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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. 

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Manufacturing starts year by shifting up a gear

Source: New Zealand Government

New data showing New Zealand manufacturing is experiencing its highest level of activity since December 2021 signals a strong start to the year, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says. 

The latest BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) shows the seasonally adjusted PMI for December has risen by 4.4 points compared to November, bringing it to 56.1.  

“This is an incredibly positive signal, as a PMI reading above 50.0 indicates the manufacturing industry is generally expanding. The data suggests New Zealand manufacturing growth is outperforming major economies including the United States, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia,” Mr Penk says. 

“The success of manufacturing is central to the health of the New Zealand economy. The sector directly employs more than 220,000 people, contributes around eight percent of GDP and accounts for 60 percent of our exports.  

“We know some manufacturers felt the pinch of harder months last year. Today’s great news coupled with a 1.1 percent uptick for national GDP in the September quarter indicates a brighter future for businesses. 

“The Government is focused on setting the right conditions and fixing the basics so that businesses can thrive. Manufacturers are turning that certainty into growth through hard work and innovation. 

“The creativity and resilience of the sector, and its contribution to national prosperity deserve to be celebrated. It’s therefore my pleasure to announce the second annual Minister for Manufacturing Awards will be held at Auckland Showgrounds on 27 May.  

“This year’s awards will again recognise the Manufacturer of the Year, Manufacturing Leader of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Excellence in Process Innovation. It will also introduce three new categories.  

“This includes a dedicated Manufacturer of the Year award for businesses with fewer than 50 Full Time Equivalent Employees (FTEs). With around 97 percent of manufacturers falling into this group, opening a new category ensures small businesses receive the recognition they deserve.  

“An Emerging Manufacturer Leader of the Year award is also being added to shine a spotlight on the next generation of innovators and trailblazers, alongside a Manufacturing Lifetime & Legacy Award to honour those who have shaped the sector into what it is today. 

“Entries for the 2026 awards open on 23 February until 31 March, and I encourage manufacturers to join in celebrating their successes by making a submission.” 

Notes to editor:  

  • The Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) can be found here.
  • The Minister for Manufacturing Awards will be hosted by Mr Penk in collaboration with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa. 
  • Requests for Award Category Information Packs can be directed to info@amanz.nz.
  • Award categories include: 
    • Manufacturing Lifetime & Legacy Award 
    • Emerging Manufacturing Leader of the Year 
    • Manufacturer of the Year (FTE 50+) 
    • Manufacturer of the Year (FTE under 50) 
    • Manufacturing Leader of the Year 
    • Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year 
    • Excellence in Process Innovation 
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Benjamin Timmins’ body undergoes post-mortem, as family grapples with Waitārere Beach shooting

Source: Radio New Zealand

Benjamin Timmins. Supplied

The body of Benjamin Timmins is set to undergo a post-mortem today, as family grapple with confusion over Wednesday’s events.

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 a person was arrested and charged with assault on a family member.

Police said that person 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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Winston Peters off to Kiribati year after being snubbed

Source: Radio New Zealand

Winston Peters will be the first New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister to visit all 17 members of the Pacific Islands Forum. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters leaves for Kiribati on Sunday after being snubbed by the country’s president last year.

Taneti Maamau UN Photo

Peters said the government was rethinking development support last February after Kiribati President Taneti Maamau withdrew a week before a planned visit.

New Zealand gave Kiribati NZ$102 million from 2021 to 2024.

Peters’ upcoming trip will be the first time a New Zealand Foreign Minister has visited the Pacific Island nation since 2019, when he last visited.

“New Zealand is a steadfast partner with Kiribati. We are committed to building on our long-standing relationship across a range of areas, as we work together to enhance resilience, prosperity and security in the Pacific,” he said.

Kiribati is the last Pacific Island Forum member country for Peters to visit this term, making him the first Foreign Affairs Minister to visit all 17 member countries in office.

He will also make a stop in Palau as it prepares to host the region’s leading assembly, the Pacific Islands Forum, this year.

New Zealand is due to host the forum in 2027.

“New Zealand and Palau are coordinating closely on the critical regional issues for the Pacific as we both prepare to host the forum,” Peters said.

“We look forward to continuing our engagement with Palau, which is a world leader on marine resource management.”

It will be Peters’ second time in Palau this term, having led a Ministerial delegation there in 2024.

Peters departs on Sunday and returns next Thursday.

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All Blacks: Who is next after Scott Robertson’s sacking?

Source: Radio New Zealand

So now what? There’s six months till the All Blacks will play their first test of the year, a not so insignificant showdown with a full strength France in Christchurch. Between now and then, someone needs to be hired to replace Scott Robertson after his tenure was sensationally cut short on Thursday.

It’s worth remembering that both Robertson and Ian Foster had to contend with serious disruption to their staff, so it’s likely some serious scrutiny will be taken around who the successful candidate will be bringing with them into the coaching box.

Some names immediately jump out, but given how dramatic the last six years have been for All Black coaches, it’s fair to say that nothing can be taken for granted.

Probables

Sam Bauld

Jamie Joseph is the obvious one, as he was linked to the job as soon as cracks started to appear in the Razor Regime. Joseph is a former All Black himself and has an extensive coaching career across the last two decades, the majority of it with the Highlanders at Super Rugby level and the Japanese national team.

Tony Brown is probably the key part of a Joseph-led coaching axis, as he has fashioned himself into one of the leading attacking minds in test rugby. Brown is currently with the Springboks, with the main question now being why he would want to leave a system where head coach Rassie Erasmus has almost complete control over every aspect of the national set up.

Tony Brown (Attack Coach) of the Springboks. Steve Haag/Getty Images

Talk is that Dave Rennie will be involved too, which will be yet another remarkable chapter in one of the most interesting coaching careers we’ve seen. Rennie was making strides with the Wallabies before being abruptly dumped for Eddie Jones in 2023, a move that is now highly regretted by Rugby Australia. He’s been in Japan since, presumably biding his time for an opportunity like this.

While he probably won’t be a full member of the staff, expect Sir Wayne Smith to be a big part of whatever happens next.

Possibles

Rieko Ioane with Blues head coach Vern Cotter. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

On paper, Vern Cotter seems like an ideal candidate. He not only turned a struggling Blues team into champions in one season, but converted them into an direct power side with a style that would be highly effective against the like of the England, France and the Springboks. Cotter already has relationships with key All Blacks, international experience and gets on well with the media.

Joe Schmidt has the advantage of having already been in the All Blacks and also coming out of the Foster era relatively unscathed, reputation-wise. He’s also off-contract with the Wallabies, although that situation seems to change every time it gets brought up.

Clayton McMillan likely has All Black aspirations and consistent form at domestic level, however, is only in his first season with Irish province Munster. He went there to further his coaching acumen and develop different styles of play, which is something that NZ Rugby will be taking a keen interest in when it comes to selection time.

Outsiders

Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland Inpho / www.photosport.nz

Pat Lam’s name has been bandied about by Northern Hemisphere scribes, but it’s unlikely the Bristol Bears coach will have the sort of connections back here to make a decent case.

Warren Gatland is currently available, but his recent record makes his chances exceptionally remote.

NZR chairman David Kirk could not definitively say whether the board would consider a foreign-born coach, which makes that seem like a no, but if they change their mind it would be quite interesting to see who puts their hand up. Ronan O’Gara is the most obvious choice as he’s had a season with the Crusaders.

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