Category: Public Media

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‘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.”

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RNZ broadcaster Corin Dann wins 2025 Bill Toft Award for journalism

Source: Radio New Zealand

Corin Dann. RNZ

Radio New Zealand senior journalist and broadcaster Corin Dann has won the 2025 Bill Toft Media Award.

Dann was announced as the winner on Thursday for a compilation of reporting, interviews and commentary on political, business and general issues.

The annual Bill Toft Media Award is awarded for the purpose of encouraging excellence in electronic media in New Zealand.

The judges said Dann’s entry displayed deep experience and a wide range of ability in reporting, interviewing and analysis, with rich content and polished presentation.

Swampy Marsh, a member of the judges panel, said the high standard of entries continued to illustrate the depth and quality of broadcasting in New Zealand.

Previous winners include Mike McRoberts and Mitch McCann.

Dann has been host of Morning Report since 2019, and will take on the role of RNZ’s new Business Editor in 2026.

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Wellington region to ditch Snapper public transport cards

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.”

He could not yet say what month the new technology would be rolled out.

NZTA and Snapper have been approached for comment.

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Qantas announces new services to Gold Coast and Samoa from Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Australian airline will launch new routes to Samoa and Gold Coast from June. AFP

Qantas has announced two new services out of Auckland, as it intensifies its battle with Air New Zealand.

The Australian airline will launch new routes to Samoa and Gold Coast from June.

The announcement follows new Qantas services to Adelaide and Perth from Auckland taking off in the past few weeks and the unveiling of its new lounge at Auckland International Airport on Monday afternoon.

The additional services and investment come as Qantas further extends its presence in the New Zealand market.

“Auckland is one of our most important international hubs and these announcements show the scale of investment and growth we’re making in New Zealand,” Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International & Freight said.

“Combined with our new Auckland lounge soon to open and this weekend’s launch of flights to Perth, we’re giving Kiwi travellers more choice and premium experiences than ever before.” .

Qantas CEO Cam Wallace. Matt Jelonek/Qantas

Both services will operate three times per week and will commence from 16 June, with tickets going on sale today.

Qantas will use Boeing 737 aircraft for the flights, making it the only airline offering business class flights to the Gold Coast from Auckland.

Qantas’ inaugural Auckland to Perth service took off on Sunday, and connects with the airline’s direct flights from Western Australia to London, Paris, Rome and Johannesburg.

The Gold Coast service will depart Auckland at 10:20am, arriving in Gold Coast at 12:00pm. Economy fares will start at $320.

Airfares on its year-round flights to Apia will start at $370. It will be the first time Air New Zealand has faced competition on the route since Samoa Airways ended its service in 2022.

Air New Zealand and Jetstar currently operate services between Auckland and Gold Coast.

Cam Wallace will be speaking to Morning Report on RNZ National on Tuesday morning

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Alice Robinson follows slalom win with another podium finish

Source: Radio New Zealand

Alice Robinson of New Zealand speeds down the course during a World Cup giant slalom race in Italy, 2025. PHOTOSPORT

Queenstown skier Alice Robinson has continued her top form on the World Cup circuit.

Robinson followed up her giant slalom victory at Tremblant in Canada on Sunday with a third place finish on the same course on Monday.

The result marks the 20th World Cup podium of her career and her third in four rounds this season.

The 24-year-old remains top of the giant slalom standings, eight points ahead of Austrian Julia Scheib who won Monday’s race.

Robinson was quickest after the first run but a tiny error on the second run meant she was a second slower than Scheib and finished 0.78 seconds behind the Austrian with Sara Hector of Sweden second.

Robinson leads the giant slalom standings with 292 points, with Scheib in second with 280 points and Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic in third with 178 points.

The Giant Slalom World Cup Tour will now take a break until 27 December.

Robinson will now turn her attention to World Cup speed events starting with the Downhill and Super G races in St. Moritz, Switzerland, next weekend.

The Olympics are in Italy in February.

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Gorse fire flare-up in North Canterbury contained

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Dozens of firefighters battled a a gorse fire near the Waimakariri River in North Canterbury on Monday.

The fire near Poyntzs Road in Eyrewell was a flare-up from a scrub fire on Sunday.

About 45 firefighters and two helicopters were called to the scene about 5.10am on Monday.

Fire and Emergency said the blaze had been contained and nine fire trucks remained at the fire, which had burned an area roughly 300 metres by 300 metres.

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What to consider before putting a bar tab on your credit card

Source: Radio New Zealand

As common as it is to leave your card on the bar to run a tab it can be a mistake. Unsplash/ Simon Kadula

Leaving your credit card on the bar to run up a tab this summer might be an expensive mistake.

Financial Services Complaints Ltd, an external dispute resolution scheme for some of the country’s financial service providers, said it was common practice but could be a breach of your card provider’s terms and conditions.

In one case it dealt with recently, a couple were in Miami on holiday with friends.

They booked a table at a day club with a minimum spend of $3000.

They handed over their card when they arrived and it was charged when they ordered food and drinks.

“[They] said they ordered a drinks package and some food for their guests, totalling around US$1700 (NZD$2,941).” FSCL said.

They collected their credit card on the way out but did not receive a receipt. They expected the bill to be US$3000 (NZD$5190).

“When they got home and checked their credit card statement, they saw that they had been charged over US$7500 (NZD$12,110).”

FSCL said they asked for a receipt and planned to dispute the charge but did not get a response. They then applied for a chargeback with their card provider.

“The credit card provider initially issued the chargeback. However, they later reversed the chargeback after the day club provided their response and copies of several signed receipts. The card issuer said that these signed receipts, along with the fact that the charges were processed in person with the card present, supported the day club’s view that all the charges, totalling US$7500 (NZD$12,110) were ‘authorised’.”

They complained to FSCL that the signatures on the receipts were not theirs and they had been overcharged by US$4700 (NZD$8,131).

FSCL looked into it and found the credit card providers’ terms and conditions said a consumer would not be liable for unauthorised charges if they complied with the card terms and conditions.

But that included keeping the card in their possession and secure at all times, and not letting anyone else use the card, as well as taking their card back after they made a charge.

“We acknowledged that it may be common practice for some venues, particularly hospitality venues, to ask to hold onto the consumers credit card, and that it may even be required at some venues.

However, allowing anyone else to take possession of your credit card is a risk, and a risk that [this couple] willingly took. By allowing the day club to hold onto their card, [they] compromised the security of the card, and breached the card terms and conditions.

This meant that [they] were liable for the charges even though they claimed they had not authorised them.”

FSCL said the credit card provider had done what it could to help by attempting to charge back the disputed charge.

“However, when the day club provided evidence to support the charge, the credit card provider was required to reverse the chargeback.

“We acknowledged [the couple’s] comments about the validity of the receipts the day club submitted. However, it was not our role to investigate the day club’s actions and assess whether the receipts were valid. We explained that our role was to look at whether the credit card provider had to refund the unauthorised charges. [They] could continue to dispute the charges with the day club directly.”

FSCL ombudsman Susan Taylor said it was a good reminder for credit cardholders.

“With the holiday season upon us, people may be tempted to leave a card behind the bar when hosting parties.

“It might feel normal to let a venue ‘babysit’ your card to keep a tab running, but that convenience can come at a high price,” she said. “If you hand your card over and walk away, you are risking someone using your card and charging items to it without your knowledge.

“Your credit card is effectively a direct line to your money. You’re responsible for all the charges, even those made without your authority, if you’ve breached the terms and conditions,” Ms Taylor said.

“Keeping it in your hands is the simplest way to stop a fun night out from turning into a very expensive one. Remember to get a receipt for the items you’ve bought and check statements promptly so any surprises are picked up early.”

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Matariki 2026 will be held at Takaparawhau in Auckland, hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tu Natanahira/RNZ

Steam from the umu at Takaparawhau rises upward towards the stars, as Kai is lifted from the ground during Matariki 2024.

Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, is set to host the national Matariki ceremony for 2026.

The hautapu ā-motu will be held at Takaparawhau on July 10 and hosted by mana whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

They are no strangers to holding hautapu, having previously hosted four of the largest Matariki gatherings in the country.

The site at Takaparau will give attendees a pristine view of Auckland Harbour and the many islands and coastlines dotted through it.

The celebration will be broadcast across Aotearoa New Zealand with a distinct theme – “Matariki herenga waka – For Everyone”.

Professor Rangi Mātāmua at the site set for the 2026 Matariki ceremony, Takaparawhau. Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira

Speaking to RNZ at the planned hautapu site, Professor Rangi Mātāmua – one of the architects of the Matariki public holiday and chief Matariki advisor – said the theme reflected Auckland’s role as a global city.

“If you consider the makeup of the region that Ngāti Whātua encompass, and the Tāmaki region, it is a home for people from across the globe, it’s the biggest Polynesian community, in the world and it also has people here from across the globe, from all different ethnicities and cultures and backgrounds.”

“The phrase ‘Tāmaki Herenga Waka’ means, ‘Tāmaki, a place where people moor their canoes’. We’ve taken that and massaged it a little bit to be’ Matariki herenga waka’.” he said.

Mātāmua said the 2026 celebration would likely be the largest so far.

“There’s not really a template for doing something like this – establishing a national holiday – and I think it has been very successful because of the themes.”

“It’s about reflecting on the past, celebrating the present, looking to the future but it’s underpinned by sharing, being aware of the environment, celebrating who we are and the things that we value.”

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei kaikōrero Kīngi Makoare. Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei kaikōrero Kīngi Makoare told RNZ the format his people use to host hautapu had proven to be a success.

“We’re doing some infrastructure work at the moment on the ground to make sure it’s stable as possible through those winter months so that we’re able to host, utilising other things like technology, big screens.”

“Bringing our own whānau as well as the wider general public that are actually really excited to know more about Matariki and know how they can celebrate it in public and in their own homes is really, really exciting for us.” he said.

Makoare said Matariki served as an opportunity for his people to reconnect with the taiao, or environment – something that can be difficult in the country’s largest city.

“We have a kōrero here, ‘Tāmaki Makaurau kainga ngā ika me ngā wheua katoa’ essentially talking about the abundance that once was here in Tāmaki.”

“With the ongoing intensification and urbanization of Tāmaki Makaurau, that level of abundance has decreased dramatically.”

“Unfortunately, my generation doesn’t know what that abundance looks like. The real focus [is] the reconnection with the taiao, reconnection with ourselves and reconnection with some of those rituals and ceremonies that have been handed down from our tūpuna.” Makoare said.

Speaking at the announcement this evening, Minister for Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith said more New Zealander were engaging with, and enjoying, Matariki ceremonies across the country.

“That task of rebuilding, re-finding, understanding and reimagining in a modern world, an ancient tradition, I think that’s been very interesting.

“Also becoming more and more clear is that linked with the stars, there are many cultures that celebrate this passage of time in different ways and so I think that’s becoming an interesting element to it, that more and more people from around the world have seen what we’re doing here and become quite interested in it.” he said.

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Black Caps call in more reinforcements

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kristian Clarke of New Zealand Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz

Northern Districts pace bowler Kristian Clarke has joined the Black Caps squad ahead of this week’s second Test against West Indies in Wellington.

Clarke is the second uncapped player to join the squad after Canterbury fast bowler Michael Rae.

New Zealand’s lead pace bowler Matt Henry, along with Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner have been ruled out of the rest of the series with injuries.

Henry suffered a calf injury during the first Test in Christchurch, while Smith suffered a side strain. Both players were unable to bowl in the West Indies’ second innings.

Santner is recovering from abdominal surgery in August.

The New Zealanders had a patched-up team complete the first Test at Hagley Oval with Tom Latham forced to take over the wicketkeeping gloves from an injured Tom Blundell, while Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, who were also both recovering from injuries, were called on to be substitute fielders.

With Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes forced to get through a lot of overs at Hagley Oval, they will be monitored over the next couple of days.

Blair Tickner is the other bowling option. He has played three tests for New Zealand.

Clarke was called in as cover for the ODI series against England in October when Matt Henry went down with a calf strain.

He and Rae now come into contention to make their Test debuts as the Black Caps face a stern test of their bowling depth.

Mitch Hay is expected to keep wickets in the second Test, while Blundell could be considered fo the third Test at Bay Oval.

Hay is poised for his Test debut but is already capped in white ball cricket.

New Zealand Cricket said they would update their squad Monday night.

The first Test ended in a draw with the second Test starting on Wednesday.

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Scrutiny Week in review: Politics vs oversight

Source: Radio New Zealand

VNP/Louis Collins

Parliament’s final weeks of the year began with Scrutiny Week, and while bellicose exchanges dominated headlines, much examination took place in relatively calmer hearings.

Coverage of Parliament’s biannual scrutiny weeks is often dominated by the more theatrical moments of verbal sparring between ministers and opposition MPs.

But in the hearings where ministers are absent, leaving only ministry officials and committee MPs present, the lack of a minister-vs-opposition dynamic allows for a more inquisitive and constructive dialogue.

One such example last week was the annual review hearing of the Ministry of Justice, which carried a noticeably calmer, more focused tone.

There is considerable crossover between membership of the Justice Committee and the MPs who you might call ‘practitioners of the committee of the whole House stage’; those their parties often rely on to dissect the finer details of legislation. Among them is Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan, who this week dissected annual report numbers with justice officials and went deep into the data on Māori representation in the justice system. The exchange between Xu-Nan and officials was hardly dramatic, but it demonstrated the scrutiny process unfolding in real time.

With less temptation for political tit-for-tat MPs have more room for MPs to really probe the data. Labour MP Duncan Webb used his time to probe the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime and the financial numbers coming from its work. It was a lengthy exchange that, appropriately for a former senior law practitioner, felt like a gentle but revealing courtroom cross-examination.

“Is there any concern around the costs that have been incurred by members of that group?” Webb asked Secretary for Justice Andrew Kibblewhite.

VNP/Louis Collins

“The group is doing its work. They’re busy and they’re producing quite a lot of advice for ministers. As part of that they’re running quite a lot of engagements,” Kibblewhite replied.

Webb: “What’s the audit check when people put claims in for days worked that the days were worked?”

Kibblewhite: “We would take a member’s claim for days worked on face value.”

Webb: “It’s just, I mean, in terms of the chair, he claimed for 154 days between February and July 25, meaning he worked five days a week in one or two days every weekend and took none of the six public holidays in that period. Does that raise any concern?”

Kibblewhite: “Look, I think this is a pretty passionate undertaking for the chair, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he did work very long days and hours on it.”

This tangent of inquiry continued for some time, with Webb interrogating the costs incurred by both the chair and the advisory group, ranging from salaries to events, including a $3,000 lunch that Justice officials could offer little detail about.

The full exchange took a number of minutes and while fascinating and instructive was not brimming with classic newsy soundbytes. It is likely that scrutiny done well seldom is.

Of course governing-party MPs have the opportunity to ask questions too. Much like in Question Time, some are patsy questions, but in a room without ministers they can take on a different tone. Less jumping in the ring with your colleague, and more rhetorical prompts (but always answered). Questions are aimed at countering Opposition narratives or drawing out positives that officials have not raised.

Following Webb’s probing, National MP Carl Bates offered a gentle counterweight by drawing attention to positive feedback he had received from one of his constituents in Whanganui.

“I got an email the other day from one retailer on the Quay,” Bates said. “I’m interested if the sentiment she shared with me is similar to the sentiment you’re hearing from these meetings across the country. She said, ‘I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised by the amount of work happening behind the scenes to support victims of retail crime, as well as the stronger measures being put in place to hold offenders accountable. It’s encouraging to see that meaningful changes are underway and that positive progress is being made.’

VNP/Louis Collins

In his reply, Kibblewhite said that they had no detailed surveys, so was cautious not to agree or disagree, but said that the group had been productive and had produced much advice for the Minister.

While the quotable moments extracted for news coverage from Scrutiny Week are often the hostile ones; these more audibly tedious, prescriptive hearings likely tell us far more about how our public entities performed over the past year.

To listen to The House’s coverage from scrutiny week, click the link near the top of the page.

*RNZ’s The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament’s Office of the Clerk.

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