Private emails with lobbyists in Luxon’s Ministerial offices are potentially a systemic problem

Source: Green Party The Ombudsman has confirmed the Prime Minister’s Office unreasonably withheld secret briefings, and the Green Party has obtained a new OIA showing the same private email problem in other Ministers’ offices, suggesting a potentially systemic problem across Government. “New Zealanders have the right to know who is influencing political decision making, and…

Waikato and Counties Manukau work together to intercept violent offenders

Source: New Zealand Police Attribute to Area Commander Inspector Scott Miller: A swift response by Police ensured four offenders were caught as they tried to flee across districts following a violent assault yesterday. Officers in Hamilton responded to a report of an aggravated burglary around 10pm on Ulster Street where an address was forcefully entered…

SIM Academy Enhances Flexible Upskilling Pathways for Adult Learners and Working Parents

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – SIM Academy today announced its continued commitment to supporting adult learners and working parents through flexible, industry-relevant upskilling pathways designed to meet the demands of modern work and life. As workforce transformation accelerates, many adult learners face a common challenge: balancing professional … Read more

Road blocked, SH 94 / Te Anau Milford Highway

Source: New Zealand Police Police are responding to a two-vehicle crash on SH 94 / Te Anau Milford Highway.  The incident was reported to emergency services around 10.30am.  Two people are injured, with ambulance services on scene.  The highway is blocked both ways, and will cause traffic backup.  Motorists are advised to delay travel until…

Yeebo Announces Annual Results for FY25/26 Consolidated Revenue Increased by 13.7% to Approximately HK$1,181 Million Profit Attributable to Owners Amounted to Approximately HK$1,951 Million

Source: Media Outreach AI Business on the Rise, Revenue Soared by Nearly 2.8 Times Fuelling Future Growth HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited (“Yeebo” or the “Company”, stock code: 00259.HK, which together with its subsidiaries is referred to as the “Group”) announces its annual results … Read more

Road cone crackdown gathers pace

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is fixing the basics by taking another step to end New Zealand’s overuse of road cones, with councils from today required to adopt a common-sense, risk-based approach to temporary traffic management, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. Local roads are owned and maintained by councils, but the Government invests more…

Natalie C. Uy Leads University Pad with a Legacy Rooted in Education, Community, and Integrity

Source: Media Outreach MANILA, PHILLIPINES- Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – Natalie Uy, President of University Pad Residences, continues to shape University Pad as more than an accommodation brand, but as a purpose-driven home for students, young professionals, Overseas Filipino Workers, BPO employees, and travelers seeking safety, comfort, and stability. Ms. Natalie C. … Read more

The Chief Ombudsman has released the findings of his investigation into the way the Prime Minister’s Office handled an Official Information Act request

Source: Office of the Ombudsman John Allen has found that the Prime Minister should have identified and released a climate briefing note and related information to the Environmental Law Initiative when the group requested it in 2025. The consultation process undertaken by the Prime Minister’s Office should have identified the existence of the briefing note. This … Read more

Legislation – Time to scrap the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill

Source: New Zealand Institute of Safety Management The New Zealand Institute of Safety Management is calling all political parties to end the farce by agreeing to consign the unethical and unworkable Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill to the dustbin of history. “Delaying the implementation date of the Bill to April 2027 simply punts all … Read more

Health – Wai July begins on track for more than 1,000 people choosing wai over waipiro

Source: Hapai Te Hauora Wai July officially gets underway today, with registrations already surpassing last year’s final total as more people across Aotearoa choose to spend the month waipiro (alcohol) free. This year’s registrations show people are joining Wai July for a wide range of reasons. Some want to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, others … Read more

AI and cost-cutting drive big upheaval for half of DOC’s IT team – PSA

Source: PSA The Department of Conservation is proposing a major restructure of its information systems function, driven by budget pressure and plans to embed artificial intelligence across its operations. Under the proposal, unveiled to staff today, 65 roles are being disestablished in DOC’s Information Systems and Services group. With 17 roles currently vacant, this directly impacts … Read more

Energy Sector – New rules target high charges to connect to electricity networks

Source: Electricity Authority Lines companies’ charging approaches for connecting to their networks will come under scrutiny following new rules announced today by the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority). From 1 August 2026, the Authority will implement a new framework under the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010. This enables the Authority to examine lines companies’ pricing … Read more

Nature therapy – what the DOC recommends

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  01 July 2026 From July 1 DOC is asking people to take small actions that don’t require a massive effort but will help nature in their backyards and communities. Department of Conservation Southern South Island Director Aaron Fleming says it could be as simple as putting out sugar water in…

Banking and Finance – ASB makes changes to home loan and term deposit rates

Source: ASB ASB has today reduced its fixed home loan rates by up to 30bps on 3-5 year terms, and increased its 6-month and 18-month terms by 20 and 14 basis points respectively. ASB has also reduced term deposit rates by up to 25 basis points across 2-year to 5-year terms. ASB’s Executive General Manager … Read more

China: New ‘ethnic unity’ law set to entrench assimilation of minority groups – Amnesty International

Source: Amnesty International Ahead of China’s new Ethnic Unity Law coming into force on 1 July, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said: “Chinese authorities have human rights obligations requiring them to protect minority communities and their cultures, but this law does the opposite. Rather than celebrating difference, it is about pushing ethnic groups … Read more

Tourism – Queenstown and Wānaka shine in inaugural MICHELIN Guide awards

Source: DESTINATION QUEENSTOWN & LAKE WĀNAKA TOURISM Queenstown & Wānaka New Zealand (1 July 2026) Queenstown and Wānaka have taken another step onto the global culinary stage, with local restaurants receiving outstanding recognition in the MICHELIN Guide. Five restaurants across the two destinations received coveted MICHELIN Stars, including two stars for Queenstown’s Essence – the only … Read more

Major milestone reached for Local Water Done Well

Source: New Zealand Government Every mainland council in New Zealand now has an approved water services delivery plan under Local Water Done Well, marking a major milestone in delivering more reliable and financially sustainable water services for ratepayers, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. The milestone follows the approval of Waitaki District Council’s amended water…

Prime Minister’s Science Prizes announced

Source: New Zealand Government Groundbreaking research in neonatal care that has saved thousands of lives worldwide is recognised among the winners of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds congratulated the recipients at the awards in Wellington last night, recognising the impact of their work. “These awards do more…

Flat out of luck

Source: New Zealand Police A night of alleged car thefts ended with spiked tyres and a ride in a Police car for four Northland youths.  At around 10pm on Sunday 28 June, Police received a stolen vehicle report from a residential address in Kaikohe.  Far North Area Commander, Inspector John Fagan, says area searches were…

AML reforms enter new phase with one clear regulator

Source: New Zealand Government Today marks a major step toward a smarter, more practical anti-money laundering system, with the Department of Internal Affairs becoming New Zealand’s single AML/CFT regulator, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee. “Around 1,200 businesses will move under DIA’s supervision, bringing all of the approximately 6,100 reporting entities under one regulator. That…

Launch of SafetyNet Critical Communications

Source: New Zealand Government Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has today welcomed a major milestone in New Zealand’s public safety sector with the launch of SafetyNet Critical Communications (SafetyNet). SafetyNet, a new independent Crown company, replaces Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC).  With an expanded mandate, SafetyNet will help strengthen New Zealand’s emergency…

Hawke’s Bay Police seeking Anthony Ngapera

Source: New Zealand Police Hawke’s Bay Police are seeking Anthony Ngapera, who has warrants for his arrest. Ngapera, aged 41, is considered dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public. If you see him, or have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Police via 111 and quote file number 260623/6965. Information…

Regulatory Standards Act takes effect, Board ready for work

Source: New Zealand Government The Regulatory Standards Act is in effect, and the Regulatory Standards Board is taking complaints from Kiwis about bad regulations, Regulation Minister David Seymour says.  “Today is a historic day for Kiwis’ rights, because the Regulatory Standards Act and Board now protects them,” Mr Seymour says.  “The Regulatory Standards Act (2025)…

Registration of stillborn babies to be made easier

Source: New Zealand Government Grieving parents who are coping with stillbirth will be able to register their baby through a dedicated website, Whetūrangitia, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Losing a baby is a deeply traumatic and heartbreaking experience. Before today, on top of dealing with that grief, families had to complete stillborn registrations through…