This week in New Zealand
New Zealand's media this week focused heavily on the government's new "Broccoli Budget," with Finance Minister Nicola Willis presenting a fiscally responsible plan, though critics like Heather du Plessis-Allan questioned the realism of surplus forecasts and former Finance Minister Steven Joyce called for deeper cuts. Public health and social welfare issues also drew significant attention, including criticism of Health NZ for "systemic failings" in a neglect death and concerns over childcare abuse at Tauranga Kaleidoscope Childcare Centre. Additionally, hundreds of motorcyclists protested ACC levies on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, highlighting public dissent on specific policies.
About New Zealand
New Zealand, an island nation renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant Mฤori culture, operates as a robust democracy with strong press freedoms. Its small media market fosters a mix of independent and publicly funded outlets, consistently ranking among the world's highest for media freedom. This environment allows for diverse news coverage, though it also presents challenges typical of smaller markets.
Visiting New Zealand
Media landscape
New Zealand's media environment is characterized by strong press freedoms and a mix of independent and publicly funded outlets, despite a relatively small market. Major conglomerates and public broadcasters shape the landscape, which has seen some decline in public trust recently.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, explore both major commercial news sites and publicly funded outlets like RNZ, which often provide in-depth analysis and Mฤori perspectives.
Sources we track 2
FBI Director Accused of Sightseeing on Wellington Trip Amid Probe
- US Democrats accuse FBI Director Kash Patel of using a trip to Wellington, New Zealand, as a cover for sightseeing. - Patel is currently under a congressional investigation for alleged misuse of taxโฆ
Auckland Zoo euthanises ageing giraffe matriarch Rukiya
- Auckland Zoo euthanized Rukiya, the matriarch of its giraffe herd, due to deteriorating age-related health issues. - Rukiya was 25 years old, which is considered the upper end of the species' lifespโฆ
Landlord Jagdish Prakash who housed homeless in derelict Palmerston North home ordered to pay $17k
- A landlord in Palmerston North, New Zealand, has been ordered to pay $17,000 for housing homeless individuals in a dilapidated property. - The dwelling was described as unsafe and unhealthy for humaโฆ
Scientific voyage maps deep ocean changes across Cook Islands EEZ
- A month-long expedition is underway in the Cook Islands to establish a baseline understanding of ocean conditions within its Exclusive Economic Zone. - Researchers are collecting data on water samplโฆ
Pregnant surrogate explains what itโs like to grow someone elseโs baby
- A pregnant surrogate in New Zealand shared her experience of carrying a baby for another family. - She described the emotional and physical journey, emphasizing the temporary nature of her connectioโฆ
Napier Portโs cruise season fall continues, recovery expected in 2028
- Napier Port's upcoming cruise season is expected to see a 44% decrease in ship bookings compared to its peak. - For the 2026/27 season, 50 cruise ships are currently scheduled to dock. - A full recoโฆ
Central Hawkeโs Bay community rallies to raise Omakere Hall after repeated flooding
- The Omakere Hall in Central Hawke's Bay is at risk due to repeated flooding. - The community is fundraising to lift the century-old hall above flood levels. - A Givealittle page has been establishedโฆ
King Country line mechanic Madi Harvey inspires next generation through Girls with Hi-Vis
- Madi Harvey, a mechanic on the King Country line, is inspiring young women to consider careers in trades, particularly in the electricity sector. - Harvey, who initially pursued beauty therapy, now โฆ
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown accused of โnuisanceโ behaviour at fundraiser
- The Gates Medical Research Institute and Serum Institute of India have partnered to manufacture a tuberculosis vaccine candidate. - The vaccine, M72/AS01E, is currently in Phase 3 trials and could bโฆ
NZ Trade Minister to Discuss Benefits as Major Global Investment Summit Wraps Up
- New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay is scheduled to discuss potential trade benefits at a major investment and trade gathering. - The Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership event is oneโฆ
Auckland councillors boycott Manurewa board over Marshal Ahluwalia return
- Two Auckland councillors, Daniel Newman and Matt Winiata, are boycotting Manurewa Local Board meetings. - Their boycott stems from the return of board member Marshal Ahluwalia, who is facing allegatโฆ
Fijian Chief Seeks to Curb Military Power, Restore Indigenous Rights
- A high-ranking Fijian chief, Ratu Tevita Mara, is advocating for significant reductions in the military's power. - He also calls for the restoration of indigenous iTaukei rights and a review of the โฆ
Tonga launches first national policy to support and reintegrate deportees
- Tonga has launched its first national policy to support deportees, aiming to help them reintegrate into society and reduce reoffending. - The policy, Tonga National Returnees Reintegration Policy & โฆ
Christchurch man jailed for child sex abuse after victims detail lifelong trauma
- A Christchurch man has been jailed for abusing three girls over a 10-year period between 2007 and 2018. - The victims, who were under 16 at the time of the abuse, have suffered long-lasting trauma. โฆ
Whittakers or Lindt? Swiss-Kiwi Trade Talks Could Shift Focus from Chocolate to Kiwifruit
- New Zealand and Switzerland are in trade talks, with tourism and kiwifruit potentially replacing chocolate and dairy in the agreement. - Trade Minister Todd McClay met with his Swiss counterpart Helโฆ
Watch: Winston Peters to make ferry announcement
- New Zealand's Rail Minister Winston Peters will announce the government's next steps for replacing the Interislander ferries. - The announcement will cover portside infrastructure and the operating โฆ
Dunedin Re-Oโ Week traffic stop yields drugs and cash; man charged
- Police in Dunedin, New Zealand, charged a man after seizing cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, cannabis, and cash during a traffic stop. - The stop occurred in the city's student area during Re-Oโ Week celebrโฆ
How the Governmentโs global grocery search stalled with multiple firms declining contact
- The New Zealand government's effort to attract overseas grocery firms has stalled, with no international companies confirming plans to enter the market. - Multiple companies approached by the governโฆ
When only the wealthy can afford Aucklandโs villas, theyโve lost most of the โheritageโ worth keeping โ Jamie Simmonds, Coalition for More Homes
- Auckland's Plan Change 120 aims to increase housing density near transport hubs. - A volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes argues that wealthy owners of villas have lost the 'heritage' value woโฆ
New Zealand Strategist Hayden Munro Tapped as Political Director for Incoming UK PM
- Hayden Munro, who managed the Labour Party's successful 2020 election campaign in New Zealand, is reportedly set to become political director for incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. - Munro's aโฆ
New Zealand Ministry Defends Funding for Documentary on Fijian Politician Amid Election
- New Zealand's Ministry of Pacific Peoples funded a $200,000 documentary about a Fijian politician facing scandal. - The ministry stated the funding was independently administered and did not influenโฆ
Porirua council warns of headstone scam targeting grieving families
- Porirua City Council has issued a warning about a suspicious headstone provider who allegedly defrauded a grieving family out of thousands of dollars. - The council stated that the provider operatedโฆ
Papua New Guinea orders closure of Taiwan's representative office
- Papua New Guinea's government has announced the immediate closure of Taiwan's representative office in the capital, Port Moresby. - The decision aligns with PNG's adherence to the "One-China Policy"โฆ
Tokelau and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement react to New Zealand fisheries action
- Tokelau's substantial fisheries revenue, once 40% of its budget, halted after its participation in the Pacific tuna cartel PNA was terminated. - New Zealand officials claim Tokelau seeks readmissionโฆ
Tongan counter-tenor, 19, makes history winning NZ opera quest
- Tongan counter-tenor Samuel Mataele made history by winning the Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest, becoming the competition's youngest male winner at 19. - Mataele, the first counter-tenor to win the prestiโฆ
Has the Pacific's Ocean of Peace concept been hijacked?
- Pacific civil society groups are questioning the current direction of the "Ocean of Peace" initiative. - Concerns have been raised about potential "hijacking" of the concept amid geopolitical tensioโฆ
Waikato Comanchero Sergeant at Arms Dwight Fatu jailed after FBI-led drugs investigation
- Dwight Percival Fatu, a senior leader in the Waikato Comancheros gang, has been sentenced to nine years and five months in prison. - Fatu was charged as part of Operation Equinox, a New Zealand compโฆ
Fiji Coup Frontman Urged to Name Backers
- A former Fiji prime minister is urging the frontman of the 2000 coup to reveal the masterminds behind the event. - The coup leader, George Speight, recently called for perpetrators to confess, but hโฆ
Election 2026: Auckland FC-Wellington Phoenix derby, Black Caps fixture to clash with general election
- New Zealand's general election in November 2026 will coincide with major sporting events, including an Auckland FC-Wellington Phoenix derby and a Black Caps cricket match. - The clash of dates couldโฆ
New Zealand early childhood teacher loses registration due to alcohol impairment at preschool
- Early childhood teacher Claire Iddon has lost her registration in New Zealand after admitting to habitually drinking alcohol. - Iddon consumed two bottles of wine nightly and sometimes in the early โฆ
Tim Jago sentencing: Former Act Party president jailed for latest sex abuse charge
- Former Act Party president Tim Jago has been sentenced to jail for a recent sex abuse charge. - One victim reported experiencing fear, anxiety, anger, and embarrassment due to Jago's actions. - The โฆ
Removing Ethnicity Criteria from Health Funding Creates Inferior Formula, Says Dr. David Galler
- Dr. David Galler argues that removing ethnicity criteria from health funding formulas creates an inferior system. - Galler, a health lobbyist and former medical advisor, believes this change disadvaโฆ
Jarome Luai to Leave Wests Tigers for Parramatta Eels; PNG Chiefs Merchandise Surfaces
- Rugby league player Jarome Luai will leave the Wests Tigers to join the Parramatta Eels for the 2027 NRL season. - The Tigers have mutually agreed to release Luai from the final year of his contractโฆ
Pacific news in brief
- Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape will personally oversee the Correctional Services following two recent prison escapes, including one where three inmates were shot dead. - Fiji's Policโฆ
Twin typhoons leave an unexpected silver lining as Saipan beaches are rebuilt | RNZ Pacific (NZ) | 01KXM5DMABGE2CEFGJ1X0SPYN1
- Two Category 5 typhoons devastated the Northern Mariana Islands, but also created an opportunity to restore eroded beaches using dredged sand. - The Department of Public Works will resume a beach noโฆ
Over 1,000 students caught cheating in NCEA exams as AI misuse rises
- Over 1,000 students were caught breaching NCEA assessment rules in the past year, with artificial intelligence being the most common method of cheating. - This rise in academic dishonesty occurs amiโฆ
Badminton returns to CNMI after typhoon devastation
- International badminton tournaments are underway in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) three months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused devastation. - Over 200 players and officiโฆ
Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter to relocate for 2026 Rugby League World Cup prep
- Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter is set to move to Fiji within weeks to lead preparations for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. - Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) chairman Rajesh Singh confirmed Potโฆ
Lake Alice survivor forced to live in public carpark after benefit wrongly cancelled
- A survivor of the Lake Alice abuse scandal is now homeless, living in a public carpark after his benefit was wrongly cancelled. - He won an appeal against the cancellation, but officials have not coโฆ
Word Christchurch Festival 2026 Lineup Released: Booker Prize Winner and Kiwi Music Legends Join 'Vibrant' Programme
- The Word Christchurch Festival has announced its 2026 lineup, featuring a diverse range of literary and cultural figures. - The program includes international stars, a Booker Prize winner, and promiโฆ
Vanuatu to take decades-long dispute with France over islands to international court
- Vanuatu is taking its long-standing territorial dispute with France over the Matthew and Hunter Islands to international arbitrators. - The uninhabited islands have been under French control since bโฆ
Seymourโs sensible-sounding supermarket fix leaves the real problem untouched
- Grocery Action Group chair Sue Chetwin criticizes Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour's plan to invite international supermarkets to New Zealand. - Chetwin argues Seymour's proposal to free up land โฆ
Dave Letele faces death threats, address leaked after taking over NZ Muscle
- Dave Letele has reported receiving death threats and having his address leaked following the announcement that he would take over as CEO of the embattled company NZ Muscle. - NZ Muscle founder Dion โฆ
New Zealand to open first cellphone addiction treatment center
- New Zealand is set to open its first treatment center for cellphone and screen addiction, named 'Touchgrass clinic'. - The clinic aims to help young people reduce their dependence on digital devicesโฆ
NZ's Pacific Islands Forum budget could face a $10m squeeze, OIA reveals
- New Zealand's budget for its engagement with Pacific Island nations may face a significant reduction of $10 million. - This potential funding squeeze comes as New Zealand prepares to host the Pacifiโฆ
Transgender prison officer receives apology and compensation after being barred from searching male prisoners
- A transgender prison officer received an apology and compensation after being prevented from searching male prisoners. - The officer had been barred from performing searches on male inmates. - The dโฆ
Peters asked KiwiRail to investigate backup Interislander ferry two weeks after rejecting idea
- New Zealand's Transport Minister, Simeon Brown, asked officials to investigate acquiring a third Interislander ferry. - This request came two weeks after he had rejected the idea of purchasing or chโฆ
Sir Sam Neill Remembered by Old School Despite Memoir Criticisms
- Sir Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor, has been remembered by his former school, Christ's College, as a distinguished alumnus. - This tribute comes despite Neill's candid and critical reflections on hiโฆ
Beer today, face cream tomorrow - the billion-dollar secret hiding in brewery waste
- A Christchurch-led project is exploring the transformation of brewery waste into high-value sustainable materials. - The initiative investigates using byproducts from beer production for applicationโฆ
Broadcaster Paul Henry to Run for Act Party in 2026 Election
- The Act Party announced broadcaster Paul Henry will be a candidate in the upcoming 2026 election. - The announcement comes as the party polls at 7.8%, potentially securing 10 seats in Parliament. - โฆ
Faith and Family Keep All Black George Bower Grounded
- All Black George Bower's success is attributed to his faith and strong family values. - His parents, Niko and Kula Bower, emphasize these elements as the driving forces behind his rugby career. - Boโฆ
Former Prime Minister Sir John Key slams โclownโ opponents of India free trade agreement
- Former Prime Minister Sir John Key has strongly criticized opponents of New Zealand's free trade agreement with India. - Key described those against the deal as "clowns." - The agreement, signed in โฆ
NZ study links nitrate in drinking water to premature births
- A landmark New Zealand study links prenatal exposure to nitrates in drinking water with premature births. - The research, involving over 750,000 births, suggests an average of 120 premature births aโฆ
New Zealand primary school ditches iPads for pen and paper
- Omata School in New Plymouth has put away iPads for its youngest students. - The school, an early adopter of the technology, is returning to pen and paper for years one to four. - This decision aimsโฆ
Rugby laws explained: Chris Pollock unpacks Nations Championship confusion
- Rugby laws, particularly concerning the Nations Championship, are causing confusion among fans and players. - A specific incident involving a corner flag ricochet led to a try, highlighting the compโฆ
Labour Leader Backs Government's 'Ocean of Peace' Alliance Exploration
- Labour leader Chris Hipkins expressed broad support for the 'Ocean of Peace' alliance the government is considering joining. - Hipkins has had informal discussions with the Prime Minister regarding โฆ
MP retirement perks: Act leader David Seymour happy to trim perks, Labour leader Chris Hipkins less keen
- Act leader David Seymour is open to reducing retirement perks for Members of Parliament. - Labour leader Chris Hipkins expressed less enthusiasm for cutting these benefits. - The discussion highlighโฆ
Queenstown chef Paul Froggatt earns two Michelin stars, leading New Zealand culinary scene
- Chef Paul Froggatt earned two Michelin stars, the only chef in New Zealand to receive multiple stars. - Froggatt's achievement was recognized in the inaugural New Zealand Michelin Guide. - The articโฆ
Chinese Embassy in Kiribati Accuses Critics of 'Double Standards' Over Missile Test
- The Chinese Embassy in Kiribati defended China's recent nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, calling criticism "double standards." - An embassy spokesperson stated the missile warhead โฆ
New Zealand to unveil new rules for international supermarket investors
- New Zealand's Acting Prime Minister David Seymour will announce new regulations for international investors in the supermarket sector. - The government aims to increase competition in the grocery maโฆ
Fiji's Rising Handball Stars Ready to Take on the World
- A 12-member Fiji U18 women's handball team will be the first Pacific Island nation to compete in the International Handball Federation (IHF) Women's Youth World Championship in Romania. - The team fโฆ
Three prisoners killed in Papua New Guinea escape attempt
- Three prisoners died and five were injured during an attempted escape from Baisu Prison in Papua New Guinea's Western Highlands Province on Sunday. - The Papua New Guinea Correctional Service cited โฆ
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little on his late-night flooding state of emergency declaration: โIt just kept comingโ
- Wairoa Mayor Craig Little declared a state of emergency due to impending flooding and high tide. - Emergency services were stretched as the Wairoa River burst its banks, leading to 14 homes being yeโฆ
Pฤmu methane research: Inside the Taupล barn measuring livestock emissions
- Pฤmu, a New Zealand agricultural organization, is researching livestock emissions in a specialized barn facility. - The facility houses heifers for over two months, allowing researchers to measure mโฆ
Rugby: Winless weekend for Fiji, Samoa and Tonga as they suffer triple setback
- Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga rugby teams suffered significant losses in their recent World Rugby test matches. - Fiji was heavily defeated by England, while Samoa lost to Georgia and Tonga to Spain. - Theโฆ
Wellington mental health staff say police refused to help during violent patient incident
- Mental health staff at Wellington Hospital allege police refused to intervene during a violent patient incident. - Staff claim officers observed as a patient attempted to break down a door and made โฆ
Bay of Plenty Volunteer Coastguard has 1200 litres of fuel stolen
- Thieves stole 1200 liters of fuel from the Waihฤซ Beach Volunteer Coastguard in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. - The organization had to dip into its contingency fund to replace the stolen fuel. - The Cโฆ
Fiji Police confirm 76 washed-up parcels tested positive for cocaine
- Fiji police confirmed 76 parcels found washed ashore in the Lau Group and other islands tested positive for cocaine. - Authorities are collaborating with the Australian Federal Police to trace the oโฆ
Misunderstanding or cover up? Winston Peters says New Zealanders need reassurance on India FTA commitment
- New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters questioned the wording of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. - Confusion arose over whether the agreement commits to "invest" or "promote" $20 bilโฆ
MethaneSAT review launched after $29m NZ taxpayer-funded mission failure
- A review has been launched into the failure of the MethaneSAT mission, which received $29 million in New Zealand taxpayer funding. - The Environmental Defence Fund (EDF), responsible for the missionโฆ
Business Canterbury launches push for faster decisions on regional growth โ Leann Watson
- Business Canterbury is urging faster decision-making to stimulate regional growth. - The organization warns that the region risks becoming complacent without urgent action. - Leann Watson's commentaโฆ
Businesses hiring seasonal staff are being warned to do things by the book
- New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is monitoring businesses in Central Otago for compliance with seasonal hiring laws. - The agency has received ongoing complaints โฆ
How screen addiction traps parents, teens and grandparents alike โ Editorial
- An editorial argues that screen addiction significantly impacts people of all ages, including parents, teens, and seniors. - It highlights that some individuals over 70 spend as much time on their pโฆ
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown expresses mixed feelings about City Rail Link opening, questions future-proofing
- Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown expressed mixed feelings about the upcoming City Rail Link opening. - He specifically questioned the future-proofing aspects of the Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu statioโฆ
SkyCity Matariki night markets welcome Mฤori New Year
- SkyCity hosted Matariki night markets on Federal Street in Auckland to celebrate the Mฤori New Year. - The event featured various attractions, including food stalls and traditional Mฤori moko (tattoโฆ
Lotto Powerball jackpot climbs to $28m as 24 players share second division win
- The Lotto Powerball jackpot has climbed to $28 million after no major winners in the latest draw. - However, 24 players won a share of the second division prize, each receiving $16,396. - Two Aucklaโฆ
Boy with Down syndrome denied residency after Immigration NZ cost concerns
- Immigration New Zealand denied residency to a boy with Down syndrome, citing potential demands on special education services. - The boy's mother reported that doctors in their homeland attributed hiโฆ
Coalition Slump Continues in New Zealand Polls; Labour Edges Ahead
- A new poll of polls indicates a continued slump for the current coalition government in New Zealand. - Labour is polling slightly ahead of National, with Chris Hipkins' party at 30.9% and Christopheโฆ
Northland meth crisis deepens as families fight to break cycle of control
- The methamphetamine crisis in New Zealand's Northland region is intensifying, impacting families. - Addiction often leads individuals into cycles of control, where they either become subservient to โฆ
Tribunal orders ex to return $24,000 after spending on home renovation, boat expenses
- A woman has been ordered by the Disputes Tribunal to repay $24,000 to her ex-partner for home renovation and boating expenses. - The tribunal ruled that the funds, initially from a previous relationโฆ
Fiji, Samoa, Tonga Face Tough Rugby Tests This Weekend in Nations Championship and Cup
- Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga face challenging rugby matches in the second round of the Nations Championship and World Rugby Nations Cup. - Fiji plays England in Liverpool, with coach Senirusi Seruvakula eโฆ
Pro-France Virginie Ruffenach elected New Caledonia Congress president
- Virginie Ruffenach, aligned with the pro-France bloc, was elected president of the New Caledonia Congress. - She secured 28 out of 54 votes, defeating the pro-independence candidate Dominique Fochi.โฆ
Former coup leader re-enters Fiji political debate with challenge to immunity and national identity
- Former coup leader George Speight has re-entered Fiji's political discourse. - Speight, who was imprisoned for over two decades, is calling for confessions from those involved in past political upheโฆ
Can picking personal Lotto lines change the odds? We ran the numbers โ Timothy Falcon Crack and Peter Alexander Whigham
- A study analyzed a Lotto New Zealand dataset of 400 million played games to determine if personal number selection affects odds. - The analysis suggests that Lucky Dip tickets, chosen randomly by thโฆ
Paralytic shellfish toxin found in Marlborough Sounds, warning issued
- Unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish toxin have been detected in mussels in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. - New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has issued a warning advising people not to collect โฆ
Matariki's Message for the Pacific: 'We Need Each Other More Than We Understand'
- A Mฤori astronomer urges the Pacific region to unite, stating "we need each other more than we understand." - Matariki, the Mฤori name for the Pleiades star cluster, signifies the start of the new yโฆ
US declares public health emergency for CNMI and Guam after Super Typhoon Bavi
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency for the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam after Super Typhoon Bavi. - The declaration allows federal authorities tโฆ
New Zealand Explores New Alliances 40 Years After Anzus Rift
- New Zealand is exploring a new alliance, the "Ocean of Peace," potentially joining Australia. - This move comes 40 years after the U.S. suspended defense obligations under the Anzus treaty. - The โฆ
Black swans flock to Auckland beaches, dividing residents over their fate
- Black swans have appeared in large numbers on Auckland's eastern beaches, prompting a division among local residents. - While some residents, like Kate Johns, actively feed and care for the birds, oโฆ
Wairoa flooding: Evacuations in Hawkeโs Bay town as river overflows into streets, high tide nears
- Evacuations are underway in Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, as the Wairoa River overflows its banks. - The town is experiencing flooding, with river water entering streets. - Residents are urged to evacuate toโฆ
Palau President Warns of Rising Nuclear Anxiety After China Missile Test
- Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr. expressed concern over China's recent nuclear-capable ballistic missile test in the South Pacific. - Whipps stated that such opaque actions by China raise anxieโฆ
City Rail Link opening nears after emergency crews tackle fires, explosions and derailment drills
- Emergency crews in Auckland have simulated various train emergencies, including fires, explosions, and derailments, as part of final testing for the City Rail Link. - These drills are a crucial stepโฆ
NZ Election 2026 poll: Hipkins, Luxon tied as preferred Prime Minister
- A new poll shows Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon are virtually tied in preferred Prime Minister rankings ahead of the 2026 election. - The latest survey results were released on Thursday. - The โฆ
World Ploughing Bid Hit by Shipping Drama
- New Zealand ploughing champion Mark Dillon faces uncertainty for the World Ploughing Championships in Croatia due to his equipment being stranded at sea. - The shipping issue has jeopardized his parโฆ
Auckland rail network closed for final City Rail Link testing
- Auckland's entire rail network is closed for a four-day testing period of the City Rail Link. - The closure is part of a final dress rehearsal before the underground loop opens to commuters. - Officโฆ
Police Officer Accused of Possessing Objectionable Material Granted Heavy Name Suppression
- A police officer accused of possessing objectionable material has been granted name suppression due to concerns of extreme hardship. - The officer's name will remain secret until the case's final diโฆ
Waikato ED death highlights nurses' need for more than gaming events
- A death in the Waikato emergency department highlights the critical need for better support for nurses. - Emergency nurses are facing immense pressure due to understaffing and high patient volumes. โฆ
Pacific nations hail Australia-backed multi-million dollar rugby league deal
- Four major Pacific rugby league nations have welcomed a new AU$250 million, 10-year partnership with the Australian Rugby League Commission. - The deal, signed in Brisbane, aims to strengthen the fuโฆ
Minister Chris Bishop to make transport pipeline announcement
- New Zealand's Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced a phased pipeline for transport projects, including Roads of National Significance (Rons). - Five Rons have been placed on a "slow track" due โฆ
Eco-concrete and grass tech win top awards at Pacific climate forum
- Eco-concrete and grass-based soil stabilization systems won top awards at the Pacific Innovation Forum. - The forum focused on climate and environmental innovation in Vanuatu. - These technologies aโฆ