Category: Public Media

Posted on

The one thing everyone’s missing in the All Blacks coaching situation

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jamie Joseph, Scott Hansen, Scott Robertson. Graphic: Liam K. Swiggs PHOTOSPORT

Analysis – Scott Hansen has become the most talked-about man in the All Blacks, which is somewhat fitting given he isn’t short of a word himself when he wants. Back in March 2019 he gave one of the more memorable post-match press conferences, after his Sunwolves side hadn’t just caused an upset in Hamilton but given the Chiefs an absolute hiding.

It was no surprise that Hansen was more than happy to answer any questions about the result, but in what is probably a first for rugby coaches, he decided that not enough questions had been asked and offered to keep the microphones rolling while he talked through just what the win meant.

Photosport

Fast forward six years and Hansen is now the All Black staff’s second in command. The somewhat convoluted way in which that’s been made official has certainly garnered headlines, exposing the knowledge gap between those in the know and the common fan, but also called Hansen’s credentials into question.

Then there’s the radical calls for Scott Robertson and Hansen to be replaced, with the sole name being bandied about that of Jamie Joseph.

But here’s the thing that ties that last two points together. Probably due to the fact that Hansen’s coaching career has been so massively overshadowed by Robertson, no one seems to have remembered that Hansen was part of Joseph and Tony Brown’s Japan coaching staff during their historic 2019 World Cup run, then for four years afterwards.

So you can’t really tell the story of Joseph’s greatest achievement, which is what is being held up as the main credential over Robertson’s relative inexperience at test level, without acknowledging Hansen’s role in it.

PHOTOSPORT

The power Joseph had in Japan was arguably even greater than what Rassie Erasmus enjoys with the Springboks now, which was understandable at the time given they were determined to make an impression as World Cup hosts. Joseph was able to control every aspect of his player’s schedules in the lead up to the tournament, keeping skipper Michael Leitch in cotton wool and using the Sunwolves reserve team as a shadow national selection for live training exercises.

The delegation to Hansen even extended to Tony Brown handing over the Sunwolves coaching duties, which resulted in the aforementioned win over the Chiefs in his first game in charge. The rest of the Sunwolves’ season only garnered one more win, admittedly, but Hansen returned to the Japan national team to help engineer landmark wins over Ireland and Scotland at the World Cup.

A lesson in clarity

New Zealand All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen followed by assistant coach Leon MacDonald and New Zealand coach Scott Robertson. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

If nothing else, this has been a lesson in clarity for Robertson and NZ Rugby. Around the time Hansen was being given the Sunwolves job, Robertson was making his ultimately unsuccessful play to be the next All Black coach. His ticket was clear: he would be the head coach with Leon MacDonald as his assistant, which made perfect sense given their long history of first teammates and then coaching together.

Robertson was ultimately passed over for Ian Foster. But at some point, in the dramatic next four years while Foster dealt with the massive on and off field pressures, the dynamic between Robertson and MacDonald changed. Just exactly when that was is a bit of a mystery, but it’s clear that also at some point the relationship between Hansen and Robertson formed into one that not only led to an employment arrangement, but a role for Hansen as the 2IC.

The theory goes that while the situation wasn’t made official publicly, by the time the arrangement got put into practice it wasn’t to MacDonald’s liking and led directly to his exit after only three tests.

Since then we’ve had Hansen, Jason Ryan, Jason Holland and Tamati Ellison as assistants, with Ryan likely the one that more than a few All Black fans would’ve presumed would be the right hand man given he’d already been in the set up before Robertson arrived. That sort of misconception should’ve been cleared up, especially as problems with the wider coaching staff was one of the major things hindering Foster’s time in charge.

Is it that bad?

From left Scott Hansen, Jason Holland and Leon MacDonald who will join the All Blacks coaching set-up from next year. Photosport www.photosport.nz

It’s exactly that comparison that does put the current situation into perspective, though. Hansen’s role isn’t even the most pressing issue, it’s that MacDonald and Holland have left. It’s obviously not great, but even then, they weren’t fired like John Plumtree and Brad Mooar were.

In fact, as far as All Black coaching dramas go, this isn’t even really on the first page and not just because it’s come after the Foster era. John Mitchell made himself so unpopular he got let go after one of the most successful records in history, Grizz Wyllie and John Hart got made co-coaches despite hating each other, and Fred Allen quit in part because NZRFU chairman Tom Morrison allegedly tried to influence selections – only for Allen to be succeeded by Ivan Vodanovich, a co-owner of Morrison’s Wellington menswear shop.

It’s also worth taking into account that Robertson has been open about his grand strategy of creating depth for the 2027 World Cup, although probably not open enough about just how much of his role is doing that. Without knowing the exact inner workings of the team, it feels like Robertson is more of a director of rugby. Which in itself might not be a bad thing given the development success so far, but he should’ve just given himself that title up front.

Scott Robertson (left) and Scott Barrett after the England v All Blacks at Twickenham Stadium, London. www.photosport.nz

But the key thing here, as always with the All Blacks, is results. If Robertson is in strategic command, Hansen is the tactical leader and that’s where the team has been found wanting in three very different but all completely disappointing losses this season. Had those been wins, we likely wouldn’t even be talking about this.

If he is head coach in all but name, Hansen should be the one fronting after those results, or at least sit next to Robertson post-match the same way Foster would as assistant to Steve Hansen, so that tactical questions can get addressed. At the very least, he should be up for media and therefore answering to the public as the official 2IC on a weekly basis.

The big unknown here is just exactly what the most important people in all of this, the players, feel about this situation. There’s been plenty of conjecture and very little of it good, but the only way those stories are getting told any time soon is through the official team review.

That’s due sometime in January. If there are more departures from the coaching staff, we’ll know exactly what was said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

NZ navy ship shadowed by seven Chinese warships

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Cheng Kung-class frigate of the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) can be seen monitoring HMNZS Aotearoa’s actions while on patrol. Supplied / NZDF

A New Zealand navy ship sailing in East Asia was shadowed by seven Chinese warships, the Defence Force has confirmed.

The HMNZS Aotearoa was sent to the East China and Yellow Seas last month, to carry out surveillance and deterrence activities in an effort to bolster United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

Bridge watchkeepers aboard HMNZS Aotearoa keep a constant 24 hour watch during patrols. Supplied / NZDF

The vessel was accompanied by a P-8A Poseidon, as part of Operation Whio, with the intention of curbing North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

RNZ previously reported the vessel travelled through the Taiwan Strait, and that it was shadowed.

The Seasprite helicopter embarked on HMNZS Aotearoa provides enhanced force projection and surveillance of suspicious vessels. Supplied / NZDF

The Defence Force has now confirmed the ship was shadowed by seven different People’s Liberation Army (Navy) warships, which kept a “safe and professional distance” throughout.

Patrolling an area of 410,000 square kilometres, the Aotearoa and its SH-2G Seasprite helicopter interrupted two “possibly illicit” ship-to-ship transfers, identified seven vessels of interest, hailed 49 merchant vessels, and broadcast 79 deterrence messages.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Poseidon P8-A, works in partnership with HMNZS Aotearoa during Op Whio. Supplied / NZDF

The Poseidon witnessed five ship-to-ship transfers, observed 59 vessels of interest, and issued 19 deterrence messages

The crew of the Aotearoa worked alongside ships from Canada, France, and Japan. Acting as a replenishment vessel, the Aotearoa also carried out replenishments at sea for Australian and US vessels.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Poseidon P8-A on patrol during Op Whio. Supplied / NZDF

“Through maritime patrol, airborne surveillance and international cooperation, we delivered tangible impact – from deterring illicit activity to supporting allied ships at sea. The professionalism of our own crews, and those of our partner nations, was evident throughout,” said HMNZS Aotearoa Commanding Officer Rob Welford.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

Firefighters battling multiple blazes at Tongariro National Park

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Firefighters are battling multiple blazes in Tongariro National Park on Monday.

Fire and emergency said three helicopters were responding and three fire trucks and crews were already on the ground.

A spokesperson said the fires are south east of the devastating blaze that took hold in the area last month.

They said the current fires are closer to Mount Ngauruhoe with one about 30 by 200 metres squared.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

Christchurch childcare centre reopens after corrosive chemical burned several children

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services were called to Kindercare in Woolston on Friday afternoon. Nathan McKinnon / RNZ

Five children taken to hospital after suffering chemical burns at a Christchurch childcare centre last week have returned to the kindergarten today.

Seven people, including the five children, were taken to hospital after a [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/581000/emergency-services-respond-to-incident-at-christchurch-daycare corrosive chemical was mistakenly used on a slip and slide at Kindercare Woolston Friday afternoon. Two others also received minor injuries.

In a statement, Kindercare said the centre reopened this morning.

“We are overwhelmed at the trust families have placed in us, despite Friday’s incident, and we are encouraged to see that all of the children who attended hospital on Friday, have returned to our care today. We will continue supporting our families and team.

“Our investigation is underway and we’re committed to working cooperatively with WorkSafe and the Ministry of Education through this process.”

Kindercare said it would not be making further public comment until the investigation had concluded.

In a letter to parents, Kindercare admitted it had failed on safety.

The provider’s chief executive and regional manager flew to Christchurch on Friday night.

Kindercare said the chemical involved was used in many of its centres and was normally kept in a kitchen cupboard or laundry and plumbed directly into the centre’s steriliser.

The company said it wanted answers on how the chemical was taken from the storage area and used in a play activity.

WorkSafe was also investigating.

On Friday, Fire and Emergency senior station officer John Herriot said the burns were as a result of a mix-up.

“The teachers have had a waterslide – bit of fun for the kids – out the back today and at some point of time some detergent’s unfortunately been misidentified and a corrosive product has ended up on the slip and slide. This has caused some irritation to the children’s skin and some light blistering,” he said.

St John assessed 40 patients in total.

“Eighteen units responded, nine ambulances, three rapid response units, five operations managers and one Major Incident Support Team vehicle,” St John said.

St John national operations manager Chris Harrison said the patients had suffered chemical burns and blisters.

“They were on a kids’ playground slide, which the product had been poured down, and then they’ve slid down the slide and then the teacher that was injured was at the base of the slide in a paddling pool,” he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

Wellington commuters to get contactless payment options in 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

SUPPLIED / GWRC

Wellingtonians will soon be able to tag onto public transport with their phones and debit cards.

Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter told RNZ Wellingtonians were “sick of waiting”, and contactless payment on buses and trains will roll out in the first half of next year.

The $1.4 billion National Ticketing Solution (NTS) was first signed off more than 16 years ago, and would allow people to pay for buses, ferries and trains with debit cards and digital payments across the country.

It was recently rolled out in Christchurch.

But the national project was recently delayed, with Wellington’s launch date pushed out from the end of next year to the end of 2027.

Now, the regional council has told RNZ it will roll out contactless payments itself in the first half of next year, at a cost of $5.5 million.

Regional council chair Daran Ponter said the NTS had been a long time coming.

“But Wellingtonians, people in the Wellington region, have been waiting a long time themselves, years if not decades and we have got to a point where we feel it is justified to make this investment.”

Contactless payment on buses and trains will roll out in the first half of next year, the regional council chair says. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

There was not an easy answer to why it had taken so long to get a system like this for the capital, Ponter said.

“We still support the next ticketing system but Wellingtonians are sick of waiting and I quite frankly am sick of telling them to wait. We’ve been at this now for more than 20 years talking about integrated fare ticketing in the Wellington region.”

He noted the NTS would go further than what they were doing.

“That will then allow us to give the full benefits of integrated ticketing like fare capping, changing fares for particular times of the day.”

Ponter said the Snapper replacement would be on buses and trains before March 30.

He told Midday Report the NTS would allow full integrated ticketing.

“That means that you can get on in Upper Hutt come to Wellington station and then get on the bus and go to the hospital and it treats it all as one journey.

“That still will not be possible with the credit card system in March.”

Snapper chief executive Miki Szikszai told RNZ their contract with the regional council would wrap up at the end of 2027 – but until then, their card readers and technology would remain in place, and accept card payments as well as Snapper.

“The same readers are going to remain in place, and the experience for the card holder will basically be the same, apart from the fact they’ll be able to use their contactless payment card, or their phone, or their watch, for adult fares.”

Their card readers were set to reach the end of their lives around that time – which coincided with the predicted roll out date for the NTS.

“Our devices have got about a 10-year useful life. These ones were rolled out in 2017.”

Snapper as a company did more than provide Wellington’s fare services, Szikszai explained.

Under the name Mosaiq, they provided transport analytics for a number of authorities around the world.

They also provided the mobile reload service (similar to the Snapper reload app) for Ireland’s public transport card, Leap.

Come the end of their contract with Greater Wellington, these other lines of business would continue.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop told RNZ it was up to Greater Wellington Regional Council if they wanted to “spend millions” on an interim contactless payment system before the NTS arrived.

A regional council spokesperson said it would help encourage uptake of credit and debit card usage ahead of the full NTS functionality in 2027.

NZTA has been approached for comment.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

Man accused of swallowing $33,000 pendant appears in court

Source: Radio New Zealand

Court documents reveal the pendant was worth $33,585. Supplied / NZ police

A man accused of swallowing a Fabergé locket worth more than $33,500 during an alleged theft at an Auckland jewellery store has appeared in the Auckland District Court.

He was remanded in custody without a plea until next Monday.

Police had been called at 3.30pm on 28 November to the store in Auckland city where a man was accused of picking up a Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg pendant and swallowing it.

Court documents reveal the pendant was worth $33,585.

Inspector Grae Anderson told RNZ the man underwent a medical assessment at the time of his arrest and an officer had been assigned to constantly monitor him.

Police confirmed the item was back in their possession on Friday.

An online listing for the locket said it had been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires.

A golden octopus inside the locket was set with two black diamonds for eyes.

In a statement released to RNZ, Partridge Jewellers confirmed the attempted theft took place at its Queen St store.

“The store management team responded immediately, and police were on site to detain the person in question within minutes.

“The safety of Partridge’s clients and staff is the highest priority, and the team is grateful for the police’s swift support in dealing with the situation, which is now in the hands of legal professionals.”

Partridge said the pendant would be returned to Fabergé.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

Kiwi charged with trying to smuggle $10m of heroin in Sydney

Source: Radio New Zealand

A New Zealand man has been charged with trying to import $10 million worth of heroin into Sydney in floral-patterned bags.

In a joint statement the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force said the Kiwi was accused of importing 21kg of heroin into Australia hidden inside his luggage.

The 21-year-old was charged with importing a commercial quantity of heroin, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

He is expected to appear in NSW Bail Division Local Court on Monday.

The 21-year-old New Zealander is accused of importing 21kg of heroin into Australia hidden inside his luggage. Australian Federal Police / Australian Border Force

The Australian Border Force said officers selected the man for a baggage examination upon his arrival into Sydney Airport on board an international flight from Thailand, on Sunday.

They searched two suitcases belonging to the man and allegedly found 21 floral-patterned, vacuum sealed bags containing a white powdery substance.

This amount of heroin had an estimated street value of more than $10 million, with the potential for about 100,000 streel-level deals, police said.

The heroin has an estimated street value of more than $10 million Australian Federal Police / Australian Border Force

Border Force Superintended Elke West said this detection is a good reminder to every passenger crossing the borders with illicit goods and substances – the risk is not worth the reward.

“The ABF uses on a sophisticated layered approach to targeting passengers at our airports for examination,” West said.

“This detection demonstrates that our systems, technology, intelligence sharing and human judgement all complement each other to identify high-risk travellers before they can do more harm in our communities.

ABF officers allegedly located 21 floral-patterned, vacuum sealed bags containing a white powdery substance. Australian Federal Police / Australian Border Force

AFP officers seized the packages for further forensic testing. Australian Federal Police / Australian Border Force

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

Too many laws passing without ‘proper scrutiny’, Geoffrey Palmer says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sir Geoffrey Palmer giving evidence to Parliament’s Regulations Review Committee in July. (File photo) VNP / Phil Smith

A former Labour Prime Minister says Parliament is passing too many laws without proper scrutiny.

Sir Geoffrey Palmer told Nine to Noon the government was increasingly pushing through legislation under urgency, which allowed it to skip stages such as public consultation and select committees.

But Leader of the House Chris Bishop said just nine Bills have been passed in that way, and there were good reasons for all of them.

Palmer said the normal checks and balances were stripped out when laws were made at pace.

“Urgency has become the default mechanism for dealing with Parliamentary legislation and the standing orders are not followed and you also have extended sittings – and both of those mean the Government’s agenda is completely at the will of the Government,” he said.

Palmer said the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 – and its amendment – was a classic example of a trend that “ministers know best” and was “ministerial dictatorship”.

“It was criticised by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment then, Simon Upton, the amendment bill puts the process that was enacted in 2024 on steroids.

“It gets faster and faster. It will be a fast-track to environmental degradation, [more] than it already is.”

Bishop was approached for further comment.

The legislation, which passed under urgency at the end of last year, is back before Parliament with an amendment that the government intended to push through by the end of 2025.

It said the amendment to the Act would increase competition in the supermarket sector.

Despite being open for just over 10 days, it received 2158 submissions, with about 95 percent opposed.

Palmer said legislative checks and balances – which he already considered lacking – were further reduced when legislation was made at pace.

“What is the hurry? Legislation is law-making. You want to get it right. You have to analyse it, you have to do proper research, you don’t bang it through because a minister has an idea.

“It needs to be properly drafted by Parliamentary council. We have had a degradation of our legislative system in New Zealand in recent years.”

Bishop said the government had a big legislative agenda and limited hours in ordinary house time to get it done.

Regarding the use of urgency, he said: “I am reluctant to use urgency to avoid select committees outside of the standard Budget urgency process, and it is only done so when there are good reasons.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

How can the All Whites secure a FIFA World Cup 2026 win?

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites captain Chris Wood pictured ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against New Caledonia. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

New Zealand football great Ivan Vicelich says the All White’s best shot at World Cup glory will come early at next year’s FIFA tournament.

Vicelich whose international career spanned two decades, says it’s crucial New Zealand hits peak form in the opening clash.

New Zealand will take on Iran, the World No. 20 ranked side, on June 16 at the vast Los Angeles Stadium, with a capacity of over 70,000.

“Look, the beauty for us is that we’re at the World Cup. We’ve got top quality players in there who can change a game,” Vicelich said.

“We have to focus on one or two teams and get results the best we can.

“It’s great to see Ryan Thomas back and Sarpreet Singh. As a group the team looks like they’re in sync. There’s the odd goal conceded that’s not a good way to concede – hopefully they can iron that out.”

Drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Iran, New Zealand (ranked 86th) will play two games in Canada, and one in the United States.

Their final two group games will be played at BC Place Vancouver, against Egypt on June 22, and Belgium on June 27 – another large stadium with a capacity of around 55,000.

While not the hardest of the 12 pools, all three nations are ranked more than 50 places higher than New Zealand.

Belgium are ranked eighth in the world and qualified for the World Cup by topping their European qualification group.

Ominously, Iran and Egypt also topped their groups in qualifying.

Sarpreet Singh takes a kick against Tunisia in 2024. PHOTOSPORT

Former All Whites defender Ben Sigmund says that with a bit of fine tuning, the opener against Iran is there for the taking.

But he’d urge New Zealand to play a more attacking style.

“Iran is probably our best chance, that’s the one you want to focus on – that’s your focus point,” Sigmund said.

“Egypt you’d probably want to get that draw, but they’re a very good side.”

“We’ve got the players, we’ve got the team. You never know?

“If you can take away those odd one percenters, this team has a really good chance.”

World Cup mania has arrived early, with friends texting Sigmund to find tickets to the All Whites matches.

“I’m getting messages as everyone’s asking me how to get tickets, but it’s not that easy,” he laughed.

TVNZ has secured every All Whites match to be broadcast live and free on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+.

New Zealand’s FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule:

June 16: Iran vs New Zealand – Los Angeles Stadium

June 22: New Zealand vs Egypt – BC Place Vancouver

June 27: New Zealand vs Belgium – BC Place Vancouver

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Posted on

‘Immense sadness’: Former Prime Minister Helen Clark’s father dies at the age of 103

Source: Radio New Zealand

Helen Clark’s father, George Clark died at home over the weekend. (File photo) Supplied

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has paid tribute to her father, George Clark, who has died at the age of 103.

Clark often spoke about the large and positive influence her father, who was a farmer until he retired, had on her politics and her life.

In a Facebook post, she said her dad died peacefully at his home in Waihi beach over the weekend.

She described him as a dedicated family man who always wanted the best for his daughters, supporting them “all the way” – and who had served his communities fo Te Pahu and Waihi Beach.

She said she made the announcement with “immense sadness.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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