Source: Radio New Zealand

A New Zealand woman has drowned while on holiday in Rarotonga.

In a social media post on Saturday, the Cook Islands Police said the 66-year-old tourist was pulled unresponsive from the lagoon at Vaimaanga late Wednesday afternoon.

They said she had been snorkelling with friends.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they are aware of reports of the death but cannot comment due to privacy reasons.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

An offender who became enraged during a meeting with his probation officer repeatedly stabbed the man in what has been described as the most serious attack on a probation officer in the country’s history.

The officer suffered life-threatening injuries after being stabbed in the head and four times in the chest by Taylor Lara Broughton, who had taken a flick knife to the meeting.

After the initial attack, he continued trying to stab the officer, but the victim’s “valiant and determined resistance” saved his life, a judge said.

Broughton later claimed he stood by his actions.

Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi (PSA), a Corrections staff union, told NZME that probation officers’ work was inherently dangerous but they were not given the basic protections, training or resources needed

to keep them safe.

It was concerned for its Community Corrections members, saying that, despite the near-fatal attack, Corrections has largely failed to act on the union’s safety recommendations.

But Corrections said its review into the incident, and a wider review, identified what more it could do to provide safe work environments for Community Corrections staff, and it was in the process of implementing safety enhancements.

However, it said the risk of violence could not be eliminated entirely and noted assaults on the staff were rare.

A prior risk assessment of Broughton, who had no history of violence or aggression towards Corrections’ staff, considered him suitable to be alone with his probation officer.

While Broughton had a knife in his pocket, Corrections said it does not have the authority to use metal detectors or conduct body searches at its community sites.

Enraged offender pulled out flick knife

According to court documents released to NZME, Broughton was serving a sentence of intensive supervision for firearms and offensive weapons offending when he met with his probation officer at Community Corrections in Whanganui

on 9 April, 2025.

That morning, the pair were wrapping up their appointment when, without warning, Broughton became enraged because the officer would not let him sign a document and keep a copy.

He waited until the officer turned and was distracted with paperwork before, “in a swift action”, he took the flick knife from his pocket and swung it at the victim, causing a deep cut to the side of his head.

A scuffle ensued, during which Broughton stabbed the probation officer in the chest four times as the officer tried to fight him off.

As they fell to the ground, Broughton continued trying to stab him but was prevented from doing so.

Other staff members intervened and Broughton was subdued and restrained until police arrived.

The officer was hospitalised for treatment of the stab wounds, a fractured rib and a small bleed in his lung.

Meanwhile, Broughton told police he became angry because he was unable to keep the document, which he said he was normally allowed to do.

He said he “stands by [his] actions”.

Broughton was sentenced in the Whanganui District Court in January this year for the attack.

‘Most serious assault ever’

At the hearing, Judge Bruce Davidson said the officer’s injuries were initially life-threatening, with one wound close to his heart and another near a vital artery. The injury to the head caused a small skull chip.

“This attack is said to be the most serious assault ever on a probation officer in New Zealand,” Judge Davidson said, according to his sentencing notes.

The judge said there was nothing to suggest Broughton had any obvious angst with the probation officer, “who was doing his level best to assist with [Broughton’s] rehabilitative pathway under the intensive supervision sentence”.

The victim was described as an experienced and skilled probation officer who, the judge said, had tried hard to defend himself.

“Your attack was sudden, swift and lethal and most likely it was only the valiant and determined resistance of your victim that saved his life,” Judge Davidson told Broughton at the hearing.

Since the attack, the officer has suffered ongoing concussion, headaches, fatigue and an inability to concentrate.

“The effects for him have been profound, physically, psychologically and emotionally,” the judge said.

“These effects have flowed on to his immediate family, whānau and work colleagues. Only now, some nine months later, he is on a return-to-work plan.”

At sentencing, the Crown proposed 11 years’ imprisonment as an appropriate starting point, submitting that Broughton lacked remorse and insight and that there were barriers to treatment given his failure to engage with the intensive

supervision sentence.

But the defence suggested a starting point of seven years and six months, submitting the attack was brief and something had “triggered [Broughton’s] rage”. His deteriorating mental health and personal background were justifiable

mitigating factors, his counsel said.

Judge Davidson said the writer of Broughton’s presentence report was rightly “deeply troubled” that Broughton had armed himself before attending the appointment, and by his “rather casual, if not nonchalant” attitude towards weapons

and violence.

The judge described the attack as extreme, sudden and unprovoked. He said it was premeditated and the injuries had a significant and profound effect.

However, he had also watched CCTV footage of the incident and described it as brief, lasting about 20 seconds.

For that reason, the judge stopped short of the Crown’s suggested starting point and instead adopted one of nine years and six months.

He then applied an uplift for offending committed while Broughton was serving a sentence and noted his prior firearms and weapons convictions.

Broughton was given credit for his guilty plea, mental health and the causal link between his “violent and traumatic” upbringing and his offending.

His final sentence on the charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was six years and three months’ imprisonment.

Probation officers’ safety under the spotlight

This week, PSA national secretary Duane Leo told NZME that Community Corrections staff manage a population that is by nature “volatile, violent, and anti-authority”.

He described the work undertaken as “fundamentally unsafe and dangerous”.

“Yet staff receive minimal training in how to respond to violence and aggression and what training is provided is regarded by PSA members as completely ill-matched to the risks they face every day,” Leo said.

He said PSA members say they see no difference in their health and safety at work a year on from the stabbing.

“Offenders may come into offices affected by methamphetamine or other substances and there is no weapons detection before they enter a room with their probation officer.”

The PSA has been explicit in its demands to Corrections since the stabbing over what is required to ensure probation officers are kept safe at work, Leo said, adding that very few recommendations have been supported by Corrections.

The urgent requests included body-worn duress alarms, GPS monitoring of staff, professional supervision, especially when managing violent offenders and sex offenders, information-sharing with police, and pay in accordance with the

risks they face, which their colleagues working in prisons receive.

Leo said the government must properly resource Community Corrections to support rehabilitation, while Corrections must ensure public and staff safety.

Brigid Kean, Corrections’ acting director, communities, partnerships and pathways, said keeping staff safe was the top priority and any violence directed towards them was completely unacceptable.

Safety processes were in place at all Community Corrections sites around the country, including Whanganui, she said.

This included staff training on de-escalation and keeping safe at work, physical security features, CCTV and technological security features enabling staff to call for urgent assistance.

Kean said for security reasons, she could not detail all the security measures in place.

She said Corrections’ review following the stabbing identified more than 40 “appropriate steps to deliver effective enhancements to safety”, of which it had started implementing more than half.

A start would be made on the remainder over the next two years, she said.

However, the PSA said that of the actions Corrections had already begun implementing, only one had been completed as of February 27. Nine were in progress, seven were in the planning stage and three had not yet started.

-This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

With high prices dragging on, officials are being urged to consider putting off work set to shut down our biggest city’s train network for days at a time.

Several full closures on Auckland’s four lines are pencilled in for April.

One block is over the long Easter weekend, and another over the Anzac Day weekend, but there will be another multi-day closure in between those.

Interest in public transport in Auckland is surging as fuel prices do the same.

Councillor Richard Hills said last Tuesday was the city’s busiest day on public transport since 2019.

There were 7,000 more trips than the previous busiest day two days before.

“We’ve got March Madness right now, in April it’ll still be quite busy,” Public Transport Users Association national coordinator John Reeves said.

“Yes, there is an Easter holiday, and there is also Anzac weekend; however, with the petrol prices skyrocketing, I think maybe Auckland Transport and KiwiRail could delay the planned closures, even push it back to possibly May or even June,” he said.

But that would also cause delays down the line, as works continue to get ready for the multi-billion dollar, much delayed City Rail Link (CRL) set to open later this year.

“Yes, there will be a knock-on effect with the City Rail Link opening date, so it’s kind of a no-win situation here, and unfortunately, the passengers come off second best no matter what.”

Reeves said given the uptick in public transport use, it was “probably the worst time” to have line closures with trains replaced by “mediocre” rail replacement buses.

“I think every train user knows that when they see a rail replacement bus is on, you sort of feel quite disappointed, the problem is sometimes they don’t turn up,” he said.

“Personally myself, late at night, the rail replacement bus just has not come at all, and you’re left in the middle of somewhere in South Auckland, wondering how you’re going to get home.”

Reeves said Aucklanders were champing at the bit for the CRL to open, and it would be a game-changer for the city.

“There is a lot of works still required prior to that; then that will delay the City Rail Link opening; however, unfortunately, petrol prices are skyrocketing by the day, so people are wanting to jump on trains, and unfortunately, with line closures, it makes a very disappointing public transport service for them.”

KiwiRail and Auckland Transport have been approached for comment.

Auckland’s upcoming rail closures

Southern Line:

The line will be fully closed from 3-6 April. There will be a partial closure between Puhinui and Pukekohe from 7-12 April 2026.

The entire line will close again from 13-15 April.

On 25 April, trains will run until 2pm before the line shuts for the rest of the day, followed by another full closure from 26-27 April.

Eastern Line:

The line will be closed from 3-11 April, with trains running only to and from Manukau.

It will shut again from 13-15 April.

On 25 April, trains will run until 2pm before the line closes for the remainder of the day.

Another full closure is scheduled for 26-27 April.

Western Line:

The line will close from 3-6 April and again from 13-15 April.

On 25 April, services will run until 2pm before shutting for the rest of the day, followed by a full closure from 26-27 April.

Onehunga Line:

The line will close from 3-6 April and again from 13-15 April.

On 25 April, trains will run until 2pm before the line closes for the remainder of the day.

The line will then shut again from 26-27 April.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A technical fault has halted sailings on a Cook Strait ferry this weekend, disrupting travel between Wellington and Picton.

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries said a fault was identified on board the Connemara on Saturday morning.

The ferry will remain in port while the issue is investigated and repaired.

As a result, multiple sailings between Wellington and Picton have been cancelled on Saturday and Sunday.

Cancelled sailings include the 8.15am Wellington to Picton service on both days, as well as Picton to Wellington sailings scheduled for 2.30am and 2pm on Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday.

Bluebridge said affected passengers were being contacted by email and text message.

However, the company warned there were limited options available to rebook passengers on alternative sailings.

Standby lists will be available at both ports for affected customers hoping to travel on later sailings.

Customers could change their booking online or contact Bluebridge’s customer service team, although the company said its call centre was experiencing very high call volumes.

Sailings on the Connemara were also cancelled earlier this month due to a separate technical fault.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

It’s likely 91 octane petrol will hit $4 a litre before long, but take care with Gaspy data showing it’s already there.

Gaspy spokesperson Mike Newton said while 91 was near that level in the more remote parts of the country or difficult to access stations, people marking empty petrol stations with a $4 price could be skewing the data in more central areas.

He said people were marking the price high so those stations moved to the bottom of the list.

There have been reports on the app of 91 hitting $4 in parts of Auckland, but the stations themselves said it was still selling at $3.29.

However Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said based on current spot prices, the price at the pumps could be significantly higher: “When you look at the current spot price for refined product in Singapore and Korea, that’s roughly equivalent to $3.80.”

There were already signs people were driving less than normal, he said.

Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said a $4 per litre 91 price was looking much more likely.

Both Kiernan and Eaqub said the most pressing concern was what would happen when supply was disrupted, which may be in about five weeks’ time.

“There’s been so much disruption, it’s really that lack of supply, the feedstock into the refineries, that’s the big concern at the moment,” Eaqub said.

“Things are still on the way. It’s going to be the next lot of ships, because the ships from Hormuz have arrived in Korea and Singapore now, so there is no more new feedstock going in… that’s why we need to keep watching the ships that are sailing from Singapore and Korea for the next little while.”

He said it was likely to hit a crunch in May or June.

Diesel shortages were more of a concern, he said. “There’s disruption in fuel supplies, diesel supplies in the provinces already. It’s the unpredictability of it, because most of the logistics sector relies on contracts with preferred suppliers and they expect to be able to pull in and fill up.

“When they can’t it puts the whole network under pressure. That’s why I think it’s so important for us to have some kind of logistics strategy and coordination framework. The ports, the fuel companies and the logistics sectors need to figure out how to consolidate load. Even if there are not physical shortages in total we might not have enough diesel in the right places.”

He said if petrol was low in places people might not be able to get to work. “You run out of diesel on a truck, you’ve got a whole container, two containers full or couple of truckloads of animals stranded in the middle of nowhere… it’s much worse in terms of consequences.

“Individually, it’s bad when you get stuck out of petrol, but diesel is literally the lifeblood of the economy.”

Even if a ceasefire was announced now, and stock began to flow freely again, there would still be a period of disrupted flow.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

There have been flashbacks to the past on the roads around Nelson this week, with hundreds of veteran, vintage and classic cars hitting the streets as part of an international motoring festival.

The four-yearly Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring has drawn people in from all over the country, with some even shipping their beloved cars from as far as the US and Europe for the occasion. It was last held in Nelson in 1972.

The Auckland Veteran and Vintage Car Club brought a blue 1915 Renault Charabanc, known as Angelique, down for the event.

Club member John Stokes said vehicle was found and restored by the club in the 1960s. It had originally been used as a truck to haul timber, then as a speedway vehicle, before it became a farm hack and was left to disintegrate in a paddock.

“This type of vehicle was very common probably between about 1910, maybe earlier, and the Second World War. They largely disappeared after World War II.”

The crank start Renault was doing laps as part of a relay challenge at the festival on Friday, where teams of up to 30 vehicles compete to achieve the greatest collective distance over a four hour period.

Stokes said its comfortable cruising speed was somewhere between the 30 and 40 kilometre per hour range and it was maintained by a group of five to ten club members who met once a a month.

“Although it’s probably going to need a bit more maintenance after today when it gets back.”

Jim and Lynn Hefkey also made the trip down from Auckland in their 1975 Bricklin SV1 and Jim said didn’t want to think about how much the fuel had cost, given they still had to get home.

“I’m hoping they don’t start shutting the pumps off, you know, when you’ve got a big American V8, they’re fairly thirsty.

He said the Bricklin were built in Canada for the American market, and with their gull wings, bear a striking resemblance to the DMC DeLorean.

“They all say, oh, back to the future, but no…This is the back, the DeLorean is the future.”

Hefey said there were only two other Bricklin SV1’s in New Zealand, both in Christchurch and the couple would head there after Nelson to meet their owners.

Mike White is on the festival organising team and said there were around 1200 participants and 560 vehicles, with people travelling from as far as Czechoslovakia, Canada, the USA and the UK to take part.

“Not all of them have brought vehicles, but some have, some have shipped their Packard’s and the like out, it’s pretty amazing.”

The week-long event was tipped to inject $4.5 million dollars into the region.

Rally directors Jim and Kyra Wareing spent hundreds of hours compiling runs – so entrants had the chance to tour the region,

Their aim was to ensure festival-goers could see the region’s three national parks – Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes, travel on back roads, and visit places of interest like the Higgins Heritage Park, Gardens of the World and the Port Māpua Maritime Museum.

“We’ve encouraged them to go to Marahau and get out of the car, walk across the boardwalk, and touch the [Abel Tasman] national park and same at St Arnaud, they were right at the [Nelson Lakes], so we encouraged them to go for a walk in the bush,” Jim Wareing said.

He said there were several runs each day, short ones to cater for small veteran cars which were over 100 years old, and longer runs to cater for newer models.

Nelson man Jared Dacombe is one of the younger festival attendees, at the age of 28. He owns several vintage cars and said his 1989 Nissan Skyline GTR was also among the newer vehicles.

“Anything 30 years old is club eligible. It’s kind of a bit controversial but it has its own in history as well and that’s that’s what this thing is about – cars in history.

Dacombe, who owns an automotive business, said his love of motoring came from his great grandfather.

“We we did a lot of touring together both in vintage and classic cars, but the first one was a big international rally down in Invercargill.

“It was just awesome, as a kid, six years old, cruising on the back of a 34 Dodge, it was great touring from Nelson down the coast route and staying in different accommodation, it was just a big buzz.”

Nelson man Stephen Caunter has a 1937 International D2 truck, a 20-year restoration project that he said cost a bit to run, given the increasing cost of fuel.

“There will be people that will go, is this an appropriate thing for the use of fuel at the moment? And, you know, this has been in the organisation stage for years, and did we know what the price of fuel was going to do the month before the event starts?”

He said some vehicles were more fuel efficient than others and a survey of fuel usage among those attending the rally was being done, in order to understand the total consumption.

Caunter said his truck had been in Nelson for years, it was used as a tow track during speedway racing and still had Tahuna Beach Auto Services painted on the side.

“Everyone takes an immense amount of pride in whatever sort of vehicle that they’ve got and I think their ability to share it with the public is one of the joys of vintage motoring.”

Festival director Ray Robertson said the event was several years in the planning and there had been a few recent curveballs – the fuel crisis, ferry cancellations and several car breakdowns.

“We’ve really had a lot of influence over what happens in the Middle East, you can’t do anything about it.

“Could we have postponed it? Sure, we could have, but why would we?”

The festival finishes tomorrow with a public vehicle show at the Richmond A&P Showgrounds.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services are responding to a boat explosion in Tauranga.

Police said they were called to the scene at the marina about 1.35pm.

One person suffered moderate injuries, police said.

Fire and Emergency said it heard from “another emergency service” that there was a fire on a boat, but there was only “a little bit of smoke”.

St John confirmed it had sent two ambulances and a manager.

“Our crews assessed and treated one patient who was transported in a moderate condition to Tauranga hospital.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services are responding to a boat explosion in Tauranga.

Police said they were called to the scene at the marina about 1.35pm.

One person suffered moderate injuries, police said.

Fire and Emergency said it heard from “another emergency service” that there was a fire on a boat, but there was only “a little bit of smoke”.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Got questions? RNZ has a podcast, Got questions? RNZ has a podcast, No Stupid Questions, with Susan Edmunds.

We’d love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but – even better – you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz

I was born in New Zealand in 1965 and moved to Australia when I was about 22 years old and have lived here since. I would like to retire back in NZ. If I moved back to New Zealand in the next two years, could I apply for the New Zealand pension at retirement age? Or have I missed the residency boat for living in NZ and applying for the NZ pension? Australia’s pension is means tested and I’m trying to avoid.

New Zealand has a social security agreement with Australia, which means you can use the time you spent living in that country to satisfy the residency requirements for the pension here.

If you do this, you can qualify for the pension from 67 in New Zealand – the age you’d be able to apply in Australia.

You may also need to test if you are eligible for anything from Australia and if so, that will be deducted from your NZ Super.

I would question whether this is an agreement that is working well for New Zealand because you’ve spent most of your working life paying tax in Australia but are proposing to come back here to be supported by New Zealand taxpayers. However these are the rules and maybe you’ve just caught me on a grumpy day.

I am 70 still working, because I love it and I need to. My question is I am not eligible for KiwiSaver so my employers do not have to contribute anything for me, neither do I. Why can’t I still join? I put money aside myself each pay instead.

You can join. The rules have changed so people of any age can join KiwiSaver. Once you’re 65 your employer might stop making contributions and you won’t get anything from the Government but there’s nothing to stop you joining the scheme.

We hear a lot about those who are asset rich but cash poor. But what is the best advice for those in the opposite situation: no assets, some cash (in my case because I was trying to save for a deposit but lost out to the huge increases in house prices up to and beyond Covid). Should we continue to scrimp and scrape in the remote chance the Lotto numbers come up? Or invest in silver and gold? KiwiSaver? Or just blow the savings on a lengthy cruise?

I asked Liz Koh, of Enrich Retirement for your help on this one.

Do you have the ability to buy a house anywhere in New Zealand, in which you would be happy to live? Having a freehold house in retirement makes a big difference.

Koh says if that is out of the question, you’ll need to use your money to cover your future living costs.

The asset threshold for the accommodation supplement, for example, is quite low and hasn’t been changed for a long time – your savings may mean you don’t qualify for this help.

“NZ Superannuation is simply not enough to cover rent or mortgage payments. Keep enough cash on hand to cover whatever you might need for an emergency fund and for essential living costs over the next two to five years. Invest the remainder for the medium and long term in a diversified portfolio or managed fund.

“Investment and speculation are two different things and if you are not asset rich, then speculation in high risk investments such as precious metals is not a good idea. A financial adviser can help choose the best investment options for you.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

It takes a village to raise a dotterel – because they can’t get by on their own nowadays.

“You can see how vulnerable they would be,” trap layer Ken Body said, standing over the remnants of a banded dotterel nest.

It’s not much to look at – a circular scattering of twigs on the Rakaia beach’s stony shore, fenced in by pieces of driftwood placed by Body.

“If we put some logs around it like this, most campers know there’s something there, and they won’t drive a motorbike in that area.”

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Body, a retired plumber, has trapped pests around the South Rakaia Huts since 2021.

He began trapping to protect the area’s shore-nesting birds, who have few defences against introduced hunters, like stoats and hedgehogs.

Since he started, more than 900 predators have been caught.

That’s brought back the birdlife in big ways: spoonbills, wrybills, native skinks and falcons have all been sighted in the area since then.

“I think we’ve got about 35 different bird species altogether.”

Body’s fellow bach-holders have noticed the birdsong too.

“Bellbirds would pop in occasionally, to this area, but never stay,” he said.

“Now we do have quite a few breeding pairs building up. Even the farmers next to the settlement are noticing bellbirds in their trees.

“It’s really made a difference.”

Further south on the coast, Sarah and Chris Rickard run a majority cropping farm on a beach near the Hakatere Huts.

They’re trapping to protect one of the country’s largest breeding populations of shags, which visit the Hakatere Ashburton river’s end.

Their eldest, Ella, 19, was inspired by her dad’s career with the Department of Conservation to set up traps on the farm.

“Chris has been back on the farm for 23 years,” Sarah said, “and [we] had no idea until we started trapping, that we had little weasels on the farm.”

Kate Rickard, 17, is hoping to cross the ditch and do conservation work in Australia.

“I’ve liked doing all the conservation work with Dad,” she said, having joined him for some work relating to kiwi birds in the past.

“If Australia doesn’t work out, I could do [some] kiwi trips in New Zealand, do some trapping even.”

Fifteen-year-old Rachel said her dream job would be conservation work in Africa.

“It’d be really interesting, with all the amazing animals.”

Sarah is excited to see what their children achieve in the world of conservation.

“Following their passions sounds like fun.

“If it’s involved with nature, that’s really, really neat. Because that’s what Chris and I are passionate about; it’s nice that our girls are too.”

Follow the river inland, and you might bump into Alastair Stewart and Ray Cossar.

The 4×4 enthusiasts trap around the local 4×4 park, nestled in the side of the river.

For Stewart, it’s a way to give back to the environment, and to clean up the often-muddied reputation which 4×4 drivers have online.

“Between September, and the end of February, we like to keep the four-wheel drives out while the black-billed gulls are nesting in the river.”

He said the time and consistency required for trapping made it an “old man’s game”.

“Retirees do it because they’re available during the week. A lot of younger people are working and have families, and they just can’t cope.”

Stewart will pass the baton to Cossar to lead the trapping operation when the time comes – but for now, he’s still a keen trucker and trapper.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand has joined 19 other countries in condemning Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf.

In a collective statement, the countries including the United Kingdom and Germany, expressed “deep concern” about the escalating conflict.

They called on Iran to immediately cease threats, laying mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block commercial vessels from travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.

But some of New Zealand’s most like-minded partners, including Australia, were notably absent from the statement.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasised the attacks against fuel tankers and energy infrastructure were leading to higher fuel prices for New Zealanders.

“That’s why we have joined the United Kingdom and other countries in condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf.”

Iran had effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to ships carrying fuel and critical goods to “places like New Zealand”, he said.

“New Zealand has a longstanding record of working with like-minded partners to ensure open supply lines for global trade.”

The statement also expressed its signatories would be ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”.

Luxon clarified any such future support would need to be considered by Cabinet.

The statement called for a moratorium on strikes against civilian oil and gas infrastructure.

Attacks on fuel tankers and energy infrastructure in the Middle East are leading directly to higher fuel prices for Kiwis.

That’s why we have joined the United Kingdom and other countries in condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf. Iran has forced the effective closure of the… pic.twitter.com/aiT1JXjWtc

— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) March 20, 2026

The countries said Iran’s actions would be felt across the world, especially by the most vulnerable.

They welcomed the International Energy Agency’s decision to release strategic petroleum reserves.

Throughout the statement, they called for a recognition of international and maritime security and freedom of navigation law by all states.

“We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Automobile Association (AA) is warning against panic buying or stockpiling fuel, saying large quantities may impact house insurance claims.

Several Gull, Foodstuffs, and Tasman Fuels stations ran out of petrol and diesel on Thursday and Friday, as the crisis deepened in the Middle East.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Friday told Morning Report the price increases were extremely tough and affecting all New Zealanders.

Willis said she did not want to see a situation where people could not drive to work, and instructed IRD and Treasury to come up with a package that could be implemented with urgency ahead of the Budget.

AA principal policy adviser Terry Collins told RNZ the government had been “very clear” the country had enough fuel.

“Occasionally you’ll see a service station that runs dry. That’s usually because they’re offering a good deal.”

Changes to consumer demand in response to rising prices meant the usual fuel deliveries were not always able to keep up, he said.

“We’ve had a rush on some of those service stations, they’ve run dry. It doesn’t mean we’re running out of fuel. It just means that that filling up regime has been interrupted.”

It was dangerous to store large quantities of fuel in residential homes – even in jerry cans, Collins said.

“Even though the cans are suitable for it, the danger that occurs is if you’ve got a large quantity and it’s attributed to some damage or a fire, then you may have some insurance problems.”

Insurance providers would not expect people to have large quantities of fuel at their homes, he said.

“It’s ok to have those cans for your chainsaw, your lawnmower, your motorbike or boat … but large quantities of fuel is just not recommended.”

How to save on fuel

Collins said there were two ways to save at the pump: finding the cheapest fuel, and maximising efficiency.

“We have a fuel standard. It’s nearly all the same. You will never notice the impact between different brands.

“Once you’ve got it, it’s how you use it. So simple tips about anticipating traffic, keeping gaps in front of you with the other cars … make sure your tyre pressure is all correct.”

“And generally, if you’re travelling places, put all your trips together this weekend.”

‘Another nail in the coffin’

Grey Power president Gayle Chambers said she was concerned rising petrol costs could lead to social isolation for older people.

“Many people, they’ll go out for coffee, or go to the likes of Senior Citizens in their car. If the petrol goes up too much more, they’re going to find that they’re going to have to restrict themselves as to where they go and how often they go.

She acknowledged if restrictions were brought in, that would be hard for everyone, but for the elderly it would be “just another nail in the coffin”.

Older people were likely to be worse affected because many were on restricted budgets.

“It makes it pretty hard. It’s mentally hard on people, as well as anything else,” Chambers said.

Isolated island communities hit hard

Chatham Island council held a meeting Friday to try to come up with a way to soften the blow for the isolated community which has seen diesel prices jump by more than $1.

Chatham Islands Enterprise Trust chief executive and council interim chief executive Bob Penter said diesel was at $2.29 per litre and petrol at $4.50 per litre before the conflict in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, on Waiheke Island, petrol prices on Friday were sitting close to $4 and the main Waiheke ferry was making some timetable changes to accommodate increasing fuel costs.

Great Barrier Islanders were also expecting access to the mainland will reduce if fuel continues to rise.

Local Board member Izzy Fordham Friday said their prices were slightly more than the rest of Aotearoa. At her local $4.17 a litre for petrol and $3.76 for diesel.

Fuel efficient rail

A rail advocate told RNZ a return to the rail network of the past could help deal with the fuel problems of the future.

The Future is Rail’s Paul Callister said if the country had electrified trains between the major cities, the fuel crisis would be less of a problem.

“We know that rail is very energy efficient, has hardly any emissions – even diesel trains pulling freight trains or passenger trains are very light on the use of fuel.”

Some of the billions of dollars being spent on Roads of National Significance could instead be spent on rail, he added.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Warning: This story covers topics including sex addiction and suicide.

New Kiwi dark comedy Crackhead turns real-life addiction struggles into sharp humour – with Holly Shervey starring and husband Emmett Skilton directing.

Holly Shervey was just six-years-old when her mum died of cancer.

She was her everything, and once she was gone, Shervey began drifting down a destructive path of anxiety – including fears that murderers were lurking outside her bedroom – before an eating disorder, addiction and suicidal thoughts took hold, eventually leading to psychiatric care while she was still at university.

It’s an experience that would break many, but the New Zealand actress has turned that deep pain into a gripping dark comedy, Crackhead, which has just premiered on Kiwi and international screens.

“When I went into psych care, I couldn’t find someone or something to connect my journey with, except Girl Interrupted [an Oscar-winning movie, starring Angelina Jolie],” Shervey tells The Detail.

“It was the only way I could see what was going on for me and someone else going through the same struggle, and it made me feel less alone.

“So, my hope is that anyone who is going through something similar can feel less isolated in their own struggle. Yes, it’s dark, but we have tried to match it with enough comedy so it’s digestible for a wider audience as well.”

A familiar face to Kiwi audiences, thanks to roles on Shortland Street, Auckward Love, and Head High, Shervey moved to New Zealand from Australia with her parents and siblings when she was young. But not long after, tragedy struck when her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“You lose that stability at that age … and I created these anxieties as a kid. I would have been about 7-years-old, and every night before I went to sleep, I would have to check around the outside of our house to make sure there weren’t murderers hiding.

“You are in survival mode as a kid because you don’t have your mum to look after you.”

As she got older, she turned to food, alcohol, and sex to numb her pain, and “things sort of just spiralled from there”. More than once, she contemplated suicide.

“You are trying so hard to feel normal, but your thoughts are so jagged, part of me was so desperate to not have those thoughts, that spiralling going on for me anymore, and so part of me reached out for help.”

She connected with her family, who organised psychiatric care. It proved lifesaving and life-changing.

And the experience ultimately formed the basis of her plot for her dark comedy, Crackhead.

Shervey wanted to turn her pain into gritty humour, so she created Frankie, a hard-partying, drug-taking, sex-loving, self-destructive 30-something who ends up in rehab.

A hint of her behaviour: in the opening scene, viewers meet her drunk dancing in a nightclub before she hooks up with a stranger in a bathroom cubicle, then vomits in the toilet while insisting her new male friend continues the sex act.

It’s confronting, raw, and gripping, all at once.

Before the end of the first 22 minutes, a hungover Frankie misses her father’s funeral, has a drunken car accident, and burns down part of her sister’s home before landing in court-appointed rehab, where she battles a colourful cast of patients and staff – played by the likes of Miriama Smith, Ana Scotney, and Sara Wiseman.

An in-your-face, did-that-really-make-it-on New Zealand TV “emergency defecation situation” makes it into the next 22 minutes, but it’s probably best that it’s left here.

All up there are eight episodes, which took Shervey and her husband, actor and director Emmett Skilton, eight years to bring to the screen.

For Shervey, bringing Frankie to life was, at times, “so much fun – the parties and drinking”, but other scenes proved “heartbreaking”.

“Playing Frankie felt real, but we definitely have different vices. She’s more of an addict than I was. I struggled more with an eating disorder and suicidal ideation, so there are similarities, but mental health is different,” says Shervey, who never contemplated anyone else playing the role.

“I think if someone else had played her, it would have broken my heart, because that was like my soul on that paper, and it was too hard for me to think of someone else having that voice.

“And the journey of Crackhead has been hugely cathartic.”

Her husband Emmett Skilton, in his role as the show director, admits it was heartbreaking to watch his wife relive her trauma, but he gained a full understanding of what she had been through years earlier.

“When we met, I fell in love with her very quickly and asked her to marry me very quickly. Her first instinct was to make sure that I was aware that she was in psych care.

“So, that being introduced into our relationship in a major way, cut to a decade later, and we are making Crackhead, it was almost like I was starting to understand what all that meant to her, and what all that was.

“So, the scenes that we explored that were the hardest hitting were the ones that were very very close to home in regard to close to the real events that occurred.

“Watching Holly re-live those things, and it was very painful for her, and watching it and guiding her as a director, but also supporting her as a husband, was quite relieving that it was me doing it.”

Shervey fought hard for her story to make it to air – “initially networks weren’t into it, it was too much of a risk” – and then to keep control of the narrative and the title.

“It’s such a powerful name… but there were people who weren’t willing to advertise the show because it’s such a bold name,” she says. “And there were definitely moments when we explored trying to have another title for the show. But nothing felt right.

“Crackhead matches the energy of what the show is. And it’s a crunchy, visceral word, and it’s a crunchy visceral show.”

The show is now airing on Three on Thursday night, plus on demand, and is already reaching international audiences through HBO Max Australia.

“With international audiences, we have had a few people who have already seen it and have nothing to compare it to,” says Skilton, who initially considered acting in the show before committing to director-only. “They said we haven’t seen something like this yet. We even have New Zealand audiences saying that.

“I think the importance of it is that it’s true and honest. You go to some very very dark places, and I think especially New Zealand audiences find those things more digestible when you are laughing at the same time. Or when they have just laughed, two or three seconds previous, you shock them with something very truthful and deep.”

Because sometimes humour is the only way people survive the hardest chapters of their lives. And sometimes telling the truth – even the ugly parts – is the bravest thing a storyteller can do.

Crackhead isn’t polished. It isn’t polite. But that may be exactly the point.

Where to get help:

• Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
• Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666
• Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
• What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
• Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
• Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
• Healthline: 0800 611 116
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
• Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Sexual Violence

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The government is ordering a complete review of the decades-old Dog Control Act after sustained criticism the current law is not enough.

It comes after a spate of incidents, including the death of a woman in Northland last month after she was attacked by a pack of dogs.

The SPCA says it has been calling for changes for more than a decade.

Council animal control officers have also been calling for more powers.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts says recent attacks have been horrific.

“New Zealanders are appalled by recent attacks by aggressive and out-of-control dogs. People are reporting that they are avoiding areas in their neighbourhood because they have been attacked or have reason to believe they will be,” he said.

“Kiwis should be able to walk, run, or take their kids to the park without worrying about being harmed.”

Watts said the government has heard clearly from Local Government NZ and councils that the Dog Control Act is outdated and stopping them doing their jobs.

This was putting unnecessary strain on the wider system he said.

The scope of the review is still being worked out but will look at areas that may be putting barriers in place.

It will also delve into penalties and consequences for dog owners who are not compliant and obligations around desexing.

“We are also updating enforcement guidelines so dog control officers have a consistent approach to their work, with clarity on how they should respond and what tools are available to them,” the minister said.

But Watts said dog control issues were best managed locally by councils, which already have enforcement powers under the existing law.

He has sent a letter to every council outlining what he says are his expectations, and to encourage them to make full use of the powers they have now.

“As we review the Act, I want councils to be able to confidently say they are using every power available to tackle this issue,” Watts said.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell said while the review is underway, police will support dog control officers when they need help.

“Police have a role to play in dog control when council staff have safety concerns while dealing with dangerous and high-risk dogs. Police will accompany council staff where Police-only powers are required or there are significant safety risks,” Mitchell said.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said th Department of Conservation will step up monitoring on conservation land and expand its professional hunter response so cases involving feral or uncontrolled dogs can be dealt with quickly.

Speaking to RNZ’s Checkpoint before the Northland death, Simon Watts said there would not be time for law changes before the election.

However the prime minister later said he was open to the government intervening.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The global dairy sector risks losing society’s support – social licence – if it doesn’t adopt a ‘global mass’ approach to addressing emissions.

That’s what Donald Moore, from the Chicago-based Global Dairy Platform, told food industry leaders at the recent Riddet Institute Agrifood Summit in Wellington recently.

“From my perspective, we need to be thinking about the global mass balance of greenhouse gases, [as well as] probably water and maybe nutrition.”

He said greenhouse gas emissions weren’t limited by country borders or boundaries, and the industry needed to adopt a “macro level” solution rather than working to solve it at the “individual country” level.

Follow Country Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart or wherever you get your podcasts.

His Chicago-based company, alongside the Food and Agriculture Organisation, completed a 2020 a study which found that 80 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions from the world’s dairy sector came from emerging or developing markets.

He said that matters when considering transitioning to more sustainable models of farming.

“If we don’t help solve that for emissions coming out of those emerging markets, then ultimately that will damage dairy’s global reputation, and therefore our social licence to operate.”

Moore said countries like New Zealand working to reduce emissions through reduced production would only export the problem somewhere else in the world.

“In a country like New Zealand, you’re running at, I think somewhere just under or around one kilogram of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of milk. In some African countries that we’re working in, they’re running at anywhere from 12 to 14 kgs of CO2 per kg of milk because their yields are so low.”

A key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in emerging economies was their “low productivity” models and small scale farming, with an average of about 2.9 cows per dairy farm.

“When you think about New Zealand and the scale we have here, the average, I think is about 380, just under 400, cows per farm. Farms in the world with more than 100 cows are less than half of one percent of the farms in the world.”

However, Moore said it was also important to consider the social systems which underpinned the sector.

“There are approximately 133 million dairy farms worldwide and an estimated 80 million women are employed in the dairy sector, the majority in low and middle income countries.

“That matters because livestock ownership often correlates directly with household nutrition security, with education access, with financial inclusion and with women’s economic agency.”

Moore said in countries like New Zealand, co-operative structures – like Fonterra – linked farmers directly to global markets, creating a “shared accountability”.

“Farmers are not just producers … they are stewards of the land, water and rural communities,” he said.

“It means things like soil health decisions made season after season, water management practices adjusted over time, animal welfare maintained daily, and inter-generational land care guided by lived experience.

“When markets demand sustainability improvements, those signals travel directly back to farm level decisions.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

In a former Anglican church just off Mataura’s main street, you’ll find a new group of worshippers.

The Mataura Masjid and community centre was established at the deconsecrated site in 2018, providing a new place for the Southland region’s Muslim community to gather.

Its 25 or so members come from far and wide, both in terms of their countries of origin, as well as the rural settlements they travel from.

Haji Zamberi Matyunus, a long time resident in Mataura and the current imam (leader) of the Mataura Masjid, told Country Life it was the only mosque of its kind in the rural area, the nearest alternatives being Dunedin or Invercargill.

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Matyunus moved to Mataura from Malaysia more than 40 years ago. There is a stark contrast between the town of less than 2000 residents and the busy city of Kuala Lumpur with a population of over 2 million.

“I like the area – very quiet and peaceful. I like fishing too, and the river is near my house,” he said with a chuckle. The Mataura River is well-known for it’s world-class brown trout fly fishing.

Other members come from “every country”, including Fiji, Libya, and the Philippines – almost too many to name. They travel in from across the wider Southland and Otago regions including from Roxborough, Tapanui, Gore, and Wyndham.

Many, like Matyunus, work at the local meat works processing halal meat – a growing part of New Zealand’s export portfolio, with the government signing new agreements with Indonesia and Malaysia last year.

“The halal process is very, very important for Muslims,” he told Country Life.

Halal is an Arabic word meaning permissible. Halal food excludes pork, alcohol, improperly slaughtered meat, and even certain by-products of non-halal meat like gelatine or animal rennet.

For meat to be halal, a few things have to happen:

• The animal must be cut at the major blood vessel point on the neck to ensure a quick death.
• The animal must not be already dead or suffering.
• A Muslim must proclaim ‘in the name of Allah’ as an act of asking for permission before the slaughter. (Some scholars recommend facing the direction of prayer, Mecca, too.)
• But halal isn’t just about how an animal is killed – it includes how the food is stored, handled, and prepared. Any contamination with non-halal substances can make it impermissible to eat.

Matyunus said he was proud to play a part in this and to call Mataura home. The Masjid is “open for everyone” in the community.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The interim Chatham Islands council boss says any chief executive will not be using a credit card until the council’s spending oversight policies are tightened up, in the wake of a scathing report.

Bob Penter also wants all sensitive spending by the mayor and chief executive to pass through councillors on a sub-committee, rather than be signed off by the mayor, or deputy mayor.

An auditor-general report, released last week, said former chief executive Paul Eagle’s actions over a project to upgrade his own accommodation were unacceptable and misleading, after costs blew out by more than $250,000.

It found Eagle, a former Rongotai MP and Wellington mayoral candidate, had created or edited contracts and quotes for the house upgrade, effectively had sole oversight of the project, and approved most of the spending.

The authors wrote the report raised “serious integrity questions” for the council, including pointing to its processes for managing credit card spending and reimbursement, calling them “ineffective”.

When asked about excessive credit card use, Penter told RNZ he could not comment on individual employee circumstances, but said the council was taking the Auditor-General’s report “extremely seriously”.

That included more intensive scrutiny of sensitive spending, including credit card use for things like travel, accommodation or food, he said.

“At this point I can confirm there is no chief executive credit card, so we’re not using the credit card at this time, until we get the strengthening of policies that we’re putting to the council next week in place.”

Penter said he would not be using a credit card while in the interim role, because he was not a big fan of them.

He said he would make a number of proposals at next week’s council meeting, aimed at improving processes around expense monitoring, fraud, bribery, corruption, and procurement risk in light of the report.

The Auditor-General’s report pointed to some credit card spending by Eagle that was “unusually high” or lacked an explanation, including $979 on food over five days in May 2024, $580 on a digital design store in Hamilton in September 2024, $351 on the Favona Fun Run in November 2024, and $591 on Anzac groceries.

The report also said that most of Eagle’s expense claims forms had been signed by the mayor, but there was not a date accompanying the forms.

It said the office of the auditor general was told the mayor always sought confirmation before signing expense claim forms from the deputy mayor, but it did not see evidence this had occurred.

Penter said he wanted all mayoral and chief executive sensitive expenditure to go through a council sub-committee – a performance, audit and risk subcommittee – rather than through a one-up process signed off by the mayor or deputy mayor.

He said he would bring this as a proposal to the council next week.

The Serious Fraud Office’s counter-fraud centre, a prevention arm of the office, was helping the council to improve its policies.

The Serious Fraud Office confirmed to RNZ it was “evaluating” the auditor-general’s report for whether there were sufficient grounds to open an enquiry or criminal investigation.

Penter did not answer questions about whether he considered there should be a criminal investigation into the issues raised, or whether he felt, as the interim chief executive, betrayed by Eagle’s actions.

He said he could not comment on past actions by Eagle or the council over the accommodation project, and that he was not working at the council at the time.

But he said the council was holding workshops with council staff and councillors, to make sure they understood the expectations required.

The council was feeling “very positive”, after the release of the report, he said.

“The feeling is we absolutely take the findings – the serious concerns in the OAG report – extremely seriously, but we are positive in terms of our approach to it, we are taking it in a head on way, is what I meant by positive – it’s working to now put in place and rebuild the trust and confidence by ensuring that our systems and processes are fit for purpose and appropriate to address the concerns that’s been raised.”

In a letter included in the report findings, Eagle, who resigned last month, apologised and said his actions did not meet the standards expected of himself and his role.

“I started as chief executive of the council in late 2023, three months earlier than planned and, because of the illness of the outgoing chief executive, did not receive a formal, structured induction process covering the policies, processes, systems and documentation expected of the role.

“I wholeheartedly accept now that I should have sought clarity and support for this process.”

Eagle said that documentation and information provided to explain his actions to the inquiry also “fell short” of expected standards.

“In hindsight, I recognise I panicked when I realised documentation was incomplete and I tried to fix this. I deeply regret that those actions did not meet the standards I expect of myself and my role.

Eagle was contacted for comment.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Warning: This story covers topics including sex addiction and suicide.

New Kiwi dark comedy Crackhead turns real-life addiction struggles into sharp humour – with Holly Shervey starring and husband Emmett Skilton directing.

Holly Shervey was just six-years-old when her mum died of cancer.

She was her everything, and once she was gone, Shervey began drifting down a destructive path of anxiety – including fears that murderers were lurking outside her bedroom – before an eating disorder, addiction and suicidal thoughts took hold, eventually leading to psychiatric care while she was still at university.

It’s an experience that would break many, but the New Zealand actress has turned that deep pain into a gripping dark comedy, Crackhead, which has just premiered on Kiwi and international screens.

“When I went into psych care, I couldn’t find someone or something to connect my journey with, except Girl Interrupted [an Oscar-winning movie, starring Angelina Jolie],” Shervey tells The Detail.

“It was the only way I could see what was going on for me and someone else going through the same struggle, and it made me feel less alone.

“So, my hope is that anyone who is going through something similar can feel less isolated in their own struggle. Yes, it’s dark, but we have tried to match it with enough comedy so it’s digestible for a wider audience as well.”

A familiar face to Kiwi audiences, thanks to roles on Shortland Street, Auckward Love, and Head High, Shervey moved to New Zealand from Australia with her parents and siblings when she was young. But not long after, tragedy struck when her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“You lose that stability at that age … and I created these anxieties as a kid. I would have been about 7-years-old, and every night before I went to sleep, I would have to check around the outside of our house to make sure there weren’t murderers hiding.

“You are in survival mode as a kid because you don’t have your mum to look after you.”

As she got older, she turned to food, alcohol, and sex to numb her pain, and “things sort of just spiralled from there”. More than once, she contemplated suicide.

“You are trying so hard to feel normal, but your thoughts are so jagged, part of me was so desperate to not have those thoughts, that spiralling going on for me anymore, and so part of me reached out for help.”

She connected with her family, who organised psychiatric care. It proved lifesaving and life-changing.

And the experience ultimately formed the basis of her plot for her dark comedy, Crackhead.

Shervey wanted to turn her pain into gritty humour, so she created Frankie, a hard-partying, drug-taking, sex-loving, self-destructive 30-something who ends up in rehab.

A hint of her behaviour: in the opening scene, viewers meet her drunk dancing in a nightclub before she hooks up with a stranger in a bathroom cubicle, then vomits in the toilet while insisting her new male friend continues the sex act.

It’s confronting, raw, and gripping, all at once.

Before the end of the first 22 minutes, a hungover Frankie misses her father’s funeral, has a drunken car accident, and burns down part of her sister’s home before landing in court-appointed rehab, where she battles a colourful cast of patients and staff – played by the likes of Miriama Smith, Ana Scotney, and Sara Wiseman.

An in-your-face, did-that-really-make-it-on New Zealand TV “emergency defecation situation” makes it into the next 22 minutes, but it’s probably best that it’s left here.

All up there are eight episodes, which took Shervey and her husband, actor and director Emmett Skilton, eight years to bring to the screen.

For Shervey, bringing Frankie to life was, at times, “so much fun – the parties and drinking”, but other scenes proved “heartbreaking”.

“Playing Frankie felt real, but we definitely have different vices. She’s more of an addict than I was. I struggled more with an eating disorder and suicidal ideation, so there are similarities, but mental health is different,” says Shervey, who never contemplated anyone else playing the role.

“I think if someone else had played her, it would have broken my heart, because that was like my soul on that paper, and it was too hard for me to think of someone else having that voice.

“And the journey of Crackhead has been hugely cathartic.”

Her husband Emmett Skilton, in his role as the show director, admits it was heartbreaking to watch his wife relive her trauma, but he gained a full understanding of what she had been through years earlier.

“When we met, I fell in love with her very quickly and asked her to marry me very quickly. Her first instinct was to make sure that I was aware that she was in psych care.

“So, that being introduced into our relationship in a major way, cut to a decade later, and we are making Crackhead, it was almost like I was starting to understand what all that meant to her, and what all that was.

“So, the scenes that we explored that were the hardest hitting were the ones that were very very close to home in regard to close to the real events that occurred.

“Watching Holly re-live those things, and it was very painful for her, and watching it and guiding her as a director, but also supporting her as a husband, was quite relieving that it was me doing it.”

Shervey fought hard for her story to make it to air – “initially networks weren’t into it, it was too much of a risk” – and then to keep control of the narrative and the title.

“It’s such a powerful name… but there were people who weren’t willing to advertise the show because it’s such a bold name,” she says. “And there were definitely moments when we explored trying to have another title for the show. But nothing felt right.

“Crackhead matches the energy of what the show is. And it’s a crunchy, visceral word, and it’s a crunchy visceral show.”

The show is now airing on Three on Thursday night, plus on demand, and is already reaching international audiences through HBO Max Australia.

“With international audiences, we have had a few people who have already seen it and have nothing to compare it to,” says Skilton, who initially considered acting in the show before committing to director-only. “They said we haven’t seen something like this yet. We even have New Zealand audiences saying that.

“I think the importance of it is that it’s true and honest. You go to some very very dark places, and I think especially New Zealand audiences find those things more digestible when you are laughing at the same time. Or when they have just laughed, two or three seconds previous, you shock them with something very truthful and deep.”

Because sometimes humour is the only way people survive the hardest chapters of their lives. And sometimes telling the truth – even the ugly parts – is the bravest thing a storyteller can do.

Crackhead isn’t polished. It isn’t polite. But that may be exactly the point.

Where to get help:

• Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
• Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
• Samaritans: 0800 726 666
• Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
• What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
• Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
• Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
• Healthline: 0800 611 116
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
• Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Sexual Violence

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Two people have been seriously injured in a house fire in Christchurch.

Firefighters were called to a fire in the Christchurch suburb of Aranui on Friday evening.

Fire and Emergency said the house on Bournemouth Crescent was well ablaze when crews arrived.

It said the fire had since been extinguished and all people were accounted for.

Nearby residents posted on social media that they had heard a “huge explosion” and others reported their house shaking as a result.

Bournemouth Street resident, Scott, said he was listening to loud music at home when he felt that his house shook.

He went outside to have a look at what happened, only to discover that a nearby house was on fire.

“There was actually a guy screaming, because he was actually on fire, and he ran out of the house from what I saw, and someone aimed him with a fire extinguisher,

“And you could see the flames from one of the down stair windows as I was walking towards it, starting to leap around inside the house, and from there the fire pretty much took off and crept out a window.

“Thankfully by then there was about half the street out, going what the hell is going on, and they were calling fire brigade and the cops.”

Scott said the house on fire was one of two, two-storey units that are linked.

He said he heard there was a family living in the linked unit, who managed to get out safely.

St John ambulance said two patients in a serious condition were transported to Christchurch Hospital.

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

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police are looking for the public’s help to identify people involved in a pub brawl in Hastings.

Detective Sergeant Heath Jones, Hastings Criminal Investigation Branch, said a fight involving both men and women took place inside the Common Room bar between 1.30 and 2am on Sunday 8 March.

Several people were injured, some seriously, with one requiring hospital treatment.

“Police are disappointed at the aggressive and careless behaviour on display at the Common Room that night and will be holding any offenders to account,” Jones said.

“We are asking the public for information to help identify the offenders and anyone else who was there at the time who may have suffered injuries or witnessed the fight.”

Police have released images of one of the people they wish to identify, a man wearing a fawn ‘Gucci’ baseball cap with a white shirt.

Information can be reported to Police by calling 105 or online using the file number 260308/6292, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Two people have been seriously injured in a house fire in Christchurch.

Firefighters were called to a fire in the Christchurch suburb of Aranui on Friday evening.

Fire and Emergency said the house on Bournemouth Crescent was well ablaze when crews arrived.

It said the fire had since been extinguished and all people were accounted for.

Nearby residents posted on social media that they had heard a “huge explosion” and others reported their house shaking as a result.

St John ambulance said two patients in a serious condition were transported to Christchurch Hospital.

More to come…

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

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