Auckland sees biggest growth in consumer spending in two years

Source: Radio New Zealand Consumer spending processed through all core retail merchants in Worldline NZ’s payments network during February were up 2.8 percent in the Auckland/Northland region. 123RF Auckland has seen the biggest growth in consumer spending in two years, with modest growth holding steady elsewhere. Consumer spending processed through all core retail merchants in … Read more

Transport groups unite in call for driver licensing support

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand A coalition of transport groups is calling for increased access to driver education and training to help address the growing number of New Zealanders without a full driver’s license. The group, consisting of Transporting New Zealand, Driving Change Network, Bus and Coach Association, MITO, Heavy Haulage Association, National Road … Read more

Culture Art Environment – HĪKOI O TE TAOKA | MARCH OF THE TREASURE

Source: Otago Shore and Land Trust Location: Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand PREVENT | PRESERVE | PROTECT — ART IN ACTION Hīkoi o te Taoka | March of the Treasure is a powerful travelling public art protest across Te Waipounamu (the South Island), uniting communities and visitors through large-scale art to protect one of the … Read more

Rural News – Profitability at all-time high, but farmers cautious – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers Strong returns and lower debt-servicing costs mean more farmers than ever are making a profit, according to the latest Federated Farmers Confidence Survey. Of nearly 650 farmers who responded to the survey in late January and early February, 70% said their farm was currently profitable. “That’s the highest level since we started our twice-yearly … Read more

Dangerous drivers face court

Source: New Zealand Police Police have impounded seven vehicles and summonsed four drivers to court with another three pending charges following a gang-related funeral procession. A Police operation monitored the convoy that travelled between Ōtara and the Manukau Memorial Gardens in Wiri on 5 February. Inspector Ann Wilkie, Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, says … Read more

New proposal aims to reduce complications following a stem cell transplant

Source: PHARMAC People who have just had a stem cell transplant could be better protected from a serious viral infection under a new proposal from Pharmac to fund a preventive medicine.  Pharmac is consulting on a proposal to fund letermovir, an antiviral medicine that helps prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. If approved, funding would begin on … Read more

Second person charged with murder of Pakuranga courier driver

Source: Radio New Zealand Police in Pakuranga on 19 August 2024. RNZ / Lucy Xia Police have charged a second person with the murder of a fatally shot Pakuranga courier driver. Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers said the second man, a 35-year-old, would appear at the Manukau District Court on Thursday, charged with the murder of … Read more

What are New Zealand’s global supply chains being disrupted by the US-Iran conflict?

Source: Radio New Zealand The Hormuz Strait between Iran and Oman carries around a fifth of the world’s oil and a large amount of natural gas, but shipping lanes there have been suspended during the current war. JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP Explainer – The war raging in the Middle East is affecting supply chains, … Read more

Treasury figures show $6 billion deficit for seven months ended January

Source: Radio New Zealand Treasury figures show the government’s finances are in better shape than expected. RNZ The government’s finances are in better than expected shape as spending has fallen while the tax take is steady. Treasury figures, which exclude ACC finances, show a deficit of $6 billion for the seven months ended January, about … Read more

What is black sesame and is it really the new matcha?

Source: Radio New Zealand Black sesame is the latest plant-based product to go viral, with its appealing colour and nutty taste. Social media is full of claims these dark sesame seeds are better for you than the white ones. They’re said to be better at reducing your blood sugar levels, risk of heart disease, and … Read more

Two arrests following Papakura shooting

Source: New Zealand Police Two people have been arrested and a firearm recovered following a shooting in Papakura on Saturday morning. Police were conducting patrols in the Clevedon Road area at the time heard what they believed to be gun shots, and a short time later came across a man with a gunshot injury. The … Read more

Appointment of the Health and Disability Commissioner

Source: New Zealand Government Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced the reappointment of Ms Morag McDowell as Health and Disability Commissioner. “Ms McDowell brings extensive legal expertise and significant experience in the health sector. Her reappointment will support the organisation to continue delivering its work in a fair, timely, and effective manner,” Mr Brown … Read more

The calmness factor: Finn Allen’s attitude change pays off for Black Caps

Source: Radio New Zealand Black Caps opener Finn Allen plays a shot during their T20 Cricket World Cup semifinal against South Africa, in Kolkata on March 4, 2026. AFP Black Caps hero Finn Allen has developed a calmness about his role as an opener that is paying dividends at the T20 World Cup, the team’s … Read more

Tāiko Critical Minerals debuts on NZX

Source: Radio New Zealand Tāiko Critical Minerals debuts on the NZX on Thursday. RNZ / Angus Dreaver Australian controlled mining company Tāiko Critical Minerals to list on NZ stock exchange (NZX) Company planning heavy minerals mining venture near Greymouth, production in 2028 NZX listing aimed at widening investor base Selected wholesale NZ investors offered shares … Read more

Upgraded women’s leadership database launched

Source: New Zealand Government A new-look database to advance women’s progress into leadership roles has been launched to mark International Women’s Day. Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says there is growing evidence that having qualified women on public and private boards strengthens decision-making, governance and financial performance. “Women leaders play a critical role in a productive … Read more

Person killed in fire at Auckland home

Source: Radio New Zealand The scene of the fire this morning. RNZ / FELIX WALTON Police are at the scene of a fatal fire in Ōtāhuhu. A scene guard is outside the house and officers are going door-to-door. A Fire and Emergency investigator is also at the scene. RNZ understands a person died in a … Read more

Fatal fire, Ōtāhuhu

Source: New Zealand Police Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, Counties Manukau West CIB: At around 9pm last night reports were received that a property on Tamaki Ave, Ōtāhuhu was on fire. Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand attended the scene with an investigation now underway. At this stage we can advise … Read more

Pharmac warns unpredictable supply means ADHD drug shortage expected all year

Source: Radio New Zealand AFP / Thom Leach / Science Photo Library Pharmac says shortages in some ADHD drugs are expected to last throughout 2026. Its Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Hughes, in a statement to told Nine to Noon, rising demand and manufacturing constraints meant supply remains unpredictable. The drug option most affected is … Read more

Operation Block: Further man charged over homicide

Source: New Zealand Police Police have charged another person in an ongoing homicide investigation following the death of a courier driver in Pakuranga Heights. Operation Block commenced on 19 August 2024 to investigate the murder of 59-year-old Tuipulotu Vi on Marvon Downs Avenue. Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, of Counties Manukau CIB, says: “Police have charged … Read more

NZ Defence Force planes on standby for Middle East evacuations

Source: Radio New Zealand Two NZDF planes are on standby to head to the Middle East for evacuation operations. NZDF/Jalesa Normani The government is getting ready to send consular staff and two NZ Defence Force (NZDF) planes to the Middle East in preparation for evacuation operations. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealanders in the … Read more

Government considering scrapping entire clean car standard

Source: Radio New Zealand 123RF The government is considering scrapping the clean car standard altogether, months after slashing the fees importers pay to bring dirty vehicles into the country. An EV advocate said if the proposal goes ahead, New Zealanders will be sold “the high-emitting leftovers” that manufacturers can no longer sell in Australia. The … Read more

Arrest following serious assault, Frankton

Source: New Zealand Police Attributable to Inspector Andrea McBeth, Hamilton City Area Commander: A man is before the courts following a serious assault in Hamilton yesterday. At around 7am, Police were notified of an assault in High Street, Frankton. Upon arrival, a man was located with serious injuries and transported to hospital. Police made enquiries … Read more

NZ-AU: Clean Group Achieves Top Commercial Cleaning Recognition in Sydney Through Triple ISO Certification and Eco-Friendly Practices

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU) SYDNEY, NSW, March 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SYDNEY, NSW – March 04, 2026 – – Clean Group Commercial Cleaning has been recognized as Sydney’s leading commercial cleaning provider for 2026 by Kinross Research, marking a significant milestone for the family-owned company that has served the Greater Sydney area for over 25 … Read more

ChamberWorks helps employers build teams

Source: New Zealand Government Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says a new partnership which supports business owners with their hiring decisions will help get more Kiwis into work. ChamberWorks launched in Auckland today, as a partnership between the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and New Zealand Chambers of Commerce. “This is an exciting … Read more

Finn Allen’s record ton powers New Zealand into T20 World Cup final

Source: Radio New Zealand New Zealand’s Finn Allen plays a shot during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup semi-final match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 4, 2026. AFP Finn Allen has hit the fastest century in T20 World Cup history as the Black Caps cruised into the … Read more

Fifty years after New Zealand stopped whaling, humpback population showing signs of recovery

Source: Radio New Zealand Supplied / Claire Garrigue More than half a century after the last whale was caught and killed in New Zealand, humpbacks are showing promising signs of recovery. An international study involving researchers from the University of Auckland shows humpback breeding is getting more competitive, which suggests the population is growing. University … Read more

Live: NZ Defence Force planes prepare to fly to Middle East for evacuations

Source: Radio New Zealand Follow the latest with our live blog above Foreign Minister Winston Peters says when conditions allow, NZDF planes will help New Zealanders get to locations where they can get on commercial flights home. He says they will not be long flights. The minister says at the speed at which potentially thousands … Read more