The Mayor of Lower Hutt is encouraging people to check on their neighbours in the wake of major flooding today.

About 25 homes were evacuated in Stokes Valley.

Ken Laban said most of those evacuated had been placed with family or friends, with their welfare team working to place the remaining couple.

“Our greatest priority at the moment obviously, is the our residents making sure they’re all safe and in particular the ones who live in vulnerable situations – that are potentially living in isolated areas at the top end of George Street in Stokes Valley, a lot of our elderly who live alone.”

He encouraged residents, neighbours and families to also check on people and make sure they were ok.

Earlier, Lower Hutt deputy mayor Keri Brown is urging people to leave their homes if they see rising, unsafe waters, as there is more heavy rain forecast tonight.

The Wellington region is under a MetService orange heavy rain warning until 1am Sunday.

Brown says Lower Hutt could be in for more intense localised rain, after flash flooding in Stokes Valley this morning.

“We are asking people that they prepare if they see rising waters to leave without official warning.”

She says teams are monitoring the Hutt River, Waiwhetu Stream, and Black Creek in Wainuiomata – which all have the potential to flood.

Earlier, Wellington’s regional emergency management office says more severe weather is expected in the area this afternoon.

An Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in force for the Tararua Range, Kapiti Coast and Wellington until 2am Sunday.

Twenty-six homes in Stokes Valley and Porirua have been evacuated today.

State Highway 58 Pāuatahanui to Haywards and State Highway 59 Paremata to Plimmerton are closed, as is the nortbound sections of State Highway 2 Belmont to Haywards interchange. Eastern Hutt Road and Paekakariki Hill Road are also shut.

Authorities are asking people to stay off roads unless absolutely neccessary.

They say residents should not wait for official warnings, and to move to higher ground if they see rising water.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker told RNZ it has been far worse than Cyclone Vaianu that hit the North Island last weekend.

Follow reports live below:

Warnings issued

These severe thunderstorms were moving towards the southeast, and were expected to lie near Wellington, offshore Mana Island, Porirua, Paekākāriki and Pukerua bay at 9.00 am and near Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua and Wainuiomata at 9.30am.

Additional heavy rain watches and a strong wind watch are also in place as a complex trough moves over the North Island, bringing further periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds.

A heavy rain watch covers the Tararua Range, the Kāpiti Coast and parts of Wellington north of the harbour from 6am Saturday until 2am Sunday, with periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms.

Further north, a heavy rain watch is in place for northern and eastern parts of Northland north of Whangārei from 9pm Saturday to 5am Sunday, where localised downpours may approach warning levels.

In the South Island, the Richmond and Bryant Ranges and parts of Tasman District northwest of Motueka are under heavy rain watches from 6am to 3pm Saturday.

A strong wind watch has also been issued for Wellington from 6am to 11am Saturday, with northerly winds that may approach severe gale strength in exposed places.

The National Emergency Management Agency advises that as storms approach you should:

• Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
• Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
• Get back to land, if outdoors on the water;
• Move cars under cover or away from trees;
• Secure any loose objects around your property;
• Check that drains and gutters are clear;
• Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
• During and after the storm, you should also:
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines;
• Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.

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

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has admitted that the costs of running the government’s fast-track process are ”well in excess” of what it expected.

The agency was granted a $10 million Crown loan for the set-up costs associated with running the process.

The loan term was for five years and the EPA had said it would need 50 applications a year until 2029 for it to pay the loan back.

A Select Committee review of the EPA reveals that, between December 2024 and December 2025, 49 applications were lodged.

The report said that ongoing operational costs were recovered by charging applicants a levy and application fee.

”The intention is for the regime to be cost-neutral, so that operational costs are entirely recovered from applicants. Applicants cover actual and reasonable costs incurred by government agencies, local authorities, panel conveners, and expert panels.”

The EPA told Select Committee members that that operational costs were “well in excess of what we first modelled”.

“‘The EPA said that, initially, costs incurred by agencies, local authorities, and expert panels for each application were projected to be around $250,000, whereas now it estimates some applications to incur costs of more than $500,000.”

Some Select Commitee members had heard that some councils felt unable to pass the application fee on to applicants.

“Consequently, councils have absorbed some of the costs. The EPA commented that it has seen councils taking time to adapt to the fast-track regime, and that they are often still approaching applications as if they were under the Resource Management Act 1991,” the report said.

“The EPA told us it has had “reasonably tense” conversations with some councils encouraging them to pass costs on.”

The EPA was approached for comment.

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

The Chiefs have claimed a thrilling extra-time 22-17 Super Rugby Pacific victory over the Hurricanes in Hamilton.

With the scores locked at 17-all at fulltime, Super Point was introduced with the team first to score during a scheduled 10 minutes declared the winner. If the scores were still tied after the 10 minutes, it would have been declared a draw.

But Wallace Sititi reclaimed a charged-down drop-kick at goal by Damian McKenzie to score in the fifth minute of extra time.

It was a great moment for the Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson, who was playing his 100th Super Rugby match.

The Chiefs have now won seven from nine matches and head off the Hurricanes at the top of the table by one point, though the Wellington side have a game in hand.

What made the Chiefs’ win even more meritorious was that they had to make three changes to their named side, with Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, and Rueben O’Neill were all ruled out.

The Hurricanes had looked to have the better of the match, leading 17-10 in the 72nd minute when the Chiefs scored a try from nowhere, with Leroy Carter launching a scintillating burst from deep inside their own territory, with a brilliant offload putting Luke Sinkinson in the clear.

See how the game unfolded here:

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

A loose wheel upended Matt Payne’s chance of victory in Supercars race 11, but he proved dominant in race 12.

The Auckland driver won by 11.6 seconds from Broc Feeney, with James Golding third.

It was 23-year-old Payne’s third win in Supercars events in New Zealand, after two wins in Taupō last year.

Compatriot Ryan Wood, who finished third in race 11, followed up with a fourth place in the next race, just missing out on a fifth straight podium appearance.

Brodie Kostecki, who won race 11, was fifth.

Payne was in contention for victory in race 11, but a mistake by his team in the pits saw a wheel come loose.

Kostecki’s lead over Broc Feeney in the overall championship narrowed to 61 points, with Payne 73 points back in third, with Wood breathing down his neck, eight points back.

Wood has a 33 point lead in the battle for the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, which commemorates a talented Kiwi racing driver. The final race for the trophy, which is awarded on the basis of points from the Taupō and Christchurch, is over 200km at Ruapuna on Sunday.

That race begins at 3.05pm.

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

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 April 2026 – VinFast today announced the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on strategic cooperation with 14 e-scooter distributors in the Philippines. The agreements demonstrate VinFast’s ability to rapidly scale its retail network, while further affirming its long-term commitment to advancing green mobility and building a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem in the Philippines.

To support its planned product launch in June 2026, VinFast has continued to partner with leading motorcycle distributors in the Philippines, including Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation; Gentrade International Phils., Inc. (Transcycle); Superbikes Corporation; Motoxpress Sales Corporation; FMN Industrial Corp.; Eduhome Enterprise, Inc.; Keymotors Incorporated; Motorpro by Abenson Ventures Inc. and Aserco; Moto Atelier Inc.; Ciclo Suerte; HG Motorzone; HGC Main Marketing (Motorboy); BLC Cycle Parts Supply; and Auto Ten Trade & Services Corp. Similar to the partners signed in January 2026, these partners have extensive networks, demonstrate strong operational capabilities, and possess longstanding experience in the motorcycle business, alongside a clear orientation toward the green transition.

VinFast and its partners will collaborate to rapidly roll out a showroom network across the market, with many outlets expected to be launched in parallel at the time of product introduction, laying the foundation for accelerated expansion of nationwide sales and after-sales services. The showrooms will be developed in high-demand areas with strong potential for green transition such as Metro Manila, Metro Davao, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Metro Cebu, Bulacan, and other major urban provinces, and will adhere to VinFast’s global standards for operations and brand identity.

In the initial phase, the network will distribute a portfolio of swappable-battery e-scooters, including Evo, Feliz II, Viper, and other models expected to be launched in the near future, alongside upcoming models that will be further adapted to local infrastructure conditions and consumer usage patterns in the Philippines.

The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s largest motorcycle markets, characterized by strong demand for personal mobility and rapid urbanization. Amid fuel price volatility and a growing shift toward sustainable solutions, e-scooters are emerging as a promising pathway, particularly when supported by an integrated ecosystem.

VinFast is pioneering the development of a comprehensive e-scooter ecosystem in the Philippines, encompassing dealer networks, after-sales services, financing solutions, and energy infrastructure. Notably, the company aims to deploy approximately 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide in the near term, in collaboration with infrastructure partners, to deliver a convenient and flexible user experience.

Earlier in 2026, VinFast announced plans to expand its e-scooter business across five key international markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, as part of its global strategy to scale a green mobility ecosystem.

Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, said: “Our partnerships with 14 major dealers in the Philippines mark an important step in rapidly establishing a strong distribution and service foundation from the outset. We are not only introducing products tailored to local needs, but also developing an integrated ecosystem, from battery-swapping infrastructure to after-sales services, enabling consumers to access and adopt e-scooters in a convenient, efficient, and sustainable manner.”

In recent years, VinFast has steadily built its presence across key Southeast Asian markets, including the Philippines, through a diverse electric vehicle portfolio and strategic partnerships in infrastructure and services. The expansion into e-scooters further completes its green mobility ecosystem in the market and the region, while providing consumers with more flexible options in the transition to sustainable transportation.

Hashtag: #VinFast

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

China says it has lodged a serious complaint over the New Zealand Air Force’s alleged repeated harassment near its airspace, which the Defence Force denies.

Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guo Jiakun said that a P-8A anti-submarine patrol aircraft of the New Zealand Air Force recently conducted repeated close-in reconnaissance and harassment in the airspace over the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.

“The action undermined China’s security interests, increased risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation, and gravely disrupted the order of civil aviation in relevant airspace,” said Guo Jiakun.

“China has responded in a resolute manner and lodged serious protests with New Zealand.”

Guo Jiakun said China urged New Zealand to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, respect China’s sovereignty and security concerns and maintain the safety and order of civil aviation.

China’s Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, said such malicious acts by New Zealand harmed China’s sovereignty and security, gravely disrupted the order of civil aviation in relevant airspace, and may easily trigger maritime and aerial incidents.

“We urge the New Zealand side to impose stricter discipline and supervision over its frontline forces, immediately stop irresponsible acts that harass and jeopardise civil aviation safety.”

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Defence Force said New Zealand’s P-8A maritime patrol aircraft has been undertaking activities that monitor North Korean sanctions evasions at sea in North Asia under UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesperson said New Zealand has contributed to UN sanctions monitoring since 2018.

“These activities are not directed at China but rather aim to monitor evasions of United Nations sanctions on North Korea, which do occur in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.”

The spokesperson said the New Zealand Defence Force crew operated professionally and in accordance with international law and civil aviation procedures for the region.

“NZDF has reviewed the routes flown and all available information. We have no data which indicates they disrupted civil aviation.”

The Defence Force said New Zealand takes an open and transparent approach to these operations.

“As part of this, there has been dialogue between New Zealand and Chinese officials, and we have made it clear that this is a longstanding deployment enforcing UN-mandated sanctions on North Korea.”

The spokesperson said NZDF won’t be commenting further on the specifics of those discussions, or on the details of the operations.

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

The highly-fancied Stars have been brought back to earth by the Southern Steel in round two of netball’s ANZ Premiership with a deflating 69-60 loss in Invercargill.

A massive 21-7 second quarter blitz by the Steel left the Stars shell-shocked and was described as “unacceptable” by Stars coach Temepara Bailey given the calibre of players in her line-up.

The Stars recruited aggressively in the off-season, leading many to believe they are serious contenders this year.

The Stars opened their campaign with an impressive win over the Mystics a week before, while the Steel were held to the lowest score and biggest loss of the opening round with their 42-55 defeat to the Tactix.

The Southerners clearly wanted to make amends for that under-par performance but it took them a while to get started.

Stars’ shooters Amelia Walmsey and Martina Salmon, both Silver Ferns, had it all their own way in the opening quarter and were fed brilliantly by Claire O’Brien. The attacking trio moved to the Stars for 2026.

The visitors led 19-15 after the first quarter but when Steel goal keeper Carys Stythe came to life, it seemed to have a ripple affect on the rest of the team.

A fascinating battle between two Silver Ferns then played out across the game.

Stythe started winning ball and forced Walmsley into a held ball on her shot, which led to the Stars coach swapping Salmon into the goal shoot position.

Walmsley went back into goal shoot after half-time but Stythe kept applying pressure on her Silver Ferns team-mate and hesitation crept into her game.

Walmsley was no slouch, finishing the game with 48 goals at 92 percent accuracy.

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua would have been happy to see the two bookends push each other.

In the absence of some of the country’s top netballers to the Australian league, it’s incumbent on the Silver Ferns that remain in New Zealand to keep driving standards and challenging each other.

When the Steel got level with the Stars, the visitors responded with a time-out and made some defensive changes.

A few minutes later Stars defender Lili Tokaduadua had to be helped off the court with what looked like a knee or ankle injury as a result of an awkward landing.

Steel shooter Georgia Heffernan nailed a two-point shot on the buzzer to give her side a 36-26 half-time lead.

The Stars managed to win the third quarter by two, despite having to play with just six players at one point. Captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan was suspended for two minutes for dangerous play when she got under the landing space of Serina Daunakamakama.

Walmsley and Salmon started to find a bit more space but Stythe and goal defence Jess Milne kept them in check and forced held balls.

The Steel led 52-44 going into the final quarter and the Stars threatened to mow them down courtesy of the super shot but it wasn’t enough to close the gap on a composed Steel side.

Stythe finished with MVP honours, while Dunn made amends in a big way for a quiet first round by putting up 54 goals at 96 percent.

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

New Zealand boxer Lani Daniels has claimed three world titles with a TKO victory over Shadasia Green, but triumph turned to concern after her opponent was stretchered out of Madison Square Garden in New York.

Green was taken to hospital soon after the bout finished in the ninth round with the referee stepping in after Daniels unleashed a flurry of punches on Green, the defending IBF and WBO super middleweight champion. Ring Magazine’s belt was also on the line in the bout.

Daniels raised her gloves in triumph when the referee ended the fight, but she stopped celebrating as concern mounted over Green’s condition.

The American had looked unsteady on her feet at the end of the eighth round, and had little defence against Daniels in the night.

The broadcasting team commentating on the fight told viewers later that Green was conscious and recovering.

The result was a huge upset.

Daniels, who is coached by former world champion Daniella Smith, had lost her last two bouts by unanimous decision, while Green had won her previous three bouts.

Daniels, whose hometown is Pipiwai in Northland, has now won world titles in three different divisions – having formerly taken the IBF heavyweight and lightweight crowns, and now the three-belt super middleweight titles.

Last year she fell short in her bid to become the undisputed world heavyweight champion, when she was beaten by Claressa Shields by unanimous decision in Detroit.

But now she is the unified super middleweight champion.

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

An 18-year-old Taupō rider was arrested and had his dirt bike seized after speeding in residential areas and public roads.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Yardley said police had been targeting the use of off-road motorcycles on local roads.

“We’ve had numerous complaints about dirt bikes speeding in residential areas and on public roads where they’re quite simply not permitted.

He said it was multiple complaints from the public that let them to carry out several searches.

“This behaviour puts riders, pedestrians and other road users at risk.

“We will continue to take action where off-road motorcycles are illegally used on public roads.”

Yardley said while most riders were doing the right thing, it was a few that were putting themselves and others at risk.

“Riding motorcycles that are not road-legal, on public roads, is illegal and will not be tolerated.”

The man is set to appear in Taupō District Court on 26 May, on multiple charges including offending related to dangerous and unlawful riding.

Police said more arrests are likely as enquiries continue.

They said people who reported dangerous riding have been “instrumental” and encouraged the public to contact police if they see dangerous motorcycle riding.

Police should be contacted on 111 if there is an immediate risk and any non-urgent information via 105, either by phone or online.

Relevant photos, footage, CCTV or dashcam footage are also encouraged.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, using reference number 260413/2316.

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

Forecasted rain and an unstable slip has closed State Highway 2 through Waioweka Gorge.

The Bay of Plenty, East of Whakatāne River, is under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning from 3am Sunday through to 4pm.

The Transport Agency said it will remain closed until after that weather as the Goldsmith Slip is not fully cleared.

It will likely reopen Sunday evening after the weather has passed and the road has been inspected.

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

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action, as the Hurricanes take on the Chiefs at FMG Stadium.

After dispatching the Blues 42-19 in Wellington, the competition leaders head to Hamilton for another top-of-the-table clash.

“We were pretty proud of our performance [against the Blues],” Hurricanes midfielder Billy Proctor said.

”We’re happy in a lot of areas, and happy that we did what we talked about and took the opportunities that we thought were going to be there.”

Meanwhile, the Chiefs crushed Moana Pasifika last round to leapfrog the Blues to second in the standings, three points behind the Hurricanes, who have a game in hand.

Kickoff is 7.05pm.

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

AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for April 18, 2026 – Full Text

China says it has lodged a serious complaint over the New Zealand Air Force’s alleged repeated harassment near its airspace, which the Defence Force denies.

Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guo Jiakun said that a P-8A anti-submarine patrol aircraft of the New Zealand Air Force recently conducted repeated close-in reconnaissance and harassment in the airspace over the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.

“The action undermined China’s security interests, increased risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation, and gravely disrupted the order of civil aviation in relevant airspace,” said Guo Jiakun.

“China has responded in a resolute manner and lodged serious protests with New Zealand.”

Guo Jiakun said China urged New Zealand to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, respect China’s sovereignty and security concerns and maintain the safety and order of civil aviation.

China’s Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, said such malicious acts by New Zealand harmed China’s sovereignty and security, gravely disrupted the order of civil aviation in relevant airspace, and may easily trigger maritime and aerial incidents.

“We urge the New Zealand side to impose stricter discipline and supervision over its frontline forces, immediately stop irresponsible acts that harass and jeopardise civil aviation safety.”

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Defence Force said New Zealand’s P-8A maritime patrol aircraft has been undertaking activities that monitor North Korean sanctions evasions at sea in North Asia under UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesperson said New Zealand has contributed to UN sanctions monitoring since 2018.

“These activities are not directed at China but rather aim to monitor evasions of United Nations sanctions on North Korea, which do occur in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.”

The spokesperson said the New Zealand Defence Force crew operated professionally and in accordance with international law and civil aviation procedures for the region.

“NZDF has reviewed the routes flown and all available information. We have no data which indicates they disrupted civil aviation.”

The Defence Force said New Zealand takes an open and transparent approach to these operations.

“As part of this, there has been dialogue between New Zealand and Chinese officials, and we have made it clear that this is a longstanding deployment enforcing UN-mandated sanctions on North Korea.”

The spokesperson said NZDF won’t be commenting further on the specifics of those discussions, or on the details of the operations.

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

China says it has lodged a serious complaint over the New Zealand Air-force’s repeated harassment near its airspace.

Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guo Jiakun said that a P-8A anti-submarine patrol aircraft of the New Zealand Air Force recently conducted repeated close-in reconnaissance and harassment in the airspace over the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.

“The action undermined China’s security interests, increased risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation, and gravely disrupted the order of civil aviation in relevant airspace,” said Guo Jiakun.

“China has responded in a resolute manner and lodged serious protests with New Zealand.”

Guo Jiakun said China urged New Zealand to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, respect China’s sovereignty and security concerns and maintain the safety and order of civil aviation.

China’s Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, said such malicious acts by New Zealand harmed China’s sovereignty and security, gravely disrupted the order of civil aviation in relevant airspace, and may easily trigger maritime and aerial incidents.

“We urge the New Zealand side to impose stricter discipline and supervision over its frontline forces, immediately stop irresponsible acts that harass and jeopardise civil aviation safety.”

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Defence Force said New Zealand’s P-8A maritime patrol aircraft has been undertaking activities that monitor North Korean sanctions evasions at sea in North Asia under UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesperson said New Zealand has contributed to UN sanctions monitoring since 2018.

“These activities are not directed at China but rather aim to monitor evasions of United Nations sanctions on North Korea, which do occur in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.”

The spokesperson said the New Zealand Defence Force crew operated professionally and in accordance with international law and civil aviation procedures for the region.

“NZDF has reviewed the routes flown and all available information. We have no data which indicates they disrupted civil aviation.”

The Defence Force said New Zealand takes an open and transparent approach to these operations.

“As part of this, there has been dialogue between New Zealand and Chinese officials, and we have made it clear that this is a longstanding deployment enforcing UN-mandated sanctions on North Korea.”

The spokesperson said NZDF won’t be commenting further on the specifics of those discussions, or on the details of the operations.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Police are asking for help to identify a man involved in a burglary in the Auckland suburb of Glen Innes.

An investigation is underway after the occupants awoke to an unknown male inside their home on Chiltern Crescent.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Kirk, of Auckland City CIB, said it happened at around 4.30am on Friday.

“Initially it was unclear who the person was in the darkness, but it was soon apparent that the male was not known to them,” she said.

“An occupant has screamed, startling the male and he has run from the address.”

He was last seen heading towards Leaside Lane.

Police were contacted and attended the scene a short time later.

The man has been described as a Pacific Islander, around 172 centimetres or 5’8″ tall, with a horse-tail haircut.

He had a neck tattoo of a gothic or Irish clover or similar.

He was also barefoot, and wearing red and white striped candy cane boxer shorts, at the time.

Kirk was confident that description would ring a bell in the community.

“Given the state of the man’s dress, we believe it is highly likely that he is local to the area,” she said.

While the occupants had not suffered any physical injuries, Kirk said it was a frightening event.

Police are asking anyone who might know this man to contact Police on 105 using the reference number 260417/6763.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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

Follow all the NRL action, as NZ Warriors take on Gold Coast Titans at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

The Warriors will be riding high, after snapping a 17-game, 11-year losing streak against Melbourne Storm 38-14 last weekend.

While the struggling Titans have just two wins from six games so far this season, they have won seven of their last 10 against the Warriors, including a 66-6 hiding across the Tasman in 2024.

They have also won their last three at Mt Smart.

Kickoff is at 5pm.

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

A leading economist says investors are expecting a change in the Middle East conflict, as the New York Stock Exchange reaches record highs.

A number of indices on Wall Street have surged on Friday (Saturday NZT), including the S&P 500, which closed at over 7100 for the first time.

The Nasdaq also had its longest positive daily streak since 1992.

It comes after the announcement of a US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon earlier this week.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the Strait of Hormuz was also set to be opened following the ceasefire agreement, although the long-term opening is still uncertain.

Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen said markets have recovered all losses they experienced since the start of the Iran war.

“That means for that, for the likes of Kiwis looking at their KiwiSaver and similar, their earnings are starting to look a whole lot better as everyone, markets, investors, start to expect better things out of the Middle East after some pretty chaotic times,” he said.

“Investors are looking strongly at expectations that conflict seems to be moving much more away from war, and into a lot more ceasefire, and hopefully much calmer conditions.”

There was still volatility in the market, he said.

“The markets have been very trigger-happy at looking for any good news and absolutely leaping on it.”

Olsen said better tones were coming through, and if better expectations continued, further growth could be on the cards.

“We’ve always been watching immediate announcements and seeing, often, quite strong positive market reaction to better expectations from the Middle East, sometimes only to have those pared back within hours as something else adjusts.

“I think there is a little bit of overly-strong optimism coming from the markets, I think most people will be a little bit sceptical of just how strong and forthright the market reaction has been.”

Olsen said while numbers had improved, he would not be surprised to see some volatility in the markets over the coming days, with hopefully a more optimistic tone overall on the horizon.

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

The Black Ferns have avenged their World Cup semifinal loss to Canada last year with a stunning victory today in their Pacific Four Series clash in Kansas City.

In a match which was delayed for three hours because of lightning, the New Zealanders beat the Canadians 36-14.

In a remarkable turnaround, the Black Ferns overcame a 14-5 deficit at halftime, running in five tries in the second half with some scintillating running and handling.

The Black Ferns took the lead for the first time in the 61st minute, when Kaipo Olsen-Baker got the ball down amid a crowd of bodies. The referee initially ruled ‘held up over the line’ but a TMO interjection saw the decision overturned.

They scored again two minutes later with a brilliant try to Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu and the pressure from there on was too much for Canada.

The United States play Australia in the later game today.

The Black Ferns beat the US 48-15 last weekend, while Canada beat Australia 24-0.

See how today’s game unfolded here.

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

Torrential rain has triggered what locals say is the worst flooding seen in years across parts of the Wellington region, forcing evacuations, inundating homes and cutting roads as more downpours loom.

Twenty-five homes in Stokes Valley and one in Porirua were evacuated on Saturday morning, with most residents staying with family and friends and a small number using council facilities.

Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group spokesperson Dan Neely said two further bands of heavy rain were expected around 2pm and again about 8pm, and urged people to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.

He said it was difficult to predict exactly where the heaviest rain would fall, but warned already-hit areas near SH2, SH58 and SH59 were still a concern.

Streets flooded, homes inundated

In Stokes Valley, residents described rapidly rising water in what many say is the worst flooding the area has experienced in years – and in some cases, decades.

Local Eugene Grant said a manhole burst around 7.30am, blasting water more than two metres into the air and sending silt surging down the street.

“Water was basically up to our doorways… we could feel it coming through the floorboards and thought, ok, we need to get out of here,” he said.

Grant said his family tried to evacuate but found roads blocked.

The floodwaters later receded, leaving thick silt, with neighbours now racing to clean up before more rain arrives.

He said it was the worst flooding he had seen in the area in 16 years.

Longtime resident Helen Coffey said it was the worst flooding she had witnessed in more than 40 years.

“It was really quite bad, it was really frightening, because we just don’t know what’s coming.”

Nearby, Alice Odean said floodwater reached the second step of her front porch, leaving her to clear heavy silt from her driveway.

“I’m feeling angry… It’s just clean up and wait for the next round.”

Local Navneet Kant said water reached his driveway hedge and flooded his car.

Plimmerton residents battle repeat flooding

In coastal Plimmerton, residents spent the day sandbagging and clearing drains as a nearby stream overflowed, sending water into homes – in what locals said is another in a series of serious flooding events.

One property suffered damage to a garage and bedroom, with neighbours stepping in to help while the homeowners were away.

Local volunteer Damo said the stream floods “pretty much every time there’s a big storm”.

“I just thought I’d come down… try to get things cleared up and hopefully mitigate as much property damage as we can,” he said.

He said drains were often clogged, despite repeated calls for maintenance.

His mother, Irene, said she woke to heavy rain but didn’t realise the scale of flooding until later in the morning.

“These poor people… this is the second time in four to five years that they’ve been flooded out like this, and it’s not fair on them.”

Fire crews and locals worked to clear drains, helping water recede more quickly than in past events, but residents say the underlying problem remains.

Porirua mayor Anita Baker said 40mm had fallen in Plimmerton over a two-hour period, with more forecast over the next 12 hours.

More rain on the way

Authorities said the situation remains fluid, with more heavy rain forecast later in the day.

Neely urged people not to drive through floodwaters and to call 111 if their life or safety was at risk.

With saturated ground and swollen waterways, residents are being warned to prepare for further disruption as the next bands of rain move through.

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

Kiwi track cyclists have secured three medals, two of them gold, on the opening day of the UCI World Cup in Hong Kong.

Both the women’s and men’s team pursuit triumphed, while Tom Sexton grabbed silver in the omnium.

It was a slow start for the women’s pursuit team of Bryony Botha, Samantha Donnelly, Emily Shearman and Ally Wollaston, who only qualified third fastest behind Italy and China.

But after a rider change, which saw Prue Fowler come in for Donnelly, they beat the Chinese to qualify for the final, and then took out Great Britain to win gold.

“We went in with a clear goal. We wanted to focus on ourselves and produce a ride we could be proud of,” said Shearman.

“We weren’t stoked with the qualifying this morning and the final was building on from that performance. We are super-stoked to come away with a ride we are proud of. It was well-executed and that resulted in the win and a good time.”

The men’s team pursuit with Keegan Hornblow, Marshall Erwood, George Jackson and Daniel Morton were also on form.

They were fastest in qualifying, before beating Japan in the first round with Nic Kergozou coming into the line-up.

They faced Denmark in the final, and beat them by more than two seconds.

“We have five guys here who rode across all the rounds,” said Hornblow. “We qualified first which, to honest, was a little bit of a surprise. But to back that up ride-after-ride and come out on top was a great team result.”

The decision to spell Sexton from the pursuit squad to focus on individual events also paid off.

He finished second in the two-rider omnium final behind Italian Matteo Florin.

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

Hutt Valley firefighters have placed a ban on a fire truck they say broke down at a building fire on Friday.

The New Zealand Professional Firefighters’ Union (NZPFU) has issued Fire and Emergency (FENZ) with a cease-to-work notice.

This comes while a parliamentary inquiry into the state of FENZ’s fleet is beginning.

The truck went to a fire in Petone just after midnight, but its pump failed, the notice said.

The same truck’s pump failed in 2023 forcing firefighters to get out of a burning dairy.

Friday’s notice referred to “multiple faults”.

“Operators have serious concerns as to the abilities of this piece of plant and its reliability,” the union told FENZ.

“Evidence of multiple faults/issues with this appliance are detailed and recorded. We therefore believe the operation of the appliance puts workers in a position of imminent exposure to hazards and any operator is placed in a position of potential serious risk.”

Crews were happy to work with another truck if one was provided, it said, calling for immediate consultation with FENZ and a plan.

The truck was based at Seaview station which covered more of the southern Hutt Valley than before after the Hutt City station was closed five years ago with black mould.

Work safety laws allow a health and safety representative to direct unsafe work to cease.

FENZ has repeatedly said it had a fleet management plan and a replacement strategy, though it has also said it does not have enough funding for a quick overhaul of the older parts of its fleet of over a thousand vehicles.

FENZ has been approached for comment.

Fleet inquiry, changing levy

Two MPs triggered a select committee inquiry into the fleet this month after a clash with FENZ leaders at a hearing in March.

One of the two, National’s Tim Costley castigated FENZ at a committee hearing last month for multiple contradictory answers over several months about whether 30 fire trucks were on the job or not.

The trucks were ordered years ago but after some suffered cracks had to be redesigned, then FENZ chose to build them in the UK, and not all were in service yet.

“I am increasingly concerned by the fleet issues within FENZ that continue to provide more questions than answers, and by the confusing and contradictory nature of those answers,” Costley said previously.

The second MP, the Green Party’s Mike Davidson, wrote in March about truck breakdowns and how stations “like Hutt City have been closed due to asset condition and remain closed several years later. The closure of stations increases the number of people and property that reside outside of FENZ standard response time and therefore at an increased risk.”

Davidson, in his call for an inquiry, noted how FENZ officials had at select committee hearings mentioned other parties who had not had the same opportunity to be heard and should be.

Costley’s colleague and Hutt South MP Chris Bishop weighed in online, “I am v concerned about the performance of FENZ. Not our fire fighters who do a great job, but the issues around the fleet are real and the public deserve answers

However, the government in 2024 cut back the increases sought by FENZ to the insurance levy that provides nearly all its almost $800m revenue.

It then told FENZ to save $50m a year.

In response the agency last November embarked on a restructure to cut 140 non-firefighting jobs and change 700 roles in total.

It has delayed final decisions on restructuring after two unions’ challenge over the nature of the consultation was upheld.

The levy structure is set to change a lot in July and FENZ has said it has to adapt to the levy revenue becoming unpredictable for the first time since it was set up almost a decade ago.

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

Follow all the rugby action, as the Black Ferns take on Canada in the Pacific Four series at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.

The Black Ferns will be keen to avenge their World Cup semifinal loss, when the teams last met in September.

A hattrick of tries to winger Mererangi Paul helped propel the Black Ferns to a 48-15 victory in their opening Pacific Four match against USA in Sacramento.

Meanwhile, Canada beat Australia 24-0 in the second match, which was delayed for 75 minutes and played in an empty stadium, due to the risk of lightning.

The match was delayed due to weather but is now due to kick off at 1.10pm NZT.

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

Got questions? RNZ has a podcast, ‘No Stupid Questions‘, with Susan Edmunds.

We’d love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but even better, you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz.

You can also sign up to RNZ’s new money newsletter, ‘Money with Susan Edmunds‘.

I’m 66 years old and working part time. Should I get my KiwiSaver out if there’s going to be a big recession? I can’t afford to lose it, it’s my life savings and I still have a small mortgage as well which is why I’m still working.

I don’t think you should change your KiwiSaver settings just because there’s the possibility of economic problems ahead.

But it might be a good idea to think now about what you’re invested in and why.

If you really cannot afford to see the balance drop, it may be a good idea to move to a conservative or even cash fund, if that’s not where you are already.

But if you were not expecting to need the money for another decade or so, it may be appropriate to take more risk.

If your investment is already in the right sort of fund, you should be able to just wait out any downturn. (In a story I wrote this week, Pie Funds chief executive Ana-Marie Lockyer noted that even though there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment, sharemarkets have been holding up pretty well – although that could change!)

If you’re not sure, you can check in with your KiwiSaver provider or an adviser to talk about it.

You didn’t ask about your mortgage but you could also consider whether it might work to withdraw some of your fund to pay off that debt. Many KiwiSaver funds have been providing higher returns than the interest rate charged on home loans in recent years but depending on what sort of fund you’re in, that might not continue to be the case if interest rates rise again, as expected. It might be worth weighing up what you’d save by paying off your home loan against what you can expect from your KiwiSaver.

I am 63 and last year decided to put my KiwiSaver into the highly aggressive Booster fund for 10 years. I am on a benefit and so can’t afford to contribute. I’m okay with risk. I only have about $1500 in it so not much as I had to buy a car four years ago with the $4000 I had. Do you think it was a good idea? I am happy to let it sit and not look at it going up and down all the time. In fact I haven’t looked at it since I put it in Booster. I liked that it was environmentally friendly.

I think this is fine. Normally you probably wouldn’t be advised to have your full KiwiSaver balance invested highly aggressively at 63, but if it’s only $1500 and you’re pretty relaxed about the balance moving around, it might work.

What are the rules for New Zealanders who are of retirement age, moving to Australia and their pension entitlement?

You may be able to get the Australian pension, depending on your income and assets.

Julia Bergman, general manager international, disability and generational policy at the Ministry of Social Development, says you’ll need to meet all the relevant eligibility criteria.

That includes being 67.

“To qualify for either New Zealand Super or the Australian Age Pension, people need to have been a resident of the relevant country for a certain number of years.

“Under the reciprocal agreement with Australia, time spent living in either country may count toward this requirement.

“Australian Age Pension is only available to people whose income and assets do not exceed a maximum threshold. This applies to New Zealand citizens living in Australia.

“If a New Zealand citizen in Australia is eligible for both NZ Super and an Australian Age Pension, Australia will reduce their Age Pension entitlement by the amount of NZ Super they receive.”

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

A body found at a house fire on Friday may be linked to a fatal car crash earlier this week in the Ruapehu district, police said.

One person was found dead after a house fire in Rangataua on Thursday night. The fire was reported about 6.40pm.

Investigators at the scene located the remains on Friday afternoon while conducting a scene examination at the Kata Street home, police said.

“While we are in the very early stages of this investigation, our initial enquiries suggest there may be a connection between the fire and a fatal crash that occurred in Tangiwai on Thursday evening,” Whanganui Area Commander Inspector Neil Forlong said.

One person died in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 49 on Thursday night which was reported about 6.45pm.

While that person is also yet to be formally identified, the vehicle involved is believed to be connected to the address where the fire occurred, police said.

They said work is underway to identify the fire victim and establish how they died.

“Residents in the Rangataua area may notice an increased police presence in the community as we continue to make enquiries into the circumstances of these two incidents, to establish exactly what has occurred,” Forlong said.

Information that may help police can be reported via 105, quoting file number 260417/7386.

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

Te reo and haka exponent Kingi Kiriona says government “divestment away from kaupapa Māori” initiatives is behind his decision to step into politics and contest the Hauraki-Waikato electorate for Labour.

Kiriona (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Kahungunu) is the founder of Māori education provider, TupuOra, a former journalist and the tutor of Waikato-based kapa haka, Te Iti Kahurangi.

Te Iti Kahurangi are performing at the Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Festival on Saturday, where Kiriona will make the formal announcement to the crowd in what he says will be his first chance to stand face-to-face with the region after becoming a candidate.

He told RNZ if elected his first priority would be re-establishing a focus on Te Tiriti, particularly in education where the government has removed school boards’ legal obligation to give effect to Te Tiriti and cut funding for te reo Māori teacher training.

“It’s policies like that that really hit hard at the spirit of Māori. And as someone that’s always fought for mātauranga Māori and for the place of mātauranga Māori, particularly within education, alongside my partner, Te Waipounamu, our whānau, our colleagues, actually, in TupuOra, it would be remiss of me not to stand up in the way that I’m standing up right now to say enough is enough. It’s time for change.”

He’s seen the effect shifting government investment away from Māori initiatives has on Māori families first hand.

“My wife and I, we run a Māori education business, TupuOra Education and Development Limited. At our peak three to four years ago under the previous regime, we had a complement of 30 staff, as of January this year, we’re now down to five staff.

“So we’ve seen the direct impact of the divestment away from kaupapa Māori, in this instance, kaupapa Māori education. We’ve seen the direct impact on us, but also on the whānau that we employ.”

As for why he went with Labour, Kiriona said it comes down to one word – “friends.”

“People that know me know that I’m fiercely Māori. Everything that I’ve done has been done and achieved and predicated on Māori values and on what’s best for te ao Māori and certainly in the interests of mana motuhake. But we all know in this game that we call politics, you need friends, you need friends to advance, to make policy gains, funding shifts and so I see an opportunity here with the Labour Party.”

Kiriona said he made it clear his candidacy would always be contingent on receiving the blessing of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, which he did earlier this year.

“Her words were, ‘Mō te oranga o te iwi me pēwhea e kore ai au e whakaae.’ So for the betterment of the people, how can I not support or agree? So to receive that blessing is huge.”

Kiriona was born and raised in Dannevirke, but has been living in Waikato for close to 30 where he said he has been blessed to be taken under the wing of key people in the rohe, so it means a lot to stand in the region especially with the blessing of Te Arikinui.

Although Te Arikinui was clear she didn’t want to see an adversarial election campaign against incumbent MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, he said.

Kiriona has an existing relationship with Maipi-Clarke having worked with her father during his time as a journalist, that whakapapa drew him to contact Maipi-Clarke ahead of the public announcement of his candidacy.

“Sure we come from different parties, we may represent different policies on behalf of our different parties. But we are Māori, we’re grounded in tikanga, we’re grounded in kaupapa Māori, we are a part of the Kiingitanga, and the Kiingitanga is predicated on te kotahitanga,” he said.

Kiriona is currently the Deputy Chair of Te Māngai Pāho, following three terms as Board Director of Whakaata Māori. He’s also a sitting member of the Waitangi Tribunal and before its disestablishment was the deputy chief-executive of Te Aka Whai Ora.

In the other Māori electorates Labour has selected the former chair of Te Rūnanga o Koukourarata Mananui Ramsden in Te Tai Tonga, former Auckland Councillor Kerrin Leoni in Tāmaki Makaurau and current List MP Willow-Jean Prime in Te Tai Tokerau.

Incumbent MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel will also be trying to hold on to Ikaroa-Rāwhiti for Labour.

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