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Black Sox say Halberg recognition a boost for softball and next generation

Source: Radio New Zealand

The New Zealand Black Sox will fight for their eighth title at the WBSC Mens Softball World Cup. WBSC

For a sport that rarely commands the national spotlight, the New Zealand Black Sox say being recognised on one of the biggest sporting nights in Aotearoa is a huge moment, not just for the team, but for softball itself.

The New Zealand men’s side were finalists for ISPS Handa Team of the Year at the 63rd Halberg Awards in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, following their silver-medal finish at last year’s WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup in Canada.

The Black Sox are the most decorated sporting team in New Zealand, winning seven world titles and totalling 14 medals. They won a medal in 13 of the first 15 World Cups, and appeared consecutively in the World Championship Final 10 times from 1984 to 2017.

The other finalists were Black Ferns Sevens (rugby sevens), Auckland FC (football), New Zealand Kiwis (rugby league), Men’s Team Pursuit: Nick Kergozou, Tom Sexton, Keegan Hornblow and Marshall Erwood (cycling – track), Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch (rowing).

The Black Ferns Sevens took out the award on the night following an impressive 2025 performance.

Infielder and Black Sox Slugger Jerome Raemaki (Cook Island) said the recognition shines a light on a sport that continues to grow from the grassroots up.

“For us it’s a positive light on softball in general in New Zealand and our programmes are still strong with the youth coming through as well,” he said.

“I think we’ve put our best foot forward.”

WBSC

New Zealand climbed back onto the world stage at the World Cup, finishing with silver in a campaign that signalled a resurgence for the Black Sox.

They were lead by a wealth of experience, with Hall of Famer and four-time World Champion Thomas Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea Ki Rarotonga), taking the reins of Head Coach.

Pitcher Pita Rona (Te Ātiawa) said belief had been central to that success.

“We actually believed in ourselves a hell of a lot more as individuals and then also we believed in each other like a hell of a lot more,” he said.

“There was a lot of things that was installed in us right from the get-go, like three, four years ago, building up to when it really mattered.”

He said support from whānau and management had played a key role in building that foundation.

“There’s also a lot of things that have helped us get to where we are today.”

The Enoka brothers said being in the room alongside other elite athletes from across different codes was special. Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

The campaign also marked personal milestones. Brothers Ben and Thomas Enoka (Ngāpuhi) both brought up 100 caps for the Black Sox during the campaign in Canada – a moment that reflected the longevity within the squad.

Ben Enoka said the Halberg nomination was recognition of the collective effort.

“Just excited, you know, to be nominated amongst some of the high-performance athletes in New Zealand. Just happy to be here representing the Black Sox.”

Thomas Enoka said the exposure mattered for those coming through the pathways.

“To be on a platform where they can strive to and something they can look up to, I’d hope,” he said.

“To put us back on the Halberg map… for the next generation.”

According to statistics from Softball New Zealand, Māori and Pasifika whānau make up nearly half of their membership. WBSC

Softball in Aotearoa has long had strong Māori and Pasifika representation, something reflected across the current squad. Several players spoke about the importance of whānau and whakapapa within the team environment.

Rona, the son of Black Sox Hall of Famer and four-time World Champion, Brad Rona, described the sport as grounded in family.

“Our sport is such a small community and family becomes a big part in our sport,” he said.

“You play for more than yourself. You play for your family. You play for the next generation. You play for the ones before us.”

Raemaki said that sense of whānau shaped the team culture during their World Cup run.

“We created a culture that was relaxing, where everyone felt comfortable. They had a voice,” he said.

“So we didn’t have to iron out any of that and we could just focus on the task at hand.”

WBSC

Thomas Enoka said representing their whānau on the world stage carried weight.

“Our whānau is pretty proud of us to be on a stage like this or even on a world stage just in our own sport,” he said.

“If you look at things like that, I think that’s something that brings a lot of mana to yourself.”

For 22-year-old Canterbury pitcher Liam Potts – who was named WBSC Men’s Softballer of the Year following the tournament – the moment was unexpected.

“I never think of my softball career I’d get to come to an event like this,” Potts said.

“To see so many faces that you think, wow, I’ve watched you on TV … and be like, holy, you’re actually a real person.”

Potts said his individual accolade came from focusing on doing his job for the team.

“I didn’t think much of what I could do. I was just kind of competing the best I could for my team,” he said.

“Getting named WBSC Player of the Year, it’s just unreal.”

After an impressive campaign, Black Sox Pitcher Liam Potts was named in the WBSC Mens Softball World Cup Finals 2025 All-World tournament team. WBSC

Potts is set to represent the fern on the World Stage in April, competing in the WBSC U-23 Men’s World Cup.

“You’ve just got to believe you can do it,” Potts said.

“It will never be a straight line up. You always have your ups and downs … you’ve got to enjoy the journey. And honestly, you do the work, it will pay off in the end.”

The Black Sox said whether they left with silverware or not, the recognition and accolades would offer a platform that could help inspire the next generation of softballers across Aotearoa.

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

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‘Disaster sightseeing’ getting in way of contractors, mayor of storm-hit Rangitikei says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson. RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham

The Rangitikei mayor wants people to stop taking “disaster sightseeing” trips into the back country because they are getting in the way of contractors doing their jobs.

“Sections of Marton and Taihape are also without electricity, and people should prepare to be without power for a number of days,” Andy Watson said on Tuesday, following bad weather.

Generators were being used to maintain water supplies in population centres.

Meanwhile, council staff and contractors were clearing a huge number of fallen trees from roads around the district and some local roads remained closed.

In its midday update on Tuesday, Powerco said there were about 8220 customers without power across its network area, with the most impacted regions being Whanganui (3284), Manawatū (3801) and Wairarapa (1103).

“Multiple poles and lines are down, particularly in the Whanganui and Manawatū regions, with complete rebuilds of sections of the electricity network needed before power can be restored,” the lines company said.

“One of the hardest-hit areas is Himatangi in Manawatū, where our contracting crews are needing to rebuild the power line network on some of the roads.”

Powerco said the severity of the damage meant it was unable to say when electricity supply would be restored.

“Good power restoration gains are expected on Tuesday with improved weather conditions in the regions hardest hit by wild weather overnight Sunday and [on Monday].”

The company said crews from throughout the North Island were helping restore power to customers in Whanganui-Rangitīkei, Manawatū-Tararua and Wairarapa.

“Helicopters have been used this morning to assess damage from the air, so that contracting crews can then access remote areas with the correct equipment.”

Meanwhile, Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith said a small number of Ashhurst residents could expect ongoing disruption from the aftermath of the wild weather, but by-and-large the city had emerged unscathed.

Smith said the Saddle Road remained closed while council staff and contractors began the clean-up operation.

“My understanding is that there is still surface flooding there. It was a pretty big storm, so there’ll be some carnage there for a little while as the clean-up happens.

“Obviously trees [are] down, and what’s been washed down the Pohangina River as it joins up with the Manawatū.”

Smith said the Saddle and River Road area of Ashhurst was low-lying and prone to flooding.

About a dozen residents were evacuated in the early hours of Monday morning when officials became concerned about the Pohangina River. They were allowed to return home a few hours later.

Smith said officials tended to take a level of precaution when considering the area.

“We did declare a state of emergency in a precautionary approach, but some of our neighbours in the headwaters of the Rangitikei and Manawatū rivers were hit a lot worse than we were.”

Smith said Palmerston North had been able to release some staff to help with the clean-up in the Rangitikei and Tararua regions.

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New iron treatment funded for people who have experienced serious reactions

Source: PHARMAC

From 1 March 2026 Pharmac will fund ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) in hospitals for people who have experienced serious reactions after other iron infusions.

Pharmac consulted on a proposal to fund this medicine in January, following the discontinuation of iron as sucrose (Venofer) which is used by people who have experienced hypophosphataemia after other iron infusions.

Hypophosphataemia is a rare but serious side effect of some iron infusions. It means having low levels of phosphate in the blood, a mineral that is important for healthy bones, muscles, and energy.

“The consultation feedback Pharmac received was supportive, but strongly suggested widening the funding criteria further,” says Senior Therapeutic Group Manager/Team Leader, Josh Wiles.

“Clinicians told us that a small number of patients who experience adverse reactions to other funded iron transfusions would also benefit from this treatment.”

After considering this response Pharmac has decided to fund ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) in hospitals for all people who have experienced a serious reaction after other funded iron transfusions.

“Supplies of Venofer are expected to run out by March 2026. Funding ferric derisomaltose means people with hypophosphataemia will continue to have access to a safe iron infusion option,” says Wiles.

“Expanding the criteria means anyone who hasn’t been able to tolerate an iron infusion before can now get this treatment. This should reduce the number of infusions they need and cut down their time in hospital.”

Approximately 100 people are expected to benefit from this treatment each year.

Submissions on the proposal also called for Monofer to be funded for people with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) who have an increased risk of experiencing hypophosphataemia after receiving some iron transfusions.

Pharmac is currently assessing an application to fund Monofer for people with HHT. Assessment of this application will include consideration of the feedback received in recent consultation.

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Person killed by dogs in Kaihu, Northland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow our live blog for updates above.

A person has been killed by dogs at a property in Kaihu, Northland.

Emergency services were called to the property on State Highway 12 at 11.25am.

Upon arrival, police found a dead person.

Kaipara District Council’s animal management team confirmed they are responding to and investigating an incident involving dogs and a person at a property earlier on Tuesday.

The dogs have been secured.

“At this stage we re unable to provide any further details or comment while a response and investigation is underway.”

Police, who are also carrying out a scene examination, said there is no risk to the public in relation to the incident.

St John confirmed an ambulance and helicopter were called to the scene at 11.22 this morning, but referred further queries to police.

The incident comes amid growing calls for an overhaul of dog control laws.

A resident of the Far North community of Ahipara last week told RNZ residents had been arming themselves with sticks to protect against roaming dogs.

Follow our live blog for updates at the top of this page.

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

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‘Roof tiles absolutely everywhere’: Wellingtonians confront damage after storm

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sarah Lyne says she returned home to find rooms in her Kingston flat open to the elements after Sunday night’s wild weather. Supplied

A Wellington woman says she returned home to find rooms in her Kingston flat open to the elements after Sunday night’s wild weather.

People in the lower North Island were confronting the damage to their neighbourhoods after heavy rain and high winds felled trees, flooded homes and closed schools yesterday.

More than 10,000 people were still without power in the lower North Island.

Powerco was reporting 8220 properties without power across Manawatū, Whanganui and Wairarapa.

While in Wellington, 2300 homes and businesses remained without power on Tuesday morning.

Wellington Electricity said it expected most customers to be back online by Tuesday evening but some in the hardest-hit areas could have to wait until the end of the week.

The Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office was warning people to take care when clearing fallen branches, and to be on the watch for slips and unstable ground.

The roof had torn off

Sarah Lyne – an RNZ employee – said she chose to spend the night at a friends knowing that her rented flat was in poor condition.

“I showed up the next day to find my roof tiles absolutely everywhere. Over my driveway, over my yard, getting onto the street. Went inside and found pink [insulation] bats everywhere. Basically the roof had torn off,” Lyne said.

Supplied

She said she fire crews called in to secure the roof soon spotted other damage from the vantage point on top of her home and had to move on to assist other people nearby.

Lyne said she was extremely grateful to her neighbours who acted quickly – putting tarpaulins in place to protect the building – despite the continued high winds.

“My neighbours immediately jumped into action. They grabbed a ladder – it was quite dangerous – jumped up, checked the damage, took a bunch of photos and grabbed some tarp and immediately covered as much as [they] could. My place would be in a lot worse state if it wasn’t for them,”

She said she had no idea how long it would be before her home would be habitable again.

‘Panic stations’ in the early morning

In Lower Hutt this morning, residents near the flooded Waiwhetu Stream were cleaning up debris washed across the neighbourhood.

On Monday morning people in nearby Heather Grove people were told to self evacuate if they felt unsafe.

BJ Rauhihi said it was “panic stations” – as the stream broke its banks and water began to swamp the area early in the morning.

“It just started getting worse and worse and then you could see it was starting to fill up the rest of the street but when you look down there, yeah it was like a raging torrent really.”

Rauhihi said it was nerve racking to realise he could no longer see the footpath or his street’s grass berms.

“We hit the panic stations and then we are started packing stuff up and getting ready,” Rauhihi said.

In the end Rauhihi said he was able to stay in his home. He said Civil Defence workers did a great job.

“The last time it flooded like this on Heather Grove was 20 years ago but this event was worse.

“It was terrible, you just don’t know what to do with yourself, I was probably in a little bit of shock,” Rauhihi said.

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Minister welcomes settlement for pharmacists

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for pharmacists employed by Health New Zealand, following a vote by members of the Association of Professionals & Executive Employees (APEX).

“I’m pleased for the approximately 300 pharmacists nationwide who will benefit from this agreement. It recognises the valuable work they do and the high level of skill and care they provide to patients and their families each day,” Mr Brown says.

“Importantly, it also helps provide greater stability for the workforce and supports the essential role pharmacists play in delivering services across our health system.”

The agreement also includes uplifts to professional membership contributions and other improvements to the collective agreement.

“This is another step toward building a more stable and supported pharmacy workforce that can continue delivering timely, quality care for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

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Are $7 blocks now normal? What’s going on with the price of chocolate

Source: Radio New Zealand

Unsplash / Tetiana Bykovets

You weren’t imagining it – Valentine’s Day chocolate probably was more expensive this year.

Stats NZ data shows food prices up 4.6 percent in the year to January, after a 4 percent increase in the 12 months to December.

Grocery prices were up 4 percent.

Sirloin steak lifted 22.9 percent over the year, white bread 57.9 percent and takeaway coffee 6.6 percent, to an average $5.16 a cup.

Chocolate was up 20.5 percent to $6.89 per 250 grams.

Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said there was usually a price increase for chocolate in either January or February in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.

“But chocolate prices have now increased 20 percent, that’s three months in a row of double digit annual price increases.”

He said it was the first time in Stats NZ data that chocolate prices had topped $6 on average for 250g and they were close to $7.

“I do suspect part of that as well is some of the pricing changes you’ve seen in recent times … part of that will be around specials that are offered or not, and also the fact that Whittaker’s has raised their chocolate prices as well in the last couple of months. That might well be filtering through into the numbers.”

He said there was international pressure on chocolate prices. Cocoa prices had eased a little from highs earlier in 2025 but New Zealand chocolate prices never lifted as much as cocoa did.

“Long story short, where international chocolate prices were at the end of last year up a good 37 percent from where international cocoa prices were two years ago. I suspect that the increase you’re seeing is a combination of pricing changes coming through in the system already, the usual Valentine’s Day spike, but being amplified by those international chocolate prices or cocoa prices going up, that have taken a while to filter their way through into the system.”

Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod said Valentine’s Day was probably not a major driver of the price change.

“Chocolate prices get heavily discounted in November and December in the run up to Christmas. They come off special in January and then get discounted again over February.”

Woolworths was this week selling 250g blocks of Whittaker’s chocolate for $7.49.

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Person killed by dogs in Kaihu, Northland, RNZ understands

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow our live blog for updates above.

RNZ understands a person has been killed by dogs in Northland.

St John confirmed an ambulance and helicopter were called to the scene around 11.22 this morning.

They referred further queries to police.

The incident comes amid growing calls for an overhaul of dog control laws.

A resident of the Far North community of Ahipara last week told RNZ residents had been arming themselves with sticks to protect against roaming dogs.

Follow our live blog for updates at the top of this page.

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

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Is ‘March Madness’ already hitting Auckland commuters?

Source: Radio New Zealand

A file photo of Auckland traffic in 2023. RNZ / Lucy Xia

Is traffic already worse than normal or are Aucklanders just dealing with the usual shock of congestion as everyone returns to work and school?

The spike in Auckland traffic congestion is known as ‘March Madness’, but travel times are already picking up.

Director of transport advocacy website, Greater Auckland, Matt Lowrie told Nine to Noon travel times appeared to be normal.

“One of the things that happens is that we get lulled into a false sense of security of how easy it is when the traffic is low and during those school holidays.

“The numbers seem to suggest that it’s probably similar to last year … but it’s that we’ve often forgotten how bad it was at this time last year because even throughout after April when March Madness normally runs through to about Easter, it does drop off for sort of the rest of the year.

“We forget how bad it is at this time of year and I think that’s part of what is driving the experience that people are having is that we just forget that it’s super busy at this time of year and that creates a lot of pressure on all forms of transport.”

Lowrie said while they didn’t have road data yet, travel on public transport seemed to be about the same as last year.

However, he said indications were that roads were not at its peak yet, with far more congestion still to come in March.

“It’s the busiest period of the year on the roads and on public transport and it’s basically the highest level of transport demand that exists,” he said.

“There’s a number of factors behind it and that is things like kids going back to school, people who no longer have taken their holidays so they’re back at work and even things like sickness.”

There were fewer people sick at this time of year than perhaps in winter, Lowrie said.

“They tend to be more in the office more and then there’s also just, for example, university students, they’re about to go back shortly and they’re also at the start of the year,” he said.

“They’re quite keen to get into it and all excitement and before some of them start to sort of drop off or work their way around when their lectures are and what have you.

“It’s when most people are on the roads and on public transport and everything, travelling around to get to destinations.”

Lowrie said constant disruptions meant that trains were only operating at 60-65 percent of what it was prior to Covid.

He said it would take time for commuters to trust the network.

“City Rail Link will absolutely help that, and I think there will be a lot of people who decide to give it a go … it’s particularly from the west of Auckland where the travel times will be significantly lower as a result of the city rail.”

That’s where people will start to see some behaviour change and giving the trains a try, he said.

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New research on 1080 bait impact on Rakiura deer

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  17 February 2026

The study found Rakiura white-tailed deer are more susceptible to eating a lethal dose of 1080 bait pellets than other deer populations in New Zealand, and the use of deer repellent slightly reduced the impact.

The study was done by the Bioeconomy Science Institute (formerly Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research) during an aerial predator control operation in August last year to protect pukunui/Southern New Zealand dotterel from extinction.

The operation successfully reduced feral cats, rats and possums to very low levels across approximately 40,000 hectares of Rakiura National Park. The operational area included 4 of the 35 bookable hunting blocks on Rakiura.

The study was commissioned by Predator Free Rakiura in consultation with stakeholders, including experienced local hunters and national hunting groups to help inform future operations targeting feral cats, rats and possums on the island. White-tailed deer are not a target species for the project, and, prior to this study, there was limited research on the Rakiura herd.

Bait pellets containing deer repellent were used in the hunting blocks, while standard 1080 bait pellets were used elsewhere in the operational area. A network of 242 movement-activated trail cameras monitored deer before, during and after the predator control operation.

The report found there was on average a 75 per cent reduction in deer detections by cameras in the deer repellent area in contrast with a 97 per cent reduction in the wider operational area where standard 1080 bait pellets were used.

These reductions in deer activity are higher than have been observed in some deer monitoring studies elsewhere in the country. The report outlines some likely causes, including low natural food availability, meaning the deer were hungry and more likely to eat the bait pellets, and the small size of white-tailed deer making them more susceptible to eating a lethal dose of 1080.

Another probable factor is a lack of herd exposure to 1080 bait pellets previously, meaning the Rakiura white-tailed deer were less cautious of the baits than in areas where there have been multiple 1080 predator control operations.

Department of Conservation Director Biodiversity National Programmes Ben Reddiex says this is valuable research that is being discussed with the Rakiura community and national stakeholders.

“It was expected that there would be some by-kill of white-tailed deer as they are known to sometimes eat 1080 bait pellets, but it was unclear what the extent would be.

“The impact was higher than anticipated, however the large majority of the Rakiura white-tailed deer population was unaffected, and deer will gradually re-enter and repopulate the operational area.

“There has been robust engagement with hunters, hunting groups and other stakeholders, and this will continue as we work towards implementing Predator Free Rakiura.”

The president of the Rakiura Whitetail Trust, Adam Fairmaid, says this research shows a big challenge for Predator Free Rakiura going forward.

“Unfortunately, the operation resulted in a high mortality rate of white-tailed deer in the study area. Our bottom line is that we need a viable whitetail population on Rakiura. The Department of Conservation has assured us that they will work with us to find a solution.”

It is estimated that white-tailed deer will be widespread throughout the operational area in low numbers within one year, and back to pre-operational levels in three-four years. This is based on other studies of population recovery for white-tailed deer and red deer.

Ben Reddiex says Rakiura still has a widely distributed population of white-tailed deer.
“This is shown by the consistent deer detections in the adjacent monitoring area where 1080 wasn’t used, and the deer detected by cameras at the edge of the operational boundary.”

DOC will monitor white-tailed deer as they move back into the operational area, using an existing network of trail cameras that is also monitoring feral cats.

Meanwhile, with feral cats, rats and possums reduced to very low levels in the operational area, pukunui have been able to have a successful breeding season on the Rakiura mountain tops.

“We’ve counted 37 chicks and 80 eggs across 36 nests which is a huge result as the population was down to 105 birds last year, largely due to predation by feral cats.

“We won’t know the total pukunui population change until April when the team does the annual flock count, but all signs are pointing to a vital population boost for a species on the brink of extinction.”

There are no aerial 1080 predator control operations planned on Rakiura in 2026 following the successful predator control operation, and while Predator Free Rakiura considers the next steps for the project following a predator eradication trial last year.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz