Category: Radio New Zealand

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NRL: NZ Warriors v Wests Tigers – what you need to know

Source: Radio New Zealand

Luke Metcalf and Adam Doueihi will face off, when NZ Warriors host Wests Tigers. Photosport/RNZ

NRL: NZ Warriors v Wests Tigers

Kickoff 8pm, Friday, 27 March

Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ website

Analysis: For just the fourth time in their history, NZ Warriors sit atop the NRL table, with three big wins from their first three outings of the 2026 season.

They still have a long way to go before they match the 2002 side that won the regular-season minor premiership and reached their first grand final.

Significantly, they failed to reach the playoffs in 2009 and 2019, after leading the field early in their campaigns.

They are also still short of the club’s longest unbeaten start to a season – a five-game run that helped the 2018 team to the post-season.

A win this week against perennial cellardwellers Wests Tigers would put them within a victory of matching that feat.

Here’s what you need to know about that encounter:

History

The Warriors boast a 58.9 percent winning record against the Tigers, prevailing in 23 of their 29 previous meetings. They also have a combined 7-4 record against the two separate clubs that make up the joint venture – Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies.

The advantage is even more pronounced in recent times, when the Warriors have won the last nine fixtures, including home (34-14) and away (26-24) in 2025.

Last time they met, five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita scored a try double and Tanah Boyd kicked 5/6 off the tee in his club debut at Mt Smart.

Last March, the Warriors trailled late, but drew level with a try from Leka Halasima, converted by Luke Metcalf. Immediately from the kickoff, Tigers forward Alex Seyfarth was penalised for a dangerous tackle and Metcalf slotted a 40-metre penalty into the wind that proved the gamewinner.

Chanel Harris-Tavita scores a try against Wests Tigers. Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz

The Tigers’ last success against the Warriors came in 2019, when they prevailed 34-6 at Campbelltown, with wing Corey Thompson grabbing a try double.

Wests have the five biggest wins of the rivalry, reaching 50 points three times over the years.

In 2004, they won 50-4, with second-rower Chris Heighington scoring a try double and fullback Brett Hodgson kicking seven goals. Prop Mark Tookey scored the Warriors only points with a try.

The Warriors’ biggest win was 42-18 in 2014, when wing Glen Fisiiahi scored four tries.

Form

After three rounds, the Warriors sit atop the NRL table with three wins, and a superior points differential to Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs.

Their 120 points leads the competition and is the most they’ve ever scored after three rounds. Their +84 points differential is more than they managed all of last season.

The home side also lead the competition in tries (20), goals (20), possession (56 percent), try assists (17) and total kicks (69).

The Tigers also have 56 percent possession.

They benefitted from a first-round bye, before hammering North Queensland 44-16 at Leichhardt Oval and then losing to South Sydney 20-16 in Gosford.

They finished bottom of the table three consecutive seasons (2022-24), but coach Benji Marshall has tried hard to rebuild the culture at the club and guided them to 13th last season, six points clear of the wooden spoon.

Teams

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Ali Leiataua, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Luke Metcalf, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Mitch Barnett, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Marata Niukore, 20. Chanel Harris-Tavita

Reserves: 21. Taine Tuaupiki, 22. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Coach Andrew Webster has brought back star half Luke Metcalf from his long knee rehab, naming him at five-eighth outside in-form Tanah Boyd.

Luke Metcalf and Tanah Boyd will team up in the Warriors halves. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Chanel Harris-Tavita return from concussion protocols, with the latter relegated to the bench by Metcalf’s addition. Centre Adam Pompey is also back, after missing last week’s win against the Knights on daddy duty.

Co-captain Mitch Barnett, who also returned from a knee injury last week, stays on the interchange, with Dally M Medal leader Jackson Ford retaining his starting spot in the front row.

Tigers: 1. Jahream Bula, 2. Jeral Skelton, 3. Sunia Turuva, 4. Heamasi Makasini, 5. Luke Lalilii, 6. Jock Madden, 7. Adam Doueihi, 8. Terrell May, 9. Api Koroisau, 10. Fonua Pole, 11. Samuela Fainu, 12. Kai Pearce-Paul, 13. Alex Twal

Interchange: 14. Tristan Hope, 15. Sione Fainu, 16. Royce Hunt, 17. Alex Seyfarth, 18. Bunty Afoa, 19. Faaletino Tavana

Reserves: 20. Tony Sukkar, 21. Lau Fainu, 22. Patrick Herbert

Marshall loses the services of Origin and Samoan international half Jarome Luai to a knee injury, while Adam Doueihi has been named, despite tweaking a hamstring and leaving the field late last week against Souths.

Jock Madden replaces Luai, while Warriors centurion Bunty Afoa will return to his old stomping ground on the Tigers bench.

Player to watch

Teenager Heamasi Makasini arrives at Mt Smart with big wraps, after scoring a try on debut in the final round last season and adding to that reputation through the 2026 pre-season.

He has played centre in both games his season and scored a try against the Rabbitohs, so the Warriors will surely have to contain him.

Kiwi player to watch

Not so much a player, as coach Benji Marshall, who is simply a legend of NZ rugby league, delivering his club a championship as a player, and is now adding to that CV from the sidelines.

Benji Marshall lays down the law for his Wests Tigers. Alan Lee/www.photosport.nz

He’s copped more than a fair share of grief from within his own club and the Sydney media, but hasn’t wasted any time laying down the law to his players this season, showing them the door, if they weren’t on board.

What they said

“Always good to see Bunts, stoked for that. He’s a Warrior for life, even though he’s playing for another club and he’ll be a doing a job for them. He’s always welcome at our place.”

Warriors coach Andrew Webster rolls out the welcome mat for Warriors centurion Bunty Afoa

“I would have preferred to win, but at the same time, we’re setting foundations for the way we want to play our foot and tonight, we played the way we want to play.”

Tigers coach Benji Marshall was happy with his team after their loss to Souths, just not the result

What will happen

Losing a world-class organiser like Luai will prove too much for the Tigers, but the Warriors can’t take them lightly, as they start to discover their mojo after years as competition easybeats.

Warriors by 20.

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Former Anglican priest Jonathan Kirkpatrick sexually violated teen at Canterbury bach

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Former Anglican priest Jonathan Kirkpatrick can now be revealed as the man who sexually violated a teenager at his Canterbury bach over 30 years ago.

The 68-year-old was last week found guilty of violating the victim when the teenager was so intoxicated he thought he might have been drugged.

Kirkpatrick’s name remained secret following the trial as his lawyer indicated he might seek permanent suppression.

However, the interim order expired at 4pm Thursday without an application for permanent name suppression.

At the time of the offending Kirkpatrick was vicar at St Michael and All Angels in Christchurch.

He would later go on to be dean at St Paul’s Cathedral in Dunedin for five years until 2001.

Kirkpatrick was jailed for more than three years in 2011 for stealing more than $665,000 from Auckland University of Technology, where he had worked as chief executive of its Business Innovation Centre.

He remains in custody ahead of sentencing for the sexual assault.

A jury unanimously found him guilty last Friday following a week-long trial.

The victim, who was about 18 at the time of the attack, told the jury that when he was a teenager he would regularly meet with Kirkpatrick after school to smoke marijuana at his house.

The victim knew Kirkpatrick was gay but had no concerns his motivations were sexual until the night of the attack.

The pair drank alcohol and smoked cannabis at Kirkpatrick’s bach in Lake Coleridge on the night of the attack.

The younger man said he became so intoxicated he was put to bed by Kirkpatrick, but woke to find the then-priest violating him.

The victim did not report the assault to police until 2020.

Prosecutor Penny Brown said by that time the man’s life had derailed and he was due to be sentenced for serious offending of his own.

The victim said he had decided to report the assault after he encountered people in prison who had also been abused and had benefited from talking to others.

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All Whites keen to put best foot forward in last two local matches before World Cup

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites football training ahead of the FIFA Series. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

The All Whites want to leave a lasting impression in their final two games on home soil before the Football World Cup.

Fifa Series games against Finland on Friday and Chile on Monday at Eden Park will be the last chance for many New Zealand football fans to see the team live before the global tournament in June and the opportunity to showcase what the All Whites can do is not lost on the playing group.

“For a long time we didn’t think we were going to have another game before the World Cup,” midfielder turned left back Ben Old said.

“So it was a great surprise for me and a lot of these boys to be able to come back to New Zealand.

“Being the last tour before the World Cup, I think it’s a cool send-off to show our quality and where we are as a team and hopefully build a bit of excitement for the World Cup.”

Old and many of his teammates shared the view that the upcoming two games are about performance as well as results.

“At the World Cup it’s ultimately about winning games. You can perform as well as you want, but to push on and create history we’re going to have to win games.

“So I think these are some great opponents, but also a great opportunity for us to be able to perform and show that we can win games as well.

“On previous tours we often seem to have one quite good game and then we maybe drop in another.

“So we’ve been working on that a lot and I think for us to be able to show some consistency in two games is going to build us a lot of confidence for the World Cup.”

Joe Bell playing against Colombia. Carl Kafka/www.photosport.nz

The All Whites have played eight games in the year since qualifying for the World Cup for one win, one draw and six losses.

All games have been against high-ranked opponents and world number 75 Finland and world number 55 Chile will provide two different playing styles for the world number 85 All Whites to test themselves against.

Several players in the Finland squad have never played so far from home.

“We have players that have been in the national team for many, many years and they have never played against opponents outside Europe, so of course it is a big experience for everybody, it seems that the players is coping really well with that part of travelling so far,” coach Jacob Friis said.

Nothing can replicate the pressure the All Whites will be under at the World Cup but experienced midfielder Joe Bell said the Fifa Series, against opposition who missed out on qualifying for the World Cup, was a good warm up.

“There’s not so much we can do as players in terms of deciding who we want to play against but we’ve always demanded to try play against the best opposition we can and I think we get that with Finland and Chile, I think that’s a huge huge benefit for us because I think it replicates the games we’re most likely going to experience at the World Cup.

“We need more than just one draw or one win at the World Cup we need to get back-to-back results and that’s something we’re working on [but for this series] obviously there’s the physical component to it as well, we play Friday, Monday so it’s going to be difficult to put out two teams that are the same.”

Midfielder Eli Just recognised winning in Auckland would be a boost for the team but the bigger picture was more important.

“If you win all your games leading up to the World Cup and lose at the World Cup it means nothing

“We’ve definitely been focusing as a group each game just learning, trying to work out where we can get better and how best to prepare for the World Cup.

“You can’t guarantee anything but I think the squad we’ve got is definitely in a really healthy position and we have expectations on ourselves that we want to go and achieve something at the World Cup.”

All Whites captain Chris Wood will not play in the Fifa Series. © Bildbyrån Photo Agency 2025 © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz

The All Whites are without six players due to injury for the Fifa Series but defender Finn Surman said there was still a level of familiarity amongst the players who were involved in this international window.

“We are all essentially on the same page about how we want to play as a team. We’ve been doing a lot of work over the last two, three years on that.

“So we all know what is expected of us when we come into camp.

“It’s just about fine-tuning those little details and things when it comes to different players playing together and all that sort of stuff.”

Coach Darren Bazeley has welcomed being at home for this international window.

“Any game in football, across club football or international football the home team has an advantage, the conditions, the crowd, and it’s been tough for us we travel a lot and play away games a lot and deal with crowds in opposition environments so we’ve got used to doing that but this is the first time really that we’ve been able to play competitive ranked teams here in New Zealand and I think the rankings of Finland and Chile they’re good competitive games that are going to be a challenge for us.”

General view of Eden Park ahead of FIFA Series Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz

All Whites squad for FIFA Series

Kosta Barbarouses (70 caps, 9 goals) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia

Lachlan Bayliss (debut) Newcastle Jets, Australia

Joe Bell (28/1) Viking FK, Norway

Tyler Bindon (20/3) Sheffield United, England (on loan from Nottingham Forest)

Max Crocombe (19/0) Millwall, England

Andre De Jong (11/2) Orlando Pirates, South Africa

Francis De Vries (15/1) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Callan Elliot (7/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Eli Just (38/8) Motherwell, Scotland

Callum McCowatt (28/4) Silkeborg IF, Denmark

James McGarry (3/0) Brisbane Roar, Australia

Ben Old (18/1) AS Saint-Étienne, France

Alex Paulsen (5/0) Lechia Gdańsk, Poland (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)

Tim Payne (48/3) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Jesse Randall (5/1) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Logan Rogerson (16/2) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Alex Rufer (22/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Marko Stamenic (33/3) Swansea City, Wales

Finn Surman (13/2) Portland Timbers, USA

Ryan Thomas (23/3) PEC Zwolle, Netherlands

Bill Tuiloma (45/4) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Ben Waine (26/8) Port Vale, England

Michael Woud (6/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Fixtures

  • Friday, March 27, 7.15pm: v Finland; Eden Park, Auckland
  • Monday, March 30, 7.15pm: v Chile; Eden Park

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Navajo Stirling looking to “cook” Bruno ‘The Brazillian Cowboy’ Lopes in the cage

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kiwi light heavyweight Navajo Stirling will fight on the prelims of UFC Fight Night in Seattle. www.photosport.nz

Kiwi light-heavyweight Navajo Stirling understands that in the fight game, knockouts create superstars.

Nothing quite hypes the fan base more than seeing a fighter get sparked in the octagon, and Stirling is coming to Seattle on Sunday to put his opponent to sleep.

“I’m the best prospect in the division,” the City Kick Boxing fighter declared.

“I don’t even look at what that guy’s got on. I’m going to to run through this guy.”

That guy is Bruno ‘The Brazillian Cowboy’ Lopes, a 14-2 light-heavyweight whom Stirling crossed paths with on Dana White’s Contender Series, though Stirling was not impressed with what he saw.

“He came in undefeated and he lost by a big knockout. He’s had a pretty slow start to the UFC as well. I just don’t think he’s as good as me, especially in the grappling area, which is where he sort of dominates. It showed me that I’m better than this guy. I’m looking to dominate and really cook him in every part of the fight.”

The pair will square off on the prelims of UFC Fight Night Adesanya vs Pyfer on Sunday morning (NZT).

Brimming with his usual confidence, Stirling said it will be an easy night at the office.

“Knockout, submission, wherever it goes. I feel strong and ready to go.”

Unbeaten in eight pro bouts, Stirling is riding a three fight winning streak in the UFC, all by unanimous decision.

However, the City Kick Boxing product does not want to leave this one to the judges.

Stirling is unbeaten in three fights in the UFC. www.photosport.nz

“I’m looking to really show everyone the new and improved Navajo.”

Stirling admits he is already looking past Lopes, and eying up plenty of activity 2026.

“I’ll look to either be in the top 15 or fighting to be in it by the end of this year.”

As for who he wants to fight?

“Honestly, I just want to fight. I don’t give a s*** who it is. I’ll fight anyone. I don’t care. I’ll probably just call out someone. I’m looking to get back in there straight away. There’s quite a few guys in the top 15 that are interesting fights. I’m just looking to take the spotlight and show everyone why I’m the best prospect of the division.”

Primarily a striker, Stirling said he has put more emphasis on his ground game after earning his UFC contract in 2024.

As well as improving his grappling, Stirling said he has been sure to expel less energy in camp.

“I’ve always been a complete fighter. It’s more management around the way I’m feeling. I’ve come into some fights burnt out because I always give it my all, man. I was just being pushed out a little too much in some of my previous bouts. Coming into this fight week, I feel really refreshed and ready to go.”

Somewhat of an elephant in the CKB Gym, Stirling’s teammate Carlos Ulberg is set to fight for a world title next month in the same weight division.

Ulberg will meet Jiri Procházka at UFC 327 for the Light Heavyweight strap, begging the question, would Stirling ever fight Ulberg?

“We have a great relationship. I’m actually going to support him in his build-up for the fight. I’ve looked up to Carlos my whole life. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to fight him because I know how dangerous he is. In sparring he always gets the better of me.

“But if he’s still around when I get there, I can put feelings aside. It’s no biggie. The boys at CKB have come across each other in King of the Ring tournaments plenty of times. So it’s not like our boys have never fought each other. It’s all love at the end of the day. I’ve still got plenty of contenders to get through, but all I know is I’m going to be in this game for a long time.”

Navajo Stirling is looking for a statement knockout on Sunday. www.photosport.nz

Another teammate with not so many years left in the cage is middleweight Israel Adesanya, who headlines the Seattle card against American Joe Pyfer.

Stirling said it’s a special moment to share the card with the UFC legend.

“I’ve looked up to him my whole career, it’s just a full circle moment. I’ve known him through the lens longer than he knew who I was. I’m just happy that he hasn’t retired yet and that he’s still around for me to tick that bucket list moment off.”

It’s been a tough time for ‘the Last Stylebender’ since losing his middleweight crown to Sean Strickland in Sydney in 2023.

Beaten in his last three walks to the octagon, Stirling is predicting an emphatic bounce back for the former champion.

“He’s [Pyfer] a good fighter, but he’s pretty stock standard. I’ve seen Israel break down that really orthodox style of striking many times. I have utmost confidence in him. Not only because of that, but because I really pushed him this camp. We were training right by each other the whole way through and I was up his arse. So I’m excited to see him put that on display.”

As for Stirling, he’s ready to make a statement of his own on Sunday.

“That’s going to show this fight. I’ve got great skills. The potential for me is through the roof. I almost feel like I have the responsibility to my nation to reach my fullest potential because everyone’s been behind me for such a long time. The real fans know where I’m going. I’m not going to shy away from big moments. I want to capture these moments and become a champion.”

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High Court rules in favour of College of Midwives class action

Source: Radio New Zealand

College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy. supplied

The High Court has ruled in favour of the New Zealand College of Midwives in its longstanding dispute with the Crown over pay and contracts.

The college represented nearly 1500 self-employed midwives, known as lead maternity carers (LMCs) in a class action which began in August 2024.

On Thursday, the court found the Crown had breached its contractual promise to ensure self-employed midwives receive fair and reasonable remuneration, and that its method for paying these midwives unlawfully discriminated on the basis of gender.

The government says it plans to appeal the decision.

College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy said Justice Cheryl Gwyn’s decision was welcome confirmation that community-based midwives had not been valued and were discriminated against by successive governments.

“We hope today’s successful Class Action decision will enable the more sustainable future for midwives and their communities we have been fighting for.”

North Canterbury LMC midwife Bex Tidball, a mother of four who has worked as an LMC for more than a decade, said the decision validated what community midwives had been saying for years.

But the judgment did not automatically deliver a new contract – that would still need to be negotiated.

“I have worked for many years underpaid and I am grateful that the court has recognised the value of the work self-employed midwives carry out,” she said.

Midwife Sheryl Wright feels heard by the judge. Supplied

Rural LMC midwife Sheryl Wright, who had provided on-call community care for more than 22 years and supported up to 40 families annually in the northern Coromandel Peninsula, said the shortage of rural LMC midwives meant for the past four years she has worked alone, with just 10 guaranteed days off-call per year.

“These conditions are not sustainable,” she said. “I love my work and my community, but without meaningful change, we risk losing our rural midwifery services altogether.”

“I feel the judge has truly seen and heard us. This decision is a vindication of all the efforts we’ve made over many years to be properly valued,” she said.

The court also ordered the Crown to pay each of the representative plaintiffs $1000 for Bill of Rights damages for the “inherent loss of dignity” arising from the unlawful discrimination.

The Ministry of Health said it was unable to comment further while court processes were still underway, but it had made the decision to appeal the ruling.

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NZ will not move up fuel alert level tomorrow, Willis says changes will not be sudden

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nicola Willis and Christopher Luxon announcing fuel support. Samuel Rillstone/RNZ

The country will not be moving up an alert level when ministers announce more details of the national fuel plan at Parliament on Friday.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has assured New Zealanders in her answers to questions in the House on Thursday that “we will not be changing the fuel response overnight”.

“Tomorrow we will also provide more information about the criteria we will use to assess when a change in the response phase is required.

“This would include changes like the amount of fuel in the country,” she said.

Willis also told MPs in the House that the government’s goal was to “avoid ever getting to response phase three or four”.

“These are envisaged in the national fuel plan as the point at which prioritisation of fuel would be required.

“Our goal is to be doing enough to source the supply of fuel internationally that that does not become necessary, and by taking sufficient actions in response phases one and two, that we wouldn’t reach phase three and four,” she said.

Willis also doesn’t expect the government would need to be “skipping through the response phases” of the alert level framework.

Petrol, diesel, and jet fuel would be able to be treated at different alert levels under the framework.

On how much warning there would be for alert level changes, Willis said, “we are determined to ensure people aren’t in a situation where things change suddenly overnight in ways that aren’t expected”.

“Instead we are intending to have a framework in which we are transparent about the assessment criteria, where we are clear with New Zealanders when an assessment is taking place, and then we announce the decision of what that assessment is.”

Companies importing fuel into the country have legislated minimum stockholding obligations (MSOs) that require them to have at least 21-days worth of diesel at all times.

“What that means is they face fines of millions of dollars if they breach that requirement. That is intended to provide safety and a buffer and we would expect to be notified if there’s any risks of those MSOs being breached, and we haven’t had such notification,” Willis said.

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Associate energy minister Shane Jones, who will front Friday’s announcement with Willis, says there’s been no cause for the government to think there isn’t enough fuel on the water headed to New Zealand shores.

He said it’s no great surprise that South Korea, where New Zealand gets 51 percent of its refined fuel from, is discussing whether to keep fuel in-country rather than export it.

“South Korea is a bastion of protectionism and I’m not surprised they’re looking after themselves,” Jones told media on Thursday.

He sought to ressure anyone who was feeling anxious about the current fuel crisis – “yes, people will be looking to moderate their useage, as is my own whānau, but I don’t want anyone taking from any discussion or announcement that it’s a time for alarmism, that’s not accurate”.

On South Korea, ACT leader David Seymour said the government was “very carefully” watching reports that it was considering redirecting export-bound jet fuel to its local market.

“South Korean refineries are important to New Zealand’s fuel supply,” he said. “We’re keeping that relationship very tight.”

Seymour pointed out that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke with Korea’s president on Tuesday night.

In a post on X after that conversation, Luxon wrote that the discussion focused on “the urgent need for de-escalation and the importance of stability to keep our economies moving”.

Labour’s energy spokesperson Megan Woods said she was looking forward to finding out more about the governement’s action plan.

“At the moment, I think there’s a lot of fear, a lot of uncertainty and people not knowing what’s coming next.”

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States of emergency declared for Far North, Whangārei

Source: Radio New Zealand

State Highway 1 is closed at the slip-prone Mangamuka Gorge in the Far North as a safety precaution. Supplied/NZTA

States of emergency have been announced for the Whangārei District and Far North District with several communities isolated and more heavy rain to come.

The states of emergency will be in effect for seven days beginning Thursday 26 March at 2pm.

Far North District Mayor Moko Tepania said this would give the district extra power to respond to this weather event.

“With the high tide due within the next few hours for both the east and west coasts, we know other low-lying Far North communities will also be affected.”

“Kaitaia and the wider Te Hiku community are now isolated due to flooding”

State Highway 1 at Mangamuka had also been closed due to flooding, and Tepania said there were also widespread minor issues due to fallen trees and localised flooding.

“Our main message today, whānau, is please don’t go out. Stay at home and stay in touch with your whānau and friends to make sure they’re safe.”

He said for those who were isolated or concerned about being cut off there were multiple marae open and activated.

“Our greatest concern this afternoon and into tonight is the east coast, from Doubtless Bay across Whangaroa and the Bay of Islands, which are under the red heavy rain warning. This area is expected to receive up to 322mm of rainfall before tomorrow morning.”

Far North civil defence controller Alistair Wells said with increased levels of rainfall the high tides was also going to increase throughout the afternoon.

“Due to stormwater inundation in a number of our wastewater plants, we have a number of problems from Hīhī down to Paihia. So keep away from the beaches, please keep away from any waterways.”

Whangārei District Mayor Ken Couper also explained the state of emergency was an important step.

“Declaring an emergency is a step under our legislation which allows Civil Defence to access to emergency powers, granting authority to protect life and property in emergency events under the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act 2002.”

Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei is under red heavy rain warning until 4am Friday.

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More fuel shipments enroute than previously reported

Source: Radio New Zealand

It has increased New Zealand’s jet fuel cover by 10 days. RNZ / Unsplash

New fuel data has been released showing more shipments enroute to New Zealand than had been reported on Wednesday.

In their regular update on fuel stocks on Wednesday, officials said just two ships carrying fuel were expected in the next fortnight.

In a new update, they now say seven ships are due to arrive before 12 April – and a further six are currently discharging or moving around the country.

That’s increased New Zealand’s jet fuel cover by 10 days – meaning stocks will now stretch more than 53 days.

Officials say they’ve been assured by fuel companies there are also a healthy number of ships on water or planned for later in April.

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More than half of families in material hardship will not get $50 fuel support package

Source: Radio New Zealand

Louise Upston says the government has been very clear that any response needs to be targeted. RNZ / Mark Papalii

The Green Party is crying foul after the government admitted more than half of families in material hardship will not benefit from its fuel support package.

In question time on Wednesday, Social Development Minister Louise Upston confirmed only 48 percent of those families will get the $50 boost to in-work tax credits.

“According to the latest figures from Statistics New Zealand for 2024-25, 48 percent of children in material hardship are in working households. This support we are providing is intended to be timely, temporary, and targeted at those most in need,” she said.

Ministers – including the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis – have repeated emphasised the need for relief to be “targeted and temporary” to avoid adding to debt.

Upston did the same.

“Our government is very clear about the fact that what is happening in the Middle East is having an impact on many New Zealanders, with the fuel-price pressure that they are facing,” she said.

“We are also very clear that any response needs to be targeted, timely, and temporary, otherwise every single person in New Zealand would be affected by inflation going up again.”

However, the Greens’ spokesperson Ricardo Menendez March said the figure undercut the government’s claim of focusing on those who most needed support.

Ricardo Menendez March. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

“That is 52 percent of parents with children material hardship won’t be covered by the in-work, tax credit boost … this may be children of beneficiaries. That may include people who were recently made unemployed. It may include parents with lifelong health conditions. It may include people who have been struggling with homelessness.

“People on income support including disabled people, still need to access fuel to get to the doctor, to get to job appointments, to pick up their kids from school, and will be the most impacted by the fuel crisis.

“It’s inexcusable and callous for the government to completely exclude them from receiving support.”

Upston on Wednesday acknowledged to RNZ that support was available to beneficiaries and others who might need help – and requests for such help was likely to increase.

“There is already assistance available for costs for those on a benefit to get to an interview if they need it – but if you look at this fuel price pressure it will have an impact on a range of households, so yes, I expect that there will be more seeking assistance.”

Upston and Willis have also pointed to the planned increase to benefit rates coming on 1 April.

However, March said that was disingenous.

“Advances for fuel comes as debt, so she’s basically asking our poorest to enter into debt,” he said.

“The other assistance that exists in the form of the Transition to Work grant is quite limited, and most people don’t get to access it, and it only covers things like job appointments, not necessarily picking up kids from school or doctor’s appointments.

“The increase that people will see to their benefits on the 1 April is something that is legally required … the indexation has nothing to do with the fuel crisis and it’s disingenuous to pretend that this is actually meeting the scale of the challenge that people in poverty will face.”

Speaking to reporters before heading into Question Time on Thursday, Willis pointed to the increase to benefits coming on 1 April.

“Their families will already be receiving an increase in income. The in-work tax credit is different from many other benefits that are paid in that it’s not adjusted for inflation and these are working parents who also face a wider range of obligations.

“So we think it’s appropriate that those working parents are who we target with this relief.”

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

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Kiwi space station experiment a success

Source: Radio New Zealand

The International Space Station NASA

A New Zealand experiment on the International Space Station has proved a superconducting system can survive a power failure.

Victoria University’s small Hēki magnet power system has been looking into new ways to propel spaceships for six months.

The Hēki team says they exceeded their research aims and perhaps most exciting was overcoming the power failure hurdle, a common weak point in superconductor systems.

“Hēki is inside the airlock where it will remain for several days,” said chief scientist Professor Randy Pollock in an email.

It would then be packed up by astronauts to return to Houston, then to New Zealand.

“It is a bittersweet moment for the team – proud that the mission has been so successful but sad that it has come to an end.”

Hēki uses superconductor magnet propulsion technology. Reece Baker / RNZ

The suitcase-sized unit did not appear to have degraded while in space, and if their checks in Wellington confirm that, it would be another step towards commercial use.

“This demonstration is key to widespread acceptance of this technology in space where reliability and robustness are paramount,” Pollock said..

Victoria’s Paihau-Robinson Research Institute is working on an electric propulsion system it has dubbed the Kōkako thruster that would integrate plasma with the superconducting tech.

The space station offers highly sought-after slots on its outside for scientists to run experiments.

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