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Person critically hurt after reports of gunfire in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A person is in a critical condition after reports of gunfire in Auckland’s Onehunga.

A police spokesperson confirmed armed police were in the area of Arthur St and had cordoned off part of the busy road.

Hato Hone St John told RNZ they were called to the scene shortly after 11am on Friday.

A spokesperson said one person was transported to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition.

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

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NZ accepts Vice Chair role at upcoming World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has been appointed Vice Chair for the World Trade Organisation’s 14th Ministerial Trade Negotiation Conference, for a second consecutive time following his role at MC13 in Abu Dhabi two years ago.

The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) will be held from 26-29 March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

“I am honoured to once again accept this nomination from WTO members, which underscores New Zealand’s enduring commitment to the multilateral trading system,” Mr McClay says.

Mr McClay will depart for Switzerland next week for WTO ministerial preparatory meetings, FIT Partnership discussions, and bilateral engagements with key trade partners to advance New Zealand’s priorities ahead of MC14.

“The WTO and its rules remain vital for New Zealand as a small, open economy, providing certainty for our exporters on the global stage,” Mr McClay says.

“As Vice Chair, I will work closely with the host Chair and members to help deliver a successful conference, with a strong focus on advancing better outcomes for agricultural exporters, concluding fisheries subsidies reforms, the WTO E-commerce moratorium and strengthening the WTO’s dispute settlement process.”

New Zealand is one of three Vice Chairs, alongside Jamaica and the Philippines.

Ministerial conferences are the highest decision-making body of the World Trade Organisation.

“These meetings are an important opportunity to strengthen relationships and advance initiatives that deliver real benefits for our exporters and economy,” Mr McClay says.

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Manufacturing activity hits four-year high

Source: Radio New Zealand

123rf

  • Manufacturing activity leaps 4.4 points to 56.1 – above 50 is expansion.
  • Highest level of activity since December 2021.
  • All five sub-indexes are in expansion – including employment.
  • BNZ sees upside risks to Q4 GDP.

Manufacturing activity leapt higher in December to its best reading in four-years, reinforcing expectations of a continued economic recovery.

The BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) surged by 4.4 points to 56.1 – its best reading in four years.

It was the strongest manufacturing activity since December 2021, and comfortably above the long‑term survey average of 52.5.

A reading above 50 indicated the sector was expanding.

BusinessNZ’s director of advocacy Catherine Beard said it was a welcome way to finish 2025, noting that eight of the past 12 months showed some level of expansion.

“All five sub-index values were in expansion during December,” she said. “This was led by new orders (59.8), which was at its highest level of activity since July 2021.”

“Production (57.4) also showed a significant lift in activity, while employment (53.8) continued to recover after a number of months exhibiting declines during 2025.”

The proportion of positive comments about the future lifted to 57.1 percent, with seasonal Christmas demand, stronger export activity, and increased forward orders helping drive the gains.

BNZ senior economist Doug Steel described the result as a “ripsnorter”.

He said the latest figures reinforced BNZ’s view that the economic recovery actually began in the final months of the second quarter last year.

Steel noted that all the sub index readings were now running above average.

He said there was more to the economy than just one survey, but taken together with other recent data, the economic recovery was gathering momentum, and BNZ saw upside risks to its fourth quarter economic growth forecasts.

“It’s not out of the blue – we did expect some growth, but this is suggesting it’s coming through with a bit of gusto,” Steel said.

“At face value, it suggests upside risk to the positive view we already have for manufacturing and near-term GDP growth forecasts.”

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

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Serious incident, Onehunga

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Jason Homan:

Police are responding to a serious incident in Onehunga.

Shortly after 11am Police received reports a person had received injuries consistent with a gunshot wound at a property on Arthur Street.

One person has been transported to hospital in a critical condition.

An increased Police presence will remain in the area while enquiries are underway.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, and use the reference number P065151258.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers online or through 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

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Waitārere Beach shooting: Three people still fighting for their lives in hospital

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police at the scene of the Waitārere Beach shooting. RNZ/Mark Papalii

Police say they remain in the early stages of an investigation into a shooting that left three people critically injured and a man dead, and are yet to speak to the injured survivors.

A man, identified by his sister as 60-year-old Benjamin Harry Timmins, was found dead and three others with gunshot wounds, after the shooting on 14 January.

On Friday, following questions from RNZ, Inspector Ross Grantham said police were aware of a number of comments made by Timmins’ relatives, but would not be responding to requests for comment on each of these claims.

“This is an incredibly tragic situation, and we know the man’s family are grieving and looking for answers about why and how the events of this week unfolded,” Grantham said.

“It is important to remember, alongside that, however, that we still have three people critically injured and fighting for their lives in hospital. And we have a young girl who – while uninjured – is incredibly traumatised by what has occurred. No child should ever have to experience what this young girl did that night.”

Police were in the “very early stages” of their inquiries, with a scene examination still ongoing and a post-mortem on the man yet to take place.

“Officers are also yet to interview the three critically injured people, who are currently unable to speak to police,” Grantham said.

“We know there is a significant level of public interest in this matter and we are committed to providing as much information as quickly as we can. However, it’s also imperative that our investigation team is given the time and space they need to conduct a robust and thorough investigation, so that we can provide the families and loved ones of those involved with the answers they need and deserve.”

Police earlier revealed a dismantled gun, parts and ammo were seized from the property a few hours before police returned to find a man dead and three others with gunshot wounds.

They have also revealed they responded to a family harm-related incident at the same property on Friday 9 January, where a person was arrested and charged with assault on a person in a family relationship.

The person was due in court on the day of the fatal shooting.

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed Timmins had been set to appear in court in Levin on Wednesday.

The survivors – a 46-year-old woman and two males aged 17 and 21 – remain critically wounded in Wellington Hospital.

A young girl at the scene is being cared for by family. Police are not looking for anyone else.

While a 111 call was made shortly after midnight Wednesday, police have since confirmed they were first called to the address at 7.15pm.

Grantham earlier said police went to the property after a person reported locating what they believed to be a firearm in a shed at the property.

“Police located and seized a dismantled firearm, firearms parts and ammunition.

“The items were seized with the intent of forensically examining them and considering any firearms-related charges that might be applicable, given that nobody residing at the property was the holder of a firearms licence.”

Police were called back to the property just a few hours later, where they found one person deceased and three people critically injured.

“As we work to understand how and why this tragic incident occurred, the information gathered in the earlier visit to the address by our officers will form part of our enquiries.

“I know the way events unfolded that night will weigh heavily on all those involved, but I’m confident the officers who responded to that earlier call did everything correctly and appropriately, based on the information they had to hand.”

Benjamin Timmins. Supplied

On Facebook, Timmins’ sister said he was her rock, her friend, her protector “and above all, my brother” and

“I will miss him.” she said.

She said it was with the “heaviest of broken hearts” that she was sharing that he was dead.

“The last of the good old boys,” she wrote. “Loved friend, father, and brother. Trickster, funny fella, all round solid gold.”

She added that there would be a private cremation.

Grantham earlier said officers were at the property within eight minutes of the second call.

“The quick response by police likely saved the three victims’ lives. Our officers were confronted with a harrowing scene that no one should have to witness.”

On Thursday, Timmins’ body would be taken to the mortuary in Palmerston North ahead of a post-mortem on Friday.

Inspector Grantham said a scene examination will continue for the next few days.

“Locals can expect to see a police presence in the area for the time being.

“I would like to commend everyone who was involved in this harrowing ordeal, from those who called emergency services, as well as first responders at the scene.”

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

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Is hyaluronic acid all hype? We look at the science

Source: Radio New Zealand

If you’ve picked up a skincare product recently, it might have included hyaluronic acid as one of the ingredients.

But far from just being a buzzy beauty ingredient, the well-advertised molecule exists throughout our body in our organs and tissues.

Hyaluronic acid also plays a crucial role in the way our cells function.

Another way to use hyaluronic acid is as a dermal filler.

Supplied/AFP

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

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Benjamin Timmins’ body undergoes post-mortem

Source: Radio New Zealand

Benjamin Timmins. Supplied

The body of Benjamin Timmins is set to undergo a post-mortem.

Police were called to the Waitārere Beach Road address by a silent 111 call, made by a child at the scene, where they found four people with gunshot wounds.

A 60-year old man, who family have identified as Timmins, died, and a 46-year-old woman and two males aged 17 and 21 remain critically injured in Wellington Hospital.

Police have revealed they responded to a family harm-related incident at the same property on the Friday before the shooting.

They seized a dismantled gun, parts and ammo from the property, and Timmins was arrested and charged with assault on a family member.

He was due in court on the day of the fatal shooting.

The Levin District Court confirmed to RNZ a hearing had been scheduled for Timmins that day.

Timmins’ sister Rach O’Grady told RNZ earlier this week she was concerned by the picture his past would paint, and that he was more than just his criminal history, which included cannibis and firearms offences.

She said in recent years he had “lost is spark for life”, and she blamed failures of the mental health support system for his death.

Family and friends gathered outside the property on Thursday as his body was removed.

It was taken to the mortuary in Palmerston North ahead of a post-mortem today.

O’Grady told RNZ she hoped the police investigation would bring answers.

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

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Prize money motivating Breakers in tough NBL season

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rob Baker from the Breakers wants to win big with Ignite Cup. AAP / Photosport

Prior to the tip off of the Australian NBL season, the Breakers knew very little about the league’s latest innovation – now it is the club’s only realistic chance of silverware this season.

A new in-season tournament, the Ignite Cup, played mid-week and with competition points for every quarter won has been where the Breakers have found success in a season of struggles.

The Breakers’ first win came in their opening Ignite Cup game in October and in a total of three games played so far on Wednesdays they are undefeated.

The Auckland-based club are the only team to have not lost in this new competition and have won nine of their 12 quarters played to book a spot in next month’s finals on the Gold Coast.

On 21 January, the Breakers play their last Ignite Cup game against South East Melbourne Phoenix before the finals.

A day before the Breakers opened the Ignite Cup on their home court, players and coach Petteri Koponen were indifferent when asked about the competition which has significant prize money.

At that time, four games into the regular season and winless, the Breakers were searching for answers about how to get back on track for their main objective – winning another NBL Championship – rather than offering musings on what the Ignite Cup might mean to them.

Koponen did not plan to treat the Ignite Cup any differently to the rest of the competition.

“We always try to win every quarter anyway so every possession is important every game every quarter so that doesn’t change too much,” he quipped about the Cup’s reward for winning quarters.

Forward Sam Mennenga seemed unsure about how the new competition would work.

“I don’t know much about the Ignite Cup but I do know we have to win this game, so if [Ignite Cup] is extra motivation for the guys then that’s good,” he said hours before scoring 20 points and having six rebounds against the Illawarra Hawks in a 29-point win.

“I’m not too sure about the Ignite Cup I think if we win all those games we get some money and that is always a good thing.”

The Ignite Cup champions take home $300,000, while the runners-up will get $100,000. Sixty percent of the prize money will go directly to players.

Fast forward to now and the way Breakers finish the Ignite Cup might be the high point of the season.

The form in the middle of the week has not translated to the regular season.

The Breakers are at risk of missing the post-season. Sitting one place outside the top six on the regular season points ladder they need to win the majority of their nine remaining games and hope that the Tasmania JackJumpers stumble to have any chance of extending their season.

On Thursday, the reality about where their season was at was setting in. Players were also now taking notice of the Ignite Cup.

Breakers player Max Darling is ready to return from injury. Blake Armstrong/Photosport

American import Rob Baker had one eye on the prize money and wanted “to win it all” while Max Darling said all remaining games had become “must-win”.

For Darling, the trip to Perth to play the Cairns Taipans at HoopsFest on Saturday and then on Melbourne for the Ignite Cup game on Wednesday would mark his first road trip in two months.

Darling had been sidelined after Mennenga’s elbow and his eye made contact on the training court.

“I fractured my orbital so I didn’t have any bone left under my eye and I had surgery and they put a metal plate in there,” Darling said.

Recovery initially involved rest for the 25-year-old Tall Black but a concussion suffered in the collision left his vision “a bit off” so he had “some seeing exercises”.

“Cause the muscle was damaged in my eye I couldn’t get full range of motion with it so it was a lot of these weird little eye movements that I had to do but I think it’s back at 95 percent so I’m good and ready to play.”

Darling will wear a mask to protect his face when he returns to the court which he said was “comfortable enough”.

However, whether the Breakers will be comfortable over the next few months will hinge on what happens on this latest road trip.

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

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White bread price up 60 percent – here’s how much more expensive food got last year

Source: Radio New Zealand

Public domain

Food prices rose 4 percent over 2025, Stats NZ, says, and the price of a loaf of bread lifted almost 60 percent.

It has released the latest food price data, which shows that the annual rate of inflation slowed slightly in December, down from 4.4 percent in the 12 months to November.

Milk was up 15.8 percent over the year, to $4.92 per two litres for the cheapest option available. Beef steak was up 21.7 percent, and white bread up 58.3 percent.

Olive oil prices slumped, and were 23.4 percent lower in December than in March.

Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said the bread price increase had been happening for some time.

“Bread prices have been increasing for the last year, quite sharply.

“For a long time, bread was a loss leader for supermarkets. Because the cost of inputs, particularly wheat, has increased so much we’re now seeing the dam breaking and the price of bread increasing at the supermarket aisles.”

He said global wheat prices indicated there was probably still pressure. “It’s the broader story of the cost of basics and necessities have gone up a lot.”

Stats NZ spokesperson Nicola Growden said seasonal falls also helped to reduce the price of lettuce, cucumber and avocado.

For the month, soft drink prices were down 11.2 percent, lamb was down 27.4 percent, apples up 15.8 percent and onions up 38.2 percent.

The data also showed electricity and gas prices were up by 1.5 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively in the month to December.

Since December 2021, power prices had risen 27.3 percent and gas 56 percent.

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

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Update: Waitārere Beach incident

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander:

Police are aware of a number of comments made by family members of the man who died at a Waitārere property this week, however we will not be responding to requests for comment on each of these claims.

This is an incredibly tragic situation, and we know the man’s family are grieving and looking for answers about why and how the events of this week unfolded.

It is important to remember alongside that however, that we still have three people critically injured and fighting for their lives in hospital. And we have a young girl who – while uninjured – is incredibly traumatised by what has occurred.  No child should ever have to experience what this young girl did that night.

We are only in the very early stages of our enquiries in relation to this matter, with a scene examination still ongoing and a post-mortem on the deceased man yet to take place. Officers are also yet to interview the three critically injured people, who are currently unable to speak to police.  

We know there is a significant level of public interest in this matter and we are committed to providing as much information as quickly as we can. However it’s also imperative that our investigation team is given the time and space they need to conduct a robust and thorough investigation, so that we can provide the families and loved ones of those involved with the answers they need and deserve.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre.