Queenstown, New Zealand (17 May 2026) Electrify Queenstown 2026 opened today with a sell-out 400-strong crowd, amped to explore Aotearoa’s electric future.

Climate Change Minister Hon Simon Watts and New Zealand Climate Foundation chief executive Izzy Fenwick led the programme, which focused on how electrification can lower costs, lower emissions and strengthen resilience for households and business.

Minister Watts says electrification is central to New Zealand’s economic and climate future.

“Electrify Queenstown brings together businesses, innovators, investors, and local leaders who are helping drive practical solutions that can reduce costs, improve productivity, strengthen energy resilience, and support emissions reduction,” he says.

“Events like this are important because they help turn ideas and ambition into real-world action.”

Now in its third year, the award-winning Electrify Queenstown spans three days in New Zealand’s tourism capital.

Opening day brought electrification to life for attendees with hands-on Electric Experiences across the basin, including solar home tours, EV travel to Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, Catch a Fish’s electric boat trip, and an e-boat and e-bike adventure hosted by Naut, Ride to the Sky and Queenstown Golf Club.

At Queenstown Events Centre, the free How-To Hub and Power Playground ran from 1pm–3pm, with expert advice on solar, batteries, EVs, heating, hot water and finance, alongside test rides and demos of electric technology.

Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says the scale of interest reflected how quickly the national conversation around electrification is changing.

“Just a few years ago, electrification was often viewed primarily through the lens of emissions reduction. Today, people are increasingly focused on cost savings, resilience, energy security and how households and businesses can take greater control of their energy future.

“Electrify Queenstown is about making those conversations practical and accessible, and there’s strong appetite from both the community and industry to explore what’s possible.”

The event also featured a significant transport announcement from Christchurch-based company Whoosh, which revealed a consortium of Queenstown business leaders would fund a feasibility study into a potential electric elevated transport network for the district.

The study will investigate whether the autonomous pod-based transport system could help address congestion challenges and support future transport needs across Queenstown.

Powerswitch manager Paul Fuge was also at the lectern, detailing what consumers think about electrification and what will drive uptake, along with Josh Ellison, of Queenstown Electrification Accelerator.

Electrify Queenstown continues Monday (18 May) with its sold-out Business Innovation, Investment & Policy day at the Queenstown Events Centre.

The programme includes keynote presentations from inventor and global electrification expert Dr Saul Griffith, Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey, and a major political leaders’ debate moderated by Paddy Gower.

On stage will be Deputy Prime Minister Hon David Seymour, Leader of the Opposition Rt Hon Chris Hipkins, Energy Minister Hon Simeon Brown, Assoc. Energy Minister Hon Shane Jones, Green Party leader Chlöe Swarbrick and The Opportunities Party leader Qiulae Wong,

A limited number of tickets remain available for Tuesday’s programme – Practical business advice – the ‘How To’.

Event details

What: Electrify Queenstown

When: Sunday 17 May – Tuesday 19 May

Where: Queenstown Events Centre and locations across the district

Feature session: The Future of New Zealand’s Energy System: A Leaders’ Debate, Monday 18 May, 2pm-4.30pm.

MIL OSI

The Aussies have well and truly fallen off the Super Rugby Pacific pace.

After threatening to emulate the glory days of ACT Brumbies in the early rounds, the men from Canberra have collapsed dramatically, leaving the top four firmly in Kiwi hands.

Queensland Reds appear the only other genuine contenders from across the ditch, but couldn’t cash in at home against the Chiefs last week, leaving them to round out the top six.

The Hurricanes have kicked clear at the top, five points ahead of the second-placed Chiefs. The Blues and Crusaders both appear locked for the post-season.

The Highlanders need a miracle, if they are to progress to the playoffs, needing to beat both the Chiefs and Hurricanes to give themselves any chance.

A pair of cracking derbies headline this weekend’s round, with the Blues hosting the Hurricanes, while the Highlanders head to Hamilton to meet the Chiefs.

Both Moana Pasifika and the Crusaders have the week off.

Selection notes

Beauden Barrett returns to the Blues’ starting first-five jersey for his side’s crucial clash with the ‘Canes.

Anton Segner replaces Dalton Papali’i, who fractured his jaw against the Crusaders, while Xavi Taele also gets the start in the Blues midfield.

After mauling Moana Pasifika, the Hurricanes have made eight changes to the starting line-up, with Caleb Delany notching up his 50th game.

For the Chiefs, Damian McKenzie moves to fullback, while in-form Quinn Tupaea gets a rest, as Lalakai Foketi takes his place at second five.

The only change to the Highlanders line-up comes at centre, where Tanielu Tele’a replaces the suspended Jona Nareki.

Injury ward

Hurricanes workhorse Du’Plessis Kirifi is missing for the week with a knee injury, while Cam Roigard will remain sidelined for at least another two weeks with a calf complaint.

Chiefs lock Josh Lord is out with concussion, while the side’s back stocks are depleted, with Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Etene Nanai-Seturo all missing from action.

Props Ben Ake and Sam Matega are both out for the Blues.

Finn Hurley is still unavailable for the Highlanders, due to a hamstring.

Key stats

The Chiefs are one away from their 250th Super Rugby win, a number matched only by the Crusaders, Brumbies and Hurricanes.

Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo needs one more try to equal Ben Lam and Joe Roff’s season record of 16.

The Blues have won their last five against the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens leads the competition with 10 try assists.

The Chiefs average the most metres this season with 529 per game.

Chiefs v Highlanders

Kickoff 7.05pm, Friday, 15 May

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Live blog updates on RNZ

Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Sione Ahio, 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 15. Damian McKenzie

Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Benét Kumeroa, 18. George Dyer, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Daniel Rona, 23. Isaac Hutchinson

“It will be important this week against a very combative Highlanders defence that we can shift the point of attack quickly and effectively. We had a tough battle against them in round two and are preparing for more of the same this week at home.”

Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbes

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Tomás Lavanini, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Lucas Casey, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele’a, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Sean Withy, 21. Veveni Lasaqa, 22. Folau Fakatava, 23. Taine Robinson

“It’s hard to get wins, and so when you get those real tight ones and let them slip, it really hurts you at this end of the season.”

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph

Blues v Hurricanes

Kickoff 7.05pm, Saturday, 16 May

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Torian Barnes, 21. Che Clark, 22. Finlay Christie, 23. Stephen Perofeta

“The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us, and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Devan Flanders, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Jordie Barrett (c), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Callum Harkin

Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Bailyn Sullivan

“We’re well aware of the threat that the Blues possess. I’m sure they’re highly motivated about the opportunity to beat us and continue that fight for the top two. It’s going to be a highly physical and exciting game.”

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

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

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has released guidance and tools to help New Zealanders take part in voluntary nature and carbon markets with confidence.

“The Government wants to support the growth of voluntary markets that are trusted and able to deliver real benefits for nature, the climate and wider economy,” Mr Watts says. 

“Activities like restoring a wetland and planting natives are nature-based solutions that remove carbon from the atmosphere, protect our biodiversity and even reduce the impact of flooding.

“Businesses, corporates and philanthropists, here and overseas, want to invest in New Zealand’s projects because they value our reliable geopolitical landscape and strong environmental reputation.  

“Strong and credible voluntary markets can deliver real benefits for the climate, environment and economy. But investors must be able to trust they’re buying high quality credits and can make transparent claims, so they’re not accused of greenwashing.”

The refreshed guidance will help participants understand what high-quality, projects should look like. 

“Under the guidance, principles describe what qualities buyers should look for to be confident they are investing in projects that make solid environmental claims. Carbon activities must be additional, durable, real and measurable. They must also be transparent, not double-counted and respectful of rights,” Mr Watts says.

The release of the guidance and tools supports the Government’s approach to grow New Zealand’s voluntary nature and carbon markets announced earlier this week.

“The same principles underpin the Government’s endorsement of high-quality schemes and methodologies announced earlier in the week. This will make it easier for project suppliers – developers, farmers, landowners, iwi, conservationists and community groups – to build high integrity projects which will help them attract more funding,” Mr Watts says.

Also announced today are online guidance and a tool to help organisations explore other carbon removal options. This follows the Assessment Framework for Carbon Removals released last year.

“This tool supports businesses to prepare to submit an application for scientific assessment. It will help people understand whether an activity is scientifically robust, cutting out uncertainty,” Mr Watts says.

MIL OSI

The Aussies have well and truly fallen off the Super Rugby Pacific pace.

After threatening to emulate the glory days of ACT Brumbies in the early rounds, the men from Canberra have collapsed dramatically, leaving the top four firmly in Kiwi hands.

Queensland Reds appear the only other genuine contenders from across the ditch, but couldn’t cash in at home against the Chiefs last week, leaving them to round out the top six.

The Hurricanes have kicked clear at the top, five points ahead of the second-placed Chiefs. The Blues and Crusaders both appear locked for the post-season.

The Highlanders need a miracle, if they are to progress to the playoffs, needing to beat both the Chiefs and Hurricanes to give themselves any chance.

A pair of cracking derbies headline this weekend’s round, with the Blues hosting the Hurricanes, while the Highlanders head to Hamilton to meet the Chiefs.

Both Moana Pasifika and the Crusaders have the week off.

Selection notes

Beauden Barrett returns to the Blues’ starting first-five jersey for his side’s crucial clash with the ‘Canes.

Anton Segner replaces Dalton Papali’i, who fractured his jaw against the Crusaders, while Xavi Taele also gets the start in the Blues midfield.

After mauling Moana Pasifika, the Hurricanes have made eight changes to the starting line-up, with Caleb Delany notching up his 50th game.

For the Chiefs, Damian McKenzie moves to fullback, while in-form Quinn Tupaea gets a rest, as Lalakai Foketi takes his place at second five.

The only change to the Highlanders line-up comes at centre, where Tanielu Tele’a replaces the suspended Jona Nareki.

Injury ward

Hurricanes workhorse Du’Plessis Kirifi is missing for the week with a knee injury, while Cam Roigard will remain sidelined for at least another two weeks with a calf complaint.

Chiefs lock Josh Lord is out with concussion, while the side’s back stocks are depleted, with Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Etene Nanai-Seturo all missing from action.

Props Ben Ake and Sam Matega are both out for the Blues.

Finn Hurley is still unavailable for the Highlanders, due to a hamstring.

Key stats

The Chiefs are one away from their 250th Super Rugby win, a number matched only by the Crusaders, Brumbies and Hurricanes.

Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo needs one more try to equal Ben Lam and Joe Roff’s season record of 16.

The Blues have won their last five against the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens leads the competition with 10 try assists.

The Chiefs average the most metres this season with 529 per game.

Chiefs v Highlanders

Kickoff 7.05pm, Friday, 15 May

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Live blog updates on RNZ

Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Sione Ahio, 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 15. Damian McKenzie

Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Benét Kumeroa, 18. George Dyer, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Daniel Rona, 23. Isaac Hutchinson

“It will be important this week against a very combative Highlanders defence that we can shift the point of attack quickly and effectively. We had a tough battle against them in round two and are preparing for more of the same this week at home.”

Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbes

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Tomás Lavanini, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Lucas Casey, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele’a, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Sean Withy, 21. Veveni Lasaqa, 22. Folau Fakatava, 23. Taine Robinson

“It’s hard to get wins, and so when you get those real tight ones and let them slip, it really hurts you at this end of the season.”

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph

Blues v Hurricanes

Kickoff 7.05pm, Saturday, 16 May

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Torian Barnes, 21. Che Clark, 22. Finlay Christie, 23. Stephen Perofeta

“The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us, and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Devan Flanders, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Jordie Barrett (c), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Callum Harkin

Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Bailyn Sullivan

“We’re well aware of the threat that the Blues possess. I’m sure they’re highly motivated about the opportunity to beat us and continue that fight for the top two. It’s going to be a highly physical and exciting game.”

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

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

Kiwifruit orchards are humming mid-harvest, but Zespri is concerned port bottlenecks are becoming a real pressure point for its fruit exports.

The Port of Tauranga is the critical gateway for most of New Zealand’s lucrative kiwifruit from growing hub Bay of Plenty to the world.

Orchardists were expected to produce around 220 million trays of fruit – equating to around 6.6 billion pieces of fruit – for export this season.

Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake said plans to double those exports in the next decade would depend on efficient ports, freight connections and well-functioning road infrastructure.

“Port bottlenecks are becoming a real pressure point for the kiwifruit industry,” said Te Brake.

“Around 95 percent of Zespri’s New Zealand fruit is exported through the Port of Tauranga, so congestion or capacity constraints directly affect our ability to get fruit to market on time, protect quality and deliver strong returns to growers.”

Te Brake said constrained transport and port networks increased costs, emissions and undermined confidence for investors.

“With around 80 percent of our fruit grown in the Bay of Plenty, continued investment in road and port infrastructure is critical – including upgrading access through the Mount Maunganui industrial area via the Connecting Mount Maunganui project, improving productivity and resilience for freight movements to and from the Port, and delivering additional port capacity to support future growth.”

Port constrained to new vessels

Port of Tauranga chief executive Leonard Sampson said while there was no bottleneck as such at present, because product was moving through, its container terminal was particularly constrained.

“We’re at capacity at the moment and unfortunately we’re unable to take any further container vessels at the container terminal, so that really is a potential bottleneck for the kiwifruit industry.”

Sampson said it had known about the kiwifruit industry’s growth ambitions for years, and was committed to growing its services.

“At the moment we’re getting it through on the services that we have, but ultimately, with the aspirations of Zespri and the potential doubling of that cargo over the next 10 years, it could mean exactly that; fruit loss, delays in terms of getting that refrigerated cargo away.

“And ultimately, it potentially makes a number of orchards or that growth unviable, because there’s simply just not that capacity to get the cargo away.”

Sampson said infrastructural constraints meant it had to decline an international shipping line recently, despite benefits like greater competition and more shipping availability it would have provided.

He declined to comment on the name of the company.

“We have a situation where we’ve unfortunately had to turn away an international service to a new market,” he said.

“That international service offered somewhere between $70-90 million of ocean freight savings back to New Zealand’s importers and exporters.

“That’s obviously revenue that would have otherwise been back in the New Zealand economy, but unfortunately we’re unable to realise it.”

The port was about seven years into trying to secure a consent for its Stella Passage berth and wharf extension, currently still under consideration for a second fast-track application.

Sampson said it re-applied for a fast track approval for the project, because the constrained nature at the port was costing exporters and importers.

Among opposition to the project was local iwi Ngāti Kuku, supported by Ngā Hapū o Ngā Moutere, due to proposed dredging, land reclamation and other issues.

“Port of Tauranga has been unable to reach agreement with opposing iwi and hapū parties on the appropriate level of mitigation for the cultural impacts of the development,” the port said in an earlier statement.

The Environmental Protection Authority had appointed an expert panel to consider the new fast-track application, with a decision due in September.

Shipping still coming, but they’ve increased prices

In light of the fuel crisis, brought on by the US-Israel war in the Persian Gulf, leaders from the port joined Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Singapore recently on his fuel security mission.

Sampson said export cargo ships were arriving on time and with little disruption, despite the fuel situation, though he said shipping services had increased their costs.

“It’s pleasing that … at this point in time, we haven’t seen any deterioration of shipping services.

“So there’s been no reduction in the shipping services coming to New Zealand, nor a deterioration in the on-time performance. In fact, it’s better than it was this time last year.”

Sampson said last month’s Cyclone Vaianu caused more disruption to the port recently than the impact of fuel.

But he said the fuel situation had led to a slowdown in some commodity exports.

“We are starting to see from a cost perspective, however, that some of the cost of fuel flowing through to the shipping prices, we are seeing a slowdown in some commodities, particularly the likes of some of the forestry commodities.”

He said around 30 percent of New Zealand’s export logs went through the Bay of Plenty port, as well as many pulp and paper products from nearby North Island forests and mills.

“It’s a challenge, and unfortunately, I guess it’s one of those commodities – unlike kiwifruit that that will need to be picked and sent – the trees can potentially not get harvested and they can be delayed for a period of time before they need to to be harvested, and wait for commodity prices to improve.”

Sampson said half of all New Zealand’s containerised exports went through the Port of Tauranga, and it was a busy period for red meat exports at the moment.

“We’re seeing strong volumes of of red meat going through the port at the moment.”

He said a number of meat containers were sent back and re-shipped at the start of the war, but most found connections to the Middle East on other shipping services via North or Southeast Asia.

“But you know, that does obviously come at a higher cost as well.”

Te Brake said Zespri strongly supported the Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal application, as certainty from government would be met with private capital.

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

While many would consider the tactics to be boring or ugly, for Blues coach Vern Cotter, they are a thing of beauty.

No nonsense, up the guts, smash-and-bash footy.

Few teams do it better than the Blues and they will need to bring every ounce of ugly in order to knock over the high-flying Hurricanes on Saturday night at Eden Park.

“The beauty of rugby is the collisions and the physical contact so I think if you let the Hurricanes play, I mean they’ve scored just about the most tries I think in the competition so if you’re going to deny them that, you’re going to have to be present at the points of contact which is around that collision and contact tackle and carry so I think that’s beautiful,” Cotter said.

In the heart of that physical battle will be Anton Segner, promoted to starting openside after Dalton Papali’i fractured his jaw against the Crusaders last week.

Segner said not to expect an expansive Blues gameplan.

“We’re a team that prides ourselves on our physicality. And yeah, if you’re part of a team like that, then things do get ugly, it’s cliché for a reason that the games are lost and won up front.”

The German-born loosie admitted they didn’t turn up at Te Kaha, as the Crusaders out-worked them under the roof.

“We put out a disappointing performance last week, there’s a whole lot of get-betters that we need to get out of that game and right our wrongs. There’s a good bit of edge in there (at training). So you can definitely tell that we’re excited about playing the top of the table team at the moment.”

Cotter conceded that the Canes were the benchmark at the moment.

“They’re playing good rugby. So we look at it as an awesome opportunity for us to show them what we have, because we know that when we play our game and we play our game well, that we can give them a good challenge.”

As well as the irrepressible form of Fehi Fineanganofo, who is on track to break a 30-year try scoring record, the Hurricanes have also welcomed back the dangerous Kini Naholo making for a lethal wing pairing.

Fineanganofo has dotted down 15 times in 2026, just one shy of Joe Roff and Ben Lam’s combined season record of 16.

“You’ve got to respect the quality, it’s the plague or cholera, isn’t it? That’s one or the other. So they’re both very good but yeah we’re aware of the strength they have on the edges and they get the ball space there and they can beat players not only with their step but also with their power so it becomes one-on-one so a big job for us,” said Cotter.

A big job lies ahead for Segner, who shoulders more responsibility this weekend as he steps in for the injured skipper.

He has been in career-best from at the Blues, but has been tuning out external calls for an All Black promotion.

“I want to earn my performance each week, I know that there’s a bit of chat about that out there but to be fully honest with you I’m not focused on that. I’m focused on the Blues and on the game this weekend and my main focus going into this season is to win a championship here.”

While the Blues will be without Papali’i, Beauden Barrett is back in the number 10 jersey for the crucial clash.

“It’s time to step up a bit, it’s a home game and we’re towards the end of the season. So we’ll just have a look at our intent on the paddock,” Cotter said.

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

Moana Pasifika is not the only club facing closure since the Super Rugby Pacific competition kicked off in 2022.

The Melbourne Rebels suffered a similar fate at the end of the 2024 season, which reduced the then-12-team competition to 11.

There are calls for changes to mitigate what many believe is the growing risk of the competition going under.

Last weekend’s New Zealand Rugby (NZR) annual general meeting (AGM) heard all five of New Zealand’s franchises – the Blues, Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders, and Hurricanes – were bleeding money in 2025.

Moana Pasifika, which could be called the financially weakest of all the clubs, was doomed to follow the Rebels into oblivion for many reasons.

That reality was announced last month, with funders and current licence holders, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), announcing they were backing out because of financial challenges.

This decision comes after extensive consideration of the financial, operational and strategic realities facing the franchise, as well as professional rugby in New Zealand.

Moana Pasifika said on 15 April, that despite the tireless dedication of players, staff, and supporters, it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition.

“This is one of the hardest decisions we have ever made. We are immensely proud of our players, staff, and the community who have supported our team over the years,” Moana Pasifika chair Dr Kiki Maoate said.

“Across our rugby, pathways and community programmes, we have been able to support a growing hub of Pacific talent across multiple sporting codes, both locally and in the Pacific region. This is something we are extremely proud of and will continue to support and advocate for as best we can.

“Our commitment now is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong.”

The Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust was founded by Savae La’auli Sir Michael Jones KNZM and Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams KNZM in 2021, with a mission to create the first professional Pacific rugby team.

It is that ‘Trust’ model which is now believed to have been a downfall that has limited the franchise’s ability to secure long-term funding from sponsors.

World Rugby and NZR both stepped in the initial stages, but both organisations have stated publicly they will not do that now, leaving the club and its owners to either stay firm on their decision to close or sell to interested buyers.

Enter Kanaloa Consortium – backed by a number of Pasifika heritage former All Blacks.

Kanaloa’s CEO Tracy Atiga said they have been given until 15 May – tomorrow – to send in their proposal to NZR to save Moana Pasifika for disbanding.

She has also said that part of that NZR agreement is for Kanaloa to get the support of both PMA and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA).

She has been outspoken about what she calls unsupportive stance taken by both the PMA and the NZRPA who had, as she claimed, shown no interest in getting Kanaloa’s proposal or bid supported.

However, both PMA and Moana Pasifika chief executive Debbie Sorensen and NZRPA’s Rob Nichol have stated that Kanaloa should send their proposal to NZR, if they were serious about their bid.

Kanaloa, which was known to many until the revelation that Moana Pasifika was going to close, had initially sent a proposal to PMA’s Sorensen last year but did not get any response, and had also bid for a franchise license in 2020/2021 but were also unsuccessful.

A point of interest: Kanaloa threatened to sue NZR in November 2020, because they claimed the union breached its own rules by granting Moana Pasifika a licence, even though the new franchise did not properly participate in the tender process.

Anyway, NZR has also stated they are open to discuss any proposal that would save Moana Pasifika.

“NZR is open to receiving proposals that present a long-term and sustainable plan for Moana Pasifika,” a NZR spokesman said, adding “that opportunity is available for the next few weeks”.

For Kanaloa that period ends on Friday.

‘The model doesn’t work’

It is going to be telling to see how things play out in the next few days and week.

Media reports in Aotearoa say that reports tabled at the NZR AGM indicate all five of New Zealand’s teams made losses last year and the private equity investors who hold varying stakes in those teams have called for changes, including a possible move to full private ownership.

“When we got involved, we knew the Hurricanes were losing money. The model doesn’t work,” Malcolm Gillies, a co-owner of the Wellington-based Hurricanes, told the Rugby Direct podcast.

“Unless there’s change, it’s not going to work. You’ve got five franchises in New Zealand and none of them are making a lot of money. The whole system has to change.

Gillies believes the competition in its current form is unsustainable.

“If it stays the way it is now, I fear for it. If there’s change then I believe we’ve got a product. But if it doesn’t, I believe it’s going to die. That’s my honest opinion.”

NZR contracts and retains control over Super Rugby Pacific players under the current system.

Full private ownership would follow the England and France situation, where clubs directly contract the players.

Moana Pasifika players basically come under the Pacific Rugby Players (PRP) association, which has stated their ultimate focus is making sure players’ welfare are looked after.

It is their number one job, chairman Valentine Tauamiti told RNZ Pacific this week.

So right now, PRP will request discussions on any proposal they see might fit the bill. Thus, their request to NZR that the Kanaloa bid gets discussed.

While Atiga and Kanaloa have yet to send their proposal through, a number of things needs to be verified:

• How has their management record been? Has Kanaloa successfully managed sports teams to the magnitude of a Super Rugby franchisee in the past?

Records show Kanaloa had tried to get into the Major Rugby League in the USA three years ago also but failed. But Atiga is confident they have the money, the experience and the people to fund and manage Moana Pasifika, fulfilling all the requirements that needs to be met, with international player fees paid out on top of players’ contracts.

• Do they have a viable and sustainable business plan?

The reality on the ground is Super Rugby clubs need more than NZ$15 million to survive annually. And there is no guarantee ticket sales, TV rights and sponsorship endorsements will meet that need annually. Atiga and Kanaloa believe their model will work and ensure financial safety going forward.

• Will Kanaloa be able to have security, or guarantee, that would cover the costs if the franchise folds?

This is a critical factor that would need to be part of any sale agreement. Buyers must prove they have the added security, in the form of a building or assets, that can be used to meet the financial demands, ensuring there are no debts left when a franchise folds. RNZ Pacific understands this is one area both the PRP and the NZRPA demand as being part of any proposal.

RNZ Pacific has been reliably informed that the PMA is selling its Christchurch building, the Maoate House, which is now on the market.

Sorensen has been asked to confirm the sale, but it is believed that is being done as part of the funding agreement when the PMA took up Moana Pasifika.

Moana Pasifika has two more games to go this season, one at home next weekend and the other away in Australia.

Whether those two matches will be their last as a Super Rugby Pacific team – or the start of a revamp – is anyone’s guess right now.

One thing is clear: NZR and the stakeholders involved will need to act fast if Moana Pasifika is to be saved.

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

The impacts of climate change on children in Sāmoa are under the spotlight in a new research project.

The study will examine the effects of heat and humidity on children at five primary and high schools across Sāmoa, says project lead Dr Roannie Ng Shiu, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora A Kiwa, Centre for Pacific and Global Health, at the University of Auckland, and Associate Professor at the National University of Sāmoa.

The researchers will measure heat and humidity in classrooms and outdoor spaces in the schools until the end of the school year.

Focus groups will be held with students and teachers to gather insights on children’s health, well-being, mood, and learning, when facing different levels of heat and humidity.

“Climate change is having a significant impact on the Pacific and there are no cooling systems in these schools.

“If we can quantify how much heat and humidity impacts on children, then hopefully we can improve their learning environments, so they can flourish,” Ng Shiu says.

Children aged under 15 make up 19.5 percent of Sāmoa’s population. They are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, as are people aged over 65, she says.

Although the Pacific has been hit particularly hard by climate change, there is currently no data showing how rising temperatures affect the health and well-being of children in the Pacific Islands, says Ng Shiu.

Heat waves are occurring more frequently, with temperatures soaring above 28 degrees Celsius, she says.

Extreme heat can cause everything from impaired cognitive performance to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“We hear when it gets terribly hot and humid, children tend to become more restless, lack concentration and can be hard to deal with.

“Children are at school at the hottest time of day, so it’s important to understand how that influences their health and their learning.”

In the Pacific, climate change is causing more devastating cyclones and floods, which can leave children anxious and depressed, Ng Shiu says.

“Children should have the right to grow up without having to worry about extreme weather events, which happen all the time now.

“They have the least power to do anything, so we’re passionate about projects that help reduce the impacts of climate change on children.”

Results are expected later this year and will be used to inform regional and school strategies to protect children from extreme heat.

As well as writing academic papers and reports, the researchers will create story books summarising their findings in an accessible format for children.

The study is funded by the International Science Council and led by the National University of Sāmoa. It will be carried out in collaboration with the University of the South Pacific and the University of Sydney’s Heat and Health Research Centre, which has designed interventions to cool schools in hot parts of Northern Australia.

Ng Shiu says the long-term plan is to expand the research to other Pacific countries, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga.

MIL OSI

The Blues women want to build a dynasty.

The franchise has dominated the early years of Aupiki, winning back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, and they have no intention of relinquishing their crown.

Blues captain Maia Roos said they welcome the target on their backs as it hunts a historic three-peat, when the season gets under way next month.

“It’s sitting there, everyone’s gunning for the win this year, so we just have to start fresh, start new and can’t get complacent.”

Roos has been part of the Blues set-up since the inaugural season and has seen significant growth in Aupiki, both in the number of games and standard of rugby being played.

“We worried about the sustainability of the competition because it was so bang, bang, bang, six games. But I think as we continue to get more funding, more resources in our sport, I hope that we’ll be able to extend the competition in a way that is accessible to more girls so that they don’t have to fully quit their jobs for three months and then have to look again.”

That growth is reflected in the 2026 competition structure, with the season expanding to a six round format, alongside a final and a trans-Tasman championship.

Another major change this year is the scheduling. The season has shifted to June to accommodate the Black Ferns Pacific Four campaign – a move Roos believes will ultimately lift standards across the game.

“It set a really good standard for how girls will train and play in Aupiki, and I think they’ll be able to take those standards into their clubs so that the younger girls are able to rise to that level as well.”

The Black Ferns lock said the increase in professionalism within the women’s game has also translated into a more physical and entertaining competition.

“Man, we’re able to play such exciting games because of the fitness levels. It’s hard, because every team has those strengths to match that. So the games are quality every single week and they’re exciting to watch and play.”

The introduction of long-term contracts has also strengthened confidence in the pathway for aspiring players, she said.

“Just showing people from their communities that they can play at this level, and that’s beneficial for all rugby in New Zealand and girls and boys who want to play when they grow up too.”

After a forgettable World Cup last year, Roos, fresh off the Pacific Four campaign, said the new Black Ferns era had started strongly under Whitney Hansen.

“We feel so connected as a group, you get that through hardship. We have the tools that we need and it’s up to us and how we run with it. I think with the start of a new World Cup cycle, it’s cool to see new players getting exposed to high pressure, high performance rugby in Aupiki.”

Even so, Roos admits Black Ferns selection inevitably lingers in the background during the domestic season.

“It does sit in the back of my head, but my main focus right now is on Aupiki and on serving our Blues region. I love the Blues and I’m so excited to be back with my friends. The cool thing is that I’ve played with these girls since grassroots, since school, and to now represent our region together is really cool, ten years on. Oh man, we’re old!”

With 33 new names spread across the four Aupiki squads this season, Roos believes the Blues’ dominance will face its toughest challenge yet.

“All the squads are so strong this year. Poa has some really strong new additions and I think the girls that they’ve retained have a real hunger to be better. I think all the teams are going to be strong and every week you can’t let your guard down.”

Despite the rising standard on the field, Roos said one of her biggest hopes for the season is to see more supporters in the stands.

“I understand the cost of living crisis is tough right now, so people don’t always have the money to come out to games, but ticket prices are quite accessible at some of our games. It would be amazing to see more people supporting us and supporting women’s rugby.”

Aupiki Round One:

Saturday 13 June

2:05pm, Blues vs Hurricanes Poua, Eden Park, Auckland

4:05pm, Matatū vs Chiefs Manawa, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

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

The Highlanders have suffered a blow in their bid to make the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs with in-form centre Jona Nareki suspended for two weeks for a dangerous tackle.

Nareki was issued with a yellow card for the high tackle on Waratahs prop Jack Barrett midway through the second half of their match in Duendin on Saturday. It was upgraded to a 20-minute red card on review by the TMO.

The Highlanders played with only 14 men for most of the last 20 minutes, just hanging on to beat the Waratahs 31-26 in a frenetic finish.

Super Rugby Pacific’s Foul Play Review Committee found Nareki guilty of a dangerous tackle.

It said the tackle merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks or matches, but applied the full 50 percent reduction in sanction in view of Nareki accepting the charge, and his remorse and disciplinary record.

It then said a three-week sanction would be disproportionate to the player’s fault and the consequences, and reduced it to two weeks.

That would mean missing the Highlanders’ last two regular season matches – against the Chiefs on Friday and the Hurricanes on Saturday, 23 May.

But Nareki was also given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme as a substitute for the final match of the sanction.

The Highlanders sit in seventh place on the points table and with the top six teams heading to the playoffs after the regular season, they will probably need to beat both the Chiefs and Hurricanes if they are to get through. They have the bye in the final round.

Crusaders charge goes to hearing

A judicial committee hearing will be held tonight over Crusaders winger Kurtis MacDonald’s red card in the game against the Blues on Friday night.

MacDonald initially got a a yellow card for dangerous play, when he contacted Stephen Perofeta who was leaping to catch a high ball. It was upgraded to red on review.

MacDonald opted to for a full hearing on the charge when it was considered by the foul play committee last night.

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

The Government’s surprise announcement this morning to amend the Climate Change Response Act is yet another example of Luxon loosening the leash for corporate profits at the expense of our people and our planet, the Green Party says.

“Luxon’s Government is using its dying breaths to unravel New Zealanders’ right to hold big polluters accountable,” says the Green Party Co-leader and Climate Change spokesperson, Chlöe Swarbrick. 

 “While New Zealanders are demanding affordable power bills and decent jobs, Luxon’s Government has decided to prioritise protecting big polluters’ profits in the limited parliamentary time before the election.” 

 “That tells us everything we need to know about who they work for. It’s the corporations ripping us off and destroying the ecosystems necessary for life as we know it.” 

 “Luxon’s Government shows it can act with urgency when their mates’ profits are at risk, while New Zealanders’ cost-of-living concerns stay on the backburner.” 

 “They’ve spent two and a half years taking a wrecking ball to climate laws and, at the eleventh hour, they’re now ripping away New Zealanders’ and the courts’ ability to do what this Government lacks the spine to do.” 

 “Our country deserves so much better than this shady cookery,” Swarbrick says. 

MIL OSI

The government has announced it will change its Climate Change Response Act.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the act would be changed to prevent courts making certain types of civil findings of liability for climate change damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

The changes would apply to both current and future cases.

Goldsmith said the changes were designed to give businesses certainty.

He said the government’s response to climate change was best managed at a national level not through “piece-meal” litigation in the courts.

“The courts are not the right place to resolve claims of harm from climate change, and tort law is not well-suited to respond to a problem like climate change which involves a range of complex environmental, economic and social factors.”

Goldsmith said the change would not alter the government’s responsibilities under the Climate Change Response Act and businesses had obligations which were still required to be met.

Iwi leader Mike Smith won the right in early 2024 to sue several big emitters. He argued major dairy and energy companies had a legal duty to himself and others in communities impacted by greenhouse gases.

A trial was meant to start in the High Court in April 2027.

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

The Government is clarifying climate change laws to provide businesses with certainty around their obligations, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 

“Ongoing litigation in the High Court, where an applicant has brought civil claims against six major businesses for their greenhouse gas emissions, is creating uncertainty in business confidence and investment that the Government must address.

“The Government is acting now to provide legal clarity and certainty and to remove the possible development of a new regime that contradicts the framework Parliament has already enacted to respond to climate change.

“Our government is committed to fixing the basics, and certainty of law is essential for businesses to operate, attracting overseas investment, and stimulating economic growth.

“Therefore, the Government will amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002 to prevent findings of liability for tort for climate change damage or harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions in both current and future proceedings before the courts. 

“Our response to climate change is best managed by the Government at a national level and not through piece-meal litigation in the courts. New Zealand already has a legal framework to manage greenhouse gas emissions set through Parliament through the Climate Change Response Act 2002 and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). 

“It is essential to maintain the coherence of the regulatory system and to deliver consistent obligations for greenhouse gas emitters.

“The courts are not the right place to resolve claims of harm from climate change, and tort law is not well-suited to respond to a problem like climate change which involves a range of complex environmental, economic and social factors.

“This law change will not alter the Government’s responsibilities under the Climate Change Response Act and businesses that have obligations under the ETS will still be required to meet them.”

MIL OSI

Cancer diagnostics company Pacific Edge is aiming to raise up to another $24 million as it continues to battle to regain Medicare coverage in the United States, get reimbursement for its tests, and position the business for growth.

The company’s battle was reflected in its financial results for the year ended March, with a bigger net loss of $35.7m compared with a $29.9m loss last year.

Revenue dropped to $11.5m from $21.8m the year earlier, reflecting the Medicare cut, with testing at US labs falling to 18,784 tests from 23,885 tests the year earlier.

The case for more capital

“The new capital we are seeking today will … support the Company and its operations to regain Medicare coverage and assist our move towards the broader adoption of our tests by commercial payers in the US and further afield,” chair Simon Flood said, adding the company had already made progress.

“Backed by robust clinical evidence, the endorsement of our tests in clinical guidelines, and growing momentum in clinical opinion, we have firmly established ourselves as the first mover and market leader in bladder cancer diagnostics.

“We are determined not to lose that momentum. All of Pacific Edge’s Directors intend to take part in the equity raising. We encourage you to support this offer.”

Second round of funding

The company raised $20m and cut costs last year to help it gather scientific evidence to convince Medicare authorities to reinstate coverage, as well as get payment coverage for its tests.

The latest equity offer consisted of a placement of $18m new ordinary shares to eligible investors at 17 cents per share and an offer of $6m new shares to retail investors with an ability to accept over subscriptions.

The case for support

Pacific Edge expected Medicare administrative contractor Novitas to release a draft documentation to support the reinstatement of Medicare approval before September 2026.

Pacific Edge chief executive Dr Peter Meintjes said reimbursement would assist with increasing revenue and reducing average monthly cash burn below the current target of $2.5 million per month for FY 27.

“The capital we are seeking today will set a clear path to reimbursement for our tests … support continued investment in our clinical evidence and invest in product innovation,” he said.

“We are excited by the growth we see ahead, and we encourage shareholders to support us to take advantage of these opportunities.”

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

Major research to test whether lowering the ocean’s acidity could help to fight climate change will get underway in Hawke’s Bay on Tuesday.

Over the next three weeks, New Zealand and Canadian researchers will use a small fleet of boats and watercraft to sample and map the chemistry of coastal waters in the region, especially around river mouths.

The voyage is part of a five-year, $11 million Endeavour Fund project, led by Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ), to research the potential of several marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) techniques.

The ocean is already a massive natural carbon sink, but mCDR aims to draw extra carbon dioxide out of the rapidly warming atmosphere and lock more of it away in the deep ocean.

It has therefore attracted growing interest over the last decade or so, but many of the techniques – which involve adding things to the ocean to stimulate carbon removal – are only at a theoretical or lab testing stage.

ESNZ marine biogeochemist Cliff Law said that was partly because of how difficult it was to prove that any of them worked.

“When things spread in the ocean, it’s very difficult to actually have instruments in place to monitor it, because obviously the ocean’s a big wide place and it disperses quite randomly.”

There are also concerns about what effects marine carbon dioxide removal might have on the marine environment, which have driven a growing body of international law to restrict how the techniques are researched and deployed.

RNZ reported earlier this year on the international start-up Gigablue, which has attracted scepticism from some marine science experts over plans to carry out its own type of mCDR in New Zealand waters.

Instead of deliberately deploying any mCDR techniques, the ESNZ research would instead study their naturally-occurring equivalents, Law said.

Hawke’s Bay was the proving ground for the first of three processes, called ocean alkalinity.

“Alkalinity has been going into the oceans for millions and millions of years through things like rivers and from sediments,” he said.

“It provides a natural mechanism by which it offsets the acidity of the water. So in other words, it raises the pH and it absorbs the carbon dioxide, and it converts that into a dissolved form, which is no longer carbon dioxide, so it can’t be exchanged with the atmosphere.”

Rather than deliberately adding alkalinity to the ocean, the team would test how much carbon dioxide was being taken up as a result of Hawke’s Bay’s many rivers disgorging alkaline sediments and groundwater into the ocean.

“The reason why we looked in this region first of all was that we knew that there were limestone catchments and they tend to release more alkalinity into the fresh water,” Law said.

Canadian scientists would use ESNZ’s launch, Kimiora, to set a moored buoy with sensors, and would also operate an unmanned surface craft around the plume of water entering the bay from the Esk River.

“It’ll be mapping the surface waters and making measurements of… the carbon dioxide and the pH in the water, and from that, we can calculate the alkalinity.”

Further offshore, the ESNZ research vessel Tangaroa would move around southern Hawke’s Bay, Law said.

“We will be mapping the alkalinity, the salinity and the other things that will be indicators of the river input in the surface water. But we’ll also be making measurements throughout the water column.”

The team also planned to use an autonomous ‘glider’ craft that would move independently around the bay, collecting further measurements, including from the seafloor.

That would help the researchers to measure the effects of increased alkalinity on the marine environment, he said.

“If alkalinity has increased, what effect does it have on things like the phytoplankton and the sediments [on the seafloor]?”

ESNZ had already developed a good model of how river water and the alkalinity it carried mixed with the ocean, he said.

“The information we’ll get on this voyage will allow us to use the observations… to actually develop our measurements and our models.”

Later stages of the research would study natural equivalents for ocean fertilisation – when nutrients are added to the ocean to stimulate the growth of carbon-absorbing phytoplankton – and how much extra carbon can be stored if wood is deposited on the seafloor.

Rather than deliberate ocean fertilisation, the team would study what happened during a natural algal bloom, Law said.

“We’ll have a voyage in coming years down there to measure one of these phytoplankton blooms and measure the amount of carbon that’s falling out below it – how much is actually sequestered away in the deep ocean and where it goes.”

To study the effect of wood deposits, the team would look at the forestry slash that ended up on the seafloor in Hawke’s Bay because of Cyclone Gabrielle.

“We can look at how much of the carbon is still there and how much has been lost and how it’s impacted the biological communities in the sediment around it.”

Unlike the other two techniques, ocean alkalinity was a chemical process, making it slightly easier to monitor and measure, Law said.

“The real trouble with a lot of the biological marine CDR techniques is tracking the carbon, what its fate actually is, how much of it is going to get down into the deep ocean and be sequestered away for a long time?”

There were “all sorts of problems” with that.

“It can be broken down by feeding by animals and by bacteria, and it can be converted not only back into carbon dioxide quite quickly, but it can also be converted into other forms of carbon, which makes it difficult to monitor and measure and follow.”

Alkalinity, on the other hand, was a more straightforward chemical conversion of carbon dioxide into forms like bicarbonate.

“We know that it’s fairly stable in those forms for long periods of time – longer than 1000 years.”

The full research project aimed to answer important questions about what might happen if marine carbon dioxide removal did go ahead in future, Law said.

“What do we need to know? What are the risks? What are the benefits of these things? How will they impact ecosystems and the ocean’s chemistry? How much carbon dioxide could be removed? How do we actually monitor and verify them?”

That would help to inform New Zealand’s ministries and government “about whether this is an appropriate thing for us to be doing or not”, he said.

“If we were to go down this line, what do we need to know? What regulations do we need in place before we can even consider deploying something in our waters?”

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

Fire and Emergency has turned down a request to help one of the United States’ top two urban search and rescue teams.

The USA-02 team in Los Angeles county wanted a specific expert to mentor them for one or two weeks a year ahead of a big test in 2029.

“A great honour,” said the manager who got the request last November.

USA-02 came to Christchurch’s aid after the 2011 earthquake and was part of US efforts to help here after Cyclone Gabrielle.

The 60 or so internationally-mandated USAR teams routinely help each other out with training – and help out other countries after disasters.

The international body called INSARAG said FENZ has a strong record for doing that.

But in this case, emails seen by RNZ showed FENZ turned down the US State Department in March.

The agency said it had to prioritise New Zealand and the Pacific.

“The issue was solely one of timing and organisational readiness,” Ken Cooper, national manager of response capability, said in an internal email last month.

However, Chris Lind, the expert the US wanted, emailed Cooper in March: “This represents a lost opportunity to grow our people and our teams for the better, at no cost to the organisation – particularly valuable in a fiscally constrained environment.”

USAR operations manager Glenn Hudson handled the initial request and called the rejection “short sighted” – the emails showed he had urged top management to quickly OK Lind going before some other agency got asked; it was a chance “to put FENZ and NZ Inc branding on the world stage”.

‘We’d love to have Chris’

RNZ understands it sometimes happens that mentor requests between countries are turned down, but not usually.

The Americans had specifically wanted Lind who they had worked with “extensively” including during Gabrielle in 2023, and noted how they had a big joint exercise coming up in May 2026 and “we’d love to have Chris there if he’s able to join us”.

The request added the sweetener for a second expert to come along each year with Lind, adding as usual with travel and accommodation expenses – but not salaries – paid.

They would have worked to help USA-02 pass its next five-yearly test to be reclassified to United Nations standards in 2029 – the gold standard for earthquake and landslide rescues. It is one of just two American teams classified this way. FENZ provided a mentor to help USA-01 pass in 2022 (NZL-01 who led at the fatal Mt Maunganui landslide this year passed their latest big test in 2024).

When RNZ began making inquiries, Fire and Emergency said it would not be proceeding with the mentor proposal.

“New Zealand’s current strategic focus is on developing and supporting capability across the Pacific nations, which requires us to prioritise our people and resources accordingly,” it said in a statement.

It did not agree to an interview.

Hudson played a key role marshalling USAR forces at Mt Maunganui.

In the emails, he told Cooper the LA county job would give personnel significant exposure to the international rescue environment at virtually no cost.

Later, he labelled the time taken to decide on it “embarrassing”, the lack of follow-up “another example of … poor leadership” and the decision itself “short-sighted”.

“I had hoped that Chris’s involvement would both reinforce and strengthen relationships with our partners, including the US and INSARAG,” he wrote.

INSARAG – the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group in Geneva – said it was a bilateral matter.

“It’s not our business to impose anything on them or to comment on their decisions.”

But it added that FENZ had made a “significant… and lasting contribution” to search and rescue internationally down the years.

FENZ is tied up in a contentious and months-long delayed restructuring that included a proposal to change top USAR – urban search and rescue – jobs.

‘We’ve got some very good friends’

USA-02 provided some of the 600 rescue workers from six countries that Christchurch relied on after the February 2011 quake.

“We’ve got some very good friends,” Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said at the time.

The US ambassador echoed this in 2023 when a dozen technical experts were sent here after Cyclone Gabrielle: “When disaster strikes we are there for one another.”

FENZ reports talk of the “breadth and range” of its USAR capability and how they could be deployed worldwide “at a moment’s notice”.

NZL-01 rescued people after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In 2023, 49 INSARAG teams led the search for thousands of people buried under rubble in Türkiye and Syria. Others went to Beirut after the port explosion in 2020, to the Indian ocean tsunami in 2004 and the 2015 Nepal quake.

INSARAG’s Sebastian Rhodes Stampa in Geneva told RNZ that Fire and Emergency’s record was strong.

“This includes supporting classifications or reclassifications for multiple teams over the years within the Asia-Pacific Region and as far away as Europe and the USA,” he said.

After the 2016 Kaikōura quake it led development of a new coordination and management system since adopted by teams globally.

‘I see the writing on the wall’

Hudson had urged Cooper for a quick OK when the request landed on November 25 from Robert Chapman at the State Department’s office of international disaster operations.

It was a “great honour”, Hudson had immediately told Chapman.

He told Cooper “should we deny this request we would be missing out” on FENZ staff development.

But by January and February there had been no decision.

“I am personally sorry this has taken so long,” Hudson told Chapman. He’d had trouble “getting this request across the line” and now he was stepping back while it was referred upwards to a FENZ deputy chief executive, understood to be Megan Stiffler.

“Standing by,” replied Chapman.

On March 17 Chapman wrote that he had not heard back. “Nothing from Megan … pretty sure I see the writing on the wall here, but it would be helpful for me to get it in writing so I can take it back up my chain.”

A few hours later, he got the thumbs down, Hudson writing, “We have looked at all workloads… and our current restructure will rely heavily on his [Lind’s] input developing USAR capability within New Zealand and with our Pacific partners.”

But an hour earlier an upset Hudson had emailed Cooper that FENZ was going to miss out on free and valuable development and strategic benefits.

In addition, he was in the “embarrassing” position of having told the State Department it would hear from FENZ leadership. “When I spoke to them today … I had to quickly make excuses for the lack of communication from the DCE.”

Lind also said the delay was frustrating and left the State Department hanging.

But he accepted the decision and would carry on, as he had always advocated being capable “within our own backyard in the first instance”, Lind wrote.

‘Prioritise our people and resources’

Cooper rejected that the decision was shortsighted or the process showed poor leadership.

FENZ had had options to work with the US without making the mentor opportunity specific to one person at the outset.

“This option was fully considered and supported by the DCE and you were asked to communicate that offer to the US state department,” he emailed Hudson and Lind.

RNZ understands it would be unusual if one country asked for someone by name as a mentor, for the other country to go ahead offering someone else.

Cooper said there was no guarantee of direct leadership engagement in a set timeframe and the process “does not warrant undermining comments”.

FENZ told RNZ it was all about focus: “It is important that we remain focused on the challenges and priorities we are facing organisationally and within the region.

It had “always been, and remains, supportive of opportunities and continues its active participation in INSARAG. We hope to continue work with our US counterparts to look at ways in which we can offer guidance and supportive.”

RNZ approached the US embassy for comment.

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

A small Far North settlement could be the first place in New Zealand where an entire community relocates to higher ground to escape repeated floods.

The idea of shifting homes, or even whole towns, out of harm’s way is increasingly being touted as a solution for parts of the country worst affected by climate change.

But in Whirinaki, a settlement of a few hundred people straddling State Highway 12 in South Hokianga, managed retreat is not an abstract possibility.

Planning was already well underway when the valley was once again engulfed by floodwaters on 26 March.

A total of 65 homes were affected with nine left uninhabitable. One of those burnt to the ground a few days later in a blaze blamed on floodwater infiltrating the wiring.

One of the worst affected homes belonged to Bridget Wallace, who had only arrived home after heart surgery a day earlier.

She said she had seen bigger floods in the past, but never one that was so fast.

“Within 12 minutes, everything was underwater. We just had time to get the vehicles out. Everything was floating. And I mean everything,” she said.

“I’ve lost everything. Everything that I owned.”

When RNZ called in, Wallace had finished shovelling away a stinking layer of silt and moved back into her cabin, but her mokopuna were still sleeping in borrowed campervans.

She was philosophical about the damage.

“It’s just material things that we’ve lost. We all still together, and we’re all still alive. That’s the main thing. It’s all that matters.”

Across the road, Christine Ryder is a caregiver for her mother in a home raised on stilts after the devastating 1999 flood.

She had seen plenty of floods before so was not overly concerned about the 26 March rain at first.

However, within 20 minutes the house was surrounded by water.

“It was very, very scary. The more the rain kept coming, the more it was coming up the stairs, the more worried we were getting, because mum’s immobile.”

When they decided to evacuate it was already too late to get out.

Ryder said the water the water stopped rising just short of entering the house, but four cars were wrecked, along with lawnmowers and everything in the sheds.

She woke the next morning to find her mother’s prized rose garden, along with the rest of the property, buried under a thick layer of silt.

She and her sister shovelled the goop into piles, only to find it had spread out again by the following morning.

“We were so deflated and disheartened. But then the whānau from the kāinga [village] came with shovels and spades and wheelbarrows and got stuck in with us. A couple of diggers came in too.”

At the other end of the settlement, Shane Wikaira had also raised his home by two metres after the 1999 flood.

He could only watch as his home became an island in a mud-coloured sea.

“The rain was relentless. It just was like a war zone the next day, with logs everywhere and the debris. The cleanup was massive.”

‘Climate change is definitely upon us’

Long before the March flood, Whirinaki residents had been working on a plan to move their homes onto the hills overlooking the valley.

Chantez Connor-Kingi, of the Northland Regional Council, said the government had allocated funding some years ago for seven communities most at risk from climate change.

The pūtea [money] from the National Infrastructure Fund had helped pay for flood mitigation measures such as stopbanks, a deflection bank, a spillway and improved drainage.

However, no solution could be found for reducing flood risk in Whirinaki.

Connor-Kingi said she took that news, and detailed flood maps, to a community meeting about 18 months ago.

The locals themselves concluded managed retreat was the only answer, which she described as “courageous”.

Whirinaki man Storm Tautari was appointed to manage the hapū-led project, with his sister Ruth Tautari, a teacher and chair of the Whirinaki Trust, assisting.

Then began the search for suitable land to relocate to.

“We asked, ‘Who in this room has land on higher ground, who can move and take other people with you?’”

Several blocks of Māori land were generously offered by local whānau, Connor-Kingi said.

Some turned out to be unsuitable – one would have required the construction of a bridge so would have been too costly, while others were found to be geologically unstable – but two blocks, with space for an initial 26 homes, had so far passed the test.

Connor-Kingi said it was the vital the new homes were close to the existing settlement.

“We didn’t want to create a geographical divide, knowing that these people have been brought up there their whole lives, and they’re probably the eighth or ninth generation to the whenua. So we needed whenua where they could still feel connected to their lands and see it every day.”

Auckland-based planning firm The Urbanist was hired to draw up plans for new papakāinga housing, and the Whirinaki Trust wrote up a detailed business case.

The cost of new homes and community infrastructure, assuming 80 whānau had to be relocated, was put at $60 million.

A series of economic development initiatives, aiming to reverse the area’s high degree of deprivation, would cost another $26m.

According to the business case, about a fifth of that was expected to come from philanthropic groups and foundations, with the rest from central government.

Connor-Kingi said the Whirinaki Trust was currently in talks with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

She said the investment made sense given the high cost of cleaning up after repeated floods.

“When you think about the amount of money you spend on recovery, our whānau wouldn’t have to endure that. You’re actually long-term saving pūtea if these flood events are coming more regularly.”

Connor-Kingi said managed retreat was not entirely new to Whirinaki.

Some residents had rebuilt on higher ground after the 1999 flood, while others had raised their homes on stilts.

However, if the entire settlement moved, that would be a first for the country.

“It’s nothing new for New Zealand to see our whānau flooded. But a total community being relocated, that would be the first of its kind. It just shows you how climate change is definitely upon us and our taiao [environment] is telling us we can no longer be in these harmful pathways.”

She said a door-to-door survey had found 43 homes and about 260 people would need to be moved off the flood plain.

‘Here since the beginning of time’

Whirinaki residents spoken to by RNZ had mixed views about moving to higher ground.

Some, like Bridget Wallace, who lost everything in the March flood, were determined to stay put.

“I’m not interested in that, I’m sorry. No way will I go move. Our tūpuna [ancestors] didn’t run away from their land,” she said.

Shane Wikaira, who had already raised his home, was also reluctant to shift.

“My grandfather was here, my great-grandfather, it goes back generations. We’ve been here, well, since Kupe came, the beginning of time. So it’s more than just land to me,” he said.

Christine Ryder doubted her mother would agree to leave her home and beloved garden.

“I think moving to high ground is a good idea. I just know mum won’t do it.”

However, Dwayne Rawiri would shift tomorrow if he could.

When RNZ visited he was moving his family cabin to a higher part of the property, out of the mud and damp, before winter set in.

“I most definitely would move, now that I’m thinking of not only myself, but I have eight children to think of. I really hope we can move up onto higher ground that we all whakapapa back to.”

Rawiri worried about the future of Whirinaki if the floods kept coming.

“I feel for everyone in our valley, I don’t see a solution for it if it happens again, I think we’re just going to have a whole community busted to be honest, maraes and all,” he said.

“I feel for our children going through this, having to live down here, and look up at the hills. We tatai [connect] to every one of the hills around here. I think that is totally the only solution for us.”

If funding can be secured, the new homes will be built off-site with earthworks starting as soon as October.

‘Long-lasting hurt, grief and fear’

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts said he recognised the disruption and damage communities suffered as a result of severe weather events, including flooding.

“The government remains committed to working with councils and local communities to determine the best way forward for people living in areas exposed to climate risks. Decisions of this nature are best made at the local level and councils have a leading role. I encourage communities to work with their local councils, and we know that’s already happening in some areas.”

Watts said the government had set up a National Adaptation Framework and was working on “an enduring system” that prepared New Zealand for the effects of climate change, while keeping costs as low as possible.

Since 2020, more than $1 billion had been invested in flood protection, including $200 million from the current government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund. The fund had supported resilience projects nationwide, including in Northland, he said.

Just last week the Climate Change Commission released a major report in which it warned climate-driven severe weather events were already causing “long-lasting hurt, grief and fear”, and tens of thousands more people could be exposed to hazards by 2050.

The commission’s chief executive, Jo Hendy, said there were “extreme” shortfalls in policy to address some of the biggest risks, including vital decisions about how to guide and pay for adaptation and relocation.

Hendy said too much money was spent cleaning up after events, instead of on proactive measures to limit damage and build community resilience.

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While Super Rugby Aupiki has evolved significantly from its early three-round amateur format, many players are still balancing the demands of professional rugby with work and family commitments.

With non-Black Fern players earning about $17,000 for the season, tough choices remain part of the reality for many athletes.

For Hurricanes Poua fullback TeRauoriwa Gapper, that balancing act has been part of her life for more than a decade.

A rugby player, teacher and mother of three, Gapper’s experience reflected the challenge faced by many Aupiki players.

“It’s hard work,” she says. “It’s a choice to do what you want to do and you’ve got to know your why.

“My children are the reason why I do what I do.”

Based in Christchurch, Gapper has previously travelled between cities during Aupiki campaigns, but this year will base herself full-time in Wellington.

That decision was made only with the blessing of her children, aged 17, 14 and 8.

“When I spoke to the kids and said, ‘If I have to move full-time, I probably won’t go’, they were like, ‘No Mum, you can’t give up opportunities like that’. That makes me feel a bit better about going, because I know that I’m showing them to follow your dreams.

“I’m glad that the boys are willing to let mom go for a few months and my daughter’s getting there. I was very proud.”

Gapper says the women’s game has changed significantly, since the early days of her career.

“My first season with my daughter, she was 8 months old, when I was playing Farah Palmer Cup, and I had to give up breast-feeding, because I couldn’t pay to take her with me. Now we’re allowed, under a certain age, to bring a child with you, but we just didn’t have the support back then.”

With such allowances, Gapper takes pride in pioneering the progress.

“Now the support around us is massive and it’s pretty exciting that we’ve got mothers that are Black Ferns. We’ve got the right systems in place for people to feel supported, and be able to be a professional athlete and a mother at the same time.”

However, Gapper admits it won’t be easy spending the season away from home.

“I move up on Saturday, which is going to be a bit sad,” she says. “I don’t think the boys will be too worried – I’m going to feel it more than they do – but my daughter’s definitely going to.

“It’s going to be pretty pretty tough to be away.”

She said the whanau had adopted a well-oiled system, allowing Gapper to balance, work, training, matches and family life.

“We’ve got a great Google calendar going on, I’m thankful for my family, for my tribe for helping me out.”

Alongside the demands off the field, Gapper had also dealt with the physical toll of a lengthy rugby career or, as she put it, “been through the ringer a bit”.

“I’ve broken my jaw twice, broken my collar collar bone twice and had quite a few nasty concussions, but I just love rugby so much that I’m willing to put my body on the line.

“There was no thought of stopping because of injury.”

Poua have endured a tough start to Aupiki, finishing last in all but the inaugural season, when they were runners-up with just one win.

“I know it’s been bit rough for us the first few years, hopefully get a few wins on the board this year, if not the biggest win.”

She says the franchise has recruited some top talent.

“There’s so much new blood, really exciting new blood, too. They haven’t tapped into the potential that these girls can reach.

“Having this competition, where they’re playing week-in, week-out rugby, getting to train like a high performance athlete is just going to do wonders for their development.”

After fighting through so much adversity on and off the field, Gapper is simply happy to still be lacing lace up the boots.

“I’m at the point in my career where I want to make the most of every minute, every second. We are wanting to shift the needle, and get fans and the public excited.”

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A quartet of tries to winger Josh Moorby has helped the Hurricanes to a strong 50-17 win over Moana Pasifika at a sodden North Harbour Stadium.

While fellow wing Fehi Fineanganofo has been grabbing the headlines this Super Rugby Pacific season, Moorby has also been potent on the right wing, none more so than this match.

He scored tries in the 11th, 22nd, 52nd and 69th minutes, while Fineanganofo missed out this time. He still needs two tries to set a new Super Rugby record of 17 tries.

The scoreline was tough on Moana Pasifika, who were trying for their second win of the season before their likely departure from the competition.

They gave it their all, restricting the Hurricanes to a halftime score of 19-5, but couldn’t stop the Canes in the second half.

They never stopped trying, with winger Tuna Tuitama providing their highlight with a try double.

The victory sees the Hurricanes maintain their competition lead, with nine wins in 11 matches.

The bonus point win takes them to 45 points, five ahead of the Chiefs, who also have nine from 11, while there are two points back to the Blues.

The Hurricanes play the third-placed Blues next weekend, while Moana have a bye.

See how the game unfolded here.

Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Atu Moli, 4. Allan Craig, 5. Veikoso Poloniati, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Augustine Pulu, 10. William Havili, 11. Tuna Tuitama, 12. Faletoi Peni, 13. Solomon Alaimalo, 14. Israel Leota, 15. Glen Vaihu.

Bench: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Lolani Faleva, Jimmy Tupou, Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing, Siaosi Nginingini, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Latu.

Hurricanes: 1. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2. Vernon Bason, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (c), 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Lucas Cashmore, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jone Rova, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin.

Bench: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Siale Lauaki, Hugo Plummer, Devan Flanders, Jordi Viljoen, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo.

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A quartet of tries to winger Josh Moorby has helped the Hurricanes to a strong 50-17 win over Moana Pasifika at a sodden North Harbour Stadium.

While fellow wing Fehi Fineanganofo has been grabbing the headlines this Super Rugby Pacific season, Moorby has also been potent on the right wing, none more so than this match.

He scored tries in the 11th, 22nd, 52nd and 69th minutes, while Fineanganofo missed out this time. He still needs two tries to set a new Super Rugby record of 17 tries.

The scoreline was tough on Moana Pasifika, who were trying for their second win of the season before their likely departure from the competition.

They gave it their all, restricting the Hurricanes to a halftime score of 19-5, but couldn’t stop the Canes in the second half.

They never stopped trying, with winger Tuna Tuitama providing their highlight with a try double.

The victory sees the Hurricanes maintain their competition lead, with nine wins in 11 matches.

The Hurricanes play the third-placed Blues next weekend, while Moana have a bye.

See how the game unfolded here.

Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Atu Moli, 4. Allan Craig, 5. Veikoso Poloniati, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Augustine Pulu, 10. William Havili, 11. Tuna Tuitama, 12. Faletoi Peni, 13. Solomon Alaimalo, 14. Israel Leota, 15. Glen Vaihu.

Bench: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Lolani Faleva, Jimmy Tupou, Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing, Siaosi Nginingini, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Latu.

Hurricanes: 1. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2. Vernon Bason, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (c), 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Lucas Cashmore, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jone Rova, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin.

Bench: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Siale Lauaki, Hugo Plummer, Devan Flanders, Jordi Viljoen, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo.

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The Highlanders can take a deep breath after keeping their Super Rugby Pacific season with alive with victory over the NSW Waratahs in Dunedin.

With their season on the line, the southerners dug deep to win 31-26.

But it was a nerve-racking thing – despite appearing comfortably ahead at 28-7 at halftime – as they struggled with only 14 men for most of the final quarter.

They still have a mountain to climb, but they have lifted from ninth on the table to seventh. They have 24 points, one point behind sixth placed Brumbies.

The Highlanders now likely have to win their remaining regular season games, against the Crusaders and Hurricanes to make the playoffs – a huge task but they have given themselves a slim chance.

On the other side of the coin, the Waratahs, who squandered two tries to sloppy handling in the last 20 minutes, have little chance of being in the finals, as they drop to ninth place.

Playing with intent and verve, the Highlanders ran in four tries in the first half, with wingers Caleb Tangitau and Jonah Lowe both dotting down as the side attacked repeatedly.

The Waratahs scored their only try of the half, just seconds after Highlanders lynchpin Timoci Tavatavanawai got a yellow card for a cynical cleanout.

But while the Waratahs upped their game in the second half, the Highlanders dropped off their intensity and made too many mistakes.

The game featured plenty of fiery moments.

Of concern to the Highlanders coaching team will be their discipline, with two yellow cards issued against them and one of them against Jona Nareki upgraded to a 20-minute red.

Tavatavanawai was the hero at the end after the Waratahs had narrowed the lead to just two points.

He pulled out a turnover, and Cam Miller slotted the goal for his side’s only points of the half.

See how the match unfolded below.

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (co-c), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Tomas Lavanini, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Lucas Casey, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), 13. Jona Nareki, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Bench: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Xavier Tito-Harris.

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

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action at North Harbour Stadium, as the Hurricanes try to maintain their momentum atop the table against Moana Pasifika.

The competition leaders will be without first-string halfback Cam Roigard and first-five Ruben Love through injury, while several other frontliners are rested against their bottom-placed rivals.

Kickoff is at 7.05pm.

Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Atu Moli, 4. Allan Craig, 5. Veikoso Poloniati, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Augustine Pulu, 10. William Havili, 11. Tuna Tuitama, 12. Faletoi Peni, 13. Solomon Alaimalo, 14. Israel Leota, 15. Glen Vaihu.

Bench: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Lolani Faleva, Jimmy Tupou, Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing, Siaosi Nginingini, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Latu.

Hurricanes: 1. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2. Vernon Bason, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (c), 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Lucas Cashmore, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jone Rova, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin.

Bench: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Siale Lauaki, Hugo Plummer, Devan Flanders, Jordi Viljoen, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo.

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Wallace Sititi and Samisoni Taukei’aho both bagged a brace of tries, as the Chiefs held off Queensland Reds 31-21 in Brisbane for a sixth successive wins in Super Rugby Pacific.

The two All Blacks forwards were among the better performers for the visitors, who had to work hard to see off the tough Aussies, after they closed within three points entering the dying stages.

The impressive Sititi burst clear off the back of a scrum for his second try to make the outcome safe and lift the Chiefs level with the Hurricanes at the top of the standings.

However, the Hurricanes have a game in hand, to be played against last-placed Moana Pasifika on Saturday night.

Sititi also scored the Chiefs’ first try, in response to an early score from Reds winger Lachie Anderson.

Damian McKenzie’s boot put the New Zealand side 10-7 ahead, after a tense first half, but the game broke open after the interval.

Both of Taukei’aho’s tries came from lineout drives, while the Reds stayed in the game with spectacular tries from Louis Werchon and Treyvon Pritchard.

The Reds drop from fourth to fifth, while the Chiefs can go close to locking in a home match in the first round of the playoffs, if they beat the Highlanders in Hamilton next week.

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Wallace Sititi and Samisoni Taukei’aho both bagged a brace of tries as the Chiefs held off the Reds 31-21 in Brisbane to make it six successive wins in Super Rugby Pacific.

The two All Blacks forwards were among the better performers for the visitors, who had to work hard to see off the tough Queenslanders, who closed within three points entering the dying stages.

The impressive Sititi burst clear off the back of a scrum for his second try to make the outcome safe and lift the Chiefs level with the Hurricanes at the top of the standings.

However, the Hurricanes have a game in hand, to be played against last-placed Moana Pasifika on Saturday night.

Sititi also scored the Chiefs’ first try, in response to an early score from Reds winger Lachie Anderson.

Damian McKenzie’s boot put the New Zealand side 10-7 ahead after a tense first half before the game broke open after the interval.

Both of Taukei’aho’s tries came from lineout drives, while the Reds stayed in the game with spectacular tries from Louis Werchon and Treyvon Pritchard.

The Reds drop from fourth to fifth, while the Chiefs can go close to locking in a home match in the first round of the play-offs if they beat the Highlanders in Hamilton next week.

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The number of jobs in jeopardy from a major shake-up to public transport in Auckland has been revealed.

In six months, significant transport decision-making will be taken away from Auckland Transport’s (AT’s) board and given to Auckland Council’s governing body and local boards.

AT would become a smaller council-controlled organisation, focused on delivering public transport.

The changes to the city’s transport governance have been in the making since 2025, when the government agreed to change legislation to give the council more control.

In a statement to RNZ, Phil Wilson confirmed an overall decrease of 20 roles had been proposed.

“One hundred and eighty roles across Auckland Transport and Auckland Council are proposed to be disestablished. However, new and different roles are being created, so the proposed net reduction in roles, on paper, is about 20.”

Of the nearly 2000 staff at AT, the council said roughly a third (about 650) were expected to go to the new Public Transport CCO. The remaining roles would go to the council.

Phil Wilson said a prudent approach to filling vacancies at AT had been taken in recent months to avoid the cost of redundancy and negative impacts on people.

The council said no final decisions had been made, and a two-and-a-half-week consultation period was underway.

“The consultation process is critical, and it’s important people understand that decisions will not be made until after staff input has been fully considered.”

Auckland’s transport reform is set to be completed by the end of October 2026.

AT refused to comment on details of the transport reform proposal.

Another proposed change outlined in documents seen by RNZ is the creation of a new Transport and Infrastructure Directorate in the council.

A proposed new department under the directorate, Transport Performance and Optimisation, would monitor the city’s transport network and aim to make it more efficient and safer.

Greater Auckland director, Matt Lowrie, hoped elected members would implement what he said were long called for changes, like more bus lanes, particularly in high-congestion areas.

“Any bus stuck in traffic is going to be slower than a car. Bus lanes mean they [buses] can speed up and be more efficient, and potentially be not just faster for the people using them, but do more runs in a day and therefore cost ratepayers less.”

But Tramways and Public Transport Employees Union president, Gary Froggatt, was sceptical proposed governance changes would do anything to make buses safer.

“I don’t think it’ll make any difference to the safety. There’s really not much more I see that can be done. Certainly, having transport officers on buses more frequently would help.

“We welcome any new initiatives, but the unions haven’t been consulted, and the drivers haven’t been consulted, and we’re a major stakeholder in this industry.”

All AT roles related to cycling infrastructure were proposed to go under another new department, Roading Infrastructure, which was also under the new directorarte.

Bike Auckland co-chair Karen Hormann was optimistic increased council control would speed up the delivery of cycle infrastructure.

She hoped the Transport Emissions Reduction Pathway, a strategic framework for reducing Auckland’s transport emissions, which was adopted by the council in 2022, would motivate elected officials to prioritise sustainable transport modes.

“There’s a mixed representation of people [on council and local boards] who completely understand the benefits of riding a bike and making it accessible for a range of communities.

“Different communities have different barriers, so we’re hoping local boards will help make more progress in some areas.”

She said especially with fuel prices skyrocketing there was a growing interest from the public in cycling to make commutes more affordable.

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