Waatea News: Māori Radio Station

A powerful El Niño is forecast to develop over the coming months, with scientists warning it could significantly reshape weather patterns across Aotearoa through winter and into spring.

Earth Sciences New Zealand chief scientist and meteorologist Chris Brandolino says key oceanic and atmospheric signals are aligning, pointing to the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño event in the Pacific.

El Niño is a climate pattern driven by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It disrupts normal wind patterns and global circulation, often shifting weather systems far beyond the Pacific. This stands in contrast to La Niña, which is characterised by cooler ocean temperatures in the same region and typically brings more moisture and rainfall to New Zealand’s north and east.

Current observations show clear signs of El Niño building. Sea surface temperatures across the equatorial Pacific are warming steadily, while subsurface ocean heat is rising and spreading eastward — a key early indicator of a strengthening event. At the same time, weakening trade winds and changes in atmospheric pressure patterns are reinforcing the shift, creating the conditions for El Niño to take hold through winter.

For New Zealand, the developing pattern is expected to bring more westerly winds, leading to drier conditions in many eastern regions and increased rainfall in the west. Farmers and rural communities could face heightened risks of dry spells and soil moisture deficits, particularly in areas already vulnerable to drought. While El Niño winters can sometimes be milder overall, the stronger westerly flow also raises the likelihood of sharp cold snaps and frost events, especially in inland and southern areas.

As the system potentially peaks by spring, the implications widen. Agricultural planning, water management, and regional preparedness will all be tested, with a need to balance the risks of dryness in some regions against heavier rainfall and flooding in others. The changing climate pattern may also influence energy demand, crop yields, and fire risk heading into the warmer months.

Communities are being urged to stay informed as forecasts evolve, with the coming months expected to bring a dynamic and, at times, challenging weather outlook.

#ElNiño #WeatherNZ #WaateaNews #Climate #Aotearoa #MetService #FarmingNZ #DroughtRisk #WinterWeather #ClimateChange

The post #weather:Strong El Niño Set to Shake Up Winter Weather Across Aotearoa appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

A leading Māori health advocate is raising urgent concerns about chronic staffing shortages in Aotearoa’s hospitals, warning that the ongoing crisis is contributing to preventable deaths and lifelong harm among newborns.

Kerri Nuku, Kaiwhakahaere of Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa and a senior midwife, says a pattern is emerging across multiple cases where inadequate staffing has left critical gaps in care during labour, delivery, and the immediate postnatal period.

Across these cases, understaffing has meant delayed responses to fetal distress, reduced monitoring of both māmā and pēpi, and fewer experienced clinicians available to make timely decisions. In high-pressure environments like delivery suites and neonatal units, even small delays can have life-altering consequences. Without enough skilled staff on hand, opportunities to intervene early are missed, increasing the risk of brain injury, complications, or death.

Safe staffing in maternity and neonatal care requires consistent one-to-one midwifery support during active labour, immediate access to senior clinicians, and fully resourced neonatal teams capable of responding to emergencies without delay. It also includes ensuring continuity of care, manageable workloads, and adequate cultural support for whānau. Current conditions in many hospitals fall well short of this benchmark, with staff stretched across multiple patients and shifts often operating below recommended levels.

Despite repeated warnings to Te Whatu Ora about unsafe staffing, concerns remain that action has not kept pace with the urgency of the issue. Immediate steps are being called for, including rapid recruitment and retention strategies, better workforce planning, and the deployment of experienced clinicians to high-risk areas. Ensuring that staffing levels reflect both demand and complexity of care is seen as critical to preventing further harm.

However, the issue extends beyond funding and staff numbers. Systemic changes are needed to address burnout, improve working conditions, and strengthen clinical leadership. There is also a growing call to embed culturally safe practices that centre whānau in care decisions, ensuring that Māori voices are heard and respected within the health system.

Advocates say the current situation places midwives, nurses, and whānau in untenable positions, where the risk of preventable harm becomes increasingly likely. Without urgent and sustained reform, concerns remain that tragedies affecting pēpi and their whānau will continue.

#KerriNuku #WaateaNews #MāoriHealth #Midwives #Nurses #Aotearoa #HealthCrisis #Pēpi #Whānau #TeWhatuOra #SafeStaffing

The post #hauora: Staffing Crisis in Maternity Wards Linked to Preventable Pēpi Deaths appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

The decision to pause Police withdrawal from frontline mental health crisis support is being seen as a critical turning point, with union leaders warning the changes had already placed both workers and vulnerable people at serious risk.

Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association, says the move reflects the real-world consequences of scaling back Police involvement in high-risk situations. Mental health workers have been left responding to crises without adequate backup, often facing volatile and unpredictable circumstances where safety cannot be guaranteed.

Since Police began stepping back, reports have highlighted increased pressure on already stretched services, with frontline staff forced to manage situations involving potential violence, acute distress, and complex needs without the support traditionally relied on. This has heightened concerns not only for worker safety but also for the wellbeing of those in crisis, where delays or inadequate responses can escalate harm.

The PSA had consistently warned that the changes posed significant risks. Evidence from the sector points to gaps in response capability, with mental health teams lacking the resources, staffing, and training to safely manage all emergency scenarios on their own. The withdrawal exposed systemic weaknesses, particularly in situations requiring immediate intervention or de-escalation support.

There are now strong calls for the pause to become a full reversal, restoring Police as an integrated part of crisis response teams. In practice, that would mean ensuring officers are available to support mental health workers during high-risk callouts, providing both safety and additional capacity to manage complex incidents effectively.

Beyond reinstating Police involvement, attention is turning to broader system failures. Advocates say urgent investment is needed to properly resource mental health services, including increasing workforce numbers, improving training, and strengthening coordination between agencies. Ensuring no worker is left to face dangerous situations alone is being framed as a fundamental requirement of a safe and functional system.

The pause has opened the door for a wider rethink of how mental health crises are managed in Aotearoa, with growing pressure on the Government and Health New Zealand to deliver lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes.

#MentalHealthNZ #WaateaNews #PSA #PoliceNZ #HealthNZ #CrisisResponse #FrontlineWorkers #Aotearoa #PublicSafety #MentalHealthSupport

The post #hauora: Police Retreat Pause Signals Deep Concerns Over Mental Health Crisis Response appeared first on Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.

It’s been a packed weekend across Aotearoa, with political tension, economic pressure and community-led initiatives driving the latest headlines on Radio Waatea.

At the forefront, concerns are growing over the direction of government policy, with warnings that workers’ rights and Te Tiriti commitments could be under threat amid ongoing reforms. Political debate is intensifying as parties position themselves ahead of the next election cycle, with scrutiny mounting over changes impacting Māori and wider communities.

Economic pressures are also continuing to bite, with uncertainty linked to global instability flowing through to local industries. Growers, forestry operators and farmers are facing rising costs and market unpredictability, adding to the strain already felt by whānau dealing with higher living expenses.

At the same time, calls are growing for stronger protections in key sectors, including fisheries, where concerns have been raised about the safety and oversight of observers working at sea.

In communities, kaupapa Māori solutions are gaining traction. A new national framework aimed at strengthening the sexual violence workforce marks a significant step toward culturally grounded support systems, while environmental and cultural projects are reinforcing connections to whenua and kaitiakitanga.

Regional stories also highlight resilience, from efforts to protect sacred waterways from development to initiatives celebrating decades of Māori-led economic and land stewardship.

Meanwhile, public safety and social issues remain in focus, with renewed calls for community-driven approaches to road harm and justice, alongside ongoing conversations about housing, privacy and accountability.

Across the motu, the themes are clear — pressure is building on multiple fronts, but so too is the push for solutions grounded in tikanga, community strength and long-term resilience.

For more on these stories visit:

#WaateaNews #Aotearoa #MaoriNews #PoliticsNZ #CostOfLiving #TeTiriti #Whanau #Iwi #Kaitiakitanga #NZNews

It’s Monday and here’s your First@5AM – a full round-up of the weekend’s biggest stories from across Waatea News.

Economic pressure continues to dominate headlines, with concerns mounting over proposed WOF changes that could drive up costs while putting more unsafe vehicles on the road. At the same time, fuel prices are expected to stay, adding further strain to households already dealing with rising living costs and ongoing global instability impacting Kiwi growers.

Jobs remain a major issue, with unions challenging further cuts and outsourcing plans as more roles disappear across the public sector. The broader economic outlook remains divided, with debate intensifying over whether New Zealand’s recovery is on track or falling behind.

In politics, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is under increasing pressure but remains firm in his leadership, while Labour has selected Kingi Kiriona for the Hauraki-Waikato seat ahead of the 2026 election. Meanwhile, wider political discussion continues around the country’s direction, with analysis pointing to Aotearoa at a critical turning point.

Environmental issues are also front and centre. Strong opposition is growing against hydro developments on the West Coast, with calls to protect sacred rivers and reverse decisions seen as damaging to the environment. Concerns are also rising after a mass die-off at a Manawatū lagoon, while a new report is placing significant blame on large-scale dairy for driving the climate crisis.

Severe weather has hit the capital, with flooding in Wellington forcing evacuations, while infrastructure challenges continue on the West Coast where a major slip has left communities cut off with no easy fix in sight.

In regional news, tragedy struck in Rangataua after a late-night house fire claimed one life. Emergency services were also called into action off the Auckland coast, rescuing kayakers from rough seas, while environmental fears have been raised following a diesel spill risk at Thames Wharf.

Housing remains in focus, with Ōtautahi emerging as a buyer’s market leader, and new homes opening in Ohakune as Ngāti Rangi delivers housing solutions for whānau. Meanwhile, Rotorua has marked a major milestone securing long-term water supply for the next 35 years.

In education, scrutiny continues over reforms, with support growing for a Waitangi Tribunal inquiry. In health, warnings are being raised that system resets will fall short without urgent funding changes.

Cultural and community stories are also making headlines. Te Papa’s Breathe exhibition is drawing strong crowds in its final days, while a striking kākā sculpture in Ōmokoroa is bringing renewed attention to kaitiakitanga. PKW has also marked 50 years of whenua, whānau, and resilience.

On the justice front, serial rapist Malcolm Rewa has been sentenced again for historic crimes, closing another chapter in a long-running case.

In sport, it’s been a standout weekend. The Warriors delivered a statement win over the Titans, the Black Ferns are preparing for a major test against Canada, and boxer Lani Daniels has made history with her third world title.

From economic strain to environmental battles, political pressure to sporting triumphs, it’s been a packed weekend across Aotearoa – and the week ahead looks set to keep the pressure on.

#FirstAt5AM #WaateaNews #Aotearoa #NZPolitics #CostOfLiving #ClimateCrisis #MāoriNews #Hauora #HousingNZ #Hakinakina

Parininihi ki Waitōtara is marking a major milestone in 2026, celebrating 50 years of service to its people, whenua and whakapapa.

The Taranaki-based Māori incorporation, established in 1976, was born out of a collective effort by landowners determined to protect what remained of their whenua following generations of loss and confiscation.

Today, PKW represents the interests of more than 10,000 shareholders and manages around 20,000 hectares of whenua Māori, growing into a diverse and successful intergenerational business spanning farming, forestry, property and investment ventures.

The 50th anniversary is being marked as a time not just for celebration, but for reflection and renewal. The theme, Rau Te Tai Ākina – Whenua, Whānau, Whakapapa, speaks to the enduring connection between land, people and identity, while also acknowledging the challenges faced across generations.

The phrase itself has deep historical roots in the kotahitanga movement and the Taranaki Land League, symbolising unity, resilience and a call for collective strength in the face of adversity.

Anniversary events are being held throughout the year, bringing together shareholders, whānau and the wider community to honour the journey and reconnect with one another. A formal celebration in Hāwera has been a key highlight, recognising the organisation’s legacy and future direction.

PKW says the milestone is about acknowledging those who came before, while continuing to build opportunities for future generations. Its focus remains on protecting and growing ancestral land, strengthening connections among whānau, and ensuring the prosperity of those it represents.

Fifty years on, the kaupapa remains grounded in the same vision – sustaining people through the strength of their whenua and the power of collective identity.

Ata mārie. Here’s your First@5AM wrap of the major stories across Waatea platforms over the weekend – from the impact of Cyclone Vaianu across the motu, to global developments and standout moments in hakinakina.

Cyclone Vaianu dominated headlines, bringing severe weather, evacuations and widespread disruption across Te Ika-a-Māui.

The storm made landfall under blanket warnings, with authorities urging communities to prepare for dangerous conditions:

As it tracked down the east coast, the cyclone intensified, battering regions with heavy rain and strong winds:

Northland was among the hardest hit early on, enduring wild winds as the system moved south:

Communities across the North Island faced evacuations and road closures as conditions worsened:

In Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland braced for impact, with warnings the worst could still be ahead:

However, the city ultimately avoided the full force, with civil defence centres later standing down:

As conditions eased across the motu, emergency hubs began to stand down – though recovery efforts remain ongoing:

Internationally, tensions in the Middle East remain high, with concerns extending beyond active conflict:

Fuel uncertainty deepened after the United States walked away from negotiations with Iran following marathon talks:

In space, a historic milestone – the Artemis II crew safely returned to Earth after a landmark mission around the moon:

Back home, a range of kaupapa continue to shape the national conversation.

Concerns have been raised over government cuts, including impacts on Te Tiriti commitments and Māori support services:

Debate continues over Te Urewera governance and authority:

Cost of living pressures remain front of mind, with rental affordability widening the gap for many whānau:

Infrastructure and development debates also resurfaced, including renewed discussion over dam projects:

Waatea audiences also voiced strong views on ceasefire skepticism and rising fuel costs:

Meanwhile, a major fraud case involving a child protection agency has shocked the sector:

Electric vehicles are surging in popularity across Aotearoa, though infrastructure is racing to keep up:

New Zealand’s electricity mix continues to rely on a renewable backbone, supported by strategic backup systems:

There are also fresh concerns about the future of physical cash, as consultation highlights shifting financial habits:

It was a big weekend in sport, with standout performances across codes.

The Warriors stunned the Storm in Melbourne with a dominant display:

The Chiefs ran riot in Rotorua, overpowering Moana Pasifika:

The Pulse opened their campaign with a strong win over the Magic:

The Ferns secured a place in the final with a dominant win over Fiji:

There are also growing calls for tougher concussion rules in football amid safety concerns:

Cyclone disruption also impacted fixtures, including a shake-up to Football Ferns qualifiers:

Professor Tom Roa has been honoured with a CNZM for his contribution to te reo Māori:

A significant taonga has returned home after 250 years, restoring the legacy of Hinematioro to Ngāti Porou:

Tributes have also been paid to Sharon Hawke, remembered for her contributions to the community:

Positive developments in the health sector, with new nursing graduates ready to meet growing workforce demand:

At the same time, rural health inequities remain under pressure, compounded by fuel challenges:

Stay with Waatea News for continuing coverage throughout the day.

Koinei ngā kōrero matua mō te ata – First@5AM.

Authorities are urging New Zealanders to prepare immediately as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu tracks toward the country, bringing the threat of destructive winds, heavy rain and dangerous conditions across parts of Aotearoa.

The National Emergency Management Agency says the system, currently northwest of Fiji, is expected to move toward New Zealand by the end of the week, with impacts likely to be felt from Friday into the weekend.

Forecast modelling indicates the cyclone could deliver extreme weather, with the potential for red severe weather warnings to be issued as conditions intensify.

Emergency officials are warning people not to wait, stressing that preparation must happen now while there is still time.

Communities are being advised to clear drains and gutters, secure outdoor items that could be lifted by strong winds, and stay updated with official weather forecasts and civil defence information.

Authorities are also warning of heightened risks due to already saturated ground in many regions following recent rainfall. This increases the likelihood of landslides, with early warning signs including small slips, tilting trees or fences, and changes to doors and window frames.

Flooding remains a major concern, with officials reiterating that entering floodwaters is extremely dangerous and can be fatal.

The approaching system is expected to place additional strain on communities still recovering from previous severe weather events, with calls for people to look out for one another and seek support where needed.

Emergency agencies across the country are closely monitoring the situation, with coordination underway to ensure a rapid response if conditions worsen.

With several days before the worst impacts are expected, officials say the message is clear: act early, stay informed, and take steps now to protect people, homes and communities.

A surge in fuel costs, mounting pressure on the health system, and standout sporting performances have led the weekend headlines across Waatea platforms, reflecting a mix of economic strain and moments of national pride.

At the centre of the economic story is the deepening fuel crisis, now biting hard across multiple sectors. Builders have warned the industry is nearing a breaking point, with rising fuel and freight costs driving up prices and squeezing already tight margins.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/05/fuelcrisis-fuel-crisis-bites-builders-warn-industry-at-breaking-point/

That pressure is also being felt at the household level, with whānau increasingly pushed into survival mode as the cost of living continues to climb. Rising petrol and food prices are forcing difficult choices for families across the country.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/tekaupapa-survival-mode-cost-of-living-and-fuel-crisis-push-whanau-to-the-brink/

Adding to the economic outlook, Waatea audiences are expressing overwhelming pessimism about any near-term recovery, highlighting growing uncertainty about jobs, affordability and long-term stability.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/economy-overwhelming-pessimism-waatea-audience-doubts-economic-turnaround/

Housing remains another major concern, with young Māori facing increasing barriers to home ownership, reinforcing long-standing inequities in access to property and wealth creation.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/tekaupapa-locked-out-young-maori-face-growing-barriers-to-home-ownership/

In hauora, pressure is mounting on the health system, with calls for urgent reform to improve access to medicines as patients face delays and limited availability of treatments.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/05/hauora-patients-waiting-system-lagging-urgent-call-for-overhaul-of-medicines-access/

At the same time, a new campaign is targeting the growing risk of falls among older New Zealanders, highlighting the need for prevention as the population ages.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/05/hauora-preventing-the-fall-new-campaign-targets-growing-risk-for-older-kiwis/

Cultural and identity issues also featured strongly, with debate intensifying over proposals that could impact iwi radio funding, raising concerns about the future of te reo Māori and community connection.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/tekaupapa-silencing-the-airwaves-proposed-iwi-radio-cuts-threaten-te-reo-and-community-connection/

The wider kōrero around language and identity continues, with the English-first debate sparking deeper reflection on the place of te reo Māori in Aotearoa society.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/tekaupapa-more-than-words-english-first-debate-sparks-deeper-questions-about-te-reo-and-identity/

In national news, the public is being invited to weigh in on sweeping immigration law changes, signalling potential shifts in how Aotearoa manages migration and workforce needs.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/national-immigration-shake-up-public-called-to-weigh-in-on-sweeping-law-changes/

Regionally, investment is being directed toward recovery efforts in Hawke’s Bay, with funding aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and supporting long-term resilience following recent disasters.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/regional-rebuilding-for-the-future-government-invests-10m-into-hawkes-bay-campus-recovery/

Internationally, Indigenous communities are seeing significant developments, including a major funding boost for programmes and a landmark child welfare agreement returning authority to First Nations groups.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/international-2-billion-boost-for-indigenous-programmes-amid-funding-concerns/
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/international-landmark-child-welfare-deal-hands-power-back-to-first-nations/

In sport, the White Ferns capped off a strong series with a decisive ODI victory over South Africa, showcasing resilience and form.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/05/hakinakina-ferns-finish-with-flair-nz-clinch-odi-series-in-final-showdown/

Super Rugby also delivered big moments, with the Crusaders farewelling their stadium in style with a convincing win, while across the Tasman, Manly signalled intent with a statement performance under new coaching.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/hakinakina-crusaders-farewell-stadium-in-style-with-big-win-over-drua/
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/hakinakina-forans-coaching-era-off-to-flying-start-with-manly-statement-win/

There was also heartbreak in rugby, with a Blues player facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, drawing support from across the sporting community.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/04/hakinakina-blues-star-faces-terminal-cancer-diagnosis/

And in a moment of national achievement, a Kiwi swimmer made history by completing a gruelling 1,367km ocean journey, highlighting both endurance and environmental advocacy.
https://waateanews.com/2026/04/05/national-history-in-the-water-kiwi-swimmer-conquers-1367km-odyssey-for-the-ocean/

From economic hardship to cultural debate, health system strain and sporting highs, the weekend’s news reflects a country navigating complex challenges while still finding moments of inspiration.

A growing child health crisis is being flagged, with preventable illnesses on the rise and disproportionately affecting tamariki Māori and Pacific children.
Read more: Child health crisis deepens as preventable illnesses surge

A major national report is also exposing widespread barriers for disabled New Zealanders, with ongoing inequities across healthcare, housing, education and employment.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/national-barriers-everywhere-report-exposes-daily-struggle-for-disabled-new-zealanders/

In a landmark decision, the High Court has ruled the Government discriminated against midwives, confirming long-standing gender pay inequities.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/hauora-midwives-win-landmark-pay-case-as-court-finds-gender-discrimination/

In environmental news, endangered takahē have been reintroduced into a Hawke’s Bay sanctuary, boosting conservation efforts.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/regional-rare-takahe-return-to-hawkes-bay-sanctuary-in-major-boost-for-species/

The insurance sector is warning urgent action is needed on climate risks, or communities could face rising costs and reduced access to cover.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/national-insurance-warning-act-now-or-risk-losing-cover/

Economic pressure continues to build, with whānau reporting growing concern over rising fuel costs, job losses and uncertainty about the future.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/economy-rising-costs-rising-concern-whanau-feel-pressure-as-economic-worries-grow/

In the regions, job losses remain front of mind, including major cuts linked to manufacturing closures such as Wattie’s and McCain.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/28/economy-hundreds-of-jobs-lost-as-heinz-watties-confirms-factory-closures/

Meanwhile, Woolworths has been fined over a rat infestation at a Dunedin supermarket after delays in responding to the issue.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/regional-awwww-rats-rats-delays-cost-woolworths-33k-in-dunedin/

In sport, the Warriors have suffered their first loss of the NRL season, Moana Pasifika have gone down again, and the All Whites were beaten 2-nil by Finland.
Read more:

And in league, Kieran Foran has stepped in as interim coach of the Manly Sea Eagles following the sacking of Anthony Seibold.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/28/hakinakina-foran-steps-in-as-sea-eagles-coach-after-seibold-sacking/