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Tongan rugby league star Eli Katoa aims for return as he recovers from brain surgery

Source: Radio New Zealand

Eli Katoa has posted photos from his time in hospital after surgery for a brain bleed. Instagram/Supplied

Tongan rugby league star Eli Katoa says his recovery from brain surgery is going well and he hopes to return to the sport.

The Melbourne Storm second-rower will miss the 2026 NRL season [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/577662/tonga-rugby-league-star-eli-katoa-has-surgery-after-suffering-seizure-activity-during-kiwis-test-match, as he recuperates from the surgery for a brain bleed.

Katoa, 25, collided with a teammate before a Pacific Championships test against the Kiwis at Eden Park on 2 November and then suffered two more headknocks during the match. He was taken to hospital after seizure activity and had surgery overnight.

The former Warrior has posted on [embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRob5puEib-/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=b4564489-44a8-45ad-9406-1f62e882f94b Instagram] that he is now back at home “and I’m in a good place now”.

“My recovery is going well and hopefully I can keep ticking all of the boxes that I need!

“And to the Storm fans, in God’s timing, ‘I’ll be back soon’.”

Eli Katoa has posted this photo of partner Tuitofa Aloua helping him down hospital stairs. Instagram/Supplied

Katoa posted a photo of partner Tuitofa Aloua helping him walk down hospital stairs and said: “To my girl, this woman has been amazing, strong and sticking by my side through it all.

“I appreciate you and I love you so much.”

He also thanked fans for their messages and prayers, and the Storm club and the Tongan rugby league community for their support.

Eli Katoa is attended by a trainer, after his injury in the test against the Kiwis. NRL Photos/Photosport

Katoa had not had a head injury assessment for the knock he took in the lead-up to the match. He passed an HIA for the first injury in the test and continued playing, but left the field after the second.

After the match, former Kiwis and Warriors star Shaun Johnson was critical that Katoa was even allowed to play.

“I don’t get how it can even get to that point,” he said on his Play on Sport Show podcast. “There’s going to be fallout over this.

“There’s going to be some heads that will roll, because I do not know how Eli Katoa was actually even allowed to take the field.”

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf defended team doctors, saying everything was “done by the book”.

“We’ve got two very experienced doctors there,” he said. “They’ve done their usual HIA.

“He’s passed all that and passed all that well. My job is not to question doctors.

“They were both comfortable with that and comfortable with him coming back onto the field, so I don’t think there’s anything to worry about there in terms of the process.”

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

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Emergency mobile phone coverage system rolled out to community groups

Source: Radio New Zealand

A new system to ensure cellphones get through in emergencies is being opened up to community groups. RNZ

A new billion-dollar-plus system to better ensure cellphones get through in emergencies is being opened up to a raft of community groups.

About 25,000 frontline responders are already using the Public Safety Network’s (PSN) cellular service, which extends coverage and gives extra back-up. It shows cellphone outages in real time.

The government has now opened up the service to central and local government entities, not-for-profit organisations, and infrastructure and lifelines companies.

“They all need to use their mobile phones and other tools to get good information to do their jobs, co-ordinate with each other and stay safe,” said Steve Ferguson, who heads up the Next Generation Critical Communications unit delivering the PSN.

“We can now help them with that,”

The expansion is timed to begin from the middle of next year, via a new limited liability company.

“With top-tier emergency communications in place, New Zealand will be better prepared to respond to the variety of disasters we have seen over the past few years, such as Cyclones Gabrielle or Tam,” said Emergency Management and Recovery Minster Mark Mitchell.

Another leg of the $1.4 billion PSN system to roll out digital radios is still being worked on.

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

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Push to eliminate hornets intensifies

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Biosecurity New Zealand has escalated its response to eradicate yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) following continued detections on Auckland’s North Shore.

To date, 27 queen hornets, seven workers, and 17 nests have been successfully located and removed from the Glenfield and Birkdale areas.

“The fact we’re finding more hornets shows our surveillance is working,” says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North. 

Genetic testing indicates the hornets are closely related, suggesting a small, contained population.

Mr Inglis says surveillance and ground operations have expanded significantly across Auckland’s North Shore.

“In recent weeks, we’ve put in 5 times as many traps (now more than 600) across a 5km radius from detection sites, and property-by-property searches under way within 200 metres of confirmed finds. We are adding additional traps as more hornets are found.

“So far, our teams have carried out ground searches at more than 2,100 properties, and that number grows every day. Those ground searches are paying dividends, with many of the nests and queens being detected through those intensive ground sweeps.”

Teams from Auckland Council, Pest Free Kaipātiki, Plant & Food Research, and Kiwifruit Vine Health have joined Biosecurity New Zealand staff on the ground to strengthen the search effort. 

International expertise is also guiding the response, with advice from countries that have successfully managed hornet incursions, leading to the purchase of electronic tracking gear. 

“That technology arrived in New Zealand this week. Under the guidance of a UK expert, we plan to use the technology to trace nests if worker activity increases over summer.”

Other recent response activities include: 

  • Using different trap designs and lures (sugar and protein-based)
  • Ongoing inspections of beehives close to detection sites, along with ground surveys in reserves and residential areas
  • A national advertising campaign launched this week urging the public to report suspected sightings
  • Continuing to raise public awareness by visiting markets, schools, local businesses, libraries and community centres.

Mr Inglis says Biosecurity New Zealand expects to find more hornets over the summer due to increased surveillance, but stresses that ongoing vigilance by the public and beekeepers remains the best detection method. 

“We’ve had more than 4,000 public notifications so far — an incredible contribution — and we’re very keen for this to continue,” he says. 

Biosecurity New Zealand wants to hear from anyone who has a suspected hornet specimen, has located a possible nest, or has taken a clear photo.

You can report sightings:

Further information and regular updates on hornet finds

Instructions on how to make a simple trap [PDF, 1.1 MB]

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz 

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

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Labour announces low-interest loans for family GP practices

Source: Radio New Zealand

Labour leader Chris Hipkins made the announcement at the party’s annual general meeting in central Auckland. Anneke Smith / RNZ

The Labour Party would offer doctors and nurse practitioners low-interest loans to set up new practices or buy into existing ones, if elected next year.

Leader Chris Hipkins made the announcement at the party’s annual general meeting in central Auckland on Sunday afternoon.

He said Labour would provide up to 50 loans each year, prioritising areas that had no general practitioners, or practices with closed or partially closed books.

Doctors could apply for loans of up to 90 percent of the cost of buying into a practice, capped at $500,000.

The loans would only be available for owner-operated general practices, with corporate-owned clinics excluded.

They would be interest-free for the first two years, with monthly repayments beginning on the outstanding balance at an annual interest rate of three percent.

The policy would give doctors up to 10 years to repay the loan and each doctor couold only receive one loan under the scheme.

Hipkins said the loans would be available from 1 July 2027, through the existing Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme.

“This is a practical, targeted way to boost locally-owned clinics across New Zealand and strengthen the ones we already have,” he said. “More doctors in our communities means shorter waits for patients.

“Nearly 650,000 New Zealanders can’t afford to see their doctor when they need to and many others wait too long for an appointment.

“This announcement builds on our plan for three free doctor’s visits, improvements to GP funding and free cervical screening – all aimed at making it easier for people to get care when they need it.”

Hipkins said the policy would compliment his party’s plan to free up 4.5 million doctor’s appointments every year.

“The number of doctor-owned practices is falling, as is the number of doctors who work in doctor-owned practices,” he said. “It’s expensive to start a new practice or buy into an existing one, so our low-interest loans will give doctors the kickstart they need to get established.

“Two-thirds of practice owners and partners are intending to retire in the next 10 years, so it’s vital we can support the next generation to keep the doors and books open.

“This scheme is just one way Labour can help ensure healthcare is there where you need it, when you need 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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Tauranga lifeguards start summer patrols early after spike in serious accidents

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lifeguards will start patrolling Tauranga waters a week early. Cody Keepa for Surf Life Saving NZ

Lifeguards will start patrolling Tauranga waters a week early, due to a spike in serious accidents.

Surf Life Saving warns that the warm weather has created a perfect storm of hidden hazards, such as rips.

A man drowned at Mount Maunganui beach on Wednesday evening.

Regional manager Avan Polo said the hazards had prompted Surf Life Saving to approach the Tauranga City Council to start paid lifeguard patrols on 1 December, rather than 8 December, as originally planned.

“We’re experiencing quite a different type of water movement than we’ve had in a number of years, which is creating a number of rips and channels, all forming and moving the water around,” he said.

“It may look calm on the top, but water moving underneath is just creating a lot of problems.”

He said the hidden risks were catching swimmers by surprise.

“We’ve already seen multiple serious incidents in the past few days alone, including one fatal drowning,” he said. “Bringing the service forward will help save lives.

“Given the rising number of people heading to our beaches and the serious incidents already occurring, early coverage from surf lifeguards is both necessary and urgent.”

Polo said Surf Life Saving would deploy three mobile patrol teams every afternoon from Mount Maunganui to Papamoa.

He said the patrols usually continued for 11 weeks, but this season would last 12 weeks, given the early start.

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

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Youth vaping rates halve within two years, ‘negligible’ number smoking – survey

Source: Radio New Zealand

The number of teenagers who vape on a daily basis has dropped to 7.1 percent, down from “peak vape” of 10.1 percent in 2022. 123RF

A survey of more than 30,000 of New Zealand’s Year 10 students has indicated that the perception of vaping is changing.

The number of teenagers who vaped regularly – once a month or more – had tripled between 2019 and 2021, peaking at 20.2 percent.

But the latest Action on Smoking and Health survey has found that number has halved since then.

“Vaping is not as cool as it used to be,” chairperson Emeritus Professor Robert Beaglehole told RNZ.

The number of teenagers who vape on a daily basis has also dropped to 7.1 percent, down from “peak vape” of 10.1 percent in 2022.

Fewer than a third had ever tried vaping too, Beaglehole said, “which is great news”.

He believed regulation had also made an impact – vaping products were widely available for teenagers until 2020, when the government banned the sale to those under 18 – but feared that overregulation could push people back to smoking.

“Vaping helps adult smokers quit and is much, much less harmful than smoking.”

Beaglehole said the country was raising a smoke-free generation, with a “negligible” number – about 1 percent – of young people smoking on a daily basis since 2021.

“This is a major global success which we should be celebrating … we are leading the way.

“Youth smoking has almost disappeared, and vaping continues to fall.”

However, Beaglehole has called for more to be done to address the vaping rates for rangatahi Māori.

There was a significant decrease within the last year, he said, but 16.5 percent of Māori teenagers still vaped on a daily basis.

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

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Over 35,000 Christmas Boxes packed this year as Kiwis struggle with cost of living

Source: Radio New Zealand

A record number of Christmas Boxes have been packed this year with around 2500 volunteers packing more than 35,000 boxes for the charity initiative.

Each Christmas Box has $70 worth of food and can feed a family of four to six.

Head of Community Response Rebecca So’e said Christmas was supposed to be about celebration, but it puts some families under more pressure to figure out how they’re going to pay for the presents and treats that most families have during the Christmas season.

She said this year had been even tougher than last year for people in the communities they work in.

Christmas Boxes being packed by around 2500 volunteers. Supplied

So’e said it was also harder this year for them to raise funds due to government cuts, but they were able to just exceed their target packing a record breaking 35,269 boxes.

“We’ve designed the box with a Christmas breakfast of pancake mix and maple syrup, things that they can take to a Christmas lunch and dinner, and then stuff that will just last through the week, all the essential items.”

She said many of the items in their box wouldn’t have gone into people’s trolleys this year because they couldn’t afford it.

“Because of what’s inside [the box], the essential items, the treats, it’s actually helping families to take the pressure off their financial stress so that they can have these extra things this Christmas.”

Christopher Luxon addressing volunteers. Supplied

In Auckland alone almost 20,000 boxes were packed, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and son William, former All Blacks Pita Alatini and Eroni Clark, and MasterChef judge Michael Dearth joining volunteers to help on Saturday morning.

“One of the great things about New Zealand is the way we roll up our sleeves and help out our fellow Kiwis. It was heartwarming to see so many people give up their Saturday to share goodwill with their neighbours at Christmas, and it was a privilege to help out alongside them,” Luxon said.

“I love the community. I love New Zealand, and you know no one should go hungry on Christmas Day,” Dearth said.

“For me, food is my universe. I love food. It’s a way that we connect as a people, that we’ve always connected as a people. So food is at the centre of it all really.”

MasterChef judge Michael Dearth. Supplied

Christmas Box, which is marking 25 years, began in 2001 with the simple idea of providing gift-wrapped food to neighbouring families in need at Christmas.

It was now one of the largest Christmas charity initiatives, partnering with more than 500 organisations to deliver food essentials and festive cheer to more than 30,000 Kiwi families every year.

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

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Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison to get two high security units, adding 316 beds

Source: Radio New Zealand

Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison entrance. Google Maps

Two new high security units are set to be built at Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison adding an additional 316 beds.

Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell said the construction would begin next month and finish up by early 2027.

He said the new units would expand the capacity of New Zealand’s prison system.

“With the prison population increasing due to the government’s strong measures on law-and-order, these two new units will add more capacity and resilience to our prison system.

“The design and build agreement was signed on Friday 31 October 2025 with contractor Naylor Love…”

Mitchell said additional projects underway at Waikeria Prison and Christchurch Men’s Prison would further increase the country’s capacity by more than 1000 beds in 2029.

He said the prison population had increased by 2000 since October 2023 to 11,000.

Corrections is self-funding the new units through the department’s existing budget.

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

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Man arrested after gunshot fired near Thames swimming hole

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said the 20-year-old allegedly threw the gun into some bushes before leaving in a vehicle with another person. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Police have arrested a man after a gun was fired near a popular swimming hole in Thames, Coromandel.

Police were called to the scene on Kauaeranga Valley Road at about 5pm on Saturday, after reports that a man had threatened members of the public and fired a shot into the air.

Detective Sergeant Mark Leathem said the 20-year-old allegedly threw the gun into some bushes before leaving in a vehicle with another person.

The police Eagle helicopter was sent to chase down the vehicle, and police arrested the pair a short time later.

The firearm was also found in the bushes at the initial scene, Leathem said.

The man who was alleged to have fired the gun is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on Monday, with charges including unlawfully possessing a firearm and discharging a firearm to intimidate.

Police would like to hear from anyone who might have information about the incident, either online or over the phone on its 105 service with the reference number 251129/4740.

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

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NZ skier Alice Robinson wins giant slalom at Alpine Ski World Cup in Colorado

Source: Radio New Zealand

Robinson was quickest of 56 skiers in the first run on Copper Mountain. photosport

New Zealand skier Alice Robinson has ignited her season with a dominant win in the women’s giant slalom at the World Cup in Colorado.

Robinson was quickest of 56 skiers in the first run on Copper Mountain and was then equal-fastest on the second run to win by nearly a full second overall.

The 23-year-old from Queenstown has enhanced her status as a strong contender at the February Winter Olympics in Italy, where she will seek to add to the silver medal claimed at last year’s world championships.

She climbs to second on the World Cup standings behind today’s runner-up, Austrian Julia Scheib.

Robinson clocked 59.03 seconds in her first run, which was 0.29 seconds faster than Sweden’s Sara Hector and 0.60 seconds quicker than Scheib.

With the win, Robinson climbs to second on the World Cup standings. PHOTOSPORT

Last away in the second run, Robinson was slow out of the gates but accelerated through the middle stages of the race to ensure she wouldn’t cede her advantage.

“It was definitely a day of two different runs. The first one I felt in control and so smooth, the second felt out of control, like I was recovering the whole time. I was pretty shocked to finish first,” Robinson said.

“I was really not feeling that confident coming into this race, so I’m really proud to have followed my instincts today.”

Her overall time, 1 minute 58.91seconds, was 0.96 seconds better than Scheib, with Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund third.

The third leg of the 10-round World Cup is next weekend in Tremblant, Canada.

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