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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

University Research – NZ housing fails to meet Māori and Pacific needs, say experts – UoA

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Source: University of Auckland – UoA Housing is failing to meet Māori and Pacific families’ needs in New Zealand, say University of Auckland experts Professor Deidre Brown and Dr Karamia Müller. Housing prices have skyrocketed, leaving many Māori and Pacific people unable to afford their own homes, say Brown and Müller, who are directors of … Read more

Kiwi driver Scott McLaughlin second at Indycar Grand Prix of St Petersburg

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Source: Radio New Zealand picture id=”4JSEOEB_AFP__20260228__2263973903__v2__HighRes__NttIndycarSeriesFirestoneGrandPrixOfStPeters_jpg” crop=”16×10″ layout=”full”] Scott McLaughlin was runner-up at the Indycar Grand Prix in St Petersburg. Kiwi polesitter Scott McLaughlin has clawed his way onto the podium at the Indycar season opener in the United States, but was ultimately defeated by Spain’s Alex Palou. Four-time defending champion Palou took the victory … Read more

Tall Blacks beat Guam to boost World Cup hopes

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Source: Radio New Zealand Reuben Te Rangi of New Zealand. David Rowland/www.photosport.nz The Tall Blacks have beaten hosts Guam 99-67 to go two-from-two in their second window of qualifiers for next year’s World Cup in Qatar. Reuben Te Rangi started the game with the Tall Blacks first five points, before Jack Andrew scored four of … Read more

Winds could see Cook Strait ferry services cancelled

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Source: Radio New Zealand Bluebridge and Interislander in Picton Marlborough sounds RNZ/ Rachel Thomas The Bluebridge Cook Straight ferry service is indicating strong southerlies could cause delays and cancellations on Monday and Tuesday. It says strong winds and large swells are expected, and customers would be notified of any disruption. “A southerly weather system is … Read more

Exercise certificate helps EIT graduate support his community

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Source: Eastern Institute of Technology 3 days ago After completing the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise at EIT, Joe Tangira is now working at the YMCA Gisborne, helping deliver free exercise classes for the community. The 21-year-old enrolled in the level 4 programme early last year, drawn to the opportunity to become a personal trainer … Read more

Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Specified Prescription Medicines List for Designated Registered Nurse Prescribers: Analysis of submissions

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 2 March 2026 Designated registered nurse prescribers in primary health and speciality team have met specific training and practise requirements set by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (Nursing Council). They work in collaborative multidisciplinary teams and only prescribe medicines within their specific area of practice, from … Read more

Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Specified Prescription Medicines List for Designated Pharmacist Prescribers: Analysis of submissions

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 2 March 2026 Designated pharmacist prescribers have met specific requirements and are registered in an additional scope of practice by the Pharmacy Council. They work in collaborative multidisciplinary teams and only prescribe medicines within their specific area of practice, from a gazetted list of specified prescription medicines. … Read more