https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/rss NZME Get the latest news from Newstalk ZB. From breaking news to the debate and opinion, we bring NZ the news from around the world as it happens.   Thu, 14 May 2026 06:38:31 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/billy-macfarlane-founder-of-rehabilitation-service-charged-with-assaulting-woman/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/billy-macfarlane-founder-of-rehabilitation-service-charged-with-assaulting-woman/ By Sam Sherwood of RNZ The founder of a prisoner reintegration service has been charged with assaulting a woman who was on bail. Billy Macfarlane says the allegations are “a whole lot of lies”, and that he “never assaulted anybody”. RNZ earlier revealed Macfarlane, the Tikanga Aroro Charitable Trust general manager and founder of the Pūwhakamua rehabilitation service, faced allegations in relation to a woman who was on bail. On Wednesday, a police spokesperson said a 62-year-old man had been charged with assault on a person in a family relationship. He appeared in court on Tuesday and is due to reappear next month. Court documents seen by RNZ allege Macfarlane assaulted the woman on February 26. The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment. Corrections, which contracted the trust to operate Pūwhakamua, earlier told RNZ it had terminated the arrangement after it was notified of “serious” allegations. Corrections began funding the service in November 2022. Since then, it had contributed about $3.9 million in ongoing funding, with a current agreement to provide $800,000 per year until 2027. About $880,000 of the $3.9m was part of a conditional grant for infrastructure upgrades. Approached for comment on the charges, Macfarlane said he was going to take it to trial, saying he “never assaulted anybody” and calling the allegations “a whole lot of lies”. He claimed the woman, who he was supporting, made a “false allegation” after he warned her that if her drug use did not stop he was going to move her. “The whole summary of facts is a lie, not just that I assaulted her, the whole turn of events, she’s lied about the whole lot,” he said. “The truth will come out... There’s a story to be told here, and you watch how this unfolds.” - RNZ Thu, 14 May 2026 04:47:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/cape-verde-football-player-being-investigated-by-nz-police-after-complaint-of-alleged-sex-attack-still-eligible-for-world-cup-selection/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/cape-verde-football-player-being-investigated-by-nz-police-after-complaint-of-alleged-sex-attack-still-eligible-for-world-cup-selection/ The Cape Verde football federation has refused to confirm if the player under police investigation for an alleged sex attack at an Auckland hotel in March will remain eligible for its World Cup squad. As reported in the Herald on Sunday, Auckland police are currently investigating the complaint over the alleged incident, which is alleged to have taken place during the Fifa Series tournament here earlier this year. Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, which is alleged to have happened at Cape Verde’s team hotel hours after a match between Cape Verde and Chile at Eden Park on Friday, March 27. The Herald has asked the Cape Verde federation if the player will remain part of its World Cup plans, with its squad due to be named later this month. But the national association declined to comment. It also refused to say if it has started its own investigation into the matter or to elaborate on the communications so far with the police or governing body Fifa. All World Cup squads, made up of between 23 and 26 players, need to be finalised with Fifa by June 2. Cape Verde travelled with a 26-man squad to New Zealand and local media have indicated that almost all of those players on that trip are likely to make the cut for the global extravaganza in North America. The Herald understands police have sought CCTV footage from the hotel. A source close to the complainant said she had been struggling to cope since the alleged incident. New Zealand Football (NZF) chief executive Andrew Pragnell confirmed his organisation has been in touch with Fifa, after the Herald broke the story. “We’ve raised it with Fifa, based on the media reports,” Pragnell said. “They’d also had somebody reach out to them, so they’re aware of the situation and monitoring it closely.” NZF took an organising role in the Fifa Series – as the host member association – but it has yet to contact Cape Verde on this matter. “Obviously, because the police are investigating, it’s really important that the police process follows its course,” Pragnell said. “That needs to take place in the very first instance, before any other kind of actions.” He also confirmed that the African nation hasn’t initiated any discussions or correspondence with NZF. “No, they haven’t,” Pragnell said. “I would hope that they’re well aware of it, given the seriousness of the [allegation] and I would expect that the police would have been in touch with them.” Pragnell admitted that the nature of the allegation was disturbing. “Yes, I think any serious allegation like this is concerning,” Pragnell said. “The key is that it’s investigated in full by the police. New Zealand Police haven’t been in touch with us but if they were we would obviously assist in any way we can.” Cape Verde will feature at their first World Cup next month, after qualifying last October. The team, nicknamed the Blue Sharks, have been drawn in Group H, where they face 2010 champions Spain in their opening game in Atlanta on June 16 (NZT), before taking on Uruguay in Miami six days later. Their final group match is against Saudi Arabia in Houston on June 26. Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast. Thu, 14 May 2026 04:44:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/donald-trump-meets-xi-jinping-in-beijing-for-high-stakes-us-china-summit-on-trade-and-iran/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/donald-trump-meets-xi-jinping-in-beijing-for-high-stakes-us-china-summit-on-trade-and-iran/ US President Donald Trump on Thursday told China’s Xi Jinping their countries would have “a fantastic future together” as they began a superpower summit in Beijing on thorny issues including Iran, trade and Taiwan. Heaping praise on his host, Trump told Xi it was “an honour to be your friend” as the Chinese leader, in less effusive tones, said the two sides “should be partners and not rivals”. Xi had greeted Trump with a red-carpet welcome at the opulent Great Hall of the People with military band fanfare, a gun salute and a host of schoolchildren jumping and chanting “welcome!”. The trip to Beijing is the first by a US President in nearly a decade, with the grand reception belying a host of unresolved trade and geopolitical tensions between the two countries. Xi questioned if China and the US could build co-operation rather than head for confrontation, as he underlined that “a stable China-US relationship is a boon for the world”. “Co-operation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” Xi said. There has been plenty of the latter since Trump’s last visit in 2017, with the two countries having spent much of 2025 embroiled in a dizzying trade war and at odds on many major global issues. A new addition to that list, the Iran war, threatens to weaken Trump’s position in the talks, having already forced him to postpone his trip from March. The US President said he expected a “long talk” with Xi about Iran, which sells most of its US-sanctioned oil to China, but insisted that “I don’t think we need any help with Iran” from Beijing. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known throughout his career as a fierce opponent of Beijing, struck a somewhat different tone. “We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they are doing now, and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf,” Rubio told broadcaster Fox News in an interview. Trade and tariffs Top of Trump’s wish list for the summit will be business deals on agriculture, aircraft and other topics. Elite businessmen in the US leader’s delegation, including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Tesla’s Elon Musk, were on the stairs of the Great Hall of the People on Thursday for the welcome ceremony. Musk told reporters afterwards the meeting had been “wonderful”, while Huang said the two presidents “were incredible”. Aboard Air Force One en route to Beijing, Trump vowed on social media to push Xi to “open up” China to US firms “so that these brilliant people can work their magic”. The long-simmering trade war between the two countries will also be top of the agenda, after Trump’s sweeping tariffs last year triggered tit-for-tat levies that exceeded 100%. Trump and Xi are set to discuss extending a one-year tariff truce, which the two leaders reached during their last meeting in South Korea in October, although a deal is far from certain. On Taiwan, another issue that has bedevilled ties, Trump said he would speak to Xi about US arms sales to the self-governing democracy claimed by China. That would be a departure from historic US insistence that it will not consult Beijing on its support for the island, and one which will be closely watched by Taipei and US allies in the region. China’s controls on rare earth exports and AI rivalry are among other topics expected to be taken up by the two heads of state. Trump will be treated to a state banquet in the evening with Xi, and will also visit the historic Temple of Heaven, a World Heritage site where China’s emperors once prayed for good harvest. Both sides will be looking to come out of the summit with whatever wins they can, while also stabilising an often tense bilateral relationship that has global implications. Trump will also be hoping to leave with a firm date for a reciprocal visit by Xi to the United States later in 2026, to prove his rapport with his Chinese counterpart. - AFP Thu, 14 May 2026 04:13:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/entertainment/trailer-for-netflix-s-east-of-eden-features-%C5%8Damaru-victorian-precinct-as-california/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/entertainment/trailer-for-netflix-s-east-of-eden-features-%C5%8Damaru-victorian-precinct-as-california/ Ōamaru is set to appear on screens around the world after the first teaser trailer for Netflix’s upcoming series East of Eden showcased the South Island locations used during filming. The adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel of the same name, starring Florence Pugh, was filmed across Waitaki, Dunedin and Central Otago, with Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct transformed into early 20th-century California for the production. Filming took place in Ōamaru over two weeks last year, with filming spots including the Scottish Hall and the historic rail area near Friendly Bay. The series was filmed for two weeks in Ōamaru as part of a wider South Island production. Phil Turner, locations manager for The Search, who worked on Netflix’s East of Eden, said the region offered rare authenticity. “These are incredibly unique locations that can replicate period settings in a way that’s very difficult to achieve elsewhere; you’d almost have to build a set to match somewhere like the Ōamaru Historic Precinct. It’s completely unique globally,” he said. Sites in Dunedin, Maniototo and Ōamaru will feature in Netflix’s East of Eden. “To find anything comparable in America, you’d almost have to travel the continent, but you can find it all right here. “Maniototo and Central Otago are just extraordinary landscapes. They’re less developed and full of opportunity, from wide open spaces to historic homes.” Filming across the South Island also included a weekend shoot in central Dunedin, and a further two weeks in the Maniototo between Naseby and Ranfurly. Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct was transformed into early 20th-century California during filming for Netflix’s East of Eden. Tourism Waitaki general manager Heather Matthews said the production reinforced the region’s appeal as part of the broader South Island screen offering. “Ōamaru’s heritage streetscape is genuinely world-class, and it’s exciting to know it’s being featured alongside other South Island locations in a production of this scale,” said Matthews. She said the benefits of hosting a major international production were felt both locally and across the wider region. The first teaser trailer for East of Eden has highlighted filming locations across Waitaki and the South Island. “Productions like this bring real economic benefits, from jobs and accommodation through to hospitality, and local services. “They also deliver long-term value by building international awareness and encouraging future visitors to explore places like Waitaki.” During filming, the main cast and crew spent time exploring the region, including visits to local sites such as Ōamaru Penguin Colony. East of Eden is due to be released on Netflix in late 2026. Matthews said local audiences will feel proud seeing local locations showcased on a global platform. “There’s real pride in seeing Waitaki brought to life on screen. It’s a reflection of the community effort that went into supporting the production, and something locals can genuinely celebrate.” East of Eden is due to be released on Netflix in late 2026. Thu, 14 May 2026 03:43:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/gas-reserves-fall-faster-than-expected-as-pohokura-m%C4%81ui-wind-down/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/gas-reserves-fall-faster-than-expected-as-pohokura-m%C4%81ui-wind-down/ New Zealand’s gas reserves are continuing to fall more quickly than expected. Reserves fell by 11.5% in the year to January, due to producers revising down their estimates of the amount of remaining gas in the country. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) largely attributed the revision to there being fewer reserves at the Pohokura field. It noted producers also dipped into the country’s reserves throughout the year, bringing them down by a further 11.4% to 731 petajoules (PJ). In the year to January 2025, gas reserves fell by 27% – more than the 23% they fell by in the year to January 2026. Oil and gas companies expect gas production to keep falling at a more rapid rate than previously expected, according to the ministry. While the Māui field has long been known to be at the end of its life, it is now expected to stop production at the end of the year. The Pohokura field is also expected to stop producing in 2033 – 10 years earlier than previously indicated. On the upside, Mangahewa is expected to keep producing for two more years, to 2035. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in a report released last week, acknowledged the decline largely stemmed from mature fields underperforming expectations. It said the situation was also impacted by the Labour-led Government banning the issuance of new exploration permits in 2018. Despite this, it said more than $1 billion of “development investment” had still been made since 2020. But efforts to find commercial amounts of gas were largely unsuccessful. The OECD noted gas shortages had pushed up wholesale electricity prices and risk premiums, with dry years triggering prolonged price spikes that were forcing energy-intensive industries to shut down. “Policy and weak revenue uncertainty have stalled investment in new firming despite rising demand, leaving the system close to security limits even as renewables investment grows,” it said. “Immediate action is needed to restore resilience and affordability.” The OECD said establishing a terminal to enable New Zealand to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) would help restore security of supply, but this risked locking in fossil fuel dependence and should be “treated as a transition fuel only”. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is undergoing a procurement process to set up an import terminal. The spike in the price of LNG globally, due to the Middle East conflict, isn’t deterring the Government from the billion-dollar plus project. The OECD recommended the country’s partially state-owned electricity generators/retailers were paying disproportionately high dividends, rather than reinvesting sufficiently in generation. It said the Government should invest in non-gas firming generation and “expand demand-side flexibility to break the gas–electricity price link”. The OECD also said a “dedicated mandatory firming and flexibility market would improve access to firming services, lower barriers for independent generators, and reduce reliance on opaque bilateral deals”. While the Government isn’t taking up these suggestions, Minister for Energy Simeon Brown recognised “falling gas supply is a real problem for Kiwi households and businesses”. “Gas is used to generate the electricity that keeps the lights on when the sun’s not shining, the wind’s not blowing and the lakes are low. Without enough gas to back up renewable generation, power bills go up, factories shut down, and Kiwis lose their jobs,” he said. In addition to setting up the LNG terminal, he noted the Government had reversed the exploration ban, was “backing new domestic gas with a $200 million Gas Security Fund”, and was “enabling carbon capture, utilisation and storage, a technology already used overseas that makes it easier and cheaper to keep producing domestic gas”. Jenée Tibshraeny is the Herald’s Wellington business editor, based in the parliamentary press gallery. She specialises in government and Reserve Ba... Thu, 14 May 2026 03:40:09 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/christchurch-baby-death-mum-publicly-accuses-ex-boyfriend-over-soul-turany-s-fatal-injuries/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/christchurch-baby-death-mum-publicly-accuses-ex-boyfriend-over-soul-turany-s-fatal-injuries/ The mother of slain baby Soul Turany has publicly accused her ex-boyfriend of causing the 3-month-old’s fatal head injury. Storme Turany has repeatedly denied she did anything to hurt her infant son and today pointed the finger at the only other person in the house when the non-accidental injury was inflicted – Tony Farmer. Soul suffered a catastrophic head injury, the result of “a hard impact”, on August 30, 2014. Emergency services were called after Soul became “limp” and had difficulty breathing. The baby was flown to Christchurch Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in a critical condition. His injuries were not survivable and he was taken off life support the next day. Police launched a homicide investigation. They soon confirmed the only people at the house when Soul was hurt were his mother, Storme Turany, and her then-partner, Farmer. More than a decade later, nobody has been charged in relation to Soul’s death and police have confirmed Turany and Farmer remain the only suspects. They have “consistently denied” having any part in the baby boy’s death. Soul Turany suffered a serious head injury in August 2014 and died in hospital the next day. Both were ordered to give evidence at an inquest before Coroner Ian Telford. Farmer was the last witness to be called. As with Turany, Coroner Telford said he did not have to answer any questions that he felt would “incriminate” him. “I didn’t really have a lot to do with Soul... because I was at work during the day,” he said. “Often when I got home... Soul was going to bed... I would try to help in the mornings.” Before emergency services were called, Farmer recalled Soul being “grizzly”. “He was crying and quite unsettled... he had a cold or a flu or something,” he said. Farmer’s evidence continues. Earlier today, Farmer’s lawyer Andrew McCormick questioned Turany on her account of Soul’s death. He put to her that she was responsible for Soul’s death, not Farmer. He suggested there had been “an accident”. “That’s not what happened,” she said. “I did not hurt my son.” Mum: I am telling you the truth Turany’s evidence spanned two days. Yesterday, she gave her account of Soul’s death before she was questioned by Jamie O’Sullivan, counsel assisting the coroner, and Kerry White, the lawyer representing police. White continued her questioning this morning, suggesting repeatedly that Turany was responsible for her baby’s fatal injuries. Turany became upset and frustrated, saying she only had “snippets” of memories of the day. “It does make sense for someone with PTSD, it does for someone who has lost a baby… it does make sense,” she cried. “This is really hard… I am telling you the truth… I promise you I am. “In all my statements, I was telling the truth… I’ve been questioned like this before. I know what they’re getting at. I’m not stupid. I know what the point is we’re getting to. “I just want to be able to help as much as I can – and I’m not, and I’m sorry… I want the answers as much as you do.” Soul's mother Storme Turany. Photo / Pool / Chris Skelton White put it to Turany that before she called Healthline on the day Soul was injured, she already knew he was critically unwell. Before she made the call, she told Farmer she wanted to take Soul to the hospital. Turany said that was because the baby had a cold and “wasn’t himself”. He was “unsettled” and she was “worried”. Turany called Healthline and hung up after 17 seconds, then called her sister a number of times before calling the service back and speaking to an operator about Soul. White accused Turany of knowing from the outset that Soul was in a bad way. She said medical experts had told the court that “Soul was unconscious or significantly affected from the time of the injury”. “It’s likely his breathing was impacted immediately… [one doctor] also said the adult who caused the injury would have known the gravity of the injury, and that’s because Soul couldn’t have injured himself – he was too little. “You knew So... Thu, 14 May 2026 03:36:43 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/second-kiwi-isolating-overseas-after-cruise-ship-hantavirus-exposure/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/second-kiwi-isolating-overseas-after-cruise-ship-hantavirus-exposure/ Health officials say they are supporting overseas authorities in isolating a second Kiwi who has been exposed to hantavirus abroad. On Thursday last week, the Ministry of Health became aware of the New Zealand dual national and notified health authorities in their place of residence. The ministry says the health risk to the New Zealand public is still low, and they are not aware of anyone living in the country who has been exposed to the virus. Health authorities where the New Zealander is currently residing have been notified, and the person has been advised to isolate and stay in place. Their health care has been taken over by the relevant local health authorities, as has any contact tracing and contact management of infectious diseases. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is offering consular support to the New Zealand dual national during this time. No further information will be provided for privacy reasons. The first New Zealander who was exposed to hantavirus is reportedly in “good health” and is expected to depart the Netherlands on a flight to Australia. On Tuesday, the ABC reported the Australian Government was hopeful it would finalise plans to have six passengers, including the New Zealander, on the way to start quarantine in Australia within 48 hours. Australian Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the Australian passengers and the Kiwi are “all in good health” and in “relatively good spirits” despite what they have been through. This comes after three people died and at least six others were infected after a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship during its voyage around South America last month. The NZ Ministry of Health is reassuring Kiwis that public health services are well situated to support returnees who have potentially been exposed to hantavirus, with capacity to support their quarantine on entry. There are processes in place to alert public health services if someone who has been exposed to hantavirus travels to New Zealand. More information about hantavirus is available on the Health New Zealand website. Thu, 14 May 2026 03:19:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/man-being-sought-after-mother-s-death-most-likely-dead-police/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/man-being-sought-after-mother-s-death-most-likely-dead-police/ By Sam Sherwood of RNZ Police say they believe a man considered the only person of interest in relation to his mother’s death is “most likely” dead. Karen Gilbert-Palmer, 74, was found dead at a home in Arthur St, Pahīatua on October 15 by a friend who had been unable to contact her. A homicide investigation then began, and her son Jeremy Robertson was identified by police as a suspect. On Thursday, area investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson told RNZ officers investigating Gilbert-Palmer’s death had completed their inquiries. Thompson said Robertson was “quickly identified as a person of interest”. “Police can now confirm that Jeremy is considered the only person of interest in this matter, and that nobody else is being sought.” Robertson left the Pahīatua area shortly after his mother’s death, travelling by car to the Green and Blue Lakes area in Rotorua. His car was found abandoned in the area, but despite an extensive search he was not located. “Since Jeremy arrived in the Green and Blue Lakes area, there has been no activity on his bank accounts or mobile phone, and there has been no evidence found to suggest he was living rough in the area. “Given these facts, alongside the passage of time, Police can now advise we believe the most likely scenario is that he died shortly after arriving in the Green and Blue Lakes area.” Thompson said police were “committed” to finding Robertson if possible “in order to provide the closure that Karen’s family and loved ones deserve”. “The investigation team is grateful to the support and assistance that local Rotorua staff have provided throughout the investigation. Further searches are planned, and police urge anyone with information to come forward. Photo / NZME “With their continued support, further searching is planned in a smaller, more concentrated section of the Green and Blue Lakes area, utilising specialist search teams and equipment.” Police also wanted to thank members of the public who had come forward with information and possible sightings of Robertson. “It is important to note that while the investigation team do believe it is strongly likely Jeremy died shortly after arriving in the Green and Blue Lakes area, we do still want to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen him at any time since October 15, 2025, or anyone with information which could be relevant to the investigation.” RNZ earlier revealed that Robertson, who is believed to have had a history with mental health services, was planning to leave the home on the day Gilbert-Palmer died and take a bus to Rotorua. Gilbert-Palmer’s niece, Barbara Evans, earlier told RNZ her aunty, who she called Narnie, would regularly message her talking about her son and his mental health. Evans, who was adopted at birth, reconnected with Gilbert-Palmer and her grandparents about 30 years ago. Evans said it appeared Robertson’s behaviour was “escalating” in the weeks before Gilbert-Palmer’s death. Evans shared a series of messages she exchanged with Gilbert-Palmer. On October 8, a week before she died, Gilbert-Palmer messaged Evans and said: “I tell u wat, he was better when he was on the drugs and vape, more chilled out. More aggressive now. [sic]” She said her son was “dead against drugs now”. The following day, Gilbert-Palmer said her son “has been nice for one day, now back to wat [sic] he was”. In another message she wrote Robertson “can be so nasty at times”. Gilbert-Palmer said she wished her niece didn’t live so far away so she could go and spend a few days with her. Later that evening she messaged that he had “settled down”. Then, on October 12, Gilbert-Palmer told Evans that her son was going to Rotorua by bus on October 15. “He decided on hus [sic] own, to much stuff going on down here, having a go at people verbally.” Gibert-Palmer said she would “fill in” her niece once Robertson was gone. It was the last time Evans heard from her. In September, Gilbert-Palmer told her niece... Thu, 14 May 2026 02:44:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/new-poll-keeps-national-in-the-20s-winston-peters-closing-in-on-christopher-luxon-in-preferred-pm/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/new-poll-keeps-national-in-the-20s-winston-peters-closing-in-on-christopher-luxon-in-preferred-pm/ A new poll shows the National Party stuck below the 30% mark while Winston Peters closes in on Christopher Luxon in the preferred Prime Minister rankings. A poll from Talbot Mills Research for its corporate clients had National on 29%, the same result as Talbot Mills’ last poll for its clients last month. Labour was unchanged on 36%. Talbot Mills also produces internal polls for the Labour Party. New Zealand First had dropped one percentage point to 14%. The Green Party had increased two points to 9% while Act had dropped one point to 7% since the April poll. Te Pāti Māori remained steady on 2%. Asked to name who they would prefer to be Prime Minister, respondents favoured Chris Hipkins over others with 23% naming the Labour leader. However, the rise of NZ First leader Winston Peters in the preferred PM rankings in this poll has continued, reaching 17% and only three points behind National leader Christopher Luxon, who is on 20%. In Talbot Mills’ December poll for clients, Peters was on 10% and has risen steadily since then. In December, Hipkins was on 27% while Luxon was on 21% Other responses included Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick (10%), Act leader David Seymour (7%) and Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi (3%). Twelve percent of respondents didn’t name anyone. The poll was conducted between May 1-10. NZ First leader Winston Peters has steadily risen in preferred PM rankings in the poll. Photo / Mark Mitchell Immediately before the polling period, the Herald revealed Peters, also the Foreign Minister, had released emails under the Official Information Act showing PM Christopher Luxon wanted to express “explicit public support” for the US-led war in Iran. Luxon, who had addressed the matter with Peters in-person, claimed Peters had put politics above the national interests and believed his position on the war had been mischaracterised. Peters later admitted his office had erred in not informing Luxon’s office the emails were being released. During the polling period, Act unveiled its immigration policy, which National later criticised as “kneejerk” and “populist”. Luxon also made a short visit to Singapore to secure a deal that would ensure New Zealand’s fuel supply from Singapore in exchange for similar guarantees of New Zealand food exports to Singapore. Towards the end of the polling period, Luxon said National would campaign on changing the age of superannuation and Peters revealed Budget 26 would include scrapping the initiative offering the final year of university study for free. According to the latest NZ Herald-Motu Research Poll of Polls, which doesn’t take today’s poll into account, the probability of the coalition winning a second term after the November 7 election is 89.6%. The Poll of Polls uses data from public polls and other private or less frequent polls and inputs them into a computer model using polling data going back to 2014. It then runs 4000 election simulations, which are used to form probabilities of various election outcomes. Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland. Thu, 14 May 2026 02:41:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/rotorua-fatal-crash-that-killed-teleia-thompson-driver-charged-appears-in-court/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/rotorua-fatal-crash-that-killed-teleia-thompson-driver-charged-appears-in-court/ The driver of a car involved in a fatal crash with a bus carrying students has appeared in the Rotorua District Court. A 24-year-old Rotorua woman faces five charges relating to the November 6 crash on Te Ngae Rd that killed fellow passenger Teleia Thompson, 23, from Rotorua. A female passenger in the car is facing a charge relating to allegations she tried to hide a nitrous oxide canister, otherwise known as a nang, from police who attended the crash. The car collided with a bus carrying students travelling home after attending a kapa haka event. Several students were injured, along with the driver and a passenger in the car. The driver was granted interim name suppression by a registrar today. She faces one charge of dangerous driving causing death and four charges of dangerous driving causing injury. Charging documents supplied to the Rotorua Daily Post show the charge relating to dangerous driving causing death carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years or a $20,000 fine, while the charges relating to dangerous driving causing injury carry a maximum prison sentence of five years’ jail or a $20,000 fine. The woman facing charges will reappear before a registrar in Rotorua on June 2. She was remanded on bail without plea. Her bail conditions included not driving, no consumption or possession of drugs and alcohol, not using nitrous oxide gas, not to have contact with certain people named in court documents, and residing at the address on her bail bond. The driver’s charges follow the recent charging of a female passenger in the same vehicle, who faces counts of being a party to dangerous driving causing death, four charges of being party to dangerous driving causing injury and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Charging documents showed the passenger allegedly wilfully attempted to obstruct the course of justice on the day of the crash by removing a canister of nitrous oxide gas, colloquially known as a nang, from a silver Toyota Lexus that was involved in a fatal and serious injury crash. She appeared in the Rotorua District Court before a registrar on April 30 and was granted interim name suppression. The November 6 crash The crash happened on Te Ngae Rd about 9.20pm. The bus was carrying children from Gisborne’s Kaiti School after the Te Mana Kuratahi national primary schools kapa haka event in Tauranga. Three students were taken to hospital but were soon discharged. Another 26 people were assessed for minor injuries and did not require transport, a St John spokesperson said at the time of the crash. Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021. Thu, 14 May 2026 02:22:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/councils-government-sign-western-bay-of-plenty-regional-deal/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/councils-government-sign-western-bay-of-plenty-regional-deal/ The Government has signed a city and regional deal with the Western Bay of Plenty, aiming to deliver thousands of new homes over the next decade. The long-term partnership agreement is with the Tauranga City, Western Bay of Plenty District and Bay of Plenty Regional councils. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, Minister for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Minister of Local Government Simon Watts were in Tauranga today for the signing at Bay Oval. It is the second regional deal after Auckland’s was signed last month. It comes as the councils weigh amalgamation options amid local government and planning system reforms. In a media release, Bishop described the Western Bay deal as “a shared commitment to plan, invest and deliver together for the long-term benefit of the region and New Zealand”. He said the region was “one of New Zealand’s economic powerhouses”. “From kiwifruit and forestry exports to freight, logistics and manufacturing, the region helps drive growth and jobs right across the country.” With the Port of Tauranga and key freight corridors, it was a “critical export gateway for our primary sector”. “When Western Bay of Plenty does well, New Zealand does well.” Bishop said the deal would build on the work of the local Smartgrowth partnership to align housing, transport and infrastructure growth. Smartgrowth would help with delivering the plan. The first “pillar” of the deal was “partnership for growth” - a coordinated response to investment. Bishop said the deal also covered transport investment, land and housing development, health and education infrastructure, export growth and economic diversification — including “exploring opportunities in the Māori economy”. It would initially focus on growth in the eastern (around the Tauranga Eastern Link), northern (Ōmokoroa and Katikati) and western (Tauriko West) corridors. Work to grow Tauriko West is already underway. Photo / NZTA “Growth in these areas and in existing urban areas is estimated to support 12,000 greenfield homes and 3000 infill and intensified homes over the next 10 years, aligned with transport, water and community infrastructure.” Bishop said an “innovative feature” of the deal was an agreement for the parties to “jointly fund agreed projects using proceeds from local asset recycling plus a Crown uplift, with funding amounts and rates considered case-by-case and subject to standard government approvals”. “These partnership projects aim to improve productivity along State Highway 2.” The region would work with Health NZ on delivering new social infrastructure alongside housing growth. “The same will occur for education facilities.” Watts said the Western Bay was one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions and a critical trade and export hub. The deal would support its long-term growth, productivity and resilience. “The deal also includes establishing a 10-year partnership guided by a 30-year vision for the Western Bay of Plenty as New Zealand’s global trade gateway.” An oversight board would be established for the deal, with an implementation plan to be delivered within six months of signing. Dave Courtney, chief executive of the economic development agency for the region, Priority One, said in a media release the deal was a significant step towards greater certainty, alignment and confidence across the region. Priority One chief executive Dave Courtney. Photo / supplied “Our region has long had great potential, but not always the certainty needed to turn that into investment and delivery. “This deal gives growth a stronger foundation.” He said population growth, industry diversification, infrastructure delivery and urban regeneration in the region were advancing at pace and shaping the Western Bay. “Opportunity attracts investment, but confidence and certainty help secure it. “Those conditions are now starting to come together.” He said the deal would support delivery and reduce risk, which built confidence, improved value for money and helped attr... Thu, 14 May 2026 02:05:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/andrew-maaka-mystery-police-address-new-probe-into-1991-cold-case/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/andrew-maaka-mystery-police-address-new-probe-into-1991-cold-case/ (function(n){function c(t,i){n[e](h,function(n){var r,u;if(n&&(r=n[n.message?"message":"data"]+"",r&&r.substr&&r.substr(0,3)==="nc:")&&(u=r.split(":"),u[1]===i))switch(u[2]){case"h":t.style.height=u[3]+"px";return;case"scrolltotop":t.scrollIntoView();return}},!1)}for(var t,u,f,i,s,e=n.addEventListener?"addEventListener":"attachEvent",h=e==="attachEvent"?"onmessage":"message",o=n.document.querySelectorAll(".live-center-embed"),r=0;r',c(t.firstChild,i)))})(window); Thu, 14 May 2026 01:47:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/woman-dies-after-bike-crash-on-tauranga-mount-maunganui-route/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/woman-dies-after-bike-crash-on-tauranga-mount-maunganui-route/ A cyclist injured after a crash in Bay of Plenty last month has died. Police said the woman was critically injured after hitting a kerb and falling from her bike as she cycled between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui on April 27. She had been in a critical condition in Waikato Hospital but died yesterday. Inquiries into the crash continue. Thu, 14 May 2026 01:33:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/northland-s-ng%C4%81puhi-joins-iwi-fisheries-collective-to-boost-seafood-returns/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/northland-s-ng%C4%81puhi-joins-iwi-fisheries-collective-to-boost-seafood-returns/ Ngāpuhi’s commercial arm has joined with a collective of 19 other Māori fisheries entities, with the aim of using scale to get a better global price for its fish. The Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company partnered with the Iwi Collective Partnership (ICP) – Aotearoa’s largest tribal collective – for an initial 18 months. Ngāpuhi was already the country’s largest quota-holding iwi, with its shares in Aotearoa Fisheries worth $25 million and its fish quota valued at $52.3m, according to its 2025 annual report. But working with the ICP meant maximising price and opportunities because of the bigger volume of fish caught and sold, the company’s independent chairman Nick Wells said. “Our quota is a taonga. Holding it is one thing, but as trusted investment managers for the iwi, we have a clear obligation to continue to explore ways to ensure it generates the best possible returns for Ngāpuhi whānau and hapū.” Established in 2010, the ICP brought together fishing entities from across the North Island, including Northland’s Te Rarawa. The partnership would expand the species diversity of annual catch entitlement available to ICP members, with Ngāpuhi’s quota of inshore and deepwater species. The collective would now manage 20,000 metric tonnes of annual fishing rights across 123 species, supplying seafood to global markets through commercial partnerships with fisheries companies. But Wells said the partnership was not just about increasing scale but two like-minded organisations joining forces. Shared kaupapa included good management of the fisheries and ensuring all iwi entities involved benefit, no matter their size, he said. Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company independent chairman Nick Wells says the partnership means maximising price and opportunities for fish caught. Ngāpuhi Asset Holding Company chief executive Matthew Mudford, who took up the role in February, said there was encouraging potential with the partnership. “The collective is already a powerhouse of like-minded Māori fisheries entities with over 15 years’ of operational experience and a proven track record in iwi fisheries.” This would give Ngāpuhi an opportunity to improve returns, he said. Monday’s announcement came eight months after the company‘s Kaikohe Berries signed a 9.5-year partnership with Australasian horticulture business T&G Fresh. Wells said such high-value partnerships were a deliberate way for the company to grow and he expected more announcements to come. Growth would not only allow the company to deliver more dividend to Te Rūnanga-ā-iwi-ō-Ngāpuhi but allow it to be more innovative in what it offered its people, he said. One example it was looking at was an IwiSaver project, which would help Ngāpuhi’s youngest to save, getting value from compounding interest and learning financial literacy at the same time, Wells said. Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference. Thu, 14 May 2026 01:24:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/david-nyika-v-floyd-masson-auckland-to-host-ibf-title-eliminator/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/david-nyika-v-floyd-masson-auckland-to-host-ibf-title-eliminator/ David Nyika’s chances of landing a second world cruiserweight title shot has received a significant boost with his eliminator bout set to be staged in Auckland. Nyika, the two-time Commonwealth gold and Olympic bronze medallist, will face fellow Australian-based Kiwi Floyd Masson in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) world cruiserweight title eliminator on Saturday August 8 in Auckland, with only finer details to be finalised. A letter from the IBF obtained by the Herald confirmed Duco promoter David Higgins has pulled off a coup for Nyika by allowing him to contest the title eliminator on home soil. The winner of the Nyika-Masson bout is set to be thrust into a world title showdown for the IBF cruiserweight crown against Britain’s Viddal Riley later this year. “The IBF has granted tentative sanction approval for the IBF cruiserweight eliminator for #1 between David Nyika, ranked #5, and Floyd Masson, ranked #6. The bout is scheduled to take place on August 8, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand,” the letter states. “The winner of this bout will be designated as the #1 contender and the mandatory challenger in the division. Formal sanction will be granted once [the] IBF receives both the signed contracts for this bout.” The chance to contest a cruiserweight world title emerged after the IBF stripped Samoan-Australian Jai Opetaia, widely considered the king of the division, after he signed with Dana White’s breakaway Zuffa boxing organisation earlier this year. Nyika suffered his sole knockout defeat to Opetaia in January 2025, after accepting the world title fight on short notice. Eighteen months later, he stands just one victory, one decisive punch, away from a second chance to challenge for the IBF title. This time around, Nyika is savouring a three-month preparation window for Te Awamutu-raised southpaw Masson. “I have nothing but admiration for him,” Nyika said. That’s what’s going to drive me through this camp – wondering what Floyd’s doing. He’s a diesel engine. “He’s one of the good guys of the sport. Everything he’s achieved in boxing, he’s done through hard work and discipline, because he’s not a talented fighter. “Floyd doesn’t do anything that scares me. He attacks the body well but I’m taller, I’ve got great footwork; I can punch at range and fight on the inside. I don’t expect to get everything my way. He’s battle-hardened but I believe he’ll bring the best out of me. I’m expecting a hard, gruelling fight. “I believe I beat Floyd Masson and I believe I beat Viddal Riley. They’re both great opponents. They don’t necessarily do any one thing really well but they’re well-rounded, tough, strong, fit. “This is a big fight for boxing and New Zealand. I’d love for the community to get behind it. This is the peak of the sport, and it just happens that two of the top contenders are Kiwis abroad. “Let’s bring it home, get our army together and make a big party out of it.” Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast. Thu, 14 May 2026 01:20:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/waikato-rugby-incident-parents-roughed-up-children-at-u14-match/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/waikato-rugby-incident-parents-roughed-up-children-at-u14-match/ Parents punched two children and put another in a headlock at an under 14 school rugby match between two leading Hamilton high schools, a witness says.  The sideline fracas at a St John’s College and Fraser High School match on council-owned fields on Saturday left one player with a black eye and is being probed by police.  It appears to be the catalyst for a generic warning about shoddy sideline behaviour by the Waikato Rugby Union days later, but which came without any specific mention of the scale of the incident, schools involved or the fact that children were injured.  City leaders have previously given their thoughts on violent sideline abuse, with Hamilton City Council deputy mayor Geoff Taylor labelling it as “just ugly.”  “Team sport is a great thing for our society and for our community... older people just need to butt out and let kids play the game and enjoy the game.”  The witness said two Fraser High School parents assaulted three St John’s College players. Photo / Christel Yardley  “We do feel some responsibility for it as well... we certainly offer our vocal support for anyone who is trying to clamp down on this type of behaviour.”  Both schools did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday, but a St John’s-linked witness to the altercation said tensions between the teams arose after the referee disallowed a try.  The match was then paused just before the final whistle by both coaches to calm things down between the players, but the agro started up again.  “Pushing and shoving” ensued between players, which was when a player was headlocked by a parent from the opposing side, the witness said.  Two further players were punched by parents, according to the witness. One player sustained a black eye while the other two were “roughed up”.  A police spokesperson said: “Police’s School Community Officers are aware of the report and working with the schools involved”.  Waikato Rugby was approached for comment on why the incident wasn’t made public in their earlier warning and what consequences could follow for those involved.  Amy Marfell said the decision for sanction belongs with the schools themselves. Photo / Christel Yardley  “Waikato Rugby are not responsible for the running of the secondary school rugby competition - this is overseen and run by a secondary school governance group and as a result, the incident is being dealt with through the appropriate channels, which are the schools themselves,” Waikato Rugby’s chief executive Amy Marfell said.  “Waikato Rugby do not publicise any sanctionable incidents that occur in the competitions that we run, these are dealt with by appropriate judiciary processes and we expect that this instance would be dealt with by the schools and the governance group under their own processes for breaches of the rules.”  “It is important that this incident and all incidents of this type are dealt with appropriately to ensure the safety of all participants, coaches, volunteers and spectators in the game.”  “Waikato Rugby has a clear position on this type of behaviour, which we have articulated, and we will work with any school or club to support them to deal with these matters.”  - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.  Thu, 14 May 2026 01:12:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/fifa-world-cup-live-updates-all-whites-name-squad-for-2026-tournament/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/fifa-world-cup-live-updates-all-whites-name-squad-for-2026-tournament/ Coach Darren Bazeley has sprung minimal surprises in his 26-man squad to head to this year’s Football World Cup in North America.  As the third country to confirm their final squad to head to the US, Canada and Mexico next month, the All Whites have been able to select a tried and trusted group, with every player selected having earned at least one cap.  The pair of Chris Wood and Tommy Smith both make history, as the first New Zealanders to appear at two World Cups. The duo were aged 18 and 20 at South Africa 2010, and will head to the US at 34 and 36 respectively.  Wood has also been named as the squad’s captain, and follows Steve Sumner (1982) and Ryan Nelsen (2010) in leading New Zealand to a World Cup.  “It is a privilege to be in this role and name a squad for the Fifa World Cup, the pinnacle of the game and the dream of everyone who plays” Bazeley said.  “We have spent the last few years building to this moment and tracking around 55 players in contention to make it on to the plane to Canada, Mexico, the USA.  “As a coaching team, we have selected a squad that we feel will put us in the best place to perform, a blend of really exciting young talent and experienced players to maximise our chances of winning games and getting out of our group.  “This is never going to be an easy process, and the responsibility isn’t lost on us, but I’m confident we have landed on the best possible squad to face Iran, Egypt, Belgium, and beyond.  “Now the time for discussions is over, we need to head to the tournament and take the opportunity in front of us to make history for New Zealand.”  Smith’s inclusion as a fifth central defensive option comes alongside the likes of Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Nando Pijnaker and Finn Surman, while Wellington Phoenix’s Bill Tuiloma has missed the cut.  In the forward line, Wood will be supported by Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine and Callum McCowatt as out-and-out striker options, while Eli Just and Jesse Randall will add depth on the flanks.  Despite an impressive start to life with South African club Orlando Pirates, Andre de Jong is the unlucky striker to not be selected.  While there is no genuine bolter, Australian-born Lachlan Bayliss is the least experienced member of the squad, having only made his New Zealand debut earlier this year.  The 23-year-old has just two caps to his name, so far, and joins an impressive collective of central midfielders, containing Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic and Ryan Thomas.  In goal, while the selections of Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen were never in doubt, Auckland FC’s Michael Woud has been picked as the all-important third, following his recent heroics in the A-League.  Crocombe appears to have beaten Paulsen in the race to be New Zealand’s first-choice goalkeeper, after being awarded the No 1 shirt.  Woud’s selection comes ahead of Huddersfield Town’s Nik Tzanev, and the uncapped Kees Sims, currently playing for Swedish side GAIS.  The All Whites face Iran, Egypt and Belgium in this year’s tournament, starting on June 16 in Inglewood, California.  New Zealand squad:  Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud  Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot, Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman  Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenic, Ryan Thomas  Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Eli Just, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine, Chris Wood  (function(n){function c(t,i){n[e](h,function(n){var r,u;if(n&&(r=n[n.message?"message":"data"]+"",r&&r.substr&&r.substr(0,3)==="nc:")&&(u=r.split(":"),u[1]===i))switch(u[2]){case"h":t.style.height=u[3]+"px";return;case"scrolltotop":t.scrollIntoView();return}},!1)}for(var t,u,f,i,s,e=n.addEventListener?"addEventLi... Wed, 13 May 2026 23:07:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/immigration-debate-heats-up-as-labour-s-chris-hipkins-hits-out-at-coalition/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/immigration-debate-heats-up-as-labour-s-chris-hipkins-hits-out-at-coalition/ The Kiwi dream should be for all, not just some, the Labour Party leader has said as he hit out at coalition parties over the immigration debate. Chris Hipkins made a speech to the Committee for Auckland and an Auckland business audience this morning. Referencing Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s comments about immigration yesterday, he said coalition parties are “seeking to capitalise on disunity rather than drawing us together”. He said the country was sliding backwards. “They are choosing blame rather than responsibility, we are a better country than that and this is an election we can choose that. “The Kiwi dream should not be reserved for the few, it should be delivered for everybody who calls New Zealand home.” Diversity is one of New Zealand’s great strengths, he said. He admitted that elections create uncertainty and the perception of instability. A quarter of the population lives in Auckland, but he said the city needs a “step change”, with rising unemployment and other issues holding it back. “With the right settings, Auckland can be one of the best cities in the Asia-Pacific region ... where talent wants to live and our kids who live overseas want to come home to because they see their future here,” Hipkins said to murmurings of approval from the audience. He also vowed to work with local leaders, including Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, who was in the audience, if Labour won power this election. Auckland’s regional plan needs to do more to work, he said. “It is a plan to have a plan.” He told the audience that Labour wouldn’t stop or throw away policies or projects it inherited simply because they weren’t their ideas. “There’s far too much of that already. It makes it hard to get investment and momentum. “We will work with Auckland, not impose on Auckland.” Katie Bradford is a Senior Correspondent at the Herald. She has been a broadcast journalist for over 20 years and was based in the press gallery for 10 years. She specialises in politics, business and Auckland issues. Wed, 13 May 2026 21:45:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/mass-street-bike-ride-organiser-urges-best-behaviour-in-upcoming-central-auckland-route/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/mass-street-bike-ride-organiser-urges-best-behaviour-in-upcoming-central-auckland-route/ The organiser of a recent large-scale bike ride, shadowed by a large police contingent with four people arrested and scores of cyclists fined, hopes riders will be on their best behaviour at a repeat event across central Auckland this weekend.  Police said some of the around 120 bicycle riders who attended the West Auckland ride last Sunday showed a “complete disregard” for others on the road.  YouTuber, “bikelife” advocate and organiser Kimami Ngaluafe said he talked to the riders about some of the conduct on Sunday and expects things to be better at this weekend’s Onehunga ride.  “I’m definitely looking to have our riders on their best behaviour this weekend ... we’re expecting no arrests and no infringements.”  Tour De Neighbourhood attendees at the Auckland Transport Bike Hub in Henderson. Photo / Supplied  Around 150 people are anticipated to attend Sunday’s event, dubbed Tour De Hoods: Central Auckland, where riders will travel from Onehunga to Mt Roskill and back.  Police had been in contact with the group and will be monitoring the ride again, he told the Herald.  Ngaluafe said that although some of the actions last weekend, like riders crossing the centre line, were unacceptable, the police were “coming off a little bit too rough”.  “With the police that we’ve dealt with on the previous rides, they were real good with the boys, and they knew the boys, got along with them.  “I think just this one, I feel like there was a bit of a clash between the two for some reason.”  Riders crossed the centre line into oncoming traffic during last Sunday's large-scale cycling event. Photo / Supplied  The overall rider behaviour was good with only a few individuals breaching the rules, Ngaluafe said.  Police have been approached for comment.  Ride organisers, Bikelife Collective NZ, plan to do large group events on a regular basis, Ngaluafe said.  “We actually want to create something for the boys because on the weekend they’re not doing much ... these kids are not making the rugby teams or doing anything, you know, so we’re hoping to make it like a weekend thing that kind of gives the boys something to do."  West Auckland Ride  Waitematā road policing manager, acting Inspector Damian Albert, said the event, which travelled across Henderson to New Lynn, attracted about 120 riders last Sunday.  Four people were arrested, 53 infringement notices were issued, and a bike was impounded after the mass three-hour bike ride.  Albert said police monitoring the event were disappointed that a portion of the group failed to comply with road safety messaging and legislation, resulting in the enforcement action.  “These riders showed a complete disregard for others on the road, and we will continue to hold them to account and impound their bikes.  “Police attempted to keep disruption for commuters to a minimum and hope that police enforcement action ... sends a strong message about the seriousness of road safety.”  Footage from the ride around West Auckland showed the cyclists, escorted by police, doing wheelies and crossing the road centre lines.  Wed, 13 May 2026 21:17:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/push-for-heat-pump-rebates-and-cheap-rooftop-solar-loans-to-lower-energy-bills/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/push-for-heat-pump-rebates-and-cheap-rooftop-solar-loans-to-lower-energy-bills/ As energy bills soar and energy security concerns escalate, the Green Building Council is calling for a bipartisan approach to solve those problems.  Rebates for hot water heat pumps, low or zero-interest loans for rooftop solar and batteries, and faster consenting for energy-efficient homes are priorities in the council’s 2026 election manifesto.  Chief executive Andrew Eagles said the manifesto’s policies were needed to relieve pressure on households, businesses and the electricity network.  About 15% of natural gas and LPG, and 23% of electricity, is used to heat space and water in residential and commercial buildings. On current trajectories, buildings will consume about 26% of New Zealand’s gas supply by 2030.  “We must make urgent progress electrifying New Zealand’s homes and commercial buildings. Many of the steps we’re proposing in this manifesto come at low or no cost to Government,” Eagles said.  “Reasonable changes to update our inadequate Building Code, cutting red tape for energy-efficient investments and improving information requirements when buying or leasing property will all make a big difference.  “Modest expenditure on financial support and subsidies for heat pumps, rooftop solar and Government building to a higher standard will improve our resilience and help save billions for Kiwi families.”  Other proposals include faster consenting for energy-efficient homes and energy labels on buildings so people can see which ones are energy efficient.  The manifesto also includes a wish for better access to rooftop solar and batteries through the introduction of low or zero-interest loans.  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke on Wednesday about the importance of energy security and independence in his first pre-Budget speech  “New Zealand’s energy vulnerability is no longer a theoretical risk, it’s a live crisis on full display in the Strait of Hormuz every single day,” Luxon said to a Business New Zealand-hosted lunch.  “It’s not just the rough and tumble impact of globalisation, because on too many occasions, private capital, eager to bolster domestic energy production, has been pushed to the sidelines by overzealous planners and politicians in recent years.  “Several high-profile projects are now getting underway thanks to our reforms like fast track, which I expect will continue to grow in popularity, by leaps and bounds, but the reality is that when faced with energy shock after energy shock, it’s very hard to justify backing the skink over the solar farm.  “Energy independence must be treated as an immediate national security interest instead of a contributing factor to a long-term climate strategy.”  Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has told business leaders that repeated energy shocks "make it hard to justify backing the skink over the solar farm".  Eagles urged all political parties to read the manifesto as they kicked off their election campaigns.  “We have the tech, the knowledge and the evidence is all here – what New Zealand needs now is the political will.  “These are not expensive or radical changes,” he said.  “These measures cut power bills, reduce pressure on energy prices, free up energy for productive industries, improve resilience and deliver healthier, more comfortable buildings. They have been adopted in most OECD countries”  The manifesto is backed by the New Zealand Construction Industry Council (NZCIC), which represents 70% of workers in the construction sector.  “We particularly support cutting red tape for investment in energy-efficient homes and buildings – this has never been more important given the global energy situation,” NZCIC executive director Tommy Honey said.  “Consenting must be quicker and it should make it easier for homes to be built to energy-efficient standards. We call on the Government (itself responsible for more than a quarter of all construction in New... Wed, 13 May 2026 19:36:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/hostage-taker-phillip-mant-who-held-woman-at-gunpoint-during-police-standoff-refused-parole/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/hostage-taker-phillip-mant-who-held-woman-at-gunpoint-during-police-standoff-refused-parole/ A man who held a woman hostage at gunpoint during a 15-hour standoff with police says he knew he could have died that day, but at the time it didn’t faze him.  “I felt, on that day, things weren’t going to end well for me,” Phillip Clinton Mant told the New Zealand Parole Board from a room at Rolleston Prison on Wednesday morning.  He told the woman, who he also threatened to blow up with a homemade bomb, they would “both be leaving the house in coffins”.  Her 80-year-old father had been “herded into the house and forced on the floor” at gunpoint and lay terrified at the thought he might see his daughter die in front of him.  Mant was sentenced last July to five years and two months in prison for what was described as “horrifying violence” in August 2024.  Phillip Clinton Mant during sentencing in the Nelson District Court in July 2025 on charges related to a hostage situation in Nelson South the year before. Photo by Stuff / pool / Nelson Mail  The victim said at sentencing she remained terrified for her safety upon his release from prison.  “It has hijacked my mind, what he will do on release,” the woman said as she shook uncontrollably while reading from her victim impact statement.  Yesterday, Mant was denied parole at his first hearing. He was also advised to consider alternative regions to the area he said was an option for where he might live upon his eventual release.  Panel convener for the board hearing, Judge Edwin Paul said the level of offending meant broad exclusion zones were likely to be put in place.  He prepared Mant partway through the hearing for the fact it was unlikely he would be released at this stage of his sentence.  “I’ll be straight with you now,” the judge said, having pushed Mant for answers on a series of questions linked to what he had done.  Family Court ‘fixation’  Mant was said to have been fixated on an earlier Family Court process, and rather than take the offers of support available to him, he told the Parole Board he chose his own course of action.  “I had help around me, but chose to ignore it,” Mant said of his behaviour that was also driven by a cocktail of drugs, alcohol and depression.  In the months before the events of August 12, 2024, Mant hand-wrote hundreds of pages of notes venting his anger over a Family Court matter.  Police at the scene of the hostage situation in Nelson in August 2024, when Phillip Mant held a woman at gunpoint during a 15-hour police standoff. Photo / Tim Cuff  He told the board his decision to represent himself in court was a mistake and that he had been a “fish out of water”.  “They threw things at me and I took the bait. I reacted. I was out of my league,” he told panel member Waimarama Taumaunu.  Mant pleaded guilty in the Nelson District Court in February last year to two charges of kidnapping, using an explosive to commit an offence, unlawfully possessing a firearm, committing a crime with a firearm, threatening to kill and threatening grievous bodily harm, two charges of breaching a protection order, and committing a threatening act towards a dwelling and the people in it.  His actions prompted the lockdown of nearby schools, a hospital and a campground, and inconvenienced thousands of residents after many streets were closed.  Drove to house with loaded rifle and explosives  Mant had been “given” a .22 rifle by a friend he claimed did not know what he was planning.  He refused to tell Taumaunu who that person was.  “No comment,” Mant said firmly when asked.  He also had ammunition and had made what police said was a “crude” improvised explosive device.  Phillip Mant was “given” a .22 rifle by a friend he claimed did not know what he was planning. Photo / NZ police  He also had eight envelopes containing handwritten notes that were his “demands” to the police.  Mant then drove to the street where the vi... Wed, 13 May 2026 19:24:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/waikato-expressway-driver-arrested-after-car-seen-weaving-over-lanes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/waikato-expressway-driver-arrested-after-car-seen-weaving-over-lanes/ A man has been arrested after a vehicle “weaving all over” the Waikato Expressway was stopped this morning. A member of the public reported the vehicle was “repeatedly” crossing over two lanes at speeds between 30km/h and 100km/h. Police signalled it to pull over near the Tamahere off-ramp about 2.40am. Police say breath testing revealed the driver was over the limit, and the driver had also breached their bail conditions on other driving matters. Waikato District Command Centre Senior Sergeant Wayne Shanks said it was “disappointing to see poor choices” by people drinking then driving. “The driver was seen driving erratically so it’s frustrating that this still continues. “We always encourage people to organise sober drivers, rideshare or a taxi if they have plans to drink.” A 34-year-old man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court today. He appears on the other driving matters later this month in the Manukau District Court. Police thank the member of the public who alerted them. Wed, 13 May 2026 04:29:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/car-filled-with-youths-spiked-after-report-of-knifepoint-incident-in-hamilton/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/car-filled-with-youths-spiked-after-report-of-knifepoint-incident-in-hamilton/ Four young people have been apprehended after police received reports of a passenger appearing to hold a driver at knifepoint in Waikato. The incident occurred yesterday afternoon in Hamilton. The vehicle was located in Dinsdale but failed to stop for police. Acting Waikato District prevention manager Inspector Scott Miller said the driver ignored police instructions to stop and “began swerving across the road, speeding up and slowing down to avoid police”. Police deployed tyre deflation devices to slow the vehicle, which drove down a one-way street in Nawton and finally came to a stop. The four occupants of the vehicle fled but were quickly apprehended by police units on the scene. Miller said police inquiries found the youths were “all known to each other” and there was no threat of violence made to anyone inside the vehicle. The vehicle was driven by the registered owner’s son. Miller said the youths were “lucky” no serious injuries occurred. “We are particularly thankful to members of the public for reporting this suspicious behaviour that ensured we were alerted and no further harm was caused.” The four youths have been referred to Youth Aid. Wed, 13 May 2026 04:26:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/early-childhood-teacher-banned-for-two-years-over-physical-force/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/early-childhood-teacher-banned-for-two-years-over-physical-force/ A teacher who admitted a series of aggressive outbursts towards children at an early childhood centre has had his teaching registration cancelled for two years. Sean Charles Quinn was also censured for serious misconduct by the New Zealand Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal after it found he used physical force and emotional abuse during more than a dozen incidents at Kaleidescope Childcare Centre between August and September 2021. Ten children at the Tauranga-based centre were victims of Quinn’s behaviour, which included chasing a 4-year-old into a bathroom and holding him down on a toilet seat, and grabbing a 23-month-old by the arm and pulling him down on to a mat, with Quinn’s raised voice making the child upset. In other incidents, Quinn responded to a 3-year-old who accidentally ran a toy lawnmower over his foot by ripping a toy from the child, while a 2-year-old who wouldn’t settle in the sleep room was grabbed by his arms to stand him up before Quinn yelled in his face. The boy then cried himself to sleep. The same child was “forcefully” put on the floor by Quinn after throwing food on the floor on another occasion. “This caused [the child] to cry. Mr Quinn picked [him] up and said words to the effect of, ‘Give me a cuddle, do you want another chance?’” Sean Quinn initially denied the allegations made against him, saying he was "firm but fair" as an early childhood education teacher. Quinn later admitted responsibility for his actions. Photo / 123rf A 3-year-old struggling to put his pants on was forced by Quinn to stay in one spot and do it by himself, with Quinn telling the “visibly upset” child not to ask another teacher for help. In a later incident involving the same child, Quinn pulled the boy by his shirt and made him sit down in a chair, saying words to the effect of “you are not listening to me, now you can sit over there and you are not welcome outside”. “This made [him] cry and another teacher had to console him.” The same child was that day also stood over by Quinn, who pointed his finger and told the boy not to move for five minutes as he was under a “yellow card” after throwing a small wooden toy on to the floor. Quinn told a Teaching Council triage committee in November 2023 he was “firm but fair” and had never been violent or abusive during his 20-year career. “When I put on my firm voice and ‘disappointed face’, the children respond, and I have found that this often de-escalates behaviour in the children that has the potential to intensify if not quickly addressed.” He believed he was the victim of collusion by other teachers. But Quinn later admitted to the behaviour, accepting he was responsible for serious misconduct. Multiple children were left in tears due to Sean Quinn's actions, the New Zealand Teachers' Disciplinary Tribunal heard. Quinn’s actions were a clear departure from expected standards, and risked ongoing effects to the children’s feelings of safety, the tribunal found. “It is well known that it is harder for children to learn when they are upset or stressed.” He’d admitted the facts, but also shown no remorse or insight into his behaviour, they found. The tribunal rejected a request for name suppression, finding Quinn’s fears of losing his current job in an unrelated industry wasn’t supported by evidence. “Transparency and accountability walk hand in hand.” He was also ordered to pay $4590.52 in costs. Wed, 13 May 2026 04:15:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/west-auckland-high-school-students-brawl-at-train-station-as-terrified-public-hide-in-cars/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/west-auckland-high-school-students-brawl-at-train-station-as-terrified-public-hide-in-cars/ A mass brawl involving students from multiple schools broke out outside a West Auckland train station, leaving members of the public “terrified”. The principal of a large boys’ secondary school says he’s aware of the carpark fracas that erupted after class yesterday and the matter is being treated “seriously”. A witness, who hid in her vehicle as the violence erupted, told the Herald the “ugly scene” happened about 4.30pm yesterday at the Sturges Rd train station carpark. Video of the incident, which has been circulating on social media, shows a large group of students in school uniform fighting and swearing near parked cars. One student can be seen getting punched and kicked on the ground. “There were about 40-plus students on the train who got off at Sturges Rd. I was hiding in my car while [I] called the police as this was happening up and down the carpark,” the witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said. The witness said the majority of the students were from Kelston Boys’ High School (KBHS), while another who appeared to be ganged up on was wearing what “looked like a Waitakere College shirt”. They said the video was sent around their daughter’s group chat. “They were all in KBHS uniform. It was clear on the video and I saw the emblem and name. I did not see a clear view of the student on the ground but it looked like a Waitakere College shirt. I am familiar with these uniforms as they are always on the trains I use. “There were a group of males [not in uniform] also coming from Swanson Rd entrance who were almost blocking that exit so no one could get past and out from there, and egging on the KBHS students.” Kelston Boys’ High School acting principal Steve Cole told the Herald the school is aware of the incident and “is taking the matter seriously”. “We are currently working with other schools involved and relevant agencies to establish the facts. For privacy reasons, we are unable to comment on individual students or provide further details at this time.” The Herald has contacted Waitakere College for comment. Police and Auckland Transport have also been approached. The witness said they were “terrified” and “disgusted” by the incident. “I was terrified; there were so many people. I couldn’t see weapons but I just wanted to get out of there, but they were blocking the cars. There was another young girl maybe in her 20s who was also looking scared and was blocked.” They said the schools and students need to be held accountable. “What should have been a normal afternoon commute turned into an ugly scene where a large group appeared to gang up on a single person who was heavily outnumbered. “Regardless of what led up to the incident, there is no excuse for mob behaviour, intimidation or violence.” Wed, 13 May 2026 04:12:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/phoenix-women-v-melbourne-city-emma-pijnenburg-credits-phoenix-women-s-coach-bev-priestman-for-finals-comeback/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/phoenix-women-v-melbourne-city-emma-pijnenburg-credits-phoenix-women-s-coach-bev-priestman-for-finals-comeback/ Wellington Phoenix midfielder Emma Pijnenburg has credited her coach Bev Priestman for helping the New Zealand-based side make the A-League Women grand final. The Nix trailed the Brisbane Roar 2-1 on aggregate as they headed into the second leg at Porirua Park last Saturday. Two goals from American Makala Woods helped lift the Wellington-based side into the season’s showpiece fixture, becoming the first from New Zealand in the men’s and women’s game to do so. Football Fern Emma Pijnenburg, who joined the team from Dutch club Feyenoord in December, has praised Phoenix coach Bev Priestman for motivating the team to come from behind and win their semi-final. “I think Bev said after the first Brisbane game, it’s only halftime,” Pijnenburg said. “That was a big thing that we were talking about and they were celebrating, Brisbane was celebrating so much after that first game, so that really brought up the fire in us that we’re going to get them on the home game.” Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman has been praised by midfielder Emma Pijnenburg for helping the Wellington-based side reach the A-League Women grand final. Photo / Photosport The midfielder said her coach knows what needs to be done in the big-game situations. “I’ve been very impressed with her, honestly, always the pre-game speech just gets us so hyped before the game,” Pijnenburg said. “She always knows exactly what to say, it’s been really good. Emma Pijnenburg signed for the Phoenix in December. Photo / Photosport “Yeah, you can tell that she knows what to get out of the players, what emotions to try and bring up within the team before the game or reviewing a game as well. “So she obviously has the experience and we can trust in her, she knows what to do.” Preparation for the final appears to be business as usual for the Nix and Pijnenburg said she’s confident heading into this Saturday’s match. Bev Priestman celebrates with her team after they beat the Brisbane Roar to make the A-League Women grand final. Photo / Photosport “I think nobody doubts us and what we can do this weekend. “Finals football is always different than the league as well, it’s anybody’s game and it’s more about the moments than the whole game. “We believe in ourselves, so it’ll be good.” The Phoenix will play Melbourne City at AAMI Park on May 16, after the Australian side beat their rivals the Melbourne Victory 2-0 on aggregate in the other semi-final. Wed, 13 May 2026 04:08:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/bay-of-plenty-artist-terry-fergusson-scouted-for-marilyn-monroe-exhibition-in-italy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/bay-of-plenty-artist-terry-fergusson-scouted-for-marilyn-monroe-exhibition-in-italy/ Bay of Plenty artist Terry Fergusson thought the Instagram message from an Italian talent scout was spam. But it was a legitimate invitation to display his artwork with Milan’s PassepARTout Unconventional Gallery 100 Ways to Say Marilyn exhibition. The exhibition celebrates 100 years since the Hollywood icon’s birth, and artists’ reinterpretations of Marilyn Monroe, will feature from May 20 to June 7 at UNA Hotels Expo Fiera Milano. Fergusson, who creates under the name The Bushman’s Son, said he loved painting iconic figures. He posted his Marilyn Monroe piece to Instagram early in March. PassepARTout Unconventional Gallery artistic director Elena Ferrari messaged about a week later. “I recently came across your work ... I was impressed by its originality”, Ferrari wrote. “I’d be delighted if you would consider including your work among those selected [for the exhibition].” Fergusson said he often received scam messages making similar claims. But he investigated further and was “stoked” to learn it was a real offer. Fergusson said Monroe remained one of the world’s most recognised faces and continued to inspire artists. “She’s got so many looks and will never die.” He said his interpretation was more tragic than glamorous. The painting was originally titled The Cost of Hollywood Glamour. “It makes her look like she’s almost bleeding.” Fergusson said that direction “just sort of happened”. Anyone who attended art school would probably “clutch their pearls” and take a “deep breath” hearing his process. Fergusson preferred to let his art “evolve” naturally. “I never really have a plan,” he said. Bay of Plenty artist Terry Fergusson with his Marilyn Monroe piece, selected for PassepARTout Unconventional Gallery's 100 Ways to Say Marilyn exhibition. There was always “a danger of overworking” a painting, not knowing when to stop. He took the Monroe piece out of the house to avoid this. It now hangs at Rain Bar and Kitchen in Pāpāmoa, where he is based. Fergusson said a high-resolution video version would be displayed at the exhibition. Getting the artwork to Milan would have cost “a lot”, he said. “As a Kiwi artist, we’re at the bottom of the world ... the insurance itself would have killed me.” The virtual option meant artists could still be involved internationally. His artwork and biography would also feature in the official exhibition programme - a full page dedicated to each artist. Fergusson said it was a great opportunity to receive feedback and expose his work to wider audiences. Fergusson was a 2016 finalist in the Adam Portraiture Award and won the People’s Choice Award. In 2021, he was a finalist in the Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award. He used to live in Rotorua and launched the Bushman’s Son Fund, managed by the Geyser Community Foundation, in 2017 to support emerging artists in the district. For Fergusson, creating art “never stops”. He “can’t wait” to see how other artists have interpreted Monroe for the exhibition. Ferrari said her selection process focused on artists who could bring a personal interpretation to Monroe through their style, offering “a vision of Marilyn that goes beyond her status as a diva”. “My goal was to let the artist’s personal perspective bring out Marilyn’s human side: her strength, her simplicity, and that extraordinary ability to still speak to us today as a woman who faced immense hostility and overcame the adversities life presented her from a very young age. “Marilyn’s story is one of success, resilience, and pure willpower,” Ferrari said. All participating artists will be announced on May 16. Annabel Reid is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post, based in Rotorua. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, she has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canterbury. Wed, 13 May 2026 03:11:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/nz-lamb-exporters-at-risk-of-president-trump-imposing-new-tariffs-trade-minister/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/nz-lamb-exporters-at-risk-of-president-trump-imposing-new-tariffs-trade-minister/ By Corin Dann of RNZ Trade Minister Todd McClay said he was expecting the United States government to announce it was launching a trade investigation into New Zealand and Australian lamb imports in the coming weeks. New Zealand lamb exports to the US have grown in recent years, with more than $600m of sheep meat - including lamb - sold to the US in 2025. US trade officials are thought to be launching investigations into so-called unfair trade practices as a way to reintroduce tariffs deemed illegal by the Supreme Court. “We know they are doing investigations at the moment, so-called investigations, they are looking for other ways to put that tariff wall back up,” McClay said. McClay said an investigation into lamb was likely, and it was possible that if President Donald Trump needed to shore up votes in some states, he could hit New Zealand and Australia with tariffs. He said that his officials were talking to their US counterparts and reminding them that New Zealand was providing good product, was not flooding the market and was helping US farmers grow the market for lamb. “But the nature of it is when the President decides, the President decides, and so if he decides, you know, that if he’s had a bad lamp chop or something, who knows what’s going to happen.” Most New Zealand exports to the US face the blanket global tariff rate of 10%. This was imposed after an earlier 15% tariff on New Zealand exports was deemed illegal by the Supreme Court. - RNZ Wed, 13 May 2026 02:46:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/black-caps-v-england-where-is-the-next-generation-of-kiwi-batters-coming-from/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/black-caps-v-england-where-is-the-next-generation-of-kiwi-batters-coming-from/ As is the case with any sport’s golden generation, how New Zealand Cricket navigates the end of this current cycle of the men’s game is going to be key in ensuring the Black Caps can continue to succeed. Since the mid-2010s, Kiwi cricket fans have been treated to the most successful era the game in Aotearoa has seen. The Black Caps have reached world event finals in all three forms of the game, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021. But now, midway through 2026, the golden generation of the Black Caps appears to be in its final days. While New Zealand’s white ball side has been refreshed by new players coming in, the test side’s prestige sees places earned, rather than experiment with rotation. Of the playing XI that won the World Test Championship, six have retired, while another is no longer a regular fixture. In terms of bowlers, there is no cause for immediate concern. While Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner have hung up their boots, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy and others have taken up the mantle in style. Rachin Ravindra is the only Black Caps test top-order batter under the age of 30. Photo / Photosport The batting ranks, though, paint a different picture. Of the Black Caps’ first-choice test XI, only one of the top six – Rachin Ravindra – is under 30 years of age. Of the other five, captain Tom Latham has just turned 34, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell will both be 35 by year’s end, while Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell will turn 36. That will almost certainly see a period where all five retire within one cycle, akin to the team of 2008 that left Ross Taylor as the senior batter in his early 20s. Immediate change isn’t necessarily needed either. Conway was arguably under pressure to keep his spot in the test side over the last summer, and responded with a career-best 227 against the West Indies. However, Black Caps selection manager Gavin Larsen outlines that these matters are on his agenda, as the new contracting window approaches. “There’s a lot of succession planning that takes place,” he told the Herald. “This is the period of the year where we give a lot of due attention to that. “We’re going through our central contract ranking process at the moment. I’ll be up-front and honest, it’s been a difficult process. “When it comes to ranking players across tests, ODIs and T20s, it can be a difficult process – but that’s healthy. It’s a real signal that our system is working nicely. “We’ve got a number of younger, and not so young, players that are pushing through and pressing hard towards the incumbent players.” Where, then, do the Black Caps go next? At lower levels, there are plenty of players already putting their hands up. At the top of the order, Canterbury’s Rhys Mariu, 24, and Central Districts’ Curtis Heaphy, 22, have dominated at domestic level, and both impressed for New Zealand A – even if they’re yet to play a test match. Tim Robinson has already proven capable in the shorter formats for the Black Caps. Photo / Photosport Wellington’s Tim Robinson, 24, has already shown he can thrive at international level, courtesy of an unbeaten 106 in a T20 International against Australia last year. While his first-class batting record is modest, averaging just under 33 from 27 matches, a career-best 130 against Sri Lanka A in spinning conditions last month shows a player worth investing in. Canterbury’s Matt Boyle, 23, also made a century in Sri Lanka, and has the potential to become a batting allrounder when taking his more than handy leg-spin into account. Muhammad Abbas starred with the fastest half-century by a Kiwi on his ODI debut last year, even if his progress has been halted by injury. With the gloves, Mitch Hay looms as the next cab off the rank after Blundell after his successful test debut last year, but will face stiff competition from Otago’s Max Chu, who played for New Zealand A as a specialist batter. Considering test places are hard to come by, and... Wed, 13 May 2026 02:42:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/mama-hooch-case-sexual-predator-jaz-brothers-take-sentence-and-convictions-to-court-of-appeal/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/mama-hooch-case-sexual-predator-jaz-brothers-take-sentence-and-convictions-to-court-of-appeal/ The brothers at the centre of Christchurch’s Mama Hooch bar sexual assault and drink spiking case have launched a fresh appeal against their sentence and convictions. In 2023, Danny and Roberto Jaz were convicted of 69 charges between them, including rape, sexual violation, indecent assault, stupefying, disabling, making intimate recordings of women without their knowledge or consent and supplying illicit drugs. The offending took place at Mama Hooch and nearby Venuti – a bar and restaurant owned and run by the Jaz family in central Christchurch. After a judge-alone trial in the Christchurch District Court spanning more than three months, Danny Jaz was sentenced in August 2023 to 16-and-a-half years in prison for drugging and or violating 19 women. Roberto Jaz, 38, (left) and Danny Jaz, 40, (right) were convicted of 69 charges. Photo / George Heard On the same day, Roberto Jaz was sentenced to 17 years behind bars for offending against eight women. Both men were ordered to serve at least half of their sentences before they are eligible for parole. After an unsuccessful High Court appeal against their sentences and some of the convictions, they have now taken their case to the Court of Appeal. A date has not yet been set for any hearing. The High Court appeal In the High Court at Christchurch, lawyers for the Australian-born brothers accused the District Court trial judge of bias and procedural unfairness, claiming the brothers were denied a fair trial. Ron Mansfield, KC, argued that the judge failed to remain neutral, favouring the Crown’s case over the men’s right to present a defence. Lawyer Ron Mansfield, KC, acted for the defence. Photo / NZH The lawyers claimed the judge “ran roughshod” over and “shut down” defence evidence, resulting in a substantial miscarriage of justice. The Crown argued against the appeal, saying that while the trial, which spanned three months, was not perfect, the outcome was solid and right. After considering all the information before him, Justice Cameron Mander dismissed the appeals against convictions and sentence for Danny Jaz. He allowed appeals for Roberto Jaz against three convictions of making a visual intimate recording. He ruled that the quashing of the convictions did not make any difference to the rapist’s end sentence. Justice Cameron Mander. Photo / Pool/ Iain McGregor/The Press “When viewed overall, I do not consider the final 17-year sentence is required to be adjusted. The quashing of three convictions for those charges does not materially affect the appellant’s overall criminal culpability or have any discernible impact upon the appropriateness of the ultimate effective sentence imposed,” he ruled. “His convictions on those charges are quashed. No order is made for a retrial on those charges.” The District Court sentencing In the District Court, Judge Paul Mabey described the Jaz brothers as “arrogant” and “entitled”. “The level of your offending is unknown in this country ... you helped yourself to young women with callous disregard for their rights and their dignity,” he said at sentencing. “You should both be of no doubt that you’ve severely damaged all of your victims by your predatory and heartless offending, driven by arrogance, misguided self-belief, and a complete lack of respect for the rights of those you’ve offended against. “Neither of you showed any remorse … you are sexual predators. Perhaps misogynistic attitudes and the patriarchal approach to life within your family may have engendered an unhealthy attitude to women. Judge Paul Mabey KC. Photo / George Heard “You make conscious decisions to exploit and abuse your victims … You were men in your 30s … what occurred was a continuous course of conduct over a period of three-and-a-half years.” Both pleaded guilty to several offences at the start of their trial. They have not disputed those convictions. Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2... Wed, 13 May 2026 02:36:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/hawke-s-bay-expressway-crash-truck-and-trailer-roll-shuts-sh2-lanes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/hawke-s-bay-expressway-crash-truck-and-trailer-roll-shuts-sh2-lanes/ A truck and trailer roll has closed part of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway. State Highway 2 at Waiohiki is closed in the northbound lanes near the roundabout with State Highway 50 following the single-vehicle crash. Emergency services were called to the scene around 1pm. No injuries were reported, but a police spokesperson said the road would remain closed for some time while the crash was cleared. Detours are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays. Wed, 13 May 2026 02:15:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/crime/manurewa-murder-case-suppression-lapses-for-rangi-pauu-and-jahla-rawiri-adams-accused-of-killing-taniora-baker/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/crime/manurewa-murder-case-suppression-lapses-for-rangi-pauu-and-jahla-rawiri-adams-accused-of-killing-taniora-baker/ A couple who were jointly charged with murder following a shooting in South Auckland earlier this year can now be named. Lawyers for Rangi Roy Pauu, 41, and Jahla Kathryn Rawiri-Adams, 27, sought interim suppression during their first appearances in Manukau District Court in January and again during their first appearance in the High Court at Auckland in February. However, that suppression lapsed this week. Police investigate the scene in Manurewa, South Auckland, where Taniora Baker was shot to death on January 9 this year. Photo / Hayden Woodward The two are accused of having fatally shot Taniora Kavi Baker at a Manurewa home just after 11pm on Friday, January 9. Baker died at the scene. Pauu and Rawiri-Adams, who lived together prior to their arrests, tried to hold hands while meeting again in the dock for their February High Court appearance. Security officers, also in the dock with them, wouldn’t allow it. Co-defendants Rangi Pauu and Jahla Rawiri-Adams appear together in the High Court at Auckland in February 2026, jointly charged with the murder of Taniora Baker in Manurewa. Photo / Michael Craig A trial has been set for next April. Craig Kapitan is an Auckland-based journalist covering courts and justice. He joined the Herald in 2021 and has reported on courts since 2002 in three newsrooms in the US and New Zealand. Wed, 13 May 2026 01:55:53 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/less-new-money-to-be-spent-in-budget-prime-minister-tells-businessnz/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/less-new-money-to-be-spent-in-budget-prime-minister-tells-businessnz/ Less cash will be thrown around in this month’s Budget, the Prime Minister has told a business audience in Auckland. The precarious economic situation means the Government must stay on track with its fiscal strategy, Christopher Luxon told the BusinessNZ event. “We can’t control the storm, but we can secure New Zealand’s future within it,” Luxon said. He also said global turmoil had reinforced the importance of responsible economic management and fiscal discipline ahead of Budget 2026. Operating spending on new initiatives in the Budget will be $2.1 billion – about $300 million less than the $2.4b allowance set in December. “We are getting the books in order while continuing to invest in the essentials – health, education, defence, law and order and infrastructure. That requires ongoing reprioritisation, because the alternative is more borrowing or higher taxes – and ultimately a weaker economy,” Luxon said. The Prime Minister confirmed the Government remained committed to returning the books to surplus by 2028/29 and putting debt on a downward trajectory towards 40% of GDP. This year’s Budget will be unveiled on May 28. In a wide-ranging speech on geopolitical tensions and New Zealand’s place in the world, Luxon spoke about how unsettled the world is and forces in global politics that none of us can control. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon make a speech to BusinessNZ at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand on May 13, 2026. Photo / Jason Dorday “But here’s what we can control: how prepared we are, how resilient we are and how well we stick together,” he said to the 250 attendees. Immigration, energy security and strong bilateral relationships will be priorities for National, Luxon said. “In a more volatile world, some of our traditional friends and partners seem to be doing the same – forging new partnerships shaped by many of the values we hold dear, and their own support for the rules-based international order. “The multilateral values and institutions that have underpinned our prosperity may be under strain, but they haven’t perished. We must evolve and remake them.” ‘Careful’ immigration policy Immigration is fast becoming a major election issue. Luxon said National will have a “careful” immigration policy heading into the election and he was aware immigration issues can fracture communities and social cohesion. “My message to the business community is that when it comes to immigration, when faced with a choice between social stability and your bottom line, I will choose the former every single time.” And on energy independence: “New Zealand’s energy vulnerability is no longer a theoretical risk; it is a live crisis on full display in the Strait of Hormuz every single day. “On too many occasions, private capital, eager to bolster domestic energy production, has been pushed to the sidelines by overzealous planners and politicians in recent years. “Several high-profile projects are now getting underway, thanks to our reforms like fast-track, which I expect will continue to grow in popularity by leaps and bounds. “The reality is that when faced with energy shock after energy shock, it’s very hard to justify backing the skink over the solar farm.” In a hint of what’s to come in the Budget, Luxon said it’ll be about “securing New Zealand’s future”. On the allowance being $300m smaller than the $2.4b allowance set in December, he said it was achievable. “While we continue to invest in essential services, like health and education, for the third year running, we have been able to achieve significant savings across Government. “At the same time, while we continue to prioritise a return to surplus, the recent crisis has acted as a timely reminder that significant levels of capital investment will be required in the coming years.” Finance Minister Nicola Willis has repeatedly said she would retain a focus of “tight control” on spending and an operating allowance of $2.4b. Any spending will be on health, education, def... Wed, 13 May 2026 01:22:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/christchurch-baby-death-soul-turany-s-mother-denies-role-in-fatal-head-injury/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/christchurch-baby-death-soul-turany-s-mother-denies-role-in-fatal-head-injury/ The mother of 3-month-old Soul Turany has spoken for the first time about his tragic last hours – and vehemently denies having anything to do with the catastrophic head injury that ended the infant’s life.  Storme Turany is today giving evidence at the inquest into her baby son’s death in 2014.  Until today, she has not shared her version of events from baby Soul’s last hours.  “I loved him with everything I had,” she said.  “Soul made me realise why I was put on this earth.  “I’m here to tell you the truth.”  Soul Turany died in August 2014. Photo / Supplied  Police say Turany and her then-boyfriend Tony Farmer are the only people who could have inflicted the fatal injuries on baby Soul at their Burnham home in August 2014.  No one has ever been charged in relation to Soul’s death but police have said they will act on any new information or evidence.  Over the last two weeks, Coroner Ian Telford has been holding an inquest into what happened to Soul.  Today, he called on Turany to give evidence.  “I think it’s always important to tell the truth and be honest,” she said.  She maintained she was telling the truth when first interviewed by police in 2014 while Soul was on life support.  “I would never hurt my baby… I’ve never even gotten angry at him I’ve never been rough with him. I’m just dumbfounded as to how this happened," she told a detective.  When asked if she had “shaken or hurt Soul”, she said:  “I promise you I have never hurt my baby, I would never.  “I have struggled, but no more than any other new mother... I would always put him down gently.”  Turany said in that interview she could “very easily recognise” that police suspected she had injured her child.  The death of Soul Mathew Turany  Soul suffered a catastrophic head injury – the result of “a hard impact” – at a house in Burnham on August 30, 2014.  Emergency services were called after Soul became “limp” and had difficulty breathing.  Soul was flown to Christchurch Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in a critical condition.  Soul and his father Corey Neligan. He was not living with the baby when he died. Photo / Supplied  His injuries were not survivable, and he was taken off life support just after 3am the following day.  Police launched a homicide investigation.  The only people at the house when Soul was hurt were his mother, Storme Turany and her then-partner, Tony Farmer.  They split up soon after the little boy died.  Nobody has ever been charged over the infant’s death, though police named Turany and Farmer as persons of interest in the months afterwards.  An inquest is now being held to establish the circumstances.  Over the past week, Coroner Telford has heard extensive evidence from doctors involved with Soul’s death, and about the criminal investigation.  Yesterday, he heard from former police psychologist David Scott, who provided a report to investigators advising he thought Turany was “more likely” to be responsible for harming Soul.  Storme’s story: mum’s harrowing evidence  Before she began sharing her story, Coroner Telford explained to Turany that she had privilege in court against self-incrimination.  That meant that she could decline to answer any questions that she believed might incriminate her or increase the likelihood of her being prosecuted in relation to Soul’s death.  The coroner said Turany would not face any legal consequences for refusing to answer such questions.  She began by speaking about her childhood in Australia.  She said she lived with her mother, who had a “severe” health condition.  Her mother was violent when she was “younger” but Turany did not elaborate further on the details.  “She loved in her own way,” she said.  “She did love us all, but sometimes it did come with some challenges.”  Her mother moved t... Wed, 13 May 2026 01:05:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/second-waitemat%C4%81-harbour-crossing-auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-says-government-s-plan-makes-no-sense/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/second-waitemat%C4%81-harbour-crossing-auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-says-government-s-plan-makes-no-sense/ Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the proposal to construct a second harbour crossing near the existing bridge contradicts his city vision. He believes the council must be involved in any final decision.  Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop said yesterday the Government intends to announce its preferred route and method for the proposed crossing next month after feasibility studies and geotechnical investigations.  Brown has advocated for the crossing to be built over Meola Reef, a partially submerged rocky lava flow extending into Waitematā Harbour, but Bishop said the option was “not currently on the table”.  On Ryan Bridge TODAY Brown said he didn’t believe a decision would be made by the end of June as the Government was required to work with the council on major planning decisions.  He cited the recently signed Auckland City Deal, the first such partnership between local and central Government requiring the two to coordinate on issues such as infrastructure, housing, transport and economic development.  “The Herald reported about biparty [sic], well, we’re one of the parties and this is my city. I understand bridges better than professors of bridges," he told Bridge.  Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has long advocated for the proposed second crossing to be built over Meola Reef. Composite / Mayor's office, Michael Craig  “We’ve got a 30-year plan that we’re laying out what we’re doing.  “We’re not just going to plonk another bridge next door to the existing one. We’re going to look at sensible things which we can afford that make the city run better.”  As the city’s elected leader, Brown said he had influence over the new crossing’s location and argued the proposal was fundamentally flawed.  He said it “makes no sense at all” to build a second crossing adjacent to the existing bridge, arguing it would worsen bottlenecks on either side of the motorway.  Brown believed officials hadn’t factored in key urban planning elements, describing the current proposal as “a bridge of fools” and saying lessons needed to be learned from the City Rail Link project.  “We just want sensible, priced things we can afford that work for us here.  NZTA reports show the existing harbour bridge has exceeded its original design load capacity and has annual maintenance costs surpassing $25m. Photo / Alex Burton  “Not to be statements to get reelected, just things that work sensibly.”  Discussions around the need for a second crossing have reignited after NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) released two June 2025 reports relating to the existing bridge’s state of wear.  Bishop said yesterday Auckland needed to advance plans for the additional crossing now that the 67-year-old bridge is “showing its age”.  He noted “a considerable amount of work” would then be needed around funding the crossing, and expressed his desire to reach an agreement with other political parties.  “We will want to take a bipartisan approach to it and act in the national interest, because what’s important is that the public have certainty around exactly what we’re doing for the future.”  Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is expecting a decision to be made on the preferred route and method of Auckland's proposed second harbour crossing by mid-year. Photo / Jason Dorday  Documents recently released by NZTA highlighted the need to relieve strain on the existing bridge, which has exceeded its original design load capacity and was now considered vulnerable by officials, with maintenance costs surpassing $25 million annually.  Bishop said the decision boiled down to a choice between a bridge and a tunnel, likely positioned near the existing crossing, and that the NZTA board would review all options next month before recommending one to Cabinet.  “We’ll be engaging with other parties around it as well,” Bishop told Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Alla... Tue, 12 May 2026 23:33:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/fulton-hogan-worker-hit-in-fatal-crash-while-helping-driver-on-waikato-expressway-worksite/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/fulton-hogan-worker-hit-in-fatal-crash-while-helping-driver-on-waikato-expressway-worksite/ A Fulton Hogan employee has died helping a stranded driver while working on a section of the Waikato Expressway.  Emergency services were called to the crash involving a car and pedestrian on SH1 Waikato Expressway near Te Kauwhata at 7am yesterday.  Police said the pedestrian died at the scene.  Fulton Hogan has confirmed to the Herald the person was an employee and was contracted to New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) at the time of the crash.  “Fulton Hogan has been made aware of a tragic incident that occurred on a Waikato worksite earlier this morning, where a Fulton Hogan employee was fatally injured when assisting a stranded vehicle.  “Fulton Hogan’s key focus at this time is to support those affected by this tragic event and provide full assistance to authorities.  “No further details are available at this time.”  A NZTA spokesperson told the Waikato Herald they were “deeply saddened and upset” by the tragedy that took the life of a staffer.  “Our thoughts are with the person’s family and friends at this time. Everyone deserves to be able to return home from work safely.”  The expressway was closed southbound from the Te Kauwhata and Rangiriri on ramps while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.  Motorists were advised to avoid the area and expect delays.  A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said it sent three crews, one from Te Kauwhata and two from Huntly.  Tue, 12 May 2026 22:38:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/super-k-flu-strain-highly-infectious-virus-to-dominate-winter-sick-season-as-experts-await-onset/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/super-k-flu-strain-highly-infectious-virus-to-dominate-winter-sick-season-as-experts-await-onset/ The fast-spreading influenza K strain is expected to be an “important player” this flu season, with one expert urging Kiwis not to forget basic precautions learned during Covid.  Health officials have been monitoring the H3N2 subclade K influenza virus, also dubbed “Super-K”, after it became dominant across parts of the United States, Asia and Europe late last year.  Though it is not considered more severe, the strain is thought to be more transmissible than typical seasonal flu.  As of last week, the K strain made up 53 out of 61 flu samples tested in New Zealand, according to the NZ Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science.  Principal medical adviser at the University of Auckland’s Immunisation Advisory Centre, Dr Nikki Turner, said the strain was already circulating in New Zealand toward the end of last winter.  University of Auckland Immunisation Advisory Centre principal medical adviser Dr Nikki Turner. Photo / Supplied  “We are expecting it to be an important player in the flu season this year.  “As yet, we have pretty low rates of flu but we are watching closely for the onset of the season which could come any time.”  New Zealand was better positioned than Northern Hemisphere countries were last year, with a closer match between circulating strains and this year’s flu vaccine, Turner said.  “Basically, everyone watch out – the difference this year is we’re not just worried about flu coming earlier, it’s that we have a mix of viruses.”  Health NZ public health medicine specialist Dr Richard Vipond said people should get their yearly flu vaccine ahead of the peak season, usually between June and September.  “All 2026 flu vaccines in New Zealand contain Southern Hemisphere updates to the super-K-flu as well as coverage for other anticipated influenza strains for this season.”  Around 500 people die from influenza every year in New Zealand, according to Health NZ. Photo / 123rf  Around 500 people in New Zealand die from influenza each year in New Zealand, with vulnerable groups, including older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying conditions, most at risk.  Health NZ advises people with symptoms, who live in crowded households, to isolate where possible in a well-ventilated space.  Turner said simple public health measures could also help limit the spread.  People should wear masks on public transport or in busy indoor spaces, especially if they were at higher risk, and to stay home if experiencing symptoms such as coughs or runny noses, she said.  “Let’s not forget what we learned through Covid, we can reduce the spread of these viruses.  “For those that can, stay at home when you’re sick, wear masks, use sanitiser.”  Tue, 12 May 2026 20:55:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/m%C4%81ori-queen-meets-with-prince-william-at-windsor-castle/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/m%C4%81ori-queen-meets-with-prince-william-at-windsor-castle/ The Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, has met with the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.  Te Arikinui’s meeting with Prince William saw her following in the footsteps of her tūpuna (ancestors), continuing eight generations of engagement with the British royal household, her spokesperson said in a statement.  William’s official X account also posted a photo of the visit, saying it was “a pleasure”.  A pleasure to meet with Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po today at Windsor Castle. pic.twitter.com/ILFeMSmDqX— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 12, 2026 The pair discussed “a range of global topics”, the statement from the Māori Queen’s spokesperson said.  “Te Arikinui affirmed her belief in the power of indigenous knowledge and intergenerational stewardship to help solve the world’s environmental and social challenges.”  During her visit to London, Te Arikinui also attended a celebration of rangatahi (young people) who had improved their lives with support from The King’s Trust Aotearoa New Zealand. The trust is celebrating its 50th anniversary.  Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po was anointed as the new leader of the Kīngitanga in 2024, following the passing of her father, Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero.  Tue, 12 May 2026 19:26:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/auckland-engineer-who-tried-to-film-sex-worker-with-smart-glasses-fights-for-suppression/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/auckland-engineer-who-tried-to-film-sex-worker-with-smart-glasses-fights-for-suppression/ An Auckland software engineer who pressed record on his smart glasses without consent while a sex worker was naked in front of him claims that being identified in relation to his offending would cause him extreme hardship.  Last year, the man pleaded guilty to one charge of attempting to make an intimate visual recording at an Auckland CBD brothel.  He was granted a discharge without conviction after a judge ruled the consequences of a conviction would be disproportionate to the level of offending.  Court documents obtained by the Herald show the man’s offending was discovered when the sex worker noticed him touching the upper right side of his glasses and saw a light flick on.  She immediately took the man’s glasses and told reception staff to call police.  Police seized the eyewear and confirmed they were Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, used to take photos, video and livestream.  In a North Shore District Court hearing yesterday, his lawyer, Sam Teppett, said the man would lose his job if he were named.  He also referenced social media commentary about the case, and said while traditional media were bound by reporting rules, the same did not apply on social media and sites like Reddit.  Teppett urged Judge Anna Fitzgibbon to consider his application cumulatively, including the impacts that would flow on to those close to the man.  The Herald is unable to report other aspects of the application for legal reasons.  A person connected to the defendant also sought name suppression on the basis that being identified would cause them undue hardship.  That person’s lawyer, Harry Redwood, said by virtue of these proceedings there was a “tangible risk” to this person’s reputation.  Redwood submitted the person’s application for name suppression on the grounds of undue hardship related to concerns about the impact on their career and the embarrassment they felt.  Police did not make an oral submission on the suppression applications.  While a new law was passed in late 2025 that prevents judges from granting permanent name suppression to anyone convicted of a sex offence unless the victim consents, Judge Fitzgibbon said it did not apply in this case, as no conviction was entered for his offending.  Conviction ‘simply would not fly’ for his employer  At the man’s sentencing last year, Teppett argued his client should be granted a discharge without conviction because the consequences of a conviction would outweigh the gravity of the offending.  Teppett said the court was dealing with his client’s “unsophisticated, amateur attempt to secure the recording”.  If convicted, the man was likely to lose his job in the software industry and would not be able to get another, Teppett argued.  A conviction of this nature in the man’s industry “simply wouldn’t fly” with current or future employers.  Teppett said there would also be immigration consequences for the man and his family that could potentially “tear apart his family unit”.  He told the court the man had no prior convictions, had shown extraordinary remorse and had donated money to a charity associated with sex workers.  Police strongly opposed the application for discharge without conviction at the time and said no affidavit from the employer had been provided.  “The employer should know about this offence,” prosecutor Bronson Burgess said.  Burgess told the court that Immigration New Zealand should be made aware of the full nature of a person’s history. The agency’s understanding of the defendant would be limited if he was not convicted for the offending.  Not imposing a conviction would also send the wrong message about safety to sex workers.  Burgess said the man claimed he had stopped watching pornography and seeing escorts. But if he returned to visiting sex workers, “they should be entitled to know who they’re offering services to for their own safe... Tue, 12 May 2026 19:10:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak-kiwi-passenger-in-good-health-before-quarantine-in-australia/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak-kiwi-passenger-in-good-health-before-quarantine-in-australia/ The Kiwi exposed to the hantavirus outbreak is reportedly in “good health” and is expected to depart the Netherlands on a flight to Australia. The Australian Government said it was hopeful it would finalise plans to have six passengers, including the New Zealander, on the way to start quarantine in Australia within 48 hours, ABC reported. Australian Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the Australian passengers and the Kiwi are “all in good health” and in “relatively good spirits” despite what they have been through. This comes after three people died and at least six others were infected after a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship during its voyage around South America last month. Australian quarantine ABC said the passengers reportedly arrived in the Netherlands today about 10.30am NZT and will be medically assessed while in hotel quarantine. They will then be flown to the Royal Australian Air Force military air base in Perth. After this, they will be “transported immediately” to the nearby Bullsbrook quarantine centre. “These are complex arrangements given the distance between the Netherlands and Australia,” Butler said. The six passengers will be isolated at the facility for at least three weeks. Three people have died and at least six others appear to be infected after a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship. Photo / AFP Risk to New Zealand Ministry of Health New Zealand director of public health Dr Corina Grey said it was not aware, at this stage, of any people who may have been exposed to hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship who are in New Zealand. She said the risk to New Zealand from hantavirus remains low. While the disease can be severe, Grey said it is not easily transmissible from human to human and requires close, prolonged personal contact. Grey said the focus is on supporting the Kiwi passenger and protecting the public from any health threat. “There are systems that can be activated to ensure public health services are alerted if someone who has been exposed to hantavirus travels to New Zealand,” Grey said. She said the department was in regular contact with the affected New Zealander, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Grey said Health New Zealand’s public health services are well-positioned to support anyone returning to New Zealand after possible exposure to hantavirus. This includes the capacity to support a period of quarantine, if that is required. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, hantavirus is spread from several species of rodents in their urine, droppings and saliva. Photo / 123rf What is a hantavirus? The disease at the centre of the cruise ship outbreak is rare but deadly as it attacks people’s respiratory function. University of Otago professor of public health Michael Baker told the Herald that hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread to humans through rodents that can lead to serious illness and death. People become infected with hantavirus by inhaling dust that contains rat droppings and urine. Hantaviruses can cause the disorders haemorrhagic fever and respiratory syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The former makes up the majority of the world’s about 200,000 cases each year but has a low fatality rate, Baker said. The latter, commonly found in the Americas, is “very dangerous”, with about a third of the 100 people who contract the disease in Argentina annually dying. HPS begins with normal flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, fatigue and headaches, but after four to seven days, an abrupt transition to more severe symptoms occurs. Those are a cough, shortness of breath and hypoxia before the infected person’s lungs fill with fluid. Tue, 12 May 2026 08:58:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/drug-kingpin-madison-fraser-webb-pulled-family-into-syndicate-ubered-firearm-to-hamilton/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/drug-kingpin-madison-fraser-webb-pulled-family-into-syndicate-ubered-firearm-to-hamilton/ A kingpin of a Waikato-based drug syndicate involved in the large-scale distribution ofdrugs used fellow family members to help launder his ill-gotten gains, and even used Ubers to ferry drugs around. A month into their covert, Operation Hurricane, police estimated Madison Fraser-Webb had made $2 million in profit from the sale and supply of methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, oxycodone, cannabis, zopiclone, and codeine, in which money was laundered primarily through assets and cryptocurrency. Fraser-Webb, known as “Crypto”, and a co-defendant would regularly rent and move between Airbnb properties where they would sell drugs, while his family, including mother Ann Margaret Fraser, and sister Cheyanne Fraser, would then pay the rentals and other bills. Ann Fraser, 58, and Cheyanne Fraser, 31, acted as Fraser-Webb’s “bank”, storing the profits in their own bank accounts and giving him cash when required. At one point, the family treated themselves to a cruise and bought assets, including vehicles, for their efforts. Fraser-Webb’s primary school teacher aunt, Debbie Maree Readhead, stored $400,000 on his behalf, while another associate, Barbara Shadbolt, 63, helped sell and source drugs. Fraser-Webb also had an Auckland co-defendant Uber large amounts of cocaine, P, LSD, and MDMA to his various rental properties. On one occasion, a firearm was also sent down via Uber. Fraser-Webb and his family appeared in the Hamilton District Court today for sentencing on a variety of charges before Judge Glen Marshall. ‘Crypto’ and his Uber drug operation Police launched Operation Hurricane on January 1, 2024. The following month, and after receiving a threat from a member of the Head Hunter gang for 25% of a $2 million profit he had made, Fraser-Webb bought a pistol for $8000. It was then Ubered to his Hamilton house from Auckland. Upon receiving it, Fraser-Webb told his co-defendant he was “a bit scared to open the package” as the firearm was loaded. Family members created cryptocurrency accounts on Binance, KuCoin, Coinbase, and Easy Crypto on Fraser-Webb’s behalf. Text messages between the family showed he would instruct them to send money into specific accounts. Multiple “seed phrases” were found at his mother’s property, including login details for his rental property. Analysis found $70,175 was received from unknown sources, with $15,200 deposited into Ann Fraser’s account, while Cheyanne Fraser used a small portion to pay for his rent. Police searched his Prescott Place, Hamilton property on July 22, 2024, and found a laptop, various cellphones, two fake NZ driver’s licences, along with 236g of cannabis, 13 MDMA pills, packets of oxycodone, two small snaplock bags of meth, and other medication. Fraser-Webb supplied, or offered to supply, about 625.5g of meth, 156g of cocaine, 200g of MDMA, 1.307 litres of GBL, 16.42 ounces of cannabis, and unknown quantities of ketamine and oxycodone to others. Texts revealed he talked with a co-defendant about arranging to make 110,000 tabs of LSD, and went to another associate’s house to “wash” 1kg of meth for sale. Fraser-Webb also discussed selling “at least” 4kg of cocaine. When police terminated the operation and searched the homes of the defendants, they uncovered a raft of drugs, pills, firearm ammunition, drug utensils, a coffee cart trailer, and cash. As well as his key role in the crime syndicate, Fraser-Webb ordered various electronic devices from PB Technologies’ website between April and June 2024 using fake identities and credit cards he wasn’t the owner of, totalling $10,772.63. ‘It’s not a major meth-dealing operation’ Crown Solicitor Jacinda Hamilton said Fraser Webb was driven by financial gain and labelled it a large-scale, drug-dealing operation that saw him make $2m in profit. Fraser-Webb’s counsel, Bill Nabney, said while his client accepted his leading role in the operation, he disagreed with the Crown that 625g of meth was a lot. “With all due respect, it’s... Tue, 12 May 2026 08:48:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/xero-boss-responds-to-rod-drury-sexual-misconduct-allegations/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/xero-boss-responds-to-rod-drury-sexual-misconduct-allegations/ Xero’s CEO has responded to ongoing allegations swirling around the tech company’s founder, Sir Rod Drury, defending the firm’s workplace complaint and misconduct processes. Drury has been accused of sexual misconduct by several women in the last two months, with former staff member Ally Naylor coming forward with allegations of inappropriate touching in April. Xero chief executive Sukhinder Singh Cassidy has now issued a statement as the company faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of past complaints. “As Xero’s current CEO, I want to make my commitments and expectations clear. I joined Xero to be part of a company that strives for the highest standards for all our customers, employees and stakeholders.” The tech boss says the accounting software company has clear policies in place for dealing with sexual harassment or misconduct in the workplace. “Importantly and personally, I have deep empathy for anyone who has ever experienced this type of harassment”, she said. “I am proud of our workplace. Our current employees strongly recognise it as safe and inclusive, and we continue to work to make it even more so.” Rod Drury returned his New Zealander of the Year award last week as more women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. Photo / Mike Scott Naylor first raised Drury’s conduct to Xero in 2016, leading to an internal investigation in 2017 - the findings of which have not been publicly released. Singh Cassidy said external counsel Maria Dew, KC, had been appointed to review the company’s handling of the complaint because the board took these processes “extremely seriously”. She added that it was “the seriousness of the allegations that informed our approach to this matter”. “We are committed to learning what we can do to further improve our processes through this review. This is part of our commitment to creating the safest possible environment for our employees going forward.” As pressure continues to mount on Drury, the businessman has withdrawn from several public engagements, including his keynote speaker role at Electrify Queenstown at the end of the month. He also faced fresh allegations last week as tech chief executive Jenene Crossan claimed he had made unwanted sexualised comments to her at a purported business meeting. Drury has continued to deny the accusations despite returning his New Zealander of the Year Award on Friday. “While I completely reject the recent allegations about me, I do not want the current situation to undermine the integrity of the awards or place further pressure on a great organisation before the relevant investigations and proper processes have been completed.” After Naylor came forward, he claimed to have had a “limited and consensual relationship” with her, denying “any allegation of wrongdoing”. Tue, 12 May 2026 08:38:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/judith-collins-valedictory-speech-as-she-quits-parliament-after-24-years/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/judith-collins-valedictory-speech-as-she-quits-parliament-after-24-years/ Judith Collins is delivering her final speech to Parliament after 24 years. When her political career comes to an end this week, she believes it will be with a large degree of respect - in Parliament at least. “I’ve actually found if you survive long enough in this place, then you get a certain level of respect,” she told the Herald’s Audrey Young in the midst of packing up her office. Collins is leaving to become President of the Law Commission, after a concerted few years of rehabilitating her reputation, and says she is leaving on a high. “This has been my best term by far.” And she rates Christopher Luxon as the best boss she has had in Parliament. Sir John Key and Sir Bill English were very capable prime ministers, she said. “But Chris has actually given me my head.” Minister of Defence Judith Collins in July last year. Photo / File Luxon gave her two “dream jobs”, Attorney-General and Defence, among a myriad of other portfolios, including Space, Digitising Government, Science and Technology, and the Public Service. “He’s let me get on and do what I need to do. He’s given me the portfolios that I wanted. “And I’ve been able to make a difference with him, and he’s backed me to do that.” She said she was one of the few politicians who had never studied politics. “I’ve just lived it and practised it, so from my point of view, you work out what the place is and how to get things done.” Tue, 12 May 2026 05:33:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/crime/wellington-rape-trial-husband-claims-wife-initiated-sex/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/crime/wellington-rape-trial-husband-claims-wife-initiated-sex/ Warning: This story includes details of alleged sexual offending and may offend some readers. A man accused of raping his wife of 17 years denies the charges, claiming she instigated the sex. But the case is so divisive, the two can’t even agree on whether they were supposed to share a bed on the night he’s accused of raping her twice. He says he went to their bed as usual, unaware he wasn’t welcome. She says he took advantage while she was drowsy from her sleeping medication, leaving the living room where she believed he was sleeping and climbing onto the bed in the master bedroom. The next morning, they had sex again. “I awoke to him on top of me again. I just let him do what he wanted to do, and afterwards he said, ‘That‘s all you need is more sex,‘” she earlier testified during a trial in the Wellington District Court. The man, who has name suppression, is facing three charges of rape, two charges of threatening to kill, and one charge of assault on a person in a family relationship. During the judge-alone trial, which is now in its second week, the court has heard conflicting evidence. The man, maintains it was his wife who initiated the sex that night and again in the morning. He says that after sex, they both fell asleep. He awoke, relieved because they’d been intimate after weeks of tension, including talk of couples counselling to try to salvage their marriage. “I said if we keep doing this, we’ll be okay,” he recalls telling his wife. But he also told the court during the conversation that his wife had told him the sex the night before “was nice for those who wanted it.” The man told the court the comment frightened him, because it wasn’t consistent with what had happened. But having made it, he says, it was his wife who then initiated sex in the morning. The woman says the marriage was unhappy, coercive, and controlling from the get-go. He says it was a loving, mutual marriage, where they supported each other’s endeavours, until the last few years when her mental health deteriorated. He denies ever raping, assaulting, sexually violating or threatening to kill his then-wife. “Have you ever had sex with her against her will at all?” his lawyer Lucie Scott asked. “No,” he replied. To support his case, he’s provided hundreds of messages the pair exchanged on various forums, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and email. She told the court that the regular communication was to assess and manage his moods. He says it was just part of a normal, loving relationship. We’ve weathered some nightmares in our 17 years together; this is by far the worst, but I don’t want to give up on it, one of his messages said. You did get angry regularly, didn’t you? But the Crown suggests the man wasn’t as supportive as he’s claimed, and the wife’s account is the truthful one. At one stage, she’d messaged her husband saying, “I’m tired of worrying when you’ll next get angry.” “And that’s because you did get angry regularly, didn’t you?” Crown prosecutor Anselm Williams suggested, something the man denied. Williams also asked about the sex in the master bedroom. The man told the court his wife had initially agreed to spend the night away from the house, but instead ended up sleeping in their bed. It was the first night they’d spent together in weeks, and the evening had gone really well, he said. Because of the way events had unfolded that evening, he said, he felt comfortable getting into bed with her, after which she had initiated sex. After that, they fell asleep, with the man admitting that he woke in the morning feeling good. “I felt loved,” he said. In response to questions by Williams, he agreed that his wife’s comment had frightened him, because it suggested his wife hadn’t consented to sex. But he believed she had consented, telling the court he wouldn’t have had sex with his wife if she didn’t want it. Asked by Williams why he had sex the next morning, when his wife had suggested she hadn’t consented the night before, he said his... Tue, 12 May 2026 04:22:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/hamilton-east-homicide-victims-name-suppression-lifted-as-defendant-s-name-remains-secret/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/hamilton-east-homicide-victims-name-suppression-lifted-as-defendant-s-name-remains-secret/ Name suppression for the victims of a Hamilton homicide has lapsed, while secrecy remains for their alleged attacker. Wave Kairau and Charlie Tate were allegedly murdered by a 34-year-old Waikato man in their York St, Hamilton East home on April 2. NZME understands that after the alleged attack, the defendant went home before taking himself to Waikato Hospital for treatment after suffering injuries to his hands. It was while he was at Waikato Hospital that police were alerted to the circumstances and subsequently sent to York St. The 34-year-old is now facing two charges of murder. His case was called in the High Court at Hamilton this morning before Justice Michele Wilkinson-Smith. Police forensic teams at York St on April 3. Photo / Belinda Feek The defendant did not appear and is on remand in a mental health facility. He was instead represented by his counsel, Melissa James, during the short hearing. Crown prosecutor Jacinda Hamilton said name suppression for the victims was no longer being sought by the whānau, many of whom were in court this morning. However, defence counsel Melissa James said she had filed an application for name suppression and successfully asked for it to continue until further Section 38 mental health reports can be obtained. Hamilton didn’t oppose the interim application and said insanity would be a key focus of the trial, which is set down for November next year. A reserve trial date has also been set for April 5, 2027. Justice Wilkinson-Smith lifted the victims’ suppression and remanded the case to be recalled next week. ‘This was an isolated incident’ Previously, Waikato police Detective Inspector Stephen Ambler provided reassurance for those living in the area. “Police would like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matter.” Belinda Feek is an Open Justice reporter based in Waikato. She has worked at NZME for 11 years and has been a journalist for 22. Tue, 12 May 2026 04:09:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/wellington-phoenix-forward-pia-vlok-ready-for-a-league-grand-final-in-breakout-season/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/wellington-phoenix-forward-pia-vlok-ready-for-a-league-grand-final-in-breakout-season/ Pia Vlok’s breakout season has helped to carry the Wellington Phoenix into the A-League Women’s grand final, but the teenager plans to keep a cool head going into the biggest game of the year. The forward has scored six goals for the Nix in her first season with the team, set up the goal which drew them level in their semi-final tie against the Brisbane Roar, earned her first call-up and scored her first goal for the Football Ferns, and has been nominated for the A-League women’s best young player award. Despite all the success she’s seen in her short career, Vlok says she has managed to stay focused on what she needs to do to perform for the team. “I think I’m dealing with it pretty well,” she said. “I enjoy the compliments and stuff, but don’t get too excited and then just keep going and always want to do more and contribute.” The 17-year-old praised her teammates for helping her with the attention she’s had and keeping everything pointed towards lifting some silverware at the end of the season. Pia Vlok helped set up Makala Woods for her first goal against the Brisbane Roar in the Phoenix's second leg of their semi-final. Photo / Photosport “I think everyone’s pretty grounded and, for me, having some really experienced players to ask for guidance and stuff has been really helpful. “So yeah, just getting around each other and helping each other out has really got us to where we are.” Vlok suffered an ankle injury against Fiji during the Football Ferns World Cup Qualifier on April 10 and was in a race to be fit for the Nix’s semi-final first leg where she came on as a substitute. “I did not think I would come on in that first leg, so even just to get on was great and the physios and everyone’s doing such a good job. “I’m feeling good and ready for the upcoming game.” Nearly 6000 people packed in to Porirua Park to watch Makala Woods score a 102nd-minute goal which sent the New Zealand side into its first Grand Final. The Nix will play Melbourne City at AAMI Park on May 16 after the Australian side beat cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory 2-0 on aggregate in their semi-final. Tue, 12 May 2026 03:47:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/dame-jacinda-ardern-skips-ockham-book-awards-for-australia-tour/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/dame-jacinda-ardern-skips-ockham-book-awards-for-australia-tour/ Dame Jacinda Ardern will be missing the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards ahead of scheduled promotional appearances in Australia for her new book for teenagers. The former Prime Minister’s book A Different Kind of Power is nominated for the nonfiction award, but she will not be in attendance at the prestigious event on Wednesday night. She is guaranteed to win a $3000 cash prize as the only debut author on the shortlist, netting her best first book of nonfiction. In his newsletter Reading Room, journalist Steve Branuias said he had received confirmation from the book award organisers that Ardern had prior commitments. “Regrettably, Dame Jacinda Ardern is unable to attend the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards ceremony due to her attending an event in Australia about the release of her guide for teens, titled What If You Could, which was confirmed prior to A Different Kind of Power’s Ockham’s shortlisting.” Braunias notes that Ardern’s memoir was longlisted for the award on January 29, while the ceremony date had been public since August last year. A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir, by Dame Jacinda Ardern, was released in June last year. Photo / NZME The Ockham awards declined to make comment when approached by the Herald. The 45-year-old former Prime Minister moved to Sydney with her family earlier in the year, telling the Sydney Morning Herald she valued the proximity to her home country. She was scheduled to promote A Different Kind of Power at the Melbourne Writers Festival over the weekend before returning to New Zealand for the Auckland Writers Festival on Sunday. There, Ardern will share the stage with Noelle McCarthy to discuss her memoir and time in politics. Last year, Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku (Te Arawa, Tūhoe, Ngāpuhi, Waikato) took home the non-fiction award for her memoir Hine Toa: A Story of Bravery. Ardern faces off against three other finalists for the 2026 prize, Tina Makeriti’s This Compulsion in Us, Peta Carey’s The Hollows Boys: A Story of Three Brothers & the Fiordland Deer Recovery Era and Naomi Arnold’s Northbound: Four Seasons of Solitude on Te Araroa. The winner will be announced tomorrow night at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in Auckland’s Aotea Centre. Tue, 12 May 2026 03:42:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/auckland-fc-guillermo-may-ruled-out-for-season-with-syndesmosis-injury/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/auckland-fc-guillermo-may-ruled-out-for-season-with-syndesmosis-injury/ If Auckland FC are to win their maiden A-League title, they will need to do it without star striker Guillermo May. Coach Steve Corica confirmed the Uruguayan will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a syndesmosis injury during Saturday night’s 1-1 first-leg semi-final draw with Adelaide United. There had initially been hope the injury was not serious, but scans revealed significant ligament damage, with Corica admitting surgery is now a possibility. “He’s done his ligaments in that, so could need an operation,” Corica said. “Probably be 10 to 12 weeks.” The setback could mean the 28-year-old has already played his final game for Auckland FC, with May off contract at the end of the campaign. However, the forward recently indicated he would like to remain with the club. May featured in 26 matches this season, scoring six goals and registering four assists. During Auckland’s inaugural campaign last year, he was named the club’s most valuable player. Corica also confirmed midfielders Felipe Gallegos and Jake Brimmer will miss Friday night’s second leg in Adelaide as they continue recovering from hamstring injuries, though both could return if Auckland progress to next weekend’s grand final. Defender Callan Elliot was absent from training on Tuesday after rolling his ankle, while Francis de Vries is expected to be on limited minutes after recently returning from a hamstring injury. “It’s a bonus for us to have him back, coming off the bench,” Corica said. “With Callan also with his ankle a little bit sore, gives us options to change and bring fresh players on and obviously a quality player that he is as well. “We don’t know whether we might go to 120 minutes so it’s tough for him to start at the moment.” Corica said his side are embracing the pressure as they chase a historic first grand final appearance. Auckland were in a similar position last season before a costly second-half collapse against the Melbourne Victory ended their finals run, despite entering the match as favourites. “We prepare for every game much the same,” Corica said. “It’s a big game, of course, but last season the only thing we did wrong is we conceded two goals in five minutes. “We can’t afford to do that, we can’t afford to concede at all. If we can keep a clean sheet, I think we’ve got a very good chance of going into the grand final. “For us, it’s more about what we set out our goals at the start of the season [which] is to win the grand final and we’re almost there.” If the aggregate score is level after Friday’s second leg, the semi-final will head to extra time and, if necessary, penalties. Auckland can draw confidence from their elimination final victory over Melbourne City, where they advanced via a penalty shootout. In the other semi-final, Newcastle Jets FC and Sydney FC shared a 1-1 draw in their opening leg. Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news. Tue, 12 May 2026 03:22:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/flaxmere-supermarket-alcohol-licence-fight-goes-to-hastings-hearing/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/flaxmere-supermarket-alcohol-licence-fight-goes-to-hastings-hearing/ Police and Health New Zealand are opposing an application by a new Woolworths supermarket in Flaxmere for an off-licence to sell alcohol. However, the supermarket giant has the backing of prominent anti-alcohol campaigner and Flaxmere Ward councillor Henare O’Keefe, who says supermarket shoppers need to take responsibility for what’s in their own trolleys. General Distributors (GD) was granted consent to build the $25 million 3460sq m supermarket last year and it’s due to open in July. In February, the company applied to the Hastings District Council for an off-licence to sell alcohol in the store. It was opposed by the council’s licensing inspector and one member of the public, along with police and the Medical Officer of Health Dr Michael Radford. A hearing before the District Licensing Committee is to be held on Thursday. David Power, Hawke’s Bay Police alcohol harm prevention officer, said the application does not take into account Flaxmere is “a high deprivation community vulnerable to alcohol related harm”. Radford said the primary reason for Health New Zealand’s opposition to granting the off-licence was the positioning of the sale of alcohol aisle. Health New Zealand’s primary opposition to granting the off-licence is the positioning of alcohol aisle at the front of the store, but the company says it's far better than having it tucked away at the rear of the building. The alcohol is in “Aisle 1 adjacent to self-checkout, creating a thoroughfare effect, between the main body of the premises and the points of sale and is readily accessible and creates a dwell zone effect (queuing at self-checkout alongside the alcohol aisle), leading to routine and repeated exposure for shoppers, including children”. He said he did not allege “poor character or a lack of corporate systems” but was concerned that the application for the site was generic and not designed for a “highly vulnerable locality”. In a Right of Reply provided to the committee before the hearing, General Distributors said the supermarket had been carefully designed for the community and its aspirations for investment and revitalisation of the town centre. “Woolworths is incredibly proud to be part of this work.” General Distributors disputed the positioning of the alcohol aisle, saying it was “clearly not the most direct pedestrian route for shoppers entering the store or moving between the main body of the premises and the points of sale and does not create a ‘thoroughfare’.” They said it was in a highly visible position where staff would be close by regularly on their shifts, and it was much better than tucking it away at the rear of the shop. They said the cost of being forced to move it would be $2.5 million to $5 million. O’Keefe said the Woolworths would be far more than just a place to buy alcohol. “The community has already embraced Woolworths. Our people are lining up for jobs, it will be a place where you go to shop for kai and see your friends and family working.” He said Flaxmere desperately needed a supermarket and people needed to take responsibility for what they spent their money on. Flaxmere ward councillor Henare O'Keefe says the suburb of Hastings desperately needs the Woolworths Flaxmere supermarket. Photo / NZME It’s a turnaround for the councillor, well known for his anti alcohol views. In 2019, O’Keefe opposed a successful bid by the owners of the Flaxmere Liquor store to renew their licence. He was later ordered by the court to pay the liquor store owner costs of $8000. He said supermarkets were different from liquor stores. “The only reason people visit liquor stores is to buy alcohol. Not so in a supermarket.” O’Keefe said a lot of “grinding work” had gone into getting the Woolworths Flaxmere supermarket off the ground. “I love our people, but it’s time to take personal responsibility. If you are going to partake in alcohol, do it in a way that doesn’t affect your family or your work.” He said people needed to have patience and to... Tue, 12 May 2026 03:02:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/weather-auckland-cold-snap-to-bring-lowest-temperatures-since-september/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/weather-auckland-cold-snap-to-bring-lowest-temperatures-since-september/ Auckland is in for its first cold snap of the year with single-digit temperatures forecast for the next week, making the city feel its chilliest since early spring. The City of Sails is in for temperatures as low as 7C, with temperatures under 10C expected to stick around for eight consecutive days. A MetService meteorologist told the Herald cool air is being pushed over the region. “There’s a high-pressure system alongside clear, mostly cloudless days trapping colder air in, causing the temperatures to drop. “It means it’ll be the coldest the city has felt since September last year.” The forecast daily maximum for Auckland was 18C and the minimum was 7C, with fine skies predicted for the rest of the week and into the start of the next one. MetService said with winter three weeks away such conditions weren’t out of the norm, but there would be a “big difference” between day and night temperatures. “There will be warmer temperatures around 17C and 18C in the afternoon, which will make it feel warmer during the day. “As soon as that sun sets, it’ll feel pretty cold. There’ll be a big difference between night and day.” It’s not just Auckland bracing for chillier weather. MetService said some parts of the country would struggle to see double digits at all this coming week, with Alexandra and Twizel’s maximum forecast 9C for the weekend. Frost was expected in areas such as Central Otago, the Southern Lakes district, Southland, Taihape and Taumarunui. MetService rain radar shows little to no rain for most of the country from Wednesday. Photo / MetService Earth Sciences meteorologists have predicted an earlier-than-usual El Nino weather pattern to bring “quite striking” drier and cooler conditions heading into winter. According to a seasonal climate outlook from Earth Sciences (formerly Niwa), the long-term average temperatures across New Zealand are expected to be below average. Principal meteorologist Chris Brandolino told the Herald the cooler-than-average dry spells were “quite striking” and will replace humid and wet La Nina systems. “A rapid transition from La Nina to El Nino ... is on its way, which has an unusual whiplash effect when it goes from one driver to the next.” He said La Nina and El Nino acted as “climate drivers” of the overall theme of weather, with the former tending to produce warmer, humid days and the latter cooler winds that tended to drive drier, colder weather. It follows a weekend of heavy downpours in the south where six people were rescued after becoming trapped in floodwaters in Marlborough. Flood debris and road damage caused the closure of State Highway 6 near Havelock on Friday night, while SH60 near Tākaka also closed because of flooding. Tue, 12 May 2026 02:54:19 Z