Category: Radio New Zealand

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All Whites to play at home before 2026 World Cup

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites captain Chris Wood will be back in Auckland before the FIFA World Cup. Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.nz

The All Whites will play two final home games ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with New Zealand set to host its first ever FIFA Series in March.

The FIFA Series brings together four competing nations to play international fixtures against other top sides.

Which teams will travel to New Zealand for the event are yet to be confirmed.

The All Whites took part in the inaugural FIFA Series in 2024, held in Egypt, where they faced the hosts as well as Tunisia.

Due to travel and competition requirements, all matches will be played in Auckland, but New Zealand Football are exploring options to bring the team back later in the year, after the World Cup, with at least one game in the South Island.

New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell said one of the requirements of hosting was a sole location to “maximise training time ahead of the FIFA World Cup”.

“This is massive, we know how excited people are for the FIFA World Cup 2026 already, and to have two final games at home against strong international opposition and properly see the team off is huge.”

The FIFA Series games will be played during the 23 – 31 March international window with exact dates and venue information still to be announced.

The matches are supported by the Government’s Events Attraction Package.

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

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Police charge another teen with murder in relation to killing of Kyle Whorrall

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kyle Whorrall was attacked at an Auckland bus stop and later died in hospital. SUPPLIED

Police have made another arrest in relation to the murder of American PhD student Kyle Whorrall.

The 33-year-old man was attacked at a bus stop in Meadowbank on 19 April and later died in hospital.

Police say they have arrested a 17-year-old male who has been charged with murder and aggravated robbery.

… More to come

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Andrew Coster breaks silence after resigning from Social Investment Agency

Source: Radio New Zealand

Andrew Coster pictured during his time as Police Commissioner. (File photo) RNZ / Nick Monro

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has broken his silence after resigning as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency.

RNZ revealed on Wednesday Coster had resigned after the police watchdog’s damning report into police’s response to allegations of sexual offending by former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.

In a statement to RNZ, Coster said his resignation was “a result of my acceptance of full responsibility for the shortcomings” identified in the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s report.

“I regret the impact on the young woman at the centre of this matter and sincerely apologise to her for the distress caused.

“I accept that I was too ready to trust and accept at face value Deputy Commissioner McSkimming’s disclosure and explanations to me. I should have been faster and more thorough in looking into the matter.”

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

Coster acknowledged he should have more fully investigated the allegations when they were brought to his attention, “rather than assuming that their previous disclosure to senior Police staff a few years earlier would have resulted in an investigation if necessary”.

“It is clear that Police’s handling of the whole matter was lacking and that I was ultimately responsible for those matters. It was sobering to read of a number of missed opportunities which should have proceeded differently and more appropriately.”

Coster welcomed Sir Brian’s acknowledgement that the report made no finding of corruption or cover-up, nor did the IPCA find any evidence of any actions involving officers consciously doing the wrong thing or setting out to undermine the integrity of the organisation.

“I made decisions honestly. I acted in good faith. I sought to take all important factors into account with the information I had at the time. While it is not possible to alter past events, I am prepared to take responsibility – I got this wrong.

“I want to apologise to all members of the NZ Police. They work hard every day to keep our communities safe. I know they have been adversely affected by these events.”

Coster said it had been a “very challenging time” for his family and himself.

“The support we have received has been deeply appreciated. I have devoted my professional life to the service of others – it is my intention to do so again at some point in the future.”

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Intense rain, blustery wind and thunderstorms hit Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

File photo. RNZ / Jessica Hopkins

MetService is forecasting downpours across the North Island on Wednesday, with possible thunderstorms in some places, and a number of watches and warnings in place.

A heavy rain warning is in place from 11am until 11pm on Wednesday for Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tai Rāwhiti north of Ruatoria and the inland ranges, thunderstorms and downpours are also possible in these areas.

MetService a severe thunderstorm warning for the areas of Rodney, Gulf and Albany.

Just after 1pm, the MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Warkworth, Puhoi, Kaukapakapa, Kaipara Flats and Ahuroa.

These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast, and are expected to lie near Orewa, Whangaparaoa and Silverdale at 1.37pm and near Auckland and Inner Hauraki Gulf at 2.07pm.

The agency says these thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain.

Meanwhile, there are reports that a tornado went through a motor camp in rural Manawatū and overturned a caravan.

Emergency services were called at 12.36pm and Fire and Emergency has confirmed that there is at least one person is injured.

Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the most notable warning was for Bay of Plenty, with 80 to 120 millimetres of rain set to fall before the end of the day.

“With thunderstorms in the mix we could see shorter periods of more intense rain bringing those possibilities such as flooding as well as slips and difficult driving conditions.”

Thunderstorms may also occur in Taranaki and Whanganui, she said.

MetService has issued weather warnings and watches for much of the North Island on Wednesday. Supplied / MetService

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for a large part of the North Island including Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taupo from 1pm-6pm on Wednesday.

Some of these thunderstorms may become severe on Wednesday afternoon with localised downpours of up to 40mm/h, large hail and strong wind gusts of up to 90km/h.

MetService said there was even a slight chance of a tornado, but that thunderstorm activity was expected to ease by Wednesday evening.

Northerly winds are forecast to turn southwesterly with gusts of up to 90km/h forecast.

Heavy rain watches are in place for a number of places throughout the day including Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula, Taranaki, Wairarapa, the eastern hills and ranges in Wellington, and central North Island areas including Waikato and inland Whanganui.

There are also strong wind watches in place later on Wednesday for Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Horowhenua to Wellington, parts of the Tararua and Hawke’s Bay districts and Wairarapa.

In the South Island heavy rain watches are in place for the Kaikōura Coast and the Chatham Islands, where a strong wind watch is also in place.

There may also be thunderstorms in Central Otago on Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Wind watches are also in place for Marlborough and parts of the Nelson region from 5pm Wednesday until 3am Thursday.

Makgabutlane said things were set to improve from Thursday onwards.

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Lewis Clareburt leaving NZ to chase LA 2028 Olympics swimming medal

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lewis Clareburt during the Men’s 400m Individual Medley Heats at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photosport

Two-time Olympian Lewis Clareburt is leaving New Zealand to chase his dream of a swimming medal at the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

The 2024 400m Individual Medley World Champion has announced he’s moving from Auckland to Melbourne where he’ll join Nunawading Swim Club in January 2026.

Clareburt will be coached by internationally renowned coach Jolyon Finck, and will train with Olympic athletes who also specialise in the medley disciplines.

The double Commonwealth Games swimming champion was forced to relocate to Auckland at the end of 2023 when he struggled to get lane space at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre, which was shared by other sports and the public.

Clareburt won gold in the 400 medley and the 200 butterfly at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and made the 400 medley final at the Tokyo Olympics.

“We’re looking to create a really strong medley training group in Melbourne,” Clareburt said.

“At the moment there’s a really successful medley training group in the US and they’re winning all the medals internationally. If medley swimmers from Australia and New Zealand want to be on the podium we need to have a similar group in the southern hemisphere and that’s what we’re looking to set up.

“Being surrounded by this group day-in day-out is going to allow me to keep developing my swimming and pushing myself. I’m also 26 and have lived in New Zealand all my life, so this is an exciting opportunity for me and my partner to live in another country and experience a different culture.”

The 26-year-old paid tribute to the team which has supported him in Auckland.

“I can’t speak highly enough of my time in Auckland. Mitch Nairn has been an amazing coach and my physios and strength and conditioning team have been awesome,” he said.

“I’ll still be racing for New Zealand and I’ll be back home quite often for competitions and camps so it’s going to be a great mix for me and I’m excited for a new challenge which should help me reach my goals.”

Swimming New Zealand head of high performance Graeme Maw said the organisation was looking forward to supporting Clareburt as he builds toward LA2028.

“We’re excited to see Lewis continue to develop and chase his goal of a podium finish in LA,” Maw said.

“Swimming New Zealand has a strong and supportive relationship with Lewis and with his new coach in Melbourne, and he will remain fully supported by SNZ as he builds toward upcoming pinnacle events.”

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Tornado reportedly tears through Manawatū motor camp

Source: Radio New Zealand

File picture. Connor Diver

Fire crews have rushed to a motor camp in rural Manawatū after reports a tornado went through and overturned a caravan.

Emergency services were called to Dudding Lake at 12.36pm.

FENZ shift manager Murray Dunbar said a fire truck was at the scene alongside ambulance staff who were assessing four patients.

Dunbar confirmed at least one person had injuries.

St John said a patient has been taken to Whanganui Hospital in a moderate condition.

Rangtikei District Council said it had been informed of a tornado and asked people to avoid the area until otherwise advised.

The council said its staff was assessing damage and would keep people updated as more information came to hand.

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First live show for new Christchurch stadium revealed

Source: Radio New Zealand

Six60 and Synthony will perform in Christchurch on 16 May, the first live music set at the city’s brand new One New Zealand Stadium.

The Once in a Liftetime event will culminate in a collaboration between the twin headliners performing Six60’s biggest hits, event organisers confirmed on Wednesday.

The long-awaited 30,000 multi-use arena in the central city is due to open in April.

Six60, the Dunedin set which has become one of the biggest New Zealand bands of all time, said it was a “real honour” to play the first ever show at the venue.

“Christchurch has backed us from day one, it was the first ever city to book us for a live gig, so being able to open a venue built for its future is really special. We can’t wait to put on a night that Christchurch deserves.”

Synthony, the music and light extravaganza centred around orchestral reworkings of dance and electronic tracks, has become an international phenomenon.

Duco Events promoter David Higgins said it was a privilege to for the New-Zealand-born project to be part of the historic night.

“This show is a landmark moment for live entertainment in Aotearoa, a new world-class venue, and an all-NZ bill. It’s the kind of night that will define what’s possible here,” he said.

Fresh off selling out the Christchurch Town Hall last month, the lineup also includes local country singer-songwriter Kaylee Bell. Christchurch up-and-comers Cassie Henderson and Castaway are also slated to perform.

Wednesday’s announcement coincided with details unveiled by the government around its $70 million major event fund.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the Six60 and Synthony double-header would receive funding through its Events Boost fund.

“Today’s acts and events are just the start, offering something for hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors, along with a big boost to New Zealand’s economy,” Upston said.

Events in 2026 including the Auckland concert of American nu-metal icons Linkin Park and the electronic music festival Ultra Music Festival in Wellington would also be supported through the fund.

“From music to sports fans to art enthusiasts, we’re investing in an exciting and diverse line-up because major events don’t just attract visitors – they inject life and energy to cities and town, creating vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences,” she said.

“The economic benefits are huge – hotels fill up, restaurants and cafes thrive, tills ring in our shops, and local businesses see a surge in customers.”

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Police yet to recover pendant allegedly swallowed at Auckland jewellery store

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police say the pendant has not yet been recovered. SCREENSHOT

Police have not yet recovered a Fabergé egg pendant after it was allegedly eaten during a theft at an Auckland jewellery store.

A 32-year-old man is before the courts, accused of swallowing the necklace worth more than $33,500.

Inspector Grae Anderson told RNZ the man underwent a medical assessment at the time of his arrest and an officer had been assigned to constantly monitor him.

“Given this man is in police custody, we have a duty of care to continue monitoring him given the circumstances of what has occurred,” he said.

Anderson said, at this stage, the pendant had not been recovered.

An online listing for the locket said it had been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and set with 60 white diamonds and 15 blue sapphires.

A golden octopus inside the locket was set with two black diamonds for eyes.

The man was expected to appear in Auckland District Court next week charged with theft.

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Linkin Park are coming to New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

American rock band Linkin Park will visit New Zealand next year for one show in Auckland.

Mike Shinoda, Dave ‘Phoenix’ Farrell, Joe Hahn, Colin Brittain and new vocalist Emily Armstrong will bring theirFrom Zero World Tour to Auckland’s Spark Arena on 18 March.

Last year the band revealed in a statement they had “quietly began meeting up again in recent years” and rather than “trying to restart the band” they worked with numerous musicians and “found a special kinship” with Armstrong.

In announcing the March show on Wednesday Shinoda said: “Getting back out on the road has been incredible”.

“The fans’ support is overwhelming, and we’re ready to bring this energy to New Zealand. From Zero is a new chapter for us, and we’re so excited to share it with everyone on a bigger scale.”

Linkin Park rose to fame with the album Hybrid Theory in 2000. They released a new single, ‘The Emptiness Machine’ and a new album, From Zero in November.

The title of From Zero refers to Linkin Park’s original band name, Xero, and “refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking,” Shinoda said.

Linkin Park also announced the departure of drummer and founding member Rob Bourdon in 2024.

Stepping in on the drum stool was Brittain, a multi-instrumentalist, producer and mixer whose clients include Australia’s G Flip, Papa Roach and All Time Low.

“The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents, their company, and the things we created,” Shinoda said.

Tickets go on sale 12 December at 1pm.

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Emissions Trading Scheme: Year’s final auction fails to sell a single carbon unit

Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied/ Unsplash – Mudit Agarwal

A market “surprised” by the government has failed to buy a single carbon unit at the final Emissions Trading Scheme auction of the year.

Not a single bidder registered for Wednesday’s auction, making 2025 the second calendar year in which all four quarterly ETS auctions have failed.

The first was 2023.

The managing director of commodities broker Marex, Nigel Brunel said recent climate policy announcements were “primarily responsible” as they signalled that the government was backtracking on climate change.

Emitters captured within the ETS still have to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions – but at the moment it is significantly cheaper to buy carbon units from elsewhere, such as forestry owners.

The minimum price carbon units could be sold for in the auction was $68, but emitters have been able to buy units elsewhere for as little as $40 recently.

Brunel said the market had been spooked most recently by the government’s decision in November to ‘de-couple’ the ETS from New Zealand’s Paris Agreement pledges.

“They could have done it quite differently, instead of just going, ‘Surprise!'”

Markets “hate uncertainty”, he said.

“It was announced without a lot behind it, [or] the rationale for doing it, so it gave the market concern that there were changes happening to the ETS that weren’t well-telegraphed – and the market reacted accordingly.”

However, the market had been weak all year.

“There’s been a number of things that have fed into it…. The fact that [the government] reduced the methane target, the fact that mandatory reporting requirements were weakened, just the continual mantra that we’re not going to do anything in offshore mitigation to meet our [2030 Paris target] kind of sent the signal to the marketplace that …the government was weakening overall on climate change policy,” Brunel said.

That had not been helped by “quips from minor parties that we should withdraw from Paris”.

The units from all 2025 auctions will now be cancelled out of the ETS, meaning they will not be available to emitters in subsequent years.

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