Govt. response fails home support workers facing fuel crisis – must do better – PSA

Source: PSA Time to raise mileage allowance for first time in four years The Government’s decision to increase income support for low paid workers will not go far enough for 23,000 home support workers hit hardest by sharply rising petrol prices, and that a faster, simpler fix remains available right now. Today’s announcement on increases to … Read more

Discover a season of arts and sports mega events in Hong Kong

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2026 – Hong Kong’s annual arts season moved into its peak last weekend with ComplexCon (21-22 March) returning for its third edition at AsiaWorld-Expo, bringing an eclectic blend of pop culture to the heart of Asia. It marks the start of a … Read more

NZ Drug Foundation – Alarming increase in low-level drug prosecutions undermining health efforts

Source: New Zealand Drug Foundation An alarming increase in drug possession charges is causing harm and undermining progress on health-based approaches, the Drug Foundation says. New Ministry of Justice data shows 2025 had the highest number of low-level charges for drug possession or use in a decade. Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the … Read more

NZNO apologises for abuses in state care

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO apologises sincerely and unreservedly for the involvement of nurses in historic abuses in state care. The apology was made in a video by NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and published today on the organisation’s website. It has already been shared with survivors and their whānau. https://www.nzno.org.nz/resources/apology_for_abuses_in_state_care NZNO has … Read more

Advocacy – Call for Ethical Review of University of Otago Corporate Partnership

Source: Statement by the Palestine Forum of New Zealand The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses deep concern regarding the reported partnership between the University of Otagoand Palo Alto Networks, a company with well-documented ties to Israel’s military and intelligence infrastructure. At a time when the world is witnessing unprecedented devastation in Gaza Strip and … Read more

Greenpeace – Worst in a generation, environmentalists slam Fisheries Reform Bill

Source: Greenpeace The Fisheries Amendment Bill, which will likely have its first reading in parliament this week, is being labelled the worst fisheries policy in a generation by environmental groups who are calling for it to be rejected to protect ocean health. The bill, pushed by Fisheries Minister Shane Jones, would significantly reduce public input on … Read more

Greenpeace – We need solutions not bandaids on the energy crisis

Source: Greenpeace Greenpeace is calling on the Government to implement actual solutions to the energy crisis, not just short-term band aids. The Government plans to release its response to the energy crisis today. “As a nation we need to free ourselves from fossil fuel dependency if we are to deal with the energy crisis and the … Read more

Universities – Climate in the courtroom- UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA) Around the world, climate lawsuits are reshaping environmental law. Experts in Auckland are examining what this means for New Zealand. The effects of climate change, government responses and accountability are debated by politicians, protested in the streets, and increasingly, tested in court. More than 3,000 climate litigation cases have been … Read more

Economy – RBNZ Governor discusses impact of Middle East conflict on NZ economy

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) 24 March 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is well positioned to handle the challenges to our price stability and financial stability mandates caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Governor Anna Breman says in a speech published today. “We are likely to see … Read more

Applications close for Molesworth farm operation

Source: New Zealand Government The application period has closed for operators seeking to run commercial farming at Molesworth Recreation Reserve, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Rangitahi/Molesworth is New Zealand’s largest farm, with a long history of high-country farming alongside significant conservation, cultural and recreation values.” The Department of Conservation has received five applications through the … Read more

Landlords and tenants to be better off under more effective regulation

Source: New Zealand Government Landlords and tenants will be better off with effective regulation of residential property managers and organisations under a new Government-backed framework, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Under the proposed regime landlords and tenants will be able to check if a residential property manager and organisation is registered. There will … Read more

Government’s fossil fuel relief package fails to meet the crisis

Source: Green Party The Green Party says the Government’s fossil fuel crisis relief package leaves too many New Zealanders behind.  “The Luxon Government has turned its back on hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, asking them to foot the bill for Trump’s war on Iran,” said Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says, “The Government’s narrow tweaks to tax credits leaves behind the tens … Read more

Arrest in Operation Aurora

Source: New Zealand Police Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie: Police executing search warrants have arrested one person from a religious organisation that has a presence in New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and Fiji. A 45-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court today charged with unlawful sexual connection, indecent assault, … Read more

‘I got goosebumps’ – Te reo Māori song in new Ryan Gosling blockbuster

Source: Radio New Zealand A Hollywood film starring Ryan Gosling is drawing attention for featuring the track ‘Pō Atarau‘, believed to be a 1992 recording by Turakina Māori Girls’ College Choir. Project Hail Mary, about a science teacher on a lone mission to save the Earth, topped the New Zealand box office on its opening … Read more

One dead, three injured after overnight crash in Palmerston North

Source: Radio New Zealand One person died and three were injured after the crash. Supplied / St John One person has died and three others are injured following a three-vehicle crash in Palmerston North overnight. Emergency services were called to the crash on Tremaine Avenue, near Malden Street, about 2.30am. It involved two cars, one … Read more

Watch live: $50 a week for some families as fuel crisis relief package unveiled

Source: Radio New Zealand People struggling with fuel costs will be eligible for an extra $50 a week – if they qualify for the in-work tax credit. Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the support package at Parliament on Tuesday afternoon. It would be available from April 7 and eligibility would be expanded to an estimated … Read more

First kaupapa Māori centre for those living with dementia to open in Waikato

Source: Radio New Zealand The kaumātua involved in the kaupapa at Te Whare Mahara on 21 Ridout Street, Maeroa, Hamilton. Supplied The first kaupapa Māori centre for those living with dementia will soon open in Waikato. Around 4500 Māori are currently living with mate wareware, but that number is expected to almost triple – to … Read more

Fatal crash, Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North

Source: New Zealand Police One person has died and three others are injured following a three-vehicle crash in Palmerston North overnight. Emergency services were called to the crash on Tremaine Avenue, near Malden Street, about 2.30am. It involved two cars, one of which caught fire, and a utility vehicle. Sadly, one person died at the … Read more

Watch live: Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman warns of higher inflation, lower growth

Source: Radio New Zealand RBNZ governor says NZ is likely to see higher short-term inflation Rates could rise if there are effects on medium-term inflation or inflation expectations Economic growth likely to be dampened The Reserve Bank governor is warning of higher inflation and weaker economic growth due to the Middle East crisis. The Israel … Read more

Auckland Council’s new advisory panels appointed

Source: Auckland Council More than 100 members of Auckland’s advisory panels this week officially start an important role to enhance Auckland Council’s democratic structure. Mayor Wayne Brown welcomed new and returning panel members onboard at a ceremony on 23 March, inviting them to help shape the direction of Auckland’s growth over the next three years … Read more

Fuel prices to stay high for at least 100 days, officials tell Labour

Source: Radio New Zealand Labour leader Chris Hipkins. RNZ / Mark Papalii It will be 100 days of hiked up fuel prices at the pump even if the conflict in the Middle East was to end today, according to government officials. Labour leader Chris Hipkins and finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds were briefed by officials from … Read more

Live: Government’s fuel crisis relief package unveiled

Source: Radio New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis are set to reveal the details of a support package aimed at helping Kiwis through the ongoing fuel cost crisis. Willis has hinted it would be targeted towards low- and middle-income families. There has been speculation it will involve adjustments to Working … Read more

Two days of sailing cancelled for one Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry amid technical fault

Source: Radio New Zealand The Bluebridge ferry Connemara. RNZ / Bill Hickman Bluebridge has cancelled a further two days’ worth of sailings for one of its Cook Strait ferries due to a technical fault. The fault on the Connemara was found on Saturday and stopped sailing for the weekend. The company has now cancelled the … Read more

Air New Zealand cancels four return flights to Samoa as airlines call for clarity

Source: Radio New Zealand Airlines are comfortable there is currently a sufficient fuel supply, Board of Airline Representatives chief executive Cath O’Brien says. Supplied/ Air NZ Air New Zealand says four return flights to Samoa for April and May have been cancelled because of rising fuel costs. The cancellations are part of scheduled changes that … Read more

Farmer who ‘charged’ council officer fined $35,000 for effluent discharges

Source: Radio New Zealand James Langton was fined $35,000 when he appeared for sentencing at New Plymouth District Court. Supplied / Ministry of Justice An Ōpunake farmer who charged at a regional council staff member inspecting problems at his property has been told the courts will “not tolerate threats or intimidation” of people doing their … Read more

Rip Curl de-merger bid rejected

Source: Radio New Zealand KMD Brands has rejected a proposal which would see Rip Curl de-merged into a separate dual-listed company, then merged with Stokehouse to create a new company. photosport Retailer KMD Brands has rejected a proposal from a US surfwear company to slice off its Rip Curl label and marry the two brands … Read more

Easy ways to avoid oil discharges

Source: Maritime New Zealand Vessels can discharge oily water that causes harm to the oceans and rivers we depend on for our livelihoods and wellbeing. New Zealand’s latest state of the environment report – Our environment 2025 – outlines how our marine and freshwater environments are being affected by pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. … Read more