The new Government’s Pacific mission has arrived in Niue and announced a $5 million dollar aid package to go towards renewable energy and a further $750,000 for infrastructure on the island nation. The infrastructure boost will go towards roads and water networks to support the tourism sector. Jacinda Ardern and Toke Talagi both believe that the relationship is now moving towards a partnership where Niue is more independent of New Zealand. Niue is now exploring deals with Australian airlines and other carriers to expand visitor numbers. Talisa Kupenga reports from Niue: Toke Talagi (Pirimia o Niue), Felicity Bollen (Heamana, Ahumani Tāpoi o Niue).
One of Northlands largest secondary schools is welcoming changes to legislation around firearms in schools. The Ministry of Education is asking for public input and feedback on guidelines for guns in schools. Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rāwhitiroa say there is no place for firearms in schools and worry that guns could fall into the wrong hands and increase the possibility of school shootings. However, Whangarei Boy’s High School say that they use firearms for training and sports purposes and would be unhappy to see guns banned from school grounds. Raniera Harrison reports: Karen Gilbert-Smith (Tumuaki, Te Kura Taitamatāne o Whangārei), Kahore Anania (Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rāwhitiroa).
The over representation of Māori in health statistics and the strained health system is what led Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to deliver a free medical insurance plan for its members. The partnership with NIB offers free healthcare benefits to hapū members and their families within Aotearoa at a cost of $3 million dollars annually. With 1 in 7 adults not visiting a GP due to the cost, this scheme is aimed at encouraging people to engage with preventative medicine regardless of their illness or health condition. A roadshow will be travelling the country to inform people of the health scheme and its benefits. Rukuwai Tipene-Allen reports: Kingi Makoare (Ngāti Whātua), Renata Blair (Ngāti Whātua).
Hawkes Bay police continue to investigate the death of a man in Flaxmere on March 4. His body was found outside the Flax pub at roughly 10.30pm. The name of the deceased and the cause of death will be released once police have a formal identification of the man. Police are appealing for people with information to come forward.
Tonight is the evening of the census and there are still concerns about online access. The elderly, the disabled and youth are all seen as being potentially excluded from the census. Many people are still without their census forms, although according to Statistics New Zealand more than 1.8 million people have completed their online forms. Some are questioning the usefulness of the census if people are having problems accessing and completing the questionnaire. Statistics New Zealand are maintaining that this is still the best way of gathering information about people, their living conditions and other information. Mānia Clark reports live from the Auckland Newsroom: Scott Simpson (MP, Nāhinara, Mai i Te Paeroa a Toi), Luke Crawford (Tautauranga Aotearoa), Kelvin Davis (Pirimia o te wā).
In 2015 Ngāti Pāhauwera protested against the use of 1080 in the Mōhaka forest. Now they are celebrating setting their own pest management and eradication system in place. The work will continue for the next 8 years as possums are trapped and then utilized for fur and the carcass turned into pet food. Aroha Treacher reports: Jim Lewis (Lewis Pest Control), Sheridan Beer (Kaitiro Tatauranga).
NIWA has announced that Aotearoa can expect more record breaking temperatures in summers to come. This year’s extreme heat was attributed to a combination of ocean temperatures, winds coming from the north and climate change meaning a warmer planet. NIWA has said that there is direct evidence of climate change leading to more extreme weather events such as high temperatures. increased rainfall and more frequent tropical cyclones. Such events cause slips, landslides and flooding and contribute to road, school and airport closures. Te Kuru Dewes reports live from the Auckland Newsroom.
Three new haka groups have been established for the Rangitāne Kapa Haka regional competition. His has come about by the top Rangitāne team disbanding and reforming as new groups in an effort to get more performers into the national competition. Kairanga Kai Kiore have consistently won the Rangitāne regionals every year since 2014, but now are performing with Huia Ahorau, Te Tini o Rehua and Te Reureu. 6 groups will be taking to the stage in Palmerston North this weekend, and 2 teams will advance to Te Matatini. All the performers hope to see raise the calibre of haka performances and see whānau embrace Māori culture within the Manawatū, Wairarapa and Horowhenua regions. Leah Te Whata reports: Kelsi Te Peeti (Kaiako, Huia Ahorau), Lewis Karaitiana (Kaiako, Huia Ahorau).
The efforts of the Buttabean Motivation programme will see more than 100 children receive new shoes. The programme is run by David Letele, a community fitness organiser and is sponsored by ASB. The children are all from Tamaki Makaurau and for most of them it will be the first time they have received new shoes just for sports and training. Moana Makapelu Lee reports live from West Auckland: Dave Letele (Kaiako, Brown Buttabean Motivation).
Melbourne United have defeated the New Zealand Breakers 88-86 with an overtime victory. This takes Melbourne to 2-0 in the semi-final series and the end of the season for the Breakers. Josh Boone (Kapa Melbourne United).
Zac Guildford has signed a contract with the French second division side Nevers. Guildford has played with Waikato in the Mitre 10 Cup but has not received any offers to play in the Super Rugby season.
Kawa Roes delivers a weather report with a Māori perspective: The Lunar Calendar – The Moon moves into the Korekore Tuatahi phase.