Category: Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lake Rotomanu in New Plymouth will be emptied this week to allow scientists to get a full picture of the extent of a freshwater gold clam infestation.

The invasive clam Corbicula fluminea was found in the lake on 8 November, the first discovery in New Zealand outside the Waikato River.

The lake was closed to motorised watercraft days later.

The Taranaki Regional Council said the Lake Rotomanu outlet would be opened 11 December and it would take about four days for the lake to drain.

During this time the fish population would be harvested in partnership with local hapū, who would utilise as many fish recovered as possible.

Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) leads the newly established Regional Corbicula Coordination Group (RCCG) alongside New Plymouth District Council (NPDC), Ngāti Te Whiti hapū, Biosecurity New Zealand, Fish & Game, Earth Sciences NZ and others.

TRC Environment Services Manager Steve Ellis said before draining the lake the RCCG had to ensure the clams would not spread to the Waiwhakaiho River.

“Over the last few weeks we’ve carried out testing and obtained advice on the salinity and flow of the river. We are confident any clams or larvae will be quickly washed the short distance out to sea.

“Given that assurance the RCCG has asked lake owners NPDC to now empty the lake so we can get a good look at exactly what we are dealing with.”

A team from Earth Sciences NZ would next week carry out a detailed survey of the whole lakebed to determine where and how widespread the clams were, how deep they had burrowed and estimate the age of the clams present.

That information would help inform the next steps in the response. In particular, whether an elimination attempt was feasible and if so, what the treatment options were and how much they would cost.

Ellis said the financial cost of elimination was likely to be significant and at this point it was unclear how it would be funded and by whom.

“To be clear, there is no guarantee we will attempt to treat or eliminate the clams, even if it is technically feasible.

“We all want the best for the region and we’re all aware of the massive economic damage these clams can do, so we’re having those conversations as a matter of urgency. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to seeing what the lakebed survey uncovers.”

The recreational lake would need to stay empty for the summer, which Ellis said was not a decision made lightly.

“We know it’s a popular summer spot and that locals and visitors will be disappointed, but we hope they understand the reasons for it.

“The invasive clam Corbicula is a massive threat to our infrastructure, economy, ecosystems and recreational use of all the region’s waterways, so we need to act now to give ourselves the best chance of preventing long-term damage or recreational restrictions.”

Ellis said testing at Lakes Rotokare, Ratapiko, Rotorangi and the Waiwhakaiho River had not found any clams, while eDNA testing of the water had also been clear. While encouraging, that did not mean they were not present.

Boaties, jet skiers, kayakers and other lake users were asked to be extra vigilant this summer, so as not to unknowingly spread the clam or other freshwater pests. Juvenile clams produced an invisible sticky thread of mucus which attached to surfaces, like boats and recreational gear.

Lake users were encouraged to always follow the Check, Clean, Dry procedure when moving between waterways and if possible, wake boats should be kept to just one lake.

A washdown trailer was on its way to Taranaki, courtesy of Biosecurity New Zealand, and would be set up at popular lakes over the summer.

Two dedicated Check, Clean, Dry ambassadors would also be in the region to spread the message, supported by new signage, direct education with clubs and organisations and a social media campaign.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The family of a man who died 10 days after allegedly being assaulted by his cellmate at Mt Eden prison want Corrections to be held accountable for any failures that led to his death.

Jonathan Peter Trubuhovich died in Auckland City Hospital on Tuesday. The 69-year-old’s death is the third homicide investigation involving inmates in double-bunk cells at the prison since September last year.

A spokesperson for the Trubuhovich family says they are in “shock” at his death.

“We do want Corrections to be held accountable in any area where there has been a lapse in oversight where procedure wasn’t followed.

“This is the third one, we don’t want this to happen to another family. We don’t want Jonathan to have died without some sort of progress in Corrections.”

RNZ has obtained several documents in relation to Trubuhovich’s criminal history, which details nearly 200 convictions, mainly for shoplifting, burglary and other theft as well as convictions for assault.

He was remanded in custody to Mt Eden prison on 7 May and was due to be sentenced in the Auckland District Court on 15 December on charges of burglary by night, shoplifting and disorderly behaviour.

Court documents state the offending occurred between 1 and 6 May this year.

The burglary involved entering a person’s property about 3am on 1 May and eventually leaving with two bikes worth more than $5000.

The first shoplifting incident was on 4 May when he stole a box of condoms and a litre container of ice cream from a supermarket.

On 4 May Trubuhovich entered a Mobil petrol station and was asked to leave after causing a minor disturbance.

He returned about 10 minutes later and the store worker called police.

Trubuhovich took offence to this and punched the staffer with a closed fist in the left arm once. The victim suffered no injuries.

Then, on 6 May he stole a handbag from a Louis Vuitton store worth $4700.

The disorderly behaviour charge related to an incident where he yelled and behaved aggressively towards a bus driver and spat onto the bus doors.

Trubuhovich’s lawyer James McGilvary obtained a drug and alcohol report for his sentencing.

The report, seen by RNZ, said he was a man whose life had been “shaped by lifelong addiction, persistent offending, and entrenched antisocial behaviour”.

“He reported intravenous heroin use from a very young age and has maintained a pattern of substance dependence ever since, including long-term use of methamphetamine, amphetamines, cannabis, and alcohol. His offending, both past and current, appears closely tied to his addiction, either through intoxication or the need to fund his drug use.”

Trubuhovich had spent much of the past six years in prison with only brief periods out.

“He advised of early ties with criminal groups, including the Mr Asia syndicate and the Hells Angels, which he appears to have operated on the periphery of.

“Despite his troubled past, he maintains strong relationships with his children and extended family, who remain concerned for his well-being due to a noted decline in psychological presentation and behaviours.”

Trubuhovich expressed regret for his offending and repeated behaviour’s post-release, the report said.

“He has committed family support, a plan for housing and financial independence, and is open to AOD [Alcohol and Other Drugs] rehabilitation. Supporters seek guidance and hope for a psychological assessment pre-release.”

The report said Trubuhovich had a strong relationship with his children and was “well-loved” by his family.

“He has long been known as a loving and gentle person, someone who was great company and deeply valued within his family.”

He had used substances consistently since he was at least 14.

“This has caused significant harm to his health, relationships, and ability to maintain employment.”

His brother told the report writers that the family was worried he would get hurt or hurt someone else.

“We really want to support him, and are happy to do whatever he needs to do that, but we need to know what it is that is going on for him, so that we can have the right support for him.

“The last four of five years, we’ve noticed the psychotic behaviours getting worse.”

Family want answers

Speaking to RNZ, a family spokesperson said they understood Trubuhovich was likely to be released at sentencing due to time served.

“We had accommodation, we had a whole lot of things set up for him which we had been trying to do. We were looking forward to him coming out so that we could house him and rehabilitate him and do all sorts of things.”

The family noticed about five years ago his behaviour changed and became more “irresponsible and erratic” and were trying to get him help.

They have a series of questions they want answered by Corrections including when he was injured.

The spokesperson said they were aware of Trubuhovich’s criminal history.

“It doesn’t reflect the person we knew, he got mouthy and lippy because he was institutionalised.

“When he was with us he was fun. He loved life, he loved his family.”

Mt Eden Corrections Facility (MECF) general manager Dion Paki earlier told RNZ that staff found Trubuhovich had been injured at 10.40am on 29 November.

He was assessed by on-site medical and taken to hospital.

“The alleged perpetrator was immediately secured and placed on directed segregation.”

In a statement to RNZ, McGilvary said Trubuhovich’s death was “entirely preventable”.

“Overcrowding in correctional facilities, driven by government policies mandating stricter enforcement against criminal activity, has resulted in historically high incarceration rates.

“This situation is compounded by insufficient oversight attributed to staffing shortages. Consequently, inmates are spending extended periods in confined spaces, increasing the likelihood of incidents.”

He said Mt Eden Correctional Facility was “currently the largest provider of mental health care in New Zealand”.

Unless additional government resources are allocated to address mental health issues-particularly within the incarcerated population-and appropriate treatment facilities are established, it is likely that similar incidents will continue to occur.”

Police have confirmed a homicide investigation is under way.

MECF acting general manager Edith Pattinson acknowledged the man’s death had been a “difficult and distressing time for his loved ones and our thoughts remain with them”.

“Police are investigating and Corrections is also carrying out a full review into this incident. An investigation by the independent Corrections Inspectorate will also be carried out. If these investigations and reviews identify areas where we need to strengthen our processes, we are absolutely committed to acting on these with urgency.

“We can confirm the victim was in a shared cell and that the suitability of this placement is part of our review into this matter. Understandably, the victim’s family will have questions they would like answered.”

Corrections had been in regular contact with the man’s family, and once the review was complete they would share the findings with them when they are able to do so.

Corrections’ review would look into what risk assessments were done such as the Shared Accommodation Cell Risk Assessment (SACRA).

RNZ earlier revealed there had been two suspected murders, both involving double-bunked cells, in nine months at the prison.

Corrections use the SACRA tool to review the compatibility of individuals before they were placed in a shared cell.

The SACRA tool identified key risk factors to consider before placing a person in a shared cell.

If a person was deemed not suitable to double bunk, a Not to Double Bunk (NTDB) alert was activated on their profile.

Corrections custodial services commissioner Leigh Marsh earlier confirmed he requested a review of the SACRA process which was under way.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Transport Agency says the Mount Victoria tunnel has now fully reopened after a crash.

Police were called to a two-car crash on State Highway 1 in the southbound lane near the entrance to the tunnel around 2.30pm.

One person received minor injuries, a police spokesperson said.

About 3.30pm, the Transport Agency said emergency services and contractors were on site with a tow on the way to clear the crashed vehicles.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Some of the dog names registered in New Plymouth this year have been barking.

New Plymouth District Council animal services lead Kimberley Laurence says the names owners give their dogs are a reflection of how much they love their best friend.

“Who wouldn’t enjoy a night in settled on the couch with a bag of corn chips and Guacamole – the family Vizla?

“Neapolitan mastiffs are usually big dogs with large appetites, but Jelly Bean was surely named for their sweet personality. And Tui Belles Roux tells me this is a German shepherd with a lot of character.”

Laurence said other names that leapt out of the pack this year included Chicabella, Chico Chan, Gyeoul Winter and Bobo Baggins.

The five most popular dog names are much the same as last year: Bella (145), Poppy (133), Charlie (122), Luna (119) and Max (112).

Laurence said there were about 11,500 dogs registered in the New Plymouth district at the end of June.

“There were 309 dogs impounded in 2024/25 for wandering, attacks and other issues, down from 414 the previous 12 months.”

All dogs aged three months or older must be registered.

Laurence said as the weather heats up, the animal control team had some tips for keeping your dog happy and healthy during the hot summer months:

• Never leave your dog in the car – heat stroke could come on fast, even on moderately warm days. Leave your pet at home in a cool, shady spot with fresh water
• Give your dog two bowls of fresh water at home in case one tips over.
• If leaving your dog at home, give it a variety of toys to keep it from being bored and barking. Puzzle-feeders and interactive toys were great options.
• Give your dog frozen treats in a bowl or ice-cube tray. They took longer to eat so keep your dog occupied, as well as helping it keep cool on hot days.
• Be careful transporting dogs on ute trays because the surface could get very hot and burn their feet. Give them a shaded spot or pop them into a dog crate with good ventilation.
• Exercise dogs early morning or late evening when temperatures (and pavement surfaces) were cooler, and keep walks/runs short so they don’t get over-exerted in the heat. Remember: dogs could get sunburned too.
• Walk dogs on grass or dirt tracks instead of hard surfaces and be aware of how hot black-sand beaches could get – if it’d burn your bare feet, it would hurt theirs.
• Fleas and parvo were both more common in summer, so keep up with vaccinations and flea treatments.
• If your dog went missing over the summer season, check if it was in NPDC’s dog pound by calling 06-759 6060.

As well as managing the local dog population, NPDC’s animal control service attended incidents involving wandering stock such as cattle, sheep, horses and pigs.

The council also ran dog safety talks for community groups, provided advice to animal owners, investigated dog attacks, provided dogs for adoption through the dog pound, and enforced the Dog Control Bylaw.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Glen Innes locals are mourning the death of a man killed on a bus in the Auckland suburb this week.

Two passengers were stabbed on the same number 76 bus on Monday night, first in Glen Innes and later in Ōrakei.

The first passenger died from their wounds, and the other was seriously injured.

A 36-year-old man was remanded in custody when he appeared in the Auckland District Court today charged with murder and grievous assault.

By Wednesday, several flower bouquets rested outside the Fenchurch Superette in Glen Innes, where the 59-year-old victim received first aid before being rushed to hospital and later dying from his injuries.

Fenchurch Superette manager Praful Patel was in charge of the store on Monday night, and ran to help.

“I heard the commotion outside and somebody told me that somebody got stabbed and I ran out. I think I was the third or fourth person who ran out. I knew exactly who the person was,” he said.

“I ran back inside the shop, got some t-shirts, you know, because I didn’t have any towels, because he was bleeding profusely, you know, trying to stop the bleeding.”

Patel said a nurse who happened to be nearby did her best to keep him alive.

“Lucky there was a nurse that was coming to the business and the dairy here, and she was helping him out. Without her help, I think he would have died probably another 10 minutes earlier,” he said.

Patel recognised the victim as a regular customer.

“I’ve known him for about 20, 25 years. Yeah, he’s a local boy, lives up the road there. He’s got a family, he’s got a son, he’s got a daughter,” he recalled.

“He’s a real nice guy, absolutely nice guy, humble guy.”

Police arrested a 36-year-old man on Tuesday afternoon, following a manhunt.

The cordon in Glen Innes had been lifted, and residents were trying to get on with daily routines.

But local man David said he did not feel safe anymore.

“It put a shudder down my body soon as I heard about it. I thought, ‘oh my God, that’s too close, that’s too close’,” he said.

“There’s too much stabbing and people getting bloody shot and everything. It’s not safe in Auckland anymore.”

Another resident Preethy was waiting for a bus just a few metres from the scene.

While a suspect had been arrested, Preethy still felt nervous.

“I do feel unsafe travelling, but it’s just… Life goes on,” she said.

“Like, okay, yeah, they have arrested someone, but you never know, like, when a person can go crazy and attack random people. I was stunned something like this could happen here. It’s scary, yeah.”

Fellow commuter Larson felt the same way.

“Yeah, it’s awful news. I mean, it’s close to home. I catch this bus every day, and so it’s one of those things where, you know, we start thinking about other ways of commuting because, yeah, it’s just nasty.”

Larson said he felt hesitant to take the bus on Wednesday morning, but had little choice.

“My partner and I were discussing other options last night, but it’s one of those things where you kind of just have to do what you’ve got to do,” he said.

“I’m glad the police have got him, but you never know. You see some odd figures around every now and then, and you’ve always just got to keep your wits about you, I suppose.”

In Ōrakei, where a second person was stabbed and received serious injuries, one local who asked not to be named questioned the lack of mental health support in the community.

“Everybody knows that there’s no network support system set up to properly help assist people, mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, even with our wellbeing and our living. Nobody really is considering the proper way to pick up these pieces,” they said.

Patel echoed that sentiment.

He said that such an unstable individual should not have been allowed in the community.

“I’m glad that they found him, but why was he in the community in the first place?”

“How safe are you catching a public transport or the public trains or anything like that? When a person is not stable, there should be a facility where they should be getting looked after.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Plymouth readers checked out more than 667,000 books from the Puke Ariki library this year with a historical novel set during the Vietnam War topping the list of adult fiction issues – again.

Kristin Hannah’s novel The Women was issued 159 times, capturing top spot as it did last year. Not far behind was her novel The Four Winds with 112. Lee Child’s In Too Deep came in second with 140 issues.

Tumuaki Whare Pukapuka – Puke Ariki Manager, Angela Jowitt, said thriller fans couldn’t get enough of Lee Child and Freida McFadden, with multiple titles by both authors featuring in the top issues list.

“This year’s borrowing stats continue to reflect the interests of our community. So whether you’re after a gripping thriller for the beach or a cookbook to try out a new recipe, or a memoir to inspire you in 2026, our friendly team can help you find your next read.”

The non-fiction list reflected readers’ appetite for inspiration and self-improvement.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s memoir A Different Kind of Power was the most-borrowed non-fiction title with 95 issues, followed by Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory (94).

Memoirs from Ruth Shaw, Jenny-May Clarkson, and Alison Mau resonated strongly with readers seeking authentic Aotearoa stories.

Jowitt said on the teen shelves, Suzanne Collins dominated the list with three Hunger Games titles making the top 10, including prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (issued 33 times) and brand-new release Sunrise on the Reaping (50).

Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide… series (133) and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson adventures (82) also proved addictive for young adult readers.

In Puke Ariki’s Discover It! children’s section, younger readers had an unwavering devotion for graphic novel adaptations of The Baby-Sitters Club (726) and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series (470) – proving that engaging stories and vibrant illustrations remain timeless.

Jowitt said as summer beckoned and the beach calls, Puke Ariki was encouraging Taranaki readers to borrow one of 2025’s most-borrowed titles from its catalogue for their holiday reading – all free with your library card.

“Leap into your new favourite book this summer at Puke Ariki or any of our community libraries.”

Beyond books, the New Plymouth District Council run Puke Ariki offered free wifi, research support, free events, and digital resources such as film streaming and eBooks accessible 24/7. Joining was easy and free and did not expire.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Plymouth’s Koha Café is the latest local crisis recovery cafe to receive a funding boost from the government.

The Koha Café – run by the Taranaki Retreat – is to receive $250,000.

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey, who made the announcement at the café today, said emergency departments were often not the best place for people suffering mental distress.

“Many people have told me that brightly lit, busy, clinical spaces can feel overwhelming and are not always therapeutic. Crisis cafés offer an alternative. They are a calm, peer-led, non-clinical space where people can get support.

“I’ve always said the solutions already exist within our community sector, they just need the opportunity to be backed. This café is a great example. It will be run by Taranaki Retreat, which has been providing mental health support to people across Taranaki for the past 11 years.

“They are already making a difference in the community, and this new investment will help them reach even more people.

“Lived experience roles are starting to gain more traction here in New Zealand. We are better utilising peer support workers in a range of settings, including emergency departments, eating disorder services, and crisis alternatives.”

Doocey said it had been heartening to hear that they were already making a real difference.

“One worker told me that, reflecting on her own experience the peer support service is exactly what she wishes she had when she was struggling, someone who can say, I see you, I hear you, I know what you’re going through.

“Today’s announcement forms part of our mental health plan. Last month, I announced a crisis response package that includes more clinical workers in crisis assessment teams, two new 10-bed peer-led acute alternative services, and additional peer support workers in emergency departments and crisis recovery cafés.

“My focus is on delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.”

The government had committed to eight new crisis recovery cafés by June 2026, as well as boosting some existing cafés.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Health New Zealand has issued a warning for potentially toxic algae in parts of the Selwyn River.

Moderate to high cover of benthic cyanobacteria has been found in Waikirikiri/Selwyn River at Glentunnel and Whitecliffs Roads.

Health NZ said people should avoid the areas and animals should not be allowed near the river until the health warning was lifted.

Other areas of the river could also be affected and people are advised to be cautious of every low-flowing river.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Annabel Begg said the algae looked like dark brown or black mats and could produce toxins harmful to people and animals, especially dogs.

“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips,” she said.

“If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice urgently and let your healthcare provider know you’ve had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area.”

Environment Canterbury monitored the sites during summer and would advise the public of any changes to water quality.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The man accused of a fatal stabbing on an East Auckland bus and wounding another has been remanded in custody.

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a 59-year-old man died from a fatal knife wound to his torso, and a 41-year-old man was seriously injured in the suburb of Glen Innes on Monday night.

A 36-year-old was arrested in the Auckland CBD on Tuesday afternoon.

In Auckland District Court on Wednesday, the man appeared charged with murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.

The 36-year-old was expected to reappear in the High Court at Auckland in January.

Both passengers had travelled on the 76 bus going from Glen Innes to Ōrakei on Monday evening.

Police earlier said the attacks appeared to be unprovoked.

Flowers have been placed at the scene of the attack.

It follows a similar fatal incident in Onehunga in October 2024 during which Auckland woman Bernice Louise Marychurch suffered multiple stab wounds.

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