Expelled MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris cast first votes as independents

Source: Radio New Zealand

Their first vote in Parliament as independents was a procedural one. RNZ

Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris have delivered their first votes as independent MPs from afar, using the Green Party as proxies.

Speaker Gerry Brownlee opened Parliament’s proceedings on Tuesday – the first sitting day since Te Pāti Māori’s co-leaders announced Kapa-Kingi and Ferris’ expulsion.

“I’ve been advised by Te Pāti Māori that their Parliamentary membership has changed, and that Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris are no longer members of Te Pāti Māori for Parliamentary purposes,” Brownlee said.

“Accordingly under Standing Order 35.5, those members from 10th of November 2025 are regarded as independent members for Parliamentary purposes.”

Their first vote in Parliament as independents was a procedural one, in opposition to the Leader of the House Chris Bishop calling for extended sitting hours.

With both MPs being absent from Parliament on Tuesday, Green MP Scott Willis acted as their proxy – but not without challenge from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

“I seek leave to see the Green Party whip’s authority for the last four votes that he cast,” Peters said.

“I’m aware that they have the authority,” Speaker Gerry Brownlee said. “I’ve been notified by the members that the Green Party carries their proxy.”

“Yeah, but have you seen them?” Peters pressed.

“I don’t have to see it, I’m allowed to take members at their word,” Brownlee responded.

“Well, that’s a mistake,” Peters said.

“Well, I’ve been giving the member [Peters] the benefit of the doubt for the last couple of years,” Brownlee retaliated.

Regardless, the coalition parties used their majority to push ahead with putting the House into extended hours.

‘Getting the government out’ the priority – Te Pāti Māori co-leaders

Having announced the expulsion the previous day, co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer would not initially engage with questions about the public response.

“I think the priority has always been, as we said yesterday, to focus on this government getting out, and getting into government in 2026 – we remain focused on that.”

She pushed back when asked if they were facing dissent.

“This was a big day yesterday, and our people are allowed to be hurt. They’re allowed to show their disappointment and their confusion,” she said.

“They’re allowed to karanga out to each other – so they should – but what we have to show is the leadership is focused on one thing, and that is to get this government out in 2026.

Labour had earlier linked Te Pāti Māori’s internal ructions to an increased interest in people wanting to stand for Labour in the Māori electorates.

“Well so have we,” Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi said when that was put to him.

“There are many people calling now to be part of the movement … everybody knows what we have to focus on, and it’s making sure that this is a one-term government – we must continue to focus on that.”

‘Too early to tell’ if Greens gaining support

On current polling, Te Pāti Māori would need an electorate seat to be returned to Parliament because they fall below the 5 percent threshold needed to enter based on party votes alone.

It was an outcome Labour’s Willie Jackson said he would be “absolutely” comfortable with, but not one Greens co-leader Marama Davidson seemed comfortable with.

“Would we be pleased to see them leave – No! Of course not. We’ve had a really strong working relationship with them, but those choices are up to the people.”

Davidson said it was “too early to tell” if there was increased interest in people wanting to run for the Greens in Māori electorates.

“What I am really pleased about are more and more people, Māori, coming to the Green Party who can see we continue as we always have getting on with the mahi of tiriti justice, of helping people and planet. We’ll keep doing that mahi.”

Likewise, they had not seen comments on social media from Te Pāti Māori voters planning to vote for the Greens.

“Ah, we haven’t been paying a lot of attention – been doing the mahi. But I’m aware that we are here and we’ve always been doing the work, that’s just how it has always been.”

Asked if they, like Labour, would be campaigning hard for the Māori seats, she said they had “always taken those Māori seats seriously and so, you know, let’s wait and see how we go”.

She refused to be drawn on whether their MP Hūhana Lyndon would stand for Te Tai Tokerau, despite saying she was “a formidable presence” in the region and they had heard “long before now” she could win there.

Winning a Māori seat would be “historic” for the Greens, she said, but “let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves”.

“That is a party decision. We’re always going to be proud of Hūhana’s work in the north.”

Many in Te Tai Tokerau “absolutely are really concerned” about their MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi’s expulsion, she said, but the matter was for Te Pāti Māori to answer to.

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

Mātauranga Māori inspires student redesign of Picton square

Source: Radio New Zealand

By Kira Carrington, Local Democracy Reporting

Victoria University architecture students mingle with the community at the opening of the Reimagining Nelson Square exhibition. Supplied/LDR

Landscape architecture students have placed Māori history and values at the heart of their reimagining of Waitohi Picton’s Nelson Square.

The group of 14 second-year students from Victoria University of Wellington has opened an exhibition of their work at the Picton Library and Service Centre – Waitohi Whare Mātauranga.

The exhibition, which runs until November 19, features 10 concept designs for a revamped Nelson Square, and residents are invited to provide feedback on the designs via a QR code.

Students also presented their designs to Marlborough District Council, which would consider them as part of a deliberative process on the future of the square.

The exhibition was the culmination of a months-long project, which included a research trip in July to scope the site, and speak to residents and mana whenua about what they wanted from the space.

Many of the students, who worked in pairs, took inspiration from local Māori history, legends, and the environment in their designs.

The Tohorā Thread, by Charlotte London and Isla Hawkins, took its main inspiration from the Tohorā, or Southern Right Whale.

Architecture students Charlotte London and Isla Hawkins took inspiration for the Southern Right Whale in their reimagining of Nelson Square. Supplied/LDR

“To Māori, the Tohorā represented navigation, exploration and guidance across the ocean, much like the ferries that arrive in Waitohi today,” London and Hawkins wrote in their explainer.

Their design featured a Corten steel wall shaped like a whale that told the story of Te Atiawa’s voyage to Waitohi and water-activated concrete paint that revealed other parts of Te Atiawa’s story when it rained.

Two groups where inspired by Te Ihu Moe One, the snout of the taniwha Tui Ngarara, whose journey toward the ocean after getting stuck in mud created the Tuamarina River Valley, otherwise known as Waitohi Valley.

Samuel Fauth and Billy Lamont said the main path of their design, Te Haerenga o te Taniwha, would symbolise the taniwha’s journey to the ocean, the path would be surrounded by mounds, showing how the taniwha moved the earth around it.

Samuel Fauth and Billy Lamont say they were inspired by the taniwha said to have created Waitohi Valley. Supplied/LDR

Their communal area would represent the carving out of Koromiko, where the taniwha was said to have thrashed around and created a bowl shape, Fauth and Lamont said.

Ruby Gregson and Georgia Van den Broke wrote that their design Te Ara Whetu was inspired by Matariki.

Navigation was a big part of their design, by using directional markers designed with mana whenua to orient visitors and introduce the stories of the stars, Gregon and Van den Broke said.

Ruby Gregson and Georgia Van den Broke’s design is inspired by Matariki, with an amphitheatre marking the centre of the constellation. Supplied/LDR

“Pathways branch like constellations, linking the central campus, Auckland reserve, and the waterfront into a sequence of spaces in their own celestial network.”

An amphitheatre would mark the centre of the constellation, as a place for people to gather under the stars.

Other projects featured an octopus playground inspired by the legend of Kupe and Te Wheke-o-Muturangi, as well as a fragrance garden, a tea house for Rongoā tea, and seats made of recycled railway sleepers.

Victoria University teaching fellow Maria Rodgers said it was exciting for the students to be able to work on a “real world project”.

“The students have worked very hard on this because they care,” Rodgers said.

“Some of the designs are ambitious but hopefully there will be elements in them that the public will feel a connection to which could in turn lead to a redesign of Nelson Square.

“We would like to thank all those people whose passion for Waitohi Picton has supported this project.”

Vice-chairperson of Te Ātiawa Trust and chairperson of Waikawa Marae Rita Powick said design and development was an importance medium for understanding local history.

“Sharing knowledge and pūrākau (stories) that acknowledge our special landmarks and people, help bring depth and purpose into a space as it’s reimagined,” Powick said.

The project came from work between the council, Victoria University, Te Ātiawa and Kūmānu’s landscape architecture team, who co-ordinated the project with Better Off Funding provided by central government.

Visitors could provide feedback on the designs on the Reimagining Nelson Square website.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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

Rāhui extended across Tongariro maunga following devastating fire

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  11 November 2025

The fire broke out on Saturday 8 November, prompting a joint response from Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and DOC involving both ground and aerial operations.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire in Tongariro National Park, including iwi, local communities, visitors, and the dedicated teams who are working tirelessly to bring it under control,” says DOC Central North Island Operations Director Damian Coutts.

“It’s a distressing time for many. Our priority right now is people’s safety and supporting the fire response.

“The burn area is a massive 2,935 hectares at the country’s first National Park and Dual UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“We’re asking people to please stay away from the Whakapapa side of Tongariro National Park while the fire response continues. Your support in this will help us make sure this incredible place can be open to you sooner.

“Although Fire and Emergency NZ and Police have reopened roads, it’s not a time for sightseeing. We don’t want to see people operating drones or driving through just to look at the damage. The best way you can support Tongariro National Park is to stay away from the fire area until we say it’s clear and safe for visitors.”

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro have placed a rāhui over Tongariro maunga from Sunday 9 November to Monday 17 November. All tracks in and out of Whakapapa Village are subject to rāhui, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Tama Lakes and nearby walks, and we ask this is respected. Signage and information are in place.

DOC staff and hapū representatives will assess the conservation and cultural infrastructure when safe to do so, to understand the scale of the damage.

Anyone with bookings for huts or campsites during this period have been informed and their cost refunded. The Whakapapa Visitor Centre will remain closed until at least Monday 17 November with staff available remotely.

“We know how special this area is to iwi, locals, and visitors, and we share everyone’s concern for the land, wildlife, and places we all treasure,” says Damian.

“It’s still too early to speak to the long-term effects to ecosystems, flora and fauna, but with a fire of this magnitude, we expect significant damage to biodiversity. It will take weeks to understand the severity.”

Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro has placed a second rāhui over the immediate burn area, which will remain in place for 10 years. This will allow DOC to work alongside hapū to assess and restore this important alpine ecosystem.

DOC and FENZ teams remain on the ground to contain the fire and protect important structures like Mangatepopo Hut and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead.

Map of Tongariro Track closures

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

SH1 Cambridge to Piarere expressway Community Information Day – meet the team

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Interested in what’s happening along State Highway 1 Cambridge to Piarere? Join us for a community information day to learn about this key transport project – and other state highway and local projects.

  • Where: Cambridge Town Hall, Victoria Street, Cambridge
  • When: Wednesday 19 November, anytime between 2pm and 6pm

The community information day is a chance to connect directly with the teams behind:

  • SH1 Cambridge to Piarere (C2P) expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) project
  • SH1/SH29 intersection – roundabout
  • Upcoming maintenance on SH1 and state highways around the Waikato
  • Other regional and local developments such as Hamilton Southern Links

“We’re looking forward to sharing updates and talking with the community,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Darryl Coalter.

“Over the past 3 years a lot has happened. The project has been identified as a Road of National Significance, and we’ve got resource consents and confirmed the route.

“This is part of the nationally strategic transport corridor for New Zealand, connecting the Auckland region to the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and linking to the central and southern North Island,” Mr Coalter says.

“We’ve been working hard to get ready for when funding is available. We’re also continuing to acquire property, permits, authorities, advancing the design and preparing for ‘enabling’ works.”

We are aiming to begin construction in late 2026, subject to funding, and construction is expected to take 5 to 6 years.

Before construction can start, we have to do some early work to prepare for it,” says Mr Coalter.

“We expect to start these works early next year and they may include relocating lizards, installing bat roosts, removing trees and installing noise walls. Undertaking these works ahead of the main construction works will assist the contractor once appointed.

C2P is a 16km long 4-lane expressway, which will extend the southern end of the Waikato Expressway through to the recently completed SH1/SH29 roundabout at Piarere. It will be designed for 110km/h speed limit, with median separation, side barriers and wide shoulders, similar to the other sections of the Waikato Expressway.

There are 3 main components:

  • The online section broadly follows the existing SH1, from the end of the Waikato Expressway to Karāpiro Road. Local roads will be located on both sides of the expressway for this section to maintain access to properties and side roads
  • A grade separated (where roads are at different heights) interchange near the existing SH1 and Karāpiro Road intersection will link realigned local roads via roundabouts with on/off ramps to the expressway in both directions.
  • Just east of Karāpiro Road, the alignment moves north onto a new offline corridor that sits approximately 1km north of the existing SH1 and ends at the recently completed SH1/SH29 intersection.

Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply interested in the future of this expressway extension, we’d love to see you there.

For more information and to sign up for updates

In pictures: What they wore at Christchurch Cup Day

Source: Radio New Zealand

From left, Samantha Giles, Zane Tate and Jen Howell. Jen’s wearing Aussie designer Alice McCall. She says she’s a bit apprehensive about a long day in heels, but had some sensible shoes stashed in her bag. Zane’s suit is ASOS, the hat is Belinda Green Millinery, jewellery by Dyrberg/Kern and a vintage Oroton bag.RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Megan Byrant drove up yesterday after work from Havelock. It was her first time at the races, and first time entering the fashion competition. Her dress is from Aaliyah in Christchurch, and the fascinator was a TradeMe score.RNZ / Nate McKinnon

North Cantabrian Kim Ryan was dressed by So You in Rangiora. It’s her inaugural Cup Day and she’s hooked.RNZ / Nate McKinnon

It was Christchurch man Mark Alexander’s fourth Cup Day. He’s “gone classic” with a suit rented from Sergios in Christchurch.RNZ / Nate McKinnon

From left, Danni Alfeld, Foster Mwabe and Marlene Robertson. Marlene and Foster both made their own creations. Foster was working on hers until 2 o’clock this morning. She says she was going for “elegant, simple, traditional racewear.” Marlene says she wanted to do something playful with her peacock dress and headpiece, which she describes as flamboyant and out there, to take her out of her comfort zone. Danni’s dress is by local designer McKell Designs.RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Fraser Darling makes the trip up from Outram, Otago most years. He op shopped the suit about 15 years ago, and had it altered – it’s a Bob Shepherd Menswear wool suit, a well known Dunedin firm that made menswear for 60 years before shutting up shop in 2014.RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Heather Reynolds on her first trip to the Cup from Pukekohe. She bought the hat a few years ago on a visit to Australia, then nabbed a Review dress that looks made to match, along with a pair of Zara red heels.RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Heather Reynolds’s daughter, Lisa, made her own dress from a Vogue pattern over two days, and whipped up the hat – a feather boa stuck to a Buckram Rim – to match. She has a vintage pearl clip on earrings, and a brooch borrowed from her mum.RNZ / Nate McKinnon

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

Christchurch primary school lockdown lifted, police still searching for reported armed offender

Source: Radio New Zealand

The aftermath of a crash in the Christchurch suburb of South Brighton, on Rocking Horse Road. RNZ/Adam Burns

Armed police are searching for an offender reported to have a gun, who fled a car crash in the Christchurch suburb of New Brighton.

It plunged a nearby primary school into lockdown for around two hours.

Police said they were called to Rocking Horse Road after a car collided with two parked vehicles. No one was injured in the crash.

“It is reported the offender fled the scene with a firearm,” a police spokesperson said.

Police are making enquiries to identify and locate the offender.

A local woman, who did not want to be named, said neighbours came rushing out when they heard the crash happen.

“We all heard a giant crash and were quite concerned because it was the kind of crash where you think people have been hurt. We rushed out from all directions,” she said.

She said locals saw a young man running down the road and into a side street.

“Two older women were walking down the street, I don’t know if they actually saw it happen but they saw him running down the road and he had an air rifle in his hand. They tried to stop him, which wasn’t very wise,” she said.

“The police said they had no luck with the dogs. The young man has vanished.”

Nelson Myers-Daley said his wife was home at the time the car crashed into their parked car, leaving it badly damaged.

“She heard a big crash of metal and came running out, then she saw someone jumping out of the car and running,” he said.

Myers-Daley said the force of the crash propelled their car about four metres forward.

“It’s not what you want to have happen on sunny day on Rocking Horse Road. Hopefully they find whoever did it,” he said.

South New Brighton School. Google Maps

South New Brighton School in Christchurch was put in lockdown just after 2pm on Tuesday. The lockdown was lifted around two hours later.

A school representative confirmed the school is in lockdown and parents have been contacted.

A message from the school said police had advised the school of an incident in the area, and to go into lockdown.

It said police will let the school know when students could go home.

Police said cordons are in place and the public is asked to avoid the area.

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‘Rare beast’: Whanganui ceramics museum closes – for now

Source: Radio New Zealand

The country’s only museum dedicated to ceramics has closed to the public due to a funding crunch.

The Quartz Museum in Whanganui was founded by ceramicist Rick Rudd a decade ago and holds over 4000 works.

Rudd, 76, is one of the country’s top potters, but says he cannot continue working six days a week to keep the museum open.

He sought funding from the local council and Lottery NZ for two part-time workers to support him but was unsuccessful.

“It has been a hard decision, but I have to consider my health and mental health as well. In those 10 years, I’ve had a few days off with volunteers taking over.

“I’ve had five days off when I caught Covid for the first time in July this year, but apart from that, the museum has never been closed in the 10 years.”

Nevertheless, he is hopeful funding may yet come through, he told RNZ’s Nine to Noon

“I feel positive, that seems strange, but the museum will open again, it’s just a matter of time.

“I’ve made the decision that I will open on Boxing Day, which is what I always have done, and at least go for three months of the year, no matter what, after I’ve had this break.”

By then he hopes to have recruited some help, he says.

“But that depends probably on private funding or patron funding, and I’ve already had approaches which give me great hope.”

There are over 4600 works in the collection and it’s still growing, he says.

“Simon Manchester, a well-known Wellington collector, when he died, he left me his entire collection of 2700 works, which just sort of blew the place apart in a way.”

A museum dedicated exclusively to ceramics is a “rare beast” he says.

“The New Zealand collection is very seriously curated and focused on the movers and shakers of studio ceramics from the 1920s through to the present day.”

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

Otago Regional Council green lights existing Macraes mining operation for five more years

Source: Radio New Zealand

OceanaGold’s Macraes mine SUPPLIED

Mining company OceanaGold has consent to keep mining gold at its Macraes site in East Otago for another five years.

The Otago Regional Council has approved the Macraes operation until 2030, through a non-notified process.

The company had been planning a major expansion of the mine and intends to submit a fast-track application for that work next year.

OceanaGold’s senior vice president for legal and public affairs Alison Paul said the consent was a narrow application to keep the mine running in the meantime.

“These consents allow mining to continue at Macraes through to around 2030 and authorise the clearance of a small area of grass and tussock on land we own adjacent to the Innes Mills Pit, and for us to continue depositing tailings into the existing Frasers tailings storage facility,” she said.

The non-notified consent process was appropriate given the minor level of additional effects, she said.

Under the company’s expansion plan – known as Macraes Phase Four – it planned to dig the open pits deeper and wider, process low-grade ore and develop new tailings storage.

Paul said the company expected to apply for consent to operate until 2035.

“While this will be the first time we use fast-track at our Macraes Operation, our experience using fast-track in a major project has shown us that the same level of detail currently required under the RMA is equally required under fast-track. The same investigative and evidential rigour, and the same environmental standards remain. We remain committed to working constructively with all stakeholders throughout this process,” she said.

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

Public asked to avoid central Wellington street after incident

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services on Willis St in Wellington. RNZ / Tessa Guest

Emergency services are swarming a central Wellington street, which has been closed to the public.

Police were called to an incident on Willis Street at 3.30pm, and say the road is now shut between Manners and Dixon streets.

An RNZ staffer says firefighters are using a crane to reach the upper levels of a building.

Fenz has confirmed they’re “assisting police”.

Five police cars and ambulances are also at the scene.

The public has been asked to avoid the area.

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

Former top cop Andrew Coster criticised in IPCA report on McSkimming case

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jevon McSkimming

Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. RNZ / Mark Papalii

An investigation into police handling of complaints against former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming was critical of the actions of former Commissioner Andrew Coster, RNZ understands.

McSkimming resigned as the country’s second most powerful cop in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police.

The 52-year-old was later arrested and is facing eight charges of possessing objectionable publications, including child sexual exploitation and bestiality material over a four-year period.

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

The Independent Police Conduct Authority earlier announced it was investigating allegations of misconduct by McSkimming following a complaint from a member of the public.

“This comprises oversight of a police investigation into whether there has been any criminal wrongdoing by Mr McSkimming and a review of whether there has been any related non-criminal misconduct.”

It was also conducting an investigation into if there was misconduct or neglect of duty by any other police officers or employee in the course of responding to the allegations.

Several high-ranking members of police are believed to have been interviewed as part of the investigation.

RNZ earlier revealed the final report was shown to a group of people on 24 October.

It is understood the final report was critical of Coster in terms of his action and inaction in response to allegations about McSkimming.

RNZ/Reece Baker

Former Commissioner Andrew Coster. RNZ / REECE BAKER

RNZ earlier asked Coster, who is now the chief executive of the Social Investment Agency (SIA) for comment on the criticisms in the days after the final report was shown to a group of people.

A SIA spokesperson said that as the report was not released publicly it was “inappropriate for Mr Coster to comment at this time”.

“The IPCA has stated that there is no public release at this time due to ongoing Court matters.”

RNZ also asked the Public Service Commissioner’s office for comment.

A spokesperson said the commissioner had a copy of the report, and was not making any comment.

IPCA investigations manager Stu Graham also declined to comment..

The IPCA earlier confirmed it had completed its investigation into police handling of complaints against McSkimming. Other aspects of its investigation were ongoing.

The IPCA were releasing its report “in confidence to a very limited audience”.

“There is no public release at this time due to ongoing Court matters.

“We will not make any further comment”

In September, RNZ asked the IPCA for comment on draft findings that had been circulated.

Graham said at the time the authority had not at that time made any findings.

“Whatever currently exists is in draft form for the benefit of any officer who may wish to make submissions.

“In our view it would be inappropriate for you to publish anything relating to any such draft at this stage and indeed would be unfairly prejudicial to all officers concerned.”

In November last year McSkimming was placed on “special leave” as the IPCA investigated an allegation of sexual misconduct from a former non-sworn female police employee. The following month police began a criminal investigation into that allegation.

RNZ understands it was during police’s investigation that the alleged objectionable material was found on his work devices.

A second criminal investigation was then launched which led to McSkimming resigning in May and later being arrested on eight representative charges of possessing objectionable publications, namely child sexual exploitation and bestiality material knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the publication is objectionable.

Police earlier said McSkimming would not be charged in relation to the sexual misconduct allegations.

Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson said the investigation concluded that the evidential test for prosecution had not been met.

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