Live animal exporters disappointed by backtrack on government commitment

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Exporters of live animals by sea are feeling “not flash” about the government’s announcement it will not resume the trade this term. On Wednesday, senior National MP Todd McClay told RNZ the party would not progress the move to reverse a ban on live animal exports by … Read more

Medicinal cannabis company Helius Therapeutics shuts down

Source: Radio New Zealand Southern Medicinal has converted the old Mataura paper mill into a medicinal cannabis and hemp growing, testing and processing facility. Supplied / Southern Medicinal Medicinal cannabis company Helius Therapeutics has been placed in voluntary administration, citing a tough commercial and regulatory environment. The Auckland-based company was founded in 2018, and was … Read more

NZ First calls for Covid-19 inquiry focused on vaccine injuries

Source: Radio New Zealand NZ First said the latest report did not go far enough when looking into vaccine safety and risks. RNZ / Angus Dreaver New Zealand First has called for yet another inquiry into Covid-19 – this one focused on vaccine injuries. The second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry, commissioned by … Read more

Home intruder hit in head with a golf club following serious assault in Mahia, Hawke’s Bay

Source: Radio New Zealand Police were called to a house on Newcastle St in Mahia at 11.30pm on February 28. (File photo) RNZ / Marika Khabazi A man who was struck in the head and face with a golf club after entering a house in Hawke’s Bay and seriously assaulting a person is being sought … Read more

Events – Gumboot Friday Delivers Hope in February: 1,754 Young People Supported

Source: Gumboot Friday In February 2026, Gumboot Friday helped 1,754 young people aged 5–25 access free counselling, delivering a total of 2,721 sessions. Every session is free, needs no referral, and is chosen by the young person from a network of registered counsellors on the Gumboot Friday platform. Breakdown by age group: • 490 young … Read more

Health – Aged Care Association Calls for Stronger Direct Communication in Pandemic Planning

Source: Aged Care Association The Aged Care Association is urging the Government to strengthen direct communication pathways between Ministers and essential service sectors as part of future pandemic preparedness planning. Chief Executive Tracey Martin says the call is grounded in her unique experience serving on both sides of the system – as a senior decision-maker during the pandemic … Read more

Tax Reform – Concern that NZF, ACT could sink closure of major tax loophole

Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa 11 March 2026, 3 pm – NZ First and ACT appear to be threatening to sink a tax measure that would close a major tax loophole and raise important revenue for the government. Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes Coalition say this is a concerning development. It was reported in … Read more

Celebrate, Rest, and Recharge This Raya With XIXILI’s Sleepwear Collection

Source: Media Outreach KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Comfort is set to be a defining theme for Raya 2026, and it extends well beyond the festive outfit. XIXILI is bringing that same ease into the downtime between celebrations, with sleepwear designed for the hours when women can finally … Read more

Researchers teach computer made from human brain cells to play ‘Doom’

Source: Radio New Zealand SPENCER PLATT Researchers at Melbourne start-up Cortical Labs have taught their “biological computer” made from living human brain cells to play Doom. They say it brings biological computers a step closer to real-world uses, such as drug-testing or robotics applications. Cortical Labs synthetic biological intelligence scientist Dr Alon Loeffler told Midday … Read more

Australian man sails around the world in homemade boat

Source: Radio New Zealand There was champagne and smiles as Dan Turner sailed into Antigua, in the Caribbean Sea, this week. After 16 months at sea and 28,000 nautical miles travelled, the South Australian accomplished what some can only dream of — sailing solo around the world. And to top it off, he completed the … Read more

Researches teach computer made from human brain cells to play ‘Doom’

Source: Radio New Zealand SPENCER PLATT Researchers at Melbourne start-up Cortical Labs have taught their “biological computer” made from living human brain cells to play Doom. They say it brings biological computers a step closer to real-world uses, such as drug-testing or robotics applications. Cortical Labs synthetic biological intelligence scientist Dr Alon Loeffler told Midday … Read more

Feedback sought on orange roughy closures

Source: New Zealand Government Proposals to close parts of the Chatham Rise orange roughy fishery to protect spawning areas and help rebuild the fishery are open for public consultation, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The East and South Chatham Rise orange roughy fishery is under pressure and needs careful management to recover. “I … Read more

Gang members arrested after raids targeting Christchurch Mongrel Mob

Source: Radio New Zealand Police discovered a “chop shop” and recovered several stolen vehicles. (File photo) 123RF Two Mongrel Mob members have been arrested following raids targeting the gang in Christchurch and north Canterbury, police say. Officers also seized cash, methamphetamine, guns and vehicles after searching properties linked to gang members over the past fortnight. … Read more

Vehicle seized after anti-social road user activity in Porirua cemetery

Source: New Zealand Police On Monday 9 March at about 7.30pm, Police received multiple reports from members of the public of a blue Ford Falcon car speeding within the grounds of the Whenua Tapu Cemetery in Porirua.Inspector Renee Perkins, Area Commander Kapiti-Mana, says “It is alleged the driver of the Ford vehicle, drove recklessly in … Read more

Missing man located, Horeke

Source: New Zealand Police A 64-year-old man who went missing in the Far North last night has been located safe and well after spending a night in the bush. Police received a report at around 8.45pm that a man had become separated from his group during a walk near Horeke. Detective Inspector Geoff McCarthy, of … Read more

Education – MIT and Unitec showcase united vision at ASB Polyfest

Source: Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland – 11 March 2026 – One Waka. One Future. Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec will present a powerful symbol of unity and shared purpose at ASB Polyfest 2026, unveiling a joint presence that reflects their unification this year as a single organisation … Read more

Kawatiri Coastal Trail wins Outdoor Access Champion Award

Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission A new trail across one of Aotearoa’s most historic, fascinating and naturally abundant coastlines has won a prestigious national award for championing public outdoor access. The Kawatiri Coastal Trail in the Buller District has been named a 2026 Outdoor Access Champion by the Outdoor Access Commission. This … Read more

Exercise Industry Defies Economic Headwinds: Growth & Trust Continues

Source: Exercise NZ “In a time when many sectors are experiencing contraction, the exercise industry is showing steady and meaningful growth. New Zealanders continue to prioritise their health and wellbeing, recognising that exercise is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of living well.” “There has never been more information available, but not all of … Read more

Why you might want to clean your headphones

Source: Radio New Zealand Whether it’s enjoying a podcast, listening to music or chatting on the phone, many of us spend hours a day using our headphones. One 2017 study of 4185 Australians showed they used headphones on average 47–88 hours a month. Health advice about headphones tends to focus on how loud sounds might … Read more

National would only support ‘gold standard’ live animal exports, Todd McClay says

Source: Radio New Zealand Todd McClay says he does not think there will be a resumption of live animal exports any time soon. RNZ / Mark Papalii The National Party has withdrawn its support for resuming live animal exports by sea. Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard announced on Tuesday that the government would not get … Read more

Woman dies, child hurt car crashes into cafe on Auckland’s North Shore

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Marika Khabazi A woman has died after a car mounted the curb and ploughed into a cafe in Auckland. The crash, about 9am on Wednesday, closed William Souter Street in the North Shore suburb of Forrest Hill. Three people were initially hurt – one critically, one with moderate injuries … Read more

New Solicitor-General appointed

Source: New Zealand Government Anna Adams has been appointed Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, Attorney-General Judith Collins announced today. “Ms Adams is an outstanding lawyer and leader,” Ms Collins says. “She has extensive experience in public law and has worked for many years at the highest levels of our legal system. … Read more

90% of New Zealand homes in need of immedate maintenance

Source: Radio New Zealand Images showing rot in beams and exposed wood and peeling paint on window frames. Branz/supplied About 90 percent of homes in New Zealand are in need of immediate maintenance, with the total cost of the work thought to be $27 billion, research has found. Centre for Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment … Read more

Appeal for information following serious assault, Mahia

Source: New Zealand Police Attribute to Detective Sergeant Joshua Jones – Wairoa CIB:  Police are appealing for information following a serious assault at an address in Mahia at the end of February. On Saturday 28 February, around 11.30pm, Police were called with a report that a man had entered an address uninvited, on Newcastle Street, … Read more

Fatal crash: Forrest Hill

Source: New Zealand Police One person has died following a serious crash on William Souter Street, Forrest Hill this morning. Police were called at around 8.55am to reports of a single-vehicle crash. A car has mounted the curb and hit two people before impacting a building. One person was transported to hospital in a critical … Read more

Labour reshuffle: Willow-Jean Prime loses education portfolio

Source: Radio New Zealand Willow-Jean Prime has picked up the social development role. VNP / Phil Smith Willow-Jean Prime has lost the education portfolio, but picked up social development, as Labour reshuffles its decks ahead of the election. Ginny Andersen will take on the education role, making her the third Labour MP to take on … Read more

MEDIA ADVISORY: Hawke’s Bay Police Open Day

Source: New Zealand Police MEDIA ADVISORY: Hawke’s Bay Police Open Day Hawke’s Bay Police invite everyone to an Open Day at the Hastings Police Station on Sunday 15 March from 10am-12pm (gates close at 11.30am). Entrance via Market St Police Station gates. Held at the rear of the station, the event will host a patrol … Read more