Legislation Issues – Walk Without Fear Trust Condemns Hamstrung Judiciary Over Nganeko Killing

Source: Walk Without Fear Trust Eugene Bareman, Chair of the Walk Without Fear Trust, has criticised “out of touch” politicians and a constrained judiciary regarding the sentencing of coward punch killer Daytona Thompson at the New Plymouth District Court on Tuesday. Bareman was present on the court steps as the family of the victim, Daniel … Read more

Games – Global Report: Video Games Transcend Entertainment, Affect Positive Change in Players’ Lives

Source: Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) Video games affirmed as a source of connection, stress relief and mental stimulation in one of the largest consumer surveys ever conducted of more than 24,000 video game players in 21 countries across six continents. Sydney, October 9, 2025 – The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA), in … Read more

Animal Welfare – Two-week consultation on pig welfare law is a mockery of due process – SAFE

Source: SAFE For Animals SAFE says the Government is making a mockery of due process by allowing just 14 days for the public to comment on major animal welfare law changes that will keep mother pigs in cages indefinitely. The Animal Welfare (Regulations for Management of Pigs) Amendment Bill has now been referred to the Primary … Read more

Advocacy – Hijacked Solidarity: Bringing the Focus Back to Palestine – PFNZ

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand The pro-Palestine movement began – and must remain – a movement for  people: for families living under occupation, for those denied safety and dignity, and for a nation struggling for justice. It was never meant to be a stage for political theatre. It was meant to be a platform … Read more

Gisborne pair caught with 157 undersize pāua

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries A pair of Gisborne fishers are likely to face prosecution after they were found with 157 undersize p??ua. Fishery officers stopped the pair this week while doing catch inspections at Waihau beach, also known as Loisels beach, about 40 kilometres north of Gisborne. “All p??ua recovered was undersize with … Read more

Mountain biker rescued after hypothermia sets in

Source: New Zealand Police A mountain biker’s extreme training session took a dangerous turn when he became stranded in Northland bush, losing daylight and becoming hypothermic. Northland Police SAR lead, Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, says the biker had set off from Kerikeri on Saturday. “He was aiming to push his limits on the Department of … Read more

Milford Track opening delayed due to avalanche damage

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  09 October 2025 DOC bookings for the track from 28 October – 11 November will be cancelled and refunded. Hikers beyond those dates will be advised as soon as possible if further delays are likely. DOC Operations Director Aaron Fleming says significant snow and rain throughout September have caused large … Read more

Arrest following arson in Massey

Source: New Zealand Police A specialist scene examination is continuing at a property in West Auckland today, following a suspicious fire this morning. Police arrived at the address in Colwill Road, Massey at about 5.30am to execute two search warrants and upon Police approach one of the properties erupted in fire. Detective Inspector Albie Alexander, … Read more

Further arrest in Kaea Karauria homicide investigation

Source: New Zealand Police To be attributed to Detective Inspector Martin James: As the investigation into the fatal stabbing of Kaea Karauria continues, Hawke’s Bay Police have today arrested another person. A 17-year-old male was arrested in Napier this morning and has been charged with theft and demands with menace. He is scheduled to appear … Read more

Government spending falls as percentage of GDP

Source: New Zealand Government Today’s government financial statements for 2024/25 are the first to fully reflect decisions made by the current Government and show the progress being made in getting the country’s books back in order, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “These are actual numbers, not forecasts. They show that: as a share of GDP, … Read more

Ultrasound services now available on the Chatham Islands

Source: New Zealand Government Residents of the Chatham Islands now have access to permanent ultrasound services at the Chatham Islands Health Centre, marking a major step forward in rural healthcare delivery, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This is a significant milestone for the Chatham Islands community, improving access to both routine and emergency diagnostic care. … Read more

Seventy-seven new officers hit the streets in a week

Source: New Zealand Police Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron Former Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha – Te Arawa, Tainui, Mataatua, ONZM and QSM congratulated the 77 graduating constables from Wing 388 this morning. Families and friends watched as the newly attested police officers marched out at Te Rauparaha Arena, … Read more

Economy – NZ Treasury releases Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the Year Ended 30 June 2025

Source: New Zealand Treasury Financial Statements Summary This commentary should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements on pages 37 to 155. The Financial Statements of the Government received an unmodified auditor’s opinion for the year ended 30 June 2025. The financial results of the Government in 2024/25 show that both total revenue … Read more

THE Ranking – University of Vienna among the top 100 for the first time

Source: Media Outreach VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Newsaktuell – 9 October 2025 – The University of Vienna ranks 95th in this year’s THE World University Rankings, making it the first Austrian university to be listed among the top 100 universities worldwide. It excelled in the categories of research, internationalisation, teaching, and industry engagement, despite increasing global … Read more

New Zealand welcomes Middle East peace deal

Source: New Zealand Government New Zealand welcomes the announcement of the first phase of the US-led peace deal between Israel and Hamas, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Over the past two years, both Israelis and Palestinians have suffered immensely,” Mr Peters says. “Today is a positive first step in bringing that suffering to an end.” … Read more

Strengthened system protects children from harm

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is strengthening the children’s system to protect against and better respond to child harm.  Multiple agencies have been working on a response to the 14 recommendations of the Dame Karen Poutasi Review since 2022, but until now not all findings had been accepted.  “Today, I’m pleased to announce the … Read more

Media – NEW HOMEGROWN SERIES BLUE MURDER MOTEL IN PRODUCTION

Source: The Public Good Michala Banas and Brett Tucker reunite to lead an all-star cast in new eight-part crime series for TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ Filming is underway on the new eight-part crime drama Blue Murder Motel for TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+. Shot on location around greater Auckland, Blue Murder Motel sees multi-award-winning actress Michala … Read more

Buy NZ Made – Procurement changes a significant breakthrough for Kiwi businesses

Source: Buy NZ Made Buy NZ Made welcomes the Government’s announcement introducing a new Economic Benefit to New Zealand test in public procurement – a long-awaited move to ensure taxpayer dollars go back into creating value, jobs, and stronger local supply chains. Executive Director Dane Ambler says the change represents a decisive shift from lowest-cost tendering … Read more

BusinessNZ – Procurement reboot backs Kiwi business

Source: BusinessNZ The Government’s announced changes to procurement rules should give local and small businesses an edge in winning valuable contracts and further boost the economy, BusinessNZ says. Chief Executive Katherine Rich says government spending and procurement can be a powerful economic lever. “Each year, government agencies spend more than $50 billion on goods and services. … Read more

Climate – 2025 – 26 Tropical Cyclone Outlook – Earth Sciences NZ

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand Here is this year’s Tropical Cyclone (TC) Outlook for the Southwest Pacific. With thanks to MetService, the University of Newcastle, and meteorological services across the Pacific Islands for helping put this together. Overall normal to below normal activity Five to nine named TCs could occur in the Southwest Pacific from November … Read more

Weather News – Warm and windy, Wet for some – MetService

Source: MetService Covering period of Thursday 9th – Monday 13th October –    Heavy persistent rain for the South Island’s west coast–    Strong persistent northwesterly winds for many–    Warm temperatures across the board, muggy days and muggy nights–    A spring mix of unsettled weather Spring shows its true colours as we settle into … Read more

Health Research – Major report recommends safer drug laws to combat rising harms

Source: NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri A major new report proposes evidence-based reform to New Zealand’s drug laws in response to growing drug harm that the Drug Foundation says will worsen without action.  ref. https://drugfoundation.org.nz/topics/policy-and-advocacy/safer-drug-laws?mc_cid=91522b36a3&mc_eid=19a223383c ) Safer drug laws for Aotearoa New Zealand, released by the Foundation at Parliament this morning … Read more

Universities – Justice system inconsistent on neurodiversity, researchers say – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA) At every stage, from apprehension to arrest to sentencing, people with neurological challenges such as autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, ADHD or brain injuries are disadvantaged in court, say Professor Mark Henaghan (Auckland Law School) and researcher Jean Choi in the new book, International Perspectives of Neuroscience in the Youth Justice Courtroom (ref. http://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003438144-4/promising-steps-aotearoa-new-zealand-criminal-law-recognise-neurodiversity-mark-henaghan-jean-choi … Read more

Local News – Government signs off on new water plan for Wellington region

Source: Hutt City Council Mayor Campbell Barry has welcomed the Government’s approval of a new plan that will see a dedicated organisation take over water services across metropolitan Wellington from July 2026. The plan, submitted by five councils – Hutt City, Porirua, Upper Hutt, Wellington, and Greater Wellington – is part of the Government’s Local Water … Read more

Advocacy – World Post Day Statement — Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand Today, on World Post Day, we reflect on the power of communication to connect people, bridge distances, and uphold the dignity of every human being.But for Palestinians, communication is not just a service; it is a struggle. For decades, the Palestinian people have faced blockades, occupation, and systemic restrictions … Read more

Amnesty International – Discriminatory migration system fails Pacific People facing climate change and disasters

Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand Discriminatory migration system fails Pacific People facing climate change and disasters – Authorities in Aotearoa New Zealand are failing people most at risk of climate-related harm in the Pacific islands, subjecting them to discriminatory migration policies that tear families apart and disregard children’s rights, Amnesty International said in a new report published … Read more

Frontline roles up, spending on contractors down

Source: New Zealand Government Frontline roles in the public service have increased in the past two years, while spending on contractors and consultants has fallen $915 million, Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.   “We committed to ensuring taxpayers get better value for money from their public service, and that every dollar is used in the … Read more