Mate against mate, state against state – but exported. Why Auckland will host Australian rugby league’s premier event next year.

After months of speculation, the government has confirmed a State of Origin match will make its way across the ditch to Eden Park in 2027.

Tāmaki Makaurau will be considered neutral ground in 2027 as the Maroons take on the Blues at Eden Park for what is widely acknowledged to be rugby league’s most exciting fixture.

Today on The Detail, NZ Herald journalist and host of The Big League podcast, Nathan Limm talks about the motivation behind the NRL’s move to host an Australian regional game in another country.

“There’s obviously a little bit of ‘why is New Zealand getting it?’ [coming from Australians], which is actually similar to the kind of response that it had on this side of the Tasman as well.”

But he says despite all the commentary, the announcement shouldn’t come as a surprise.

“The NRL has made it clear for a number of years that they want to expand the game.”

The match is expected to be a sellout, with officials estimating that the event will inject $17.4 million into the economy. It was announced by the Prime Minister, who said the government had reached into its major events fund to secure the match. That amount is thought to range between $2.5 million and $5m.

New Zealand fans have long been engaged in the State of Origin, but kiwis have more of a reason to cheer their side on with the recent change in eligibility rules.

“We should have more kiwis, more New Zealand players, who have that affiliation with New South Wales or Queensland playing in State of Origin,” says Limm.

Previously players could be ruled out if they used their New Zealand connections to play at an international level for the Kiwis, but that’s been changed, so our players with childhood links to either of the states can play.

For example former national rep Addin Fonua-Blake, who has played for New Zealand and Tonga, is now eligible for New South Wales as well.

The NRL is also making concentrated efforts to grow the game internationally, and is staging part of the first round of this year’s NRL in Las Vegas.

Limm also talks on the podcast about those moves to expand the game, with new teams entering the NRL from Perth (from next year) and Papua New Guinea (2028), as well as the prospect of a South Island team signing up.

Part of the decision to come to Auckland was fed by support for the Warriors, the only team in the NRL currently to have an entire nation behind it.

And the podcast asks the age-old Warriors question – “is it our year?”

Well … maybe.

Coach Andrew Webster “has been able to completely… overhaul and reset the culture of the team, which is ultimately where it all starts, and that has impacted their on-field performances,” says Limm.

Despite the Warriors and rugby league as a sport becoming more popular in New Zealand, there is still one team they can’t compete with.

“There’s one thing that rugby has that no other sport in New Zealand will ever quite get, and that’s the All Blacks and the pull that the All Blacks hold.

“Regardless of what’s going on in domestic rugby or super rugby, when the All Blacks play, we as a nation get around them and really identify with that team,” says Limm.

Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.

You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.

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

There are two new players in the White Ferns squad named to take on Zimbabwe later this month.

Northern Brave duo Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight have been included for the series, which will be the first between the two nations and includes three T20I’s and three ODI’s.

Off-spinning all-rounder Patel returns to the group after being centrally contracted for the 2022-23 season.

She was the Brave’s top run-scorer in the Super Smash this summer and second-equal wicket-taker alongside Knight.

Knight, a former New Zealand under-19 representative, is available for just the T20 series, with Molly Penfold to replace her in the ODI squad.

“We’ve prioritised players that could make the T20 World Cup squad in June, whilst also providing international exposure to high-potential talent whose skillsets align with long-term White Ferns planning,” said coach Ben Sawyer.

“Nensi and Kayley have both been solid performers over the last 12-18 months, so it’s really pleasing for them to get this opportunity.”

The squad will be captained by Melie Kerr in her first assignment as New Zealand’s permanent captain.

Suzie Bates (quadricep) and Eden Carson (elbow) were not considered for selection due to their respective injuries, and Lea Tahuhu was not considered for the T20I squad due to physical preparation planning for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June.

Sophie Devine, who is on a casual contract with NZC, was not available for this series.

WHITE FERNS Squad v Zimbabwe

Flora Devonshire Central Hinds

Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts

Maddy Green Auckland Hearts

Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts

Bree Illing Auckland Hearts

Polly Inglis Sparks (T20I only)

Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze

Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze

Kayley Knight* Northern Brave (T20I only)

Emma McLeod Central Hinds (ODI only)

Rosemary Mair Central Hinds

Nensi Patel* Northern Brave

Molly Penfold Auckland Hearts (ODI only)

Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze

Izzy Sharp** Canterbury Magicians

Series against Zimbabwe

Wed 25 Feb: 1st T20, 7:15pm, Hamilton

Fri 27 Feb: 2nd T20, 7:15pm, Hamilton

Sun 1 March: 3rd T20, 1:15pm, Hamilton

Thurs 5 March: 1st ODI, 11am, Dunedin

Sun 8 March: 2nd ODI, 11am, Dunedin

Wed 11 March, 3rd ODI, 11am, Dunedin

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

There are two new players in the White Ferns squad named to take on Zimbabwe later this month.

Northern Brave duo Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight have been included for the series, which will be the first between the two nations and includes three T20I’s and three ODI’s.

Off-spinning all-rounder Patel returns to the group after being centrally contracted for the 2022-23 season.

She was the Brave’s top run-scorer in the Super Smash this summer and second-equal wicket-taker alongside Knight.

Knight, a former New Zealand under-19 representative, is available for just the T20 series, with Molly Penfold to replace her in the ODI squad.

“We’ve prioritised players that could make the T20 World Cup squad in June, whilst also providing international exposure to high-potential talent whose skillsets align with long-term White Ferns planning,” said coach Ben Sawyer.

“Nensi and Kayley have both been solid performers over the last 12-18 months, so it’s really pleasing for them to get this opportunity.”

The squad will be captained by Melie Kerr in her first assignment as New Zealand’s permanent captain.

Suzie Bates (quadricep) and Eden Carson (elbow) were not considered for selection due to their respective injuries, and Lea Tahuhu was not considered for the T20I squad due to physical preparation planning for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June.

Sophie Devine, who is on a casual contract with NZC, was not available for this series.

WHITE FERNS Squad v Zimbabwe

Flora Devonshire Central Hinds

Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts

Maddy Green Auckland Hearts

Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts

Bree Illing Auckland Hearts

Polly Inglis Sparks (T20I only)

Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze

Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze

Kayley Knight* Northern Brave (T20I only)

Emma McLeod Central Hinds (ODI only)

Rosemary Mair Central Hinds

Nensi Patel* Northern Brave

Molly Penfold Auckland Hearts (ODI only)

Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze

Izzy Sharp** Canterbury Magicians

Series against Zimbabwe

Wed 25 Feb: 1st T20, 7:15pm, Hamilton

Fri 27 Feb: 2nd T20, 7:15pm, Hamilton

Sun 1 March: 3rd T20, 1:15pm, Hamilton

Thurs 5 March: 1st ODI, 11am, Dunedin

Sun 8 March: 2nd ODI, 11am, Dunedin

Wed 11 March, 3rd ODI, 11am, Dunedin

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

The Black Caps can secure their place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup with victory over Canada tonight and shouldn’t have too many problems achieving it.

However, there remains some concern about how the New Zealand side will perform against the top teams later in the tournament.

New Zealand were beaten 4-1 by India in last month’s T20 series and while they opened the world cup with wins over Afghanistan and the UAE, they crashed back down to earth with a seven wicket loss to South Africa in their last game.

The Black Caps weren’t at their best batting against South Africa, particularly in the power play. They were four down by the seventh over, leaving plenty of work for the middle order to do. The bowlers also struggled to make inroads into the Proteas batting line-up.

All-rounder Glenn Phillips didn’t think the inconsistency they showed in the series against India and the loss to South Africa is a major issue.

“There’s not necessarily been a pattern per se,” Phillips said.

“If our top order’s gone down, then our middle order stepped up. And, sometimes it just happens to be the way that the top order gets off to a start and then the middle can’t go through. So that’s just the nature of T20 cricket when you’re trying to keep the momentum going the whole time.

“If you look at the options the boys took, they’re in really clear mindsets. Obviously, it just comes down to execution at the end of the day.

“And then with the ball as well, we’re just trying to make sure that we’re hitting our straps as much as possible. If we didn’t bowl as well as we have on previous days, then we look at that and we go, we can be better on the next day and that’s fine.”

If New Zealand bats first against Canada in Chennai they would like to get close to setting a target of 200. A score they haven’t managed to score yet in the tournament.

With victory expected in this game the selectors may consider rotating a few players, however they may also be keen to play some of their regulars back into form.

The two sides have met three times in ODI World Cup’s with New Zealand winning all three, but this is their first clash in T20I’s.

New Zealand will be without Lockie Ferguson for the match as he has returned home for the birth of his child. Kyle Jamieson could take his place in the side, while spinner Ish Sodhi is another option.

Meanwhile, tournament organisers have approved the inclusion of off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie into the Black Caps squad as a replacement for the injured Michael Bracewell.

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

An American computer scientist wants New Zealand’s courts to decide whether AI can legally be an inventor in a global test case next week.

Stephen Thaler is seeking a patent for a new type of food container.

The sticking point is he named his artificial intelligence system, called DABUS, as the inventor.

The Patent Office turned his application down in 2022, and the High Court agreed, with both saying an “inventor” had to be human.

Thaler was set to challenge that in the Court of Appeal on February 24.

His lawyer Clive Elliott KC said when Thaler filled out his application for a patent, he was simply stating the truth.

“He didn’t actually invent this food container, it was his machine,” he said.

“He invented what he calls an autonomous invention machine, in other words, an AI system which is itself able to invent.”

But in its 2023 decision, the High Court said the law in New Zealand did not allow for DABUS to get the credit.

“If the legislators had intended to allow granting of patents in New Zealand for inventions devised solely by non-humans such as artificial intelligences, or life forms other than human beings they would have drafted the Act to accommodate these possibilities specifically and explicitly,” it said.

But Elliot said New Zealand’s Patents Act was only passed in 2013 so parliament knew about artificial intelligence when they created it – and did not exclude it.

Auckland University law professor and intellectual property expert Alex Sims said beyond the technicalities of the case, there was a bigger picture about whether AI could truly be an inventor.

“What AI does is it’s hoovering up human creativity and then it’s using that to produce something. So some people would actually argue that it’s not being creative because it’s all premised on what has gone before,” she said.

Thaler was part of a group taking cases about AI and patents around the world to try to set a precedent.

Auckland University lecturer Joshua Yuvaraj followed his – unsuccessful – attempt in Australia.

People had been at the heart of intellectual property law as it developed over centuries, because there was no mechanism for creation other than the human mind, he said.

“That is why AI is challenging that notion because AI, it appears, can do a lot of what the human mind can do is the argument. That is the tension that IP law is facing.”

Patent were seen as important because they would determine whether someone’s designs could be protected if they were created by AI.

“Say you use an AI to make a new type of e-scooter or a new type of kettle or a new coffee machine, if you can’t register that patent then someone can take that idea and make money off your idea,” he said

Sims said many countries tended to be in lock step when it came to intellectual property law.

Most were grappling with the AI patent challenge.

An inquiry in the UK had considered the issue and those it talked to had mixed views, she said.

Some people worried by not allowing AI patents, it could stifle creativity and innovation because people would tend not to use AI.

Others worried letting AI be an inventor would push people out of the creative process, she said.

Thaler and his group were testing the law in several countries but had been unsuccessful everywhere but South Africa, which was considered to have a unique style of IP law.

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

Showcasing Spectacular Entertainment and Chinese Cultural Performances, Featuring Renowned Chinese Artist “Zhu Zhengting” to Bless the People of Thailand in the Heart of the City

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

Amelia Kerr has officially been confirmed as White Ferns captain.

Kerr takes over in all formats from fellow Wellingtonian Sophie Devine who stepped down as captain following the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in October.

The 25-year-old, who has represented the White Ferns in 172 internationals, will take on the permanent leadership mantle of both the ODI and T20I sides, having previously led the side in two ODIs and two T20Is.

Her first official outing in the position will be in the T20 and ODI series against Zimbabwe later this month.

“Growing up it was my childhood dream to represent New Zealand and to now have the opportunity to captain my country is a massive privilege,” Kerr said.

“I am following an exceptional group of leaders who have captained the White Ferns before me, so I don’t take the responsibility lightly.

“The captaincy doesn’t change who I am, I am still the same person and will give everything I can to lead this group and hopefully bring our country success.”

Since making her international debut in 2016 at the age of just 16, Kerr has gone on to score 3757 runs and take 201 wickets across both formats and is already the White Ferns’ third all-time leading wicket-taker and fifth all-time leading run-scorer.

Kerr said her leadership philosophy was centred around putting people first.

“One of my favourite quotes is: ‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He Tāngata, He Tāngata, He Tāngata.

“We are people first. As a group we look out for each other, we celebrate each other’s success and we represent our people.

“Encouraging others and building belief around us so we can all be the best we can be both as people and as cricketers.”

Amelia Kerr at a glance

WHITE FERN #188

• Youngest player to ever debut for the White Ferns (16 years and 27 days)
• Highest ever individual ODI score for the White Ferns (232* v Ireland 2018)
• Only New Zealand player ever to win the ICC World Player of the Year (Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy)
• 2022 Commonwealth Games Bronze medal winner
• 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winner
• 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament
• 3x winner of the NZC Debbie Hockley Medal
• White Ferns third all-time leading wicket-taker (201 wickets)
• White Ferns fifth all-time leading run scorer (3757 runs)

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

Blues v Chiefs

Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 February

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Cody Vai doesn’t take the slow road.

The Auckland flyer was signed straight out of school to travel the World Sevens circuit as an 18-year-old.

His rapid ascent continued at his first event in Hong Kong, opening the scoring for New Zealand in the final after just 25 seconds.

The teenager was suddenly surrounded by his idols, including one who had been on the circuit since Vai was a toddler.

“I can’t really put it into words just how amazing it was. I watched those guys as a kid and to get to play with the likes of Joe Webber, Regan Ware, Scott Curry, Tim Mikkelson, it was pretty unreal. Tim started he debuted in 2007 or something like that, and I was only three years old, which is pretty funny.”

After three years ripping it up on the sevens scene, Codemeru ‘Cody’ Vai is back in Tamaki Makaurau, and has been quickly thrust into the 23 for the Blues as they open their season against the Chiefs at Eden Park tomorrow night.

“The end goal is to be in that All Blacks jersey.”

Vai never had to look outside his family for inspiration, with his brother Kitona also an All Black Sevens member, sister Corina Nanai-Vai a former Auckland Storm player, and father Kitiona Nanai Vai, a Samoan international who played at the 1991 World Cup.

However, the biggest influence came via former Blues star Melani Nanai, who played 64 times for the franchise between 2015-19.

“My older brother came through here as well. So it’s always been a dream of mine to be here and I watched some of these guys as well. And then getting the chance to put the jersey with them is obviously going to be special as well.”

Vai recalls playing in the backyard as a teenager with Nanai and his Blues teammates such as AJ Lam, whom Vai will line up alongside this weekend.

“I always grew up watching them and they used to come over to the house and play a bit of games as well. So yeah, it was pretty cool that now that I’m getting to play with them, it’s a crazy full circle moment.”

Vai said Nanai instilled a strong work ethic in him.

“He always told me to train hard, learn as much as you can. I take a lot of things as a joke and I like to have fun, but he told me you can have fun as long as you’re still 100 percent in the mind.”

Vai admits the shoulders are still getting used to the transition.

Getting back into 15s, in preseason, that’s where you find your true self with the hard fitness and all the contact with the boys as well. The difference is the contact with tackling the big boys, but that’s another part of rugby and my favourite part of rugby is the contact part as well. So I enjoy getting some shoulders into the props, even if they can’t feel it.”

Named to wear the 23 jersey on Saturday night, Vai said his ultimate ambition is number 13.

“My end goal is probably around centre this year, but right now, I’m still learning the game.”

The Blues will be plugging a hole at centre in 2026 in the wake of Reiko Ioane’s sabbatical in ireland.

“Reiko was probably some of the players that I loved watching most, Beauden Barrett as well, so it’s actually an unreal experience coming in and just they’re really down to earth people and just so easy to talk to as well.”

Upon Ioane’s return however, Vai is excited to tussle for the start with his idol.

“This part of rugby is just that competitive side. And I love it. Obviously that’s their goal but I want to be there as well. “

Teams

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 4 Sam Darry, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Dalton Papali’I (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

Chiefs: 1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Kaylum Bosher, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Kyle Brown

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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.

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

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN, TSX:PDN, OTCQX:PALAF) (“Paladin” or the “Company”) advises that it has released a presentation for the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) investor site visit being held on 12 February 2026, in Namibia.

The presentation is available on the Company’s website (https://www.paladinenergy.com.au/investors/asx-announcements/).

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Paladin Energy Ltd.

Contacts

About Paladin

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN TSX: PDN OTCQX:PALAF) is a globally significant independent uranium producer with a 75% ownership of the world-class long life Langer Heinrich Mine located in Namibia. In late 2024 the Company acquired Fission Uranium Corp. in Canada, resulting in a dual-listing on the both the ASX and TSX. With the integration of Fission’s operations, the Company now owns and operates an extensive portfolio of uranium development and exploration assets across Canada, which include the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Saskatchewan and the Michelin project in Newfoundland and Labrador. Paladin also owns uranium exploration assets in Australia. Paladin is committed to a sustainability framework that ensures responsible, accountable and transparent management of the uranium resources the Company mines – both now and in the future. Through its Langer Heinrich Mine, Paladin is delivering a reliable uranium supply to major nuclear utilities around the world, positioning itself as a meaningful contributor to baseload energy provision in multiple countries and contributing to global decarbonisation.

– Published by The MIL Network

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN, TSX:PDN, OTCQX:PALAF) (“Paladin” or the “Company”) advises that it has released its December 2025 Half Year Financial Accounts and Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for Paladin Energy Ltd and its controlled entities for the three and six month periods ended 31 December 2025 (“FY2026 Interim Financial Results”).

Half Year Highlights

• Revenue of US$138.3M driven by strong sales of 1.96Mlb U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$70.5/lb U₃O₈¹, reflecting the quality of the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) contract book and strengthening uranium pricing environment
• Cost of sales totalled US$112.3M in the period, reflecting the continued ramp up of production at LHM
• Gross profit of US$26.0M for the period, a significant increase from previous period
• Net loss after tax of US$6.6M driven by the ongoing production ramp-up at LHM, business expansion following the Fission Uranium Corp (now Paladin Canada Inc.) acquisition and TSX listing and financing activities
• Successful completion of a fully underwritten A$300M equity raising and a A$100M share purchase plan (SPP), primarily to advance the development of the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project towards a final investment decision alongside the ongoing ramp up of the LHM
• Enhanced balance sheet following completion of the equity offering, and the restructure of the syndicated debt facility with cash and investments of US$278.4M and an undrawn US$70M Revolving Credit Facility at year end

“The first half of the year demonstrated strong and continually improving performance at Langer Heinrich Mine as our team increased its knowledge and experience of how to optimise the production process, including the mining activities that were gathering pace at the start of this financial year. With the remaining mining fleet arriving on site, the foundations are now in place to successfully complete our ramp-up at Langer Heinrich Mine during the remaining months of the year.

The half year results also highlight the robust financial position of Paladin Energy with increasing revenue from strong sales augmented by a successful equity raising and a restructure of the debt portfolio that will enable us to complete our ramp-up activities at the LHM and continue to progress the PLS Project in Canada, including our winter drilling program.”

Paul Hemburrow
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Financial Performance

LHM sold 1.96Mlb of U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$70.5/lb, generating sales revenue of US$138.3M. Cost of sales totalled US$112.3M, reflecting the continued ramp up of production, with a higher proportion of mined ore fed into the plant resulting in higher production and sales volumes.

This resulted in an increased gross profit for the period of US$26.0M (H1FY2025: US$0.9M).

Net loss after tax of US$6.6M (H1FY2025:US$15.1M) was driven by the ongoing production ramp-up at LHM, business expansion following the Fission Uranium Corp (now Paladin Canada Inc.) acquisition, TSX listing and financing activities.

Financial Position

Total unrestricted cash and investments increased by 213% during the period to US$278.4M (30 June 2025: US$89.0M), following the successful completion of a fully underwritten A$300M equity offering and a A$100M share purchase plan (SPP) (both before transaction costs).

On 19 December 2025, Paladin completed the restructure of its Debt Facility with its lenders, Nedbank Ltd (acting through its Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking division), Nedbank Namibia Ltd and Macquarie Bank.

The restructure aimed to right-size the overall debt capacity, reducing it from US$150M to US$110M leveraging Paladin’s enhanced liquidity position following the successful completion of the equity raise and SPP. The restructure also reflects Paladin’s increasing maturity as a uranium producer as it continues to progress the ramp up at LHM, while providing greater undrawn debt capacity and balance sheet flexibility.

The restructure provides Paladin with a US$110M Debt Facility including a US$40M Term Loan Facility (following a repayment of US$39.8M as part of the restructure) and an undrawn Revolving Credit Facility of US$70M (US$50M prior to the restructure). No additional debt was drawn during the period.

Presentation of information
This announcement should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Interim Financial Report lodged on 11 February 2026 and available on Paladin’s website (https://www.paladinenergy.com.au/investors/asx-announcements/). The Condensed Interim Financial Report relates to the six month period ended 31 December 2025. This Condensed Interim Financial Report also includes information relating specifically to the three month period ended 31 December 2025, which has been included in this Condensed Interim Financial Report to comply with quarterly reporting disclosure requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Further information regarding the inclusion of the 31 December 2025 quarterly information is included in Note 1 to the Condensed Interim Financial Report.

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Paladin Energy Ltd.

Contacts

About Paladin

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN TSX: PDN OTCQX:PALAF) is a globally significant independent uranium producer with a 75% ownership of the world-class long life Langer Heinrich Mine located in Namibia. In late 2024 the Company acquired Fission Uranium Corp. in Canada, resulting in a dual-listing on the both the ASX and TSX. With the integration of Fission’s operations, the Company now owns and operates an extensive portfolio of uranium development and exploration assets across Canada, which include the Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Saskatchewan and the Michelin project in Newfoundland and Labrador. Paladin also owns uranium exploration assets in Australia. Paladin is committed to a sustainability framework that ensures responsible, accountable and transparent management of the uranium resources the Company mines – both now and in the future. Through its Langer Heinrich Mine, Paladin is delivering a reliable uranium supply to major nuclear utilities around the world, positioning itself as a meaningful contributor to baseload energy provision in multiple countries and contributing to global decarbonisation.

Forward-looking statements

This document contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Australian securities laws and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to in this document as forward-looking statements). All statements in this document, other than statements of historical or present facts, are forward-looking statements and generally may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “likely”, “propose”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, “could”, “may”, “believe”, “forecast”, “estimate”, “target”, “outlook”, “guidance” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding continued development of the PLS Project; permitting approvals and community engagement; advancement of the PLS Project through to FID; development and ramp-up of operations at the LHM; LHM guidance for FY2026; the equity offering; debt and related restructurings and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

Forward-looking statements involve subjective judgment and analysis and are subject to significant uncertainties, risks and contingencies including those risk factors associated with the mining industry, many of which are outside the control of, change without notice, and may be unknown to Paladin. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to liabilities inherent in mine development and production, geological, mining and processing technical problems, the inability to obtain any additional mine licences, permits and other regulatory approvals required in connection with mining and third party processing operations, Indigenous Peoples’ engagement, competition for amongst other things, capital, acquisition of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel, incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions, changes in commodity prices and exchange rates, currency and interest fluctuations, various events which could disrupt operations and/or the transportation of mineral products, including labour stoppages and severe weather conditions, the demand for and availability of transportation services, the ability to secure adequate financing and management’s ability to anticipate and manage the foregoing factors and risks. Readers are also referred to the risks and uncertainties referred to in the Company’s “2025 Annual Report” released on 28 August 2025, in Paladin’s Annual Information Form for the year ended June 30, 2025 released on 12 September 2025, and in Paladin’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, released on 11 February 2026, each of which is available to view at paladinenergy.com.au and on www.sedarplus.ca.

Although as at the date of this document, Paladin believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements due to a range of factors including (without limitation) fluctuations in commodity prices and exchange rates, exploitation and exploration successes, environmental, permitting and development issues, political risks including the impact of political instability on economic activity and uranium supply and demand, Indigenous Peoples engagement, climate risk, operating hazards, natural disasters, severe storms and other adverse weather conditions, shortages of skilled labour and construction materials, equipment and supplies, regulatory concerns, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions and risk factors associated with the uranium industry generally. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate.

Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and should rely on their own independent enquiries, investigations and advice regarding information contained in this document. Any reliance by a reader on the information contained in this document is wholly at the reader’s own risk. Recipients are cautioned against placing undue reliance on such projections without conducting their own due diligence with appropriate professional support. The forward-looking statements in this document relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made. Paladin does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No representation, warranty, guarantee or assurance (express or implied) is made, or will be made, that any forward-looking statements will be achieved or will prove to be correct. Except for statutory liability which cannot be excluded, Paladin, its officers, employees and advisers expressly disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the material contained in this document and exclude all liability whatsoever (including negligence) for any loss or damage which may be suffered by any person as a consequence of any information in this document or any error or omission therefrom. Except as required by law or regulation, Paladin accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in this document or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information. Nothing in this document will, under any circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Paladin since the date of this document. To the extent any forward-looking statement in this document constitutes “future-oriented financial information” or “financial outlooks” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, such information is provided to demonstrate Paladin’s internal projections and to help readers understand Paladin’s expected financial results. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and readers should not place undue reliance on such information. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking statements generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions, and subject to the risks and uncertainties, described above.

Non-IFRS measures
Paladin uses certain financial measures that are considered “non-IFRS financial information” within the meaning of Australian securities laws and/or “non-GAAP financial measures” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to in this announcement as Non-IFRS Measures) to supplement analysis of its financial and operating performance. These Non-IFRS Measures do not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.

The Company believes these measures provide additional insight into its financial results and operational performance and are useful to investors, securities analysts, and other interested parties in understanding and evaluating the Company’s historical and future operating performance. However, they should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for information prepared in accordance with IFRS. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any Non-IFRS Measures. The Non-IFRS Measures used in this announcement are described below.

Average Realised Price
Average Realised Price (US$/lb U₃O₈) is a Non-IFRS Measure that represents the average revenue received per pound of uranium sold during a given period. It is calculated by dividing total revenue from U₃O₈ sales (before royalties and after any applicable discounts) by the total volume of U₃O₈ pounds sold. This measure provides insight into the actual pricing achieved under the Company’s uranium sales contracts and spot sales during the reporting period, taking into account the mix of base-escalated, fixed-price and market-related pricing mechanisms within contracts. The Company uses Average Realised Price to assess revenue performance relative to market prices, contractual pricing structures, and production costs. It is also a key measure used by investors and analysts to evaluate price exposure, contract performance, and profitability potential.

It is important to note that Average Realised Price is distinct from both the spot market price and the term market price for uranium, and it may vary significantly from quarter to quarter based on timing of deliveries, customer contract structures, and the prevailing market environment.

Revenue from uranium sales is reported in the Company’s financial statements under IFRS. The Average Realised Price is derived directly from IFRS revenue figures and disclosed sales volumes.

The table below reconciles the Average Realised Price for the quarters ended 31 December 2025 and 31 December 2024:

1.   Includes 85,000lb loan material delivered into existing contracts
2.   Includes 200,000lb loan material delivered into existing contracts

Cost of Production 
The Cost of Production per pound represents the total production costs divided by pounds of U₃O₈ produced. The Cost of Production is calculated as the total direct production expenditures incurred during the period (including mining, stockpile rehandling, processing, site maintenance, and mine-level administrative costs), excluding costs such as cost of ore stockpiled, deferred stripping costs, depreciation and amortisation, general and administration costs, royalties, exploration expenses, sustaining capital and the impacts of any inventory impairments or impairment reversals. This measure helps users assess Paladin’s operating efficiency.

Cost of Production per lb = Cost of Production ÷ U₃O₈ Pounds Produced.

Cost of Production is a unit cost measure that indicates the average production cost per pound of U₃O₈ produced. This is not an IFRS measure but is widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark of operational efficiency and cost competitiveness. Paladin’s Cost of Production metric is calculated as the total direct production expenditures as defined above (in US dollars) incurred during the period, divided by the volume of U₃O₈ pounds produced in the same period. The Company uses Cost of Production per pound to track progress of operational performance, to assess profitability at various uranium price points, and to identify trends in operating costs. It is also a key metric for investors and analysts to evaluate how efficiently the Company is producing uranium, independent of depreciation and accounting adjustments.

This measure allows stakeholders to monitor trends in direct production costs and to assess the Company’s operating breakeven threshold relative to uranium market prices. Investors are cautioned that our Cost of Production metric may not be comparable with similarly titled “C1 cash cost” metrics of other uranium producers, as there can be differences in methodology (e.g., treatment of royalties or certain site costs). Paladin’s Cost of Production figure as defined above, focuses strictly on the on-site cost to produce uranium concentrate in the current period. All figures are in US$/lb U₃O₈. We provide this information in good faith to enhance understanding of our operations; however, the IFRS financial statements (particularly the Cost of Sales line in the income statement) should be considered alongside this metric for a complete picture of our cost structure.

The table below reconciles the Cost of Production for the for the quarters ended 31 December 2025 and 30 December 2024:

Net Cash/(Debt)
Net Cash/(Debt) is a non-IFRS liquidity measure that represents the surplus of cash and cash equivalents over total interest-bearing debt. It is calculated by subtracting gross debt (including face value and accrued interest on borrowings) from unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. The Company uses Net Cash/(Debt) as an indicator of the Company’s net liquidity position at a point in time, providing a simple measure of financial flexibility after accounting for existing debt obligations. This measure is useful to investors and analysts because it isolates the Company’s net cash or net debt balance, enabling better assessment of balance sheet strength and funding capacity, particularly as it relates to capital allocation decisions and ability to finance operations and growth.

Net Cash/(Debt) is distinct from individual IFRS line items as it combines and offsets gross financial liabilities and cash balances into a single figure. As such, it is classified as a non-IFRS measure.

The table below reconciles the Net Cash/(Debt) at the end of the quarters ended 31 December 2025 and 30 June 2025:

^{_______________________________________
1} Average Realised Price is a Non-IFRS Measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for more information
² Refers to LHM’s operational results on a 100% basis
³ Cost of Production is a Non-IFRS Measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for more information
⁴ The percentage movement is not meaningful due to nil balance in the prior period
⁵ Excludes shareholder loans from CNNC Overseas Limited (CNOL) and capitalised transaction costs
⁶ Net Cash/(Debt) is a Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” for more information

– Published by The MIL Network

By Lovasoa Rabary, Reuters

Fierce winds have left a trail of destruction in Madagascar as Tropical Cyclone Gezani hit the island, killing at least 31 people and leaving another four missing, the country’s disaster management office says.

Of the deaths, 29 were recorded in Toamasina, the impoverished Indian Ocean island nation’s second-largest city, and two in a neighbouring district, the National Bureau for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) said in an updated report.

Residents in and around Toamasina described scenes of chaos as the cyclone made landfall late on Tuesday (US Time).

“I have never experienced winds this violent… The doors and windows are made of metal, but they are being violently shaken,” Harimanga Ranaivo said.

Gezani also left at least 36 people seriously injured. More than 2,740 residents were evacuated as a precaution after the cyclone struck coastal communities before moving inland.

The cyclone’s aftermath displaced another 6,870 people, while a total 250,406 were classified as disaster victims, the BNGRC said.

It was the second cyclone to hit Madagascar this year, 10 days after Tropical Cyclone Fytia killed 14 and displaced over 31,000 people, according to the UN’s humanitarian office.

Dangerous winds, rising sea levels

At its peak, Gezani unleashed sustained winds of about 185km (115 miles) per hour, with gusts surging to nearly 270km per hour – powerful enough to rip metal sheeting from rooftops and uproot large trees.

Ahead of the cyclone’s arrival, officials shuttered schools and rushed to prepare emergency shelters.

The BNGRC had warned earlier that rising sea levels in Toamasina were already flooding streets.

Homes collapsed under the pressure of the winds, roofs were torn away, walls crumbled and neighbourhoods were plunged into darkness as power lines snapped.

By Wednesday (US Time) morning, Madagascar’s meteorological service said Gezani had weakened to a moderate tropical storm and had moved westward inland, about 100 km north of the capital, Antananarivo.

“Gezani will cross the central highlands from east to west today, before moving out to sea into the Mozambique Channel this evening or tonight,” the service said.

– Reuters

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

The All Whites will play England as a part of their final preparations for this year’s FIFA World Cup.

The two sides will meet in Florida on 6 June, five days out from the start of the tournament.

England, who went through World Cup qualifying with a perfect sevens wins in their European group, are currently ranked four in the world and New Zealand 85.

The game will see the All Whites face their highest-ranked opponent in 17 years and they will clash with England for just the third time in history.

New Zealand last faced England in 1991, losing two friendlies in Auckland and Wellington.

“Our strategy over the last year has been to take on top-ranked sides to ensure we are in the best place to perform at the tournament, and this match gives us a final opportunity to really test ourselves against one of the favourites,” All Whites coach Darren Bazeley said.

“England are a great side with big names all over the pitch, but we want our players to face that type of challenge so we can work collectively to find solutions against top teams.

“This match should be a great occasion but also a critical part of our final preparation before we face Iran in Los Angeles at the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

Prior to departing for the World Cup the All Whites will play two home games in March against Finland and Chile as part of the FIFA Series 2026.

At the World Cup, New Zealand play Iran, Egypt and Belgium in group G, while England will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L.

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

The insiders dubbed it ‘Project Underground’.

In February last year, a group of senior cricket figures, private investors and sports marketing experts gathered around the boardroom table within the bunker-like office of the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association (CPA) underneath Eden Park’s eastern stand.

The group was there to discuss whether a privatised Twenty20 franchise league might have legs in New Zealand.

At the time, the name was more of an in-joke – a self-aware nod to both the location and the speculative nature of the conversation. A blue-sky discussion held beneath the stands.

But in light of what was to follow over the back half of the year as NZ Cricket descended into open conflict and institutional paralysis, Project Underground would come to sound less tongue-in-cheek and more conspiratorial.

The bid by a consortium of high profile cricket figures, pulled together by CPA boss Heath Mills, to launch a T20 competition became a flashpoint in a much wider struggle for control of the sport’s future, culminating in the resignation of NZ Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink days before Christmas.

Last Friday marked the end of Weenink’s reign with the national body, bringing to a close a tenure defined by ongoing tensions with key stakeholders including the players, the six major associations, and eventually, his own board.

In a statement accompanying the announcement of his resignation, Weenink cited fundamental differences with the game’s stakeholders as a driver.

“After careful consideration, it has become clear that I hold a different view from several Member Associations, and the [CPA], on the future priorities for NZC, including the long-term direction of the game and the best role for T20 cricket in New Zealand,” Weenink said.

“I do not wish to create ongoing instability by continuing without the support of some key stakeholders.”

Weenink declined to be interviewed by RNZ about his time with the national body, maintaining his silence throughout the dispute.

It has been a common theme of the saga.

Few of the central players are willing to talk openly on the record about the tensions. Instead, much of the disagreement has played out in the media through leaked documents and correspondence.

Beneath the personality clashes and brinkmanship lies a more consequential argument – one that long predates NZ20 and will outlast Weenink’s departure. At its core was a dispute over how New Zealand cricket should be organised, funded and governed in a rapidly changing global game.

The central question facing the sport remains the same – whether the existing domestic structure can meet those pressures, or whether a privatised T20 league represents a necessary evolution.

The pitch

For years, the conventional wisdom was that New Zealand was simply too small a market to sustain a privately backed T20 franchise competition.

That assumption has been steadily eroded as T20 leagues have sprung up around the cricketing world. Since the Indian Premier League (IPL) launched in 2008, franchise cricket has taken hold in England, Australia, the West Indies, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, with newer ventures emerging in the UAE and the United States.

As the franchise game boomed, anxiety crept in back home. New Zealand’s top players and coaches plying their trade in overseas leagues began to worry the country was isolating itself from the rest of the world. Supporters of NZ20 point to a curious anomaly: New Zealand is the only test-playing nation without a franchise T20 league.

“We’ve become an island in international cricket,” says one advocate.

When the consortium began sketching out plans for a competition, they did not chase the scale of the IPL or Australia’s Big Bash League. Instead, they found inspiration in a more unlikely success story – the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The CPL was built across a scatter of small, cricket-mad islands with limited commercial clout. By doubling down on local colour, a party-style presentation and sprinkling in global stars, the league turned a high-risk idea into one of the most recognisable and resilient properties in world cricket.

Official documents frame the NZ20 in similar terms: a “boutique, city-based cricket festival”, designed to fuse sport with tourism and trade, and to deepen strategic ties between India and New Zealand.

RNZ understands the consortium has briefed several senior government figures about the competition and plans for Indian investment.

Under the proposal, franchises would not align directly with the six major associations. Instead, teams would be based in the main population centres and seasonal tourism hubs, including Mount Maunganui and Queenstown.

However, the major associations – Auckland, Northern Districts, Central Districts, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago – still stand to benefit financially, which has helped secure their support for the concept. It is understood the proceeds from the sale of franchise licences would be directed into a capital fund to be distributed among the associations.

Supporters of the model argue that private ownership would allow the league to operate with a clearer commercial focus than the Super Smash, which has come to be seen as more of a development league. They contend that separating those functions would allow the proposed league to prioritise broadcast appeal, sponsorship and fan engagement.

Don Mackinnon, chair of the NZ20 establishment committee, declined to be interviewed by RNZ while discussions with the national body remain delicate. In previous media appearances, however, he has outlined what he sees as the advantages of keeping the league at arm’s length from New Zealand Cricket and the major associations.

“It’s driven out of private investment and so you get the ability to be very innovative,” Mackinnon told ESPN in November. “You have greater capital to invest in the fan experience – at the ground, on television and online. And if we get this right, we believe we’ll attract the very best New Zealand players back into our domestic competitions.”

By September, the consortium believed it had secured sufficient international and domestic investor interest, including a group of six “high net-worth Kiwis”, to formally present the proposal to the NZC board. Among those rumoured to have expressed interest are Xero founder Rod Drury, and Zuru co-founder Anna Mowbray and her husband, former All Black Ali Williams.

For all the ambition and investor interest, NZC still holds the keys.

To get the league off the ground, the consortium needs the national body to sanction the league and commit to providing a protected four-week window in January free from international commitments.

The proposed scheduling has led to concerns from some within NZC about how a privately run league would fit alongside existing commercial and broadcast agreements, which are built around NZC’s control of the domestic and international calendar.

In hindsight, however, one person briefed on the board presentation believes the main sticking point came during discussions about potential investors. They believe the suggestion that former players such as Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum could leverage their overseas connections, particularly in India, to attract investors and possibly take ownership stakes themselves, shifted the mood in the room.

“There was a definite change after that,” the source said. “Suddenly, [that was interpreted as], ‘oh, they’re all on the take’.”

This would become a focal point for public critics of the proposal.

Much of the resistance that followed was shaped by a broader unease about private ownership – specifically, who would stand to benefit, and what control the game in New Zealand might lose in the process.

The letter-writing campaign

The proposal’s arrival at NZC marked the point at which a philosophical debate became a governance crisis.

The organisation was already grappling with its own future by the time the NZ20 consortium approached the NZC board. In parallel with discussions around a private league, NZC had begun examining options to rejuvenate its domestic T20 competition through an external review dubbed ‘Project Bigger Smash’.

The review, led by Deloitte, examined four separate pathways to revitalise T20 cricket, including private ownership and the option of entering a New Zealand team into Australia’s Big Bash League. The latter was widely understood to be Weenink’s preferred path.

In the months that followed, the board effectively attempted to pursue two tracks. It continued work on the Deloitte review, while appointing two directors – Bill Birnie and Anna Campbell – to the NZ20 establishment committee to further develop the consortium’s proposal.

That dual approach, however, soon began to fray.

Competing narratives took hold both inside and outside the organisation. Critics of the proposal portrayed NZ20 as a “rebel” league engineered through a hostile takeover by the players’ association.

Supporters countered that elements within NZC were posturing as open-minded regulators while quietly entrenching opposition behind the scenes.

Internal correspondence illustrates how quickly trust in the boardroom deteriorated.

In an email to fellow directors in October, then-NZC president Lesley Murdoch warned recent decisions had promoted “distrust and disunity”.

“A decision determined by a casting vote suggests to me that more thought should be given to that decision and perhaps be revisited to ensure all the relevant information has been revealed, discussed and understood,” Murdoch wrote, while not directly referencing the specific vote.

She also questioned whether members of the board were acting in self-interest, cautioning that the sport “deserves a board that operates as one team, not a collection of individuals with competing agendas”.

At the same time the Murdoch letter was leaked, another piece of correspondence surfaced in the media – one that hinted at a widening rift between Weenink and his board.

NZ Cricket chairperson Diana Puketapu-Lyndon wrote to the head of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Jay Shah, to reject claims of a rebel league or player coup.

“We are deeply concerned about the origin of any messaging that has the potential to undermine the reputation of cricket and cricket governance in New Zealand,” the letter, which was also signed by the chairs of each of the major associations, stated.

According to one source, the letter reflected concerns from some officials that Weenink was perceived to be actively undermining efforts to establish a private league – a perception that placed him increasingly at odds with the major associations and the Players’ Association.

Weenink’s supporters believed he was simply urging the sport’s leaders to take time to do their due diligence on a decision with long-term consequences for the game.

Pressure from the major associations soon became explicit in correspondence. On 16 October, the chairs and chief executives of the six organisations wrote to the NZC board, stating their relationship with the chief executive had become “irretrievable” and that they had lost “respect, trust and confidence” in Weenink.

The same source said concerns about Weenink’s leadership style and approach had been raised directly with Puketapu-Lyndon earlier in the year, and again by follow-up letter in July – well before the NZ20 concept was formally presented to NZC.

As the dispute escalated, Weenink’s position became increasingly untenable, leading to reports the chief executive was “fighting for survival”. The response was more letter writing.

In early December a group of four NZC life members wrote to the board and directors of the national body, the major associations, the Players’ Association and the NZ20 establishment committee to express their “dismay” at what they described as a campaign to remove the chief executive.

“We urge all those involved to stop ‘playing the man’ and, instead, focus solely on ‘playing the ball’,” the letter said.

By that point, however, the relationship between Weenink and sections of the board had fractured. Weenink was increasingly sidelined from key meetings and decisions, and in December he abruptly went on leave ahead of mediation over his future.

His resignation followed days before Christmas, leaving NZC seeking a new leader amid unresolved questions about the future of the domestic game.

Projecting unity

While the immediate crisis has been defused, New Zealand Cricket is now seeking to steady itself and project a more unified front as it weighs decisions that will shape the game’s future.

Publicly, the message is one of alignment and patience. The NZ20 consortium, which was initially reluctant to engage with the Deloitte-led review, is now participating in the process as the board awaits the full findings before determining the long-term direction of domestic Twenty20 cricket.

In a statement, NZ20 establishment committee chair Don Mackinnon said the group was working closely with NZC “as the next stage of the concept is considered”.

“We have also engaged fully with representatives from Deloitte, who have been appointed to independently assess all options for the future of domestic T20 cricket in New Zealand,” Mackinnon said. “We support this process, and will continue to do so.”

Asked when the review might be completed, NZC referred RNZ to a statement issued in December, saying it was committed to running an “independent and objective process” but was limited in what it could say publicly due to “sensitivities and confidentiality requirements”.

Privately, however, tensions remain close to the surface. A number of figures across the game, including senior staff at the national body, remain loyal to Weenink and are said to be deeply unhappy with the manner of his departure.

There is unease that the mistrust sown during last year’s dispute has not been resolved, but merely contained.

Those concerns have been heightened by the need to repair relationships beyond New Zealand’s borders.

NZC chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon travelled to India and Dubai last month alongside director Roger Twose and newly installed president Mark Greatbatch, a trip described by one source as a “diplomatic mission” to reassure international stakeholders and potential investors unsettled by the public stoush.

NZC has played down the travel, with public affairs manager Richard Boock describing the visits as “a regular part of NZC’s stakeholder management approach”.

Mackinnon, meanwhile, insists investor interest in NZ20 remains strong and says the consortium continues to be approached by prospective backers.

But one source involved in the proposal says there is growing anxiety around the length of time it is taking to land on a decision. There is currently no broadcast deal in place for New Zealand’s domestic competitions beyond this season, with the new agreement with Sky excluding domestic cricket.

While domestic cricket will likely still be streamed on NZC’s platforms, there are concerns that a sub-standard broadcast product could devalue the competition in the eyes of potential investors and weaken New Zealand Cricket’s negotiating position at a critical moment.

Several figures involved say that urgency sits awkwardly alongside a process that is designed to inform the decision, not make it.

The Deloitte review is expected to stop short of recommending a single preferred model, instead providing a cost-benefit analysis of the available options.

Ultimately, the decision will rest with the board – the same body whose divisions brought the organisation to a standstill just months earlier.

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

Small- and medium-sized businesses SMEs are handling more work than usual, with nearly 40 percent reporting an increase in levels normally expected in the first quarter, according to a recent survey of more than 500 businesses.

The first quarter survey by accounting software firm MYOB indicates a quarter of SMEs had less work than usual in the pipeline, though there was an increase in the number expecting an increase in trade over the first three months of 2026.

Several key sectors, including 38 percent of manufacturing SMEs, 37 percent of retail businesses and 33 percent of the construction and trades businesses surveyed reported an increase in orders or work commissioned before the end of March.

MYOB chief customer officer Dean Chadwick said many SMEs were still navigating uneven demand and ongoing cost pressures, though the survey results suggested business activity for the new year had started on firmer footing.

“SMEs ended 2025 with largely steady trading conditions in the final few months of the year, though performance varied across the sector,” he said.

“While more than a quarter of businesses exceeded their sales expectations and most met their forecasts, a quarter saw a softer-than-predicted performance.”

The survey indicated SMEs were moving on their own spending plans, with 44 percent of those surveyed planning to bring forward deductible business purchases on things like supplies or equipment, before 31 March.

“We know from our research at the end of last year that many local businesses are planning to take advantage of the Investment Boost to maximise business investment this year,” he said.

“We can also see from the latest data that businesses are making good on the growth ambitions they signalled at the end of last year – not only seizing opportunities to increase sales before the end of the financial year, but also upping their own spending on plant, supplies and equipment to boost their 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

Black Caps spinner Michael Bracewell won’t play any part of the T20 World Cup after being ruled out with injury.

Bracewell suffered a calf injury during the ODI series against India last month and while he had recovered from that he reinjured it ahead of Sunday’s game against Afghanistan.

Subsequent scans confirmed the injury is expected to require approximately three weeks recovery before returning to play.

Off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie will travel to India to join the squad as a travelling reserve alongside pace-bowler Ben Sears.

Canterbury Kings captain McConchie last represented New Zealand in April 2024 and joins the squad off the back of a successful domestic T20 campaign as the Kings leading wicket taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71.

“It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him (Bracewell),” said Black Caps coach Rob Walter.

“Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this set back.

Walter said McConchie, who has played 145 T20s (12 of them internationals), would bring valuable experience.

“Cole is a seasoned campaigner.

“He brings a great all-round skillset to the group along with a lot of T20 experience.

“It’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head especially for a World Cup.”

The Black Caps beat the UAE by 10 wickets on Wednesday and play South Africa on Sunday.

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

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert posted a T20 World Cup record partnership of 175 as the Black Caps crushed the United Arab Emirates by 10 wickets with almost five overs to spare in Chennai on Tuesday.

Chasing the UAE’s 173-6, Seifert struck an unbeaten 89 and Allen scored 84 not out as they pummelled the UAE bowling to all parts of the ground in an unbroken opening stand.

The opening pair crashed 78 from the first six-over power play and posted their century stand off only 8.3 overs.

Seifert hit one of his three huge sixes to clinch the contest after just 15.2 overs, he also struck 12 fours. Allen had five sixes and five fours.

They beat the previous record for any wicket at a T20 World Cup — an unbroken 170 by England openers Alex Hales and Jos Buttler against India in the semi-final of the 2022 edition at the Adelaide Oval.

“The main thing is that we’re playing how we want to play, especially me and Finn putting pressure on the bowlers in the power play,” said Seifert, who was named player of the match.

“Every game’s going to be a little bit different, every ground’s going to be different.

“So in a World Cup, you’ve just got to be able to adapt to the conditions you’re playing in.”

Seifert said he was unaware the pair had posted a new World Cup record partnership for any wicket.

“No, I didn’t know that,” he said. “I’m not much of a stats guy, but look, we’ll take it.”

The UAE’s 173-6 was largely thanks to their captain Muhammad Waseem’s 66 not out.

Choosing to bat first, Waseem and Alishan Sharafu put on 107 for the second wicket.

It took a sensational piece of New Zealand fielding to break the partnership.

Mark Chapman intercepted a Sharafu slog-sweep a whisker inside the boundary and before he stepped over the ropes relayed the ball to Daryl Mitchell to complete the dismissal.

The 31-year-old Waseem, who was one of only three current UAE players to play in their last appearance in a T20 World Cup in 2022, hit four fours and three sixes in facing 45 balls.

New Zealand kicked off the campaign with a clinical five-wicket win over Afghanistan on Sunday. They have a four-day break as they head to Ahmedabad for a crunch match with South Africa on Sunday, before playing their final group game against Canada next Tuesday.

– AFP

See how every ball was played below:

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

A stunning Men’s T20 World Cup record 175-run opening stand between Finn Allen and Tim Seifert has led New Zealand to an emphatic 10-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in Chennai.

Set 174 runs to win, the Black Caps took just three runs off the first over but it didn’t take long for the fireworks to begin as Allen and Seifert went blow for blow as they reached 78/0 in the Powerplay.

The drinks break brought very little respite as Allen and Seifert kept the boundaries coming despite a quality four-over stint by Haider Ali that went for just 27 runs. Seifert went past 50 in just 23 balls, before Allen brought his half century up a few overs later off just 27 balls. The ding dong battle between the openers went right to the wire – with Seifert claiming the honours with the match-winning six to finish on 89* off 42.

No matter what the UAE tried, they were unable to restrict the flow of boundaries on a very good batting pitch. Haider showed the way as he rarely strayed from a good length on the stumps that proved hard to get away. Paceman Muhammad Rohid was particularly expensive as he was carted for 51 runs in just 3.2 overs.

The UAE are back in action on Friday afternoon where they will take on Canada in a winnable encounter in Delhi.

New Zealand kicked off their campaign with a clinical five-wicket win over Afghanistan on Sunday. They have a four-day break as they head to Ahmedabad for a crunch match with South Africa on Sunday, before playing their final group game against Canada next Tuesday.

Follow every ball below:

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

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – VinFast and Exposure SARL announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the potential supply of electric vehicles for green taxi services in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The agreement marks an important milestone in the Vietnamese EV maker’s international expansion strategy and a major step forward in promoting the transition to green transportation in the capital of the DRC.

Under the MOU, the two parties will discuss and coordinate to develop a plan to supply the first batch of VinFast electric vehicles for Exposure to operate electric taxi services in Kinshasa. This batch is expected to include the commercial-oriented Limo Green and Herio Green models, regarded as an initial foundation for an all-electric taxi model, contributing to the formation of zero-emission transport habits in urban passenger transportation in Congo.

At the same time, Exposure has expressed its intention to become a distributor of VinFast vehicles in the Congolese market and will jointly study a business plan suited to local conditions. Both parties commit to continued cooperation in good faith, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration in the future.

The MOU between VinFast and Exposure SARL initiates the implementation of the strategic cooperation framework established by Vingroup and the City of Kinshasa in 2025. At that time, the parties agreed to study and promote the procurement and deployment of VinFast’s electric mobility solutions, including electric buses, cars, and scooters, to serve the city’s and residents’ transportation needs.

Earlier, the Kinshasa municipal authorities and Vingroup also signed an MOU to study and develop a riverside mega urban project covering approximately 6,300 hectares. Featuring housing, villas, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, hotels, and entertainment facilities, the project is expected to become a new tourism destination and a symbol of Kinshasa’s future development.

The partnerships align with the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s long-term vision for sustainable urban development and green transition, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities such as Kinshasa, where demand for clean, smart and efficient mobility is rising. Building on the country’s renewable energy potential and commitment to low-emission growth, the initiative supports Kinshasa’s ambition to develop an integrated green infrastructure and electric mobility ecosystem.

Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, stated: “The cooperation with Exposure SARL reflects VinFast’s confidence in the potential for green transportation in Africa and reaffirms our commitment to delivering modern, accessible green mobility solutions tailored to each market. We believe that VinFast’s electric vehicle products, proven across multiple markets, combined with Exposure’s local expertise, will help accelerate the transition to green transportation in Congo.”

Mr. Fely Samuna Lukwaka, Chief Executive Officer of Exposure SARL, said: “We are very pleased to cooperate with VinFast toward a low emission mobility future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo in general and the capital Kinshasa in particular. With a population of more than 120 million and a strategic location bordering nine countries, forming a regional market of over 200 million people, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has strong potential to become a gateway for electric vehicle development in Central Africa. We have full confidence in VinFast’s technological capabilities and product ecosystem, and we expect this cooperation to establish a foundation for the next stages of development of the electric vehicle market not only in the DRC but across the wider region.”

VinFast is a pure-play electric vehicle automaker under Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, with a vision to drive the movement of the global smart electric vehicle revolution. Over the past years, the EV maker has expanded strongly into new and promising markets such as India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Middle East, while continuing to strengthen its presence in key markets in Europe and North America. Strategic moves in 2025 are expected to provide strong momentum and a solid launchpad for further breakthroughs in 2026.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

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

The Black Caps will face the United Arab Emirates in their second match of the Twenty20 World Cup in Chennai tonight.

New Zealand kicked off their campaign with a clinical five-wicket win over Afghanistan on Sunday.

The Black Caps sit second behind South Africa in Group D. The two sides will meet on Sunday, before New Zealand play their final group game against Canada next week Tuesday.

Follow every ball below:

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

Rico Simpson is no stranger to expectation.

The schoolboy prodigy has been long tipped as the next star off the New Zealand rugby conveyor belt.

Now in his first, full-time Super Rugby season, Simpson is looking to become a household name and fill the boots of one of the world’s best.

After a year spent in the wider squad, Simpson said he feels more comfortable now both in the team and with the hype surrounding him.

“I think I took a lot of it as I went along the way, guys in similar positions I got to be alongside, I think it’s always going to be part of the game. You’re always going to have those expectations and pressures from fans, coaches. It’s kind of been a part of me since probably year 13.”

With Beauden Barrett sitting the first few weeks of Super Rugby out, the door is open for Simpson.

“Last year I got to just get a taste of it and now I think there is probably expectations of me to be playing good enough footy to get a crack. And with Beaudy out, it might be potential there, but I’m just here to just keep learning developing as a player.”

Simpson said the 145-test All Black has been an integral part of his assimilation at the Blues.

“He has been really helpful, keeping in contact with me and making sure I’m clear on everything and just helping me out with the nitty gritty parts of the game, which is really cool to see. I think he’s obviously had a lot of years playing high level rugby, so it’s good to just hear the little details that he likes to use and implement in his game.”

Simpson is not new to the high performance environment, spending two years with the New Zealand Under 20’s, playing in last year’s championship final against the Junior Springboks.

“It’s been a lot easier of a transition for me. I’m fully immersed in the squad now, on the development contracts, you’re in and out of the Blues and the Under 20s, so I think being in one place and really just nailing the parts of your game you want to get right has probably the best thing for me.”

Pulling on the Blues jersey was always an ambition for the Aucklander.

“Growing up in Auckland, born here, raised, went to school here, it’s always been a dream. I’ve always looked at the Blues and wanted to be a part of that.”

He grew up idolising the likes of Stephen Perofeta and Barrett, men he now calls teammates.

“When I first came in, it was a pretty surreal moment, to see those guys on TV and then be training alongside them. So as a young fella, it’s good to get alongside those guys and chew heaps of fat around the game and I think you get to learn a lot.”

Simpson was a key cog in Sacred Heart’s first XV where he spent three years and helped guide them to an historic 1A victory in 2023, the school’s first title in 65 years.

“I got to do it alongside my brother, which is also another cool thing. Sacred will always be part of me and I think that really developed me as a player and it got me to where I am today.”

Simpson’s siblings and fellow Sacred Heart stars Keanu and Cruiz are also on a trajectory for higher honours, with Rico hoping they can all run out together on Eden Park one day.

“Yeah, one day, the three Simpson boys in the Blues, that’s the plan.”

His success at Sacred caught the eye of national selectors who handed Simpson the coveted number 10 jersey for the U20’s side, the same one worn by fellow Blues Barrett and Perofeta.

“International level was always a step ahead of everything, and I think it really helped me learn different parts of the game that I probably didn’t quite get it at school level and regional stuff.”

For Simpson, it was the first of many black jerseys he hopes to wear.

“I think as a Kiwi kid playing footy, that’s (the All Blacks) always the end goal and it’s always been a dream of mine.”

Standing at 6ft 5in, Simpson is an imposing presence in the backline.

“I’ve always prided myself on my kicking game and I think along the years my running game has started to develop and that’s something I want to keep working on. Obviously as a taller fella, taking the line on and offloading has always been a strength of mine, so those two things are probably something that I always hang my hat on.”

Simpson said that despite a tough 2025, the Blues have full belief they can replicate their 2024 title run, and send coach vern Cotter off in winning style.

“We always believe we can do that. The boys are really switched on and ready to go, we are ready to rip into the year and there’s a lot of confidence, a younger squad, but we’ve still got that confidence that we can go all the way.”

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

Dame Noeline Taurua’s coaching bench will have a new look to it at the Commonwealth Games with long-time Silver Ferns assistant Deb Fuller to coach the Malawi Queens.

Fuller has been appointed as the new High Performance Netball Consultant for the Malawi Queens on a one year contract.

In an announcement on its website the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) said Fuller brought a wealth of international expertise to support the team’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Africa Netball Cup.

“A highly respected figure in the global netball community, Debbie is a former elite player and an accomplished coach with over 25 years of experience in the sport. She has served as Assistant Coach for the New Zealand Silver Ferns from 2018 to 2025, contributing to significant international successes.”

“We are grateful to Jane Patterson, Interim CEO of Netball New Zealand, for allowing Debbie to support NAM in this endeavour, and for understanding our efforts in strengthening our high-performance and organizational capability under a new management structure. Netball New Zealand views this as a positive opportunity and one that aligns with its broader objectives of supporting global netball relationships.”

Fuller told RNZ her contract with Netball NZ ended in December and a friend in England connected her to the role.

“Netball NZ and Noel’s [Silver Fern coach] have been super supportive of the opportunity to work with Malawi Netball, it has been in discussion since late November last year,” Fuller said.

NAM president Vitumbiko Gubuduza said they were confident that Fuller’s strategic, athlete-centred approach will inspire players and help unlock the full potential of the Queens’ squad while training the next generation of coaches.

As head coach, Fuller will interview and select her management team, including an assistant coach and manager, who she will lead during her contract.

Patterson was announced interim CEO in mid January, following the resignation of Jennie Wyllie in December after what was a disastrous year for the national body.

In September, Silver Ferns’ coach Dame Noeline Taurua and her coaching team were suspended, over concerns about the high performance environment, sparked by complaints from some of the players.

Dame Noeline was later reinstated, with Netball NZ saying the two parties had agreed to embed changes to the Silver Ferns’ programme and environment.

It wasn’t clear what would happen to her long-time assistant coach Deb Fuller, or specialist coach Briony Akle.

In early January, Stephen Hotter resigned from his role as head of High Performance, which he had held since the start of 2023.

In mid January, Netball NZ also announced Chelsea Lane’s appointment as Head of Performance – Silver Ferns.

Netball NZ said Lane would help to “assemble the team that will take the programme forward” and strengthen leadership within the Silver Ferns’ high performance programme.

Fuller was re-appointed Silver Ferns’ assistant coach in 2024, a few months after Taurua reapplied and was re-appointed.

Like Taurua, Fuller went through an interview process and was up against other candidates.

In 2019 the pair pulled off a remarkable victory at the World Cup in Liverpool.

During their partnership, the duo also enjoyed two Constellation Cup victories over rivals Australia and a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Malawi, who are currently ranked eighth in the world, have been ranked as high at fifth.

Fuller is due to arrive in the country on 21 February for a training block with the Malawi Queens.

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

Follow Our Changing World on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or wherever you listen to your podcasts

It sounds like an impossible task – eradicating all stoats, rats and possums from more than 110,000 hectares of South Westland and keeping them out.

But that’s the aim for Predator Free South Westland, a collaborative project with these three pests in its crosshairs.

Its ambitious goal is now nearing completion, and it could provide a template on how to approach large pest removal projects in Aotearoa.

Backcountry beginnings

The project area stretches from the Tasman Sea to the crest of the Southern Alps and is bounded by the Whataroa and Waiau rivers. It covers shoreline, nature reserves, farmland, townships, and lots of rugged, remote backcountry.

But there’s only one way to eat an elephant, and the first ‘bite’ was the Perth Valley. It was here that the project began in 2018.

Tackling its target pests in this rugged backcountry terrain involved 1080 toxin aerial drops. Once that was done, mopping up stragglers and continuous monitoring for reinvasion became key.

It is remote and challenging terrain, further complicated by the West Coast weather, but it became like a second home for field rangers such as Chad Cottle.

“There’s a lot of ephemeral creeks that can come up out of nowhere if you’re not aware of them,” he says.

“So we got used to the ones that came up and weren’t crossable after some rain and ones that went down really quickly. So we know where our boundaries were if we were going out during a rain day we’d know we better not cross that one because we won’t be able to get back across it if it keeps raining.”

Those early days involved chew cards and trail cameras, with rangers then classifying camera images in the hut at the end the day, but along the way the project has embraced new technology.

Now a network of 1200 AI cameras are spread across the project area. These were developed by Zero Invasive Predators, one of the project partners, alongside the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Next Foundation.

The thermal-sensing cameras are trained to identify the three target species and alert the team by email when one is spotted. Pests are lured to the area using mayonnaise, dispensed automatically from a system that creates its own hydrogen gas to put periodic pressure on a plunger. In practical terms, these technological advances mean fewer trips to the backcountry, and therefore lower costs.

Once a pest is spotted, the team jumps into action. Decision-making on how to respond depends on what has been sighted, and where. A breeding population of rats in the backcountry would likely trigger an aerial drop. A possum could be hunted down by a species dog and dispatched with a rifle, or a live capture cage could be set for it. A stoat might be targeted with toxic rat bait.

But the backcountry is only one part of the project area. Around the small towns of Whataroa, Ōkārito and Franz Joseph the team is also working with private landowners, with a very different approach.

The end in sight

Following its early work in the Perth Valley the project area was divided into large distinct blocks of land to tackle one by one. Now it is down to the last section – around 10,000 hectares of farmland around Whataroa – which it aims to complete this year.

Here aerial toxin drops are not an option, so bait stations and trapping become key tools.

Pouri Rakete-Stones, the rural elimination team lead, has been working with farmers and landowners in the community, answering questions about what the project operating on their land would mean for them. And though many of the conversations often start with scepticism, Pouri says in general people are on board with what it’s trying to achieve.

“Most people can’t believe, they don’t believe that we can do it. First thing they say, you’re never going to get rid of rats. You know, there’s too many rats. You might be able to do it with possums, you’re never going to do it with stoats,” Pouri says.

“So trying to have that conversation about what tools we use, what techniques we do, how we go about work.

“We are elimination, we’re not suppression. So we are looking at targeting the last one. Having that conversation, telling those stories, getting them comfortable around what we can do. And then once we get on the ground and start doing the work, they can see the results pretty quickly.”

Maintenance

The project area was carefully chosen for several reasons. A high proportion of conservation land, a region home to several threatened native species, and geographical features that would help the mission.

While pests like possums have at times been spotted at surprising altitudes, the peaks of the Southern Alps seem to be forming an effective barrier against reinvasion.

The Whataroa and Waiau rivers also allow some protection, but roads and bridges across these are weaker points. Pest-proof gates have been installed on the swing bridges in the back country, but low river flow, or perhaps rat stowaways in vehicles mean that reinvasions continue to occur.

The area is thought of as having a ‘core’ that is free of targeted pests, with a buffer zone around it, into which rats, stoats and possums will stray.

Rapid AI camera recognition and response are how it deals with such incursions, but in addition, having identified the rivers as the weak point, the team is now running targeted operations on the other side of the rivers, to limit pest numbers there.

The goal now is to make this maintenance phase as affordable as possible. Nate St Hill, operation coordinator for Predator Free South Westland, says it is close to $30 a hectare, so an annual bill of $3 million (it has cost $50m to do the eradication). The agreement is that the maintenance will be supported by DOC through the Tomorrow Accord. It will continue to work to get that cost down, says Nate, by further embracing technology, thereby reducing labour time, and helicopter costs.

Seeing changes

While rats, stoats and possums are not the only introduced pest mammals in the project area, getting rid of those targeted three is leading to positive changes. Those working on the project for several years, as well as local eco-tourism operators, are reporting increases in both bird and plant life.

More kākāriki and kea have been sighted in the back country, there are reports of large flocks of kererū, and the only natural population of rowi, New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, are now starting to move beyond the Ōkārito Kiwi Sanctuary.

Dion Arnold is managing director of White Heron Sanctuary Tours, which operates in Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, near Whataroa.

The reserve is home to country’s only white heron kōtuku breeding ground, and Dion has been working here for almost three decades.

In recent years, Dion says, native species have been flourishing in the absence of pests.

“Just seeing those regenerating plants on the forest floor, areas that would have looked like a lawnmower had been through the forest in the past, in the last few years has come back with growth all across it,” he says.

“And the same with the bird life all around us. We’re hearing tūī and bellbird, grey warblers, the fantails and tomtits are around. And to see the number of those birds about having flocks of 30 or 40 of them in the trees above us is just incredible.”

The family-run business has been trapping in the area for a long time, but he says the intensive work to get rid of pests in the surrounding region means its traps are mostly for education now.

“Now we can go months and not have a catch in any of our traps out around here. It’s fantastic.”

Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.

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

Follow Our Changing World on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or wherever you listen to your podcasts

It sounds like an impossible task – eradicating all stoats, rats and possums from more than 110,000 hectares of South Westland and keeping them out.

But that’s the aim for Predator Free South Westland, a collaborative project with these three pests in its crosshairs.

Its ambitious goal is now nearing completion, and it could provide a template on how to approach large pest removal projects in Aotearoa.

Backcountry beginnings

The project area stretches from the Tasman Sea to the crest of the Southern Alps and is bounded by the Whataroa and Waiau rivers. It covers shoreline, nature reserves, farmland, townships, and lots of rugged, remote backcountry.

But there’s only one way to eat an elephant, and the first ‘bite’ was the Perth Valley. It was here that the project began in 2018.

Tackling its target pests in this rugged backcountry terrain involved 1080 toxin aerial drops. Once that was done, mopping up stragglers and continuous monitoring for reinvasion became key.

It is remote and challenging terrain, further complicated by the West Coast weather, but it became like a second home for field rangers such as Chad Cottle.

“There’s a lot of ephemeral creeks that can come up out of nowhere if you’re not aware of them,” he says.

“So we got used to the ones that came up and weren’t crossable after some rain and ones that went down really quickly. So we know where our boundaries were if we were going out during a rain day we’d know we better not cross that one because we won’t be able to get back across it if it keeps raining.”

Those early days involved chew cards and trail cameras, with rangers then classifying camera images in the hut at the end the day, but along the way the project has embraced new technology.

Now a network of 1200 AI cameras are spread across the project area. These were developed by Zero Invasive Predators, one of the project partners, alongside the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Next Foundation.

The thermal-sensing cameras are trained to identify the three target species and alert the team by email when one is spotted. Pests are lured to the area using mayonnaise, dispensed automatically from a system that creates its own hydrogen gas to put periodic pressure on a plunger. In practical terms, these technological advances mean fewer trips to the backcountry, and therefore lower costs.

Once a pest is spotted, the team jumps into action. Decision-making on how to respond depends on what has been sighted, and where. A breeding population of rats in the backcountry would likely trigger an aerial drop. A possum could be hunted down by a species dog and dispatched with a rifle, or a live capture cage could be set for it. A stoat might be targeted with toxic rat bait.

But the backcountry is only one part of the project area. Around the small towns of Whataroa, Ōkārito and Franz Joseph the team is also working with private landowners, with a very different approach.

The end in sight

Following its early work in the Perth Valley the project area was divided into large distinct blocks of land to tackle one by one. Now it is down to the last section – around 10,000 hectares of farmland around Whataroa – which it aims to complete this year.

Here aerial toxin drops are not an option, so bait stations and trapping become key tools.

Pouri Rakete-Stones, the rural elimination team lead, has been working with farmers and landowners in the community, answering questions about what the project operating on their land would mean for them. And though many of the conversations often start with scepticism, Pouri says in general people are on board with what it’s trying to achieve.

“Most people can’t believe, they don’t believe that we can do it. First thing they say, you’re never going to get rid of rats. You know, there’s too many rats. You might be able to do it with possums, you’re never going to do it with stoats,” Pouri says.

“So trying to have that conversation about what tools we use, what techniques we do, how we go about work.

“We are elimination, we’re not suppression. So we are looking at targeting the last one. Having that conversation, telling those stories, getting them comfortable around what we can do. And then once we get on the ground and start doing the work, they can see the results pretty quickly.”

Maintenance

The project area was carefully chosen for several reasons. A high proportion of conservation land, a region home to several threatened native species, and geographical features that would help the mission.

While pests like possums have at times been spotted at surprising altitudes, the peaks of the Southern Alps seem to be forming an effective barrier against reinvasion.

The Whataroa and Waiau rivers also allow some protection, but roads and bridges across these are weaker points. Pest-proof gates have been installed on the swing bridges in the back country, but low river flow, or perhaps rat stowaways in vehicles mean that reinvasions continue to occur.

The area is thought of as having a ‘core’ that is free of targeted pests, with a buffer zone around it, into which rats, stoats and possums will stray.

Rapid AI camera recognition and response are how it deals with such incursions, but in addition, having identified the rivers as the weak point, the team is now running targeted operations on the other side of the rivers, to limit pest numbers there.

The goal now is to make this maintenance phase as affordable as possible. Nate St Hill, operation coordinator for Predator Free South Westland, says it is close to $30 a hectare, so an annual bill of $3 million (it has cost $50m to do the eradication). The agreement is that the maintenance will be supported by DOC through the Tomorrow Accord. It will continue to work to get that cost down, says Nate, by further embracing technology, thereby reducing labour time, and helicopter costs.

Seeing changes

While rats, stoats and possums are not the only introduced pest mammals in the project area, getting rid of those targeted three is leading to positive changes. Those working on the project for several years, as well as local eco-tourism operators, are reporting increases in both bird and plant life.

More kākāriki and kea have been sighted in the back country, there are reports of large flocks of kererū, and the only natural population of rowi, New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, are now starting to move beyond the Ōkārito Kiwi Sanctuary.

Dion Arnold is managing director of White Heron Sanctuary Tours, which operates in Waitangiroto Nature Reserve, near Whataroa.

The reserve is home to country’s only white heron kōtuku breeding ground, and Dion has been working here for almost three decades.

In recent years, Dion says, native species have been flourishing in the absence of pests.

“Just seeing those regenerating plants on the forest floor, areas that would have looked like a lawnmower had been through the forest in the past, in the last few years has come back with growth all across it,” he says.

“And the same with the bird life all around us. We’re hearing tūī and bellbird, grey warblers, the fantails and tomtits are around. And to see the number of those birds about having flocks of 30 or 40 of them in the trees above us is just incredible.”

The family-run business has been trapping in the area for a long time, but he says the intensive work to get rid of pests in the surrounding region means its traps are mostly for education now.

“Now we can go months and not have a catch in any of our traps out around here. It’s fantastic.”

Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.

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

All Blacks Leroy Carter and Simon Parker have re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs until after next year’s World Cup.

The winger and loose forward, who play for Bay of Plenty and Northland respectively, have re-committed to the end of 2028.

Carter, 26, is a Tauranga Boys’ College product who debuted for the Steamers in 2019 and was a standout player for the All Blacks Sevens for three years.

He was nominated for World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2023 after being part of New Zealand’s World Series winning squad.

He committed fulltime to XVs last year and scored nine tries for the Chiefs. He was named the Chiefs Rookie of the Year for 2025.

He made his All Blacks debut last year against South Africa in Wellington, scoring a try in his first test.

Carter finished the year with six test caps.

Rated one of the fastest outside backs in the game, Carter said he never considered moving from the Chiefs.

“I don’t want to play for another club, so it was a pretty easy decision. It’s a club I grew up wanting to play for, and it’s a dream come true, so I’m excited to put pen to paper pretty early-doors, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Staying with the Chiefs was an easy call for Northland’s Parker too, who also enjoyed a strong Super Rugby Pacific season last year that resulted in his All Blacks call-up.

“I guess this is the sort of stage you start thinking about what’s next,” Parker said.

“You don’t want to leave it too late, obviously. So it was a bit of a no-brainer for me and my family, we’ve got our family roots planted where we are, so it’s quite nice to have some security that’s where you’re going to be for the next couple of seasons.”

Born in Mangawhai, Parker, 25, went to secondary school at St Peter’s School in Cambridge where he boarded with fellow All Black Cam Roigard.

Playing for New Zealand Secondary Schools in 2017 and the New Zealand Under-20 team in 2019, he debuted for Waikato in 2019 before returning to his home province, Northland, in 2024.

He debuted for the Chiefs in 2020 and made his test debut against Argentina last year.

He has played eight tests.

Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes is delighted the pair will be with the team for three more years.

“It’s great to see these two recommit to the Chiefs. They are outstanding team members who bring that special X-factor to what they do on the field,” Gibbes said.

“They’re a big part of the Chiefs’ future on the field and off it.”

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