Category: Radio New Zealand

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Police Minister’s staff replied to Jevon McSkimming accuser’s emails

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police Minister Mark Mitchell RNZ / Mark Papalii

The police minister says the correct process was followed by his electorate staff who forwarded emails containing allegations about former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming to his ministerial office, months before he was made aware.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority’s report found ” the emails allegedy sent by Ms Z dramatically increased in their number and distribution” in December 2023 and January 2024.

The report said the emails were sent to a range of people and organisations, including McSkimming himself, then-Commissioner Andrew Coster, then-Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura, the Prime Minister, the Police Minister, the IPCA, and various media outlets.

Mark Mitchell, who is also MP for Whangaparāoa, said 17 of the 36 emails in relation to McSkimming went to his electorate office.

“The correct process was followed, with those emails forwarded to the ministerial inbox for actioning. Electorate Staff are not employed by Ministerial services and do not deal with Ministerial Correspondence.”

The Post has reported the staffer in his electorate office, who is also his sister, responded to one of the emails in January 2024, to say the email address was for matters related to his electorate, and because the content related to his ministerial portfolios they would be managed by his ministerial team in the Beehive.

But because of a protocol put in place by Coster, the emails sent to Mitchell’s ministerial team were forwarded on to Coster’s office, and not shared with Mitchell.

Jevon McSkimming RNZ / Mark Papalii

The minister said the first time he was alerted to the situation regarding McSkimming and Ms Z was on 6th November 2024, when Coster briefed him. The next day, he called a meeting with the Public Service Commission and the Solicitor General to express his concerns.

“I am satisfied that all my team at both electorate and ministerial level have acted appropriately and diligently. No one knew at that stage there were integrity issues with the Police Executive,” he said.

Shortly after the release of the IPCA report, Mitchell said 36 emails containing the allegations were sent to his office, but he never saw them.

A protocol had been put in place for police staff in Mitchell’s ministerial office to forward the emails directly to then-Commissioner Andrew Coster’s office, and not share them with Mitchell or his political staff.

Mitchell has previously also defended the police staff in his ministerial office, saying they were put in an “awful situation” by the protocol, which he was unaware of.

Coster remains on leave from his role as Social Investment Agency chief executive while an employment process is carried out between him and the Public Service Commission.

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

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Auckland Pride takes legal action over scrapping of transgender inclusive sports guidelines

Source: Radio New Zealand

Minister for Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell directed Sport NZ to to withdraw its Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport in July this year. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Auckland Pride says it has taken the government to court, filing for judicial review in the High Court.

The organisation said released documents through the Official Information Act, show the minister for sport and recreation had directed Sport NZ in July this year to withdraw Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender People in Community Sport.

The organisation which advocates for Tākatāpui and Rainbow communities made the announcement on Friday morning.

Auckland Pride spokesperson Bhen Goodsir said documents released by Minister Mark Mitchell show he did not consider the Bill of Rights Act, the Human Rights Act or Sport NZ’s legal obligations when making this decision.

“The Government has also been clear that the Human Rights Act and the Bill of Rights Act protect transgender people from discrimination, and we agree,” Goodsir said in a statement.

“Human rights are for everyone. When Ministers make decisions, they must follow the law and uphold New Zealanders’ rights.

“The development of the Guiding Principles followed a robust consultation process shaped by affected communities. The Minister’s decision did not.”

Auckland Pride said Sport NZ’s statutory role was to promote and advocate participation in physical activity.

Goodsir said Auckland Pride was asking the courts to send this decision back to Minister Mitchell “so he can consider the impact of his decision on our communities”.

Auckland Pride said documents showed sports organisations asked for support navigating some of the nuanced challenges of inclusion and that Sport NZ consulted widely on the Guiding Principles, which were published in 2022.

Goodsir said the document offered practical guidance for local clubs on inclusion, such as utilising existing tools like weight bands and age brackets.

The Auckland Pride spokesperson said a government-initiated review began in 2024 but was halted when the principles were withdrawn before local organisations could have their say.

“Community sport is for the whole community… It makes sense for Sport NZ to support local organisations that are asking for guidance on how best to achieve that.

“Overseas culture-war tactics have turned this topic into a vector for misinformation elsewhere, but our focus is on work here. Our case simply asks that the minister consider his legal obligations, and the needs of the community, before making a decision,” Goodsir said.

Asked about the judicial review, Mitchell’s office replied: “The Minister won’t be commenting on the matter at this time.”

Why were the guidelines scrapped?

In 2023, New Zealand First campaigned on making any publicly funded sporting body “that does not have an exclusive biological female category, where ordinarily appropriate” ineligible for public funding.

Announcing the review, former sport and recreation minister Chris Bishop said the principles did “not reflect legitimate community expectations that sport at a community level should not just be focused on diversity, inclusion, and equity, but also prioritise fairness and safety”.

The completed review was handed over to Bishop’s successor Mark Mitchell.

Rather than an update, the government told Sport NZ to stop all work on the guiding principles and remove them altogether.

In August, Mitchell said he took coalition commitments seriously and believed the best decision was made in the long run.

“I just don’t think government should be meddling and getting into areas that… the sports themselves are best placed to know how to run their code in a safe and fair way.”

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Full statement by Chelsey Field, mum to August, Hugo and Goldie who died in the Sanson house fire

Source: Radio New Zealand

August, Hugo and Goldie Supplied

The mother of three children who died following a fire in the Manawatū town of Sanson has spoken out for the first time. August, Hugo and Goldie died last weekend, in what is being treated as a murder-suicide. Their father, Dean Field, also died. Below are Chelsey Field’s words in full.

August, Hugo and Goldie were taken from me and all those who love them in the most horrible of circumstances, but I do not want their deaths to define the important, beautiful lives that they lived.

My babies were my absolute world. I have been a stay-at-home Mum since I had Hugo in 2020. Before that, I was an early childhood teacher and August came to work with me every day, and I am so glad I got this time with my darlings. I enjoyed so much quality time with them; trips to gymnastics, music groups, playgroups and play dates with friends. We had so much fun together and many holidays away. I will forever cherish all these special memories.

Not only did I lose my children and my home that day, but I also lost our beloved miniature schnauzer, Marlo, who would have been six this Christmas. She was the children’s best friend, and one of Goldie’s first words was dog.

I also had a stillborn daughter, Iris, who would have been nine this year. I have lost her ashes, photos and all her special keepsakes. I know my darlings will be reunited with their big sister.

August, Hugo and Goldie at the memorial to their sister, Iris. Supplied

This incident has left me heartbroken and devastated. My children did not deserve this.

I would like to acknowledge the first responders who responded to the incident and have helped me since. Their support has been so appreciated.

Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the many thousands of people around New Zealand who have been so generous during this difficult time. I have felt the aroha of those around me, in my community and around the country. This support has given me the strength to carry on in honour of the short lives my children lived and the impressions they left on so many people’s hearts.

August, Hugo and Goldie. Supplied

August

August would have turned eight next Thursday and was looking forward to his birthday party at Timezone with five of his best friends. He was such a happy, kind and outgoing boy. He loved sport, especially football, he was a massive Messi fan. I had been planning on taking him to a Wellington Phoenix game soon. He loved going to the stock cars, fishing at the beach and playing with his best friend Levi. August was a fantastic big brother and he loved his siblings, especially his baby sister. He liked to get her out of bed in the morning, he would make her bottles and feed her. He loved his brother Hugo and they were always glued at the hip, either wrestling or playing outside making huts, digging in the sandpit or playing on the trampoline.

Hugo

Hugo was such a Mama’s boy. He was so kind, thoughtful and considerate, he would always come and tell me “Mum I got Goldie’s nappy and wipes ready for you, Mum I put your bag by the car for you”. He loved dinosaurs and Hot Wheels. He started school at the beginning of Term 2 and was taking it in his stride. He had begun to read so confidently, he was learning to count so proudly and he loved writing stories. Hugo loved going to the beach fishing also and riding his motorbike. He had just enjoyed his first pet day at school where he took his lamb Nigel and he won an award for care and attention. He loved his little sister Goldie too and was such a doting big brother.

Chelsey with Goldie at eight days old. Supplied

Goldie

Goldie was my special little girl I had waited so long for. I am so glad I never spent a day or night away from her in her short life. She had just gotten her top two teeth and was pulling herself up to standing and attempting to coast around furniture. Her first words were ‘Hi’ and ‘dog’, she even said ‘Marlo’ the dog’s name before she said Mum. She loved going to music group every Tuesday, she enjoyed the drums and dancing to music. She was the happiest little girl and such a cruisy baby. She loved to have big snuggly cuddles and her brothers were the best things in the world to her. She followed them around the house getting into their Lego and toys. She loved going into the boy’s school every morning and afternoon and she had a massive fan club with the younger girls there.

Miniature schnauzer Marlo also died in the fire. Supplied

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Where to get help:

  • Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
  • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357.
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
  • Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202.
  • Samaritans: 0800 726 666.
  • Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
  • What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds.
  • Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.
  • Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254.
  • Healthline: 0800 611 116.
  • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155.
  • OUTLine: 0800 688 5463.

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

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Kelly Tarlton’s Final Treasure Hunt named Podcast of the Year

Source: Radio New Zealand

Supplied to RNZ

A podcast that led to the discovery of one of New Zealand’s oldest European artefacts has been named Podcast of the Year at the NZ Podcast Awards.

Kelly Tarlton’s Final Treasure Hunt, produced by RNZ and the Motuihe Group, tells the story of famous entrepreneur and underwater adventurer Kelly Tarlton.

It traverses the story behind his life as a treasure and shipwreck hunter and the development of his aquarium on Auckland’s waterfront, while also re-igniting the search for a 256 year-old anchor off the Northland coast that Tarlton had been hunting for before he died.

Thanks to the podcast the anchor, lost by the French ship Saint Jean Baptiste in 1769, was rediscovered at the bottom of Doubtless Bay.

The podcast was the most decorated at this year’s podcast awards, winning gold in both the Best Documentary and Best History categories and silver in Best Factual, as well as the top honour.

The NZ Podcast Awards organisers said “its success is recognition for locally grounded storytelling that connects New Zealanders with our history”.

The podcast’s host and producer Hamish Williams said he was delighted with the win and immensely grateful to the Tarlton family for sharing their stories.

Kelly’s daughter Fiona Tarlton said on Facebook that “Dad would be thrilled” and thanked Williams for his dedication and talent in creating such a fascinating podcast.

She added: “My family and I are extremely grateful to RNZ and every team member involved for bringing this adventurous idea to reality.”

Tarlton was hunting for the anchor in 1982 and wrote down its coordinates, but his papers were lost for 40 years before they were rediscovered as part of the six-part podcast’s production.

The Saint Jean Baptiste was sailing in New Zealand waters at the same time as James Cook’s first expedition. It lost three anchors in a storm. Two had been found over the years and are on display at Te Papa and Te Ahu Museum in Kaitaia, but the location of the third anchor, described by Heritage New Zealand as “one of the oldest relics of early European contact with New Zealand”, remained a mystery until this year.

Marine engineer Brendan Wade, the partner of one of the other producers of the podcast Ellie Callahan, found the French anchor in a stunning conclusion to the series.

Heritage New Zealand has recommended it remain on the sea floor until tangata whenua have been consulted and archaeologists can properly survey the area.

RNZ’s daily news podcast The Detail, produced by Newsroom, won Current Affairs Podcast of the Year, while season two of Did Titanic Sink? by comedians Tim Batt and Carlo Ritchie silver in the Best Comedy and Best Fiction categories.

Earlier in the week, RNZ’s interview podcast Kim Hill Wants to Know was named by Apple Podcasts as New Zealand’s top new show of 2025, with cult podcast The Lodge in fourth.

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‘Playing for the black jersey’: Scott Robertson explains mass All Black changes

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wales v All Blacks

Kick-off: 4:10am Sunday 23 November

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Live blog updates on RNZ

Scott Robertson has said that the All Blacks have had a “strong review” this week after their 33-19 loss to England on Sunday morning. Their attention now turns to Wales in Cardiff, with Robertson making 13 changes to his starting lineup for the last test of the year.

“We’re playing for the black jersey, it’s all legacy and it’s really important to us. We talk a lot around serving our people off the field and serving the jersey on,” he said.

Captain Scott Robertson and Simon Parker are the only two players to retain their spots from last weekend, with this test always seen as a way to use the rest of the 33-man squad taken away on tour.

“That’s the balance of it, isn’t it? You’re giving guys opportunities and setting them up to perform and the ones that have been given it have been training extremely hard and been really focused,” said Robertson.

“It’s great to play the whole squad and everyone have a crack at it. So is a good sprinkle, sprinkle of experience and some great youth and young players coming through.”

Robertson said that Rieko Ioane had done “everything he can” to get selected to start at centre. It’s been a frustrating test season for the 28-year-old, who looked to have secured the role last year, only to end up being moved down the depth chart after July’s series against France.

Scott Robertson and Rieko Ioane. Daniel Carson/Photosport NZ

“You constantly check in on your players and you have little conversations just to make sure that you’re consistently giving them feedback,” said Robertson.

“There’s a technical side, but there’s also the human side to just make sure that stay ready. They’re going to get a crack, and this is his one…we’re excited for him, he’s been a really good pro off the field.”

For all the changes, this doesn’t exactly feel like much of a development for the future. Anton Lienert-Brown and Ioane have played over 170 tests between them and while they’ve only started a couple of test together in the midfield, it’s unlikely that they’re some sort of long term plan.

In fact, the only player who can be seen as even approaching an unknown quantity is Christian Lio-Willie, and even then, he’s played three tests already and is in as injury cover. Even for the players that haven’t had a run yet on tour, only George Bell hasn’t already started a test, with the biggest talking point of Ruben Love at fullback already having been seen this year.

This is instead very much looking like a culmination of a long season with a high attrition rate more than anything else – which is actually pretty understandable. Almost a dozen players are currently injured or unavailable, including some names that could have made a real difference on this tour like Tupou Vaa’i and Jordie Barrett.

However, naming a team that still has 719 caps worth of experience also means that the expectation will now be firmly on them to win well, rather than just stagger to the finish line and rest up over the summer.

Team lists

Wales: 1. Rhys Carre, 2. Dewi Lake, 3. Keiron Assiratti, 4. Dafydd Jenkins, 5. Adam Beard, 6. Alex Mann, 7. Harri Deaves, 8. Aaron Wainwright, 9. Tomos Williams, 10. Dan Edwards, 11. Tom Rogers, 12. Joe Hawkins, 13. Max Llewellyn, 14. Louis Rees-Zammit, 15. Blair Murray

Bench: 16. Brodie Coghlan, 17. Gareth Thomas, 18. Archie Griffin, 19. Freddie Thomas, 20. Taine Plumtree, 21. Kieran Hardy, 22. Jarrod Evans, 23. Nick Tompkins

All Blacks: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Ruben Love

Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Fletcher Newell, 18. George Bower, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Christian Lio-Willie, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23. Sevu Reece

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ERoad slumps to $144m loss in wake of setbacks in North America

Source: Radio New Zealand

ERoad

Transport software company ERoad slumped to a $144.2 million interim loss after a major accounting write-down in its North American assets, which did not deliver to expectations.

Key numbers for the six months ended September compared with a year ago:

  • Net loss $144.2m vs $1.5m loss
  • Revenue $99.1m vs $95.9m
  • Annualised recurring revenue $178.1m vs $166.7m
  • Operating earnings (excluding one-offs) $2.5m vs $4.7m
  • Non-cash impairment $134.7m

Leaving aside one-offs, its operating earnings fell 47 percent, which ERoad said was due to lower capitalisation of research and development, and faster amortisation because of a large legacy customer termination in North America.

Last month, ERoad announced it would prioritise its New Zealand and Australian investment, as the North American market did not deliver to expectations, amid strong competition and the impact of tariffs.

Mark Heine Eroad / Supplied

Chief executive Mark Heine said he was committed to financial discipline while progressing ERoad to its next phase of growth.

“We’ll keep focusing on what we control: generating cash, delivering for customers, and directing investment where it creates the most value,” he said.

“The opportunity in front of us is significant, and the team is ready to make the most of it.”

Its free cash flow position rose to $6.2m in the period, compared to $0.1m in the same period a year ago.

ERoad said the improvement in annualised recurring revenue reflected growth in the Australian and New Zealand market, which was offset by a decline in North America.

Heine told RNZ the company also saw opportunities in New Zealand, particularly around the move to electronic road user charges.

“The government knows we provide a great service to them – close to a billion dollars last year – without any cost whatsoever when it came to eRUC,” he said.

“They are really interested in our solution, but they’re also consulting with the broader industry, and we’re partaking as part of those industry consultations.”

Heine said ERoad was “really confident” that it was “well positioned” to capitalise.

The company maintained its full-year revenue guidance of between $197m and $203m.

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Oceania Healthcare posts profit, despite revenue drop

Source: Radio New Zealand

File image. 123RF

Retirement village operator Oceania Healthcare has made a first-half profit, despite a slight drop in total revenue.

The company’s total unit sales rose 5 percent to 271 units, including 161 care suites and 110 independent living units.

Key numbers for the six months ended September compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit: $4.9m vs $17.1m net loss
  • Revenue: $131.6m vs $132.6m
  • Underlying profit: $41.5m vs $38.6m
  • Total assets: $3.04b vs 2.82b
  • Interim dividend: nil

Sales at the Auckland-based Franklin complex were strong with 11 villa sales ahead of completion of construction, which was on schedule.

“The early sales success at our Franklin development reflects the growing strength of Oceania’s sales capability, with product design, pricing, and location increasingly aligned to customer demand,” chief executive Suzanne Dvorak said.

“The project illustrates the effectiveness of Oceania’s disciplined approach to development.

“The broader housing market has constrained our residents’ ability to sell their family homes over recent times, acting as a handbrake on sales. However, once the housing market cycle starts to improve, we expect the strong demographic drivers to return to the fore.”

Chair Liz Coutts said Oceania would not pay an interim dividend in line with the policy targeting a payout ratio of between 40 and 60 percent of free cash flow, subject as well to capital and investment requirements.

“Dividend payments are expected to resume when the business achieves positive free cash flow from operations, supporting a return to payment of dividends,” Coutts said.

She said the focus was on reducing debt, increasing sales and cutting costs.

Oceania planned to take an annual $20.4m out of the business from the next financial year, with four divestments expected to release about $40m in capital.

Dvorak said progress had been made to ensure Oceania’s strategy can deliver stronger cash generation, a leaner cost base and with balance sheet improvements.

“We said we’d strengthen sales, improve operational efficiency, and reduce debt. We’re delivering on all three,” Dvorak said.

“That disciplined execution gives us confidence as we move into the second half and beyond.”

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Te Pāti Māori turns down hui offer

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. VNP / Phil Smith

The chairperson of Te Rūnanga Ā Iwi o Ngāpuhi says he is “extremely disheartened” by Te Pāti Māori declining an invitation to meet with Te Tai Tokerau voters.

Rūnanga chair Mane Tahere had invited the national executive of Te Pāti Māori to attend a face-to-face hui at Kohewhata Marae in Kaikohe this Sunday to discuss the expulsion of Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and what the strategy for the electorate would be heading into next year’s general election.

Te Pāti Māori declined Tahere’s invitation, saying in a letter they had been advised by “multiple rangatira of Te Tai Tokerau” not to attend “at this time”.

The letter said the party was also dealing with some legal proceedings and had been advised that attending may be seen as “interfering with that process”.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the intention behind your invitation and remain committed to the wellbeing of our people and to appropriate kōrero at the right time and in the right way,” the letter said.

In a response sent out on Thursday, Tahere said the national executive’s absence would send a loud message about how Te Pāti Māori values its northern voter base.

“At present, it appears that value is very little.

“I cannot accept the reasons given for your non-attendance. My invitation made it absolutely clear that this hui would be held under tikanga on the marae, a setting that Te Pāti Māori, of all political movements, should instinctively understand, respect, and be guided by.”

Tahere said claiming multiple Te Tai Tokerau rangatira advised them not to attend did not stack up with the personal conversations he had leading up to the hui.

“I have spoken with many rangatira across Te Tai Tokerau who recognise the importance of this hui for our whānau and who believe firmly that Te Pāti Māori must be present, because showing up is who we are as iwi Māori.”

Speaking to RNZ, Tahere said more than 10,000 people voted for Mariameno Kapa-Kingi to be their MP, another 7000 gave their party vote to Te Pāti Māori and a few hundred were registered to attend the weekend’s hui.

“We are not hillbillies sitting up here with pitchforks. We’re a mature lot, many of our Ngāpuhi people are quite on to it.

“The whole point of the programme was for whānau and even Whāea Mariameno to have their kōrero and to ‘hohou te rongo’ because we were cut out of much of the decision-making about our own candidate – we still have that mamae (pain) as voters in that it’s just off-kilter.”

He said the way Kapa-Kingi was expelled from the party was “un-Māori” and it “glaringly obvious” the national executive was following “Pākehā ture”.

“A hui at the marae can break through all of that.”

Mane Tahere. RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Despite the no-show, Tahere said the hui would still go ahead and the door would be open for Te Pāti Māori to attend.

“I was also encouraged by the positivity coming out from many of the attendees and whānau I’ve spoken to about being strategic, having some outcome that is focused on us as a people and being collective and united.

“You go through some riri, but you also come out with ‘ko puawai tēnei, he mea rawa mō te iwi’… the pressure should be put on them so that they reconsider and turn up.”

Tahere said Te Tai Tokerau represented a key electorate for Te Pāti Māori and not turning up on Sunday could spell disaster for the party at next year’s election.

“Everybody will be assessing the political structuring of ‘where to next’, whether it’s Labour or New Zealand First… the Te Pāti Māori voters, I would say, from what I’ve been hearing, are very much hōhā.

“This could be the make-or-break, and, perhaps by not turning up, political suicide for Te Pāti Māori.”

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

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How does Jenny-May Clarkson feel about leaving TVNZ?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Just days after announcing she would leave TVNZ after nearly two decades on air, Jenny-May Clarkson found herself in a place she had almost forgotten: the middle of a crowd, the music at a Lenny Kravitz concert pulsing around her.

For six years, the early alarms and unbroken cadence of Breakfast — the country’s morning-news ritual — had kept her from much of life that unfolded outside studio hours: the late nights, the concerts, the small but accumulating milestones within her whānau.

That night, she turned to her husband and said: “The woman that you fell in love with is returning”.

Jenny-May Clarkson was the first wahine Māori to be appointed to the Breakfast co-host role.

TVNZ

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Double blow for Phoenix with season-ending injuries

Source: Radio New Zealand

Phoenix Alyssa Whinham sits injured on the field. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT

The Wellington Phoenix will be without Tessel Middag and Alyssa Whinham for the remainder of the women’s A-League as both midfielders have suffered season-ending knee injuries.

Middag ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft in her left knee in the opening minutes of her A-League debut against Canberra United at Sky Stadium earlier this month.

It’s the same ACL she had repaired in 2017 and then again in 2018, which saw her miss out on representing the Netherlands at the European Women’s Championship in her home country and FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

Scans have since revealed the ACL graft rupture.

Scans have also confirmed Whinham ruptured the ACL in her right knee in the second half of the Phoenix’s round three match against the Newcastle Jets at Porirua Park on Sunday.

Whinham has been an integral member of the Phoenix women’s team since it was established in 2021 and is the side’s second most-capped player.

“They’re big losses because both of them could feature in any A-League team,” said head coach Bev Priestman.

“Alyssa was reaching new heights early in her fifth season with the Phoenix, but I’m sure she’ll be back fitter, faster and stronger.”

The club said it had undertaken a thorough review with director of football Shaun Gill finding the Phoenix women’s ACL injury prevention practices are comprehensive and aligned with industry standards.

“We emphasise strength training, neuromuscular control, movement quality and injury risk screening,” Gill said.

“Female athletes are currently four to eight times more likely to rupture their ACL than males. We will continue to do everything we can to try and defy those odds.”

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