Broken collarbone for Kiwi free skier Fin Melville Ives

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fin Melville Ives, after crashing out in qualification for the Freeski Halfpipe competition at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic games. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP

The medical assessments are in and it’s been confirmed that New Zealand Freeskier Fin Melville Ives broke his collarbone in crashing out during the qualification rounds of the Halfpipe competition at the Winter Olympics.

Melville Ives, the current world champion and one of New Zealand’s best medal hopes, was stretchered off after the heavy fall during his second run after being knocked unconscious.

He’s now recovering and remains in good spirits, jesting his injuries are “nothing but a scratch”.

“It was really a game of two halves,” he said afterwards, with his sense of humour intact.

Melville Ives, 19, has also thanked the medical staff that have helped him so far, and his coach Murray Buchan.

Another Kiwi halfpipe freeskier Ben Harrington, who finished ninth, dedicated his second run to Melville Ives, saying to cameras on the slopes, “Hey Finski, this one’s for you, brother, love you, let’s go skiing.”

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

Man On The Run: How Paul McCartney rebuilt his life after The Beatles

Source: Radio New Zealand

“The event is so momentous that historians may, one day, view it as a landmark in the decline of the British Empire.”

That was dramatic framing by CBS News of The Beatles’s break-up in April 1970.

It was illustrative of the intense hyperbole that followed this band, who went from Liverpool teenagers to the biggest musical act in history in under a decade.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

Auckland Blues v Force – Super Rugby Pacific

Source: Radio New Zealand

Blues face Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific. Liam Swiggs / RNZ

First-five Stephen Perofeta converted all six of his team’s tries and scored one himself, as the Blues overhauled Western Force 42-32 at Perth.

After a controversial loss to the Chiefs in their opener last week, the Auckland-based side took advantage of a big wind at their backs in the second half to overcome a 17-14 deficit, outscoring their rivals 21-3 during the 20 minutes after the break.

Prop Josh Fusitua and Perofeta touched down in the first 40 minutes, but a try to flanker Carlo Tizzano gave the home side a surprise lead at halfway.

After the restart, fullback Zarn Sullivan, flanker Torian Barnes and wing Cole Forbes rattled on three tries that gave their team the momentum and a 15-point lead, that provided a buffer to withstand a late Force rally.

Follow the live progress here:

Squad

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Anton Segner, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

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

Highlanders v Chiefs – Super Rugby Pacific

Source: Radio New Zealand

Highlanders face Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific. Liam Swiggs / RNZ

Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho had a try double, as the Chiefs downed the Highlanders 26-23 in Dunedin for their second straight win of the season.

Follow the live action here:

Squads

Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Rohan Wingham, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy (VC), 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game), 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (C), 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6 Kaylum Boshier, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Quinn Tupaea (vc), 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa

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

Live: Auckland Blues v Force – Super Rugby Pacific

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action, as the Blues take on Western Force at HBF Park in Perth.

Kickoff is at 9.35pm.

Squad

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Anton Segner, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

Blues face Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific. Liam Swiggs / RNZ

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

Wellington Phoenix captain Alex Rufer apologises to fans after embarrassing loss

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC players celebrate a goal, A-League, Wellington Phoenix v Auckland FC, Sky Stadium, Wellington. Saturday 21 February, 2026 © Mandatory credit: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz

Auckland FC are closing in on the top of the A-League after dismantling the Wellington Phoenix 5-0, a dominant win that puts them just one point behind league leaders Newcastle.

Wellington’s hopes of securing their first-ever win over their northern rivals were dashed early due to a bizarre goal keeping error in the 24th minute.

A dejected Phoenix captain Alex Rufer addressed home fans immediately after the heavy defeat.

“We need to look at this and be accountable – it’s not good enough,” he told Sky Sport.

The talking point came when Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was caught out of position under a long clearance from Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich.

Unable to stop the ball, Oluwayemi brushed it into his own net in a costly howler as he attempted to head the ball away.

Auckland carried the momentum as Jesse Randall scored his ninth goal of the season, adding a second just before the break.

Guillermo May also found the net in the 41st minute.

Later Randall was involved again, setting up Lachlan Brook for a goal.

Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano benched Oluwayemi at halftime, replacing him with Alby Kelly-Heald as the Phoenix trailed 4-nil.

Auckland coach Steve Corica said the three points were vital in closing the gap on Newcastle.

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

Wellington Phoenix coach quits after loss to Auckland FC

Source: Radio New Zealand

Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has quit after a heavy loss to Auckland FC. AAP / Photosport

Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has resigned, after a [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/587537/phoenix-captain-apologises-to-fans-after-embarrassing-5-0-loss humiliating 5-0 A-League loss to Auckland FC.

The Wellington club has thanked ‘Chief’ for his work, with the coach confirming his departure after the match at Sky Stadium.

“Giancarlo Italiano has announced his resignation as men’s head coach,” the message read on Wellington Phoenix’s X account.

With tonight’s loss, the Phoenix have equalled their worst-ever loss at home.

More to come…

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

Phoenix captain apologises to fans after embarrassing 5-0 loss

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC players celebrate a goal, A-League, Wellington Phoenix v Auckland FC, Sky Stadium, Wellington. Saturday 21 February, 2026 © Mandatory credit: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz

Auckland FC are closing in on the top of the A-League after dismantling the Wellington Phoenix 5-0, a dominant win that puts them just one point behind league leaders Newcastle.

Wellington’s hopes of securing their first-ever win over their northern rivals were dashed early due to a bizarre goal keeping error in the 24th minute.

A dejected Phoenix captain Alex Rufer addressed home fans immediately after the heavy defeat.

“We need to look at this and be accountable – it’s not good enough,” he told Sky Sport.

The talking point came when Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was caught out of position under a long clearance from Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich.

Unable to stop the ball, Oluwayemi brushed it into his own net in a costly howler as he attempted to head the ball away.

Auckland carried the momentum as Jesse Randall scored his ninth goal of the season, adding a second just before the break.

Guillermo May also found the net in the 41st minute.

Later Randall was involved again, setting up Lachlan Brook for a goal.

Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano benched Oluwayemi at halftime, replacing him with Alby Kelly-Heald as the Phoenix trailed 4-nil.

Auckland coach Steve Corica said the three points were vital in closing the gap on Newcastle.

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

Northcote College to close for a week after fire destroys building

Source: Radio New Zealand

A fire destroyed the sport’s pavillion at Northcote College. Victoria Young

Northcote College will shut for a week after a fire destroyed one of its buildings on Friday.

In a post on Facebook, the college said it had “been advised by the Ministry of Education and specialist contractors to close the school for the safe demolition and removal of the fire damaged building which includes some asbestos cladding”.

The school will be moving to online learning from Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February.

Students and whānau have been urged to check emails for further information.

The fire broke out about 12.15pm on Friday afternoon, and smoke could be seen billowing from the school’s sports pavillion, a large wooden hall with a high pointed roof.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the first call about the fire came in at 12.17pm, during a one-hour strike by the Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU).

It took the volunteer Silverdale crew about 17 minutes to arrive at the school.

Northcote College principal Vicki Barrie said she was proud of how staff and students responded to the fire in the sports pavillion.

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Speedster Tommy Te Puni breaks national 200 metres record at Christchurch

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sprinter Tommy Te Puni is in the national record books. supplied

Sprinter Tommy Te Puni has etched his name in the national record books at the International Track Meet in Christchurch.

Te Puni eclipsed the national 200 metres record, running 20.35s, ahead of closest rival Lex Revell-Lewis.

The Auckland sprinter dips under Joseph Millar’s 2017 national mark of 20.37s.

Four men notched times under 21 seconds, with national 400 metres record holder Revell-Lewis clocking a personal best of 20.49s.

Zach Saunders followed him in 20.71s and Kadin Taylor notched 20.87s for fourth. The quartet now all rank within the top 12 all-time for New Zealand.

Tiaan Whelpton ran the fastest 100 metres race of his career, clocking a scintillating 10.01s time, but the wind was above the legal limit of +2.0m/s, with the wind reading +4.9m/s at the time of the race.

This performance comes after his 10.02s at the Cooks Classic in January and his equal resident record performance of 10.10s at the Sir Graeme Douglas International in Auckland two weeks ago.

Whelpton and Te Puni both now turn towards the New Zealand track and field championships in Auckland in a fortnight. The pair of record-breaking sprinters will chase national titles and, for Whelpton, the magic sub-10 second mark over the 100m.

Tom Walsh was well clear in the men’s shot put, throwing 20.83 for his best throw of the season.

Holly Robinson took the top spot in the women’s para shot put, scoring 85.48 percent of her world record, with Lisa Adams in second with 86.84 percent.

Will Little won the 3000 metres title, followed in by clubmates Cam Clark and Toby Tasker.

In the women’s race, Tillie Hollyer took out the national title ahead of Tamara Reeves in second and 18-year-old Brynne Gordon was third.

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