Legislation – Dangerous Fast-Track changes made as nature is reaching breaking point – Greenpeace

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Source: Greenpeace Greenpeace says the passing of the Fast-Track Approvals Amendment Bill last night makes an already damaging law even more dangerous for Aotearoa’s environment. “The original Fast Track Approvals Act was already the most aggressive attack on environmental oversight and democratic participation in New Zealand’s modern legislative history. The Government has now made that reckless … Read more

Energy sector celebrates progress in 2025 Net Zero Accord update

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Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa Energy Resources Aotearoa has released the 2025 update of the Energy Resources Net Zero Accord, demonstrating New Zealand’s energy sector is leading the way to cut emissions while keeping Kiwi homes and businesses supplied with the energy they need. The Accord is an initiative led by Energy Resources Aotearoa to bring together … Read more

Gaza storms amid Israeli aid restrictions cut off vital services for children – Save the Children

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Source: Save the Children Israel’s aid restrictions mean that severe winter weather is cutting children in Gaza off from much-needed child protection and psychosocial support services, Save the Children said, as storms began again yesterday (local time).  Four of the aid group’s eight child-friendly spaces were forced to close during last month’s severe storms as camps … Read more

Consumer NZ – Sunscreen expert busts sunscreen myths

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Source: Consumer NZ Consumer NZ’s sunscreen expert says persistent sunscreen myths and some sunscreen marketing are putting New Zealanders’ health at risk. She’s urging New Zealanders to rethink what they think they know about sunscreen. Inconsistencies in how often sunscreens are independently tested, mean Consumer’s recently updated sunscreen database is New Zealand’s most comprehensive information … Read more

Greenpeace: Denmark moves to lower limits on nitrate in drinking water – when will NZ follow suit?

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Source: Greenpeace Denmark’s Environment Minister is making moves to dramatically lower the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water, after a government-commissioned report recommended reducing the legal limit for nitrate contamination to 6 mg/L of nitrate (1.3 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen). Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says New Zealanders deserve the same action. “There’s no secret playbook that the Danes … Read more

PSA and Firefighters Union attending mediation over FENZ job losses

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Source: PSA The PSA and the NZ Professional Firefighters Union will today attend mediation with Fire and Emergency NZ after the Employment Relations Authority ordered it in response to the unions filing legal proceedings challenging the damaging restructure proposed by FENZ. FENZ announced last month a plan to cut some 140 roles, more than 10% of … Read more

Universities – High-school biology sows graduate’s passion for genetics – UoA

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Source: University of Auckland (UoA) Doctoral graduate Zanetta Toomata was amazed at high school in Hawaii to learn that something as tiny as DNA could hold the blueprint for life and is now dedicated to genetics. When doctoral graduate Zanetta Toomata first learnt about DNA in a biology class at her Hawaiian high school, something … Read more

Universities – Optometry graduate eyes working rurally – UoA

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Source: University of Auckland (UoA) Grace Su is moving to work in an optometry clinic where she worked while on the University’s Rural Health Immersion Programme. New optometry graduate Grace Su is moving to Tauranga to start work in a practice where she worked while participating in Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland’s Rural Health … Read more

Local Water Done Well victory for ratepayers

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Source: New Zealand Government All councils water service delivery plans under Local Water Done Well have now been assessed, meaning ratepayers will benefit from reliable and financially sustainable water services, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. When developing their plans, councils had the option to deliver water services in-house or as part of a separate … Read more

New two-lane Pekatahi Bridge to be delivered

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Source: New Zealand Government Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today that a new two-lane bridge will be built on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Tāneatua in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, replacing the existing one-lane Pekatahi Bridge.  “SH2 is a vital link connecting Gisborne and the Tairāwhiti region with the Bay of Plenty, Hamilton, and … Read more

People facing ‘imminent homelessness’ not eligible for emergency housing, Citizens Advice Bureau says

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Source: Radio New Zealand Nick Monro Welfare changes are biting so hard that people face losing the cars they call home or are struggling to provide the most basic needs, a Citizens Advice Bureau report has found. The report, based on more than 10,000 requests for the bureau’s help, found people from all walks of … Read more

Children exposed to asbestos should be monitored long-term – public health experts

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Source: Radio New Zealand The recalled sand products. Supplied The Public Health Communication Centre says children exposed to asbestos contained in coloured play sands should be regularly monitored to ensure the best chance of successfully treating cancers – which could take decades to emerge later in life. Hundreds of schools have been tested – with … Read more

St Johns homicide: Police make further arrests over Easter Weekend death

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Source: New Zealand Police Police have executed a series of search warrants across Auckland and Northland, as part of the ongoing St Johns homicide investigation. The Operation Aberfeldy team has been investigating the violent death of Kyle Whorrall at a bus stop on St Johns Road on 19 April 2025. Today, three additional people have … Read more

First 10,000 visitors through visa-waiver travel from Australia

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Source: New Zealand Government New Zealand’s economy is already benefiting from the new visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers with eligible Australian visas, with more than 13,000 visitors already making the most of the opportunity to visit.   “Our immigration settings play a critical role in strengthening our country’s economic future. New Zealand is a dream … Read more

Progress being made to improve cancer outcomes

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Source: New Zealand Government Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed today’s release of The State of Cancer in New Zealand 2025, which provides an updated view of progress in cancer control over the last five years. “Cancer touches almost every New Zealander, whether it’s you personally, a family member, a friend, or someone in our … Read more

Hemp industry rules loosened in sweeping law change

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Source: Radio New Zealand Hemp industry laws are set to be loosened as Regulation Minister David Seymour announces sweeping changes. Seymour says the current licensing rules are heavy-handed and outdated, and will be replaced with new rules. Industrial hemp growers will no longer require a licence if the plants contain less than one-percent THC. But … Read more

Acquisitions – IMG Makes Significant Strategic New Zealand Acquisition

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Source: Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited (IMG) Highlights Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited (“IMG” or the “Company”) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire all the shares in BlueSky Holdco Limited (“Tyco NZ” and “Red Wolf”) from Johnson Control Luxembourg European Finance S.a.r.l (a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International plc) (“Seller”) (“Acquisition”) Tyco NZ is a … Read more

‘Speed dating’ recruitment programme sees students get jobs

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Source: Radio New Zealand Nathaniel Lua was one of the first to complete the programme and had taken a job as a machine operator at APL Manufacturing. Supplied The manufacturing industry and government have come up with a plan to address the chronic and increasing shortage of skilled staff with a programme described as recruitment … Read more

North Shore Beat Team on a roll

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Source: New Zealand Police Just over a month since their rollout, the North Shore Beat Team is already making a real difference – both in tackling retail crime and strengthening community connections. The team’s visible presence across Takapuna, Glenfield, and Albany has been warmly welcomed by local businesses and residents. “Officers are regularly approached by … Read more

Hornet surveillance zone to expand

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Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Biosecurity New Zealand is extending its surveillance zone for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) on Auckland’s North Shore, following advice from technical experts. The surveillance zone will extend from 5km to 11km from detection sites on Auckland’s North Shore based on the latest recommendations from an independent technical advisory group, … Read more

Person dies in Auckland CBD

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Source: Radio New Zealand RNZ / Marika Khabazi A person has died in Auckland’s city centre, with emergency services called to the scene early on Thursday. St John was at the scene near Sturdee Street and Custom Street West at about 6.30am. It says an ambluance and a rapid response vehicle responded. Police say the … Read more

Police acknowledge IPCA’s findings into Hawke’s Bay arrest

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Source: New Zealand Police Police acknowledge the IPCA’s findings in relation to Hawke’s Bay staff entering a property to make an arrest after a man allegedly breached bail. On 14 July 2024, Police officers went to a house in Flaxmere to arrest an occupant for breaching electronically monitored bail. The man refused to cooperate and … Read more

Pruning the paperwork so hemp sector can bloom

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Source: New Zealand Government Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced a reform of the regulations for the industrial hemp sector. “New Zealand’s hemp industry has been treated like a criminal for too long. The industry has been held back by outdated, heavy-handed rules that treat growing low-risk crops like high-risk drugs. That ends now,” … Read more

Departing All Blacks assistant Jason Holland returns to Hurricanes

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Source: Radio New Zealand Jason Holland is returning to the Hurricanes. PHOTOSPORT Outgoing All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland is returning to Hurricanes ahead of 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. Holland announced in October that after a two-year spell as an All Blacks assistant coach, he would depart his role following the team’s recent northern … Read more

Hayden Wilde’s coach: ‘He was just like a total machine’

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Source: Radio New Zealand NZ triathlete Hayden Wilde. PHOTOSPORT A renowned coach, whose stable of runners has included British greats Paula Radcliffe and Sir Mo Farah, says Kiwi triathlete Hayden Wilde still has a lot of untapped potential. Wilde will aim to achieve what some seemed impossible by claiming the T100 title in Qatar this … Read more

Government launches ‘one-stop shop’ app

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Source: Radio New Zealand Minister for Digitising Government Judith Collins. Nick Monro The minister in charge of a new government app promises it will be “more secure than almost anything else you could think about”. Minister for Digitising Government Judith Collins has launched the Govt.nz app this week after several years of development. “It’s to … Read more

Duane Kale appointed Chair of Sport NZ

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Source: New Zealand Government Duane Kale ONZM has been appointed Chair of Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sport NZ), Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell announced today.  “It is with great enthusiasm that I announce the appointment of an outstanding champion in Paralympic sport and governance to lead Sport NZ and High Performance Sport. “Duane … Read more