Update 3: fatal house fire, Mairehau, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan: Police continue to work at the scene of last night’s fire in Mairehau. We can now confirm that the child who died in the house fire was a three-year-old girl. Four other children aged between 10 weeks and five-years-old, were admitted to hospital. The … Read more

Advocacy – Palestine Forum condemns NZDF participation in military exercises alongside Israel

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses deep concern regarding reports that the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will participate in the upcoming Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercises alongside Israel and the United States. At a time when the world is witnessing the ongoing devastation in Gaza … Read more

Update 2: fatal house fire, Mairehau, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police Police, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, enquiries are underway after one person died following a house fire in Mairehau. Emergency services were called to a house on Whitehall Street at around 8.25pm on 14 May. Sadly, a child died at the scene. One person received critical injuries, three were in … Read more

Update 2: fatal house fire, Mairehau

Source: New Zealand Police Police, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, enquiries are underway after one person died following a house fire in Mairehau. Emergency services were called to a house on Whitehall Street at around 8.25pm on 14 May. Sadly, a child died at the scene. One person received critical injuries, three were in … Read more

Porirua News – War Graves Week highlights those that served

Source: Porirua City Council Some of those interred in Porirua Cemetery represent a connection to our city’s past, which can be explored as part of War Graves Week. Corporal John (Jack) Richard Hoare, Private Thomas Gladstone Hook, Private Thomas Bruce Wallace, Private William Pentney and Trooper David Lister are all buried in Porirua Cemetery. With the … Read more

Asia NZ Foundation – Experts to gather in Wellington for symposium exploring developments shaping the Asia region

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation Policymakers, academics, and business leaders from across New Zealand and Asia will gather in Wellington on 20 May to discuss the geostrategic shifts shaping our region. The Asia Symposium: Asia in Transition – The Middle Power Moment, hosted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with The Asia Foundation, will … Read more

Asia NZ Foundation – Top Southeast Asian tech entrepreneurs visiting New Zealand this month

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation Nine tech entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia will visit New Zealand from 17 to 23 May for a week of collaboration and exchange with their New Zealand counterparts. The visit is part of the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI), delivered by the Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with the New … Read more

About half of children under 5 in Somalia battling malnutrition as risk of famine announced for the first time in four years – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children About half of children under 5 in Somalia are facing acute malnutrition as poor rains and rising costs drive up hunger levels, with risk of famine announced for the first time in four years, Save the Children said. New data from the global hunger monitor, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), showed that … Read more

Business – Demand grows for Māori-led startup accelerator entering third year

Source: Tapuwae Roa Tapuwae Roa has again welcomed 10 Māori-founded startups into its Tupu Accelerator, marking the third consecutive year of the eight-week programme supporting high-growth enterprises with global ambitions. The 2026 cohort was formally welcomed last week at a mihi whakatau hosted at the University of Auckland’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, attended by representatives … Read more

BusinessNZ backs targeted changes to plant rights

Source: BusinessNZ BusinessNZ says changes to plant variety rights (PVR) should ensure more of the value created by New Zealand science and ingenuity stays here, to drive innovation, lift export returns and support long-term economic growth. Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says at a time when our country must find new ways to grow export revenue, … Read more

VinFast Advances Global Aftersales Strategy, Expanding Its International Service And Partnership Network

Source: Media Outreach HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – As part of the VinFast Global Business Conference held from May 4 to May 10, 2026, VinFast announced the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with 29 aftersales partners at the 2026 Global Business Conference. Organized by VinFast, the event marked … Read more

Growers benefit as Govt strengthens plant rights

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is strengthening plant variety rights (PVR) to protect investments underpinning high‑value exports, regional jobs and global demand for New Zealand produce, Trade and Investment and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer say. “High‑value horticulture relies on years, often decades, of breeding, testing and commercialisation. … Read more

Burnout backfires on Northland driver

Source: New Zealand Police All roads led to the impound lot for a driver who performed a burnout in front of Whangārei Police. At around 10pm on 2 May, Police were monitoring a group of car enthusiasts who had gathered at the Okara Shopping Centre. Sergeant Shawn Parker, of the Whangārei Youth Crime Unit, says … Read more

Statutory guidance issued to help protect Kiwis’ rights

Source: New Zealand Government The Minister for Regulation and the Attorney‑General have today issued joint statutory guidance to support consistent application of the Regulatory Standards Act 2025 (the Act) across government. “We’re showing voters who is responsible for putting costs on them and why. Better information means more informed choices at the voting booth. That’s important for the future of New … Read more

New forensic inpatient beds opened

Source: New Zealand Government Ten new forensic inpatient beds at Waikato Hospital have been officially opened today by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey, a step forward in improving access to specialist mental health support. “Opening more mental health beds is a commitment made by the Government in its plan to deliver faster access to support,” … Read more

Top tips for buying safe food online for you and your family

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand Food Safety is asking people to pause and do a quick check before buying food through social media platforms to make sure it’s safe for them and their families. “We know shopping for food online through non-traditional avenues is becoming increasingly popular and that people enjoy the … Read more

Offender in hot water over stolen equipment

Source: New Zealand Police Police have turned up the heat on those allegedly stealing equipment from people’s homes after a search warrant in Papakura. One arrest has been made with stolen property, including gas water heaters, being recovered. Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson, from Counties Manukau South CIB, says Police suspected stolen property from a … Read more

Government announces Treaty Principles Bill by stealth

Source: Green Party The Green Party is condemning the Government’s decision to weaken te Tiriti o Waitangi references across 19 acts of Parliament, calling it the Stealth Treaty Principles Bill. “New Zealanders didn’t want the Treaty Principles Bill, and they sure don’t want it by stealth,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. “Stripping te Tiriti … Read more

Fourth renewable energy project fast-tracked

Source: New Zealand Government The continued operation of the Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme in the Bay of Plenty has been granted Fast-track approval, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced today. This is the 23rd project to be approved under the Fast-track process and supports New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation infrastructure. … Read more

$100m+ Wellington Airport project Fast-tracked

Source: New Zealand Government Fast-track approval has been granted to a significant Wellington infrastructure project which will safeguard the International Airport’s long-term operations, protect critical assets, create two kororā (little penguin) colonies, and generate hundreds of jobs. Associate Transport Minister James Meager says the Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal project, valued at more than … Read more

70th edition of Auckland Boat Show underway as sector faces fuel challenges

Source: Radio New Zealand The Boat Show began on Thursday. Ross McNaughton The 70th edition of the Hutchwilco boat show got underway on Thursday, with no shortage of attendees. But like many industries, the marine sector is facing challenges from the sky rocketing price of fuel. Helen Kay was general manager of Xpo Exhibitions, who … Read more

Bill banning under-16s from social media put on hold as Stanford looks at wider law change

Source: Radio New Zealand The government has confirmed legislation aiming to ban under-16s from social media is now on hold. RNZ The government has confirmed legislation aiming to ban under-16s from social media is now on hold. Parliament debated the matter on Wednesday after a select committee inquiry into the harms the online platforms cause. … Read more

Long-awaited Te Ara Tupua cycling and walking path to open to public

Source: Radio New Zealand Transport Minister Chris Bishop. RNZ / Nick Monro A $348 million walking and cycling path between Ngauranga and Petone will open to the public on Saturday. Transport Minister Chris Bishop said for people in Wellington and Lower Hutt, the opening of Te Ara Tupua was a long-awaited milestone. “Construction on this … Read more

‘Never seen anything like it’: Fuel prices rocket upwards, food stays flat

Source: Radio New Zealand Inflation surge coming driven by fuel prices Petrol up a third, diesel nearly doubled in two months Energy and airfares also higher Food inflation takes a rest, flat for the month, annual rate lowest in a year Items make up just under half consumer price index The price of fuel and … Read more

Hide and seek ends with dirt bikes seized

Source: New Zealand Police Police have seized three dirt bikes following two separate incidents in south Auckland this week. On Wednesday afternoon Police were called following a number of reports relating to dirt bikes being ridden dangerously along Springs Road, Ōtara. Senior Sergeant Simon Cornish, of Counties Manukau East Police, says as the bikes were … Read more

Students should be in school, not on strike

Source: New Zealand Government Associate Education Minister David Seymour says students going on strike today would make a bigger difference by showing up to school, working hard, and taking every opportunity to learn. “The previous government said protesting instead of attending school could be justified. In my view, that is unacceptable. My expectation is that … Read more

Healthy School Lunch Programme saves more money

Source: New Zealand Government Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will continue delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme (the Programme) in 2027, saving taxpayers another $122 million.  “When schools open in 2027, the programme will offer nutritious meals to around 242,000 students, every school day, at a cost … Read more