David Tamihere has had his convictions quashed, 36 years after he was found guilty of murdering two Swedish backpackers in the Coromandel.
In a decision released on Tuesday, the Supreme Court has directed a retrial but says it is up to the Crown to decide whether one should be held.
The court says Tamihere’s 1990 trial was unfair because of evidence from a prison informant later convicted of perjury.
And, it says the Crown case had changed so radically since then that it has not actually been tested by a jury.
Swedish tourists Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen were killed in the Coromandel in 1989.Supplied
The decision overturns a 2024 Court of Appeal decision that found there was enough other evidence that the conviction should stand.
Tamihere was convicted of the murder of Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen in 1990 after they were last seen in Thames in 1989. He has been out of jail since 2010.
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to fund Trikafta and Alyftrek for children with cystic fibrosis, regardless of their age from 1 April 2026.
Beginning tomorrow Pharmac will:
Widen funded access to Trikafta for all children with eligible diagnosis (currently only funded for children 6 years and older)
Widen funded access to Kalydeco for everyone with eligible diagnosis
Fund access to a new treatment, Alyftrek
“In January Pharmac consulted the public on this proposal. The feedback was positive. So from tomorrow Pharmac are funding those medicines,” Mr Seymour says.
“Doctors will use their clinical judgement to prescribe these medicines to any patient who would benefit.
“These treatments are lifechanging for Kiwis living with cystic fibrosis and their families. Children can now access to these lifechanging treatments as soon as clinically appropriate. Cystic fibrosis can cause harm very early in life, so waiting to meet age-based eligibility criteria is not an option.
“In 2023 Pharmac funded Trikafta for children with cystic fibrosis who were 6 years or older in 2023. This left out children under 6 years old with cystic fibrosis. Parents had to choose; wait until children were old enough, pay hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for treatment privately, or move overseas.
“This has been made possible through Pharmac’s commitment to working with the cystic fibrosis community. It is a great example of what is possible when Pharmac works alongside patients.
“We’re making the system work better for the people it serves. When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer. It also reduces pressure on other parts of the health system.”
Pharmac’s funding decision can be found here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2026-03-decision-to-widen-access-to-trikafta-and-kalydeco-and-fund-alyftrek-for-the-treatment-of-cystic-fibrosis
The completion of repair work at Devil’s Elbow on State Highway 2 (SH2) marks the end of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery work in the Napier to Wairoa corridor, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“The 4-kilometre SH2 road rebuild is complete, with final asphalting now finished,” Mr Bishop says.
“This is a huge milestone for the recovery works in Hawke’s Bay and ultimately provides a smoother, more reliable, and more efficient connection between Wairoa and Napier.
“Crews from local contractors have worked alongside Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) on Devil’s Elbow since 2023 to repair extensive damage to this narrow and winding section of road in some challenging conditions.
“It’s been a long road to recovery for this important stretch of road, and there’s been a lot of disruption along the way. I know the crews appreciated the support they’ve received over the years from local communities and road users.
“Since Cyclone Gabrielle, crews have delivered 11 recovery projects through Devil’s Elbow, including 9 major under slip repairs, rock scaling, repairs to the Devil’s Elbow main culvert, a comprehensive culvert replacement and repair programme to better manage stormwater runoff, and a new 12-metre-high retaining wall.
“Keeping water away from the road is one of the most important ways we can boost the resilience of our state highway network. The new and repaired culverts will do that. We’ve already seen, during heavy rainfall and storm events this year, that this stretch of road has handled the conditions well.
“TREC’s Cyclone Gabrielle recovery work in Hawke’s Bay is almost complete, with under slip sites on SH38 and work on Rail Bridge 217 still underway.
“I am pleased to see the repair work at Devil’s Elbow on SH2 completed, which will make a real difference for road users.”
An independent review has confirmed WorkSafe’s Energy Safety team gave technically sound and justified advice on last year’s regulatory amendments on electrical wiring.
The changes support modern energy systems, including renewable generation, battery storage, backup power, and electric vehicle charging, and enable safer, more resilient electricity supply.
WorkSafe initiated an independent review in response to sector concerns about the switching of earthing and Protective Earth and Neutral (PEN) conductors. The review was conducted by UK‑based chartered engineer Graham Kenyon, an electrical safety expert with 30 years’ experience. He found Energy Safety’s advice was technically justifiable overall and that any residual risks are real, known, and manageable through clear guidance and appropriate technical standards. Many risks are already partially mitigated through existing regulations, licensing requirements, and product standards.
“This independent review confirms our evidence-led approach to electrical safety regulation,” says WorkSafe’s national manager of High Hazards, Energy and Public Safety Darren Handforth.
Switching of earthing and PEN conductors has been permitted in New Zealand in limited circumstances since at least 1961.
“The review also confirms that the regulatory change was necessary to keep pace with modern energy technologies, while being clear about where further guidance is required to manage risk. We advise electricians to avoid installing switching or similar devices in earthing or PEN conductors until the further guidance is published.”
Energy Safety will now focus on the next phase of work. This includes developing and supporting industry guidance on supply changeover and island‑mode operation. It also involves clarifying expectations for switching arrangements, and working with standards bodies and sector partners on appropriate technical standards for emerging technologies such as open‑PEN detection devices.
The Electricity (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2025 allow electricians to use either the 2007 or 2018 wiring standard (AS/NZS 3000) until 12 November 2026. After that date, the 2018 standard becomes mandatory.
Energy Safety is the regulator for ensuring the safe supply and use of electricity and gas in New Zealand.
English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur is set to play Auckland FC in a friendly at Eden Park in July.JAKUB PORZYCKI / AFP
The Tourism and Hospitality Minister intends to have “a chat” with ACT’s tourism spokesperson after he criticised the government’s funding of a football game between two “billionaire-owned” clubs.
English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur is set to play Auckland FC in a friendly at Eden Park in July.
The match, part of the International Football Festival, will be supported through the government’s $70 million major events and tourism package, although the government will not disclose the specific funding amount for the event for commercial reasons.
“Why are taxpayers subsidising an event featuring billionaire owned football clubs?” he posted.
“Tottenham and Auckland FC aren’t charities. They’re backed by owners worth billions. Good luck to them, but they don’t need help from Kiwi taxpayers.”
Why are taxpayers subsidising an event featuring billionaire owned football clubs?
Tottenham and Auckland FC aren’t charities. They’re backed by owners worth billions. Good luck to them, but they don’t need help from Kiwi taxpayers.
Stephenson said the package was “just a slush fund”, accusing politicians of “picking winners and spraying public money around in the hope of a headline”.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said New Zealanders were “wildly excited” about Tottenham coming to New Zealand, and she would speak to Stephenson.
“People are entitled to their views. Normally, I would have thought in coalitions that we talk to each other about it, so I’ll be making sure I have a chat to that MP,” she said.
“I’m the sort of person who has conversations to someone’s face. If you’ve got something to say, bring it on.”
The match would be the first time a top-flight English club has played in New Zealand since 2014, when Newcastle United and West Ham United both toured.
Upston was not concerned that the marketing of Spurs as “Premier League icons” was in jeopardy if the club was relegated to the Championship, English football’s second tier.
Tottenham currently sits in 17th place on the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone with seven games still to go.
“Oh look, I think AFC, for them to be playing a team of that calibre will be exciting, will be great for the fans,” Upston said.
“And I think playing it on a Sunday afternoon is a really good move, because we know that football is a really big family sport. So I think it’ll be really positive.”
Louise Upston.RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Stephenson’s post also said that previous visits from the likes of West Ham, Wrexham, Boca Juniors, and LA Galaxy did not need a “government hand out.”
But Upston said the point of the fund, which was also being used to support Robbie Williams’ upcoming tour and State of Origin, was to help New Zealand compete harder to attract big events.
Asked why the government could fund $70m for major events, but only $15m for food banks in the last Budget, Upston said the package was about increasing economic activity and economic growth, which would boost incomes.
“When you provide more customers, and support business activity and economic activity, then actually you further down the track stop having to fund things like food banks.”
The remaining four polytechnics operating within the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) will begin new arrangements from 1 January 2027, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.
“Next year, NorthTec, the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT), and Whitireia and WelTec will be established as stand-alone regional polytechnics, with support from the Federation of Polytechnics to enable access to shared services and resources that will support their ongoing viability,” Ms Simmonds says.
“Tai Poutini Polytechnic will transfer its operations to The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, the anchor polytechnic of the Federation, ensuring campus-based delivery on the South Island’s West Coast is secure for future generations.
“This is a major milestone in rebuilding a vocational education system that is locally led, financially sustainable, and focused on delivering the skills New Zealand’s regions need. It means training can better reflect the needs of local employers, support key industries, and ensure vocational education delivery aligns with workforce demand.
“With ten regional polytechnics already operating and the remaining four institutions now ready for new arrangements, the shift to a strong network of regionally led polytechnics and industry driven work-based learning means that the establishment phase of the Government’s redesign of vocational education and training is nearing completion.”
To support continuity for learners, the remaining four polytechnics will continue operating within NZIST during the transition, with work already underway on final approvals and detailed transition planning.
“Vocational education and training remains one of the most important tools we have to support local jobs and give New Zealanders practical pathways into meaningful work. Returning decision-making to regions is critical as it ensures training aligns with workforce demand and supports local economic development.
“It is crucial to provide clear vocational pathways for young people in our regions, including through strong secondary-tertiary connections and provision in high-growth sectors such as the primary industries and energy sector.
“We are fixing the basics and building the future. This is about delivering a vocational education and training system that works — for students, for employers, and for communities across New Zealand.”
Molly was missing for almost two weeks in alpine backcountry.Supplied / Precision Helicopters
A dog has been found alive following an extraordinary helicopter search and rescue mission.
The rescue of Molly the border collie on Tuesday was the culmination of efforts co-ordinated by Precision Helicopters and funded through donations.
Molly became separated from her owner, Jessica Johnston, on 17 March when she fell down a waterfall and was seriously injured in a remote area near the Campbell Bivouac on the scrubline of the Campbell Range in the Arahura Valley, according to the helicopter rescuers.
Molly was found where Jess had fallen two weeks prior.Supplied / Precision Helicopters
Pilot Matt Newton said he had flown three missions to the area to see if he could spot Molly and was unsuccessful. On Tuesday, with a vet nurse on board and using a thermal camera, a small team of people spotted the dog at the foot of the waterfall where Johnston fell.
“It was a 55-metre fall. It was incredible that (Johnston) survived and she was picked up by a rescue helicopter a few weeks ago. No one’s sure whether the dog went over or not or whether it just made its way down to her but she had it in her hand when she fell. Because she was a bit wasted at the bottom she couldn’t remember whether the dog came down with her or not,” he said.
Newton said Johnston was seriously injured and was only recently discharged from hospital. She was making her way to the helicopter base to be reunited with Molly.
Newton sent her a satellite message as soon as her dog was found.
The waterfall Molly’s owner Jess fell down.Supplied / Precision Helicopters
“We were just making our way up the river to the most likely location where we felt that she would be, which is where Jess, her owner had fallen two weeks ago. We had the thermal equipment and she came up on the screen glowing red hot,” he said.
“As we got closer we could see it was actually her because other things can glow like possums and deer and goats and shammies and stoats and who knows, but it was the dog. We were stoked. Yeah, absolutely stoked.”
Newton said he had a little cry after getting Molly on board the chopper. She was in good condition, he said.
“I’d say she’d been scragging the odd possum and I’m sure she wouldn’t have killed any kiwis. She knows the rules there because she’s been kiwi trained. I’m pretty sure she’s been munching on the odd possum and she’s in pretty good condition, considering.”
Supplied / Precision Helicopters
In a Facebook post, Johnston said she was “blown away” by the support.
“I’d like to give the biggest thank you to all that have taken the time to donate with both funding, volunteering and sharing her posts,” she said.
“I’m absolutely blown away with the support everyone has given her so far from the kindest of strangers. Obviously devastated I’m not in a physical state to provide help on the ground. But with the support that’s been given a lot can be achieved for those that can. Incredibly grateful for how much was raised in a short period.
“Thank you for helping bring my Molly back home.”
Listen to the full interview on Checkpoint after 4pm today.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
When a young hospital registrar turned “putty grey”, broadcaster Joanna Paul-Robie knew she was about to get some bad news.
Paul-Robie had gone into hospital to get checked out for what she suspected were kidney stones, only to get the devastating news she had terminal cancer.
“Nobody turns that colour on purpose. So, I said to her ‘just spit it out, whatever it is, tell me, I’ll deal with it’. And she said, ‘well, we’ve seen a very big shadow on your liver, you’ve basically got liver cancer’,” Paul-Robie told RNZ’s Afternoons.
Over the past four years, terminal ovarian cancer has been shoving Cora Torr, 61, towards life’s exit door. To offset this rude intruder, she’s enlisted the help of a death doula.
Wellbeing
Since her diagnosis four years ago, the former news presenter has been living with the disease, which is also in her bones and breast. She’s keeping it at bay with a regimen of drugs.
A recent Guardianarticle described this stage of living with terminal cancer that cannot be cured as “the long middle”.
When you recover, people celebrate. When you’re dying, they grieve. But when you’re just managing, the world doesn’t quite know what to do with you, she says.
After being told her treatment from that point would be palliative, Paul-Robie says the path “changed completely” for her.
“The mountains that I used to see in front of me, the maunga that I would climb professionally and pull myself up and do all of those good things, that was gone. All of those were gone. This was a path leading away from me, I could not see the end of it. And I think it trended downwards. So, that was how I found out I had cancer.”
Four years is the median life expectancy for someone with her type of cancer, she says.
“This is where I should be dropping dead, but I’m not.”
Her treatment has also left her looking outwardly relatively well, she says.
“When you look like I look… people say to me all the time, there are all these things. So little sayings like, ‘you give cancer a bad name’. That’s what I hear all the time.
“It’s a very odd thing to say, because where does that leave me? I’m sorry. I’m sorry I give cancer a bad name? I can’t apologise for being me. But all people say, ‘gosh, you’re looking amazing, Joanna’.”
People have little idea what’s really going on, she says.
“I physically clench my fingers and my toes, which are on fire most of the time. And I creak out of bed.”
If she were vocal about everything that hurt, it would bring the people around her and herself down, she says.
“So, I grit my teeth, I get up. I go for a walk with the dog. I do some yoga. I do what I can.”
Being in the middle is “a very difficult place to be”, she says.
“You’re not this person that everybody can go, you beat it, that’s fantastic, ring the bell. You’re saved, you’ve got through this.
“I’m not in remission… it’s not a survivor story and I’m not going to fall off the cliff tomorrow. I’m not skeletal and I still have my hair. So, I do not look like what most people think fourth stage metastatic cancer looks like.”
But she persists every day.
“I am being here. There are some days where, some moments where, I get very upset and I say to my husband, ‘I want to die. I want to die now because this is really hard’. But I know that my children, my friends, my bigger family, they don’t want that. They want me to stay here.
“And at the moment, staying here comes with a price. Yes I have drugs that keep me here, but all of that comes at a price.”
Paul-Robie began her career at RNZ. She was a newsreader for TV3 and a programmes and production manager at Māori Television.
She lives in constant pain and while there are “golden days”, must ration what energy she has.
“There are days when I think, ‘okay, I’m not going to be able to get out today. It’s not going to happen’.
“And so, I come to a new realisation and there’s a new reality for me. And that is that I have to take it easy. I need to have sleeps in the afternoon and naps in the afternoon. You know, I say no to things.”
Māori, she says, have a unique perspective on her being in this state of “middle”.
“My Aunty Mabel reminded me of this the other day. She says we’re standing on the marae ātea, that place between them and us. Now, for Māori people, we believe that there is a very thin veil. We’re standing in a transition place from the physical world of the living, te ao kikokiko, and there is the spiritual realm behind te arai, this veil. And the spiritual realm is te ao wairua. And that is where our tūpuna are.
“But that veil, I’m very aware of and when the time comes, I hope to be able to see my tūpuna waiting for me.”
Eventually, the drug that’s keeping her cancer at bay will cease to work, she says. When that time comes, she has chosen to not continue with treatment.
“I’ve seen people who are desperately clinging to life. There is a desperation amongst cancer people to desperately cling to life. I don’t feel like that.
“I feel very happy to live a good life at the moment. But when it becomes physically too much for me, I will opt out of doing that. And I will ask to be euthanised.”
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Public Service Minister Judith Collins.VNP/Louis Collins
Public Service Minister Judith Collins has shrugged off pressure from coalition partner ACT over the government’s English-first policy, suggesting the matter is not a key priority.
“To be frank, right at the moment, my concern is fuel,” she told RNZ. “That’s my big focus. I’m not too worried about everything else.”
ACT MP Todd Stephenson wrote to Collins a fortnight ago warning of “growing concern” that https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/505103/act-nz-first-hesitant-to-criticise-national-over-kainga-ora-name coalition commitments] were not being “visibly implemented” across the public service.
He pointed to the Public Service Commission style guidelines which still displayed the te reo Māori phrase “Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa” in bold above the English “New Zealand Government”.
Speaking at Parliament on Tuesday, Collins said she had responded with a “very nice” letter noting that changes would be handled on a “case-by-case basis”, with cost front of mind.
She said she was sure the commission would issue new guidance to departments “at some stage”, but its focus – like hers – was on the current fuel crisis.
“You’ve just got to [prioritise]… what’s going to make the boat go faster, and it’s possibly not style guides.”
Collins said she did not want agencies spending significant time or money on rebranding and expected any updates to be done as cheaply as possible.
In her letter to Stephenson, she said she had instructed officials to advise her on the potential costs and timeframe for reviewing the guidelines.
She noted that public agencies and Crown entities had recently been reminded to be “to be mindful of the fiscal environment, to minimise unnecessary expenditure associated with rebranding, and to learn from other agencies’ experiences to avoid undue costs”.
In a separate statement, Stephenson said the update would not be a significant change but would set an example for the wider public service.
ACT MP Todd Stephenson.VNP / Phil Smith
“ACT does not support costly rebrands involving consultants or flash new signage and stationery. But Brooke van Velden delivered a digital-first rebrand at the Department of Internal Affairs for just $741. The Public Service Commission could follow her example.”
The National-NZ First coalition agreement included a commitment to “ensure all public service departments have their primary name in English, except for those specifically related to Māori”.
It also committed the coalition to require “public service departments and Crown entities to communicate primarily in English except those entities specifically related to Māori”.