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SailGP: Black Foils collides with France, two sailors including one Kiwi injured

Source: Radio New Zealand

A collision between Black Foils driven by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke and DS Team France, driven by Quentin Delapierre at the start of race 3. Phil Walter

Sailors from the New Zealand and France teams have been rushed to Auckland hospital, after a high-speed collision in race three of the New Zealand SailGP event off Wynyard Point.

Racing was suspended, when the two boats came together on the opening leg, with the Black Foils seemingly losing control of their rudder and spinning back into the French.

France had nowhere to go and flew over the bow of Amokura, as their rivals disappeared up the course towards the first mark.

The windward hull of the NZ boat has been sliced in half, so they won’t be seen on the water again this weekend.

The collision left two injured from each team. Phil Walter

As they rounded the mark and headed back towards the two entangled boats, race organisers called the race off and safety crews rushed to the wreckage.

All crew members were quickly accounted for, but two sailors – one from each team – were injured and taken ashore, conscious and alert.

NZ driver Peter Burling stayed on his boat, overseeing the salvage. He and counterpart Quentin Delapierre looked shaken.

Race three has been abandoned, and organisers have cancelled Saturday’s remaining races.

This is New Zealand’s second major crash in as many events.

Moments into the season-opening race at Perth last month, the Black Foils collided with Switzerland, losing their stern, and were unable to race again that weekend.

They faced an anxious repair process over following weeks, but Amokura was apparently back to full integrity for their home regatta, as the home team finished third and first in the first two races to lead the event into race three.

This time, the damage to boat and crew is even more serious.

After the Perth incident, NZ driver Peter Burling was judged at fault and became the first to incur demerit points under newly introduced SailGP ‘Super Licence’ protocols.

New Zealand SailGP marks the first occasion 13 boats have contested racing, with the addition of Artemis Sweden for this year’s series.

Spain missed the season’s opening event at Perth, after suffering damage in practice, but the fleet was at full strength for the first time at Auckland.

All 13 teams were jostling for position off the startline, making the tight run to the first mark chaotic. That leg is usually the fastest of the race, exacerbating the risk.

Next year, organisers hope to add a 14th team to the championship and will likely split the fleet into smaller heats of seven, as they for practice racing currently.

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

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Black Foils collides with France, two sailors including one Kiwi injured

Source: Radio New Zealand

A collision between Black Foils driven by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke and DS Team France, driven by Quentin Delapierre at the start of race 3. Phil Walter

Sailors from the New Zealand and France teams have been rushed to Auckland hospital, after a high-speed collision in race three of the New Zealand SailGP event off Wynyard Point.

Racing was suspended, when the two boats came together on the opening leg, with the Black Foils seemingly losing control of their rudder and spinning back into the French.

France had nowhere to go and flew over the bow of Amokura, as their rivals disappeared up the course towards the first mark.

The windward hull of the NZ boat has been sliced in half, so they won’t be seen on the water again this weekend.

The collision left two injured from each team. Phil Walter

As they rounded the mark and headed back towards the two entangled boats, race organisers called the race off and safety crews rushed to the wreckage.

All crew members were quickly accounted for, but two sailors – one from each team – were injured and taken ashore, conscious and alert.

NZ driver Peter Burling stayed on his boat, overseeing the salvage. He and counterpart Quentin Delapierre looked shaken.

Race three has been abandoned, and organisers have cancelled Saturday’s remaining races.

That’s the second event in a row that the Black Foils have suffered major damage.

New Zealand SailGP marks the first occasion 13 boats have contested racing, with the addition of Artemis Sweden for this year’s series.

Spain missed the season’s opening event at Perth, after suffering damage in practice, but the fleet was at full strength for the first time at Auckland.

All 13 teams were jostling for position off the startline, making the tight run to the first mark chaotic. That leg is usually the fastest of the race, exacerbating the risk.

Next year, organisers hope to add a 14th team to the championship and will likely split the fleet into smaller heats of seven, as they for practice racing currently.

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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New Zealand SailGP as it happened: Day one off Auckland’s Wynyard Point

Source: Radio New Zealand

The SailGP professional sailing league returns to the ‘City of Sails’ for the second event of the 2026 series, performing in front of an expanded Wynyard Point grandstand.

Can New Zealand bounce back from last year’s disappointment and a hectic few weeks of repairs to their boat, or will the Aussies retain bragging rights on the Waitematā Harbour?

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

A collision between Black Foils driven by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke and DS Team France, driven by Quentin Delapierre at the start of race 3. Phil Walter

Black Foils lead Denmark during New Zealand SailGP off Auckland. Felix Diemer for SailGP

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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Live: State of Emergency declared in Ōtorohanga

Source: Radio New Zealand

Pictures and stories coming out of Ōtorohanga tell of the extent of the flooding and hasty evacuations, after a deluge overnight caused waters to rise rapidly in the Waikato district.

The town was put into a State of Emergency in the early hours of Saturday. Houses and buildings have been surrounded by floodwaters and cars have been submerged. About 80 people were evacuated from a camping site, marae and at least two houses overnight.

Ōtorohanga mayor Rodney Dow has spoken of his sadness after a man was found dead in a submerged car at Puketotara on State Highway 39, and urged those affected to be careful and to stay safe.

Many roads and highways are closed, and people in the area have been warned to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Forecasters are calling for people to stay up to date on weather updates, as more wild weather has stamped orange and red weather warnings across much of the North Island, and some of the South Island, with heavy rain and strong wind warnings and watches for many places for Saturday and Sunday.

Flooding in Ōtorohanga, captured by drone from the air, on Saturday. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

Phillips Avenue, Ōtorohanga. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

David and Joy Wickham were evacuated from a campervan camping site after water from the nearby river began to rise. They returned to find it underwater today. Supplied/ Joy Wickham

Follow how the events of Saturday unfolded:

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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Nestlé Milo bars recalled for possibly containing rubber

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Nestlé-brand Milo Dipped Snack Bars were recalled as they may contain rubber. Supplied

A recall has been issued for imported Nestlé-brand Milo Dipped Snack Bars as they may contain rubber.

NZ Food Safety acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop said that the rubber could pose a choking risk.

The batch numbers being recalled are 5316, 5317, and 5318 TD15 with a best-before date of August 2026.

Those can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund, or be thrown out.

The bars were manufactured in Australia and were also subject to recall there.

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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Live: Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika – Super Rugby Pacific

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action as the Fijian Drua take on Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Kick-off is at 4.35pm

Team lists:

Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (co-captain), 6. Mesake Vocevoce, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Kemu Valetini, 11. Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Virimi Vakatawa, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Manasa Mataele, 15. Ilaisa Droasese; Bench – 16. Penaia Cakobau, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Joseva Tamani, 20. Isoa Tuwai, 21. Frank Lomani (co-captain), 22. Isikeli Rabitu, 23. Epeli Momo

Moana: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Chris Apoua, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Allan Craig, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (captain), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Solomon Alaimalo, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili; Bench – 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 19. Ofa Tauatevalu, 20. Dominic Ropeti, 21. Siaosi Nginingini, 22. Denzel Samoa, 23. Glen Vaihu

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

Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

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

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Active Investor Plus delivers $3 billion in investment in New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Government

Less than a year after it was refreshed, the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa is bringing $3.39 billion into New Zealand, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced today.

“These results show that the significant changes the Government has made to the visa is achieving our goal of making an investor visa available that attracts high-value global investors and supports the Government’s Going for Growth approach,” Ms Stanford says. 

To date, 573 applications have been made, totalling $3.39 billion. In comparison, 116 applications were received with around $70 million of investment committed over two-and-a-half years under the settings introduced by the previous Government.

Ms Stanford made the announcement today during a visit to Hectre, an orchard‑technology firm that has received AIP investment to support its growth and create high‑skilled jobs.

“Hectre is another excellent example of New Zealand innovation and potential taking flight, supported by great investors who are keen to create value together with us and do business here.

“International investment is critical for lifting productivity, supporting jobs, and helping New Zealand businesses to expand. The results we are seeing indicate strong overseas confidence in our direction and economic ambition.”

Since the April 2025 refresh:

  • 573 applications have been received
  • $1.05 billion is already invested with $2.34 billion in the pipeline, expected in the next six months
  • The Growth Category is the most popular, with most investment flowing through managed funds.

“Investments are already supporting growth across various sectors, including in tech, healthcare, aged care, horticulture, and digital media,” Ms Stanford says. 

“Benefits are numerous, with AIP investment helping our companies access critical capital for growth – that is helping local firms to expand, hire more skilled workers, and grow export revenue.” 

Ms Stanford says that investment has also been unlocking productive capital for businesses across New Zealand, from cybersecurity and cloud technology to regional infrastructure.

“These investors bring not just capital, but global experience, expertise, and networks. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of these investors over the last year and I have seen firsthand their love for, and commitment to, New Zealand.

“I am delighted that our new visa settings are helping to open up possibility and opportunity for investment. New Zealand is famous for its ingenuity. Overseas investment and partnership with extremely talented people is boosting our economy and helping us to build for the future.

“New Zealand is open for business. I look forward to seeing the jobs, development, and long-term growth our changes continue to generate in key sectors.”

To encourage deeper connection to New Zealand, investor visa holders can also now buy or build one home valued at $5 million or more.  

Note to editors: 

  • The Growth category for the AIP visa focuses on higher-risk investments, including managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million for a minimum period of 3 years.
  • The Balanced category focuses on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. There is a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over 5 years.
  • More information on the Active Investor Plus visa can be found online:
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Live NRL pre-season: Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Warriors take on the Manly Sea Eagles in their opening pre-season trial at McLean Park in Napier.

Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is out, after picking up a low-grade hamstring injury at training ahead of the team’s trip to Hawke’s Bay.

He will also miss the 20 February game against the Dolphins, but is expected to return for the round one clash with the Roosters at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium on March 6.

Kick-off against the Sea Eagles is at 3.40pm.

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

Wade Egan Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

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

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Earth Tongue get a taste for analogue on new release

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington psych rock duo Earth Tongue’s latest album was recorded old school in LA with Ty Segall on production duties.

Multi-instrumentalist garage king Segall is famous for his lo-fi approach to recording, the result was Dungeon Vision a raw record, drummer Ezra Simons told Music 101.

“I don’t wanna say rough around the edges, but it’s a raw record. And we worked with a pretty punk rock producer, you know. It was all fully analogue.

Earth Tongue.

Nicola Sandford

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

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New Zealand SailGP live updates: Day one off Auckland’s Wynyard Point

Source: Radio New Zealand

The SailGP professional sailing league returns to the ‘City of Sails’ for the second event of the 2026 series, performing in front of an expanded Wynyard Point grandstand.

Can New Zealand bounce back from last year’s disappointment and a hectic few weeks of repairs to their boat, or will the Aussies retain bragging rights on the Waitematā Harbour?

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

Fans celebrate a Black Foils win from the Wynyard Point grandstand. Iain McGregor for SailGP

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