Shadows cast on Auckland’s Sunfield development

Source: Radio New Zealand Artist’s impression of the planned Sunfield development in Auckland. Winton / supplied One of Auckland’s largest new housing developments – the Sunfield community near Ardmore Airport in South Auckland, given the go-ahead under fast-track rules – has raised the ire of local politicians. Developers Winton envisage nearly 4000 homes, a town … Read more

Interest rates rise, so what’s the best strategy now?

Source: Radio New Zealand Economists were split on whether the conflict in the Middle East would mean lower or higher interest rates. Stuff/Kathryn George Banks are moving interest rates higher, but the right term to pick depends a lot on how you think the economy will fare through the rest of this year. BNZ on … Read more

False alarm shows mine’s safety culture is built to last

Source: Worksafe New Zealand 18 March 2026 A routine incident at New Zealand’s deepest gold mine has given WorkSafe inspectors rare, real-world proof that years of joint safety training are paying off. WorkSafe has been embedded with the Snowy River gold mine project, near Reefton, since 2018. But in November 2025 safety lessons were put … Read more

Strong summer of naturing wraps up as storm recovery continues

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  18 March 2026 The Department of Conservation booking data from 1 October to late January shows visitors spent more than 323,000 nights in huts and campsites over the peak season, broadly in line with last summer. While severe weather and temporary closures affected some traditionally busy locations, many regions experienced … Read more

Fire and Emergency postpones decision on cutting 140 jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand Auckland firefighters protest for better pay and work conditions on November 2025. RNZ/Lucy Xia Fire and Emergency (FENZ) has once again postponed its final decisions about restructuring. Originally, FENZ said it would decide before Christmas on a proposal made last November to cut 140 positions and make changes to 700 roles … Read more

David Seymour announces new iwi-led charter school for Wellington region

Source: Radio New Zealand Associate Education Minister David Seymour RNZ / Mark Papalii An iwi-led charter school will open in Porirua later this year. Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the Ngati Toa-run secondary school for children in Y7-13, Kura Toa, would open in the third school term. Seymour said Ngāti Toa’s education organisation, Puna … Read more

Consumers ‘nervous’ about economic outlook amid war in Middle East

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Quin Tauetau Consumer confidence slipped in the March quarter as global uncertainty made households more nervous about the economic outlook. The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index fell 1.8 points to 94.7. A level below 100 indicates pessimists outweigh optimists. Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod said the survey was … Read more

Four teens charged charged burglary and high-speed chase in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand Police at the scene. RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson Four teenagers have been charged over an Auckland home invasion that resulted in a high-speed chase across the city, ending on Karangahape Road with a forced stop. The accused – aged between 15 and 17 – are due to appear in the … Read more

Moana Pasifika’s Augustine Pulu gets three week ban for dangerous tackle

Source: Radio New Zealand Moana Pasifika halfback Augustine Pulu tackles Blues opposite Sam Nock. Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz Moana Pasifika halfback Augustine Pulu has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle during his side’s 43-7 defeat to the Blues last weekend. It’s a blow for Moana who have three tough games on the … Read more

Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm 2026 – 2029

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 18 March 2026 The Action to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm 2026-2029 (the Plan) builds a foundation for a comprehensive and strategic health-system response to address substance-related harm. The Plan sets out the key actions the health system will undertake to strengthen New Zealand’s health response to … Read more

Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill to hold people to account for serious offending

Source: New Zealand Government The Government will introduce the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill to Parliament this afternoon, a package of practical and targeted changes to strengthen New Zealand’s immigration system and ensure it remains fit for today’s challenges. “Immigration is important for New Zealand, and we are committed to ensuring we continue to … Read more

Investment property report sparks questions

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ Property investors say new research shows that they contribute significant amounts to the country’s economy – but not everyone is convinced. Work by Infometrics, commissioned by the New Zealand Property Investors Federation, showed that private residential property investors contributed $24.8 billion to gross domestic product, or 5.9 percent of GDP, … Read more

Speargrass surprise revealed after Tongariro fires

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  18 March 2026 Normally hidden amongst dense tussock, flax and mānuka scrub, the Volcanic Plateau speargrass has been exposed by the fire-cleared landscape, following extensive fires in late 2025. DOC Technical Advisor and botanist Paul Cashmore says although the plant was known in the area, its abundance wouldn’t have been … Read more

‘Trail went cold’: The hunt for masterpieces stolen in the Gardner Museum heist

Source: Radio New Zealand Thieves stole 13 artworks by masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Manet, and Degas from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990. Screeenshot / FBI Thirty-six years on, mystery still lingers at Boston’s Gardner Museum. In the early morning hours of 18 March 1990, two men dressed as police officers talked their … Read more

‘Morning Report: Chris Hipkins Hipkins says he considered his future in politics after ex-wife’s claims

Source: Radio New Zealand Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he did consider his future in politics after his ex-wife levelled claims at him on social media, but he remains “absolutely committed” to staying on. Hipkins appeared on a suite of morning media on Wednesday – including Morning Report – where he again flatly denied all … Read more

‘Batteries on wheels’: EV expert says power grid well-equipped for rise in use

Source: Radio New Zealand If more Kiwis make the switch to an EV, could the electricity network handle the extra demand? ABC News / Brendan Esposito With interest in electric vehicles increasing due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, questions have been raised over the reliability of New Zealand’s power grid, should there … Read more

Popstar Robbie Williams announces New Zealand tour

Source: Radio New Zealand Global popstar Robbie Williams will play Christchurch’s new stadium later this year. Williams will be one of the first international acts at the One New Zealand Stadium when he brings his BRITPOP World Tour to the city on 28 November – the singer’s first concert in Christchurch in 25 years. He … Read more

Building a stronger future for our children

Source: New Zealand Government More women and families affected by addiction will now have improved access to support, giving children the best possible start in life. Increased investment announced today focuses on preventing and reducing substance-related harm in the areas that matter most, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Too many New Zealanders are affected … Read more

England netball coach Jess Thirlby steps down to focus on family

Source: Radio New Zealand Jess Thirlby former head coach of England. © Photosport Ltd 2021 www.photosport.nz England netball coach Jess Thirlby has stepped down just four months out from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She steps down with immediate effect in a decision she said was “best for me and my family”. Thirlby had been … Read more

‘Morning Report: ‘Sewer pit’ – Chris Hipkins looks to battle ‘absolutely untrue’ posts

Source: Radio New Zealand Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he doesn’t think it is in anyone’s best interests to be arguing over details of his marriage break-up in public. It comes after he rejected allegations made against him by his ex-wife. On Wednesday, Hipkins told Morning Report says “all sorts” of additional unsubstantiated claims were … Read more

Charges confirmed following fleeing driver incident

Source: New Zealand Police Please attribute to Superintendent Shanan Gray, Counties Manukau District Commander: Police have charged four males following an aggravated burglary and fleeing driver incident across Auckland on Tuesday afternoon. At around 3.10pm, Police responded to an aggravated burglary reported on Bleakhouse Road in Howick. Police soon located a Ford Ranger allegedly stolen … Read more

“Charlotte’s Change” to provide redress for more survivors of abuse in mental health care

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is taking action to provide redress for more survivors of abuse in care, to include survivors of State-run mental health facilities from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2022. “The Government is continuing to address the wrongs of the past, and while this can never repair the harm suffered, we are focused … Read more

Person critically injured after scooter, vehicle collide in Auckland CBD

Source: Radio New Zealand A police car seen behind a cordon as officers attend an incident. RNZ A person has been critically injured after a scooter and vehicle crashed in central Auckland on Wednesday morning. Police are at the intersection of Mayoral Drive and Cook Street. The injured person has been taken to hospital. Cordons … Read more

Kura Toa gives students more options in Term 3 2026

Source: New Zealand Government  Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Kura Toa will open as an iwi led charter school in Term 3 2026. “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today’s announcement demonstrates the innovation enabled by the charter school … Read more

Iran war will lead to more supermarket price rises – Foodstuffs boss

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ Shoppers will take another hit when the impact of the Iran war hits the supermarket shelves, a Foodstuffs boss says. Households have already been feeling the pressure over the last year as shown by the release of new Stats NZ data. Prices were up 4.5 percent on an annual basis … Read more

Morning Report live: Chris Hipkins faces questions after rejecting claims by ex-wife

Source: Radio New Zealand Labour leader Chris Hipkins. RNZ / Mark Papalii Chris Hipkins is speaking to Morning Report shortly. You can listen on the player above, your app or your local RNZ frequency. Labour leader Chris Hipkins is set to face question on Morning Report after rejecting allegations made against him by his ex-wife. … Read more

Serious crash: Mayoral Drive, central Auckland

Source: New Zealand Police Police are in attendance at a serious crash in central Auckland this morning. At 7am, a crash involving a vehicle and scooter has occurred at the intersection of Mayoral Drive and Cook Street. The scooter rider is currently in a critical condition, and is being transported to hospital. Police have put … Read more