The 2 April show at the Michael Fowler Centre attracted a strong turnout from across the wider Wellington region, including Porirua residents keen to see one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable artists return to the stage.

Runga’s appearance follows a quieter period in her career, during which she stepped back from regular touring to focus on family life. Her latest album, released after more than a decade without new original material, reflects that shift, with a slower and more reflective sound.

Those newer songs formed a central part of the performance. Backed by full orchestral arrangements, they offered a different feel from her earlier work, favouring layered textures over the guitar-driven style that defined her early success.

The evening opened with orchestral pieces led by musician and producer Kody Nielson, who also directed the band throughout the concert. He worked alongside a small group of supporting musicians, coordinating closely with the orchestra.

When Runga took the stage, she was met with warm applause. Audience members listened attentively to the new material, while familiar songs such as “Sway,” “Drive,” and “Something Good” drew singalongs and some of the biggest reactions of the night.

For many Porirua attendees, the collaboration with the orchestra added a new dimension to the music. The arrangements supported Runga’s vocals without overpowering them, allowing quieter moments to resonate while still building to fuller, cinematic sections.

Concertgoers spoken to after the show said the newer songs felt different from what they expected, but still connected with them. Others said they appreciated the balance between well-known hits and newer work.

The performance ended with an upbeat finale that had much of the crowd on its feet, reflecting continued support for an artist whose music has remained part of many New Zealanders’ lives.

With more shows scheduled around the country, Runga’s return signals a new phase in her career, one that Porirua fans appear ready to follow.

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The induction ceremony was held at Eden Park in Auckland on Thursday, March 26, with Collins among seven Pasifika rugby greats honoured for their contributions on and off the field.

Born in Apia, Samoa, and raised in Porirua, Collins became one of the All Blacks’ most respected loose forwards, earning 48 Test caps between 2001 and 2007. Known for his powerful defence and uncompromising style, he also captained New Zealand and played a key role for the Hurricanes during his Super Rugby career.

Collins died tragically in 2015 alongside his partner Alana Madill in a car crash in France. He was 34. His legacy has remained strong in Porirua, where he grew up and began his rugby journey with Northern United Rugby Football Club.

Family members, including his father Frank and sister Brenda, attended the Auckland ceremony, joined by club representatives and members of the wider rugby community.

Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame chair Michael Jones said the inductees represent more than sporting success.

“Our inductees are not only outstanding athletes, they are leaders, cultural ambassadors and role models whose impact reaches far beyond the field,” Jones said.

Also inducted this year was former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu, alongside Lilomaiava Aiolupotea Taufusi Salesa, Fe’ao Vunipola, Pio-Bosco Tikoisuva, Luamanuvao Muliagatele Niuafolau Alaisalatemaota Bakulich-Leavasa and Niumata DJ Forbes.

Established to honour the legacy of Pasifika players across rugby union and sevens, the Hall of Fame recognises athletes whose influence extends beyond performance into leadership, cultural pride and community impact.

For Porirua, Collins’ induction carries deep local significance. His name already lives on through Jerry Collins Stadium, but this latest honour cements his place among the greatest Pasifika figures in rugby history.

The Hall of Fame also recognised current players through its annual awards, highlighting those continuing to advance Pasifika excellence in the global game.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced Kura Toa will cater for students in Years 7 to 13, with a focus on improving outcomes for Māori learners.

“Kura Toa has identified an opportunity to achieve better education outcomes for Māori students… It will create an environment that gives students the best chance to succeed,” Seymour told Māni Dunlop for Te Ao Māori News.

Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira chief executive Helmut Modlik said the kura reflects a long-term vision to reshape education pathways for iwi.

“Like all Māori, we’re people with the development imperative, and there’s no silver bullet… but the closest thing we’ve got is education,” Modlik told Dunlop.

He said the iwi has been deliberate in creating new pathways for tamariki.

“We have been very deliberate as a tribe of reimagining the pathways and the options that are available for our tamariki,” Modlik told Dunlop.

Kura Toa will operate as a bilingual environment and is already being trialled with 24 students. Demand is expected to grow quickly, with plans to reach a roll of 200.

“With the waiting list, we would expect that to double pretty much straight away,” Modlik told Dunlop.

The kura will be supported by Ngāti Toa’s education hub Puna Mātauranga and wraparound service Te Pikau o te Rangi, with a focus on wellbeing, cultural identity and tailored learning pathways.

Modlik said the charter model provides an opportunity for iwi to exercise greater control over education outcomes.

“This is an instance where they have conceived and made available to us a pathway for us to exert our mana motuhake,” he told Dunlop.

Kura Toa is expected to open in Term 3, 2026, with site options still under consideration in Porirua.

The event takes place on Friday, March 20 at the hall on Mentor Lane in Cannons Creek, with community members encouraged to come along, support local vendors and enjoy the atmosphere.

The market features a range of Pacific foods and goods for sale, with stallholders from across Porirua’s Pacific communities. Organisers say the night markets are designed as a welcoming space where families and residents can gather and celebrate Pacific cultures.

Greetings shared by organisers reflect the city’s diverse Pacific population, including Cook Islands, Samoan, Tongan, Tokelauan, Fijian, Niuean, Kiribati and Solomon Islands communities.

Porirua has one of the largest Pacific populations in New Zealand, and community events such as the night markets help celebrate Pacific identity, languages and traditions across the city.

Several Pacific Night Markets are planned throughout 2026, with the Cannons Creek event kicking off the year’s programme.

Residents can attend the market in the evening, try Pacific food, support local stallholders and connect with the community.

The Community Fest will take place on Saturday, March 14 from 5 p.m., with organisers encouraging residents to bring friends and whānau along for an evening in the park.

Activities will include basketball and volleyball games on the park courts, along with live music throughout the evening.

Free food will also be available, including a sausage sizzle and ice pops for attendees.

Organisers say the event is designed as a relaxed, family friendly gathering where people of all ages can connect with neighbours and enjoy time together in the community.

Matahourua Park, located in Cannons Creek, provides space for sport and outdoor activities and will host the evening event.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early and join in the games or enjoy the music with family and friends.

Both Phoenix teams will wear special jerseys designed by children and siblings staying at Ronald McDonald Houses across New Zealand, with the match raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand.

The bespoke kits feature drawings created by the children, including butterflies, hearts and personal artwork incorporated directly into the jersey design.

The annual Match For Good supports Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides accommodation and wraparound support for families who must travel for their children’s hospital treatment.

For Wellington family Jordan and Ashleigh Slaughter, the cause carries deep personal meaning.

Their daughter Layla was diagnosed with aggressive infant leukaemia at just four months old last year. Within hours of the diagnosis she was airlifted from Wellington to Christchurch to begin urgent treatment.

Over the following months Layla underwent intensive chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and treatment for infections while spending time in hospitals in Christchurch and Auckland.

During that time the Slaughter family stayed at Ronald McDonald Houses so they could remain close to Layla while she received care.

“Ronald McDonald House became our second home,” Ashleigh Slaughter said.

“Having somewhere close to hospital, meals provided, and a space where Bailey could play lifted an enormous burden. When everything else felt out of control, that support meant everything.”

The charity also helped provide stability for Layla’s older sister Bailey during months of treatment away from home.

The family has since returned home to Wellington together.

Alongside the match, McDonald’s New Zealand will match every donation made to Ronald McDonald House Charities through restaurant kiosks and Drive-Thru between March 9 and March 15.

If you want, I can also tighten this further so it reads more like a proper local sports brief (about 150–200 words), which is often what community papers run for event previews like this.

Hillier, a 27-year-old Wellington golfer and old boy of Aotea College in Porirua, won the prestigious tournament on Sunday at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown near Queenstown.

He finished the tournament at 22-under par, two shots clear of Australian Lucas Herbert to secure his first New Zealand Open title.

Mana MP Barbara Edmonds joined the celebrations, praising Hillier’s achievement and the pride it has brought to Porirua.

“A huge congratulations to Aotea College old boy Daniel Hillier who won the New Zealand Golf Open title,” Edmonds said in a statement. “We are all Porirua proud of you.”

Hillier entered the final round with a one-shot lead and held his composure through gusty and cool conditions at Millbrook Resort to clinch the victory.

The win comes just a week after Hillier married, making the title part of what he described as an unforgettable stretch of celebrations.

“Oh mate, that is the second-best day of my life, behind my wedding last week,” Hillier told Sky Sport after the final round.

“It’s a lot more stressful coming down the stretch there, but this has just been the absolute best week of my life.”

Hillier said lifting the trophy as a New Zealander made the moment even more meaningful.

“To break the Kiwi drought is pretty special and to do it in front of my family, all my friends, my wife… I’ve been dreaming this for a long time.”

The victory makes Hillier the first New Zealander since Michael Hendry in 2017 to win the national open. He also takes home prize money of $360,000.

New Zealand golfer Kerry Mountcastle finished tied for third alongside Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura on 17-under, while Herbert finished runner-up at 20-under.

Hillier’s success has sparked pride among supporters in Porirua, where his connection to Aotea College continues to resonate with students, teachers and the wider community.

The exhibition will run from March 7 to April 12 at the cafe on Whitehouse Road and will feature a collection of handcrafted clay artworks and framed prints created under Oikawa’s creative practice, Eclo Art.

The opening night will give residents the opportunity to meet the artist and view the works up close in the relaxed setting of the Titahi Bay cafe.

Oikawa said each piece in the exhibition is shaped slowly by hand through a mindful creative process.

“My artworks are inspired by nature, love, intuition and transformation,” Oikawa said. “Each piece is created slowly and with intention.”

The collection explores colour, texture and layered forms in clay, reflecting Oikawa’s connection to the natural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Visitors will be able to view the artworks throughout the exhibition period during the cafe’s normal opening hours. Many of the works will also be available for purchase.

Tbay Cafe is located at 26 Whitehouse Road in Titahi Bay, Porirua. Residents are invited to attend the opening night on March 11 or visit the exhibition before it closes on April 12.

Porirua City Council is hosting a free car seat safety check on Thursday, April 9, from 9am to 12pm at 100 Mungavin Ave. The event will take place in the parking lot in front of Porirua Park.

The council said the aim is to ensure tamariki are safe and secure when travelling around the city.

Trained experts will be on site to check whether car seats are installed correctly and provide advice to parents and caregivers. No bookings are required and the event is open to anyone.

Incorrectly installed car seats can significantly reduce protection in a crash. The council is encouraging families to drop in during the three hour session for peace of mind.

The event is free and open to the public.