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Search for missing boatie scaled back

Source: Radio New Zealand

Family members raised the alarm on Friday night when the pair failed to return to Pataua South, near Whangārei. NZ Coastguard

Police are scaling back the search for a man missing off the Northland coast four days after a fishing trip came to a tragic end.

Northland police search and rescue leader Paul Overton said Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol joined the aerial search on Tuesday morning.

Police, including the national dive squad, and the navy searched a large area of sea and shoreline on Monday in the hope of finding the man’s body.

Daily shoreline searches would continue in the hope that changing currents and water pressure would help to return the missing man.

“We have extensively searched a vast area since we were first alerted on Friday night, in the hope of bringing the missing man home to his family,” Overton said.

“Our search has by no means stopped, but on Tuesday we’ll scale back and consider what other options are available to us.”

The missing boat, a six-metre runabout, was found empty and adrift near Bream Bay’s Hen and Chicken Islands on Saturday. One body was found at Pātaua North later that same day.

Family members raised the alarm on Friday evening when the pair failed to return to Pātaua South, east of Whangārei.

Overton said agencies and volunteers involved in the search included the Police Eagle helicopter, Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Tūtūkākā and Coastguard Whangārei.

Police appreciated the many offers of help and supportive messages they had received from the public and those wishing to help, he said.

“It’s been a really challenging time for everyone involved and we are grateful to each and every person who has assisted us during the past few days.”

He urged anyone who saw anything unusual in the water in the area where the fishermen went missing to call police on 111.

A rāhui, or customary ban on swimming, fishing and seafood gathering, has been placed on the coast from Tutukākā to south of Waipu Cove, including Whangārei Harbour and the Hen and Chicken Islands.

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

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Wellington Hospital to get new ‘hybrid’ operating theatre

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Hospital. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Wellington Hospital will have a new $16 million operating theatre by early 2028.

Health Minister Simeon Brown said Health New Zealand had approved the funding for what’s known as a hybrid theatre.

It allows for both traditional surgery and the use of imaging technology – meaning teams can complete complex procedures in one place, without having to move patients between theatres and imaging suites.

Brown said moving patients can create delays and extend recovery times.

“The new $16.25 million hybrid theatre directly addresses those challenges, delivering the highest standard of care in a single, seamless environment,” he said.

“It will replace the current model where a single patient may need to be seen by two different teams in separate rooms.

“By consolidating care in one space, Wellington Regional Hospital will be able to increase its surgical output, allowing more patients to receive timely, quality treatment.”

The theatre will be built on the hospital’s third floor, replacing a non-clinical space. It will have direct access to the emergency department, intensive care unit and post-anaesthesia care unit.

The build will begin mid-to-late 2026, and the theatre will be operating between late 2027 and early 2028.

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

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Rare pink grasshopper spotted in Mackenzie basin

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  18 November 2025

There, sitting on the grey stones in the bright sunshine was a deep pink female robust grasshopper (Sigaus robustus).

“I’ve been studying these amazing creatures for years. They are usually grey or brown coloured like river stones. I’d heard rumours about a pink one but never seen one myself. It was so exciting.

“Pink grasshoppers are exceptionally rare. It’s likely caused by a genetic mutation called erythrism which results in an over production of red pigment and less of the usual natural pigment that the species has,” Jen says.

The robust grasshopper is New Zealand’s largest lowland grasshopper and is only found along the edges of the braided rivers of the Mackenzie basin – a very specialised habitat of stones and boulders. The grasshopper comes in many shades of grey and rusty brown matching the stones and silty soils in its habitat. It’s classed as nationally endangered, and is at risk from predators like hedgehogs, cats and birds.

“These grasshoppers are so unique. They look almost prehistoric. They can jump fairly well but are renowned for their clumsy landings. They’re also very vulnerable. The pink one will unfortunately stand out even more to predators which is why this sighting is so special.”

In 2018, with funding from Te Manahuna Aoraki (TMA), a predator exclusion fence was put up around a small area of grasshopper habitat in the Mackenzie basin. It’s thought to be the world’s first exclusion fence built specifically for the protection of insects and to learn more about them.

Jen says the pink one is in a different site outside of the fence and will have to fend for herself.

“They do live up to their name, they’re quite robust and the females are double the size of the males. Maybe she will breed, and we will see some more pink ones. She has certainly become a big of a celebrity in our office and we joke about the paparazzi coming and taking loads of photos. I’m just so happy I got to see one after all these years. Getting out into nature in this part of the world is really special.”

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Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Prosecution downgrades charges against soldier accused of strangling former partner

Source: Radio New Zealand

The man was facing a court martial hearing on two counts of strangulation but the prosecution has amended the charges to male assaults female. RNZ / Jonathan Mitchell

The prosecution has downgraded charges against a soldier accused of strangling his former partner.

The Army corporal, who has interim name suppression, was initially facing a court martial hearing at Burnham Military Camp on two counts of strangulation.

Judge Tini Clark told the military panel on Tuesday morning that the prosecution had amended the charges to male assaults female due to a discrepancy around the date of the accusations.

During cross-examination on Monday by defence lawyer Andrew McCormick, the complainant conceded she was unsure whether the events happened in 2018 or 2019.

A specific charge of strangulation was introduced into law at the end of 2018.

It carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ jail, compared to only two for male assaults female.

On Tuesday morning, the court heard the soldier chose not to comment when approached by the Defence Force Serious Investigations Branch.

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

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Help for home buyers welcomed

Source: New Zealand Government

Changes to bank lending rules that will help people to buy their first homes have been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

The Reserve Bank has announced that it is increasing the percentage of new lending commercial banks can provide to home buyers with smaller deposits.

“The easing of the Reserve Bank’s Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) restrictions will help more young families to achieve the Kiwi dream of owning their own homes,” Nicola Willis says. 

“Presently, commercial banks are only permitted to allocate 20 per cent of new home loan lending to owner-occupiers with deposits of less than 20 per cent. 

“From next month, banks will be able to allocate 25 per cent of their new home loans to people with deposits of less than 20 per cent. 

“This means more opportunities for people to get a foot on the property ladder.

“Typically, about 80 per cent of those with deposits of less than 20 percent are first-home buyers who are currently taking advantage of lower prices and lower mortgage rates. 

“Cotality reported that in the three months to September, first-home buyers accounted for a record 27.7 per cent of property purchases nationwide.” 

The changes to the Reserve Bank’s Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) restrictions take effect on 1 December. 

The Reserve Bank has also announced that it is increasing the share of loans commercial banks can make to property investors with deposits of less than 30 per cent from 5 to 10 per cent. 

Nicola Willis says the changes follow the Reserve Bank’s introduction of debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions last year. 

“The Reserve Bank’s view is that the DTI restrictions increase the resilience of the banking system and means LVR restrictions can be eased.”

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Decision on Liam Lawson’s F1 future delayed even further

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand F1 driver IAN BUNDEY / MPS AGENCY © / PHOTOSPORT

Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane says it is likely a decision on their 2026 driver line-up won’t be made until this season ends.

In September, Red Bull indicated that a decision on the line-up for both teams for next season would be made after the Mexico Grand Prix (26 October).

They then announced that the decision would be delayed.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is the only driver in the Red Bull stable contracted through until 2028, however the other three seats (in Red Bull and Racing Bulls) are unconfirmed for 2026.

Commentators have said that Frenchman Isack Hadjar is likely to be promoted to Red Bull, while current Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda, New Zealand’s Liam Lawson, and Red Bulls F2 driver Arvid Lindblad are the contenders for the two Racing Bulls seats.

It had also been suggested that the delay might be because of the new regulations coming in next year. The team has to decide which drivers would be best suited to adapt quickly to the new cars. But Permane told Motorsport.com that was not the issue.

“We are in a very tight battle ourselves [for sixth], but also, Red Bull are in a very tight battle in their constructors’ championship [battle for second],” Permane said.

“We just want to have some stability, and that may well go on right until the end of the season. So you may not find out until Monday morning after Abu Dhabi (the final round).

“I don’t know exactly when it’ll be, but that’s the reason. It’s nothing to do with next year’s rules.”

Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls, 2025. ALESSIO MORGESE / AFP

The regulation changes for 2026 may count against Lindblad, who is currently seventh in the 2025 F2 standings.

Lawson and Hadjar have so far scored 82 points for Racing Bulls in 2025, with the team sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.

Continuity as teams go through extensive simulation work in the off season is likely to be key.

“You always want the experienced driver. We see with James [Vowles at Williams] and his two super-experienced drivers, they hit the ground running pretty much every weekend,” Permane told Motorsport.com.

“And that’s not to take anything away from our guys, but experience always counts. Nothing beats pace, obviously. So you have to have that pace there. It will undoubtedly help for next year.

“On the other hand, you could look at it and say, well, everyone’s starting from a clean sheet of paper.”

Formula 1 heads to Las Vegas this week. The last two rounds are in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Lawson is 14th in the driver standings, seven points behind Hadjar and eight points ahead of Tsunoda.

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

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Top writers ruled out of NZ book awards due to AI covers

Source: Radio New Zealand

Two books by distinguished authors have been ruled out of New Zealand’s premier literary prize because their covers were generated with artificial intelligence.

Elizabeth Smither’s Angel Train and Stephanie Johnson’s Obligate Carnivore, both of whom received one of the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, were removed from contention for the $65,000 Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction in the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

The New Zealand Book Awards Trust – which run the awards – said a bookseller suspected AI use and alerted organisers, upon which Christchurch-based publisher Quentin Wilson confirmed it.

Stephanie Johnson and Elizabeth Smither.

Supplied / Liz March

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

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Weather: Heavy rain hits Bay of Plenty, other places warned they will get some too

Source: Radio New Zealand

Weather warnings are in place across the country. Supplied / MetService

Heavy rain is causing localised downpours of between 25 and 40mm per hour in Bay of Plenty, west of Ōpōtiki.

The bands of rain are moving westwards and did not currently have lightning, but MetService has placed a severe thunderstorm watch on the area until 3pm Tuesday.

MetService’s Mark Todd said in these conditions, people should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and monitor the situation in case the watch is upgraded to a warning.

“Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips,” he said.

Earlier, MetService issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty from 8pm Tuesday, which meant the organisation was highly confident that heavy rain would occur.

Severe gales were also possible in the South Island.

“A front stalls over Westland and Canterbury today, bringing heavy rain and possibly strong winds, then weakens,” the forecaster said in a statement.

“Humid northeasterlies affect the upper North Island and many places there are also expected to experience heavy rain during Tuesday and Wednesday. There are several warnings and watches for heavy rain around the country, and also a wind watch for parts of Canterbury.”

Northland could also expect heavy rain east of Kerikeri and Dargaville, as could Auckland and Great Barrier Island, between 2pm Tuesday and the same time Wednesday.

“Periods of heavy rain with localised downpours possible. Isolated areas may exceed warning criteria, especially in downpours.”

There was a high chance that heavy rain watch could be upgraded to a warning.

Heavy rain watches were also in place for Waitomo, Waikato and Taupo from 3pm for 24 hours; Taumarunui and Taihape north of Ohakune, from 11pm Tuesday for 12 hours; and Taranaki, for 23 hours from 9pm.

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

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Serious crash, Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road

Source: New Zealand Police


District:

Central

Kairanga Bunnythorpe Road is closed at the intersection with Roberts Line following a crash.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at 12pm.

One person has been seriously injured.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

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Wesley College’s school board dissolved after safety concerns at its hostels

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wesley College is in Paerata, south of Auckland. (File photo) RNZ / Shannon Haunui-Thompson

A school’s board has been dissolved after a spate of safety issues at its boarding hostels.

Earlier this month, Wesley College, in Paerata south of Auckland, started legal proceedings against the Ministry of Education after the ministry suspended the school’s licence to house boarders.

The ministry said that those taking NCEA exams and international students would be allowed to stay in the dorms until the end of the term, but Year 9 and 10 students needed to leave immediately. The school wanted the dorms to stay open for all students until the end of the year and said the legal action related to the “abrupt closure directive” relating to the younger students.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Methodist Church, which founded the school, said it would commission an external review into the current Wesley College Trust Board, which had been dissolved.

Senior church leaders would take over the board in the interim.

The president of the Methodist Church, Te Aroha Rountree, said the decision was made after careful reflection about the school’s future direction and the Church’s responsibilities as its founder.

“Wesley College holds a special place in the life of the Methodist Church and across generations of families who have been part of its story. Our decision to pause, review, and renew its governance is about ensuring the college has the strongest possible foundation for the years ahead.

“This is a time to listen, to learn, and to rebuild with integrity and care. The wellbeing of students, staff, and whānau remains at the heart of everything we do.”

The church said the review would “inform the reconstitution of a refreshed trust board structure”.

Rountree acknowledged the “generous service” of outgoing board members.

“Their commitment and aroha for the college over many years have been immense. This step continues the shared goal of a vibrant and thriving Wesley College community.”

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