‘Staggering’: Diesel prices changing several times a week, always up – grape farmer

Source: Radio New Zealand JTC Viticulture machinery in operation. Supplied The rural sector says it is being challenged by soaring diesel prices, the likes of which one operator says it has never seen before. JTC Viticulture in Marlborough is partway through a busy grape harvest, with 14 harvesting machines and 28 tractors running 24 hours … Read more

Married at First Sight expert Mel Schilling remembered as ‘amazing’ and ‘radiant’ after bowel cancer death

Source: Radio New Zealand Mel Schilling emerged as one of Australia’s most recognisable relationship experts on Australian (and New Zealand) television. On Tuesday, she died of bowel cancer at the age of 54. As a judge on the hit reality show Married At First Sight Australia (MAFS), she was known for her sharp insight and … Read more

Man from religious organisation charged with rape keeps identity suppressed for now

Source: Radio New Zealand The man appeared via audio-visual link in the Chrirstchurch District Court. (File photo) RNZ / Nate McKinnon A man linked to a religious organisation who is facing charges including rape and strangulation will keep his name secret for now. The 45-year-old was granted interim name suppression when he appeared via audio-visual … Read more

Fire at wreckers yard in Upper Hutt extinguished, roads remain closed

Source: Radio New Zealand A car wreckers is on fire in Upper Hutt. Wellington Fire and Emergency Firefighters have extinguished a blaze at a wreckers yard in Upper Hutt, but will still be there for some time. Shift manager Murray Dunbar said they were called to the scene on Goodshed Road at 1.30pm, and at … Read more

Live: 36-hour heavy rain warnings begin in Northland

Source: Radio New Zealand Rain has set in across Northland ahead of a major deluge expected – though so far it’s steady rather than torrential. Northland Regional Council data shows rain everywhere but the southern half of the Kaipara District. What’s the weather looking like at your place? Email us iwitness@rnz.co.nz The MetService red heavy … Read more

Fears for NZ children in ‘harsh’ immigration crackdown

Source: Radio New Zealand Axing humanitarian appeal rights for temporary visa holders will potentially harm children caught in the crosshairs, legal experts say. RNZ Alarm bells are sounding about harsh reductions in appeal rights for migrants which could lead to families being separated by deportation. Overseas right-wing sentiment, reporting of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) … Read more

A F Thomas Park: Future recreational use announced by local board

Source: Auckland Council The future parks and recreation outcomes for inclusion in A F Thomas Park in Wairau Valley have been decided. Today, the Kaipātiki Local Board voted for space in the park to be used for a mix of golf, sports fields and space to enable indoor sports and events, including: The provision of … Read more

Auckland’s annual plan – give your feedback by this Sunday

Source: Auckland Council Aucklanders have until this Sunday (29 March) to provide their feedback on Auckland Council’s plan for the year ahead. Public feedback on Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2026/2027 closes 11.59pm this Sunday (29 March 2026). Aucklanders are encouraged to visit the AK Have Your Say website to see what the council has planned … Read more

NRL: NZ Warriors still hope to retain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck with contract extension

Source: Radio New Zealand Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is off contract with the Warriors at the end of this season. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster hasn’t completely given up hope of retaining superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck beyond this season. The veteran wing’s future at the club has been up in the air since last year, when … Read more

Anyone worried about looming Northland storm should act early, Whangārei Council urges

Source: Radio New Zealand Flooding around Ngunguru Road, east of Whangārei in January this year. RNZ / Susan Edmunds Whangārei District Council is advising anyone who doesn’t feel safe ahead of more heavy rain in the region to leave their homes now, before the red weather warning kicks in. MetService has upgraded its rain warning … Read more

Live: Rain begins ahead of red warning for Northland, severe weather for upper North Island

Source: Radio New Zealand Rain has set in across Northland ahead of a major deluge expected to start later this afternoon – though so far it’s steady rather than torrential. Northland Regional Council data shows rain everywhere but the southern half of the Kaipara District. The wettest place so far is Weta, on the east … Read more

Rotten to the core – ‘ocean exploitation bill’ must be rejected, says Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace Greenpeace says the coalition government’s removal of one item in NZ First’s ‘ocean exploitation bill’ is not enough to satisfy public outcry, with the organisation calling for the bill to be rejected in its entirety. On Wednesday PM Christopher Luxon announced that after listening to concerns about the Fisheries Amendment Bill, sections that scrapped … Read more

Investments – Upcoming Minimum Wage and KiwiSaver Changes – Effective 1 April 2026

Source: Peninsula New Zealand Auckland, 25 March 2026: New minimum wage rates and KiwiSaver contribution changes will take effect across New Zealand from 1 April 2026, impacting employers, employees, and payroll processes nationwide. Minimum Wage Increases From 1 April, the Government has confirmed the following rates: Adult Minimum Wage: $23.95 per hourStarting‑Out Wage: $19.16 per … Read more

Energy – Re-Energise 26 highlights opportunity for energy sector workforce to secure New Zealand’s energy future

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa Wellington, New Zealand – New modelling released today in Re-Energise 26 shows New Zealand should grow its energy workforce, and grow it quickly, to deliver electrification and build a secure, resilient energy system. Produced jointly by Energy Resources Aotearoa and the Electricity Engineers’ Association (EEA), Re-Energise 26 is the first report to … Read more

Banking – Banking Ombudsman urges extreme caution over use of crypto ATMs

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme 25 March 2026 People should be highly suspicious of anyone telling them to withdraw cash and deposit it in cryptocurrency ATMs, says the Banking Ombudsman after investigating several scam cases in which people have lost large sums of money using such ATMs. Crypto ATMs allow people to deposit cash and buy cryptocurrency, … Read more

Health – GenPro Chair Pushes Back on “Catastrophising” Around New PHO

Source: GenPro GenPro Chair Angus Chambers is calling for a more balanced and constructive conversation around the establishment of the new primary health organisation (PHO), amid what he describes as widespread negativity and misinformation within the sector. “There has been quite a lot of catastrophising around the impact of a new PHO,” Chambers said. “The … Read more

Report reveals accessibility gaps holding New Zealanders back

Source: Access Matters Aotearoa (AMA) Wellington, New Zealand – Access Matters Aotearoa (AMA) has released a major national report, highlighting entrenched accessibility barriers across Aotearoa, with calls for coordinated, system-wide reform. Kōrero for Change: Insights and Actions brings together findings from ten national forums held across 2024 and 2025, drawing on the experiences of people living … Read more

Thousands more Kiwis now eligible for bowel screening

Source: New Zealand Government Thousands more New Zealanders are now able to access bowel screening earlier, with the starting age being lowered from 60 to 58 across the central and lower North Island, and MidCentral to follow as the next district, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “From this week, the starting age for bowel screening … Read more

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara to lead next phase of Predator Free 2050

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  25 March 2026 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation As part of this next phase, the focus shifts to scaling up predator elimination across New Zealand, building on the work already underway in communities, strengthening coordination, and using improved tools and technology to move from local projects to larger, sustained … Read more

Transporting New Zealand calls for payload increases to mitigate diesel price hikes

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Road freight association Transporting New Zealand says transport regulations should be urgently amended to allow certain trucks to carry higher payloads, as diesel prices continue to hit record highs. Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says increasing payload capacity for approved operators within the existing heavy vehicle permitting … Read more

Lifestyle – Australia Beats New Zealand to Modernise Physical Activity and Wellness Guidelines

Source: Exercise NZ “The Australian guidelines are simple, clear, and pick up on all the key points we know matter. Move more, sit less, and build activity into everyday life.  We are used to rivalry on the sporting field, now Australia is beating us with clear simple guidelines for wellness.” “Importantly, they recognise that physical … Read more

Economy Positions – Recruitment for Assistant Governor, Financial Stability underway

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand 25 March 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has commenced recruitment for the role of Assistant Governor Financial Stability.   This is one of the most senior and visible leadership roles within the RBNZ and involves matters central to New Zealand’s financial system … Read more

Greens promise to cap rent rises at 2 percent a year

Source: Radio New Zealand Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone The Greens have launched their housing policy for the election, promising legislation to limit rent rises at 2 percent a year. No-cause evictions would also be scrapped, and a rental Warrant of Fitness and register of landlords and property … Read more

Cause of massive Tongariro National Park fire discovered

Source: Radio New Zealand Tongariro on Saturday 8 November 2025, a few hours after the fire broke out. Kristina Montgomerie / @kristinamonts A vehicle losing its rear wheel and dragging its undercarriage along the road sparked the fire which swept through 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park in November. A fire investigation report released under … Read more

Few Kiwis accessing financial advice, many unsure where to start

Source: Radio New Zealand New Zealanders actively think about their financial situation, with 63 percent considering their position at least weekly. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has found just 28 percent of New Zealanders have accessed financial advice in the past 12 months, with some groups significantly under-represented. The regulator’s review … Read more

Fire at wreckers yard in Upper Hutt

Source: Radio New Zealand A car wreckers is on fire in Upper Hutt. Wellington Fire and Emergency Firefighters are responding to a fire at a wreckers yard in Upper Hutt. Shift manager Murray Dunbar said they were called at 1.30pm, and there were 13 trucks in attendance. The wreckers is near the intersection of Blenheim … Read more

Update: Charges laid following serious assault, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police Attribute to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch CIB: Christchurch Police have charged a man in relation to a serious assault on Worcester Street, Chirstchurch, last week. On Thursday 19 March, around 10pm, Police were called to Worcester Street following reports that a person had received injuries consistent with being stabbed. The … Read more