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The victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rabbi Eli Schlanger’s family confirmed his death. chabad.org via ABC

A 10-year-old girl, a Rabbi and a Holocaust survivor are among the those killed during a terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Sixteen people, including one of the gunmen, were killed during the mass shooting on Sunday evening.

Those who died are yet to be formally identified; however, New South Wales (NSW) police believe their ages range between 10- and 87-years-old.

A member of the Jewish community lights a candle at the scene of a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 15, 2025. AFP / DAVID GRAY

Eli Schlanger

Rabbi Eli Schlanger has been confirmed as one of the 16 people killed.

His cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis, announced his death online.

“My dear cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was murdered in today’s terrorist attack in Sydney,” Lewis wrote.

“He leaves behind his wife and young children, as well as my uncle and aunt and siblings.”

Rabbi Schlanger was the head of the Chabad mission in Bondi, and served his community for 18 years.

“He was truly an incredible guy,” his cousin wrote.

Dan Elkayam

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed a French citizen, Dan Elkayam, was killed in the attack.

“I think of his family and loved ones and express to them the full solidarity of the Nation,” Macron wrote on social media.

Ten-year-old girl

NSW Police said a 10-year-old girl died in hospital overnight.

Alexander Kleytman

Alexander Kleytman was among those killed, his wife told reporters outside St Vincent’s Hospital.

Local media are reporting the couple were both Holocaust survivors and had immigrated to Australia from Ukraine.

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

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Updated information about Pharmac’s priority lists as at 15 December

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac’s Prioritisation Update provides the latest information about applications for medicines, vaccines, and related products that we’ve assessed for funding. Proactively releasing this information is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency.

Pharmac’s Prioritisation Update provides the latest information about applications for medicines, vaccines, and related products that we’ve assessed for funding. Proactively releasing this information is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency. 

Application priority lists

Every year we receive over 100 funding applications from health care professionals, consumer groups and suppliers. These applications include requests to fund new medicines and to widen access to medicines that we already fund. 

We ask our clinical advisory committees to assess the available evidence and recommend whether we should fund, defer, or decline the applications. With their advice, we work to complete an assessment, including a health economic appraisal if required. 

We apply the Factors for Consideration throughout our assessment of an application. The factors consider four areas: health need, health benefit, suitability, and costs and savings.

Read more about the Factors for Consideration on our website.

Once the assessment is complete, we take the application to a quarterly internal prioritisation meeting and add applications to one of the following priority lists: 

  • options for investment (OFI)
  • only funded if cost neutral or cost saving
  • recommended for decline.

 Read more about our priority lists for funding applications

Proposals funded since September

The following treatments have been funded, and therefore removed from the OFI, since the last meeting on 3 September. 

Options for investment list

We rank applications on our options for investment (OFI) list from highest to lowest priority but keep these rankings confidential so that we can negotiate the best prices with suppliers.

As of 3 December 2025, there are 128 applications on the OFI.

Prioritisation activity in the December quarter

During the December prioritisation quarter, we ranked 16 new proposals on the OFI list. As well as adding new proposals, we re-rank some existing proposals on the OFI. We do this because sometimes we get new information about a medicine, which can have an impact about how we consider the medicine alongside other medicines being considered for funding.

 New proposals ranked:

Only if cost neutral or cost saving list 

If our assessment confirms an application does not provide any additional health benefit compared to treatments we already fund, it may be ranked on the only if cost-neutral or cost-saving list. We would look to fund these applications if we negotiated a deal that would be cost-neutral or cost-saving.

Prioritisation activity in the December quarter

During the December quarter, we ranked one application on the only if cost neutral or cost saving list):

Recommended for decline list

There are a range of reasons a funding application may be added to the recommend for decline list. Our expert clinical advisors may have recommended that the funding application be declined, or they may have recommended we fund the medicine, but during our analysis we’ve found: 

  • There is a more effective medicine for the same condition already funded
  • the medicine would provide no additional benefits over other treatments we already fund
  • the medicine may be harmful
  • the application has been overtaken by another funding application for the same medicine
  • no company is supplying the medicine in New Zealand.

When applications are added to the recommended for decline list, they become inactive, and we stop working on the application. While applications may be listed on the decline list, they are only formally declined after public consultation to ensure we haven’t missed anything important.

Read more about this process: Declining inactive funding applications(external link)

 Declining an application  doesn’t prevent us from reconsidering funding for the medicine in the future if new information becomes available.

 Prioritisation activity in the December quarter

 During the December quarter we ranked 10 applications on the recommended for decline list (detailed descriptions of indications available on the Application Tracker): 

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Firefighters cordon off Auckland’s ACG Senior College Parnell after ‘chemical spill

Source: Radio New Zealand

The scene outside ACG Parnell College. Kim Baker Wilson / RNZ

Firefighters have cordoned off ACG Senior College Parnell in Auckland following a “chemical spill”.

A police spokesperson said Fire and Emergency New Zealand were at the scene of a chemical spill on Monday.

A reporter at the scene said a decontamination shower had been set up outside the school on Parnell’s Titoki St and three fire trucks were at the scene.

An ambulance was also present.

Yellow tape which said “hot zone” had been put on the front steps to the college.

More to come…

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

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Police seek man in relation to Ruatiti homicide

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett:

Police investigating a double homicide in Ruatiti are seeking assistance from the public to locate a person of interest.

Two people were located deceased at a Murumuru Road property by officers on Saturday afternoon.

A scene examination is still underway at the large, remote property, including the use of the Police Eagle helicopter to assist staff on the ground.

As part of our ongoing inquiries, Police wish to speak with Mitchell Cole, pictured.

It is believed that the 29-year-old is in the Ruatiti area. He should not be approached, but if you see him please call 111 immediately.

I know this event will be concerning for many in our community. Police will be carrying out reassurance patrols as we work as quickly as possible to locate those involved.

Additional Police are in the Ruatiti area to assist the investigation as we pursue every lead available to us.

I urge anyone who has information that may help us to contact Police as soon as possible.

If you see Mitchell Cole, call 111 straight away.

You can also share non-urgent information about what happened with us online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’, or by calling 105. Use reference number P064773873.

You can also make a report anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Burglars no match for security

Source: New Zealand Police

A pair of burglars were no match for a quick-thinking security guard who assisted in their arrest overnight.

At about 12.40am, Police were called to a commercial premises on Portage Road, New Lynn after a security guard reported a possible burglary in progress.

Acting Inspector Nick Salter, Acting Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, says it appears two people were involved, with one acting as the lookout while the other was inside the building.

“The security guard was able to provide a detailed description of the alleged offenders, and the vehicle they were in.

“They have then fled the scene but were stopped by officers a short distance away at a service station where they were arrested without incident.”

Acting Inspector Salter says Police want to acknowledge the informant who was able to quickly report what was occurring so that Police could get on scene quickly.

“We continue to send the message that this is not acceptable, and we will hold people who are committing these crimes in our community to account.”

A 42-year-old man has been charged with burglary and driving while disqualified will appear in Waitākere District Court today.

Another man, 35, will appear in Waitākere District Court today charged with burglary.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Pukatea/Whites Bay reopening for Christmas

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  15 December 2025

The Marlborough beach and campsite offers family-friendly swimming thanks to the Rārangi Surf Life Saving Club patrols. The area is also popular for kayaking, swimming, walking and mountain biking, and has significant ecological, historic and cultural values.

DOC South Marlborough Operations Manager Stacey Wrenn says the site will reopen at midday on December 22 with a low-key community event.

“Critical infrastructure at Whites Bay was badly damaged by the storms in July.

“The campsite needed significant repairs including the reinstatement of pathways to the beach, restoration and protection work in the creek that runs through the site, restoration of a historic building that suffered flood damage, and some general landscaping.

“We also took the opportunity to replace the septic system, which was due an overhaul, while the site was closed. This was a technically complex and time-consuming piece of work.”

Stacey says the remediation work was achieved thanks to a thorough process in collaboration with local iwi Ngāti Rārua, Rangitāne o Wairau, and Ngāti Toa, Marlborough District Council, and Heritage NZ. Through this work, the site has been both remediated, and future-proofed.

“We know Whites Bay is important to the local community for some summer naturing, and everyone has worked really hard to get the site up and running for the summer holidays.

“It will look a little different to how people remember, until nature takes over again in some areas where there was flood damage, but we’re thrilled to be getting it open to the public again.

“Everyone is welcome to the low-key celebration on December 22. We’ll do a quick ribbon cutting, then there will be a sausage sizzle and the flags will go out for swimming – a classic kiwi summer’s day at the beach.”

Campsite bookings will also be available through the DOC website from December 22. Campsites must be booked online.

The major repairs Marlborough Roads were working on near Whites Bay are now completed. However, there are still storm damaged sites where the road is down to single lane as well as some seal damage. The road to Whites Bay is open but it is still damaged in some sections from the winter storms and people should drive carefully.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Six arrested in relation to murder of Michael Tofts in Waikanae

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services at the scene last month at a property on Kākāriki Grove. Supplied

Six people have now been arrested in relation to the murder investigation of a Kāpiti man, as police call for the public to come forward with information.

Michael Kenneth Tofts was found with critical injuries at home on November 19, and died at the scene in Kākāriki Grove.

Police said a gun was used in the alleged targeted home invasion.

The gun has not been found.

Several attackers were injured during the event, police said.

Six gang associates had been charged with murder, and one with being an accessory.

Detective Inspector Jamie Woods was calling for the public for any information, and for sightings of four cars.

A silver 2013 BMW M5. NZ POLICE / SUPPLIED

“We believe there are people who knew this was going to happen and assisted those who carried it out,” Woods said.

Police also wanted to hear from anyone who saw or had dashcam or footage of the cars pictured between 1 and 7pm on November 19.

A white 2005 Suzuki Swift. NZ Police / SUPPLIED

All cars were believed to have been in and around Paraparaumu and Waikanae around the time of the homicide and travelled to Kāpiti from different locations in the Wellington Region including the Hutt Valley.

“We also believe that after the alleged murder, the white Suzuki Swift travelled over Akatarawa Road towards Upper Hutt and the silver BMW travelled towards Paraparaumu and may have disposed of items,” Woods said.

A white 2013 Hilux Ute. NZ POLICE / SUPPLIED

The people in the cars were believed to be involved either directly or indirectly in the alleged home invasion and the lead-up to it, he said.

All those charged were remanded in custody to appear in the High Court in Wellington on January 23.

Grey 2008 Audi A3 station wagon. NZ POLICE / SUPPLIED

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

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Forest fire near Whanganui spreads to over 100 hectares

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fire and Emergency said the fire ripped through cutover pine forest across several gullies. RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Firefighters, helicopters and heavy machinery are back at a large forestry fire near Whanganui trying to get it under control before winds pick up in the afternoon.

It has so far ripped through more than 100 hectares at Lismore Forest, after being first reported at 5.15pm on Sunday.

The blaze has burnt through cutover forest across several gullies and by 10pm had reached standing trees and was burning in several locations.

Crews had to scale back their response when it got dark because of the steep terrain.

A small crew remained to patrol through the night and put out spot fires on the access road.

By Monday morning the response was back in full swing.

“The fire has meandered into the ground fuels underneath the tall trees so this morning we’ve had helicopters and we will follow with ground crews,” incident controller Renee Potae told RNZ.

“Working in the area of the tall trees just to ensure it stays along the ground, we don’t want it to move up the trunks into the tall trees, which it hasn’t yet, so we’re working really hard to contain the fire into a manageable state,” she said.

Five helicopters are at the scene and further ground crews will be added later in the day to stagger the attack.

“The temperature is starting to heat up already but we’ve got light winds,” Potae said.

“After lunch however we’re expecting a north-westerly to be stronger, perhaps 20-25km an hour and maybe gusting stronger, and low humidity after lunch which makes quite a big difference, so we’ve got the aircraft and the ground crews working really hard while we’ve got this period of relatively low fire behaviour.”

Potae said the fire fight was a strategic one.

“There are areas in the cutover where there is active fire but we can sort of let that burn for a little while we concentrate on our more pressing tasks, and then move to those secondary tasks once we’re on top of what we think are the priorities, it just requires a lot of strategy and prioritisation with different types of fuel in the same fire ground,” she said.

Potae said it was not yet known what caused the fire.

No properties have been evacuated.

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

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Report shows overwhelming support for ECE food programme

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister welcomes the Ministry of Education’s ECE Food Programme Kōhanga Reo Survey Report. The report shows overwhelming support for the service provided by KidsCan in delivering taxpayer funded meals for up to 10,000 ECE children who need them.  

The list of positive ratings given to KidsCan from 130 (42.5 per cent) of the centres receiving taxpayer funded meals, and who participated in the survey were: 

Supplier Reliability and Consistency 97.5 per cent
Supplier Food Safety and Hygiene 98.5 per cent
Communication 98 per cent
Flexibility and Adaptability 99 per cent
Service and Professionalism 95 per cent 

“I would like to acknowledge KidsCan for their amazing work supporting children’s learning since 2005. In 2019 they launched a national early childhood programme which provided healthy lunches to over 6,000 early learners with the highest needs. In 2025 this number increased to 16,000, with $4 million in additional funding each year from this government,” says Mr Seymour. 

“Sir Peter Gluckman’s research clearly demonstrates that good nutrition is one of the key factors affecting early brain development. The more we can do to support good nutrition from a young age, the more likely children are to reach their potential. 

“The report makes key findings on the effects taxpayer funded lunches observed by centres on each of the child development stages.”

In the children’s physical development stage 77 per cent of services reported 

improvements in energy and stamina, 34 per cent reported improvements in sleep patterns, 32 per cent reported improvements in digestion, 29 per cent reported fewer absences, and 26 per cent reported healthier weights. 

In the cognitive and learning development category 62 per cent of services reported improvements in concentration, 67 per cent reported improvements

in participation, 34 per cent reported improvements in memory and problem solving, and 28 per cent reported improvements in language and fine motor skills.

In the emotional and behavioural development category 69 per cent of services reported children were more settled and calmer, 45 per cent reported positive shifts in mood swings and emotional outbursts, 34 per cent reported improvements resilience, and 39 per cent reported children were better at self-regulating.

In the social and interpersonal development category 51 per cent of services reported positive shifts in children’s interactions with each other, 42 per cent reported children were more confident, 89 per cent reported children tried new foods, and 72 per cent reported meal times created a stronger sense of belonging.    

“Savings from the new school lunch programme mean that KidsCan can deliver these benefits for 10,000 additional Kiwi kids,” Mr Seymour says. 

“The Healthy School Lunch programme is expected realise taxpayer savings of $145 million in 2026. $4 million of those savings each year will go to ensuring 10,000 children in early learning services receive a taxpayer funded lunch every day.

“When the Government manages its accounts like families and businesses have to, money goes a lot further.”

The ECE Food Programme survey feedback can be found here:  The Early Childhood Education Food Programme – Ministry of Education

 

 

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It’s not you – some fonts feel different

Source: Radio New Zealand

Have you ever thought a font looked “friendly” or “elegant”? Or felt that Comic Sans was somehow unserious? You’re not imagining it.

Typefaces carry personalities, and we react to them more than we realise. My work explores how the shapes of letters can subtly influence our feelings.

When we read, we are not just processing the words. We are also taking in the typeface, which can shape how we interpret a message and even what we think of the person who wrote it.

Across a range of studies, people reliably link curved shapes with positivity and angular ones with threat or negativity.

Unsplash

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