Property Market – Renters on average $1,400 better off per year than this time last year as national weekly rental prices continue to trend down

Source: RealEstate.co.nz New Zealand’s national average weekly rent is on the decline, leaving tenants better off with a potential saving of $1,400 per year.  Latest data from realestate.co.nz shows the national average rent in May fell to $633 per week, a drop of $27/week or 4.1% compared to the same time last year.   Further insights … Read more

PSNA Statement – New lows of cowardice and complicity from our Foreign Minister

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa   Fresh from refusing to condemn Israel for its egregious war crimes of industrial-scale killing and mass starvation of civilians in Gaza, our Foreign Minister has outdone himself with the most craven of tweets on Israel’s massive attack on Iran.     Winston Peters has said he is “gravely concerned … Read more

Weather News – A frosty start to the week, but rain is on the horizon – MetService

Source: MetService Covering period of Monday 16th – Thursday 19th June – A frosty start to the week, but rain is on the horizon. • Cold, clear nights bring widespread frosts for much of the country• Sunny days for most, foggy mornings for some• Showers linger in the north before clearing• Wet weather returns from … Read more

Consultation on 2026 fee regulations is now open

Source: Tertiary Education Commission Last updated 16 June 2025 Last updated 16 June 2025 Print Share The Ministry of Education (MoE) invites sector feedback on the 2026 fee regulation settings. Consultation closes 7 July 2025. The Ministry of Education (MoE) invites sector feedback on the 2026 fee regulation settings. Consultation closes 7 July 2025. MIL … Read more

Auckland Council and NZ Police sign memorandum of understanding

Source: Auckland Council Auckland Council and NZ Police have signed a memorandum of understanding, cementing and enhancing the two organisations’ commitment to continue working together, now and for years to come, to keep Tāmaki Makaurau safe. Phil Wilson, chief executive of Auckland Council, says he’s extremely pleased the council and police have formalised their working … Read more

Concern over signs Govt will reduce sick leave for workers

Source: Green Party The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to stand up for workers’ rights for once and rule out reducing sick leave entitlements. “This Government for the wealthy keeps finding new ways of eviscerating workers’ rights and tilting power to employers,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, … Read more

Increases to paid parental leave rates to help families

Source: New Zealand Government New parents can expect more support to take time away from work to care for their children from 1 July, with an increase to the maximum weekly rate of paid parental leave up from $754.87 to $788.66 per week, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. “It is … Read more

Safer trucks mean safer roads – construction begins for Mackays Crossing Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency Construction has begun on a new Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC) on State Highway 59 between the Mackays Crossing and Paekākāriki interchanges. View larger map Jetesh Bhula, Regional Manager Infrastructure delivery, says it is one of 12 sites being built on high-volume freight routes around the country and will be … Read more

Health and Employment Advisory: Senior medical and dental officers 24-hour strike in Te Tai Tokerau

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Senior medical and dental officers who are members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Toi Mata Hauora (ASMS) and are employed in the Te Tai Tokerau district of Health New Zealand will be on strike for 24 hours from 10.00am Wednesday 18 June until 10.00am Thursday 19 June. … Read more

North Canterbury Community Vehicle Trust celebrates new garage

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council North Canterbury Community Vehicle Trust celebrates new garage | Environment Canterbury Date: 16 Jun 2025 The trust’s garage has been named after one of its pioneers, Don Fairbrother, who helped set-up the organisation in 1986, alongside Dorothy Mitchell, Mary Sparrow and Wayne Mitchell. All four of “the originals” as they … Read more

Peace Action Wellington – Israel’s pre-emptive war illegal, unjustified

Source: Peace Action Wellington 14 June 2025 – Israel’s unprovoked and extensive bombing of Iran yesterday is illegal under international law. There is no allowable claim of self-defence for a pre-emptive attack; such a claim would validate Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, and the US’s attack on Iraq in 2003.  “The New Zealand Government needs to be … Read more

Kaitake cameras reveal impact of sustained predator control

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  16 June 2025 The western-most of three mountain ranges in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, Kaitake is the focus for a joint predator control programme involving the Department of Conservation (DOC), Taranaki Maunga Project, iwi and other community collaborators. DOC Biodiversity Ranger Brandon Kingi says a comparison of images captured by the trail … Read more

Pharmac funding u-turn for patients

Source: New Zealand Government Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the oestradiol patch funding decision is an example of Pharmac’s new patient-centric approach. From December 2025 Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches, Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan.  “Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to … Read more

Pharmac to fund two brands of oestradiol patches from 1 December 2025

Source: PHARMAC Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches – Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan – from 1 December 2025. People will be able to use either brand of patch, subject to availability. From this date, the other currently funded brands of oestradiol patches will no longer be funded. “We know how important it … Read more

Public art’s star turn in the regeneration of midtown

Source: Auckland Council Emily Trent is Head of Arts and Culture at Auckland Council so she knows why a city needs art, and how art contributes to the quality of our regenerating midtown. The Auckland Council group is reinventing midtown, ensuring it’s ready to serve the city well ahead of the City Rail Link opening … Read more

Economy – Monetary policy affects some parts of the economy differently: RBNZ Analytical Note

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand 16 June 2025 – Some parts of the economy and prices for some products are more sensitive to a rise in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) than others. Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua research found that sectors that make or trade goods, as well as … Read more

Work of voluntary fishery officers crucial to ensuring plenty of fish for the future

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries The work of honorary fishery officers (HFOs) is crucial for protecting our shared fisheries resources and this week they’re among the many volunteers being recognised during National Volunteer Week. National Volunteer Week – Tūao Aotearoa Volunteering NZ HFOs support Fisheries New Zealand fishery officers by carrying out around 40% … Read more

Immigration changes a win for productivity and workforce development – EMA

Source: EMA The expansion of the Work to Residence immigration pathway to include more skilled tradespeople reflects the real needs of businesses, says the EMA. From 18 August, 10 trades occupations, including welders, fitters, metal fabricators, panel beaters and paving plant operators, will be added to the Green List’s Work to Residence pathway. EMA Advocacy and … Read more

Retirement – New Sorted retirement navigator a one-of-a-kind tool for spending in golden years

Source: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission A groundbreaking new Sorted tool has been released to help New Zealanders nearing or already in retirement feel more confident about their financial future and how to plan for it.  Launched by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, the retirement navigator is free to use on sorted.org.nz.  Working out how … Read more

Animal Welfare – Three greyhounds dead within three days: SAFE says shut it down

Source: SAFE For Animals SAFE is calling for immediate action following the deaths of three greyhounds in the space of just three days. With the industry now resorting to legal action to delay the Government’s promised ban, SAFE says the Government must step in and finish what they started. On 11 June, Homebush Sydney suffered a … Read more

Council calls for applications to help transform water quality across Auckland

Source: Auckland Council Auckland Council’s Regional Waterway Protection Fund (RWPF) and Making Space for Rural Water Fund are now open for applications, offering up to $800,000 in grants to rural landowners committed to improving freshwater quality and restoring biodiversity across the region. Applications are open from 16 June to 27 July 2025. Now in its … Read more

National Volunteer Week celebrates millions of volunteers

Source: New Zealand Government National Volunteer Week kicks off today and is the biggest celebration of volunteering in New Zealand, says Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Louise Upston. “This week is an opportunity to thank the millions of volunteers who make a difference to our communities every day,” Ms Upston says. Over 53% … Read more

Local fishers and DOC free entangled whale off Dunedin coast

Source: NZ Department of Conservation Date:  15 June 2025 The juvenile to sub-adult humpback whale, estimated to be around 8–9 metres long, was first sighted around 9am on Sunday (15 June). It was caught in 12 mm braided cray pot line with a single float-gear that does not appear to belong to a local company-and was … Read more

Man in court after Hauraki aggravated robbery

Source: New Zealand Police A man is appearing in court today after an aggravated robbery at a Hauraki bar on Saturday night. Police were called to the North Shore bar on Lake Road after 7.30pm on 14 June. Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, from Waitematā Crime Squad, says a sole offender entered the bar. “He … Read more

Police Commissioner’s directive on training standards welcomed

Source: New Zealand Government The Police Commissioner’s clear directive that standards must be upheld for training and recruitment at the Police College is necessary and meets the Government’s expectations, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “The Police Commissioner has full operational independence and that is entirely appropriate. However, as with all government departments, the Commissioner takes … Read more

Embracing Powertrain Diversity, GWM Continues to Enhance Clean Diesel Capabilities for Off-Roading

Source: Media Outreach BAODING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 June 2025 – While new energy vehicles continue to gain momentum worldwide, efficient diesel power remains a compelling choice—especially in challenging off-road environments where torque, range, and reliability are critical. GWM is advancing diesel technology with a focus on refinement, performance, and real-world usability. … Read more

Road Closed, SH74, Lyttelton

Source: New Zealand Police Lyttelton Road Tunnel is closed following a crash this evening. Police were alerted to the three-vehicle crash on SH74/Tunnel Road at around 5.35pm. There are no reported injuries in relation to the crash. The tunnel is closed while emergency services are at the scene. Motorists are advised to take an alternate … Read more