Source: Radio New Zealand
At the gym, you might have been told not to lift weights in runners.
There’s a common belief that this can be bad for your performance and lead to injuries. But is it really the case?
Let’s unpack the science.
Flat sneakers may be a good choice for lifting weights because they will be more stable than runners.
Susan Q Yin
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
Fin Melville Ives, after crashing out in qualification for the Freeski Halfpipe competition at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic games. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
The medical assessments are in and it’s been confirmed that New Zealand Freeskier Fin Melville Ives broke his collarbone in crashing out during the qualification rounds of the Halfpipe competition at the Winter Olympics.
Melville Ives, the current world champion and one of New Zealand’s best medal hopes, was stretchered off after the heavy fall during his second run after being knocked unconscious.
He’s now recovering and remains in good spirits, jesting his injuries are “nothing but a scratch”.
“It was really a game of two halves,” he said afterwards, with his sense of humour intact.
Melville Ives, 19, has also thanked the medical staff that have helped him so far, and his coach Murray Buchan.
Another Kiwi halfpipe freeskier Ben Harrington, who finished ninth, dedicated his second run to Melville Ives, saying to cameras on the slopes, “Hey Finski, this one’s for you, brother, love you, let’s go skiing.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
“The event is so momentous that historians may, one day, view it as a landmark in the decline of the British Empire.”
That was dramatic framing by CBS News of The Beatles’s break-up in April 1970.
It was illustrative of the intense hyperbole that followed this band, who went from Liverpool teenagers to the biggest musical act in history in under a decade.
This video is hosted on Youtube.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Asia Pacific Report
Two Extinction Rebellion activists joined the speakers today at an Auckland protest over Israel’s genocide and ecocide in Gaza and occupied Palestine, condemning the “apocalyptic” assault on both people and their living environment.
Caril Cowan, a de facto coordinator of Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau, spoke of the climate crisis this month in Aotearoa New Zealand to provide an insight into the Gaza emergency.
“One of our climate scientists, says this is normal – get used to it. We are going to have killing storms over, and over, and over …
“As we are saying, ‘We are all Palestine’, I just think of the people of South America, I think of the people of Africa, I think of Europe, where people are dying now because of the climate.
“They are dying of heat exhaustion, they are dying from floods, they are dying from landslides, like we have been having, not just a few. It’s happening. It is here now.”
After the rally, the protesters marched around the corner from Te Komititanga Square to the US Consulate in Auckland for a “Blood on your hands “ protest over the US role in funding and enabling Israel’s atrocities in Gaza.
Cowan was among those protesters who symbolically raised blood on their hands over the “shameful” US role under President Donald Trump and previous presidents.
US pays part UN dues
This week in Washington, a UN spokesperson said the United States had paid about US$160 million (NZ$268 million) of the more than US$4 billion it owes to the UN, just as Trump hosted the first meeting of his so-called “Board of Peace” initiative over Gaza that critics say could undermine the United Nations.
The US is the biggest contributor to the UN budget, but under the Trump administration it has refused to make mandatory payments to regular and peacekeeping budgets, and slashed voluntary funding to UN agencies with their own budgets.
Washington has also withdrawn from dozens of UN agencies.
Another speaker at today’s rally, Adam Jordan, from both Extinction Rebellion and the Palestinian movement, talked about the “connection” between the Gaza genocide and anthropogenic climate breakdown.
“As is so often the case with colonialism, and the capitalist system more generally, ecological destruction has always been inherent to the Zionist, settler-colonial project,” Jordan said.
“From contaminated soil and groundwater to decimated farmland and burning down centuries old olive groves that had been lovingly tended by countless generations of Palestinians.
“Rather than ‘making the desert bloom’ as they often claim, the colonisers are engaged in a process of ‘desertification’ — transforming once fertile and active farmland into an area devoid of both vegetation and biodiversity.”
Damage visible from space
Jordan said that destruction of both people and the land itself in Gaza had reached such “apocalyptic proportions that the damage is visible from space”.
“The people who have not yet been killed by the bunker buster bombs, the forced starvation, disease, sniper fire and autonomous killer drones live in a wasteland of undrinkable water, unexploded munitions, overflowing landfills, contaminated soil and toxic debris, with orchards and fields reduced to dust in which life itself is being rendered impossible for the long term,” he said.
Gaza pollution environmental threats Video: Al Jazeera
“Ecocide here fuses with genocide in a manner never seen before.”
But where was the real connection between Palestine and the climate crisis?
“Despite all the rhetoric from governments and corporations about how they’re taking climate change seriously, the 2020s have so far seen an accelerated expansion of fossil fuel production, just when it had to be reined in and inverted into a sustained dismantling — for the world to avoid a warming of more than 2°C, and ideally no more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial baseline.
“Currently we’re at 1.6°C above that baseline, and this is already proving to be absolutely catastrophic. In fact it’s proving again and again to be deadly,” Jordan said.
“The destruction of Gaza is of course executed by tanks and fighter jets, sending their projectiles that turn everything into rubble — but only after the explosive force of fossil fuel combustion has put them on the right path.
“All these military vehicles run on oil. As do the supply flights from the US, UK and Germany.’
Emissions burden
One study had estimated that from October 2023 to January 2025 the emission burden of the Gaza genocide by Israel and the West to be 32 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
“That’s more than the annual emissions of many countries,” Jordan said.
“It has generated more than 36 million metric tonnes of debris from buildings being either severely damaged or completely destroyed. It would take as long as four decades to remove and process all of this debris.”
Jordan said what was happening in Gaza was not just a transnational effort, but “a stain on the so called ‘international law’ that cannot be washed clean”.
“For over two years now we have watched as the corrupt corporate media has dehumanised the victims and attempted to humanise those committing this genocide,” he said.
“We have watched as academic institutions, politicians and governments all over the world have denied or justified the unspeakable horrors taking place in Gaza, just as they deny the severity and the consequences of the climate crisis and justify the continuation of business as usual, no matter how destructive it is to our environmental life support systems.
“But this is just business, this is just how the capitalist system works. Both people and the environment are seen as expendable, here only for the purposes of wealth extraction by the ultra wealthy ruling class — or as I prefer to call them, ‘The Epstein class’.”
New flotilla plans
Among other speakers, Rana Hamida spoke about the new Global Sumud Flotilla plans to break the military siege of Gaza in April.
The flotilla has announced plans to send more than 100 boats carrying up 1000 activists, including medics and war crimes investigators, to the besieged enclave.
Hamida appealed for more volunteers from New Zealand to join the fleet.
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz
Source: Radio New Zealand
Blues face Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific. Liam Swiggs / RNZ
First-five Stephen Perofeta converted all six of his team’s tries and scored one himself, as the Blues overhauled Western Force 42-32 at Perth.
After a controversial loss to the Chiefs in their opener last week, the Auckland-based side took advantage of a big wind at their backs in the second half to overcome a 17-14 deficit, outscoring their rivals 21-3 during the 20 minutes after the break.
Prop Josh Fusitua and Perofeta touched down in the first 40 minutes, but a try to flanker Carlo Tizzano gave the home side a surprise lead at halfway.
After the restart, fullback Zarn Sullivan, flanker Torian Barnes and wing Cole Forbes rattled on three tries that gave their team the momentum and a 15-point lead, that provided a buffer to withstand a late Force rally.
Follow the live progress here:
Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Anton Segner, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan
Bench: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
ANAYSIS: By Laurens Ikinia in Jakarta
The global human rights landscape has witnessed a significant diplomatic milestone.
Indonesia, for the first time since the body’s establishment in 2006, has officially taken the presidency of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, is currently guiding the procedural and diplomatic course of the world’s foremost human rights forum for the coming year.
This appointment, backed by consensus within the Asia-Pacific regional group and subsequently endorsed by the full council, is far more than a routine procedural rotation.
It is a mirror reflecting diplomatic success, yet also a fragile piñata — ready to spill forth either in praise or sharp criticism depending on the blows dealt by reality and unfolding dynamics.
This moment is not the end of a journey, but the opening of a new chapter rife with interpretation — a complex test of Indonesia’s credibility, capacity, and consistency on the stage of global issues.
The test begins not only in the halls of Geneva but simultaneously in the halls of power in Jakarta, where the government is pushing for the ratification of a revised Human Rights Law by this year.
This legislative endeavour has now become inextricably linked to the credibility of its international leadership.
Foundations and mandate
To understand the seriousness of this position, one must look to its foundational pillars.
The UN Charter, as the supreme constitution of global governance, clearly places the promotion and respect for human rights as a central pillar for maintaining international peace and security.
This charter provides an undeniable moral and political mandate. Indonesia’s presidency, within this framework, is an operational instrument to realise the charter’s noble aims — a collective trust bestowed by the community of nations.
The Human Rights Council itself is a product of the post-Cold War collective consciousness and the failures of its predecessor, the Commission on Human Rights. Established by General Assembly Resolution 60/251, it was designed as a more legitimate intergovernmental body with a mandate to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights globally.
It is a space of often-tense dialogue, a tireless advocacy arena for civil society, and a stage where mechanisms like the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and Special Procedures strive to illuminate dark corners of violations.
Within this complexity, the council president is not merely a passive moderator but a pacesetter, agenda-shaper, balance-keeper, and often a mediator in intricate political deadlocks. This position holds the key that can either unlock discussions on neglected issues or bury them in procedure.
The normative compass for the council is the International Bill of Human Rights — comprising the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
These standards are the shared measure, the common language, and the basis for demands.
Indonesia’s leadership will be judged on its ability to advance the language and spirit of these covenants, not only within the halls of Geneva but also through their resonance and enactment at the national level. It is here that the ongoing revision of Indonesia’s own Human Rights Law (Law Number 30 of 1999) transforms from a domestic legislative process into a litmus test for its international posture.
Two sides of the coin
Globally, this presidency represents the pinnacle of Indonesia’s soft power diplomacy. It affirms the image of a consequential developing nation deemed capable of leading even the most sensitive conversations.
It is an invaluable platform to voice Global South perspectives, emphasise the interdependence of civil-political and socio-economic rights, and champion dialogue over confrontation.
Indonesia has the opportunity to act as a bridge-builder, spanning the divides between West and East, North and South, in an increasingly polarised human rights discourse.
Yet, behind the stage lights, the shadows are long and critical. Organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have consistently warned that leadership on the council must align with tangible commitment.
They are watching closely: Will Indonesia use its influence to push for access by special mandate-holders to global conflict zones, or will it cloak inaction in the rhetoric of state sovereignty?
Will its voice be loud in highlighting violations in one region while falling silent on another due to geopolitical and geostrategic considerations?
Herein lies the ultimate credibility test. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) criticises Indonesia’s presidency, arguing it could swiftly become “hollow prestige” if seen merely as a product of regional rotation, not a recognition of substantive capability.
The ULMWP asserts that Indonesia is unfit for the role, pointing to allegations of a 60-year conflict in Papua, historical casualties, and comparing the situation to past international controversies.
They challenge Indonesia’s moral standing, citing unresolved historical allegations, internal displacement, and the long-standing refusal to grant access to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
This opposition underscores the profound domestic scrutiny the presidency faces: every action on the global stage will be measured against conditions in Papua, where critics describe ongoing tensions and demand immediate access for journalists and a UN visit.
The most profound implications may, in fact, unfold domestically. This presidency is a mirror forcibly held up to the nation itself. It creates unique political and moral pressure to address longstanding homework.
Issues such as freedom of expression, protection of minorities and vulnerable groups, law enforcement in cases of alleged violations, and the state of labour and environmental rights will come under a brighter international spotlight.
In this context, the government’s move to revise the Human Rights Law is a direct response to this pressure.
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, in a meeting with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) on February 2, 2026, emphasised that the drafting process involves prominent national human rights figures — including Professor Jimly Asshiddiqie, Makarim Wibisono, Haris Azhar, Rocky Gerung, Ifdhal Kasim, and Roichatul Aswidah — to ensure the revised law is “more progressive and advanced”.
The government is targeting ratification in 2026, aiming to synchronise domestic legal progress with its international leadership year.
The government thus faces a stark choice: leverage this historic moment as a catalyst for deeper legal and institutional human rights reforms, open wider dialogue with civil society, and demonstrate tangible progress anchored in a stronger law; or, wield the position merely as a diplomatic shield to deflect criticism, content with symbolism over substance, even if that symbolism includes a newly passed but weakly implemented law.
The latter would be a damaging boomerang, deepening a crisis of trust both in the eyes of its own citizens and the global community.
Indonesian civil society, conversely, holds a golden opportunity. They now have a wider door to elevate domestic issues to the global forum, using their own nation’s presidential position as an accountability tool. The involvement of activists in the law revision process is a start, but the presidency must be seen not as the sole property of the government, but as a national asset to be filled with diverse and critical voices, both sweet and bitter, to ensure the promised progress is real.
Navigating the terrain
A clear-eyed SWOT analysis is indispensable for Indonesia to strategically navigate its historic presidency of the UN Human Rights Council. This framework illuminates the internal and external factors that will define its tenure, balancing inherent advantages against palpable risks, all while the domestic reform clock ticks.
Strengths: Indonesia enters this role with a formidable diplomatic toolkit. Its long-standing tradition of “free and active” foreign policy has cultivated a wide non-aligned network and substantial credibility as an independent voice in the Global South.
As the world’s third-largest democracy, it offers a practical case study in balancing governance, diversity, and development. Furthermore, its soft power assets — embodied in the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) and its narrative of moderate Islam — provide unique cultural and religious leverage to mediate polarised debates on sensitive issues like religious freedom.
Operationally, the presidency itself confers significant agenda-setting power, allowing Indonesia to prioritise thematic issues such as the right to development, climate justice, and interfaith tolerance, while influencing the appointment of key human rights investigators.
The concurrent push for a progressive Human Rights Law revision can be framed as a strength, showcasing a commitment to aligning domestic norms with international aspirations.
Weaknesses: Indonesia’s most significant vulnerability remains the perceived gap between its international advocacy and its domestic human rights landscape. Longstanding, contentious issues — including restrictions on civil liberties, protections for minorities, and unresolved past alleged violations — provide immediate fodder for critics and undermine its moral authority.
This credibility deficit is a strategic weakness that adversaries will exploit. The revision of the Human Rights Law, if perceived as a rushed or cosmetic exercise to coincide with the presidency, could exacerbate this weakness rather than alleviate it.
Additionally, the technical and political capacity of its permanent mission in Geneva will be under immense strain, tested by the need to master complex procedural rules while managing intensely politicised negotiations among competing global blocs in real-time.
Opportunities: This presidency is an unparalleled platform for strategic nation-branding, casting Indonesia as a consensus-driven, responsible global leader. Domestically, it creates a powerful political catalyst to accelerate and deepen stalled legislative reforms.
The targeted 2026 ratification of the Human Rights Law is the prime opportunity; it must be used to revitalise national human rights institutions like the National Commission of Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and pass long-delayed bills like the Domestic Workers Protection Bill.
Internationally, it offers the chance to operationalise its bridge-builder identity, mediating in protracted conflicts or humanitarian crises where dialogue has stalled, thereby translating diplomatic principle into tangible impact.
Successfully shepherding a meaningful domestic reform would give Indonesia undeniable moral currency in these international efforts.
Threats: The external environment is fraught with challenges. The council is often an arena for great power politicisation, where human rights issues are weaponised for geopolitical ends. Indonesia risks being ensnared in these zero-sum games, which could drain diplomatic capital and compromise its neutral stance.
Simultaneously, it faces relentless scrutiny from a vigilant transnational civil society and global media, ensuring that any perceived stagnation or regression at home — such as a watered-down Human Rights Law or continued restrictions in Papua — will trigger amplified criticism internationally.
The paramount threat, however, is the boomerang effect: that the heightened visibility of the presidency exponentially raises expectations, and the subsequent failure to demonstrate concrete progress — both in Geneva through effective leadership and in Jakarta through substantive reform—could severely damage Indonesia’s hard-won diplomatic reputation, leaving it weaker than before it assumed the chair.
Thus, Indonesia’s tenure will be a constant balancing act: leveraging its strengths to seize opportunities, while meticulously managing its weaknesses to mitigate existential threats.
The presidency is not merely a position of honour, but a high-stakes test of strategic foresight and authentic commitment, where domestic legislative action is now part of the international exam.
From symbol to substance: The path forward
Indonesia’s election as the 2026 President of the UNHRC is an acknowledgment of its role and potential on the global stage. However, this acknowledgment comes as a loan of trust with very high interest: increased accountability and consistency.
The government’s own timeline, aiming to ratify a revised Human Rights Law within this same year, has voluntarily raised the stakes, tying its legacy directly to tangible domestic output.
This year of leadership is not a celebratory party, but a laboratory for authentic leadership. Its success will not be measured by the smoothness of procedural sessions or the number of meetings chaired.
It will be measured by the extent to which Indonesia can articulate and champion a vision of inclusive and just human rights globally, and — just as crucially — by the degree to which this office leaves a positive legacy for the advancement of human rights at home.
The revised Human Rights Law is poised to be the most visible component of that domestic legacy. Minister Pigai’s confidence in its progressiveness, bolstered by the involvement of respected figures, must translate into a law that meaningfully addresses past shortcomings and empowers institutions.
Indonesia stands at a crossroads. One path leads to transformative leadership, using this position to strengthen global norms while cleansing the domestic mirror through courageous reform and open engagement. The other leads to transactional leadership, leveraging prestige and a new but potentially inert law to impress without touching the core of the issues.
Indonesia’s choice will determine whether history records 2026 as the year Indonesia truly led the world on human rights by exemplifying the change it advocates, or merely performed a protocol duty on a stage where the lights are slowly fading on its credibility.
A historic mandate and its dual imperative
This strategic position is a historic achievement, cementing the country’s role while presenting a real-time test of its global credibility. As a body of 47 member states, the UNHRC holds vital authority in investigating violations, conducting periodic reviews, and shaping international human rights norms. The Council President controls the agenda, guides dialogue, and, most importantly, builds consensus from diverse interests.
Indonesia is no newcomer, currently serving its sixth membership term and often as a Vice-President. Securing the top seat opens the chance to shift from “player” to “game-setter,” potentially shaping a more inclusive global human rights discourse.
This achievement is built on active diplomacy: vigorous economic and peace diplomacy (including Indonesia’s peacemaker initiatives), strengthened regional diplomacy emphasising ASEAN centrality and Global South solidarity, and a consistent multilateral commitment as a strong UN system supporter.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has affirmed its commitment to lead the council objectively, inclusively, and in a balanced manner. Potential agenda paths include advocating for contextualising human rights principles to be more sensitive to the historical, developmental, and socio-cultural contexts of developing nations; expanding the discourse to seriously discuss issues like corruption, environmental degradation, and electoral governance in the Council; and testing its bridge-builder capacity in acute conflicts, such as the Palestinian issue, by leading constructive diplomatic initiatives.
Ultimately, history will record not just the prestigious title of “UNHRC President,” but the substance and impact of the leadership. This position is a mirror: Is Indonesia ready to lead with consistency and firm moral principle, or will it become trapped in the contradiction between rhetoric in Geneva and reality at home?
The parallel process to revise the Human Rights Law is now part of that reflection. Its quality, its process, and its final enactment will be scrutinised as evidence of Indonesia’s sincerity.
True leadership will be measured by the courage to build bridges amid global divisions and the ability to connect words with concrete action and accountability domestically. The year 2026 will determine whether this moment is remembered as a renaissance of moral diplomacy, backed by genuine legal evolution at home, or merely a display window of symbolism where even new laws ring hollow.
The final word rests not on the title itself, but on the government’s collective actions in both the international arena and the national legislature. Success in this dual mission would add a brilliant and coherent achievement to the international record of the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
The choice — and the test — is in Indonesia’s hands.
Laurens Ikinia is a Papuan lecturer and researcher at the Institute of Pacific Studies, Indonesian Christian University, Jakarta. He is also an honorary member of the Asia Pacific Media Network (APMN) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz
Source: Radio New Zealand
Highlanders face Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific. Liam Swiggs / RNZ
Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho had a try double, as the Chiefs downed the Highlanders 26-23 in Dunedin for their second straight win of the season.
Follow the live action here:
Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Rohan Wingham, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy (VC), 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game), 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (C), 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a
Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6 Kaylum Boshier, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Quinn Tupaea (vc), 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo
Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action, as the Blues take on Western Force at HBF Park in Perth.
Kickoff is at 9.35pm.
Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Anton Segner, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan
Bench: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai
Blues face Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific. Liam Swiggs / RNZ
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
Auckland FC players celebrate a goal, A-League, Wellington Phoenix v Auckland FC, Sky Stadium, Wellington. Saturday 21 February, 2026 © Mandatory credit: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
Auckland FC are closing in on the top of the A-League after dismantling the Wellington Phoenix 5-0, a dominant win that puts them just one point behind league leaders Newcastle.
Wellington’s hopes of securing their first-ever win over their northern rivals were dashed early due to a bizarre goal keeping error in the 24th minute.
A dejected Phoenix captain Alex Rufer addressed home fans immediately after the heavy defeat.
“We need to look at this and be accountable – it’s not good enough,” he told Sky Sport.
The talking point came when Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was caught out of position under a long clearance from Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich.
Unable to stop the ball, Oluwayemi brushed it into his own net in a costly howler as he attempted to head the ball away.
Auckland carried the momentum as Jesse Randall scored his ninth goal of the season, adding a second just before the break.
Guillermo May also found the net in the 41st minute.
Later Randall was involved again, setting up Lachlan Brook for a goal.
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano benched Oluwayemi at halftime, replacing him with Alby Kelly-Heald as the Phoenix trailed 4-nil.
Auckland coach Steve Corica said the three points were vital in closing the gap on Newcastle.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
Auckland FC players celebrate a goal, A-League, Wellington Phoenix v Auckland FC, Sky Stadium, Wellington. Saturday 21 February, 2026 © Mandatory credit: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
Auckland FC are closing in on the top of the A-League after dismantling the Wellington Phoenix 5-0, a dominant win that puts them just one point behind league leaders Newcastle.
Wellington’s hopes of securing their first-ever win over their northern rivals were dashed early due to a bizarre goal keeping error in the 24th minute.
A dejected Phoenix captain Alex Rufer addressed home fans immediately after the heavy defeat.
“We need to look at this and be accountable – it’s not good enough,” he told Sky Sport.
The talking point came when Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was caught out of position under a long clearance from Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich.
Unable to stop the ball, Oluwayemi brushed it into his own net in a costly howler as he attempted to head the ball away.
Auckland carried the momentum as Jesse Randall scored his ninth goal of the season, adding a second just before the break.
Guillermo May also found the net in the 41st minute.
Later Randall was involved again, setting up Lachlan Brook for a goal.
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano benched Oluwayemi at halftime, replacing him with Alby Kelly-Heald as the Phoenix trailed 4-nil.
Auckland coach Steve Corica said the three points were vital in closing the gap on Newcastle.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has quit after a heavy loss to Auckland FC. AAP / Photosport
Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has resigned, after a [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/587537/phoenix-captain-apologises-to-fans-after-embarrassing-5-0-loss humiliating 5-0 A-League loss to Auckland FC.
The Wellington club has thanked ‘Chief’ for his work, with the coach confirming his departure after the match at Sky Stadium.
“Giancarlo Italiano has announced his resignation as men’s head coach,” the message read on Wellington Phoenix’s X account.
With tonight’s loss, the Phoenix have equalled their worst-ever loss at home.
More to come…
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
A fire destroyed the sport’s pavillion at Northcote College. Victoria Young
Northcote College will shut for a week after a fire destroyed one of its buildings on Friday.
In a post on Facebook, the college said it had “been advised by the Ministry of Education and specialist contractors to close the school for the safe demolition and removal of the fire damaged building which includes some asbestos cladding”.
The school will be moving to online learning from Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February.
Students and whānau have been urged to check emails for further information.
The fire broke out about 12.15pm on Friday afternoon, and smoke could be seen billowing from the school’s sports pavillion, a large wooden hall with a high pointed roof.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the first call about the fire came in at 12.17pm, during a one-hour strike by the Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU).
It took the volunteer Silverdale crew about 17 minutes to arrive at the school.
Northcote College principal Vicki Barrie said she was proud of how staff and students responded to the fire in the sports pavillion.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action, as the Highlanders take on the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Kickoff is at 7.05pm.
Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Rohan Wingham, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy (VC), 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game), 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (C), 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a
Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6 Kaylum Boshier, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Quinn Tupaea (vc), 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo
Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa
Highlanders face Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific. Liam Swiggs / RNZ
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Sprinter Tommy Te Puni is in the national record books. supplied
Sprinter Tommy Te Puni has etched his name in the national record books at the International Track Meet in Christchurch.
Te Puni eclipsed the national 200 metres record, running 20.35s, ahead of closest rival Lex Revell-Lewis.
The Auckland sprinter dips under Joseph Millar’s 2017 national mark of 20.37s.
Four men notched times under 21 seconds, with national 400 metres record holder Revell-Lewis clocking a personal best of 20.49s.
Zach Saunders followed him in 20.71s and Kadin Taylor notched 20.87s for fourth. The quartet now all rank within the top 12 all-time for New Zealand.
Tiaan Whelpton ran the fastest 100 metres race of his career, clocking a scintillating 10.01s time, but the wind was above the legal limit of +2.0m/s, with the wind reading +4.9m/s at the time of the race.
This performance comes after his 10.02s at the Cooks Classic in January and his equal resident record performance of 10.10s at the Sir Graeme Douglas International in Auckland two weeks ago.
Whelpton and Te Puni both now turn towards the New Zealand track and field championships in Auckland in a fortnight. The pair of record-breaking sprinters will chase national titles and, for Whelpton, the magic sub-10 second mark over the 100m.
Tom Walsh was well clear in the men’s shot put, throwing 20.83 for his best throw of the season.
Holly Robinson took the top spot in the women’s para shot put, scoring 85.48 percent of her world record, with Lisa Adams in second with 86.84 percent.
Will Little won the 3000 metres title, followed in by clubmates Cam Clark and Toby Tasker.
In the women’s race, Tillie Hollyer took out the national title ahead of Tamara Reeves in second and 18-year-old Brynne Gordon was third.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Northern Districts women celebrate, as Wellington Blaze’s Jess McFadyen walks off the Basin Reserve. Marty Melville
Northern Brave have claimed the domestic one-day women’s cricket title for the first time, toppling star-studded Wellington Blaze.
Bowler Marama Downes led the charge in the grand final, bagging three wickets on Saturday at the Basin Reserve, including the key scalps of White Ferns Melie and Jess Kerr.
Batting first after winning the toss, ND were bowled out for 182 in 44 overs, posting a total that initially seemed below par.
However, Wellington’s chase was in tatters, with four wickets down inside just eight overs, and they fell 67 runs short in the 41st over, all out for 115.
Blaze opener Hannah Francis was the first Wellington batter to fall in the third over and she was swiftly followed by Melie Kerr in the sixth.
Kerr was trapped leg before wicket by Downes on just four runs and the collapse truly began, after Georgia Plimmer’s dismissal for 18 in the seventh over.
The Brave had only reached the final once before and it’s their first time lifting the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.
Downes was also handy with the bat, scoring 25 lower-order runs.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
It is not expected to be restored until Sunday. 123RF
Chorus said it has located the fault that has knocked out internet services to nearly 7500 customers in West Auckland.
The Chorus outage is impacting Te Atatū, Henderson, and Massey – with people unable to access the internet via their fibre connections since 5.30am on Saturday.
The fixed-line telecoms and infrastructure company said several copper and fibre cables had been damaged.
It said the repairs are complex, due to multiple cables and the location of the problem, and it is not expected to be restored until Sunday.
Chorus said repair crews are working as fast as they can
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Emergency services at a house in Bryndwr, Christchurch. Sam Sherwood / RNZ
Emergency services are at an address in the Christchurch suburb of Bryndwr, where a number of people have been hurt after being attacked by dogs.
Several police cars and ambulances were at the scene on Bevin Place, as well as a Christchurch City Council animal management vehicle.
An RNZ reporter at the scene said a woman was being attended to by paramedics, and another person was on a stretcher and being put into an ambulance.
Ambulance operator Hato Hone St John said three people were injured – two were taken to hospital, one critical and one serious, while the third was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Police later confirmed two dogs at the property were being restrained, and would soon be taken from the property.
“There is no ongoing risk to the public, and a scene examination will be carried out,” Acting Superintendent Ash Tabb, Christchurch Metro acting area commander, said.
Police said they were notified about 2.45pm, and there was no ongoing risk to the public.
More to come.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
A serious crash south of Thames has closed State Highway 25 in both directions. RNZ / REECE BAKER
A serious crash south of Thames has closed State Highway 25 in both directions.
Police were alerted to the two-vehicle incident near the Orongo Corner at about 2.30pm.
Initial indicators were that there had been serious injuries, police said.
Diversions were in place, and the road would remain closed some time while emergency services work at the scene.
Police are advising motorists to avoid the area, and expect delays.
Meanwhile, a crash has blocked Glenorchy-Queenstown Road at Mount Creighton.
Police said the crash involved a single motorbike and was reported to emergency services at about 2pm.
The road is blocked in both directions and no diversions are available.
It is expected to remain closed for some time, and motorists should avoid the area, police said.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
National Party conservation spokesperson Tama Potaka. RNZ / Mark Papalii
National’s conservation spokesperson Tama Potaka says the party will campaign on further restricting commercial fishing in the Hauraki Gulf.
Legislation brought by the coalition government last year, established 12 high protection areas (HPAs) where a range of activities, including most commercial and recreational fishing, are prohibited, and five sea floor protection areas.
At the time, the opposition criticised the government for a late-stage amendment allowing commercial ring-net fishing operators exclusive access to two of the HPAs.
In a statement on Saturday, Potaka acknowledged that had “caused widespread concern from the hundreds of thousands of users of Auckland’s key recreational waterway”.
Maungakiekie-based Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan said at the law’s introduction that Labour would reverse the carve-out, if elected.
“Despite the environment select committee unanimously recommending to this house that the bill be passed with no substantive change, at the 11th hour, because of some active lobbying of the minister of oceans and fisheries, we saw this government cave to that pressure and they have chosen to water down the protections in the original bill.
“Labour, in government, will reverse the change that allows ring-net fishing in those HPAs.”
Now, Potaka said National would also look to reinstate a total ban on fishing in the HPAs if re-elected.
“A further decision, to allow bottom trawling in some designated trawl corridors in the Gulf has also been controversial, so we will review that also.”
He wanted a consistent approach to the protection of the gulf, that struck a balance between serving the needs of recreational users as well as commercial.
“At the heart must be the health of the Hauraki Gulf. It is Auckland’s playground and the centrepiece of some of New Zealand’s most iconic aquatic events.”
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ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on February 21, 2026.
Palau court denies Senate bid to stop US deportee deal
RNZ Pacific Palau’s Supreme Court has denied an application by the Senate for a stay order on the government’s plan to take third country nationals deported from the United States. President Surangel Whipps’ has agreed for Palau to take up to 75 people, with the US to give Palau US$7.5 million in development funds. However,
Moana Maniapoto: The day we met Jesse Jackson – and why his words still matter
COMMENTARY: By Moana Maniapoto Known globally as one of America’s most prominent and inspiring civil rights leaders, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr twice ran for US president. He has died at 84. Throughout his lifetime, he fought to promote social justice, economic equality and political empowerment for marginalised communities — and worked hard to encourage voter
Why has Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor been arrested, and what legal protections does the royal family have?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Francesca Jackson, PhD candidate, Lancaster Law School, Lancaster University Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest comes after the US government released files that appeared to indicate he had shared official information with financier and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey
Papuan activist Wenda accuses Jakarta of ‘lying’ over shot down plane
Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan leader has accused the Indonesian government of lying over its operations and “masking” the military role of some civilian aircraft. Disputing an Indonesian government statement about reported that TPNPB fired upon an aircraft in Boven Digoel, killing both the pilot and copilot, United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP)
Could Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest bring down the British monarchy?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jo Coghlan, Associate Professor, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, University of New England When a royal faces scrutiny, it can feel like a rupture with tradition. Yet across the ages, British royals have repeatedly fallen under suspicion. What makes the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor so striking is
Wuthering Heights looks lush – but it’s a bad film and a worse adaptation
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin D. Muir, Casual Academic, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University Emily Brontë died of tuberculosis 177 years ago, yet this adaptation is still the worst thing that has ever happened to her. This is how one Letterbox’d user described writer-director Emerald Fennell’s film
A love letter to Country: grief, motherhood and loss in Jada Alberts’ Black Light
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lauren Swain, Associate Lecturer in Theatre, The University of Melbourne This story oscillates and swells around a glass outdoor table, on the porch of a family home on Larrakia land. A table almost identical to the one on my porch back home. I point this out to
Is AI really ‘intelligent’? This philosopher says yes
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Goodall, Emeritus Professor, Writing and Society Research Centre, Western Sydney University Anyone who engages in serious dialogue with a Large Language Model (LLM) may get the impression they are interacting with an intelligence. But many experts in the field argue the impression is just that. In
Australia’s masculine policing culture is failing women and children
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Simpson, Associate Professor in Criminology, Macquarie University Australian policing has been in the spotlight in the past few weeks. There were concerning scenes in New South Wales during protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit, while Queensland Police’s commitment to curtailing domestic and family violence was
Andrew’s arrest: will anything like this now happen in the US? Why hasn’t it so far?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Shortis, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University The stunning arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office must have chilled many powerful American men to the bone. They may now wonder: could something like
Source: Radio New Zealand
Emergency services at a house in Bryndwr, Christchurch. Sam Sherwood / RNZ
Emergency services are at an address in the Christchurch suburb of Bryndwr.
Several police cars and ambulances were at the scene on Bevin Place, as well as a Christchurch City Council animal management vehicle.
An RNZ reporter at the scene said a woman was being attended to by paramedics, and another person was on a stretcher and being put into an ambulance.
Ambulance operator Hato Hone St John said three people were injured – two were taken to hospital, one critical and one serious, while the third was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Police said they were notified about 2.45pm, and there was no risk to the public.
The exact nature of the incident was not yet known.
More to come.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Whiria ko te iwi tuna Toiaa Taiao
A Taranaki exhibition is giving a voice to native species including tuna (eels), iinanga and kooaro (whitebait), and piharau (lamprey), revealing the rhythms of life beneath the surface of New Zealand’s freshwater streams and rivers.
Whiria ko te iwi tuna opens on 28 February at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth.
A four-year collaboration by artist collective Toiaa Taiao – Tihikura Hohaia, Alex Monteith and Maree Sheehan immerse audiences in the world of Te Whanganui, a central Taranaki stream, through evocative underwater footage and delicately recorded soundscapes, inviting audiences to experience the waterway as a living, communicating presence.
The project aimed to bring attention to ongoing legislative failures that enabled the exploitation of waterways and undermine hapū authority in enacting kaitiakitanga.
“This project marks the first time the voices of tuna from Te Whanganui have been recorded and made audible as voices in their own right,” said Maree Sheehan, a composer and sound artist recognised by the Royal Society of New Zealand as Māori researcher of the year in 2024.
“By amplifying these submerged communications, Whiria ko te iwi tuna positions tuna not as passive indicators, but as active agents speaking for their own sovereignty.”
A newly published essay by Rachel Buchanan (Taranaki iwi, Te Ātiawa, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika), supported and extended the exhibition.
The essay situated the work within “a whakapapa of care and protest” in Taranaki, honouring generations of hapū and community-led efforts to protect waters from industrial ruin, and affirming the inseparable relations between Taranaki’s waters and its people.
Also opening on 28 February is Pause, act, void, event, a dynamic exhibition of beloved and newly acquired works from the Govett-Brewster collection.
Anchored by a spectacular room-spanning work by Debra Bustin, last seen at the gallery in 1982, the exhibition also featured works by Billy Apple, D Harding, Ralph Hotere, Corita Kent, Tom Kreisler, Ziggy Lever & Lucy Meyle, Peter Peryer and Pauline Rhodes.
Both exhibitions were on until 19 July 2026.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Bridge on Okuti Valley Road on Thursday. RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The Student Volunteer Army (SVA) has deployed 40 volunteers from the University of Canterbury to help clean up Banks Peninsula.
A state of emergency was declared in the region on Tuesday, after it was hammered by nearly six times the average monthly rainfall in just 48 hours.
The request for volunteers came from Civil Defence on Friday night.
Despite the academic year beginning last Monday, SVA president Johann Torres was overwhelmed by how many signed up.
“We’ve only just come back to uni so it’s quite, you know, it’s nice that we have so many volunteers quite mobile straight away and very keen to help.”
Slips and trees down across a road in Wainui, Banks Peninsula on Tuesday. Lawrence Smith
The SVA will be working alongside other groups, such as Taskforce Kiwi, focusing on clearing silt from properties.
“We’re working quite closely with Civil Defence and some other volunteer groups like Taskforce [Kiwi] and we’ve essentially gotten a list of properties that we’re going to work on.
We’re focusing mainly on shovelling and wheel-barrowing silt from properties who have been affected by the quite recent flooding.”
Although State Highway 75 and telecommunications had been restored residents were still busy cleaning up the damage to homes and businesses.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
123rf
Bargaining over pay and conditions has stretched into its second year for nurses and senior doctors, while bargaining for junior doctors is just beginning.
The collective agreement for senior doctors with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) expired in August, 2024.
Nurses, too, through the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), have been in bargaining for nearly as long, with their negotiations beginning in September 2024. Both unions have held strikes.
Health New Zealand confirmed that in 2025, three offers were made to senior doctors and two to nurses, which were all declined.
“We are continuing to work with ASMS and NZNO in good faith and have already held several bargaining dates in 2026 with more planned in the coming weeks,” said a HNZ spokesperson in a statement.
In September, [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/498384/employment-relations-authority-asked-to-step-in-over-senior-doctor-pay-dispute
Health NZ called for the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) to step in] and force doctors into a contract, saying the union had breached the obligations of good faith.
An employment law specialist told RNZ at the time it was an unprecedented move for the public sector.
In November, with the union against it, the ERA declined to step in, saying there was a high bar to meet and there had been no serious and sustained breaches of good faith.
“The parties are a distance apart but it is not unusual in bargaining for a lot of progress to be made in a short time, even after a long period of little progress,” said authority member Nicola Craig at the time.
ASMS chief executive Sarah Dalton told RNZ on Friday the gap between the parties was smaller than ever, but still not fully closed.
“I do believe the gap has been closing, and we’re not wildly far apart, but the most recent position they put to us – which was not a formal offer but a position – was still short of what our executive believes would be enough to take something back to our members.”
“I hope that we will settle sometime during the course of this year, but in order for that to happen, Health New Zealand needs to bring more to the table.”
It is an option that union members have during bargaining,” she said. “So potentially that could happen, [but] that is not our plan at the moment.”
One of the two junior doctors’ unions – Specialty Trainees of New Zealand (STONZ) – had just entered bargaining already, and the other – Resident Doctors Association (NZRDA) – had begun pre-bargaining talks, with formal bargaining set to begin in June.
STONZ executive director Kate Clapperton-Rees told RNZ: “Our focus in these negotiations is on claims that recognise and value our Resident Medical Officers, and on securing improvements that will help attract and retain more doctors in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
NZRDA senior advocate Melissa Dobbyn said they were currently working through more than 200 pages of responses from members about issues and concerns.
“We will be looking at improving supports for RMOs during key transition points on the pathway from medical school to completing training as an SMO, including examinations, moving hospitals, and promotion from house office to registrar.”
A spokesperson for health minister Simeon Brown said in a statement: “The minister greatly values the senior and junior doctor workforce and looks forward to negotiations for both concluding.”
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Palau’s Supreme Court has denied an application by the Senate for a stay order on the government’s plan to take third country nationals deported from the United States.
President Surangel Whipps’ has agreed for Palau to take up to 75 people, with the US to give Palau US$7.5 million in development funds.
However, the Senate — the upper house of the Palau National Congress (Olbiil era Kelulau) — and a citizens group went to court arguing the deal is unlawful and not in Palau’s interests, but their motion has been denied.
While the Senate earlier tried to block the deal through legislation, the House of Delegates did not approve.
The President has said Palau will decide on a case by case basis which deported people are accepted.
A source within the government said it was likely that the first group of deported people to arrive in Palau would number about 10.
Whipps’ office said the Senate and traditional leaders have declined attempts to meet for discussions about the issue.
The Senate is pushing for a referendum on the issue, as indicated in a vote on the issue last month.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz
COMMENTARY: By Moana Maniapoto
Known globally as one of America’s most prominent and inspiring civil rights leaders, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr twice ran for US president. He has died at 84.
Throughout his lifetime, he fought to promote social justice, economic equality and political empowerment for marginalised communities — and worked hard to encourage voter uptake from the disillusioned and excluded.
Little wonder he was outspoken against the South African apartheid regime and on Palestine. His six children described their father as a “servant leader”.
When I think of Jesse Jackson, I recall the iconic image of him standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in 1968, moments before his mentor Reverend Martin Luther King was assassinated.
I visited the site over a year ago. Now transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum, it documents the Jim Crow era both men were born into; where segregation and racism was formally normalised.
The interactive display was both moving and disturbing. It was also hopeful; a reminder of people-power movements led by those shaped by a Baptist church culture that grew the most compelling orators.
I have a personal memory of meeting Jesse Jackson one special afternoon many years ago in New York, while travelling with Deirdre Nehua and Syd Jackson.
Fearless treaty activist
Syd, one of our most fearless unionists and treaty activists, passed away in 2007. Both men were intelligent, witty and passionately Kaupapa-driven; powerful speakers who used their gifts and life experience to build movements at home and beyond.
They marched and organised sit-ins. They spoke out when it wasn’t popular, put their hands up when others hesitated. They got off the fence and made a difference.
We were introduced by a mutual friend as “Māori activists from New Zealand”. A puzzled Jesse gazed at Uncle Syd.
“Where did you get that slave name from, my brother?”
Deirdre and I glanced at each other. Uncle Syd responded with a deft explanation that referred to his Welsh whakapapa and included the words both “rugby” and “colonisation”.
Afterwards, the three of us bounced around New York beaming. We’d met an inspirational leader and he now knew “Māori brothers and sisters at the bottom of the South Pacific” were in the same waka; fighting the good fight.
In the many tributes to Jesse Jackson, I noted the odd commentator described him as a “populist”. It’s a term that conjures up those who frame themselves as saviours by fomenting division and exploiting fear.
Inclusive and reformist
Yet Jesse was inclusive and a reformist. Their point was about how he built coalitions that brought African Americans, Latinos, unions, rainbow communities, poor whites and working class together to fight for basic human rights inside the existing system. It’s said he frequently used his platforms to highlight Native American and Indigenous-led causes.
This week The Washington Post noted how colleges in the US are dismantling affirmative action stategies designed to overcome restrictions on participation due to race or income. Back here, calls have been made for a referendum on electorates set up to specifically provide a voice for signatories to Te Tiriti, in a system not designed by or for them.
Next week, a champion who railed against inequality will be laid to rest in his beloved Chicago. For us in Aotearoa, it’s an opportunity to reflect on his coalition-building record in this era of division and truly look around; to understand who and what the real threat to our sense of nationhood truly is.
A man of faith and hope, Jesse Jackson’s words are as relevant now as they ever were. Words matter. So does his call to action.
“It’s time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.”
Moe mai ra e te Rangatira.
Moana Maniapoto MNZM is an Aotearoa New Zealand singer, songwriter and documentary maker, and presenter of Te Ao With Moana. This article was first published on the Te Ao FB page and is republished with permission.
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz
Source: Radio New Zealand
Concussions can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. (File photo) 123RF
The professional body for social workers says a surge in diagnosed work related concussions at Oranga Tamariki is deeply concerning.
Figures released to RNZ reveal the number of head injuries suffered by Oranga Tamariki staff while at work had increased by 80 percent in the past five years.
Oranga Tamariki said there were 157 work-related concussions between January 2021 and December 2025, suffered by 146 staff members.
It declined to reveal where those head injuries took place, citing privacy concerns.
Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers chief executive Nathan Chong Nee said employers had an obligation to keep employees safe.
“We stand alongside our members, the complexity and risk in their mahi are increasing, and safety must be treated as non‑negotiable,” he said.
Chong Nee, who was a registered social worker, said he knew the reality of walking into volatile situations.
“Keeping tamariki and whānau safe starts with keeping the people who serve them safe.”
The association would be seeking assurance from Oranga Tamariki on what action would be taken, he said.
(File photo) RNZ
“We expect action that protects kaimahi and, in turn, the tamariki and whānau they serve.”
Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimmons said concussions suffered by Oranga Tamariki staff were a symptom of youth residences under too much pressure.
“The facilities are not fit for purpose, we have an unsafe staffing mix, double shifts are too common, and there are roster gaps. There’s a whole range of issues contributing to this and Oranga Tamariki needs to get to the bottom of what’s going on and stop it,” she said.
“Oranga Tamariki needs to look into all these factors and others to make sure that this aggression towards Oranga Tamariki workers stops.”
Oranga Tamariki said it took any injury sustained at work extremely seriously, and placed particular emphasis on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff following potential head injuries.
Deputy chief executive of people, culture and enabling services Nicholas Pole said its staff deserved to come to work every day and know they were safe, and any instances where that wasn’t happening was unacceptable.
“We are currently reviewing all concussion injury incidents and once that is complete, we will have a better understanding of what has led to this increase,” he said.
Pole said Oranga Tamariki had become more vigilant in the recording and monitoring of all injuries to staff, which could have led to an increase in recordings of concussions.
It was progressing a programme of work focused on strengthening how it prevented, identified, and supported head injuries in the workplace.
This would include improving reporting processes, guidance for leaders and staff, and ensuring wrap-around support to anyone who experienced such an injury, he said.
“Our Youth Justice Residences are an area where staff are at higher risk of a concussion due to the complex nature of the work and the dynamic environment, and they will be supported through the above programme of work.”
Pole said Oranga Tamariki also engaged a third-party health and injury-management provider.
“This provider proactively contacts any staff member who reports a head injury, regardless of whether an ACC claim is lodged. During this initial engagement, the staff member’s needs are assessed, and referrals made for specialist concussion services and wellbeing support, when required,” he said.
“Staff concerned about their safety at work are encouraged to speak with their manager and work with the Oranga Tamariki Health and Safety team to ensure they have what they need to undertake their roles in a safe manner.”
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Trade Minister Todd McClay said New Zealand exports had been holding up well overall in the US market since the original 15 percent tariff was imposed (file image). Nick Monro
Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay says considerable uncertainty is likely to remain with the latest moves in the US on tariffs.
The US Supreme Court ruled the sweeping tariffs US President Donald Trump imposed on nearly every country were illegal.
Trump has hit back, announcing a new 10 percent levy on global imports.
McClay said New Zealand exports have been holding up well overall in the US market since the original 15 percent tariff was imposed.
While any tariff reduction was welcomed, he did not believe the 15 percent charge was warranted, given American goods coming into New Zealand faced a tariff of just 0.3 percent, he said.
“Our embassy in Washington will engage with their counterparts to get more information so we can continue to work with exporters, however uncertainty around US tariff policy is likely to remain for an extended period of time.”
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Source: Radio New Zealand
It is not expected to be restored until tomorrow. 123RF
The number of households affected by a fibre outage in West Auckland has climbed to nearly 7500.
The Chorus outage is impacting Te Atatū, Henderson, and Massey – with people unable to access the internet via their fibre connections since 5.30am on Saturday.
It is not expected to be restored until tomorrow.
The cause of the outage is unknown.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
File photo. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A brand of salami is being recalled after being produced without the required food safety control and oversight.
The three Zaroa NZ-branded products being recalled are Pure, Delicaté Salami Pohutukawa Smoked, and Hawke’s Bay Black Angus Beef Chorizo Salami.
Supplied / MPI
Food Safety’s Vincent Arbuckle said dried and cured products must be carefully controlled as the manufacturing process does not involve a high-temperature cooking step that kills bacteria like salmonella and E.coli.
Where the products were sold:
Arbuckle urged people to return the products to the place of purchase for a refund.
The products have been removed from store shelves.
There have been no reports of associated illness.
If anyone has consumed any of these products and have any concerns about their health, they should seek medical advice.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Mexican teenager Karim Lopez will play his final game for the Breakers on Sunday before going into the NBA draft. photosport
The New Zealand Breakers players won’t pocket all of the prize money from the Ignite Cup final.
Sunday’s finale of the inaugural in-season tournament between the Breakers and Adelaide 36ers ensures nobody leaves the Gold Coast empty-handed with the champions taking home A$300,000 and the runners-up A$100,000.
Prize money in the Australian NBL is unique to the Ignite Cup, and while pundits have debated how the prize money should be split, with suggestions it should all go to the players, the official line from the NBL is that 60 percent goes to the players directly and the remainder to the club.
Breakers president of basketball Dillon Boucher said the club would not be giving all the money to the players.
“Unfortunately anything that goes more than 60 percent to the players goes on your salary cap, so I think teams making smart decisions would probably not give it all to the players rather than incur some luxury tax by giving the players extra money.
“I think 60 percent is a fair amount to go to the players and obviously there is a lot of factors and a lot of people that are involved in making the team successful, so it’s only fair that they share in the success of the Ignite Cup profits.”
Not every player was focused on the cash.
Centre Sam Mennenga made an unexpected comeback from what was described as a season-ending wrist injury against the Cairns Taipans on Thursday night and will be available to play the 36ers in a boost for the Breakers and for the Tall Black who is looking off-season playing opportunities overseas.
“There is money on the line – I don’t really care about the money, but I’d rather us have the money than Adelaide have the money.”
The Breakers will tip off their final game of the season as underdogs.
After failing to make the post-season, by finishing seventh, the Breakers can still end an injury-hit rollercoaster of a season with a valuable victory but it will be against the odds.
For the majority of the Ignite Cup, played mid-week and with competition points for every quarter won, the Breakers were dominant. The Auckland-based club won the first three of their Cup games while losing games not played on Wednesdays with regularity.
The Breakers lost their fourth game of the Cup competition to finish second on the ladder behind the 36ers who also won three out of four games but edged the Breakers by winning an extra quarter for an additional competition point to qualify in top spot for the final.
While the Ignite Cup was where the Breakers shone, the 36ers are also sitting in second on the regular season table with a chance of winning a Championship and Cup double.
Adelaide beat the Breakers every time they met this season. Three wins, one in overtime, all by fewer than five points.
The Breakers and 36ers did not play against each other during the Ignite Cup. The two sides last met a week ago with the 36ers putting together a fourth-quarter comeback to win 92-89 on their home court in the regular season. The Breakers had the lead for 36 minutes of the 40 minute game and had an 18 point advantage at one stage before Adelaide got the win.
Mennenga missed that game as did Next StarKarim Lopez, who will both be back from injury for the crucial clash. Breakers coach Petteri Koponen also managed minutes in the Breakers’ last regular season game on Thursday to give the roster the best shot of being the first Ignite Cup winners.
Tai Webster and Izaiah Brockington will be game time decisions for Sunday after missing the Taipans game.
The final will be played in neutral territory, at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, in a region that does not have an NBL team at the moment.
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Makala Woods of the Wellington Phoenix runs ball back to half way after scoring. photosport
American striker Makala Woods has rescued a 1-1 draw for Wellington Phoenix away to Melbourne Victory, to keep the Kiwi club second on the A-League women’s standings.
Wood scored her fourth goal since joining the club as an injury replacement in January, finding the net in the 87th minute after the Victory had taken the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half.
It’s only the second time Wellington have left Melbourne with the sour taste of defeat, pleasing head coach Bev Priestman ahead of a three-week break.
“I’m delighted to pick up a point on the road,” Priestman said.
“We had a lot of chances that we should have put away and that’s a little bit of a learning for us, but with the tight turnaround, in that heat, and when you pick up a point late in the game…it always feels better than probably a draw from the beginning.
“Credit to Victory. I thought it was a very good performance from them. They really tested us.
“But I’m happy we got the point and probably this international break is much needed for the group.”
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT
It’s Woods’ ninth goal contribution in just seven matches, with five assists to go with her four goals since joining the squad at the start of the year.
Priestman made two changes to the side which started last Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Central Coast, with Grace Jale and Emma Pijnenburg returning in place of Mackenzie Anthony and Daisy Brazendale.
The Victory were awarded a penalty in the 51st minute after Wellington midfielder Jale was deemed to have fouled her opposite Sofia Sakalis. Rhianna Pollicina converted the spot kick, picking out the top left corner.
Woods drew the Phoenix level, controlling a defence-splitting pass from Pia Vlok and then shooting past Courtney Newbon and into the left hand corner. It came after a string of Wellington corners.
Seven Phoenix players will now head away on international duty.
Wellington will next play host to Brisbane Roar on 14 March.
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USA’s Alex Ferreira celebrates after winning the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. AFP/JEFF PACHOUD
USA’s Alex Ferreira celebrates after winning the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
There were no medals for New Zealand at the men’s freeski halfpipe final, USA’s Alex Ferreira taking home the gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
The final run ended with Ferreira in first place (93.75 points), Estonia’s Henry Sildaru (93.00) in second and Canada’s Brendan Mackay in third (91.00).
Canada’s Brendan Mackay reacts after competing in the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe final run 3 during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. AFP/JEFF PACHOUD
Canada’s Brendan Mackay reacts after competing in the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe final run 3 during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
New Zealand’s Ben Harrington was ninth.
Earlier Harrington had led the Kiwi contingent after a clean first run saw him sitting at ninth, dropping to 12th during the second run.
Making it to the finals was “an insane feeling”, he said.
“My biggest goal was just to come out and land some runs. I had knee surgery just over a year ago, so it was a mission to get back here but we did it.”
Fin Melville Ives fell during the second run, leaving him unconscious and stretchered off.
USA’s Nick Goepper came in fourth after he crashed on his final jump as he attempted a switch double cork misty flip – a never-before-done halfpipe trick – to land on the deck of the halfpipe.
“I have no regrets,” he said to the crowd. “I’m going to be 35 in four years,” as he looked ahead to another Olympic Games.
USA’s Nick Goepper falls while competing in the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe final run 3 during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. AFP/JEFF PACHOUD
USA’s Birk Irving finished in fifth and Britain’s Gus Kenworthy in sixth.
New Zealand has so far secured three medals in this year’s Games.
On Thursday, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott became the world’s most decorated Olympic snowboarder with her silver-medal run in the women’s snowboard slopestyle event.
Luca Harrington brought home bronze at the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle last week, after Sadowski-Synnott also claimed New Zealand’s first medal of the games, taking silver in the big air event.
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Josh Clarkson is congratulated after taking a wicket for Central Districts against Wellington. photosport
Central Districts (CD) have stormed into the final of the men’s Ford Trophy domestic one-day cricket competition, crushing Wellington by 211 runs at the Basin Reserve.
CD will carry momentum in the final on Sunday at the same venue, when they face top qualifiers Canterbury.
Black Cap Will Young laid the foundation for the winners, scoring 105 off 103 balls as they posted an imposing 349-5 – their highest-ever one-day total against Wellington.
Dean Foxcroft (89) and Dane Cleaver (75) provided aggressive support, with Cleaver and Josh Clarkson (47 not out) finding the boundary at will over the closing overs.
Wellington lost two wickets in the first two overs, sparking a steady capitulation that ended at 138 all-out in the 33rd over.
Black Caps allrounder Nathan Smith top-scored with just 30, while seamer Brett Randell produced Central’s best bowling figures, taking 3-30 off nine overs.
The women’s final was to be played at the Basin Reserve on Saturday, with top qualifiers Northern Districts chasing their first domestic silverware of any description.
Their opponents are Wellington, who powered to the Super Smash T20 title earlier in the summer.
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Ben Harrington has qualified for the men’s freeski halfpipe final after a tense finish to the second run at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
A tough competition saw three out of the four New Zealand athletes lose a ski in at least one of their two runs. Each competitor is ranked by their best run, with only the top 12 of 25 progressing to the final.
Harrington led the Kiwi contingent after a clean first run saw him sitting at ninth. The 24-year-old dropped to 12th place during the second run, making for a nail-biting wait while all the other athletes finished competing.
Making it to the finals was “an insane feeling”, he said.
“My biggest goal was just to come out and land some runs. I had knee surgery just over a year ago, so it was a mission to get back here but we did it.”
Speaking into the cameras on the slopes, Harrington dedicated his second run to teammate Fin Melville Ives, who had his own final hopes dashed after a fall saw him stretchered off the snow.
“Hey Finski, this one’s for you, brother. Love you, let’s go skiing,” Harrington said.
New Zealand’s Ben Harrington reacts after competing in the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe qualification during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, in Livigno, Italy. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
Melville Ives was the first competitor to drop into the halfpipe but lost a ski in both runs, putting him at 24th. He was assessed by medics following the second, more serious fall and stretchered off the snow.
Following the event, the New Zealand Olympic Team provided an update on his condition on social media, saying he was “stable and positive”.
Head coach Tom Willmott said “he took a big hit”, revealing the 19-year-old had been knocked unconscious.
“He’s in great care, our team doctor’s with him, his mum’s with him, and he’s doing okay. He was knocked out, but he’s conscious right now, he’s talking and he’s doing okay. He’s getting full checks, scans, x-rays, all the rest of it, just to fully rule anything out,” Willmott said.
“We had qualifying postponed due to the snow yesterday [Friday NZT] so today was the day, it was big Friday. He was using qualies as a warm up to the main event tonight [the finals, Saturday morning NZT] and he was all in, going real big.
“Fine margins, he was pushing his limits. He’s going to be devastated, he’s going to be gutted, you know. But he will pick himself up and he’ll come back from this because he’s a bit of a warrior.”
Finley Melville Ives lies on the snow after crashing in the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe qualification run 2. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
Fellow Kiwis Gustav Legnavsky and Luke Harrold also failed to qualify, ranking 14th and 15th respectively.
Harrold’s first run saw him in contention for the finals after he placed 11th, but run two saw the 17-year-old lose a ski.
“It was a tough day out there,” he said. “Training went well but, unfortunately, I couldn’t put down the run I wanted to in the two runs. I just want to say thanks to everyone who supported me through my whole journey, it’s been pretty incredible. I couldn’t put it down today for you guys but I know I will eventually.”
Legnavsky, 20, also lost a ski on his first run, and a clean second run was not enough to lift him into the top 12.
“I’m pretty bummed … I have more, I know I have more.”
The event involves competitors performing a series of tricks while skiing down a semi-cylindrical slope.
The final was set down for 7.30am Saturday, 21 February (NZT).
Kiwi Nico Porteous won gold in the event at the last Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022.
New Zealand has so far secured three medals in this year’s games.
On Thursday, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott became the world’s most decorated Olympic snowboarder with her silver-medal run in the women’s snowboard slopestyle event.
Luca Harrington brought home bronze at the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle last week, after Sadowski-Synnott also claimed New Zealand’s first medal of the games, taking silver in the big air event.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
The cause of the outage is still unknown. RNZ / Diego Opatowski
The number of households affected by a fibre outage in West Auckland has climbed to more than 6000.
The Chorus outage is impacting Te Atatū, Henderson, and Massey – with people unable to access the internet via their fibre connections since 5.30am on Saturday.
It is not expected to be restored until tomorrow.
The cause of the outage is unknown.
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(File photo) 123RF
Got questions? RNZ has launched a podcast, ‘No Stupid Questions’, with Susan Edmunds.
We’d love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but even better, you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz.
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My dad passed away in 2015. While he was sick, he and his partner both wrote wills. In his will he said if he died the house he built would be sold after my stepmother died and the money divided up between me, my sister and my three stepsisters. They wrote matching wills. After he passed, she stayed in the house at least a year then sold it and bought another house. She changed her will so only her children would get the money from the house sale. Is there anything I can do?
Michelle Pope, principal trustee from Public Trust, said there are some general points that could help.
She says you should start by getting a copy of your father’s will and understanding how the home was owned when he died.
“That information is central to understanding what rights and interests each party may have had, and whether any specific conditions were attached to the house or other assets.
“Many couples make matching or ‘mirror’ wills, and there’s a common assumption that this means the surviving partner can’t later change their will. Unless the wills were legally mutual – meaning there was a clear, binding agreement not to change certain provisions after the first death – the surviving partner is generally free to update their own will. Mirror and mutual wills are often confused, but they are not the same.
“How the house was owned is a key issue in situations like this, because it determines whether the property became part of the estate or passed automatically to the surviving owner.”
If your dad and stepmother owned the house jointly, it would have passed automatically to her when he died and not been part of his estate.
“If this is the case, the house belongs to the surviving joint owner and they are free to decide what to do with it.
“If the house was owned solely by your dad or as ‘tenants in common’ with your stepmother, your dad’s ownership of the house may have remained part of the estate and protected for the beneficiaries named in the will. In some cases, wills give the surviving partner a life interest, allowing them to live in or use the property during their lifetime (or receive the income from it), with the value passing to beneficiaries later.
“Whether you have any interest in your stepmother’s new home depends on what, if any, interest you have in your dad’s estate. It is possible that if your stepmother had a life interest that gave her the right to sell the initial property and buy another, your dad’s interest may have transferred to that replacement property. “
When it comes to his other belongings, Pope said that unless a will set out household and personal effects to someone in particular, families often decided among themselves how things were divided.
“Where there is a spouse or partner, it is not unusual that they would keep most of these items because they are considered assets of the relationship. This can be hard for children, particularly when items of sentimental value are sold or given away, as the law doesn’t always reflect their emotional significance.
“At Public Trust, we specifically ask people when they’re making a will whether there are particular belongings they want to go to specific people. This helps create clarity and reduce misunderstandings for families later on.”
She said if you were still not sure, you could speak to the executor of your father’s estate, who would have been responsible for administering the will. You could then seek legal advice if you were not happy with the information you were given.
I am a personal investor and an active one. I do it because I love it. I have a problem with the managed fund industry in that they are very careless with the truth. When they claim to have achieved a return of say 8 percent, if they have been investing in NZ shares they should say that the client has contributed 4 percent or 6 percent from the dividends they have foregone.
New Zealand has two main types of funds – accumulating and distributing.
KiwiSaver funds are accumulating funds. They reinvest the dividends that they get from investing back into the fund rather than paying them out to investors.
When accumulating funds talk about the returns they are giving investors, they include the dividends that are reinvested.
If a fund pays out, when it reports returns, it includes the dividend in that return.
Rupert Carlyon, founder of Koura KiwiSaver, point sout that the NZX50 is an index that includes dividends in return calculations, but the S&P500 is not. It only includes price movements.
He said investors comparing the performance of their share portfolio versus the performance of a managed funds should think about the dividends, too.
“When looking at returns we always want to look at total returns after fees.
“If anything, I would argue fund managers are doing it correctly and individual investors should probably be talking about a slightly higher return.”
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RNZ / Mark Papalii
“Opportunistic” gulls are flocking near Wellington Airport’s runway, picking off easy prey that are surfacing in the water nearby to munch on sewage.
The airport is taking extra precautions to avoid planes hitting birds, but says it hasn’t been a problem in the two weeks since the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant meltdown.
Raw sewage has been spewing into the South coast and further out to the Cook Strait since the plant’s massive failure two weeks ago.
Department of Conservation principal science advisor Graeme Taylor said black-backed gulls were “opportunistic” birds making the most of the sewage flow.
“They’ll be coming around in sort of flocks, when they might otherwise go to a tip site or something like that,” he said.
“They wouldn’t be eating the raw sewage itself, but there will be other species of marine organisms that will be into that… zooplankton and small fish.”
Those species were coming up to the surface where sewage was floating, making them accessible for the gulls, Taylor said.
The birds would probably not get sick, he said.
RNZ / Mark Papalii
“They’ve got very strong digestive juices in their stomach and they can eat food that you and I would find disgusting,” he said.
“But having said that, if there is, various viruses or bugs in there that’s not going to be good for them.”
Taylor was concerned about the birds roosting on the rocks near the airport runway.
He said New Zealand’s gull numbers were “huge” so bird strike was not a conservation problem – rather, a problem for those sitting on a plane that hits a bird.
A Wellington Airport spokesperson said there had been more birds gathering around the runway since the sewage plant failure.
Staff were monitoring them and taking precautionary measures to avoid them hitting planes, including using loud noises to scare them away, they said.
Airports are required to report instances of bird strike to the Civil Aviation Authority, which said there was no sign of an increase in bird strike activity in the capital this month.
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File photo. 123RF
Households spending more than a third more on utility bills than they did a year ago do not have much money left for fun stuff, Kiwibank economists say.
They have released new spending data, which shows a tough end to the year for shops, particularly fashion retail.
“We typically see spending ramp up into the summer holidays,” economist Sabrina Delgado said.
“But our Kiwibank electronic card data showed this effect was less pronounced this time around. The silly season kicked off on a good note with the number of transactions in December up 0.4 percent on last year’s levels. But it seems consumer spending got hit with a bad new year’s hangover in January. The number of transactions in January dropped 2.7 percent below the overall 2025 monthly average. And compared to last January, transaction volumes were down 2.3 percent.”
The total amount spent was up 8.6 percent in December and 3.7 percent in January, which indicated people were shopping less but spending more.
The January data in particular showed that was because of higher prices, she said.
“Inflation has picked up over the past year, and many households are still feeling the squeeze after several years of tight budgets, elevated consumer prices, and expensive credit. So it’s no surprise we’re still seeing fewer shopping trips with more spent per trip.”
She said although interest rates were “significantly lower” than the year before, household budgets were still under pressure because the cost of essentials was rising.
They were spending 36 percent more on utilities across December and January than a year earlier.
“That’s taking a big chunk out of disposable incomes. It means that we have less to spend in other areas because utilities are essentials. We have to pay them.”
She said it was hitting clothing shops particularly hard, and spending on apparel seemed to be in persistent decline.
The data indicated that more of the same was happening in February, she said.
“Looking at the early data we have for February, which runs to just after Waitangi weekend, transaction volumes are currently tracking about 4.3 percent lower than this time last year. That suggests that the same kind of soft consumption we saw through January may be lingering into February. While this may be the case, we’ll flag that it may be too soon to draw firm conclusions for February. There’s still plenty of the month left, and a late-month pickup could shift the final outcome significantly.”
People seemed to be going out to dinner more but spending less at cafes, she said.
“We frequented our local coffee and brunch spots less than last year. And higher food prices seem to be hitting here the most. Because while the number of café visits has dropped, the dollars spent have instead risen. Compared with last summer, café spending is up almost 9 percent, meaning each visit is costing noticeably more. So for now it seems were gritting our teeth through our homemade instant coffees instead.”
Takeaway spending was also on a steady slide.
Demand for housing-related goods was strengthening. Trips to hardware stores were up 6 percent year-on-year in December and dollars spent were up just over 30 percent.
“Overall the lift in housing-related spend offers an encouraging sign for the housing market. The need for a fresh lick of paint or new furniture is often suggestive of increased housing market turnover. To us, the data signals that households are getting ready for a better year for the housing market. And we expect it will be with interest rates in their low ranges. “
Delgado said households were still worried about the labour market, which made people nervous about spending.
“Unemployment is at 5.4 percent. Even though we’ve seen the underlying details in the labour market showing some signs of strengthening, the average household only looks at that headline unemployment rate.
“If they see that that’s rising, that job insecurity weighs on that confidence to be splurging a bit more right now.”
She said it was also significant that the housing market was still soft because a lot of wealth was tied up in it.
“In our view, though, we do still see the rest of this year to be a recovery for consumption because as the broader economy is recovering, things like the labour market will improve. The housing market also is going to improve. And that should give a bit more confidence to households and their spending this year.”
She said any interest rate rises should still be left for 2027.
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Lead singer Liz Stokes tells RNZ’s Afternoons, she’s pleased to be back in Aotearoa, and excited to perform their fourth album Straight Line Was A Lie, to family and friends.
The band recently wrapped up an epic 70-show run which saw them travelling around the United States in a bus with 12 “coffin-sized beds” to enjoy, Stokes says.
“[The US] it’s a strange place… it’s a hard place at the moment… we’re seeing it as tourists where we go from music venue to music venue which are spaces where you know, it’s lovely people who are just wanting to support the culture…
“But obviously there is a lot of ugliness there, but we don’t see it…”
“When it got taken off the air we were like ‘never mind’, but when it was brought back it came through too.”
Stokes says it was cool being able to see the “movie magic” behind the scenes.
Actress Tessa Thompson was on the show the same night, Stokes says, but the band was shot earlier in the day before her or the audience came in.
The band performed the title track from their latest album Straight Line Was A Lie, an album Stokes says encapsulated a lot of her life over the last few years.
“I’ve been going through some big emotional and health journeys over the last few years and it’s really put all of that into the music that I’ve made… a lot of my life encapsulated in this album, like a horcrux or something.”
“I have a tendency to overshare, but it feels better to talk about it than be vague about it.”
She says she’s looking forward to finally doing a New Zealand tour.
“We’ve played this album now so much, but haven’t played it to New Zealand yet.”
But first, The Beths will be heading off to Japan on Monday, playing a sold-out show in Tokyo and another in Osaka.
“There’s definitely a big guitar music and alternative music scene in Japan.
“People there still buy CDs which is really lovely. “
The Beths will be playing shows throughout Aotearoa from 13-28 March.
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