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Moana Pasifika v Otago Highlanders – Super Rugby Pacific

Source: Radio New Zealand

Liam Swiggs / RNZ

A technical issue led to the last 20 minutes of Moana Pasifika’s clash with the Highlanders not broadcast to audiences.

With the score at 39-19 in favour of the visitors, the lights and broadcast went out in Albany.

Perhaps a fortunate thing for Moana fans who were spared from seeing their side slump to a sixth straight loss.

After liaising with Sanzar, the decision was made to continue the match with no Television Match Officials, and no live broadcast.

The score was not added to after the interuption, the Highlanders easing to the win in front of a modest crowd.

Super Rugby’s breakout star in 2026 kicked things off for the visitors, Caleb Tangitau busting his way through some feeble defence to put his side on the board.

The All Black hopeful went back to back after dropping one over the line moments earlier, making no mistake to bag his brace in the left hand corner.

Jona Nareki went in from close range for the Highlander’s third, driving another nail in before the break, Jack Taylor rumbling over from a dominant line-out maul and a dominant 27-0 half-time lead.

Things got worse for Moana after oranges with twin yellow cards leaving their defensive line incredibly vulnerable.

Veveni Lasaqa was the first to take advantage as he strolled over against a 13-man Moana.

The hosts responded in stunning fashion, Millennium Sanerivi finishing a superb interchange.

It was back-to-back for Maona, Allan Craig barging over when the Sky broadcast was cut.

A livestream was run by Moana media manager Matt Manukia on Instagram which quickly gained over a thousand viewers.

No scoring plays were missed, as the Highlanders closed out a comfortable victory to avenge last year’s shock loss to Moana in Dunedin.

Follow every play in our blog:

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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 step up search for missing Cromwell man Antoine Richard

Source: Radio New Zealand

Antoine Richard was last seen on 21 March. Supplied / NZ Police

Police are continuing their search for Antoine Richard, who has been reported missing from Cromwell.

The 21-year-old was last on Saturday, 21 March around 11.45pm at the Victoria Arms Hotel on the corner of Achil Street and Melmore Terrace.

Police said Cromwell residents could expect to see water and land-based searches operating over the weekend.

Richard was last seen wearing light coloured knee length shorts, a black t-shirt and light grey rubber sandals, police said.

A grey rubber sandal was found by search teams from the shore of Lake Dunstan.

Police are appealing to anyone that may have seen a person matching that description.

People are also asked to check CCTV footage for pedestrians matching the person in the photo.

If you have relevant footage, register your camera system with Community Cam to help with the search for Richard.

If you have seen Richard or have information regarding his whereabouts, please contact police through 105 online or by phone, and use file number 260324/5771.

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

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

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Northland couple’s home flooded again while still being repaired from January storm

Source: Radio New Zealand

Floodwaters at Ōakura after the January storm. (File photo) Supplied / Ngātiwai Trust Board

A retired Northland couple’s home has been damaged by flooding once again while still being repaired following the January storm.

Linda and Roger Kelsall, both 80, had only just moved back into their Ōakura home before Thursday’s rain.

Linda Kelsall told Checkpoint, the latest bout of heavy rain had left the bottom story of their home with more water damage, and a lot of sludge and damage down each side of the house.

“It’s very disappointing… nothing we could do.”

Linda Kelsall said as the rain poured down water began seeping into the house and the couple had to put down towels in the bathroom and laundry area.

Flooding on the road leading in to Ōakura on Thursday. SUPPLIED

“Quite a lot seeped through… the rain was quite severe and the winds were very harsh. It just kept on raining on and off all day.

“We were wondering whether to go to our friend’s house or not when it started pouring. We went outside a few times to try and divert the water a bit, but no, it was too severe.”

There was a natural spring at the back of their property which had poured into their home with the excess rain.

Someone would be coming to look at the home on Monday and assess the new damage, Linda Kelsall said.

The couple’s home had been yellow-stickered in January and since then all the gib had been replaced along with the skirting boards.

“It was getting to the stage it was ready for painting.”

The couple spent three weeks in a motel and they then rented somewhere else until they were able to move back home last week.

Flooding in Ōakura during January. (File photo) RNZ/Calvin Samuel

Linda Kelsall said they had discussed moving in the past, but talked themselves out of it as it was a lovely spot with a very close community of “lovely people who were very supportive”.

“We do wonder what’s going to happen next I guess it’s just mother nature, what can you do? Not a thing.”

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

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As it happened: More rain, gales for upper North Island, parts of South

Source: Radio New Zealand

Heavy rain and winds continue as a deep sub-tropical low continues to make its way across the country, particularly from Northland to Bay of Plenty.

A period of large northeast waves is also expected with strong to gale-force winds.

Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei remains under a red heavy rain warning, with the remainder of Northland under an orange heavy rain warning.

Auckland, Westland District, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Tasman, Canterbury and North Otago are also under orange heavy rain warnings.

Orange strong wind warnings are in place for Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Taihape, Whanganui and parts of Taranaki.

It comes after Northland and Auckland received more than a month of rain since wild weather hit the regions on Wednesday.

A number of highways and local roads were closed across the upper North Island.

Further flooding and slips were still possible, MetService warned.

Follow what happened today in our liveblog.

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

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Live NRL: Warriors v Wests Tigers at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the NRL action, as the Warriors take on Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

Kickoff is at 8pm.

For just the fourth time in their history, the Warriors sit atop the table, with three big wins from their first three outings of the 2026 season.

They still have a long way to go before they match the 2002 side that won the regular-season minor premiership and reached their first grand final.

Significantly, they failed to reach the playoffs in 2009 and 2019, after leading the field early in their campaigns.

They are also still short of the club’s longest unbeaten start to a season – a five-game run that helped the 2018 team to the post-season.

A win this week against perennial cellardwellers Wests Tigers would put them within a victory of matching that feat.

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

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Live: Moana Pasifika v Otago Highlanders – Super Rugby Pacific

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action as Moana Pasifika take on the Otago Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium.

Kick-off is at 7.05pm.

Team lists

Moana Pasifika:

1. Abraham Pole 2. Millennium Sanerivi 3. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou 4. Veikoso Poloniati 5. Allan Craig 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c) 7. Niko Jones 8. Dominic Ropeti 9. Joel Lam 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop 11. Glen Vaihu 12. Lalomilo Lalomilo 13. Tevita Latu 14. Solomon Alaimalo 15. William Havili.

Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli 17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai 18. Paula Latu (*debut) 19. Alefosio Aho 20. Ola Tauelangi 21. Siaosi Nginingini 22. Patrick Pellegrini 23. Tevita Ofa.

“I have great belief about what we’re trying to do here and the movement behind Moana Pasifika, I still do, and will always have a place in my heart with this club and this movement,” – Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga.

Highlanders:

Ethan de Groot 2. Jack Taylor 3. Angus Ta’avao 4. Oliver Haig 5. Tomas Lavanini 6. Te Kamaka Howden 7. Veveni Lasaqa 8. Hugh Renton (cc) 9. Nic Shearer (Super Rugby debut) 10. Reesjan Pasitoa 11. Jona Nareki 12. Tanielu Tele’a 13. Jonah Lowe 14. Caleb Tangitau 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Bench: 16. Henry Bell 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown 18. Rohan Wingham 19. Will Stodart 20. Sean Withy 21. Adam Lennox 22. Andrew Knewstubb 23. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc).

“They are a big, physical side that play a direct style of game, and we will need to meet that challenge. In this competition every week is a tough game,” – Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph.

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

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Update: search and rescue operation for Antoine

Source: New Zealand Police

Police continue to search for Antoine Richard, 21, reported missing from Cromwell.

Antoine was last seen on Saturday 21 March around 11.45pm at the Victoria Arms Hotel on the corner of Achil Street and Melmore Terrace. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

Residents in the Cromwell area can expect to see water and land-based searches operating over the weekend.

Antoine was last seen wearing light coloured knee length shorts, a black t-shirt and light grey rubber sandals.

Search teams have located a grey rubber sandal from the shore of Lake Dunstan and appeal to the public that may have seen anyone matching this description to get in touch with Police.

We also continue to appeal for CCTV throughout Cromwell and request that residents with footage please review any activity from 11.45pm on Saturday 21 March to 8am on the Sunday 22 March.

Please check CCTV footage for pedestrians matching the person in the image attached.

If you have relevant footage, register your camera system with Community Cam to help with our search for Antoine: https://communitycam.co.nz/register.cfm

If you have seen Antoine or have information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Police through 105 online or by phone, and use file number 260324/5771.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Live: All Whites v Finland at Eden Park – Fifa Series

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the football action as the All Whites take on Finland in their Fifa Series match at Eden Park.

The All Whites want to leave a lasting impression in their final two games on home soil before the Football World Cup.

Friday’s game against Finland and Chile on Monday – also at Eden Park – will be the last chance for many New Zealand football fans to see the team live before the global tournament in June and the opportunity to showcase what the All Whites can do is not lost on the playing group.

Kick-off is at 7pm.

All Whites squad for Fifa Series

Kosta Barbarouses (70 caps, 9 goals) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia

Lachlan Bayliss (debut) Newcastle Jets, Australia

Joe Bell (28/1) Viking FK, Norway

Tyler Bindon (20/3) Sheffield United, England (on loan from Nottingham Forest)

Max Crocombe (19/0) Millwall, England

Andre De Jong (11/2) Orlando Pirates, South Africa

Francis De Vries (15/1) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Callan Elliot (7/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Eli Just (38/8) Motherwell, Scotland

Callum McCowatt (28/4) Silkeborg IF, Denmark

James McGarry (3/0) Brisbane Roar, Australia

Ben Old (18/1) AS Saint-Étienne, France

Alex Paulsen (5/0) Lechia Gdańsk, Poland (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)

Tim Payne (48/3) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Jesse Randall (5/1) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Logan Rogerson (16/2) Auckland FC, New Zealand

Alex Rufer (22/0) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Marko Stamenic (33/3) Swansea City, Wales

Finn Surman (13/2) Portland Timbers, USA

Ryan Thomas (23/3) PEC Zwolle, Netherlands

Bill Tuiloma (45/4) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Ben Waine (26/8) Port Vale, England

Michael Woud (6/0) Auckland FC, New Zealand

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

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

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Plea of sobriety falls flat after ‘shocking’ breath test result

Source: New Zealand Police

A call to Police about a swerving car in Nelson potentially saved lives overnight, and the breath test result left officers stunned.

The caller rang Police about 6.45pm on Thursday, to say a vehicle was “all over the road” and had three near-misses with other motorists. The car in question was driving northbound on Tahunanui Drive, before pulling over at a convenience store. The caller waited and relayed the direction of the car to Police as it left.

“By that time, three units were looking for the vehicle,” says Sergeant Mike Thom. The details from the caller helped Police locate the swerving car and officers stopped it on Bishopdale Avenue.

“After we stopped the driver, another motorist pulled up to tell us ‘that guy shouldn’t be driving’.”

A breath screening test agreed: the driver returned a result that was nearly five times the legal limit.

The legal limit is 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath. Any result over 400mcg results in a court appearance.

“This was a shockingly high reading and put the driver, other road users, and anyone around him at serious risk of harm. He denied drinking, but the results disagreed with him.

“The member of the public who reported the driving potentially saved lives,” Sergeant Thom says. “If you see concerning driving, report it to us so we can take action – it could make all the difference.”

A 25-year-old man was arrested and charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and has been suspended from driving for 28 days. He is expected to appear in the Nelson District Court on 30 April.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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$1.1 million in cannabis plants out of the community

Source: New Zealand Police

Christchurch Police have taken around $1.1 million out of the hands of organised crime following an investigation targeting cannabis cultivation on a commercial scale.

The operation’s enquiries resulted in Police conducting a search warrant at a premises in Waltham on Wednesday 25 March.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tania Jellyman says over 1,000 cannabis plants were located at the property, ranging in different stages of maturity.

“If these plants were matured and harvested, we estimate the street value of the plants would be around $1.1 million.

“By locating and seizing these cannabis plants, we have prevented them receiving payment that would have gone to fund a range of organised criminal activity in our community.

“We will continue to target illicit drug operations on commercial scales such at this, as we see the harm it causes and the impact it has within our community every day.”

Four men, aged 37 and 39, were located at the premises, taken into custody, and subsequently charged.

“We will not tolerate this type of offending, and further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation continues,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Jellyman.

Police would like to acknowledge the support by members of the public around information on illegal operations occurring within their community.

“We continue to encourage the community to provide us any information on any such concerns they may have.

“This can be done online or via phone at 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.”

The men appeared in Christchurch District Court yesterday and have been remanded in custody, due to reappear on 9 April, charged with possessing cannabis for supply, cultivates cannabis, and participating in an organised criminal group.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre