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Does your self-worth go down when the weather heats up?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Unsurprisingly, summer is peak season when it comes to body dissatisfaction, says science writer David Robson.

To alleviate self-consciousness about not having a perfect “beach body”, it can help to develop body neutrality, he says.

Instead of their appearance, learning to focus on the function of our bodies and how they enable us to do the things we want is key, Robson tells Sunday Morning.

“These anxieties are really shared by everyone, including the people you’d think would be least likely to experience them.” – David Robson.

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Robson is an award-winning columnist in publications such as New Scientist and author most recently of The Laws of Connection, 13 Social Strategies That Will Transform Your Life.

The idea of increasing self-consciousness about our bodies is backed by concrete evidence, he says. One study by the University of Melbourne looked at gay and bisexual men across the globe.

“They found that more than 70 percent reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction during the summer months compared to any other season.

“And it seemed to be that that was caused by the social media pressure to look your best.”

Further studies that made textual analyses of 12 million social media posts confirm this, he says.

“They found that those expressing kind of hatred or unhappiness with the body peaked in July in the Northern Hemisphere and December in the Southern Hemisphere.”

At 40, Robson is thankful to be “not especially self-conscious” in a swimsuit, but does worry about his appearance in general, especially his teeth, he is an advocate for body neutrality as a way of dealing with these feelings.

“Knowing that this seasonal body image dissatisfaction is a phenomenon, can itself help us to be a bit kinder to ourselves, because we recognise we’re not alone in these insecurities.”

Body neutrality stands in contrast to body positivity, he says.

“Body neutrality is just trying to move our attention away from the appearance of our bodies altogether.”

Better to focus on notions such as being lucky to be alive, he says.

“If the body is functioning, if it’s relatively healthy, if we’re able to do the things we want to do with our body, then we just we focus on that rather than the appearance.”

New research from Arizona State University showed that when people viewed body neutrality posts on social media, participants felt less self-objectification than those focused on body positivity, Robson says.

“They actually just started to feel a bit better about themselves. And they took that message on board, they stopped judging themselves purely on their appearance.”

Jameela Jamil views her body as a vessel transporting her brain and spirit through life.

PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA

On the path to body neutrality, David Robson believes it’s worth listening to advocates like British actress Jameela Jamil, who, after a 20-year struggle with anorexia, has come to view her own body as merely a “vessel” for her brain and spirit.

“These anxieties are really shared by everyone, including the people you’d think would be least likely to experience them.”

Where to get help

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

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

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Fatal crash, Ōtara

Source: New Zealand Police

A motorcyclist has died following a serious crash in Ōtara on Monday 26 January.

The crash, on Bairds Road, was reported to Police at about 5.10pm.

The motorcyclist was critically injured in the crash and tragically passed away in hospital on Friday.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Blessing at Ngā Mokopuna school as work progresses

Source: New Zealand Government

Work is set to proceed on the significant redevelopment of a Kaupapa Māori kura in Wellington following the whakatō mauri event at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Mokopuna this morning, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“Today is a significant milestone and one that many people have been waiting a long time for. It is a pleasure to attend this milestone event and join Ngā Mokopuna and the community to celebrate the redevelopment of their kura,” Ms Stanford says.

“In May 2025, I approved the redevelopment project for Ngā Mokopuna which will see much-needed, major renewals carried out for the kura teaching and learning spaces. 

Ngā Mokopuna is one of three kura across Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Porirua and the redevelopment will ensure that Ngā Mokopuna has the facilities moving forward to match its growing roll and future aspirations.”

The school’s redevelopment includes the replacement of existing classrooms with two new teaching blocks, providing a total of 16 classrooms. 

Work is now moving from enabling works to full construction of classrooms, due to be completed in Term 2, 2027. Construction of a new gym will follow.

“Investing in schools and building for the future is a priority for this Government – every child deserves to learn in warm, dry, safe, and modern classrooms,” Ms Stanford says.

“The Ngā Mokopuna redevelopment has been long deserved and overdue – I am delighted for the community and pleased that an upgrade has been delivered that will support their tamariki to flourish.” 

Construction has been supported through a $50 million investment in Budget 2025 to deliver up to 50 classrooms for Māori Medium and Kaupapa Māori Education. 

Last year, the Government also prioritised Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hawaiki Hou in Gisborne from within a former bank site.

This infrastructure work is part of a wider programme of investment in Māori Medium and Kaupapa Māori Education.

This includes:

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Australian mining giant Santana Minerals granted road mine road access despite protest

Source: Radio New Zealand

Central Otago District Council chief executive Peter Kelly and Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring. Santana Minerals / supplied

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has granted road access to an Australian company planning an open-cast gold mine near Cromwell.

Santana Minerals will be able to use two roads linked to the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project in exchange for an annual payment of about $1.25 million, adjusted for inflation, once gold production begins.

The company submitted a fast-track consent application for the open-cast-mine in November.

Panel convenors have indicated a decision could take 120 working days.

In a message to shareholders on Monday, Santana Minerals described the access agreement as endorsement from the council and said it would deliver multi-generational benefits to the district.

However, Central Otago district Mayor Tamah Alley said the council had not taken a position for or against the project and acknowledged the community was divided.

“This agreement ensures that if the project goes ahead, the Central Otago community receives tangible, long-term benefits, while maintaining transparency and public accountability,” she said.

“Our focus is on ensuring decisions are made objectively, lawfully and with full consideration of the information available.”

Santana Minerals said the agreement covered Thomsons Gorge Road and Shepherds Creek Road – a paper road – including a 20-metre strip on either side of each.

Any future road stopping – where the roads cease to exist as public roads and become private use only – would still require Public Works Act or Local Government Act approval, the company said.

“If any roads are stopped, replacement routes would be built to ensure continued public access,” Santana said.

Santana Minerals chief executive Damian Spring called the approval a material step forward for the project.

“This agreement resolves a long-standing statutory access requirement, provides durable clarity around roading and access arrangements and establishes a transparent framework for long-term community benefit.”

A Wine not Mine event organised by Sustainable Tarras on Saturday. Sustainable Tarras / supplied

Council excluded the public – advocacy group

In a statement, advocacy group Sustainable Tarras said the access agreement was disappointing.

“We believe there are considerable legal pitfalls to granting such access and we have repeatedly pointed these out to CODC and cautioned them to take time to consult, consider the consequences and involve the wider community. Today, in announcing this behind-closed-doors decision, they’ve made it clear that community is secondary to their private negotiations with Santana.

“We do not understand the urgency with which CODC has decided to conclude this agreement with Santana. From the information we have so far, it again excludes the public and local community impacted and fails to take into account what Santana has clearly stated it will do with these roads.”

On Saturday 150 people attended a lunch to raise money to fight the mine, including actor Sam Neill and artist Grahame Sydney.

The Wine not Mine event organised by Sustainable Tarras was supported by 12 local wineries and held close to the proposed mine site.

Neill described the mining plans as ruinous for the region and said a growing community of ordinary, hard working people were joining together to fight a “very large, very powerful, very well-funded Australian mining company”.

Actor Sam Neill speaks at the Wine not Mine event. Sustainable Tarras / supplied

Sydney spoke of the “breathtaking, mystical, pristine and ever-changing” landscapes of Central Otago and urged people to fight against the “madness” of an open-cast gold mine.

Sustainable Tarras said funds from the event would cover expert fees and legal support costs as the group made submissions to the fast-track process.

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

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Former owner of luxury Te Anau lodge thankful fire didn’t completely destroy building

Source: Radio New Zealand

Firefighters at Fiordland Lodge over the weekend. Supplied

The former owner of the luxury Fiordland Lodge near Te Anau is relieved a weekend fire did not completely destroy the building.

Guests were evacuated when the fire broke out late on Saturday night, with crews from across Southland battling the blaze.

Fire and Emergency investigators were examining the cause of the fire although it was not being treated as suspicious.

Former owner Robynne Peacock and her late husband Ron, built the lodge in 2002 and ran the luxury accommodation for years until Peacock and her business partners sold it late last year.

Peacock arrived at the lodge on Sunday afternoon where a fire inspector showed her the damage.

The lodge was still intact despite part of the roof collapsing. Supplied

She said most of the building was intact, despite part of the roof collapsing and damage to the kitchen and conference room, where the fire was believed to have started.

“I did not want to see it burning,” she said.

“It all looks quite fixable and some of the lodge hasn’t been touched at all so we were pleasantly surprised and thrilled to see it’s not catastrophic.

“The fire inspector assured us that the structural integrity of the building was good in most areas.”

Peacock said it was a terrible blow for the new owners and she wished them well as they recovered from the fire.

Owner Vicki Onions previously confirmed no one was injured but all guests were moved to local hotels in Te Anau as a safety measure.

She was grateful for the swift response and support of emergency services, Onions said.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the fire had badly damaged the building.

“However, firefighters were able to contain the fire which prevented some of the structure from being destroyed,” they said.

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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 Transport chief Dean Kimpton to resign ahead of agency’s reform

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dean Kimpton. RNZ/Calvin Samuel

Auckland Transport’s (AT) chief executive is stepping down from May, after almost three years leading the beleaguered agency.

Dean Kimpton took on the role in 2023, when AT faced a major shake-up.

Board chair Richard Leggat said since then the organisation had put a strong focus on delivering outcomes for Aucklanders, customers and communities.

“We are grateful for Dean’s commitment to AT and Aucklanders over the past three years. I’d like to thank him for his significant contribution and wish him the very best for his future endeavours.

“Under his leadership, we have seen two years of delivering our biggest ever capital programmes, the introduction of new ways to pay on public transport, more frequent services, innovation as we use technology to improve network productivity, and an organisation focused on delivering agreed outcomes for Auckland Council.”

As of next month, reforms mean AT will focus solely on public transport.

Leggat said with the reform, the board agreed this was the appropriate time for a change in leadership.

Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson acknowledges Dean’s contribution to AT and the wider Auckland Council whānau.

“I have known and worked with Dean for many years, both in his role at Auckland Transport and prior to that when he was chief operating officer at council and appreciate his commitment to delivering for Aucklanders in all his work. There have been measurable improvements at AT during his tenure.

“We wish Dean the very best and thank him for his work and leadership, and in particular in working closely with us to set transport arrangements up for the future.”

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

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Long-running Wellington fish-and-chip shop Rice Bowl Burger Bar to close

Source: Radio New Zealand

A notice posted to Facebook from Rice Bowl Burger Bar announcing its closure. Rice Bowl Burger Bar / supplied

A long-running hole-in-the-wall fish-and-chip shop in Wellington is closing its roller door for the last time at the end of this month.

Rice Bowl Burger Bar’s current owner, Wawa Shen, said the small kitchen and serving counter – which opens out onto Riddiford Street near Wellington Hospital – had run since the early 1970s.

She said her family had owned the business since 2009, but now the building’s landlord planned to redevelop the site.

A notice posted to Facebook from Rice Bowl Burger Bar announcing its closure. Rice Bowl Burger Bar / supplied

On a notice posted to the shop’s Facebook page, they thanked their customers for their “continued love and support over the last 17 years” .

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

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Young mum finds strength through study at EIT

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

26 seconds ago

After leaving school at 16 and becoming a mother at a young age, Blaze Stafford-Nukunuku never imagined she would one day be leading fitness and hauora classes for her community.

Now working at the YMCA Gisborne, Blaze (Ngāti Porou and Tainui) supports local wellbeing initiatives after completing the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) at EIT in 2025.

Blaze Stafford-Nukunuku (Ngāti Porou and Tainui) is now working at the YMCA Gisborne after completing the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) at EIT in 2025.

Returning to study through EIT marked a turning point for Blaze, who had spent several years as a stay-at-home mum before re-entering education in her early twenties.

She first completed the New Zealand Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-sector) (Level 3) in 2024, before progressing to Level 4.

“The learning was really inspiring,” Blaze said. “They made it feel achievable, and it opened my eyes to how many different pathways there are from personal training and instructing to coaching and sports coordination.”

Blaze said discovering study opportunities through strong community connections helped her take the first step back into education.

“When I learned about the YMCA and the courses at EIT, it really set me off on my journey.”

With two young children aged eight and five, flexibility and support were essential.

“The way the courses were run made it possible for me to study and still be there for my kids. It also inspired me to show them what I could achieve.”

She also credits EIT’s student support services for helping her succeed throughout her study.

“Whenever I felt nervous or stuck, there was always someone there to help. Having access to resources like laptops, internet and study spaces made a huge difference.”

That support has since translated into a career she finds deeply fulfilling.

“Working in fitness is my happy place. Any time I go into work, it just brightens my day. Seeing people grow in confidence and wellbeing is really rewarding.”

Through her role at the YMCA, Blaze delivers group fitness and hauora-based programmes, including free community classes and wellbeing initiatives delivered in partnership with local organisations.

Now confident in her abilities and future direction, Blaze encourages others who may have left school early or feel unsure about returning to education to consider study later in life.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re coming from. Anyone can do it.”

Todd Rogers, Head of School Trades and Technology, congratulated Blaze.

“This programme of study helps prepare graduates to enter the Health, Sport and Fitness industry. It’s great to see our graduates succeeding in this field across our region.”

“I am really impressed with Blaze and what she has achieved over the last 12 months. She is a role model for future students. Outstanding effort.”

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Mariameno Kapa-Kingi hopes to be back in Te Pāti Māori following court hearing

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. VNP / Phil Smith

MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi says she hopes today’s court hearing will secure her reinstatement to Te Pāti Māori and pave the way for a reset of the party’s leadership.

Last year, she contested her expulsion from the party and was temporarily reinstalled in an interim judgement. A substantive hearing is now taking place at the High Court in Wellington.

Speaking outside on Monday morning, Kapa-Kingi told reporters she hoped the court could finalise the matter so everybody could move into 2026 “fired up and good to go”.

“I’m hoping that the reinstatement is secure and proper, and then we’ll see what happens from that point. But the reinstatement is key.”

Kapa-Kingi said she was also asking the court to require Te Pāti Māori to conduct a “proper full and open and honest process” regarding its leadership through a special general meeting.

“Good strong leadership is open … it’s about respect. It’s about love. It’s about kindness. It’s about all of those things that that we value as Māori and those things need to be obvious and apparent in the leadership. And I don’t know whether that’s so right now.”

Kapa-Kingi said she had never departed from the party’s kaupapa and was intending on visiting Waitangi for the annual commemorations later this week.

She said she was not sure how the party’s co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa Packer and Rawiri Waititi would be received up north given they had declined to attend a hui called by Ngāpuhi in November.

“We were disappointed and wished that they had turned up.”

Arriving at the court, Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere said he was feeling “pretty chipper”.

“[Let’s] just see how the game goes,” he said. “There’s a lot of things at play, so let’s just await the finding.”

In an interim ruling published in early December, Justice Paul Radich said there were “serious questions to be tried” on the manner in which Kapa-Kingi was expelled from the party.

He said there were “certainly tenable arguments” that the expulsion was founded upon “mistaken facts and procedural irregularities”.

Te Pāti Māori’s lawyers had argued reinstating Kapa-Kingi was likely to “create extreme tension within Te Pāti Māori’s MPs and leadership”.

They argued the national council did have authority to expel Kapa-Kingi as it was the “primary heavy-lifter of hard decisions” in that context.

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

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More graduate doctors set to train on the West Coast

Source: New Zealand Government

The West Coast will benefit from a stronger, home-grown rural health workforce, with a newly coordinated rural hospital medicine and specialist GP training programme officially starting today, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say.

“The programme builds on long-standing local training and is now formally structured and scaled to grow more rural generalists for the region – a major milestone for the West Coast,” Mr Brown says.

“It means that after 20 years of averaging just two to three registrars, the Coast will now host around eight to ten. This will help build a stronger, more stable, home-grown rural workforce for the region.

“We are committed to strengthening New Zealand’s health workforce, with rural health a key priority. In rural areas where access to specialist services is limited, generalist doctors who can work flexibly across multiple disciplines play an essential role.”

There has been strong interest from both local and overseas applicants. Placements will run for six to twelve months and include high-quality supervision, stable rosters, housing assistance, and clear roles after training.

“The aim is to support trainees to stay on the Coast. When young doctors build long-term relationships with the communities they serve, they are more likely to remain,” Mr Brown says.

Mr Doocey says the new programme builds on a strong tradition of local training, with many of the Coast’s current rural generalists and specialist GPs having trained in the region.

“Achieving accreditation in October 2024 to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) training was a crucial milestone. It meant recruitment of New Zealand and Australian graduates could begin while the programme that is launching today was being developed.

“Accreditation also required demonstrating safe supervision ratios, an appropriate case mix, after-hours support, a robust curriculum structure, and strong quality systems, requirements the West Coast successfully met.

“A valued and flexible rural health workforce is a core priority of the National Rural Health Strategy, and training rural generalists is central to achieving that. All New Zealanders should be able to access healthcare when they need it, no matter where they live, including the one in five Kiwis in rural communities.

“This programme is an important step in ensuring the West Coast has a sustainable, home-grown health workforce that can meet the needs of its communities now and into the future,” Mr Doocey says.