‘I go into a Zen space, my body takes over’ – circus star’s rare balancing act

Source: Radio New Zealand In his La Ronde performance, Adam Malone’s burlesque-inspired feats include a “chaotic” hoop act in which he manipulates fast-spinning blunt objects with his hands. Less stressful, he says, is pulling off his take on the traditional but rare ‘Washington Trapeze’, which involves balancing on his head. “I go into a bit … Read more

One dead, one seriously injured after crash on SH2 in Gisborne District

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Robin Martin One person has died following a crash on State Highway 2/Matawai Road, Waipaoa, in the Gisborne region on Friday morning. Police were notified of the two-vehicle crash near McMillan Road just before 7am. One person was found dead at the scene. Another person received serious injuries and … Read more

Man found dead at Hastings construction site

Source: Radio New Zealand A scene guard would remain in place while investigators probed the scene, police said. RNZ / REECE BAKER Police enquiries are underway after a man was found dead at a construction in Hastings earlier this week. Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu said police were called to the site at 7pm … Read more

Dan Hooker’s bare-knuckle backyard fights to be monitored by Christchurch police

Source: Radio New Zealand The gloves are coming off for the next instalment of Dan Hooker’s “1 Minute Scraps”. youtube Police are monitoring a bare-knuckle fighting event in Christchurch organised by MMA professional fighter Dan Hooker. The seventh-ranked UFC lightweight contender announced another “1 Minute Scraps” event on social media recently, telling hopefuls the event … Read more

Auckland’s digital library – a story of growth, access, and community

Source: Auckland Council Across Tāmaki Makaurau reading has quietly transformed. You can see it on the morning train where someone is listening to an audiobook, in a café where a student scrolls through an e magazine, at home where a parent downloads a picture book for bedtime, and during a late-night shift where someone finally … Read more

Advice from the world’s happiest country, as NZ misses top 10

Source: Radio New Zealand Finland has once again been named the happiest country in the world, a title it has now held a record nine times. New Zealand often ranks in the top 10, but it has just dipped outside to 11th in the most recent World Happiness Report. It’s the third year in a … Read more

Is antibacterial soap any better at killing germs?

Source: Radio New Zealand If you’ve ever dealt with a sick household, the appeal of hand soap to kill germs is understandable and there are plenty of “antibacterial” and “antiseptic” products promising to do that. Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent the transmission of pathogens between people, says Professor Paul … Read more

New features coming to Govt.nz App

Source: New Zealand Government Significant new features will soon roll out on the Govt.nz app, Digitising Government and Public Service Minister Judith Collins says. “The Govt.nz App will provide New Zealanders with easy access to government digital services such as communications and proof of digital identity,” Ms Collins says. “By the end of this month, users will be able … Read more

US Coast Guard sails into Wellington harbour

Source: Radio New Zealand By Madleine CarrWhite, Massey Journalism Student The USGC Polar Star has operated in Antarctica for the past 55 days. RNZ/Mark Papalii A United States Coast Guard icebreaker has sailed into Wellington harbour after working with New Zealand in Antarctica. The USGC Polar Star, celebrating its 50th year of service, has operated … Read more

Police making enquiries into unexplained death in Hastings

Source: New Zealand Police To be attributed to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Karli Whiu: Police are making enquiries after a man was located deceased at a construction site on Omahu Road in Hastings earlier this week. Officers were called to the site at 7pm on Thursday 18 March.  The man was not an employee at … Read more

Recognition – Safeguarding Children wins New Zealand Community of the Year 2026

Source: Safeguarding Children A nationwide movement that has trained more than 93,000 advocates to recognise and respond early to signs of child abuse has been awarded the Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year 2026. Safeguarding Children CEO Willow Duffy accepted the award at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards ceremony, reflecting … Read more

Statement – Home support workers must be front of queue for fuel fix Nicola Willis – PSA

Source: PSA The PSA is urging the Finance Minister to make 23,000 home support workers a priority when delivering urgent support to low income workers hit by sharply rising petrol prices. Nicola Willis told media today she wants a ‘very targeted and temporary’ fix for those ‘acutely impacted’, adding she doesn’t want to see a situation where ‘people … Read more

Investigation launched following serious injuries, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police Attribute to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro CIB: Police are investigating after a woman was found with serious injuries in Christchurch last night. Police were called to Worcester Street, between Latimer Square and Barbadoes Street, around 10pm last night, with reports that a person had received wounds consistent with being … Read more

Person critically injured in assault in North Canterbury

Source: Radio New Zealand Police are investigating following a serious assault on Thursday night in Amberley, in the Hurunui District in North Canterbury. Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said officers responded around 10.25pm after being told a person had been seriously assaulted at a rural property on Racecourse Road. The victim was taken to hospital … Read more

Arts – NZSA Mentorships 2026 announced!

Source: NZSA We are pleased to announce the 13 emerging writers who have been selected for The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa 2026 Mentorship Programme. The Judging panel of Dr Paula Morris (convenor), Cassie Hart and Philippa Werrycommented: ‘We were impressed with the number of applications and the range of … Read more

Warriors’ ‘Mahi Man’ earns his moment in the spotlight

Source: Radio New Zealand Mark ‘the mahi man’ pictured here with Warriors skipper James Fisher-Harris, will lead the Warriors onto the field this weekend to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. instagram He’s the unofficial Warriors hype man, and a worthy challenger to the Mad Butcher’s title of the club’s biggest fan. Introducing Mark ‘the Mahi … Read more

Robot Rampage: Enthusiasts watch epic final fight in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand Team Brazil was crowned champion at the Robot Rampage World Cup. Robot Rampage Fought inside a bulletproof cage, a battle between combat robots is not for the faint-hearted. It’s the grand final of Robot Rampage World Cup, a four day competition between teams from New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, and the United … Read more

Auckland resident contests council’s ‘broad brush model’ for flooding designations

Source: Radio New Zealand The council publishes multiple different flood maps, which provide broad information about flood risks across the city. Auckland Council An Auckland homeowner disputes her property is flood-prone, despite it being designated as such on Auckland Council’s online maps. The council publishes multiple different flood maps, which provide broad information about flood … Read more

Foodstuff’s petrol stations continue to offer discounts despite stores running dry

Source: Radio New Zealand Foodstuff’s petrol stations say they will continue to offer discounts despite stores running dry and operating day to day. Petrol stations across the country are seeing a surge of drivers filling up as fuel prices rise amid fears over the Iran war and potential shortages. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said as … Read more

Genesis says $300 million rights issue ‘strongly supported’

Source: Radio New Zealand Genesis chief executive Malcolm Johns. Supplied Genesis Energy says its $300 million rights issue has been strongly supported, raising $242.7 million from eligible shareholders – including the Crown, which will maintain its 51 percent stake. The offer opened on 23 February, giving investors one new share for every 7.9 held, and … Read more

Last chance to save globally rare plants from rabbits

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  20 March 2026 It’s part of a wider goal to have a pest free Kaitorete Spit which is internationally recognised for its ecological value and contains many globally unique plants. DOC Mahaanui Operations Manager Andy Thompson says the plan is to restore more than 300 hectares and bring back rare … Read more

Reserve Bank head Anna Breman will publicly speak about the Iran conflict

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Reserve Bank to increase media events after cash rate decisions Will have online news conference after cash rate reviews, starting 8 April Previously cash rate reviews only had written statement Governor Anna Breman to speak about Middle East impact on economy next week Reserve Bank governor Anna … Read more

Investigation following serious assault, Amberley, Hurunui District

Source: New Zealand Police Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons:  Police are investigating following a serious assault last night in Amberley, Hurunui District. At around 10.25pm Police were called with a report that a person had been seriously assaulted at an address on Racecourse Road. The victim was transported to hospital with critical injuries … Read more

Court decision summary – Tamiefuna v R [2025] NZSC 40

Source: Privacy Commissioner 20 Mar 2026, 10:13 Have you ever wondered whether the information privacy principles in the Privacy Act 2020 are relevant to the right against unreasonable search and seizure? The Supreme Court answered that question with a yes in this criminal appeal.  The appellant, Mr Tamiefuna, was convicted of one charge of aggravated … Read more

Don’t complain too much: Finland’s advice as NZ once again ranks below top 10 happiest countries

Source: Radio New Zealand It’s the third year in a row New Zealand has ranked outside the top 10 in the World Happiness Report. 123rf.com Finland has once again been named the happiest country in the world, a title it has now held a record nine times. New Zealand often ranks in the top 10, … Read more

Woman seriously injured in stabbing in central Christchurch

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson Police are investigating after a woman was found with serious injuries in Christchurch on Thursday night. Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro CIB said officers were called to Worcester Street, between Latimer Square and Barbadoes Street, around 10pm. There were reports that a person had been … Read more

Counties Manukau youth to get faster support

Source: New Zealand Government A new dedicated child mental health service in Counties Manukau was officially opened today by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey, marking an important step in ensuring our young people have faster access to support. “Mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing our youth today. Every New Zealander deserves access … Read more