Latest news with #Northland
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
NPC Rugby: Where will the Ranfurly Shield reside this summer?
It's provincial footy season, and while there will be the usual questions of who the breakout stars will be and what former All Blacks can restake their claim, the prevailing interest will inevitably fall on a certain slab of English Oak and sterling silver. The iconic log o' wood Perhaps the most prestigious and coveted prize in New Zealand Rugby, besides the Web Ellis Trophy. Introduced in 1904, the shield has sat centre stage for some of the greatest matches played on this country's fields. While fanfare surrounding Super Rugby has dwindled badly in the last decade, and the glory days of the NPC are long dead, the passion, pride, and parochialism the shield evokes ensure that from Kaitāia to Bluff, the game's heart still beats. The holders The Taranaki Bulls brought an end to Tasman's historic inaugural Shield run in Nelson on October 6, breaking Mako hearts with a 42-29 victory. They have since defended it twice against Heartland opposition, 78-7 over King Country, and 97-0 over Thames Valley. Taranaki will have to see off five more challenges in 2025 in order to lock the shield away for summer. It's a tough road to securing the shield for Taranaki, but not beyond the realms. Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay will no doubt present formidable challenges in New Plymouth. The scenarios Okay, so let's assume no side will defend the shield this season, and it changes hands at every opportunity. Where does it end up? Northland could take the shield from Taranaki in round one, and if they do so, their next challenge will be Southland. If Southland wins, their next challenge would be Manawatu. If Manawatu wins, their next challenge would be Wellington. If Wellington wins, their next challenge would be Auckland. If Auckland wins, their next challenge would be Manawatu. If Manawatu wins, their next challenge would be Bay of Plenty. If Bay of Plenty wins, their next challenge would be Waikato. If Waikato win, their next challenge would be Northland. If Northland won, the shield would spend its summer in Whangarei. All right, so that's a bit extreme, so let's look at a more likely potential outcome. If Taranaki beat Northland but lost to Waikato in round four, the Mooloos would have a relatively comfortable first defence against Southland and then a slightly tougher assignment against North Harbour before a final round defence against Northland. Waikato will end 2025 with three successful defences with the shield to reside in Hamilton. My pick Taranaki will see off Northland and Waikato, but their reign will be ended at the hands of Bay of Plenty. The Steamers will hold it for less than a week, though, with Hawke's Bay spoiling the party in Tauranga. The Magpies will prevail in the battle of the bays and will then need just one defence in order to lock away the shield post-season, against Auckland, which they will do in dramatic fashion at McLean Park with a try on the siren. RNZ's predicted summer home for the Ranfurly Shield - Napier. Your side's road to Ranfurly glory: Taranaki - Reigns - 8; most recent - 2024. Holders - Five defences vs Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, and Wellington. Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury beat Southland in week six, Canterbury defend against Tasman in week seven and Otago in week eight, Taranaki challenge Canterbury in week ten. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman beat Northland in week three, Otago beat Tasman in week five, Otago defend against Northland, Taranaki challenge Otago in week seven. Northland - Reigns - 4; most recent - 1978. Challenge - Taranaki in week one. Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland and North Harbour, Northland challenge Waikato in week 10. Third chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland in week five, North Harbour beat Waikato in week seven, Northland challenge North Harbour in week eight. Waikato - Reigns - 13; most recent - 2018. Challenge - Taranaki in week four Second chance - Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week five and Hawke's Bay in week seven, Waikato challenge Bay of Plenty in week nine. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu beat Southland in week three, Manawatu beat Wellington in week four, Waikato challenge Manawatu in week six. Bay of Plenty - Reigns- 1; most recent - 2004. Challenge - Taranaki in week six Second chance - Wellington beat Taranaki in week nine, Bay of Plenty challenge Wellington in week 10 Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, lose to Tasman in week three, Tasman defend against Otago, Auckland beat Tasman in week six, Manawatu beat Auckland in week seven, Bay of Plenty challenge Manawatu in week eight. Hawke's Bay - Reigns - 7; most recent - 2024. Challenge - Taranaki in week eight Second chance - Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week six, Hawke's Bay challenge Bay of Plenty in week seven. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland and Tasman, Hawke's Bay challenge Northland in week five. Wellington - Reigns- 11; most recent - 2022. Challenge - Taranaki in week nine Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu beat Southland in week three, Wellington challenge Manawatu in week four. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman and Hawke's Bay, Wellington challenge Northland in week seven. North Harbour - Reigns- 1; most recent - 2006. Best chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland, North Harbour challenge Waikato in week seven. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, lose to Tasman in week three, Otago beat Tasman in week five, defend against Northland and Taranaki, North Harbour challenge Otago in week nine. Auckland - Reigns- 16; most recent- 2007. Best chance - Hawke's Bay beat Taranaki in week eight, Auckland challenge Hawke's Bay in week nine. Second chance - Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week six, Hawke's Bay beat Bay of Plenty in week seven, Auckland challenge Hawke's Bay in week nine. Counties Manukau - Reigns- 1; most recent- 2013. Best chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman beat Northland in week three, defend against Otago, Auckland and Waikato, Counties Manukau challenge Tasman in week ten. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, defend against Manawatu and Canterbury, Counties Manukau challenge Southland in week seven. Manawatu - Reigns - 1; most recent- 1976. Best chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu challenge Southland in week three. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in round one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman beat Northland in week three, defend against Otago, Auckland beat Tasman in week six, Manawatu challenge Auckland in week seven. Tasman - Reigns- 1; most recent- 2024. Best chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman challenge Northland in week three. Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury beat Southland in week six, Tasman challenge Canterbury in week seven. Canterbury - Reigns- 16; most recent- 2019. Best chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury challenge Southland in week six. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman, Hawke's Bay and Wellington, Canterbury challenge Northland in week nine. Otago - Reigns- 7; most recent- 2020. Best chance - Hawke's Bay beat Taranaki in week eight, Auckland beat Hawke's Bay in week nine, Otago challenge Auckland in week 10. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, lose to Tasman in week three, Otago challenge Tasman week five. Southland - Reigns- 7; most recent- 2011. Best chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland challenge Waikato in week five. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland challenge Northland in week two. The battle for the Ranfurly Shield will be fierce and long. Photo / Paul Taylor Taranaki squad Scott Barrett**, Beauden Barrett**, Jordie Barrett**, Kaylum Boshier, Logan Crowley, Hemopo Cunningham, Meihana Grindlay, Harry Hansen*, Josh Jacomb, Josh Lord, Perry Lawrence, Adam Lennox, Michael Loft, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Mitch O'Neill, Reuben O'Neill, Jesse Parete, JJ Pokai, Arese Poliko, Jared Proffit, Taniela Rakuro*, Daniel Rona, Willem Ratu, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Leone Nawai, Obey Samate, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Setu, Bradley Slater, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Tupou Vaa'i**, Sage Walters-Hansen*, Keightley Watson*. *yet to debut **All Black The challengers Northland Week one Saturday, August 2 7.10pm Waikato Week four Saturday, August 23 2.05pm Bay of Plenty Week six Sunday, September 7 2.05pm Hawke's Bay Week eight Friday, September 19 7.10pm Wellington Week nine Saturday, September 27 2.05pm
RNZ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
NPC Rugby: Where will the Ranfurly reside this summer?
The iconic log o' wood is perhaps the most prestigious and coveted prize in New Zealand Rugby besides the Web Ellis Trophy. Photo: Photosport Taranaki vs Northland 7.05pm Saturday, 2 August New Plymouth Live blog updates on RNZ It's provincial footy season and while there will be the usual questions of who the breakout stars will be and what former All Blacks can restake their claim, the prevailing interest will inevitably fall on a certain slab of English Oak and sterling silver. The iconic log o' wood Perhaps the most prestigious and coveted prize in New Zealand Rugby besides the Web Ellis Trophy. Introduced in 1904, the shield has sat centre stage for some of the greatest matches played on this country's fields. While fanfare surrounding Super Rugby has dwindled badly in the last decade, and the glory days of the NPC are long dead, the passion, pride and parochialism the shield evokes ensures that from Kaitaia to Bluff, the game's heart still beats. The holders The Taranaki Bulls brought an end to Tasman's historic inaugural Shield run in Nelson on 6 October, breaking Mako hearts with a 42-29 victory, They have since defended it twice against heartland opposition, 78-7 over King Country, and 97-0 over Thames Valley. Taranaki will have o see off five more challenges in 2025 in order to lock the shield away for Summer. It's a tough road to securing the shield for the Naki, but not beyond the realms. Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay will no doubt present formidable challenges in New Plymouth. The scenarios Okay, so let's assume no side will defend the shield this season, and it changes hands at every opportunity, where does it end up? All right, so that's a bit extreme, so let's look at a more likely potential outcome. If Taranaki beat Northland but lost to Waikato in round four, the Mooloos would have a relatively comfortable first defence against Southland and then a slightly tougher assignment against North Harbour before a final round defence against Northland. Waikato will end 2025 with three successful defences with the shield to reside in Hamilton . My pick Taranaki will see off Northland, and Waikato, but their reign will be ended at the hands of Bay of Plenty. The Steamers will hold it for less than a week though, with Hawke's Bay spoiling the party in Tauranga. The Magpies will prevail in the battle of the bays and would then need just one defence in order to lock away the shield post season, against Auckland, which they will do in dramatic fashion at McLean Park with a try on the siren. RNZ's predicted summer home for the Ranfurly Shield - Napier. Your side's road to Ranfurly glory: Taranaki - Reigns - 8; most recent - 2024. Holders - Five defences vs Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Wellington. Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury beat Southland in week six, Canterbury defend against Tasman in week seven and Otago in week eight, Taranaki challenge Canterbury in week ten. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman beat Northland in week three, Otago beat Tasman in week five, Otago defend against Northland, Taranaki challenge Otago in week seven. Northland - Reigns - 4; most recent - 1978. Challenge - Taranaki in week one. Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland and North Harbour, Northland challenge Waikato in week 10. Third chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland in week five, North Harbour beat Waikato in week seven, Northland challenge North Harbour in week eight. Waikato - Reigns - 13; most recent - 2018. Challenge - Taranaki in week four Second chance - Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week five and Hawke's Bay in week seven, Waikato challenge Bay of Plenty in week nine. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu beat Southland in week three, Manawatu beat Wellington in week four, Waikato challenge Manawatu in week six. Bay of Plenty - Reigns- 1; most recent - 2004. Challenge - Taranaki in week six Second chance - Wellington beat Taranaki in week nine, Bay of Plenty challenge Wellington in week 10 Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, lose to Tasman in week three, Tasman defend against Otago, Auckland beat Tasman in week six, Manawatu beat Auckland in week seven, Bay of Plenty challenge Manawatu in week eight. Hawke's Bay - Reigns - 7; most recent - 2024. Challenge - Taranaki in week eight Second chance - Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week six, Hawke's Bay challenge Bay of Plenty in week seven. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland and Tasman, Hawke's Bay challenge Northland in week five. Wellington - Reigns- 11; most recent - 2022. Challenge - Taranaki in week nine Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu beat Southland in week three, Wellington challenge Manawatu in week four. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman and Hawke's Bay, Wellington challenge Northland in week seven. North Harbour - Reigns- 1; most recent - 2006. Best chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland, North Harbour challenge Waikato in week seven. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, lose to Tasman in week three, Otago beat Tasman in week five, defend against Northland and Taranaki, North Harbour challenge Otago in week nine. Auckland - Reigns- 16; most recent- 2007. Best chance - Hawke's Bay beat Taranaki in week eight, Auckland challenge Hawke's Bay in week nine. Second chance - Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week six, Hawke's Bay beat Bay of Plenty in week seven, Auckland challenge Hawke's Bay in week nine. Counties Manukau - Reigns- 1; most recent- 2013. Best chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman beat Northland in week three, defend against Otago, Auckland and Waikato, Counties Manukau challenge Tasman in week ten. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, defend against Manawatu and Canterbury, Counties Manukau challenge Southland in week seven. Manawatu - Reigns - 1; most recent- 1976. Best chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu challenge Southland in week three. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in round one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman beat Northland in week three, defend against Otago, Auckland beat Tasman in week six, Manawatu challenge Auckland in week seven. Tasman - Reigns- 1; most recent- 2024. Best chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman challenge Northland in week three. Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury beat Southland in week six, Tasman challenge Canterbury in week seven. Canterbury - Reigns- 16; most recent- 2019. Best chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury challenge Southland in week six. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman, Hawke's Bay and Wellington, Canterbury challenge Northland in week nine. Otago - Reigns- 7; most recent- 2020. Best chance - Hawke's Bay beat Taranaki in week eight, Auckland beat Hawke's Bay in week nine, Otago challenge Auckland in week 10. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, lose to Tasman in week three, Otago challenge Tasman week five. Southland - Reigns- 7; most recent- 2011. Best chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland challenge Waikato in week five. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland challenge Northland in week two. Taranaki squad Scott Barrett**, Beauden Barrett**, Jordie Barrett**, Kaylum Boshier, Logan Crowley, Hemopo Cunningham, Meihana Grindlay, Harry Hansen*, Josh Jacomb, Josh Lord, Perry Lawrence, Adam Lennox, Michael Loft, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Mitch O'Neill, Reuben O'Neill, Jesse Parete, JJ Pokai, Arese Poliko, Jared Proffit, Taniela Rakuro*, Daniel Rona, Willem Ratu, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Leone Nawai, Obey Samate, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Setu, Bradley Slater, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Tupou Vaa'i**, Sage Walters-Hansen*, Keightley Watson*. *yet to debut **All Black The challengers Northland Week one Saturday, 2 August 7.10pm Waikato Week four Saturday, 23 August 2.05pm Bay of Plenty Week six Sunday, 7 September 2.05pm Hawke's Bay Week eight Friday, 19 September 7.10pm Wellington Week nine Saturday, 27 September 2.05pm Catch live blog updates of every 2025 Ranfurly Shield match on RNZ Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020 Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 29th July 2025
business money 7 minutes ago In today's episode, thousands of homes have been without power across Northland as what has been described as an 'atmospheric funnel', hits Aotearoa; Rain is falling steadily at the top of the South Island, where there are orange heavy rain warnings in force; Small businesses say the government's payment surcharge changes are unfairly targeting them and it should instead be putting pressure on banks; Severe weather is hitting many parts of the country, causing power outages, flooding, and downing trees; The country's top netballers are shrouded in a cloud of uncertainty with Netball New Zealand still yet to ink a broadcast deal for the next ANZ premiership season.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Home affordability and rent levels improving
National home affordability improved 8.7 percent in the three months to June. Photo: 123RF Houses and rents are more affordable as costs fall and consumers benefit from lower interest rates and higher wages, according to new reports from Massey University. National home affordability improved 8.7 percent in the three months to June, on top of a 9.3 percent improvement in the first quarter of the year. Report author, Massey Business School senior lecturer Arshad Javed said a combination of lower borrowing costs and wage growth has helped offset affordability pressures in many regions, even where house prices stayed high. "It's the continuation of a national trend we've been observing over the past year. While there is still regional volatility, the underlying indicators are showing more consistency." For the quarter, the national median house price was down 1.2 percent to $763,000, while an average two-year fixed mortgage rate was 37 basis points lower to 5.66 percent, and weekly earnings were 1.65 percent higher. On an annual basis affordability improved by nearly 27 percent, with the two year fixed mortgage down by 1.72 percentage points, wages up close to 4 percent and a slight fall in the national house price. Regions more affordable than cities All 16 regions recorded an improvement in affordability over the year, with of more than 30 percent in Northland, Manawatū-Whanganui, and Marlborough. "In most of these regions, a combination of price stability or decline, falling mortgage costs and steady income growth contributed to the improvement." For the June quarter, prices rose in half the regions and were unchanged or weaker in the other eight. Javed said property markets through the country were localised, but the overall picture was one of improving access to home ownership. Rents more affordable - in some places It was a similar story with rents, with higher wages and a fall in rents improving affordability. For the quarter ended March rental affordability improved by 3.5 percent, split nearly evenly between a drop in rents and an increase in average weekly incomes. Compared to a year ago national rentals affordability was slightly improved . But the report noted a widening rent gap between regions, with nine of 16 showing improved affordability during the quarter-- the highest in Canterbury, Manawatū-Whanganui, and Wellington. The most significant decline was in Gisborne, where rents surged by 41.2 percent during the quarter, with smaller increases also for Northland, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Southland. "It's a timely reminder that affordability is highly localised and needs region-specific responses," Javed said. On an annual basis Gisborne had the biggest decline in rental affordability, but Javed noted nine of the 16 regions were still below the annual average.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Thousands without power across Northland due to wild weather
weather Northland 12 minutes ago Thousands of homes have been without power across Northland as what has been described as an 'atmospheric funnel', hits Aoteaora. Northland reporter Peter de Graaf spoke to Charlotte Cook.
