De Beers Group debuts Desert diamonds in Shanghai

Source: Media Outreach Over 200 industry leaders, trendsetters and cultural figures gather at The Orbit to celebrate the much-anticipated launch event SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 August 2026 – De Beers Group unveiled the Desert diamonds campaign for Asia at West Bund Orbit in Shanghai. The immersive experience brought to life the … Read more

Construction Sector – Diesel drop keeps construction costs stable for now – QV

Source: Quotable Value Monday, 3 August 2026 Construction costs have remained broadly stable for the second month in a row, with the latest QV CostBuilder update showing minimal movement across key rates in July. Diesel prices fell sharply month-on-month, down 20.7% in the latest update, helping to reduce costs in fuel-intensive areas of construction work … Read more

Economy – Strong public interest in cash consultation – Reserve Bank

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua 3 August 2026 The Keeping Cash Local consultation has now closed with nearly 6000 responses received, and findings are expected to be released in late September. “This has been an important public consultation to seek feedback on a proposal for cash services access across Aotearoa … Read more

Consultation opens on Wellington heritage provisions

Source: New Zealand Government RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and launched consultation on Wellington’s heritage planning rules related to five key sites.  The report following a request from Wellington City Council for the Minister to exercise the regulation-making power in the Resource Management Act, which enables the Minister Responsible for…

Volunteer at Canterbury Regional Parks this winter

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council Volunteer at Canterbury Regional Parks this winter | Environment Canterbury Date: 03 Aug 2026 Waimakariri off-road clean-up 2026 When: Sunday, 9 August 2026, from 9:30am Where: Waimakariri River Regional Park – Harrs Road on the upstream side of the Eyre River Ford. Best access if it’s been wet is from…

Pharmac to refresh patient advisory function

Source: PHARMAC Pharmac is refreshing its patient advisory function as part of work to strengthen how patient voices and lived experience inform its decisions. “Pharmac’s focus over the past year has been to make sure the voices of patients and their families are at the heart of our decisions,” says Pharmac Chair Paula Bennett. As…

School Onsite Training Programme to provide 704 places every year from 2028

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is backing more Kiwi’s to train to be teachers by significantly expanding practical, classroom-based training and providing more support to attract teachers to schools facing persistent staffing challenges, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “We are investing $21.7 million over five years to expand the highly successful School Onsite Training…

Game over: Cops lock up alleged burglar

Source: New Zealand Police An attentive woman has aided in the recovery of her brother’s car after it was stolen from their Te Atatū South home in broad daylight on Saturday.  At about 2.30pm, Police received a call from a woman stating she had just seen her brother’s vehicle being driven by an unknown woman…

School Onsite Training Programme to provide 660 places every year from 2028

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is backing more Kiwi’s to train to be teachers by significantly expanding practical, classroom-based training and providing more support to attract teachers to schools facing persistent staffing challenges, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “We are investing $21.7 million over five years to expand the highly successful School Onsite Training…

Reappointments for KGC and Transpower Boards

Source: New Zealand Government Directors Whaimutu Dewes and Owen Coppage have been reappointed to the Transpower Board until 2029, ensuring governance continuity as the national grid operator embarks on a transformative $13 billion investment programme over the next decade, State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown says.   “Whaimutu Dewes brings strong governance expertise, risk management, and a…

Man dies following incident in Pongakawa

Source: New Zealand Police A man critically injured in an incident in Pongakawa on Friday night has died. Police were called to Rotoehu Forest about 10:15pm on 31 July, where 24-year-old Harry Burlace was located in a critical condition. Harry has since died in Rotorua Hospital from his injuries. Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown says…

Rotorua opening shows future of value-added wood processing

Source: New Zealand Government Value-added wood processing is showing its potential in commercial construction, says Forestry Minister Todd McClay at the opening of Red Stag’s new VoMo factory in Rotorua. The Government is investing $3.2 million through the Primary Sector Growth Fund to support the VoMo (Volumetric Modulation) project, alongside Red Stag’s $4.8 million contribution,…

Local shellfish bans for Gulf extended

Source: New Zealand Government A ban on harvesting some types of shellfish in parts of Hauraki Gulf has been extended for another two years, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The extension to two-year closures at Umupuia Beach, Te Mātā and Waipatukahu, and Waiheke Island were requested by Ngāi Tai Ki Tamaki, Ngāti Tamaterā…

Fatal crash, Panmure

Source: New Zealand Police One person has died following a single vehicle crash in Panmure on Friday morning. Emergency services were called to Lagoon Drive following a report of a vehicle crashing into a pole at about 7.20am on Friday 31 July. Sadly, the sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene. A scene…

Appeal for information following aggravated burglary, Spotswood

Source: New Zealand Police Police are seeking information from the public following an aggravated burglary in Spotswood overnight. Detective Sergeant Chris Allemann says at around 10:30pm, several people entered a house on Tumai Street and assaulted an occupant of the house while they slept. “That person sustained serious injuries, and was transported to hospital for…

Chinese Original Kids Apparel Brand XINGZISHAN Makes Debut at Hong Kong’s Largest Eugene BB Expo, Marking a New Chapter of Domestic Brands Going Global

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 August 2026 – The Eugene BB Expo, Hong Kong’s largest annual maternity and baby grand event, grandly opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. XINGZISHAN, an original Chinese functional kids’ loungewear brand from mainland China, staged its highly anticipated debut at … Read more

Road blocked, serious crash, Puketapu

Source: New Zealand Police Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash that has blocked Puketapu Road where it intersects with Springfield Road. The two-vehicle collision was reported to Police about 2.30pm. One person is reported to have serious injuries. The road will remain closed while the Serious Crash Unit carries out a…

Fatal crash, Puketapu

Source: New Zealand Police Emergency services were called to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Puketapu and Springfield Roads about 2.30pm today.  Sadly, one person has died at the scene.  The road will remain closed while the Serious Crash Unit carries out a scene examination.  Diversions are in place and motorists should allow extra travel time.   ENDS Issued…

Candidate Announcement: Ron Mark Returns for NZFirst

Source: New Zealand First New Zealand First has confirmed today that former Minister of Defence Ron Mark will be standing for the party in the Wairarapa electorate this election. Mark brings much needed experience and skills having served as a Member of Parliament and as a senior Minister in government. His ministerial portfolios have included…

Road blocked, Ohaupo Road, Waipa

Source: New Zealand Police Ohaupo Road/SH3 is blocked following a single vehicle crash this afternoon.  Police were called to the crash near Great South Road around 12.35pm. One person has received critical injuries, and two others have received minor to moderate injuries.  The road is blocked while emergency services are in attendance. Diversions are in…

Fatal crash, Puriri Street, Whanganui

Source: New Zealand Police A person has died after being hit by a car in Whanganui. Emergency services were called to Puriri Street in Gonville just after 8:30pm on Saturday, to reports a car had hit a pedestrian near the intersection with Rogers Street. Sadly, despite medical attention, the pedestrian died at the scene. The…