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Pedestrian dies after being hit by vehicle in Ōtara

Source: Radio New Zealand

A pedestrian died in Ōtara after being hit by a vehicle. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle on a northbound lane of the Southern Motorway at Ōtara early on Friday morning.

Emergency services were called about 12.30am on Friday, between the Te Irirangi Drive on-ramp and the East Tamaki Road off-ramp.

First responders attended to the person, who died at the scene.

The northbound lanes were closed until 6am Friday.

Police said enquiries into the crash were ongoing.

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

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Green Party celebrates decision to decline Taranaki seabed mining

Source: Radio New Zealand

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson RNZ / Mark Papalii

The Green Party is celebrating the decision to decline plans to mine the Taranaki seabed.

In a draft decision on Thursday, the fast-track approvals panel declined Trans-Tasman Resources’ (TTR) bid to mine 50 million tonnes of seabed a year for 30 years in the South Taranaki Bight.

The panel found there would be a credible risk of harm to Māui dolphins, kororā/little penguin, and fairy prion.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said it was a huge win for the environment and the community.

“We’re absolutely delighted to see the proposal not backed.

“Even the government’s own panel have come out and said seabed mining has little regional or national benefit and that it would only benefit destructive corporations.

“It’s an incredible win for the environment, but massive props to the local campaigns, local community people, iwi, NGOs, researchers, scientists, fishers, just regular, ordinary people who care, who have said the same thing for many years and have fought hard and long.”

TTR have until 19 February to comment on the decision.

Davidson said the mining company would be putting profit before people and the environment if they tried to appeal it.

“How silly would they look. The message is already very clear. This is destructive, overrides local community voices and Te Tiriti, and it’s harmful and dangerous to our environment, which people actually care about.

“They have no support.”

She said the draft decision set a precedent and sent a message to the government that seabed mining was a “dumb idea”.

“Stop putting forward your stupid ideas.”

Davidson said if the government was relying on seabed mining as a way to grow the economy, they were “at a dead end.”

“It’s short-sighted, it’s stupid, and it will not work.”

Trans-Tasman Resources says it will now consider its next options.

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

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Body found at Napier beach

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

A body has been located at a beach in Napier, police say.

At around 8:25pm on Thursday, police were notified that a body was seen in the water off The Esplanade, Westshore.

Police and Coastguard responded and conducted a search for the body, which was recovered just before 1:30am.

A formal identification process is underway, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

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

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Pedestrian killed after being hit by vehicle in Ōtara

Source: Radio New Zealand

A pedestrian died in Ōtara after being hit by a vehicle. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle on a northbound lane of the Southern Motorway at Ōtara early on Friday morning.

Emergency services were called about 12.30am on Friday, between the Te Irirangi Drive on-ramp and the East Tamaki Road off-ramp.

First responders attended to the person who died at the scene.

The northbound lanes were closed until 6am Friday.

Police said enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

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

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Super Rugby Pacific preview: Moana Pasifika

Source: Radio New Zealand

Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we’re checking in on last year’s fairytale team, Moana Pasifika.

Highlanders team preview

Overview

Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga before the Super Rugby Pacific – Moana Pasifika v Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland – on Saturday 5th April 2025. Photo credit: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

Moana pretty much saved themselves from extinction by finishing in seventh place and memorably making the play-offs last year. That was done off the back of a gigantic workload by Ardie Savea, who will not be with the team this year as he plies his trade in Japan. His absence will be the talking point over Moana this year, as they look to keep the momentum going on and off the field.

The Good

Photosport Ltd 2020

Despite Savea leaving, the squad assembled by coach Tana Umaga is definitely beginning to make Moana look more like a favoured destination than second or third resort. Former Hurricane and All Black Ngani Laumape is the big addition to the midfield, while Jimmy Tupou and 132 kg Alefosio Aho will add a lot in the second row.

The Bad

Moana Pasifika. Andy Radka/ActionPress

While they’ve stepped out of last resort category, Moana are seemingly in another stage they probably don’t want to be in. Kyren Tamouefolau’s departure to the Chiefs is a sign that other teams are now very much eyeing up any young talent Moana produces, so the pressure is on to be a title contender simply to make those players stick around.

Big boots to fill

Moana Pasifika Miracle Faillagi scores his third try during the Super Rugby Pacific match, Moana Pasifika v Hurricanes, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland. Michael Thomas/ActionPress

Miracle Faiilagi has been handed the unenviable task of replacing Savea as not only captain, but also the key loose forward. However, he will have plenty of help in the form of Semisi Paea and last year’s breakout star Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.

What makes Moana fans different

Moana Pasifika fans during the Super Rugby Pacific – Moana Pasifika v Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium. Photosport

Moana went from playing in front of three men and a dog to establishing a fan base so dialled in they made North Harbour Stadium feel like Ellis Park. The most important game on the calendar is now definitely the crosstown derby with the Blues, which will likely be ramped up through both sides’ willingness to take shots at each other on social media.

Big games

Once again, it’s all of them. There will be an extra edge when Moana travel across town to play the Blues at Eden Park in round five, while they host their rivals in round 11. That run from round three on sees them play the Chiefs twice and the Crusaders once as well, after which we’ll have a decent barometer of what sort of post-Ardie reality Moana are in.

2026 squad

Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tito Tuipulotu

Hookers: Mamoru Harada, Millennium Sanerivi, Samiuela Moli

Locks: Alefosio Aho, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage

Loose Forwards: Dominic Ropeti, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Tupou Afungia

Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini

First Fives: Faletoi Peni, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini

Midfield: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu

Outside Backs: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili

Next up on Monday: The Blues

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

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Waitangi 2026: Dawn service in pictures

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Politicians, church leaders, local iwi and a crowd in the thousands attended the dawn service which kicked off Waitangi Day celebrations.

The service included a rowdy reception for deputy prime minister David Seymour, who faced boos, and audience members heckling him during his speech. A pūtatara (conch shell) could also be heard blowing.

RNZ photographers and journalists were at the service.

Here is how the morning unfolded in pictures.

Sunrise at Waitangi today. RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Crowds gathered early for the dawn service. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The governor general Dame Cindy Kiro, deputy prime minister David Seymour, National’s Dr Shane Reti and Labour leader Chris Hipkins at the service. RNZ / Layla Bailey-McDowell

Defence Force personnel at the service. RNZ / Mark Papalii

One of those attending. RNZ Mark Papalii

Waitangi Day 2026 is marked at Te Whare Rūnanga, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands. RNZ Mark Papalii

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour delivers his reading. RNZ Mark Papalii

Bishop Te Kito Pikaahu asked the crowd for calm while Seymour delivered his prayer. RNZ/Mark Papalii

A protestor during Seymour’s reading. RNZ Mark Papalii

A band plays during the service. RNZ Mark Papalii

The crowd as the sun rises. RNZ Mark Papalii

Greens’ co-leader Marama Davidson. RNZ Mark Papalii

Dame Cindy Kiro. Mark Papalii

National’s Dr Shane Reti. Mark Papalii

Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Mark Papalii

Bagpipes at the dawn service. Mark Papalii

A flag is raised at the dawn service. Mark Papalii

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

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Green MP seeks recognition of tohorā/whales as legal persons

Source: Radio New Zealand

Whole blue whale fluke credit Mark Carwardine

A Green MP wants tohorā/whales to be recognised as legal persons.

In New Zealand, laws have been passed to grant legal personhood to natural features, allowing them to be represented in court and have rights similar to those of individuals.

Teanau Tuiono has lodged a member’s bill, the Tohorā Oranga Bill, which would give whales inherent rights, including the right to freedom of movement, a healthy environment, and the ability to thrive alongside humanity.

“Because they’re such an iconic taonga species, they’re like an avatar for the environment, it’s incredibly important to protect them as a species and protect their habitat as well, and the part that they play in the fuller ecosystem,” Tuiono said.

Green MP Teanau Tuiono RNZ / Mark Papalii

With whales under threat from commercial fishing, pollution, and the climate crisis, a different approach to marine protection was needed.

“Humans, we often see ourselves as the centre of the world and the centre of our universe. Actually, we share the planet with other species and with other sentient species as well.

“I think recognition would shift the mindset of decision-makers across a range of environmental laws to make sure they’re paid specific attention.”

He said iwi Ngāti Wai and the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund had been heavily involved in the kaupapa.

“I’d like to acknowledge the work of Ngāti Wai as part of Hinemoana Halo, who are in many ways the genesis of this and other iwi around the country who are looking at different ways to do whale conservation around whale strandings as well, and everyone who loves the moana.”

Members’ bills are put forward by an MP who is not a minister, and are drawn via a ballot system.

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

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Body located, Napier

Source: New Zealand Police

A body has been located at a beach in Napier.

At around 8:25pm on Thursday 5 February, Police were notified that a body was seen in the water off The Esplanade, Westshore.

Police and Coastguard responded and conducted a search for the body, which was located just before 1:30am.

A formal identification process is underway, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Five apprehended following burglary in Upper Hutt

Source: New Zealand Police

Four youths and a 20-year-old man have been apprehended following a burglary at a commercial premises in Upper Hutt overnight.

Hutt Valley Area Commander, Inspector Wade Jennings says Police were notified of an attempt to break into a store on Main Street at around 12:40am.

“The alleged offenders made multiple attempts to gain access to the store, however those attempts were unsuccessful. They then fled the scene in a vehicle.”

That vehicle was later seen by Police where it was stopped, and five people were apprehended.

“The quick reporting of this incident by the store owner assisted Police greatly with gathering all necessary information, leading to locating and apprehending these youths.

“We understand the impact that this kind of offending has on local businesses and will continue to work to ensure we hold these offenders to account.”

The alleged offenders are due to appear in Court on 12 February.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Black Caps scramble to beat the US in World T20 warmup

Source: Radio New Zealand

Matt Henry celebrates a wicket. photosport

Seamer Matt Henry grabbed five wickets and came up clutch in the final over as the Black Caps saw off the United States by seven runs in a T20 World Cup warmup match in Mumbai.

It capped a difficult day for New Zealand, who couldn’t field ill batsmen Rachin Ravindra, with a viral infection having struck the team this week, according to coach Rob Walter.

Devon Conway was only cleared late to play the game while fellow-opener Finn Allen missed the game with a shoulder complaint.

Walter said he expected to have a fully fit squad to choose from for Sunday’s opening pool match against Afghanistan in Chennai.

Henry at least showed he was fit and firing, finishing with 5-32 as the US reached 201-8 off their 20 overs, in response to New Zealand’s 208-7.

The unheralded American side needed 12 to win off the final over but experienced seamer Henry halted them in their tracks, conceding just four runs and taking the wickets of Shubham Ranjane and Mohammad Mohsin off the second and fourth balls.

Earlier, Henry claimed the scalp of Andries Gous from the first ball of the chase and he later removed Milind Kumar for 43, while legspinner Ish Sodhi (2-27) dismissed top-scorer Saiteja Mukkamalla for 50.

New Zealand’s best with the bat was opener Tim Seifert, who blasted 66 off 31 balls before retiring to give others time at the crease.

Glenn Phillips struck a rapid 40 and Daryl Mitchell contributed 32.

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