Holi overstayers: Future visa applications from company to be scrutinised

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Immigration New Zealand says it will carefully assess any future visa applications linked to Delhi-based CD Foundation after 18 performers who arrived for a Holi celebration in Auckland in February overstayed their visas. In early March, Immigration New Zealand told RNZ it was trying to contact cultural … Read more

‘Really good at a bad ponytail’: Dads learning new hair skills

Source: Radio New Zealand Dads in Hawke’s Bay will soon be able to tell their braids from a ponytail thanks to a new class helping fathers learn practical hair skills. Eastern Institute of Technology hairdressing tutor and mum Courtney Cook told Checkpoint growing up her dad always did her hair, which she said was special … Read more

Papatoetoe local charged over offensive graffiti released on bail

Source: Radio New Zealand 123RF A Papatoetoe man has been released on bail after appearing in court charged over anti-Indian graffiti sprayed outside an Auckland school. The message, which incited violence against the Indian community, was first spotted on Saturday near Papatoetoe Central School and the man was arrested on Thursday morning. Another piece of … Read more

Nelson footbridge graffitied with hate speech targetting Jewish people

Source: Radio New Zealand The graffiti appeared on a footbridge over the Maitai River, but was painted over an hour after the council was alerted to its presence. File picture. RNZ / Tracy Neal Nelson City Council and the New Zealand Jewish Council have condemned anti-Semitic behaviour, after hate speech targeting Jewish people was graffitied … Read more

SIAM PARAGON Solidifies World-Class Success as the Global Songkran Destination

Source: Media Outreach “SIAM PARAGON SUMMERBEATS MUSIC FEST 2026” Captivates Thai and International Tourists A Resounding Success Merging Tradition, Fashion, Music, and Lifestyle in the Heart of Bangkok BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2026 – Siam Paragon reaffirms its status as a world-class global destination and a top-of-mind landmark for both … Read more

NZ’s medicinal cannabis ecosystem hopes to harvest value-add opportunities

Source: Radio New Zealand Southern Medicinal has converted the old Mataura paper mill into a medicinal cannabis and hemp growing, testing and processing facility. Supplied / Southern Medicinal The budding medicinal cannabis sector is struggling to put down roots and another specialist processing factory is set to close. But regulators considering current rules and a … Read more

Willis promises to be ‘frank and candid’ about impact of Middle East conflict at White House meeting

Source: Radio New Zealand Nicola Willis is in Washington DC is attending the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings. RNZ / Mark Papalii Finance Minister Nicola Willis has promised to be “frank and candid” in her White House meetings overnight, as she seeks clarity about when the conflict in the Middle East might … Read more

Businesses frustrated as large trucks use suburb for parking

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ/Supplied Businesses in a South Auckland suburb say they are sick of 18-wheeler commercial trucks blocking their access paths, doing roadside repairs and leaving oil on the streets. They often park on berms, blind corners and block driveways. Janine Allen from local business Mfi Engineering said she has had a gutsful. … Read more

Police name two 15-year-olds who died in Hamilton crash

Source: Radio New Zealand The crash happened on Wairere Drive in Hamilton on Monday. RNZ / Marika Khabazi Two 15-year-olds have died in a crash in Hamilton. The crash which happened on Wairere Drive on Monday involved a car, with four people inside, and a truck. Police have now named those who died as Jrusc … Read more

Two boys dead after water-related incident in Tarawera River, Kawerau

Source: Radio New Zealand The Tarawera River, where two people died on Thursday. Google Maps Two local children were killed when a riverbank collapsed in the Tarawera River near Boyce Park in Kawerau. The boys were aged 10 and 12. Emergency services were called about 11.30am on Thursday, after a report of a party getting … Read more

Paymentology Expands into Australia, Powering the Next Generation of Fintech Innovation

Source: Media Outreach SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2026 – Paymentology, the leading global issuer-processor, today announced its official entry into the Australian market, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. With a proven track record of enabling banks, fintechs, and digital disruptors worldwide, Paymentology is bringing its advanced, … Read more

American microbiologist behind global water safety breakthrough wins 2026 Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize

Source: Media Outreach Professor Joan Bray Rose recognised for pioneering Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) as a global approach for assessing pathogen risks in water QMRA adopted into global drinking water standards and enabled safe water reuse, benefitting millions worldwide SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2026 – Professor Joan Bray Rose has … Read more

61-year-old charged over anti-Indian graffiti in Auckland released on bail

Source: Radio New Zealand 123RF A Papatoetoe man has been released on bail after appearing in court charged over anti-Indian graffiti sprayed outside an Auckland school. The message, which incited violence against the Indian community, was first spotted on Saturday near Papatoetoe Central School and the man was arrested on Thursday morning. Another piece of … Read more

Update: deaths following water-related incident, Kawerau

Source: New Zealand Police Attributable to Inspector Phil Gillbanks, Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander: Local kaumatua have performed karakia and placed a rahui on the Tarawera River following two tragic deaths from a water-related incident this afternoon in Kawerau. Emergency services were alerted to the incident at Boyce Park at around 11.30am today. … Read more

NZ cricketers gaining vaulable experience in Asian conditions

Source: Radio New Zealand Shoriful Islam of Bangladesh celebrates the wicket of Glenn Phillips, 2023. Aaron Gillions / Photosport Black Caps coach Rob Walter says it is fortunate that there are so many New Zealand cricketers experiencing conditions in Asia. Walter’s side has arrived in Bangladesh for a white ball series that includes three ODI’s … Read more

Willis promises to be ‘frank and candid’ about impact of Middle East confict at White House meeting

Source: Radio New Zealand Nicola Willis is in Washington DC is attending the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings. RNZ / Mark Papalii Finance Minister Nicola Willis has promised to be “frank and candid” in her White House meetings overnight, as she seeks clarity about when the conflict in the Middle East might … Read more

Stewart Island trust raising money to build suitable homes for elderly residents

Source: Radio New Zealand Bruce Ford is head of the Stewart Island Seniors Cottage Trust. RNZ / Mark Papalii Stewart Island resident Bruce Ford reckons there’s a problem with getting old on Rakiura – there’s nowhere suitable to do it. The local of 60 years is the head of the Stewart Island Seniors Cottage Trust. … Read more

Groups call on fast-track panel to decline controversial West Coast hydro proposal

Source: Radio New Zealand The Morgan Gorge. Neil Silverwood Outdoors and environmental groups are calling on a fast-track panel to decline a controversial West Coast hydro proposal. Westpower Limited have draft approval to build the $200 million Waitaha hydro scheme on conservation land between Hokitika and Franz Josef Glacier. The plan is to build a … Read more

Police memo on bargaining campaign attempt to ‘intimidate members’ – union

Source: Radio New Zealand Union members were asking police, the Public Service Commission and government to “repay the risks endemic in the role of a police officer”. The Police Association says it’s “extremely concerned” a police memo to staff regarding a pay bargaining campaign was “an attempt to intimidate members”. The association also says the … Read more

Public asked if council should borrow to help pay for Picton ferry redevelopment

Source: Radio New Zealand An artist’s impression of one of the new ferries loading. FHL Marlborough locals are being asked if they should pay Port Marlborough’s $110 million share of the Picton ferry redevelopment. The work in Picton is estimated to cost $531m and is part of the $1.867 billion Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme. … Read more

Business NZ seeks government loan support for firms moving away from gas

Source: Radio New Zealand 123rf Business New Zealand is making what it says is a rare plea for business supports – in the form of below-market rate loans to help businesses shift away from gas. The pitch comes on the back of a report by the group’s Energy Council, which has found up to 8 … Read more

EduCareerSG Integrates AI into Career Accelerator to Strengthen Emotional Readiness in the Workplace

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2026 – EduCareerSG has enhanced its Experiential Career Accelerator (ECA) programme through the integration of AI-enabled monitoring and support tools designed to strengthen trainees’ emotional readiness as they transition into the workforce. The integration reflects EduCareerSG’s long-held belief that emotional management is not separate … Read more

The 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit Concludes Successfully

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2026 – On April 14, the two-day 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, themed “Digital and Intelligent Empowerment for Innovative Development — Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace,” came to a successful conclusion. This year marks the second … Read more

Major delays, serious injuries after two crashes in Northland

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / REECE BAKER Motorists are being warned to expect major delays after two crashes in Northland on Thursday afternoon. Emergency services responded to a serious single-vehicle crash on State Highway 14, Tangiteroria about 2.40pm. Police said initial indications was that there were serious injuries. They were then advised of a … Read more

Why visitors to Western Springs (and other parks) shouldn’t feed the birds

Source: Radio New Zealand Auckland’s Western Springs Park is a home to numerous native waterfowl and other birds. Older generations remember a time when feeding birds at the park was a popular weekend activity for many families. But times have changed, and local authorities are now urging visitors to refrain from feeding the birds to … Read more

Ex‑Xero staffer Ally Naylor lays complaint with police over Sir Rod Drury

Source: Radio New Zealand Sir Rod Drury is a former Xero chief executive and 2026 New Zealander of the year. RNZ / Diego Opatowski Former Xero staffer Ally Naylor says she has laid a complaint with the police about former chief executive and 2026 New Zealander of the Year Sir Rod Drury. The complaint alleges … Read more