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Another housing Fast-track approval

Source: New Zealand Government

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the Fast-track approval of a residential and retirement development in Riverhead, Auckland. 

Rangitoopuni Developments Limited lodged an application in May 2025 to subdivide land and develop approximately 208 residential allotments and a 296-unit retirement village, which has now been approved by an independent expert panel. 

“Rangitoopuni Developments Limited’s application also included plans for public amenities, walking tracks, landscaping and the protection of wetland areas” says Mr Bishop.

“This is another housing development approved through Fast-track that will help increase housing supply and address Auckland’s housing needs. 

“The Rangitoopuni development will deliver significant economic benefits to Auckland, with the project projected to inject $708 million and more than 7,000 jobs over the nine-year development period. This will provide a major boost for the region and for local communities.

“This is now the sixth project to be approved through the Fast-track system.” 

Notes to the editor: 

Fast-track projects to date: 

Project approved by expert panels:

  • For more information about the project: Rangitoopuni
  • Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]
  • Maitahi Village [Housing]
  • Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing]
  • Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
  • Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing]
  • Rangitoopuni [Housing]

Expert panels have been appointed for: 

  • Sunfield Masterplanned Community
  • Waihi North
  • Kings Quarry Expansion – Stage 2
  • Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block
  • Taranaki VTM Project
  • Ryans Road Industrial Development
  • Homestead Bay
  • Stella Passage Development 
  • Pound Road Industrial Development
  • Green Steel
  • Arataki project
  • Ashbourne 
  • Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 
  • Waitaha Hydro
  • Ayrburn Screen Hub
  • Southland Wind Farm Project
  • Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project

24 projects have now been referred into the Fast-track process by the Minister for Infrastructure. 

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Watch live: Location of National Erebus Memorial revealed in Christchurch

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Christchurch reserve with views of the Southern Alps has been selected as the preferred location for the long-awaited National Erebus Memorial, commemorating the 1979 Antarctica air disaster.

Cashmere’s Cracroft Reserve has been identified by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage as the best site for the memorial, almost 46 years after the Air New Zealand scenic flight crashed into Mt Erebus, killing all 257 people on board.

Families of the victims have endured an excruciating wait for a national memorial, with some saying they had given up hope of seeing one in their lifetimes.

Two Christchurch sites were formally offered by the council as potential locations this year – Cracroft Reserve in Cashmere and the banks of the Avon River – after an aborted plan to build the memorial in Auckland.

Site of Erebus memorial at Cracroft Reserve, Christchurch. Supplied

Ministry for Culture and Heritage secretary Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae said Cracroft Reserve was a fitting place for the memorial.

“Cracroft Reserve has panoramic views over Christchurch and out to the Southern Alps,” he said. “It’s a space where both quiet moments or group gatherings can take place, it’s tranquil, green and has a beautiful outlook.

“It’s been almost 46 years since the Erebus disaster – Aotearoa’s worst civil accident. A memorial is long overdue and what I know for certain is that Erebus families deserve a memorial as soon as possible.

“Avon riverbank is also a very strong site, with many positive attributes. I’ve made the decision to retain the Avon riverbank as an alternative site in the event that we are unable to progress Cracroft Reserve.”

Leauanae said the memorial would be a place for Erebus families, members of Operation Overdue – who were involved in the recovery mission – New Zealanders and international visitors to gather, remember and reflect on those who lost their lives.

The government committed to building a memorial in 2017, but the project has been mired in controversy, protest and delay ever since.

Courtesy of Archives New Zealand

A plan for a memorial at Auckland’s Dove Meyer Robinson Park in Parnell faced major pushback, with objectors claiming it would change the tone of the gardens.

The plan was ultimately abandoned in 2023, after cyclone damage meant the land was unsafe to build on

In July, three potential Christchurch sites were shared with the Erebus families, via online workshops – two council-owned options (the Cracroft Reserve and Avon River sites) and the St James’ Church grounds in Harewood.

Sixty-five percent of people who responded to a survey supported building the memorial in Christchurch, with nine percent conditionally supportive and 26 percent opposed to building it in the city.

Site of Erebus memorial at Cracroft Reserve, Christchurch. Supplied

Some Erebus families preferred building the memorial in Auckland.

Leauanae said the ministry had explored 50 different sites for the memorial in the greater Auckland area over the past two years, none of which were suitable, and was recently advised that Takaparawhau in Auckland was no longer a potential location.

“I have been heartened by Christchurch’s warmth, generosity and support through the process of identifying potential sites,” he said. “Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is fully supportive of the memorial being located with Ngāi Tūāhuriri and the people of Christchurch.

“I am confident that Christchurch’s warm welcome to Erebus families, and the city’s experience and understanding of the importance of remembrance will provide the right space for this national memorial.”

Air New Zealand and Qantas began offering sightseeing flights to Antarctica in 1977. By the time the flights ended – Air New Zealand’s at the time of the Erebus disaster and Qantas in February 1980 – more than 10,000 people had taken the trip.

The livestream will start at approximately 1pm.

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

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Fatal crash, SH1, Kaikoura

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a serious crash near Waipapa Bay, Kaikoura this morning.

Police were called to crash involving a motorcycle at around 10am.

One person was located with injuries, however despite best efforts by emergency services they died at the scene.

The road remains blocked while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.

Motorists are advised to follow the diversions in place and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Lake Alice torture redress report released

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has released a report by independent arbiter Hon Paul Davison KC, outlining his determination on financial redress for 37 survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit) and chose the individualised pathway.

“No Government before now has acknowledged torture or apologised for it happening in New Zealand. In July last year, we formally acknowledged that torture occurred at the Lake Alice Unit as defined in the United Nations Convention Against Torture. A specific redress scheme was established in December for survivors who were tortured at the Unit to serve as an expression of our regret as to the many ways in which they were failed,” Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford says.

“We know no amount of money can ever undo or fully recognise the harm and abuse survivors were subjected to.”

“Survivors could choose either an expedited payment of $150,000 or an individual payment process where each claim was independently assessed by arbiter Hon Paul Davison KC to determine payment amounts. It was important Lake Alice survivors had a choice.”

  • 144 eligible registrations were received with 105 survivors opting for the expedited pathway to receive an immediate payment of $150,000
  • The Government designated a fiscal envelope of $8.39 million to Hon Davison to allocate using a framework developed with survivors’ independent legal advisors.
  • 37 survivors choosing the individual pathway with Hon Paul Davison determining a payment range of $160,000 to $600,000 reflecting their individual experiences at the Lake Alice Unit.
  • All eligible survivors also receive a personalised apology and access to supports as required. 

Of the individualised pathway payments:

Band Number of survivors Payment range
Severe <10 $160,000 – $170,000
More Severe 20 – 30 $175,000 – $250,000
Most Severe <10 $375,000 – $600,000

“I want to acknowledge the work of Hon Davison KC and the courage, strength and resilience survivors have demonstrated throughout this process. I feel privileged to have met several of them personally. As a Government, we have taken responsibility and delivered on our commitment to properly recognise the torture they experienced,” Ms Stanford says.

The Government continues to provide redress as it finalises payments, delivers formal apologies, and offers wellbeing and other support.

Notes to editor:

Lake Alice torture redress comprises:

  • a payment which recognises an individual’s experience of torture as a child. Eligible survivors could choose either an expedited payment of $150,000 or an individual payment process where each claim is independently assessed by an independent arbiter who will determine payment amounts.
  • a new written apology explicitly acknowledging torture from the Prime Minister and the Minister for Mental Health
  • access to wellbeing and other support.

As of 20 November 2025, 103 expedited payments and 29 individualised payments have been made, and 70 survivors have received wellbeing and financial support. 

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and 1978 did not have any form of mental illness yet were subjected to unmodified ECT or paraldehyde injections.

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Safer road, safer travels – State Highway 2/Moonshine Hill Road safety improvements completed

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 2 in Upper Hutt is now much safer for drivers; with intersection upgrades and a speed review all now complete at the Moonshine Hill Road intersection.

The work has been critical in addressing a high-risk section of the State Highway 2 corridor in Upper Hutt.

New traffic lights have been installed at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Moonshine Hill Road, and a lower 80 km/h speed limit (reduced from 100 km/h) approved on the highway from just south of Moonshine Hill Road to just north of Whakatiki Street. The lights and new speed limit will be operating from 1 December.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says both measures are critical for making the highway safer for drivers.

“The new intersection allows traffic to safely turn on and off the highway, reducing the risk of high-speed side-on collisions. The reduced speed limit also slows traffic, making any crashes less severe and less likely to cause serious or fatal injuries.”

Mr Owen says over the past five years there have been an average of 13 crashes on this section of State Highway 2 every year.

“One was fatal, and five resulted in serious injuries. That’s why it has been so important for us to make this stretch of State Highway 2 safer.”

“Our analysis shows the lower speed limit will lead to a predicted 26% reduction in injury crashes, and the new traffic lights will make it much easier and safer for drivers turning onto and off Moonshine Hill Road,” Mr Owen says.

He says the lower speed limit will not have a major impact on peoples’ travel.

“Our estimates show an increased journey time of just 11 and a half seconds. That is more than outweighed by the benefits the new safety measures will bring.”

Serious and fatal crashes devastate families and bring huge social costs. They also cause significant disruption to roading networks. Safer roads bring major benefits for us all,’ Mr Owen says.

Mr Owen says the new traffic lights at the new intersection will be operational from when the new lower speed limit is implemented.

“This will take effect as of next Monday –  1 December. As with any new infrastructure and changes to the highway network, we expect there will be a bedding-in period as drivers get used to the new layout and the new speed limit.”

“It is really important drivers familiarise themselves with the changes and take extra care on this section of State Highway 2,” Mr Owen says.

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Man wielding hedge trimmer blade threatens mum and baby, tasered by police

Source: Radio New Zealand

The bus stop on Cockayne Rd in Kandallah where the incident took place. Krystal Gibbens

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) says Wellington police were justified in tasering an armed man who received a serious head injury after he fell onto the road.

Police were called to reports that a man, who was armed with a blade from a pair of hedge trimmers, had trapped a woman and her baby in a bus-stop on Cockayne Road in Khandallah just after midday on 9 January.

One person who called police told operators the man – referred to in the report as Mr Z – was “out of control”.

“I’ve got a situation at bus stop 4411 on Cockayne Road. I’ve got a bleeding woman with a distraught child. I’ve got a man who’s out of control, he’s violent, he’s tearing up the bus stop,” the caller said.

The authority’s report said “a hacking sound” could be heard over the line as the man struck the bus-stop.

Five police surrounded the bus-stop and the woman was able to slip out with her child as an officer attempted to speak to the man.

As the man tried to follow the woman onto the road an officer fired their taser but the weapon appeared to have no effect.

“[The man] stopped and turned to face the officers, as though he was preparing to confront them. At this point, [he] was approximately three to four metres away from the officers, holding the bladed weapon at a 45-degree angle,” as outlined in a summary of a witness’s cell phone footage.

Officers yelled “Taser! Taser! Taser!” and the footage recorded two loud bangs as two officers fired their tasers at the man.

“In response, Mr Z became rigid and fell to the ground. His head hit the tarmac surface of the road. This interaction lasted about five seconds from the moment Mr Z started following [the woman], until he fell to the ground,” the report stated.

The bus stop on Cockayne Rd in Kandallah where the incident took place. Krystal Gibbens

Judge Kenneth Johnston KC said police acted out of genuine concern for the safety of the woman and child, themselves and other bystanders.

“The video footage shows that Mr Z adopted an aggressive stance, looking as if he was preparing to fight with the officers. Communication with Mr Z was ineffective. Officers cannot be expected to use open-hand tactics against someone armed with a bladed weapon. Mr Z was using the weapon in a threatening manner. Additionally, Officer B correctly assessed that four metres could be quickly closed and locked by Mr Z, which would put the officers at significant risk,” Johnston wrote.

He said officers wasted no time in requesting medical attention for the man once he had fallen.

“Police radio transmissions record that at 12.07 pm, Officer A informed Comms that Mr Z was tasered.

“Sixteen seconds later, Comms was informed that Mr Z had sustained a serious head injury, and a request for an ambulance was made. Comms informed the officers that an ambulance had already been contacted … and was en route to their location,” Johnston wrote.

Johnston concluded he was satisfied the officers had followed police policies on taser use and were justified in their actions.

In a statement, acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Nick Thom said officers assessed the situation and responded accordingly, to ensure the safety of the public.

“Officers deployed their tasers to stop a dangerous situation evolving into something that could have been much worse. Our officers have made good decisions and the IPCA investigation supports that,” Thom said.

Shortly after the incident, Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch confirmed the child was uninjured and the woman had been treated for a minor injury.

The IPCA report said the woman suffered a deep cut to her thumb when – at some point – she pushed the man’s weapon away from her.

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

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Pygmy sperm whale stranded at Orewa taken to burial site

Source: Radio New Zealand

There were no obvious signs of the cause of the whale’s death. Supplied / Maddi Newson

The body of a pygmy sperm whale, found stranded at the shore of Auckland’s Orewa, has been taken to a burial site.

The Department of Conservation said the whale was about 3.5-4 metres in length and there were no obvious signs of the cause of death.

DoC said Wednesday’s stranding was the third recorded of a pygmy sperm whale at Orewa, with another previously stranding at Whangaparāoa.

The iwi of the Mahurangi peninsula area – Ngāti Manuhiri – said each stranding was significant and treated with care, and the whale had been taken to their whale urupā (cemetery).

“From a tikanga and mātauranga perspective, strandings and whale deaths are understood as tohu – indicators of environmental change or events occurring within our wider realm,” said Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust chairperson Mook Hohneck. “We observe these carefully and with respect.”

He said all bones of a whale were taonga (treasure), and each iwi and hapū had its own tikanga (customs) for caring for and managing the remains.

“For us, the care of a whale is never about one bone or one moment. It is about honouring the taonga as a whole and upholding the tikanga handed to us by our tīpuna (ancestors),” said Hohneck.

“We appreciate the support of our community and partners in ensuring these remains were treated with dignity.”

DoC Tāmaki Makaurau operations manager Olivia Kean said between 10-20 pygmy sperm whales are found stranded each year on New Zealand’s shores.

While they often occur in Mahia, between Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay, they also strand all around the North Island and as far south as Dunedin, said DoC.

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

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Super Rugby Pacific jerseys revealed: Which is the coolest?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Stephen Perofeta models the Blues’ 2026 home jersey. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Super Rugby Pacific doesn’t kick off until February but you could argue the first round happened today, as the five original New Zealand teams unveiled their jersey range for next season.

2026 marks 30 years since the original Super 12 competition started, so interest was high in how the teams would mark the anniversary.

Here’s what they came up with:

Blues

The Blues away jersey for 2026. supplied

The Blues have the fondest memories of the 1996 season, given that they won Super 12 and set the tone for the wildly popular first few years of professional rugby. So it’s no surprise they’ve leaned heavily on their original Auckland Blues strip for their home jersey, which will likely go down well given its association with success.

The away jersey though…let’s just say this going to split opinion. It looks far more like it’s channelling design energy from Cricket Max shirts rather than rugby, but at least it’s the right colour combination.

Martin Crowe and the original Cricket Max captains model their uniforms in 1996. Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz

Chiefs

Chiefs jerseys for 2026. supplied

Not sure whether the Chiefs actually got the brief for a throwback redesign, because their jerseys look more or less the same as they did last year. The probable explanation is that they’ve actually already done a ’96 throwback jersey back in 2019, but this still feels pretty lazy.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes jerseys for 2026. supplied

The cult team of the competition’s early years will get a lot of love for these throwbacks, even though the Canes had a rough introduction to Super 12 with only three wins in their first season. However, all anyone really cares about that season was Christian Cullen’s iconic try at the Sydney Football Stadium, so the original jersey has that nostalgia tied to it.

The away jersey is the same with the black and yellow reversed, the last time the Canes did that, they won their only title.

Crusaders

Crusaders jerseys 2026. supplied

The one team that was dreading any sort of 1996 remembrance is the Crusaders, who came dead last in Super 12’s inaugural season. So it’s no surprise that their throwback jersey is their official third strip, although it admittedly looks very clean and is unlikely to contribute to any sort of failure given the Crusaders are the defending champions.

Their home and away jerseys are similar to recent years, with the Southern Alps motif across the front and their sponsor logo quite well integrated into the design.

Highlanders

The Highlanders haven’t had a lot to brag about since their only title win in 2015, but they may well have banked another victory here. They brought out the big guns in Jeff Wilson and Ben Smith to launch their 2026 range, which has the same design as the inaugural season and the same shade of dark blue from 2015 – and have already got the thumbs up from fans across social media.

Classy stuff from the southern men, these should sell pretty well and hopefully inspire the players in what will be another challenging season.

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

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The story behind NZ’s obsession with chocolate fish

Source: Radio New Zealand

No other country in the world has embraced the chocolate fish quite like New Zealand.

The chocolatey, marshmallowy treat is as entrenched in Kiwiana culture as L&P and pavlova.

So where did the chocolate fish come from and how did they become the preferred reward for our good deeds?

Thingee on the Son of a Gunn show had a voracious appetite for chocolate fish.

NZ on Screen

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

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Secondary school teachers to vote on potential settlement of troubled pay talks

Source: Radio New Zealand

Secondary teachers are set to vote on a pay talks settlement. RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Secondary teachers are voting on a potential settlement of their troubled pay talks.

Information obtained by RNZ showed it included similar pay rises to previous offers, but provided at the start of next year rather than this year and with the removal of some clawbacks.

It would provide a 2.5 percent pay increase in January next year with a further two to 2.1 percent in January 2027 depending on salary scale step.

The offer dropped an attempt to increase the number of “call-back days” when teachers could be required to work outside of term time.

But it would remove teachers’ ability to claim for expenses for call-back days such as teacher-only days held during term time.

It would increase the value of management units paid for extra responsibilities by $500 to $5500.

The offer followed a week facilitated bargaining between the Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) and the Education Ministry and Public Service Commission.

A PPTA statement said neither side would comment and the result of the ballot would be known by early December.

RNZ understands the union’s leadership has told members it would remain neutral on whether they should accept or reject the offer.

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