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NZ Under 85kg team to bring All Blacks with them for return to Sri Lanka

Source: Radio New Zealand

Players perform the Haka before the New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers, Race Course Grounds, Colombo. Lahiru Harshana / Action press

New Zealand’s newest national rugby side has had their schedule locked in for 2026.

The New Zealand Under 85kg team will repeat their historic visit to Sri Lanka, which last year saw two statement wins in front of massive crowds in Kandy and Colombo.

The tour will once again feature two fixtures against Sri Lanka’s full national side, with Game One in Colombo on April 25th and Game Two in Kandy on May 3rd.

The two sides will once again compete for the Sir Graham Henry Trophy, with former All Black captain Kieran Read set to make the trip as an NZ Rugby (NZR) Ambassador.

Another former All Black, prop John Afoa, comes in as an assistant coach.

Steve Lancaster, Interim Chief Executive of NZR, said that the 2025 tour had a lasting impact well beyond the field.

“We’re genuinely stoked to be able to confirm this tour and give this team the opportunity to represent New Zealand overseas again. Sri Lanka is a proud rugby nation and last year’s tour drew passionate crowds and strong community engagement. We know the Sri Lankan team will offer another strong challenge on the field and that’s exactly what you expect when you pull on a black jersey.”

The side will have a new coach, with Ben Sinnamon stepping into the role left by Ngatai Walker.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our players,” he said.

“The Tuskers are a passionate rugby team, and we know the standard will be higher again in 2026. Playing in that environment, including the heat and conditions, places real demands on preparation, discipline and execution. This tour gives our players the chance to test themselves properly, grow as a team and experience what it means to represent New Zealand offshore.”

NZ U85kg side pays respects to their Sri Lankan hosts. Lahiru Harshana/ActionPress

Tour Campaign Manager Ben Tinnelly said the matches will continue to strengthen connections between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

“We are working closely with the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka, who were thrilled with the impact of last year’s tour,” Tinnelly said.

“There is already strong interest building across sponsors, fans, schools and rugby administrators, which shows the role rugby can play in connecting communities and supporting the game’s growth in the region.”

New Zealand U85kg squad

Forwards

Callum Nimmo – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Matt Treeby – Poneke Wanderers, Wellington

Tom Rowland – Eden Lizards, Auckland

Frazer Harrison – University Squids, Auckland

Jeandre Du Toit – Pakuranga Panthers, Auckland

Simon Sia – Morrinsville Majestic Pukekos, Waikato

Oliver Dunn-Parrant* – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour

Jack Laity – University Slugs, Auckland

Rory Cavanagh – Pakuranga Panthers, Auckland

Billy Sloan* – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Bailey Clark* – Waihora Longhorns, Canterbury

Pasia Asiata – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington

Josh Purdon – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Josh Gellert – University Slugs, Auckland

Josh Evans* – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Sunia Vosikata* – Karaka Razzlers, Counties Manukau

Backs

Jackson Ephraims – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour

Taine Cordell Hull – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Jarred Percival – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Toby Snelgrove* – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour

Adam Preston – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington

Campbell Busby – University Squids, Auckland

Mafea Taiulu Feso* – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Nick Robertson* – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington

Ben Kelt* – University Squids, Auckland

Ned Milne – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury

Francis Morrison – Pakuranga Panthers, Auckland

Pieter Swarts – East Coast Bays Badgers, North Harbour

Reserves

Seamus Rowberry* – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington

Nick Francis* – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour

* denotes a new cap

2026 Tour Fixtures

Game One:

New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers

Colombo – 25 April 2026

Game Two:

New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers

Kandy – 3 May 2026

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

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Dalton Papali’i thrilled do join “exclusive” Blues century club

Source: Radio New Zealand

Blues captain Dalton Papali’i in action against the Chiefs at Eden Park. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Dalton Papali’i says becoming the 11th player to bring up 100 games for the Blues is one of the biggest honours of his career.

The Blues skipper will bring up the milestone in tonight’s Super Rugby Pacific match against the table-topping Brumbies in Canberra and admitted it has been on his mind this week.

The 37-Test flanker recently announced this season will be his ninth and last at the Blues before taking up a contract with French club Castres Olympique.

He said it would be hard to wrench himself away from Auckland and was pleased he’d become a centurion before he goes.

He joins a list topped by All Blacks great Keven Mealamu (164 games), while the most recent inductees were Test veterans Patrick Tuipulotu and Rieko Ioane, who brought up 100 games during the Blues’ title-run in 2024.

All Blacks players Dalton Papali’i and Rieko Ioane Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland Inpho / www.photosport.nz

“They’re the legends of our game, they’re the ones who have paved the way for us young guys to come through,” Papali’i said.

“When you walk through a corridor at the Blues and you see the legends there that have got 100 games, you never think you’re going to rub shoulders with them and be up there with those boys.

“I don’t have the words to express how special it is. It’s a unique and exclusive group to be part of.”

Papali’i will have his mother and sister watching from the grandstand on Saturday night.

“It’s a pretty special feeling, not just for myself but for my family, especially the ones that have been there for the whole journey. And especially for my partner and little baby as well.

“It’s a pretty proud moment. Playing your debut is pretty special. You don’t think you’ll get to 50 games and once that pops up on you, 100 games still doesn’t feel real.”

Dalton Papali’i. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Papali’i wants to exit on a high, having suffered a setback to his test career last year when largely ignored by now-departed coach Scott Robertson.

The 28-year-old responded in style by leading the New Zealand XV on their unbeaten three-match tour of Europe under the coaching eye of Jamie Joseph.

Meanwhile, Blues Vern Cotter said Papali’i’s milestone is on the minds of his players.

“I think everyone’s proud to be a part of the team that has Dalton for his 100th game,” Cotter said.

“I know he’s focused on his job but we’re on tour, we’re a tight group and being able to share that with Dalts is amazing.

“It’s that pride in the jersey and we’ll all be behind Dalts and hopefully we can give him what we’d like to have after 80 minutes.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter during a Blues training session. Super Rugby Pacific, Alexandra Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Tuesday 18 June 2024. © Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

The Blues are coming off victory over the Force in Perth last week, having opened the season with a narrow loss to the Chiefs at Eden Park.

Prop Joshua Fusitu’a ruled out with injury, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi moving to loosehead prop while Kurt Eklund comes in to start at hooker.

Lock Sam Darry has recovered from a head knock and returns to the starting XV while the backline remains unchanged for the third straight game.

Cotter said the Brumbies have impressed in big wins on the road over the Force and Crusaders.

“The Brumbies were very good in the second half against the Force and then obviously the last minutes against the Crusaders really hurt them,” he said.

“They’ll be full of concidence. Bear in mind, they came over and beat us last year at home so we’d like to sort a few things out with regard to that. So I think the boys will be up for it.”

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

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Education Ministry figures reveal teacher shortage worse than previous forecast

Source: Radio New Zealand

The numbers were based on a “medium” estimate of teacher supply and demand. Unsplash/ Taylor Flowe

Education Ministry figures show the shortage of secondary school teachers is much worse than previously forecast.

The ministry today forecast a shortfall of 1220 secondary teachers this year and next, up from last year’s projection of 880.

The forecast showed the shortage was likely to persist into at least 2028 when a shortfall of 190 teachers was likely.

The numbers were based on a “medium” estimate of teacher supply and demand.

They showed this year would be the worst for secondary teacher supply, with a potential shortage of 710 teachers.

“With 491 secondary schools across New Zealand, the medium scenario equates to a shortfall of more than one teacher per school on average,” the ministry’s report said.

The forecast showed primary schools had reached a surplus of teachers sooner than expected.

Their previously-forecast shortage for this year was now expected to be a surplus of 530 teachers with ongoing surpluses in successive years.

However, primary schools in Taranaki, Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty were expected to face persistent shortages over the next three years, though they should ease as enrolments declined.

Among secondary schools, parts of Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Otago faced “persistent and significant shortage as demand outpaces supply”, the ministry’s report said.

It said roll growth and policy changes grew demand for secondary teachers by 1876 teachers between 2024 and 2025, but that would ease to a 37-teacher increase in demand this year.

The report said between 674-1005 secondary teachers were expected to join the workforce in 2026 as a result of Education Ministry recruitment initiatives.

It said some subjects and locations would face continued shortages but growing the number of teachers overall was the top priority.

“Growing the secondary teacher workforce will continue to be a priority – particularly in shortage subjects, before investing in distribution-based initiatives,” the report said.

“Without greater supply at the national level, shortages will occur that distributional initiatives will not effectively be able to address.”

The report said there were more primary school teachers working in schools than any time since 2004.

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Abatement notice issued over stench from Canterbury sewage treatment plant

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Canterbury Regional Council has issued an abatement notice to the Christchurch City Council over the putrid stench coming from Bromley’s damaged sewage treatment plant.

The plant was damaged by fire in 2021 and has since regularly caused a strong sewage smell to waft across eastern parts of the city.

The smell has been markedly worse in eastern and central Christchurch since the start of the year.

The regional council has received more than 4500 complaints during the past month describing a “putrid, sewage-like smell”.

Regional council director of operations Brent Aldridge said Christchurch City Council has been warned about delays in tackling the stench and had a fortnight to come up with a plan.

“Issuing this abatement notice today demonstrates that we are serious about establishing a clear path toward long-term, sustainable solutions for the plant that bring relief to affected communities,” he said.

“As the region’s environmental regulator, Environment Canterbury (Canterbury Regional Council) is responsible for monitoring discharges to air, including odour, and ensuring any non-compliance is addressed.

“Environment Canterbury previously signalled to Christchurch City Council that delays in taking effective and timely action could result in the use of statutory tools.”

The Christchurch City Council must provide a plan that outlines short- and long-term odour-mitigation measures by 16 March.

An independent wastewater engineer will review the plan.

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Kiwirail triples its half-year earnings as demand rises

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Kiwirail has nearly tripled its half-year earnings as it carried more freight.

The state-owned rail operator’s operating surplus for the six months ended December was $73.4 million compared to $25.8m a year ago.

Freight volumes increased 7 percent as there was an increase in demand and bulk cargo volumes returned to normal.

Its revenues increased 4 percent to $537m but operating costs fell 6 percent to $464.4m

Chief executive Peter Reidy said spending on engines and rolling stock, along with improvements in the rail network and infrastructure were paying off.

“These gains were achieved while we continued to navigate network constraints, particularly in Auckland, and weather-related impacts across parts of the network.”

Board chair Suzanne Tindal said it was a disciplined performance.

“We remain on track against a full year operating surplus target of $160 million,” Tindal said.

“This reflects improved operating performance across our commercial businesses and early progress from initiatives to strengthen productivity and reduce our cost base.”

Kiwirail said more than $9 billion had been invested to upgrade tracks, signalling and infrastructure assets, and to modernise rolling stock.

“In HY26, $601 million was invested across the network and in key capital projects,” Reidy said.

Kiwirail said the Interislander operation was working “effectively” since the retirement of Aratere to support the ferry replacement project.

“We have strengthened our road bridging capability to maintain the movement of rail freight across Cook Strait, increasing staffing and equipment at terminals,” Reidy said.

“While passenger numbers were lower due to the shift from three vessels to two, commercial freight volumes remained steady for the half year reflecting improved capacity utilisation.”

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Vanuatu and Fiji on alert as tropical depression gains strength

Source: Radio New Zealand

TD09F is currently located 90 kilometres southwest of the Vanuatu capital Port Vila. Zoom Earth

Met services in Fiji and Vanuatu are closely monitoring a tropical depression forecast to become a cyclone on Friday afternoon.

According to the Nadi Tropical Cyclone Centre in Fiji, the centre of the system, designated TD09F, is currently located 90 kilometres south west of the Vanuatu capital Port Vila.

Senior forecaster Stephen Meke said it is expected to continue intensifying.

“At the moment the system is gradually tracking towards the south-southeast. It is expected to move just to the west of the southern parts of Vanuatu in the next few hours,” Meke said.

“The anticipation is for it to become a tropical cyclone sometime around midday to evening today (Friday).”

Tropical cyclone threat track map: TD09F as at 6am NZT Friday 27 February 2026. Fiji Meteorological Service

Meke said parts of central and southern Vanuatu will already be experiencing wet weather.

“Currently they are experiencing heavy rain. Most parts of Vanuatu there is a lot of cloud cover. The anticipation is for it to bring in a lot of strong winds and that is what is observed.

“Especially over where the cloud band is, which is basically over the central and southern parts of Vanuatu which is getting some 20 to 30 knot winds, near gale force winds over Vanuatu at the moment.”

If it becomes a cyclone this afternoon the system will be named Cyclone Urmil.

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Section of Motatapu Track rerouted after risks of slip growing identified

Source: Radio New Zealand

DOC staff working on the rerouted section of the Motatapu Track Supplied/DOC

A popular walking track linking Wānaka and Arrowtown has been moved to avoid a large slow-moving slip.

The Department of Conservation said a routine assessment of a 400 metre slip near the Motatapu Track found it was at risk of growing during storms.

Operations manager Charlie Sklenar said staff had monitored the slip for years.

“Safety is our highest priority so when a recent reassessment found it was at risk of further movement, potentially damaging the track, we made the call to close this section and reroute it to a safer location,” he said.

The new section of track, rerouted to the left of the large, slow-moving slip. Supplied/DOC

The affected section – part of Te Araroa Trail – is between Highland Creek Hut and Roses Hut and crosses private land.

DOC staff and the landowner had identified a new path and the work was completed last week with marker posts moved and directional signs installed.

“Judging by the amount of foot traffic while staff were undertaking the work it won’t be long before this new section is well and truly worn in,” Sklenar said.

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Marlborough iwi Rangitāne o Wairau now responsible for Te Pokohiwi o Kupe

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wairau Bar. RNZ / Samantha Gee

A Marlborough iwi now has responsibility for managing a historic coastal site including the area of the first Polynesian settlement in Aotearoa.

Te Pokohiwi o Kupe – or the Boulder Bank Site Historic Reserve – includes the Wairau Bar, where Wairau River meets the sea at Cloudy Bay in Marlborough.

Rangitāne o Wairau and the Department of Conservation signed an agreement on Friday at Ūkaipō – the Rangitāne Cultural Centre – appointing the iwi as the Control and Management Authority for the reserve.

It is recognised as one of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites in New Zealand, often referred to as the birthplace of the nation and the site of the first large Polynesian settlement in Aotearoa around 1250-1300 AD.

The area remains a public reserve but Rangitāne o Wairau is now responsible for day-to-day management and governance.

The mouth of the Wairau River, in Marlborough. RNZ / Samantha Gee

Rangitāne o Wairau kaiwhakahaere matua Corey Hebberd said Te Pokohiwi had been out of the iwi’s hands for generations and the agreement was a major step forward.

“Not just symbolically but practically – because it gives us the responsibility and authority to properly look after this place for the future,” he said.

“This agreement is first and foremost about control and management. It confirms who is responsible for looking after Te Pokohiwi and it gives Rangitāne the authority to actively manage this place, not just advise on it.

“It enables decisions to be made locally, consistently and with a long-term focus while ensuring the reserve remains protected.”

The appointment means Rangitāne would lead decisions relating to cultural heritage protection, environmental restoration, management of activities and the overall direction for the reserve.

The Department of Conservation would continue to support the partnership.

The Wairau Bar, at the mouth of the Wairau River in Marlborough, is one of the oldest archaeological sites in New Zealand. RNZ / Samantha Gee

Hebberd said the signing marked the end of a detailed and lengthy process.

Department of Conservation operations manager for south Marlborough Stacey Wrenn said the agreement was a practical and effective approach to managing the nationally significant site.

“Placing control and management responsibility with Rangitāne recognises the depth of their connection to Te Pokohiwi and supports stronger, more durable outcomes. DOC remains closely involved working alongside Rangitāne to ensure the reserve is protected and managed in the interests of all New Zealanders.”

The Crown had committed to developing a Conservation Management Plan for Te Pokohiwi as part of Rangitāne’s Treaty settlement. The plan had not yet been completed despite significant work.

Te Pokohiwi is a coastal environment subject to erosion, sea level rise and storm impacts.

Rangitāne has been working with scientific partners, including Earth Sciences New Zealand, to better understand the risks.

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Several children fall ill before “low readings” of chemical at Ashburton school

Source: Radio New Zealand

St Joseph’s School in Ashburton. Google Maps

Hazmat testing has revealed an unknown chemical at an Ashburton primary school after reports of children becoming unwell on Friday morning.

Two people have been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Fire and Emergency sent three crews to St Joseph’s School just before 10am today and called for its hazmat unit from Timaru.

A spokesperson says testing has shown low readings of an unknown chemical and some students have been treated by St John.

Firefighters have now left and the hazmat unit has been stood down.

St John says two ambulances and one operations manager are at the school and further units have been called.

St Joseph’s School has been contacted for comment.

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Would you slap an ‘S’ sticker on Nan’s car?

Source: Radio New Zealand

West Aucklander Boyd Steel has launched a blue “S” plate sticker, designed to signal there’s an older driver behind the wheel.

He knows not for everyone would want it – after all, it’s voluntary. But for Steel, the reason is heartfelt.

Driving around town, he’d often think about his nana — a “pleasant and calm” driver who stayed on the road into her early 80s. He hopes no one ever gave her grief for taking it slow.

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