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Watching a rescue turns dangerous for a member of the public

Source: New Zealand Police

This morning two people visiting the Whiritoa blowhole got caught out by the big surf and incoming tide. Then a bystander nearby watching also got into trouble.

Waikato police are urging anyone near the coastline to take extra care as the conditions can change at any time.

Sergeant Bradley York from the Waikato Search and Rescue team says Police were alerted around 8.30am.

“The surf was big and the tide was coming in.

“Two males were stuck in the Whiritoa blowhole and one had a suspected broken leg,” says Sergeant York.

Emergency services joined forces with Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and the Auckland Westpac Rescue helicopter working together.

“While we were winching the injured man out of the blowhole we heard about someone else who was watching the rescue.

“He’d been taking photos from rocks nearby then been washed off ​​into the surf.

“We had to divert away from the initial rescue, and shift to the more urgent situation where he was in the sea.

“After we winched out the bystander we went back to the original scene and rescued the remaining person from the blowhole.

“This was a good reminder to members of the public to exercise caution near the sea as conditions can change rapidly.

“Please take care near water – be aware of the tide and the risks,” said Sergeant York.

All three people were successfully airlifted to safety and for medical support as required.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Live: Black Caps v West Indies – fifth T20

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Black Caps take on the West Indies at University Oval in Dunedin in the fifth and final match of the T20 international series.

New Zealand lead the series 2-1, after the fourth match was wiped out by rain in Nelson on Monday, with just 6.3 overs played.

First ball is at 1.15pm.

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Devon Conway. Game 3 of the T20 international cricket series between New Zealand and West Indies at Saxton Oval in Nelson. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

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

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Suite of banking competition changes adopted by government

Source: Radio New Zealand

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson.

The government has accepted most of the recommendations out of a banking inquiry to improve competition in the sector.

A cross-party inquiry examining the state of banking competition made 19 suggestions in its report, released in August.

The government has accepted or partially accepted all the recommendations.

  • Standardise credit information and make it easier to compare loans. Response: Agree.
  • Open the door to more overseas banks and fintechs. Response: Agree.
  • Strengthen Kiwibank through investment. Response: Agree.
  • Review fees and profits on everyday accounts. Response: Agree.
  • Revisit Reserve Bank prudential settings. Response: Partially agree.
  • Evaluate capital settings. Response: Agree.
  • Broaden the “regulatory sandbox” trial. Response: Agree.
  • Cut Council of Financial Regulators overlap. Response: Agree.
  • Make climate lending rules clear and consistent. Response: Partially agree.
  • Push for real-time payments. Response: Agree.
  • Improve Payments New Zealand. Response: Agree.
  • Address limits on growth of non-bank deposit. Response: Agree.
  • Cease capital increases for banks. Response: Agree
  • Formal disclosure of factors. Response: Agree
  • Set voluntary Māori banking services standards. Response: Agree.
  • Remove anti-money-laundering (AML) roadblocks for Māori land trusts. Response: Agree
  • Enable Māori co-investment in infrastructure. Response: Agree.
  • Create Māori-focused lending products. Response: Agree.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the select committee’s findings echoed many of the findings of the Commerce Commission’s report on personal banking services last year.

“The inquiry’s findings highlighted concerns about the high levels of banking profitability and market concentration, barriers to entry for other players, and regulatory settings.

“The government has been progressing all the recommendations in the Commerce Commission’s report. They include giving Kiwibank’s parent company the go-ahead to raise additional capital and requiring the Reserve Bank to place greater emphasis on banking competition across a range of policies and actions.”

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson said he would be writing to banks encouraging them to standardise financial information and use digital technologies to help customers compare products and loan options across banks, and asking them to disclose profitability on transaction, on-call and savings accounts.

“I will also be writing to the Financial Markets Authority asking it to consider broadening its regulatory sandbox trail which allows firms to test innovative products and services in a controlled environment.

“Work is also underway on a single licensing model to cut red tape for innovative financial services.

“This government is committed to driving competition in the banking sector, encouraging innovation and delivering a better deal for consumers.”

“Monitoring and reporting on the committee’s recommendations will be coordinated by the Treasury.”

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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 Commissioner Richard Chambers pulled over for speeding at 112km/h

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

After a week of bad news for police, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has admitted he was “away with the fairies” when he was pulled over for speeding last week.

Chambers was delivering a speech to graduating police recruits in Porirua on Thursday when he told the new officers and their supporters he had been ticketed for going over the speed limit.

He told the gathering of recruits, their supporters and police staff getting pulled over was the “dumbest thing I’ve done” as commissioner.

“It’s not something that I’m proud of. Course I wish I hadn’t done it. Oblivious, away with the fairies – none of that’s an excuse – I should know better. It’s the dumbest thing that I’ve done since I’ve been the commissioner of police.”

A damning report released this week by the Independent Police Conduct Authority found serious misconduct at the highest levels, including former Commissioner Andrew Coster, over how police responded to allegations of sexual misconduct by former Deputy Police Commisioner Jevon McSkimming.

Chambers encouraged the graduates to learn from their mistakes.

Disgraced former Deputy Police Commisioner Jevon McSkimming. RNZ / Mark Papalii

“I’m still the same person and I will still give my absolute best for my organisation and my country despite those little indiscretions like that.

“You’re no different to me, you’ll make mistakes – but own it, learn from it, be stronger for it and move on,” Chambers told the graduates.

Chambers would later tell RNZ he was clocked going 112 km/h as he returned from a ceremony marking the graduation of new patrol dog teams on 6 November.

“I feel terrible about the situation that I put my colleagues in. I apologised on the side of the road. Not my finest work, and I’m sorry.”

Chambers said he would not have made any attempt to get out of the infringement.

“I would never do that. I’m accountable and I’ve said that since the day I was made commissioner of police.”

A police spokesperson said Chambers paid the $80 fine – which had been dropped in his mail box – as soon as he arrived home from the graduation.

They said he was pulled over on State Highway 2 on the Western Hutt Road in a 100km/h zone.

The spokesperson corrected Chambers, and said he was actually recorded as travelling at 111km/h in an unmarked police vehicle and out of uniform.

Associate Police Minister Casey Costello also attended the event, but declined to speak to media.

Chambers was speaking at the graduation of 55 new officers of the No. 389 Recruit wing when he made the admission.

He told RNZ that in the light of revelations of a senior police cover up of allegations of sexual misconduct levelled at McSkimming, the new graduates should focus on good work they would do as police.

“Don’t let these things distract you from that work. That’s what New Zealanders want, that’s what they expect.

“We are dealing with a small group of former, very senior police officers. That’s a disgrace – as I’ve said – It lacks leadership, it lacks integrity.

“I want my new colleagues who have graduated today to focus on their careers, to focus on the work they do in communities. We’ve just got to keep going.”

Apology to charged whistleblower

Chambers said he hoped to meet with the woman who was prosecuted after raising concerns about McSkimming’s behaviour.

“I’ve reached out to her legal counsel and I expressed my apologies on behalf of New Zealand Police for the fact that she was not taken seriously early on when she reached out to police, more than once. I would like to apologise to her face-to-face when it’s appropriate to do so,” Chambers said.

Associate Police Minister Casey Costello declined to speak to media. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The woman is still facing charges relating to messages she sent to other police staff, despite charges over digital communications sent to McSkimming being dropped.

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

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Aussies lead the way in tourism growth

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed official stats out today showing continued growth in New Zealand’s overseas visitor numbers, with Australian tourists continuing to lead the way.

“Visitor arrivals from Australia reached 1.48 million in the September 2025 year, up from 1.33 million the year before,” Louise Upston says.

“That’s great news – an increase of 153,500, or 12 per cent, compared with the September 2024 year.

“For September years, 2025 was the second highest for the number of visitor arrivals from Australia after 2019, reflecting an increase in trans-Tasman flights, and the success of Tourism New Zealand’s Everyone Must Go campaign.

“Australians have well and truly grabbed that opportunity, and everyone has come.

“Overall, today’s data from Stats NZ shows New Zealand welcomed 248,600 international visitors in September 2025, an increase of 21,700 from September 2024. 

“This exciting increase reflects our Government’s efforts to attract more international visitors and get New Zealand’s tourism industry humming again.

The biggest changes were in arrivals for the year were:

  • Australia (up 153,000 to 1.48 million)
  • United States (up 21,000 to 381,000)
  • United Kingdom (up 20,000 to 190,000)
  • Japan (up 10,000 to 74,000)

Chinese numbers remained relatively steady at 246,100 for the period, compared to 245,800 previously.

“As well as today’s improved statistics, we’re seeing also international arrivals to Queenstown and Christchurch being the highest on record for this time of year,” Louise Upston says. 

“Accommodation in Auckland will be at full occupancy next week and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has estimated that Auckland will be at 80-85 per cent occupancy over the summer period.

“These are all promising signs and reflect the hard work the Government and the sector have been putting in together.

“We started off the year with a Tourism Boost package, developed in partnership with industry to support an immediate growth in visitor numbers. 

“We’ve continued that teamwork through September’s $70 million events and tourism investment package, alongside last week’s announcement that we are welcoming the Michelin Guide to these shores. 

“This is all part of the Government’s plan to double the value of international tourism by 2034. A thriving tourism sector is key to our economic success, and one I’m fully committed to.”

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Question Time directs rare query to non-ministerial MP

Source: Radio New Zealand

VNP/Louis Collins

The first task for MPs when the House meets at 2pm on a sitting day is an hour-long barrage of questions at the government in what is usually a lively exchange, but on Thursday’s Question Time had an extra question directed at an MP outside of the executive.

Up to 12 questions can be asked of ministers, and they must be lodged in the morning to give the minister some time to form a response. The purpose is for MPs to put ministers in the hot seat and compel them to defend their actions and policies in a public space.

Common template questions include asking ministers whether they “stand by all their statements and actions”, or “what reports/announcements they have seen or made”.

The first question is typically from the opposition in an attempt to conceal their line of questioning and test the minister’s ability to answer on the spot. The other type is usually from an MP in a government party, and gives a minister a chance to speak positively about their work – colloquially referred to as a “patsy” question because they’re easier to answer.

But Question Time isn’t limited to just quizzing ministers. Any MP can be asked a question as long as it is related to their responsibilities, and this week’s Question Time involved a question to a chairperson of a select committee.

Questions to a chairperson of a select committee must relate to a matter before the committee and a process or procedure for which the chairperson has responsibility.

Labour MP Rachel Brooking put forward a question to the chairperson of the Environment Committee, National MP Catherine Wedd, on the how much time the public would have to submit on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill.

“Why did an advertisement go out in her name allowing only 11 days for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill when there was no instruction from the House for a report deadline under six months?” Brooking asked.

Wedd said the shorter time was in line with the rules of Parliament (outlined in standing orders and the guidebook to how Parliament works, Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand) and the government’s timeline to pass the bill by the end of the year.

“As the chair of the Environment Committee, I agree, as does the majority of the committee; therefore, as per Standing Order 198, I set out a timetable to ensure this expectation is met,” she said.

Questions can also be asked of MPs but again must be related to their responsibilities as a member of Parliament. An unlimited number of questions can be logged to MPs, which once resulted in an attempt to delay progress in the House by logging 700 questions in one day (98 were accepted but only seven were answered, because the MP in question wasn’t there).

Questions are published at about 11:30am on sitting days and transcribed answers can be found on Parliament’s website.

To listen to The House‘s programme in full, click the link near the top of the page.

RNZ’s The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament’s Office of the Clerk.

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

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Xero boosts profit, predicts future growth

Source: Radio New Zealand

Accounting software company Xero has had a significant increase in profit on the back of increased users and revenue.

Key numbers for the six months ended September compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $134.8m vs $95.1m
  • Revenue $1.19b vs $996m
  • Subscribers 4.59m vs 4.19m
  • No dividend

The Wellington-based but Australian-listed company reported increased earnings from individual subscribers, while it moved to build on its acquisition of US payments company Melio.

Chief executive Sukhinder Singh Cassidy said the company had looked to improve revenue generation despite a slowing in subscriber growth.

“Xero’s H1 FY26 results reinforce our ability to deliver as we continue to do what we said we would do, in line with our strategy.

“We have continued to deliver above ‘rule of 40’ outcomes and generate significant cash, underpinned by our disciplined allocation of capital.”

Sukhinder Singh Cassidy. Supplied/Xero

The “rule of 40” is an industry benchmark which combines revenue growth and its profit margin and should be at least 40 percent. It is regarded as an indication of a software-as-a-service company’s financial health.

Xero’s measure increased to 44.5 percent from 43.9 percent a year ago.

Singh Cassidy said the acquisition of US accounting platform Melio Payments would be a significant driver of future growth.

“The acquisition is a significant milestone, creating opportunities to accelerate growth and long-term value. “

She said Xero was also looking to its AI-powered JAX product, which she dubbed a financial superagent that would automate core accounting tasks while bringing efficiencies.

“We see generative AI technology as a significant opportunity to create more value for both our customers and internally at Xero.”

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

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Hastings hosts Aotearoa’s national Māori language festival Toitū te Reo

Source: Radio New Zealand

Thousands of te reo learners are gathering in Hastings for the second year Aotearoa’s national Māori language festival Toitū te Reo which is taking place on Thursday and Friday. RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Thousands of te reo learners are gathering the Hawke’s Bay for the second year Aotearoa’s national Māori language festival Toitū te Reo.

Described as a two-day “celebration, inspiration, education, and activation of the language and culture”, it is hosted in Heretaunga Hastings on Thursday and Friday.

The audience has the chance to hear from those still learning te reo, such as broadcasters Mike McRoberts and Moana Maniapoto while rubbing shoulders with long-time advocates such as Sir Timoti Karetu.

The festival is divided into two zones, Rangimamao which is entirely in te reo Māori and Pūmotomoto which is entirely in English.

RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Part of Hastings Street North is also cordoned of for kai stalls, Māori businesses and musical performances.

Festival founder and director Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod said it was pleasing to see people enjoying themselves and hearing the language being used.

Having two zones is to make this a welcoming space so people can participate regardless of the level of language, because even non-speakers play a huge part in championing the language, he said.

“The future of the language rests with everyone regardless of your level of proficiency and language champions come in all shapes and sizes and some of those people that championed the language back in the initial stages of the renaissance in the 70s weren’t speakers of the language but they were prepared to die for the language.”

MacLeod said one of the themes of Toitū te Reo was “te Tiro Whakaroto what can we do?”

“Toitū te Reo is about what we can do. And what we can do is look to ourselves, we can be resolute, we can be steadfast and we can put a stake in the ground and have an unwavering commitment to the language regardless of policy, rhetoric, social media, newspapers, because like anything the tide will ebb and flow.”

Leon Blake is leading one of the sessions at Toitū te Reo. RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Te reo advocate Leon Blake was leading a session on the evergreen topic of the A and O categories of te reo, two small letters that can be a big hoha for learners.

“E rongo ana e rere haere ana i waenganui i te iwi kua tae mai nei, no reira kua tino koa kua tino tau hoki te mauri.”

I’m hearing the language flow freely among all the people who have arrived today, so I’m feeling very happy and settled.

Part of Hastings Street North is also cordoned of for kai stalls, Māori businesses and musical performances. RNZ / Pokere Paewai

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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 FC owner Bill Foley sells stake in Scottish Premier League club

Source: Radio New Zealand

Texas billionaire Bill Foley who is bank rolling the new Auckland A League club. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Auckland FC owner Bill Foley has sold his interest in Scottish football club Hibernian.

The Scottish Premier League side has confirmed that majority shareholder Bydand Sports LLC has completed the acquisition of Black Knight Football Club’s shares.

Hibs chairperson Ian Gordon said in a statement: “Over the last few months, we have had detailed conversations with the Black Knight Football Club group regarding Hibernian FC.

“During those discussions it became clear there are philosophical differences in our visions for the club. We mutually agreed this decision was best for both organisations.”

Foley, who owns English Premier League side Bournemouth, bought a 25 percent stake in Hibernian in early 2024.

Many Hibs supporters had become concerned that Hibernian FC would become a feeder club for Bournemouth, which Foley bought in 2022.

The 80-year-old billionaire has not attended a Hibs game.

Foley is the chairperson and chief executive of Black Knight Sports and Entertainment group, which also owns the Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL club.

In 2023 the Australian Professional Leagues awarded a licence to Foley’s group with Auckland FC entering the A-League in 2024.

All Whites keeper Alex Paulsen was signed by Bournemouth from the Wellington Phoenix in June 2024 and then went out on loan to Auckland FC for the 2024-25 A-League season.

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