Ruth Money appointed Chief Victims Advisor

Source: New Zealand Government Ruth Money MNZM has been appointed New Zealand’s Chief Victims Advisor, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.“Ms Money is already an outspoken and energetic victims advocate with a proven track record of driving change. She has been a full-time volunteer since 2012 following a successful business career, and has extensive experience across … Read more

Rental sector guidance for landlords and tenants

Source: Privacy Commissioner State houses at Arapuni Hydro Works from Archives NZ record number A1124 The guidance below is for tenants, landlords, and others in the rental accommodation sector to clarify what information may be requested at every stage of the rental process. We have also launched a new monitoring and compliance programme to ensure … Read more

Best spots to enjoy Valentine’s Day in Auckland

Source: Auckland Council Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day… and it’s in the water and on the land all across the Auckland region. This year Tāmaki Makaurau is more loved up than ever on 14 February with festivities, walks and outdoor spots that are perfect for expressing aroha. Whether you’re spending time with … Read more

Three bags full: Sweet arrest in Pukekohe

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Three bags choco-block full of stolen items from a Pukekohe supermarket has landed one woman in court. Yesterday at about 2.45pm, officers were conducting a prevention patrol in the Tobin Street area when a member of the public alerted them to a woman allegedly taking a number of items … Read more

Man arrested after officers threatened with machete

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Attribute to Inspector Lincoln Sycamore A man faces a raft of charges after allegedly swinging a machete at Police in Napier overnight. A 21-year-old Taradale man has been charged with dangerous driving; possession of an offensive weapon; assaulting Police; injures with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; resisting Police; … Read more

Nowhere to hide for dangerous driver

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) A driver who allegedly fled from Police, drove with no lights on and attempted to hide inside a roof cavity, will now appear in court. Just after midnight, an officer reported seeing a black Honda Integra travelling at speed through the Hillsborough area. Auckland City West Area Prevention Manager, … Read more

Obituaries – In Loving Memory – the passing of Raymond Thompson MNZM

Source: Cloud 9 Screen Entertainment Group Message: 9th February 2025 – Beloved, respected and cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, confidante, mentor, motivator, inspiration and guiding light, Ray passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep in Australia on January 15th, 2025. Ray had great respect and esteem for his friends and colleagues in the … Read more

Auckland Council urges vigilance against wildfire risks in regional and local parks

Source: Auckland Council Wildfires in California, bushfires in Australia and some significant vegetation fires across Aotearoa has brought global attention to fire risk and is a good reminder of the risks posed by wildfires closer to home in Auckland’s regional and local parks. While Auckland’s cooler, damper climate provides some natural protection, climate change is … Read more

Tech and Security – Ingram Micro to Distribute Avast Small Business Solutions in New Zealand

Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners for Avast AUCKLAND, 10 February 2025 – Avast, a leader in digital security and privacy and part of Gen™, has announced that Avast Small Business Solutions will now be available in New Zealand through local distributor Ingram Micro New Zealand. This increases the range of cybersecurity solutions available to small … Read more

Activist News – Winston Peters refusal to join 79 countries to protect the International Criminal Court puts New Zealand firmly in Trump’s minority, lawless, hard-right camp – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa   Winston Peters’ refusal to join other 79 countries trying to protect the International Criminal Court after vicious attacks and sanctions issued by US President Trump is unconscionable.   “Endless New Zealand politicians, including the present government, have pointed to our support for a rules-based international system” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. … Read more

Federated Farmers proposes seven changes to lighten ratepayer burden

Source: Federated Farmers After rampant rates rises across the country last year, Federated Farmers is calling for the Government to make seven key changes to restore confidence in local decision-making. “The funding model for our councils is broken,” Sandra Faulkner, Federated Farmers local government spokesperson, says. “Rage about rates increases will feature strongly when voters have … Read more

Spartina control vital to protecting native species

Source: Department of Conservation Date:  10 February 2025 Spartina is a fast-growing, salt-tolerant grass that can grow to two metres tall. Although it was originally planted in locations across New Zealand in the 1940s to stabilise land for reclamation, it has become an aggressive and persistent invader of inter-tidal mudflats – like those found around Coromandel … Read more

Release: Watered down investor visa will fail economy

Source: New Zealand Labour Party Erica Stanford has reached peak shortsightedness if today’s announcement is anything to go by, picking apart immigration settings piece by piece to the detriment of the New Zealand economy. “Dumbing down the rules for the investor visa risks watering down the economic benefits for New Zealand,” Labour immigration spokesperson Phil … Read more

Release: Craven silence on ICC conveys consent

Source: New Zealand Labour Party New Zealand has long been a member of the International Criminal Court, which impartially prosecutes serious war criminals for atrocities. “The United States of America is attacking the ICC with sanctions and undermining its important and respected role as a prosecutor of war criminals,” Labour foreign affairs spokesperson David Parker … Read more

Respect your elders: Driving change for vintage vehicles

Source: New Zealand Government The Government will consult on reducing the frequency of Warrant of Fitness and Certificate of Fitness inspections for vintage light vehicles and private heavy motorhomes. At present these vehicles must be inspected every six months.  The consultation proposes to extend this to a year. The Government is looking to reduce unnecessarily … Read more

PSA seeks Privacy Commissioner investigation into reckless cuts at Health NZ Te Whatu Ora

Source: PSA Patient information at risk of privacy breach from deep cuts to IT staff The PSA is asking the Privacy Commissioner to urgently investigate Health NZ’s plan to decimate its IT staff as part of the Government’s plans to cut health costs. “The PSA is taking the unusual step of asking the Privacy Commissioner to … Read more

Fatal crash: Oregan Road, Ngāhinapōuri

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Ngāhinapōuri this evening. The single vehicle crash on Oregan Road was reported at about 7:45pm. One person died at the scene, a second person sustained serious injuries. The road is currently closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct … Read more

Arts – YOUTH WRITING MENTORSHIPS OPEN FOR 2025

Source: NZSA Youth Mentor Programme The NZSA Youth Mentor Programme seeks Emerging Young Writers Four secondary school students will have the opportunity to be mentored by one of New Zealand’s best professional authors in order to develop their craft and hone their writing skills. The NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme offers aspiring young writers aged 15 … Read more

BusinessNZ – New Zealand more attractive to foreign investment

Source: BusinessNZ Changes to investor visa settings will make New Zealand more attractive as an investment destination, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich. We welcome the next move in the government’s foreign investment strategy to attract high net wealth individuals and their families. Investors bring international business networks, unique skills and expertise as well as capital … Read more

Rescue on the Wakaia River

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Three men have been rescued after being reported missing while rafting on the Waikaia River near Piano Flat. Police were alerted at around 9.30pm yesterday that the men did not reach their designated pick-up point after a planned trip on the river. After making initial enquiries overnight, Police Search … Read more

Going for Growth: Unlocking investment in NZ

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is modernising visa settings to incentivise migrants to invest in New Zealand.“Foreign investment has the potential to provide jobs for Kiwis, lift incomes by delivering new businesses and investing in existing ones. We should be rolling out the welcome mat and encouraging investor migrants to choose New Zealand as … Read more

Police urging caution on the roads as thousands depart region

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) As people travel back home from the Burt Munro Challenge, we remind motorists that our highways are not racetracks and there is no prize for getting home first. Thousands of people are leaving the Invercargill region in the coming days, prompting our reminder to drive safely so you reach … Read more

Fatal Crash, Kakaramea Road, Ngahinapouri

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) One person has died following a serious crash in Ngahinapouri this morning. Police were alerted to the single vehicle crash on Kakaramea Road/SH39 at around 8.55am. Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency services, one person died at the scene. There are no other injuries reported. The road is closed … Read more

Police closely monitoring Hawke’s Bay tangi

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Attribute to Detective Inspector Martin James: There will be a visible Police presence in the Hawke’s Bay on Monday for the tangi of a senior member of the Mongrel Mob. In the morning, the deceased will be taken from Mahora to Moteo for burial, with more than 100 gang … Read more

Fatal Crash, Parihauhau Road, Parikino

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) A man has died following a crash involving a ute and a motorbike on Parihauhau Road, Parikino this afternoon. Emergency services responded to the scene around 1:40pm. The motorcyclist was located deceased, and the occupants of the vehicle were uninjured. The Serious Crash Unit has completed a scene examination … Read more

Fatality, Maketu

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) A person has died on the northern end of Maketu Beach this afternoon. Emergency services were advised just after 4pm today that an unresponsive male had washed up on the shoreline. Despite immediate medical attention, he was sadly unable to be revived. The man’s death will be referred to … Read more

Fatal water incident, Rakaia River

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) A woman has died following a water incident at the Rakaia river mouth this afternoon. Around 1pm emergency services responded to the south side of the Rakaia River mouth, following reports a group had become stuck in the river after attempting to cross on quad bikes. Fire and Emergency … Read more