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Source: Radio New Zealand The loan underwritten by Kainga Ora. RNZ ASB has joined the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme, which allows borrowers to buy a house with a deposit of only 5 percent. The loan is underwritten by Kāinga Ora, so borrowers are usually able to access the same interest rates as buyers … Read more
Source: EMA Yesterday’s third reading of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill gives employers long-sought clarity on defining the status of contractors in the workplace, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). The EMA’s Head of Advocacy, Alan McDonald, said that wish for clarity predates the recent Uber court decision and gives employers a four-gateway test that … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand David Benbow was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non parole period of 17 years after a jury found him guilty of murder. A former prison guard who murdered his childhood friend will have his appeal against conviction and sentence heard later this year. David Benbow was sentenced in 2024 … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand Police said the man’s body was discovered in a secluded area of Wharepai Domain on Saturday. RNZ / Nate McKinnon A homicide investigation has been launched after a man’s body was found in Wharepai Domain, Tauranga. Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, said the man’s … Read more
Source: Robert Walters Robert Walters identifies New Zealand’s key labour and salary trends for 2026 Auckland, New Zealand, 18th Feb 2026 - 2026 will be a year of strategic hiring, increased pressure on salaries, and rising workforce mobility across New Zealand, according to new research from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters. The findings come from its latest Salary Guide, launching … Read more
Source: Cotality New Zealand’s property market has started 2026 in a subdued fashion with little movement in prices and lower sales transactions despite improved affordability, more favourable mortgage rates and a gradually strengthening economy. The Cotality NZ February Monthly Housing Chart Pack shows national median property values fell a modest -0.3% over the three months … Read more
Source: ASB ASB Bank will now offer the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, marking another step in the bank’s commitment to making home ownership accessible for more New Zealanders. The First Home Loan is designed for people who can afford regular mortgage repayments but are finding it difficult to save a 20% deposit. Instead of … Read more
Source: BusinessNZ The Employment Relations Amendment Bill will help restore balance, certainty and common sense to New Zealand’s employment framework, BusinessNZ says. Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says the Bill, which passed its third reading last night, addresses real-world issues facing employers and workers, and supports a more flexible and confident economy. “Clear and workable employment … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand On Monday, Police were notified of an aggravated robbery at a commercial premises on Charles Street RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly Five young people have been arrested and charged after an aggravated robbery in Westshore, Napier. They are due to appear in Napier Youth Court on Wednesday, jointly charged with aggravated robbery … Read more
Source: New Zealand Government Money seized from criminals will once again be redirected to protecting New Zealanders, with a new funding round for the Proceeds of Crime Fund opening on 30 March 2026, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee. “We are taking money off criminals and using it to fix what matters for victims by … Read more
Source: Maritime New Zealand We’ve recently become aware of an incident where detergent was sprayed on an oil spill, so we’d like to share a reminder about the rules for using ‘oil spill control agents’ or OSCAs. Dispersants can help reduce the amount of spilled oil reaching the shore, but we need to be sure … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand 123RF Rural contractors say new road rules for agricultural machinery are nowhere to be seen, and in the meantime contractors are still being stung with fines. To operate tractors or heavy machinery like harvesters on roads, drivers must get a permit. But the rules are “outdated” and not keeping up with … Read more
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health Publication date: 18 February 2026 The Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora provides a weekly report to the Minister for Mental Health containing regular updates on the Ministry’s Mental Health work programme and other key information. The published weekly reports do not necessarily reflect the current status of the … Read more
Source: New Zealand Police The death of a man in Tauranga on Saturday is now being treated as a homicide. Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, says the man’s body was discovered in a secluded area of Wharepai Domain about 2pm on Saturday 14 February. “A post-mortem on Monday … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand Chief executive Andrew Reding expected market conditions to remain challenging in the near term. Supplied / Fletcher Building Fletcher Building has posted a smaller half-year loss as the company continues to clean up its long-list of legacy issues, while business remains challenging. Key numbers for the six months ended December compared … Read more
Source: New Zealand Police Five youth are before the court following an aggravated robbery in Westshore, Napier. On Monday 16 February, Police were notified of an aggravated robbery at a commercial premises on Charles Street about 4.40pm. Three people allegedly entered the premises and stole a number of items before fleeing in a vehicle containing … Read more
Source: New Zealand Government Seven grassroots mental health initiatives supporting small and hard-to-reach communities have received funding to deliver faster access to support, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today. “These seven projects deliver practical support, from supporting parents and educating on mental health, to empowering women, grassroots sport initiatives, and accessible movement programmes,” Mr … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand The Mt Maunganui cordon, pictured earlier this month. Nick Monro A man has been arrested after allegedly breaching the cordon around Mt Maunganui. The cordon has been in place since the deadly landslide that killed six people at a campground in January. Tauranga City Council said it aimed to lift part … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand 123RF Livestock farmers are being urged to keep their animals well fed and circulated to avoid the spread of moisture-loving parasites. Downpours and gusts that lashed the country in recent weeks have left farmers grappling with paddocks turned to lakes, keeping stock fed and dry, and navigating cut-off tracks, roads and … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand New Zealand’s Luca Harrington during the Freeski Big Air final at the 2026 Winter OLympics. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP New Zealand’s Luca Harrington has finished sixth in the men’s big air final at the Milan Winter Olympics, missing out on a medal. Harrington, the reigning big air World Champion, had a … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand Follow our live blog at the top of this page for updates. Banks Peninsula remains cut off by road after widespread damage from flooding and slips. Canterbury’s civil defence controller Duncan Sandeman says the focus on Wednesday will be opening roads and restoring communications. The peninsula was pelted by ten times … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand A dog runs free in Kaihu, Northland. RNZ Hefty jail terms should be considered for owners of dangerous, roaming dogs, Northland local and cabinet minister Shane Jones says. His comments come after a woman was mauled to death in Kaihu this week. Her death is the third in Northland in the … Read more
Source: New Zealand Police Attribute to Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Clifford Paxton: Bay of Plenty Police have arrested and charged a man following a breach at the Mount Maunganui landslide site cordon early this morning. At around 2.30am, Police were notified that a man had allegedly entered the Mount Maunganui landslide zone … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand Auckland Harbour Bridge. 123rf Imposing tolls on the existing Harbour Bridge won’t raise enough revenue to cover long-term costs of a new crossing, the editor of an advocacy website says. The Infrastructure Commission has suggested a toll as high as $9 to help pay for a second crossing. Greater Auckland editor … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand Explainer – If the weather lately is stressing you out, you’re not alone. As of Tuesday, there have been nine local states of emergency declared so far in 2026, according to Civil Defence. That’s already more than were declared in all of 2025 and 2024. There have also been two red … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand Auckland Harbour Bridge. 123rf Imposing tolls on the existing Harbour Bridge won’t raise enough revenue to cover long-term costs of a new crossing, the editor of an advocacy website says. The Infrastructure Commission has suggested a toll as high as $9 to help pay for a second crossing. Greater Auckland editor … Read more
Source: Radio New Zealand Phillip Maybury and Natasha Robinson have been helping catch supplies. RNZ / Mary Argue A “lifeline” road gouged out by raging floodwaters in southern Wairarapa is a “nightmare” scenario, that has split families and forced residents to scramble for supplies. Several rural and coastal settlements on the road to Cape Palliser … Read more