Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Foo Fighters returning to rock out in New Zealand at two stadium shows

Source: Radio New Zealand

Foo Fighters have announced two huge stadium shows for New Zealand in January 2027.

They will play in Christchurch on 19 January, before performing at Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium on 22 January.

Hawkins had been a member of the Foo Fighters since 1997. They have become one of rock’s most popular bands, winning 12 Grammy Awards including Best Rock Album four times.

The Foo Fighters – currently made up of Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin – have visited New Zealand several times. They were last here in January 2024.

General tickets go on sale 25 February.

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

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Road closures following slip, Musselburgh, Dunedin

Source: New Zealand Police

Belmont Lane, Musselburgh, Dunedin, and surrounding roads are closed following a landslip this morning.

Police were notified of the slip around 10.50am. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Police are assisting Fire and Emergency New Zealand with evacuations of nearby residents.

The public is advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

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First Home Loan scheme gets another option

Source: Radio New Zealand

The loan underwritten by Kainga Ora. RNZ

ASB has joined the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme, which allows borrowers to buy a house with a deposit of only 5 percent.

The loan is underwritten by Kāinga Ora, so borrowers are usually able to access the same interest rates as buyers with 20 percent deposit.

Previously it had only been available through Westpac, Kiwibank, The Co-Operative Bank, SBS, Unity, Nelson Building Society and NZHL.

ASB executive general manager personal banking Adam Boyd said home ownership was a “cornerstone of financial wellbeing and security for many New Zealanders”.

“This loan helps to get more people into their own homes without the challenge of saving a large deposit while managing everyday expenses, like rent.”

He said people using the scheme could also be eligible for ASB’s cash back offer.

Glen McLeod, head of Link Advisory, said it added another lending option for people thinking about buying a first home.

“The underlying criteria and approval process remain the same, as Kāinga Ora is still the gatekeeper for applications. More lender choice is positive, but the practical impact will depend on each client’s situation and how they meet Kāinga Ora’s existing requirements.”

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

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Former prison guard’s appeal against murder conviction, sentencing to be heard in November

Source: Radio New Zealand

David Benbow was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non parole period of 17 years after a jury found him guilty of murder.

A former prison guard who murdered his childhood friend will have his appeal against conviction and sentence heard later this year.

David Benbow was sentenced in 2024 to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years after a jury found him guilty of murdering Michael McGrath.

McGrath was last seen alive in May 2017. Two years later, Benbow was charged with his murder – accused of fatally shooting his childhood friend.

Neither the gun, nor McGrath’s body, have been found despite extensive searches.

After his first trial, the jury was unable to reach a verdict. At his second trial, he was found guilty of murder.

The Court of Appeal confirmed to RNZ a hearing date for Benbow’s appeal on conviction and sentence had been set for November 9 and 10.

McGrath’s brother, Simon McGrath, told RNZ Benbow continued to show a “disturbing lack of empathy and remorse despite the clinically clear weight of evidence against him that has resulted in his unanimous murder conviction”.

At sentencing, Justice Jonathan Eaton described the murder as an execution style killing.

He said the high level of planning, including the fact that McGrath’s body has never been found, added to the length of the sentence.

Michael McGrath was last seen alive in May 2017. NZ Police

During the Christchurch High Court trial, the prosecution said that Benbow killed McGrath after learning that he was in a relationship with Benbow’s ex-partner of 17 years, Joanne Green.

McGrath’s mother, Adrienne McGrath, said she could not believe her son would never come home again.

In her victim impact statement, she said she still laid in bed some nights and hoped her son would come knocking at her window.

“I’ll never forget that first night when I realised that Michael was missing. That memory will haunt me forever.

“I still experience the pain of losing him every day, especially when I see or hear things that remind me of him.”

McGrath’s brother Simon, speaking after the guilty verdict, said the family still wanted to know where his brother’s body was.

Simon said he hoped the government considered legislative changes to stop killers who do not co-operate with police being eligible for parole.

“I believe New Zealand needs to strengthen the law to follow … what’s in many Australian states – no body, no parole.”

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

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Man’s body found in Tauranga park, homicide probe launched

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said the man’s body was discovered in a secluded area of Wharepai Domain on Saturday. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A homicide investigation has been launched after a man’s body was found in Wharepai Domain, Tauranga.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, said the man’s body was discovered in a secluded area of the domain at about 2pm on Saturday 14 February.

“A post-mortem on Monday established the victim’s death is suspicious and we are now working to establish what happened and identify who was involved.

“An examination of the scene has now been completed”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Flowerdew-Brown said police would like to speak with anyone who has information that could help the investigation.

“We ask people to contact us if they saw unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain prior to 2pm on Saturday.”

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, or by calling 105.

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

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Five young people arrested after Napier aggravated robbery

Source: Radio New Zealand

On Monday, Police were notified of an aggravated robbery at a commercial premises on Charles Street RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Five young people have been arrested and charged after an aggravated robbery in Westshore, Napier.

They are due to appear in Napier Youth Court on Wednesday, jointly charged with aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Further charges have not been ruled out.

On Monday 16 February, Police were notified of an aggravated robbery at a commercial premises on Charles Street about 4.40pm.

Police said three people allegedly entered and stole a number of items before fleeing in a vehicle containing two others and all had taken steps to conceal their identities.

“No injuries were reported however the owner of the premises is understandably shaken.

The vehicle was later located abandoned on Alexander Avenue, and has been seized for a forensic examination.”

Following enquiries into the incident, including information provided by members of the public, police said they identified five alleged offenders.

Following a search on Tuesday evening at a Napier address four alleged offenders were taken into custody.

During the search, police said they also located evidence relating to the aggravated robbery including clothing worn by the alleged offenders.

The fifth alleged offender was located and taken into custody not long after.

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

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Taking cash off criminals to protect New Zealanders

Source: New Zealand Government

Money seized from criminals will once again be redirected to protecting New Zealanders, with a new funding round for the Proceeds of Crime Fund opening on 30 March 2026, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

“We are taking money off criminals and using it to fix what matters for victims by reducing violent crime,” says Mrs McKee.

“Following its refocus last year, the Fund now supports tightly targeted initiatives that directly contribute to the Government’s goal of reducing the number of victims of violent crime.

“We want high-impact proposals that make a measurable difference to reducing violent crime and keeping New Zealanders safe. 

“This includes initiatives that stop lower-level offending before it turns violent, and initiatives that go after organised criminals by breaking the gang business model that profits from violence and misery.”

“Government agencies are invited to apply using the updated funding proposal template and are encouraged to partner with community organisations to deliver outcome-focused programmes.

“Under Labour, money taken from gangs was funnelled back into a programme delivered by a life member of the very gang fuelling New Zealand’s meth problem. We put an end to that. 

“New Zealanders expect that when assets are seized from organised crime, that money goes toward preventing more victims and that’s exactly what we are doing.

“We have already funded a range of initiatives to improve public safety. This includes practical safety improvements in Auckland’s CBD, such as better lighting, expanded CCTV coverage, and additional security patrols.

“We have also supported community-led initiatives such as the Meke Academy, which works with young people at high risk of serious offending in Hawke’s Bay to reduce offending, cut drug use, and help young people gain qualifications and improve literacy and numeracy skills.”

The 2026 funding round will run from 30 March to 29 May. Approved initiatives must meet strict criteria and will be short-term investments of up to three years.

Information on how to apply can be found on the Ministry of Justice website

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Reminder: don’t spray detergent on an oil spill

Source: Maritime New Zealand

We’ve recently become aware of an incident where detergent was sprayed on an oil spill, so we’d like to share a reminder about the rules for using ‘oil spill control agents’ or OSCAs.

Dispersants can help reduce the amount of spilled oil reaching the shore, but we need to be sure that they are used in the right way.

Maritime NZ has strict rules on the use of dispersants and other OSCAs that make it illegal to spray anything like detergent on an oil spill. The rules require OSCAs to be approved by Maritime NZ and require appropriate authorisation from an On-Scene Commander before they can be used in a response, which is determined on a case-by-case basis.
 
Please report any oil spills to your local council, and remember not to spray anything on an oil spill without appropriate authorisation. You may use sorbent pads or put a sorbent boom around the oil spill if practicable.

Get more information

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Weekly reports to the Minister for Mental Health

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

The Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora provides a weekly report to the Minister for Mental Health containing regular updates on the Ministry’s Mental Health work programme and other key information.  The published weekly reports do not necessarily reflect the current status of the content.

In addition to the weekly reports published below, we also publish briefings and advice to the Minister for Mental Health, Minister of Health and Associate Ministers of Health, as well Cabinet material, including briefings to Ministers. These can be found on the Information releases page.

Some parts of this information release would not be appropriate to release and, if requested, would be withheld under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act). Where this is the case, the relevant sections of the Act that would apply have been identified. Where information has been withheld, no public interest has been identified that would outweigh the reasons for withholding it.

Key redaction codes:

  • S 9(2)(a) to protect the privacy of natural persons.
  • S 9(2)(g)(i) to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to Ministers and officers and employees of any public service agency.
  • S 6(a) as its release would likely prejudice the international relations of the Government of New Zealand.
  • S 9(2)(b)(ii) where its release would likely unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied the information.
  • S 9(2)(c) to avoid prejudice to measures to protect the health or safety of the public.
  • S 9(2)(h) to maintain legal professional privilege.
  • S 9(2)(j) to enable a Minister or any public service agency to carry on negotiations without prejudice or disadvantage (including commercial and industrial negotiations).
  • S 9(2)(f)(iv) to maintain the constitutional conventions that protect the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers and officials.

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Homicide inquiry launched into man’s death

Source: New Zealand Police

The death of a man in Tauranga on Saturday is now being treated as a homicide.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, says the man’s body was discovered in a secluded area of Wharepai Domain about 2pm on Saturday 14 February.

“A post-mortem on Monday established the victim’s death is suspicious and we are now working to establish what happened and identify who was involved.

“An examination of the scene has now been completed”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Flowerdew-Brown said Police would like to speak with anyone who has information that could help the investigation.

“We ask people to contact us if they saw unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain prior to 2pm on Saturday.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260214/8937.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers, on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre