Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

NZ will support Britain removing Andrew from line of succession, Christopher Luxon says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZ

New Zealand would support the United Kingdom’s decision to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession should it move to.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed New Zealand’s stance.

“If the UK Government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it. The UK government has said any proposals would come after the police investigation concludes,” the statement said.

It comes after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote to British counterpart Keir Starmer to confirm his country’s support of removal.

Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his titles by King Charles III last year and hasn’t worked as a member of the royal family since 2019 over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, pictured at Windsor Castle in April 2025, was arrested on Thursday. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images via CNN Newsource

However, he remained eighth in line to the throne.

The British government was considering passing a law to divest Mountbatten-Windsor of his succession rights after he was arrested by police last week, a UK official said.

Earlier on Tuesday, deputy Prime Minister David Seymour said his focus was on issues Kiwis faced.

Seymour told First Up he wouldn’t be drawn into whether New Zealand would back the move, with more pressing priorities back home.

“I think we’ve got 99 problems most New Zealanders are facing right now,” he said.

“This guy’s eighth in the line of succession, and these guys all seem to live to about 100.

“So, of all of the things that you could ask me about or we could be worried about right now, that’s probably a wee way down the list.”

Seymour said Australia had “obviously solved a few more problems” when quizzed if New Zealand had considered their position on the issue.

Good on them, he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

School of murdered children Yuna and Minu Jo shocked ministry didn’t report disappearance to police

Source: Radio New Zealand

Yuna and Minu Jo attended Papatoetoe South School before their deaths in 2018. Supplied

The school attended by murdered children Yuna and Minu Jo says it’s shocked and saddened the Ministry of Education did not report their disappearance to police.

The children, aged eight and six respectively, attended a local primary school in Auckland before they were murdered by their mother Hakyung Lee in 2018.

Their bodies were not discovered until 2022 in suitcases, when an Auckland family bought the contents of a storage locker in an online auction.

Lee was sentenced to at least 17 years’ jail last November.

Ministry documents released to RNZ under the Official Information Act in January showed Yuna and Minu Jo’s absences took years to be referred to the attendance service, rather than months.

The Ministry of Education commissioned an external review to discover how the failure happened and to tighten procedures to ensure the failures did not happen again.

In a statement, the Papatoetoe South School Board said they were shocked and saddened the ministry had not reported the children’s extended absence to police.

“While we were aware of the systemic complexities involved in inter-agency referrals, seeing and feeling the consequences of these gaps is devastating,” they said.

“This tragedy brings to light the vital importance of transparency of process and robust communication between key child support agencies.”

The board said the loss of the children had been felt profoundly by the school community.

“While our school feels this gap deeply, we recognise and respect that the greatest burden of grief lies with their whānau and those closest to them.”

Out of respect for the police investigation and family privacy, the board said it have been very careful about how it moved forward, but they believed in honouring students in a culturally appropriate and meaningful way.

“We always acknowledge those we have lost during Matariki, and this Matariki will provide our first opportunity for our school community to come together and remember Yuna and Minu privately and respectfully.”

They hoped the external review would lead to a system that was more fit for purpose.

Issues identified in failure to report disappearance

Ministry documents showed the system failed to require the school to submit a non-enrolment notification.

Deputy secretary Helen Hurst said the ministry worked internally to analyse how the school attendance systems had operated in Minu and Yuna’s case.

She said issues had been identified and “processes had occurred” that contributed to the gap between the children returning to New Zealand in May 2018, a month before their murder, and the case going to attendance services in 2020.

“Without those issues, it is likely that the referral would have taken a matter of months following their return rather than years,” Hurst said.

The ministry was not notified at any point that the students were re-enrolled elsewhere, and police were not contacted prior to their investigation, she said.

A timeline showed the ministry’s efforts to find the children.

The non-enrolment process for both Yuna and Minu was initiated in September 2020, two years after their murder.

Case notes from the ministry show home visits were made, immigration checks done, and emails were sent to the children’s school and mother.

Yuna and Minu Jo’s mother Hakyung Lee stares downward during her sentencing. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

By June 2021, there had been no response from Lee, who by then was living in South Korea.

By August 2022, a note said there had still been no contact and the ministry did not know where the children were.

Hurst said the ministry had done further analysis of its systems, and commissioned an external review of how attendance systems and processes operated in the case of Minu and Yuna.

“While the primary role of attendance systems and services is to support students to attend school, we are committed to strengthening the role that the ministry plays, alongside other social sector agencies, in providing a system of support for the safety and wellbeing of children,” she said.

“There is a considerable amount of work underway to improve the support that is provided for school attendance, and any findings from the external review will help us to inform this ongoing work.”

Hurst said work was underway to establish an information sharing agreement with police, to ensure children missing from school are found.

“Work is also underway with police and Oranga Tamariki to provide simplified processes and guidance for steps to be taken any time an attendance service provider has concerns about the welfare or safety of children,” she said.

The ministry had increased the frequency of six-monthly requests to MBIE and Immigration New Zealand, which checks for the return to New Zealand of students who were unenrolled with a reason of ‘gone overseas’.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

Boosting manufacturing productivity with digital tools

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is expanding a successful University of Auckland programme that helps manufacturers adopt new technologies, boosting productivity and building skills across their workforce.

“In an increasingly digital world, overseas competitors are reaping the rewards of greater automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and cloud computing,” Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says.

“New Zealand manufacturers need these tools and technologies to sharpen their competitive edge, but some are held back by cost or concerns about disrupting their operations, especially where in-house technical expertise is limited.

“That’s why the Government has committed to a three-year funding package to expand the Digital Manufacturing Light programme, supporting businesses to work smarter, run more smoothly and face future challenges with confidence.

“The expansion will see the programme rolled out to support at least 180 small and medium‑sized manufacturers in Auckland and parts of Waikato, Northland and the Bay of Plenty, where around 55 per cent of New Zealand’s manufacturers are located. 

“Digital Manufacturing Light uses low-cost, off-the-shelf technologies and open-source software to help manufacturers introduce new systems into their existing operations without the need for major capital investment or complex infrastructure.

“Businesses taking part in the programme receive a tailored assessment of their needs, help choosing the right solutions, hands-on installation assistance, and training to ensure the new technology delivers real value on the factory floor.

“A key strength of Digital Manufacturing Light is that it works closely with manufacturers and their own technical staff, building the digital skills into the business that will support sustainable, long-term improvements. 

“Digital Manufacturing Light will support manufacturers to move away from manual and often outdated processes, providing real-time insights into machine performance, bottlenecks, and quality issues. 

“The potential benefits are significant. Research from Xero and the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research shows that faster digital adoption across small and medium‑sized enterprises could lift national GDP by $8.6 billion. 

“The Government is fixing the basics and building the future for New Zealand. Backing programmes like Digital Manufacturing Light is a smart, targeted investment that helps smaller firms grow, innovate, and contribute to our economy and communities.”

Notes to editor:  

Posted on

‘It does seem like a very different group’: Molly Penfold on new-look White Ferns

Source: Radio New Zealand

Molly Penfold of Auckland Hearts celebrates getting a wicket www.photosport.nz

White Ferns bowler Molly Penfold is excited about the new-look team that will take on Zimbabwe over the next couple of weeks.

The two sides will meet in three T20Is and three ODIs starting with the first T20 game in Hamilton on Wednesday night.

The White Ferns are without a number of key players, with Suzie Bates and Eden Carson injured, Sophie Devine not available and Lea Tahuhu under managed workload. Amelia Kerr is the new captain.

The White Ferns squad does contain two possible debutants in spinner Nensi Patel and pace bowler Kayley Knight from the Northern Brave.

Penfold, who has played just 24 games for New Zealand, admits there is a feeling of change.

“It does seem like a very different group, but it is a good opportunity for players who probably don’t get as much game time in the White Ferns to hopefully step up and be in that playing 11, so yes it’s exciting.”

Pace bowler Penfold has no doubt that new captain Kerr will take on the role seamlessly.

“She’s just a natural leader and she is a huge character in this group. We know that coming off the back of Soph’s captaincy as well she has left a big impact on us and so big shoes to fill but I know that Melie will be more than capable of doing so.”

Melie (Amelia) Kerr of New Zealand White Ferns women’s national cricket team. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Zimbabwe has had a change in coaching staff and will now be under the guidance of former White Fern Kate Ebrahim.

Zimbabwe made the change following their sides disappointing T20 World Cup qualifier in Nepal last month with Ebrahim named as interim coach.

Ebrahim played 70 games for New Zealand between 2010 and 2021 and is married to former Zimbabwe batter and current men’s assistant coach Dion Ebrahim.

Penfold admits she was surprised when she learnt that Ebrahim had been appointed Zimbabwe coach.

“It’s cool to see her take up that opportunity, she brings a great competitiveness to the game.”

White Ferns squad v Zimbabwe

Flora Devonshire Central Hinds

Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts

Maddy Green Auckland Hearts

Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts

Bree Illing Auckland Hearts

Polly Inglis Sparks (T20I only)

Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze

Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze

Kayley Knight* Northern Brave (T20I only)

Emma McLeod Central Hinds (ODI only)

Rosemary Mair Central Hinds

Nensi Patel* Northern Brave

Molly Penfold Auckland Hearts (ODI only)

Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze

Izzy Sharp** Canterbury Magicians

White Ferns schedule against Zimbabwe

Wed 25 Feb, 7:15pm, 1st T20, Hamilton

Fri 27 Feb, 7:15pm, 2nd T20, Hamilton

Sun 1 March, 1:15pm, 3rd T20, Hamilton

Thurs 5 March, 11am, 1st ODI, Dunedin

Sun 8 March, 11am, 2nd ODI, Dunedin

Wed 11 March, 11am, 3rd ODI, Dunedin

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

New maths, English, science resources rolled out at schools after teachers bemoan delay

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Education Minister is announcing new maths, English and science resources that were due to be in schools at the start of this year will now be rolled out.

The resources include a new teacher-facilitated writing tool for Year 6 to 10 students a year or more behind and maths resources for Year 9 and 10 students.

Earlier this month, the Post Primary Teachers’ Association criticised the Minister for not delivering the resources on time and causing an extremely frustrating and stressful start to the school year.

PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said at the time well developed resources and implemented smoothly are “so crucial”, especially with the amount of new content the Minister had introduced.

Education Minister Erica Stanford made the announcement alongside the Prime Minister in Auckland on Tuesday. There will also be new science kits for primary school classrooms, an investment made in Budget 2025.

The writing tool, called Scribo, is a teacher-facilitated 12-week tutoring programme providing targeted support for each student’s learning needs, she explained.

She said it will “help close literacy gaps” and strengthen students’ writing, spelling, and grammar. It was also curriculum aligned and designed to reflect New Zealand context and culture, she said. The programme was now being extended to students in Year 10.

The curriculum-aligned digital maths resources for Years 9 and 10 would include digital textbooks and workbooks guidance for teachers.

“Over the next three years, the resources are expected to benefit around 140,000 students each year, supporting 6000 teachers,” Stanford said.

Teachers can choose the extent to which they use the resources, and there will be professional learning development provided.

She said the science kits were delivering on Budget 2025 investments to strengthen science in primary and intermediate schools.

“These will be hands-on and curriculum-aligned, supporting teachers with bringing science to life in classrooms,” Stanford said.

“Science is such a fun and interesting part of school for so many young people, full of discovery and experimentation.”

She said $40 million was allocated in Budget 2025, and the provision of those kits throughout the country will be achieved by early 2027.

Part of the initiative has an entirely new suite of science kits in development for Māori medium education.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

Crash closes SH2 near Mangatāwhiri

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A serious crash on State Highway 2 near Mangatāwhiri has closed the road in both directions.

Police were called to the crash involving two vehicles just after 11am.

They said initial indications were that there had been serious injuries.

The highway was closed in both directions between Rawiri Road and Kopuku Road.

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

Posted on

Bafta night a ‘bit of a blur’, says award winning Kiwi costume designer

Source: Radio New Zealand

It wasn’t easy to get up to accept her Bafta win when she’s used to being behind the scenes, Kiwi costume designer Kate Hawley says.

The night was a bit of a blur, she says, but it was wonderful to share it with her daughter, she told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

“What I’d like to say to anyone younger out there is it’s not an overnight thing.”

But the award meant a lot, she says.

“It’s taken quite a few years and not a few little knockbacks here and there, but it is extra special.

“And when it’s members of the Academy who work in the world of film and that, and when they nominate you, just like the Costume Designers Guild, it means a lot… it’s very special.”

Hawley’s work has been seen in a host of other movies, including Edge of Tomorrow, Mortal Engine, Suicide Squad, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak and The Lovely Bones.

Hawley is also one of nine Oscar nominations for Frankenstein on 3 March in Los Angeles.

“I’ve got two weeks to get back to reality, put my gumboots on and have my community tell me off. Life’s very grounding in between all of this, so it’s just a moment to enjoy and then life carries on really, but it’s lovely.”

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

Posted on

Baftas interrupted by racist slur from man with Tourette syndrome

Source: Radio New Zealand

It was the clip heard around the world after Monday’s BAFTA ceremony in London — a man yelling the n-word as two celebrated Black actors, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, presented an award on stage.

The man was John Davidson, the subject of the British indie film I Swear, about a man with Tourette syndrome. Davidson, who has long campaigned for awareness of the condition, told CNN before the ceremony that he was worried about the involuntary tics that mark it.

The actor Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film, went on to win the night’s award for best actor. Davidson said the young English actor studied him closely, asking questions like, “When you have a tic do you know where it comes from? What about tic triggers?” Speaking on the crowded red carpet, Davidson went on: “Certain things — like today, lots of people around, I’m feeling very, you know, more tics in case I lash out. Different situations can trigger different emotions and tics and stuff.”

John Davidson and Robert Aramayo attend the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards Nominees’ Party at the National Portrait Gallery on February 21, 2026 in London, England.

Karwai Tang

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

Posted on

Greens welcome launch of People’s Select Committee report on Pay Equity

Source: Green Party

The Green Party has welcomed the release of the report from the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity. 

“This report makes clear what we have said all along: the Government’s decision to make it easier to underpay people and limiting pay equity access is yet another attack on women,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for women, Kahurangi Carter. 

“The Government underestimated how badly this would go down with the public. Today, the workers this Government tried to silence have found their voice, and it is powerful.” 

“Make no mistake: this is a cost-cutting measure taken straight from the people who need it. Rather than paying women what they’re worth, this Government is simply shifting these costs onto women to bear. 

“Pay inequity disproportionately impacts Māori, Pacific and disabled women. The very communities already facing the greatest barriers to fair pay. This Government is deepening those disparities, not closing them. 

“Our healthcare, education, and social service workers are the backbone of our country. They deserve better than a government that undermines their pay and conditions at every turn. 

“The fact that former MPs from across the political spectrum came together on a pro bono basis to do the work this Government refused to do tells you everything you need to know about how egregious these changes are. 

“This wasn’t a technical tweak. This was wage theft on a national scale, rushed through without any opportunity for the women affected to have their say. 

“The Green Party is committed to all of the demands from unions, to repeal this legislation and fully fund pay equity claims. Workers deserve that commitment from every party in Parliament,” says Carter. 

Green Party MP and former Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter says the report confirms the damage done to a framework she helped build. 

“As Minister for Women, I worked alongside unions and workers to pass the Equal Pay Amendment Act in 2020, legislation that passed unanimously and was one of the biggest gains for gender equity since the Equal Pay Act 1972. This Government has torn that up. 

“Over 100,000 workers had already received significant pay increases, many in the double digits, through the framework this Government gutted. The evidence of what was working was right in front of them, and they chose to destroy it to fund their tax cuts for landlords and tobacco companies,” says Genter. 

Posted on

Serious crash: SH2, Mangatāwhiri

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are responding to reports of a serious crash on State Highway 2 near Mangatāwhiri.

Police were called to the crash involving two vehicles just after 11am.

Initial indications are there are serious injuries.

State Highway 2 is closed in both directions between Rawiri Road and Kopuku Road.

Further information will be released as it is available.

ENDS.

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police