Volunteer firefighters will respond to 111 calls during the strike hour.RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The Professional Firefighters’ Union has decided to stop Boxing Day’s one-hour strike that was meant to begin at midday.
It acknowledged that it was Boxing Day, and for those not rostered to work, it was an important opportunity to be with whanau.
The withdrawal meant volunteers who would feel obligated to respond during the strike could relax.
Collective bargaining between Fire and Emergency and the Professional Firefighters’ Union broke down, and the Employment Relations Authority this month sent them into facilitation.
The union will instead strike for one hour on 2 and 9 January.
Meanwhile, firefighters have put out a grass fire on the bank of the Waimakariri River near Swannanoa, north of Christchurch.
The fire was reported just after 11pm on Thursday and when firefighters arrived, they found a blaze of about 80 by 10 metres.
It took three hours and three tankers to extinguish the grass fire, which was fanned by high winds.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Several weather watches have been issued (file image).123rf.com
People should prepare for stormy, wet weather, as they head out to Boxing Day sales.
Several weather watches have been issued as thunderstorms are expected for the upper North Island and southeast of the South Island.
MetService has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, Canterbury High Country, North Otago, Central Otago, Dunedin, Clutha and Southland from 1pm until 8pm on Friday.
It said there was a possibility of hail larger than 20mm in these areas.
“A cold unstable air-mass affects parts of the South Island today. For coastal Canterbury from the Banks Peninsula southwards, eastern Otago and Southland there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms. These storms may become severe this afternoon and evening with hail, larger than 20mm.”
Several weather watches have been issued.MetService
Meanwhile up north, a complex trough embedded in a moist unstable air-mass was expected to move east across the upper North Island, the forecaster said.
It issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua from 2pm until 8pm on Friday. Bay of Plenty and Gisborne are also under a watch from 7pm until 11pm Friday.
MetService said the downpours could bring hourly rainfall amounts of 25 to 40mm an hour.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Aotearoa is home to some seriously special marine mammals — and that’s not just Kiwi bias talking. Nearly half of the world’s whales, dolphins and porpoises have been spotted in our waters, with some species found nowhere else, like Hector’s dolphins and New Zealand sea lions.
Because they’re so unique, we all have a role to play in protecting them. That means knowing and following the Marine Mammals Protection Act — for example, it’s illegal to disturb or harm a seal.
Understanding how to behave around marine mammals helps keep them (and you) safe and lets everyone enjoy nature in Aotearoa the right way.
New Zealand fur seal, South Westland 📷: Neale, Don
Every summer we get heaps of calls about seals that look injured or need help. While the instinct to step in is admirable, the best thing you can usually do is give them space. Never try to touch a seal, no matter how cute they look. They need breathing room and often heal just fine on their own.
There are times when we will step in – if a seal is in very poor condition, in immediate danger, tangled in debris, being harassed (by people or dogs), or causing a safety risk (yes, seals sometimes wander onto busy roads and refuse to budge).
New Zealand doesn’t have marine mammal rehab centres, and intervention can sometimes mean difficult decisions, made alongside vets.
If you’re worried about a seal, call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). Most of the time though, a hands-off approach is best — even if the seal is sneezing, coughing, flapping flippers, fighting, or pups appear to be on their own.
Photo: Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
Human food is not seal food.
Feeding — or trying to feed — marine mammals might feel kind, but it actually puts both you and the animal at risk.
Human food can change how marine mammals behave, disrupt their natural hunting skills, and make them more likely to approach people and boats. Once they start expecting handouts, they’re far more vulnerable to injury or harm.
So even if a seal looks hungry on the shore, resist the urge. Save the snacks for humans and let our marine mammals stick to the wild menu they’re built for.
Heading out on the water or along the coast this summer? If you’re lucky enough to spot one of our marine mammals, giving them space is key.
On the water, slow right down — stick to idle or no-wake speed when you’re within 300 metres of whales, dolphins or seals, and remember only three vessels are allowed in that zone at any one time.
When it comes to interactions, think calm and respectful. Approach slowly from the side, keep your distance, and never circle, block their path or cut through a group. A little space goes a long way in keeping these ocean locals safe and stress-free.
Infographic – Interacting with marine mammals | Photo: DOC
Out for a swim this summer? You might just cross paths with some of our marine locals — and that’s where a bit of care goes a long way.
For everyone’s safety, don’t swim with whales, avoid dolphin pods that include juveniles, and keep at least 5 metres back from the water’s edge when seals are around.
By respecting wildlife and giving them space, we can all enjoy our coastlines while keeping Aotearoa’s marine mammals safe and thriving.
The wildlife matters more than your selfie.
Feeding, breeding and birth rates — that’s what’s really at stake when a selfie comes before the animal.
A World Animal Protection report found wildlife selfies on Instagram jumped 292% between 2014 and 2017, with 40% putting animals at risk through handling, hugging or harassment. Here in Aotearoa, it’s our endangered fur seals that often pay the price.
The message is simple: seals and sea lions need space. Keep at least 20 metres away — about the length of two buses. Get closer and they may panic, stampede, and injure themselves.
They might look cute and sleepy on land, but don’t be fooled. If their path to the sea or their pups are threatened, they can move fast — and bite hard. Let them rest, keep your distance, and leave the selfie for another day.
Dogs aren’t just a threat to our flightless birds — they can also disturb coastal wildlife like fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. Even the best-trained dog can stress or injure wildlife, and in the process, put themselves at risk too.
Here’s how to keep everyone safe this summer:
Know before you go: Only take your dog to approved areas, especially near marine mammals.
Stay alert: Even in dog-friendly spots, keep a lead handy and leash your dog if wildlife is nearby.
Call your dog: If you spot a marine mammal, bring your dog back. It’s a simple step that helps protect threatened species and lets everyone share Aotearoa’s coasts safely.
A little planning and vigilance go a long way in keeping both dogs and wildlife safe.
Leave your drone at home.
Flying drones near marine mammals — whales, dolphins, or seals — can be more stressful for them than it looks. Just because they seem calm doesn’t mean they’re not stressed.
If you want to fly closer than 150 m to a marine mammal, whether for fun or commercial purposes, you need a DOC permit. Always avoid disturbing wildlife — don’t chase, herd, or scatter them with your drone. Even loud noises can disrupt seals, dolphins, and seabirds, so fly responsibly and let our marine locals enjoy the water in peace.
Pod of Hector’s dolphins, Akaroa Harbour, November 2006
Love New Zealand? Show it by looking after the wildlife we share it with. Giving animals their space, not feeding them, and letting them go about their natural behaviours isn’t just polite — it’s essential for protecting our unique native species.
When you visit public conservation land, remember you’re a guest in their home. Every step you take, every sound you make, and every interaction you choose can either protect or disturb the species that call these places home. Keeping your distance, sticking to marked tracks, and observing quietly helps ensure our native birds, marine mammals, and other wildlife can thrive — for generations of Kiwis and visitors to enjoy.
Respect their space, and you’re helping preserve the magic of Aotearoa’s wild places.
Volunteer firefighters will respond to 111 calls during the strike hour.RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Fire and Emergency will be relying on volunteer crews to fight fires in the main centres on Boxing Day between midday and 1pm, as its paid staff go on strike.
Talks between the fire service and the Professional Firefighters’ Union broke down, and the Employment Relations Authority this month sent them into facilitation.
The union said Fire and Emergency could come to the table outside that process, but the employer said it had no plans to do so.
It said its volunteer firefighters will respond to 111 calls during the strike hour, but it was also asking people to be careful when doing anything that could start a fire.
Meanwhile, firefighters have put out a grass fire on the bank of the Waimakariri River near Swannanoa, north of Christchurch.
The fire was reported just after 11pm on Thursday and when firefighters arrived, they found a blaze of about 80 by 10 metres.
It took three hours and three tankers to extinguish the grass fire, which was fanned by high winds.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Rockfall has been causing disruption on the roads around Arthur’s Pass between Canterbury and the West Coast.
Fire and Emergency says it responded to a crash around 10.15pm on Christmas Day on State Highway 73, near the turnoff to Mount White.
A car had run into a fallen rock and was damaged, but there were no injuries.
And further west on the Ōtira Gorge stretch of the same highway, a section of the road had a priority give-way system in place because of rockfall. It was still in place early on Boxing Day morning.
Scientists are asking people to watch out for any Māui or Hector’s dolphins spotted in North Island waters, and report them. Māui dolphin are critically endangered, while Hector’s dolphins are vulnerable.Earthrace Conservation/Liz Slooten (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Sightings of a rare dolphin in the Bay of Islands in Northland have delighted marine scientists.
Dolphin researcher Jochen Zaeschmar spotted the solitary sea creature last weekend, and it has since been observed in English Bay in the Opua channel.
He said genetic testing would determine if it was a Hector’s or Māui dolphin.
“We would like to know how rare this is. Is there a small population around here, or are they recolonising the North? Genetics will be able to tell a great deal about that.”
Department of Conservation marine species advisor Kristina Hillock said sightings of Hector’s or Māui dolphins in the Bay of Islands were rare.
“This would be just the second confirmed sighting of a Hector’s in Northland in 100 years,” she said,
A Hector’s dolphin at the surface, in Akaroa Harbour.RNZ / Alison Ballance
Today, Hector’s dolphins are classified as nationally vulnerable and live in different sub-populations around the South Island. They are only occasionally seen around the North Island.
The Māui dolphin is a nationally critical subspecies of the Hector’s dolphin, which is found on the west coast of the North Island, mainly between Taranaki and Kaipara Harbour. It is estimated just 54 adult Māui dolphins remain.
The two species were not easily distinguished from each other without DNA testing, but were readily identifiable from other dolphins.
Both Hector’s and Māui dolphins were grey and white, with black markings and a distinctive black rounded fin, shaped like Mickey Mouse’s ear.
People who saw the dolphin should call the Department of Conservation (0800 DOC HOT – 0800 362 468).
Zaeschmar said Hector’s and Māui dolphins were known to be friendly.
“They are social and they will come and interact with boats and people, so there is a good chance that somebody will come across it,” he said.
But he said people who spot the dolphin should try to keep their distance.
“It is really exciting to have this animal here and we encourage the public to report sightings, but please stick to the rules. They are prone to get hit by propellers and boats, sadly all around the country. Just be boat-wise when you are around the animal and give it plenty of space. Please respect its habitat.”
An artists’ visualisation for Auckland Transport of light rail in Mt Roskill.Supplied / Auckland Transport
A public transport advocate, whose Auckland Light Rail submission made it onto the NZ Infrastructure Commission’s list of priorities, said light rail and mass transit needs to be brought back and become part of the supercity’s long-term transport plan.
The multibillion-dollar project was scrapped by the coalition in early 2024, which argued over $200 million had been spent on planning and investigating options, without having achieved any real results.
Connor Sharp, a contributor to the transport advocacy blog Greater Auckland, is the only one to have made a proposal for light rail to the commission’s invitation for its Infrastructure Priorities Programme (IPP).
The commission said while endorsement did not guarantee funding, it did send a strong signal to decision makers about infrastructure priorities.
Sharp’s proposal for ‘mass rapid transit in the city centre to Mangere corridor’ was endorsed at stage 1 of the IPP in December 2025, which meant it’s had been identified as a nationally significant issue.
“I think it’s pretty significant that they’ve endorsed it, especially because I made this as an individual, pretty much every other proposal put forward, endorsed, were done by organisations … I’m pretty stoked they endorsed it.”
Sharp said it was unfortunate the project had become a “hot potato” and over-politicised over the years, particularly at a national level, and he hoped Auckland Council could take up the reigns to advocate for it.
“If we have a lot of councillors and the mayor maybe pick this back up, it would be a lot more productive, and you’re probably trying to avoid a lot of that politicisation issues,”
Advocate Connor Sharp: Build surface rail from City Centre to Mount Roskill first
Meanwhile, Sharp’s proposal for a surface light rail to run from the city centre to Mount Roskill via Dominion Road was declined for stage 2 of the IPP – which called for specific solutions.
Sharp said he still felt this section of light rail needed to be built first, to fill the void of rapid transit connections through the central isthmus, which is leading to congestion.
Sharp said regardless of what the extension to Mangere and the Airport looked like, he hoped this section could be built first.
He said he felt the project fell through previously as decision-makers were trying to do something really big within a limited time they had in government, rather than work through it incrementally.
Sharp said the upcoming transport reforms in 2026 and the development of a 30-year Integrated Transport Plan were opportunties to progress work on light rail.
The opening of the City Rail Link (CRL) in 2026 would also spur people’s expectations of more transit options, he said.
“I think people, once they experience what CRL is going to do, I think they’ll naturally start thinking of what are we going to do next, and there’ll be a few big projects that will come into conversation, and light rail should be one of them from my perspective.”
Mayor has no comment; Councillor delighted with endorsement
Meanwhile, Auckland mayor Wayne Brown declined RNZ’s request for an interview to discuss possibilities for the future of light rail in Auckland.
He also declined to comment on his thoughts on the submission being endorsed by the IPP at stage 1, and whether he would consider renewing discussions around light rail options for Auckland as part of the city’s 30-year ITP.
His office said in a statement: “The mayor has nothing further to add, at this time, in relation to your request.”
Councillor Shane Henderson said he was delighted.
“The message is really clear that there is a huge issue here and we need to move people along this corridor, it’s good to have that recognition from the infrastructure commission.”
Henderson said the council should be keeping light rail in the front of their minds as they worked through the city’s long-term transport plans.
He said it had not been discussed much at the council table since it was canned by the government.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Some time in the mid-2000s, a singular piece of music found its way onto student radio and other playlists.
Consisting only of multi-tracked voices – like a one-person choir – The Awakening was a spooky song-poem: “a canon set in purgatory” as its author would later describe it.
The subject of the song ‘The Awakening’ was the 19th-century murderess Minnie Dean, known for transporting dead babies in hatboxes on trains and the only woman to have been hanged in New Zealand.
Dudley Benson – The Awakening
Essential New Zealand AlbumsS5/E5Season 5 / Episode 5
Dudley Benson in 2008
Karen Inderbitzen Waller
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