Cause of widespread broadband internet outage in major cities unknown
Contact Energy says it's working out how a widespread outage to its broadband internet services occured.
Photo:
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Contact Energy says it's working out how a widespread outage to its broadband internet services occured.
On social media, people in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch reported problems with internet access between 7 - 8.30pm on Tuesday.
Contact's chief retail officer Michael Robertson says its broadband service is now back up and running following a brief and unexpected outage.
A message on the company's website says if people are still experiencing problems to turn their modem off and back on.
More than a hundred-thousand people are Contact broadband customers.
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RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
King's Birthday Honours: 'Wild' how far women's cricket has come
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine. Photo: Marty Melville White Ferns captain Sophie Devine has witnessed the dramatic increase in opportunities afforded to female cricketers, but has also seen the downsides of a packed schedule. Devine has been reflecting on her career since being recognised in the King's Birthday Honours for services to cricket , which she describes as a huge honour. Devine was selected for the White Ferns in 2006 at age 17 and has become one of the sports most dominant players. Last year she led the White Ferns to their maiden T20 World Cup title in the United Arab Emirates. The 35-year-old holds a number of records including becoming the first cricketer to score five consecutive 50-plus scores in T20's in the 2019/2020 season. The gains that female cricketers have made over the last decade have been extraordinary, given that back in 2014 the most a White Fern could earn was around $25,000 a year. The highest-ranked White Fern, who also plays a full domestic season, has the potential now to earn around $180,000. By the time New Zealand's best female cricketer Amelia Kerr gets paid to play in leagues around the world, including the lucrative WPL in India, she's pulling in half a million dollars a year. Devine said when she started out, she could never have imagined the opportunities which are now on offer in women's cricket. Sophie Devine playing for the White Ferns in 2006. Photo: PHOTOSPORT "It's been unbelievable, even the last five or six years it's gone to a completely another level. I always wished that we would be able to be full-time professionals but to see the money that's available now through some of these franchise competitions and the way that cricket boards around the world are starting to really invest in the women's game. I guess I'm most excited for what the future holds in terms of these youngsters coming through," Devine said. "When I first started playing for the White Ferns in 2006 I thought it was pretty cool that I got a bit of lunch money and things paid for in terms of flights and accommodation. "It's still got a long way to go ...it's part of the journey I think in terms of equal pay and things like that but it's been pretty wild to think about how far it has come." Since the start of the franchise cricket era, top players like Devine have also been sought after in competitions like Australia's Big Bash League and India's WPL. Increased opportunities have led to heavy workloads. "Last year after winning the T20 World Cup, less than 48 hours later we were on a plane to India and playing in a series a couple of days later and the Australian men were in a similar position a couple of years ago as well. "We know that's part of the job and why you get paid what you do ...it's a serious conversation that needs to be had in terms of the scheduling because it's only going to get busier. Hopefully we can manage it so that there are opportunities to allow players to get breaks, particularly young ones. I think of Melie Kerr, who could have another 10-15 year international career and you don't want to see her end her career early because she's burnt out. "Important that players take the opportunity to step away when they need to and not get sucked into the vacuum that can be not just international cricket but franchise cricket as well. You don't want to feel like you're missing out but your mind and body are your tools of your trade so it's a really important conversation that needs to be had." Devine took a two-month break from cricket earlier this year to give her own mind and body a rest, the second time she's taken a break in her career to prioritise her well-being. Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine celebrate last year's World Cup win. Photo: PHOTOSPORT She is excited about joining up with the White Ferns in camp in Christchurch this week, as the side starts its journey towards another pinnacle event, the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India later this year. Pinnacle events excite her as much as they did when she first joined the White Ferns. "Absolutely they do, I guess being a little bit older and wiser it's how do you manage those emotions and energy going into that because those pinnacle events are so big and they seem to roll around every year. I think for me it's about how do I manage my expectations and my energy levels." Sport has been a huge part of Devine's life and admits the thought of retirement scares her a little. "Yes, in all honesty, that's probably something I've been toying with for the last 12 months or so and what does that look like, trying to make that transition as smooth as possible. It's a pretty scary concept for a lot of athletes but I've had fantastic support. It's going to be very different to what I've done for over half of my life, which is travelling the world playing cricket, which I've been very fortunate to do." Devine knows that in retirement she wants to stay involved in sport. "There's so many more opportunities opening up in the women's game whether that's coaching, commentating, being involved in the media side of things. Fingers crossed I can stay involved in some way, I certainly feel I've got a lot to give back."
RNZ News
12 hours ago
- RNZ News
Ranjna Patel leads Asian recipients of King's Birthday Honours
Dame Ranjna Patel Photo: Supplied More than a dozen Asian New Zealanders have been recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours List for their services to the country. Business and community leader Ranjna Patel heads the list after being appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to ethnic communities, health and family violence prevention. She co-founded Tāmaki Health in 1977, which has grown to become New Zealand's largest privately owned primary healthcare group, now serving more than 330,000 patients. Patel became the first person of Indian origin to be inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in 2024 and the first woman to receive the Kiwibank Innovator of the Year award in 2021. In 2014, she co-founded Gandhi Nivas, an innovative early intervention service supporting men at risk of committing family harm, which to date has helped more than 6000 families in Auckland. "[It is] very humbling to be honoured at this incredibly high level," Patel said. "For someone who is community-minded ... [and] has had the privilege of working with high needs and vulnerable communities especially in health, and with some very talented individuals to create a very large medical and social service, as well as provide pastoral care to many, has been a big honour. "It's all about the people: He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata." A strong proponent of well-being in New Zealand's ethnic communities, Patel rated social cohesion as a very important factor in enabling it. "Many steps are being taken to be inclusive of the many different ethnic groups in New Zealand, and I can see the diversity of thought on the 'how' we solve problems and issues are now being accepted," she said. "Having a voice at the table is important, but having a voice heard will see better [social] cohesion." Clockwise from top left: Yuanyong Yang, Ai Ling Tan and Panchanatham Narayanan Photo: Supplied Dr Ai Ling Tan has been named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to gynaecology - in both public health and clinical practice, nationally and in the Pacific. Tan has been recognised as having had an impact on raising awareness of gynaecological cancers and promoting early detection and prevention strategies. She was a founding trustee for the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation from 2003 and medical advisor from 2017 to 2023. She is a mentor for low- to middle-income countries for the International Gynaecological Cancer Society and trained the first Pacific-based gynaecological oncologist in Fiji. "As a gynaecological oncologist, I see the urgent need for earlier diagnosis, timely access to specialist care and better wraparound support for women with gynaecological cancers," Tan said. "Equity gaps - particularly for Māori, Pacific and rural women - remain a serious concern. "[The recognition] strengthens my resolve to keep advocating for equitable, timely care for women with gynaecological cancers, both here in Aotearoa and across the Pacific." Clockwise from top left: Sunit Prakash, Santosh Prasad Bhandari and Lalita Vanmali Kasanji Photo: Supplied Panchanatham Narayanan, president of New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, has been named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to New Zealand's multicultural communities. Already a Queen's Service Medal recipient in 2010, Narayanan has been credited for providing vision and leadership for Huarahi Hou, an internationally recognised community-based approach for cultural integration and inclusion of immigrants anchored in the bicultural foundations of New Zealand. "I accept [this honour] as a guardian. This belongs to the many vibrant multicultural communities across Aotearoa, whose contributions enrich our nation every day," Narayanan said. "[This award] is a reflection of their resilience, diversity and selfless volunteering spirit. I remain committed to Huarahi Hou (Pathways to Te Tiriti-based Multicultural Aotearoa New Zealand) serving and uplifting all our communities with gratitude and humility." Five individuals from New Zealand's Asian communities were appointed Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit on the honours' list. Lisa Li received the honour for her contribution to the development of New Zealand's tourism industry for more than two decades. Li established the New Zealand branch of China Travel Service (Hong Kong) in 2000, which has now grown into one of the premier China specialists for inbound Chinese tourists to New Zealand. Calling for the government to recognise tourism as a key economic driver, Li stressed the need to continuing investment in infrastructure. "At the same time, industry players must work together to enhance the quality of visitor experience and ensure we deliver strong value for money," Li said. Lisa Li (left) and Khoa Truong Nguyen Photo: Supplied The husband-wife duo of Lalita Vanmali Kasanji and Sunit Prakash were recognised for services to the Indian community as well as their contributions to New Zealand's IT sector. They co-founded the New Zealand Centre for Digital Connections with India in 2023 to accelerate and incubate digital and technology collaboration between the two countries. "We performed a stakeholder analysis and saw no one operated wholistically in the space comprising New Zealand, India and all things digital. We took that space," Prakash said. He also collaborated with Kasanji and published research on the story and contribution of Indian IT professionals to New Zealand, in which the authors "identified predicators to success and created catalyst programs for visibility, growth and success". Meanwhile, Santosh Prasad Bhandari and Khoa Truong Nguyen were each named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Nepalese and Vietnamese communities, respectively. In accepting the honour, Prasad emphasized the need to adopt targeted and collaborative strategies for improving the well-being of ethnic communities in the country. "For instance, the Nepalese community has long advocated for 29 May to be recognized as Everest Day in the official calendar," Prasad said. "Acknowledging such culturally significant requests would enhance a sense of belonging for the Nepalese community without imposing financial burdens on taxpayers." Nguyen arrived in New Zealand as a refugee in 1990 and has contributed significantly to positive trade relationships between New Zealand and Vietnam. "When my parents and I first arrived in New Zealand, we had nothing," he said. "Looking back on those early years, I can honestly say that, despite the challenges, we were incredibly fortunate. "We received support from the government, charity organisations and most memorably from everyday New Zealanders who welcomed us with open hearts. "That said, I believe there's always more that can be done to support refugees, especially during those critical early years of resettlement. "Continued efforts to improve access to affordable housing, language education, job and economic support, and strong anti-discrimination policies can make a profound difference. "When these foundations are in place, refugees are better equipped to build safe, stable, and fulfilling lives, and, in turn, contribute to a more connected and compassionate Aotearoa." Clockwise from left: Narayanan Kutty Pulloothpadath, Parminder Kaur and Narendra Bhana Photo: Supplied Another five individuals were awarded the King's Service Medal for their services to various ethnic communities of New Zealand. Narendra Bhana, Parminder Kaur and Narayanan Kutty Pulloothpadath received it for services to the Indian and multicultural communities, while Sohim Hay was awarded the medal for services to New Zealand's Cambodian community. Yuanyong Yang was recognised for services to bonsai arts and the Chinese community. Bhana, former president of New Zealand Indian Central Association, looks forward to fostering political and community engagement along with strengthening inter-ethnic dialogues. "Encouraging greater political participation within the Indian community by supporting leadership development programs and providing pathways for individuals to engage with local and national politics would further integrate the community into New Zealand's political landscape," Bhana said. "These efforts would ensure that the voices of ethnic communities are heard in decision-making processes that affect their lives." Kaur, chairperson of the social organisation Indian NZ Association of Christchurch, who also runs the Women's Helping Hand Trust, dedicated the award to the people her initiatives have helped over the years. "This honour is not just mine, it belongs to every volunteer, every woman who found her voice and every child who felt seen and included through our programmes," Kaur said. "This recognition strengthens my commitment to continue working towards a more inclusive, united Aotearoa, where diversity is celebrated and every individual has a chance to thrive." Pulloothpadath, who has advocated for ethnic communities in Taranaki for 25 years and is a former president of the New Plymouth Indian community, shared similar sentiments. Yang wanted to support grassroots groups, investment in cross-cultural education and real pathways for ethnic voices to lead - not just participate. "For the Chinese community especially, we have so much to offer, but sometimes we are still treated as outsiders," Yang said. "That needs to change." Yang urged New Zealand to embrace bonsai art. "Bonsai is more than a plant in a pot - it's a way of thinking, a quiet art that teaches patience and respect for nature," Yang said. "To promote bonsai in New Zealand, I'd love to see it in schools, in libraries and even at festivals where people can get hands-on and learn the stories behind the trees. "We need to connect it to local culture, too, so it's not just an imported art but something people here can feel a part of."
RNZ News
13 hours ago
- RNZ News
Porirua residents to decide on super-council, Pacific leaders urge protection of local representation
As Wellington considers regional amalgamation, Pacific leaders caution against losing local voice in a larger system. Photo: Wellington City Council Porirua voters can express their opinion on the potential creation of a Wellington-wide super-council. But Pacific leaders have voiced concerns that the model could dilute local representation unless equity and cultural voices are prioritised. In this year's local elections, Porirua residents will be able to participate in a non-binding referendum that asks whether the city should investigate amalgamating with Wellington, the Hutt Valley, and the Wellington Regional Council into a single entity, while retaining local decision-making. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the timing is right for this issue to be brought to voters, adding that the last formal proposal for amalgamation was in 2013 and that the local government landscape has changed significantly since then. Pacific leaders are worried that the move could weaken representation, especially if equity is not prioritised and voter turnout remains low. Councillor Izzy Ford, one of only three Pacific representatives on the Porirua Council, supports the initiative but emphasises the need to respond to community feedback to maintain trust, even though the referendum is non-binding. According to the council's official report, voter turnout in areas of Wellington City, including Mount Cook East, dropped below 30 percent in 2022. In Porirua, turnout was slightly higher at 37 percent. Ford hopes the referendum will provide clear guidance, but she stresses the importance of the council committing to listening to the community. Representation remains a major concern for Ford. She questioned how the council would ensure that all voices in Porirua, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are heard in this process. Ford hopes the referendum will lead to a definitive direction from the people of Porirua. "If they give us a total yes and we don't act on it, then that's going to build more mistrust," she says. "There's always that concern, because our people don't always turn out to vote. "That's a glaring concern, is the underrepresentation of Pasifika around the table." Engagement with Pasifika communities is important, according to Ford. "Having things translated into Pasifika languages, so that it's a bit easier for people to digest, and going into spaces like the churches, where a lot of our Pacific people are, and then it's non-threatening sort of spaces as well, and using our common faces in those common spaces, so that people can see them as non-threatening." Gabriel Tupou, Councillor for Hutt City, is concerned that the amalgamation could reduce Pacific representation. As the only Pasifika councillor in the Hutt Valley, Tupou says the issue must be openly discussed with communities. "In a super-city model, we risk less representation. Currently, we have 12 city councillors and the mayor. That will be greatly reduced. "With the large Pasifika demographic we have, they must have input, just like every other community." Tupou also raised concerns about the referendum regarding Māori ward running alongside the amalgamation question. Tupou highlighted that Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry plans to present a similar referendum proposal next month. "I think it's important to keep the Māori ward question clean and on its own." Tupou says that from a Pasifika perspective, the challenges of running for election are already significant, as candidates need to have broad appeal. He is also cautious about the financial implications. "We're looking at possibly a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to carry out the amalgamation. "South Auckland enjoys a larger Pasifika community, and they're able to mobilise their voice and voting power to elect Pasifika councillors," Tupou says. "But we don't have those same concentrations here." Porirua councillors, led by Mayor Anita Baker, back a non-binding referendum asking residents whether to explore forming a super-council. Photo: Porirua City Council / supplied Auimatagai Ken Ah Kuoi, community leader and Kilbirnie-based lawyer, warns that centralising governance could reduce the influence of smaller communities like Porirua, which has a large Pacific population. He says regional solutions may overlook local contexts, adding that a unified council model could offer benefits, but emphasises the need for safeguards. "There's a risk Pacific voices could be diluted in a larger, more bureaucratic system," he says. "What works for Wellington might not suit Porirua or Wainuiomata. Pacific communities often have specific cultural needs that may get overlooked. "A unified council model could benefit Pacific people by improving access to resources and regional influence. But it also carries risks - disconnection, loss of local control, and inequity if not managed carefully. "To ensure Pacific communities benefit, any move toward amalgamation would need guaranteed local representation, strong community consultation, cultural competency across the new structure, and equity-focused service delivery." Petone Community Board member Semi Kuresa says fair representation must be a non-negotiable starting point. Kuresa says while Pasifika make up more than nine percent of Wellington's population, their enrolment and eligibility rates are much lower. He highlighted three key concerns: representation, cost, and the geographic boundaries of a new council. "While amalgamation might seem practical to some, it raises serious questions about representation, particularly for Pacific communities," he says. "The contribution of our Pacific community isn't something that should be reduced to slogans or soundbites. A strong Pacific voice at the table matters. "As someone intending to stand for Hutt City Council, I'm focused on ensuring communities too often overlooked are part of every stage of decision-making. We can't afford to dilute the voices we need to hear more of." Voting for the 2025 local elections in Porirua, Wellington, and the Hutt Valley will take place from 9 September to 11 October. Each council will have its own ballot papers. Porirua will include a non-binding referendum on amalgamation and a binding vote on whether to retain the city's Māori ward. Hutt City is expected to consider a similar referendum proposal in the coming weeks. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
