First-five Stephen Perofeta converted all six of his team’s tries and scored one himself, as the Blues overhauled Western Force 42-32 at Perth.

After a controversial loss to the Chiefs in their opener last week, the Auckland-based side took advantage of a big wind at their backs in the second half to overcome a 17-14 deficit, outscoring their rivals 21-3 during the 20 minutes after the break.

Prop Josh Fusitua and Perofeta touched down in the first 40 minutes, but a try to flanker Carlo Tizzano gave the home side a surprise lead at halfway.

After the restart, fullback Zarn Sullivan, flanker Torian Barnes and wing Cole Forbes rattled on three tries that gave their team the momentum and a 15-point lead, that provided a buffer to withstand a late Force rally.

Follow the live progress here:

Squad

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Anton Segner, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

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

Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho had a try double, as the Chiefs downed the Highlanders 26-23 in Dunedin for their second straight win of the season.

Follow the live action here:

Squads

Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Rohan Wingham, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy (VC), 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game), 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (C), 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

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

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa

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

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action, as the Blues take on Western Force at HBF Park in Perth.

Kickoff is at 9.35pm.

Squad

Blues: 1 Joshua Fusitu’a, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 5 Josh Beehre, 6 Anton Segner, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Finlay Christie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Cole Forbes, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai

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

Auckland FC are closing in on the top of the A-League after dismantling the Wellington Phoenix 5-0, a dominant win that puts them just one point behind league leaders Newcastle.

Wellington’s hopes of securing their first-ever win over their northern rivals were dashed early due to a bizarre goal keeping error in the 24th minute.

A dejected Phoenix captain Alex Rufer addressed home fans immediately after the heavy defeat.

“We need to look at this and be accountable – it’s not good enough,” he told Sky Sport.

The talking point came when Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was caught out of position under a long clearance from Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich.

Unable to stop the ball, Oluwayemi brushed it into his own net in a costly howler as he attempted to head the ball away.

Auckland carried the momentum as Jesse Randall scored his ninth goal of the season, adding a second just before the break.

Guillermo May also found the net in the 41st minute.

Later Randall was involved again, setting up Lachlan Brook for a goal.

Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano benched Oluwayemi at halftime, replacing him with Alby Kelly-Heald as the Phoenix trailed 4-nil.

Auckland coach Steve Corica said the three points were vital in closing the gap on Newcastle.

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

Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano has resigned, after a [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/587537/phoenix-captain-apologises-to-fans-after-embarrassing-5-0-loss humiliating 5-0 A-League loss to Auckland FC.

The Wellington club has thanked ‘Chief’ for his work, with the coach confirming his departure after the match at Sky Stadium.

“Giancarlo Italiano has announced his resignation as men’s head coach,” the message read on Wellington Phoenix’s X account.

With tonight’s loss, the Phoenix have equalled their worst-ever loss at home.

More to come…

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

Auckland FC are closing in on the top of the A-League after dismantling the Wellington Phoenix 5-0, a dominant win that puts them just one point behind league leaders Newcastle.

Wellington’s hopes of securing their first-ever win over their northern rivals were dashed early due to a bizarre goal keeping error in the 24th minute.

A dejected Phoenix captain Alex Rufer addressed home fans immediately after the heavy defeat.

“We need to look at this and be accountable – it’s not good enough,” he told Sky Sport.

The talking point came when Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was caught out of position under a long clearance from Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich.

Unable to stop the ball, Oluwayemi brushed it into his own net in a costly howler as he attempted to head the ball away.

Auckland carried the momentum as Jesse Randall scored his ninth goal of the season, adding a second just before the break.

Guillermo May also found the net in the 41st minute.

Later Randall was involved again, setting up Lachlan Brook for a goal.

Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano benched Oluwayemi at halftime, replacing him with Alby Kelly-Heald as the Phoenix trailed 4-nil.

Auckland coach Steve Corica said the three points were vital in closing the gap on Newcastle.

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

Northcote College will shut for a week after a fire destroyed one of its buildings on Friday.

In a post on Facebook, the college said it had “been advised by the Ministry of Education and specialist contractors to close the school for the safe demolition and removal of the fire damaged building which includes some asbestos cladding”.

The school will be moving to online learning from Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February.

Students and whānau have been urged to check emails for further information.

The fire broke out about 12.15pm on Friday afternoon, and smoke could be seen billowing from the school’s sports pavillion, a large wooden hall with a high pointed roof.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the first call about the fire came in at 12.17pm, during a one-hour strike by the Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU).

It took the volunteer Silverdale crew about 17 minutes to arrive at the school.

Northcote College principal Vicki Barrie said she was proud of how staff and students responded to the fire in the sports pavillion.

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

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action, as the Highlanders take on the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Kickoff is at 7.05pm.

Squads

Highlanders: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Rohan Wingham, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy (VC), 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game), 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (C), 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

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

Bench: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa

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

The New Zealand Breakers players won’t pocket all of the prize money from the Ignite Cup final.

Sunday’s finale of the inaugural in-season tournament between the Breakers and Adelaide 36ers ensures nobody leaves the Gold Coast empty-handed with the champions taking home A$300,000 and the runners-up A$100,000.

Prize money in the Australian NBL is unique to the Ignite Cup, and while pundits have debated how the prize money should be split, with suggestions it should all go to the players, the official line from the NBL is that 60 percent goes to the players directly and the remainder to the club.

Breakers president of basketball Dillon Boucher said the club would not be giving all the money to the players.

“Unfortunately anything that goes more than 60 percent to the players goes on your salary cap, so I think teams making smart decisions would probably not give it all to the players rather than incur some luxury tax by giving the players extra money.

“I think 60 percent is a fair amount to go to the players and obviously there is a lot of factors and a lot of people that are involved in making the team successful, so it’s only fair that they share in the success of the Ignite Cup profits.”

Not every player was focused on the cash.

Centre Sam Mennenga made an unexpected comeback from what was described as a season-ending wrist injury against the Cairns Taipans on Thursday night and will be available to play the 36ers in a boost for the Breakers and for the Tall Black who is looking off-season playing opportunities overseas.

“There is money on the line – I don’t really care about the money, but I’d rather us have the money than Adelaide have the money.”

The Breakers will tip off their final game of the season as underdogs.

After failing to make the post-season, by finishing seventh, the Breakers can still end an injury-hit rollercoaster of a season with a valuable victory but it will be against the odds.

For the majority of the Ignite Cup, played mid-week and with competition points for every quarter won, the Breakers were dominant. The Auckland-based club won the first three of their Cup games while losing games not played on Wednesdays with regularity.

The Breakers lost their fourth game of the Cup competition to finish second on the ladder behind the 36ers who also won three out of four games but edged the Breakers by winning an extra quarter for an additional competition point to qualify in top spot for the final.

While the Ignite Cup was where the Breakers shone, the 36ers are also sitting in second on the regular season table with a chance of winning a Championship and Cup double.

Adelaide beat the Breakers every time they met this season. Three wins, one in overtime, all by fewer than five points.

The Breakers and 36ers did not play against each other during the Ignite Cup. The two sides last met a week ago with the 36ers putting together a fourth-quarter comeback to win 92-89 on their home court in the regular season. The Breakers had the lead for 36 minutes of the 40 minute game and had an 18 point advantage at one stage before Adelaide got the win.

Mennenga missed that game as did Next StarKarim Lopez, who will both be back from injury for the crucial clash. Breakers coach Petteri Koponen also managed minutes in the Breakers’ last regular season game on Thursday to give the roster the best shot of being the first Ignite Cup winners.

Tai Webster and Izaiah Brockington will be game time decisions for Sunday after missing the Taipans game.

The final will be played in neutral territory, at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, in a region that does not have an NBL team at the moment.

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

USA’s Alex Ferreira celebrates after winning the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

There were no medals for New Zealand at the men’s freeski halfpipe final, USA’s Alex Ferreira taking home the gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The final run ended with Ferreira in first place (93.75 points), Estonia’s Henry Sildaru (93.00) in second and Canada’s Brendan Mackay in third (91.00).

Canada’s Brendan Mackay reacts after competing in the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe final run 3 during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

New Zealand’s Ben Harrington was ninth.

Earlier Harrington had led the Kiwi contingent after a clean first run saw him sitting at ninth, dropping to 12th during the second run.

Making it to the finals was “an insane feeling”, he said.

“My biggest goal was just to come out and land some runs. I had knee surgery just over a year ago, so it was a mission to get back here but we did it.”

Fin Melville Ives fell during the second run, leaving him unconscious and stretchered off.

USA’s Nick Goepper came in fourth after he crashed on his final jump as he attempted a switch double cork misty flip – a never-before-done halfpipe trick – to land on the deck of the halfpipe.

“I have no regrets,” he said to the crowd. “I’m going to be 35 in four years,” as he looked ahead to another Olympic Games.

USA’s Birk Irving finished in fifth and Britain’s Gus Kenworthy in sixth.

New Zealand has so far secured three medals in this year’s Games.

On Thursday, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott became the world’s most decorated Olympic snowboarder with her silver-medal run in the women’s snowboard slopestyle event.

Luca Harrington brought home bronze at the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle last week, after Sadowski-Synnott also claimed New Zealand’s first medal of the games, taking silver in the big air event.

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

American striker Makala Woods has rescued a 1-1 draw for Wellington Phoenix away to Melbourne Victory, to keep the Kiwi club second on the A-League women’s standings.

Wood scored her fourth goal since joining the club as an injury replacement in January, finding the net in the 87th minute after the Victory had taken the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half.

It’s only the second time Wellington have left Melbourne with the sour taste of defeat, pleasing head coach Bev Priestman ahead of a three-week break.

“I’m delighted to pick up a point on the road,” Priestman said.

“We had a lot of chances that we should have put away and that’s a little bit of a learning for us, but with the tight turnaround, in that heat, and when you pick up a point late in the game…it always feels better than probably a draw from the beginning.

“Credit to Victory. I thought it was a very good performance from them. They really tested us.

“But I’m happy we got the point and probably this international break is much needed for the group.”

It’s Woods’ ninth goal contribution in just seven matches, with five assists to go with her four goals since joining the squad at the start of the year.

Priestman made two changes to the side which started last Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Central Coast, with Grace Jale and Emma Pijnenburg returning in place of Mackenzie Anthony and Daisy Brazendale.

The Victory were awarded a penalty in the 51st minute after Wellington midfielder Jale was deemed to have fouled her opposite Sofia Sakalis. Rhianna Pollicina converted the spot kick, picking out the top left corner.

Woods drew the Phoenix level, controlling a defence-splitting pass from Pia Vlok and then shooting past Courtney Newbon and into the left hand corner. It came after a string of Wellington corners.

Seven Phoenix players will now head away on international duty.

Wellington will next play host to Brisbane Roar on 14 March.

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

• Ben Harrington has qualified for the men’s freeski halfpipe final.
• Fin Melville Ives is in a stable condition after a fall left him unconscious and saw him stretchered off the snow.
• The finals are set down for 7.30am Saturday 21 February (NZ time).

Ben Harrington has qualified for the men’s freeski halfpipe final after a tense finish to the second run at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

A tough competition saw three out of the four New Zealand athletes lose a ski in at least one of their two runs. Each competitor is ranked by their best run, with only the top 12 of 25 progressing to the final.

Harrington led the Kiwi contingent after a clean first run saw him sitting at ninth. The 24-year-old dropped to 12th place during the second run, making for a nail-biting wait while all the other athletes finished competing.

Making it to the finals was “an insane feeling”, he said.

“My biggest goal was just to come out and land some runs. I had knee surgery just over a year ago, so it was a mission to get back here but we did it.”

Speaking into the cameras on the slopes, Harrington dedicated his second run to teammate Fin Melville Ives, who had his own final hopes dashed after a fall saw him stretchered off the snow.

“Hey Finski, this one’s for you, brother. Love you, let’s go skiing,” Harrington said.

Melville Ives was the first competitor to drop into the halfpipe but lost a ski in both runs, putting him at 24th. He was assessed by medics following the second, more serious fall and stretchered off the snow.

Following the event, the New Zealand Olympic Team provided an update on his condition on social media, saying he was “stable and positive”.

Head coach Tom Willmott said “he took a big hit”, revealing the 19-year-old had been knocked unconscious.

“He’s in great care, our team doctor’s with him, his mum’s with him, and he’s doing okay. He was knocked out, but he’s conscious right now, he’s talking and he’s doing okay. He’s getting full checks, scans, x-rays, all the rest of it, just to fully rule anything out,” Willmott said.

“We had qualifying postponed due to the snow yesterday [Friday NZT] so today was the day, it was big Friday. He was using qualies as a warm up to the main event tonight [the finals, Saturday morning NZT] and he was all in, going real big.

“Fine margins, he was pushing his limits. He’s going to be devastated, he’s going to be gutted, you know. But he will pick himself up and he’ll come back from this because he’s a bit of a warrior.”

Fellow Kiwis Gustav Legnavsky and Luke Harrold also failed to qualify, ranking 14th and 15th respectively.

Harrold’s first run saw him in contention for the finals after he placed 11th, but run two saw the 17-year-old lose a ski.

“It was a tough day out there,” he said. “Training went well but, unfortunately, I couldn’t put down the run I wanted to in the two runs. I just want to say thanks to everyone who supported me through my whole journey, it’s been pretty incredible. I couldn’t put it down today for you guys but I know I will eventually.”

Legnavsky, 20, also lost a ski on his first run, and a clean second run was not enough to lift him into the top 12.

“I’m pretty bummed … I have more, I know I have more.”

The event involves competitors performing a series of tricks while skiing down a semi-cylindrical slope.

The final was set down for 7.30am Saturday, 21 February (NZT).

Kiwi Nico Porteous won gold in the event at the last Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022.

New Zealand has so far secured three medals in this year’s games.

On Thursday, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott became the world’s most decorated Olympic snowboarder with her silver-medal run in the women’s snowboard slopestyle event.

Luca Harrington brought home bronze at the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle last week, after Sadowski-Synnott also claimed New Zealand’s first medal of the games, taking silver in the big air event.

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

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

Central Districts (CD) have stormed into the final of the men’s Ford Trophy domestic one-day cricket competition, crushing Wellington by 211 runs at the Basin Reserve.

CD will carry momentum in the final on Sunday at the same venue, when they face top qualifiers Canterbury.

Black Cap Will Young laid the foundation for the winners, scoring 105 off 103 balls as they posted an imposing 349-5 – their highest-ever one-day total against Wellington.

Dean Foxcroft (89) and Dane Cleaver (75) provided aggressive support, with Cleaver and Josh Clarkson (47 not out) finding the boundary at will over the closing overs.

Wellington lost two wickets in the first two overs, sparking a steady capitulation that ended at 138 all-out in the 33rd over.

Black Caps allrounder Nathan Smith top-scored with just 30, while seamer Brett Randell produced Central’s best bowling figures, taking 3-30 off nine overs.

The women’s final was to be played at the Basin Reserve on Saturday, with top qualifiers Northern Districts chasing their first domestic silverware of any description.

Their opponents are Wellington, who powered to the Super Smash T20 title earlier in the summer.

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

• Ben Harrington has qualified for the men’s freeski halfpipe final
• Fin Melville Ives is in a stable condition after a fall left him unconscious and saw him stretchered off the snow
• The finals are set down for 7.30am Saturday 21 February (NZ time)

Ben Harrington has qualified for the men’s freeski halfpipe final after a tense finish to the second run at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

A tough competition saw three out of the four New Zealand athletes lose a ski in at least one of their two runs. Each competitor is ranked by their best run, with only the top 12 of 25 progressing to the final.

Harrington led the Kiwi contingent after a clean first run saw him sitting at 9th. The 24-year-old dropped to 12th place during the second run, making for a nail-biting wait while all the other athletes finished competing.

Making it to the finals was “an insane feeling”, he said.

“My biggest goal was just to come out and land some runs. I had knee surgery just over a year ago, so it was a mission to get back here but we did it.”

Speaking into the cameras on the slopes, Harrington dedicated his second run to teammate Fin Melville Ives, who had his own final hopes dashed after a fall saw him stretchered off the snow.

“Hey Finski, this one’s for you, brother. Love you, let’s go skiing,” Harrington said.

Melville Ives was the first competitor to drop into the halfpipe but lost a ski in both runs, putting him at 24th. He was assessed by medics following the second, more serious fall and stretchered off the snow.

Following the event, the New Zealand Olympic Team provided an update on his condition on social media, saying he was “stable and positive”.

Head coach Tom Willmott said “he took a big hit”, revealing the 19-year-old had been knocked unconscious.

“He’s in great care, our team doctor’s with him, his mum’s with him, and he’s doing okay. He was knocked out, but he’s conscious right now, he’s talking and he’s doing okay. He’s getting full checks, scans, x-rays, all the rest of it, just to fully rule anything out,” Willmott said.

“We had qualifying postponed due to the snow yesterday [Friday NZT] so today was the day, it was big Friday. He was using qualies as a warm up to the main event tonight [the finals, Saturday morning NZT] and he was all in, going real big.

“Fine margins, he was pushing his limits. He’s going to be devastated, he’s going to be gutted, you know. But he will pick himself up and he’ll come back from this because he’s a bit of a warrior.”

Fellow Kiwis Gustav Legnavsky and Luke Harrold also failed to qualify, ranking 14th and 15th respectively.

Harrold’s first run saw him in contention for the finals after he placed 11th, but run two saw the 17-year-old lose a ski.

“It was a tough day out there,” he said. “Training went well but, unfortunately, I couldn’t put down the run I wanted to in the two runs. I just want to say thanks to everyone who supported me through my whole journey, it’s been pretty incredible. I couldn’t put it down today for you guys but I know I will eventually.”

Legnavsky, 20, also lost a ski on his first run, and a clean second run was not enough to lift him into the top 12.

“I’m pretty bummed … I have more, I know I have more.”

The event involves competitors performing a series of tricks while skiing down a semi-cylindrical slope.

The final was set down for 7.30am Saturday, 21 February (NZT).

Kiwi Nico Porteous won gold in the event at the last Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022.

New Zealand has so far secured three medals in this year’s games.

On Thursday, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott became the world’s most decorated Olympic snowboarder with her silver-medal run in the women’s snowboard slopestyle event.

Luca Harrington brought home bronze at the men’s freestyle skiing slopestyle last week, after Sadowski-Synnott also claimed New Zealand’s first medal of the games, taking silver in the big air event.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well … maybe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ben Harrington has qualified for the Men’s Freeski Halfpipe final after a tense finish to the second run at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.

Harrington led the Kiwi contingent after a clean first run saw him sitting at 9th. He dropped to 12th place during the second run, meaning a nervous wait for all the other athletes to finish competing, with only the top 12 progressing to the final.

Knowing he had made the finals was “an insane feeling”, he said.

“My biggest goal was just to come out and land some runs. I had knee surgery just over a year ago, so it was a mission to get back here but we did it.”

Speaking into the cameras, Harrington dedicated his second run to teammate, Fin Melville Ives, who had his own final hopes dashed after a fall saw him stretchered off the snow.

“Finski, that was for you, brother,” Harrington said.

Melville Ives was the first competitor to drop into the halfpipe but lost a ski in both runs, putting him at 24th.

The New Zealand Olympic Team provided an update on his condition in a social media post shortly after the event.

“Fin is with his family and being assessed by medical professionals. He is stable and positive.”

Fellow Kiwis Gustav Legnavsky and Luke Harrold also failed to qualify, ranking 14th and 15th respectively.

Harrold’s first run saw him in contention for the finals after he placed 11th, but run two saw him lose a ski.

“It was a tough day out there,” he said. “Training went well but, unfortunately, I couldn’t put down the run I wanted to in the two runs. I just want to say thanks to everyone who supported me through my whole journey, it’s been pretty incredible. I couldn’t put it down today for you guys but I know I will eventually.”

Legnavsky lost a ski on his first run, and a clean second run was not enough to lift him into the top 12.

“I’m pretty bummed … I have more, I know I have more.”

The event involves competitors performing a series of tricks while skiing down a semi-cylindrical slope.

New Zealand’s Nico Porteous won gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

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Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has scored two tries, as NZ Warriors let a pre-season win over Dolphins slip through their fingers in the dying moments.

Ahead 34-20 midway through the second half, coach Andrew Webster elected to rest his stars and give his young reserves an opportunity to impress.

Ultimately, the Dolphins youth finished strong, running in three converted tries over the last 10 minutes to take 38-34 honours on the scoreboard.

Front-rower Jackson Ford opened the scoring for the Warriors in the fourth minute, but the Dolphins took an early advantage, when Ford was guilty of a hipdrop tackle that saw him serve 10 minutes in the sin bin.

In his absence, hooker Brad Schneider put the Brisbane side ahead, but restored to full strength, hooker Wayde Egan and Watene-Zelezniak gave the Warriors an 18-10 halftime lead, with halfback Tanah Boyd on target from the tee.

The Dolphins seemed to take control after the break, when they ran in back-to-back tries for fullback Trai Fuller and winger Jamayne Isaako, but they handed momentum back, when prop Frank Molo was sin-binned for a high shoulder to Ford’s head.

Centre Ali Leiataua and Watene-Zelezniak grabbed the lead back for the Warriors, before Webster inserted his young reserves.

The newbies showed one last flourish, with half Jack Thompson bombing towards the Dolphins posts and second-rower Eddie Ieremia-Toeava claiming the ball to score, as the Warriors went 38-20 up, but that was their last scoring action.

Instead, Tevita Naufahu, John Fineanganofo and Brian Pouniu – all born in Auckland – rattled off tries for the Dolphins to take scoreboard honours, with Schneider converting all three.

Webster will now hold his breath over Ford’s judicial fate, while acting skipper Kurt Capewell ended the first half holding his ribs, after falling awkwardly making a tackle.

Follow the live action here:

Squads

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Haizyn Mellars, 6. Luke Hanson, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Kurt Capewell (c), 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Morgan Gannon, 16. Leka Halasima, 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Reserves: 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 21. Kayliss Fatialofa, 22. Jack Thompson, 23. Makaia Tafua, 24. Motu Pasikala, 25. Sio Kali, 26. Caelys-Paul Putoko, 27. Geronimo Doyle, 28. Rodney Tuipuiotu-Vea, 29. Paea Sikuvea

Meanwhile, the Dolphins have added several frontliners, including former Warriors Kodi Nikorima at five-eighth, after suffering a 24-12 loss to Gold Coast Titans last week,

Dolphins: 1. Trai Fuller, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Jake Averillo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Selwyn Cobbo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Isaiya Katoa (c), 8. Francis Molo, 9. Bradley Schneider, 10. Tom Gilbert, 11. Connelly Lemuelu, 12. Oryn Keeley, 13. Morgan Knowles

Interchange: 14. Tevita Naufahu, 15. Thomas Flegler, 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 17. John Fineanganofo

Reserves: 18. Sebastian Su’a, 19. Elijah Rasmussen, 20. Brian Pouniu, 21. Zac Garton, 22. Brent Woolf, 23. Adquix-Jeramiah Watts-Luke, 24. Sangstar Figota, 25. Noah Fien, 26. Elijah McKay

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

After sitting out round one with the bye, the Hurricanes ran rampant against Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby Pacific opener to secure a 52-10 win, earning a bonus.

Winger Josh Moorby scored three out of the home sides five tries in the drubbing.

To add to Moana Pasifika’s woes, they lost Israel Leota and William Havili to injury, with Havili being stretcher off in the 63rd minute with a head or neck injury.

Here’s how the match unfolded

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It will be more expensive to travel on Wellington’s public transport later this year.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council voted on Thursday to hike Metlink’s base fare by 3.1 percent and slash the off-peak discount from 30 percent to 20 percent but the changes will start only after contactless payments using debit and credit cards are activated on the Snapper system.

Both dates are yet to be confirmed: Metlink officials said at Thursday’s council meeting contactless payments would start “mid to early April” and it would be up to six weeks afterwards when fares would change.

That means for a passenger commuting between suburbs such as Karori, Khandallah, Lyall Bay and the city centre, rush-hour fares are going up from $4.53 to $4.67, but off-peak fares rise from $3.17 to $3.74. Those paying contactless are charged an extra 1.5 percent card fee.

Papers from Thursday’s meeting estimated that as things stands, Metlink’s fare revenue this financial year would be about $3 million lower than budgeted, but officials said that number could still change.

It blamed a combination of factors: the number of train passengers continued to fall, while “socio-economic changes” like flexible work arrangements, slower economic recovery and unemployment contributed to an emerging decline in bus passenger numbers.

Councillors were divided on how much to increase the base fare and the timing of the rise, which was slated originally for July.

Council chairperson Daran Ponter’s amendment brought it forward by a few months to soften any financial difficulty.

“We could exhaust all of our transport reserves as a consequence of stuff that is happening on the network right now,” he said. “It means we’ve got no buffer in the next financial year when many of these things could still continue to play out.”

Ros Connelly, the chairperson of the regional council’s public transport committee, said the 3.1 percent increase was the limit between prudent economic management and what the public could afford. She also wanted any hikes to happen in July.

Councillor Adrienne Staples was in favour of a 4.1 percent base fare increase to take pressure off ratepayers. “While my personal preference in an ideal world would be to have free public transport across our whole region. It’s not where we work at the moment. We cannot afford to keep going out the back door.”

Last year, Metlink increased its fares by 2.2 percent and dropped the off-peak discount from 50 percent to 30 percent.

Thursday’s meeting papers also revealed this financial year’s fares and advertising income would likely make up less than the targeted 25.1 percent of Metlink’s total revenue, with the next year’s target set at 25.7 percent.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) laid new expectations for all public transport providers in 2024 to have fares and advertising income make up a specific proportion of its revenue.

NZTA’s target for Metlink was once at 42 percent, a figure that regional councillors said it would need to hike fares by as much as 70 percent to hit.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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

Goalkeeper Jimmy Hilton knows the benefit of a win bonus and he is not wasting his first professional contract.

Hilton arrived at Auckland FC this month after an SOS from the A-League club that was running out of fit or available keepers.

The 23-year-old Manchester-born and Australia-raised player has sat on the bench for Auckland’s last two games, behind Michael Woud, but an untimely fumble, a drop in form or fitness could be all that Hilton needs to play his first professional game.

Hilton is signed with Auckland until the end of the season, in a “dream come true” move from NSW National Premier League club Marconi Stallions.

“I’ve been working for a long time to get my opportunity and it kind of came out of the blue,” the reigning National Premier League NSW Goalkeeper of the Year said of the call-up he got while he was working coaching.

“I was playing pretty close to home for a long time. I was really concentrating on my schools and my studies, and as soon as I graduated from high school, I went to Marconi Stallions and was there for five years and once I made the first team, I didn’t come out, so there’s 99 games there that I played in the first team.”

He had trialled and trained with other A-League clubs but the opportunities did not pan out.

Opportunities for goalkeepers were scarce but Hilton always wanted to be playing first team football.

“Growing up, the option was always there to be a third string or to be around an academy. But for me, I wanted to be in men’s football for as long as possible and play games where the win bonus matters.

“It pays your rent, it puts food on the table and petrol in the car. So I think being in that part-time environment and really learning how to win and how important the win bonus is for players has put me in good stead to now make the most of this opportunity.”

The change from a part-time playing role to a full-time gig was eye-opening for Hilton.

“Having better players and better coaches around you, it really makes you lift your game.

“You’ve had the clubs giving all the resources you could possibly need to adapt quickly and to be at the level, so I feel like I’m doing well.”

Working under Auckland FC goalkeeping coach Jonathan Gould was one of the “biggest selling points” to say yes to moving across the ditch.

“To have someone of that stature at the club, he’s a bit of a cult legend, a bit of an icon within the goalkeeping community, so I’m really excited to work with him more and just add to my game.

“He’s already given me one or two things to work on, parts of my game that I thought were up to scratch that he said, ‘oh, maybe give this a little bit of attention’.

“For me, it’s all about becoming as good a footballer, as good a goalkeeper as I can be and he’s pretty detail-oriented and the process has already started.”

Hilton knew he still might have to bide his time in Auckland, but as a goalkeeper that had nearly been in goal for 100 consecutive matches he knew what it took to keep the number one position when the opportunity came.

“Woudy’s doing incredibly well at the moment, he’s been in the Premier League, he knows exactly what he’s doing. Just training with someone like that full-time there’s so much little things that you can see and pick up and add to your game.

“Even the young boys here, the level’s very, very good.

“I think both New Zealand and Australia have been renowned for producing some very good goalkeepers over the years. So I’m hoping to add to that list, follow in some pretty big footsteps. A lot of people who’ve been there and done it and have blueprints there to follow.”

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After sitting out round one with the bye, the Hurricanes will open their campaign in the capital on Friday night against a buoyant Moana side bringing Pasifika bragging rights back from Lautoka.

Follow all the Super Rugby Pacific action from Sky Stadium in Wellington.

Kick off is 7pm.

Squads

Hurricanes: 1 Xavier Numia, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Siale Lauaki, 4 Hugo Plummer, 5 Warner Dearns, 6 Devan Flanders, 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Brayden Iose, 9 Ereatara Enari, 10 Brett Cameron, 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 12 Jordie Barrett (c), 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 14 Josh Moorby, 15 Callum Harkin

Bench: 16 Jacob Devery, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Matolu Petaia, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Arese Poliko, 22 Cam Roigard, 23 Billy Proctor

“It was a huge crowd against Moana last year, so hopefully we can create that again and put in a performance that gets our fans excited and gets them coming back for the rest of the season.” – Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw

Moana Pasifika: 1 Abraham Pole, 2 Samiuela Moli (c), 3 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 4 Veikoso Poloniati, 5 Alefosio Aho, 6 Semisi Paea, 7 Konrad Toleafoa, 8 Dominic Ropeti, 9 Siaosi Nginingini, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Tuna Tuitama, 12 Faletoi Peni, 13 Glen Vaihu, 14 Israel Leota, 15 Simon Peter Toleafoa

Bench: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Tito Tuipulotu, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Allan Craig, 20 Miracle Faiilagi, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 William Havili, 23 Tevita Ofa

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

Parts of Auckland’s Northcote College have been destroyed in a fire which broke out during a firefighters strike.

Fire and Emergency NZ said they were called to the school about 12.15pm on Friday.

Smoke could be seen from the Harbour Bridge, billowing from the school’s sports pavillion, a large wooden hall with a high pointed roof.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the first call about the fire came in at 12.17pm, during a one-hour strike by the Professional Firefighters Union.

It took the volunteer Silverdale crew about 17 minutes to arrive at the school.

It appeared they had been close to the area for another job.

The first career firefighters arrived at 1.13pm, he said.

Communications call centre staff were also on strike for the hour, with managers taking 111 calls and cooridinating call-outs.

On social media, a school spokesperson said: “There is an active fire at Northcote College in the sports pavilion. The fire service is here.

“All students have been evacuated to the other end of the school and are safe.”

On its website, a spokesperson said the school would be closing for the day at 2pm.

“Some students may not have their bag because of the evacuation. We are asking students to go home, if they can, without their bag. Students who are unable to get home or need to call home are meeting in the hall and will be supported by staff.

“An email to all students and whānau with further information will be sent later today.”

The building was 121 years old and was a protected historic building.

Auckland Council listed it as a category A heritage listing, meaning it had outstanding historical and aesthetic significance.

It was influenced by popular styles from the time, including Queen Anne and Edwardian Classical, a council document said.

“Opened in 1905, it was built to address issues of overcrowding at the original 1877 school, and therefore provides evidence of the rapid expansion of the suburb and its population during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth centuries,” it said.

“The school also continues to represent important aspects of collective memory and identity for the generations of students and teachers who used this place from 1905 and continue to use it today.”

Just last month another large fire broke out during strike action.

A building in Pakuranga was completely destroyed by fire and a person was seriously hurt.

At the time, Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown said he was “angry” on behalf of those impacted by the fire due to it happening during the strike.

“Union action that delays a response to an emergency is quite frankly reckless and the union needs to put a stop to these reckless strikes which endanger lives, homes, and businesses.”

New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union secretary Wattie Watson said contingencies were meant to be put in place during the strike.

Northcote MP Dan Bidois thanked local police and firefighters from across Auckland for the quick response – and to the school staff for an “orderly fire evacuation”.

“Glad everyone is safe.”

Bidois said the building on fire was used to store gym equipment.

On social media, North Shore councillor Richard Hills said it was “so sad” to see another fire at the school.

“It will be hugely upsetting to students, staff and school whānau, especially as they’re just getting back to normal, after the previous fire, and recent opening of new and upgraded buildings post construction.

Hills said it was likely to cause traffic delays in surrounding areas and urged people to stay away if they didn’t need to be there.

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

Wellington Phoenix vs Auckland FC

Kick-off: 5pm Saturday February 21

Sky Stadium, Wellington

Live blog updates on RNZ

A one-sided rivalry is still a rivalry.

That is the opinion of the Auckland FC players and coach ahead of the sixth New Zealand A-League derby between the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland.

Auckland have won all five previous derby matches, including the two games this season.

In December Auckland won 3-1 at home and a month earlier Auckland had won 2-1 in Wellington.

Across all derbies there is an average of 3.8 goals a game and only one clean sheet in the first game played back in November 2024.

Injuries and unavailability have hit both teams and prevented two of the competition’s leading goal-scorers going head-to-head on Saturday.

One of the Phoenix’s key signings Sarpreet Singh will not play in his first derby after his return to the A-League club was cut short after picking up a long-term injury in his first game back in seven years.

Despite Singh’s absence there are still All Whites in both sides hoping to get on the plane to the Football World Cup in June and to use the match-ups against their national team team mates to impress All Whites coach Darren Bazeley.

Form

Auckland are sitting in second on the A-League ladder coming off a 1-all draw to Sydney FC on Tuesday night.

The Black Knights are trying to move on from a start to the calendar year which included three losses, two draws and a win in January.

The Phoenix are 10th following a 2-all draw with Central Coast Mariners in the last round.

Last month Wellington had two wins, two draws and a loss.

By the numbers

Across the season the Phoenix have lost more times than they have won at home this season – three wins, four losses.

Whereas Auckland have won more times on the road than they have lost – four wins, two losses.

In derby games, the Phoenix have scored four goals compared to Auckland’s 15.

This season Phoenix have had 11 different goal-scorers, while Auckland have had six different players find the back of the net.

The Phoenix are ranked the most accurate team in the league when it comes to shooting, with 91 of 160 shots on target. Auckland sit in fourth in this statistic with 97 of 210 shots on target.

Auckland can be vulnerable at set pieces with five goals conceded including three from corners. Wellington have conceded three goals from set pieces.

Squads

Auckland FC will be without striker Sam Cosgrove who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, which requires him to miss a match.

Marlee Francois has bone bruising following Tuesday’s game and is in doubt to play.

Auckland FC squad: Michael Woud, Hiroki Sakai, Jake Girdwood-Reich, Nando Pijnaker, Louis Verstraete, Cam Howieson, Felipe Gallegos, Sam Cosgrove, Guillermo May, Marlee Francois, Jimmy Hilton, Francis De Vries, Callan Elliot, Jesse Randall, Jake Brimmer, Dan Hall, Logan Rogerson, Jonty Bidois, Lachlan Brook, Bailey Ferguson

All Whites attacking midfielder Singh will be sidelined for up eight weeks after getting a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in his left knee in the last round. Fullback Tim Payne has also been ruled out of the derby with a hamstring injury.

Wellington Phoenix squad: Joshua Oluwayemi, Alby Kelly-Heald, Eamonn McCarron, Lukas Kelly-Heald, Isaac Hughes, Matthew Sheridan, Bill Tuiloma, Manjrekar James, Jayden Smith, Dan Edwards, Tim Payne, Tze-Xuan Loke, Alex Rufer, Paulo Retre, Anaru Cassidy, Fin Roa Conchie, Kazuki Nagasawa, Carlo Armiento, Sarpreet Singh, Sander Kartum, Luke Brooke-Smith, Ramy Najjarine, Nathan Walker, Nikola Mileusnic, Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues, Ifeanyi Eze, Corban Piper, Luke Supyk

What they said

All Whites defender Nando Pijnaker said Auckland’s dominance put a bit of a burden the players.

“I’ve never really been a part of something like this where we’ve won so many times in a row so it’s interesting. Every game that goes by that we win I guess puts a little bit more pressure on you because you want to keep winning and you want to make this the normality which I don’t think it is, but we’re really confident.”

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica said despite winning five out of five it was still a rivalry with the Phoenix.

“We don’t want to get carried away with that, we want to continue winning obviously we want to make it six from six in the first two years but we know it’s going to be a tough game. I think they’re playing some good football we’re going to have to be on our game definitely need to perform well, we need three points as badly as they do.”

Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano said he felt good heading into the derby despite the record.

“I must have smashed a couple of mirrors somewhere because the amount of bad luck we’ve had over the last couple of seasons, especially in the derbies, we haven’t had things go for us but I feel like we’re due for one.”

Another All Whites defender Bill Tuiloma will play in his first New Zealand derby after joining the Phoenix at the start of the year and said there was a “determination” to get the first win over Auckland.

“I’m just fired up and I’m excited… you could see it that I’m playing against my home team from where I’m from but I’m very excited, the whole team’s pumped for it.”

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

Firefighters are tackling a blaze at Auckland’s Northcote College.

Fire and Emergency NZ said they were called to the school about 12.15pm on Friday.

A crew from Silverdale is in attendance and more crews are on their way to the scene.

Smoke can be seen from the Harbour Bridge.

On social media, a school spokesperson said: “There is an active fire at Northcote College in the sports pavilion. The fire service is here.

“All students have been evacuated to the other end of the school and are safe.

“We are waiting for further direction from the fire service and will update you as we can.”

The Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade, which was nearly half an hour away from the college, attended even though the closest fire station, Birkenhead, is four minutes away.

The fire started during the one hour strike by the Professional Firefighters Union.

FENZ said during that hour, it was relying on volunteer brigades.

There were now other brigades on the scene.

Just last month another large fire broke out during strike action.

A building in Pakuranga was completely destroyed by fire and a person was seriously hurt.

At the time, Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown said he was “angry” on behalf of those impacted by the fire due to it happening during the strike.

“Union action that delays a response to an emergency is quite frankly reckless and the union needs to put a stop to these reckless strikes which endanger lives, homes, and businesses.”

New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union secretary Wattie Watson said contingencies were meant to be put in place during the strike.

On social media, North Shore councillor Richard Hills said it was “so sad” to see another fire at the school.

“It will be hugely upsetting to students, staff and school whānau, especially as they’re just getting back to normal, after the previous fire, and recent opening of new and upgraded buildings post construction.

“The fire service are there and thankfully all students have been evacuated to the other end of the school and are safe. The fire is very much still active.”

Hills said it was likely to cause traffic delays in surrounding areas and urged people to stay away if they didn’t need to be there.

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New Zealand’s ability to support communities following natural disasters and other major emergencies will be improved by an investment into a key coastal bulk ship upgrade, Associate Transport Minister James Meager says.

The Rangitata, which was vital in delivering disaster relief after Cyclone Gabrielle, will receive $3 million from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund to improve its ability to carry different types of cargo across a wider range of ports.

“The ship was a major asset for Gisborne and Napier, carrying containers between the two when major road links were washed out. This summer’s tragic storms have again underscored how important this infrastructure is,” Mr Meager says.

“When land routes fail, coastal shipping becomes critical for making sure fuel, building materials and other vital supplies can still get to those in need.”

The investment will fund a material handler for the ship, a piece of deck-mounted machinery that can load and unload bulk cargo, to be operational by the end of 2026.

“This will mean the Rangitata can transport a wider range of bulk items and operate without relying on port-side cranes and infrastructure, facilities which may not be usable after a significant event,” Mr Meager says.

“The ship can access smaller ports which are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters, including those where road and rail connections can be cut-off for long periods. It can deliver bulk supplies directly to communities which may have been isolated for days.

“Another key advantage is the material handler is powered directly from the ship, rather than from land, so it remains available wherever the vessel is deployed.

“We are a Government dedicated to fixing the basics, delivering results, and building the future. That’s exactly what this investment does. It will strengthen our country’s resilience and improve our ability to bounce back from devastating natural events.”
 

MIL OSI