Large fire in Tongariro National Park, call to avoid area

November 9, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

The blaze seen in Tongariro National Park, on Saturday. Photo: Supplied/ Liz Brooker

A large fire in the Central Plateau has triggered evacuations of trampers and caused the closure of a nearby highway, authorities say.

About 400 hectares of the Tongariro National Park was estimated to be on fire, Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) said shortly before 10pm Saturday.

The blaze remains uncontrolled and burning toward Mount Ngauruhoe, but it was too dangerous for firefighters to actively work on it through the night to stop it, FENZ assistant commander Nick West said.

Firefighters will instead monitor it overnight.

Thirteen fire crews from eight brigades were working at the scene earlier tonight. They were being supported by three helicopters carrying monsoon buckets, and one providing observations of the scene. However the aircraft were all stood down at nightfall, West said.

Trampers were airlifted from the Mangatepopo Hut on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and a helicopter was checking the area for any remaining walkers on Saturday before nightfall.

As a precaution, 43 hikers and a hut warden were evacuated by helicopter, according to the Department of Conservation (DOC). No injuries had been reported.

“If people are aware of friends or family who were planning to be on the Tongariro Crossing or the general area of SH47 and the Maungatepopo Hut today, they should try to get in touch with them and confirm their whereabouts. If they are not able to make contact, please call 111 and advise the Police,” FENZ said.

Weather conditions were easing late on Saturday, but “but a wind shift is forecast around midnight, which will push the direction of the fire’s travel further to the north, in the direction of State Highway 46,” they said.

“Fire and Emergency is working closely with Police, Iwi and the Department of Conservation on the safety of people in the area.

“People living in the area should be alert to the fire and any advice from emergency services.”

State Highway 47 remains closed between SH48 and SH46, and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.

Just before 8pm, police said “motorists should turn around or delay travel, as there are no alternative routes in the immediate area”.

This photo of the fire was captured before 9:30pm Saturday. Photo: Supplied

The fire was first reported about 3.15pm Saturday, on State Highway 47, just north of the junction with SH48.

Through the afternoon there had been “a large build-up of traffic reported” on the highway, as the fire and firefighting efforts disrupted travel.

The Department of Conservation said both the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Northern Circuit were closed, and would remain closed on Sunday.

Firefighters began battling the vegetation fire on the Tongariro crossing during Saturday afternoon. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell

Earlier on Saturday evening, DOC Central North Island operations director Damian Coutts said the fire had not yet reached any tracks or huts, but the closures were a precaution, while firefighting continued.

“People are asked to stay away from the area,” Coutts said.

FENZ said it does not yet know how the blaze started.

The Tongariro fire has caused a build-up of traffic in the area. Photo: RNZ / Hamish Cardwell

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

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Cirque du Soleil performer stretchered off stage after fall

LiveNews Publisher

November 9, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Cirque du Soleil performer was stretchered off stage after a fall on Saturday. Photo: RNZ / Kymberlee Fernandes

A person in the audience at an Auckland performance of Cirque du Soleil on Saturday afternoon says everyone fell silent, when a performer fell several metres to the ground.

Joy Marshall said 6-8 acrobats were executing a bar routine, when one plunged onto the safety mat.

Marshall was at the show with her daughter and a friend from school, and her mother.

She said they enjoyed the first part of the show, and the second half involved acrobats doing a routine on the high bars, including flips.

However, one of the performers plunged 2-3 metres onto the mat, landing flat on his stomach. She said he tried to get up, but collapsed.

Several people surrounded him and paramedics came onto the scene. Black sheets were put up for privacy from the audience.

The performer was taken to hospital and his condition is not known.

The show was stopped for about 20 minutes, as medics attended to the performer, before they were stretchered off the stage.

Marshall said one person in the audience stood up and urged Christians in the crowd to join him in prayer.

“It was quite a brave and beautiful moment.”

The performer was taken to hospital, but it’s not known how seriously injured he is.

Messages on the loud speaker asked people to remain seated and that the show would continue.

Marshall said the next sequence was fairly short, involving the main character riding across the arena on his bicycle, with the other characters farewelling him below.

“They all took their bows and that was the end of the show.”

The show, Corteo, is playing at Spark Arena until 9 November.

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

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English exam asks students to write about long-haired boy being bullied, forced to drop pants

LiveNews Publisher

November 9, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

The exam booklet asked the students to “analyse significant aspects of unfamiliar written text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence”. Photo: Supplied

NCEA level 2 English exams asked students to write about a boy with long hair being bullied and asked to pull down his pants to prove his gender.

The exam held on Thursday used a piece of “unfamiliar text” as part of the test for students to write about and make a literary analysis.

The exam booklet asked the students to “analyse significant aspects of unfamiliar written text(s) through close reading, supported by evidence”.

Students who took the exam said the text described the personal story of a boy with long hair who was bullied and asked to show his genitals to prove that he was a boy as he was often confused for a girl.

“And I didn’t much like it when a few months after I started school a large year 3 boy ambushed me on my way home and ordered me to drop my pants to clear up his confusion,” the text read.

A student and teacher spoken to by RNZ said the text made them feel very uncomfortable.

One year 12 student said they decided to pick a different option to write about because it did not feel appropriate.

Cover of the 2025 NCEA level 2 English exam. Photo: Supplied

One parent said it was particularly concerning that it might upset people in the exam who have a history of sexual abuse.

“For them to present this question in an exam setting, without knowing the triggers it raises in some children sitting that exam, it’s unbelievable. It’s throwing it in their faces, in one of the most stressful times they have in their schooling.

“Every kid I’ve asked so far has said they felt awkward so they skipped that one. Thinking of how many children skipped that question today, because they’ve been forced to pull their pants down, it absolutely breaks my heart.”

She said she understood you can’t protect children from everything, but NCEA should have done better than this.

“They’ve failed the kids on this one.”

Another was worried about what impact it might have on teenagers who were experiencing confusion around gender identity.

The prose is an excerpt from a memoir by Adam Dudding called My Father’s Island: A Memoir based on his father and their relationship.

NZQA deputy chief executive of assessment Jann Marshall said the paper went through a sensitivity check, as all exam papers do.

“The passage is drawn from an age-appropriate text. The specific sentence of concern is contextually consistent with the broader passage.”

The spokesperson said, every year, there was a range of views about the suitability of different questions and use of different texts.

“The exam writers – including experienced subject teachers – thought it appropriate to use this passage, as students would relate well to the affirmation of a young person’s right to assert their own individuality.

“All exam papers undergo a sensitivity check, recognising that people’s experiences and views can vary widely. The exam did go through that process.”

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

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Thousands of sad Jelly Roll fans left shocked after Auckland cancellation

LiveNews Publisher

November 9, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

Thousands of people were gathered at Auckland’s Western Springs The Outer Oval on Saturday afternoon, when at 6pm it was announced over the loud speakers the headline act Jelly Roll would not be appearing.

The rapper singer songwriter announced the decision on his Instagram.

“Dear Auckland I’ve done everything I can,” he wrote, “I just can’t shake it.

Jelly Roll has cancelled at Western Springs The Outer Oval.

Serena Solomon/RNZ

“It breaks my heart, I’ve probably missed 3 shows in the last decade.

“I pride myself on showing up no matter what.

“Just couldn’t do it this time. Please forgive me.”

The Saturday show would have been the first time Jelly Roll had performed in New Zealand and was the only stop of his Down Under Tour in Aotearoa.

Live Nation firmed up the news in a statement about 6.20pm Saturday night.

“We regret to announce the Jelly Roll Down Under 2025 Tour tonight at The Outer Fields at Western Springs in Auckland will no longer go ahead due to illness,” a statement from Live Nation read.

“All ticket holders will receive an automatic full refund. For any further refund enquiries please contact your point of purchase.

“We thank the fans for their understanding, and we look forward to welcoming Jelly Roll in future.”

A fan of the rapper, Angie Smith, drove up in her Holden from the Waikato spending $188 on petrol with four other friends.

“I’m f….ed off, it’s annoying, they could have told us hours ago,” the 44-year-old told RNZ.

She said that she was looking forward to belting out the song ‘Save Me’.

Peter Wilson, 63, from Dunedin had flown in from seeing Metallica in Adelaide on 5 November, stopping to see Jelly Roll in Auckland on the way back to the South Island.

He had seen Jelly Roll in Las Vegas last year.

“We’d been gearing up for this all day. I’m in a bit of shock.”

Cindy Ramsey, from Orewa, was attending Jelly Roll with her son. It was a Father’s Day present to her from her 32-year-old son, they said.

“She raised me as a single mum so she gets Father’s Day and Mother’s Day,” said son, Shane Thomas.

Ramsey said she was “gutted” it had been cancelled at the last minute. She was most looking forward to belting out the song ‘I am not OK’.

“That’s my song right now,” she said.

“That’s our family’s song right now,” her son added.

Both mother and son are drawn to Jelly Roll’s story of redemption from crime and drugs.

“I was on a bender when I heard the song Sober. When I heard that I actually started to get sober,” Thomas told RNZ.

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

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Buildings that ‘drift’ less perform better in quakes, according to growing global consensus

LiveNews Publisher

November 9, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

In a Taiwan warehouse, researchers hit a button, and a five-storey, steel-and-concrete box begins to buck and sway.

That’s about the closest researchers can get to how the sort of multi-storey commonly constructed in New Zealand 9000km away might behave in a large earthquake.

The revelations from the work are now coming in.

“You know, partition walls, gypsum board that we use, windows, doors, even ceilings, which previously we thought would do worse in more robust buildings, we’re seeing all these components do much better,” said Santiago Pujol.

The Canterbury University civil engineering professor is used to finding things out – he won a top US award two years ago, looking into high-strength steel in reinforced concrete members, but the ceiling performance in the Taipei prototype tests surprised him.

“Yeah, that’s one of the things that we’ve sort of discovered here recently.”

There had been some research into this before, but it wasn’t systematic. Now it is.

The overall upshot of the New Zealand-Taiwan efforts is to solidify a growing global consensus that stiffer buildings that “drift” less perform better in quakes – opposite to the way New Zealand has built for many decades.

On top of that, they have shown it need not cost much, say, only 1-2 percent of the total building budget to make it stiffer.

“You want to maximise ability to deform and then you want to minimise deformation demand, if you will,” Pujol said in engineering-speak.

“It’s in that sense that we can improve things, if we make buildings more robust, closer to what they build in Chile and Japan.”

Japan had built this way for a century, since the Great Kantō Earthquake split Tokyo in 1923, and Chile since the 1930s.

“You know, some of these things take time to understand and professions adhere to different schools of thought.

“By now, it’s fairly clear the consensus – the worldwide consensus – is that we need more robust buildings.”

Santiago Pujol is a professor of civil engineering at Canterbury University. Photo: University of Canterbury

‘We could act a little faster’

The United States was going this way, and so too Türkiye, where they were trying to change the building code to avoid a repeat of the 2023 quake that killed over 40,000 people.

“I think we could act a little faster,” Pujol said of New Zealand. “The first thing we need to do is update our building standards to require more robustness.”

Those conversations were already happening with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment that oversees the building code, he added.

“New Zealand does have good building codes that protect the lives of their occupants. What we’re talking about here is buildings that go beyond just life safety and try to ensure, again, functionality. It’s a different model.”

Hospitals were an example of buildings that needed to function fast after a shake.

Data provided by the Health Ministry in Chile to his team had shown stiffer hospitals there performed better.

He did not know the specifics about hospitals being built in New Zealand, but said he did know of several local companies already trying to build stiffer, more robust buildings.

“And by that I mean buildings that drift or sway less in earthquakes, because that’s going to minimise damage and allow us to go back into our buildings sooner after an earthquake.”

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

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Body found after Hamilton fire

LiveNews Publisher

November 9, 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo) Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Police say a body has been found, after a house fire in Hamilton East.

Emergency services rushed to the house fire on Wellington Street just after 6am Saturday.

“Sadly, a person was located deceased at the property,” police said.

A guard was on watch at the scene on Saturday evening, and police would work with Fire and Emergency NZ to uncover the circumstances.

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

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NZ-AU: Clearwater Wellness Launches World-First Thermoelectric Ice Bath, with Tim Paine Joining as Founding Partner

MIL OSI

November 9, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Clearwater Wellness Co launched the SnowCap, the world’s first thermoelectric ice bath requiring no ice or plumbing. Backed by $700,000 in pre-sales and a $1.84 million funding round, the company welcomes cricket legend Tim Paine as a founding partner to spearhead global expansion and innovation.

VICTORIA, Australia, Nov. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Australian wellness technology company Clearwater Wellness Co has unveiled the SnowCap, the world’s first thermoelectric ice bath that requires no ice, plumbing, setup, or external chillers. It marks itself as the “Tesla of ice baths” and a new chapter in design-led recovery innovation.

Following a pre-sale campaign that generated $700,000 in its first eight weeks, Clearwater is preparing to scale globally, supported by a recently opened $1.84 million convertible-note round to fund manufacturing and expansion into the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Adding to its credibility, former Australian cricket captain and current Australia A and Adelaide Strikers coach Tim Paine has joined as a founding investor and partner, bringing elite-sport insight and leadership experience to the company’s journey.

“What drew me to Clearwater was its purpose — unlocking human potential through elegant and innovative design,” said Paine. “The SnowCap isn’t just about recovery; it’s about mindset, performance, and bringing world-class innovation from Australia to the world stage.”

The SnowCap uses patented solid-state thermoelectric technology to precisely heat or cool water between 1.5°C and 40°C, eliminating the need for ice, compressors, or plumbing. Its minimalist form, whisper-quiet operation, and sustainability credentials position it as both a wellness tool and a design statement for homes, gyms, and recovery studios.

SnowCap’s thermoelectric cooling technology draws on principles used in electric vehicles and aerospace engineering, where precision temperature control and energy efficiency are critical. Unlike compressor-based systems that rely on refrigerants and generate heat as a byproduct, thermoelectric modules use the Peltier effect to transfer heat without mechanical parts, resulting in quieter operation and lower environmental impact.

“We set out to make recovery and performance mindset as inspiring as it is effective,” said Dr Matthew Guest, Clearwater’s Director and Co-Founder. “Australians have a reputation for ingenuity — the SnowCap is proof that we can lead globally through design, sustainability, and purpose.”

The company’s patented technology is protected across 158 countries and draws on engineering principles used in electric vehicles and aerospace systems. Over the next 12 months, Clearwater will expand into key international markets while developing SnowCap V2, integrating user feedback, and enhancing app-based functionality.

About Clearwater Wellness

Clearwater Wellness is an Australian wellness technology company specialising in smart recovery solutions. Founded by Dr Matthew Guest, Max Chapman, and Laynton Allan, the company develops patented thermoelectric systems designed to make professional-grade recovery accessible, sustainable, and beautifully simple. Clearwater holds patent protection in 158 countries and is positioned to lead the global market in connected cold-therapy innovation.

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Matthew Guest
Contact Email: matt@clearwatericebaths.com
Website: https://clearwaterwellnessco.com/
Address: Melbourne, AU 3124

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/07192b75-2db3-46fe-af54-893813ad7822

– Published by The MIL Network

NZ-AU: Dancetime Launches Guide to Top 8 Outdoor Party Hire Essentials Amid Surge in Sydney Events

MIL OSI

November 9, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Sydney, NSW, Nov. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dancetime, a leading event hire provider in New South Wales and Queensland, announced today the release of its definitive guide to the eight most in-demand party hire items, as outdoor events and weddings surge across Sydney. With over 60% of outdoor weddings and 67% of corporate events now relying on marquee setups and professional equipment, the company aims to simplify event planning with its curated list of essentials.

Dancetime Marquees, Event and Party Equipment Hire Sydney.

Sydney is experiencing a rise in outdoor events, including private gatherings, weddings, and corporate functions. Over 60% of outdoor weddings and 67% of corporate events now rely on marquee hire and professional event setups to create seamless and memorable celebrations.

For more than 55 years, Dancetime, a family-owned business founded by Gordon Johnstone and now run by his son Robert Johnstone, has been assisting hosts throughout Sydney, Regional New South Wales, and Queensland in bringing their events to life. From marquees and dance floors to lighting and catering equipment, Dancetime provides the essentials for weddings, corporate events, private functions, and community festivals.

“Our story has always been about helping people celebrate life’s most important moments,” says Robert Johnstone, Managing Director of Dancetime. “As we look forward, Dancetime will continue to grow, staying true to our family values while introducing new ideas to every event we support.”

8 Event Hire Essentials Every Sydney Event Needs

1. Marquees
Flexible outdoor structures that define event zones, create intimate spaces, and protect guests from the weather. Dancetime offers a wide range of Marquees in different sizes, styles, and configurations to fit weddings, corporate functions, and private events.

2. Dance Floors
Durable and stylish flooring that encourages guest interaction and creates a lively atmosphere. Dancetime offers dance floors in various sizes and finishes to suit any theme.

3. Tables & Chairs
Comfortable and versatile seating and dining arrangements, with a wide variety of options to complement formal, casual, or themed events.

4. Lighting & Décor
Decorative and functional lighting designed to set the mood and elevate the aesthetic of any venue. Dancetime offers accessories and décor helping transform ordinary spaces into unforgettable environments.

5. Audio-Visual Equipment
Speakers, microphones, screens, and projectors to support entertainment, presentations, and speeches—providing a professional experience for every guest.

6. Catering Equipment
Serving and warming equipment to support efficient, stylish food service for both intimate gatherings and large events.

7. Premium Marquee Add-Ons
Flooring, lighting, roof and wall lining, and decorative extras that elevate the marquee experience. These additions enhance functionality, aesthetics, and guest comfort, making every marquee hire from Dancetime unique.

8. Sound & Lights
A variety of lighting and speaker options that bring energy and ambience to any event, enhancing atmosphere and ensuring an enjoyable guest experience.

“As celebrations continue to flourish across Sydney and other regions, Dancetime helps every host transform their vision into an unforgettable experience—making every event seamless, comfortable, and truly memorable,” says Robert Johnstone, Managing Director of Dancetime.

Dancetime Marquees, Event and Party Equipment Hire Sydney.

About Dancetime

Family-owned since 1970, Dancetime is a trusted provider of marquees, dance floors, furniture, lighting, and event hire equipment across NSW and Queensland. Founded by Gordon Johnstone and now managed by his son Robert Johnstone, with the third generation actively contributing fresh ideas, Dancetime remains committed to the values that built its reputation—trust, reliability, innovation, and personalised service.

Press inquiries

Dancetime
https://www.dancetime.com.au
Head of PR & Media
media@brainpr.com.au
(02) 7226 3729
Level 17/1 Denison St,
North Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

– Published by The MIL Network

Road closed, State Highway 47, Tongariro National Park

LiveNews Publisher

November 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Due to a large fire in Tongariro National Park, State Highway 47 is closed while emergency services work at the scene.

State Highway 47 is closed at the intersection of State Highway 46 at the northern end, and State Highway 48 at the southern end.

Motorists are advised to turn around or delay travel, as there are no alternative routes in the immediate area.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Fatality following fire, Hamilton East

LiveNews Publisher

November 8, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A person has been found deceased following a fire in Hamilton East this morning.

Emergency services attended a Wellington Street address just after 6am, where a house was on fire.

Sadly, a person was located deceased at the property.

A scene guard remains in place, and Police will work alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand to help determine the circumstances of the fire.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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