Latest news with #Tamariki
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Former Irish prop to coach stags
New Southland Stags coach Nathan White will have a hectic start to his provincial coaching career. White, a former Irish prop, who played for Waikato and the Chiefs, was named as co-coach for the side in something of a surprise move. He is expected in the South sometime later this month. No firm starting date could be provided. Rugby Southland in a statement last week said head of performance and Stags co-coach Matt Saunders was moving on. He was taking up an opportunity with Foodstuffs and operating the Otatara Four Square. Saunders, who had been in the role since 2022, previously operated the Tapanui Four Square. White is a former Toyota Verblitz forwards coach, having worked alongside former All Black coaches Ian Foster and Steve Hansen. White will be the co-coach with James Wilson. Union pathways manager Scott Eade has been promoted to assistant coach for the side, with responsibility for defence. Speaking on Saunders' departure, Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki acknowledged the mixed emotions within the organisation. "While we're gutted to see Matt go. He leaves with my full support and that of everyone involved in our union," Tamariki said. He said the timing was far from ideal, but the situation was outside Saunders' control. "We've had to act quickly to ensure we maintain continuity and momentum heading into this year's NPC campaign." Tamariki paid tribute to Saunders and said he was a steady and dependable leader. Eade had the full support of the union. "He's self-driven, an exceptional planner, and possesses a unique ability to connect with players across all levels. His inclusion in the Stags' coaching group was always a matter of when, not if," Tamariki said. Tamariki said White should fit in easily. "Originally from Waikato, Nathan has a deep connection to provincial rugby and will fit seamlessly into our community. His skills and leadership will be a great complement to James and the entire coaching group as we move closer to NPC kick-off." White played for Waikato and the Chiefs. In Ireland, he played for Leinster and Connacht. He played 13 tests for Ireland in 2015-16 before retiring because of concussion in 2016. He started his coaching career by helping out at Connacht. Rugby Southland also confirmed last year's forwards coach, Kane Thompson, would be unable to return in 2025 due to international coaching commitments with Manu Samoa. Daryl Thompson will be the set piece coach and Marty McKenzie the skills coach. Southland's first game of the NPC is against Otago in Invercargill on August 2.— APL
Otago Daily Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Former Irish prop White to co-coach Stags
New Southland Stags coach Nathan White will have a hectic start to his provincial coaching career. White, a former Irish prop, who played for Waikato and the Chiefs, was named as co-coach for the side in something of a surprise move. He is expected in the South sometime next month. No firm starting date could be provided. Rugby Southland in a statement on Tuesday said head of performance and Stags co-coach Matt Saunders was moving on. He was taking up an opportunity with Foodstuffs and operating the Otatara Four Square. Saunders, who had been in the role since 2022, previously operated the Tapanui Four Square. White is a former Toyota Verblitz forwards coach, having worked alongside former All Black coaches Ian Foster and Steve Hansen. White will be the co-coach with James Wilson. Union pathways manager Scott Eade has been promoted to assistant coach for the side, with responsibility for defence. Speaking on Saunders' departure, Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki acknowledged the mixed emotions within the organisation. 'While we're gutted to see Matt go. He leaves with my full support and that of everyone involved in our union,' Tamariki said. He said the timing was far from ideal, but the situation was outside Saunders' control. ''We've had to act quickly to ensure we maintain continuity and momentum heading into this year's NPC campaign.' Tamariki paid tribute to Saunders' and said he was a steady and dependable leader. Eade had the full support of the union. 'He's self-driven, an exceptional planner, and possesses a unique ability to connect with players across all levels. His inclusion in the Stags' coaching group was always a matter of when, not if,' Tamariki said. Tamariki said White should fit in easily. 'Originally from Waikato, Nathan has a deep connection to provincial rugby and will fit seamlessly into our community. His skills and leadership will be a great complement to James and the entire coaching group as we move closer to NPC kick-off.' White played for Waikato and the Chiefs. In Ireland, he played for Leinster and Connacht. He played 13 tests for Ireland in 2015-16 before retiring because of concussion in 2016. He started his coaching career by helping out at Connacht. Rugby Southland also confirmed last year's forwards coach, Kane Thompson, would be unable to return in 2025 due to international coaching commitments with Manu Samoa. Daryl Thompson will be the set piece coach with Marty McKenzie the skills coach. Southland's first game of the NPC is against Otago in Invercargill on August 2.
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
United For Asthma Awareness Week With Powerful Call To Action
Press Release – Asthma New Zealand More than 1 million New Zealanders live with asthma or a respiratory condition. They are the third leading cause of death in Aotearoa and account for one in 11 hospital admissions for adults, with Mori and Pasifika communities among the hardest hit. Asthma New Zealand is marking the start of Asthma Awareness Week (5 – 9 May 2025), by rallying Kiwis to take asthma seriously and encouraging people living with the condition to seek the support they need to breathe easier. More than 1 million New Zealanders live with asthma or a respiratory condition. They are the third leading cause of death in Aotearoa and account for one in 11 hospital admissions for adults, with Māori and Pasifika communities among the hardest hit. To kick-start the week, Asthma New Zealand has united a diverse team of ambassadors — sporting stars and Tamariki and their whānau alike — all living with asthma and determined to show that with the right support, asthma doesn't have to hold you back. Appearing together in a new short film here ( they include rugby players Julian and Ardie Savea, world champion boxer Mea Motu (Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi), cricketer Anika Todd (Ngāti Whātua), and former All Black and firefighter Steve Devine. They are by joined by Asthma New Zealand patient ambassadors Alani Smith (3) and twin brothers Regan and Kian Gibbs (10) and their mums to share their powerful stories. All live with asthma – and are urging others to take control of their breathing now. Claire Beard, CEO of Asthma New Zealand, says: 'These ambassadors have lived experience of asthma. Their stories remind us we're not alone and that help is available from places like Asthma New Zealand. And thanks to the generosity of our funders, donors and partners, we're able to offer these services free to anyone who needs them.' Julian Savea was diagnosed at age four and says good management is key. 'When I stay on top of it – especially using my preventer – I don't feel like I have asthma at all.' Younger brother Ardie, diagnosed just two years ago, says he's still learning and often turns to Julian for advice. They want Pasifika communities to know that asthma doesn't have to limit your dreams. Mea Motu's journey hasn't been easy – including a well-publicised hospitalisation earlier this year, an experience she says brought home the importance of proper care. Diagnosed in 2021, she reflected on the cultural pressure to 'harden up' – something she says many Māori will understand. 'I didn't take my asthma seriously; I was very stubborn. I want other Māori to learn from me. Ask for help!' For Anika Todd, who plays for the Auckland Hearts and NZ U19s, strong support from her parents helped establish lifelong habits. 'I've had asthma since I was little, and now my daily management is just second nature.' Steve Devine says he outgrew childhood asthma but remains vigilant. 'I only just passed the fire service lung test and I was fit! That brought home how important lung health is. I'm very careful and I particularly stay far away from smoking and vaping. Oxygen only – that's it!' For 10-year-old twin brothers Regan and Kian, meeting their rugby heroes at Eden Park was a dream come true – and a vital reminder that with support, their asthma doesn't have to stop them chasing big dreams. Their mum, Olivia Gibbs, says: 'Meeting the Savea brothers and throwing a rugby ball around on the Eden Park turf was a moment the boys will never forget, especially when Julian and Ardie opened up about their own asthma journeys.' Mum, Jessica Smith, cares for her 3-year-old daughter Alani, who has chronic asthma. She says: 'It's pretty scary watching your kid not be able to breathe. When she was running around she would often come inside and her breathing just sounded different. It's really hard. You always, kind of, on edge and watching and sometimes she doesn't realise she needs to stop.' For Jessica, being together with the other ambassadors at Eden Park provided a chance to connect with two strong Māori women who she hopes will one day inspire her daughter. All of the ambassadors agreed that you can live a better life by getting help and the more you understand the easier it gets. Asthma Awareness Week will remind Kiwis with asthma all over Aotearoa that they don't have to do this alone, just reach out for free services and support. Asthma Awareness Week runs from May 5 – 9, 2025. It encompasses World Asthma Day on 6 May 2025, and is quickly followed by International Nurses Day on 12 May 2025. If you or someone you love lives with asthma or a respiratory condition, Asthma New Zealand offers free nurse appointments and patient education at Want to help keep these services free? Go to or donate $3 by texting Asthma to 849. Notes: Asthma New Zealand is here to help all kiwis breathe easy. Founded 55 years ago, Asthma New Zealand has been Aotearoa New Zealand's leading asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) education, clinical support and training service provider. We focus on supporting patients, families / whānau, health professionals and wider communities to manage these conditions. Our Nurse Educators work directly into the community and provide nationally recognised training amongst the health sector. Our goal is to reduce death, hospitalisations and GP visits and make a positive impact on the lives of those living with these conditions. About Asthma: 1m+ (13%) Kiwis are living with Asthma or a respiratory condition. Respiratory illness contributes to 1 in 11 hospital visits for adults. Children are 3x more likely to be hospitalised than adults. There is an Asthma attack every 2.5 minutes in New Zealand. *** There were 1,095 preventable deaths 2008 – 2021. * Today, there are 96 deaths from asthma per annum. * Asthma and respiratory illness are the 3rd leading cause of death in New Zealand. Treatment mainly lies with a strained GP network; many have closed books. 41k people with Asthma and 60k people with respiratory illness are unenrolled with a GP (6%). ** Māori and Pasifika people have the lowest rates of GP enrolment and support. The cost of Asthma and respiratory illness to the health system is $1.2b+ p.a. *** Source:
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Scoop
Over One Million Attempts To Access Child Sexual Exploitation Material Blocked In 2024
Press Release – Department Of Internal Affairs Alongside the 1,032,683 access attempts to websites known to harbour child sexual exploitation material being blocked, 16,223 referrals were received from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to NZ Police, DIA and NZ Customs Services, … Over one million attempts to access child sexual exploitation and abuse material were blocked in 2024, as shown in the 2024 Digital Child Exploitation Transparency Report. Alongside the 1,032,683 access attempts to websites known to harbour child sexual exploitation material being blocked, 16,223 referrals were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to NZ Police, DIA and NZ Customs Services, an 18 percent decrease in referrals compared to 2023. 2,822 of those were assigned to the Department. The content referred to DIA continues to be of significantly high harm and includes child sexual exploitation and abuse, bestiality, and necrophilia. 'Every day, videos and images are created depicting the violent sexual harm of children for the sexual gratification of offenders' says Tim Houston, Manager Digital Child Exploitation. 'This content shows the worst moment of a victim's life, and each time it viewed and shared, they are re-victimised.' The Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System is a web filter designed to block access to websites identified as hosting illegal child sexual abuse material. By providing this protective layer, the filtering system helps safeguard New Zealanders who might inadvertently visit flagged sites. This system is integrated with most Internet Service Providers across New Zealand. The Digital Child Exploitation team also have a reputation for being a highly effective investigative team. Throughout the year, 60 search warrants were executed, and 235 devices seized, which led to 14 children safeguarded from further risk of harm. 13 offenders were successfully prosecuted for possessing, distributing and /or creating objectionable (illegal) material. Many of the remaining investigations that did not lead to a search warrant were handed over to overseas partner agencies and domestic partners in New Zealand Police or New Zealand Customs Service for further investigation. 'Protecting and safeguarding children is at the heart of what we do. The fight against the spread of child sexual abuse material is a collective responsibility,' says Tim Houston. 'We work tirelessly alongside our partners in NZ Police, NZ Customs Service and Oranga Tamariki. Without these ongoing partnerships we could not protect the most vulnerable members of society from further harm – our Tamariki.' The Transparency Report outlines the findings of all Digital Child Exploitation investigations in 2024, which were worked on alongside NZ Police, NZ Customs and Oranga Tamariki. In February, the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency (NCA) awarded two of the Department's senior investigators with a Group Director General's Commendation, the highest level of award bestowed by the NCA. This award highlighted investigators' commitment and contribution to a UK operation that resulted in at least 355 arrests and 66 charges, with 164 subjects released under investigation. It also led to the safeguarding of 79 children and a further 88 children being protected. 'Offenders often operate across jurisdictions, and we are proud to prioritise collaboration with our international partners to respond and address reports of child sexual abuse material.'
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Scoop
Over One Million Attempts To Access Child Sexual Exploitation Material Blocked In 2024
Over one million attempts to access child sexual exploitation and abuse material were blocked in 2024, as shown in the 2024 Digital Child Exploitation Transparency Report. Alongside the 1,032,683 access attempts to websites known to harbour child sexual exploitation material being blocked, 16,223 referrals were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to NZ Police, DIA and NZ Customs Services, an 18 percent decrease in referrals compared to 2023. 2,822 of those were assigned to the Department. The content referred to DIA continues to be of significantly high harm and includes child sexual exploitation and abuse, bestiality, and necrophilia. 'Every day, videos and images are created depicting the violent sexual harm of children for the sexual gratification of offenders' says Tim Houston, Manager Digital Child Exploitation. 'This content shows the worst moment of a victim's life, and each time it viewed and shared, they are re-victimised.' The Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System is a web filter designed to block access to websites identified as hosting illegal child sexual abuse material. By providing this protective layer, the filtering system helps safeguard New Zealanders who might inadvertently visit flagged sites. This system is integrated with most Internet Service Providers across New Zealand. The Digital Child Exploitation team also have a reputation for being a highly effective investigative team. Throughout the year, 60 search warrants were executed, and 235 devices seized, which led to 14 children safeguarded from further risk of harm. 13 offenders were successfully prosecuted for possessing, distributing and /or creating objectionable (illegal) material. Many of the remaining investigations that did not lead to a search warrant were handed over to overseas partner agencies and domestic partners in New Zealand Police or New Zealand Customs Service for further investigation. 'Protecting and safeguarding children is at the heart of what we do. The fight against the spread of child sexual abuse material is a collective responsibility,' says Tim Houston. 'We work tirelessly alongside our partners in NZ Police, NZ Customs Service and Oranga Tamariki. Without these ongoing partnerships we could not protect the most vulnerable members of society from further harm – our Tamariki.' The Transparency Report outlines the findings of all Digital Child Exploitation investigations in 2024, which were worked on alongside NZ Police, NZ Customs and Oranga Tamariki. In February, the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency (NCA) awarded two of the Department's senior investigators with a Group Director General's Commendation, the highest level of award bestowed by the NCA. This award highlighted investigators' commitment and contribution to a UK operation that resulted in at least 355 arrests and 66 charges, with 164 subjects released under investigation. It also led to the safeguarding of 79 children and a further 88 children being protected. 'Offenders often operate across jurisdictions, and we are proud to prioritise collaboration with our international partners to respond and address reports of child sexual abuse material.' To view the full report, head to
