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61 shops announce closures in 10 days: Will liquidation numbers get worse before they improve?

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ/Calvin Samuel

We are only half-way through the first month of the year and already the business closures are mounting.

EB Games will close its shops at the end of the month. Miniso and Yoyoso shops are in liquidation. Wellington’s Leuven Belgian Beer Café will close after 25 years in business.

Smaller centres are also affected. Whangārei’s Rodney Wayne said it was closing its doors, as was nearby Orrs Pharmacy, which has been open 80 years.

While economic improvement is on the horizon, there are warnings that the number of businesses closing could get worse before it gets better.

Economist Shamubeel Eaqub said the rate of closures often picked up at the start of a recovery.

“Particularly for some sectors, because the early part of a recovery is slow. There is a disappointment gap.”

Massive queues were seen at shopping malls on Thursday after EB Games announced a 50 percent off closing down sale. Supplied

He said that was seen in the Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion (QSBO).

“Businesses were saying ‘oh, next quarter things are going to be much better’. Things were better but not as much better as they had expected. So the disappointment gap is the most persistent it has ever been in the history of the QSBO.

“A lot of businesses would have gone out and hired people or they might have made investments or they might have brought in stock so they’ll be at the edge. There is still a bunch of businesses that will struggle through this early part of the recovery.”

Eaqub said quite often, it was because the business had been bleeding cash and that caught up with them.

“I think there’s still a spate of business closures to come.”

But he said that should start to ease towards the end of the year.

Shamubeel Eaqub. RNZ

“I think everybody thinks everything turns on a dime. It doesn’t. Different parts of the economy move in different ways.”

Some retailers would be suffering after a weaker-than-expected Christmas period, he said.

“Also some industries like construction, when the early part of the recovery comes quite often businesses will go out and bid for jobs at prices that are unrealistic because they’re just grateful to have work and then they overcommit and face financial difficulty because the cost pressure is built really quickly in the construction industry.”

Carolyn Young, chief executive of Retail NZ, said many shops had not seen the lift in sales in the fourth quarter that they had been hanging on for.

“The fourth quarter is your biggest quarter of the year where you’re going to make your profit and we know that sales were down in December … businesses have used up most of their cash reserves so their ability to continue to stay alive will be compromised if they haven’t managed to cover off their sales in December at full price.

“Through December we saw a surprising number of businesses have items on sale before Christmas which is unusual.”

She said cost pressure had continued to rise and unless businesses had been able to negotiate things like rent reductions then there would be more liquidations.

“Two national businesses, 61 stores across the two businesses, have announced liquidations or closures in the first 10 days of the year… that shows how difficult it is for small and bigger businesses. We continue to see small businesses ring up about restructures.

Carolyn Young. Supplied

“We’ve got an advice line and one of the most popular topics continues to be business change, restructure, business closure and then the sort of performance management things with staff which are often an indicator that businesses are really focusing on the bottom line and how do they get the performance out of staff to ensure they have optimal sales that they need.”

She said the government could do more to ensure its settings were business-friendly and encourage people to buy from New Zealand businesses rather than offshore.

“In the next few weeks we’ll start doing some work on what’s happening overseas – South Africa put a tax in place, I think they’ve done the same in France with the businesses like Temu and Shein and that levels the playing field up because New Zealand businesses have to comply with all the New Zealand legislation and offshore businesses don’t comply with anything.”

She said while businesses could not be propped up by government, there could be settings that were more supportive.

General election a factor

Keaton Pronk, an insolvency practitioner at McDonald Vague, which is handling the Yoyoso liquidation, said it would be a testing year for insolvency because of the looming election.

“What we have previously seen in an election year is that businesses will take a wait and see approach until it is clear which party or coalition of parties will be running the country for the next three years. What will be interesting is the approach the IRD takes over this period.

“On the latest available figures, the IRD tax debt to be collected remains around the $9 billion dollar mark, well above where it was sitting pre-Covid and no doubt the government would like to recover these funds to spend and are funding the IRD accordingly.

“With this playing out the IRD will continue to apply pressure to businesses that are in arrears or fall into arrears. Looking at the January winding up figures advertised so far we can see the IRD is already active in advertising their ongoing winding up proceedings.”

He said he had a number of inquires over Christmas and January that have turned into appointments by stakeholders.

“January is traditionally a hard month for businesses as they close their doors in December for the holidays and have little income but still need to cover fixed costs, holiday leave and face IRD obligations such as November GST due 15 January, PAYE due on 20 January, October to December FBT due on 20 January, provisional tax due on 15 January and for the larger employers more PAYE due on 5th of February, this a lot of cashflow businesses need to find at a slower time of year.

“2025 was back at the levels we saw in 2011, post 2009 GFC, and we are expecting to see corporate insolvency appointments continue at the elevated levels into the middle of the 2026.

“To date the appointments have been widespread hitting all industries and regions differently, so we are unable to point to one particular sector that is unaffected. Walk down any main street and you will see a number of for lease signs up.”

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Cantabrians react to axing of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson

Source: Radio New Zealand

Scott Robertson has been axed as All Blacks coach. AFP

There has been mixed reaction in parts of red and black country following the shock axing of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) confirmed the 51-year-old had departed the position following a recent end-of-season review.

A process would commence immediately to find Robertson’s replacement, NZR said on Thursday afternoon.

The NZ Herald reported the “scathing” post-season review outlined dissatisfaction among senior players around the All Blacks coaching, culture and environment.

At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, NZR chair David Kirk said the “trajectory” of the All Blacks was not on track.

“The All Blacks are not on track the way they need to be on track for the 2027 World Cup,” he said.

In a statement , Robertson said coaching the All Blacks had been an honour and that he was “gutted by the outcome”.

“I am incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and of the progress we have made. We have brought through a talented group of young players, strengthened the depth across the squad, and set solid foundations for the years ahead,” he said.

Robertson took over as head coach of the national team in 2024, with his appointment confirmed a year earlier, despite his predecessor Ian Foster still at the helm.

His elevation to the coaching position was a largely popular one, particularly in Canterbury, where he led the Crusaders to seven Super Rugby championships.

There was a range of feeling on the streets of central Christchurch, following news of Robertson’s departure.

A Rolleston woman told RNZ she felt the move was hasty, laying blame with how the governing body was run.

“Bureaucracy, the hierarchy and the juxtaposition of people in the rugby union really appals me,” she said.

“I think he should’ve been given another chance.”

RNZ spoke to a couple of patrons at central city sports bar The Loft.

One man said the news had come as a surprise.

“The words we’re seeing from [senior players], maybe it’s warranted. It’s very unlike the All Blacks to do such an act,” he said.

“Maybe the time is right, to bring someone else in.”

He endorsed a move to replace Robertson with Highlanders and former Japan coach Jamie Joseph.

A fellow patron also hoped Joseph would be appointed.

“I think in the modern age you do have to listen to the experienced members of a team,” he said.

“I think it’s fair to be able to take the feedback that’s come over the last six months from some of the key members of the squad. If it means that Razor and [others] lose their jobs for the good of New Zealand Rugby then I think it’s fair.”

Another woman was shocked by the announcement.

“I feel a little sorry for him. I thought he was doing all right. And I like his dancing,” she said.

“Give him a chance.”

The All Blacks won 10 of 14 tests four during Robertson’s first year in charge.

Last year the team clinched 10 wins from their 13-test programme.

The season was ultimately marred by three stinging defeats, including a historic test loss in Argentina, a record-breaking hammering at the hands of the Springboks, and defeat to England at Twickenham on the end of year tour.

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Many of Wairarapa’s recent forest fires began in old burn piles, Fire and Emergency says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Juken New Zealand manages 15,000ha of forest plantations across Wairarapa and says it has a detailed plan to mitigate forest fire risk. LDR / Supplied

A small forest fire outside Masterton on Tuesday highlighted the increased risk of forest fires in the region.

Although the Bideford blaze was quickly extinguished, Wairarapa’s mostly dry summers and significant forestry industry have some worried.

However, the region’s biggest forestry firm said it was well prepared.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand community risk manager Phil Soal said many of the forest fires across Wairarapa this month had been started accidentally.

“Over the last month crews have attended a number of callouts after fires have reignited from old burn piles.”

Late last year, at a workshop on climate change organised for the Carterton, Masterton and South Wairarapa district councils, an attendee said he was concerned about possible forest fires.

“We sit out in the country. A lot of us have neighbouring forests – a lot of people are surrounded by forests.”

He said if there were a forest fire, it was possible that the water in farmers’ dams could be used.

“Fires generally occur in summer, so therefore that farmer – relying on the dam for stock water – is he going to say no and then be a party to probably letting the forest fire go and endanger lives?”

Soal agreed it was possible farm dams could be used in a fire emergency, but this was one of many possible water sources.

Fire and Emergency NZ crews would source water from “any sufficient open water supply”, he said.

“Depending on the location of the incident, firefighting water supplies will be taken from a number of places including lakes, rivers, water tankers, oceans and swimming pools. Water could also be taken from farmers’ dams.

“Initially, water supplies will come from our fire trucks and water tankers until a sufficient water supply is established.”

Juken ‘constantly reviewing’ fire dams

Sean McBride is the chief forest officer at Juken New Zealand (JNL), a forestry company that manages 15,000 hectares of forest plantations across Wairarapa.

He said the company had thousands of litres of its own water as well as other firefighting equipment.

Forest owners took their responsibility regarding wildfire risk very seriously, he said, and JNL has an emergency response plan that gets updated annually.

“JNL has installed a number of 1 million-plus litre, lined fire dams at strategic locations throughout our forest estate,” he said.

“These are accessible to both fire appliances and helicopters … We are constantly reviewing the coverage our fire dams give and will be considering new installations in an ongoing basis.

“JNL has invested significantly over our 35-year history in the Wairarapa and have two of our own fire appliances based at our fire station at Waingawa.

“We also have 6km of fire hose, 11 fire pumps, one slip-on unit, access to heavy machinery – bulldozers and excavators – and approximately 50 trained firefighters within our staff and contract workforce.

“JNL management staff are also trained to be able to participate in various roles in an incident management team at any forest fire event.”

He said more than 98 percent of wildfires occurred as a result of human activity.

“If we can implement best practice to reduce the risk of ignition then the impact of wildfire on rural communities is significantly reduced.”

JNL’s plan included forest maps with water source locations, emergency and resource contacts, and response plans scaled to the level of risk.

The plan included wildfire guidelines that complied with the New Zealand Forest Owners Association’s forest fire risk management advice.

Permits needed in restricted season

Soal said Wairarapa was currently in a restricted fire season and he encouraged people to be extra vigilant.

He said property owners needed a permit to light an open-air fire.

“Physically check any burn piles from the last few weeks are fully extinguished. If in doubt, put more water on it to make sure it’s fully extinguished ahead of these extreme conditions.”

People in doubt about smoke or a fire should always call 111.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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Foreign Minister Winston Peters says NZ ‘appalled’ by violence, repression in Iran

Source: Radio New Zealand

Peters has condemned what he described as a brutal crackdown by Iran’s security forces (file image). RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand is “appalled” by an escalation of violence and repression in Iran.

Protests against the regime began in the capital Tehran in late December, sparked by the country’s dire economic conditions, and have since spread across the country.

Peters condemned what he described as a brutal crackdown by Iran’s security forces – which has included the reported killing of thousands of protesters.

That crackdown had also included an almost total internet blackout, which meant few videos had been published on social media, and verifying information had become difficult.

Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on 9 January 2026. AFP/MAHSA

Iranians had a right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and access to information – which was being brutally suppressed, Peters said.

US President Donald Trump had repeatedly threatened military action over Tehran’s severe response to the protests, however Reuters on Thursday reported Trump believed killings were subsiding and mass execution of protesters was unlikely.

US-based human rights group Hrana said more than 2500 people – including 12 children – have been killed in the protests.

Peters urged all New Zealanders who were still in Iran to leave immediately.

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Gastro outbreak affects 30 staff at Wellington Hospital emergency department

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Hospital’s emergency department. RNZ / REECE BAKER

More than two dozen staff are caught up in a gastro outbreak at Wellington Hospital’s emergency department.

Health New Zealand has put precautionary measures in place to try minimise its spread.

Dedicated infection control teams are also in place.

The first cases were reported last Friday and a 12 hour long deep clean was completed the next day.

Health New Zealand said about 30 people have shown symptoms consistent with the stomach illness.

It said sick leave is being managed, and patient care is continuing as normal.

There was no indication of it spreading further through the hospital.

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From saviour to sacked: Scott Robertson’s rapid rise and fall

Source: Radio New Zealand

Scott Robertson. Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

He was heralded as the All Blacks’ saviour.

Calls for the highly accomplished, charismatic, break-dancing coach to take the country’s top job became deafening around Aotearoa. And finally, those calls were answered.

Scott Robertson, having created an incomparable dynasty in Christchurch with the Crusaders, succeeded Ian Foster as the 29th All Blacks head coach in 2024.

But the anticipated Razor-inspired renaissance instead became another dark age for the All Blacks.

Coaching departures, player dissent, and record defeats made for a tumultuous tenure for Robertson, one which has now been unceremoniously cut short.

Here is a timeline of the rise and fall of ‘Razor’:

2024:

The reign of Razor begins

Fresh off a heartbreaking one-point loss in the 2023 World Cup final, a sense of optimism enveloped the country as Robertson won a popular appointment to take over from Foster who was not exactly beloved by the notoriously rabid All Black fan base. Razor didn’t take long to ingratiate himself to the media, fronting for a stand up in early January. Rocking sandals and shorts, Razor made it clear quickly he would bring a unique flavour to the role.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson during a media interview at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland on Tuesday 9 January 2024. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

A rosy start

A strong English side arrived on New Zealand shores to usher in a new All Black era and while a winning start for Razor’s men. It was a scrappy and nervy debut in Dunedin, the All Blacks sneaking home 16-15. This was followed by a slightly more convincing win in Auckland 24-17. After two tests of his tenure, Robertson gave himself a “a good pass mark” for his performance.

First cracks

After dispatching Fiji in San Diego, Robertson would inherit the capital curse, suffering his first loss as the Pumas pounced in Wellington, winning 38-30. Just the third time Argentina had toppled the All Black empire.

“I’m disappointed, I’m hurt,” said Robertson after the game. “We’ve just got look ourselves in the mirror and own it.”

MacDonald departs

Just eight months in to his reign, assistant coach Leon MacDonald abruptly handed in his resignation ahead of the tour to South Africa, citing differences in attacking philosophy and coaching direction.

Robertson said he and MacDonald had “differing views” which they couldn’t overcome.

“We have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now and both agreed it wasn’t working,” Robertson said at the time.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson (L) and assistant coach Leon MacDonald. photosport

Beaten back to back by the Boks

MacDonald’s dramatic departure was followed by consecutive defeats to the old foe in the republic. Both tests could have easily gone the way of the Kiwis, but Razor’s side were lacking the killer instinct of past All Black sides, and couldn’t land the decisive blow.

“Our duty demands that we win those games. We will be frank and honest around it,” Robertson said post game.

A glimmer and a glitch

The All Blacks bounced back with five wins on the trot, locking the Bledisloe away for a 20th year in a row with a 31-28 win followed by a more resounding 33-13 in Wellington over the Wallabies.

Victories over Japan and then a 24-22 victory at Twickenham was followed by arguably the best performance by Robertson’s All Blacks as they edged Ireland 23-13. However, the gloss was quickly removed in Paris as the French put a halt to the winning run.

“There were just a couple of little moments where the game swung their way,” Robertson said of the loss to Les Bleus.

Robertson ends the year with 10 wins from 14 tests.

Scott Robertson poses for a selfie. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

2025:

Understrength French sent packing

The year was again off to a perfect start as the All Blacks got their revenge and swept a third sting French side aside, racking up 103 points in the three test wins.

“We found a way to win and play really good footy,” Robertson said at the conclusion of the series.

Historic loss in South America

Another unwanted blemish on Robertson’s record as the All Blacks were beaten for the first time in history in Argentina soil, going down 29-23 in Buenos Aires. Discipline continues to plague the side, as the All Blacks were shown three yellow cards in the defeat.

“Test footy’s tough, we didn’t get a lot of little things go our way,” said Robertson.

Humiliation in the capital

A week on from their 51st consecutive win at Eden Park came the low point of Robertson’s reign and one of the darkest days in All Black history.

A shellshocked All Black outfit were subjected to a brutal second half blitz from the Boks, as scarcely believable scoreline read 43-10 when the carnage was mercifully ended.

“There were a couple of really big moments there and the game got away,” Roberston said after the rout.

Ceri Evans (Head of Leadership + Mental Performance) and New Zealand coach Scott Robertson dejected after loss to Argentina. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Second-half surrender

Another topsy turvy end of year tour offered both hope and frustration for fans as the All Blacks produced classy wins over Ireland and Scotland, the latter being a brave comeback in Edinburgh, only to let things slip against the English at Twickenham. Second half woes struck again as England racked up 25 unanswered points to take the game away for the eventual 33-19 victory.

“The last couple of games we had finished quite well. But tonight we didn’t do that,” reflected Robertson.

Razor’s record now reads 20 wins from 27 tests, a 74 per cent win rate.

2026:

Razor gets cut

With rumours rife of a player revolt, NZ Rugby make the bold call to sack Robertson with the Rugby World Cup taking place next year.

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson www.photosport.nz

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Man, 17, to appear in Youth Court after person shot on Christmas Day in Christchurch

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police are not looking anyone else in relation to this incident. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Police have arrested a 17-year-old after a person was shot on Christmas Day in Christchurch, Hornby.

They said they received reports of a man being chased by a group, including a person armed with a gun, just after 6:30pm on December 25.

Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan said a person was later taken to hospital with a suspected gunshot wound, which was not life-threatening.

He said a 17-year-old man was arrested on Thursday charged with wounding with reckless disregard for the safety of others, among other charges.

He is due to appear in the Christchurch Youth Court on Friday.

Police are not looking anyone else in relation to this incident.

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Helicopters, ambulances sent to crash in Far North’s Waipapakauri

Source: Radio New Zealand

St John said it was not yet clear how many people were injured. Supplied / St John

Emergency services are responding to a crash in the Far North on Thursday afternoon.

They were alerted to the incident in the small settlement of Waipapakauri at about 4.40pm, and two helicopters as well as two ambulances, two St John rapid response units and an operations manager responded.

St John said it was not yet clear how many people were injured.

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‘He lived fully. He loved deeply’: Tributes for journalist and playwright Aroha Awarau

Source: Radio New Zealand

Award winning Māori journalist and playwright Aroha Awarau. Supplied/Facebook

Award winning Māori journalist and playwright Aroha Awarau has died at the age of 49.

A post on Facebook confirmed he died on Wednesday afternoon “surrounded by care and love.”

“True to the way he lived, Aroha met this final moment with grace, courage, and his unmistakable spirit. Cancer shortened the timeline, but it never diminished the person he is. The sharp mind. The sharper tongue. The flamboyance. The creativity. The generosity of friendship. He lived fully. He loved deeply,” the post read.

Awarau’s debut play, Luncheon, starring Jennifer Ward-Lealand and directed by Katie Wolfe, won Best Play at the 2014 New Zealand Script Writing Awards.

His second play, Officer 27, loosely based on a real-life police shooting, was a finalist at the NZ Adam Playwriting Awards.

He worked again with Ward-Lealand and broadcaster Peata Melbourne for the short film Disrupt. His most recent work, the short film Puti, was released in 2025.

In journalism he worked for various New Zealand media outlets including Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Day, Māori Television and RNZ.

He famously interviewed Oprah Winfrey for Māori Television’s Native Affairs in 2018 when she visited New Zealand while shooting the Ava DuVernay directed film A Wrinkle in Time.

Aroha Awarau with actor Jennifer Ward-Lealand and broadcaster Peata Melbourne.

Ward-Lealand took to Facebook to pay tribute to Awarau. “E te hoa piri pono, Aroha Awarau, kua wehe wawe rawa koe, ā, kei te tangi hotuhotu tēnei ngākau. E hia kē ngā wā kua mahi tahi tāua, kua katakata tāua, kua whakawhiti kōrero tāua. Ka nui taku aroha mōu,” she wrote.

Kaupapa Māori performing arts company Te Pou Theatre also took to Facebook saying “Aroha Awarau: fabulous fierce friend and storyteller extraordinairre has finished his brave fight and we are broken hearted.”

“Whether he was uplifting peoples true stories or weaving his own worlds for the stage and screen, he was always creating, always working to share those stories that needed to be heard particularly for ngāi Māori, for the pacific, BIPOC and queer community. Aroha has been a loved part of the Te Pou whānau over the past decade and we are heartbroken that we’ll not hear that laugh again in the foyer. He has mastered his craft, shared his pūkenga with others and left an incredible and brave legacy of work for the world.”

Awarau will be at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku in Auckland until midday Friday. Final details for his funeral are yet to be released.

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Search for tramper in Kahurangi National Park suspended

Source: Radio New Zealand

Graham Garnett, 66, was meant to return on 30 December. Supplied / NZ Police

The search for missing tramper Graham Garnett, 66, who failed to return from a hike in the Kahurangi National Park on December 30, has been suspended.

Police Search and Rescue sergeant Jonny Evans said the decision follows extensive searches of the area.

The search for Garnett involved four specialist canyon teams who were flown to Motueka to assist, as well as a Defence Force NH90 helicopter.

Evans said Garnett’s family have passed on their immense gratitude to all who were involved in the search.

“Police continue to support the family in their ongoing efforts to bring Graham home and we remain ready to respond if new information comes to light,” Evans said.

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