Category: Public Media

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New Zealand costume designer adds Oscar to trophy case

Source: Radio New Zealand

The golden statue joins the Bafta award that she bagged last month for the same film.

“On behalf of myself and the amazing team that I work with – the artisans, the alchemists, the dream weavers – we are so grateful to the Academy for recognising our craft,” Hawley said in accepting her award on Monday.

“I’m so so grateful and thank you very much for recognising our craft.”

When Hawley signed on forFrankenstein her third collaboration with director del Toro, she knew it would be special, she previously told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

“I can really look back on it and be very thankful for the project, it was a wonderful project to be on, it was a very, very special collaboration.”

Hawley, who studied at the Wellington School of Design before being trained at London’s Motley School of Theatre Design, says the adaption of Mary Shelley’s gothic classic was a project long in the making for director del Toro.

The script, she says, is her “Bible”, the starting point for her costume ideas.

“That first few precious moments you get to read that script, I try and lock myself away and just be in the world that they’re creating and try and visualise what it is my director’s trying to do.”

Del Toro’s script for Frankenstein was particularly evocative, she says.

“I think the thing that inspired me most was the tone; there’s this beautiful tone and mood and atmosphere that was created.”

Hawley’s work has been seen in other movies, including Edge of Tomorrow, Mortal Engine, Suicide Squad, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak and The Lovely Bones.

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Willis reveals how bad inflation could get as petrol surges past $3

Source: Radio New Zealand

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is downplaying the economic risks New Zealand faces in the wake of the war in the Middle East and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

She warned on Monday of potential “acute cost of living pressures” ahead, but said fuel excise tax would not be cut, partly because it would encourage people to use more petrol.

Asked about the “worst case scenario” predicted by Treasury – Willis said she had been told in the event of a prolonged conflict in Iran, inflation in New Zealand could reach 3.7%.

She said ministers were meeting daily on the issue, two-and-half weeks into the US-Israeli assault on Iran.

“We’re also going ahead with a weekly strategic meeting at which further decisions are being taken. We’re also receiving written situation updates twice daily. And of course, I updated Cabinet today on our strategy to date.”

Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains government’s plan as petrol prices increase. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Willis said there were three parts to the strategy – first, a focus on “mitigating the impact of the war on critical supply chains”.

She said on 8 March, when the last update from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment was issued, there was enough petrol either in the country or on the way for 57 days; diesel, 49 days and jet fuel, 47 days.

Thirteen vessels were on their way to New Zealand already, and three more set to leave soon.

The next update was due on Wednesday, and Willis said work was underway to make releases more frequent.

“It has been observed and reported on that demand at some petrol stations has increased, and we will factor that into our future updates.”

She said New Zealand’s largest fuel import terminal had not seen “any issues” with supply.

“Petrol prices have risen about 45 to 50 cents a litre, adding about $23 to the cost of filling an average car. We are acutely conscious of the impact this will be having for many New Zealanders.

“Diesel prices have risen about 72 cents a litre, adding about $36 to the cost of filling an average diesel vehicle.

“Despite these increases, prices are still slightly below their 2022 peak, although it is reasonable to assume they could go higher.”

Willis said the government was “anticipating, and to the extent possible mitigating the impact on the New Zealand economy, including what could potentially be acute cost of living pressures for some households”.

She said she had spoken to bank bosses who had assured her they would provide “an umbrella to businesses” they worked with.

“From the government’s point of view, we need to ensure that any support we provide to households is temporary, is targeted and is timely.”

She said official advice was that reducing fuel excise would “send the wrong signal” and not be sufficiently targeted.

More to come…

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College hooper to Super Rugby: Tevita Latu’s long road to Moana Pasifika

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tevita Latu took a roundabout route to Super Rugby. Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz

Moana Pasifika midfielder Tevita Latu has taken one of the more unusual routes to Super Rugby.

A duel-sporting star in high school, Latu was not short on offers upon leaving Pakuranga College.

With both rugby and basketball career paths in front him, Latu chose the court, playing college basketball in the Philippines.

But after struggling with homesickness in the Philippines, he returned to Aotearoa and switching back to his first sporting love.

Back home, there were challenges of different kind for Latu. He admits he was not ready for the demands of pro rugby, and bounced around the provinces.

The 27-year-old spent four years in Southland, and a season in Northland and Canterbury before Moana came calling.

“I didn’t really know what it took to be a professional rugby player and to have all these obstacles, you can take the wrong path, and then you learn from it. But I wouldn’t change it for a thing now. I think it’s moulded me into the person I am today.”

Latu said he struggled with off field discipline during his early years in the NPC.

“Just living life, and diet in the off season. But that’s what got me here, I’ve learned from those mistakes.”

Latu earned his first NPC contract with Southland in 2020. Photosport

Self doubt had also been a barrier for the Moana midfielder, something he said his parents helped him to overcome.

“I think definitely have pushed through it. They’ve always believed in my abilities to be here, especially when I don’t really believe in myself.”

Family has been a key grounding force for Latu, having become a father in early 2025.

“I’ve got a baby boy now and that’s helped. Playing full-time and being a dad at the same time, it’s been cool.”

Latu also has senior figures within the squad to lean on for advice, including former All Blacks Julian Savea and Ngani Laumape.

Latu made the move north to the Taniwha in 2024. Photosport

“I have no problems going to them, asking any questions. They probably get annoyed because I ask so many. That’s the sort of experience that they tend to bring.”

His sporting career was on an entirely different trajectory out of high school.

A rugby and basketball star, Latu opted to take up a scholarship to play college ball in Manila.

“It was just a big shock,” he said.

“It was my first time moving out of home and didn’t know much about the country and was so fixed on how Americans go about their college life, then get to the Philippines was completely different, the lifestyle there was pretty different, but that was pretty cool.”

Feeling homesick, Latu returned home but said he has no regrets about his time overseas.

“I just thought I’d give it a crack, and I’m happy I did.”

The basketball gene runs strong in the Latu whanau, his younger brother Noa currently playing for the Auckland Tuatara.

Latu was playing NPC for Canterbury when he was signed by Moana Pasifika. www.photosport.nz

Now settled back in his hometown on his first Super Rugby contract, Latu said Moana are determined not to let the standards of 2025 slip, despite a rough start to the season which has seen them sink to the bottom of the table.

“I think we’ve always had a point to prove. From day one, they’ve kind of had to show that they actually belong here, so it hasn’t been anything different to us. What’s different is just the sense of urgency from us now.”

The side has been battling with plenty of off field distractions as well, including the speculation that their coach Tana Umaga is set to be snapped up by the new All Blacks regime.

“It’d be pretty cool to see him get the promotion. I think the club would be real gutted to lose him, but I know he’ll have the full backing of the team if he does go on. We haven’t really made him look too flash lately, I think that’s on us to get him that backing from the people. If they do question why he’s being selected, we need to do a job send him off in the right way.”

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Services recovery hits brick wall

Source: Radio New Zealand

The services sector recovery has come to an abrupt halt after only two months in expansion. 123RF

  • Services sector slumps into contraction
  • All five sub-indices retreat
  • Negative comments stay elevated
  • BNZ says PSI “a real disappointment”.

New Zealand’s services sector recovery has come to an abrupt halt after only two months in expansion.

The BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI) fell by 2.7 points to 48.0 in January, below its long‑term average of 52.8.

A reading below 50 indicates the sector – which accounts for nearly three‑quarters of the economy – is contracting.

BusinessNZ’s chief executive Katherine Rich said that the service sector’s expansion had only lasted two months, and February’s result was similar to the levels of contraction seen towards the end of 2025.

All five sub‑indices fell into contraction.

Stocks/inventories recorded the deepest pullback at 46.7, followed by employment at 47.2. Activity/sales slid sharply to 47.9, and new orders/business dropped back below 50 to 49.3

The share of negative comments eased slightly to 56.4 percent in February, down from 58.7 percent in January.

Firms cited weak economic conditions, high living costs, inflation and interest rates suppressing consumer spending and demand.

BNZ’s senior economist Doug Steel said that bad weather in February may have played a part, but there was no denying that today’s PSI suggested that the economy is recovering at a slower pace than expected.

“The PSI comes as a real disappointment given that Friday’s Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) was relatively upbeat,” he said.

Steel said most indicators over recent months had pointed toward a slow recovery, but today’s release underlined how fragile that recovery remains.

The slow momentum, combined with uncertainty stemming from developments in the Middle East, leaves the inflation outlook “well and truly up in the air”.

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IRD issues warning over employers failing to pass on tax deductions

Source: Radio New Zealand

The department has issued a “revenue alert” which are are issued when there are significant or tax issues. Supplied

Employers are being warned that they could be sent to prison if they take tax from their employees’ pay and do not send it to Inland Revenue.

The department has issued a “revenue alert” over the failure of some employers to pass on PAYE deductions.

These alerts are issued when there are significant or emerging tax issues of concern.

Employers must pay PAYE, as well as any other deductions from employees’ salaries, by the due dates. If they do not, they can face up to five years in prison.

Anyone who aids, abets, incites, or conspires with another person to commit to do that also commits a criminal offence. This means, for example, that the director of a company who decides that the company will not pay the deductions to Inland Revenue may be prosecuted for the company’s failure to pay.

Robyn Walker, tax partner at Deloitte, said it was a timely reminder that not paying PAYE was a really bad thing to do and the consequences could be serious.

“Historically it was always the case that not paying PAYE was an extremely frowned upon action, as this is tax which is being deducted from employee’s pay and held on trust by the employer. This is conceptually different to if a business is having trouble paying its own company tax bill, because it is other people’s money.

“Rightly or wrongly, during the Covid years there was more leniency applied to PAYE payments, and so some employers may have begun taking a more casual approach to paying PAYE. This can be seen in the statistics of what makes up tax debt – In September 2000 there was $800m of ’employer’ tax debt, the June 2025 statistics put this at $2m now.”

IR said it had taken legal action that had resulted in people being sent to prison.

In one case, a Christchurch woman was jailed for three years for taking $1.6 million from employee wages and not passing it on to the tax department.

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Mass resignations rock Solomon Islands government

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Ten Solomon Island Cabinet ministers have tendered their resignation in an apparent coalition breakdown.

RNZ Pacific understands that Deputy Prime Minister Frederick Kologeto and every member of the Peoples First Party (PFP) are among them.

Others include Finance Minister Harry Kuma, Justice Minister Clezy Rore and Health Minister Paul Popora Bosawai.

A spokesperson for Government House confirmed that the resignations were received at quarter past nine last night.

Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu is now giving the ministers until 12pm (today) Monday to re-consider their choices.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele now faces a third threat to his leadership, having survived a motion of no confidence in April 2025 after six ministers and five government backbenchers walked away.

The opposition grouping would need a majority of 26 in the House to pass such a motion.

The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Matthew Wale have been approached for comment.

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Fuel crisis: Which foods will rise in price fastest, and when?

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

Food prices are likely to rise if war in the Middle East keeps pressure on oil prices – but some types of food may be more affected than others.

Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan looked at which sectors might be most exposed by comparing the proportion of their costs devoted to oil-based fuels.

He said the fishing sector was top of the list. It spent about 25 percent of its input costs on oil-based fuels.

“Diesel for boats, presumably.”

That was followed by horticulture, which spent about 5 percent of its costs on oil-based fuel.

“Presumably that’s around heating or that kind of thing.”

Next was farming more generally,

“You get down to broader areas of farming, sheep and beef… where you’re talking about 3 percent to 4 percent of overall input costs.”

He said fertiliser could be an additional cost that was also exposed to energy price movements.

Supermarkets spent about 10 percent of their non-wage costs on transport, he said, and meat processing was at a similar level.

Kelly Eckhold. Supplied / LinkedIn

Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said food coming from overseas would also be affected.

“The issue is how transportation costs start going through – I guess anything that’s having to come from overseas is going to have a higher transportation component.”

Kiernan agreed.

“Stuff that is having to travel halfway around the world – cocoa beans or coffee or whatever it might be – that is potentially going to be more heavily impacted than stuff we’re producing globally.”

Eckhold said it could be a couple of months before food price rises started to be seen on New Zealand shelves.

“That’s what we got through Covid… there is a bit of a lead there between movements in global food prices and what we see here, assuming it’s not driven by a local climatic type thing. There’s about a six-month lag. Some of that stuff could be building all through this year.”

Eckhold said it could be the case that more businesses would start to charge a separate fuel surcharge to cover their additional costs.

“I would envisage you could see the introduction of a whole lot of surcharges coming on to things, as people say, ‘Well hey, I’ve got this particular identifiable increased cost,’ and you’ll find that you might end up having to pay an extra $5 or $10 or something like that for anything that’s got a clear transportation component – courier fees and things like that, for example.”

He said he now expected the Consumer Price Index to stay above 3 percent until the end of the year.

Infometrics’ supplier cost index showed costs to Foodstuffs supermarkets up 2.3 percent year-on-year in February, before the oil price rise began to be felt.

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Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza winner reveals his secrets

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kaitāia man Harley Ra with the snapper than earned him more than $30,000. Supplied

The winner of the $30,000 top prize in this year’s Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza says the secret is pilchard bait and his dad’s fishing rigs.

Harley Ra, who was raised in Kaitāia but works in Perth, hooked the 7.665 kilogram winner on Saturday, the final day of the five-day contest.

Ra suspected he had the winning fish as soon as he pulled it into the shallows.

“It ran for a fair bit. Then it started going sideways. I thought it was a stingray, but then there were more head nods, and it just kept stripping line,” he said.

“It wasn’t till I seen it get close, I seen the big tail flipping up, and I thought it was a stingray wing, and I thought ‘oh bugger’. Then just as it got into the clear shallows, I saw it was a snapper, and I was screaming out, ‘holy shit, it’s a moocha’.”

“I ran straight down to the water to grab it and grab my trace. It snapped at the water’s edge, and I dug into its gills straight away to grab it.”

That was just after 8am.

“It was early, and I was nervous the whole time. I pretty much knew it was the winner then. And I was like, I need to get back to the ramp [contest headquarters] to weigh this ASAP. So I was nervous hanging around. About 12 o’clock, I packed up and boosted straight back to the tents for weigh-in.”

Harley Ra with his winning fish, the trophy and his father John Ra, known in Kaitāia for his expertise in making fishing rigs. Supplied

Ra said he had fished in the Snapper Classic – an earlier version of the contest – as a child with his father and uncles, but this was only his second time competing in the Bonanza.

Using the right bait was key to success on Ninety Mile Beach, he said.

“I used BKK circle hooks, and the bait was pilchard, just half a pilchard. It always works up the Ninety [Mile Beach]. When the bite’s hot, pilchard’s the go, and then when the bite cools down, then you go to ocky (octopus])and crayfish and all your other exotic baits.”

Ra also credited his father, John Ra, who was known in Kaitāia as an expert rig-maker.

“Dad does all our fishing tackle. He does some pretty mean fishing rigs. He even does his own bit of YouTube and Facebook showing how to do it.”

As well as the $30,000 top prize for heaviest snapper of the contest, Ra took home $2500 for Saturday’s biggest fish.

He confessed to feeling “a bit hazy” after that night’s celebrations.

“We drank a few at the tent, and then went down to the Awanui pub. The boys filled the cup up, and we drank from the cup.”

As for what he would spend his winnings on, Ra said he would leave that to his wife, Alicia.

“I let her decide. She makes the smarter decisions.”

Harley Ra takes a break from fishing during the Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza. Supplied

Ra said he would definitely be back next year – as long as he could get a ticket.

Tickets were capped at 1200 and sold out in less than an hour when they went online.

“So when they go on sale here at seven, that’s 2am in Perth, so you gotta set the alarm at 1am. Get up, make a coffee, and get ready to start hammering the button at two in the morning.”

Until Ra hooked his winning snapper, Ōpōtiki man Darin Maxwell was on track to become the first fisher to win the competition twice.

In the end, Maxwell had to console himself with second place and cash prizes totalling $4500 for a fish weighing 7.25kg.

Maxwell’s monster 12.03kg catch in 2012 remains the heaviest snapper caught in the competition’s 15-year history.

Far North man Harley Ra with the snapper that earned him a whopping $30,000. Supplied / Snapper Bonanza

The Bonanza, which has been held every March since 2011, is said to be the world’s largest surfcasting competition.

Fishing is permitted only from Ninety Mile Beach – or Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe – not from rocks or boats.

The contest is organised by Kaitāia publican Dave Collard and printer John Stewart, who rescued the event after the Snapper Classic folded due to financial difficulties in 2009.

The annual prize pool totals more than $200,000.

About 120 fish caught during the contest were auctioned off at Saturday’s Kaitāia Market, raising more than $14,000 for the Kaitāia Volunteer Fire Brigade.

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Oscar 2026 live: The full winners list

Source: Radio New Zealand

The 98th Academy Awards are set to roll out Monday (NZ time) in the heart of Hollywood, with funnyman Conan O’Brien on tap to host the proceedings for the second year in a row.

The leadup to this year’s edition of the Oscars has been anything but standard, with disdain for ballet and hatred of housecats adding some zany conversation to a wide-open race.

A scene from Sinners.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures via CNN Newsource

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Layer of regulation on telcos believed to have ‘done the job’ and could be lifted

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Commerce Commission has passed on its recommendation to the Minister for Media and Communications for consideration. boscorelli

Rules keeping a lid on the cost of calls and text messages between mobile providers’ networks could soon be scrapped.

Regulation introduced in 2010 sought to control what telcos could charge one another for calls and messages between their networks, otherwise known as the Mobile Termination Access Service.

The intervention was designed to help increase competition in a market dominated at the time by Telecom and Vodafone.

“The two big operators were squeezing 2degrees and they did that by making it cheaper to call within their own networks, while making it expensive for 2degrees to send calls to their networks,” says Tristan Gilbertson, Telecommunications Commissioner at the Commerce Commission.

“That squeeze created a structural disadvantage in the market for a new entrant like 2degrees.”

He says regulation gave 2degrees a chance to compete and grow into a strong third market player.

“Our view is that regulation has done the job it was intended to do and can step back,” says Gilbertson.

“Good regulation needs to know when to step in, but also when to step back and we think allowing competition to take over when it’s strong enough to do that, helps support investment, innovation and confidence in the sector.”

The Commerce Commission has passed on its recommendation to the Minister for Media and Communications for consideration.

Gilbertson says if approved, the telco sector will be left to its own devices on wholesale services pricing.

“The existing baseline of arrangements that have developed over the past 15 years will remain in place and competition will discipline the commercial arrangements over time,” he says.

“In practice, we really don’t think that very much will will change either at that inter-operator level, where existing arrangements are very well-entrenched in the market or at the retail level for consumers, this change should be invisible to consumers.”

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