Qatar Airways, Emirates flights to Doha and Dubai cancelled amid Iran attacks

Source: Radio New Zealand Emirates has cancelled flights through Doha and Dubai. Thierry Monasse A Qatar Airways 777 and two Emirates A380 planes are stuck in Auckland after the airlines were forced to cancel flights through Doha and Dubai amid the Iran attacks. “Auckland Airport is supporting those airlines with aircraft parking and operational assistance … Read more

Desert Diamond Hues Take Centre Stage On The Red Carpet At The 79th British Academy Film Awards

Source: Media Outreach LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – At this year’s British Academy Film Awards, the red carpet was illuminated with natural diamonds worn by some of the acting world’s most beloved stars, with Desert diamonds reigning supreme. Desert diamond hues take centre stage on the red carpet at … Read more

Wāhine Māori overrepresented in the criminal justice system

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice Headline: Wāhine Māori overrepresented in the criminal justice system MEDIA RELEASE 24 February 2026 Māori women are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, and this increases the further they progress through the system, a new factsheet from the Ministry of Justice shows. Analysis in the factsheet, Reducing the … Read more

Proposed changes aim to better target dolphin protection efforts

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  02 March 2026 Public consultation runs from 2–30 March 2026 following a review by DOC and Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū on the effectiveness of the current Sanctuary rules at protecting marine mammals, and how they could work better. “We always intended to observe, learn … Read more

Coronial inquiry into death of 10-month-old Manurewa infant Poseidyn Hemopo-Pickering gets underway

Source: Radio New Zealand A coronial inquiry into the death of a 10-month-old Manurewa infant is underway in Auckland. 123rf.com A coronial inquiry into the death of 10-month-old Manurewa infant Poseidyn Hemopo-Pickering is underway in Auckland. Poseidyn was rushed to Middlemore Hospital and later moved to Starship Children’s Hospital on the evening of 5 September, … Read more

Officer accused of kidnapping ex-wife avoids disciplinary action, keeps job

Source: Radio New Zealand The IPCA released a summary of a police investigation into the officer, overseen by the authority, on Monday (file photo). hamilton, auckland, station, office, precinct, municipal, new zealand, nz, sign, building, editorial, symbol, logo, city, street The police watchdog has criticised police for not disciplining an officer who allegedly kidnapped his … Read more

Universities – Victoria University Coastal Ecology Laboratory Open Day

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington  Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s award-winning teaching and research facility Te Toka Tū Moana—Coastal Ecology Laboratory in Island Bay is hosting its annual open day on Saturday 7 March from 10 am–3 pm. Part of Seaweek, Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual celebration of the sea, the annual open … Read more

Should third party vehicle insurance be compulsory? Why the costs could outweigh the benefits

Source: Radio New Zealand 123RF Supporters of compulsory third-party vehicle insurance argue that it will prevent innocent drivers from facing hefty repair bills they can’t afford. However, recent comments from the transport minister suggest that such a change wouldn’t be happening anytime soon. Chris Bishop told interest.co.nz that the mandatory third-party vehicle insurance wasn’t considered … Read more

Bringing X-rays and ultrasounds closer to home in Wānaka

Source: New Zealand Government From today, more people in Wānaka will be able to access routine diagnostic imaging closer to home, with publicly funded X-ray and ultrasound services now available locally, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say. “Until now, patients in Wānaka who were referred by their GP or primary … Read more

Strong winds disrupt Cook Strait passenger services

Source: Radio New Zealand Bluebridge and Interislander in Picton Marlborough sounds RNZ/ Rachel Thomas Two BlueBridge ferry sailings have been cancelled for passengers due to rough conditions in the Cook Strait. MetService forecast southerly swells of up to 4m with winds reaching just over 80 km/h. Strong winds are expected to continue through Tuesday. BlueBridge … Read more

Split Enz have reunited – two more shows for NZ

Source: Radio New Zealand Now the seminal Kiwi band – which includes celebrated song-writing siblings Tim and Neil Finn as well as Eddie Rayner and Noel Crombie – have announced shows for Auckland and Wellington. The will play at TSB Arena, Wellington on Wednesday, 6 May, followed by Spark Arena in Auckland on Saturday, 9 … Read more

The Detail: Net fishing is in, then out again as National Party does a backflip

Source: Radio New Zealand A ring net fishing boat in Northland. Seafood NZ  National has announced that, if re-elected, it would ban ring-net fishing in some areas of the Hauraki Gulf, but the policy they’ve promised to reverse was their own The battle has been long – fish versus fishing. Now, the fight over the … Read more

Tyres slashed on three ambulances during Manukau break-in

Source: Radio New Zealand St John district operations manager Andy Everiss said the action was highly disrespectful. RNZ / Marika Khabazi Police are searching for a group of people who slashed the tyres of ambulances in South Auckland this weekend. They said the offenders broke into a gated yard at Hato Hone St John’s Manukau … Read more

Health – Aged Care Association Welcomes Nurse Settlement, Calls for Sustainable Funding for Aged Residential Care

Source: Aged Care Association The Aged Care Association welcomes the successful ratification of new collective agreements for Public Health and Mental Health nurses employed by Health New Zealand. “We are pleased for these nurses and acknowledge the important role they play in supporting communities across New Zealand,” says Tracey Martin, Chief Executive of the Aged Care … Read more

NZ share market falls in first trading since US-Israel strikes on Iran

Source: Radio New Zealand The benchmark NZX50 fell 1 percent in early trading, or 145 points. RNZ / Angus Dreaver The New Zealand share market has opened sharply lower following the latest conflict in the Middle East. The benchmark NZX50 opened down 1 percent, before extending its losses to be down 1.3 percent mid-morning. Market … Read more

Tyres slashes on three ambulanceduring Manukau break-in

Source: Radio New Zealand St John district operations manager Andy Everiss said the action was highly disrespectful. RNZ / Marika Khabazi Police are searching for a group of people who slashed the tyres of ambulances in South Auckland this weekend. They said the offenders broke into a gated yard at Hato Hone St John’s Manukau … Read more

The Detail: Net fishing is in, then out again

Source: Radio New Zealand A ring net fishing boat in Northland. Seafood NZ  National has announced that, if re-elected, it would ban ring-net fishing in some areas of the Hauraki Gulf, but the policy they’ve promised to reverse was their own The battle has been long – fish versus fishing. Now, the fight over the … Read more

Major through road in Lower Hutt closes for next nine months

Source: Radio New Zealand The works have already drawn the ire of local residents. Pretoria Gordon A major through road in Lower Hutt will be closed for the next nine months as part of a series of road works in Hutt City. From 2 March until December 2026, the intersection between Queens Dr and High … Read more

Pirongia storm damage assessments continue

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  02 March 2026 Pirongia was struck by intense rainfall on 13 and 14 February and several DOC tracks and assets on the maunga were flooded or damaged. Waipā District, where the popular forest park is located, remained under a State of Emergency until 28 February. DOC’s Waikato Operations Manager Niwha … Read more

Appeal for information following damage to ambulances

Source: New Zealand Police Counties Manukau Police investigating the wilful damage of a number of Hato Hone St John Ambulances are appealing for any information to assist in our enquiries. Senior Sergeant Roelof Burger says Police believe the offenders have unlawfully entered the gated yard of St John’s Manukau Station on the corner of Plunket … Read more

Live: US-Israeli strikes on Iran could last ‘weeks’, 48 Iranian leaders and 3 US soldiers killed

Source: Radio New Zealand Follow the latest with our live blog above Israel and the US have begun a fresh waves of strikes on Iran, targetting the Iranian leadership, its air defences and its ballistic missile capabilities. The US military says it has sunk nine Iranian warships and is “going after the rest” in attacks … Read more

WorkSafe drives horticulture safety improvements

Source: Worksafe New Zealand WorkSafe has issued a report card showing the horticulture industry could do better when it comes to managing hazardous substances and machinery safety, particularly around power take-off (PTO) shafts on tractors. Horticulture is a priority sector for WorkSafe because of its contribution to serious workplace incidents and injuries each year. Many … Read more

Health – Advocates demand lung cancer screening for New Zealand’s deadliest cancer

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Australia screens for lung cancer. England screens for lung cancer. New Zealand does not, yet it is the country’s deadliest cancer. Lung cancer kills more Kiwis than any other cancer and is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women. This year, it will claim the lives of … Read more

Health – ProCare and The Fono help Pacific families connect with vital services at free community health day

Source: ProCare Hundreds of Pacific community members came together in Auckland last month for a free health screening event, delivered by ProCare and The Fono, supported by 14 health and social service providers. The event brought proactive and preventative health services to the community and helped people spot and understand health issues early. The work … Read more

Events – New Zealand Opera offers Simplified Chinese for Bluebeard’s Castle at Auckland Town Hall performances

Source: New Zealand Opera An internationally acclaimed production of Bluebeard’s Castle, Bartók’s only opera, makes its Auckland debut for two performances in the Auckland Arts Festival in March. The opera will be sung in English, with Simplified Chinese subtitles available on personal devices. Two of the classical world’s most experienced and sought-after singers, American baritone Lester … Read more

Northland News – Climate Resilient Communities Fund open for applications

Source: Northland Regional Council Northland Regional Council’s popular Climate Resilience Communities Fund is open for applications. Now in its third year, the fund aims to build community resilience to the effects of climate change by focusing on community-led initiatives and building local capacity to lead change. Since its inception, the fund has supported 45 projects across … Read more

Northland Regional Council media briefs 02/03/26

Source: Northland Regional Council HAVE YOUR SAY ON NRC USER FEES AND CHARGES; NO ANNUAL PLAN CONSULTATION Northland Regional Council (NRC) is reviewing its user fees and charges for 2026/27 and is seeking feedback by Thursday 02 April. Proposed changes include a 2.6% inflation adjustment, updated water-use annual return charges and a simplified single field-test charge. … Read more