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Expert Briefing

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Agriculture 5 Oct 2024
Government Allocates $50,000 Emergency Support for Flood-Affected Farmers in Southland and Otago

SOUTHLAND — The New Zealand government has announced up to $50,000 in additional support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago due to challenging spring weather conditions, classified as a medium-scale adverse event.

156 views

Council 26 Sep 2024
QLDC Chief Executive Remuneration Soars by 27% in Three Years

QUEENSTOWN — The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has approved a significant increase in Chief Executive Mike Theelen's remuneration, raising it by 27% over a three-year period.

231 views

Technology 14 Sep 2024
Snapchat Reaches 1.5 Million Users in New Zealand

Snapchat, the visual messaging app, has reached a milestone in New Zealand, exceeding 1.5 million monthly active users.

207 views

Government 26 Jun 2024
New Zealand's COVID Inquiry: Broadening the Scope

The New Zealand Government has announced the next phase of the Royal Commission into COVID-19, which will feature new commissioners and an expanded scope.

516 views

Deaths 20 May 2024
Man Died of Myocarditis Hours After Searching Vaccine Side Effects

A man in his 20s died from myocarditis caused by the Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine just hours after searching "heart racing since vaccine" and "myocarditis" on his phone, according to a report by the Health and Disability Commissioner.

429 views

Technology 6 May 2024
Techweek24 Offers Free VR Art, Kids' Digital Lit Events

TAURANGA — Two free events at Techweek24 in Tauranga will showcase digital art and literature using virtual reality and children's writings.

411 views

Court 5 May 2024
New Zealand Judges Under Scrutiny for High Salaries, Sabbaticals, and Spousal Travel Perks

The Taxpayers' Union of New Zealand has criticized the judiciary for its recently revealed list of perks, which includes free air travel and accommodations for spouses, generous sabbaticals, and access to limousines.

308 views

Government 23 Apr 2024
Auditor-General Raises Concerns Over Fast-Track Approvals Bill

WELLINGTON CITY — The Auditor-General has expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and accountability in the Fast-track Approvals Bill, urging lawmakers to reconsider the legislation.

544 views

Environment 22 Apr 2024
Iconic charity launches urgent appeal to sustain environmental programmes

Keep New Zealand Beautiful (KNZB), a not-for-profit organisation focused on litter reduction and environmental education, has issued an urgent appeal for funding to sustain its programmes.

430 views

Court 18 Apr 2024
Court Allows Myanmar Diplomat to Enter NZ for ASEAN Meeting

WELLINGTON — The High Court in Wellington has ruled that a diplomatic representative from Myanmar can enter New Zealand to attend an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meeting this week.

446 views

Technology 17 Apr 2024
Call for Better Guidance, Regulation to Protect Children's Digital Privacy

A new survey by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner in New Zealand has highlighted major concerns about children's privacy risks, particularly around social media use.

459 views

Education 17 Apr 2024
University of Canterbury Brings Wallace and Gromit Creators to Train Next Gen Animators

CHRISTCHURCH — The University of Canterbury (UC) has signed a multi-year agreement with the Aardman Academy, the training arm of the Academy Award-winning Aardman Animations studio behind Wallace and Gromit.

Wallace and Gromit set

419 views

Energy 17 Apr 2024
NZ Energy Sector Ranks in Top 10 Amid Global Disruption

Despite significant global shifts impacting energy security, New Zealand's energy sector has retained its position among the top 10 countries in balancing energy equity, security, and sustainability, according to the latest Energy Trilemma report.

469 views

Health 17 Apr 2024
Advocacy Group Questions Overreliance on Psychiatric Drugs

A coalition called Excellence in Mind, comprising mental health practitioners, is raising concerns about the increasing trend of diagnosing and prescribing medication for mental health conditions like ADHD.

349 views

Cannabis 5 Apr 2024
Demand for Premium New Zealand Medicinal Cannabis Grows

TARANAKI — Greenfern Industries successfully harvested its first batch of medicinal cannabis in October 2023 at its Taranaki facility, passing New Zealand's stringent quality tests.

527 views

News 5 Apr 2024
Micro-influencers Key in Disseminating Information During Crises

A new study shows that micro-influencers on Twitter (1,000-10,000 followers) play a significant role in disseminating information during crises, more so than influencers with larger followings.

411 views

News 18 Mar 2024
Republic Group Criticises King Charles Coins

The New Zealand Republic campaign group has criticised the Reserve Bank's decision to feature King Charles III on the country's coins.

367 views

Science 16 Mar 2024
Vested Interests Threaten Scientific Integrity and Democratic Governance

A recent article by J.R. Bruning has raised concerns about the vulnerability of technical and scientific information to manipulation by vested interests.

448 views

Technology 10 Mar 2024
Privacy Commissioner Calls for Greater Penalties for Data Breaches

The Privacy Commissioner, Michael Webster, has called for higher penalties for data breaches at the National Cyber Security Summit in Wellington.

588 views

Film 10 Mar 2024
Film Commission Criticised for Funding Political Films

The Taxpayers' Union criticises the New Zealand Film Commission's decision to invest $800,000 in a film about Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, according to a statement released by the Union's film critic, Jordan Williams.

593 views

Council 7 Mar 2024
Dannevirke's water fluoridation to proceed with full funding of installation from Ministry of Health

DANNEVIRKE — The Tararua District Council is proceeding with the installation of a water fluoridation plant in Dannevirke, as directed by the Ministry of Health, with the capital works costs fully funded by the Ministry.

638 views

Alcohol 29 Feb 2024
Alcohol Use Causes More Harm to Others Than Drinkers, New Study Finds

A new study from Massey University has found that alcohol use causes more harm to others than to the drinker.

443 views

Building 28 Feb 2024
Auckland's Sand Shortage Threatens Upper North Island Building Projects

AUCKLAND — Auckland's shortage of sand, which caused construction delays ahead of Christmas, could impact building and roading projects across the upper North Island unless the government takes action, according to the Aggregate and Quarry Association of New Zealand.

506 views

Deaths 25 Feb 2024
Research Shows New Zealand Had 4% Excess Mortality in First Three Years of COVID-19 Pandemic

A new study by John Gibson of the University of Waikato's Department of Economics finds that New Zealand had roughly four percent cumulative excess mortality in the first three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, equivalent to approximately 4,000 excess deaths.

614 views

Births 19 Feb 2024
New Zealand's Natural Increase Hits 80-Year Low

In 2023, New Zealand experienced a natural increase of 19,071 more births than deaths, marking the lowest annual figure since 1943, when the margin stood at 17,562, according to data unveiled by Stats NZ.

458 views

Health 17 Feb 2024
New Zealand Public Hospital Infrastructure Needs $115bn Investment in 30 Years

New Zealand's public hospital infrastructure will require $115bn in investment over the next 30 years to address an ageing estate and meet changing demographic needs, according to a report by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission.

435 views

Environment 17 Feb 2024
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Expands Air Sensor Network in Mount Maunganui

MT MAUNGANUI — Bay of Plenty Regional Council has added 11 air sensors to its existing network of 11 monitors in Mount Maunganui, where air pollution is at its greatest concentration.

459 views

Health 17 Feb 2024
University of Waikato and New Zealand Ministry of Health Partner to Establish Third Medical School

WAIKATO — The University of Waikato and the New Zealand Ministry of Health have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a third medical school in the Waikato region.

478 views

Government 17 Feb 2024
Peaceful Rally to Demand End to Dangerous Injections

Supporters will gather peacefully in front of Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on Thursday, February 29, at 1:00 pm, to demand an immediate halt to mandated injections and a full investigation into their harms.

475 views

Fishing 17 Feb 2024
New Zealand Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Faces Trust Crisis in Poll

New Zealand's Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Shane Jones, has come under fire in a new poll that shows 85% of respondents do not trust him to do his job.

434 views

Government 17 Feb 2024
New Zealand Government Warned of Israel's Potential Genocide in Gaza by 30 Lawyers and Scholars

An open letter to the New Zealand government, written by 30 lawyers and scholars, warns that the country is now "on notice" that Israel's actions in Gaza may constitute genocide.

460 views

Community 17 Feb 2024
15,000 Children in New Zealand Working to Support Families, According to CPAG Research

As many as 15,000 children in New Zealand are estimated to be working paid jobs to support their families, according to research by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), which called for more support for these students.

391 views

Health 17 Feb 2024
Family Planning Rebrands as Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa

New Zealand's Family Planning has changed its name to Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, effective from 14 February.

414 views

Legal 11 Feb 2024
NZBA Expresses Concerns Over Government's Withdrawal of Funding for Sentencing Reports

The New Zealand Bar Association (NZBA) has expressed concerns over the government's decision to withdraw funding for sentencing reports under Section 27 of the Sentencing Act 2002.

485 views

Government 10 Feb 2024
New Zealand Citizen Covid-19 Inquiry Releases Terms of Reference and Seeks Funding

The New Zealand Citizen Covid-19 Inquiry (NZCCI) has published its terms of reference document, which is available to download from its website, and is appealing for donations to fund the inquiry, with an initial target of $300,000.

676 views

Advertising 9 Feb 2024
Digital Advertising Revenue in New Zealand Grew 7.3% in Q3 2023: IAB New Zealand

IAB New Zealand's latest Digital Advertising Revenue Report shows a 7.3% growth in Q3 2023, reaching $534.8 million.

414 views

Manufacturing 9 Feb 2024
Sealegs International Moves Manufacturing to Malaysia

Sealegs International, a leading manufacturer of amphibious boats, plans to relocate a portion of its manufacturing operations to Malaysia due to increased costs in New Zealand following the COVID-19 pandemic.

863 views

Conservation 8 Feb 2024
Underwood Wetland Project Celebrates World Wetlands Day

NORTHLAND — A project to rewild a Northland valley in New Zealand, creating a wetland from previously grazed land, has been marked to celebrate World Wetlands Day.

Robert Sowman (GBHT), Andy Garrick (GBHT), David Underwood (landowner who the reserve named under), Andy Tannock (GBHT), F&G CEO Corina Jordan, Rudi Hoetjes (former Northland F&G manager), Mike Lee (former Auckland Regional Councillor.)

617 views

Government 8 Feb 2024
Royal Commission of Inquiry Launches Online Submissions Site for COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19's handling has launched a dedicated online submissions site to hear from people about their pandemic experiences.

532 views

Transport 8 Feb 2024
Heavier Trucks in New Zealand May Benefit Roads and Reduce Emissions

Heavier and longer trucks in New Zealand do not ruin the roads and may actually be cleaner and greener, according to Dom Kalasih, interim CEO of Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand.

Dom Kalasih, interim CEO of Transporting New Zealand.

506 views

Food 8 Feb 2024
Global Pet Food Brands Eyeing New Zealand for Manufacturing with New Plant

A new state-of-the-art canning facility for pet food, the first of its kind in New Zealand, will open next month with the aim of attracting global brands to manufacture in the country.

480 views

Conservation 8 Feb 2024
Tuatara Population Thriving on Tiritiri Matangi Island, Two Decades After Reintroduction

WHANGAPARAOA — A recent survey has shown that the population of tuatara on Tiritiri Matangi island in New Zealand is thriving 20 years after their reintroduction.

482 views

Crime 8 Feb 2024
Foodstuffs North Island to Launch Facial Recognition Technology Trial in 25 Stores

Foodstuffs North Island is to begin a trial of facial recognition technology (FRT) in 25 of its stores on 8 February, to assess whether the technology is an effective way of reducing retail crime.

479 views

Government 3 Feb 2024
New Zealand Drops to Third Place in Corruption Perceptions Index, Raising Concerns Over Transparency and Accountability

New Zealand has slipped to third place in the annual Corruption Perceptions index (CPI), which ranks countries according to their perceived levels of public sector corruption.

543 views

Government 3 Feb 2024
Royal Commission to consider expanding COVID-19 inquiry terms

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, led by Chairman Prof. Tony Blakely, announced support for the government's consultation regarding potential expansion of the Inquiry's terms of reference.

489 views

Economy 3 Feb 2024
Spending in Hospitality Sector Drops 1.4% Year-Over-Year Despite Increase in Core Retail Sales

New Zealand's hospitality sector saw spending drop 1.4% year-on-year in January, despite a 3.9% rise in core retail spending, according to data from Worldline NZ.

500 views

Government 2 Feb 2024
New Zealanders Favour Usage-Based Charging for Infrastructure Services, Survey Reveals

New Zealanders believe charging for infrastructure services based on household usage is the most fair, according to a survey by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga.

398 views

Transport 2 Feb 2024
Road Maintenance and Improvements Urged in Government Policy Statement on Land Transport

The challenges facing New Zealand's transport system include an ageing road network, extreme weather events, congestion and emissions reduction, according to a briefing by the NZ Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi, to the country's incoming Minister of Transport.

415 views

Real Estate 2 Feb 2024
Barfoot & Thompson Expands into Coromandel with Whangamata Real Estate Acquisition

WHANGAMATA — Real estate company Barfoot & Thompson has acquired Whangamata Real Estate, marking the company's expansion into the Coromandel area.

L-R Chris Dobbie, Peter Thompson, Stephen Barfoot

585 views

Transport 2 Feb 2024
Public Transport Soars in Taranaki: 18% Rise in Patronage

TARANAKI — Taranaki Regional Council's (TRC) most recent data reveals a 18% rise in public transportation patronage in 2023, with buses in the region carrying a total of 744,037 passengers across 42,973 bus trips.

405 views

Council 2 Feb 2024
Napier Faces Steep Rates Increase Amid Financial Challenges and Infrastructure Costs

NAPIER — Napier City Council is set to discuss the topics and options it will put to the community in its Three-Year Plan 2024-27 consultation, which is due to open in late March.

420 views

Employment 2 Feb 2024
Minimum Wage Nears Median Wage: Challenges for Small Businesses

BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope has welcomed the government's "moderate" 2% rise, taking into account "inflationary pressures and general economic conditions".

363 views

Economy 31 Jan 2024
Air New Zealand Contributes $2.7bn to NZ Economy, Supports Over 130,000 Jobs

Air New Zealand has released a study revealing that it contributed $2.7bn to the New Zealand economy in FY23, facilitating a total of $26.4bn in economic activity across areas including tourism, exports and imports.

409 views

Health 30 Jan 2024
Deb Hayes' Petition Against Removal of 'woman & baby' from Midwifery Council Scope of Practice

A petition calling for an investigation into the Midwifery Council's removal of references to women and babies from its revised scope of practice has received over 2,000 signatures.

1,244 views

Trade 30 Jan 2024
Exports and imports down compared with 2022 – Stats NZ

Exports from New Zealand declined by 4.5% to $68.7bn in 2023, while imports dropped by 5% to $82.3bn, leading to a trade deficit of $13.6bn, according to data from Stats NZ.

446 views

Crime 30 Jan 2024
Suspicious Fire in Palmerston North: Police Appeal for Witnesses to Come Forward

PALMERSTON NORTH — Palmerston North Police are appealing for information following a suspicious car fire which saw a vehicle engulfed in flames on the side of the road.

410 views

Guns 30 Jan 2024
Auckland Firearms Dealer Charged with Offences Related to Illegal Gun Sales

AUCKLAND — A licensed firearms dealer in Auckland, has been charged with multiple offences, including unlawfully selling firearms and ammunition, following an investigation by police.

Firearm seized.

427 views

Internet 27 Jan 2024
Deidre Steyn Named New CEO of Voyager Internet

Voyager Internet, the New Zealand telecommunications, internet service provider and hosting company, has appointed Deidre Steyn as its new CEO, effective from 1 February.

Deidre Steyn - CEO Voyager Internet

584 views

Fire 27 Jan 2024
State Highway 1 Speed Restriction Implemented Near Domett Road Fire

CANTERBURY — A large fire in Hurunui District, spanning 50 hectares, is still burning despite being contained, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

416 views

Art 27 Jan 2024
Boon Sculpture Trail Coming to Hamilton from 3 February to 31 March 2024

HAMILTON — Boon Arts, the group behind the Kirikiriroa Hamilton Boon Street Art Festival, is launching the Boon Sculpture Trail in the city from 3 February to 31 March 2024.

477 views

Health 27 Jan 2024
Asthma Action Plans Urged as School Resumes, Hospitalizations Expected to Rise

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand has warned that hospitalisations for asthma attacks are likely to rise during the early weeks of the new school term, with one in eight Kiwi children living with the condition.

448 views

Police 25 Jan 2024
Two Men Arrested and Charged in $20k Greymouth Store Theft

GREYMOUTH — Two men have been arrested and charged by New Zealand Police's West Coast Tactical Crime Unit in connection with the theft of a vehicle and jewellery with a combined value of $20,000 from a store in Greymouth on 19 November 2022.

538 views

Government 25 Jan 2024
Government Announces Public Spending Cuts to All Public Service Organisations

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has revealed that the government is to extend public spending cuts to all public service organisations.

439 views

News 25 Jan 2024
Auckland Volcanic Field Yields One New Lava Cave Monthly, Sparking Research Initiative

AUCKLAND CITY — A new research project aims to create a database of all the lava caves under Auckland, to help developers avoid damaging the sites.

One of the hundreds of lava caves under Auckland.

510 views

Police 24 Jan 2024
New Zealand Police Collaborate in Seizure of Property Linked to $6.5bn European Pyramid Scheme

New Zealand police, working with international partners, have restrained a Wellington property and $462,000 believed to be the proceeds of a pyramid scheme.

547 views

Water 24 Jan 2024
Water Main Break in Waipukurau Leads to Emergency Level 4 Restrictions

WAIPUKURAU — A water main break on Porangahau Road in Waipukurau has left 4,000 residents on the brink of a water shortage, leading the local council to introduce emergency Level 4 water restrictions.

Mayor Alex Walker on the site of the water main break on Porangahau Road in Waipukurau this morning, with Council staff.

436 views

Pets 24 Jan 2024
NZ Veterinary Association Warns Dog Owners of Toxic Karaka Berries

The fruiting season for toxic karaka berries has begun, with the country's Veterinary Association issuing a warning to dog owners to be vigilant.

Karaka berries

438 views

Business 24 Jan 2024
New Zealand Granted Adequacy Status by European Commission for Data Protection

New Zealand has been granted adequacy status by the European Commission, meaning that the country's levels of personal data protection are aligned with European standards.

314 views

Festival 24 Jan 2024
NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival Announces 2024 Dates and Opens Entries

WANAKA — The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival has announced its 2024 dates and opened competition entries.

429 views

Defence 24 Jan 2024
New Zealand to Deploy Defence Team to Middle East Amid Criticism from Foreign Policy Group

A six-member team from New Zealand's Defence Force will be deployed to the Middle East to protect commercial and naval shipping in the Red Sea, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced. 

509 views

Real Estate 22 Jan 2024
Residential Property Value in New Zealand Drops by $28.6 Billion in 2023

New data from realestate.co.nz has shown that the total value of residential property listed across New Zealand decreased by 22.8% in 2023, equivalent to a drop of $28.6bn compared to 2022.

432 views

Weather 22 Jan 2024
Canterbury Researchers Map 140,000 Landslides for Future Weather Event Models

Researchers and students at the University of Canterbury have mapped over 140,000 landslides triggered by Cyclone Gabrielle in an effort to create models for future weather events.

437 views

Energy 22 Jan 2024
New Zealander Appointed to Key Position on World Energy Council's Board

John Carnegie, chief executive of Energy Resources Aotearoa, has been appointed interim chair of the World Energy Council's finance and audit committee, putting him on the council's board.

389 views

Music 22 Jan 2024
Camerata Caipira Brings Brazilian Music Magic to New Zealand

Five-member band Camerata Caipira, known for its 2013 WOMAD appearance, returns to New Zealand for a mini-tour of the North Island and a performance at CubaDupa Festival.

Camerata Caipira

437 views

Fire 22 Jan 2024
Amberley and Loburn Fires Extinguished, Swannanoa Under Control

CANTERBURY — Firefighters have extinguished two large grass fires in Canterbury and are in the final stages of controlling a third, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

432 views

Search and Rescue 20 Jan 2024
Tourists Rescued After Being Stranded at Cape Kidnappers

HAWKE'S BAY — A group of tourists were successfully rescued on Thursday morning after becoming trapped between the rising tide and steep cliffs while walking to the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers.

397 views

Entertainment 19 Jan 2024
Salty Palate Seafood Celebration Debuts in Hawke's Bay with Culinary Delights and Live Entertainment

NAPIER — Salty Palate Seafood Celebration is set to make its debut in Hawke's Bay, promising an immersive seafood experience.

467 views

Books 19 Jan 2024
New Zealand Author Catherine Chidgey Nominated Twice for 2024 Dublin Literary Award

Catherine Chidgey's novels 'The Axeman’s Carnival' and 'Pet' are nominated for the 2024 Dublin Literary Award, a €100,000 prize for a work of fiction published in English.

New Zealand Author Catherine Chidgey

468 views

Business 19 Jan 2024
Roadshow to Teach Skills for Aspiring Māori Entrepreneurs

Tapuwae Roa, a Māori social impact organization, is launching the 2024 Rakahinonga Roadshow to promote Māori entrepreneurship.

Participants of a previous Rakahinonga Roadshow held in Whangārei last year.

359 views

Festival 19 Jan 2024
Opotiki Lantern Festival Experiences 500% Increase in Online Ticket Sales

OPOTIKI — Online ticket sales for the Opotiki Lantern Festival in New Zealand have skyrocketed for this Sunday's event.

Opotiki Lantern Festival 2023 view from the stage.

443 views

Transport 19 Jan 2024
Transporting New Zealand Urges Government to Encourage Heavier EV Uptake

The decision by the New Zealand government to end the Road User Charges (RUC) exemption for light electric vehicles (EVs) from April is a positive step towards road repair, but may slow down light EV uptake, according to road freight peak body Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand.

The Nikola Two hydrogen fuel cell truck.

439 views

Horse Racing 19 Jan 2024
Animal Activists Plan Protest at Wellington Cup Over Alleged Horse Abuse

UPPER HUTT — Animal rights activists are planning to protest outside the Wellington Cup this weekend, accusing the race of being a celebration of animal abuse.

544 views

Health 19 Jan 2024
Dental Boutique Expands to New Zealand

AUCKLAND — Dental Boutique, a leading cosmetic and general dentistry clinic in Australia, has expanded to New Zealand with its first international location in Auckland.

Dr Aftab Moosa, Principal Dentist at Dental Boutique, Auckland.

517 views

Police 18 Jan 2024
Police Step Up Efforts to Combat Retail Crime

AUCKLAND — Eight alleged shoplifters have been arrested by New Zealand police in Counties Manukau South since the start of 2024, with almost $20,000 worth of goods stolen.

471 views

Health 18 Jan 2024
NZDSOS Raises Concerns Over Disappearance of MoH Study on Pfizer Vaccine Myocarditis Effects

According to New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out with Science (NZDSOS), the Ministry of Health (MoH) began a study in 2022 into the long-term effects of myocarditis related to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination, aiming to report in early 2023.

743 views

Health 18 Jan 2024
NZDSOS Calls for Criminal Investigation into Dangerous COVID-19 Medical Products in Australian RCI Submission

The New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out with Science (NZDSOS) has submitted a statement to the Australian government committee for the upcoming COVID-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).

500 views

Water 18 Jan 2024
Water Restrictions Trigger Increased Water Tank Sales in Porirua City Council

WELLINGTON — Porirua City Council has moved to a pre-order system for its 200-litre water tanks due to high demand.

367 views

Alcohol 18 Jan 2024
Thomson Whisky Named Rising Star for 2024

New Zealand's Thomson Whisky has been named Rising Star for 2024 by online retailer The Whisky Exchange, making it the first time a distillery from the country has received the award.

New Zealand's Thomson Whisky named Rising Star for 2024 
by the 'Harrods of the whisky world'

428 views

House 18 Jan 2024
Hundreds of Vacant Kāinga Ora Homes Criticized Amid Long Waiting List

The Taxpayers' Union has called on Kāinga Ora to improve its efficiency after it was reported that over 1000 of its houses have been left vacant for four months, despite a waiting list of tens of thousands of applicants.

379 views

Employment 18 Jan 2024
Migrant Workers in Crisis

Labour-hire and recruitment company ELE entered receivership in December 2022, terminating the jobs of almost 1000 workers across New Zealand, around 500 of whom were migrant workers on temporary visas.

372 views

Court 18 Jan 2024
KiwiRail Faces Fine of Up to $1.5m for Safety Breach After Ferry Incident

Maritime New Zealand has filed a charge against KiwiRail following an incident in January 2023, when the Interislander ferry Kaitaki lost power approaching Wellington Harbour, requiring it to issue a mayday before making its way to port.

MV Kaitaki in Wellington Harbour.

436 views

Health 17 Jan 2024
Have Your Say: Ministry of Health Consults on IHR Updates to Protect Global Health

The New Zealand Ministry of Health is seeking public input on proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) until February 18.

470 views

Rugby 17 Jan 2024
Government Allocates $3.9m Funding for Women's British and Irish Lions Tour of 2027

The first Women's British and Irish Lions Tour will take place in New Zealand in September 2027, with the government providing $3.9 million in funding.

380 views

Sport 17 Jan 2024
Ruby Fullerton and Hamish Barlow to Represent New Zealand in 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games

Alpine ski racer Ruby Fullerton and freeskier Hamish Barlow will represent New Zealand at the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games.

432 views

Community 17 Jan 2024
Neighbours Aotearoa: 'Growing Together' in Communities Across New Zealand this March

Neighbours Aotearoa is a month-long celebration running throughout March, which encourages people across New Zealand to connect with their neighbours through activities or events.

394 views

Transport 17 Jan 2024
Electric Vehicle Exemption from Road User Charges to End

Owners of light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids will be required to pay road user charges (RUC) in New Zealand from 1 April 2024.

344 views

Transport 16 Jan 2024
Auckland Light Rail Project Axed: Taxpayers Save Nearly $15,000 Per Household, Says Taxpayers' Union

AUCKLAND CITY — The New Zealand government has cancelled the Auckland Light Rail project, claiming that it would have cost $29.2bn - almost twice the amount that had originally been estimated.

434 views

Real Estate 16 Jan 2024
Property Market Growth Slows Down, QV Reports

New Zealand's property market has seen a general slowing in growth with home values increasing across the main centres, but at a reduced rate, according to QV's latest House Price Index.

404 views

Business 16 Jan 2024
Financial Complaints Surge by 17%

Financial complaints in New Zealand have risen by 17% for the six months from July to December 2023, with a 36% increase in the number of cases investigated by Financial Services Complaints Limited (FSCL), a financial ombudsman service.

303 views

Health 16 Jan 2024
Alarming Drop in Physical Activity and Rising Obesity Rates

New data from the Ministry of Health shows that only 46% of adults in New Zealand are meeting global guidelines for physical activity, a significant drop of 5% from the previous year.

479 views