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What to know about the war in Iran

Source: Radio New Zealand

A man makes his way through debris littering a street following airstrikes in central Tehran, on March 4, 2026. AFP

A look at the history, the players, and the early stages of global fallout from the war in Iran

Acclaimed New Zealand foreign correspondent Anna Fifield was on the ground in Iran across two years as the Financial Times’ Tehran correspondent, allowing her to gain a deep understanding of the country’s history and political complexities.

So, she’s not surprised the long-simmering stand-off between Iran, the United States, and Israel has exploded into open war or that the ripple effects are being felt far beyond the Middle East.

She talks to The Detail about the war, which began over the weekend, when the US and Israel targeted Iranian military and strategic sites with coordinated strikes, after tensions over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and regional militia support reached a breaking point.

Iran immediately retaliated with missile and drone attacks, and since Sunday, civilian casualties have mounted, global markets have wobbled, and disruption around the vital Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about fuel prices and supply chains worldwide.

The impact is being felt in New Zealand.

So, with growing military, political, and economic fallout, The Detail looks at what led to the war in the first place.

“This is not the first time that the United States has intervened in Iran to try to bring about regime change, and it was not successful the first time round either,” says Fifield.

“In 1953, there was a democratically elected Prime Minister, [Mohammad] Mosaddegh, who the US and the UK actually overthrew because he was trying to nationalise the oil company at the time … and the US and the UK didn’t like the idea.”

That oil company is now known as BP.

“As in so many conflicts, this all comes back to the oil, so they overthrew him and reinstalled the Shah of Iran, who was a monarch who had been unseated there. He was very unpopular … he was very corrupt, and this directly led to the Iranian revolution in 1979 and the overthrow of the Shah, of the monarchy, and the installation of the Islamic State.

“So in many ways, the very existence of the Islamic State of Iran is a direct result of the US.”

She says this time around, there are three main players – Iran, Israel, and the US, which “Iran continues to call ‘the great Satan'”.

“Over the intervening decades and especially under the leadership of the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday, they have become more and more hardline in terms of developing a nuclear programme, supporting other groups aimed at destabilising the regions, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen, and really trying to assert themselves in the Middle East.

“Iran does not agree with the right of the state of Israel to exist, so Iran and Israel have been at loggerheads ever since as well.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu AFP

This, she says, does not sit well with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“So the tensions between Iran and Israel are very long-standing and have been simmering for decades; both of them see the other as an illegitimate regime.”

Then, she says, there is the US, whose relationship with Iran remains equally volatile.

“There has been ongoing burbling animosity there. Last year, we saw the limited strikes and 12-day war in June when Israel and the US went in together and took out a lot of Iran’s nuclear material, buried a lot of it under the rubble and really neutralised it as that threat. So this has been going on for a long time.”

Then, in January this year, thousands of Iranian anti-government protestors were killed by security forces during nationwide protests. That, in part, gave Trump a window to strike last weekend.

Back here, in New Zealand, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has taken a cautious line, calling for de-escalation while reiterating New Zealand’s opposition to nuclear proliferation. He has ruled out any military involvement and focused on the safety of Kiwis in the region.

But that response has drawn criticism, with opponents arguing the government should take a clearer stand on the legality and morality of the strikes.

“I think trying to strike a balance between condemning what is happening in Iran and saying ‘we have no love for that regime and what it stood for, but there are still rules and laws that have to be applied’, I think that’s where the government, and other governments, have struggled,” says Newsroom associate editor Sam Sachdeva.

For now, New Zealand is watching from afar – but in a globalised world, wars rarely stay contained. If oil prices spike, markets tumble, or the conflict spreads further, the impact will be felt here too.

And as missiles fly in the Middle East, the diplomatic balancing act in Wellington is only just beginning.

Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.

You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.

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

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How has Country Calendar lasted 60 years on NZ TV?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Taking the gravel road less travelled is one of the great joys of New Zealand’s longest running TV show, Country Calendar.

The iconic show, which has arguably the country’s most recognisable theme tune, celebrates its 60th birthday this weekend.

Host and director Dan Henry says Country Calendar has covered just about every corner of the country in that time “and some properties we’ve been to two or three times”.

“I really enjoy those stories where you get to go somewhere that you would got no business driving up, or to a part of the country that’s just a little bit inaccessible.”

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

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Why travel insurance might not help right now

Source: Radio New Zealand

Travellers are being warned to check what they are actually covered for by insurance. RNZ

Travellers are being warned to check what they are actually covered for by insurance if they cancel travel plans due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens said people should make sure they understood what they could claim for before they cancelled their insurance policies.

The conflict had closed many areas of airspace and meant a number of flights had been cancelled.

Many travel policies do not cover anything to do with the outbreak of war, civil disobedience or riot. That includes flights, accommodation or rebooking costs.

“I think most people don’t think about how the insurance is going to respond before they cancel,” Stevens said.

“They’ve got to be very careful before they just go ahead and cancel things.”

She said people should talk to their airlines first, or their accommodation providers, to see if they could get a refund or credit, or change their arrangements.

“A lot of people are still travelling or want to continue to travel, it’s just that because of the travel alerts and so forth and because of what’s going on in the Middle East they can’t go that way.

“But a much better suggestion for them is to actually start with the airline than it is to just cancel and then think that they can rely on the insurance cover because in most cases they will not be able to.”

Insurance would also not cover situations where people cancelled out of concern.

She said her scheme had dealt with many situations in which people had changed their minds about travelling and not been able to claim.

Stevens said she expected to receive complaints.

“I think to try and avoid those complaints, the best thing people can do is understand what they are covered for before they make any claims or before they decide to do anything about the travel arrangements. They really need to know if the insurer is going to provide the cover or they’re going to say an outright no as soon as the claim is made.”

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

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Several top Kiwi netballers undecided on Silver Ferns future

Source: Radio New Zealand

From top-left clockwise, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Jane Watson, Whitney Souness, Gina Crampton. Photosport

Several top Kiwi netballers preparing to play in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league are still undecided about whether they will make themselves available for the Silver Ferns ahead of the sport’s biggest events.

Nine current and former Silver Ferns will test themselves in the Australian league this year, widely regarded as the world’s toughest domestic netball competition. It comes after Netball NZ loosened its eligibility rules last year, allowing players based overseas to remain eligible for the Silver Ferns through a formal exemption process.

Among the group snapped up by Australian franchises are several players who have elected not to make themselves available for national selection in recent years – Gina Crampton, Jane Watson and Te Paea Selby-Rickit.

The veteran trio each told RNZ they remain undecided on whether they would put their hands up for the black dress ahead of July’s Commonwealth Games and the 2027 World Cup.

Crampton, who is returning to the court with the NSW Swifts following the birth of her first child, joked she is just focused on “remembering how to play netball again”, while Selby-Rickit and Watson said they planned to take the season as it comes.

The loss of experienced players from the Ferns’ selection pool has raised concerns about squad depth in recent seasons.

Former Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT

Last year skipper and frontline star Ameliaranne Ekenasio stepped aside from the captaincy and made herself unavailable for the international season, saying she needed a break. Her decision came amid a turbulent 2025 season that saw Dame Noeline Taurua stood down as coach following an employment dispute with Netball NZ.

Ekenasio, who turned down offers in Australia to play for the Pulse in this year’s ANZ Premiership, has not ruled out a return to the black dress.

Remembering how to play again

Crampton admits she thought her chance of playing in the most competitive league in the world might have passed her by.

“I probably resided to that fact that that could have been the end. Last year before I fell pregnant I was really excited to play in the SSN, the world leading competition and now getting that opportunity again is very exciting, it’s a little bit daunting for sure. But even just being involved with a club like the Swifts, who have been historically very successful, I’m just excited to be involved and I can’t wait to see how we go this season,” Crampton said.

The specialist wing attack will play alongside Silver Ferns starting shooter Grace Nweke, who effectively forced Netball New Zealand to revisit its eligibility rules when she joined the Swifts last year.

The national body subsequently loosened its rules, which saw six players apply for and granted exemptions to still be able to play for the Silver Ferns.

Crampton and her partner Fa’asiu Fuatai have been based in Sydney since early 2024. That year Crampton was signed as a training partner with the Giants, and played one game as injury cover. The Giants then signed her on a full contract for the 2025 season before Crampton found out she was pregnant.

Gina Crampton last played for the Stars in the ANZ Premiership. Photosport

An opening came up at their cross town rivals for the 2026 season when Australian Diamond and New South Wales stalwart Paige Hadley announced she was pregnant.

Having given birth to baby boy Reggie just seven months ago, Crampton said pre-season had been tough.

“Sort of had a bit of and up and down journey so far, had a few niggles pop up and things. I guess it was a bit of a learning curve on the return after having a baby, but feel like I’m in a good place now, which has been really cool to get back into things and try and remember how to play netball again.”

After the 2023 World Cup where the Silver Ferns finished a disappointing fourth, Crampton took extended leave to join her rugby playing partner in New York, before they moved to Australia.

Would she consider making herself available for the Silver Ferns again?

“Oh gosh, I’m not sure I think you have to say whether you want to be available for selection or not and I haven’t said anything yet,” Crampton laughed. “So I’m not sure, it seems all a bit far away I guess in terms of just having a baby as well, so maybe something to think of.”

As a former Ferns captain Crampton said it was hard seeing the team surrounded in controversy at the back end of last year with the shock suspension of coach Dame Noeline Taurua.

Crampton spent most of her Silver Ferns career under Taurua, who was reinstated after a 51-day stand-off.

“That was really tough, obviously you could see the impact it had on the girls and how I guess everyone reacted to that but I think the awesome thing to see was how they banded together and they had a huge international season. Not being so close to it anymore, didn’t know exactly what was going on but I think the best thing that came out of it was how the girls played those games.”

Unexpected career twist

Te Paea Selby-Rickit was a Tactix stalwart. Photosport Ltd 2021

Shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit said she had enjoyed a better work-life balance over the past two years since stepping away from international netball after several years.

The 34-year-old arguably had the best domestic season of her career last year when she was a key cog in the Tactix side, which claimed a maiden domestic title.

Selby-Rickit is not sure yet if she will make herself available for the Silver Ferns, who have a huge two years ahead.

“I’m just trying to see how this season goes, if the body is all good and I’m still enjoying my netball I might make myself available but at this stage it’s 50/50, still thinking about it. Obviously a big couple of years and they’d probably want a couple of years of commitment so it’s a big decision whether I can commit to that or not but it’s definitely an option but waiting to see how I go,” Selby-Rickit said.

Playing in the SSN is an unexpected career twist for Selby-Rickit.

“Even over the last couple of years when I wasn’t playing for the Silver Ferns I didn’t really consider it, I thought it probably wouldn’t happen. But I’ve always loved watching SSN and admired it and wondered what if? So when the opportunity came up I couldn’t say no.”

No end date

Jane Watson was a key part of the Silver Ferns defensive end at the 2019 World Cup. © Photosport Ltd 2019

Watson has also got a career refresh after signing with the Sydney based Giants. The defender was in strong form for the Tactix last year when the side finally broke its title drought.

“Having played for them for so long, actually getting a win, in previous years we’d been very close, it was a very special moment for the club and the fans and all the people that came before us would have been stoked with that as well,” Watson said.

Watson thought 2025 was going to be her last year of elite netball before the Giants reached out to her just before the ANZ Premiership finals.

The 35-year-old, who has been joined in Sydney by her partner and three-year-old daughter, is not putting an end date on her career.

“I thought that I was supposed to be finishing a couple of years ago so who knows whether this is the last year or not we’ll just have to see what happens.”

Post the 2023 World Cup, Watson played two series for the Silver Ferns later that year but has not made herself available for the black dress since. But the 66-Test cap Silver Fern told RNZ that she has not retired from international netball.

Souness targets Silver Ferns recall

Whitney Souness spent several seasons with the Pulse in the ANZ Premiership. PHOTOSPORT

Former Silver Fern Whitney Souness also signed with the Giants, and was recently named captain before her first SSN season.

The 44-test midcourter missed out on Silver Ferns selection last year and is determined to push for inclusion before July’s Commonwealth Games.

“Not making it last season it was quite tough, it had been a hard season in the ANZ. For me it was probably the best time to go, I think it came at the right time for me to really push myself and what better way to do that than in the SSN competition so it’s been good timing for me to work my butt off and hopefully get back in that squad,” Souness said.

Knowing that she wanted to be considered for Silver Ferns selection, the 30-year-old applied for and was granted an exemption by Netball New Zealand.

“It was a bit of a different process, it was new, a lot of us had come over here so it was a bit of a different situation for me because I hadn’t made the squad so just a lot of comms with me and Netball New Zealand to make sure that I was available to still be part of the squad and have the opportunity to be part of it.”

Kiwis playing in 2026 SSN

  • *Grace Nweke – NSW Swifts
  • *Kelly Jackson – Queensland Firebirds
  • *Maddy Gordon – Queensland Firebirds
  • *Kate Heffernan – Adelaide Thunderbirds
  • *Karin Burger – Sunshine Coast Lightning
  • *Whitney Souness – Giants
  • Jane Watson – Giants
  • Te Paea Selby-Rickit – Queensland Firebirds
  • Gina Crampton – NSW Swifts

* Have been granted an exemption

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

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‘Record speaks for itself’: Blues battle mental block against Crusaders

Source: Radio New Zealand

Blues coach Vern Cotter said despite the Crusaders’ domination, the rivalry is still very much alive. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

The Blues need no reminding that the Crusaders have had their number in recent times.

The side has lost 10 of their last 12 encounters with the Cantabs, with the rivalry becoming heavily one sided.

So, is there a mental barrier for the Blues?

Coach Vern Cotter admits there might be.

“It’s a question we ask ourselves. We know it’s one of the hardest teams in the world to play against. Since I’ve been here, I think we’ve only won once. So the record speaks for itself, and that’s the challenge that the players have in front of them, but they don’t want to have a negative mindset. They want to be able to play the game, be decisive, and have a bit of fun out there. I think that’s key to making sure that we move forward. I think we will surprise a few.”

Cotter said despite the Crusader’s domination, the rivalry is still very much alive.

“Everybody wants to beat the Blues, and of course the Crusades are the team that have been, over the last eight years, the best performing team. So yeah, of course the rivalry is there.”

If last week’s heated Chiefs and Crusaders encounter was any indication, there is no love lost between the Kiwi franchises.

“There’s ultimately massive respect. I think that’s probably the key thing you have in and around when you play them or other teams in New Zealand. And the first thing you know is it’s against your rival mates and people want to show up and walk away with the win at the end. So that adds a little bit of spice into it obviously.”

However, Cotter is under no illusions about the task that awaits his men.

“They’re just so tough, and last week we saw the championship team that’s in them. What they did to the Chiefs was impressive. So we know it’s going to be tough, they’re a team that just find parts of your game to exploit at any moment. So being focused and fully connected will be important if we want to get the result we want.”

Helping with those connections, Cotter welcomes back the experience of Beauden Barrett for the crucial clash.

“It’s nice to have him back because he has a curious brain and he’s a perfectionist. So having him in and around the team, he asks a lot from his team-mates. And although he is short of a run, I think when he gets out there, he’ll definitely want to put his mark in the game.”

In the wake of the announcement that Dave Rennie will take on the All Blacks coaching job and his comments about having no loyalty to incumbents, Cotter said the approach would help motivate players sitting on the fringe of selection.

“I think it’s probably one of the reasons he was given the job is that he can walk in and have a look objectively at every player and make his assessment on them. He watches a lot of rugby. So when he comes together, you’ll get an indication of how he wants the game to be played when you see his first selection, and that’ll be fascinating to see how that unfolds for each of the teams in New Zealand.”

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Super Rugby preview: Barrett and D’Mac back, old rivals do battle

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Brumbies are winning the race after three rounds of Super Rugby. Brett Phibbs/Photosport

The Brumbies have galloped out of the gates, and after three rounds lead the Super Rugby field.

The two-time champs sit six points clear of the best placed New Zealand side the Chiefs, with the Waratahs still in second.

It was a rough week for Kiwis teams, the sole side to taste victory, the comeback kings, the Crusaders who picked up their first win of the season in a humdinger in Hamilton.

Despite the defeat, the Chiefs can count themselves almost a lock for try of the season, after Etene Nanai-Seturo’s length of the field stunner.

The Chiefs continue their run of derbies, though should expect an easier encounter on Friday night against an out of sorts Moana Pasifika.

Tana Umaga’s men were woeful against the Force, and they now find themselves at the bottom of the ladder with a wounded and dangerous Chiefs outfit awaiting.

The Hurricanes were dealt a cruel hand in Lautoka, forced to not only battle the heat but the wet in ‘sauna’ like conditions against the Drua.

They look to bounce back in an enticing clash in Sydney against the Waratahs, fresh off two wins and a bye.

The Highlanders were also luck-less in Brisbane, and head back under the roof to host the Force on Saturday afternoon.

The match of the round without a doubt is at Eden Park as two of Super’s greatest rivals go to battle.

The Crusaders turned around a poor start to their campaign with their 43-33 victory while the Blues had their hearts broken by the Brumbies.

Selection notes

All Black first five’s Beauden Barrett and Damian Mackenzie return for his first matches of the season.

Tupou Vai’i will skipper the Chiefs in the absence of Luke Jacobson Wallaby Lalakai Foeketi will get his first at centre. Augustine Pulu will make his debut for Moana Pasifika with Joel Lam and Tyler Pulini also to debut form the bench.

Angus Ta’avao returns for the Highlanders while the promising Lucas Casey has been left out of the 23.

All Black hooker Codie Taylor also returns for the Crusaders while Rivez Reihana is back at first five, with Taha Kemara dropping to 15, Will Jordan earning a rest.

Injury ward

Brett Cameron’s season has been confirmed to be over, while Ruben Love’s ankle is still anywhere from two to four weeks away from match fitness.

Luke Jacobson sits the week out with a hip complaint while Brodie McAlister will be back for week five. Moana have a packed casualty ward with Jimmy Tupou, Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Israel Leota and William Havili all out.

The Blues are low on locking stocks with Laghlan McWhannell and Patrick Tuipulotu both unavailable. Crusaders hooker George Bell suffered a foot injury last week and will be at least two weeks away.

Key stats

  • The Chiefs are 7-0 against Moana Pasifika.
  • Moana Pasifika have conceded 35 tries across their last four away games.
  • Hurricanes are on an eight game winning streak against the Waratahs.
  • Lehi Fineanganofo has scored eight tries across his last six starting appearances.
  • The Highlanders are on a six-game losing streak against teams from Australia.
  • Timoci Tavatavanawai has broken 36 tackle in his last five matches.
  • The Blues have won just once from their past ten encounters with the Crusaders at Eden Park.

Team lists

Chiefs vs Moana

Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday March 6

FMG Stadium, Hamilton

Live blog updates on RNZ

Chiefs:

1. Benet Kumeroa. 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho. 3. Reuben O’Neill. 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi. 5. Tupou Vaa’i, who will captain the side. 6. Samipeni Finau. 7. Jahrome Brown. 8. Wallace Sititi. 9. Cortez Ratima. 10. Damian McKenzie. 11. Leroy Carter. 12. Quinn Tupaea, who is vice-captain. 13. Lalakai Foketi. 14. Emoni Narawa. 15. Liam Coombes-Fabling.

Bench: 16. Tyrone Thompson. 17. Ollie Norris. 18. George Dyer. 19. Josh Lord. 20. Simon Parker. 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi. 22. Josh Jacomb. 23. Kyle Brown.

“It’s a very strong team for a game where we need to respond after we got a punch in the nose by the Crusaders.” – Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbs.

Moana Pasifika:

1. Abraham Pole 2. Millennium Sanerivi 3. Chris Apoua 4. Tom Savage 5. Allan Craig 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c) 7. Semisi Paea 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 9. Augustine Pulu (debut) 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop 11. Solomon Alaimalo 12. Ngani Laumape 13. Tevita Latu 14. Tevita Ofa 15. Glen Vaihu

Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli 17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai 18. Lolani Faleiva 19. Ofa Tauatevalu 20. Ola Tauelangi 21. Joel Lam debut 22. Patrick Pellegrini 23. Tyler Pulini (debut.)

“The Chiefs always bring a great challenge and we know that we need to be accurate and come out strong from the start. As a team we’re focused on trusting what we can do and going out there and executing our game plan.” – Moana coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga

Waratahs vs Hurricanes

Kick-off: 9:35pm Friday March 6

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Live blog updates on RNZ

Hurricanes:

1. Xavier Numia 2. Asafo Aumua (vc) 3. Pasilio Tosi 4. Warner Dearns 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere 6. Devan Flanders 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (c) 8. Peter Lakai 9. Cam Roigard 10. Callum Harkin 11. Fehi Fineanganofo 12. Jordie Barrett 13. Billy Proctor 14. Bailyn Sullivan 15. Josh Moorby

Bench: 16. Jacob Devery 17. Siale Lauaki 18. Tevita Mafileo 19. Brad Shields 20. Brayden Iose 21. Ereatara Enari 22. Lucas Cashmore 23. Jone Rova

“They’re coming off a bye week, so they’ll be ready to go. We feel really prepared. We’ve travelled well and recovered well from Fiji.” – Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw.

Highlanders vs Western Force

Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday March 7

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Live blog updates on RNZ

Highlanders:

1. Ethan de Groot (CC) 2. Jack Taylor 3. Angus Ta’avao 4. Oliver Haig 5. Mitch Dunshea 6. Te Kamaka Howden 7. Veveni Lasaqa 8. Nikora Broughton 9. Folau Fakatava 10. Cameron Millar 11. Jona Nareki 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC) 13. Jonah Lowe 14. Caleb Tangitau 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16. Soane Vikena 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown 18. Sosefo Kautai 19. Will Stodart 20. Sean Withy 21. Adam Lennox 22. Reesjan Pasitoa 23. Tanielu Tele’a

“We need to build on our start to the season, lift a notch or two, and convert more of the pressure we’re applying into points.” – Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph.

Blues vs Crusaders

Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday March 7

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues:

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi 2. Kurt Eklund 3. Marcel Renata 4. Josh Beehre 5. Sam Darry 6. Torian Barnes 7. Dalton Papali’i (c) 8. Hoskins Sotutu 9. Finlay Christie 10. Stephen Perofeta 11. Caleb Clarke 12. Pita Ahki 13. AJ Lam 14. Codemeru Vai 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. James Mullan 17. Mason Tupaea 18. Sam Matenga 19. Che Clark 20. Anton Segner 21. Taufa Funaki 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Xavi Taele

“The Crusaders are always a quality side and these contests carry a bit of extra edge. It’s special to be back at home in front of our supporters. We know the lift that Eden Park gives us and the boys are looking forward to putting in a big performance.” – Blues coach Vern Cotter

Crusaders:

1. George Bower 2. Codie Taylor 3. Fletcher Newell 4. Antonio Shalfoon 5. Jamie Hannah 6. Dom Gardiner 7. Ethan Blackadder (VC) 8. Christian Lio-Willie 9. Noah Hotham 10. Rivez Reihana 11. Sevu Reece 12. David Havili (c) 13. Leicester Fainga’anuku 14. Chay Fihaki 15. Taha Kemara

Bench: 16. Manumaua Letiu 17. Finlay Brewis 18. Seb Calder 19. Will Tucker (Crusaders Debut) 20. Corey Kellow 21. Kyle Preston 22. Xavier Saifoloi 23. Dallas McLeod

“One win doesn’t make a season, but the energy was great and everyone’s done a great job keeping things grounded as we look forward to heading up to Eden Park.” – Crusaders coach Rob Penney.

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Adam Hall grateful family and friends will see him in his last Paralympics

Source: Radio New Zealand

Adam Hall will be competing in his sixth Winter Olympics in Milan this month. PHOTOSPORT

Sixth Paralympics in, Wānaka’s Adam Hall knows exactly how rare this moment is.

The 38-year-old para alpine skier is preparing for what will likely be his final Winter Paralympics in Italy. But for the first time in his decorated career, he’ll have a full family cheering squad on the sidelines.

Hall and fellow Kiwi Corey Peters make up New Zealand’s two-strong Paralympic team, and both head to the Italian Alps as genuine medal contenders. But for Hall, this campaign carries an extra layer of meaning.

Born with spina bifida, Hall burst onto the global stage with gold in the men’s standing slalom at Vancouver in 2010. Eight years later he reclaimed the title at PyeongChang, adding to a haul that also includes three Paralympic bronze medals.

Now, with nearly two-thirds of his life spent on snow, he said perspective comes easily.

He said he is full of gratitude for those around him, including team-mates and coaches, who have supported him. As for many top athletes though it is family who sacrifice most.

Hall’s seven year old daughter Gracelynn will watch her father race in person for the first time, alongside his wife Elitsa – herself a two-time US Winter Paralympian.

With travel restrictions during the last games because of Covid, Hall’s family and friends are making the most of seeing him in action this time.

“To have our daughter there watching is something special and she is at an age now where hopefully she’ll be able to remember that experience,” Hall told RNZ.

Adam Hall has been competing on the international stage for more than two decades. Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz

Hall also has the in-laws, cousins and an old childhood mate from his days growing up in Outram among his supporters.

He calls the Kiwi Paralympic squad “a small but mighty team” who spend a lot of their time away from family and is hoping to reward them with another podium finish in Italy.

“I’m just missing a silver so we’ll see if we get the full set or not.”

His specialist event is the slalom but he’ll also line up in the giant slalom.

“The competition is so tight now and the margins are getting smaller and I’ve said this before that no matter what colour, if it’s a bronze or silver it feels just as good as gold.

“Can’t be too fussy about the colour but we do strive to be on top.”

Hall is familiar with the Italian Alps and closely followed the Winter Olympics with interest as he’ll be skiing on the same slopes around Cortina.

“For us we call the Olympics the test event, jokingly, they kind of iron everything out before the big show.”

The big show for Hall starts with the GS on March 13 followed by the Slalom on the 15th.

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MSD can now legally claw back welfare payments

Source: Radio New Zealand

The law change means ACC claimants will incur debts for supplementary supports they sought while waiting on an outcome with the Accident Compensation Corporation.

The coalition has passed legislation to legalise long-standing MSD policy of clawing back welfare payments from ACC claimants.

The law change – passed after the High Court ruled the policy illegal – means ACC claimants, including sexual abuse survivors, state abuse survivors and those with birth injuries, will incur debts for supplementary supports they sought while waiting on an outcome with the Accident Compensation Corporation.

Advocates have already launched a petition to change the legislation to “ensure equity, fairness and also remove the retrospective elements inserted by the Amendment Bill.”

The legislation passed yesterday afternoon with support from National, ACT and New Zealand First.

Labour – which withdrew its support for the bill after Select Committee stage, voted against it with the Greens, Te Pāti Māori and independent MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris.

Third reading

Minister for Social Development Louise Upston wasn’t there for the final reading of the legislation.

Standing in her place, National’s James Meager told the House the High Court ruling meant those who received backdated ACC payments were better off than those who received the same payments at the time they requested it.

“These decisions highlight inconsistencies between legislation and long-standing policy but they do not reflect the principles of a targeted welfare system that provides assistance based on need.

“They also create inequities across ACC recipients in the welfare system.”

Labour’s Willie Jackson – who had called for changes such as a carve out for state abuse survivors – said the Minister had made a “real attempt” to find bipartisan buy-in for the bill but parties could not find a way through.

“It’s with disappointment we were unable to find a way through…we had a couple of meetings with the Minister, we put up some options in terms of where we should go, particularly with some of the people who were being hurt by this bill.

“She was particularly sympathetic to some of the examples that we were given but it seems that her officials find it all just too impossible, I’m not sure why they find it so impossible sometimes to actually worth things through, given these were officials who have worked with both National and Labour governments through the years.

The Greens’ Ricardo Menéndez March said the bill was a joke.

“How can this be a bill about fairness and equity when it entrenches a practice that puts some of our most injured and traumatised people in large debts?

“This government may be making it legal but it does not make it right.”

ACT’s Parmjeet Parmar said it was good the bill was being rushed through.

“It’s a very important issue. We have to. Otherwise we will not be doing justice to those who are going to be affected.”

New Zealand First’s David Wilson said the bill was not easy but his party supported MSD having discretion “to look at these cases”.

“It would be fair to say that our party has wrestled with some of the issues here, quite a lot.”

“We want to ensure that any complainants to ACC are not unfairly disadvantaged.”

Te Pāti Māori’s Orrini Kaipara said the bill would deepen hardship for survivors of sexual abuse, state abuse and those who suffer most.

“It represents a profound breach of justice, fairness and the Crown’s obligations to protect the wellbeing of whānau under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

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Amnesty International calls for corporations to take responsibility for social media harm

Source: Radio New Zealand

National’s committee lead on an inquiry into social media harm for young people, Carl Bates. VNP/Louis Collins

A human rights organisation is backing calls for the government to set up an independent regulator for online safety.

A parliamentary select committee on Thursday released its report following an inquiry into social media harm for young people.

Among its recommendations to the government and the private sector was a ban on social media for under-16s, the creation of a national regulator to ensure platforms were safe, and regulating deepfake technology.

Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand’s Lisa Woods said it was vital there was a watchdog in place.

“It’s really important that we’ve got a regulator that is continually monitoring what’s happening, continually monitoring ‘do we have the right laws in place? Are they effective, or do they need to be changed’.”

Woods said it was critical any regulator would need to be able to impose penalties against social media companies for it to be effective.

The New Zealand government had explored options of a social media ban after Australia implemented one, with National keen to progress with one before the end of this term.

Woods said Amnesty International New Zealand opposed a social media ban for under-16-year-olds, because it did not address the root causes of harm.

“Platforms are being designed to promote content that drives engagement, regardless of harmful effects, so just removing someone from social media, is not taking care of platform design.”

Woods said banning social media for young people placed the burden of safety on young people and parents while allowing platforms to continue their business models.

National’s committee lead on the inquiry Carl Bates said the committee’s report was a step towards “ïmportant, timely action”, and that lead Minister Erica Stanford would now consider the recommendations.

He said the report made clear the harm young New Zealanders were facing from online platforms was “significant”, “fast-moving” and occurring on a global scale.

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NZTA considers U-turn on 100k speed limits for SH1, SH57 south of Levin

Source: Radio New Zealand

Speldhurst Residents Committee chair Roger Parton was delighted by the proposal to change the speed limits back. RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham

The Transport Agency (NZTA) is considering a U-turn on 100-kilometre speed limits put in after they were reduced by the former Labour-led government south of Levin.

Last year State Highway 1 and State Highway 57 south of the Horowhenua town had speed limits increased from 80 kilometres per hour after the transporting agency was directed to consult on the changes.

Over half of the people who submitted backed upping the speeds, but many in the local community warned against the changes, including the local council.

During the period the road has had a 100-kilometre speed limit in place one person died in a crash.

When it was 20 kilometres lower between 2020 and 2025 no one died on the road.

NZTA has since announced it had opened consultation to put the speeds back down.

It would also put up variable speed limits outside Tukorehe Marae and Wehi Wehi Marae.

Waka Kotahi director regional relationships Linda Stewart told RNZ the reversal came from community concerns.

“NZTA has received a considerable amount of feedback from the local community, iwi and freight operators that the 100km/h speed limit is not appropriate in these locations.”

Stewart said there had also been concern from the Speldhurst Country Estate on State Highway 75 and that a major expansion at the village meant it would soon accommodate more than a thousand residents.

Molly Page lived near State Highway 57 and said the speed limits should not have gone up.

“It is a dangerous piece of road and we know that because how many accidents have there been?”

Molly Page has fought the Transport Agency before over the speed limit. RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham

Page said State Highway 57 travelled past the country estate Speldhurst which had elderly residents.

“As you get older it is just a fact that reaction times are much slower and putting that road up to 100 kilometres … it is just unsafe.”

Speldhurst Residents Committee chair Roger Parton was delighted by the proposal to change the speed limits back.

“Just watching the traffic going past at 100 kilometres and the big trucks going 90 [kilometres] and you have got people coming out of the retirement village onto the public road.

“It is a disaster waiting to happen.”

Horowhenua Deputy Mayor David Allan said the speed reductions were “better late than never”.

“It is a shame that they were reinstated to 100 kilometres in the first place, council opposed it at that time, and we welcome any proposal to reduce the speed limits.”

Transport Minister Chris Bishop. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Transport Minister Chris Bishop told RNZ the road was and is safe, but given the scale of development happening in the area NZTA had assessed that some sections of the highway may need lower speed limits.

In July RNZ reported Ngāti Tukorehe Tribal Committee chairperson Pikitia Heke said pleas to keep the stretch of highway at the 80 kph speed limit had “fallen on deaf ears”.

At that time Alicia Miratana a descendent of Ngāti Wehiwehi and who lived in Manakau said speed affected how Wehi Wehi Marae operated.

“We have our kaumātua that no longer walk to the marae it is just too unsafe for them, we don’t allow our tamariki to walk home from the marae it is not for them. But the biggest fear we have for Ngāti Wehiwehi is that we have a kōhanga reo on our marae.”

Consultation would end 9 April.

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