61 shops announce closures in 10 days: Will liquidation numbers get worse before they improve?

January 16, 2026

RNZ/Calvin Samuel

We are only half-way through the first month of the year and already the business closures are mounting.

EB Games will close its shops at the end of the month. Miniso and Yoyoso shops are in liquidation. Wellington’s Leuven Belgian Beer Café will close after 25 years in business.

Smaller centres are also affected. Whangārei’s Rodney Wayne said it was closing its doors, as was nearby Orrs Pharmacy, which has been open 80 years.

While economic improvement is on the horizon, there are warnings that the number of businesses closing could get worse before it gets better.

Economist Shamubeel Eaqub said the rate of closures often picked up at the start of a recovery.

“Particularly for some sectors, because the early part of a recovery is slow. There is a disappointment gap.”

Massive queues were seen at shopping malls on Thursday after EB Games announced a 50 percent off closing down sale. Supplied

He said that was seen in the Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion (QSBO).

“Businesses were saying ‘oh, next quarter things are going to be much better’. Things were better but not as much better as they had expected. So the disappointment gap is the most persistent it has ever been in the history of the QSBO.

“A lot of businesses would have gone out and hired people or they might have made investments or they might have brought in stock so they’ll be at the edge. There is still a bunch of businesses that will struggle through this early part of the recovery.”

Eaqub said quite often, it was because the business had been bleeding cash and that caught up with them.

“I think there’s still a spate of business closures to come.”

But he said that should start to ease towards the end of the year.

Shamubeel Eaqub. RNZ

“I think everybody thinks everything turns on a dime. It doesn’t. Different parts of the economy move in different ways.”

Some retailers would be suffering after a weaker-than-expected Christmas period, he said.

“Also some industries like construction, when the early part of the recovery comes quite often businesses will go out and bid for jobs at prices that are unrealistic because they’re just grateful to have work and then they overcommit and face financial difficulty because the cost pressure is built really quickly in the construction industry.”

Carolyn Young, chief executive of Retail NZ, said many shops had not seen the lift in sales in the fourth quarter that they had been hanging on for.

“The fourth quarter is your biggest quarter of the year where you’re going to make your profit and we know that sales were down in December … businesses have used up most of their cash reserves so their ability to continue to stay alive will be compromised if they haven’t managed to cover off their sales in December at full price.

“Through December we saw a surprising number of businesses have items on sale before Christmas which is unusual.”

She said cost pressure had continued to rise and unless businesses had been able to negotiate things like rent reductions then there would be more liquidations.

“Two national businesses, 61 stores across the two businesses, have announced liquidations or closures in the first 10 days of the year… that shows how difficult it is for small and bigger businesses. We continue to see small businesses ring up about restructures.

Carolyn Young. Supplied

“We’ve got an advice line and one of the most popular topics continues to be business change, restructure, business closure and then the sort of performance management things with staff which are often an indicator that businesses are really focusing on the bottom line and how do they get the performance out of staff to ensure they have optimal sales that they need.”

She said the government could do more to ensure its settings were business-friendly and encourage people to buy from New Zealand businesses rather than offshore.

“In the next few weeks we’ll start doing some work on what’s happening overseas – South Africa put a tax in place, I think they’ve done the same in France with the businesses like Temu and Shein and that levels the playing field up because New Zealand businesses have to comply with all the New Zealand legislation and offshore businesses don’t comply with anything.”

She said while businesses could not be propped up by government, there could be settings that were more supportive.

General election a factor

Keaton Pronk, an insolvency practitioner at McDonald Vague, which is handling the Yoyoso liquidation, said it would be a testing year for insolvency because of the looming election.

“What we have previously seen in an election year is that businesses will take a wait and see approach until it is clear which party or coalition of parties will be running the country for the next three years. What will be interesting is the approach the IRD takes over this period.

“On the latest available figures, the IRD tax debt to be collected remains around the $9 billion dollar mark, well above where it was sitting pre-Covid and no doubt the government would like to recover these funds to spend and are funding the IRD accordingly.

“With this playing out the IRD will continue to apply pressure to businesses that are in arrears or fall into arrears. Looking at the January winding up figures advertised so far we can see the IRD is already active in advertising their ongoing winding up proceedings.”

He said he had a number of inquires over Christmas and January that have turned into appointments by stakeholders.

“January is traditionally a hard month for businesses as they close their doors in December for the holidays and have little income but still need to cover fixed costs, holiday leave and face IRD obligations such as November GST due 15 January, PAYE due on 20 January, October to December FBT due on 20 January, provisional tax due on 15 January and for the larger employers more PAYE due on 5th of February, this a lot of cashflow businesses need to find at a slower time of year.

“2025 was back at the levels we saw in 2011, post 2009 GFC, and we are expecting to see corporate insolvency appointments continue at the elevated levels into the middle of the 2026.

“To date the appointments have been widespread hitting all industries and regions differently, so we are unable to point to one particular sector that is unaffected. Walk down any main street and you will see a number of for lease signs up.”

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.

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

One cure for sour feelings about politics − getting people to love their hometowns

By The Conversation -

January 16, 2026

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sean Richey, Professor, Georgia State University

A young girl holds Old Glory at an Independence Day celebration. SDI Productions/E+ via Getty Images

Eileen Higgins won a historic victory in December. She became the first woman ever elected mayor of Miami, as well as its first Democratic mayor since 1997.

Although the stakes in the city’s Dec. 9, 2025, runoff election were high, interest was not − 4 in 5 registered voters stayed home.

Low turnout is common in municipal elections across the country. While much of the nation’s political attention stays focused on Washington, the leaders who control the nation’s streets, schools and neighborhoods are typically chosen by a small fraction of citizens.

Although many Americans can identify their U.S. senators or members of Congress, far fewer can name even one of their local elected officials, such as a city council member. To cite one example, a North Carolina study, found that 86% of state residents could not identify their own elected leaders, including local government officials.

Turnout in local elections regularly falls below 20%, often leaving critical decisions in the hands of small, unrepresentative groups, creating an electorate that’s disproportionately white, elderly and affluent.

My research as a political scientist suggests an overlooked factor explains why some people engage with their communities while others tune out: local patriotism, or how they feel about their town.

The power of local patriotism

For my book “Patriotism and Citizenship,” I commissioned a nationally representative survey of 500 Americans. We asked a simple question: How do you feel about the town you live in? Those who responded could choose from five options, ranging from “hate it” to “love it.”

About half said they “liked” their town, 20% loved it, but a full quarter expressed no positive feelings whatsoever; 3% said they outright “hated” where they lived.

Such attitudes have real-world effects. Even after accounting for factors such as age, education, income and general interest in politics, loving one’s town strongly predicted participation in local politics.

People who loved their town were more likely to attend city council meetings, contact local officials, volunteer for campaigns and discuss local issues with friends. The same pattern held for civic participation – from volunteering with community groups to organizing neighborhood cleanups.

Local patriotism also correlated strongly with trust in local government.

Determining the stakes

To test whether these feelings actually change civic behavior, I ran two experiments.

Participants were first asked to identify the biggest problem facing their town. Some mentioned traffic congestion, others cited crime or homelessness. Then came the test: Would they donate $1 they’d earned for taking the survey to help solve that problem?

In the first experiment, one group was asked “Thinking about feelings of love or hate toward your town, would you like to donate this $1 to help your town solve the problem that you just listed above?” The other group received no such prompt about their feelings and was just asked to donate to solve the problem.

The results were striking. Among those primed to consider their feelings about their town, 18% gave away their payment. In the control group, just 3% donated – a sixfold difference.

A second experiment replicated this finding. When people were prompted to think about loving their town, 8% donated. Even asking them to consider feelings of hate led 5% to give. But in the control group with no emotional prompt? No one donated.

Why this matters for democracy

Local patriotism appears to address a fundamental puzzle in political science: why anyone participates in local politics at all. The time and effort required almost always exceed any tangible benefit an individual would receive.

Eileen Higgins, newly elected mayor of Miami, reaches out to grasp a supporter's hand. — Because election turnout was low, Eileen Higgins was elected mayor of Miami by just a small fraction of residents.
Lynne Sladky/AP

But when people care deeply about their community, the calculation changes. The emotional reward of helping a place you love becomes a plus. The sacrifice feels worthwhile not because it will definitely make a difference, but because you’re investing in something that matters to you.

This has important implications. The positive feelings people have toward their community translate directly into civic engagement, without the risk of increasing negative feelings such as jingoism or xenophobia.

For local leaders frustrated by low turnout and apathy, the message is clear: Before asking residents to show up, give them reasons to care. Build pride of place, and engagement will follow.

The good news is that local attachment isn’t fixed. My experiments showed that simply prompting people to think about their feelings toward their town could motivate civic action.

A few ways to foster local patriotism

Here are some strategies that can help foster local patriotism:

• Create civic rituals: Regular community events, from farmers markets to fireworks, build emotional ties to place.

• Celebrate iconic places: Whether it’s a waterfall, clock tower or mountain view, promote the landmarks that symbolize your community. These shared images give residents a common point of pride and visual shorthand for what makes their town special.

A fruit vendor talks with a customer by his display at a farmers market. — Holding local events such as farmers markets can foster a sense of community, increasing residents’ sense of attachment to their town.
Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision via Getty Images

• Bring children to community events and have them participate in local organizations: Parents who take their kids to town festivals, parades and events, or sign them up for youth art and sports programs, aren’t just keeping them entertained. They’re building the next generation’s emotional connection to place and creating civic habits that can last a lifetime.

The evidence shows that emotional connection to community is a powerful but largely untapped resource for strengthening democracy from the ground up.

In an era of declining civic engagement and deepening partisan divisions, fostering local patriotism might be exactly what the country needs.

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

– ref. One cure for sour feelings about politics − getting people to love their hometowns – https://theconversation.com/one-cure-for-sour-feelings-about-politics-getting-people-to-love-their-hometowns-272876

Bondi Beach’s murderous terrorism aftermath – an Aotearoa perspective

By Asia Pacific Report -

January 15, 2026

COMMENTARY: By Ian Powell

On 14 December 2025, a father and son, reportedly linked to the ISIS clerical fascist organisation, committed a murderous attack on innocent participants at a Jewish celebration on Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach. Fifteen were killed and around 40 seriously injured.

There is no way this horrific event can be minimised. It was murderous, it was antisemitic, the victims and their loved ones were completely innocent.

It also can’t be remotely justified by Israel’s genocide in Gaza and increasing repression on the West Bank.

Nor did it in anyway serve the interests of Palestinians and their fight for peace and self-determination — if anything it gave “pro-genociders” a deceitful propaganda weapon.

Extraordinary heroism also powerful message of interfaith kindness
There is no “notwithstanding high point” in this murderous tragedy. But there was much heroism.

Understandably the overwhelming impact of the sheer horror of the slaughter meant that this was not reported as much as it deserved.

The heroism of Ahmed al-Ahmed saved lives and prevented more serious injuries. Image: politicalbytes.blog

But prominent was the extraordinary courage of Ahmed al-Ahmed who wrestled the gun from one of the attackers and was severely wounded — being shot five times — as a result.

His extraordinary courage was covered by The Guardian (29 December 29): Saving lives at Bondi Beach.

Ahmed al-Ahmed is an Australian of Syrian origin. He is also Muslim. His bravery saved many Jewish lives.

Sickening contrast
This makes the sickening response of the Israeli government even more deplorable. It attempted to blame the terrorist attack on the Palestinian resistance to Israel’s ethnic cleansing and genocide, and to opponents of this warmongering.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu . . . response dishonest and deplorable. Image: politicalbytes.blog

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu even went so far as to dishonestly claim Australia’s recognition of Palestine as a state was to blame.

Two newspaper opinion pieces from New Zealanders who deny the reality of ethnic cleansing and genocide by Israel repeat this disgraceful “blame Palestinians” response.

The first was by Deborah Hart, chair of the Holocaust Foundation New Zealand. Her paywalled piece was published by The New Zealand Herald (December 15): Never again.

The second was by Juliet Moses, a spokesperson for the New Zealand Jewish Council. Her piece was published by Stuff (December 17): New Zealand should pay attention.

While both justifiably describe the horrific nature of the slaughter, they also reiterated the above-mentioned theme of the Israeli government thereby whitewashing its ethnic cleansing and genocide.

The fact that they both write in a softer, non-brazen and more subtle style does not diminish this observation.

The heroic Ahmed al-Ahmed is similarly whitewashed presumably because the heroism of a Muslim is considered inconsistent with Israel’s unconscionable narrative.

The implied narrative of Hart and Moses is that the life of an Israeli trumps the life of a Palestinian — including a child — and the right of Israelis to self-determination overrides the right of Palestinians to self-determination.

Further, Palestinian refusal to accept this narrative is consequentially responsible in some way for the Bondi Beach slaughter.

It is bad enough to hold this position; it is even worse to tar the Bondi victims with this same brush.

An aside: Jewish exceptionalism
As an aside, this narrative is reinforced by a Zionist claim of Jewish exceptionalism that is used to justify an untenable position that granting equal rights to others in Israel would be “tantamount to suicide.”

This exceptionalism argument is effectively rebutted by a paywalled article by Peter Beinart in the October 2025 issue of Le Monde Diplomatique: Jewish exceptionalism not so exceptional.

Beinart points out that the past experiences of South Africa, Northern Ireland and the American South where “. . . time and again dominant groups have loudly claimed that granting equal rights would be tantamount to suicide . . .” were always wrong.

Getting it right
On December 17, the Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) released a public condemnation of the Bondi Beach atrocity.

It was appalled by the antisemitic terror attack, sided with the Jewish community, and acknowledged that for more than two years it had marched with Jews and Jewish groups against the genocide in Gaza.

Further, it criticised the use of the Bondi Beach slaughter by Benjamin Netanyahu and others to condemn and blame Palestinians and others for opposing Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

For completion, the statement from national co-chair John Minto is published below:

“PSNA was appalled and shocked at Sunday’s antisemitic terror attack targeting the Jewish community in Australia on the first day of the celebration of Hanukkah.

“The best antidote to race hatred is community solidarity and we stand with the Jewish community in the face of such horror.

“For many decades, and the past two years in particular, we have protested and marched side by side with Jews and Jewish groups to condemn the genocide in Gaza and stand with the Palestinian people in their struggle for liberation.

“We have always made clear our campaign targets Israel’s genocide, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing. Jews are not responsible for these policies, despite Netanyahu claiming he is acting and speaking as ‘Prime Minister’ of all Jews.

“Palestine supporters were also appalled when Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and leaders of the pro-Israeli lobby in Australia and New Zealand, tried to exploit the horror in Bondi by blaming it on condemnation of Israel’s genocide and the Australian government’s (largely non-existent) support for Palestinian rights.

“This blaming almost invariably comes from people who support Israel’s actions in Gaza. Their strategy is to exploit the killing in Bondi to help the Israel government carry on its genocide and ethnic cleansing without criticism.”

“We are concerned that the strategy will cross the Tasman to panic the New Zealand government into introducing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-semitism into New Zealand legislation.

“This definition is used to target people supporting Palestine. The Israeli government has managed to get it into government legislation, university rules and local government policy in many parts of the Western world.”

“It’s all part of Netanyahu’s ‘Eighth Front’ to silence Israel’s critics.

“It has no place here.”

Apart from agreeing with it, there is nothing I could say that could add to its persuasive and powerful message. It speaks for itself.

Ian Powell is a progressive health, labour market and political “no-frills” forensic commentator in New Zealand. A former senior doctors union leader for more than 30 years, he blogs at Second Opinion and Political Bytes, where this article was first published. Republished with the author’s permission.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

Mixed reactions to shock axing of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson

By Asia Pacific Report -

January 15, 2026

By Adam Burns, RNZ News reporter

There has been mixed reaction in parts of New Zealand’s red-and-black country — Canterbury — following the shock axing of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed today the 51-year-old known as “Razor” had departed the position two years early following a recent end-of-season review.

A process would commence immediately to find Robertson’s replacement, NZR said.

The New Zealand Herald reported a “scathing” post-season review outlined dissatisfaction among senior players around the All Blacks coaching, culture and environment.

At a press conference today, NZR chair David Kirk said the “trajectory” of the All Blacks was not on track.

“The All Blacks are not on track the way they need to be on track for the 2027 World Cup,” he said.

In a statement, Robertson said coaching the All Blacks had been an honour and that he was “gutted by the outcome”.

‘Incredibly proud’
“I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made. We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead,” he said.

Robertson took over as head coach of the national team in 2024, with his appointment confirmed a year earlier, despite his predecessor Ian Foster still at the helm.

His elevation to the coaching position was a largely popular one, particularly in Canterbury, where he led the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby championships.

There was a range of feeling on the streets of central Christchurch, following news of Robertson’s departure.

A Rolleston woman told RNZ she felt the move was hasty, laying blame with how the governing body was run.

“Bureaucracy, the hierarchy and the juxtaposition of people in the rugby union really appals me,” she said.

“I think he should’ve been given another chance.”

Views from patrons
RNZ spoke to a couple of patrons at central city sports bar The Loft.

One man said the news had come as a surprise.

“The words we’re seeing from [senior players], maybe it’s warranted. It’s very unlike the All Blacks to do such an act,” he said.

“Maybe the time is right, to bring someone else in.”

He endorsed a move to replace Robertson with Highlanders and former Japan coach Jamie Joseph.

A fellow patron also hoped Joseph would be appointed.

“I think in the modern age you do have to listen to the experienced members of a team,” he said.

‘I like his dancing’
“I think it’s fair to be able to take the feedback that’s come over the last six months from some of the key members of the squad. If it means that Razor and [others] lose their jobs for the good of New Zealand Rugby then I think it’s fair.”

Another woman was shocked by the announcement.

“I feel a little sorry for him. I thought he was doing all right. And I like his dancing,” she said.

“Give him a chance.”

The All Blacks won 10 of 14 tests during Robertson’s first year in charge.

Last year the team clinched 10 wins from their 13-test programme for a 74 percent winning ratio — higher than his predecessor Ian Foster.

The season was ultimately marred by three stinging defeats, including a historic test loss in Argentina, a record-breaking 43-10 hammering at the hands of the Springboks, and defeat to England at Twickenham on the end of year tour.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

Cantabrians react to axing of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Scott Robertson has been axed as All Blacks coach. AFP

There has been mixed reaction in parts of red and black country following the shock axing of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed the 51-year-old had departed the position following a recent end-of-season review.

A process would commence immediately to find Robertson’s replacement, NZR said on Thursday afternoon.

The NZ Herald reported the “scathing” post-season review outlined dissatisfaction among senior players around the All Blacks coaching, culture and environment.

At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, NZR chair David Kirk said the “trajectory” of the All Blacks was not on track.

“The All Blacks are not on track the way they need to be on track for the 2027 World Cup,” he said.

In a statement , Robertson said coaching the All Blacks had been an honour and that he was “gutted by the outcome”.

“I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made. We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead,” he said.

Robertson took over as head coach of the national team in 2024, with his appointment confirmed a year earlier, despite his predecessor Ian Foster still at the helm.

His elevation to the coaching position was a largely popular one, particularly in Canterbury, where he led the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby championships.

There was a range of feeling on the streets of central Christchurch, following news of Robertson’s departure.

A Rolleston woman told RNZ she felt the move was hasty, laying blame with how the governing body was run.

“Bureaucracy, the hierarchy and the juxtaposition of people in the rugby union really appals me,” she said.

“I think he should’ve been given another chance.”

RNZ spoke to a couple of patrons at central city sports bar The Loft.

One man said the news had come as a surprise.

“The words we’re seeing from [senior players], maybe it’s warranted. It’s very unlike the All Blacks to do such an act,” he said.

“Maybe the time is right, to bring someone else in.”

He endorsed a move to replace Robertson with Highlanders and former Japan coach Jamie Joseph.

A fellow patron also hoped Joseph would be appointed.

“I think in the modern age you do have to listen to the experienced members of a team,” he said.

“I think it’s fair to be able to take the feedback that’s come over the last six months from some of the key members of the squad. If it means that Razor and [others] lose their jobs for the good of New Zealand Rugby then I think it’s fair.”

Another woman was shocked by the announcement.

“I feel a little sorry for him. I thought he was doing all right. And I like his dancing,” she said.

“Give him a chance.”

The All Blacks won 10 of 14 tests four during Robertson’s first year in charge.

Last year the team clinched 10 wins from their 13-test programme.

The season was ultimately marred by three stinging defeats, including a historic test loss in Argentina, a record-breaking hammering at the hands of the Springboks, and defeat to England at Twickenham on the end of year tour.

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

View from The Hill: Sussan Ley wedged by her own troops on Albanese omnibus legislation

By The Conversation -

January 15, 2026

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Anthony Albanese’s omnibus bill on hate speech and gun reform is once again exposing Sussan Ley’s lack of authority over her colleagues.

Ley on Thursday declared the bill was “pretty unsalvageable”, flagging the Coalition’s expected opposition in next week’s special two-day sitting of federal parliament.

The Coalition had a choice – to adopt “a glass half-full” or a “glass half-empty” approach to the legislation. It could have raised objections but devoted itself to negotiating changes. Instead, it is showing little interest in trying to get a deal.

One central reason seems obvious. The rebels in Ley’s ranks have thumbed their noses at the leader, publicly indicating they’ve already decided they’ll go their own way on the legislation. Most of them could not be brought into line to back any deal.

Former home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie said, “I’ll be voting no to this bill” because, he said, it attacked freedom of speech and religion. Right-wing Liberal Alex Antic said, “I have absolutely no intention, regardless of the position adopted by the Coalition frankly, of supporting this bill and all of the hate crimes stuff that goes with it”.

Nationals backbencher Matt Canavan described the measures as the “biggest attack on free speech since Robert Menzies tried to ban the Communist Party in the 1950s”.

The Nationals generally are also objecting to the tougher gun provisions in the other half of the bill.

No doubt the prime minister had wedging the opposition in mind when he combined the two parts of the bill. But more importantly, Ley clearly is being wedged on multiple fronts by a significant number of her own colleagues.

It’s a familiar Ley story. Before Christmas the opposition could have reached an agreement on the government’s biodiversity legislation. But faced with internal division, it failed to do so, leaving it to the Greens to do the deal.

Ley had already had to fall in behind her colleagues’ demand for a retreat on the policy commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

In the wake of the Bondi massacre, Ley has gone from the being on the front foot, when the opposition was part of forcing a reluctant Albanese into belatedly calling a royal commission, to seeming like she’s just playing politics.

The opposition had demanded parliament be recalled before Christmas, urging immediate legislation to crack down on the promotion of radical Islamic ideology. Now it not only says the proposed legislation is flawed, but that it is being too rushed.

There are legitimate points on both fronts. But the opposition does not look like it is making its arguments to reach a constructive agreed outcome, but to give itself an excuse to oppose legislation on which it could not achieve internal unity.

As various critics (not just the opposition) have pointed out the exemption in the bill for those quoting religious texts for teaching purposes is a can of worms.

The Executive Council for Australian Jewry has said, “Invoking religion as an excuse to dehumanise and mistreat others simply on the basis of who they are, must surely be a thing of the past”.

Albanese urges critics of the exemption to read the Old Testament, but that doesn’t take us far in practical terms. With or without the exemption, the question of quoting religious texts raises potential issues.

The opposition, and others, are also right in arguing this legislation is being pushed excessively fast. But Ley has no credibility on this, given she said in a statement on December 18, “The Coalition calls on the Prime Minister to immediately recall Parliament to pass urgent legislation to eradicate antisemitism and strengthen Australia’s counter-terrorism laws”.

On Thursday Ley found herself subject to a further wedge – this time from the peak Jewish body, the ECAJ (though it would reject the “wedge” description).

Its co-chief executive Peter Wertheim said in a statement: “Some of the Opposition’s criticisms of the Bill are valid and repeat concerns which we ourselves have expressed about the Bill’s shortcomings. However, there are also some important positives in the Bill, including the introduction of a new listing regime to proscribe extremist hate organisations.

“The ECAJ would urge the Coalition not to allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good. By all means seek to amend the Bill to remove its shortcomings, but a wholesale rejection of the Bill would not at all be warranted. In our view, the defeat of the Bill would be a retrograde step.

“The status quo is no longer tolerable after the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi. We need legislative reform now even if it is less than ideal.”

This is a hard appeal for an opposition that has repeatedly said it is devoted to use all means to combat antisemitism to resist. But so far Ley remains unmoved.

If the opposition does hold out, the government will need to rely on support from the Greens if it is secure its legislation. They will have their own demands, including extending the protections against hate to women, LGBTIQ people and others.

At the moment, however, the bill is an orphan.

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

– ref. View from The Hill: Sussan Ley wedged by her own troops on Albanese omnibus legislation – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-sussan-ley-wedged-by-her-own-troops-on-albanese-omnibus-legislation-272440

Many of Wairarapa’s recent forest fires began in old burn piles, Fire and Emergency says

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Juken New Zealand manages 15,000ha of forest plantations across Wairarapa and says it has a detailed plan to mitigate forest fire risk. LDR / Supplied

A small forest fire outside Masterton on Tuesday highlighted the increased risk of forest fires in the region.

Although the Bideford blaze was quickly extinguished, Wairarapa’s mostly dry summers and significant forestry industry have some worried.

However, the region’s biggest forestry firm said it was well prepared.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand community risk manager Phil Soal said many of the forest fires across Wairarapa this month had been started accidentally.

“Over the last month crews have attended a number of callouts after fires have reignited from old burn piles.”

Late last year, at a workshop on climate change organised for the Carterton, Masterton and South Wairarapa district councils, an attendee said he was concerned about possible forest fires.

“We sit out in the country. A lot of us have neighbouring forests – a lot of people are surrounded by forests.”

He said if there were a forest fire, it was possible that the water in farmers’ dams could be used.

“Fires generally occur in summer, so therefore that farmer – relying on the dam for stock water – is he going to say no and then be a party to probably letting the forest fire go and endanger lives?”

Soal agreed it was possible farm dams could be used in a fire emergency, but this was one of many possible water sources.

Fire and Emergency NZ crews would source water from “any sufficient open water supply”, he said.

“Depending on the location of the incident, firefighting water supplies will be taken from a number of places including lakes, rivers, water tankers, oceans and swimming pools. Water could also be taken from farmers’ dams.

“Initially, water supplies will come from our fire trucks and water tankers until a sufficient water supply is established.”

Juken ‘constantly reviewing’ fire dams

Sean McBride is the chief forest officer at Juken New Zealand (JNL), a forestry company that manages 15,000 hectares of forest plantations across Wairarapa.

He said the company had thousands of litres of its own water as well as other firefighting equipment.

Forest owners took their responsibility regarding wildfire risk very seriously, he said, and JNL has an emergency response plan that gets updated annually.

“JNL has installed a number of 1 million-plus litre, lined fire dams at strategic locations throughout our forest estate,” he said.

“These are accessible to both fire appliances and helicopters … We are constantly reviewing the coverage our fire dams give and will be considering new installations in an ongoing basis.

“JNL has invested significantly over our 35-year history in the Wairarapa and have two of our own fire appliances based at our fire station at Waingawa.

“We also have 6km of fire hose, 11 fire pumps, one slip-on unit, access to heavy machinery – bulldozers and excavators – and approximately 50 trained firefighters within our staff and contract workforce.

“JNL management staff are also trained to be able to participate in various roles in an incident management team at any forest fire event.”

He said more than 98 percent of wildfires occurred as a result of human activity.

“If we can implement best practice to reduce the risk of ignition then the impact of wildfire on rural communities is significantly reduced.”

JNL’s plan included forest maps with water source locations, emergency and resource contacts, and response plans scaled to the level of risk.

The plan included wildfire guidelines that complied with the New Zealand Forest Owners Association’s forest fire risk management advice.

Permits needed in restricted season

Soal said Wairarapa was currently in a restricted fire season and he encouraged people to be extra vigilant.

He said property owners needed a permit to light an open-air fire.

“Physically check any burn piles from the last few weeks are fully extinguished. If in doubt, put more water on it to make sure it’s fully extinguished ahead of these extreme conditions.”

People in doubt about smoke or a fire should always call 111.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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

One uprising, two stories: how each side is trying frame the uprising in Iran

By The Conversation -

January 15, 2026

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

Since the outbreak of the current wave of protests in Iran, two sharply competing narratives have emerged to explain what is unfolding in the streets.

For the ruling establishment, the unrest is portrayed as a foreign-engineered plot. They argue it is an externally-driven attempt to destabilise the state through manipulation, infiltration, and psychological operations.

For the opposition, the same events are framed as a nationwide uprising rooted in long-standing grievances. They argue the protests signal a rupture between society and the political system.

How the “story” of a conflict is told is a key component in warfare. The Iran protest are offering two very different stories.

Narrative crafting as psychological warfare

In the digital age, psychological warfare has moved beyond conventional propaganda into the realm of what academics Ihsan Yilmaz and Shahram Akbarzadeh calls Strategic Digital Information Operations (SDIOs).

Psychological operations function as central instruments of power, designed not only to suppress dissent but reshape how individuals perceive reality, legitimacy, and political possibility. Their objective is cognitive and emotional:

to induce fear, uncertainty, and helplessness
to discredit opponents
to construct a sense of inevitability around a certain political scenario.

These techniques are employed not only by states, but increasingly by non-state actors as well.

Social media platforms have become the primary theatres of this psychological struggle. Hashtags, memes, manipulated images, and coordinated commenting – often amplified by automated accounts – are used to frame events, assign blame, and shape emotional responses at scale.

Crucially, audiences are not passive recipients of these narratives. Individuals sympathetic to a particular framing actively reproduce, reinforce, and police it within digital echo chambers. In this way, confirmation bias flourishes and alternative interpretations are dismissed or attacked.

Because of this, narrative control is not a secondary dimension of conflict but a central battleground. How an uprising is framed can shape its trajectory. It can determine whether it remains peaceful or turns violent, and whether domestic repression or foreign intervention comes to be seen as justified or inevitable.

The Iranian regime’s narrative

The Iranian regime has consistently framed the current uprising as a foreign-engineered plot, orchestrated by Israel, the United States and allied intelligence services. In this narrative, the protests are not an expression of domestic grievance but a continuation of Israel’s recent confrontation with Iran. This, it argues, is part of a broader campaign to overthrow the regime and turn the country into chaos.

Two weeks after the protests began, the state organised large pro-regime demonstrations. Shortly afterward, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared these rallies had “thwarted the plan of foreign enemies that was meant to be carried out by domestic mercenaries”.

The message was clear: dissent was not only illegitimate but treasonous. Those participating in it were portrayed as instruments of external powers rather than citizens with political demands.

Demonising dissent serves a dual purpose. It is not only a method of silencing opposition, but also a tool for engineering perception and shaping emotional responses.

By portraying protesters as foreign agents, the regime seeks to manufacture compliance, discourage wavering supporters, and project an image of widespread popularity. The objective is not simply to punish critics, but to signal that public dissent will carry heavy costs.

To reinforce this narrative, pro-regime social media accounts have circulated content that blends ideological framing with selective factual material. Analyses arguing that events in Iran follow a familiar “regime change playbook” – have been widely shared, as have Israeli statements suggesting intelligence operations inside Iran. Cherry-picking expert commentary or isolated data points to justify repression is a common feature of this approach.

The timing and amplification of such content are also significant. Social media networks are deployed via “algorithmic manipulation” to make the regime’s framing go viral and marginalise counter views.

As this digital campaign unfolds, it is reinforced by more traditional forms of control. Internet restrictions and shutdowns limit access to alternative sources of information. This allows state media to dominate communications and thwart challenges to the official narrative.

In this environment, the regime’s story functions not merely as propaganda, but as a strategic instrument. It aims to redefine the uprising, delegitimise dissent, and preserving authority by controlling how events are understood.

The opposition narrative

Though the opposition is divided, but two main groups have appeared active in framing the opposition narrative: those who support an Iranian monarchy, and dissenting armed group Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK). Despite their differences, the two have contributed to the same story.

They have crafted a persuasive narrative, framing the uprising as a moral emergency requiring external intervention, particularly by the United States and Israel. This narrative does not represent all opposition voices, but it has gained visibility through social media, exile media outlets, and activist networks. Its core objective is to bring international attention to the conflict and put the case for, then bring about, regime change in Iran.

One central technique has been the legitimisation and encouragement of violence. Calls for armed protest and direct confrontation with security forces mark a clear shift away from demand-based, civilian mobilisation toward a violent uprising.

A high number of state forces casualties – reportedly more than 114 by January 11 – is an example of the effectiveness of this technique. This escalation is often justified as necessary to “keep the movement alive” and generate a level of bloodshed that would compel international intervention.

According to external conflict-monitoring assessments, clashes between armed protesters and state forces have in fact resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

A second technique involves the strategic inflation of casualty figures. Opposition platforms have claimed the death toll to be far higher than figures cited by independent estimates.

Such exaggeration serves a clear psychological and political purpose. It is intended to shock and sway international opinion, frame the situation as genocidal or exceptional, and increase pressure on foreign governments to act militarily.

A third element has been the use of intimidation and rhetorical coercion. In some high-profile media appearances, opposition figures have openly threatened pro-regime commentators, warning of retribution once power changes hands.

This language serves multiple functions. It seeks to silence alternative viewpoints, project confidence and inevitability, and present the situation as one of good versus evil. At the same time, such rhetoric risks alienating undecided audiences and reinforcing regime claims the uprising will lead to chaos or revenge politics.

These practices reveal how parts of the opposition have also embraced narrative warfare as a strategic tool. This narrative is used to amplify violence, inflate harm, and suppress competing interpretations. It aims to redefine the uprising not merely as a domestic revolt, but as a humanitarian and security crisis that demands foreign intervention.

In doing so, it mirrors the regime’s own effort to weaponise storytelling in a conflict where perception is as consequential as power.

In different ways, both narratives ultimately sideline the protesters themselves. They reduce a diverse, grassroots movement into an instrument of power struggle, either to legitimise repression at home or justify intervention from abroad.

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

– ref. One uprising, two stories: how each side is trying frame the uprising in Iran – https://theconversation.com/one-uprising-two-stories-how-each-side-is-trying-frame-the-uprising-in-iran-273573

Gastro outbreak affects 30 staff at Wellington Hospital emergency department

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Hospital’s emergency department. RNZ / REECE BAKER

More than two dozen staff are caught up in a gastro outbreak at Wellington Hospital’s emergency department.

Health New Zealand has put precautionary measures in place to try minimise its spread.

Dedicated infection control teams are also in place.

The first cases were reported last Friday and a 12 hour long deep clean was completed the next day.

Health New Zealand said about 30 people have shown symptoms consistent with the stomach illness.

It said sick leave is being managed, and patient care is continuing as normal.

There was no indication of it spreading further through the 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

Foreign Minister Winston Peters says NZ ‘appalled’ by violence, repression in Iran

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Peters has condemned what he described as a brutal crackdown by Iran’s security forces (file image). RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand is “appalled” by an escalation of violence and repression in Iran.

Protests against the regime began in the capital Tehran in late December, sparked by the country’s dire economic conditions, and have since spread across the country.

Peters condemned what he described as a brutal crackdown by Iran’s security forces – which has included the reported killing of thousands of protesters.

That crackdown had also included an almost total internet blackout, which meant few videos had been published on social media, and verifying information had become difficult.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on 9 January 2026. AFP/MAHSA

Iranians had a right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and access to information – which was being brutally suppressed, Peters said.

US President Donald Trump had repeatedly threatened military action over Tehran’s severe response to the protests, however Reuters on Thursday reported Trump believed killings were subsiding and mass execution of protesters was unlikely.

US-based human rights group Hrana said more than 2500 people – including 12 children – have been killed in the protests.

Peters urged all New Zealanders who were still in Iran to leave immediately.

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

From saviour to sacked: Scott Robertson’s rapid rise and fall

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Scott Robertson. Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

He was heralded as the All Blacks’ saviour.

Calls for the highly accomplished, charismatic, break-dancing coach to take the country’s top job became deafening around Aotearoa. And finally, those calls were answered.

Scott Robertson, having created an incomparable dynasty in Christchurch with the Crusaders, succeeded Ian Foster as the 29th All Blacks head coach in 2024.

But the anticipated Razor-inspired renaissance instead became another dark age for the All Blacks.

Coaching departures, player dissent, and record defeats made for a tumultuous tenure for Robertson, one which has now been unceremoniously cut short.

Here is a timeline of the rise and fall of ‘Razor’:

2024:

The reign of Razor begins

Fresh off a heartbreaking one-point loss in the 2023 World Cup final, a sense of optimism enveloped the country as Robertson won a popular appointment to take over from Foster who was not exactly beloved by the notoriously rabid All Black fan base. Razor didn’t take long to ingratiate himself to the media, fronting for a stand up in early January. Rocking sandals and shorts, Razor made it clear quickly he would bring a unique flavour to the role.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson during a media interview at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on Tuesday 9 January 2024. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

A rosy start

A strong English side arrived on New Zealand shores to usher in a new All Black era and while a winning start for Razor’s men. It was a scrappy and nervy debut in Dunedin, the All Blacks sneaking home 16-15. This was followed by a slightly more convincing win in Auckland 24-17. After two tests of his tenure, Robertson gave himself a “a good pass mark” for his performance.

First cracks

After dispatching Fiji in San Diego, Robertson would inherit the capital curse, suffering his first loss as the Pumas pounced in Wellington, winning 38-30. Just the third time Argentina had toppled the All Black empire.

“I’m disappointed, I’m hurt,” said Robertson after the game. “We’ve just got look ourselves in the mirror and own it.”

MacDonald departs

Just eight months in to his reign, assistant coach Leon MacDonald abruptly handed in his resignation ahead of the tour to South Africa, citing differences in attacking philosophy and coaching direction.

Robertson said he and MacDonald had “differing views” which they couldn’t overcome.

“We have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now and both agreed it wasn’t working,” Robertson said at the time.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson (L) and assistant coach Leon MacDonald. photosport

Beaten back to back by the Boks

MacDonald’s dramatic departure was followed by consecutive defeats to the old foe in the republic. Both tests could have easily gone the way of the Kiwis, but Razor’s side were lacking the killer instinct of past All Black sides, and couldn’t land the decisive blow.

“Our duty demands that we win those games. We will be frank and honest around it,” Robertson said post game.

A glimmer and a glitch

The All Blacks bounced back with five wins on the trot, locking the Bledisloe away for a 20th year in a row with a 31-28 win followed by a more resounding 33-13 in Wellington over the Wallabies.

Victories over Japan and then a 24-22 victory at Twickenham was followed by arguably the best performance by Robertson’s All Blacks as they edged Ireland 23-13. However, the gloss was quickly removed in Paris as the French put a halt to the winning run.

“There were just a couple of little moments where the game swung their way,” Robertson said of the loss to Les Bleus.

Robertson ends the year with 10 wins from 14 tests.

Scott Robertson poses for a selfie. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

2025:

Understrength French sent packing

The year was again off to a perfect start as the All Blacks got their revenge and swept a third sting French side aside, racking up 103 points in the three test wins.

“We found a way to win and play really good footy,” Robertson said at the conclusion of the series.

Historic loss in South America

Another unwanted blemish on Robertson’s record as the All Blacks were beaten for the first time in history in Argentina soil, going down 29-23 in Buenos Aires. Discipline continues to plague the side, as the All Blacks were shown three yellow cards in the defeat.

“Test footy’s tough, we didn’t get a lot of little things go our way,” said Robertson.

Humiliation in the capital

A week on from their 51st consecutive win at Eden Park came the low point of Robertson’s reign and one of the darkest days in All Black history.

A shellshocked All Black outfit were subjected to a brutal second half blitz from the Boks, as scarcely believable scoreline read 43-10 when the carnage was mercifully ended.

“There were a couple of really big moments there and the game got away,” Roberston said after the rout.

Ceri Evans (Head of Leadership + Mental Performance) and New Zealand coach Scott Robertson dejected after loss to Argentina. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Second-half surrender

Another topsy turvy end of year tour offered both hope and frustration for fans as the All Blacks produced classy wins over Ireland and Scotland, the latter being a brave comeback in Edinburgh, only to let things slip against the English at Twickenham. Second half woes struck again as England racked up 25 unanswered points to take the game away for the eventual 33-19 victory.

“The last couple of games we had finished quite well. But tonight we didn’t do that,” reflected Robertson.

Razor’s record now reads 20 wins from 27 tests, a 74 per cent win rate.

2026:

Razor gets cut

With rumours rife of a player revolt, NZ Rugby make the bold call to sack Robertson with the Rugby World Cup taking place next year.

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson www.photosport.nz

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

Man, 17, to appear in Youth Court after person shot on Christmas Day in Christchurch

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police are not looking anyone else in relation to this incident. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Police have arrested a 17-year-old after a person was shot on Christmas Day in Christchurch, Hornby.

They said they received reports of a man being chased by a group, including a person armed with a gun, just after 6:30pm on December 25.

Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan said a person was later taken to hospital with a suspected gunshot wound, which was not life-threatening.

He said a 17-year-old man was arrested on Thursday charged with wounding with reckless disregard for the safety of others, among other charges.

He is due to appear in the Christchurch Youth Court on Friday.

Police are not looking anyone else in relation to this incident.

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

Search for tramper in Kahurangi National Park suspended

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Graham Garnett, 66, was meant to return on 30 December. Supplied / NZ Police

The search for missing tramper Graham Garnett, 66, who failed to return from a hike in the Kahurangi National Park on December 30, has been suspended.

Police Search and Rescue sergeant Jonny Evans said the decision follows extensive searches of the area.

The search for Garnett involved four specialist canyon teams who were flown to Motueka to assist, as well as a Defence Force NH90 helicopter.

Evans said Garnett’s family have passed on their immense gratitude to all who were involved in the search.

“Police continue to support the family in their ongoing efforts to bring Graham home and we remain ready to respond if new information comes to light,” Evans said.

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

‘He lived fully. He loved deeply’: Tributes for journalist and playwright Aroha Awarau

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Award winning Māori journalist and playwright Aroha Awarau. Supplied/Facebook

Award winning Māori journalist and playwright Aroha Awarau has died at the age of 49.

A post on Facebook confirmed he died on Wednesday afternoon “surrounded by care and love.”

“True to the way he lived, Aroha met this final moment with grace, courage, and his unmistakable spirit. Cancer shortened the timeline, but it never diminished the person he is. The sharp mind. The sharper tongue. The flamboyance. The creativity. The generosity of friendship. He lived fully. He loved deeply,” the post read.

Awarau’s debut play, Luncheon, starring Jennifer Ward-Lealand and directed by Katie Wolfe, won Best Play at the 2014 New Zealand Script Writing Awards.

His second play, Officer 27, loosely based on a real-life police shooting, was a finalist at the NZ Adam Playwriting Awards.

He worked again with Ward-Lealand and broadcaster Peata Melbourne for the short film Disrupt. His most recent work, the short film Puti, was released in 2025.

In journalism he worked for various New Zealand media outlets including Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Day, Māori Television and RNZ.

He famously interviewed Oprah Winfrey for Māori Television’s Native Affairs in 2018 when she visited New Zealand while shooting the Ava DuVernay directed film A Wrinkle in Time.

Aroha Awarau with actor Jennifer Ward-Lealand and broadcaster Peata Melbourne.

Ward-Lealand took to Facebook to pay tribute to Awarau. “E te hoa piri pono, Aroha Awarau, kua wehe wawe rawa koe, ā, kei te tangi hotuhotu tēnei ngākau. E hia kē ngā wā kua mahi tahi tāua, kua katakata tāua, kua whakawhiti kōrero tāua. Ka nui taku aroha mōu,” she wrote.

Kaupapa Māori performing arts company Te Pou Theatre also took to Facebook saying “Aroha Awarau: fabulous fierce friend and storyteller extraordinairre has finished his brave fight and we are broken hearted.”

“Whether he was uplifting peoples true stories or weaving his own worlds for the stage and screen, he was always creating, always working to share those stories that needed to be heard particularly for ngāi Māori, for the pacific, BIPOC and queer community. Aroha has been a loved part of the Te Pou whānau over the past decade and we are heartbroken that we’ll not hear that laugh again in the foyer. He has mastered his craft, shared his pūkenga with others and left an incredible and brave legacy of work for the world.”

Awarau will be at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku in Auckland until midday Friday. Final details for his funeral are yet to be released.

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

Helicopters, ambulances sent to crash in Far North’s Waipapakauri

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

St John said it was not yet clear how many people were injured. Supplied / St John

Emergency services are responding to a crash in the Far North on Thursday afternoon.

They were alerted to the incident in the small settlement of Waipapakauri at about 4.40pm, and two helicopters as well as two ambulances, two St John rapid response units and an operations manager responded.

St John said it was not yet clear how many people were injured.

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

Caitlin Johnstone: On ‘leftists’ and ‘anarchists’ who cheer for regime change in Iran

By David Robie -

January 15, 2026

Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

Is there anything more undignified than “leftists” and “anarchists” who cheer on the fall of empire-targeted governments even as the empire moves war machinery into place?

Ooh look at me, I’m sticking it to the man by supporting the same agendas as the US State Department. I’m being punk rock by regurgitating the same war propaganda talking points as John Bolton.

I’m fighting the power by backing the foreign policy objectives of the most powerful empire that has ever existed.

Embarrassing, man.

Anarchists, again, fail to understand that overthrowing the existing state infrastructure would create a power vacuum. And currently, there does not exist a revolutionary vanguard that can occupy that space with the mass line.

Which means that such a situation is prime for… https://t.co/a1OJqGzAQZ

— mischa ☭ (@redmischa) January 14, 2026

If you want to have a serious political outlook it is necessary to have a more layered understanding of the world than “tyranny bad”, because as Westerners we ourselves are ruled by the most tyrannical power structure on earth.

That power structure ceaselessly targets the few remaining states that have successfully resisted being absorbed into its globe-spanning power umbrella like Iran, Russia, China, North Korea, and Cuba.

[embedded content]

Those states have successfully resisted being absorbed into the imperial blob exactly because they have strong governments that don’t hesitate to exert control to stomp out all the imperial operations and infiltrations which would otherwise have overthrown them.

This doesn’t mean these governments are wonderful and flawless, it just means they possess the qualities that enable a state to resist the empire’s coups, proxy conflicts, color revolutions and foreign influence operations.

If your only analysis of state power dynamics is “tyranny bad”, then you will naturally find yourself in opposition to the unabsorbed states and (whether you admit it or not) on the side of the most tyrannical regime on earth — namely the US-centralised Western empire.

No other power structure has spent the 21st century slaughtering people by the millions in wars of aggression around the world, attacking civilian populations with deadly starvation sanctions, staging coups, instigating proxy conflicts, and circling the planet with hundreds of military bases.

Only the US empire is doing that. Dominating the entire planet with murderous brute force is as tyrannical as it gets. If this isn’t true, then nothing is.

If you want to have a serious political worldview, you need to get real about this. The premise that the fall of an authoritarian government is always inherently positive has no place in the understanding of a grown adult, especially if that grown adult happens to live in the core of the Western empire, and especially if that empire is presently working to orchestrate the overthrow of the government in question.

The “I oppose all governments equally” flag. pic.twitter.com/MJGdXerObo

— Caitlin Johnstone (@caitoz) March 31, 2021

The more power structures are absorbed into the empire, the larger and more powerful the empire becomes. Desiring their absorption is desiring more power for the US empire.

And you can lie to yourself and say that you don’t want Iran to be absorbed into the control of the US empire, you just want its people to live in a free and democratic country. But we both know that’s not going to happen.

Once the strength of the Iranian government has been collapsed there will be a power vacuum that is filled by whatever faction is able to secure control, and the strongest faction will be whichever one is backed by the US and its allies. There is no organic faction within Iran that is strong enough to stand against the installation of a US puppet regime at this time, besides the one that presently exists.

That’s the reality of the situation. It’s not ideal, but it is reality. You can choose to be real about reality, or you can choose to psychologically compartmentalise away from it and tell yourself a bunch of fairly tales about a global people’s revolution which just coincidentally happens to be starting in all the countries the US empire hates most. I personally find the latter undignified, self-debasing, and power-serving.

Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

This article was first published on Café Pacific.

Kaitāia’s demolished mosaic wall finds new life in Far North town

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kaitāia’s old mosaic wall has been transformed into a public artwork which doubles as a memorial and picnic area in the tiny Far North town of Broadwood. Peter de Graaf

A community mosaic in Kaitāia that sparked protests, a petition and even police complaints when it was demolished almost three years ago has found new life as an outdoor artwork in the tiny Far North town of Broadwood.

The mosaic, which lined a wall on Commerce Street, was created in 1997 by Ahipara artist Jen Gay using tiles made by around 500 local schoolchildren.

However, when the area was redeveloped as a town square in 2023, the mosaic wall was to have been demolished and dumped.

Kaitāia’s old Pak’nSave site, which included the mosaic wall, has since been redeveloped as a town square. Peter de Graaf

In the ensuing outcry, Jen Gay collected 800 signatures in two days and locals staged a protest by linking hands along the demolition site.

Tempers grew so heated project staff complained to Kaitāia police over alleged threats.

Despite a pledge to rescue and re-use the tiles in the new square, the cut-up sections of wall instead ended up stored in a stonemason’s yard.

Kaitāia’s mosaic wall prior to redevelopment of the old Pak’nSave site. Peter de Graaf

Jen Gay believed people were attached to the mosaic wall because so many had been involved in helping to make it 30 years earlier.

“It was made by children, from five years up, and it was a bit rough. But it’s not the Sistine Chapel, it’s the main street of Kaitāia, and people related to it.”

A new use for the tiles presented itself when the artist was approached by Broadwood resident Gay Semenoff.

The pair had previously worked on a mosaic seating area at Kaitāia College.

“She asked me, is there any chance you could do something like that at Broadwood? We need an injection of some life. There’s no reason for people to stop in Broadwood. It’s all a little bit depressed, and it used to be a thriving little town.”

Jen Gay told her she just happened to have a mosaic wall that needed recycling.

Turning the fragments into something new, however, wasn’t easy.

“They were one tonne [of] pieces, all different shapes and sizes. They made no sense at all, it was a nightmare figuring out how to construct something that was going to be fit for purpose in a public area, using something that was so ruined. But I hatched a plan.”

It turned out Broadwood also had a problem with people stealing wooden tables from the picnic area next to the town swimming hole.

Jen Gay’s answer was to build, with help from locals, three theft-proof mosaic tables, four large planters, connecting seats, and decorative sculptures representing kūkupa or native pigeons.

The recycled artwork includes frivolous touches such as mosaic kūkupa (wood pigeons). Peter de Graaf

Another local donated a barbecue, which was bricked in so it couldn’t be stolen, and Broadwood Gardening Club filled the planters.

The revamped picnic area included a memorial to local farmer and community stalwart Wayne Semenoff, who died late last year.

All the work was done by volunteers with funding from Creative Communities and the Kaikohe-Hokianga and Te Hiku community boards for transport and materials.

“It’s an amazing community. Everybody wanted to help,” Jen Gay said.

“They can see that it’s brightened up the whole environment. Well, it is a farming town, so I had one person say, ‘Oh, it looks like it’s made by children’. But that’s good. It was made by children.”

Kaitāia’s community mosaic wall has found new life in Broadwood. Peter de Graaf

Jen Gay said the project was about 80 percent complete. She expected the finishing touches would take another month.

“We’ll keep working until it’s done. And it will probably never be done, because we’re just going to mosaic the whole of Broadwood. Now people are saying things like, ‘The rubbish bin looks like it needs mosaicing. Or what about those ugly concrete power poles?’”

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

EB Games heaving with crowds as gamers snatch final deals

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Hundreds of people have lined up outside EB Games stores around the country, eager to get some last minute bargains before the shops shut down.

The gaming outlet announced on Wednesday that it would be shutting all 38 stores around NZ by 31 January. They kicked off 50 percent off sales on Thursday, with no click and collect available until Friday, so gamers flocked on foot to stores.

A St Lukes mall security guard told RNZ by about 12.15pm up to 500 people had gathered around the store waiting to get in.

“… We were not prepared for anything like this… we had to setup barriers and organise a grumpy crowd on the fly,” he told RNZ.

Klaris Phillipson and her daughter Paige waited in line at St Lukes EB Games for three hours, eager to grab some Star Wars collectibles they said were hard to find anywhere else.

“I’ve been going there [EB Games] for 30 years, from when we lived in Sydney… there’s nothing like it in New Zealand,” Klaris told RNZ.

Brothers Kartik and Shivansh Sehgal waited three-and-a-half hours to get into EB Games, a shop they said defined their childhood.

They were looking to buy Pokémon cards, Lego sets and gaming accessoreies.

“A lot of things are online, but EB Games was the first place we would visit for reliable older secondhand games,” they said.

EB Games is an Australian-based video game and pop culture merchandise retailer, owned by GameStop since 2005. There are currently 336 outlets in Australia, according to GameStop’s latest annual report.

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

Scott Robertson sacking captures global headlines

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Scott Robertson. John Cowpland / action press

The world’s media has reacted with surprise to the “jumpy” dumping of All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.

Australian sport website The Roar headlined its report: “Razor gets the knife as All Blacks make cut-throat coaching call”.

“In a move straight out of the Rugby Australia playbook, the NZR have become jumpy after an underwhelming and dramatic, albeit moderately successful, two years in charge.

“The surprising departure of two well-credentialled coaches, including Leon MacDonald just months into his tenure because of “philosophical differences”, the clunky nature of their attack, and the side’s inability to problem solve on the run has led the NZR board to act.”

Scott Robertson. Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz

The RugbyPass website looked at what lies ahead.

“While several names, such as Highlanders boss and former Japan coach Jamie Joseph, are swirling as potential replacements, what All Blacks fans know for certain is that a historic schedule awaits whoever is backed to lead the team moving forward.

“A new-look global calendar, which features the inaugural Nations Championship and the return of expanded tours with South Africa, packaged as ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’, demands the incoming All Blacks coach hit the ground running.”

Scott Robertson (L) with Scott Barrett. Marty Melville/Photosport

Sydney’s Daily Telegraph took an Australian slant to its reportage.

“The All Blacks are on the hunt for a new coach to take them through to next year’s Rugby World Cup after Scott Robertson was sensationally sacked less than two years after taking on the job.

“Underperforming Wallabies’ coach Joe Schmidt has also been linked with a return to his homeland but has said he’s staying with Australia until his contract ends in July.

“Schmidt was spared the axe by Rugby Australia despite overseeing an abysmal run of defeats since taking over.”

MC Laura McGoldrick interviews the All Blacks coaching staff Assistant Coach Scott Hansen, Head Coach Scott Robertson, and Assistant Coach Jason Ryan. Andy Jackson/Getty Images

ESPN examined the lead-up to the axe swinging.

“The All Blacks have parted ways with embattled coach Scott Robertson after a disappointing 2025 season.

“According to multiple reports, including from the NZ Herald, All Blacks on-field leaders had been critical of his strategy, communication, and selections in a year in which they a series of shock losses to the likes of South Africa, Argentina, and England.”

Scott Robertson head coach of the All Blacks. Lynne Cameron/ActionPress

Reuters agency said pressure had been slowly building for the 51-year-old.

“Speculation over Robertson’s future has mounted since December amid reports of friction between senior players and All Blacks staff.

“Robertson, who replaced Ian Foster after the 2023 World Cup, guided the All Blacks to 10 wins out of 13 tests in the 2025 season but the former Canterbury Crusaders coach came under pressure following a first-ever away defeat to Argentina and a record 43-10 loss to South Africa in Wellington.”

A process would commence immediately to find Robertson’s replacement, NZ Rugby said on Thursday.

In a statement, Robertson said coaching the All Blacks had been an honour.

“Following the end of year review I have taken time to reflect on some of the feedback.

“My priority has always been the success of the All Blacks and, after discussions with New Zealand Rugby, I believe it is in the best interests of the team for me to step aside.

“I have therefore reached an agreement with New Zealand Rugby to end my contract early so a new coaching group has the time it needs to prepare and take the team into the next World Cup.”

Robertson said he was “gutted by this outcome”.

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

Family and friends gather at scene of Waitārere Beach shooting

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ/Mark Papalii

Family and friends of a man who died in a shooting in Waitārere Beach gathered outside the property today.

A man, identified by his sister as 60-year-old Benjamin Harry Timmins, was found dead and three others with gunshot wounds following the shooting on Wednesday in the lower North Island township.

A 46-year-old woman and two males aged 17 and 21 remain critically wounded in Wellington Hospital.

A young girl who was at the scene of the shooting on Wednesday is being cared for by family.

60-year-old Benjamin Harry Timmins. Supplied

Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the shooting.

There were hugs and tears from those gathered outside the property today, which is still cordoned off by police.

They huddled under umbrellas, and there was karakia.

Speaking to RNZ afterwards, Timmins’ sister Rachel O’Grady said she did not believe he could have hurt anyone.

“He was the calm one in the family.”

She said he always said “‘there’s nothing that can’t be fixed with a cup of tea’”.

RNZ/Mark Papalii

O’Grady said the family had been under intense pressure in the last year, and she had feared it was coming to a crisis.

“But nothing like this.”

The body of Timmins was due to be removed from the property today and taken to the mortuary in Palmerston North ahead of a post-mortem on Friday.

This morning, RNZ reported police seized a dismantled a gun, parts and ammunition from the property a few hours before returning after a 111 call to find Timmins dead and three others with gunshot wounds.

The person who had contacted police did not speak, and officers believe the call had been made by the child.

Meanwhile, police also confirmed they responded to a family harm-related incident at the property last Friday.

Rachel O’Grady and Benjamin Timmins. Facebook / Rach O’Grady

Timmins was arrested and charged with two counts of assault on a person in a family relationship and had been scheduled to appear in court on 14 January – the day of the fatal shooting.

In 1996, Timmins was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm, and then convicted again in 2019, on three charges of cultivation of cannabis, unlawful possession of ammunition and theft.

An appeal in 2024 was partly successful, with the conviction for unlawful possession of ammunition set aside.

Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said the scene examination could extend into the weekend.

“We will continue to guard the scene and the public within the community can expect to see a more heavy police presence there than they normally would,” he said.

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.

Family Violence

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

Health warnings lifted from Lyttelton bays after sewage overflow

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

A health warning has been lifted on Thursday, after it was issued for Corsair Bay, Cass Bay and Rāpaki Bay on Saturday. nigelspiers/123RF

Health warnings have been lifted at Corsair Bay and nearby beaches in Lyttelton Harbour after an overflow of raw sewage last weekend.

The sewage leak at the popular swimming spot was caused by a septic tank overflowing when bottles were flushed down public toilets.

A health warning was issued for Corsair Bay, Cass Bay and Rāpaki Bay on Saturday.

National Public Health Service medical officer of health Dr Cheryl Brunton said the latest water testing results showed faecal bacteria levels at these sites were now below guideline values.

“This is great news for swimmers and other recreational water users who would have been avoiding the water following the high levels of contamination,” she said.

Christchurch City Council said the leak occurred after the septic system was blocked by items – including bottles – being put in the public toilets at Corsair Bay.

Council community parks manager Al Hardy said there were waste bins at the beach that people should have been using.

“The only thing that I can think is people may think that the council public facilities are more robust than their ones at home, but actually that’s not the case – if you clog your toilet at home, what does it do, it backs up on you, and the same thing has kind of occurred out here,” he said.

“The lucky thing is there’s a very small amount of waste that would’ve been overflowing it would’ve just been successive flushes if you will, once the system had backed up.”

The Canterbury Regional Council had been collecting water samples daily since the sewage leak.

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

ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for January 15, 2026

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on January 15, 2026.

Australia is betting on a new ‘strategic reserve’ to loosen China’s grip on critical minerals
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan M Park, Professor of Global Governance, University of Sydney MirageC/Getty The federal government has unveiled new details of its plan to create a A$1.2 billion critical mineral reserve. Three minerals will initially be the focus: antimony, gallium and rare earths (a group of 17 different elements).

The Making of an Autocrat: podcast out now
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin Bergman, International Affairs Editor, The Conversation We used to have a pretty clear idea of what an autocrat was. History is full of examples: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, along with Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Viktor Orban today. The list goes on. So, where

China matches US contribution to Pacific environmental body a week after Trump pulls out
By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist Just over a week after the United States announced its withdrawal from the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) — China has stepped in to fill the funding gap. President Donald Trump included the scientific organisation among a list of others that US government officials were ordered to withdraw from.

Pedestrian deaths just reached an 18-year high. Bull bars are part of the problem
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor and Principal Fellow in Urban Risk and Resilience, The University of Melbourne Doug Bagg/Unsplash, CC BY The national road trauma data for December last year was just released, which means we now have a full picture of Australia’s road safety outcomes for 2025.

Another war in the Horn of Africa would be disastrous for one of the world’s most repressive nations
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Gourlay, Teaching Associate in Politics & International Relations at the School of Social Sciences, Monash University Independence Day celebration in Eritrea in 2023. J. Countess/Getty Images The geopolitical temperature is rising in the Red Sea. Ethiopia is threatening Eritrea, its diminutive neighbour, making a claim on

Does adding ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to your ChatGPT prompts really waste energy?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Morris, Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, New Zealand Serene Lee/Getty Images Cut the words “please” and “thank you” from your next ChatGPT query and, if you believe some of the talk online, you might think you are helping save the planet.

Native pollinators need more support than honeybees in Australia – here’s why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graham H. Pyke, Honorary Professor in School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University A native _Leioproctus_ bee on _Calectasia narragara_. Kit Prendergast/@bee.babette_performer Late last year, the New South Wales government announced an additional A$9.5 million in funding to support honeybee keepers in the wake of the 2022 arrival

DNA from wolf pup’s last meal reveals new facts about woolly rhino’s extinction
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Neal Coulson, Professor of Zoology and Joint Head of Department of Biology, University of Oxford Woolly rhinos once roamed the Earth far and wide. Daniel Eskridge/Shutterstock The woolly rhino, Coelodonta antiquitatis, would have been an impressive sight to the ancient people who painted images of them

Searching reporters’ homes, suing journalists and repressing citizen dissent are well-known steps toward autocracy
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantin Zhukov, Assistant Professor of Economics, Indiana University; Institute for Humane Studies Neither of these men — US President Donald Trump, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin — likes being held accountable by the press. Contributor/Getty Images The FBI search of a Washington Post reporter’s home on

Could ChatGPT convince you to buy something? Threat of manipulation looms as AI companies gear up to sell ads
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bruce Schneier, Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School AI advertising could be hard to resist – or even recognize. showcake/iStock via Getty Images Eighteen months ago, it was plausible that artificial intelligence might take a different path than social media. Back then, AI’s development hadn’t

Whether or not US acquires Greenland, the island will be at the centre of a massive military build-up in the Arctic
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Caroline Kennedy-Pipe, Professor of War Studies, Loughborough University Donald Trump is clearly in a hurry to dominate the political narrative in his second term of office. He began 2026 with strikes in Syria against Islamic State groups, the kidnapping of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, threats to intervene

Prioritising protein? What the new US dietary guidelines get right – and wrong – according to 2 nutrition experts
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Ball, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, The University of Queensland Last week, United States health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr released the government’s revamped dietary guidelines for 2025 to 2030. These recommendations on healthy eating are updated every five years and help shape food policy

No power, no phone, no radio: why comms dropped out during the central Victorian fires
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fiannuala Morgan, Lecturer in communications, The University of Melbourne Australia has entered an era of climate instability, where communications during bushfires and extreme weather must perform under increasingly severe conditions. Digital services such as the VicEmergency app and mobile fire alerts have become central to how people

Trump wants to cap credit card interest to 10% for a year. Should Australia consider it?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ama Samarasinghe, Lecturer, Financial Planning and Tax, RMIT University US President Donald Trump has called for a one year cap on credit card interest rate charges at 10% – around half of the average current US rate – starting from January 20. Vanderbilt University analysis from September

This TikTok star sharing Australian animal stories doesn’t exist – it’s AI Blakface
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tamika Worrell, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Critical Indigenous Studies, Macquarie University Bush Legend/The Conversation The self-described “Bush Legend” on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram is growing in popularity. These short and sharp videos feature an Aboriginal man – sometimes painted up in ochre, other times in

How street vendors and waste pickers can help cities manage growth
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gisèle Yasmeen, JW McConnell Professor of Practice, Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University The Milan Urban Food Policy Pact recently renewed global commitments to sustainable and equitable urban food systems. The pact has been signed by 330 cities around the world that have pledged to

Alleged tobacco kingpin Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad has been arrested in Iraq – what happens next?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Martin, Associate Professor in Criminology, Deakin University Overnight, government authorities in Iraq arrested Kazem “Kaz” Hamad, the alleged kingpin of Australia’s illicit tobacco trade. Declared by an Iraqi court to be “one of the most dangerous wanted men in the world”, Hamad is the alleged mastermind

Why the world’s central bankers had to speak up against Trump’s attacks on the Fed
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra Central bankers from around the world have issued a joint statement of support for US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, as he faces a criminal probe on top of mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump to

With its new laws, the government is tackling hate speech quickly, but not properly
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keiran Hardy, Associate Professor, Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University On Tuesday, in response to the Bondi terrorist attack and mounting pressure to take strong action, the Albanese government released draft legislation to counter hate crime and strengthen firearm controls. The draft bill is 144 pages long. It

Why Iran can’t afford to shut down the internet forever – even if the world doesn’t act
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dara Conduit, ARC DECRA Fellow, The University of Melbourne As citizens around the world prepared to welcome the new year, Iranians began taking to the streets to protest their country’s deepening economic crisis. Spurred by the continued devaluation of the Iranian currency against the US dollar, as

Australia is betting on a new ‘strategic reserve’ to loosen China’s grip on critical minerals

By The Conversation -

January 15, 2026

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan M Park, Professor of Global Governance, University of Sydney

The federal government has unveiled new details of its plan to create a A$1.2 billion critical mineral reserve.

Three minerals will initially be the focus: antimony, gallium and rare earths (a group of 17 different elements).

The details came as Treasurer Jim Chalmers travelled to Washington this week to promote the new reserve to key allies. At a meeting with finance ministers from the “G7 plus” group of countries, hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Chalmers said the move was:

all about helping us and our partners shore up access to critical minerals during periods of market disruption.

The announcement puts meat on the bones of an idea first outlined by Labor in the lead-up to the last federal election.

Australia has untapped reserves of all three minerals in question. However, China currently dominates their processing. It accounts for 48% of global antimony production, 98% of gallium and 69% of rare earths.

So, why have these particular minerals been deemed so internationally important? And can Australia, as the government hopes, successfully establish itself as its allies’ “most reliable” critical minerals partner?

What are critical minerals?

Critical minerals are metals and minerals we rely upon for modern technologies that currently have no real alternative.

They’re essential for a range of applications, including:

solar and wind power
lithium-ion batteries
defence technologies (such as radar, fighter jets, submarines, and unmanned aerial vehicles)
communications
computing
medicine
other high-tech industries.

Many of the minerals Australia has in abundance still have a high supply risk, because we depend on importing the finished product.

For example, Australia exports most of its critical minerals to China for processing before they are on-sold to become parts of goods such as solar panels.

Critical mineral markets are also vulnerable to supply disruptions, such as global pandemics or trade disputes.

Why choose these three?

All three of the minerals nominated for Australia’s strategic reserve can be used to produce “dual-use” technologies for both civilian and military purposes.

Antimony can be used in flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, night vision goggles and ammunition. Gallium has applications in integrated circuits, optical devices, semiconductors, radar systems and solar panels.

And rare earths are needed for permanent magnets (used in fighter jets), metal alloys, medical imaging and lasers.

How it will work

With the strategic reserve, Australia will use its export finance credit agency to enable buyers to make “offtake agreements”. This is where buyers – which in this case will include the government itself – agree to buy the minerals as security, in some cases before the mining has begun. Buyers can then sell the minerals to Australia’s international allies and partners.

Currently, the West is not as competitive in establishing off-take agreements for critical minerals.

Chinese investors are more willing to provide equity and long term off-take agreements early in mining projects. China also has cost and technical knowledge advantages over Western companies.

Pitching to the G7

Australia’s decision to announce details of the reserve before this week’s G7 plus meeting was no accident. The G7 comprises the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

Ministers from India, Mexico and South Korea were also invited.

Short for “Group of Seven”, the G7 began as an informal meeting of the world’s largest economies (though all except the US have been overtaken by China). It has enabled financial decisions to be made quickly, without being hampered by a formal agreement or treaty.

Australia is not part of the G7, but often aligns on positions taken by the group.

Critical minerals mining and processing requires significant investment from both public and private sources using a range of financial tools, including export credits and development finance. Export credits, often provided by national agencies, include providing credit, loans, or guarantees to aid companies selling goods overseas.

That’s important, because entering these markets is risky. For example, lithium mining in Australia boomed as a result of the high demand for elective vehicles (EVs) using lithium-ion batteries. But the market went bust when EV sales slowed, leading some mines to stop or scale back production.

Countering China’s dominance won’t be easy

With the announcement, Australia has signalled it’s willing to intervene in critical mineral markets to further the needs of its allies and like-minded states.

Perhaps above all, Australia is seeking to reassure the US it’s a reliable partner for providing critical minerals. The US is urgently seeking critical minerals, even threatening to acquire Greenland for its minerals and strategic position in the Arctic circle.

Australia’s strategic reserve is what might be called a “geoeconomic” decision. This is where economic decisions are made based on accessing resources that benefit Australia and its partners and diversifying away from being dependent on China.

Many members of the G7 are part of the Minerals Security Partnership, which aims to secure a sustainable supply chain of critical minerals from diverse sources by working with industry and other governments.

It also contributes to the five-point plan agreed upon by the G7 in 2023 for critical minerals security.

The new strategic reserve may provide the West with greater access to minerals. But China still dominates the processing of many of them with advanced knowledge, skills and technology.

Susan M Park receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

– ref. Australia is betting on a new ‘strategic reserve’ to loosen China’s grip on critical minerals – https://theconversation.com/australia-is-betting-on-a-new-strategic-reserve-to-loosen-chinas-grip-on-critical-minerals-273337

Inquisitive kea rescued after becoming trapped in water tank

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

The kea after its rescue. DOC / Andrew Bridgman

A kea has been rescued after becoming trapped in a water tank in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

The Department of Conservation said it was notified late last year about the kea by a climber staying at the Sefton Bivouac.

The climber had found the bird in the lidless bivvy water tank after hearing its calls echoing overnight.

The kea had managed to find its way inside the tank but couldn’t get back out.

The kea was unable to get itself out of the tank. DOC / Andrew Bridgman

DOC said two members of its mountain rescue team made the trek up to the Sefton Bivouac hut and found the adult kea perched in the tank, “seemingly unimpressed by its situation”.

A team member leaned in and safely pulled the bird to freedom.

“Once released, the kea wasted no time tucking into nearby alpine plants before taking off as if nothing unusual had happened,” DOC said.

The kea was safely returned to the wild. DOC / Andrew Bridgman

SAR supervisor Andrew Bridgman said it was the team’s first kea rescue with the best outcome – “a healthy kea returned to the wild”.

DOC thanked the climber for raising the alarm, but said situations that kea find themselves in don’t always have the best outcome.

“Kea are natural explorers, but their curiosity can land them in tricky spots. The tank lid may have been removed by climbers accessing water when the pipes froze. It’s crucial that these lids are kept on, as kea have unfortunately died in water tanks in the past.

“Visitors can help by keeping an eye out for kea around huts, securing water tank lids and gear, and never feeding kea – helping to keep these charismatic mountain birds safe.”

A DOC team member reaching into the tank to rescue the kea. DOC / Andrew Bridgman

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

The Making of an Autocrat: podcast out now

By The Conversation -

January 15, 2026

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin Bergman, International Affairs Editor, The Conversation

We used to have a pretty clear idea of what an autocrat was. History is full of examples: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, along with Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Viktor Orban today. The list goes on.

So, where does US President Donald Trump fit in?

In our new podcast, The Making of an Autocrat, we asked six experts on authoritarianism and US politics to explain exactly how an autocrat is made – and whether Trump is on his way to becoming one.

This is the step-by-step guide Trump is following, tried and tested the world over by the strongmen Trump seeks to emulate.

Step 1: hijack a party

Like strongmen around the world, Trump’s first step was to take control of the Republican Party, explains Erica Frantz, associate professor of political science at Michigan State University.

Once a would-be autocrat dominates a party like this, they have a legitimate vehicle to begin dismantling a democracy. As Frantz explains:

Our research has shown this is a major red flag for democracy. It’s going to enable Trump to get rid of executive constraints in a variety of domains, which he has, and pursue his strongman agenda.

Step 2: recruit an architect

Every autocrat needs a clan of loyalists, strategists, masterminds – these are the figures behind the scenes pulling the strings. They’re unelected and unaccountable, yet they wield a huge amount of power.

This is the role Stephen Miller has played for Trump, explains Emma Shortis, a Trump expert and an adjunct senior fellow at RMIT University in Melbourne.

I think what Stephen Miller demonstrates and, and history has demonstrated over and over again is that autocrats cannot rise to power by themselves. They often require a singular kind of charisma and a singular kind of historical moment, but they also need architects behind them who are able to facilitate their rise to power.

Step 3: manufacture a crisis

Trump has sounded the alarm that the United States is facing an “invasion” by dangerous gang members. He blames immigrants for the country’s economic problems and claims protesters are destroying US cities.

He is not the first would-be autocrat to manufacture a crisis to seize extraordinary powers. As Natasha Lindstaedt, an expert in authoritarian regimes at the University of Essex, explains, a strongman “loves a crisis”.

A crisis is the way that they mobilise their base, the way that they can depict themselves as the saviour, as this messianic type of figure that is going to save people from this chaotic world.

Step 4: beat the courts

In democratic systems, the courts are a vital check on a leader’s power. They have the ability to overturn laws and, in Trump’s case, the executive orders he has relied on to achieve his goals.

Since taking office, Trump has targeted the judiciary with a vengeance. As Paul Collins, a Supreme Court expert from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, explains:

It’s all about presidential power. And that’s really significant because it’s going to enable the president to basically inject a level of politics into the federal bureaucracy that we frankly haven’t really seen before in the US.

Step 5: suppress the people

The list of people Trump has punished or threatened since returning to office is long: James Comey, Letitia James, John Bolton, as well as members of the opposition, such as Adam Schiff, Mark Kelly and Kamala Harris.

He has gone so far as to call Democrats “the enemy from within”.

According to Lucan Way, a professor of democracy at the University of Toronto, when a leader attacks the opposition like this, it’s a clear sign a country is slipping into authoritarianism.

It really has this kind of broader silencing effect that I think is quite pernicious.

Step 6: co-opt the military

Since returning to office, Trump has successfully expanded his power over his own party, the courts and the American people. Now, like many autocrats around the world, he’s trying to exert control over the military.

Joe Wright, a political science professor at Penn State University, says:

I am very concerned that getting the military to do illegal things will not only put US soldiers at more risk when they do engage in international missions in the future […] it’s a first step to using the military to target domestic political opponents.

That’s what really worries me.

This series was written by Justin Bergman and produced and edited by Isabella Podwinski and Ashlynne McGhee. Sound design by Michelle Macklem.

Listen to The Making of an Autocrat on The Conversation Weekly feed via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feedor find out how else to listen here. Transcripts of these episodes are available via the Apple Podcasts or Spotify apps.

Erica Frantz is a research fellow at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.

Emma Shortis is director of International and Security Affairs at The Australia Institute, an independent think tank.

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

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

Lucan Way has received funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Joe Wright has received funding from the National Science Foundation, the Minerva Research Initiative, and private foundations.

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

– ref. The Making of an Autocrat: podcast out now – https://theconversation.com/the-making-of-an-autocrat-podcast-out-now-273457

China matches US contribution to Pacific environmental body a week after Trump pulls out

By Asia Pacific Report -

January 15, 2026

By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist

Just over a week after the United States announced its withdrawal from the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) — China has stepped in to fill the funding gap.

President Donald Trump included the scientific organisation among a list of others that US government officials were ordered to withdraw from.

In a post to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called these organisations “contrary to the interests of the United States”.

Others mostly consisted of United Nations bodies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the UN framework convention on climate change, and UN Oceans.

The US was SPREP’s second-largest financial backer in 2024, responsible for US$190,000, or around 15 percent of overall funding from member states. That number dropped from $200,000 in 2023.

China, a donor but not a member, gave $200,000 in 2024, with an additional $362,817 left aside in case SPREP ever needed it, according to SPREP’s statement for the financial year.

RNZ Pacific asked the Australian and New Zealand governments, both significant SPREP backers themselves, whether they were concerned for SPREP’s future functioning.

NZ not concerned
New Zealand said they were not concerned, nor had they been asked to make up any shortfall, while Australia said they were engaging with SPREP to understand the implications.

A little over a week after Trump’s announcement, the Samoa government-owned Savali newspaper reported a US$200,000 donation to SPREP from China.

“The cheque was handed over in a small ceremony this morning at Vailima by China’s Ambassador to Samoa, Fei Mingxing, to SPREP officer-in-charge and director of legal services and governing bodies, Aumua Clark Peteru,” the report read.

Peteru reportedly said that China’s contributions in December 2023 and September 2024 “provided essential organisation-wide support”.

NZ/China relations expert and Waikato University pro-vice chancellor, Al Gillespie, told RNZ Pacific the saga was “a real pity”.

“We are seeing that countries play favourites and for position. The US leaving SPREP (and so many others) will create voids all over the place that others will fill,” Gillespie said.

“In the Pacific, if NZ and Australia cannot pick up the pace, others, like the PRC [People’s Republic of China] will step in and become the leaders in these areas.”

SPREP has repeatedly denied RNZ Pacific’s requests for comment, saying that the US has not formally given notice to withdraw.

“Silence is commonly the best defence right now for many on a host of international topics,” Gillespie said.

The Samoan government and the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand have been approached for comment.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

Review: Why Hamnet is more than a march through sadness

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

On paper, Hamnet should be a relentless march through grief. It centres on the death of a child, an absent spouse and the harshness of the world towards women.

What we get instead is two-hours of emotional pressure that end in a release so intense and calibrated that it becomes a genuinely convincing ode to the cathartic, healing power of drama.

Based on the novel of the same name, director Chloé Zhao’s (Nomadland) adaptation tells the partly true, mostly fictional story of playwright William Shakespeare and wife Agnes Hathaway grappling with the death of their 11-year-old son, and its relationship to the legendary drama Hamlet.

But it’s not really a film about The Bard, who spends large chunks of the run time away on unseen business in London.

It’s Agnes, played by Jessie Buckley (Lost Daughter; Chernobyl), who is our heroine. A woman rumoured to be the daughter of a witch, Agnes trains hawks, makes mysterious tinctures from plants and shares a bond with the woods.

The film frequently flirts with magical realism: its many omens, portents, and coincidences often nudging up against the line of fantasy, but always pulls back from the brink.

This could all come off as twee in less capable hands. Luckily, it’s carefully tuned, and then held together in reality by Buckley’s grounded performance, which captures a knowledgeable, fierce, practical mother – who is often going it alone without her husband – but one who lives in a world where she is repeatedly told the folklore she has inherited, and deeply feels, is wrong just when it matters most.

Buckley delivers bursts of heart-wrenching, explosive grief that hold together Hamnet’s most powerful moments. Her haunting primal scream during her son’s death is hard to forget. The look on Agnes’ face in the closing moments is almost worth the price of admission alone.

Meanwhile, Paul Mescal (Gladiator II, Normal People) plays Shakespeare himself. In his finest moments, his presence is magnetic, his smile alone bringing scenes to life, and we understand why Agnes is all in.

At other points – usually in which he is drunkenly writing and battling clunkier bits of the script’s dialogue – it feels a bit too much like watching a man trying to play William Shakespeare.

Brilliantly deployed in the edges of many key scenes is Emily Watson (Synecdoche,New York; Small Things like These), who, as Agnes’ well-intentioned mother-in-law makes a compelling role out of a part mostly made up of reaction shots.

It’s all held together by the same exceptional technical elements and deep commitment to physical realism we saw in Zhao’s Nomadland.

The costumes are tactile, the sets are lived-in and detailed, dirt is visible under everyone’s fingernails and you can almost smell 16th century England.

The cinematography (Lukasz Za) is practical, unpretentious and compelling for the most part, but seamlessly moves into moments of real beauty and poetry when called upon.

But in its weakest moments, Hamnet threatens to tread into melodrama.

In a few too many instances, characters stare into the distance and speak in the deep, ominous tones that plague so many biopics.

And it comes dangerously close to corny in a scene in which a despairing Shakespeare stands on the edge of a pier, plucking the words for Hamlet’s most famous soliloquy out of the air – verbatim as they appear in the play – as he stares into the abyss.

For these few faults, though, the payoff is too much to deny.

As the film crescendos, the strands come together to unexpectedly reveal the true shape of thing as a whole, in an intricate, nearly mystery-like moment of victory.

But more so, the emotional climb suddenly makes sense. The catharsis, the relief, are visceral.

It is hard not to be pulled under as a torrent of joy and sadness washes over Agnes in the final frames.

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

Explainer: What Scott Robertson’s axing means for the All Blacks and NZ Rugby

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Scott Robertson. www.photosport.nz

Analysis – Out of the black but was it out of the blue? Scott Robertson’s new status as ex-All Black coach went from a rumour to confirmation quicker than a Will Jordan linebreak, with NZ Rugby (NZR) formally announcing the news on Thursday.

It comes off the back of a 10 win/three loss season, but also due to what’s widely believed to be a damning end of year review by the All Black players.

Is this the first time NZ Rugby has removed an All Black coach?

Yes and no. Robertson holds the dubious distinction of being the first All Black coach to ever be fired, as he will leave with two years remaining on his contract. However, John Mitchell was effectively forced out after the 2003 World Cup failure and a fractured relationship with NZR, while Sir Wayne Smith was asked to reapply for the role and subsequently declined.

What did the review say?

Scott Robertson. www.photosport.nz

It’s unlikely we’ll ever know exactly, but it’s not out of the question to make a few assumptions. The easiest and most commonly used term for what happened is a coach ‘losing the changing room’, which means that player confidence in them and their systems has severely eroded.

The talk is that senior players found it difficult to buy into Robertson’s coaching style, which was far more ‘big picture’ than figuring out how to overcome second half issues, clunky attack and general consistency. This was pretty evident in the record loss to the Springboks in Wellington, where the All Blacks gave an alarmingly out of character display more akin to a sub-par Super Rugby effort.

The swing of the axe

David Kirk Photosport

David Kirk, the World Cup-winning All Black captain, assumed the role of NZR chairman last year with a clear mandate that winning was a priority and the losses this season certainly didn’t help Robertson’s case. What also wouldn’t have helped would be the desire by NZR to avoid looking indecisive after the Ian Foster situation in 2022, as well as the player feedback.

Ardie Savea’s role

All Black Ardie Savea stands dejected. Marty Melville/Photosport

The player most linked to dissatisfaction is Ardie Savea, who ironically is coming off a stellar season. The sight of Savea slumped against the goalpost after the loss to England in November spoke volumes, while his desire to be vocal on issues like brand image and salary means it’s not hard think that his correspondence with Kirk would’ve been extremely honest to say the least.

Can Robertson feel hard done by?

Scott Robertson. ActionPress

He leaves with an overall record of 20 wins from 27 tests, at 74 percent higher than his predecessor Foster and putting him firmly in the middle tier of All Black coaches. While results are the ultimate bottom line, Robertson has been upfront about his role in developing depth across the All Black selection landscape.

This strategic approach isn’t only commendable, it’s vital given the massive attrition rates in test rugby these days. But the downside is that any attempt to do so ultimately gets compared to what Rassie Erasmus has done with the Springboks, often without understanding the vast differences between the two nations’ domestic set ups. If Robertson leaves any legacy, it will likely be this, as whoever takes over will have to carry on that depth-building project.

It’s also worth noting that Robertson’s regime started with a clean slate from almost top to bottom, with many aspects of simply running the All Blacks being reinvented.

What now for Robertson?

While test rugby proved to be an ultimately unsuccessful step up for him, it’s unlikely he will be unemployed for too long. His record at domestic level is perfect, having guided the Crusaders to seven straight Super Rugby titles, so there will be plenty of clubs around the world who will be happy to have a chat.

But will he have another crack at test rugby sometime in the future? You’d have to think so, given the resources that the likes of England can provide and their propensity to look abroad for coaching staff.

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

Netball NZ gets new interim boss and a high performance expert

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jane Patterson during the 100 Days to Go event for the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park, Auckland, 11 April 2023. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Netball New Zealand has appointed an interim chief executive and a new Silver Ferns high performance lead, who both come with impressive CVs.

Jane Patterson has been hired as interim boss, following Jennie Wyllie’s decision to step down as CEO in December 2025 after nine year’s in the job.

And a former NBA performance director, Chelsea Lane, has been appointed as Head of Performance – Silver Ferns.

Wyllie stepped down after what will be remembered as Netball New Zealand’s most turbulent year. In 2025 the organisation struggled to secure a broadcast deal for the ANZ Premiership, the sport’s domestic showpiece.

But the biggest damage to the organisation’s reputation came in September when it announced that Silver Ferns’ coach Dame Noeline Taurua was being suspended, due to concerns in the high performance environment, sparked by player complaints.

The saga played out in the media for weeks before Dame Noeline was eventually reinstated, but calls for ‘heads to roll’ at Netball NZ came from many quarters of the netball community.

Patterson has more than three decades of experience across sport and major events in New Zealand and internationally. Her career highlights include serving as Chief Operating Officer (New Zealand) for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.

She spent four years as COO and CMO of IRONMAN Asia Pacific and previously held the role of CEO of the Netball World Cup 2007, hosted in New Zealand. Most recently, she served as Interim CEO of Badminton New Zealand, a role she completed in December.

Patterson, who steps into the role on 19 January, believes she has a strong connection to the history, people and traditions that underpin netball in Aotearoa.

“Since first playing netball at the age of seven, I’ve carried a deep respect for the game and its proud place in New Zealand sport. Stepping into this role comes with a real sense of responsibility, and I’m committed to working alongside our staff, the Board, and the wider community to ensure the organisation remains strong, united, and focused for the future.

“My immediate focus as Interim CEO is to provide stability, clarity, and support across the organisation. This is a time to listen, to connect with our staff and communities nation-wide, and to ensure netball is well positioned for the future – both on and off the court,” Patterson said.

Lane’s appointment has been described as “further strengthening leadership within the Silver Ferns high performance programme.”

The Netball New Zealand press release said Lane will support the Silver Ferns with a clear, aligned, reliable and world-class performance system, “helping to assemble the team that will take the programme forward.”

Lane has more than 20 years’ experience across elite and professional sport, including senior roles with NBA franchises and national sporting bodies.

Her career includes helping transform the Atlanta Hawks from a low-performing franchise to a top-three NBA team within three seasons, as well as contributing to multiple NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors.

Netball New Zealand said closer to home, her work had strengthened high-performance capability at NZ Cricket and Basketball New Zealand, alongside mentoring performance leaders internationally.

Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said: “Chelsea’s proven ability to align performance, people and culture will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the Silver Ferns programme. I’m looking forward to working closely with her as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Netball New Zealand believe both appointments will provide stability, additional support and experienced leadership at an important time for netball in Aotearoa.

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

Pedestrian deaths just reached an 18-year high. Bull bars are part of the problem

By The Conversation -

January 15, 2026

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

The national road trauma data for December last year was just released, which means we now have a full picture of Australia’s road safety outcomes for 2025.

The picture is concerning.

For the first time since 2010, total road deaths surpassed 1,300. This marks the fifth consecutive year of growth in road trauma.

But a closer look at how these deaths are distributed across different road users tells an important story.

Fatalities among drivers and passengers have largely plateaued. The rise is being driven mainly by the deaths of vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

In 2025, 197 pedestrians were killed on Australian roads, the highest number since 2007. Almost every state recorded a noticeable spike in pedestrian deaths compared to last year.

Cyclist deaths also climbed to 49, up 32% from last year – the highest since 2013.

This suggests the added risk on our roads is not being shared evenly. Vulnerable road users are absorbing most of it.

What could be causing this?

One key reason appears to be the growing size and weight of vehicles, which can increase the risk of death and injury.

Then there is the not-so-uncommon use of bull bars, especially on four-wheel drives and large urban vehicles.

Research shows they increase the severity of pedestrian injuries and the risk of death when crashes occur.

Which raises a simple question: are bull bars really justified on vehicles driven in our cities?

How common are bull bars?

Bull bars are rigid or semi-rigid metal or composite frames mounted to the front of a vehicle.

They were originally developed for remote and rural areas, where vehicles frequently collide with large animals. They are there primarily to protect vehicles’ radiators, headlights and steering components.

Over time, bull bars became common on large urban vehicles, particularly four-wheel drives and dual-cab utilities, even when they are used almost entirely in metropolitan areas.

While there are no recent data outlining how common they are, an Australian study at pedestrian crash locations in Adelaide back in 2008 showed nearly half of four-wheel-drive and sports utility vehicles were fitted with bull bars.

In contrast, fewer than 2% of ordinary passenger cars had them.

Impact on pedestrian crashes

Evidence shows bull bars can significantly increase the severity of pedestrian injuries, even in low-speed urban crashes.

This is primarily because rigid bull bars concentrate the force of an impact over smaller contact areas and interfere with a vehicle’s energy-absorbing structures. This changes collision dynamics.

Crash-dynamics simulations, modelling full-body pedestrian impacts at 30 kilometres per hour show bull bars increase the speed at which a pedestrian’s head strikes a vehicle by an average of about 23%.

Controlled laboratory testing in Australia simulating crashes at 30km/h reached the same conclusion using physical injury measurements.

The tests show steel bull bars are consistently more hazardous than the vehicle front alone.

The impacts of steel bull bars were in some tests so severe, they exceeded the measuring range of the test equipment. Aluminium and Polymer bars were more forgiving.

Real-world crash reconstructions show the same pattern.

The height of the bull bar matters too. When the upper bar is positioned above the bonnet’s leading edge, it strikes the pelvis rather than the thigh, causing the upper body to rotate around the bar. This increases the speed and severity of the subsequent head impact.

Bull bars can do serious damage, especially if they’re higher off the ground.

A United Kingdom government study estimated fatalities would be reduced by around 6% and serious injuries by about 21% among pedestrians and two-wheeler riders struck by vehicles if traditional rigid bull bars were banned.

Do bull bars belong to metropolitan roads?

Bull bars are not banned in Australian cities. Instead, they are regulated through design standards that are weaker than European pedestrian-protection rules.

These regulations are not applied retrospectively, so older bull bars fitted before the current standards were introduced remain legal even if they would not meet more stringent pedestrian safety criteria.

The combination of design-based standards and non-retrospective application makes enforcement largely impractical.

Bull bars were designed for a specific purpose: protecting vehicles from animal strikes in rural and remote driving. That function is essentially irrelevant in metropolitan environments.

In cities, the only effect a bull bar has is how a vehicle interacts with people and other vehicles.

It is not clear why a vehicle registered in an urban area would need this kind of frontal reinforcement, particularly when it is most common on large vehicles that have well-established road safety risks.

At a time when our road environment has become less protective of vulnerable road users, every policy lever counts.

Restricting bull bars to rural and regional vehicles, or limiting what can be fitted to urban-registered vehicles, would remove a known source of harm without affecting legitimate remote-area needs.

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

– ref. Pedestrian deaths just reached an 18-year high. Bull bars are part of the problem – https://theconversation.com/pedestrian-deaths-just-reached-an-18-year-high-bull-bars-are-part-of-the-problem-273362

Another war in the Horn of Africa would be disastrous for one of the world’s most repressive nations

By The Conversation -

January 15, 2026

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Gourlay, Teaching Associate in Politics & International Relations at the School of Social Sciences, Monash University

Independence Day celebration in Eritrea in 2023. J. Countess/Getty Images

The geopolitical temperature is rising in the Red Sea.

Ethiopia is threatening Eritrea, its diminutive neighbour, making a claim on the Eritrean port of Assab. Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed recently remarked that regaining Red Sea access would correct a “historical mistake” and address an “existential question” for landlocked Ethiopia.

Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel snapped back, accusing Ethiopia of irredentism and fomenting “an unjustified war”.

Public responses were muted on the streets of Asmara, the Eritrean capital, where I recently visited. The media is entirely government controlled, so it is possible that few Asmarinos were aware of these developments. And while I found Eritreans hospitable and engaging, they live under the most repressive rule in Africa, so few dare to talk politics.

Conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia would have unpredictable effects across the strategically important Horn of Africa.

Seeds of a long-running dispute

To some extent, Eritrea’s relations with Ethiopia – and the question of its access to Assab – explain the dire state of politics in Eritrea.

After a 1998 border clash with Ethiopia, Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki reinstated compulsory military service. This was a first step towards tightening his control over the nation. It was also then that Eritrea closed off Assab to Ethiopian trade.

One Eritrean told me it was necessary to maintain military preparedness and “national unity”, given tensions with Ethiopia. However, since 1998, Isaias (Eritreans are referred to by their first names) has steadily accumulated power, arresting opposition figures and journalists and cancelling elections.

When Isaias took this authoritarian turn, officials in Western capitals expressed disappointment. He had been hailed as a new model of African leader who might catalyse a democratic wave across the continent. In 1995, then-US President Bill Clinton welcomed Isaias to the White House, applauding Eritrea’s initial steps towards democracy and a free market economy.

Hopes were high that Isaias would entrench the people at the centre of Eritrean politics. Such optimism proved unfounded.

The birth of a nation

The boundaries of present-day Eritrea – and the beginnings of an Eritrean national consciousness – date back to its colonisation by the Italians in the 19th century. After the British expelled the Italians during the second world war, most Eritreans hoped for the birth of a sovereign state.

However, diplomatic horse trading led to a UN resolution that subjected Eritrea to a forced marriage with Ethiopia in 1952. This was largely because the British had other priorities in the region. The whims of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, universally hailed in Western capitals, took precedence over Eritrean aspirations.

On paper, Ethiopia and Eritrea were equal partners in a federal structure. In practice, Eritreans were swiftly disenfranchised. In 1962, Ethiopia neutered the Eritrean assembly, effectively annexing the territory. Eritrea had been decolonised once, but then effectively recolonised by its larger neighbour.

Some Eritreans had taken up arms even before Selassie reduced it to an Ethiopian province. And just as they had been disregarded in post-WWII diplomatic forums, they won little external support during their struggle.

Facing a much larger military force, the Eritreans developed a resourcefulness and resilience that allowed them to eventually win independence in 1993, led by Isaias, then-commander of the Eritrean Peoples’ Liberation Front (EPLF).

As seen in places like Northern Ireland and Ukraine, when conflagrations drag on, identities crystallise. The 30 years of war with Ethiopia certainly reinforced Eritreans’ sense of national identity and determination to resist their oppressors.

Resourcefulness in the face of oppression

That internal cohesion persists. From the Red Sea to highland camel markets, I witnessed the co-mingling of peoples of diverse ethnicities and religious backgrounds with no sign of rancour.

In Asmara’s Medeber market, resourcefulness is apparent, too. In a maze of dusty alleys, craftspeople create household items from scrap metal, second-hand tyres and 44-gallon drums.

Yet, self-reliance can have unforeseen consequences under an authoritarian system. Seasoned Africa correspondent Michela Wrong observes that the EPLF, achieving victory against the odds, developed an “indomitable self-belief”. The collective effort that defied Ethiopian domination never translated into a newly minted democracy. The party, and Isaias in particular, could countenance no political vision other than their own.

Historical experience also instilled in Isaias a distrust of the international community, perhaps understandably given Eritrea’s frequent betrayals. After his moment in the sun as an African liberator, Isaias turned inward, all but making Eritrea a hermit fiefdom.

To the visitor the impacts of authoritarian rule are obvious. There is a visible – if not threatening – military presence across the country and tell-tale signs of poor governance are everywhere.

If war were to erupt again, the outcome would be uncertain. This time, Eritrea is ill-equipped to respond, and it is the people who will – yet again – suffer the most.

William Gourlay is affiliated with the Brotherhood of St Laurence.

– ref. Another war in the Horn of Africa would be disastrous for one of the world’s most repressive nations – https://theconversation.com/another-war-in-the-horn-of-africa-would-be-disastrous-for-one-of-the-worlds-most-repressive-nations-271529

Disposable Razor: Scott Robertson dumped as All Blacks coach

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Marty Melville

Scott “Razor” Robertson, only a few years ago hailed as the future of All Black rugby after taking the Crusaders to multiple Super Rugby championships, has been dumped as All Black coach.

A process would commence immediately to find Robertson’s replacement, NZ Rugby said in a statement on Thursday.

“We’ve taken an extensive look at the team’s progress on and off the field and have subsequently had discussions with Scott on the way forward,” NZR chair David Kirk said.

“Both NZR and Scott agree it is in the best interests of the team that he depart his role.

“The mid-point in the Rugby World Cup cycle is the right time to look at the All Blacks’ progress over the first two seasons.”

Kirk thanked Robertson.

“He has continued to put the All Blacks first and we respect that he has done the hard but right thing in agreeing to depart.”

There had been mounting speculation after an internal report into the 2025 All Black games found dissatisfaction among senior players.

Robertson’s short tenure has been marred by turmoil.

Just eight months into his reign, assistant coach Leon MacDonald abruptly handed in his resignation ahead of the tour to South Africa, citing differences in attacking philosophy and coaching direction.

Jamie Joseph, right, and Tony Brown during their time at the Highlanders. PHOTOSPORT

This was followed by back-to-back defeats in the republic.

The Otago Daily Times earlier speculated Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph could take over the All Blacks if Scott Robertson does lose his job.

Under Robertson, the All Blacks also suffered their heaviest defeat in history, humiliated by the Springboks 43-10 in Wellington and were beaten on Argentinian soil for the first time.

Ceri Evans, head of leadership + mental performance, and coach Scott Robertson look dejected after the loss to Argentina. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

However, the Razor era hasn’t all been doom and gloom. The All Blacks managed to keep the Eden Park streak intact with a gutsy victory over South Africa, and maintained New Zealand’s two-decade Bledisloe Cup dominance.

With Robertson overseeing the side, the All Blacks have had a 74 percent win rate, with 20 wins from 27 tests.

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

Deluge overwhelms stormwater network, closes streets in South Taranaki

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Surface flooding on Princes Street and Furlong Street intersection in Hāwera. Supplied / South Taranaki District Council

Streets have been closed in Hāwera after heavy rain overwhelmed stormwater network causing surface flooding in the South Taranaki town.

A council spokespersoon said they had experienced extremely heavy rain coming down in a very short period of time.

“We have got all of our crews out there checking drains, clearing sumps, putting up signage and implementing traffic management where roads are flooded. For example, the Princes Street/Furlong St area in Hawera has been closed due to surface flooding.

“The extreme rainfall appears to have been centred around the central and southern parts of the district, with most of the calls we’ve received having come from Hāwera, Normanby and to a lesser extent Manaia and Pātea.

Council crews were checking drains, clearing sumps and putting up signage and putting in place traffic management in the affected areas.

The spokesperson said the rain had eased somewhat since the deluge and was forecast to be light for the rest of the day.

“Our emergency response team is continuing to monitor the situation and we urge drivers to take extra care on the roads and avoid driving on the roads if they can.

“One area to pay special attention to is State Highway 3 (the stretch between Hāwera and Normanby, outside the Hāwera aerodrome). Waka Kotahi/NZTA have been advised.”

Local residents had taken to the Extreme Weather Taranaki Facebook page to share their experience of the deluge.

Beamsley Jesse Heathers had just left Hāwera.

“Surface flooding like rivers through the main streets. Could barely see out the windscreen. Torrential downpours. Did not know due to poor visibility, that roads were overflowing and drove into floods. One supermarket carpark not usable and then the sirens went up.”

Michelle Watt posted that she’d had 85mls in her rain gauge over 12 hours, while others put up photos of surface flooding.

And Hāwera Harness Racing Club announced the postponement of its meeting due to “the huge amount of rain”.

It was looking to reschedule to Sunday.

Hāwera Fire and Emergency chief Merv Watt said the rain was causing a few issues.

“We’ve had non-stop rain all morning. It’s been pretty heavy most of the morning and luckily we’ve only actually had one call out to a business. And they just needed a hand to get rid of some water out of the premises.

“It was just a place in town that had a lot of water run into the area. It was like a workshop and we just needed to clean the workshop out of water.

“There’s been a lot of surface flooding around the town, and the council have closed off some of the streets. But yeah, there’s no being real, no big emergency call outs for the river at the stage, except for that one.

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

Students can now claim $12,000 but is it money well spent?

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Eligible students can now apply for funds to help with the cost of their final year of study.

But one economist is asking whether it’s the best use of the money.

People who are studying for the first time can now access up to $12,000 for their final year of study or final two years of work-based learning.

The fees-free scheme changed from funding the first year to the final year from 1 January last year.

Payments are only available once the year is complete, so the first students are eligible under the new criteria this year.

Inland Revenue said the final-year fees-free programme was designed to motivate people to complete a qualification or programme.

They needed to pay their fees when they enrolled and then apply for the funding once they had competed and passed the qualification.

Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen pointed to government analysis of the scheme before the change was introduced, which highlighted that it had not achieved many of its objectives.

“It wasn’t lifting participation rates or anything like that. It wasn’t helping people who would not have otherwise gone to university,” he said.

“It wasn’t helping people in a more disadvantaged position. It was basically just making stuff free, which might have felt good, but it didn’t make a real difference in terms of access or engagement or in completions or anything else. And so I think the challenge there was that you were paying a fair amount to subsidise a group of people to start their university career, where they were probably already going to do that.

“The government did want to focus a bit more on the final year because if you’re not getting any of those wider benefits, if you’re not changing participation or anything else, then it doesn’t make as much sense to fund and pay for university studies that might not be completed. And if you’re funding the last year, you effectively know that you are getting that much higher completion rate.”

The regulatory impact statement that examined the change said the main impact of the policy change would be on cost savings for the government. The total savings for final-year fees free versus first-year fees free for the financial years 2023/2024 – 2027/2028 were estimated at Budget 2024 to be $879 million.

Cost savings would decrease over time, to $139m on an ongoing basis.

Olsen said fees were not the barrier to university, a sentiment that was echoed by the regulatory impact statement.

“Especially because you take on a student loan and you have longer gains that you get over time with high earning potential.

“You have people that struggle still, be it fees free or not, to pay their living costs week to week. If they haven’t got sort of the right educational attainment over time or they haven’t got the right supports in place, you can fund them to go to university as much as you want. But if they can’t find somewhere to live, if they can’t pay for themselves while they’re living there, if they don’t have the ability to sort of continue to make it through the programme, none of that matters.”

He said there should be a wider conversation about how people could be encouraged and supported into education.

“Are you not better to instead of just saying everyone who’s sort of eligible, who’s doing all these various degrees or courses or similar in their last year, they can get it free? Are we not better to make it a whole lot more targeted if we know there are certain industries, areas that we know we want to cultivate a range of people if we know that there are groups or communities that are struggling to get access?

“We’re not better to put the money in there rather than just saying, you know what, anyone who’s doing a course, yes, if you’re completing it, you can have it free.”

Applications can be made through the myIR system. The application needs to be made within a year after completing the eligible qualification.

For people who have a student loan, the entitlement goes towards the loan balance.

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.

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

Tongans still ‘broken’ four years on from Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano eruption

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Photo:

It is known as the day Tonga went black. January 15th marks four years since the devastating eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano and the tsunami that followed.

Three people lost their lives and major damage was caused to infrastructure and crops in the surrounding islands. But it is the mental impacts which have scarred the local community the deepest.

Scientists described the underwater volcano as one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, equivalent to five underground nuclear bombs. It was an explosion that no one who experienced it could ever forget.

Business owner Liz Sullivan remembers that fateful day clearly. She was driving to safety with her late mother.

“As soon as we just turned this little turn, the world went dark and we could hear the bang, bang, bang and ash was down, falling, you know,” she recalled.

Hours later, she looked out at a surreal scene.

“When we went out and saw the ash was almost ankle high and it was just a very airy feeling in Tonga, you know, it was like something out of a movie. You never thought this would happen to us, but it did,” Sullivan explained.

Ash and debris covering houses and a road in Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

Photo: Consulate of the Kingdom of Tonga

Survivor Lusiana Kikau and her family are just grateful to be alive. They were employees of Fafa Island Resort. The small island, which is a 30-minute boat ride away from Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa, was destroyed by the tsunami.

Kikau remembers sitting on the beach when the tsunami hit, and her main priority was to save her daughter who was 10 years old at the time.

“So, we just trying to save, save our daughter, so we try to clear with other two Fijian staff we were together on that island, just try to save our daughter. So, she climbed up on the tree. I just used the rope to tie around my waist when the waves start coming in,” Kikau recalled.

Kikau admitted that she was still traumatised by the event.

“Sometime when I heard loud sound like I’m scared, I always remember what happened on that day, when the loud sound like thunder or any sound,” she said.

This handout photo taken on January 16, 2022 and received on January 25 courtesy of Rev. Kisini Toetu’u via Matangi Tonga shows survivors praying on a hilltop at dawn on Mango Island, following the January 15 eruption of the nearby Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano. Photo: AFP PHOTO / Courtesy of Rev. Kisini Toetu’u via Matangi Tonga” –

In the immediate wake of the disaster, the Pasifika Medical Association Group sent an emergency response team of medical professionals to Tonga. It has subsequently returned each year with support focused on addressing the well-being of individuals.

PMA’s CEO Debbie Sorensen said today many people will be feeling overwhelmed by the legacy of the disaster.

“I think the anniversary brings up all sorts of feelings for people, you know, there are feelings of grief over what people have lost.

“There’s anxiety and fear, you know, I imagine quite a lot of people will be looking at that horizon wondering whether it’s going to be another one on the same day. You know, those are quite normal feelings,” she notes.

Sorensen said it’s important for those suffering trauma to seek help from the resources available, including reaching out to local mental health professionals

“The Tongan Mental Health Group is actually very well known amongst our community and in Tonga,” she said.

Volcanic clouds cover the skies over Tongatapu at around 5pm on 15 January 2022, as the Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai volcano started erupting. Photo: Iliesa Tora

The traumatic event has left devastating effects on people’s well-being in Tonga. For some people, the full impacts of trauma are delayed, and four years on many people are still grappling with the worst of it – a complex set of fears and emotions that may not be visible to others but is very real for the people affected.

Sullivan said she is deeply concerned about the people around her, and said more professional help is needed to help the community.

“Someone passionate that can a listener you know, to help these people, they’re broken,” Sullivan said.

“Because I don’t think some will ever be able to recover from this at all.”

Sorensen agreed that more needs to be invested in resources.

“I think that technology, you know, has played its part in being able to extend the services that are offered. But there’s no question that there needs to be more investment in more resources applied.”

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

Marlborough’s only kaupapa Māori GP receives funding to address critical gap

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kaupapa Māori GP Manu Ora founders Dr Sara Simmons (left) and Dr Rachel Inder (right). Supplied/Chris Brooks – Motive Digital

Marlborough’s only kaupapa Māori general practice, Manu Ora, has received funding for the next three years with evidence showing it’s early intervention model benefits both its patients and the wider healthcare system.

The Blenheim based practice was established in mid-2021 by Dr Sara Simmons and Dr Rachel Inder in partnership with Te Piki Oranga a Māori health services provider in Te Tauihu.

Co-founder Dr Sara Simmons (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Waitaha) said it was born from a desire to provide care in a te ao Māori way for the community’s most vulnerable.

“Our partner organisation is Te Piki Oranga, so that’s a Māori wellness service here in Te Tauihu and we were really lucky to kind of gain their support a they recognised that we had something that could kind of close the loop of care for whānau Māori in the region from their perspective, because they have nurses and social workers and addiction services and mental health services and some other social services as well, but they didn’t have any GPs.”

Simmons said they soon realised the service needed to be run as a not for profit entity rather than the traditional GP business model. Only 28 percent of Manu Ora’s funding is provided through the government.

“We rely on funding for 72 percent of our costs. So, you know, that community support is just so critical. And we’ve been really lucky to have that and to get some recognition on a wider stage… We’re four and a half years in, and we’re kind of excited about where to next and what the future will bring and hopefully seeing some of those big stats turn the corner for our whānau Māori,” she said.

The Rātā Foundation awarded $165,000 to Manu Ora over three years, which Simmons said is their first multi year contract from an external organisation and will provide a degree certainty to their work.

Manu Ora a kaupapa Māori general practice in Blenheim. Supplied/Chris Brooks – Motive Digital

Simmons said they spent much of the practice’s first year planning and engaging with local whānau and community to create a service that would reflect their needs.

“Both Rachel and I are born and bred in the Wairau, and although I whakapapa to further south, down in Wairewa, you know, I’ve grown up going to Omaka Marae and connecting with our Māori community locally, and so we just really kind of opened the door and asked the question. And I think what people identified with was, the desire to do something different and the desire to do something that was really designed from the ground up to really benefit our community. So, we didn’t start with any preconceived ‘this is what we think it should look like,’ we really just asked that question of our whānau and kind of went from there.”

It’s a privilege to be able to provide care in a kaupapa Māori model, she said.

“It stemmed from a desire to do something different, a desire to do something that we thought was the right thing to do for our whānau Māori in the area… When we started having kōrero with people about what we wanted to do, that’s when we really thought, yeah, this is something that our community needs, because I think in Marlborough, in particular, many people have their eyes shut to the kind of poverty and the needs that is out there.

“I mean, we’ve got strong primary industry, and I think people see all of that, and don’t see the housing insecurity, and the kai insecurity, and the job insecurity, and then the kind of flow-on effects from that onto people’s mental health and their hauora, their overall well-being.”

Simmons said when the practice first opened, there was some concern from established practices in the region about their approach.

“It’s a reflection of the region really not providing care for our whānau Māori in a way that is really best for them. And, you know, we look at the stats and whānau Māori are less likely to seek out healthcare and then even when they do, they’re less likely to receive gold standard care. And so those impacts, you know, in the big picture, that health inequality is just, well, it’s massive and it’s really heartbreaking, you know, and to look at my tamariki and know that their life expectancy is seven or eight years less than non-Māori their same age – that’s kind of why we do what we do is, is to look to benefit, not only the whānau who we’ve got enrolled with us now, but our future generations.”

The team from Manu Ora a kaupapa Māori general practice in Marlborough. Supplied/Chris Brooks – Motive Digital

An independent evaluation by Sapere (2022) reported: “Stakeholders identify to us that these high needs vulnerable whānau likely would not have [otherwise] connected with general practice or would not have received an appropriate level of service, and only occasionally would have been seen by the DHB in its hospital, usually in a crisis situation.”

Manu Ora maintains a lower patient-to-GP ratio of 1:900, compared to the national average of 1:1,700. Nearly 50 percent of the practice’s patient roll is Māori, compared to 13 percent at other Blenheim practices; over 50 percent of staff, and 80 percent of the Board, whakapapa Māori.

Simmons thanked the team at Manu Ora, saying they are lucky to have a group of both Māori and non-Māori clinicians who can provide whānau centred care.

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

Weather: Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain warnings for North Island, upper South

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

An orange rain warning is in force for Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, until 11am on Friday. Supplied/MetService

Severe thunderstorm and heavy rain watches are in place for the top half of the country and upper South Island, with surface flooding and slips possible.

MetService is warning people to prepare for localised downpours of 25 to 40 millimetres an hour.

An orange rain warning is in force for Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, until 11am on Friday, with up to 150 millimetres expected.

Northland, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu, Tararua, Taranaki, Wellington, Wairarapa are all under a severe thunderstorm watch until late on Thursday night, while Auckland, Waikato, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula’s watches are in place until early Friday morning.

Heavy rain is also set to lash the top of the South, with an orange warning in place for northern parts of Marlborough until late Thursday afternoon.

Rain watches are in place on Thursday across Nelson, Tasman, and southern Marlborough, including the Kaikoura Coast.

Marlborough District Council said Marlborough Sounds, Richmond Ranges, Rai Valley, Blenheim, Seddon and Ward residents should expect 60 to 90 millimetres of rain on top of what has already fallen.

It warned people travelling in the region to be cautious of slips and flooding.

Heavy Rain Watches and Warnings, Thunderstorms and Downpours

The risk of downpours due to thunderstorms is there for all of the North Island and very top of the South Island, with the exception of Gisborne and northern Hawke’s Bay.

This means that on top of Heavy… pic.twitter.com/RKNvsuWwIx

— MetService NZ (@MetService) January 14, 2026

Beware of localised downpours

MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons says the severe thunderstorm watches may be upgraded. MetService/Supplied

MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons told RNZ the severe thunderstorm watches could be upgraded.

“There’s a lot going on around the country, I think something that could catch people out today are just those localised downpours in one area.

“And watch out for those thunderstorm warnings,” she said.

MetService said people should make sure their drains and gutters are clear before the heavy rain hits.

It also warned travellers to driving cautiously with difficult driving conditions likely.

Road closures or delays possible – NZTA

A New Zealand Transport Agency spokesperson said motorists should drive with care, maintain safe following distances and slow down, to help keep everyone safe.

“Our crews will be closely monitoring the state highways while these watches and warnings are in place.

“Those who are travelling on the roads should be aware of possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers, slips, fallen trees, reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions, and potential road closures or delays.”

The heavy rain could cause potholes to form or worsen, creating additional hazards for drivers, the spokesperson said.

They also said travellers should be mindful of contractors who may be out clearing hazards off the road.

There are currently no reports from NZTA of state highway closures due to weather.

Both Air New Zealand and Jetstar said there were no flight disruptions or cancellations at this stage.

The airlines encouraged customers to check the status of their flight online or via their apps for the latest updates.

Good news for some

A recent fire on Waitara Road burned through 22 hectares of bush. FIRE AND EMERGENCY NZ / SUPPLIED

Fire and Emergency New Zealand are welcoming the rain with open arms, but remain cautious that a few downpours alone will not change fire risk conditions.

Fire bans and restrictions span across much of the country as the risk of wildfire intensified due to the recent hot and dry weather.

Wildfire manager Tim Mitchell told RNZ the rain was “absolutely” welcomed, particularly to drier high risk areas like Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa.

Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa are under a total fire ban due to dry conditions, with specific zones requiring permits for any outdoor burning.

Hawke’s Bay is under a total fire ban due to dry conditions. RNZ/Sally Round

Mitchell said fire risks remained in place and restrictions could not be removed until grass in drier regions turned green.

“We are hoping for steady rain over a long period of time to reduce fire risk, but heavy down pours may not change conditions.”

Mitchell said flooding also posed a risk to drier areas because the hard ground struggled to soaked up the rain water.

People should also be mindful that lightning strikes could start wildfires, but in contrast to Australia, New Zealand’s lightning is associated with rain, he said.

“Residents should take extra care around flood waters and when driving, keeping a good travelling distance, and double check the checkitsalright website.”

The spell of rain and thunderstorms looks to pass for much of the country moving into the weekend.

For more information on preparing and keeping safe during a storm, visit Civil Defence Get Ready website.

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

Does adding ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to your ChatGPT prompts really waste energy?

By The Conversation -

January 15, 2026

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Morris, Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, New Zealand

Serene Lee/Getty Images

Cut the words “please” and “thank you” from your next ChatGPT query and, if you believe some of the talk online, you might think you are helping save the planet.

The idea sounds plausible because AI systems process text incrementally: longer prompts require slightly more computation and therefore use more energy. OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman has acknowledged it all adds to operating costs at the scale of billions of prompts.

At the same time, it is a stretch to suggest that treating ChatGPT politely comes at significant environmental cost. The effect of a few extra words is negligible compared with the energy required to operate the underlying data centre infrastructure.

What is more important, perhaps, is the persistence of the idea. It suggests that many people already sense AI is not as immaterial as it appears. That instinct is worth taking seriously.

Artificial intelligence depends on large data centres built around high-density computing infrastructure. These facilities draw substantial electricity, require continuous cooling, and are embedded in wider systems of energy supply, water and land use.

As AI use expands, so does this underlying footprint. The environmental question, then, is not how individual prompts are phrased, but how frequently and intensively these systems are used.

Why every AI query carries an energy cost

One structural difference between AI and most familiar digital services helps explain why this matters.

When a document is opened or a stored video is streamed, the main energy cost has already been incurred. The system is largely retrieving existing data.

By contrast, each time an AI model is queried it must perform a fresh computation to generate a response. In technical terms, each prompt triggers a fresh “inference” – a full computational pass through the model – and that energy cost is incurred every time.

This is why AI behaves less like conventional software and more like infrastructure. Use translates directly into energy demand.

The scale of that demand is no longer marginal. Research published in the journal Science estimates that data centres already account for a significant share of global electricity consumption, with demand rising rapidly as AI workloads grow.

The International Energy Agency has warned that electricity demand from data centres could double by the end of the decade under current growth trajectories.

Electricity is only one part of the picture. Data centres also require large volumes of water for cooling, and their construction and operation involve land, materials and long-lived assets. These impacts are experienced locally, even when the services provided are global.

AI’s hidden environmental footprint

New Zealand offers a clear illustration. Its high share of renewable electricity makes it attractive to data centre operators, but this does not make new demand impact-free.

Large data centres can place significant pressure on local grids and claims of renewable supply do not always correspond to new generation being added. Electricity used to run servers is electricity not available for other uses, particularly in dry years when hydro generation is constrained.

Viewed through a systems lens, AI introduces a new metabolic load into regions already under strain from climate change, population growth and competing resource demands.

Energy, water, land and infrastructure are tightly coupled. Changes in one part of the system propagate through the rest.

This matters for climate adaptation and long-term planning. Much adaptation work focuses on land and infrastructure: managing flood risk, protecting water quality, maintaining reliable energy supply and designing resilient settlements.

Yet AI infrastructure is often planned and assessed separately, as if it were merely a digital service rather than a persistent physical presence with ongoing resource demands.

Why the myth matters

From a systems perspective, new pressures do not simply accumulate. They can drive reorganisation.

In some cases, that reorganisation produces more coherent and resilient arrangements; in others, it amplifies existing vulnerabilities. Which outcome prevails depends largely on whether the pressure is recognised early and incorporated into system design or allowed to build unchecked.

This is where discussion of AI’s environmental footprint needs to mature. Focusing on small behavioural tweaks, such as how prompts are phrased, distracts from the real structural issues.

The more consequential questions concern how AI infrastructure is integrated into energy planning, how its water use is managed, how its location interacts with land-use priorities, and how its demand competes with other social needs.

None of this implies that AI should be rejected. AI already delivers value across research, health, logistics and many other domains.

But, like any infrastructure, it carries costs as well as benefits. Treating AI as immaterial software obscures those costs. Treating it as part of the physical systems we already manage brings them into view.

The popularity of the “please” myth is therefore less a mistake than a signal. People sense AI has a footprint, even if the language to describe it is still emerging.

Taking that signal seriously opens the door to a more grounded conversation about how AI fits into landscapes, energy systems and societies already navigating the limits of adaptation.

Richard Morris is the co-founder of Kirini Ltd, a nature-based solutions consultancy. He receives funding from Lincoln University.

– ref. Does adding ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to your ChatGPT prompts really waste energy? – https://theconversation.com/does-adding-please-and-thank-you-to-your-chatgpt-prompts-really-waste-energy-272258

Work set to begin on New Plymouth sewage pump station known to overflow

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Mangati Pump Station. Supplied

Work is set to begin on an upgrade to a New Plymouth sewage pump station, which has a history of overflowing into the Mangati Stream during power cuts or wet weather events.

To reduce the likelihood of future overflows, it was planned to install a large underground emergency storage unit beneath the adjacent Mangati Walkway in Bell Block.

In 2021, water services company, Citycare, and the New Plymouth District Council were fined $112,000 and $66,500 respectively for their part in spilling 1.5 million cubic litres of human effluent into the stream in – the equivalent of half the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The January 2019 sewage pump station failure, which lasted for more than nine hours, also killed hundred of fish and eels.

NPDC Project Delivery Manager Sean Cressy said the first stage of the upgrade would be ground-testing to find out how much water was in the soil which would involve installing monitoring equipment in bore holes.

“The information we gather will help us design emergency storage that is suitable for the environment.”

Drilling the bore holes was scheduled to start on 19 January.

Cressy said silt control bags and fences would capture any sediment to prevent it entering Mangati Stream and pedestrians would be able to walk past the worksite with care during the three-week work.

Stage two of the upgrade, the installation of underground storage, would take place in 2026/27.

This project was part of NPDC’s $289 million investment over 10 years to fix the district’s plumbing.

At a glance:

The council maintained 34 pump stations, more than 7000 manholes and nearly 700km of pipes in the district’s wastewater network.
Raw sewage and trade waste collected from Waitara, Bell Block, New Plymouth, Inglewood and Ōākura was treated at the New Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was turned into clean effluent, which was discharged via an outfall into the Tasman Sea, and the slow-release fertiliser Bioboost.

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

Red-hot Black Cap Daryl Mitchell scales new heights

By Evening Report -

January 15, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Daryl Mitchell AFP

Black Caps match-winner Daryl Mitchell concedes he’s at the peak of his powers and finally feels “comfortable about how I go about my batting” in international cricket.

Mitchell unfurled another match-winning knock in the second ODI win by seven wickets over India in Rajkot, his unbeaten 131 continuing a majestic run of form in the 50-over format.

The 34-year-old has scored 936 runs at an average of 72.0 over his last 16 ODI innings, often steering New Zealand home or providing an important boost in setting a target.

His latest innings may well be enough to propel him from second to first in the format’s ICC batting rankings, lifting him ahead of Indian talisman Virat Kohli.

Daryl Mitchell tries to play a shot during the first ODI between India and New Zealand SHAMMI MEHRA

Mitchell’s brilliantly paced 117-ball knock was his eighth ton, but more importantly to him, it was at the heart of a Black Caps win as they completed their highest successful chase in an ODI in India.

“I just love playing for my country. I love travelling the world and playing international cricket and I’m lucky to do that across all three formats,” he said.

“My job’s to help us win games of cricket and I was able to do that tonight.”

Mitchell’s knock exemplified why he has thrived of late, helping New Zealand recover from 46-2, putting on 162 for the third wicket with Will Young (87) before swinging momentum by targeting India’s key spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Ranked the world’s premier ODI bowler, Yadav leaked 82 runs from his 10 overs, unable to contain Mitchell’s guile.

“As New Zealanders, we don’t grow up on these surfaces. We grow up on bouncy, grassy wickets and the nature of playing international cricket is you have to find ways all around the world,” Mitchell said.

“For me, it’s been a learning process over several years now. I’m comfortable with how I want to go about my batting in these conditions and trying to find ways to put the bowlers under pressure.

“Whether that’s using your feet, sweep, using the crease – there are different ways to put pressure on them.

“The likes of Kuldeep and Ravi Jadeja, who are accurate and bowl so well, you keep finding ways to put pressure on them.

“It’s constantly adapting to what the surface is dictating. I guess today the surface was a lot lower and slower so it was a lot easier to go square, rather than down the ground, at times.

“It’s about being smart with your boundary options.

Daryl Mitchell celebrates after scoring a century. PUNIT PARANJPE

Mitchell accelerated to finish with 11 fours and two sixes, and was still at the crease when victory was achieved with 15 balls to spare.

He fell three runs short of his highest ODI score – achieved in India two years ago – and lifted his career average to a remarkable 56.73, the second-highest figure behind Kohli’s 58.45 among all batsmen to have played 50 or more ODIs.

The series is 1-1 ahead of the third and final game in Indore on Sunday, where Mitchell and his team will target a first ever ODI series win in India.

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