Breakthrough Export Deal Signals New Era for Strong Wool

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is marking a significant commercial milestone, with New Zealand’s strong wool sector securing its first export order for innovative wool particle technology. Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson describes this as “the Holy Grail” for the sector.  The Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand’s (WRONZ) commercial development company Wool Source … Read more

Slower speeds rolling out around Taranaki schools

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency This means that during pick-up and drop-off times, speed limits outside these schools will have variable speed limits installed. Speeds for schools on state highways will drop to 30km/h or 60km/h, depending on the road. Outside those times, the usual speed limit applies. Electronic signs will make it clear when … Read more

What to consider before putting a bar tab on your credit card

Source: Radio New Zealand As common as it is to leave your card on the bar to run a tab it can be a mistake. Unsplash/ Simon Kadula Leaving your credit card on the bar to run up a tab this summer might be an expensive mistake. Financial Services Complaints Ltd, an external dispute resolution … Read more

Matariki 2026 will be held at Takaparawhau in Auckland, hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

Source: Radio New Zealand Tu Natanahira/RNZ Steam from the umu at Takaparawhau rises upward towards the stars, as Kai is lifted from the ground during Matariki 2024. Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, is set to host the national Matariki ceremony for 2026. The hautapu ā-motu will be held at Takaparawhau on July 10 and hosted by mana … Read more

Torch Run on Tuesday, then Special Olympics Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police Media is invited to attend both Tuesday’s Law Enforcement Torch Run event and Wednesday’s Opening Ceremony. Come along to take photos and interview participants and their supporters. Tuesday What: Law Enforcement Torch Run.Where: Meet at Victoria Square at 11:45am, Christchurch.When: Tuesday 9 December 2025, departing at 12pm, and finishing at Bridge … Read more

New Zealand Government abandons 71 years of NZDF work for Israel – Peace Action Wellington

Source: Peace Action Wellington Date: Sunday 7 December – The NZ government has abstained from a UN vote to declare Israeli occupation of the Syrian Golan illegal – the first time it has ever done this. This is despite the NZDF deployment to the Golan since 1954 as part of the United Nations Truce Organisation … Read more

Black Caps call in more reinforcements

Source: Radio New Zealand Kristian Clarke of New Zealand Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz Northern Districts pace bowler Kristian Clarke has joined the Black Caps squad ahead of this week’s second Test against West Indies in Wellington. Clarke is the second uncapped player to join the squad after Canterbury fast bowler Michael Rae. New Zealand’s lead … Read more

Scrutiny Week in review: Politics vs oversight

Source: Radio New Zealand VNP/Louis Collins Parliament’s final weeks of the year began with Scrutiny Week, and while bellicose exchanges dominated headlines, much examination took place in relatively calmer hearings. Coverage of Parliament’s biannual scrutiny weeks is often dominated by the more theatrical moments of verbal sparring between ministers and opposition MPs. But in the … Read more

Coroner suppresses name of man stabbed to death in Auckland’s Mt Wellington

Source: Radio New Zealand Police at the scene of the death on Harris Rd in Mt Wellington on Friday. RNZ / Felix Walton A Coroner has made wide-ranging suppression orders, preventing the media from identifying the man stabbed to death in Auckland’s Mt Wellington last week. A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder and … Read more

Who knew what and when in the Jevon McSkimming saga?

Source: Radio New Zealand Both Chris Hipkins and Mark Mitchell have denied Andrew Coster’s claims. RNZ A lot has happened since the Independent Police Conduct Authority released a scathing 135-page report into how police handled allegations of sexual offending against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. National Crime Correspondent Sam Sherwood explains the latest. Just days … Read more

20-year old charged after shooting a man in Papakura

Source: Radio New Zealand The offender was arrested on Sunday and is set to appear in the Papakura District Court on Monday. AFP / Andri Tambunan Police have charged a 20-year old man after a person was shot and injured in Papakura on Saturday morning. Enquiries began after a man sustained a gunshot wound at … Read more

Boil-water notice lifted for Bay of Islands holiday hotspot

Source: Radio New Zealand Paihia wharf and marlin statue, Bay of Islands. RNZ / Peter de Graaf A boil-water notice in a Bay of Islands holiday hotspot has been lifted. Residents in Paihia – as well as nearby Waitangi, Ōpua, Haruru and Te Haumi – were warned last Thursday to boil their tap water for … Read more

Surprise kiwi pukupuku population grows

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  08 December 2025 Announced in July, the rediscovery of kiwi pukupuku in the wild on mainland New Zealand shocked and delighted conservationists and mana whenua Ngāti Māhaki. At the time, only one kiwi pukupuku was confirmed in the remote Westland wilderness area, but now the Department of Conservation (DOC) can … Read more

Police make arrest after man shot in Papakura

Source: New Zealand Police Police have charged a man over a firearms incident in Papakura in the early hours of Saturday morning. Enquiries began after a man sustained a gunshot wound at Maadi Place at around 2.30am, on 6 December. Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, from Counties Manukau South CIB, says a man was arrested … Read more

Wellington Phoenix women face injury concerns for star striker Sabitra Bhandari

Source: Radio New Zealand Phoenix striker Sabitra ‘Samba’ Bhandari faces a race against time to recover for Wellington’s next match against Perth Glory. Masanori Udagawa The Wellington Phoenix women are closely monitoring the fitness of Nepal international Sabitra ‘Samba’ Bhandari after an injury scare in Melbourne. Bhandari limped off the field during Wellington’s 1-0 A-League … Read more

Heat alert for Hastings as 34C day looms

Source: Radio New Zealand Hastings is under heat alert, set to reach 34 degrees. RNZ/Alexa Cook Hastings is set to hit 34 degrees today as the region swelters under a heat alert, following a hot weekend. Health New Zealand is warning residents to keep cool and hydrated over the next week as the mercury soars … Read more

Gorse fire flares again up in North Canterbury

Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Nate McKinnon About 45 firefighters and two helicopters are battling a gorse fire near the Waimakariri River in North Canterbury. Crews were called to the vegetation fire off the end of Poyntz Road about 5.10am on Monday. The fire measured roughly 300 by 200 metres and was a flare-up … Read more

Rugby Sevens: Black Ferns beaten by Australia in final, All Blacks fifth

Source: Radio New Zealand New Zealand’s Jorja Miller looks to secure the ball for the Black Ferns Sevens. © Alex Ho / World Rugby 2025 The Black Ferns Sevens have been crushed by Australia in the Cape Town World Rugby Sevens series decider, unable to back up their victory in Dubai. After tasting success in … Read more

When buying cheaper puts child safety in danger

Source: Radio New Zealand Parents have been alarmed after a variety of sand products for children were recalled, over asbestos fears. Supplied How to shop for your kids this Christmas, in the wake of the asbestos-contaminated sand, toy recalls, and children’s products failing safety tests After a string of headlines about toy recalls, including kinetic … Read more

Police quickly apprehend teens after aggravated robbery

Source: New Zealand Police Two teenagers have been arrested after an aggravated robbery outside a Mt Wellington petrol station overnight. Police were called to the petrol station on Mt Wellington Highway after 11.30pm. Inspector Jim Wilson, Auckland City East Area Commander, says a man had been approached on the forecourt before the aggravated robbery occurred. … Read more

A 60 percent cut to the Wellington maritime police means they will no longer be responding 24/7

Source: Radio New Zealand A Wellington police boat RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Wellington’s maritime police are no longer responding 24/7 to help boats in trouble or to respond to crimes on the water. The team has had a 60 percent cut to their operational hours and will now only be available from 9am to 6pm … Read more

‘It just needs to stay’ : Uncertain future for 100-year-old sports club

Source: Radio New Zealand Bowling club president Simon Munro says generations have enjoyed the beloved green space in the central west suburb. RNZ / Jessica Hopkins The Hallyburton Johnstone Sports Club – home to lawn bowling, croquet, and tennis in Auckland’s Point Chevalier – has used the same block of land for almost 100 years, … Read more

‘Total nonsense’: Police Minister hits back at former commissioner’s claims he knew about McSkimming allegations

Source: Radio New Zealand Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he wasn’t aware of a complaint against Jevon McSkimming until November 6, 2024. (File photo) RNZ / Mark Papalii Police Minister Mark Mitchell says the former Police Commissioner’s claims he knew about allegations being made about Jevon McSkimming “absolute total nonsense”. Mitchell said he was first … Read more

Nightmare finish for Liam Lawson in Abu Dhabi as Lando Norris crowned F1 champion

Source: Radio New Zealand British driver Lando Norris celebrates his first Formula One title. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP McLaren’s Lando Norris sobbed tears of joy and relief as he won the Formula One championship for the first time and ended Max Verstappen’s four-year reign with a nervy third place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. … Read more

ACC ‘breaking promise’ of flexible work arrangements – PSA

Source: Radio New Zealand ACC needs to stick by its original commitment to its workers ,says the union. File photo. RNZ / Angus Dreaver The public service union wants the Commerce Commission to investigate whether ACC breached the Fair Trading Act with its job ads. The Accident Compensation Corporation recently told staff it wanted them … Read more

Riding electric bikes on great ride trail ‘technically illegal’

Source: Radio New Zealand Trail builders on the Timber Trail. Supplied / Timber Trail Thousands of electric bike riders are taking to a central North Island great ride trail – even though e-bikes are illegal on it. Bike trail builders and operators on the Timber Trail say it is a classic example of the tangled … Read more

Critically endangered wētā thriving as breeding programme numbers surge

Source: Radio New Zealand Mahoenui giant wētā come in two colour morphs – dark brown and a speckled gold. Robin Martin / RNZ A captive-breeding programme that helped bring the critically endangered Mahoenui giant wētā back from the brink is expecting a bumper breeding season this summer – in more ways than one. Not only … Read more