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New Zealand and Palau eye the next two Pacific Forums

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Palau have agreed to cooperate closely on Pacific regional issues, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. 

“As the next two hosts of the Pacific Islands Forum, it’s important that New Zealand and Palau forge an even closer partnership,” Mr Peters says.

Mr Peters has held high-level talks in Koror, Palau today, meeting with President Surangel Whipps Jr, Minister of State Gustav Aitaro and other members of President Whipps’ Cabinet.

“New Zealand stands ready to assist Palau with its hosting of this year’s Forum in practical ways, and we were pleased to discuss that with President Whipps today.

“We want to ensure that we can get the most out of the next two Forums, for the benefit of the Pacific, including by attracting the greatest possible support for our region from development partners in line with Pacific priorities.

“The region faces a very challenging global strategic environment, and in this context Pacific countries best advance our shared interests when we work together, showing strength through unity. 

“Our discussions today have been a valuable opportunity for our countries to share perspectives on a diverse range of issues affecting the Pacific as we gear up to take on these important regional leadership roles. 

“Pacific regionalism matters because the challenges we face, including ocean health, fisheries management and economic resilience, cross borders. When the Forum speaks with one voice, it speaks with authority – and that matters in a world where small nations must stand together to be heard.”

Today’s discussions also canvassed areas of bilateral cooperation between Palau and New Zealand, including on protecting the ocean, which makes up more than a third of New Zealand’s overall development assistance to Palau.

“The health of the ocean is central to Pacific livelihoods. By working together, Palau and New Zealand can safeguard this resource for future generations,” Mr Peters says.

Palau is home to the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) and Mr Peters announced a year-long extension of New Zealand’s support for the Office, totalling NZ$1.1 million.

Mr Peters will travel to Nadi tomorrow, where he will meet with his Fijian counterpart, Sakiasi Ditoka, other members of Fiji’s Cabinet, as well as Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa.

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Auckland duty lawyers consider further industrial action over pay, conditions

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dennis Ansley has been a duty lawyer in Auckland for more than 38 years. Supplied

An Auckland duty lawyer isn’t ruling out further action, after not working for a week to raise awareness for poor pay and conditions.

Duty lawyers are paid by the Justice Ministry to give free legal advice to those appearing in court who cannot afford a lawyer.

Last year, some duty lawyers announced they would make themselves unavailable to work for a week in January.

Dennis Ansley has been a duty lawyer in Auckland for more than 38 years and told RNZ other lawyers were pulled in to plug the gap during last week’s industrial action.

“The Ministry [of Justice] brought in people from other courts, including Tauranga, and replaced those of us on the roster, who were taking industrial action,” he said. “There was very little disruption to the courts, except there were new lawyers here that didn’t know the system in Auckland.”

He said their message had been delivered.

“We’ve got publicity, we’ve got awareness now,” he said. “People are talking about it.”

Ansley said he had messages of support from other lawyers.

“I’ve had a lot of calls since from lawyers all over the country, as far as Southland, who had read about what happened and offered their support.”

Communication had been an issue, Ansley said.

“If we plan something next time – and I’ve already got something in mind – the communication will be far better,” he said.

Potential future action would be better planned and more effective, Ansley said, although he hoped more industrial action wouldn’t be necessary.

He said he had yet to hear from the justice minister or ministry.

“Talk to us,” he urged officials. “Instigate the recommendation from the review of the duty lawyer scheme, which was to urgently look at our remuneration, because of the problems with attraction and retention of lawyers onto the duty lawyer roster.

“It’s in a crisis stage now and it needs to be addressed.”

Ansley said that review was with the minister.

The Criminal Bar Association said the hourly rates and work conditions imposed on duty lawyers were far below those of lawyers in private practice.

President Annabel Cresswell said they stood with duty lawyers for a country where everyone could access justice, no matter their income.

“The treatment and pay provided to duty lawyers by successive governments has made this work unsustainable or even unsafe,” she said. “That is, in turn, a breach of the rights of all New Zealanders to access justice and fairness in our courts.”

Cresswell said duty lawyers spent every day at the frontlines of an under-resourced justice system.

“They take care of those who cannot afford legal fees in the most high-pressured conditions, dealing with addiction issues and mental health challenges.

“This service needs to be preserved.”

The government must support duty lawyers to protect the right of the most vulnerable in court, Cresswell said.

Ministry of Justice acting national service delivery group manager Louisa Carroll said the courts were not disrupted during the industrial action.

“The ministry was advised of a possible reduction in duty lawyer availability in Auckland, Christchurch and Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay,” she said. “Only one duty lawyer from a different region was rostered to maintain coverage, in accordance with the Duty Lawyer Operational Policy.”

Local duty lawyers were rostered where possible, she said.

“The Legal Aid Triennial review includes a review of remuneration across the legal aid scheme, including proposals related to the duty lawyer service that were outlined in the discussion document.

“The proposals are currently with the minister for consideration.”

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

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Crews push forward on either side of SH2 Waioweka Gorge

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Crews continue working from both ends of the SH2 Waioweka Gorge, as there is currently no safe access through the central section.

Damage is extensive, and the full condition of the road and underlying structures remain uncertain until debris can be safely cleared.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Controller SH2 Waioweka Gorge Response and Recovery, Rob Service says he is confident in the work underway.

“Our contractors are progressing well and continuing to push forward on what is a very large and complex task.

“Our focus remains on restoring at least one lane of access. We do not yet know what this will look like or when it will be possible, but we will share updates as soon as we can.”

Gisborne side progress:

  • Crews have fully cleared 2 slips today.
  • Work continues on drainage and clearing blocked culverts.
  • Teams are also supporting vehicle recovery where safe access allows.

Ōpōtiki side progress:

  • Crews remain on track to remove 60 large truck loads of material from what’s called the Goldsmith slip – the first from the Ōpōtiki side and potentially largest (approx. 110 metres high and up to 60 metres wide).
  • An additional truck has been brought in, with 8 trucks and 3 diggers now active on this side.
  • Two additional crews are focusing on drainage and opening culverts to reduce the risk of further issues.

NZTA is closely monitoring the upcoming weather system. The network is already in a fragile state, and there is a risk that more loose material may come down. Recovery work will pause if conditions become unsafe for crews on the ground.

“With a significant weather system expected tomorrow afternoon, our current plan is to withdraw crews from the Gorge if orange or red alerts are in place.

“Keeping our crew safe is paramount. This will allow crews to rest and return safely on Friday to continue recovery efforts over the long weekend,” says Mr Service.

State Highway 35 (SH35) and SH2 south of Gisborne remain open, but long detours are required.

There is a significant increase in traffic on SH2 south of Gisborne and large numbers of vehicles through to Bayview.

Travellers should delay travel where possible or allow significant extra time if using SH35 or SH5. With more wet weather on the way its important people slow down, be patient and drive with care and to the conditions.

A reminder that the Waikare Acrow bridge on State Highway 2 at Pūtōrino, between Wairoa and Napier, is a single lane, priority give way bridge. If you’re travelling north toward Wairoa, you will have right of way. If you’re heading south toward Napier, you need to slow down and be ready to stop at the bridge.

NZTA acknowledges SH2 is the primary connection between Gisborne, Tairāwhiti, and the Bay of Plenty. There is no short or convenient detour, and the disruption is significant for communities and freight movement.

The attached map shows the initial recovery sites. Please note this map is indicative only and will be updated as surveys are completed. Early assessments indicate there are around 40 slips ranging in size and scale – not all of them will be shown on there.

View larger site map [PDF, 3.6 MB]

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this significant disruption. Further updates will be provided as soon as additional assessments and clearance work can safely continue.

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Name release, fatal crash, Winton

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now name the woman who died following a fatal crash on State Highway 6, Winton on Thursday 15 January.

She was 75-year-old Patrizia Botti, from Balano, Italy.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Tennis: Lulu Sun loses to qualifier at Australian Open

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lulu Sun of New Zealand at the Australian Open. LUKAS COCH/Photosport

New Zealand’s Lulu Sun was beaten by Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 7-5 in the first round of the Australian Open in warm conditions on court 13.

It was the first match of the year for Sun who has been trying to recover from a wrist injury. Fruhvirtova had come through qualifying winning three matches.

Twenty-four-year-old Sun held significant leads in both sets, 3-1 in the first, after breaking her opponents serve in the first game of the match and again 3-1 in the second.

The left-handed New Zealander, ranked 86th, looked to fight back in the second set after being down 3-5 and held off several match points before winning her own serve and breaking her opponents to level the scores 5-5.

However, Fruhvirtova ranked 132 then broke Sun’s serve to go ahead 6-5 and then held her own serve to win the match.

Erin Routliffe and her new doubles partner Asia Muhammad are in action on Wednesday afternoon.

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

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Plans for a Super Liquor store in Lake Hāwea was approved despite record community objections

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lisa Riley and her son on the site of the proposed Super Liquor store. Supplied/Lisa Riley

Plans for Lake Hāwea’s first standalone liquor store have been approved despite record community opposition.

Queenstown Lakes District Licensing Committee has approved a liquor licence for a Super Liquor franchise in the Longview subdivision, where more than [www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/573991/record-number-of-objections-to-liquor-licence-in-lake-hawea 500 submissions] argued it should not be allowed to operate.

A three-day hearing took place November where the applicant, Keyrouz Holdings Ltd, set out its case.

In a decision published on Tuesday, the committee said the applicant – which operates several Super Liquor franchises around the south – had “considerable experience” and could supply liquor responsibly.

The committee noted the company had sold alcohol safely in its other stores and had the resources to do the same in Lake Hāwea.

Earlier, residents voiced concerns that the store would be too close to children, too far from healthcare, and sent the wrong signal about the town’s priorities.

Some argued there were already enough liquor outlets in the town – with four existing off-licences – while others argued the company should not have applied for a licence before building the store.

The committee rejected claims that Lake Hāwea faced unique risks due to demographics or limited healthcare, adding that those factors did not disqualify a recent grocery store licence application in the area.

Lake Hāwea was not uniquely vulnerable, it said.

The site of the proposed liquor store on Longview Drive. Supplied/Lisa Riley

The committee decided it was impractical to require a completed building before granting a licence – instead issuing a legal waiver requiring Queenstown Lakes District Council to provide a Certificate of Public Use or Building Code Compliance Certification before the licence could take effect.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act did not limit the number of licensed premises in a community, the committee noted.

The Super Liquor will be able to sell alcohol from 9am – 9pm, Monday to Sunday.

The committee imposed a ban on single-unit sales of mainstream beer and RTDs, a requirement for frosted glass on the exterior, and a total prohibition on external product or price advertising.

Community vows to keep fighting

Community group Voices Against Hāwea announced on Tuesday afternoon that it would appeal the decision.

Resident Lisa Riley called the committee’s decision deeply disappointing but not unexpected.

She said during the hearing: “It was clear that the threshold being applied was so high that community and public health concerns were never realistically going to succeed.”

“There was a strong sense that unless harm could be proven with near certainty before the store even exists, the decision had effectively already been made.”

The appeal will argue that the decision gave too little weight to widespread and consistent community opposition, set an unrealistically high bar for public health evidence, and overlooked long-term risks in a rapidly growing residential area, Riley said.

The appeal will also contend that approving a liquor licence before the business is built could lock in its use before the community has fully formed, she 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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What makes Cornwall Park so special?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cornwall Park is one of New Zealand’s biggest, busiest and beloved city parks in the middle of urban Auckland.

The New Zealand Gardens Trust has just awarded the park five stars for their gardens and named it a Garden of National Significance.

The park has been operational since the early 1900s when it was gifted to the city by Sir John Logan Campbell, CEO Murray Reade told RNZ’s Summer Times.

The park, run by a trust and funded by an original endowment from Logan Campbell, spans 172 hectares, 70 of which are a working farm.

“We’ve got a fully operational farm, we’ve got 7000 to 9000 trees. we’ve got 25,000 to 35,000 plants we plant every year, three kauri stands.

“And we get probably in excess of 2 million people a year, we think that’s conservative, using the park,” Reade says.

The NZ Gardens Trust has built a national network of gardens, both private and public, assessed by horticulturists and landscape architects.

Five-star Gardens of National Significance are recognised for their presentation, design and plant interest throughout the year.

Other five-star gardens around the country include Olveston in Dunedin, the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, Wellington Botanical Gardens, and the Winter Garden, Dunedin.

“So, we’re very privileged, I think, to be perceived in that cohort of gardens,” Reade says.

The farm employs two full-time farmers who runs cattle and sheep, he says.

‘We’ve got around about 100 head of cattle, simmentals, they’re a particular breed, they’re large animals, but very docile given the nature of the environment they’re in. And we’ve got about 1000 head of sheep.”

Cornwall Park is famous for its flower gardens, he says, each year they plant 25,000 annuals and 10,000 bulbs.

They also manage native flora and fauna, with a number of significant kauri groves.

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

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Much-loved teacher and sportsman killed in Northland’s Bay of Islands

Source: Radio New Zealand

Harry Darkins, 36, was a teacher at Auckland’s Ormiston Junior College before his death. ONERAHI CENTRAL CRICKET CLUB / SUPPLIED

A much-loved teacher and sportsman in the Auckland and Northland communities is being mourned following his death on a road in Northland’s Bay of Islands.

Harry Darkins, 36, died after being struck by a vehicle on Puketona Rd in Haruru, near Paihia, in the early hours of Sunday.

Darkins had worked at a number of schools in Northland and Auckland including Whangārei Intermediate School, Whangārei Boys High School and more recently, Auckland’s Ormistion Junior College. He was also a keen sportsman playing cricket for Onerahi Central Cricket Club and Northern Māori Cricket.

Sam Walker, from Onerahi Central Cricket Club, said words couldn’t cut the loss the community was feeling.

“Harry will be missed by so many people, he engaged and helped so many within the community that this is a huge loss, everyone from the club is thinking of his family at this time, so tragic.”

The club said Darkins was a “massive force” in the club who played in both senior teams and served on the club’s committee until he moved to Auckland to teach at Ormiston Junior College.

“Even whilst teaching in Auckland, Harry regularly made the trip north to play for the club, nothing was ever too much hassle for Harry who was willing to help out in any way possible.

“Harry will be a massive loss to the club and community and many of us have lost a great friend far too soon.”

Whangārei Boys High School said Darkins was both an old boy of the school who graduated in 2006, and a staff member until 2022.

Darkins was a past student and teacher at Whangārei Boys’ High School. (File photo) RNZ / Angus Dreaver

He worked primarily as a PE and health teacher who also served as a year level Dean.

“Harry’s strength, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our boys were evident in everything he did. Beyond the classroom, he gave enormously to the life of the school as our First XV coach, proudly committed to the anchor and all it represents.

“He was passionate about young people, deeply loyal to this kura, and leaves behind a lasting legacy through the many students and colleagues whose lives he shaped.”

The school said he would be remembered with great respect, appreciation and fondness.

The principal of Whangārei Intermediate School, Haley Read, said on social media, Darkins had aspirations of becoming a school principal and spoke with real excitement about the next step in his journey.

“Harry was an exceptional teacher with strengths across PE and health, mathematics, and inquiry learning. He was thoughtful, organised, and deeply committed to his students offering meaningful guidance and mentoring.

“His passing is a tremendous loss to education and to the many communities he was part of. Our thoughts are with Harry’s whānau, friends, colleagues, and students at this incredibly difficult time. At this time, funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.”

IPCA investigation underway

Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj, said at the time of the crash a marked police patrol car was in the area and had spoken with a group of pedestrians seen walking on the road.

“The crash occurred a short time later, where a member of the public’s vehicle struck one of the pedestrians.”

Srhoj said due to the patrol car being present just before the crash police had decided to refer the incident to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA).

A critical incident investigation would also be carried out.

The driver of the vehicle which hit Darkins stopped immediately, Srhoj said, and the vehicle had been seized by police.

“This is an incredibly tragic event for all concerned, and our thoughts are with the pedestrian’s family at this difficult time.

“Support is also in place for our two frontline members who were in the police vehicle at the time the crash occurred.

“This has been devastating for them, and it is the last thing anyone would have wanted to happen.”

As part of the investigation police wanted to hear from anyone in the area or with information.

Srhoj said police particularly wanted to hear from anyone travelling through Haruru between 11.55pm on Saturday, January 17 and 12.10am on Sunday, January 18.

Anyone with dash camera footage or who saw the pedestrians should call police on 105 using the reference number 260118/4319.

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

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Why Fletcher Building is selling its construction division to French giant Vinci

Source: Radio New Zealand

Six months after announcing a potential sale was on the cards, Fletcher Building revealed on Tuesday that a binding agreement had been reached, and its construction division would be sold to French giant Vinci.

The market reaction was generally positive — for years the construction division had been problematic for Fletcher Building, and the source of some high-profile cost blowouts and delays.

Fletcher Building is set to receive $316 million from the sale (potentially rising to $334m), which includes Brian Perry Civil, Higgins and Fletcher Construction Major Projects, but excludes its South Pacific operations.

Generate Wealth investment specialist Greg Smith said the sale was “broadly positive”.

“They’re exiting a structurally low-margin, high-risk construction business that you could arguably say has destroyed value for more than a decade,” he said.

“It’s really only consumed capital over the past 10-15 years, it’s absorbed cash, and it’s generated write-downs and volatility.”

Smith said the construction arm delivered some large projects that had left some “nasty surprises”, notably the NZ International Convention Centre.

In a note, Forsyth Barr senior analyst Rohan Koreman-Smith acknowledged the construction division’s troubles, and also viewed the sale as a positive.

“The construction division has been a significant drag of FBU’s cash flow, with major cost overruns in several key projects (including the NZ International Convention Centre) resulting in $1.6bn of significant items over the last decade,” he said.

Craigs Investment Partners investment director Mark Lister said Fletcher was receiving a “good price” for the business.

“More importantly, it’s the right strategic move,” he said. “It will help the company pay down debt and that needs to come down a little bit further.”

Lister said it moved Fletcher a step closer to resuming dividend payments, while sorting out its balance sheet.

The industry impact

Smith said the arrival of Vinci would mean a new player with the ability to scale in the New Zealand construction market.

“[They are] possibly one that has a more sophisticated approach to pricing projects and pricing risks, and, of course, deeper pockets as well,” he said.

“They will be a very attractive bidder potentially for a number of projects that many players would be interested in bidding for … including the Warkworth to Te Hana expressway.”

Lister did not think there would be any obvious impact on the industry.

“It’s not going to be a negative, we don’t lose this player, it will just change ownership,” he said.

“[Vinci is] a very global business … and it’s listed on the Paris stock exchange, so this is a big company that knows what they’re doing.”

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

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UFC: Predictions, previews and wish-list for 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg has all but guaranteed his shot at gold this year. AAP / Photosport

The most pulsating, unpredictable and primal sport on the planet is set to deliver more chaos, drama, and stunning feats of violence in 2026.

Vicious knockouts, ingenious submissions, blood feuds, and iconic mic moments

Jonty Dine looks at the year ahead in the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation.

History at the White House

In news that feels more like a deleted scene from Idiocracy, the house in which the Emancipation Proclamation was drafted, the New Deal was conceived, and the Cuban Missile Crisis was avoided, is set to play host to cage fighting. Historically the fighting at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave has been of the verbal variety, but in 2026 the decorum will be dropped as President Donald Trump invites the UFC to his backyard.

Heavyweight score settled

The sport’s most prestigious title has been held hostage for the better part of two years as Jon Jones refused to defend his tile before finally vacating. However, continuing the curse, the long awaited unification bout between Tom Aspinall and Cyril Gane ended in a brutal eye poke, rendering Aspinall unable to continue. With the rematch all but locked in, here’s praying the fight gods finally allow for an undisputed baddest man on the planet.

Black Jag ready to pounce

New Zealand’s most promising title prospect heading into 2026 has all but guaranteed his shot at gold this year. Ulberg has been on a tear since his sole loss inside the octagon in 2021, blitzing his way through the division with a stunning nine-fight winning streak. The City Kick Boxing star can no longer be denied and a fight with champion Alex Pereira will bring together two of the most powerful strikers in the sport.

Women’s renaissance

With the Lioness back to claim her throne and a superstar arrival in Kayla Harrison, the women’s division is set for a much needed injection of excitement. Amanda Nunes relinquished her title in 2023 after conquering the MMA world, but she is back to prove the cage is only big enough for one queen of the jungle.

A Notorious return

Once the face of the sport, rewriting the book and ascending to mainstream superstardom, it’s been a depressing downfall for Conor McGregor. Since snapping his leg in a round two TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021, the Irishman has not stepped back into the cage, indulging in the party lifestyle he once described as ‘weakness for the soul.’ It’s been a disastrous few years for the former double champ, and with his stock at an all time low, a return to the octagon remains his only hope of redemption.

Conor McGregor of Ireland walks in the Octagon before his lightweight bout against Dustin Poirier in 2021. AFP / Getty Images North America

Poatan’s treble

Without a doubt the most exciting man in the sport today, Alex Pereira’s rise came in devastating fashion as he left a trail of destruction in his wake. Having surged through both middleweight and light heavyweight, Poatan could yet pull off the greatest feat in mixed martial arts history and become a three division champion in the worlds biggest combat sports organisation with a move to heavyweight.

Kiwi comeback

Titles are likely out of reach now for three of the greatest kiwis to enter the cage in Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker and Kai Kara-France. However, the trio still have plenty of fight in the tank and all popular with the fan base. Adesanya is set to make his comeback in March against Joe Pyfer following his brutal KO loss at the hands of Nassourdine Imavov. In the twilight of his fight career, Adesanya will want to go out on his feet.

Hooker BMF

Few fighters embody the BMF life quite like New Zealand’s Dan Hooker. The Hangman has stood toe to toe with the best lightweights in the world and has engaged in some of the bloodiest battles in UFC history, most notably, his war with Dustin Poirier. Hooker vs Max Holloway for the BMF title would be a savage exhibition of violence, exactly what the belt was born to represent.

The Prates problem

Current pound for pound king Islam Makachev made an underwhelming welterweight debut despite stealing the strap from Jack Della Maddalena through a suffocating grappling performance, fans will be desperate for some fireworks during his title reign and Brazilian boogeyman Carlos Prates, who has won all his UFC fights by way of knockout, could be just the spark.

Talbot’s time

Bantamweight looked set for a long reigning champion in Merab Dvalishvili who had three effortless defences in the bank and was nearing GOAT status. However, Russia’s Petr Yan put an emphatic end to Dvalishvili’s dominance with a stunning upset in December, taking back the title he loss via disqualification in 2022. Fresh off his win over another former champ in Henry ‘Triple C’ Cejudo, fan favourite Payton Talbot presents a thrilling challenge to the new division king.

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