Category: Public Media

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Judge accused of verbally abusing NZ First leader Winston Peters to face conduct panel

Source: Radio New Zealand

District Court Judge Ema Aitken denies some of the claims. RNZ Insight/Dan Cook

The Chief District Court judge could be called to give evidence in the hearing of a judge accused of disrupting a New Zealand First event.

District Court Judge Ema Aitken will appear before a judicial conduct panel, after allegedly disrupting a function at Auckland’s exclusive Northern Club in 2024.

She is accused of shouting that NZ First leader Winston Peters was lying.

Judge Aitken said she didn’t shout, didn’t recognise Peters’ voice when she responded to remarks she overheard and didn’t know it was a political event.

A judicial conduct panel will review her conduct at a hearing in February.

A minute from last December indicated an intention from Judge Aitken, represented by David Jones KC, to call Chief District Court Judge Heemi Taumaunu.

“The Panel requests that the application foreshadowed by counsel for the Judge for a direction that a summons be issued to a witness should be filed by no later than Friday, 23 January 2026,” it said.

“That request applies to both the summons to the Ministry of Justice employee… and to the summons to the Chief District Court Judge.”

The panel overseeing the inquiry is led by retired Court of Appeal Judge Brendan Brown KC, and includes sitting Court of Appeal Judge Justice Jillian Mallon and former Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

It will determine facts and write a report to the attorney-general, including whether the removal of the judge is justified.

The inquiry is scheduled for Auckland next month.

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

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Football: Oceania Pro League kicks off in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ahead of the first game of the new professional Oceania Football League, starting in Auckland on Saturday, players and coaches are hopeful it will provide opportunities for more competition and talent development, as well as great watching for the fans.

  • Read more: Oceania prepares for football ‘revolution’ with official launch of first-ever professional league

    • The first game of the season, between Bula FC and Vanuatu United FC kicks off at 3pm, Saturday 17 January at Eden Park.

    At 7pm is the New Zealand derby, with Auckland FC taking on South Island United. On Sunday, Tahiti United play South Melbourne FC, followed by PNG Hekari FC against Solomon Kings FC.

    In the lead up to the opening game, Fiji’s Bula FC and Vanuatu United FC spent some time acclimatising to the cooler Auckland climate.

    Auckland’s weather fluctuations couldn’t keep the boys off the field at Takapuna’s Taharoto Park on Thursday.

    While both teams are expecting tough competition, Bula FC’s Roy Krishna said representing his country with pride is a win of its own.

    “For our boys it’s a privilege, it’s an honour to be part of the team, and we already have created history just being part of it, and now is the time to perform,” Krishna said.

    The striker-forward is no stranger to professional football. He rose from Labasa FC to become one of Oceania’s most decorated footballers, earning more than 60 caps for Fiji, starring for elite clubs across New Zealand and India, and cementing his legacy in 2019 by winning the Johnny Warren Medal as the A-League’s best player and top scorer.

    He sees a lot of talent amongst his young teammates and he is confident in their abilities to make it big in their own careers.

    “Professional football is not just playing football. It’s the discipline outside the field, how to look after your body.”

    “There’s a lot of talents back home in Fiji and across Oceania. But it’s just down to the individual, how much you want it… It’s not an easy journey… I think if the boys have the right mindset, right people around, I think they can go further than me, for sure.”

    Bula FC Striker-Forward Roy Krishna. RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton

    Krishna looks forward to seeing his teammates make their professional football debut this weekend.

    For Maikah Dau, playing alongside Krishna is a life achievement of its own.

    “Personally, it’s helped me a lot to learn on the pitch and off the pitch from a player like … Krishna, who has been professional. I’ve learned a lot through him,” Dau said.

    At only 16 years old, Dau is the youngest player on Bula FC, however he has already earned his flowers, captaining the U16 Fiji Men’s National Team to qualify for the FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup.

    But he said this tournament is different.

    “I’m really proud to represent my country in a professional league like this. Really proud, happy … a bit nervous, being the first time being a professional player, but really looking forward to it.”

    Bula FC’s youngest player Maikah Dau. RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton

    Dau dreams of going big internationally, hoping to some day play in Europe.

    He said the Oceania Football Confederation’s Professional League is opening the doors for Pacific people to achieve such dreams.

    “It’s an opportunity for me to showcase my talent. It’s an opener for me to take another step from amateur to professional.”

    Bula FC head coach Stephane Auvray said he has noticed a shift in energy since the team arrived in Auckland.

    He said the cooler weather also plays a part.

    “I think the players probably shifted a little bit towards competition mode. It was great for us coming back to this climate. It’s cooler than in Fiji, so it gave us more energy. The training was dynamic.”

    Vanuatu United FC training at Taharoto Park, Takapuna. RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton

    For the Vanuatu players, they look forward to seeing all their hard work put into action on the field.

    Vanuatu United FC goalkeeper Matthew Acton said the team are itching to play.

    “Everyone’s really excited, we obviously love to play football, and for us, it’s an honour to be able to play that first professional game in this tournament. I guess it’ll be an amazing day for us, and one that will go down the history books.”

    He is glad to see the OFC Pro League come to life, and make dreams come true for young footballers across the region.

    “It’s probably been a long time coming, and the opportunity now for a lot of the Pacific Island countries, it’s there now for them. So it’s about getting everything right in terms of the governance and the administration side of it and making sure that this competition is sustainable… We want this for generations to come,” Acton said.

    Vanuatu United head coach Lars Hopp said the competition will set new standards for football across Oceania.

    “For the whole South Pacific region, I think it’s a great new tournament, something to follow hopefully for many years to come. And it will set benchmarks around each country in terms of way of working, the way of playing.”

    Vanuatu United FC Head Coach Lars Hopp gives his team some pointers. RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton

    Hopp said these inaugural games will shape the future of the OFC Pro League.

    “It’s new territory, but it feels also with the other teams that we’re all in this together. And it’s a competition, but we also want to help each other and share knowledge to make sure that it becomes a really good competition for the whole region,” he said.

    As they approach their first game of the season against Bula FC, Hopp said they are expecting a challenge.

    “We know it will be a very difficult game. And then, if you prepare well, if you perform on the day, the result is the outcome, which obviously, we hope will be a good one for us,” Hopp said.

    “The boys are just looking forward to the first game.”

    Vanuatu United FC goalkeeper Matthew Acton. RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton

    He said they will fly Vanuatu’s flag with pride.

    “It’s the first time that there is a professional football club or sports team for that matter in Vanuatu. So I think for the players, but also for the staff and the people around the team, it’s a new step, and it’s a new level… So yeah, it’s a proud thing to be part of,” Hopp said.

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

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    Police looking for footage after fatal two-vehicle crash in Rotorua’s Tikitere

    Source: Radio New Zealand

    The fatal two-vehicle crash happened early on Thursday morning. NZ Police / Supplied

    Police are appealing for information after a fatal crash in Rotorua’s Tikitere.

    The two-vehicle crash happened around 4.20am on Thursday on State Highway 30.

    Two people were found dead at the scene and another person had moderate injuries.

    Police would like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage between the areas of Fenton Street, Rotorua and Curtis Road.

    Officers say they are looking for footage of a Green Honda Spike, or any information on the vehicle’s movements during the early hours of Thursday morning.

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

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    Examinations continue after Onehunga shooting leaves one in critical condition

    Source: Radio New Zealand

    An officer crosses the road inside the cordon on Alfred Street on Friday. RNZ/Calvin Samuel

    Forensic experts are spending a second day examining a house in the Auckland suburb of Onehunga where a man was shot.

    Police were called to the property on Arthur Street late on Friday morning following reports that several people had arrived at a house and fired shots.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce said a man has been in a critical condition in hospital.

    He said it looked like a targeted incident and there was no ongoing risk to the public.

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

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    Latest investigation into toddler Lachlan Jones’ death almost complete

    Source: Radio New Zealand

    Three-year-old Lachlan Jones drowned in the Gore District Council’s wastewater ponds in January 2020. SUPPLIED/ODT

    A third investigation into the death of preschooler Lachlan Jones is nearing completion.

    The three-year-old’s body was found in an oxidation pond in Gore seven years ago.

    Coroner Alex Ho instructed the Police to look into the case again in June last year.

    Two police investigations concluded it was an accidental drowning, but Lachlan’s father Paul Jones maintains he was murdered.

    Coroner Ho found Lachlan most likely fled home and accessed the pond himself, but he could not rule out foul play.

    Coroner Alexander Ho Stuff / Kavinda Herath

    Detective Inspector Darrell Harpur from Waikato is leading the investigation, overseen by Detective Superintendent Ross McKay.

    They were in contact with the Coroner’s office on Thursday to provide an update.

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

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    Man pulled from water at Mt Maunganui beach dies

    Source: Radio New Zealand

    A man was pulled from the water on Saturday at Pilot Bay, on the harbour side of Mount Maunganui. Supplied/ Bay of Plenty Regional Council

    A man has died after being pulled from the water at a beach in Mount Maunganui.

    Police said they were called to Pilot Bay on Saturday, just before 8:30am.

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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 looking for footage after after fatal two-vehicle crash in Rotorua’s Tikitere

    Source: Radio New Zealand

    The fatal two-vehicle crash happened early on Thursday morning. NZ Police / Supplied

    Police are appealing for information after a fatal crash in Rotorua’s Tikitere.

    The two-vehicle crash happened around 4.20am on Thursday on State Highway 30.

    Two people were found dead at the scene and another person had moderate injuries.

    Police would like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage between the areas of Fenton Street, Rotorua and Curtis Road.

    Officers say they are looking for footage of a Green Honda Spike, or any information on the vehicle’s movements during the early hours of Thursday morning.

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

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    Late lapses costly as Auckland FC go down to Melbourne City

    Source: Radio New Zealand

    Logan Rogerson of Auckland FC (left) reacts after missing a shot on goal during the A-League Round 13 match against Melbourne City, in Melbourne on Friday. photosport

    Auckland FC coach Steve Corica has bemoaned a lack of killer-instinct, following the A-League leaders’ 2-1 loss to Melbourne City.

    Friday night’s defeat in Melbourne was Auckland’s third of the season – the same number of losses they suffered last season across their entire maiden campaign when they comfortably finished top on the ladder.

    They remain top of this season’s standings, but Sydney FC are just two points back with two games in hand. Sydney will go to the top if they are victorious at home to Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.

    Corica said his side should have done better after taking the lead into the break courtesy of a fine goal from in-form forward Lachlan Brook – the Australian’s sixth of the campaign.

    “We had a couple of counter-attacks in the second half but we weren’t ruthless enough,” Corica said.

    “You know, we go up 1-nil, we need to finish teams off by getting the second goal and we didn’t do that.”

    Players celebrate a goal from Melbourne City’s Medin Memeti. photosport

    The visitors had the better of a tense first half, but Melbourne City created the better chances after break, rewarded by two late goals.

    The first was a contentious penalty, questioned by Corica, after a City shot struck the hand of defender Francis de Vries.

    Corica was forced into an early change when captain Hiroki Sakai went down when challenging for a header.

    The coach later revealed it was a hamstring problem, after the former Japanese international had returned from a lengthy stint on the sideline recovering from a similar issue.

    The change meant de Vries picked up the captain’s armband, after earlier in the day it was announced that the All Whites wing back had signed an extension to stay at the club until the end of 28/29 season.

    Auckland FC are at home to face the Central Coast Mariners next Saturday, 24 January.

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

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    Cricket v Rugby: What you need to know about Black Clash

    Source: Radio New Zealand

    Leon MacDonald is bowled with the last ball, as Team Cricket secure victory in 2025. Blake Armstrong/Photosport

    Black Clash T20 – Cricket v Rugby

    6.30pm, Saturday, 17 January

    Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui

    Live blog updates on RNZ

    History

    Billed as “New Zealand’s most electrifying sporting crossover”, Black Clash was created by Duco Events in 2019, adding to a stable that included Joseph Parker’s heavyweight boxing career and the Fight for Life charity event.

    Traditionally, it pits some of rugby’s biggest names against former cricketing stars, with a mix of other personalities, for a night of sporting entertainment, some surprising skills and orchestrated finishes.

    Over the seven previous matches, Team Cricket have won five – as you would expect – although Team Rugby actually prevailed in the inaugural match-up. That roster, coached by Sir Graham Henry, featured then-All Blacks skipper Kieran Read, predecessor Richie McCaw, and Beauden and Jordie Barrett, along with former Aussie cricket international David Hussey.

    The cricket contingent that night included former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming, World Cup hero Grant Elliott, batting star Nathan Astle, Black Ferns rugby star Kendra Cocksedge and former White Fern Liz Perry.

    Only five players have contested all seven fixtures and return for this year – Hamish Marshall, Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum among the cricketers, and Kaylum Boshier and Ofisa Tonu’u among the rugbyheads.

    Last year’s encounter ended in a last-ball, five-run win to Team Cricket, with former All Black and Blues coach Leon MacDonald needing a six off the last ball for victory, but losing his stumps to former Black Caps spinner Todd Astle.

    Team Cricket captain Nathan McCullum celebrates victory in the 2025 Black Clash. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

    Played under T20 rules, Black Clash is more like rugby sevens or darts than an international whiteball match. Patrons are encouraged to dress up in outlandish costumes, with the Alternative Commentary Team whipping the crowd into a collective frenzy.

    Attending the match

    The event generally switches between Christchurch, where it was staged last year, and Mt Maunganui, although the 2020 match took place at Napier.

    Generally, there are more rules for spectators than players, as organisers try to keep their riotous spectacle family friendly.

    Identification will be needed for access to hospitality zones. Costumes are encouraged, but no gang patches and no hi-vis clothing.

    Costumes must conform to standards of decency, so maybe leave the ‘onesies’ at home.

    With limited parking available in surrounding streets, organisers recommend carpooling or uber for transport to the ground.

    Team Rugby celebrate a wicket in 2025 Black Clash. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

    There’s a long list of items you CAN’T bring into the ground, but most fall under the category of commonsense – alcohol, pets (apart from assistance animals), dangerous weapons, large or offensive banners, fireworks, drugs etc.

    Smoking or vaping is not allowed, and drunks will be turned away at the gate.

    Teams

    Team Rugby: Kieran Read (captain), Jordie Barrett, Kaylum Boshier, Andy Ellis, David Hill, Michael Hussey, Ngani Laumape, Colin Slade, Tim Southee, Jason Spice, Ofisa Tonu’u, Joey Wheeler

    Team Cricket: Nathan McCullum (captain), Neil Broome, Grant Elliott, Hamish Marshall, Kyle Mills, Hadleigh Parkes, Adam Parore, Jesse Ryder, Lou Vincent, Neil Wagner, William Waiirua

    Players to watch

    Jordie Barrett: Perhaps the most highly decorated of the non-cricket players on display – he actually played Hawke Cup for Taranaki, while still at college – but he’s missed the last couple of Black Clash events.

    All Black Jordie Barrett is also a pretty fair cricketer, as he shows annually in the Black Clash. Photosport

    Barrett has featured in many of the close finishes, guiding Team Rugby to an upset win in the inaugural 2019 match, scoring an unbeaten 42 with the bat, taking two wickets with the ball and effecting a spectacular run out with a direct hit from the boundary.

    Michael Hussey: Known simply as ‘Mr Cricket’, due to his encyclopaedic knowledge of the sport, Hussey was a respected member of the successful Australian side from 2004-13, playing 79 tests, 185 one-dayers and 38 T20s. He averaged 51.52 runs across his test tenure, scoring 19 centuries.

    At 50, Hussey’s been called up as a ‘wildcard’ to bolster the rugby line-up, along with Blackcaps legend Tim Southee.

    Jesse Ryder: Simply one of the most talented cricketers to strap on pads for New Zealand, Ryder never quite fulfilled his immense potential, due to a series of injuries and off-field misadventures.

    Known as a powerful hitter of the ball, he scored a one-day 107 off 46 balls and compiled a test double-century, so his contributions could be spectacular.

    Sometimes the best seats in the house are not dry ones. Chris Symes/Photosport

    What will happen

    Absolutely anything can happen, but after a tumultuous week, rugby could sure use something to celebrate.

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

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    Local pilots to the rescue after dozens left stranded in Waioeka Gorge

    Source: Radio New Zealand

    More than 40 people were evacuated after flooding and slips shut State Highway 2 between Matawai and Ōpōtiki on Friday. Police/Supplied

    A local helicopter pilot helped bring stranded people to safety last night, after they were trapped in the Waioeka Gorge.

    A police-led rescue was launched on a stretch of State Highway 2, between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki on Friday night, after dozens of people were stranded by huge slips caused by heavy rain.

    Bay of Plenty Helicopters pilot Luke said he had made two rescues of four people, before being asked by police to begin taking people to Maunganuku carpark.

    Luke said many people were confused.

    ” A lot of them just had a slip in front of them, they didn’t know there were multiple slips, so they were asking ‘are we going to be stuck here for the day, will it be cleared tomorrow, and what is going to happen to my car?'”

    Luke said the people could have been taken to safety a lot sooner, if it was up to the local pilots.

    “We could have got everyone out quite quickly and easily given we had most of the afternoon to do it, but things were sort of pushed out to the afternoon.

    “It’s a very dangerous environment in there, there’s a single strand wire that criss-crosses all the way up so a lot of us operators we fly that a lot so we know the area.” he said.

    It is believed Motu Helicopters were also involved in the rescue operations.

    Police said more than 40 people were evacuated.

    Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said by midnight, helicopters had brought out everyone stuck between the slips.

    “It’s been a significant effort to reach so many people who were trapped, and I want to acknowledge the efforts of local helicopter pilots, New Zealand Defence Force staff, local and regional councils, and Police Search and Rescue staff.

    “It’s been a long operation, but we’re just thankful that everyone is safe – everyone we know about has been accounted for.”

    Inspector Cooney said helicopters took the evacuated motorists to a local campsite, where an NZDF NH90 helicopter ferried them to evacuation centres at Matawai and Ōpōtiki.

    “The recovery of the vehicles will take some time given the significant damage and number of slips through the gorge, but the main thing is nobody was hurt.”

    Another eight people in two private addresses will be evacuated on Saturday morning.

    Police said it will take some time to recover the vehicles given the significant amount of damage.

    The Transport Agency said the stretch of road will be closed all weekend.

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