Category: Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sergeant Heath Courtenay Jones (left) with then Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand after receiving the New Zealand Bravery Decoration on 29 June 2011.

A police officer who rescued a mother and two kids stranded on a roof during Cyclone Gabrielle has been commended for bravery.

Then, Detective Sergeant Heath Jones went on to cross a barb wire fence submerged in flood water to rescue an elderly couple.

He is one of eight people awarded the New Zealand Bravery Medal on Saturday.

Jones told RNZ’s Saturday Morning programme he was thankful and honoured to be recognised.

That day, while travelling to work, he only knew of the storm causing minor disruption – a few trees down, a few puddles, nothing too alarming.

Then the situation quickly became a concern.

“You get to work, and then you start hearing about cell phone coverage dropping, and river levels rising,” Jones said.

He and his colleague Detective Constable Jaime Stewart – who was last year’s Bravery Medal recipient – were deployed to the Pakowhai area near Hastings.

“We get to one particular bridge, and water’s very, very high, and then a call comes out that a colleague is in strife.”

The colleague was a woman stranded on her house roof with her four-year-old and her baby.

To get to them, Jones and Stewart had to cross waste deep, debris-filled, “fast-moving water”.

It was the first of two rescues that day.

“We passed two horses that we thought we’d probably come back and try and get them out, but the situation changed, and we were diverted to another situation.”

He noticed two elderly people who were trapped in chest-height water after walking a short distance from their vehicle that was nearly fully submerged.

They couldn’t swim and were fairly exhausted where they were, Jones said.

Jones entered the water to swim out to the couple, navigating a submerged barbed wire fence line to reach them.

“Through both rescues, the main concern was, if we lose footing, we are gone,” he said.

As well as emergency services, he credits the community for wanting to get out and help others during that time.

“So it’s not just about being a police officer,” he said, “but, [if] someone’s in trouble, I suppose that’s one reason why you do join the police, is so that you can help others.”

Five of eight people who received a Bravery Medal were police officers. A further two are recipients of the New Zealand Bravery Decoration.

In 2011, Jones was awarded the New Zealand Bravery Decoration after being one of the first officers to arrive at the scene of the 2009 Napier Siege where Senior Constable Len Snee was fatally shot. Three others were wounded.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

By Noam Mānuka Lazarus (Ngāti Whātua), Massey University journalism student

Predator Free Wellington said its efforts to eliminate predators have led to a doubling of native bird life in the Miramar Peninsula.

In its annual report, the group said the number of kōtare (kingfisher) observed had increased by 550 percent, pīwakawaka (fantail) by 400 percent, riroriro (grey warbler) by 283 percent, and tūi by 210 percent.

The report also suggested strong numbers of kākā, kārearea, kākāriki and ruru.

It found that the total of native birds in the area had increased by 136 percent.

Predator Free Wellington (PFW) project director James Willcocks said phase one and two of its projects, along with other initiatives like Capital Kiwi and Zealandia, were demonstrating that introduced predators could be eliminated from urban areas.

Seatoun, Lyall Bay, Breaker Bay, Miramar, Ōwhiro Bay, Kilbirnie, Rongotai and Hataitai were just some of the areas cleared during the first phase.

These areas were still maintained using a barrier system – involving over 1000 traps and bait stations – which blocked out pests from safe zones.

The report also revealed successful testing of H2Zero prototype bait stations, provided by Zero Invasive Predators.

Whilst standard bait stations required fortnightly visits and maintanence, these new units could run for three months between services.

This reduced the required visits by PFW volunteers to bait stations by 85 percent.

“This isn’t just about speed. It’s about precision. We’re placing devices where rats actually are, rather than blanketing entire areas and hoping for the best,” Willcocks said.

He said results like these did not happen by accident, they were funded.

“I would say it’s no longer a technical challenge. It becomes an economic challenge, right? Do we have the money to pay for it and do we want to pay for it.”

The PFW relied on its 164 volunteers checking bait stations and cameras around Pōneke.

It said 2200 more continued to check PFW stations within their own backyards and reserves across Wellington.

Eleanor Nugent, a PFW community ranger, said fulfilling her sense of kaitiakitanga was a core reason for why she volunteered.

“This is such an amazing outlet that’s not only helping the planet, but is also such a special community of people who get to express their want to do good.”

She said the volunteers were people from all different walks of life.

Willcocks said funding from central government would realise PFW’s ‘phase three’ plans.

This phase would make the Wellington CBD, Parliament, and 1200 hectares in the Te Kopaho reserve pest-free.

The reserve is off the bottom of Zealandia, and would increase that pest-free area by fivefold.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

A homicide investigation is underway after a man’s death in Rotorua overnight.

In a statement, Detective Inspector Lew Warner said officers were called to Ford Road about 8.30pm on Friday after receiving reports of a vehicle crashing into a tree.

The only person in the car was found critically injured and died shortly after.

Warner said early inquiries suggest the injuries the person had “are not consistent with a crash” and the public’s help is wanted.

“We want to hear from anybody who was in or around Ford Road between 8pm and 8.40pm yesterday.

“Additionally, anybody who saw a white Toyota Hiace van, registration DFR734 in Ford Road or the surrounding areas.”

People can call police on 105, and reference file number 251212/4041

“Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police will be carrying out a forensic examination of the scene and vehicle.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The partner of a man who drowned while trying to save a struggling child in Lake Whakatipu near Queenstown says he will forever be missed and remembered for his courage, kindness and selflessness.

Jonathan Young has been posthumously awarded a New Zealand Bravery Medal for his [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/528121/drownings-prompt-call-for-more-protections-at-notorious-glenorchy-swimming-spot

rescue attempt] in January 2023.

Two other people involved in the rescue – Susan Burke and Sergeant Harry Ghodke – have also been honoured with the medal for their role in saving the boy.

The boy had been playing in the Rees River when he was pulled into Lake Whakatipu near Glenorchy by a strong current and went underwater.

Ghodke, an off-duty police officer, swam out to help but could not bring the boy back because of a strong undertow, instead telling him to float on his back while he went to get more help.

Young, who was visiting from New South Wales, dived in to help from the other side of the river but became exhausted trying to pull the boy in.

Another passer-by, Australian holidaymaker Susan Burke, also swam out to help, managing to hook her arm around the boy’s chest and swim back to shore.

When Burke realised Young had disappeared, she returned to the water to help but could not see him, nor could two other men who swam out to help.

Young’s body was recovered the following day.

His bravery award citation said the rescue attempt demonstrated selfless bravery at the cost of his life.

In a statement, Young’s partner Hsu Tin said it was an honour to receive the award on his behalf, though part of her wished Young was accepting the honour.

“It’s an honour of my life to have been loved by this man who had always put others first – the reason why we’re all here and he isn’t. Jonny was the kindest and most loving fiancé, son, brother, uncle and a caring cat dad to our orange boy Benny,” she said.

“For Jonny, the 35 years he got to live on this earth – he had always lived the right way and did all the right things. He was smart, sporty, kind, helpful and strong inside and out – a textbook perfect man. All those of us who have loved and known him will never recover from having lost him and we have had to learn to heal this big void he left in us through his memories and the love he left us with.”

Tin said Young sacrificed his life for the boy.

“When I think of Jonny, I will forever think of courage, kindness and most of all selflessness. He will forever hold the biggest space in our hearts and forever be missed and remembered for his bravery,” she said.

Tin said she was thankful for the help she received from a police officer on the day of his drowning.

“Without her incredible kindness and sympathy, I wouldn’t have known how I got through that day alone in a foreign country having lost my fiancé and my best friend of over 15 years,” she said.

Burke’s award citation noted that her actions ensured the rescue of the young boy and while tired from her efforts, she committed to searching for Young to the limit of her ability.

Ghodke’s citation detailed how he addressed the immediate panic of the boy, calming him and telling him to float, allowing further time for a rescue.

In a joint statement, Burke and Ghodke described the rescue as a collective effort.

“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers remain with Jonathan Young’s family who tragically lost his life during this incident at Glenorchy on 19 January 2023. We appreciate the honour of being recognised with these bravery awards; however, we wish to emphasise that our actions were simply a response to a child in immediate danger,” they said.

“We wish to acknowledge the courage shown by Jonathan, whose actions demonstrated profound selflessness. This was an extremely challenging and emotional event.”

Young, Burke and Ghodke were among the 10 recipients of bravery awards in 2025.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted five of the eight people receiving the bravery medal were on or off-duty police officers.

“I would also like to acknowledge the loved ones of Jonathan Young, who are grappling with the biggest sacrifice of all – the loss of his life in his brave act of saving another,” he said.

Young drowned less than a week after another man, Leroy Rodney James Kaaho, died at the same swimming spot while also trying to save a child.

The deaths prompted the coroner to call for greater public awareness of the risks at Lake Whakatipu and the Rees River.

Tin said she wanted to remind parents about the importance of water safety for children.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Ordinary farm animals can do extraordinary things under the care and guidance of former drug dog handler Bex Tasker.

In a few rolling paddocks overlooking Matakana Island in Bay of Plenty, her young human trainees are also building up their skills working with the sheep, chickens, rabbits and horses.

Tasker trained as a vet nurse and with guide dogs before working for Customs handling dogs to sniff out drugs. Five years ago, she started working with young people through her animal training business Positively Together.

She not only trains the animals, including Kaimanawa horses from the wild, she also teaches 7- to 16-year-olds how to coax animals to build on their natural behaviour, using positive reinforcement methods.

“Force-free training is about making behaviour change, but it’s about doing it in a way that the animal’s on board with that and the animal is having as much fun as we are, whereas I think traditional animal training is about making the animals do things because it’s convenient for humans,” she told Country Life.

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She takes the older trainees with her to demonstrate the animals’ skills at fairs and A&P shows.

“They get nerdy like I do, about the training, and some of them just love cuddling the animals.”

When Country Life visited Tasker’s 5.6 hectare property near Aongatete, the treat bags were out and Pipsqueak, Rupert and Misty were getting ready for a session with “next-gen trainers” Ariela, Hosea and Elena.

Thirteen-year old Ariela led Pipsqueak, one of the sheep, onto a pedestal where, with the help of a sheepnut or two, he waved his hoof, a trick Ariela has been working on.

“I was just trying to train him to stand on the pedestal, but he kept on nudging me with his foot, and I’m like, I think I can turn this into something.

“It’s more about trying to get him to get out of bad habits of, you know, nudging me, and more wanting him to wave in front of him.”

Timing is everything, she said, as well as a love of animals and confidence.

“And patience for sure.”

Her 10-year-old sister Elena said she had learnt a lot about the handling of animals and body language.

“[It’s] definitely taught me to be patient with animals, because sometimes that’s kind of hard because they’re like, pushing you, and you’re like, ‘oh, come on, just stop doing that!'”

Tasker has recently started ‘Animal Adventures’, a therapeutic programme aimed at building young people’s resilience and meeting the needs of those with anxiety and other mental health issues.

“There’s definitely a need for our neurodiverse kids and all sorts of other sorts of medical complexities and challenges.”

Tasker takes some of her animals to shows to demonstrate their skills, including her magnificent Valais Black Nose sheep, Barnaby, who she desribes as her “main man”.

With his horns and long ringlets he is an unusual sight, fetching, jumping and spinning for the crowds.

“He’s quite surprisingly athletic for how heavy set he is.”

She also incorporates card tricks and a chicken football game into her shows, building on the animals’ natural behaviour, like pecking, and traits like the ability to discriminate certain colours.

“It’s the magic of training, it’s the magic of animals.

“While it all seems very silly and cute and fun, there is, for me, there’s a much deeper, deeper message, deeper meaning.

“I’m really passionate about the pre-teens and the teenage group in particular, and really role-modelling and showing the importance of respecting body autonomy, of looking for consent when we’re interacting with other beings, whether those are sheep or chickens or humans.”

What about those who say making animals perform is not natural and unfair on the animal?

“My response is that we ask the animal, you know, and my animals tell me that they love it more than anything.

“My horses […] come literally galloping from the other end of the paddock, neighing when they see me come to the gate because they’re so keen to train.

“So rather than putting human ideology and human ideas onto our animals, this is a, you know, a good example of where we need to ask the animal.

“Yes, they’re performing, but they’re also living 99.9 percent of the time in a paddock with, you know, friends, so they’re not living an unnatural lifestyle, and then, every now and then, I pull them out and take them out and do things, and they’re always happy to perform.”

Tasker also takes her animals to rest homes where she says older people find joy in cuddling newborn lambs, unlocking memories of their earlier life.

She would eventually like to build a charitable arm for her business, enabling more of the therapy work and offering scholarship spots to young people.

Learn more:

• Find out more about Bex Tasker here

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Māori rock art is one of a dozen research areas chosen by the Royal Society to get a funding boost.

The Royal Society Te Apārangi announced the 12 recipients of its Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowship for 2025 this week.

The government introduced the fellowships in 2024 for mid-career researchers who had done four to 12 years of research in their field since completing their PhDs.

Each Mana Tūānuku fellow would receive $1.16 million over four years towards a research project.

Tūhura Otago Museum’s curator Māori, Dr Gerard O’Regan (Ngai Tahu), and his project ‘He tuhinga ki te ao, Māori rock art through time’, was one of the 12 selected.

“It’s very humbling and a huge privilege,” he said.

“The incredible thing with this fellowship is that it gives us four years of full-time attention to Māori rock art heritage.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for me as an archaeologist – I’ve been involved with my own marae in terms of the kaitiakitaka (kaitiakitanga), the care of our rock art heritage, but also for the broader research kaupapa and thinking about the different strands of thinking we can bring to these treasures.”

He said his research would utilise both archaeological and matauraka (matauranga) Māori approaches.

“The idea is to bring people together who are experts in traditional Māori arts, the reo, and the places where we find our rock art to wānanga, rather than being limited to only an archaeological, scholastic lens.”

Part of his research would involve ‘boots on the ground’ surveying to understand gaps in the archaeological knowledge of rock art in Central Otago and Fiordland.

This, combined with Ngāi Tahu and Dr O’Regan’s existing research on North Island rock art, aimed to provide an up-to-date overview of Aotearoa’s rock art heritage.

“Maori rock art is found throughout the country, but the greatest concentrations of it are in the eastern South Island, especially around South Canterbury and North Otago.

“There are some information gaps in Central Otago and also Fiordland, and it’s also important for us to remember Rēkohu, the Chatham Islands and the rock art heritage there with Moriori.”

He would also be looking at how Māori rock art relates to that of other Polynesian Islands, specifically Hawai’i, the Marquesas, Tahiti, and Rapa Nui.

“All of those islands have significant areas of rock art, quite often carving more than painting or what we call petroglyphs, so engravings on carvings and rocks, rather than the paintings that seem to dominate in the South Island.”

The final part of his research would be looking at how Māori rock art motifs had been used in modern times, including in contemporary artwork, as well as guardianship concerns of kaitiaki for their rock art places.

“It will involve looking at issues of cultural misappropriation, and understanding how rock art heritage can contribute to cultural revitalisation and tourism development appropriately.”

Dr O’Regan said his research would feed into a major exhibition that Tūhura Otago Museum was developing in collaboration with Canterbury Museum and the Ngāi Tahu Māori Rock Art Trust.

The exhibition was expected to open at Tūhura in 2027 before going to the newly redeveloped Canterbury Museum and possibly elsewhere.

His research would also inform a new book, which he said would be the first comprehensive text on Māori rock art.

“We’re really looking forward to being able to offer that to the wider community, but especially to those interested in really looking after, analysing, researching, and contributing to rock art heritage.”

He hoped his research could inspire a “cultural revitalisation” of Māori rock art.

“If we look at the cultural revitalisation that’s happened with tā moko, for example, it would be lovely to foster similar revitalisation with our Māori rock art heritage.

“It’ll be a wonderful day if we get to the point where Māori and iwi across New Zealand have actually re-engaged with the creation of rock art and we’re perhaps making new rock art.

“But if we do do that, we need to be doing it from an informed place, and know what we’re bringing forward from the past.”

The Royal Society said this year’s Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowship recipients covered a diverse range of research areas, including combating infectious disease and antibiotic resistance, building climate resilience through improved flood forecasting, and supporting the country’s transition to a sustainable and secure energy future.

The chair of the interview panel that selected the recipients, University of Otago Professor Peter Dearden, said the projects chosen had the potential to deliver benefits for health, society, and the environment.

“Interviewing the shortlisted candidates for this year’s Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowships was a powerful reminder of the outstanding research talent we have in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The Fellows chosen this year represent the next wave of research leaders who will help shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s future. Their contributions are set to create meaningful impact nationally and globally for years to come.”

https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/news/2025-mana-tuanuku-research-leader-fellowships-awarded

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