Category: Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Oranga Tamariki reports it’s not meeting targets with critical and urgent reports of concern about children, and in fact, is a bit worse than before.

However, the Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has focused on other figures out Friday which she said shows the agency “showing strong progress against key targets”.

The minister highlighted – as did OT – that 97 percent of children were being visited by a social worker within a targeted time, caregivers were doing better, and there was a large drop in serious persistent offending.

This is from the latest report on performance against ministerial priorities for July to September last year.

But the report also said “OFF TRACK” in red capitals against the target for handling the most urgent cases in time, in its section on “ensuring the safety of children”.

The time taken has dropped to 10 percent below target, when it was nine percent below in the previous quarter.

This was due to it getting so many reports – almost 28,000 – and having too few social workers, OT said.

The target was to respond to 95 percent of critical cases within a day and very urgent reports of concern within two days.

It hit just 85 percent, down from 86 percent previously.

“Meeting report of concern timeframes has become more challenging due to the high volume of Reports of Concern and workforce pressures,” the report said.

These factors were very similar to last May; so too was the government’s response last May when it said that the figures as whole showed OT making progress.

The quarter’s 27,700 reports of concern almost matched the previous quarter but were 3000 above forecast.

The agency had pinned its hopes of hitting time targets on an upgrade of its obsolete tech system.

In Friday’s report it said the tech upgrade had improved social workers’ confidence and assessments. It added it had developed the first part of a strategic workforce tool to become more efficient.

The Independent Children’s Monitor last month said children were no safer than when Malachi Subecz was murdered, stating, “there continues to be a high proportion of reports of concern from professionals that do not result in further action by Oranga Tamariki and where tamariki and rangatahi are not seen.”

On Friday Chhour said young people were turning their lives around and being kept safer.

“We’ve recruited twice the number of social workers compared to the number of social workers who left Oranga Tamariki in the last financial year. We’ve also invested in greater professional supports and training.

“This is not mission accomplished, I also acknowledge there is still room for improvement,” she said in a statement.

Other reports released under the OIA show the agency has struggled for years to recruit and properly train staff in its youth justice residences.

Another target Chhour noted was a 14 percent reduction in children in state care residences being harmed.

Harm in state care as a whole in its various forms was down eight percent. In family placements it was at its lowest level in seven years, but jumped 23 percent in the category known as return/remain home placements when children return to the care of their parent.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington mayor Andrew Little says details from a preliminary report into the failure of the Moa Point wastewater plant will be made public next week.

The news comes just over five weeks out from when a massive backflow of sewage flooded the plant, shutting it down, damaging equipment and resulting in millions of litres of untreated sewage being pumped into the ocean off the city’s south coast.

“A draft report has been received by Wellington Water and provided this week to WCC. The report is an externally-prepared preliminary technical report on hydraulic issues related to the flood event at the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“Officers are working through the report, and we expect to give an update to the public mid next week,” Little said.

The move marks a shift in the publication of findings into the plant’s failure.

Two days ago, Wellington Water confirmed the report had been handed to Wellington City Council officers, but would not be made public while the Crown review into the plant’s failure was taking place.

At a public meeting in the wake of the shutdown last month, Wellington Water chief operating officer Charles Barker told attendees he could not discuss the cause of the failure with a Crown review imminent and insurance processes underway.

“So, if at times I appear guarded, or I’m taking a bit longer to think, that’s because I’m probably getting close to that point where I have to be careful not to jeopardise any future inquiry, and especially everyone’s insurance,” Barker said.

The sentiment was echoed by Mayor Little, who, at the same meeting, said he was unable to discuss the cost to fix the stricken facility and who would pay.

“There’s a whole bunch of insurance claims being made by all sorts of parties.

“I suspect insurance companies don’t want to do anything until they have a fair idea about what the possible cause is,” Little said.

The mayor’s office was unable to provide details of when exactly the preliminary report would be released, but did provide a letter from Little to Local Government Minister Simon Watt last month, urging him to consider publishing interim reports from the Crown Review team as the process went ahead.

“Because the event is ongoing, I would encourage you to consider the merits of the Crown Review Team providing interim reporting rather than wait for the entire ToRs [Terms of Reference] to have been satisfied. Transparency with Wellingtonians and all New Zealanders is essential, so it would be my expectation that all reporting should be proactively released as appropriate,” Little wrote early last month.

Wellington Water and Minister for Local Government, Simon Watts, have been approached for comment.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police are looking for a man, described to be in his late-40’s after an assault in Meeanee, Napier last week.

The assault happened on the Limestone Track, between Ulyatt Road and Riverbend Road. Police got the call on Friday March 6 just before 7.30am.

Acting Detective Sergeant Emma Wiltshire said the victim was able to get to safety with no injuries, but they are very shaken by the incident.

The offender has so far not been found and police are now asking the public for any information.

Wiltshire said the man has been described as Caucasian with bright blue eyes in his late 40s.

“He has short black spikey hair, shorter on the sides than on top, and short dark grey facial hair that covered his cheeks, moustache, and chin area. He is skinny to average build and approximately 6ft/182cm tall.

He was reported to be wearing a black trenchcoat, a dark grey scarf, black pants, and black leather-type shoes. The trenchcoat had buttons down the front and deep pockets on the side.”

Police are asking anyone who has seen this man or witnessed the incident to contact police.

Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the Ulyatt Road and Riverbend Road areas between 7am and 8am on the day of the assault is also encouraged to get in touch.

Information can be provided through 105, either online or over the phone, referencing file number 260307/3213.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

A US national is accused of flying into New Zealand to carry out a murder at the request of an organised criminal group before flying back home, RNZ can reveal.

The man is charged with killing Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Vi in August 2024.

Police believe he then flew back to the USA where he attempted to murder someone else. He’s been charged there and if convicted, is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.

The man’s link to the killing in New Zealand has been shrouded in secrecy due to extensive suppression orders obtained by police that prevented publishing the circumstances of the alleged offending.

On Friday, Judge Yelena Yelavich lifted those orders following opposition from RNZ and police not seeking to continue them.

RNZ can now report that Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi is believed to have been sent to New Zealand by an organised criminal group based in the US to carry out a killing.

It’s understood 59-year-old Vi was not the intended target.

• Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

Court documents seen by RNZ allege the 26-year-old jointly offended with persons unknown and murdered Vi.

Police earlier said Vi was found inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

After the killing, Tangi flew back to the USA.

Then, in August last year he allegedly attempted to murder a man in a shooting in Oakley, California.

A press release at the time from the Oakley Police Department said police were called to reports of a shooting about 3am on 27 August. Residents in the area heard the shooting and said they saw the suspected shooter flee in a dark coloured Ford F150.

While attending to the victim, police saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspected shooter.

The vehicle initially pulled over, but then sped off and police began a pursuit. They later spiked the vehicle and arrested Tangi.

“We are able to determine this was a targeted attack and there are no other known suspects,” police said.

“An incredible amount of teamwork, by community members and law-enforcement officers alike, went into the successful apprehension of the suspect in this case. I am identifying the suspect in this case as Tanginoa Tangi, a 25-year-old male resident of Hayward. The victim in this case had just returned home and he was getting out of his vehicle when Tangi shot him several times.”

RNZ has obtained court documents in relation to the charges Tangi faces in the USA.

He’s accused of attempted murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, fleeing a pursuing police officer’s vehicle while driving recklessly, and possession of a firearm.

He has pleaded not guilty and is set to go on trial next month.

A spokesperson for the local District Attorney’s office told RNZ the office was “generally aware” that Tangi had another pending matter in New Zealand and that they were aware an extradition warrant existed.

Tangi was facing a possible life sentence with the possibility of parole, the spokesperson confirmed.

Tangi had been notified orally of the extradition warrant.

“Regarding the New Zealand matter, the DA’s office does not litigate extradition proceedings. However, we expect that once Mr Tangi’s case here in California concludes, the extradition process to New Zealand would move forward at that time.”

RNZ sent several questions to Tangi’s lawyer, who declined to comment.

“We cannot comment at this time and do not foresee being able to offer anything in the near future.”

Two other people have been charged with murdering Vi and are before the courts.

‘Investigation ongoing’

In a statement to RNZ on Friday afternoon, police confirmed a third person “has been charged with murder as part of an ongoing homicide investigation, following the death of a courier driver in Pakuranga Heights in 2024”.

Operation Block commenced on 19 August 2024 to investigate the murder of 59-year-old Tuipulotu Vi on Marvon Downs Avenue.

A murder charge has now been filed against a 26-year-old man.

“The man is currently in custody in the United States for offences committed in that country and is now subject to an extradition process,” Counties Manukau CIB detective inspector Shaun Vickers said.

“We are working with the relevant authorities in relation to this.

“This is the third person charged over to Mr Vi’s death and our investigation remains ongoing.”

As the matter is before the courts, police are limited in providing further information, Vickers said.

RNZ has approached several government agencies as well as the FBI and Interpol in relation to the case.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson earlier said they were unable to assist with RNZ’s query.

A spokesperson for Foreign Affairs minister Winston Peters earlier confirmed he had not been briefed on the matter.

A spokesperson at the FBI’s National Press Office said the agency had no comment.

A US Embassy Wellington spokesperson said as a matter of “long-standing policy”, the embassy did not comment on ongoing criminal investigations or matters before the court.

“Speaking generally, I can say that the US Embassy and US law enforcement authorities routinely assist our New Zealand counterparts as and when appropriate.”

A Customs spokesperson said they were unable to disclose personal information on individuals.

“Customs carries out risk assessment for all passengers arriving to New Zealand using several tools and systems. This includes the assessment of information included on their New Zealand Traveller Declaration.

“Should agencies have concerns regarding individual passengers, they can be referred to Immigration New Zealand for verification of their entitlement to enter New Zealand.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

By Madleine CarrWhite, Massey University Journalism Student

An Interislander staff member has gone overseas to collect crucial components to fix the stricken ferry Kaiārahi.

KiwiRail spokesperson Taru Sawhney said the action was taken to ensure the part and a spare got here as quickly as possible.

They will arrive on Friday afternoon, and there will be sea trials over the weekend.

The Kaiārahi has been out of service since Tuesday night because of a technical fault.

An Interislander spokesperson said operating with one vessel was challenging, particularly during a busy period, but the company has managed it before.

During this time, Interislander was prioritising urgent freight that could not travel across the Cook Strait any other way.

Sawhney said around 1300 private vehicles were affected by the Kaiārahi outage and those customers were being offered a full refund.

A small number of people have taken up an offer by Interislander to move private vehicle bookings to a later date with a 50 percent discount off the advertised price.

KiwiRail expects to have the Kaiārahi sailing by next week.

Meanwhile, Thursday afternoon sailings on the Connemara ferry owned by Bluebridge were also cancelled, but resumed in the early hours of Friday.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

A second case of meningococcal disease has been reported in the Dunedin student community, Health New Zealand says.

On Tuesday, the University of Otago confirmed a case of the disease within its student community.

National Public Health Service medical officer of health Dr John Eastwood said close contacts had been identified and offered antibiotic and vaccination protection.

The first case was an Otago Polytechnic student who was a resident at Te Pā Tauira. They tested positive for the disease and have been receiving care at Dunedin Hospital since last Saturday.

The disease is caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to or permanent disability including deafness.

“The National Public Health Service has worked closely with the tertiary education facilities the cases attend and determined that the risk of meningococcal disease in the community or among other students and staff remains low, as the infection is only passed on when people have close or prolonged contact with a case,” Eastwood said.

The Meningitis Foundation said it was critical the student community were aware of the risks and avoided sharing drinks and vapes, and monitored closely for any symptoms which could be similar to the common cold.

They included a stiff and sore neck, sensitivity to light, a severe headache, aching sore joints, and vomiting.

The MenACWY and MenB vaccines are free for ages 13 to 25 years old in their first year of close living situations including boarding school hostels, university halls and prisons.

Symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold hands and feet or limb pain
• Drowsiness or difficulty waking
• Confusion
• A rash that does not fade when pressed.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Claws are out over a directive to restrict the movements of two popular moggies at Taranaki Base Hospital.

Pip, and more recent arrival Pablo, are a common sight at the hospital – but staff have been told the animals are not permitted in hospital buildings, citing infection prevention and clinical safety standards.

Taranaki Base Hospital says only approved service animals are allowed in hospital buildings.

Ngaere woman Tracey Blake said Pip was a godsend when her daughter was in and out of hospital during a difficult pregnancy, while also having to care for a toddler.

“Pip kept an 18-month-old entertained. Walking into maternity, walking through the maternity doors, he was there and he was never a problem.

“He was just a real lift for our day, and every time we went there he gave little grandchild something to look forward to. It was just amazing.”

She thought the mental wellbeing of patients should also be a consideration.

“It’s a proven fact that having an animal can help alleviate stress, and if it gives a moment of peace shouldn’t that outweigh any risk.

“He’s not in a birthing suite. He’s not actually going into where the babies are. He’s wandering the corridors, and I can’t see that that is any different than somebody coming in with dirty shoes.”

A petition was started on the Adventures of Pip Facebook page – where Pablo also features frequently – in support of the cats, and it had been flooded with messages.

Suz Cowley said Pip was a comfort to her 10-year-old son Theo when visiting his grandmother at the hospital.

“We were sitting waiting for my mum to be picked up, and Pip came strolling along and my son, he just adores cats. So he went up to approach him and Pip was sweet as with him, having a little cuddle on the floor, which was really lovely.”

She said hospital visits can be difficult for children, but not with Pip about.

“So Pip coming along just broke the boredom and yeah, it was instant friendship too. It was beautiful. And yeah, and mum managed to get a little pat with Pip too. It was beautiful.”

Holy Malcolm – a junior doctor at Taranaki Base – is Pablo’s owner. She said the two-and-a-half-year-old birman was a wanderer.

“One day when I was walking to a night shift I hadn’t seen him for a couple of days and he jumped out of the bushes besides our maternity ward, and I think we were both just as shocked to see each other there.

“And I thought it might have been a one-off, but everytime I’d come into work he’d be waiting outside ED or around the psych department.”

Malcolm had seen for herself how Pablo could lift people’s spirits.

“I’ve seen and heard how Pablo’s able to interact with people and the difference he can make to their day.

“A lot of people around hospital are having a rough time and I think if he can make that better I think that’s great.

“There’s a lot of evidence to suggest having an animal is really good for people’s health, you know, a lot of people are lonely and even if it’s the company of an animal I think that’s great.”

Malcolm said there was no argument that Pablo or Pip should not be allowed in ED, theatre or clinical areas.

Outside Taranaki Base Hospital most people were fans of the moggies.

“I think it’s terrible to trespass Pip,” said one hospital contractor.

But another woman was not so sure.

“From a practical point of view I don’t think good to have the cats in the buildings.”

A nurse came down in favour of the felines.

“I think the weight of opinion is that Pip was helpful for the patients and the staff.”

A young doctor was on the same page.

“I feel like he’s a pretty well-liked cat, everybody loves Pip staff and patients.”

Another staff member said Pip was well known in her family.

“He’s great, Pip, my baby niece is obsessed and everytime I come home from work she doesn’t ask me how my day was – she asks me how Pip is.”

In a statement, Te Whatu Ora group director operations Taranaki, Wendy Langlands, acknowledged the enjoyment Pip and Pablo brought to some staff and patients.

“Recently, staff were reminded of existing expectations around animals in clinical areas such as maternity and the neonatal unit. These expectations are in place to ensure we meet infection prevention and clinical safety standards that apply in healthcare settings.”

Langlands said only certified assistance animals, such as guide dogs, are allowed in hospital buildings, or those approved for palliative care and therapy visits.

“Our staff have been reminded not to feed animals or provide bedding. If an animal does wander into a building, staff have been advised to gently guide it back outside.

Hospital communications seen by RNZ said if the cats continued to come inside, staff should call security.

They were also warned to avoid being photographed with the felines in Health NZ uniform and sharing such images online.

Langlands said these expectations helped ensure the hospital environment remained safe for patients, whānau and staff.

“We acknowledge Pip and Pablo as a friendly presence around the hospital grounds.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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