Category: Public Media

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James Ransone, star of ‘The Wire’ and ‘It: Chapter Two’, dies at 46

Source: Radio New Zealand

James Ransone, an actor best known for playing Ziggy Sobotka in The Wire and also starring in It: Chapter Two, has died at age 46, according to LA medical authorities.

The actor took his own life, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Ransone played the dock worker-turned-petty criminal Zibby Sobotka throughout The Wire season two.

He also played adult Eddie Kaspbrak in the horror anthology It, and had roles in HBO’s Generation Kill, indie film Tangerine, and Black Phone 2.

Ransone was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and throughout his career openly documented his struggles with heroin addiction.

In a 2016 interview, he said he wrestled “with the catharsis of acting” due to the roles he leaned towards.

“I don’t end up playing a lot of likable characters, so I find myself living in a lot of unlikable skin,” he said.

“As a result of that, I don’t always feel good.”

He also credited the Iraq war-based miniseries Generation Kill — which kickstarted the career of co-star Alexander Skarsgård — as a “highlight” of his life.

“I remember going to Africa and I was going to be there for almost a year,” he said.

“I was number two on the call sheet and I was like, ‘I think somebody made a mistake. This is too much responsibility for me.'”

Instead, he found his time as Corporal Josh Ray Person helped him connect to his father, who was a Vietnam War veteran.

“A lot of things started to make sense to me in a different way,” he said.

“It didn’t do so much for my career but it shaped me and the way that I think about my life.”

In March 2021, Ransone also alleged on Instagram that he had been sexually abused when he was about 13.

The actor reportedly filed the allegations with police but the Baltimore County State’s Attorney Office did not make any charges, according to The Baltimore Sun.

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

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Sexual abuse support services facing cuts have contracts extended

Source: Radio New Zealand

The government planned to redirect $1.7 million from various contracts with sexual abuse services from January. Supplied/123RF

Sexual abuse support services facing cuts in the new year have been given an extra six months, but are being told not to expect any more than that.

The government planned to redirect $1.7 million from various contracts with sexual abuse services from January.

That included a long-running contract with HELP Auckland, worth about $380,000 a year, to provide long-term counselling for survivors of sexual abuse that weren’t eligible for ACC coverage.

But the Ministry of Social Development this weekend revealed it had extended the contracts.

“We informed providers on Friday that contracts had been extended until June 2026,” MSD spokesperson Mark Henderson said.

Kathryn McPhillips, the executive director of HELP Auckland, said she was informed about the extension late Friday afternoon.

“It’s wonderful, but we did get that email late or mid-afternoon on Friday. Luckily we hadn’t let staff go, or we would’ve been needing to frantically re-employ,” she said.

“We’ve been talking to clients and turning people away, so the lateness of it is really not good for organisation staff or survivors, but we’re very grateful to get the extension.”

McPhillips said MSD had been adamant that no more extensions would be given.

“They have been very clear there is no further extension after the 30th of June, but I’m really grateful. For us that means another 60 survivors can get their needs met who would otherwise be turned away, so that’s fantastic,” she said.

“The contract is one this organisation has had for a very long time, more than 30 years, it was basically our fundamental contract for counselling of survivors. It was the basis of our longer term recovery service.”

McPhillips said HELP Auckland’s crisis work, which was for people who had been recently abused, was under a different contract and remained unaffected.

“Alongside that sits funding from ACC, but that insurance model precludes anyone who doesn’t fall within the schedule for that act,” she explained.

That excluded people who had been sexually assaulted overseas, or those who had experienced digital sexual abuse.

“This contract allowed us to still see those people, and basically going forward those people will have nowhere to go,” she added.

She said the decision to end the contract raised questions about equity.

“The impacts of this kind of violence against you aren’t lessened because it happened in another country and you migrated here, or you were on your OE and it happened there,” she said.

“There’s a real question of equity of access here. Why should it only be that if it happened in a certain way, in a certain place at a certain time that you’re able to get help to recover? That’s not the kind of country we think New Zealand is.”

McPhillips said she would spend the next six months pushing for the government to keep the contract going.

“We’re going to keep trying to show the government that this is a really fundamental need, that it’s an issue of equity,” she said.

“The government’s long term strategy is to end sexual violence. Well, having services available to people impacted by it is really a critical part of that strategy.”

Where to get help:

  • Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
  • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
  • Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
  • Samaritans: 0800 726 666
  • Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
  • What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
  • Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
  • Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
  • Healthline: 0800 611 116
  • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
  • OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
  • Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Sexual Violence

Family Violence

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

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Takahē pair thought to be infertile hatch chick at Zealandia

Source: Radio New Zealand

A pair of takahē birds believed to be infertile have thrilled staff at Zelandia wildlife sanctuary by unexpectedly hatching a chick.

Bendigo, a male takahē, and Waitaa a female, came to Zelandia two years ago as a non-breeding pair.

Staff thought Bendigo had fertility issues, as he was not productive with two previous partners, so they let them live their lives, not expecting any chicks.

But in November, Waitaa had not been turning up for food, and as the team went to investigate her nest, they heard Bendigo and Waitaa making soft calls, noticing a high-pitch cheep in response.

Trail-cam footage confirmed Bendigo and Waitaa with their new chick.

Trail-cam footage confirmed Bendigo and Waitaa with their new chick. Supplied

“It’s a lovely Christmas miracle I think… we thought the birds weren’t able to have chicks at all,” general manager of conservation and restoration at Zealandia Jo Ledington said.

Takahē are a threatened, nationally vulnerable bird, with an estimated population of around 500.

Ledington said any new addition to the population was really significant.

“Having the unexpected happening is a little bit of a glimmer of hope. I think conservation takes many hands, and I think it’s fantastic that Zelandia as an advocacy site has been able to introduce about 140,000 people a year to takahē – some of those people would never ever have the opportunity to see them otherwise.”

She said the chick, whose sex is still unknown, is doing well. Though known for keeping to themselves and for their “roaming” natures, Bendigo and Waitaa have become “attentive and doting” first-time parents, and the chick is currently living in an area of the sanctuary that’s closed off.

That will open up more to the public as the chick grows and gets more resilient.

Ledington said the chick hatched in November, but this was kept secret until now due to a period of perilous weather that month.

“Takahē chicks in particular are quite vulnerable to cold, wet weather – they don’t have their feathers, so they just have down and it’s not waterproof, so if get wet they can get chilled.

“We just wanted to be a little bit certain that it was doing well, and just give it the best start in life.”

Bendigo, a male takahē, and Waitaa, a female, were believed to be a non-breeding pair. Supplied

The chick will be banded and vaccinated in March, and in time named and moved to a new home, as part of DOC’s Takahē Recovery Programme, Ledington said.

She said Bendigo, who hatched in 2017, and Waitaa, who hatched in 2020 are still a young pair – Takahē generally live to anywhere between 16-22 and are known to breed from the age of two into their mid-late teens.

As to why the unexpected occurred for Bendigo, who was thought to have fertility issues, Ledington said that’s an enigma that continues to confound staff.

“These are the mysteries of nature aren’t they… it’s not unheard of in Takahē world that when birds change partners they can have more breeding success. I don’t maybe… right girl, right place, right time.”

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

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Police arrest eight after gang targeted drug-bust in Southland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Detective senior sergeant Greg Baird says the social harm caused by illicit drugs is significant. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

A Southland police operation has ended in a mass drug and firearms bust, after police executed 12 search warrants around Invercargill.

Police said eight people were arrested after they seized methamphetamine, firearms and more than $3000 in cash.

Operation Diablo was led by Southland’s Organised Crime Group and Criminal Investigation Branch, with support from specialist teams including a Drug Detection Dog unit.

Police said they were targeting gang-related drug offending.

Detective senior sergeant Greg Baird said the social harm caused by illicit drugs was significant.

“Gang members facilitating this don’t care about the damage they cause,” detective Baird said.

“We will continue to find and prosecute those who think this sort of criminal activity is acceptable. People deserve to live, work and play in our communities without these negative influences ruining their plans.”

Police arrested five men and three women who have appeared in the Invercargill District Court charged with possession for supply of class A and class drugs, unlawful possession of a firearm and threatening behaviour.

Police investigations are ongoing, and further charges and arrests have not been ruled out.

During Operation Diablo, police seized:

  • Over 32 grams of methamphetamine
  • Various quantities of cannabis
  • Firearms and ammunition
  • More than $3,000 in cash
  • Multiple electronic devices

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

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Finance Minister Nicola Willis not standing for electorate seat at election

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will not be standing for an electorate seat at the next election.

At the last election, Willis campaigned for the Wellington electorate of Ōhāriu, which was narrowly won by Labour’s Greg O’Connor with 17,565 votes to Willis’ 16,305.

The electorate will next year be split into the new seats of Kenepuru and Kāpiti, which replace Mana and Ōtaki.

In a statement, Willis – who is also National’s deputy leader and has been confirmed as a list-only candidate – said she would campaign across New Zealand to re-elect a National government.

“I am honoured to have the support of the National Party Board to campaign across New Zealand to help re-elect a National Government focused on fixing the basics and building the future,” she said.

Willis said the economy was growing again and inflation had come down as a result of the government’s plan.

“We cannot take our recovery for granted. Labour have been clear – their plan is to tax more, borrow more, and spend more, leaving us worse off and jeopardising what all Kiwis have worked so hard for.

“With the economy recovering, exports at a record high and a new planning system on the way New Zealand is in safe hands under a National Government.

“I’m looking forward to supporting Christopher Luxon and National MPs and candidates around NZ to campaign for and win the Party Vote at next year’s General Election.”

O’Connor has said he intends to continue his political career, but will not challenge Labour colleage Barbara Edmonds.

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

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New World back delivering groceries to Coromandel peninsula by boat

Source: Radio New Zealand

Houses in Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Staff at the New World supermarket in Whitianga are back on the water as they deliver food to the Coromandel peninsula by boat.

New World has operated its Waka Kai service each holiday season since 2019, running groceries by sea to avoid the summer traffic.

Last year it upgraded to a larger vessel to keep up with demand.

“The old saying ‘we’re going to need a bigger boat’ has come true for New World Whitianga’s Waka Kai for sure,” Kerry Stanley, who runs the service, said.

“It’s 11.2 metres long so we can get up to 850 kilos of groceries at a time. We’ve been putting that to the test already with over four tonnes of groceries delivered in the first week.”

With an hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Coromandel Peninsula during the summer period, Stanley said New World had done the math and discovered boat deliveries were significantly faster than travelling by road.

“We realised that, as people who know the Coromandel well know, it’s one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand but the roads are challenging over summer because a lot of people want to come and enjoy that lovely holiday experience so it made it pretty difficult for our vans to deliver in a timely manner,” he said.

He said Waka Kai went as far as Pauanui, which is 60 kilometres away by road.

“It’s about an hour and a half on the road, but it’s only about 45 minutes on Waka Kai,” Stanley said.

He said the goal of the service was to let people relax, instead of sitting in traffic on their way to the supermarket.

“I was out on Waka Kai [on Sunday], we met some lovely people, big orders as they’re all expecting family and friends at this time of year, but they were just so relaxed and enjoying the service.”

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

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Ruatiti homicide: Police search bush for person of interest Mitchell Cole

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mitchell Cole. Supplied / NZ Police

Police say the 29-year-old they’re searching for after a double-homicide in the North Island has a dog with him.

Friends of sheep farmer husband and wife Brendon and Trina Cole say they were found dead at their Murumuru Road property in Ruatiti more than one week ago.

Their son, Mitchell Cole, has been missing since then and has been named by police as a person of interest.

Police said officers are continuing to search for Mitchell Cole in the Ruatiti bush on Monday and believe he has a black/blue bull mastiff dog with him.

Police are asking anyone heading into the bush there to be on the lookout and report any sightings. They should not approach him, police added.

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

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Couple lose home loan complaint in face of $50,000 break fee

Source: Radio New Zealand

The main banks are now advertising rates of 4.49 percent for 12 months. RNZ

A couple who regretted their decision to fix their home loan for five years in 2023 have been unsuccessful in their complaint against their bank.

They complained to the Banking Ombudsman, which issued a case note on its decision this month.

It said the couple fixed their home loan for one year in 2021 and 2022. But in 2023, they refixed at the lowest rate available, which was for five years.

Reserve Bank data shows that through 2023, the average special five-year rate was between 6.29 percent and 6.66 percent.

This year, they contacted the bank to ask about breaking their fixed term.

The main banks are now advertising rates of 4.49 percent for 12 months.

The couple said the bank had misled and pressured them into refixing the loan for five years.

The woman said she relied on advice from bank staff and wanted the bank to waive the cost of breaking the fixed term, which had been estimated at $45,000 to $50,000.

The ombudsman scheme said it reviewed the correspondence the couple had with the bank,

“There was no evidence bank staff pressured [her] when they refixed in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, [she] chose to fix for one year at the lowest available rate after being offered hardship assistance, which she declined. In 2022, both customers again chose a one-year term at the lowest rate.

“In 2023, [the customer] requested a home loan review session with a senior business manager. [She] recalled the manager saying interest rates were likely to rise, and said she relied on this advice when choosing to fix for five years. The bank did not record the conference call with her, although the manager shared the standard bank disclosures with her, and the manager’s follow-up email summarised the scenarios discussed and interest rate options. The email did not contain any advice or suggestion to fix for a five-year term.”

The ombudsman noted the woman asked about the five-year rate and accepted it, along with a $3000 loyalty payment, which required her to stay with the bank for at least three years.

“[She] was given time, options and accurate written information before she made the decision. We found no evidence of pressure or misleading conduct by the bank.

“We also considered whether the bank properly disclosed early repayment charges. The original loan agreement and subsequent variation letters explained how these charges were calculated and noted that such charges ‘could be large’. The bank met its obligations under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003.”

The complaint was not upheld.

Mortgage adviser Jeremy Andrews, of Key Mortgages said he did not see many cases like this.

“I did have a case last month where a client had fixed his loan in for five years with his bank directly at 6.39 percent. He didn’t receive any specific advice from the bank that there’s a was good chance of rates dropping over the next five years, and if they did, he could be looking at significant early payment penalties or break fees.

“He was horrified to find out how much the break fees were, even for a small mortgage with just over three years remaining, well into five figures of fees.

“Once we had his break fees on his mortgage, we ran figures through our break cost benefit calculator. Whilst his fees were substantial, it was looking in his favour at the time to pay the break fee to move onto lower rates at the most similar remaining term.”

He said it was part of a mortgage adviser’s job to check clients’ goals and help structure their mortgage to achieve them.

“We discuss the risks and costs of break fees, to confirm understanding before fixing in long term, and potential implications if there’s reasons they might want to restructure or break their fixed rate in future.”

Longer terms we restarting to become more popular again, he said.

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

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Jagpreet Singh, 20, named as person who died in south Auckland collision

Source: Radio New Zealand

The scene shortly after the crash. X/ New Zealand Transport Agency

Police have named a man who died in a crash in south Auckland earlier this month as 20-year-old Jagpreet Singh.

Singh was critically injured after his car collided with a truck on the South-Western Motorway near Mangere on 3 December.

He was rushed to hospital, but died about two weeks later.

Police said their enquiries were ongoing, and their thoughts were with his friends and family.

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Pair arrested after reports of stealing three full shopping trolleys from Auckland Kmart

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kmart in Botany, Auckland. Google Maps

A south Auckland woman will spend Christmas Eve in court after being charged with shoplifting at Kmart.

Police were called to Kmart in Botany about 10:30am on Sunday, after someone reported seeing a man and a woman stealing three shopping trolleys filled with items.

“Police have made a number of enquiries and subsequently located the vehicle at an address in Great South Road, Manurewa,” senior sergeant Simon Cornish said.

“Two people were quickly arrested and about $400 worth of goods were recovered from the vehicle.”

Cornish said Christmas was “a time for giving, not taking”.

Though two people were arrested, police only said a 35-year-old woman was charged with two counts of shoplifting and driving without a license.

She is due to appear in the Manukau District Court on Wednesday.

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