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Government confirms NCEA replacement details

Source: Radio New Zealand

The government has confirmed the NCEA replacement will bring a new grading scale, compulsory subjects, and assessment requirements.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford made the announcement in Orewa, North Auckland today.

In March, the government confirmed that NCEA would be replaced by a new subject-based qualification over two years

The new qualification will be the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) at Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) at Year 13.

“Under the new system, students in Years 12 and 13 will study at least five subjects each year, with a minimum of three subjects required to achieve each qualification,” Stanford said.

She said obtaining the new literacy and numeracy Foundational Award, benchmarked at Year 11, will be a requirement to gain the new qualification.

“The new qualifications will introduce a six-point grading scale from A+ to E for every subject, making achievement easier to understand for parents, employers, tertiary providers and students themselves.”

From 2028 the compulsory subjects in Year 11 will include science (pūtaiao), English (te reo rangatira) and mathematics (pāngarau).

Stanford also confirmed some of the new subjects that will be introduced into the curriculum including Civics, Politics and Philosophy, Advanced Mathematics and Journalism, Media and Communications.

“Also included are industry-led subjects being developed by Industry Skills Boards that will be included in the qualification with parity of esteem alongside the Ministry subjects. These include subjects like building and construction, outdoor education and primary Industries.”

“This qualification rewards hard work and is designed to encourage young people to strive to do their very best, and ultimately to feel proud of what they achieved,” Stanford said.

She confirmed every subject will include internal assessments and an examination, with the weighting of the examination varying depending on the curriculum area and the nature of the subject.

She added that certificates will show how many subjects a student has passed, along with the grade achieved in each subject.

Students who achieve excellent results across all five subjects will also be eligible for endorsement awards.

Stanford said current Year 9 students will be the first cohort to progress through these changes.

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

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Details of NCEA replacement confirmed

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s new senior secondary qualifications will provide clearer, more credible recognition of student achievement, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“We want young people leaving school with qualifications that are clear, rigorous and widely understood by parents, employers, tertiary providers and students themselves,” Ms Stanford says.

“In March, we confirmed that NCEA would be replaced by a new subject-based qualification over two years. The new qualification will be the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) at Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) at Year 13. 

“Today we are confirming how students will achieve the qualifications, the new grading scale, compulsory subjects, and assessment requirements. These changes are designed to provide clearer pathways, stronger foundations and greater confidence in what student achievement means.

“Under the new system, students in Years 12 and 13 will study at least five subjects each year, with a minimum of three subjects required to achieve each qualification. Obtaining the new literacy and numeracy Foundational Award, benchmarked at Year 11, will be will be a requirement to gain the new qualification.”

Certificates will clearly show how many subjects a student has passed, along with the grade achieved in each subject, creating incentives for students to work hard and achieve success across more subjects.

Students who achieve excellent results across all five subjects will also be eligible for endorsement awards, recognising outstanding academic and vocational performance.

“The new qualifications will introduce a six-point grading scale from A+ to E for every subject, making achievement easier to understand for parents, employers, tertiary providers and students themselves.”

Every subject will include internal assessments and an examination, with the weighting of the examination varying depending on the curriculum area and the nature of the subject. The qualification changes are being developed alongside the new knowledge-rich senior secondary curriculum so that what students learn and how they are assessed are properly aligned.

From 2028, Science | Pūtaiao will also become a compulsory subject in Year 11 alongside English | Te Reo Rangatira and Mathematics | Pāngarau.

“Science gives young people important foundational knowledge in today’s modern world, paving the way for our future scientists, problem-solvers and innovators.

“In 2025 we confirmed the subject list being developed by the Ministry of Education. Examples of exciting new subjects that have been confirmed for the curriculum are ‘Civics, Politics and Philosophy’, ‘Journalism, Media and Communications’ and ‘Advanced Mathematics’.

“Also included are industry-led subjects being developed by Industry Skills Boards that will be included in the qualification with parity of esteem alongside the Ministry subjects. These include subjects like Building and Construction, Outdoor Education and Primary Industries. 

“This qualification rewards hard work and is designed to encourage young people to strive to do their very best, and ultimately to feel proud of what they achieved.

“Today’s Year 9 students will be the first cohort to progress through these changes, supported by a clearer curriculum and qualifications that properly recognise achievement and prepare them for the future.

“This is about ensuring every young New Zealander leaves school with qualifications that are credible, internationally comparable, and set them up for success.”

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Noel Leeming to open new branch on Auckland’s Queen Street

Source: Radio New Zealand

Noel Leeming Chief Executive Officer Jason Bell. Supplied/Noel Leeming

Noel Leeming believes Auckland’s CBD is coming to life again after a tough few years and it’s the right time to open a new branch.

The electronics company, which is owned by The Warehouse Group, moved out of Queen Street in 2021 because of pressure from the Covid pandemic and when its lease expired.

Iconic department store Smith and Caughey also closed last year after 145 years trading in Queen Street and Newmarket, citing of falling sales, disruption from roadworks and the construction of the city rail link, plummeting foot traffic and changing shopping habits.

Noel Leeming’s CEO Jason Bell said it was perhaps fortunate that Noel Leeming was not trading in the CBD over the past few years and the opening of its new interactive store on Queen Street later in September, is good timing.

“There’s been disruption from the city rail link but there’s also been massive investment in the future of the CBD. I’ve been down there a lot over the last few months and you can sense that it just feels different. There are more people around, there’s energy again. It just feels like the CBD is waking back up.”

Jason Bell said the expected opening of the city rail link, possibly at the same time as Noel Leeming’s new CBD branch, is another positive for the CBD.

He said the concept store is built around interaction and experience, with expert demonstrations, gaming events, product launches, and try-before-you-buy zones designed to turn a store visit into a destination experience.

“Think expert demos, gaming events, launches and immersive, hands-on experiences, this is a destination that truly earns its place in a vibrant CBD,” Bell says.

Apm (Auckland Property Management) is welcoming Noel Leeming’s decision.

“We see Noel Leeming’s commitment to Queen Street as a very positive signal for the wider CBD retail market. Major national brands investing back into the city centre helps strengthen confidence, increase foot traffic and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of Queen Street,” said apm Commercial Senior Asset Manager Joseph Baranyai.

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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Live: Christopher Luxon and Erica Stanford deliver NCEA update

Source: Radio New Zealand

The government has confirmed the NCEA replacement will bring a new grading scale, compulsory subjects, and assessment requirements.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford are due to deliver an update in Orewa, North Auckland today.

In March, the government confirmed that NCEA would be replaced by a new subject-based qualification over two years

The new qualification will be the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) at Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) at Year 13.

“Under the new system, students in Years 12 and 13 will study at least five subjects each year, with a minimum of three subjects required to achieve each qualification,” Stanford said.

She said obtaining the new literacy and numeracy Foundational Award, benchmarked at Year 11, will be a requirement to gain the new qualification.

“The new qualifications will introduce a six-point grading scale from A+ to E for every subject, making achievement easier to understand for parents, employers, tertiary providers and students themselves.”

From 2028 the compulsory subjects in Year 11 will include science (pūtaiao), english (te reo rangatira) and mathematics (pāngarau).

Stanford also confirmed some of the new subjects that will be introduced into the curriculum including Civics, Politics and Philosophy, Advanced Mathematics and Journalism, Media and Communications.

“Also included are industry-led subjects being developed by Industry Skills Boards that will be included in the qualification with parity of esteem alongside the Ministry subjects. These include subjects like building and construction, outdoor education and primary Industries.”

“This qualification rewards hard work and is designed to encourage young people to strive to do their very best, and ultimately to feel proud of what they achieved,” Stanford said.

She confirmed every subject will include internal assessments and an examination, with the weighting of the examination varying depending on the curriculum area and the nature of the subject.

She added that certificates will show how many subjects a student has passed, along with the grade achieved in each subject.

Students who achieve excellent results across all five subjects will also be eligible for endorsement awards.

Stanford said current Year 9 students will be the first cohort to progress through these changes.

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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Saturday update – fatal house fire, Mairehau

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Brent Menzies:

A scene examination has been completed at the scene of Thursday’s fatal house fire in Mairehau, Christchurch.

The fire sadly took the life of a three year old girl, and her mother later died in hospital.

Enquiries remain ongoing to speak with family members and witnesses.

Residents in the area can expected to see an increased Police presence as these area enquiries continue.

While the fire is not believed suspicious, it is too early to comment on the direct cause of the fire this early in the investigation.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre 

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Hockey: Black Sticks squad named for FIH Nations Cup defence

Source: Radio New Zealand

Olivia Shannon, is among the 20 players named in the Blacksticks, for the FIH Nations Cup in Auckland, June 2026 worldsportpics.com/ Photosport

An experienced New Zealand women’s hockey team’s been named for the defence of their FIH Nations Cup title in Auckland next month.

Head coach Phil Burrows has confirmed 20 players in the squad, including one new cap, Ruby Baker, 22, who played for New Zealand A, in a four-team international tournament in Dunedin in January.

“For our group, it’s a valuable pressure tournament leading into the World Cup later this year, especially as defending champions with the expectations that come from playing at home,” said Burrows.

“It’s also a special moment for Ruby Baker, who has thoroughly earned the opportunity to make her debut in front of a home crowd.”

The squad also features the return of several key players who missed last year’s Nations Cup success in Chile, when the Black Sticks beat Ireland in the final in a penalty shootout, including defenders Ella Hyatt-Brown, Liz Thompson, Mille Calder and Tessa Reid.

The New Zealand women’s hockey team, winners of the FIH Nations Cup in Santiago, Chile in 2025. Hockey New Zealand

Former Netherlands under-21 rep, Christchurch born, Josephine Murray has also been selected, as she continues to solidify her place in the New Zealand set up.

The tournament will take place between 15-21 June, and feature eight teams in what is the country’s biggest international hockey event in nearly a decade.

The other teams taking part are India, Japan, the United States, Uruguay, Chile, France and South Korea.

“It’s an exciting time for hockey in New Zealand. Opportunities to host international tournaments on home soil don’t come around often, so it’s a great occasion for both the players and fans, said Burrows.

Black Sticks Women squad:

Anna Crowley, Britt Wang, Casey Crowley, Ella Hyatt-Brown, Emma Findlay, Grace O’Hanlon, Hannah Cotter, Hannah Gravenall, Holly Pearson, Josephine Murray, Julia Gluyas, Kaitlin Cotter, Liz Thompson, Mezzy Surridge, Millie Calder, Olivia Shannon, Paige Blake, Riana Pho, Ruby Baker, Tessa Reid.

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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Kayaker dies after suffering medical event off Auckland’s Hobsonville Marina

Source: Radio New Zealand

The man was assisted onto a different boat but did not survive. RNZ / REECE BAKER

A man has died after suffering a medical event while kayaking in Auckland on Saturday morning.

Police were notified of the incident near the Hobsonville Marina shortly before 9.15am.

They said the man was assisted onto a different boat, where he was given medical assistance, but he did not survive.

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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Netflix doco star: Betraying wives of paedophile polygamist was ’emotional torture’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Befriending the abused wives of Sam Bateman, then becoming “the one who took away their prophet and the father of their babies,” was not easy for Christine Marie, star of Trust Me: The False Prophet.

After her own controlling relationship with a Mormon man she’s described as another “false prophet” in the late ’90s and years of psychology study, Marie knew how well Bateman’s victims had been manipulated to believe they were not being abused.

“I knew they wouldn’t understand it, maybe even for years, and that I would be losing my relationship with all these women and children that I adored. But it wasn’t about me,” she tells RNZ’s Saturday Morning.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

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Whangārei driver arrested after doing burnout in front of police

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Whangārei driver who performed a burnout in front of police is now facing charges. Supplied / NZ Police

A Whangārei driver who performed a burnout in front of police is now facing charges.

Sergeant Shawn Parker, of the Whangārei Youth Crime Unit, said police were monitoring a gathering of car enthusiasts at the Okara Shopping Centre on 2 May.

He said officers were speaking with youths in the area at about 10pm, when one of the vehicles left the meet.

“A white Honda Accord exited the carpark and performed a burnout through multiple gears along the road,” Sergeant Parker said.

“The driver appeared to be unaware Police were nearby.”

The car returned to the gathering a short time later and was stopped by officers, who arrested the 26-year-old driver. His vehicle was also impounded.

The man is due to appear in Whangārei District Court on 27 May, charged with operating a motor vehicle with sustained loss of traction.

Sergeant Parker said the incident served as a reminder that police would not tolerate this type of behaviour.

“Illegal street activity puts not only those involved at risk, but also members of the public,” he said, noting, in this case, there were young people nearby.

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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Warriors v Broncos ‘Magic Round’: What you need to know

Source: Radio New Zealand

Warriors v Broncos at NRL ‘Magic Round’. RNZ/Photosport

After a week off, NZ Warriors arrive in Brisbane for NRL ‘Magic Round’, facing a perfect storm of obstacles, as they pursue their fifth straight win.

Firstly, they must pick up where they left off two weeks ago, when they accounted for Parramatta Eels 36-14 to continue their solid start to the 2026 season.

Bye weeks have not been kind to the Warriors previously, so carrying on that momentum has been a focus this time.

“Before we went on our three-day break, we had three days of training,” coach Andrew Webster reported. “We had two field sessions and a wrestling session, two gym sessions, so they were important.

“The boys made sure they were awesome sessions, because you can have one eye on your break and it doesn’t really matter, but we wanted to get some reps in.

“We spoke about how that sets up this week and, since the boys returned to training on Monday, they’ve been awesome.”

Secondly, the draw has pitted them against the defending NRL champions TWICE at their home ground this season, with Magic Round counting as a Warriors home fixture.

“Would I much rather play the Broncos here?” Webster mused during the weekly Mt Smart media session. “Of course I would, but the draw is what it is and we’re looking at it as how exciting it is to play in that atmosphere with that many fans.”

Thirdly, the Warriors haven’t beaten the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium since 2018. The draw feels like a stitch up.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster faces plenty of challenges at ‘Magic Round’. David Neilson/Photosport

“Someone asked me that at the start of the year about Melbourne too,” Webster responded. “You’ve got to end that at some point, so why can’t it be us this week?

“We’ve got so much respect for our opponent, but I don’t think we’re going there worried that we can’t beat them because of a hoodoo or because of history. We make our own history and we’re keen to do that.”

Here’s what you need to know about Warriors v Broncos at Magic Round.

History

This fixture represents another instalment in the Warriors’ oldest rivalry, as they again face their original opponents from 10 March, 1995.

Brisbane won that inaugural match-up at Mt Smart Stadium and have since enjoyed a 29-22-1 head-to-head advantage, including 5-4-1 in their last 10 meetings and 11-4 at Suncorp Stadium.

The 18-18 ‘Golden Point’ deadlock came in July 2019, when Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford missed several field goal attempts in extra time, and could not provide their teams with the winning edge.

Last time they met, the Broncos prevailed 26-12 at Suncorp, with centre Gehamat Shibasaki scoring two tries for the home side and halfback Adam Reynolds kicking 5/6 from the tee. Warriors half Luke Metcalf left the contest with a season-ending knee injury.

Brisbane went on to win the 2025 grand final 26-22, with a second-half comeback against Melbourne Storm.

The biggest margin of victory over the rivalry is Brisbane’s 44-6 effort in their second meeting in 1995, when legendary centre Steve Renouf scored four tries.

Luke Metcalf suffers a season-ending knee injury against Brisbane Broncos. Tertius Pickard/www.photosport.nz

In 2013, the Warriors matched that 38-point difference, when they prevailed 56-18 in Brisbane, with Glen Fisiiahi, Konrad Hurrell, Tommy Leuluai and Manu Vatuvei all scoring try doubles.

Form

After back-to-back defeats, the Warriors have now won four in a row against Melbourne Storm, Gold Coast Titans, the Dolphins and Eels.

After the bye week, they still sat second on the competition table, two points behind Penrith Panthers and ahead of Sydney Roosters on points differential. Notably, they were six points clear of the ninth-placed Dolphins, consolidating their playoff aspirations.

The bye week has affected their statistical standings, but the Warriors are clearly best at completing sets (84 percent) and level with the Roosters in possession (53 percent).

They have committed the least errors (95) and handling errors (72) in the competition, and were the second-least penalised team (37), behind only the Panthers (35). Individually, front-rower Jackson Ford still led metres after contact (690).

One area the Warriors will need to address this week is their vulnerability coming out of bye weeks. In the three years under Webster, they are 4-4 after the rest.

In 2025, they produced their best performance of the season to beat Cronulla Sharks 40-10 in round 14, but lost momentum during their subsequent week off, suffering back-to-back defeats and winning just four of their last 11 regular season fixtures.

Meanwhile, Brisbane have struggled to follow up their dramatic grand final win last season, currently sitting outside the playoff reckoning with a 5-5 record, after back-to-back losses to the Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles.

Through 10 rounds, they had conceded more penalties (59) than any other team in the league, and sat second in errors and ineffective tackles. Half Ezra Mam led the league in missed tackles (48), while second-rower Jordan Riki had the most ineffective tackles (20).

Magic Round

The ‘Magic Round’ concept, where all games are played in one city, is based on Super League’s ‘Magic Weekend’ and was first held in 2019.

All subsequent gatherings have taken place in Brisbane, with the Warriors winning their first fixture against St George Illawarra Dragons, before losing the next three and winning the last two for a 3-3 record.

Warriors celebrate their 225 Magic Round win over North Queensland Cowboys. NRL Photos/Photosport

Their most famous victory came in 2024, when a depleted line-up accounted for the champion Penrith Panthers 22-20, with fullback Taine Tuaupiki scoring a late converted try to clinch the win.

Last year, the Warriors accounted for North Queensland Cowboys 30-26, but were held scoreless for the final 37 minutes, as the Cowboys rallied from 28-12 down at halftime.

Teams

Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tativa, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15, Jackson Ford, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Jacob Laban, 18. Tanner Stower-Smith, 20. Te Maire Martin

Reserves: 21. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 22. Luke Hanson, 23. Makaia Tafua

Coach Andrew Webster has tinkered with his winning line-up, promoting co-captain Mitch Barnett to the starting front row and moving in-form Jackson Ford to the bench.

Centre Roger Tuivaa-Sheck is sidelined by a shoulder injury, but he is replaced by Ali Leiataua, back from concussion protocols.

Hooker Wayde Egan left the field against Parramatta with a head knock, but served his protocols during the bye week, while veteran utility Te Maire Martin (broken leg) and front-rower Tanner Stowers-Smith return to the bench from injuries.

There’s no room for Luke Metcalf, who was cleared to approach other teams during the week and subsequently signed with St George-Illawarra Dragons from 2027.

Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Josiah Karapani, 3. Jesse Arthers, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Phillip Coates, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Preston Riki, 9. Cory Paix, 10. Xavier Willison, 11. Jaiyden Hunt, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan

Interchange: 14. Ben Hunt, 15. Ben Talty, 16. Va’a Semu, 17. Aublix Tawha, 18. Hayze Perham, 19. Josh Rogers

Reserves: 20. Tom Duffy, 21. Luke Gale, 22. Kane Bradley

Meanwhile, the Broncos are also juggling personnel, as they deal with significant absences.

Veteran halfback Adam Reynolds returns from concussion, but front-rower Payne Haas (knee), centre Katoni Staggs (suspension) and wing Deine Mariner (leg) are all sidelined.

Guided by former NZ Kiwis coach Michael Maguire, their line-up includes former Warriors Reece Walsh and Jesse Arthars, and Kiwis Xavier Willison, Preston Riki, Jordan Riki (not related), Va’a Semu, Aublix Tawha and Hayze Perham.

Reece Walsh scores a try for Brisbane in the 2025 NRL grand final. Photosport

Player to watch

Fullback Reece Walsh‘s ascent to the very top of the NRL has been stalled this season by a facial fracture that kept him out of three games.

Brisbane won two of those three without him, but have lost both since his return, and he’ll need to show some form, with State of Origin selectors watching intently.

Kiwi player to watch

In Haas’ absence, Kiwis forward Xavier Willison has had to step into a fulltime starting role and has filled the void admirably.

He’s been used at prop, lock and second row, as well as off the bench, but with Jack Gosiewski suffering concussion last week, Willison is back in the front row against the Warriors.

What will happen

A showdown between arguably the two dominant fanbases of the competition will see Suncorp packed to the rafters.

The Wahs faithful will lay the platform for their team to perform on the field and, after everything that’s happened over the past week, the players will – hopefully – be recharged and ready to tear into their opponents.

Warriors by six.

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