Proposed import requirements for fresh blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) for human consumption

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Have your say From 31 March to 15 May 2026, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) invites comment on proposed import requirements for fresh blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) for human consumption. This page outlines: our assessment of market access requests from Chile, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, and the USA our approach … Read more

NGOs – MSF and 18 other NGOs, challenge Israel’s ban on operating in Palestine

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) 31 March, 2026: Following an initial hearing at Israel’s High Court on 23 March, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and 18 other leading humanitarian organisations reaffirm our decision to proceed with the petition we filed in February 2026 before the High Court, challenging Israel’s ban on 37 … Read more

Defence News – NZ Army and Pacific soldiers dig deep in core soldiering skills competition

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) New Zealand Army soldiers and their Pacific counterparts have been pushed to their limits in a fiercely contested 1st (NZ) Brigade Skill at Arms competition at Waiouru in the central North Island. Ten teams from across the brigade (including three Reserve Force teams) were last week joined by Australians, … Read more

April Fuels Day: Home support workers to rally across the country over fuel crisis

Source: PSA Home support workers who are being slammed by rising fuel costs are taking to the streets across the country on 1 April to call on the Government to urgently increase the mileage allowance. Workers will bring scooters, wheelbarrows, and toy cars to show the ridiculous lengths they’ll need to go to now they can … Read more

Opinion: “Cheaper care at home” is a myth – and the real cost is being hidden

Source: Aged Care Association The recent report by RNZ on unions taking Health New Zealand to court over travel costs should be a wake-up call for policymakers. For years, the Government has promoted care in the home as the more cost-effective option for supporting older New Zealanders. Keeping people out of residential care has been framed … Read more

Climate Studies – Fifty years of observations, no reversal of glacier climate damage

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand Fifty years on from the first aerial survey of our Southern Alps glaciers, late snow and variable summer weather delivered a temporary reprieve from rapid ice loss, says Earth Sciences New Zealand. Researchers carrying out this year’s end-of-summer snowline and glacier survey saw retained snow on some glaciers, but no reversal … Read more

Universities – Almost half of university students experiencing food insecurity – UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA New research finds high levels of student food insecurity with living away from home the main driver. Almost half of university students are experiencing food insecurity, with those living away from the family home and struggling financially at greatest risk, according to new research.  The study, led by Waipapa … Read more

Fonterra completes sale of Mainland Group to Lactalis

Source: Fonterra Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today completed the sale of its global consumer and associated businesses, Mainland Group, to Lactalis. Chairman Peter McBride says the completion of the sale is a significant milestone which sets the Co-op up for the future.   “With the divestment complete, Fonterra can return capital to its owners and focus on … Read more

Health – Drug checking service continues to grow

Source: NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri The NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri says it is crucial drug checking services continue to reach new people as drug use grows and diversifies. The charity, one of three licenced public drug checking providers, released its annual drug checking report today … Read more

Statistical area 2 and 3 population projections: 2023(base)–2053 – third instalment – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand Statistical area 2 and 3 population projections: 2023(base)–2053 – third instalment – information release 31 March 2026 Statistical area 2 (SA2) and statistical area 3 (SA3) population projections released in Aotearoa Data Explorer (ADE) provide an indication of future changes in the size and age-sex structure of the population usually living in … Read more

Reminder – Feedback on proposed changes to HLFS income data closes soon

Source: Statistics New Zealand Reminder – Feedback on proposed changes to Household Labour Force Survey income data closes soon 31 March 2026 We want your feedback on whether administrative (admin) data could be used to create viable replacements for Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) income measures. Feedback closes at 5pm on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. Share your feedback now. Proposed changes … Read more

Northbound lane of State Highway 51, Awatoto blocked by crash

Source: New Zealand Police The northbound lane of State Highway 51 near Awatoto is blocked after a crash this morning. Police were notified at 11.20am that a truck had collided with the central wire barrier before rolling, near the roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 51 and Awatoto Road.  The driver has been taken … Read more

Office of the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Regulatory Report 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 31 March 2026 The Office of the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services Regulatory Report 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 provides information and statistics relating to the use of compulsory assessment and treatment legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand. For more mental health and addiction … Read more

Five ways the Waiheke Local Board protects our environment

Source: Auckland Council Across Waiheke, locals are taking action – trapping pests, restoring wetlands, reducing waste and protecting marine life.   Backed by the Waiheke Local Board, these community-led efforts are helping safeguard the island’s environment and the wider Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana.   1. Restoring wetlands and native habitats  Wetlands across Waiheke are being restored through large-scale native planting and … Read more

Person stabbed then run over in Hastings

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / REECE BAKER A person was stabbed and then became the victim of a hit-and-run in Hastings on Monday night, but the incidents appear unrelated, police say. Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley said police were called to a hit-and-run on Heretaunga Street West, between Stortford Street and Davis Street, about 9.30pm. … Read more

Tech – LONG-TERM, BIPARTISAN TECH POLICIES NEEDED FOR NZ TO REALISE GROWTH POTENTIAL

Source: Tech New Zealand New Zealand’s $24 billion technology sector is calling on policymakers to put aside political differences and commit to a long-term, bipartisan strategy to secure the country’s economic future. Launching the Tech New Zealand 2026 election manifesto, CEO Graeme Muller warns that New Zealand’s prosperity is at risk without decisive action. “Our … Read more

Fire Safety – Parts of Nelson-Marlborough moving to restricted fire season

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand Fire and Emergency New Zealand is declaring a restricted fire season in the Coastal, Waimea and Lake Rotoiti zones of the Nelson-Marlborough District, from 8am on Tuesday 31 March until further notice. The Coastal, Waimea and Lake Rotoiti zones extend from and include Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National … Read more

Business leaders quantify major sustainable growth opportunity for New Zealand economy

Source: Sustainable Business Council New Zealand could boost its economy by more than $22 billion per year by 2035, while strengthening productivity, energy security, and long-term resilience, according to a major new business-led report released today. The report, Driving Sustainable Growth: Opportunities for New Zealand’s Economy, commissioned by the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders … Read more

Property Market – Property Sector Set for Billion-Dollar Expansion as Primary Exports Surge

Source: Impact PR for Calder Stewart Hundreds of millions of dollars of investment is set to be injected into large-scale industrial property developments as sustained growth in the country’s primary export industries drives demand for logistics facilities, cold storage and distribution infrastructure, according to new figures. Latest Ministry for Primary Industries forecasts show food and … Read more

Government reduces housing intensification rules for Auckland – again

Source: Radio New Zealand Housing Minister Chris Bishop. RNZ/Marika Khabazi The government has made yet another change to legislation setting out the plan to accommodate new homes in Auckland in the coming decades. Housing Minister Chris Bishop said the government will reduce the minimum housing capacity required for Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120 to 1.4 … Read more

KMD Brands raises funds to help recapitalise business

Source: Radio New Zealand KMD Brands owns Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz footwear brands. RNZ / Nate McKinnon KMD Brands raises $65m in deeply discounted offer Posts $13.1m loss in six months to January Sales up but margins down Chair David Kirk to step down Outdoor retail company KMD Brands is raising funds to help … Read more

Celine Dion is returning to the stage

Source: Radio New Zealand Celine Dion, who was previously sidelined from performing due to a rare neurological disorder, has announced a series of concerts that will bring her back to the stage. Making good on rampant speculation, Dion is set to perform ten concerts in Paris, according to an announcement shared Monday on social media … Read more

Big telecommunication companies complete 3G mobile network shutdown

Source: Radio New Zealand Jae Park/ Unsplash The big telecommunication companies have completed the shutdown of the 3G mobile phone network, though some devices were still connected. Spark said 1.41 percent of devices, including those operating on the Internet of Things, were still connected to the 3G network, when it was shut down this morning. … Read more

Police staffer claimed nearly $30,000 for overtime hours they didn’t work, watchdog reveals

Source: Radio New Zealand 123rf.com A police staffer claimed nearly $30,000 for overtime hours they did not work, the police watchdog has revealed. The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) released a summary of the investigation into the staffer on Tuesday. The IPCA said it oversaw the police investigation into an allegation that an authorised officer … Read more

Ministers seek ‘urgent advice’ to ease fuel price pain for support workers

Source: Radio New Zealand Health Minister Simeon Brown. RNZ / Mark Papalii Ministers have sought “urgent advice” about how best to ease the pain of rising fuel prices for in-home care workers and other public servants who might be in a similar plight. Support workers, who often earn little more than minimum wage, were not … Read more

Police investigating man’s injuries after assault and being hit by car in Hastings

Source: New Zealand Police Attributable to Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley, Police are investigating an incident that has left a man with injuries in Hastings last night. At around 9.30pm, Police were called to Heretaunga Street West after a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian between Stortford Street and Davis Street. It is reported the … Read more

Legislation gives more flex for Auckland’s PC120

Source: New Zealand Government The Government will today introduce legislation to amend the Resource Management Act and reduce the minimum housing capacity required for Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120, Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says. “Housing growth in Auckland is critical to fixing our housing crisis, driving growth and raising living standards for … Read more