Government confirms next steps on new senior secondary qualification

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Source: New Zealand Government The Government has taken the first major step in rebuilding New Zealand’s senior secondary qualifications system, with Cabinet agreeing to the structure of a new qualification system to replace NCEA following consultation, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.    “This is the first of two major milestones that make up a carefully sequenced set of decisions to design a modern qualification … Read more

Hunters asked to watch for weeds this roar

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  26 March 2026 DOC Biosecurity Technical Advisor Connor Hines says invasive weeds like common heather, gorse, and broom are very harmful for our native bush, and can quickly get out of control once they get established. “DOC has recently had reports of these species at some remote South Island sites, … Read more

Greens announce plan to end homelessness & fix housing crisis

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Source: Green Party The Green Party has announced today their new campaign A Home for Everybody, calling to end homelessness, fix renter’s rights, and end the housing crisis once and for all.  “In a country like Aotearoa, with our wealth of resources and skills, there is no excuse for people to go without a decent home, let alone any home at all,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.  “In 2022, … Read more

Minister announces details of process to replace NCEA

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Source: Radio New Zealand We’ll be livestreaming the announcement above. This story will be updated. The Education Minister is set to reveal details about the process to replace NCEA in secondary schools. The announcement is confirmation of a government proposal to abolish all levels of NCEA, as it looks to replace it with a new … Read more

Ready, set, naturing: DOC Great Walk, hut and campsite bookings open from 12 May

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  26 March 2026 To give everyone a fair go, opening dates for bookings are staggered across several days, with bookings opening at either 9:30 am or 12 pm on their respective days. The phased approach helps people planning multiple trips and reduces pressure on the booking system on opening day. … Read more

Testing for asbestos in kids’ play sand no game

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Source: Radio New Zealand Asbestos removal is carried out. Kim Baker Wilson / RNZ Tucked above an unassuming safety store in Auckland, a small team is making big inroads into understanding the asbestos contamination of children’s play sand. Testing for any airborne particles from the products, it is thought to be the first research of … Read more

Three-tier system to replace NCEA unveiled

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Source: Radio New Zealand Education Minister Erica Stanford RNZ / Nick Monro The Education Minister is set to reveal the education system that will replace NCEA in secondary schools. The announcement is confirmation of a government proposal to abolish all levels of NCEA, as it looks to replcae it with a new three tier qualification … Read more

U-turn on fish sizes not enough for some

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Source: Radio New Zealand Commercial fishing in the Hauraki Gulf Simon Mark-Brown Advocacy groups are supporting the government’s U-turn on minimum size limits for commercial fishers, but still want the government to consider killing the Fisheries Amendment Bill entirely. Meanwhile, Seafood New Zealand says it is ironic the change has resulted in an outcome that … Read more

Rural-based carer, job applicant despair over lack of fuel support

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Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Quin Tauetau New Zealanders living in rural areas say they’re being left out of the government’s fuel support package, warning it excludes people already under pressure from rising costs. Almost 150,000 families with children will receive an extra $50 a week to help offset soaring petrol prices created by … Read more

It’s election year – let the lies, damn lies, and dodgy statistics flow

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Source: Radio New Zealand By law South Australian politicians aren’t allowed to lie in their election ads. Here, we have the Advertising Standards Authority and the Media Council, but neither have the force of a criminal penalty behind them. RNZ Does New Zealand have robust enough checks and balances to stop politicians lying in election … Read more

Briscoes Group trialling facial recognition tech

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Source: Radio New Zealand Briscoes Group is halfway through a year-long trial which began in September 2025. RNZ Facial recognition technology (FRT) trials are underway in 18 Briscoes and Rebel Sports stores across the North Island, the country’s fourth big retailer to have announced a move to adopt or test it. Foodstuffs’ separate chains in … Read more

New needle exchange provider denies drug users are avoiding it

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Source: Radio New Zealand 123RF Advocates fear hepatitis C and HIV cases may rise in the South Island as some users are reluctant about a new needle exchange service. A new provider of needle exchange services – Te Waipounamu Collective – took over from the DISC Trust last October. DISC Trust national harm reduction lead … Read more

Live: Heavy rain lashes upper North Island, rescue crews prepare

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Source: Radio New Zealand Fire and Emergency is urging residents in storm-affected areas to be ready to evacuate if necessary, following a night of heavy rain. A red weather warning remains in place for Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei, with the worst of the downpours expected to hit on Thursday afternoon. … Read more

ACT and Retail NZ claim paywave surcharge ban ‘dead’, but National says that’s wrong

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Source: Radio New Zealand Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson is looking after the bill. RNZ / Mark Papalii The ACT Party is claiming the government’s proposed ban on surcharges for contactless and credit card payments is dead, but the minister responsible insists it is still being worked on. The Commerce and Consumer Affairs … Read more

Health NZ staff told to stop using ChatGPT to write clinical notes

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Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ Health NZ (HNZ) says staff have been caught using free AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to write clinical notes, a move it says could result in formal disciplinary action. A memo seen by RNZ was sent this week from a senior manager to all Mental Health and Addiction Services … Read more

Another power comparison site launches

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Source: Radio New Zealand Electricity Authority chief executive Sarah Gillies. RNZ / REECE BAKER The Electricity Authority has launched its power comparison site Billy, going head-to-head with Consumer’s Powerswitch, which it previously supported. It said the site was designed to help people quickly and easily understand their power costs and what good value would be … Read more

Phoenix suffer blow in Premiership hopes

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Source: Radio New Zealand Pia Vlok of the Wellington Phoenix shoots. photosport The Wellington Phoenix women have suffered a blow in their A-League Premiership hopes. The Phoenix have been beaten 2-1 by the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford. The reigning champion Mariners scored both of their goals before Phoenix midfielder Macey Fraser scored a spectacular … Read more

Policing our politicians for porkies

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Source: Radio New Zealand By law South Australian politicians aren’t allowed to lie in their election ads. Here, we have the Advertising Standards Authority and the Media Council, but neither have the force of a criminal penalty behind them. RNZ Does New Zealand have robust enough checks and balances to stop politicians lying in election … Read more

When is location sharing a red flag in relationships?

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Source: Radio New Zealand Between phones, watches and other smart devices, we’re never far from reach for our family, friends and partners. There are also apps and location services that can show where we are at any given moment. Experts say couples may see location sharing as a sign of trust or closeness. Experts say … Read more

Here’s why some people may have to pay back fuel support

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Source: Radio New Zealand Offering fuel support via the Working for Families system may mean some people end up having to pay it back. RNZ / Unsplash There are concerns that offering fuel support via the Working for Families system may mean some people end up having to pay it back. The government announced on … Read more

NRL: NZ Warriors ease stars Luke Metcalf, Mitch Barnett back from long injury

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Source: Radio New Zealand Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf have both returned from season-ending knee injuries. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport NRL: NZ Warriors v Wests Tigers Kickoff 8pm, Friday, 27 March Go Media Stadium, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ website As his squad returns to full fitness, NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has taken a pragmatic … Read more

Fee-free vs fee hikes: The growing divide in kids’ sport

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Source: Radio New Zealand According to NZ Football’s 2024 annual report, the organisation invested $8.4 million in women’s football development through a legacy fund from hosting the World Cup. Andrew Cornaga A growing divide is emerging in junior sport. As some clubs experiment with ways to reduce barriers for young players, others say rising costs … Read more

Corrections ends Pūwhakamua prisoner reintegration contract after ‘serious sexual allegations’

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Source: Radio New Zealand Billy Macfarlane stands outside Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility, a SERCO run high security men’s prison located at Wiri, in Auckland. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly Corrections has terminated its contract with a prisoner reintegration service run by a former drug lord following what it described as “serious sexual allegations”. RNZ can … Read more

Over 100 kākāpō chicks hatch in record-breaking breeding season

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Source: Radio New Zealand Kākāpō chicks Tīwhiri-A3 & Tīwhiri-A4 in the nest with their mother, March 2026. Maddy Whittaker / DOC Follow Kākāpō Files on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Kākāpō are one of the rarest birds in New Zealand, with an adult population of just 235 individuals. Auckland Zoo … Read more

Prison ‘an unsuitable place’ for Alexander Nicholls-Braddock, who died by suicide – coroner

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Source: Radio New Zealand Coroner Alexandra Cunninghame. KAI SCHWOERER / POOL Corrections failed to properly monitor a man with ADHD and addiction problems who died by suicide in Christchurch Men’s Prison, a coroner has ruled. Alexander Nicholls-Braddock, who was 29, was found dead in his cell on 19 March 2021, just over five weeks after … Read more