Showing us they’ve still got talent and charisma in spadefuls, Pulp’s Auckland show was a great reminder (if we needed one) of why they were such a supremely popular band in the 1990s.
Last night, the British band gave no sign of age wearying them, nor creative juices drying up.
At 63, frontman Jarvis Cocker still oozes cool from every pore, and his distinctive all-limbs-in-up-and-out performance was as iconic as ever.
Pulp performing at Auckland’s Spark Arena on 21 February 2026.
Nik Dirga
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The government has confirmed it will give police the power to issue move-on orders – not just in Auckland, but all town centres across the country.
The powers will mean police can move on rough sleepers or people displaying disorderly behaviour as young as 14 years old.
That is despite data showing public order, health and safety offence proceedings reaching levels much lower than they were a decade ago, and the police minister expressing a reluctance towards police leading a homelessness response in Auckland’s CBD and an expectation other agencies “step up and own” social issues.
At the time, the prime minister said the government was “up for those”, but there had to be supports in place for the homeless.
Now, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell have revealed details of the policy, confirming it will be rolled out everywhere, and it will be left to police officers to decide what support a person needs, if at all.
Goldsmith said New Zealand’s main streets and town centres had been “blighted” by disruption and disturbance, with businesses “declining” as bad behaviour went unchecked.
He said police officers currently had limited options to respond, particularly if behaviour did not reach the level of offending.
“It means many disruptive, distressing and potentially harmful acts can occur before officers have any means of intervention. It doesn’t make sense,” he said.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith.RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government will amend the Summary Offences Act to give police the power to issue move-on orders to people who are displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening, or intimidating behaviour.
They will also apply to people who are obstructing or impeding someone entering a business, breaching the peace, begging, rough sleeping, or displaying behaviour indicating an attempt to inhabit a public place.
The orders will require someone to leave that area for a specified time – up to 24 hours – and distance determined by the officer.
When the order is issued, the person will be warned it is an offence to breach it, unless they have a reasonable excuse for being there. The penalty for a breach would be a maximum fine of $2,000 or up to three months imprisonment.
Specifics on where people could be moved to were light.
Mitchell said someone would be required to move to a “reasonable distance” away from the area, “as specified by the constable.”
He said every situation would be different, and police had the expertise to assess and determine what support would be required.
“They do this every day,” Mitchell said.
Police Minister Mark MitchellRNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Officers were familiar with their area and already had strong networks and partnerships with social and housing services, and Mitchell expected police would work closely with these services as the frontline operational guidance was developed.
However, emails released to RNZ under the Official Information Act showed Mitchell’s office expressing a reluctance for police to lead a homelessness response in Auckland’s CBD.
In the email, dated 5 November, a staff member said: “Feel it is important just to flag that Minister Mitchell does not believe that police has a leadership role in this and has in the past ended up picking up the work of other agencies, which stretches their resources in other areas.”
The staffer said police “obviously” had powers that others did not, and would assist, but Mitchell was “very keen to disabuse anyone of the notion that Police will lead a response to homelessness.”
“Police are already doing good work to curb offending in the CBD. Minister Mitchell’s view is that this needs to be cross agency work led elsewhere, with police continuing to do their part on the offending piece, but that the social issues require other agencies to step up and own those issues.”
The emails showed the government was considering adding in a commitment regarding antisocial behaviour to the Auckland City Deal, with police and Internal Affairs working with the Council to “support enforcement tools and powers, including strengthened bylaws and legislative change, where required.”
Mitchell’s staffer said they were “slightly frustrated” that the wording had progressed somewhat quickly, “as it looks to me like police may end up carrying a leadership role – acknowledge that this may end up having to be feedback on the CRD paper when it comes through, but I doubt Minister Mitchell would support that wording as framed.”
Rough sleeper tents in Wellington’s Shelly Bay.RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The changes will have to go through a legislative process before coming into effect.
Police data shows public order, health and safety offence proceedings in Auckland City were at a 10-year low in 2025, with just 39 proceedings in December 2025 compared to 168 in December 2015.
Nationwide, there were 428 public order, health and safety offence proceedings in December 2025, compared to 1663 in December 2015.
When they were first mooted in November, the Auckland City Mission said any enforcement approach would be “totally and utterly ineffective”, while Green Party co-leader and Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick said moving homeless people out of the city centre would only shift the problem elsewhere.
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Life Flight chief executive Mark Johnston and Health Minister Simeon Brown officially open the new aeromedical airbase for the upper north island at Hamilton airport.Libby Kirkby-McLeod
Life Flight’s new aeromedical airbase for the upper North Island has been officially opened by Health Minister Simeon Brown, after quietly operating from a hangar at Hamilton airport since 2024.
The charity began fifty years ago after the founder, Peter Button, witnessed the sinking of the Wahine ferry and felt that a helicopter would have saved lives. It was best known for the Westpac Rescue Helicopters.
The Hamilton hanger is the upper North Island base for two of Life Flight’s air ambulance planes which provide bed-to-bed hospital transfers for critically ill and injured patients.
Life Flight’s board chair, Richard Stone, said that the airbase showed how different sectors could work together to build resilience into the health system.
“This hub is a clear example of what can be achieved when government, the community and corporate partners work together to strengthen health care for all New Zealanders,” he said.
Life Flight’s air ambulance planes which provide bed-to-bed hospital transfers for critically ill and injured patients at the new base in HamiltonLibby Kirkby-McLeod
Health Minister Simeon Brown echoed the focus on partnership.
“Fixed wing and rotary services are critically important to our health care service in New Zealand; transferring patients, providing emergency health care, and making sure everyone, no matter where they are in the country have that access to the tertiary hospitals that are needed,” he said.
Life Flight chief executive Mark Johnston said the planes flew patients around the country to where they can get the best treatment.
“From premature babies to stroke victims, Life Flight is often the only way for them to get to that care in time. Our Waikato airbase is going to provide us with faster access to this urgent care for those patients. It’s going to help us to deliver better outcomes, particularly for rural patients, and provide care to them that’s closer to home,” he said.
Johnston said it was the difference between reaching care in minutes, rather than hours.
Chief pilot for Life Flight Luke Rohloff.Libby Kirkby-McLeod
Chief pilot for Life Flight Luke Rohloff was at the event and said the New Zealand health care system was a hub and spoke service, which relied on a good transportation system for patients to get to services.
The aircraft are fitted out with intensive care equipment to enable transfer of even the most vulnerable patients.
“If you are talking about a baby needing neonatal care, sometimes we’ll see them as early as 25 weeks, and they are very small, and then maybe six months later you might be bringing them home and they’ve grown up and they are outside of the incubator, and that’s really neat,” he said.
Waipa mayor, Mike Pettit, was at the opening and said the service was fundamentally important to Waikato and surrounding regions.
‘It’s super important to keep the regions connected,” he said.
The mayor also had a personal connection to the service as his cousin, Paul Pettit, was one of Life Flight’s pilots.
Mike Pettit said every time he saw the air ambulance he would stop, look up, and tell people he was with that was his cousin up there.
“I know it’s not always Paul!” he said.
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Gloria Masters founded Handing the Shame Back, a campaign and charitable initiative aimed at combating sexual abuse against children.GLORIA MASTERS / SUPPLIED
Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking of young girls shines light on a ‘silent epidemic’, says survivor
She wants mandatory reporting by teachers if they suspect a child has been abused
Research suggests one in three girls and one in five boys are sexually abused
A woman who was sex trafficked by her family from infancy wants to see the government make it mandatory for teachers to reports signs of abuse to police or child welfare officers.
Gloria Masters founded Handing the Shame Back, a campaign and charitable initiativeaimed at combating sexual abuse against children and a US philanthropist has paid for her book, Keeping Kids Safe, to be supplied to every New Zealand school.
“If we did have a mandate for teachers to speak, I think we would find the floodgates would open,” she said. “I think there is so much concern out there. I know schools and teachers that I have addressed on this issue, usually, most of the teachers in that presentation will indicate that they have concerns about one or two children in their class.”
With international research suggesting one in three girls experienced sexual abuse before the age of 16 and one in five boys, she said it was time to start talking about a difficult topic.
“The powers-that-be do not necessarily accept the prolific nature of child sexual abuse in our country, which then leads to others who may wish to act on it feeling hamstrung or unable to. This is such a quiet, hidden subject, I call it the silent epidemic, it’s very unlikely that a teacher would raise their head above the parapet and say, I think this child’s being abused, it’s very hard for them to do so.
“It needs to be reported because we can’t keep expecting children to protect themselves. Teachers are often the first people that notice anything. Until it’s mandated, it’s a little bit difficult for them, because they’re under no obligation to do so. I think at the end of the day, most good people wish to stop this, but first of all, they have to be given permission to discuss it, and therein lies the issue.”
The education minister’s office had not responded to requests for comment.
Helping children speak up
People stayed quiet because of the cognitive dissonance or discomfort of believing such things happened at all, and they also tended to accept an adult’s word over a child’s – especially if it was someone well-thought of in their community, Masters said.
“The problem with silence is that it only serves one group, and they are the predators. All it does is ensure that more children get harmed because society doesn’t want to accept it, which means voices are not being heard.”
She was advocating for children to be taught a global hand sign, adopted by schools in America, to alert adults discreetly that they need help.
The global hand sign to alert adults discreetly a child needs help.SUPPLIED
Her book gave tips on how parents could protect their children, and how adults could spot telltale signs of abuse, such as a sudden and significant shift in their behaviour or self-soothing behaviours like thumb-sucking.
“It may be a child that was normally quite sunny and outgoing becoming withdrawn, they may show unexplained clinginess,” she said. “They may stop wanting to join in things where clothes need to be changed like PE or swimming.”
Other symptoms children might display included anxiety when someone arrived, having unexplained money or gifts, having aggressive or sexualised behaviour, or changed eating habits.
Epstein case shines light on trafficking
The scale of offending was clear from the number of cases in the news, Masters said, and abuse came in many guises, including online sexual content, grooming and child sex trafficking.
While Epstein may have highlighted elite and cross-border trafficking, much of it remained offending within one country.
“It’s surprising to the world somewhat that this horror ensued with people at the top of the tree,” Masters said.
“The concern I hold is there can also be a lot of copycat stuff, and we know there are cults out there who are actively engaged in this type of behaviour as well.
“I was born and bred in New Zealand. I was raised in a family where I was sex trafficked and abused from infancy, and this was to go on for 16 years within New Zealand. There were many groups involved, and my family who were the main perpetrators and traders of me were the ones who made a significant amount of money.”
It was time for action and advocacy on behalf of children, she said.
“At the end of the day, I’m just one person. Come on New Zealand – if this was motor vehicle accidents, including children being seriously maimed or even killed at these rates, there would be a billion, a multi-billion dollar campaign overnight to save our kids.
“We need community behind it. We need leaders in every sphere speaking out, in terms of law change and what needs to happen for this to be almost impossible to continue to occur. We need education and we need information and awareness.”
Dozens of sound systems seized by noise control officers in New Plymouth are about to go on sale at a charity op shop after their owners failed to pay the administration fee to have them returned.
Once the bane of sleeping neighbours, 18 sets of sound equipment – including stereos, Bluetooth sets, speakers and an amplifier – were confiscated between late 2023 and early last year after council received repeated noise complaints about the owners.
Council community health and animal services lead, Kimberley Laurence, said another nine sets of equipment seized later last year were set to join them at the charity sale unless their owners reclaimed them and paid a $130 administration fee.
“Confiscating noisy equipment is a last resort, but if someone is repeatedly deemed to be making excessive noise and won’t let their neighbours get a decent night’s sleep, then we have no choice,” said Laurence.
“We received 1399 complaints about residential noise last year and the vast majority of people making the noise were quick to turn it down after a noise control officer visited.”
The government changed the Resource Management Act last year to make it easier for councils to seize noise equipment from partiers.
Laurence said previously equipment could only be taken if someone was repeatedly deemed to be causing excessive noise within three days, but the new rules in August extended that period to eight days.
“So, if we get complaints about one property over two consecutive weekends, and the noise is deemed to be excessive, then we’ll have to pull the plug and take the sound systems away, so it pays to be considerate and get along with your neighbours.”
At a glance:
People should ask their noisy neighbours to turn it down before making a noise complaint, but if that was not possible, call the New Plymouth complaints line was open 24/7 on 06-759 6060.
Excessive noise was defined as noise that unreasonably interfered with the peace, comfort, and convenience of others.
NPDC donated confiscated items to charity op shops if they were unclaimed within six months.
Different rules apply to vehicle and construction noise – find out more on npdc.govt.nz/noise.
On Strangers Again, the debut album by Wellington singer Hemi Hemingway (Waitaha, Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Mutunga), he wore his love of ‘50s and ‘60s song structure on his sleeve. The sounds were modern, the vibe less so.
His followup Wings of Desire involved expansion behind the scenes, working with a producer and embracing collaboration in general. The result is a clear levelling-up, both sonically and song-wise.
Most apparently, influences from the 1980s have joined the mix, Hemingway drawing on post-punk and New Romantic styles to great effect. This new aesthetic goes well with the yearning that fuelled his past work, and he leans into it here with abandon.
The words “dramatic” and “indulgent” have come up in PR and interviews with Hemingway, and while they could have negative connotations, Wings of Desire’s biggest strength is exactly these aspects. He’s been open that the songs stemmed from a breakup, and knowing that tempers any desire to label this music ironic.
Certainly there are moments like in the title track, when a saxophone mirrors the vocal line, followed by two succinct handclaps, that feel like a sly wink at certain types of 1980s music. But it’s all performed with such depth of feeling, and is so exhilarating, that these thoughts quickly pass. After all, sincerity sits side by side with pastiche in a lot of modern music.
There’s a hint of Springsteen-ish chest-beating on ‘Wings of Desire’, and a bit of Bowie in the next track ‘This City’s Tryna Break My Heart’. ‘Long Distance Lover’ sounds like the work of a Nile Rogers fan, and has some of the sleaze of modern-day Jonathan Bree. Guitar parts throughout the album evoke King Crimson’s Robert Fripp.
Whether any of this is intentional is not for me to say, but it does add up to a rich aural blend. Still, the most exciting moments are when Hemingway opens his mouth, moving between a smooth baritone, occasional falsetto, and selective moments of upper-register anguish.
One of those comes on ‘Promises’, when he wails “It’s all over now”. Lyrically on the nose and better for it, the line has been replaying in my head in between listens. He’s joined on the song by Georgia Gets By, their voices merging gorgeously.
On another duet called ‘Oh, My Albertine’, Vera Ellen trades verses with Hemingway before they unite in a devastating-yet-rousing chorus. Other highlights include the slinky ‘(To Be) Without You’ (my personal favourite), and closing tune ‘No Future No Future No Future’, which ends things with an explosion of catharsis.
It adds up to one of the most emotive local releases in recent memory, a record threaded with humour and tasteful arrangement that really soars when it lets the feelings fly freely.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
A concept image showing the view over the development site from Devon Street.Supplied / New Plymouth District Council
Demolition of central New Plymouth’s Metro Plaza building will begin next month, starting a three-stage project to bring daylight back to a section of the Huatoki Stream after almost a century under cover.
The project is part of a $10 million City Centre Strategy, which includes ongoing work to create the West End Crossing shared space in Queen Street and replace Devon Street’s ageing alder trees with native plants.
The council bought the Metro Plaza in 2019 to make way for a greener, more vibrant city centre by opening up the awa as part of a private/public partnership.
The Metro Plaza has covered the Huatoki since 1929.
The new development will include a public walkway and footbridge across the Huatoki, connecting Devon and Brougham streets, alongside new developments by KD Holdings (KDH) on both sides of the awa.
Council general manager delivery and enablement, Helena Williams, said the city centre was entering a busy period of revitalisation, with the Huatoki, West End and greening projects underway alongside the completion of the TSB Showplace upgrade and the start of exterior maintenance at Puke Ariki Library.
“These projects will help keep our city centre thriving, supporting businesses and drawing more people into the city centre. We’re working with contractors to keep noise and disruption to a minimum and we apologise to businesses and other people in the city centre for any issues this work will cause and thank them for their patience and understanding,” said Williams.
“The Huatoki project is a first as we’re partnering with KDH, which owns the property on either side of the Huatoki, and Ngāti te Whiti hapū, in our first-ever public-private partnership.
“Together, we’re supporting the heart of our city as it adapts to changes in the way people live, work and shop, while delivering savings for our ratepayers.”
KDH owner Kevin Doody said the $1.1m demolition of the Metro Plaza was scheduled to be finished in the first half of 2026 and construction of the new development was scheduled to be complete later next year.
“We’ll aim to keep disruption to a minimum as we create this new green space and commercial area. Working with our partners, we’ll be able to streamline construction and complete the work safely and efficiently,” said Doody.
Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū spokesperson, Julie Healey, said opening up the Huatoki reflected Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū values as supported in the City Centre Strategy.
“The awa has great historical and cultural significance for Ngāti Te Whiti and we look forward to bringing its presence back into the city for the community to enjoy.”
At a glance:
NPDC bought the Metro Plaza in 2019 and it has been unoccupied since late last year (2025).
The demolition and construction would be carried out by KDH along with the demolition of KDH-owned buildings on Devon and Brougham streets.
The Ngāmotu New Plymouth City Centre Strategy was adopted by the mayor and councillors in December 2021.
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Police were alerted to the incident at about 6.30pm, where a vehicle had hit a parked car and flipped near the intersection of Frederick Street and Belfast Street.RNZ
One person has died following a crash in the Auckland suburb Hillsborough last night.
Police were alerted to the incident at about 6.30pm Saturday, where a vehicle had hit a parked car and flipped near the intersection of Frederick Street and Belfast Street.
Despite emergency services’ efforts, one person died at the scene, police said.
Diversions are in place while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.
Enquiries into the crash are ongoing, police said.
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The magnitude 6.3 quake on 22 February left 185 people dead, while thousands of homes were demolished because of damage to the buildings or land.RNZ / SIMON ROGERS
A public memorial service will be held in Christchurch today to mark the 15th anniversary of the 2011 February earthquake.
The magnitude 6.3 quake on 22 February left 185 people dead, while thousands of homes were demolished because of damage to the buildings or land.
The service will be held at the Canterbury National Earthquake Memorial at the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Montreal Street in central Christchurch.
A minute’s silence will be held at 12.51pm, the time the earthquake hit, then the names of the 185 people who died will be read aloud while the HMNZS Canterbury bell tolls.
Christchurch City Council spokesman Duncan Sandeman said deputy mayor Victoria Henstock would lay a wreath at the memorial wall on behalf of the people of Christchurch, while members of the public were invited to lay floral tributes after the ceremony.
“We welcome all members of the community who wish to attend to join and reflect on the impact the destructive earthquakes had on our district and remember those lives that were lost,” he said.
Fifteen years on, much of the land cleared of houses, known as the red zone, is now parkland.
An 11km cycle and walking path called the City to Sea Pathway winds through some of the red zone land from New Brighton to the central city.
Christchurch Cathedral in 2025, 14 years after the Canterbury earthquakes partially destroyed it.Frank Film
The Anglican Christ Church Cathedral, for many years the symbol of Christchurch, was badly damaged in the February earthquake and is still fenced off in Cathedral Square.
Work was done to stabilise and strengthen the building but worked stopped in August 2024 because of a budget shortfall of around $85 million.
The Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited’s (CCRL) current plan is to re-open the cathedral in stages, with the first stage including the tower, nave and western wall which features the rose window.
The plan would allow seating for about 700 people.
The cathedral has occasionally opened for events and tours, with visitors donning hard hats and high-vis vests to venture inside.
Under the new staged-plan the CCRL hopes the cathedral can completely reopen by 2030.
CTV building collapse ‘a preventable disaster’
For those who lost loved ones in the collapse of the Canterbury Television (CTV) building during the earthquake, this anniversary is also a reminder of what they say was “a preventable disaster and of a justice system that has yet to reflect that truth”.
A total 115 people were killed when the six-storey building collapsed – a building that was later found to have significant deficiencies to its design.
However, in 2017 police confirmed they would not prosecute those believed to be responsible, despite uncovering negligence.
CTV Families Group spokesperson Maan Alkaisi, whose wife was killed in the collapse, said the ongoing lack of legal accountability revealed deep flaws within the justice system.
Professor Maan Alkaisi – Spokesperson, CTV Families GroupSupplied
“For the CTV families, the absence of prosecutions is not a legal endpoint. It is a continuing wound that raises hard questions about whose lives are protected by the law, and how far institutions are willing, or able, to go to match public expectations of justice.”
He said he would be inviting Attourney-General Judith Collins to meet with him in Christchurch to explain why police reversed their original intent to prosecute those who had been found negligent.
“This request is not an attempt to politicise the issue. It is an attempt to restore confidence in a system that appears to have failed 115 New Zealanders and their families.”
The CTV collapse was not unavoidable, but rather a preventable disaster, he said.
“Fifteen years on, our resolve has not diminished. What has changed is the narrative. It has evolved from ‘Still No Justice, Still No Accountability, Still No Closure’, to a new, determined stance: ‘The Story Does Not Finish Here’.”
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Fin Melville Ives, after crashing out in qualification for the Freeski Halfpipe competition at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic games.KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
The medical assessments are in and it’s been confirmed that New Zealand Freeskier Fin Melville Ives broke his collarbone in crashing out during the qualification rounds of the Halfpipe competition at the Winter Olympics.
Melville Ives, the current world champion and one of New Zealand’s best medal hopes, was stretchered off after the heavy fall during his second run after being knocked unconscious.
He’s now recovering and remains in good spirits, jesting his injuries are “nothing but a scratch”.
“It was really a game of two halves,” he said afterwards, with his sense of humour intact.
Melville Ives, 19, has also thanked the medical staff that have helped him so far, and his coach Murray Buchan.
Another Kiwi halfpipe freeskier Ben Harrington, who finished ninth, dedicated his second run to Melville Ives, saying to cameras on the slopes, “Hey Finski, this one’s for you, brother, love you, let’s go skiing.”
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“The event is so momentous that historians may, one day, view it as a landmark in the decline of the British Empire.”
That was dramatic framing by CBS News of The Beatles’s break-up in April 1970.
It was illustrative of the intense hyperbole that followed this band, who went from Liverpool teenagers to the biggest musical act in history in under a decade.
This video is hosted on Youtube.
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Two Extinction Rebellion activists joined the speakers today at an Auckland protest over Israel’s genocide and ecocide in Gaza and occupied Palestine, condemning the “apocalyptic” assault on both people and their living environment.
Caril Cowan, a de facto coordinator of Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau, spoke of the climate crisis this month in Aotearoa New Zealand to provide an insight into the Gaza emergency.
“One of our climate scientists, says this is normal – get used to it. We are going to have killing storms over, and over, and over …
“As we are saying, ‘We are all Palestine’, I just think of the people of South America, I think of the people of Africa, I think of Europe, where people are dying now because of the climate.
“They are dying of heat exhaustion, they are dying from floods, they are dying from landslides, like we have been having, not just a few. It’s happening. It is here now.”
After the rally, the protesters marched around the corner from Te Komititanga Square to the US Consulate in Auckland for a “Blood on your hands “ protest over the US role in funding and enabling Israel’s atrocities in Gaza.
Cowan was among those protesters who symbolically raised blood on their hands over the “shameful” US role under President Donald Trump and previous presidents.
Extension Rebellion speaker Caril Cowan . . . “people are dying now because of the climate crisis.” Image: APR
US pays part UN dues This week in Washington, a UN spokesperson said the United States had paid about US$160 million (NZ$268 million) of the more than US$4 billion it owes to the UN, just as Trump hosted the first meeting of his so-called “Board of Peace” initiative over Gaza that critics say could undermine the United Nations.
The US is the biggest contributor to the UN budget, but under the Trump administration it has refused to make mandatory payments to regular and peacekeeping budgets, and slashed voluntary funding to UN agencies with their own budgets.
Washington has also withdrawn from dozens of UN agencies.
Another speaker at today’s rally, Adam Jordan, from both Extinction Rebellion and the Palestinian movement, talked about the “connection” between the Gaza genocide and anthropogenic climate breakdown.
“As is so often the case with colonialism, and the capitalist system more generally, ecological destruction has always been inherent to the Zionist, settler-colonial project,” Jordan said.
Extension Rebellion’s Adam Jordan . . . the destruction in Gaza has reached such “apocalyptic proportions that the damage is visible from space”. Image: APR
“From contaminated soil and groundwater to decimated farmland and burning down centuries old olive groves that had been lovingly tended by countless generations of Palestinians.
“Rather than ‘making the desert bloom’ as they often claim, the colonisers are engaged in a process of ‘desertification’ — transforming once fertile and active farmland into an area devoid of both vegetation and biodiversity.”
Damage visible from space Jordan said that destruction of both people and the land itself in Gaza had reached such “apocalyptic proportions that the damage is visible from space”.
“The people who have not yet been killed by the bunker buster bombs, the forced starvation, disease, sniper fire and autonomous killer drones live in a wasteland of undrinkable water, unexploded munitions, overflowing landfills, contaminated soil and toxic debris, with orchards and fields reduced to dust in which life itself is being rendered impossible for the long term,” he said.
Gaza pollution environmental threats Video: Al Jazeera
“Ecocide here fuses with genocide in a manner never seen before.”
But where was the real connection between Palestine and the climate crisis?
“Despite all the rhetoric from governments and corporations about how they’re taking climate change seriously, the 2020s have so far seen an accelerated expansion of fossil fuel production, just when it had to be reined in and inverted into a sustained dismantling — for the world to avoid a warming of more than 2°C, and ideally no more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial baseline.
“Currently we’re at 1.6°C above that baseline, and this is already proving to be absolutely catastrophic. In fact it’s proving again and again to be deadly,” Jordan said.
“The destruction of Gaza is of course executed by tanks and fighter jets, sending their projectiles that turn everything into rubble — but only after the explosive force of fossil fuel combustion has put them on the right path.
“All these military vehicles run on oil. As do the supply flights from the US, UK and Germany.’
A young protester with a Palestinian flag at the Auckland rally today. Image: APR
Emissions burden One study had estimated that from October 2023 to January 2025 the emission burden of the Gaza genocide by Israel and the West to be 32 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
“That’s more than the annual emissions of many countries,” Jordan said.
“It has generated more than 36 million metric tonnes of debris from buildings being either severely damaged or completely destroyed. It would take as long as four decades to remove and process all of this debris.”
Jordan said what was happening in Gaza was not just a transnational effort, but “a stain on the so called ‘international law’ that cannot be washed clean”.
“For over two years now we have watched as the corrupt corporate media has dehumanised the victims and attempted to humanise those committing this genocide,” he said.
“We have watched as academic institutions, politicians and governments all over the world have denied or justified the unspeakable horrors taking place in Gaza, just as they deny the severity and the consequences of the climate crisis and justify the continuation of business as usual, no matter how destructive it is to our environmental life support systems.
“But this is just business, this is just how the capitalist system works. Both people and the environment are seen as expendable, here only for the purposes of wealth extraction by the ultra wealthy ruling class — or as I prefer to call them, ‘The Epstein class’.”
New flotilla plans Among other speakers, Rana Hamida spoke about the new Global Sumud Flotilla plans to break the military siege of Gaza in April.
The flotilla has announced plans to send more than 100 boats carrying up 1000 activists, including medics and war crimes investigators, to the besieged enclave.
Hamida appealed for more volunteers from New Zealand to join the fleet.
Not just climate change – but a “system change” call for action. Image: APR
Blues face Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific.Liam Swiggs / RNZ
First-five Stephen Perofeta converted all six of his team’s tries and scored one himself, as the Blues overhauled Western Force 42-32 at Perth.
After a controversial loss to the Chiefs in their opener last week, the Auckland-based side took advantage of a big wind at their backs in the second half to overcome a 17-14 deficit, outscoring their rivals 21-3 during the 20 minutes after the break.
Prop Josh Fusitua and Perofeta touched down in the first 40 minutes, but a try to flanker Carlo Tizzano gave the home side a surprise lead at halfway.
After the restart, fullback Zarn Sullivan, flanker Torian Barnes and wing Cole Forbes rattled on three tries that gave their team the momentum and a 15-point lead, that provided a buffer to withstand a late Force rally.
The global human rights landscape has witnessed a significant diplomatic milestone.
Indonesia, for the first time since the body’s establishment in 2006, has officially taken the presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, is currently guiding the procedural and diplomatic course of the world’s foremost human rights forum for the coming year.
Indonesian Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai . . . seeking to ensure the revised law is “more progressive and advanced”. Image: Antara
This appointment, backed by consensus within the Asia-Pacific regional group and subsequently endorsed by the full council, is far more than a routine procedural rotation.
It is a mirror reflecting diplomatic success, yet also a fragile piñata — ready to spill forth either in praise or sharp criticism depending on the blows dealt by reality and unfolding dynamics.
This moment is not the end of a journey, but the opening of a new chapter rife with interpretation — a complex test of Indonesia’s credibility, capacity, and consistency on the stage of global issues.
The test begins not only in the halls of Geneva but simultaneously in the halls of power in Jakarta, where the government is pushing for the ratification of a revised Human Rights Law by this year.
This legislative endeavour has now become inextricably linked to the credibility of its international leadership.
Foundations and mandate To understand the seriousness of this position, one must look to its foundational pillars.
The UN Charter, as the supreme constitution of global governance, clearly places the promotion and respect for human rights as a central pillar for maintaining international peace and security.
This charter provides an undeniable moral and political mandate. Indonesia’s presidency, within this framework, is an operational instrument to realise the charter’s noble aims — a collective trust bestowed by the community of nations.
The Human Rights Council itself is a product of the post-Cold War collective consciousness and the failures of its predecessor, the Commission on Human Rights. Established by General Assembly Resolution 60/251, it was designed as a more legitimate intergovernmental body with a mandate to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights globally.
It is a space of often-tense dialogue, a tireless advocacy arena for civil society, and a stage where mechanisms like the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and Special Procedures strive to illuminate dark corners of violations.
Within this complexity, the council president is not merely a passive moderator but a pacesetter, agenda-shaper, balance-keeper, and often a mediator in intricate political deadlocks. This position holds the key that can either unlock discussions on neglected issues or bury them in procedure.
The normative compass for the council is the International Bill of Human Rights — comprising the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
These standards are the shared measure, the common language, and the basis for demands.
Indonesia’s leadership will be judged on its ability to advance the language and spirit of these covenants, not only within the halls of Geneva but also through their resonance and enactment at the national level. It is here that the ongoing revision of Indonesia’s own Human Rights Law (Law Number 30 of 1999) transforms from a domestic legislative process into a litmus test for its international posture.
Two sides of the coin Globally, this presidency represents the pinnacle of Indonesia’s soft power diplomacy. It affirms the image of a consequential developing nation deemed capable of leading even the most sensitive conversations.
It is an invaluable platform to voice Global South perspectives, emphasise the interdependence of civil-political and socio-economic rights, and champion dialogue over confrontation.
Indonesia has the opportunity to act as a bridge-builder, spanning the divides between West and East, North and South, in an increasingly polarised human rights discourse.
Yet, behind the stage lights, the shadows are long and critical. Organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have consistently warned that leadership on the council must align with tangible commitment.
They are watching closely: Will Indonesia use its influence to push for access by special mandate-holders to global conflict zones, or will it cloak inaction in the rhetoric of state sovereignty?
Will its voice be loud in highlighting violations in one region while falling silent on another due to geopolitical and geostrategic considerations?
Herein lies the ultimate credibility test. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) criticises Indonesia’s presidency, arguing it could swiftly become “hollow prestige” if seen merely as a product of regional rotation, not a recognition of substantive capability.
The ULMWP asserts that Indonesia is unfit for the role, pointing to allegations of a 60-year conflict in Papua, historical casualties, and comparing the situation to past international controversies.
They challenge Indonesia’s moral standing, citing unresolved historical allegations, internal displacement, and the long-standing refusal to grant access to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
This opposition underscores the profound domestic scrutiny the presidency faces: every action on the global stage will be measured against conditions in Papua, where critics describe ongoing tensions and demand immediate access for journalists and a UN visit.
The most profound implications may, in fact, unfold domestically. This presidency is a mirror forcibly held up to the nation itself. It creates unique political and moral pressure to address longstanding homework.
Issues such as freedom of expression, protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, law enforcement in cases of alleged violations, and the state of labour and environmental rights will come under a brighter international spotlight. Image: Laurens Ikinia/APR
Issues such as freedom of expression, protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, law enforcement in cases of alleged violations, and the state of labour and environmental rights will come under a brighter international spotlight.
In this context, the government’s move to revise the Human Rights Law is a direct response to this pressure.
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, in a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) on February 2, 2026, emphasised that the drafting process involves prominent national human rights figures — including Professor Jimly Asshiddiqie, Makarim Wibisono, Haris Azhar, Rocky Gerung, Ifdhal Kasim, and Roichatul Aswidah — to ensure the revised law is “more progressive and advanced”.
The government is targeting ratification in 2026, aiming to synchronise domestic legal progress with its international leadership year.
The government thus faces a stark choice: leverage this historic moment as a catalyst for deeper legal and institutional human rights reforms, open wider dialogue with civil society, and demonstrate tangible progress anchored in a stronger law; or, wield the position merely as a diplomatic shield to deflect criticism, content with symbolism over substance, even if that symbolism includes a newly passed but weakly implemented law.
The latter would be a damaging boomerang, deepening a crisis of trust both in the eyes of its own citizens and the global community.
Indonesian civil society, conversely, holds a golden opportunity. They now have a wider door to elevate domestic issues to the global forum, using their own nation’s presidential position as an accountability tool. The involvement of activists in the law revision process is a start, but the presidency must be seen not as the sole property of the government, but as a national asset to be filled with diverse and critical voices, both sweet and bitter, to ensure the promised progress is real.
Navigating the terrain A clear-eyed SWOT analysis is indispensable for Indonesia to strategically navigate its historic presidency of the UN Human Rights Council. This framework illuminates the internal and external factors that will define its tenure, balancing inherent advantages against palpable risks, all while the domestic reform clock ticks.
Strengths: Indonesia enters this role with a formidable diplomatic toolkit. Its long-standing tradition of “free and active” foreign policy has cultivated a wide non-aligned network and substantial credibility as an independent voice in the Global South.
As the world’s third-largest democracy, it offers a practical case study in balancing governance, diversity, and development. Furthermore, its soft power assets — embodied in the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) and its narrative of moderate Islam — provide unique cultural and religious leverage to mediate polarised debates on sensitive issues like religious freedom.
Operationally, the presidency itself confers significant agenda-setting power, allowing Indonesia to prioritise thematic issues such as the right to development, climate justice, and interfaith tolerance, while influencing the appointment of key human rights investigators.
The concurrent push for a progressive Human Rights Law revision can be framed as a strength, showcasing a commitment to aligning domestic norms with international aspirations.
Weaknesses: Indonesia’s most significant vulnerability remains the perceived gap between its international advocacy and its domestic human rights landscape. Longstanding, contentious issues — including restrictions on civil liberties, protections for minorities, and unresolved past alleged violations — provide immediate fodder for critics and undermine its moral authority.
This credibility deficit is a strategic weakness that adversaries will exploit. The revision of the Human Rights Law, if perceived as a rushed or cosmetic exercise to coincide with the presidency, could exacerbate this weakness rather than alleviate it.
Additionally, the technical and political capacity of its permanent mission in Geneva will be under immense strain, tested by the need to master complex procedural rules while managing intensely politicised negotiations among competing global blocs in real-time.
Opportunities: This presidency is an unparalleled platform for strategic nation-branding, casting Indonesia as a consensus-driven, responsible global leader. Domestically, it creates a powerful political catalyst to accelerate and deepen stalled legislative reforms.
The targeted 2026 ratification of the Human Rights Law is the prime opportunity; it must be used to revitalise national human rights institutions like the National Commission of Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and pass long-delayed bills like the Domestic Workers Protection Bill.
Internationally, it offers the chance to operationalise its bridge-builder identity, mediating in protracted conflicts or humanitarian crises where dialogue has stalled, thereby translating diplomatic principle into tangible impact.
Successfully shepherding a meaningful domestic reform would give Indonesia undeniable moral currency in these international efforts.
Threats: The external environment is fraught with challenges. The council is often an arena for great power politicisation, where human rights issues are weaponised for geopolitical ends. Indonesia risks being ensnared in these zero-sum games, which could drain diplomatic capital and compromise its neutral stance.
Simultaneously, it faces relentless scrutiny from a vigilant transnational civil society and global media, ensuring that any perceived stagnation or regression at home — such as a watered-down Human Rights Law or continued restrictions in Papua — will trigger amplified criticism internationally.
The paramount threat, however, is the boomerang effect: that the heightened visibility of the presidency exponentially raises expectations, and the subsequent failure to demonstrate concrete progress — both in Geneva through effective leadership and in Jakarta through substantive reform—could severely damage Indonesia’s hard-won diplomatic reputation, leaving it weaker than before it assumed the chair.
Thus, Indonesia’s tenure will be a constant balancing act: leveraging its strengths to seize opportunities, while meticulously managing its weaknesses to mitigate existential threats.
The presidency is not merely a position of honour, but a high-stakes test of strategic foresight and authentic commitment, where domestic legislative action is now part of the international exam.
From symbol to substance: The path forward Indonesia’s election as the 2026 President of the UNHRC is an acknowledgment of its role and potential on the global stage. However, this acknowledgment comes as a loan of trust with very high interest: increased accountability and consistency.
The government’s own timeline, aiming to ratify a revised Human Rights Law within this same year, has voluntarily raised the stakes, tying its legacy directly to tangible domestic output.
This year of leadership is not a celebratory party, but a laboratory for authentic leadership. Its success will not be measured by the smoothness of procedural sessions or the number of meetings chaired.
It will be measured by the extent to which Indonesia can articulate and champion a vision of inclusive and just human rights globally, and — just as crucially — by the degree to which this office leaves a positive legacy for the advancement of human rights at home.
The revised Human Rights Law is poised to be the most visible component of that domestic legacy. Minister Pigai’s confidence in its progressiveness, bolstered by the involvement of respected figures, must translate into a law that meaningfully addresses past shortcomings and empowers institutions.
Indonesia stands at a crossroads. One path leads to transformative leadership, using this position to strengthen global norms while cleansing the domestic mirror through courageous reform and open engagement. The other leads to transactional leadership, leveraging prestige and a new but potentially inert law to impress without touching the core of the issues.
Indonesia’s choice will determine whether history records 2026 as the year Indonesia truly led the world on human rights by exemplifying the change it advocates, or merely performed a protocol duty on a stage where the lights are slowly fading on its credibility.
A historic mandate and its dual imperative This strategic position is a historic achievement, cementing the country’s role while presenting a real-time test of its global credibility. As a body of 47 member states, the UNHRC holds vital authority in investigating violations, conducting periodic reviews, and shaping international human rights norms. The Council President controls the agenda, guides dialogue, and, most importantly, builds consensus from diverse interests.
Indonesia is no newcomer, currently serving its sixth membership term and often as a Vice-President. Securing the top seat opens the chance to shift from “player” to “game-setter,” potentially shaping a more inclusive global human rights discourse.
This achievement is built on active diplomacy: vigorous economic and peace diplomacy (including Indonesia’s peacemaker initiatives), strengthened regional diplomacy emphasising ASEAN centrality and Global South solidarity, and a consistent multilateral commitment as a strong UN system supporter.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has affirmed its commitment to lead the council objectively, inclusively, and in a balanced manner. Potential agenda paths include advocating for contextualising human rights principles to be more sensitive to the historical, developmental, and socio-cultural contexts of developing nations; expanding the discourse to seriously discuss issues like corruption, environmental degradation, and electoral governance in the Council; and testing its bridge-builder capacity in acute conflicts, such as the Palestinian issue, by leading constructive diplomatic initiatives.
Ultimately, history will record not just the prestigious title of “UNHRC President,” but the substance and impact of the leadership. This position is a mirror: Is Indonesia ready to lead with consistency and firm moral principle, or will it become trapped in the contradiction between rhetoric in Geneva and reality at home?
The parallel process to revise the Human Rights Law is now part of that reflection. Its quality, its process, and its final enactment will be scrutinised as evidence of Indonesia’s sincerity.
True leadership will be measured by the courage to build bridges amid global divisions and the ability to connect words with concrete action and accountability domestically. The year 2026 will determine whether this moment is remembered as a renaissance of moral diplomacy, backed by genuine legal evolution at home, or merely a display window of symbolism where even new laws ring hollow.
The final word rests not on the title itself, but on the government’s collective actions in both the international arena and the national legislature. Success in this dual mission would add a brilliant and coherent achievement to the international record of the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
The choice — and the test — is in Indonesia’s hands.
Laurens Ikinia is a Papuan lecturer and researcher at the Institute of Pacific Studies, Indonesian Christian University, Jakarta. He is also an honorary member of the Asia Pacific Media Network (APMN) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Auckland FC are closing in on the top of the A-League after dismantling the Wellington Phoenix 5-0, a dominant win that puts them just one point behind league leaders Newcastle.
Wellington’s hopes of securing their first-ever win over their northern rivals were dashed early due to a bizarre goal keeping error in the 24th minute.
A dejected Phoenix captain Alex Rufer addressed home fans immediately after the heavy defeat.
“We need to look at this and be accountable – it’s not good enough,” he told Sky Sport.
The talking point came when Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was caught out of position under a long clearance from Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich.
Unable to stop the ball, Oluwayemi brushed it into his own net in a costly howler as he attempted to head the ball away.
Auckland carried the momentum as Jesse Randall scored his ninth goal of the season, adding a second just before the break.
Guillermo May also found the net in the 41st minute.
Later Randall was involved again, setting up Lachlan Brook for a goal.
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano benched Oluwayemi at halftime, replacing him with Alby Kelly-Heald as the Phoenix trailed 4-nil.
Auckland coach Steve Corica said the three points were vital in closing the gap on Newcastle.
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Auckland FC are closing in on the top of the A-League after dismantling the Wellington Phoenix 5-0, a dominant win that puts them just one point behind league leaders Newcastle.
Wellington’s hopes of securing their first-ever win over their northern rivals were dashed early due to a bizarre goal keeping error in the 24th minute.
A dejected Phoenix captain Alex Rufer addressed home fans immediately after the heavy defeat.
“We need to look at this and be accountable – it’s not good enough,” he told Sky Sport.
The talking point came when Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was caught out of position under a long clearance from Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich.
Unable to stop the ball, Oluwayemi brushed it into his own net in a costly howler as he attempted to head the ball away.
Auckland carried the momentum as Jesse Randall scored his ninth goal of the season, adding a second just before the break.
Guillermo May also found the net in the 41st minute.
Later Randall was involved again, setting up Lachlan Brook for a goal.
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano benched Oluwayemi at halftime, replacing him with Alby Kelly-Heald as the Phoenix trailed 4-nil.
Auckland coach Steve Corica said the three points were vital in closing the gap on Newcastle.
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Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has quit after a heavy loss to Auckland FC.AAP / Photosport
Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has resigned, after a [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/587537/phoenix-captain-apologises-to-fans-after-embarrassing-5-0-loss humiliating 5-0 A-League loss to Auckland FC.
The Wellington club has thanked ‘Chief’ for his work, with the coach confirming his departure after the match at Sky Stadium.
“Giancarlo Italiano has announced his resignation as men’s head coach,” the message read on Wellington Phoenix’s X account.
With tonight’s loss, the Phoenix have equalled their worst-ever loss at home.
More to come…
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In a post on Facebook, the college said it had “been advised by the Ministry of Education and specialist contractors to close the school for the safe demolition and removal of the fire damaged building which includes some asbestos cladding”.
The school will be moving to online learning from Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February.
Students and whānau have been urged to check emails for further information.
The fire broke out about 12.15pm on Friday afternoon, and smoke could be seen billowing from the school’s sports pavillion, a large wooden hall with a high pointed roof.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the first call about the fire came in at 12.17pm, during a one-hour strike by the Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU).
It took the volunteer Silverdale crew about 17 minutes to arrive at the school.
Northcote College principal Vicki Barrie said she was proud of how staff and students responded to the fire in the sports pavillion.
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Sprinter Tommy Te Puni is in the national record books.supplied
Sprinter Tommy Te Puni has etched his name in the national record books at the International Track Meet in Christchurch.
Te Puni eclipsed the national 200 metres record, running 20.35s, ahead of closest rival Lex Revell-Lewis.
The Auckland sprinter dips under Joseph Millar’s 2017 national mark of 20.37s.
Four men notched times under 21 seconds, with national 400 metres record holder Revell-Lewis clocking a personal best of 20.49s.
Zach Saunders followed him in 20.71s and Kadin Taylor notched 20.87s for fourth. The quartet now all rank within the top 12 all-time for New Zealand.
Tiaan Whelpton ran the fastest 100 metres race of his career, clocking a scintillating 10.01s time, but the wind was above the legal limit of +2.0m/s, with the wind reading +4.9m/s at the time of the race.
This performance comes after his 10.02s at the Cooks Classic in January and his equal resident record performance of 10.10s at the Sir Graeme Douglas International in Auckland two weeks ago.
Whelpton and Te Puni both now turn towards the New Zealand track and field championships in Auckland in a fortnight. The pair of record-breaking sprinters will chase national titles and, for Whelpton, the magic sub-10 second mark over the 100m.
Tom Walsh was well clear in the men’s shot put, throwing 20.83 for his best throw of the season.
Holly Robinson took the top spot in the women’s para shot put, scoring 85.48 percent of her world record, with Lisa Adams in second with 86.84 percent.
Will Little won the 3000 metres title, followed in by clubmates Cam Clark and Toby Tasker.
In the women’s race, Tillie Hollyer took out the national title ahead of Tamara Reeves in second and 18-year-old Brynne Gordon was third.
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Northern Districts women celebrate, as Wellington Blaze’s Jess McFadyen walks off the Basin Reserve.Marty Melville
Northern Brave have claimed the domestic one-day women’s cricket title for the first time, toppling star-studded Wellington Blaze.
Bowler Marama Downes led the charge in the grand final, bagging three wickets on Saturday at the Basin Reserve, including the key scalps of White Ferns Melie and Jess Kerr.
Batting first after winning the toss, ND were bowled out for 182 in 44 overs, posting a total that initially seemed below par.
However, Wellington’s chase was in tatters, with four wickets down inside just eight overs, and they fell 67 runs short in the 41st over, all out for 115.
Blaze opener Hannah Francis was the first Wellington batter to fall in the third over and she was swiftly followed by Melie Kerr in the sixth.
Kerr was trapped leg before wicket by Downes on just four runs and the collapse truly began, after Georgia Plimmer’s dismissal for 18 in the seventh over.
The Brave had only reached the final once before and it’s their first time lifting the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.
Downes was also handy with the bat, scoring 25 lower-order runs.
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It is not expected to be restored until Sunday.123RF
Chorus said it has located the fault that has knocked out internet services to nearly 7500 customers in West Auckland.
The Chorus outage is impacting Te Atatū, Henderson, and Massey – with people unable to access the internet via their fibre connections since 5.30am on Saturday.
The fixed-line telecoms and infrastructure company said several copper and fibre cables had been damaged.
It said the repairs are complex, due to multiple cables and the location of the problem, and it is not expected to be restored until Sunday.
Chorus said repair crews are working as fast as they can
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Emergency services at a house in Bryndwr, Christchurch.Sam Sherwood / RNZ
Emergency services are at an address in the Christchurch suburb of Bryndwr, where a number of people have been hurt after being attacked by dogs.
Several police cars and ambulances were at the scene on Bevin Place, as well as a Christchurch City Council animal management vehicle.
An RNZ reporter at the scene said a woman was being attended to by paramedics, and another person was on a stretcher and being put into an ambulance.
Ambulance operator Hato Hone St John said three people were injured – two were taken to hospital, one critical and one serious, while the third was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Police later confirmed two dogs at the property were being restrained, and would soon be taken from the property.
“There is no ongoing risk to the public, and a scene examination will be carried out,” Acting Superintendent Ash Tabb, Christchurch Metro acting area commander, said.
Police said they were notified about 2.45pm, and there was no ongoing risk to the public.
National Party conservation spokesperson Tama Potaka.RNZ / Mark Papalii
National’s conservation spokesperson Tama Potaka says the party will campaign on further restricting commercial fishing in the Hauraki Gulf.
Legislation brought by the coalition government last year, established 12 high protection areas (HPAs) where a range of activities, including most commercial and recreational fishing, are prohibited, and five sea floor protection areas.
At the time, the opposition criticised the government for a late-stage amendment allowing commercial ring-net fishing operators exclusive access to two of the HPAs.
In a statement on Saturday, Potaka acknowledged that had “caused widespread concern from the hundreds of thousands of users of Auckland’s key recreational waterway”.
Maungakiekie-based Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan said at the law’s introduction that Labour would reverse the carve-out, if elected.
“Despite the environment select committee unanimously recommending to this house that the bill be passed with no substantive change, at the 11th hour, because of some active lobbying of the minister of oceans and fisheries, we saw this government cave to that pressure and they have chosen to water down the protections in the original bill.
“Labour, in government, will reverse the change that allows ring-net fishing in those HPAs.”
Now, Potaka said National would also look to reinstate a total ban on fishing in the HPAs if re-elected.
“A further decision, to allow bottom trawling in some designated trawl corridors in the Gulf has also been controversial, so we will review that also.”
He wanted a consistent approach to the protection of the gulf, that struck a balance between serving the needs of recreational users as well as commercial.
“At the heart must be the health of the Hauraki Gulf. It is Auckland’s playground and the centrepiece of some of New Zealand’s most iconic aquatic events.”
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ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on February 21, 2026.
Palau court denies Senate bid to stop US deportee deal RNZ Pacific Palau’s Supreme Court has denied an application by the Senate for a stay order on the government’s plan to take third country nationals deported from the United States. President Surangel Whipps’ has agreed for Palau to take up to 75 people, with the US to give Palau US$7.5 million in development funds. However,
Moana Maniapoto: The day we met Jesse Jackson – and why his words still matter COMMENTARY: By Moana Maniapoto Known globally as one of America’s most prominent and inspiring civil rights leaders, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr twice ran for US president. He has died at 84. Throughout his lifetime, he fought to promote social justice, economic equality and political empowerment for marginalised communities — and worked hard to encourage voter
Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested, and what legal protections does the royal family have? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francesca Jackson, PhD candidate, Lancaster Law School, Lancaster University Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest comes after the US government released files that appeared to indicate he had shared official information with financier and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey
Papuan activist Wenda accuses Jakarta of ‘lying’ over shot down plane Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan leader has accused the Indonesian government of lying over its operations and “masking” the military role of some civilian aircraft. Disputing an Indonesian government statement about reported that TPNPB fired upon an aircraft in Boven Digoel, killing both the pilot and copilot, United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP)
Could Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest bring down the British monarchy? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo Coghlan, Associate Professor, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, University of New England When a royal faces scrutiny, it can feel like a rupture with tradition. Yet across the ages, British royals have repeatedly fallen under suspicion. What makes the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor so striking is
Wuthering Heights looks lush – but it’s a bad film and a worse adaptation Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin D. Muir, Casual Academic, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University Emily Brontë died of tuberculosis 177 years ago, yet this adaptation is still the worst thing that has ever happened to her. This is how one Letterbox’d user described writer-director Emerald Fennell’s film
A love letter to Country: grief, motherhood and loss in Jada Alberts’ Black Light Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Swain, Associate Lecturer in Theatre, The University of Melbourne This story oscillates and swells around a glass outdoor table, on the porch of a family home on Larrakia land. A table almost identical to the one on my porch back home. I point this out to
Is AI really ‘intelligent’? This philosopher says yes Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Goodall, Emeritus Professor, Writing and Society Research Centre, Western Sydney University Anyone who engages in serious dialogue with a Large Language Model (LLM) may get the impression they are interacting with an intelligence. But many experts in the field argue the impression is just that. In
Australia’s masculine policing culture is failing women and children Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Simpson, Associate Professor in Criminology, Macquarie University Australian policing has been in the spotlight in the past few weeks. There were concerning scenes in New South Wales during protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit, while Queensland Police’s commitment to curtailing domestic and family violence was
Andrew’s arrest: will anything like this now happen in the US? Why hasn’t it so far? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University The stunning arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office must have chilled many powerful American men to the bone. They may now wonder: could something like
Emergency services at a house in Bryndwr, Christchurch.Sam Sherwood / RNZ
Emergency services are at an address in the Christchurch suburb of Bryndwr.
Several police cars and ambulances were at the scene on Bevin Place, as well as a Christchurch City Council animal management vehicle.
An RNZ reporter at the scene said a woman was being attended to by paramedics, and another person was on a stretcher and being put into an ambulance.
Ambulance operator Hato Hone St John said three people were injured – two were taken to hospital, one critical and one serious, while the third was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Police said they were notified about 2.45pm, and there was no risk to the public.
The exact nature of the incident was not yet known.
A Taranaki exhibition is giving a voice to native species including tuna (eels), iinanga and kooaro (whitebait), and piharau (lamprey), revealing the rhythms of life beneath the surface of New Zealand’s freshwater streams and rivers.
Whiria ko te iwi tuna opens on 28 February at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth.
A four-year collaboration by artist collective Toiaa Taiao – Tihikura Hohaia, Alex Monteith and Maree Sheehan immerse audiences in the world of Te Whanganui, a central Taranaki stream, through evocative underwater footage and delicately recorded soundscapes, inviting audiences to experience the waterway as a living, communicating presence.
The project aimed to bring attention to ongoing legislative failures that enabled the exploitation of waterways and undermine hapū authority in enacting kaitiakitanga.
“This project marks the first time the voices of tuna from Te Whanganui have been recorded and made audible as voices in their own right,” said Maree Sheehan, a composer and sound artist recognised by the Royal Society of New Zealand as Māori researcher of the year in 2024.
“By amplifying these submerged communications, Whiria ko te iwi tuna positions tuna not as passive indicators, but as active agents speaking for their own sovereignty.”
A newly published essay by Rachel Buchanan (Taranaki iwi, Te Ātiawa, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika), supported and extended the exhibition.
The essay situated the work within “a whakapapa of care and protest” in Taranaki, honouring generations of hapū and community-led efforts to protect waters from industrial ruin, and affirming the inseparable relations between Taranaki’s waters and its people.
Also opening on 28 February is Pause, act, void, event, a dynamic exhibition of beloved and newly acquired works from the Govett-Brewster collection.
Anchored by a spectacular room-spanning work by Debra Bustin, last seen at the gallery in 1982, the exhibition also featured works by Billy Apple, D Harding, Ralph Hotere, Corita Kent, Tom Kreisler, Ziggy Lever & Lucy Meyle, Peter Peryer and Pauline Rhodes.
Both exhibitions were on until 19 July 2026.
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The request for volunteers came from Civil Defence on Friday night.
Despite the academic year beginning last Monday, SVA president Johann Torres was overwhelmed by how many signed up.
“We’ve only just come back to uni so it’s quite, you know, it’s nice that we have so many volunteers quite mobile straight away and very keen to help.”
Slips and trees down across a road in Wainui, Banks Peninsula on Tuesday.Lawrence Smith
The SVA will be working alongside other groups, such as Taskforce Kiwi, focusing on clearing silt from properties.
“We’re working quite closely with Civil Defence and some other volunteer groups like Taskforce [Kiwi] and we’ve essentially gotten a list of properties that we’re going to work on.
We’re focusing mainly on shovelling and wheel-barrowing silt from properties who have been affected by the quite recent flooding.”
Although State Highway 75 and telecommunications had been restored residents were still busy cleaning up the damage to homes and businesses.
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Bargaining over pay and conditions has stretched into its second year for nurses and senior doctors, while bargaining for junior doctors is just beginning.
The collective agreement for senior doctors with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) expired in August, 2024.
Nurses, too, through the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), have been in bargaining for nearly as long, with their negotiations beginning in September 2024. Both unions have held strikes.
Health New Zealand confirmed that in 2025, three offers were made to senior doctors and two to nurses, which were all declined.
“We are continuing to work with ASMS and NZNO in good faith and have already held several bargaining dates in 2026 with more planned in the coming weeks,” said a HNZ spokesperson in a statement.
In September, [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/498384/employment-relations-authority-asked-to-step-in-over-senior-doctor-pay-dispute
Health NZ called for the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) to step in] and force doctors into a contract, saying the union had breached the obligations of good faith.
An employment law specialist told RNZ at the time it was an unprecedented move for the public sector.
In November, with the union against it, the ERA declined to step in, saying there was a high bar to meet and there had been no serious and sustained breaches of good faith.
“The parties are a distance apart but it is not unusual in bargaining for a lot of progress to be made in a short time, even after a long period of little progress,” said authority member Nicola Craig at the time.
ASMS chief executive Sarah Dalton told RNZ on Friday the gap between the parties was smaller than ever, but still not fully closed.
“I do believe the gap has been closing, and we’re not wildly far apart, but the most recent position they put to us – which was not a formal offer but a position – was still short of what our executive believes would be enough to take something back to our members.”
“I hope that we will settle sometime during the course of this year, but in order for that to happen, Health New Zealand needs to bring more to the table.”
It is an option that union members have during bargaining,” she said. “So potentially that could happen, [but] that is not our plan at the moment.”
One of the two junior doctors’ unions – Specialty Trainees of New Zealand (STONZ) – had just entered bargaining already, and the other – Resident Doctors Association (NZRDA) – had begun pre-bargaining talks, with formal bargaining set to begin in June.
STONZ executive director Kate Clapperton-Rees told RNZ: “Our focus in these negotiations is on claims that recognise and value our Resident Medical Officers, and on securing improvements that will help attract and retain more doctors in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
NZRDA senior advocate Melissa Dobbyn said they were currently working through more than 200 pages of responses from members about issues and concerns.
“We will be looking at improving supports for RMOs during key transition points on the pathway from medical school to completing training as an SMO, including examinations, moving hospitals, and promotion from house office to registrar.”
A spokesperson for health minister Simeon Brown said in a statement: “The minister greatly values the senior and junior doctor workforce and looks forward to negotiations for both concluding.”
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Palau’s Supreme Court has denied an application by the Senate for a stay order on the government’s plan to take third country nationals deported from the United States.
President Surangel Whipps’ has agreed for Palau to take up to 75 people, with the US to give Palau US$7.5 million in development funds.
However, the Senate — the upper house of the Palau National Congress (Olbiil era Kelulau) — and a citizens group went to court arguing the deal is unlawful and not in Palau’s interests, but their motion has been denied.
While the Senate earlier tried to block the deal through legislation, the House of Delegates did not approve.
The President has said Palau will decide on a case by case basis which deported people are accepted.
A source within the government said it was likely that the first group of deported people to arrive in Palau would number about 10.
Whipps’ office said the Senate and traditional leaders have declined attempts to meet for discussions about the issue.
The Senate is pushing for a referendum on the issue, as indicated in a vote on the issue last month.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Known globally as one of America’s most prominent and inspiring civil rights leaders, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr twice ran for US president. He has died at 84.
Throughout his lifetime, he fought to promote social justice, economic equality and political empowerment for marginalised communities — and worked hard to encourage voter uptake from the disillusioned and excluded.
Little wonder he was outspoken against the South African apartheid regime and on Palestine. His six children described their father as a “servant leader”.
When I think of Jesse Jackson, I recall the iconic image of him standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in 1968, moments before his mentor Reverend Martin Luther King was assassinated.
I visited the site over a year ago. Now transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum, it documents the Jim Crow era both men were born into; where segregation and racism was formally normalised.
The interactive display was both moving and disturbing. It was also hopeful; a reminder of people-power movements led by those shaped by a Baptist church culture that grew the most compelling orators.
I have a personal memory of meeting Jesse Jackson one special afternoon many years ago in New York, while travelling with Deirdre Nehua and Syd Jackson.
Fearless treaty activist Syd, one of our most fearless unionists and treaty activists, passed away in 2007. Both men were intelligent, witty and passionately Kaupapa-driven; powerful speakers who used their gifts and life experience to build movements at home and beyond.
They marched and organised sit-ins. They spoke out when it wasn’t popular, put their hands up when others hesitated. They got off the fence and made a difference.
We were introduced by a mutual friend as “Māori activists from New Zealand”. A puzzled Jesse gazed at Uncle Syd.
“Where did you get that slave name from, my brother?”
Deirdre and I glanced at each other. Uncle Syd responded with a deft explanation that referred to his Welsh whakapapa and included the words both “rugby” and “colonisation”.
Afterwards, the three of us bounced around New York beaming. We’d met an inspirational leader and he now knew “Māori brothers and sisters at the bottom of the South Pacific” were in the same waka; fighting the good fight.
In the many tributes to Jesse Jackson, I noted the odd commentator described him as a “populist”. It’s a term that conjures up those who frame themselves as saviours by fomenting division and exploiting fear.
Inclusive and reformist Yet Jesse was inclusive and a reformist. Their point was about how he built coalitions that brought African Americans, Latinos, unions, rainbow communities, poor whites and working class together to fight for basic human rights inside the existing system. It’s said he frequently used his platforms to highlight Native American and Indigenous-led causes.
This week The Washington Post noted how colleges in the US are dismantling affirmative action stategies designed to overcome restrictions on participation due to race or income. Back here, calls have been made for a referendum on electorates set up to specifically provide a voice for signatories to Te Tiriti, in a system not designed by or for them.
Next week, a champion who railed against inequality will be laid to rest in his beloved Chicago. For us in Aotearoa, it’s an opportunity to reflect on his coalition-building record in this era of division and truly look around; to understand who and what the real threat to our sense of nationhood truly is.
A man of faith and hope, Jesse Jackson’s words are as relevant now as they ever were. Words matter. So does his call to action.
“It’s time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.”
Moe mai ra e te Rangatira.
Moana Maniapoto MNZM is an Aotearoa New Zealand singer, songwriter and documentary maker, and presenter of Te Ao With Moana. This article was first published on the Te Ao FB page and is republished with permission.
Concussions can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. (File photo)123RF
The professional body for social workers says a surge in diagnosed work related concussions at Oranga Tamariki is deeply concerning.
Figures released to RNZ reveal the number of head injuries suffered by Oranga Tamariki staff while at work had increased by 80 percent in the past five years.
Oranga Tamariki said there were 157 work-related concussions between January 2021 and December 2025, suffered by 146 staff members.
It declined to reveal where those head injuries took place, citing privacy concerns.
Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers chief executive Nathan Chong Nee said employers had an obligation to keep employees safe.
“We stand alongside our members, the complexity and risk in their mahi are increasing, and safety must be treated as non‑negotiable,” he said.
Chong Nee, who was a registered social worker, said he knew the reality of walking into volatile situations.
“Keeping tamariki and whānau safe starts with keeping the people who serve them safe.”
The association would be seeking assurance from Oranga Tamariki on what action would be taken, he said.
(File photo)RNZ
“We expect action that protects kaimahi and, in turn, the tamariki and whānau they serve.”
Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimmons said concussions suffered by Oranga Tamariki staff were a symptom of youth residences under too much pressure.
“The facilities are not fit for purpose, we have an unsafe staffing mix, double shifts are too common, and there are roster gaps. There’s a whole range of issues contributing to this and Oranga Tamariki needs to get to the bottom of what’s going on and stop it,” she said.
“Oranga Tamariki needs to look into all these factors and others to make sure that this aggression towards Oranga Tamariki workers stops.”
Oranga Tamariki said it took any injury sustained at work extremely seriously, and placed particular emphasis on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff following potential head injuries.
Deputy chief executive of people, culture and enabling services Nicholas Pole said its staff deserved to come to work every day and know they were safe, and any instances where that wasn’t happening was unacceptable.
“We are currently reviewing all concussion injury incidents and once that is complete, we will have a better understanding of what has led to this increase,” he said.
Pole said Oranga Tamariki had become more vigilant in the recording and monitoring of all injuries to staff, which could have led to an increase in recordings of concussions.
It was progressing a programme of work focused on strengthening how it prevented, identified, and supported head injuries in the workplace.
This would include improving reporting processes, guidance for leaders and staff, and ensuring wrap-around support to anyone who experienced such an injury, he said.
“Our Youth Justice Residences are an area where staff are at higher risk of a concussion due to the complex nature of the work and the dynamic environment, and they will be supported through the above programme of work.”
Pole said Oranga Tamariki also engaged a third-party health and injury-management provider.
“This provider proactively contacts any staff member who reports a head injury, regardless of whether an ACC claim is lodged. During this initial engagement, the staff member’s needs are assessed, and referrals made for specialist concussion services and wellbeing support, when required,” he said.
“Staff concerned about their safety at work are encouraged to speak with their manager and work with the Oranga Tamariki Health and Safety team to ensure they have what they need to undertake their roles in a safe manner.”
Trade Minister Todd McClay said New Zealand exports had been holding up well overall in the US market since the original 15 percent tariff was imposed (file image).Nick Monro
Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay says considerable uncertainty is likely to remain with the latest moves in the US on tariffs.
The US Supreme Court ruled the sweeping tariffs US President Donald Trump imposed on nearly every country were illegal.
Trump has hit back, announcing a new 10 percent levy on global imports.
McClay said New Zealand exports have been holding up well overall in the US market since the original 15 percent tariff was imposed.
While any tariff reduction was welcomed, he did not believe the 15 percent charge was warranted, given American goods coming into New Zealand faced a tariff of just 0.3 percent, he said.
“Our embassy in Washington will engage with their counterparts to get more information so we can continue to work with exporters, however uncertainty around US tariff policy is likely to remain for an extended period of time.”
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It is not expected to be restored until tomorrow.123RF
The number of households affected by a fibre outage in West Auckland has climbed to nearly 7500.
The Chorus outage is impacting Te Atatū, Henderson, and Massey – with people unable to access the internet via their fibre connections since 5.30am on Saturday.
It is not expected to be restored until tomorrow.
The cause of the outage is unknown.
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