Kiwi aboard cruise ship with deadly hantavirus outbreak hasn’t requested consular help

Source: Radio New Zealand An aerial view of the cruise ship MV Hondius stationary off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde. AFP A New Zealander onboard a cruise ship experiencing a hantavirus outbreak has not requested consular assistance to date, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A ministry spokesperson said … Read more

The six safety issues that stranded the Kaitaki in the Cook Strait

Source: Radio New Zealand The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has outlined six major system failures in a report on the loss of power aboard the Interislander ferry Kaitaki in 2023. The ship shut down and drifted for an hour, dangerously close to rocks near Wellington Harbour, with 864 people on board on 28 January, resulting … Read more

Man charged with murdering Ruatiti couple

Source: Radio New Zealand Brendon and Trina Cole were found dead at a rural property in Ruatiti last December. SUPPLIED A 30-year-old is facing murder charges in relation to the December deaths of Brendon and Trina Cole. The bodies of 56-year-old Brendon Leigh Cole and 54-year-old Trina Michelle Cole were found at a rural property … Read more

New climate report yet more reason to reduce dairy herd – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling for immediate action to reduce the size of New Zealand’s largest climate polluter, the intensive dairy industry. This follows the release of the 2026 National Climate Risk Assessment today by the Government’s independent Climate Change Commission. Greenpeace agriculture spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “Already this year, New Zealanders have faced one climate change-fuelled … Read more

CUHK Claims Top Positions in Hong Kong and Asia in the Latest QS World University Rankings by Subject

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has achieved outstanding results in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, released on 25 March, further cementing its position as a global leader in research and academic excellence. Ten CUHK subjects … Read more

Maritime NZ response to the TAIC report into the 2023 Kaitaki blackout

Source: Maritime New Zealand The Interislander ferry Kaitaki blackout event, when it lost power south of Wellington in January 2023, was a close call, and would have been traumatising for those onboard when the ferry lost power. As soon as the MAYDAY call was relayed, Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) – (which is the lead for mass rescue coordination and safety of life) – initiated the … Read more

Luffa Announces Major Brand Upgrade: Repositioned as AI × Web3 Super Connector

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2026 – Luffa, a global leading intelligent ecosystem platform, officially unveiled a major brand upgrade, repositioning as the AI × Web3 Super Connector. Centered on AI agents, it provides an integrated intelligent collaboration and value-flow system for global individuals, creators, brands, communities and … Read more

Meridian innovation supplies more energy than capacity of two wind farms combined

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Alexander Robertson Meridian Energy says it has applied technology to squeeze more energy out of its existing assets – enough to supply electricity to between 60,000 and 80,000 homes. The renewable energy company was able to deliver about 83 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity from existing hydro generators through … Read more

Police recruit showed another porn, asked unsolicited sexual questions

Source: Radio New Zealand Police initially decided against a criminal investigation. (File photo) RNZ / Angus Dreaver A police recruit asked unsolicited sexual questions of another recruit and showed them pornographic material on his phone while masturbating, the police watchdog has revealed. The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a summary of a police investigation … Read more

Luxon missing in action as climate costs pile up

Source: Green Party The Green Party says today’s National Climate Change Risk Assessment from the Climate Change Commission confirms Luxon’s failure to act on climate is driving up the cost of living for New Zealanders. “Luxon likes to talk about preparing New Zealand for a rainy day. The Commission is clear that he is refusing to invest … Read more

NZ announces sanctions on malicious Russian cyber actors, online platforms

Source: New Zealand Government Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced a new round of sanctions targeting malicious cyber actors and others supporting Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.   Today’s sanctions package designates 20 individuals and entities. Among them are actors supporting the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare tactics, by enabling Russian cybercrime activity that supports the war, and the dissemination of anti-Ukraine propaganda aimed at legitimising Moscow’s illegal … Read more

Emirates restores 96 percent of its global network, but Auckland services still reduced

Source: Radio New Zealand Emirates was travelling at 75 percent of its pre-Iran capacity. (File photo) Thierry Monasse Dubai-based airline Emirates says it has restored 96 percent of its global network, although its Auckland service continues to operate at a reduced level. The airline faced significant disruption as the United Arab Emirates came under attack … Read more

Federated Farmers – Government running out of time on freshwater fix

Source: Federated Farmers With today marking six months until the next election, Federated Farmers says the Government is rapidly running out of time to fix a broken freshwater system. Freshwater spokesperson Colin Hurst says while progress has been made repealing or replacing some of the previous Government’s unworkable freshwater rules, far too many of the rules … Read more

Federated Farmers – Countdown begins for Canterbury local government reform

Source: Federated Farmers Federated Farmers is calling on Canterbury’s council leaders to move quickly and show real leadership for their communities in the face of impending local government reform. “The starting pistol has been fired and there’s now real urgency here to get this right,” says Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green. “Central Government has … Read more

Health – Medical Specialist Association reaches agreement with Health NZ, looks to next steps

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Toi Mata Hauora (ASMS) has ratified a new collective agreement with Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora. The new agreement has been endorsed by 94 per cent of members who voted in an indicative ballot this week. “This is positive news,” ASMS … Read more

At this party, everyone is the same height

Source: Radio New Zealand How’s the weather up there? Standing at nearly 5 feet 2 inches tall (about 157cm), I’ve rarely been able to reach the highest shelves at the library or in my kitchen without a step stool, if at all. Standing in a crowd at a concert, I quickly learned that the standing … Read more

Pasifika unemployment rate remains highest in New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand Supplied/ Unsplash – Josh Olalde Pasifika people continue to have the highest unemployment rate out of any ethnic group in Aotearoa. Unemployment figures released Wednesday show an 11.9 percent unemployment rate for Pasifika in the first quarter of 2026, compared to a national rate of 5.3 percent. For Pasifika, it is … Read more

Senior doctors settle pay claim after 19 months of rancour

Source: Radio New Zealand Unsplash / Hush Naidoo Jade After 19 months of bargaining and several strikes, senior doctors have ratified a pay agreement with Health NZ. Ninety-four percent of members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists had endorsed the offer in an indicative ballot this week. Te Whatu Ora said it would affect … Read more

ANZ customers underpaid their mortgages – so why are they set to get a payout?

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Marika Khabazi News this week that the High Court at Auckland had ruled against ANZ in a class action over breaches of the Consumer Contract and Credit Finance Act was the latest move in a long-running saga. But considering that no customers were left out of pocket by the … Read more

New biodiversity plan focuses on turning the tide

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  23 April 2026 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation The Government has set out its priorities to restore biodiversity in New Zealand and make a difference for nature, in the ‘Action for Nature’ – Implementation plan for Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.   “Biodiversity underpins … Read more

TVNZ found in breach of broadcasting standards over Trump report

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Marika Khabazi TVNZ has been found in breach of broadcasting standards in its reporting of US President Donald Trump’s supposed comments after the arrest of the man alleged to have shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In a press release by the Broadcasting Standards Authority, it said it upheld three … Read more

Call for proposals to restore the historic Chateau Tongariro

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  19 March 2026 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation Located in the heart of Tongariro National Park, the Chateau has long been an iconic destination for visitors and an important part of the region’s identity. “The Request for Proposals (RFP), opening on 19 March 2026, invites interested parties to put … Read more

NZ Ambassador to Chair WTO General Council

Source: New Zealand Government Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Clare Kelly as Chair of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) General Council.  It is only the second time a New Zealander has chaired the General Council, which is the highest-level WTO decision-making body in Geneva.  “Ms Kelly brings deep … Read more

Access changes at Wye Creek

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  07 May 2026 Source:  Department of Conservation and Pioneer Energy The primary purpose of the structures is worker access to the hydro scheme, south of Queenstown, however public usage has surged in recent years, with around 12,000 people crossing the dam and pipeline per year. Because of the significant increase in … Read more

NRL: Luke Metcalf’s management seeking clarification of Warriors role – reports

Source: Radio New Zealand Luke Metcalf has played twice at five-eighth for the Warriors in 2026. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport Reports Warriors half Luke Metcalf is seeking reassurance about his future role are being met with no comment from the club. Metcalf, 27, was a key re-signing over the summer – extending his stay at Mt Smart … Read more

Dogged determination locates fleeing youths

Source: New Zealand Police A Police Tactical Dog Team was on the scent of fleeing youths last week, tracking them through Northland bush for over a kilometre. Just after midnight on 2 May, Police received reports of a group attempting to steal vehicles in Kerikeri and Whangārei. Northland District Prevention Manager, Inspector Dean Robinson, says … Read more

Drugs, guns and plywood – man arrested for midnight movements

Source: New Zealand Police Attributable to Inspector Matenga Gray, Area Commander Manawatu A man is in court this morning following a Police stop which found him in possession of a pistol, drugs and a large amount of cash. Just after 11.30pm last night, Police were patrolling on Hobson Street in Feilding and observed a man … Read more