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Economist warns oversupply of milk is putting dairy farmers under pressure

Source: Radio New Zealand

Adam Simpson

Farmers chasing the high dairy prices seen last season are partly behind the current oversupply now putting them under pressure, according to an economist.

The average price fell three percent to US$3678 a tonne at last night’s global dairy trade auction – the 7th consecutive drop and a new 15-month low.

However, ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown said the price fall was not unexpected.

He said there were early signals that milk production would be very strong this season.

“That price weakness has been something we’ve had in our forecasts since May, when we started making predictions for the season ahead,” he said.

“We came in with what seemed like a conservative forecast there of 9.75 when Fonterra had a starting forecast of $10 but with a really wide range.

“Let’s face it, even if it was 9.50, if it wasn’t for the fact that we’d just had a milk price north of $10, we’d be thinking this is fantastic news.”

Tennent-Brown said they’d stick with their forecast price for now, though the weather might impact supply.

He said this was the case when last year’s summer drought saw production taper off over the final months of the season, helping farmers get to a record 10-dollar-per kilo of milk solids payout.

“It’s a classic response that prices are going to be good. You’re going to be motivated to do what it takes to keep production high as an individual farmer but that adds up to the sort of production growth we’ve seen.

“From a farmer’s perspective, you want to make as much milk as you can and capture the good prices so it’s not like anyone will be praying for a drought so prices can pick up.

“But if conditions remain favourable, I think we’ll see good production numbers and in turn, it’s hard to see prices really turning around and heading north.”

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

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Indigenous chefs connect through kai at WIPCE

Source: Radio New Zealand

Chef Joe McLeod. RNZ/Nick Monro

A collective of indigenous chefs are using WIPCE as a springboard for cultural connection through kai.

The group includes Māori chefs Kārena and Kasey Bird, Joe McLeod and Kia Kanuta, as well as Hawaiian Kealoha Domingo, Native American Crystal Wahpepah and Samoan Henry Onesemo.

Nearly 4000 delegates from indigenous nations around the world have descended on Auckland for the education conference held once every three years.

Chef Joe McLeod told RNZ the idea to collaborate was born at a food festival in Hawai’i where the Hawaiian chefs suggested showcasing their kai together at WIPCE.

“So, it’s a partnership between New Zealand, Hawai’i, Canada, Australia, Samoa, Tonga… There’s only a handful of us for now, so we’re kick-starting this group to hopefully expand it out over time as we progress moving forward. But the whole purpose of the kaupapa is to show off the best of our cultural food. Our culinary cultural identity.”

The events the collective is running at WIPCE include an exclusive dinner where international chefs were paired with Māori chefs to create dishes like Kangaroo Laab, roasted turkey and Hapuka Hinu-kōhue.

The dinner was sold out but McLeod said in “typical Māori” fashion he added an extra four seats for his whānau.

It hasn’t all gone to plan as well with some of the suitcases not making it on to the plane, he said.

“So, it’s been a real dog’s breakfast of a nightmare trying to sort it out. So, I don’t think we’re going to get the food that’s part of their luggage that was supposed to come over yesterday with our guests coming over from Hawaii.”

McLeod said meeting for WIPCE was the first time the collective had all met each other, so he thanked the conference for kick starting the journey.

It’s just the start of the initiative and he is hopeful it will continue to grow.

“I’ve been in the industry almost 56 years, so this is not new to me, but to our young ones coming through, oh mate, it’s stunning to watch them get all excited like how I used to 50 years ago. But my role now is mainly kaumātua rangatira, leader, and someone who can open a lot of doors for the next generation.”

McLeod said that is his gift to the next generation of Māori chefs, to open doors for them once they decide where their vision lies.

Members of the Indigenous Chef’s Collective foraging for kai Māori at Velskov native forest farm. RNZ/Nick Monro

Hawaiian Chef Kealoha Domingo told RNZ it’s “been nothing short of amazing” to connect with the other chefs.

Domingo said he is fortunate to have fallen into the role of reconnecting indigenous people in Hawai’i with their traditional foods.

“It’s motivating me to continue the work and to connect with other people who are doing the same, to just build the bonds and build the strength and, you know, increase everything exponentially as the network grows.”

The Chefs also had the chance to visit Velskov native forest farm in the Waitākere Ranges, ostensibly to relax amongst the hustle of WIPCE but also a chance for the international chefs to forage for native plants.

Members of the Indigenous Chef’s Collective foraging for kai Māori at Velskov native forest farm. RNZ/Nick Monro

Head of Tourism at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Karen Thompson-Smith said Velskov is a fantastic new venture that allows tourists to learn a little bit more about kai Māori.

It’s fantastic to see indigenous chefs from around the world visit Auckland and be able to utilise local produce, she said.

“Auckland is a melting pot. We have so many different cultures that make up Auckland. So we’ve got this incredible, different cuisine that’s been built on the back of our indigenous people being the Māori people and how they prepare their food.

“There’s this real cross-pollination coming through. And what we’re seeing in our food scene here in Auckland is just this development of different food offerings.”

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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, Sheffield

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Sheffield this afternoon.

The two-vehicle crash on State Highway 73, at the intersection with Deans Road was reported at around 2:50pm.

A further two people sustained minor injuries in the crash.

The Serious Crash Unit are in attendance and the road is expected to remain closed for several hours.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area, detours are in place.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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All Whites go down 2-0 to Ecuador in New Jersey

Source: Radio New Zealand

Francis DeVries (21) of New Zealand fights for control against Leonardo Campana (16) of Ecuador in the first half of the International Friendly at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Ira L Black

The All Whites have ended the year with a 2-0 loss against Ecuador in New Jersey.

In the first ever game between these two sides the world no.23 South Americans scored a rare goal four minutes into the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Nilson Angulo was credited with the opening goal that snuck in past goalkeeper Max Crocombe’s post off an assist from Gonzalo Plata. It was Angulo’s first goal for his country.

Leonardo Campana scored the second seven minutes before full-time, also his first for Ecuador.

Ecuador have now only scored five goals in their last 15 games will also keeping yet another clean sheet. This victory stretched Ecuador’s unbeaten run to 15 games.

Crocombe’s efforts between the posts stopped Ecuador from capitalising on even more of their chances.

Meanwhile, the New Zealanders were unable to truly test the opposition keeper.

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley made changes to the starting side for the second game of the international window with Tyler Bindon replacing Michael Boxall in defence, Alex Rufer and Ben Old started in the midfield for Joe Bell and Matthew Garbett with Ben Waine also getting his chance up front.

Marko Stamenic skippered the side with Boxall on the bench and regular captain Chris Wood missing the All Whites’ games this month.

New Zealand defender Bill Tuiloma was forced from the field with a leg injury just before half-time with Storm Roux called on as the early replacement.

The All Whites end the calendar year with three wins, six losses and a draw.

On 6 December the Football World Cup draw will be held in Washington DC and the All Whites will find out who they will play, and where, at next year’s tournament co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.

The All Whites have two more international windows that they could play in next year, in March and early June, before the world cup kicks off on 11 June.

Read how the game unfolded here

All Whites: Max Crocombe, Kees Sims, Nik Tzanev, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Francis de Vries, James McGarry, Storm Roux, Tommy Smith, George Stanger, Finn Surman, Bill Tuiloma, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Owen Parker-Price, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenić, Kosta Barbarouses, Andre de Jong, Eli Just, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine.

Ecuador: Hernan Galindez, Moises Ramirez, Cristhian Loor, Angelo Preciado, Piero Hincapie, Felix Torres, Willian Pacho, Cristian Ramirez, Joel Ordonez, Jhoanner Chavez, Leonardo Realpe, Moises Caicedo, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Plata, Kendry Paez, Alan Minda, John Yeboah, Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcivar, Yaimar Medina, Denil Castillo, Patrik Mercado, Enner Valencia, Kevin Rodriguez, Leonardo Campana, Nilson Angulo, John Mercado, Jeremy Arevalo.

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

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Auckland school returns positive test results for asbestos in play sand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The recalled sand products. Supplied

A West Auckland School has confirmed a small number of coloured sand samples tested for asbestos have come back positive.

Several coloured play sand products have been recalled after tests found a naturally occurring asbestos.

About 40 schools and early childcare centres have closed, or planned to, because of the contamination fears.

The product has been sold in both New Zealand and Australia and is subject to multiple safety recalls.

Matipo School in Te Atatu Peninsula originally told parents they did not have any of the recalled sand products, but was testing other types of sand used for art activities as a precaution.

The school set out steps including independent testing, isolating and temporarily closing affected class rooms, and ensuring there was no access to the sand until it was confirmed safe.

However, Principal Jonnie Black wrote to members of the school community to say a small number of samples tested had returned positive results.

“I want to reassure our community that there is no immediate risk, and we are following all recommended Ministry of Education and health and safety procedures,” he said.

“Affected classrooms have been temporarily relocated while we complete air-quality testing and arrange professional decontamination of those spaces.”

Students were safe, well supervised and settled in alternative learning areas, he said.

Black said they had asked the families of specific classes to seal and return any sand-based artwork, so it could be disposed of safely and appropriately.

“This step is part of the national precautionary process to ensure full compliance with safety guidelines.”

The school understood how unsettling the situation was, Black said.

“Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of our tamariki and staff remains our highest priority.”

Meanwhile, in Nelson, Enner Glynn School principal John O’Regan told Checkpoint they had to close four classrooms due to the potentially contaminated sand. The children have been sharing classrooms or moved to another space such as the library.

“It’s certainly been disruptive,” O’Regan said.

He said the tests for three of the classrooms have come back negative, while they are still awaiting the results of the fourth classroom.

However, O’Regan said despite having negative results back, they are advised not to send children back into those spaces.

“We are still waiting to have the all clear to open those classes.”

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

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Rescue chopper crew chase down car after laser strike

Source: Radio New Zealand

Laser attacks could have catastrophic consequences, say pilots. File photo. 123rf.com

A rescue helicopter in Otago followed a car for 30 kilometres after lasers were pointed at the pilots flying on a hospital transfer mission this week.

Local pilots have condemned the behaviour of people who point lasers at helicopters, after two paramedics were targeted while flying over Palmerston.

Helicopters Otago said someone in a car shone lasers into the eyes of the paramedics mid-flight on Tuesday night, prompting the pilot to follow the car for about 30 kilometres until police brought the driver to a stop.

Managing director Graeme Gale said the laser attack came as a shock for the paramedics.

“They’ve since been to an eye specialist to get checked out, to make sure there’s no damage to the back of their eyes,” he said.

“It can be really serious and cause total blindness, so we don’t take it lightly.”

Gale said laser attacks could have catastrophic consequences.

“We’re not out flying around at night for fun. We’re taking seriously and critically ill patients to care,” he said.

Police said the car was intercepted at about 1.40am near Coast Road in Omimi.

A vehicle of interest was searched and enquiries were ongoing, they said.

Gale said it was fortunate the helicopter was on a return journey and able to pursue the car but that was not always the case.

“We’ve had a number over the last 12 months and we’ve had quite a number over the last few years,” he said.

“It’s not just us, airlines get hit every now and again, but it’s a criminal offence. You can’t just go around pointing lasers and shining them at aircraft.”

Last year a 39-year-old man who shone a laser at the Otago Rescue Helicopter for four minutes was charged with endangering transport.

A 33-year-old Dunedin man admitted shining a laser at a helicopter in 2021.

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

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Libraries caught up in asbestos play sand scare

Source: Radio New Zealand

Educational Colours Rainbow Sand has been recalled. Supplied / Product Safety NZ

Thames Coromandel District Council hopes to be able to say soon when two of its libraries caught up in the contaminated play sand scare will re-open.

Action around potentially asbestos contaminated children’s play sand has expanded beyond schools and early childhood centres.

Council libraries in Thames and Tairua in Coromandel were closed on Wednesday so work can be done to reduce the risk of any asbestos.

Thames Coromandel District Council said the closures were for vital health and safety maintenance so the public and staff could be kept safe.

“An investigation into the use of play sand in council facilities has revealed that products from the recalled list have been used recently in Thames Library and we are seeking clarity whether one of the recalled products was used more than six months ago at Tairua Library,” it said.

The council said it had spoken to WorkSafe and had engaged an asbestos disposal specialist to take possible contaminated material from Thames library.

It was hoping to advise of plans to re-open the libraries as soon as it knew more from its technical advisors.

It comes after the Education Ministry on Tuesday night sent updated advice to schools and early learning centres.

It told them all recalled sand products must be presumed to contain asbestos.

Auckland Council said there are no indications the sand was used in any of its libraries. The council later issued advice for what Aucklanders should do with any of the recalled sand.

It was to take safely-contained product to the council’s Asbestos Lab in Grafton between 9am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.

The site was for homes only, with education facilities needing to follow advice from WorkSafe

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

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Police responding to incident on Kāpiti Coast

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / REECE BAKER

Police are responding to an incident in Waikanae on Kāpiti Coast.

Emergency Services were called to Kakariki Grove just before 3.30pm.

A police spokesperson says officers are at the scene and people are asked to avoid the area.

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Ban On Harmful Puberty Blockers Protects Children

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 19 November 2025

Family First NZ is applauding the government’s decision to end the use of GnRHa hormones (usually referred to as ‘puberty blockers’) for vulnerable young people who are confused about their biological sex.

“The use of puberty blockers has never been appropriate – it has effectively been the trialling of experimental drugs on children, and this decision is long overdue” said Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First.

This decision by the government is in line with many other countries who have either restricted or banned the experimental use of puberty blockers on children suffering gender dysphoria.  This includes the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and many states within the USA.

“With this decision, New Zealand is no longer an outlier when it comes to accepting scientific evidence and ensuring the protection of vulnerable children.”

New Zealand’s own Ministry of Health in its Evidence Brief clearly indicated that the use of puberty blockers must be restricted for those under 18 years of age.  This Brief sits alongside a growing literature of concern around puberty blockers, including the United Kingdom’s CASS Review.

Family First has previously written to the Associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey requiring action following the findings of the Ministry of Health’s Evidence Brief. This call and previous calls sadly went unheeded. Family First welcomes therefore the Cabinet having stepped in and aligning policy with the medical literature.

“This excellent decision today means that the Government is protecting vulnerable gender dysmorphic children and teenagers against the prescribing of puberty blockers that have no quality evidence of safety, efficacy or reversibility. How can a child and their parents consent to a treatment that itself is not understood nor has sufficient evidence to support its safety and effectiveness,” says Mr McCoskrie.

“We should heal the mind – not chemicalise and cut the body. The actions of the Government today will start that process. It is now vital that appropriate mental health services are engaged who are not seduced by the lies of WPATH, PATHA, InsideOut and other activist groups.”

Notes for Editors:

Family First acknowledges that the government decision to end the use of GnRHa hormones is only for new patients presenting with gender dysphoria. Family First agrees that existing users need to be transitioned from Puberty Blockers in a medically appropriate way or at the very least, have the lack of quality evidence on safety, efficacy and reversibility explained to them by the medical professional overseeing their care – and their parents / caregivers – with a view to confirming they and their parents or guardians do provide informed consent.

Family First rejects activists’ use of the suicide trope to argue children must be given experimental hormones (puberty blockers). There is absolutely no evidence that using puberty blockers reduces suicide in vulnerable young people. The CASS Review clearly stated: “Young people facing gender-related distress had no significantly different levels of suicide risk to other young people with similar levels of complex presentations” and “No evidence that gender-affirming treatment reduces suicide risk.”

A recent Finnish study found that the suicide risk in a large group of adolescents was predicted by the psychiatric problems that often accompany gender distress, not by the gender distress itself. The Finnish study said: “Although the rate of suicide [in the Finnish study] is just over four times higher among trans young people than their peers, this is explained by their more serious psychiatric problems. When these psychiatric problems are taken into account, there is no evidence that transgender people have a higher rate of suicide.” 

We encourage editors to listen to the testimony of two New Zealand ‘detransistioners’ – Issy and Zara.  These are two young woman whose experiences speak directly to why GnHRa hormones (puberty blockers) and other cross-sex hormones are harmful, as too the current approach to gender dysphoria via WPATH, PATHA, and other activist groups.  Their testimonies can be found on our website – www.FamilyFirst.nz

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Twenty police staff investigated over ‘misuse and inappropriate content’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers ordered a “rapid review” of police’s information security controls after the McSkimming case came to light. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Twenty police staff are under investigation in relation to “misuse and inappropriate content”, police have now confirmed.

Police say they cannot rule out criminal investigations into the staff.

RNZ earlier revealed several police staff were under investigation, including an officer who has been stood down after inappropriate material was found on a police-issued device.

It follows an audit of staff internet usage sparked by the resignation of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming who recently pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable publications, including child sexual exploitation and bestiality over a four-year period.

Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers earlier told RNZ a “small number of users of concern” were under investigation.

RNZ asked for clarification but did not receive a response from police.

On Wednesday, Rogers said police continued to progress investigations into about 20 cases of misuse and inappropriate content as part of the ongoing audit of staff use of police devices.

“Employment processes are underway in some of these cases while others are still at the preliminary stages of investigation.

“We can assure the public appropriate action will be taken in every case and cannot rule out charges if the Solicitor General’s guidelines for prosecution are met.

“We are unable to comment further while these processes take their course.”

Rogers earlier confirmed to RNZ a police officer had been stood down from duty for “inappropriate content on a police device”.

“The officer is under employment investigation for serious misconduct, relating to inappropriate, but not objectionable, material on a police-issued device. The alleged misconduct was uncovered through following recent audits of staff internet usage.”

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers earlier told RNZ the misconduct being investigated was uncovered as a result of the new monitoring measures introduced following the Rapid Review of the settings for police devices, launched after McSkimming’s resignation.

“I sought that review because of my concern that such conduct was not being detected. This offers some reassurance that we now have the necessary tools to detect potentially inappropriate behaviour.”

Police Minister Mark Mitchell earlier told RNZ he had not been briefed on the allegations, but expected police to “take action on any matters that involve inappropriate behaviour”.

The investigation into McSkimming led to concerns that staff could bypass internal controls and “exploit vulnerabilities to access inappropriate content”.

The concerns prompted Chambers to order a “rapid review” of police’s information security (INFOSEC) controls to ensure police had sufficiently strong controls to prevent or detect the misuse of police technology and equipment for non-work-related purposes.

A summary of the review said the main risks were; weaknesses in technology configuration, lack of visibility over user activity and gaps in governance.

The report included key findings and recommendations in relation to each of the risks.

There was “inconsistent application” of internet access policies across different workgroups as well as a “lack of robust filtering mechanisms” to consistently prevent access to unauthorised websites.

The review also found there was “insufficient monitoring of internet usage to detect and respond to potential security threats and inappropriate usage”.

Other findings included unmanaged devices being used for operational activities and inadequate monitoring of user activity and network traffic.

There was an absence of centralised logging and analysis tools to detect anomalies and potential issues and “insufficient resources allocated to continuous monitoring and incident response”.

The review also said there was a lack of “clear governance structures and accountability” for INFOSEC controls, with “inconsistent enforcement” of security policies and procedures.

The report called for “improved oversight and coordination among different workgroups”.

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