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No goal: Rider strikes trouble trying to blend in

Source: New Zealand Police

A motorbike rider who fled from Police before attempting to hide as an unsuspecting football fan will head to court.

Just after 6pm last night, Police were conducting speed patrols around the Huapai area spotted a motorcycle allegedly travelling at 110kph in a 80kph posted speed zone on State Highway 16.

Auckland Motorways Manager, Senior Sergeant Bill Russell says Police attempted to conduct a vehicle stop however the motorcycle fled.

“No pursuit was initiated, but the Police Eagle helicopter was able to quickly get overhead.

“The crew has then spotted the rider entering the Huapai Domain where he has allegedly parked on the footpath and attempted to blend in with football fans watching a game.”

Unfortunately for the rider he was swiftly taken into custody.

“We are committed to keeping people safe on our roads and individuals who chose to drive or ride in a reckless or dangerous manner will be held to account.”

A 32-year-old man has been charged with failing to stop and will appear in Waitākere District Court on Friday.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Where have the pay rises been this year?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Based on the average advertised salary, some people received significant pay increases. 123rf.com

A weak labour market has meant that many people have had small pay rises – or none at all – over the past year.

Seventy percent of workers received a pay rise of less than the rate of inflation last year, the CTU says, and 44 percent did not get a pay rise at all.

But some people received significant pay bumps, if data from Seek is anything to go by.

It said, based on the average advertised salary between September and December 2024 and the same period last year, handlers in manufacturing, transport and logistics had the biggest increase, at 15.5 percent to an average $58,240.

Systems engineers had a 12.8 percent increase, to $118,608. Educators, a wider group than teachers, had a 12 percent increase to an average $72,010.

Both maintenance technicians and process operators lifted more than 1 percent. Property managers were up 10.8 percent and planners 9.6 percent.

Health improvement practitioners, medical technologists, marketing specialists, ICT support analysts, manufacturing, transport and logistics planners, GPs and catering assistants also recorded increases more than twice the rate of inflation.

GPs had the highest overall pay of the roles listed, at an average $220,935.

Seek senior economist Blair Chapman said the growth in roles like catering and kitchen assistants was prompted by the ongoing recovery of tourism.

“The tourism growth in 2025, alongside growth in exports, also likely supported faster advertised salary growth in the manufacturing, transport and logistics industry, with roles like handler and process operator experiencing notable salary growth.

“The healthcare a medical industry saw demand grow steadily in 2025, recovering from its post-Covid low in December 2024. Alongside an increasing share of older Kiwis, who will drive an increase in the demand for healthcare, this saw some relatively quick advertised salary growth for roles like health improvement practitioner.”

Seek said there had been 20.1 percent growth in the number of job ads for construction year-on-year in January and 16.5 percent in industrial roles.

BNZ chief economist Mike Jones said the salary growth in the areas highlighted could be due to a mismatch between the skills required and those available among jobseekers.

“Firms are already reporting more difficulty finding skilled labour, which feels a touch early given the economic recovery is only just getting going.

“It’s clear the labour market overall remains weak, with wage growth likely to remain suppressed for a while yet. But there are clearly some skill mismatches out there putting some upward pressure on wages in certain parts. This seems to be more a story about limited labour supply – in part driven by several years of low net migration – than a sudden jump in labour demand.”

Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said he regularly heard stories from businesses who found it hard to access specialised skills.

“Aggregate surveys indicate that while unskilled labour is widely available, skilled labour is tightening a little. Ongoing inward migration from foreigners points to that unmet demand.”

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New neonatal unit for Hutt Hospital to boost local capacity

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction on a new neonatal unit at Hutt Hospital will begin in April, expanding specialist care for newborns in the Hutt Valley, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Welcoming a baby who needs specialist support can be an anxious and unsettling time for families. We want parents to be able to focus on their newborns’ recovery and wellbeing, without the added disruption of travelling outside their community to access the care they need.

“The current neonatal unit at Hutt Hospital no longer meets demand, with some families needing to be transferred to Wellington Hospital due to limited space.

“This $10.5 million investment will increase the unit’s floor area by 61 per cent and expand capacity from 12 to 14 cots, allowing more babies to receive specialist care in the Hutt Valley.

“The new unit has been designed to reflect modern models of neonatal care, with enhanced infection prevention and control, improved clinical workflows, and greater privacy and comfort for families. It will provide a more functional environment for our most vulnerable patients.”

Local MP Chris Bishop says strengthening local hospital capacity is important for the Hutt community.

“This new neonatal unit will mean more newborns can receive specialist care right here in the Hutt Valley, surrounded by their parents, family, and wider support networks. Families will spend less time travelling and more time focusing on their baby’s recovery and wellbeing.

“It’s an important step in supporting our growing communities and ensuring families can access quality health services close to home, when they need them most.”

Construction is expected to begin in April 2026, with the new unit scheduled to open in mid-2027.

“We are focused on ensuring health infrastructure keeps pace with community need and population growth, and that it is designed with patients at the centre, including our smallest and most vulnerable babies.

“This new neonatal unit will give parents in Hutt Valley confidence that specialist neonatal care will continue to be available close to home, both now and into the future,” Mr Brown says.

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KiwiSaver changes open doors for farming business investments

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kōura Wealth managing director Rupert Carlyon said the government proposal aligns with the National Party’s efforts to make KiwiSaver withdrawals available to New Zealanders who want to invest or own a business. 123RF

Government’s plans to change KiwiSaver regulations for farmers and others, opens the door for retirement funds to be used to invest in a business or a rental property.

The proposed changes would alter KiwiSaver to allow first-time farm buyers to buy a farm business with a home, while workers in employer-provided housing would be able to withdraw funds to buy a first home — but not as their primary residence.

Fund managers said the proposed change could equally apply to a shopkeeper buying a business with living accommodation upstairs, or a New Zealand miner living in worker-accommodation in Western Australia and wanting to use their KiwiSaver to buy a house in New Zealand.

Kōura Wealth managing director Rupert Carlyon said the government proposal aligns with the National Party’s efforts to make KiwiSaver withdrawals available to New Zealanders who want to invest or own a business.

“It’s been pretty well flagged by National, I think for quite a long time that they want to do this,” he said, adding the proposal was raised at least three times over the past four or five years.

“National (has) been trying pretty hard to figure out ways to allow people to withdraw KiwiSaver for business purposes.”

Kōura Wealth managing director Rupert Carlyon. Supplied

Simplicity managing director Sam Stubbs said the KiwiSaver was designed to be a long-term retirement savings plan, rather than a savings plan to buy a business or a rental property.

He said letting farmers buy a farming business with a house on it is much the same as many other types of businesses, such as dairy owners who live upstairs from their shop.

“So what you’re doing here is you’re making an exception for farmers, and it’s understandable why they’re doing that, but it is also challenging, because maybe other people should benefit from the same set of rules,” Stubbs said.

“To make an exception just for farm workers is, I think, a little bit unfair to the other New Zealanders who may be in those circumstances.”

In any case, Carlyon said the changes would make little difference.

“I very much doubt there will be very many farmers that end up using KiwISaver to buy their farms that are not already doing so,” he said, adding that farmers could already buy a farm using their personal name, rather than a business name.

“I also support the idea that people provided with housing for their work will be able to buy a house using their KiwiSaver,” he said.

“My only concern would be – is this a great use of Parliament’s time. I suspect we are talking about hundreds of additional withdrawals a year here — a lot of effort for a pretty small change.”

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NZ Rugby overhaul continues with performance boss moving on

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Blacks trainer Nic Gill. photosport

Another leading name is leaving New Zealand Rugby, with long-time fitness guru Nic Gill taking up a post at the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.

It continues a period of enormous change for the organisation, which is still seeking a new chief executive along with a handful of other top positions.

There is at least expected to be progress this week on the vacant All Blacks head coaching position, with TVNZ reporting final interviews in coming days, with an appointment announced as soon as Thursday.

David Kirk, the chair of NZ Rugby, speaks to media following the departure of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

RNZ understands Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and Japan-based Dave Rennie are the remaining contenders for the role.

The new coach will come into a revamped environment and structure, with NZR last week announcing a new high performance director role will be established to oversee national team performance, including the All Blacks.

That followed the announcement that NZR general manager professional rugby, Chris Lendrum, was leaving. Lendrum will finish 20 years of service in May, much of it overseeing the top level of the professional game.

Early reports have suggested leading candidates for the director role could be former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen, international coaching veteran Joe Schmidt and long-time high performance consultant Don Tricker.

Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen and international coaching veteran Joe Schmidt, pictured in 2019 at the Rugby World Cup quarter-Final in Tokyo. INPHO 2019/Photosport Ltd 2019

NZR last week filled two key gaps, with Chris Kinraid appointed chief financial officer and Chris Brown named as the new chief commercial officer.

Gill moves on

However, another key link to the past has been lost with the departure of Gill, who first became involved with the All Blacks in a strength and conditioning role in 2004.

He led the national team’s strength and conditioning programme in 2008 and has been involved with the side for more than 240 tests.

Nic Gill (L) and Sonny Bill Williams at an All Blacks training session during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. photosport

NZR interim CEO Steve Lancaster said Gill had been instrumental in the record of the All Blacks during a successful era which spanned two World Cup triumphs.

“Nic has given so much to this team and the athletes he has worked with over the years,” Lancaster said.

“His commitment to learning and innovation have ensured he has remained at the forefront of athlete performance and contributed significantly to the All Blacks’ success over the last two decades.”

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Softball legend Marty Grant inducted into World Hall of Fame, reflects on legacy and sacrifice

Source: Radio New Zealand

Black Sox hurler Marty Grant (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Apa o Te Rā) attended five world championships, claiming three titles and two silvers. He won New Zealand Softball player of the year in 1991, and pitcher of the year a total of five times. Photosport / Sandra Teddy

Former Black Sox pitcher Marty Grant has been inducted into the WBSC Softball Hall of Fame, recognised for a career that helped shape one of New Zealand’s most dominant eras in men’s softball.

But for Grant, the honour was less about individual success and more about the teammates, coaches and whānau who built that legacy alongside him.

Grant (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāti Apa o Te Rā) was officially inducted in late February in Ōtautahi, joining more than 280 members across 38 countries honoured for their contribution to the sport.

Standing at Softball New Zealand’s pinnacle event, the National Fastpitch Championships, the moment was still sinking in for the man many know as Marty “Wah”.

“It’s obviously a very emotional time,” Grant said.

“People that know me will expect me to try and soak it up, but I’m not very good at it.”

A tearful Grant said it was special to be surrounded by those he cared about most.

“It’s lovely to have the family here, especially. Some people that are really special to me. So it’s great to share that. I think that’s what it’s about today for me.”

Speaking to RNZ emotionally, Grant said it was special to be inducted into the Hall of Fame surrounded by those he cares about the most – his wife and two sons. Softball New Zealand

Grant made his debut for New Zealand in 1990 and went on to attend five world championships: Manila in 1992, Midland in 1996, East London, South Africa in 2000, Christchurch in 2004 and Saskatoon in 2009.

He played a central role in three world title campaigns, including pitching a no-hitter in the Black Sox’ win over Japan in the 2000 world final. He also claimed silver medals in two other World Cups, and was part of the New Zealand side that won the first and only Commonwealth Championship title in 2006.

Grant won New Zealand Softball player of the year in 1991, and pitcher of the year five times. The Nelson based hurler also secured eight provincial championships playing for Wellington, six of them back to back, and claimed five national club titles with Poneke-Kilbirnie.

But when asked about his most memorable moments, Grant did not point to his various medals or titles.

“There’s been some highlights,” he said, “but there’s a lot of people to thank, because you’re given opportunities to play in great teams and hang out with good people and learn the skills that are required.”

“I’ve got to take my hat off to all my coaches. I guess they create the memories.”

Grant said the legacy of that era was built on standards and playing for one another – a kōrero echoed by current Black Sox members.

“It’s about playing, winning big matches when you shouldn’t have. Being the underdog. Making rep teams. But generally, it was just about being with people that I liked to be around.”

A powerful haka tautoko for softball legend Marty Grants Hall of Fame induction, led by former and current Black Sox players. Canterbury Softball Association / Anthea Stringer

Grant said he prided himself on being a student of the game.

“I really enjoyed training. I remember training better than I remember some of the games, because that’s how I tried to work it, that trainings were harder than games.”

When asked who shaped him most, Grant did not hesitate.

“My mother,” he said, his voice breaking: “She took me to softball every week.”

“My father didn’t watch me play until I was 34. He didn’t like it.”

Laughing through tears, Grant recalled the early days of Soft Ball training.

“I had a big brother that used to kick my ass when I didn’t practice properly. And I had an old coach from Horowhenua, Piri Manaakitia. He saw some faith, thought I was quite good, made me lift weights, which I know I’ve never done before. Made me run, made me train hard. And I started beating people.”

Marty Grant teaches some tactics to the local kids after a softball match between the Black Sox and Austrailia in Invercargill, New Zealand. 24 November, 2000. Photosport / Sandra Teddy

Grant said the Hall of Fame recognition was not about individual achievement.

“I’m part of a legacy of some great players and great teams. And we don’t recognise that enough,” pointing to the lack of exposure and recognition in mainstream circles.

He said New Zealand often only recognised that legacy when results declined.

“We only realise it when all of a sudden the team’s ranked 10th in the world. And these people are everywhere. And we have valuable information to share.”

The Black Sox were among the most successful sporting teams in New Zealand’s history, winning seven world titles and totalling 14 medals.

The former pitcher said he wanted the focus to remain on the sacrifices made by his teammates and the wider softball hapori (community), including umpires, scorers, administrators and coaches.

“I want to recognise the sacrifices that all these guys used to make. What we used to make to be able to not just play, but compete regularly.”

“It’s crazy. I’m not blowing our own horn, but it’s true. We were totally committed. We worked hard, but we also had fun as well. So it’s celebrating that and understanding that.”

He said that level of commitment was what separated their era.

“If the teams ever start to commit like we used to, you’ll see it again.”

Softball legend Marty Grant and his youngest son Cooper share a hongi following an emotional ceremony and haka tautoko for his Hall of Fame induction. Softball New Zealand

Softball in Aotearoa has long had strong Māori and Pasifika participation. The membership makes up over 60 percent of Māori and Pasifika whānau. Grant said those cultural connections strengthened the team environment.

“There were times when it wasn’t like that,” he said.

“But when you’re travelling and you’re in difficult situations, you look around for your brothers who are going to be there.”

“I remember distinctly that we were so tied as a group that you didn’t have to look around when the ball got hit, because you knew they were there.”

He said the responsibility of carrying on the legacy now sits with the next generation.

“I’d like to think that the young athletes of today respect it, give it what it deserves. If they do that, then they’ll have fun.

“Just show some respect for the game, for the ball, and for whatever you’re doing in it, and you’ll get what you want out of it.”

Following his induction celebration, former teammate, Hall of Famer and Black Sox Heach Coach Thomas Makea led a haka alongside past and present Black Sox players and other athletes, closing the ceremony with what softballers said was a visible show of the whanaungatanga built within the game.

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Flights diverted, ferries delayed, as strong winds hit lower North Island

Source: Radio New Zealand

Interislander ferries. RNZ/ Rachel Thomas

Cook Strait ferry sailings are delayed today as rough seas and strong southerlies continue in the Cook Strait.

MetService Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said cold conditions in the Wellington region are a clear signal of the seasonal shift into Meteorological Autumn.

Strong cold south easterly winds, rain and hail were making for a chilly start to the week for Wellington and parts of the lower North Island today.

Winter is on its way

Ferris said the weather is a clear indication winter was not too far away.

“The cold air that has been moving up from the south just a few days ago, was actually down around Antarctica. It’s sped up across the Southern Ocean, didn’t warm up too much and it has been zooming through Wellington through yesterday and today. So, we are getting that chilly, chilly southerly air hanging round, some heavy rain in the mix and even some hail overnight,” Ferris said.

He said the change coming at the turn of the season was well timed to hammer home the feeling of a cold conclusion to summer.

“If this weather had happened in a few months time, we would’ve seen some very, very cold overnight temperatures. In this case, we have just seen a few temperatures getting below zero degrees [and] seeing some frost around the South Island. but it could’ve been a lot colder had it happened a few months later,” Ferris said.

Ferris said the majority of the country would see below-average temperatures throughout the day and on Wednesday morning.

“Some places will actually be a bit warmer tomorrow morning. We are looking at parts of Central Otago and Southland beginning to warm up, which does spell out the trend for the rest of the working week. Heading to Thursday [and] Friday we’ll actually see temperatures rebound to above average.

“We are seeing those swinging temperatures. It is one of those shoulder seasons, so it is the kind of thing we will see for a few more weeks, if not months,” Ferris said.

He said this week’s cold temperatures would ease as the weekend approached.

“We are seeing those showers ease up a little bit – we shouldn’t be seeing too much in the way of risk of hail today. As we move into Wednesday, it is still easing, still southerly showers along those eastern coasts of the North Island, but we will be noticing a little bit more clearer skies moving into Thursday,” Ferris said.

Ferries delayed as large swells batter Cook Strait

Tuesday morning’s Interislander sailings aboard the Kaitaki, from Wellington, and Kairahi, from Picton, will now depart each port at about 11.30am.

Three metre swells and winds of up to 74 km/h were forecast for the Cook Strait today.

Bluebridge said the conditions were leading to longer crossing times. It said the morning and early afternoon sailings from both Picton and Wellington could be delayed by up to five hours on Tuesday.

Passengers are advised to check for updated departure times on the ferry provider’s sites.

Wellington Harbour’s East By West ferry – between Queens Wharf and Days Bay – was also running a restricted timetable due to the conditions.

Ferry sailings were also delayed or cancelled on Monday.

Jetstar flight diverted to Christchurch

In the air, a Jetstar flight from Auckland to Wellington this morning was diverted to Christchurch due to high winds.

One passenger told RNZ as they approached the Capital, the pilot announced it was a “pretty typical wet and windy Wellington day”.

“We were coming into land and then suddenly thrust of the engine as the plane went back up and we went around to try again. Second time [we] didn’t get that close due to wind sheer,” the passenger said.

They said the flight would refuel and re-attempt the trip if conditions allowed.

Ferris said cold and at times heavy rain was likely to be contributing to a few bumpy flights.

“It’s no surprise that planes have had a bit of a tricky time coming in this morning. With these heavy showers, you typically have strong updrafts and strong downdrafts. So, on approach from the north, they happened to be close to or passing through one of those showers, it would have been a bumpy time.

“An aborted landing isn’t too surprising in these situations,” Ferris said.

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Iran conflict: What to do if you’re caught up in an international crisis

Source: Radio New Zealand

Travellers and New Zealand citizens throughout the Middle East have been affected by the conflict with Iran. PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP

Explainer – The world is an increasingly dangerous place. What do you do if you’re caught up in a conflict like the one raging in Iran and the Middle East?

The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran over the weekend, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and leading to retaliatory strikes on multiple countries in the region.

Large sections of airspace over the Middle East have been closed, and while some flights have resumed, hundreds of thousands of travellers still face delays.

Meanwhile, New Zealand citizens caught in the conflict zone may be desperately trying to get out and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned them to shelter in place.

What if you’re travelling, about to travel or stuck in a country where conflict has broken out? Here’s what you need to know.

What can the government do?

MFAT works to assist New Zealanders overseas who might get into trouble, ranging from illness to evacuation from natural disasters to helping crime victims.

Its SafeTravel website allows the government to reach out directly to Kiwis they know are in danger zones.

“All New Zealanders living or travelling overseas should register with SafeTravel, whatever their destination, as that means we can send you updates about the places you’re in or communicate with you if an emergency happens,” an MFAT spokesperson said.

“You can register at any time, but it’s best to register before you travel.”

Screenshot

Why is registering with SafeTravel important?

It’s the government’s primary way to contact travellers in danger zones.

As of Monday, there were currently more than 1800 New Zealanders registered in the Middle East with SafeTravel, with the bulk of those – 1091 – being in the United Arab Emirates.

There are 26 registered in Iran, and 71 in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

However, there are likely to be many more who aren’t registered, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Monday.

“In reality, the number of New Zealanders in the region is likely to be much higher. We therefore urge people to register on SafeTravel as soon as possible so that we can communicate with them directly.”

MFAT told RNZ that as the weekend conflict erupted, SafeTravel messages were sent to New Zealanders in 10 Middle East countries – Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE.

It’s possible the government can arrange repatriation flights to get New Zealanders out of war-torn regions, as it did last year when the Defence Force sent a plane to assist those stranded in Iran and Israel during earlier conflicts.

Stephen Hoadley, a former Auckland University professor of political science, told RNZ in an interview last year that registering travel in advance can make it easier for families to know what’s happening with their loved ones.

“About half of New Zealanders never bother to register in a foreign country and of course they’re vulnerable, more at risk because MFAT cannot contact them, their families cannot contact them often and then the families will ring up the Minister of Foreign Affairs desperate to contact their son, daughter, brother, sister in a war zone and this puts a lot of pressure on the minister, the ministry, the bureaucrats and others.”

The Middle East is far from the only hot zone in an increased time of global conflicts. Just last week, MFAT issued a warning to “exercise increased caution” to New Zealanders in Mexico after the death of a local drug lord led to violence throughout the country.

The Middle East is home to the world’s busiest airport, in Dubai. Screenshot

What can I do if my flights are affected?

Doha and Dubai, which have been closed during the crisis, are some of New Zealand’s biggest transit destinations for travel to Europe and elsewhere. Dubai is the busiest airport in the world.

“I would say that there are thousands (of New Zealanders affected),” Travel Agents Association chief executive Julie White told Morning Report this week.

Auckland Airport told RNZ travellers should check with their airline.

“Airlines will be working to rebook affected travellers. We encourage anyone due to travel through the Middle East in the coming days to check directly with their airline or travel agent for the latest updates. Other international flights are operating as scheduled.”

“If your journey has been impacted, we recommend you reach out to the airline scheduled to operate your flight, who will be able to discuss your rebooking options,” Air New Zealand also said in a statement.

Air NZ said it is allowing people to make changes to dates of travel or reroute, and no penalty fee, service fees or fare difference will apply if changed by Sunday, 8 March.

White said the disruption from the airspace closures will have ripple effects.

“It doesn’t just impact the Middle East, it will have onward effects with other regions. Travellers should expect delays in other areas.”

Thousands of New Zealanders are believed to be in the Middle East and places like Doha, Qatar, which was struck during an attack. MAHMUD HAMS / AFP

What if you get caught up in a war zone right now?

Hundreds have been killed in Iran, Lebanon and elsewhere as the US/Israel-led military action continues.

“Our advice to them is to follow the advice of local authorities, including shelter in place recommendations,” Luxon said.

MFAT warns people in places of conflict to “do everything you can to stay safe”.

If you have to venture outside, stay alert, avoid large crowds or protests, and if you see large groups of police or armed forces, leave the area.

“Try not to stand out or draw attention to yourself” and avoid taking photos of local authorities or demonstrations, it warns.

Be ready to shelter in place and gather supplies, but also have a “go bag” ready in case you need to evacuate immediately.

Be aware of what’s going on in the countries you are visiting

SafeTravel’s website has a list of countries around the world and what their current advice level is.

Twenty-seven countries are currently on SafeTravel’s highest alert status of “Do not travel”, including much of the Middle East, but also countries such as Russia, Haiti, Venezuela, and several African nations.

Eight countries were added to that designation this week, Luxon said.

“New Zealanders in these areas should know that consular assistance may be limited or not available,” MFAT warns.

“That means the New Zealand government may not be able to help you if you are detained, injured, or otherwise prevented from leaving these areas.”

The government has long told New Zealanders in Iran to leave, a message Foreign Minister Winston Peters reiterated on Sunday.

“It will be very difficult in the risky cities. But if you’re out in the countryside and can get away, give it a go. Otherwise, try and stay safe, stay inside, and we’ll see how things develop. But it’s very, very difficult for us, this far away from personal circumstances, to tell people what to do,” he said.

“Mind you, we’ve been telling them for weeks to get ready, just in case this happened. Maybe next time, listen to the government of New Zealand, who does care what their future might be.”

A repatriation flight was possible, “if it comes to that,” but it was too risky at the moment.

Getting a New Zealander out of a war zone could cost as much as $1 million if they’re injured, the Detail reported last year.

Will travel insurance protect me?

Unfortunately, travel insurance policies typically do not cover travel affected by war.

“Travel insurance can help with many unforeseen situations, but it doesn’t respond to every type of global disruption,” a spokesperson for the Insurance Council of New Zealand told RNZ.

“Where travel disruption, such as airline cancellations, delays or rerouting, is linked directly or indirectly to war or armed conflict, policy exclusions are likely to apply. This can be the case even if travellers are not heading to the conflict zone itself but are affected while travelling through the region.

“Some insurers may also limit or decline cover for destinations affected by active conflict, reflecting the increased and unpredictable risks involved. Ultimately, decisions about cover depend on individual policy wordings.”

Every insurer and policy can be different, so travellers are urged to contact their insurer directly.

However, it’s still recommended to always get travel insurance, the ICNZ spokesperson said.

“We would encourage anyone travelling overseas to consider taking out travel insurance, as it can provide valuable cover for a range of unexpected events such as medical emergencies, lost luggage, or some types of cancellations and delays.”

“We strongly advise New Zealanders to get comprehensive travel insurance before heading away,” MFAT also said.

It said medical emergency costs can “range from NZ$3000 to $30,000 or higher depending on where you are and what you want to happen”.

What if I’ve got travel planned in the near future?

If you’ve got travel booked in the coming months that you’re concerned about, your first port of call is either with your travel agent or with the airlines and accommodations you may have booked yourself.

If you cancel your plans yourself, you may find you’ll have to pay cancellation fees or other fees, so it’s best to check the details with the airline.

“It’s a case of, I hate to say it, wait and see,” White said.

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Call for deer sightings as removal operation gets underway

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  03 March 2026

Coromandel has traditionally been deer-free and is not a recreational deer hunting area. However, aerial surveillance conducted by DOC in 2025 revealed a deer herd – prompting a new work programme to remove the animals from the southern tract of the Coromandel Forest Park.

DOC’s Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says the surveillance confirmed a staff suspicion deer were in the forest park – and acting decisively to remove them is essential.

“Deer damage native forests by feeding on forest plants, trees, and seedlings. This has a flow on impact to resilience of the forest and land stability.”

“For some time, DOC and its partners have strived to keep Coromandel deer-free. We aim to maintain the wild-deer-free area to reduce pressure on native plants and habitats.”

In Coromandel, deer presence is a particular concern as the animals are a suspected vector for kauri disease. Coromandel has thousands of taonga kauri, and the disease is already present in some locations – so stopping its spread is vital.

Work to remove the deer will start this month, with communication to adjacent landowners, Tinaka says.

“For wild deer management operations to be effective we need to work across both public and private land.

“Landowners will be notified prior to the start of hunting operations. We’ll also ensure we obtain a written permission from landowners to carry out our deer management operations on their properties.

The first phase of work will include further surveillance work by experienced contract hunters.

“The surveillance will determine the presence and distribution of the deer, and will be followed by targeted hunting to remove the animals.”

Landowners can help by immediately reporting any fallow and red deer they encounter on their properties as soon as possible so we can arrange for a quick hunter response.

People going about usual activities such as farming or pig hunting can also shoot any deer they see in Coromandel Forest Park or on adjacent land (with permission), if safe to do so. DOC would welcome information on these types of deer encounters or removal.

The general public and visitors naturing in the forest park can help by reporting deer sightings in the southern area of the Coromandel Forest Park to 0800 DOC HOT.

The work starting this month will also ascertain if the deer have established a breeding population, and what ongoing resource will be needed for eradication.

“With the ongoing commitment of resource, and the support of landowners and the wider public, we believe we can remove this deer herd from Coromandel,” Tinaka says.

“This work is important to prevent long-term ecological damage and reduce future management costs to keep Coromandel deer-free.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

Posted on

All Whites adopt fly-in, fly-out approach to World Cup campaign

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites players are replaced during their international match against Australia in Auckland. photosport

The All Whites have confirmed they’ll take a fly-in, fly-out approach to their three group games at the FIFA World Cup after landing in San Diego as an official team base.

Coach Darren Bazeley said they had got their first pick, having submitted five options to FIFA as their preferred base.

He said the southern California city suited them well, having chosen the University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium as their training ground, as well as a team hotel close by.

San Diego’s Torero Stadium AFP

New Zealand’s opening match is against Iran in neighbouring Los Angeles on 16 June, with their opponents scheduled to be Iran. Although there is doubt over Iran’s participation following the conflict in the Middle East.

Vancouver, on Canada’s west coast, is a three-hour flight away for the team’s second and third group games – against Egypt on 22 June and Belgium on 27 June.

As with the majority of the 48 sides at the global showpiece, the team will be based in one city and then travel to the match location either one or two days before the games.

All Whites players warm up. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Some have selected uncommon places, such as college campuses and small cities with otherwise no ties to the five-week tournament.

Bazeley was pleased to have their logistics confirmed.

“Selecting our base camp is a really important part of our preparation for the tournament so we can make sure the team is in the best place possible on and off the pitch,” he said.

“San Diego offers a great combination of the criteria we were looking for, from a really high-quality training pitch at Torero Stadium, to an ideal hotel for the team.

“We look forward to working with the city over the next few months to really get to know the place and hope to have all 1.4 million San Diegans taking us on as their second team.”

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley Photosport

The All Whites are still to confirm a final warm-up match, having locked in a friendly against England in Florida on 7 June.

New Zealand will play matches against Finland and Chile in Auckland in late March as their final preparation ahead of leaving for the US.

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