Primary teachers’ union angry over government offering individual pay rises

Source: Radio New Zealand Richard Tindiller The primary teachers’ union is angry that the government is offering pay rises to teachers on individual employment agreements. Education Minister Erica Stanford said from Wednesday, schools could offer staff on individual agreements a 2.5 percent pay rise from 20 March, with a further 2.1 percent on 28 January … Read more

Cathedral square upgrade: Concept design to open for consultation

Source: Radio New Zealand Cathedral Square was badly damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes. Frank Film A long-awaited plan for an upgrade to Christchurch’s Cathedral Square will go to the public in coming months, Christchurch City Council says. Council staff briefed mayor Phil Mauger and councillors on concept design work for the city’s traditional centre on … Read more

Money20/20 Asia Unveils Powerhouse Lineup of 250 Speakers to Define the Future of Finance

Source: Media Outreach BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Money20/20, the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announced 250 confirmed speakers from a total of 39 countries taking their stages at Money20/20 Asia happening in Bangkok on April 21–23, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit … Read more

Positive lines of enquiry into threat against school

Source: New Zealand Police Police are making enquiries after a threat was made towards a Timaru school, however there is no information to suggest it is credible. Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker says Police were alerted to the message about 7.45pm on 10 March. “We will not detail the specifics of the threat, however … Read more

CTU stands in solidarity with teachers

Source: NZCTU NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey is supporting NZEI Te Riu Roa and calling on Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche to back down from his plans to offer individual employment agreements to primary teachers. “This is an outright attack on the tens of thousands of teachers up and down the country who … Read more

Job Losses – Heinz Wattie’s Announces Proposed Changes to Operations in New Zealand

Source: Heinz Wattie Today, Heinz Wattie’s Limited announced proposed changes to certain areas of its New Zealand business as part of the company’s shift to focus on its long-term strategy. After careful consideration, the company is proposing to discontinue sale and production of frozen vegetables and Gregg’s coffee, as well as dips sold primarily under … Read more

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