminable, Dictionary.com decided to reveal its word of the ‘year’ at the end of October, and even more baffling, they awarded it to two numbers – six and seven, or as the kids have been saying, ‘six-seven’.

November

Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood casually walked in and surprised a Rotorua couple at their Hobbit-themed wedding at the Hobbiton movie set in Waikato.

‘Prank star’ Daniel Jarvis lined up with the Kangaroos during the national anthems before the second Ashes Test in Liverpool, and was arrested.

Paris unveiled a lottery with a macabre twist: Instead of a cash, entrants could win the right to share cemetery space with Doors singer Jim Morrison and writer Oscar Wilde.

Leroy Carter’s dream All Blacks call-up nearly turned sour when he discovered his passport had been chewed up by his dog, days before leaving for Argentina.

The funniest story of November was no doubt the brazen Louvre heist, specifically when it emerged one of the famous museum’s security passwords was just ‘LOUVRE’.

Some in France however found riches in their own back yard – a man in Lyon finding $1.4m worth of gold bars and coins while digging a swimming pool.

A Taranaki-based honey maker unveiled a two-litre jar of Manuka with a $500,000 price tag. Not to be beaten, Apple – the computer company, need I remind you – unveiled a $230 sock).

Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence revealed she had been getting into anonymous fights on TikTok.

In ironic twists, New Zealand’s biggest landlords group on Facebook got evicted and the country’s top cop got busted for speeding then caught taking an ocean dip during a tsunami advisory.

An Australian restaurant chain apologised for cursing Oscar Piastri’s Formula 1 title hopes with an offer of a free burger every time he placed on the podium, the driver constantly losing since the promotion began.

Trump’s (yay, there he is again!) daughter made her debut in the LPGA and came dead last.

A well-timed photograph of a Kiwi runner about to get his face stomped in a race at the World Championships in Tokyo was nominated for the 2025 World Athletics Photograph of the Year.

Geordie Beamish of Team New Zealand avoids the foot of Jean-Simon Desgagnes of Team Canada Emilee Chinn

Gareth Morgan declared victory over his haters with the addition of feral cats to the government’s Predator Free 2050 eradication programme.

NZ First promised to repeal a bill they had literally just voted into law. (Told a bigger flip-flop was on its way!)

People expressed surprise Millennials, with everything they’ve had to endure, were getting more left-wing as they grew older.

December

A Wellington dad did more than 4000 pull-ups in a row and almost died.

Local fashionistas were concerned the ‘ugly shoe trend’ in the northern hemisphere would soon make its way to New Zealand.

A cat that vanished 14 years ago was reunited with its owner, begging the question whether someone out there was under the impression their cat of 14 years had gone missing.

A Fabergé locket worth more than $33,500, swallowed by a man during an alleged theft at an Auckland jewellery store. This is apparently an ‘after’ shot. Supplied / NZ police

And finally – because what could follow it? – a Fabergé locket worth more than $33,500, swallowed by a man during an alleged theft at an Auckland jewellery store, was later “recovered” by police. And yes, ‘recovered’ means exactly what you think it does.

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

French actress Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91

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Source: Radio New Zealand

French film legend Brigitte Bardot – a cinema icon of the 1950s and ’60s who walked away from global stardom to become an animal rights protector – has died aged 91, her foundation said on Sunday.

Bardot had rarely been seen in public in recent months but was hospitalised in October and in November released a statement denying rumours that she had died. The foundation did not say when or where she died.

“The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,” it said in a statement sent to AFP.

Bardot became a global star after appearing in And God created Woman in 1956, and went on to appear in about 50 more movies before giving up acting.

She retired from film to settle permanently near the Riviera resort of Saint-Tropez where she devoted herself to fighting for animals.

Her calling apparently came when she encountered a goat on the set of her final film The Edifying and Joyous Story of Colinot.

To save it from being killed, she bought the animal and kept it in her hotel room.

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

Essential New Zealand Albums: Collision

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The roots of Collision can be traced to Tokoroa, where brothers Hirra and Ali Morgan and cousins Colin Henry and Charley Hikuroa formed a band called Shriek Machine.

By 1973, the four had relocated to Wellington. Joined by keyboard player Philip Whitcher, they renamed themselves Collision.

The band took up a residency at a basement bar in Manners St, known the Speakeasy, where they fast built a reputation as the best club band in town. Where else could you even hear music by the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire or James Brown?

Collision – Collision

Essential New Zealand AlbumsSeason 5 / Episode 9

Collision’s 1978 debut album was recorded in Sydney and has become an international collector’s item for funk fans.

Festival Records

They were also winning the respect of some of the city’s jazz players, with whom they would hang out and jam at bars like the 1860 and after-hours haunts like the Musicians Club.

It was through this loose network that Collision met trumpet player Mike Booth, who would join the band in 1975, and in combination with Hirra Morgan’s saxophone gave them a tight, punchy horn sound.

This six-piece Collision was exactly what Dalvanius Prime was looking for when the Sydney-based singer returned to New Zealand with his vocal group The Fascinations for a national tour.

Collision with Dalvanius in Auckland.

Murray Cammick

After the tour, Collision took Dalvanius’s advice and followed him back to Sydney. But after Wellington, Sydney – and specifically the Kings Cross area, where they would both live and play – was something of a contrast.

Mike Booth remembers: “They had put us up at a nearby kind of hotel, sort of apartment building that had a strip club on the ground floor, which was certainly very new to me. I think it was new to everyone in the band. And we were up on like, maybe the first floor, second floor in some rooms, and then the trannies lived another floor above somewhere, and the prostitutes and whatnot, that was a bit of an eye opener. But I loved it, you know, in the sense that it was doing something, going somewhere, you know, and it’s pretty energising.”

Dragon and MiSex, fellow Kiwi expats with whom they would cross paths, were already signed to Australian labels and making records, and Collision would soon follow suit.

The material they recorded for their only album was a combination of songs they had been playing in the clubs, songs by other New Zealand artists, and songs they had written themselves, specifically with recording in mind.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

Collision was signed to the Australian label Festival, and their self-titled album was recorded at Festival’s own studio in Sydney.

Overseeing production was a man named Richard Batchens, Festival’s in-house producer. Though he had engineered the first Split Enz album, Mental Notes, Batchens’ greatest Australian chart successes had been with his productions for Aussie acts like Sherbet, Richard Clapton and Cold Chisel.

He had never worked with a band like Collision, though. And Collision’s introduction to Batchens was unlike anything they had experienced either.

Collison and Dalvanius with The Commodores in Sydney in the mid-1970s.

Simon Grigg

That first meeting took place one night backstage at the Kings Cross club where the group was performing.

Hirra Morgan recalls: “This guy comes through the door while we’re having a break, and he thought he might surprise us. Suddenly, there was this big, sort of 18-inch knife on the table, and he picked that up and sort of came into the room and started swinging this knife around and, like, freaked us out. We’re wondering, who’s this guy coming in with the knife? So we’re up with the chairs, and we’re gonna attack this guy. God knows what was in his head.”

Mike Booth adds: “I mean, if he hadn’t sort of, then, kind of laughed it off or indicated that it was a sort of a joke, I’m not sure what the next action might have, might have been. I think because it was so bizarre, we didn’t sort of react at first like we didn’t take it that seriously, because it was just too kind of out there.”

Once Batchens and Collision got into the studio, there didn’t seem to be any further incidents. He was all business, working to capture on tape the group’s super-tight arrangements of their own songs, as well as reinventions of such soul classics as Ray Charles’ ‘What’d I Say’.

Being based in Australia certainly afforded Collision some new opportunities, cutting the album being just one. They also did some major tours, opening for international headliners like The Commodores, Tina Turner, the Spinners and Osibisa.

But less than a year after the album’s release, Collision was no more.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

In Mike Booth’s opinion, the album may even have been a catalyst in hastening the group’s demise.

“I think it changed the band because I think it really brought home that the kind of music we were playing then was not Australia’s favourite music. We sort of had been living on a bit of a hope and a prayer up to that point in terms of what we were doing and looking for sort of a little bit more traction, and the sort of echo of empty rooms in terms of the promotion side made us realise that actually our audience wasn’t that big, and Australians really preferred rock music, and that was where the real popularity was.

“But when I came back to New Zealand and spoke to a few musician colleagues, they were very complimentary about the record. I was quite surprised about that, because that hadn’t been the review that I’d received from anyone else in Australia.”

It’s a bitter irony that New Zealanders, though more receptive to the type of music Collision made, never got to hear the band live in this final phase.

Though Festival did release the album in Aotearoa, with the group not here to promote it, it largely disappeared under the radar.

Yet, over the years, as new generations of soul and funk fans discover it, it’s come to be recognised as a classic, and original copies have become highly sought after.

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

Former Black Cap Doug Bracewell retires from cricket

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Doug Bracewell playing for Central Districts 2024. PHOTOSPORT

Former Black Caps allrounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all cricket.

The 35-year-old debuted as an 18-year-old for Central Districts in late 2008, when he was already a New Zealand Under 19 representative.

Just three years later he made his ODI, T20 International and Test debuts for the Black Caps.

In just his third Test appearance, in 2011, he famously helped New Zealand to beat Australia in Hobart with a man-of-the-match performance, taking 6 for 40 in the nail-biting last innings to help New Zealand to a seven run victory.

Central Districts bowler Doug Bracewell. PHOTOSPORT

They remain his best figures for the Black Caps in an international career that went on to encompass 28 Tests, 21 One-Day Internationals, and 20 T20 Internationals for New Zealand between the 2011/12 and 2022/23 seasons, as well as 77 first-class, 57 one-day and 72 T20 caps for Central.

He also had stints in England’s County Cricket for Essex and Northamptonshire, with Delhi Daredevils in the IPL and the Joburg Super Kings in South Africa.

However, a persistent rib injury means he has not been in action for Central Districts this season, meaning his 206th and final appearance in the Central jersey goes down in the almanacks as their first T20 at the Global Super League, in Guyana in July.

Bracewell said he would miss playing for Central.

“It’s been a proud part of my life, and something I aspired to as a young cricketer.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had through cricket, and the chance to play for my country, as well as for Central Districts, throughout my domestic career.

“I would like to take this time to acknowledge all the teammates I have played alongside, and the coaches and management who have been on this journey with me, for everything they have done for me.

“It’s a privilege to play first-class and international cricket, and I’m grateful to have played and enjoyed the game for as long as I have.”

Black Caps bowler Doug Bracewell in full flight against Australia in the first test in Wellington. Photosport

Bracewell retires as the one of the few modern allrounders in New Zealand to have achieved the first-class double of 4000 runs and 400 career wickets, with 3029 of those runs and 258 of the wickets having been for Central – the best all-round record in the team’s history.

Central Districts Cricket CEO Lance Hamilton thanked Bracewell for his loyalty and service to Central Districts Cricket over his extensive career.

“Doug’s playing record will speak for itself for decades to come, and the way he came back from a torn ligament in his knee in 2016, and further knee surgery in 2019, illustrated his determination.

“We wish Doug and his family all the best for the future.”

Central Districts Cricket will confirm a replacement on its 2025/26 season roster of contracted players in the coming weeks.

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

5 lessons about misinformation from ancient Greek and Roman scientists

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jemima McPhee, PhD Candidate (Classics), Australian National University

Institute for the Study of the Ancient World via Wikimedia, CC BY

Ancient scientists can be easy to dismiss.

Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus, often described as the West’s first scientist, believed the whole Earth was suspended on water. Roman encyclopaedist Pliny the Elder recommended entrails, chicken brains, and mice cut in two as topical remedies for snakebite.

The lone ancient Greek thinker who believed Earth orbits the Sun – Aristarchus of Samos – was universally dismissed by his contemporaries.

Because these scientific beliefs are so different from our own, it may seem we have nothing to learn from long-dead scientists. However, thinkers 2,500 years ago already faced many problems that are today amplified by social media and artificial intelligence (AI), such as how to tell truth from fiction.

Here are five lessons from ancient Greek and Roman science that ring surprisingly true in the face of misinformation in the modern world.

1. Start with observations

Almost every ancient scientific text offers advice about observing or collecting data before making a decision. For example, in a 1st century CE text about astronomy, author Marcus Manilius explains that his scientific predecessors learned via detailed, long-term observations. He says

they observed the appearance of the whole night sky and watched every star return to its original place […] by doing this repeatedly, they built up their knowledge.

Ancient astronomers, Manilius says, would look around and gather evidence before drawing any conclusions. Greek and Roman scientists wanted their readers to do the same, and to be suspicious of any claims that are not backed up by data.

2. Think critically

Ancient scientists insisted their readers think critically, encouraging us to analyse the claims made by other people.

The Aetna is an anonymous text that explains how volcanoes work. Its unknown author warns readers about two potential sources of misinformation: other authors and other people.

Whether these groups intend to mislead their audiences or are simply misinformed, the book urges us to scrutinise their claims carefully and think about whether they are consistent with the evidence of our own senses and ratio (the Latin term for the powers of reasoning).

Ancient scientists encourage us to think critically about information we read or hear, because even well-meaning sources are not always accurate. Writers like the Aetna author want us to think before accepting other people’s claims.

3. Acknowledge what you don’t know

Another skill ancient scientists encourage is acknowledging our limits. Even Greek and Roman scientists who claimed to be experts in their field frequently admitted they didn’t have all the answers.

In On the Nature of Things, Roman philosopher Lucretius proposed three different explanations for solar eclipses:

  1. the Moon passing in front of the Sun
  2. some other opaque body passing in front of the Sun, or
  3. the Sun’s light temporarily growing dim for some reason.

Lucretius says he cannot determine which is more likely without additional evidence. In fact, he says it would be “unscientific” to eliminate any of these theories just for the sake of appearing more certain.

Multiple explanations seem unsatisfactory to us because they make ancient scientists’ theories seem less precise. Yet writers like Lucretius should be praised for their honesty in admitting they simply don’t have all the answers.

Greek and Roman scientists knew that people who claim they have no doubts can be very persuasive. However, as Lucretius demonstrates, a source that acknowledges its limits may actually be more trustworthy.

4. Science is part of culture

An ancient medical text from the school of Hippocrates called On the Sacred Disease sought to explain the causes of epilepsy. Contrary to what the title might lead us to expect, the author argues vehemently that there is nothing “sacred” about epilepsy or any other illness, and is determined to discover its physical causes.

Ancient Greek doctors were divided on the causes of disease, and on whether they were supernatural or not. A patient might be given very different answers and advice depending on the perspective of the person they consulted.

Ancient thinkers understood that science was part of culture rather than separate from it, and that an individual’s beliefs and values will have a significant impact on the information they promote as “factual” or “truthful”. Greek and Roman scientists remind us about this because they want readers to think about where information is coming from.

5. Science is for everyone

Our Roman astronomer Manilius says the only essential for students of science is “a teachable mind”. In other words, the ability to acquire new knowledge is all about interest and willingness to learn, rather than possessing any innate skill.

The anonymous Aetna author says something similar: “Science is no place for genius.”

Ancient scientists understood the importance of deferring to specialists and listening to expert advice. However, they were also keen for their readers to understand where scientists acquire knowledge and how scientific facts can be verified.

These hard-won lessons about how to figure what’s true and what’s not helped build the foundations of modern scientific knowledge – and they can still help us navigate a world where truth is just as slippery as it was for ancient Greeks and Romans.

The Conversation

Jemima McPhee receives funding from an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship.

– ref. 5 lessons about misinformation from ancient Greek and Roman scientists – https://theconversation.com/5-lessons-about-misinformation-from-ancient-greek-and-roman-scientists-270941

Music can affect your driving – but not always how you’d expect

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor and Principal Fellow in Urban Risk and Resilience, The University of Melbourne

davidf/Getty Images

For many of us, listening to music is simply part of the driving routine – as ordinary as wearing a seatbelt. We build playlists for road trips, pick songs to stay awake, and even turn the volume up when traffic gets stressful.

More than 80% of drivers listen to music on most trips. And many young drivers find it difficult to concentrate without it.

We tend to think music relaxes us, energises us, or helps us focus when we’re behind the wheel.

But the science paints a more complicated picture. Decades of studies show music can sharpen some aspects of driving and dull others. And it affects young drivers differently from more experienced ones.

How do researchers study driving and music?

Most studies use driving simulators, where participants drive through realistic road scenarios while researchers change only one thing: the music.

This allows precise measurement of indicators such as speed, reaction time, lane-keeping, braking, following distance, simulated collisions and even the driver’s physiological state under different music conditions.

Because everything else is held constant, any difference in driving performance can be attributed to the music.

Researchers have tested different music and driving scenarios in dozens of small studies – often with often conflicting conclusions. To make sense of these results, researchers combine them in “meta-analyses” to see broad patterns.

So how does music affect our driving?

Meta-analyses show music changes how we drive in several ways.

Drivers listening to music tended to have more simulated collisions, poorer speed control and less stable following distances than those driving in silence.

Other outcomes such as lane position, signalling errors and pure reaction time show more mixed or inconsistent effects.

Music often changes the driver’s heart rate and makes it more variable. It also increases their arousal and mental workload, meaning how mentally “busy” or stretched they are while trying to drive.

Music can also help tired drivers stay alert on long, monotonous stretches but only for a short window. The boost fades by about 15 to 25 minutes.

So music can make you feel better and more alert, for shorter distances, even while it’s adding extra cognitive load and competing with the main task of driving.

Does the volume and type of music matter?

Volume does influence driving, but the effects are more subtle than many assume.

High- and medium-volume music tend to nudge drivers’ speeds slightly upward, while low-volume music consistently leads to slower driving. These effects are small, but relatively consistent in direction.

Fast music has a bad reputation, but the pooled evidence is less clear-cut. One meta-analysis found no overall effect of tempo on driving performance for an average driver. But it’s slightly different if you’re a novice driver.

Individual studies still suggest that very high-arousal, aggressive tracks can nudge some drivers toward riskier behaviour and make them more prone to errors. But tempo by itself doesn’t neatly predict safety.

Person adjusts their car stereo
Music tempo itself doesn’t predict safety.
Gustavo Fring/Pexels

Music you choose yourself tends to be less distracting than music imposed on you. Drivers often select music to regulate their mood and arousal – and that can stabilise their driving.

Conversely, several experiments show researcher-selected or imposed music leads to poorer performance: more collisions and violations, especially when the driver doesn’t like the music.

So it’s not just the music itself, but your relationship with it, that shapes how it affects your driving. Familiar or preferred music tends to maintain mood and reduce stress without adding as much mental load.

Inexperienced drivers are more affected

Inexperienced drivers are more vulnerable to distraction from music.

One study of 20- to 28-year-old drivers found less-experienced drivers were far more disrupted by music than experienced drivers. When music was playing – especially upbeat, “happy” tracks – inexperienced drivers were much more likely to drift into speeding.

Experienced drivers didn’t, suggesting their experience acts as a buffer.

Another experiment found exposing young drivers to more aggressive genres such as metal or certain folk-pop led to higher speeds, more driving errors and reduced attention to road signs.

For novice drivers, fast-tempo music increased their mental load and reduced their ability to spot hazards. This meant they were slower or less accurate in their responses.

Slow music, on the other hand, didn’t raise inexperienced drivers’ mental load and even moderately improved their ability to respond to hazards.

So what does this mean for my driving?

For most people, familiar songs, calmer genres and moderate volumes tend to create the least interference, while still keeping you alert and in a good mood.

Extremely loud, unfamiliar or highly aggressive tracks are the ones most likely to push up your speed, distract you, or overload your thinking.

But if you’re a newer driver, try turning the volume down, or even switching the music off, in demanding conditions.



Read more:
Going on a road trip this summer? 4 reasons why you might end up speeding, according to psychology

The Conversation

Milad Haghani receives funding from The Australian government’s Office of Road Safety.

– ref. Music can affect your driving – but not always how you’d expect – https://theconversation.com/music-can-affect-your-driving-but-not-always-how-youd-expect-268887

With every extinction, we lose not just a species but a treasure trove of knowledge

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Johannes M. Luetz, Adjunct Professor, University of the Sunshine Coast; UNSW Sydney; Alphacrucis College

The extinct desert rat kangaroo John Gould, Mammals of Australia (1845)

The millions of species humans share the world with are valuable in their own right. When one species is lost, it has a ripple effect throughout the ecosystems it existed within.

But there’s a hidden toll. Each loss takes something from humanity too. Extinction silences scientific insights, ends cultural traditions and snuffs out spiritual connections enriching human life.

For instance, when China’s baiji river dolphin vanished, local memory of it faded within a single generation. When New Zealand’s giant flightless moa were hunted to extinction, the words and body of knowledge associated with them began to fade.

In these ways, conservation is as much about safeguarding knowledge as it is about saving nature, as I suggest in my research.

We’re currently living through what scientists call the planet’s sixth mass extinction. Unlike earlier events triggered by natural catastrophes, today’s accelerating losses are overwhelmingly driven by human activities, from habitat destruction to introduced species to climate change. Current extinction rates are tens to hundreds of times higher than natural levels. The United Nations warns up to 1 million species may disappear this century, many within decades.

This extinction crisis isn’t just a loss to broader nature – it’s a loss for humans.

illustration of a skeleton of a moa.
New Zealand once had nine species of moa, large flightless birds.
Richard Owen, Memoirs on the extinct wingless birds of New Zealand (1879), via Biodiversity Heritage Library/Unsplash, CC BY-NC-ND

Lost to science

Extinction extinguishes the light of knowledge nowhere more clearly than in science.

Every species has a unique genetic code and ecological role. When it vanishes, the world loses an untapped reservoir of scientific knowledge – genetic blueprints, biochemical pathways, ecological relationships and even potential medical treatments.

The two species of gastric-brooding frog once lived in small patches of rainforest in Queensland. These extraordinary frogs could turn their stomachs into wombs, shutting down gastric acid production to safely brooding their young tadpoles internally. Both went extinct in the 1980s under pressure from human development and the introduced chytrid fungus. Their unique reproductive biology is gone forever. No other frog is known to do this.

Studying these biological marvels could have yielded insights into human conditions such as acid reflux and certain cancers. Ecologists Gerardo Ceballos and Paul Ehrlich called their extinctions a tragic loss for science, lamenting: “Now they are lost to us as experimental models”. Efforts at de-extinction have so far not succeeded.

Biodiversity holds immense potential for breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, materials and even climate change. As species vanish, the library of life shrinks, and with it, the vault of future human discoveries.

Lost to culture

Nature is deeply woven through many human cultures. First Nations people living on traditional lands hold detailed knowledge of local species in language, story and ceremony. Many urban residents orient their lives around local birds, trees, rivers and parks.

When species decline or vanish, the songs, stories, experiences and everyday practices built around them can thin out or disappear.

Extinction erodes our sense of companionship with the natural world and diminishes the countless small interactions with other species which help root our lives in joy, wonder and reverence.

The bioacoustics researcher Christopher Clark has likened extinction to an orchestra gradually falling silent:

everywhere there is life, there is song. The planet is singing – everywhere. But what’s happening is we’re killing the voices […] It’s like [plucking] the instruments out of the orchestra … and then it’s gone

One haunting example of a vanished voice comes from Hawaii. In 2023, a small black-and-yellow songbird, the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō, was declared extinct. All that’s left is a last recording, where the last male sings for a female who will never come.

extinct bird from hawaii, illustration of two birds perched on branch.
Illustration of the extinct Kauaʻi ʻōʻō (Moho braccatus), adult and juvenile.
John Gerrard Keulemans/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-NC-ND

Disturbingly, birdsong is declining worldwide, diminishing the richness of our shared sensory world.

From an ecocentric perspective, each loss leaves the whole community of companion species poorer – humans included. Scientists call this the “extinction of experience”. As biologist David George Haskell writes, extinction is leaving the future:

an impoverished sensory world […] less vital, blander.

The loss of species is not only an ecological crisis but also a rupture in the communion of life – a deep injury to the bonds uniting beings.

Loss of spiritual knowledge

For many communities, nature is imbued with sacred meaning. Often, particular species or ecosystems hold deep spiritual significance.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is venerated by Indigenous custodians, whose traditions describe it as part of a sacred, living seascape. As the reef’s biodiversity declines under climate stress, these spiritual connections are eroding, diminishing the sources of wonder, reverence and existential orientation which help define human belonging in the world – across and beyond faith traditions.

Some ecotheological traditions regard nature as a book – a way to reveal divine truth alongside scripture. Nature holds deep significance for the varied communities and traditions viewing the land and its creatures as sentient, interconnected and sacred.

Extinction weakens nature’s capacity to embody transcendent meaning. The natural world dims and dulls, leaving us with fewer opportunities to experience awe, beauty and a sense of the sacred. In this sense, extinction is more than biological loss. It severs spiritual ties between human and other beings in ways transcending worldviews.

How do we grieve extinction?

Extinctions often evoke grief, which is a way of knowing through feeling. Grieving a lost species points to the scale of the loss across scientific, cultural and spiritual dimensions.

For Indigenous communities, this grief can be profound, born of deep environmental attachment. Scientists and conservationists witness cascading losses and bear the burden of foresight. Their grief may trigger anxiety, burnout and sorrow. But mourning the lost also makes the crisis tangible.

Grieving for extinct life isn’t pointless. It can compel us to look closely at what remains, to recognise the intrinsic value of a species and to resist reducing biodiversity to its instrumental uses. This kind of mourning carries the seeds of ecological responsibility, inviting us to protect life not just for our purposes but because of its irreplaceable role in the communion of life.

The Conversation

Johannes M. Luetz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. With every extinction, we lose not just a species but a treasure trove of knowledge – https://theconversation.com/with-every-extinction-we-lose-not-just-a-species-but-a-treasure-trove-of-knowledge-263717

I love my friends … I do not love their kids

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine E. Wood, Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Swinburne University of Technology

At this time of the year, with lots of parties, family catch-ups and holiday plans, you might be reminded of how much you love your friends.

But as their kids pester for screen time, drop chips everywhere and run screaming around the house, you may also be reminded of how you don’t have the same affection for their kids.

Why is this?

This tension can happen for several reasons. If you don’t have your own kids or are not able to have them, having friends with children may create grief or sadness.

Or children might represent a change in the dynamic of the friendship. You can’t talk over coffee without an interruption or go out for wine on a Friday night without the kids slipping into most of the conversation.

Or the kids might have some characteristics that rub you the wrong way. Perhaps you don’t like how they interact with your kids. Or maybe you are just genuinely annoyed by what you see as their demanding or chaotic behaviour. It’s not cool when they jump on your couch with their dirty shoes or forget your cat does not like to be poked.

What are your expectations?

Your intolerance can stem from our own expectations of how children should be parented. This is often based on our experiences of being parented and then how we, in turn, parent our own kids. In response to this we can consciously or unconsciously expect others to follow our expectations about kids.

For example, you might have been raised in a household where evening meals were eaten at the same time each night around the dining table, and you created the same ritual in your home. Your friends might have more fluid meal times.

The intolerance to your friends’ kids can go across different developmental stages.

When kids are little, they might be too excited or noisy around your kids. Or your friend might disappear halfway through dinner to put their child to bed and you don’t see them again because the child does not settle.

Teenagers may be constantly messaging their parent asking for lifts, food or where their phone charger is. Or your friend might be constantly texting their children to see where they are and what they’re up to.

Do you end up cancelling plans?

Your strong responses to your friend’s children might create some unspoken ambivalence to catch up with your friends. You might find yourself cancelling planned catch-ups or continually putting them off.

Tensions within the friendship might appear. Particularly if you decide to give your friend feedback about their kids, or tell their kids off yourself. In extreme cases, the friendship might end.

How can you keep the friendship going?

Friendships, like all other relationships, take patience and work. So, finding the same patience for your friend’s children is very important.

It can also be helpful to set some boundaries for yourself, which might look like having a catch-up when the children are not around or keeping the catch-up time limited.

If it’s your house, you can set boundaries around behaviour. For example, your bedroom is off-limits for hide-and-seek. Or no shoes on the couch. But try to avoid telling your friends what you don’t like about their children’s behaviour.

If you are asked for parenting advice, separate the child from their behaviour and start with some positives. Rather than “Archie is annoying and should be told to stop whining,” say “Poor Archie, he seems to be so tired, it has been such a long day of activities”.

If you all have kids, but just parent them differently, it might be that you have to exercise tolerance and acceptance for different parenting styles. Most parents are doing the best they can with the resources and supports they have, which sometimes are tested.

Remember the context

When we think about children’s behaviour, we also need to think about the context. There might be some very valid reasons why the child is behaving in a certain way, and these reasons might not yet be known to us.

Behaviour in children is not random – it is usually a vehicle to communicate something is going on, a need is not being met, or a worry that cannot be conveyed in words.

For example, they might be having a hard time at school, there might be tension in the parents’ relationship or there might be temperamental, medical and/or diagnostic reasons for the behaviour.

So hold curiosity, kindness and compassion as these qualities will help bridge the road back to love for your friends and love for their children (at least most of the time!).

The Conversation

Catherine E. Wood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. I love my friends … I do not love their kids – https://theconversation.com/i-love-my-friends-i-do-not-love-their-kids-272072

Deep in holiday debt? How to start repaying overdue credit and buy now, pay later bills

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angelique Nadia Sweetman McInnes, Academic in Financial Planning, CQUniversity Australia

Christmas lunch is over, all the presents are unwrapped. Now comes the hard part: paying for it all.

If you’re in that position, you’re not alone. Personal credit and charge-card balances racking up interest hit a four-year high of A$18.4 billion in September this year – even before the Black Friday and Christmas sales.

Last year, a survey for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) found almost half of Australian adults with debt had struggled to make repayments in the past 12 months.

That same survey for ASIC found Millennials aged in their late 20s to early 40s were the generation most likely to experience financial hardship. Yet most were unaware of their right to apply for hardship help through their lender.

Especially at this time of year, it’s easy to rack up big bills on credit cards or buy now, pay later payments. Here’s what you need to know about starting to repay those common debts, especially if you have more than one loan.

Watch the interest on your credit card

Over recent years, credit has overtaken cash to be the second most popular way to buy things in Australia, behind only debit cards, which tend to have lower checkout fees.

If you’re able to repay the full balance each month, buying on credit is not necessarily a problem.

But more than one in three (36%) of Australians have unpaid credit card bills accruing interest, according to a Roy Morgan survey of more than 22,000 credit card holders published in November. That survey found the median amount owed with interest was $1,037. People paying off mortgages tended to owe more: $1,342.

According to Reserve Bank of Australia, average interest rates on credit cards at the end of October were up to 20.99% a year. In contrast, low-rate cards charge 13.49% per year. That’s a big difference. So choosing the right card can save you a lot in interest repayments.

One of the ways people often get into trouble is by not reading and understanding the product disclosure statement, which sets out the credit terms, then finding their credit use is stretching their budget too far.

The rise of buy now, pay later

Buy now, pay later lets you buy a product immediately, while delaying the repayments – sometimes over just a few weeks, but potentially over longer periods.

Almost a third of Australians were already using it by mid-2023.

But overseas research suggests people who use buy-now, pay-later services – especially, younger shoppers and those with lower incomes – end up spending more online than those who don’t.



Read more:
Research suggests those who use buy-now-pay-later services end up spending more

How to start reining in your debts

Don’t beat yourself up over your holiday spending. Anxiety, shame and feelings of failure can stop people getting help. So forgive yourself – then start taking control of your money.

Contact your bank or lender’s financial hardship team to get out of high interest loans as soon as possible. Under the law, lenders have to respond to your request for help.

Switch to a zero or low-rate card, or refinance with a lower cost personal bank loan. Then look at negotiating a suitable payment plan with the loan provider based on your income and what you have available after necessary expenses.

While paying off your debt, actively visit comparison websites and compare credit card interest rates and offers. Sometimes credit card companies offer interest-free periods if you refinance your existing credit card balance with them.

The 2024 ASIC survey found many Australians are so reluctant to apply for financial hardship assistance that they would rather sell belongings (42%) or get a second job (40%) first. Don’t avoid seeking assistance – but both of those ideas may help too.

To lighten your debt burden, sell or return any unwanted gifts or unused items.



Read more:
Can you return gifts without a receipt or packaging? A legal expert explains

If you feel comfortable, you can also ask your employer for extra paid hours, or to sell back some of your annual leave.

If it’s not a conflict with your main job, consider taking on a second job outside work, such as weekend, night or public holiday shifts to take advantage of penalty or overtime rates.

Talk to family and friends. Whether you ask for money or not – and that can be tricky for everyone – don’t keep your debts a secret.

Where to get more help

Free, confidential financial or personal support is available from:

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not intended as financial advice.

The Conversation

Angelique McInnes is a member and consults on the Financial Advice Association Australia Practice Standards Review 2025 and serves on their Financial Planning Education Council as a committee member. She is a member of organisations including the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ). She has received funding from AFAANZ and CQUniversity.

– ref. Deep in holiday debt? How to start repaying overdue credit and buy now, pay later bills – https://theconversation.com/deep-in-holiday-debt-how-to-start-repaying-overdue-credit-and-buy-now-pay-later-bills-270071

Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds for much of country

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Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo) 123rf

Northland and Whanganui are the places to be in the North Island today for the best weather.

For the rest of the island, MetService is forecasting heavy rain and/or strong winds.

A heavy rain warning is currently in place for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti and Coromandel, and for Hawke’s Bay from 10am.

Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel are currently under a strong wind watch, as will be the central North Island from 10am.

A warning of severe gales has been issued for Manawatu, Horowhenua and Kapiti coast from 4pm, while the Tararua district and Wairarapa will be under a heavy rain watch from 6pm.

From 10pm the Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Buller, Grey District and Westland will be under a strong wind watch.

Festivalgoers for New Year’s events such as Rhythm and Vines have been warned to watch out for wild weather on the roads.

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

NZ report card 2025: how the country fared in 28 key global and domestic rankings

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato

Getty Images

Standardised testing and regular progress assessment became key features of the education system this year, so why not apply those same principles to New Zealand as a whole?

There’s an important difference here, of course. This exercise is about prompting discussion and debate, and should be read with a degree of caution. The metrics tell us only so much – but it’s still possible to trace the nation’s ups and downs.

As one year ends and other beckons, it might also be time to make some collective new year’s resolutions based on the various trends outlined here.

Near the top of the class

Civil liberty: the top mark is from Freedom House which underlined New Zealand’s consistent near-perfect score of 99 out of 100 for political and civil liberties – second equal with Norway, just behind Finland.

Security: in the Global Peace Index, New Zealand moved up two slots to third place globally (behind Iceland and Ireland, but best in the Asia-Pacific) for safety and security, low domestic and international conflict, and degree of militarisation.

Corruption: Transparency International recorded a gradual decline from being in equal top place in 2021 to fourth in the latest survey – but still relatively corruption-free.

Gender equality: the annual Global Gender Gap Report recorded New Zealand slipping a place to fifth most gender-equal country (but top in the Pacific region).

Rule of Law: a continued improvement in the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index saw the country ranked fifth globally.

Quality of life: The Economist Global Liveability Index placed Auckland seventh most liveable city in the world.

Doing well or better

Economic freedom: the Index for Economic Freedom, which covers everything from property rights to financial freedom, placed New Zealand 11th – down from sixth last year, but still “mostly free”.

Happiness: New Zealanders are not quite as happy as they were, slipping a place to the 12th most-cheery nation in the World Happiness Report.

Media freedom: the country began to climb back in the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, up from 19th last year to 16th.

Competitiveness: New Zealand moved up a spot in the Global Competitiveness Report, now in 31st place (but still well below the 20th ranking from 2021).

Innovation: on the Global Innovation Index, which measures a range of social and economic indicators, New Zealand slipped one place to 26th.

Economic performance: The Economist ranked New Zealand as the 31st best-performing economy in 2025, up two places from 2024.

Foreign aid: New Zealand’s overseas development aid continued to increase to an estimated US$780.8 million, representing 0.32% of gross national income, placing it 17th among OECD-ranked countries.

Terrorism: the Global Terrorism Index recorded a significant improvement of 42 places, with New Zealand now ranked 94th and “very low” risk. While the national terror threat level remained low (meaning a terror attack is a realistic possibility), this was a positive development.

Room for improvement

Artificial intelligence: a “light touch” policy approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation will not have improved a relatively low 43rd ranking in the Global Index on Responsible AI.

Employment: economic numbers at home told another mixed story, with unemployment growing to 5.3% (160,000 people) in the September quarter – now above the OECD average.

Inflation: the inflation rate fell rapidly but has now pushed back to 3% – lower than the anticipated OECD average of 4.2% but higher than the 2.4% anticipated earlier.

Public housing: as of October, the total stock of public houses continued to grow, up to 87,338 (an increase of 7,875 since the middle of 2023), but supply remains well behind demand.

Housing affordability: good or bad news according to one’s perspective, the average house price was $907,274, considerably down from its peak at the turn of 2022 but largely unchanged since last year.

Incomes: median weekly earnings from wages and salaries increased by NZ$37 to $1,380 in the year to June, but lagged behind the inflation rate.

Must do better

Climate change: the Climate Change Performance Index recorded another fall for New Zealand, now down to 44th position and classified as an overall “low” performer.

Suicide rate: there were 630 suspected self-inflicted deaths in the 2023–24 financial year (the latest available statistics), a small increase on the year before. That represents a rate of 11 per 100,000 people – lower than the average rate over the past 15 years, although the rate of decrease seems to have stalled.

Prisons: incarceration rates are growing fast, moving past 10,680 people behind bars in March (up from a low of 7,500 in 2022), with strong growth projected.

Gangs: the estimated number of patched gang members and prospects passed the 10,000 mark for the first time.

Child poverty: figures from early 2025 suggested little or no change in the child poverty rate from the year before, with one in seven children living in households experiencing material hardship.

Mental health: UNICEF scored New Zealand a less than reputable 32nd place for worsening youth mental health rates.

Homelessness: estimates put the likely number people living without shelter in New Zealand at more than 5,000.

Migration: a net migration gain in the year to October of 12,400 was the lowest since 2013 (excluding the COVID years). This disguised a dizzying churn between arrivals (138,900) and departures (126,400), with more than 46,400 citizens leaving for Australia.

In short, 2025 was a difficult year. New Zealand often scores well or shows improvement on global indexes, but look closer to home and the devil is in the detail. To borrow a phrase from old school reports: shows great potential but needs to try harder.

The Conversation

Alexander Gillespie does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. NZ report card 2025: how the country fared in 28 key global and domestic rankings – https://theconversation.com/nz-report-card-2025-how-the-country-fared-in-28-key-global-and-domestic-rankings-271837

How did Australian laws change in 2025? Here are 6 you need to know

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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rick Sarre, Emeritus Professor in Law and Criminal Justice, University of South Australia

The Conversation, CC BY-SA

Some people take heart in the idea that the law is resistant to change, arguing that this reinforces its stability. Others delight in its ability to adapt to change, as that reflects its flexibility. In our eyes, the latter view is rapidly gaining ascendancy.

So what changed in Australian law in 2025? Let’s look at six important examples.

1. Fixing the unfair ‘account deactivation’ of digital food deliverers

In 2025, workers in digital platforms such as Uber, UberEATS, DiDi and DoorDash finally got a reprieve. Before February 26, a rider or driver could open their app and find their account gone, often with little warning, limited explanation, and no right of review.

Today, if workers have been active on a platform for at least six months, they can now take an “unfair deactivation” claim to the Fair Work Commission. The Commission can order reinstatement or compensation.

It doesn’t change everything, but it opens a door that used to be locked shut by putting a limit on what platforms can and can’t do. Digital food deliverers and drivers no longer have to live with the constant fear that an app can simply “switch them off” for no good reason.

2. Pets and family law separation

Under the Family Law Act, pets, also referred to as “companion animals”, used to be lumped in with all other property (such as cars, furniture and air fryers) following the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship.

In June 2025, the act was amended to deal with the ongoing ownership and care of pets. Now, the court must consider a range of issues when deciding whether the pet should be owned by one party, transferred, or sold. These include how the furry friend was acquired, who provided its care (and future care), who paid vet bills, and the level of attachment of each family member.

The consideration now includes whether there has been past cruelty to the pet, and even whether there has been family violence in the home. The new laws don’t allow for shared care of a pet, although parties are free to agree this without court orders.

3. Sovereign citizens take a hit

This year the simmering social phenomenon of “pseudolaw” – when people construct legal arguments that suit their own purposes but are in fact wrong – grabbed the headlines.

The antics of this movement initially gained attention during the COVID pandemic. “Sovereign citizens” waved red ensigns at protests, and “Bunnings Karen” cited the Universal Declaration on Human Rights to avoid a mask mandate.

The phenomenon increasingly clogged up the courts but largely remained invisible and somewhat harmless. That changed in August, with the tragic Porepunkah police shootings allegedly carried out by self-proclaimed sovereign citizen Dezi Bird Freeman, who has now disappeared.

Moreover, in the civil courts, former South Australian sports star and broadcaster Warren Tredrea tried to offset his $149,000 debt to the Nine Network by claiming a handwritten IOU (purporting to erase his liability by virtue of his interpretation of pseudolaw) had legal status.

In early September, the Federal Court ruled against his “incomprehensible and legally meaningless” bid, calling his purported IOU “a waste of time”.

The civil courts have therefore spoken. We may hope pseudo-legalistic nonsense is in terminal decline. But there are indications the movement remains a threat to society, and that threat should not be ignored.

4. Australian recognition of Palestine

Australia’s decision on September 21 2025 to formally recognise the independent State of Palestine was one of the year’s most significant legal developments.

In international law, a state has certain defining features: a permanent population, a relatively determinate territory, an effective government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Functionally, the last of these is the most important, and it manifests as recognition. Recognition creates a legal relationship, triggering the reciprocal rights and obligations that flow between states.

Recognition also strengthens Palestine’s standing in international forums and reinforces the Palestinian people’s right of self-determination.

While Australia has long endorsed a two-state solution, it had previously recognised only Israel. Making the announcement at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Australia joined other Western countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Canada in overturning years of diplomatic equivocation.

5. Tougher penalties for breaching environmental law

Reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act were passed on November 28. Significantly, the act increased the civil penalties for offences by changing the method of calculation.

For example, if a corporation does something that significantly affects a “protected matter” (such as a threatened species or ecological community) without approval, it can be fined three times the total value of any benefit derived (or any detriment avoided) from the contravention, or 10% of its annual turnover (up to $825 million), or $16.5 million, whichever is the higher.

The maximum penalty for individuals will be whichever is higher: three times the value of benefits or detriments avoided, or $1.65 million. It is clear corporations and individuals who flout the environmental rules now do so at very great financial risk.

6. Under-16s social media bans

Finally, we cannot forget the new law banning social media accounts for anyone under 16. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, passed in November 2024, officially came into effect on December 10 2025. Platforms on the “naughty” list now have to verify the age of the user and could face fines of up to $49.5 million if they don’t comply.

The government says it’s about protecting kids from harmful content and predators, but critics argue it’s heavy-handed and might not work.

A teenager has already launched a High Court challenge, claiming the ban breaches the implied constitutional freedom of political communication.

Meanwhile, young people are divided: some welcome the safety net; others say it ignores deeper issues such as bullying and threats to mental health, and also removes some of the benefits of social media. Love it or hate it, this law will reshape how we connect online.

The Conversation

Elvio Anthony Sinopoli receives funding from The Law Foundation of South Australia.

Jennifer McKay receives funding from CRC Race 2030 for research on barriers to adoption of net zero adaptations by commercial property owners and tenants

Joe McIntyre has previously received funding from the Law Foundation of South Australia in relation to relevant research.

Michelle Fernando is a member of the Child Development Council (SA) and the Australian Centre for Child Protection. She receives funding from the Law Foundation of South Australia.

Sarah Moulds receives funding from the Australian Research Council and has previously received funding from the Law Foundation of South Australia in relation to relevant research. She is the volunteer Director of the Rights Resource Network SA.

Juliette McIntyre and Rick Sarre do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. How did Australian laws change in 2025? Here are 6 you need to know – https://theconversation.com/how-did-australian-laws-change-in-2025-here-are-6-you-need-to-know-271398

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