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Exceptional students named in 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards

Source: New Zealand Government

Fourteen outstanding students from across the country have been named recipients of the 2026 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards,” Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair Erica Stanford says.

“The Awards honour the legacy of the 28th (Māori) Battalion and support the next generation of Māori leaders. It is a privilege to recognise these New Zealanders for their leadership, resilience and academic excellence,” Ms Stanford says.

“This year’s recipients reflect the dedication, talent and aspirations these awards seek to celebrate. They demonstrate the values that carry forward the extraordinary legacy of the 28th (Māori) Battalion.”

The 2026 scholarship and award recipients include include two doctoral candidates, two master’s students, three undergraduate students, and three vocational education and training students. The winners of the 2025 Ngarimu Video Competition and the Ngarimu Waiata Competition have also been recognised.

This week, members of Ngā Rongo Toa ā Ngarimu, the alumni network for former scholarship recipients, came together to advance plans that will see more mentoring and support to the next generation of Ngarimu scholars. This will strengthen connections across past and present recipients.

“Building the alumni network will help enable scholarship recipients, both past and present, to continue inspire and support one another,” Ms Stanford says.

“I want to acknowledge the inaugural members of the Alumni, for their leadership and dedication in bringing this project to life, and I wish the recipients this year the absolute best in their next endeavours.”

The Ngarimu scholarships were established in 1945 to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Māori Battalion including Victoria Cross recipient Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu. More than 300 students have been recognised since the fund began, contributing as leaders across Aotearoa, New Zealand and internationally.

Media contact: Michael van der Kwast +64 21 875 347

Notes for editor:

The 2025/2026 recipients of the Ngarimu VC and 28 (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards are: 

  • Uenukuterangihoka Tairua Jefferies (Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Maniapoto)
  • Arna Whaanga (Ngāti Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Rakaipaaka, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa)
  • Xavia Tuera Connolly (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngā Rauru Kītahi, Ngāruahine, Mōkai Pātea, Ngāti Whakaue, Whakatōhea, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Whātua)
  • Tiffany Radich (Ngāti Awa)
  • Temaea Taeaki (Ngaiterangi, Kiribati)
  • Isla Mariana Fellows (Ngāti Mutunga ki Taranaki, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri)
  • Hinerangi Nicholas (Tūhoe, Ngaiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Kuki Airani)
  • Tūī Mārama Keenan (Ngāti Porou)
  • Tiffany Daphne Shirtliff (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou)
  • Janine Aroha Tito (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Mahuta)
  • Skyla Storm Ngawaki Te Moana (Te Whānau a Apanui)
  • Florence Kararaina Ngā Mata O Manaiawharepu Grace (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Te Whānau a Apanui)
  • Hineata Durie-Ngata (Ngāti Porou, Rangitāne, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Whakatere, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Awa)
  • Mahaki Chambers (Ngāti Porou)

The inaugural members of Ngā Rongo Toa a Ngarimu | Ngarimu Alumni Group are:

  • Associate Professor Elana Curtis
  • Dr Truely Harding
  • Dr Julian Wilcox
  • Dr Marise Kerehi Stuart
  • Mr Kingi Kiriona
  • Mr Te Aorere Pewhairangi
  • Mr Brigham Riwai-Couch
  • Mr Tamati Waaka
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Phoenix women ‘gutted’ after home loss

Source: Radio New Zealand

Pia Vlok of the Wellington Phoenix reacts. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz

Phoenix women’s coach Bev Priestman was left bitterly disappointed after finishing their home regular season with an upset loss.

The Phoenix were beaten 1-0 by lowly Western Sydney in Porirua which ended their hopes of winning the minor premiership and may prove costly in the play-off picture.

It was their second successive loss and now Wellington are in a three-way battle for second spot and a first round bye in the top six play-offs.

“I’m just gutted,” Priestman said.

“The fans have been unbelievable for us this season. I know it’s not the end but it’s the last home game of the regular season [and] I would have really liked to give them something to write home about.”

Bev Priestman head coach of the Wellington Phoenix Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz

Melbourne City secured top spot, while the Phoenix, Canberra and Adelaide are all within a point of each other.

A win over Adelaide on Friday will secure the Phoenix second spot and avoid an elimination game. Instead they would qualifying for a home and away semi-final.

“Now we’ve got a tight turnaround and we’ve got to stand up and be counted going into this Adelaide game.

“What I would say is that adversity is good for you and you don’t choose when it hits you. Now it’s time to react to adversity.”

“Adelaide’s a big trip but a big opportunity to respond and that’s what I’m most excited about.”

A-League standings (points and goal differential)

Melbourne City 37 +15

Wellington Phoenix 31 +19

Canberra United 31 +7

Adelaide United 30 0

Brisbane Roar 28 -3

Central Coast Mariners 27 +1

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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 power cable ‘possibly’ intentionally damaged, causes diesel leak

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

Fire and Emergency have discovered that it is a power cable – not a fuel pipe – which has caused a diesel leak in South Auckland on Monday.

Three crews have been at the scene on Great South Road in the suburb of Manurewa since 6.30am on Monday morning.

Northpower helped Fire and Emergency to establish that it was a power cable with fuel insulation around it in order to cool it down.

FENZ assistant commander Chris Delfos said there would be some ecological damage to the waterway as a result of the leak.

It will be working with Auckland Council to mitigate as much of that as possible.

Emergency services at the scene Kim Baker Wilson/RNZ

Earlier, Delfos told the New Zealand Herald that it appeared there had been some sort of “sabotage” to the pipeline.

In a later press conference, Delfos said the damage was “possibly” intentional.

Firefighters were working to prevent any further fuel loss, but the quantity of fuel involved was unknown.

Fire and Emergency NZ and police were called to Great South Road before 7am. Kim Baker Wilson/RNZ

A worker was earlier seen emptying buckets into a large yellow container.

A lane on busy Great South Road was closed with traffic being moved around it.

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

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Kiwi caught on camera a Pureora milestone

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  30 March 2026

Department of Conservation’s Maniapoto Operations Manager Graham Kimber says the bird was filmed by a trail camera set up as part of a non-toxic trial to test a new sausage bait being developed to control introduced predators.

A time stamp on the footage shows the bird was filmed at about 4 am on 25 February, on a camera located in the southern part of the Waipapa Block.

The kiwi is thought to be a western brown kiwi, and it’s the first live member of its species identified in northern Pureora since 2000.

Graham says the appearance of the bird is a welcome surprise – and a reward for the hard work of the DOC team who manage species and predator control in the forest.

“We did not expect to have this bird crop up on a camera,” Graham says.

“Any native birds in Pureora forest face ongoing threats from stoats and ferrets, and ground-dwelling birds like kiwi can also be attacked and killed by dogs.”

Expert DOC staff who have assessed the video believe it is a young bird that has now reached more than 1 kg – meaning it’s probably large enough to fend off a stoat. Without capturing and examining the bird, its gender remains unknown.

“To have this bird emerge is very encouraging for our team and the volunteer groups also contributing to conservation in Pureora,” Graham says.

“We’re rapt our ongoing efforts, including the use of 1080 to control predators, appear to be working. We’re taking this bird as a promising sign we need to keep the pressure on these predators to protect our taonga species.”

Anyone naturing in Pureora Forest Park – including those in the Pureora Hunting Competition – is urged to report any kiwi sightings to DOC, by calling 0800 DOC HOT. Video and photographs are valuable, as are GPS co-ordinates of where the bird is found or a description of its location.

Hunters taking dogs into the forest should ensure they are trained to avoid kiwi.

The trial in Pureora is part of DOC’s research work to develop a 18 g meat sausage for targeting stoats and feral cats. 50 trail cameras were in place to monitor introduced predator and non-target species’ interactions with the non-toxic bait. Previous studies have shown the sausages are highly attractive to feral cats and stoats but not to most native species like kiwi, nor to deer.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Workplaces must store petrol safely

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

As fuel prices rise, WorkSafe New Zealand is reminding businesses that petrol is extremely hazardous, and improper petrol storage puts workers, property and the public at serious risk. Petrol vapours can ignite from heat, sparks, static, running engines or electrical equipment.

Workplaces must only store what they can safely and legally manage.

Unsafe storage of petrol is dangerous

Petrol gives off flammable vapours that can ignite easily. Vapour exposure can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, loss of coordination, and in high concentrations, unconsciousness or death. Improper storage – such as in enclosed areas or non-approved containers – can quickly turn a workplace into an ignition zone.

Even small quantities stored incorrectly or in the wrong place can create a fire and potentially cause life-threatening conditions.

What workplaces must do

WorkSafe guidance requires petrol to be stored only in approved containers, with portable containers limited to 25 litres, filled to no more than 95%.

A location compliance certificate must be held to store more than 50 litres of petrol. You must engage a compliance certifier who will assess whether the site meets the requirements in the regulations before issuing a certificate.

Register of compliance certifiers(external link)

Approved containers must be kept away from ignition sources, protected from direct sunlight, and never stored in vehicles or enclosed spaces where vapours can accumulate.

These requirements aren’t optional, they exist to keep people safe.

Don’t create unnecessary risk

Workplaces should avoid storing petrol in spaces not designed or ventilated for flammable liquids, such as garages, back rooms, or shipping containers. Everyday electronics can create sparks capable of igniting vapour.

Tips for the safe storage and use of petrol in workplaces

  • Petrol must be stored well away from any potential ignition sources including:
    • No naked lights in the vicinity of petrol.
    • Do not smoke near petrol.
    • Never store petrol containers or equipment with petrol tanks near a flame, for example natural gas water heaters or heating systems.
    • Do not leave petrol containers in direct sunlight or in the boot of a car.
    • Do not use electronic equipment near petrol. A spark from the electronics could ignite the petrol.
  • Never refuel a hot machine engine or a machine engine that is running. Shut down the engine and let it cool off for at least 10 minutes. The highest temperatures attained by a small machine engine occur immediately after shutdown, so it is not safe to refuel then.
  • Use only approved petrol containers. When transporting containers, be sure they are secured in the vehicle. Fill containers to no more than 95% of the container to allow room for thermal expansion. Be sure your containers have secure lids.
  • Never remove the cap from a petrol tank while the engine is hot: combustible vapour can flow out and come in contact with manifolds, exhaust pipes and other hot engine parts.
  • When fuel is transferred from a container into a vehicle, follow basic health and safety precautions:
    • Decant (pour) in the open air – not inside buildings.
    • Use a pouring spout or funnel.
  • If clothing is splashed with fuel, change it immediately.

For more information

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All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams out for Super Rugby season with serious back infection

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tamaiti Williams celebrates during the All Blacks v Argentina. Blake Armstrong/ActionPress

The Crusaders will be without All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season as he receives treatment for a serious infection.

Williams is currently in hospital after being diagnosed with discitis – an infection in one of the discs in his spine.

He’ll remain under close medical supervision until his condition is stable enough for him to return home.

Tamaiti Williams of the Crusaders. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

He will miss the rest of the Crusaders season and his return to rugby after that remains unclear, putting him in doubt for the All Blacks home tests against France, Italy and Ireland in July.

Williams said it’s not the news he had hoped for.

“I’ve had a sore back for a couple of weeks and had to come in for some scans and blood tests,” Williams said.

“They found an infection in my back called discitis, which means I’m going to be on antibiotics for a pretty long time. Unfortunately, my Crusade for 2026 is over.”

Tamaiti Williams in action for the Crusaders. PHOTOSPORT

Williams said he was trying to remain philosophical about the infection.

“I’m feeling gutted, but I’m also grateful that the news isn’t as bad as what it could be,” he said.

“Being in hospital, you see a lot, and it makes you appreciate that this place is here to save us. I’ve been told I’m going to make a 100 percent recovery, so I’m thankful for that.”

The Crusaders host the Fijian Drua on Friday night in their final game at Apollo Projects Stadium in Addington before they move to Christchurch’s new roofed Te Kaha Stadium in the central city.

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

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Serious crash: SH12, Taheke

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are attending a serious crash on State Highway 12, Taheke this morning.

The single vehicle crash was reported to Police at around 9.15am.

Early indications suggest one person has been seriously injured.

SH12 is closed between Horeke Road and Rakauwahia Road.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

ENDS

Frankie Le Roy/NZ Police

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Auckland FC to play Tottenham Hotspur at Eden Park

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. logo JAKUB PORZYCKI / AFP

English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur will play in Auckland FC in a mid-year friendly.

The London giants will take on the A-League side at Eden Park on 26 July.

It is the first time a top-level English club has played in New Zealand since 2014 when Newcastle United and West Ham United both toured.

Spurs played two games in New Zealand in 1976 beating an Auckland side 5-3 and a Wellington team 3-2.

Former All Whites skipper Ryan Nelsen made five appearances for Spurs in 2012.

Tottenham are currently 17th in the Premiership, one point above the relegation zone.

On Sunday, Igor Tudor left his role as Tottenham interim head coach after just 44 days and seven matches.

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

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Media Advisory: Opening of the new custody training facility at Royal New Zealand Police College

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are invited to the official opening of the new custody training facility at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC).

The new custody training facility is equipped with all the features of a real custody unit including cells, CCTV cameras, monitors and a custody van to enable staff to run through full scenarios from arrest, to transport, to the custodial environment.

The opening ceremony will be attended by Police Minister Hon Mark Mitchell, Assistant Commissioner Capability and Infrastructure Sam Hoyle and Assistant Commissioner Deployment Jeanette Park.

The opening will include a scenario demonstration.

Where:            Royal New Zealand Police College

When:             Tuesday 31 March 8:30am

How:               RSVP the Police Media Centre if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz (Map for where to go at the college to be provided)

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Fuel crisis: ‘Business as usual’, Luxon says but some industries are struggling

Source: Radio New Zealand

Christopher Luxon said he was leaving it to fuel importers and distributors to organise how to allocate fuel. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Prime Minister says there will be “some form of disruption to fuel at some point in time”, but for now it’s “business as usual”.

Speaking to Morning Report on the unfolding fuel crisis, Christopher Luxon said as long as phases one and two of the national fuel plan are effective, people won’t have to worry about phases three and four.

“At this point in time we’ve had no indication that our fuel importers who we talk to daily, multiple times a day, have had any cancellation of their forward orders.

“Keep working, keep the kids in school, doing all that stuff. Please don’t think ‘it’s Covid 2.0, I’m making sourdough at home again’.”

Luxon said he had received assurances from Korean President Lee Jae Myung that New Zealand will receive all of the fuel it ordered last year.

“All of the refineries in the different countries which we source our oil from are hussling in the world looking for alternatives. Some are getting some success, some are not.”

The government’s utmost priority was ensuring that the country had fuel – even if that meant fuel suppliers paying additional Iranian tolls, he said.

“We are as well prepared as any country that I’ve talked to, but … we’re thinking about days ahead.”

Luxon said he was leaving it to fuel importers and distributors to organise how to allocate fuel.

“There needs to be a reworking of the allocations which is what the importers and the distributors need to work out this week, and it’s up to them to do so.”

‘A price shock crisis’

Rural fuel distributor Fern Energy says with allocation rules as they are, it is needing to prioritise some of its fuel deliveries based on need.

The most up-to-date figures showed that there was 18.1 days of diesel in the country, with a further 28.3 days worth on ships bound for New Zealand, but an update is due to be released Monday.

Fern Energy chief executive Chris Gourley told Morning Report people were trying to beat the price by filling up early, and in some cases by hoarding, which was creating demand spikes in certain regions that could not be met because of new allocation rules.

“Importers have said to us that in some ports, they are managing that fuel to make sure it lasts until that next boat comes in, and they’re giving us strict … seven-day allocations.”

He emphasised it was not a problem of supply, but increased demand.

These allocation rules meant that sometimes there was not enough fuel where it was needed, and distributors were forced to bring it in from other regions, which slowed it down, he said.

They were also prioritising deliveries based on need, which was especially important at this critical part of the farming season, Gourley said.

“They are harvesting, they are working through that final stages as they work towards winter … so we are trying to prioritise based on that need, and trying to get to those customers before it becomes dire and they lose their crops.”

Federated Farmers spokesperson David Birkett previously told RNZ up to 95 percent of farming machinery used the fuel.

The hops season had just finished, so recently they had been prioritising that industry, Gourley said.

It was also the middle of the grape harvest season, and there was a huge amount of food in the ground that needed to come out, he added.

The most up-to-date figures showed that there was 18.1 days of diesel in the country, with a further 28.3 days worth on ships bound for New Zealand. 123RF

The forestry industry was also struggling, but that was more about cost and less about fuel demand, he said.

“Some of them are actually saying ‘do you know what? We’re going to just pull up and stop working until this settles down’.”

It would be “useful” for the government to start telling certain ports how to allocate their fuel, he said.

“(In) three or four weeks when the supply issue settles, it could be too late for some farmers … There could be some need immediately, if it’s possible, to improve allocations for distributors like Fern, so we can get on and get fuel to farmers quicker.”

He was confident that there would not be any issues around supply to the country, but reiterated that allocation was a concern

“Supply isn’t going to be an issue for New Zealand. Sustained high prices is what we’ve got to focus on next.

“The crisis is a price shock crisis.”

‘Financial pressure’

Meanwhile, companion driver service Driving Miss Daisy had so far chosen to absorb the rising cost of fuel.

This was because a large number of its customers were elderly or disabled – people on generally on fixed incomes, it said.

General manager Andrew Kirkpatrick told Morning Report over the last four to five weeks, their fuel expenditure was up 30 to 35 percent.

It was getting “harder and harder” to afford this additional cost, he said.

“Transferring our pain to our clients is something we want to avoid if we can.”

It would be helpful for the government to provide financial assistance to those people on fixed incomes, who might not be able to afford their service if they had to increase prices, Kirkpatrick said.

“For many of our clients we are an essential service, not a luxury. And for those clients, they don’t necessarily have practical alternatives.

“For them to be able to continue to remain engaged in the community, to get to their medical appointments, to do their shopping or their rehabilitation, whatever it might be. If they are asked to pay that additional costs it will put financial pressure on them.”

The company hoped it would be an essential service as it was during the pandemic, so that if the country is forced to allocate fuel or subsidies are needed, its clients won’t be disadvantaged.

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