Universities – Robinson Research Institute awarded $71 million to host advanced technology platform – Vic

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Robinson Research Institute, a pioneer in high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) research, has received funding of $71million towards setting up and hosting an advanced technology platform in Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies. The funding for the advanced technology platform was announced by Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Shane Reti at … Read more

Peace Action Wellington – Fund healthcare not warfare

Source: Peace Action Wellington Sunday 4 May 2025 – The government has announced an additional $1 billion of military spending today on top of $12 billion of spending already announced over the next four years. These plans will take New Zealand’s annual military budget to approximately 2% of GDP. “The budget will have the most severe … Read more

Economy – Rise of the machines: How could artificial intelligence impact financial stability? – Reserve Bank of NZ

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand 5 May 2025 – The rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in financial services presents both opportunities and risks to financial stability, according to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in a special topic from the upcoming May 2025 Financial Stability Report. As AI tools and models become increasingly … Read more

Bupa under scrutiny for tax practices as workers face cuts – E tū

Source: Etu Union A new report from E tū and international tax watchdog CICTAR has raised serious questions about whether aged care giant Bupa is shifting profits offshore to avoid paying its fair share of tax in Aotearoa. E tū is calling for urgent reform and transparency in aged residential care funding, following the revelations … Read more

Weather News – A settled start gives way to a wet finish across Aotearoa – MetService

Source: MetService – Cold nights with widespread single-digit temperatures; frost risk for the central North Island.– Monday morning saw some of the lowest temperatures recorded so far this year, including Christchurch: -0.5°C, Taumarunui: -1.7°C, Taupo: -1.8°C and Masterton: -0.5°C.– Clear skies dominate early in the week under a ridge of high pressure.– Rain and warmer, humid … Read more

RSA – Hurricanes Donate Jerseys to Support New Zealand’s Veterans

Source: RSA   Following their hard-fought victory over the Brumbies in Canberra last month, the Hurricanes have demonstrated that their strength extends beyond the rugby pitch.   In a meaningful gesture, all 23 jerseys worn by Hurricanes players during the DHL Super Rugby Pacific’s Anzac Round have been donated to the RSA. The aim is … Read more

Health – “Please don’t die today” – a mother’s fight against asthma – Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation “I love you, Mummy. Please don’t die today.” That’s what Jade Steven’s five-year-old son whispered to her one morning before school. For Jade, a mother-of-three from Wellington, those words captured the fear that comes with living – and parenting – while battling asthma. This World Asthma Day (on Tuesday 6 May), … Read more

Education – Skills Group Embraces AI to Transform Vocational Education

Source: Skills Group Skills Group, New Zealand’s largest private training provider, is pioneering the future of vocational education by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its teaching and learning processes. Skills Group Head of Strategic Development Andy Cooper says by leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, Skills Group is enhancing student performance, streamlining administrative tasks, and personalising the … Read more

Northland News – Have your say on Navigation Safety Bylaw

Source: Northland Regional Council The public is being encouraged to have its say on a review of the Northland Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw for Northland, which sets the rules for keeping people safe on the water. Council Chair Geoff Crawford says the bylaw was originally scheduled for its five-yearly review in 2022, but the process … Read more

Politics – Australian election a warning shot for Luxon’s Trump-style agenda, says Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace The Australian election result has sent a clear message across the Tasman: voters will not tolerate Trump-style politics that fuel environmental destruction and ignore the climate crisis. “Australians chose to protect climate and nature over a coalition pushing fossil fuels, destruction, and division. That should be a wake-up call for political leaders here in … Read more

E tū union – mischievous or misinformed? – Aged Care Association Statement

Source: Aged Care Association The E tū union is either being deliberately mischievous or is seriously misinformed about how aged residential care works in New Zealand, says Aged Care Association Chief Executive Hon. Tracey Martin. The Post published a story last week based on a report titled Transparency and Corporate Tax Reforms to Improve the Efficiency … Read more

Livestock numbers fall over the last 10 years while area planted in fruit increases – Stats NZ media and information release: Agricultural production statistics: Year to June 2024 (final)

Source: Statistics New Zealand Livestock numbers fall over the last 10 years while area planted in fruit increases – 5 May 2025 – The total number of sheep was 23.6 million at June 2024, a fall of 6.2 million (21 percent) compared with 10 years ago, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. The total number … Read more

Correction re shots fired in Gisborne overnight

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) An earlier media release regarding two firearms-related incidents in Gisborne overnight stated that two people were injured as a result of shots fired at a house on Taruheru Crescent. This was incorrect – the two people injured were in the vehicle in Valley Road that was also shot at. … Read more

Four arrested after shots fired in Gisborne overnight

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) To be attributed to Inspector Danny Kirk, Tairāwhiti Area Commander: Tairāwhiti Police have arrested and charged four people following two firearms-related incidents overnight. At around 11.45pm yesterday, Police were called to Taruheru Crescent in Mangapapa, following a report of several shots being fired towards a house from a car. … Read more

Two youths arrested in liquor store robbery

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Attributable to Detective Sergeant Joe Sailsbury: Two youths have been arrested in relation to a liquor store robbery in Levin today. At 11:30am Police received reports of an aggravated robbery at a liquor store on Mako Mako Road. Two youths had entered the store with a weapon and stole … Read more

Fire on Pakowhai Road, Hastings – public to avoid area

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Police are currently assisting with road closures at a building fire on Pakowhai Road, Frimley, Hastings which was reported about 9.30 this morning. Fire and Emergency New Zealand are at the scene and the road is closed between Duke Street and Frederick Street. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to … Read more

Crash on Bluff Highway SH1, Greenhills, Southland

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Police and emergency services are attending a crash involving at least four vehicles on Bluff Highway between Awarua Siding Road and Stanley Township Road.  The crash occurred at approximately 8.10am today. One vehicle is currently blocking both lanes, so motorists are asked to avoid the area. Towing vehicles have … Read more

Road blocked due to crash, Tokanui Gorge Road Highway

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Tokanui Gorge Road Highway near Fortrose is blocked currently due to a crash where a truck has rolled.  Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash about 7.45am.  Fortunately the driver was not seriously injured, however the road is completely blocked.  It is expected to be closed for some … Read more

State Highway 2 blocked, Dannevirke

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) State Highway 2 south of Dannevirke is blocked due to a two-vehicle collision. It happened at around 7:10pm at the intersection of Wi Duncan Road. One person is seriously injured and three others have moderate injuries. Motorists are asked to take alternate routes. ENDS MIL OSI

New Advanced Technology Science Platform announced

Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE (2) The multidisciplinary Paihau—Robinson Research Institute will host the platform, leveraging its world-leading expertise in superconductors, magnets and materials technologies. The platform will increase jobs in advanced tech in New Zealand, and create innovations that will benefit many sectors from space to fusion energy, quantum computing, aviation, medical … Read more

Release: Cuts to beds for seniors at Dunedin Hospital

Source: New Zealand Labour Party After failing to be upfront about cuts to intensive care beds, it’s now becoming clear that other downgrades to Dunedin Hospital are being concealed by the Minister of Health. “National is reducing dementia and psychogeriatric beds capacity at the new Dunedin Hospital by almost half, with no alternative clinical option … Read more

Rare reef heron numbers decline in Auckland

Source: Auckland Council Auckland’s critically threatened reef heron (matuku moana) is in the spotlight after an initial summer survey, revealing concerning findings with numbers in the inner Hauraki Gulf worryingly low. As part of their work to protect the biodiversity of bird species in the Auckland region, Auckland Council’s Environmental Services team, alongside a dedicated … Read more

Proposals to strengthen biodiversity released

Source: Department of Conservation Date:  05 May 2025 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is releasing two discussion documents for public consultation, and I encourage all New Zealanders to read them and share their views. “Our beloved biodiversity provides a world-class wealth of environmental and economic benefits … Read more

Boosting high-tech exports with advanced technology

Source: New Zealand Government New investment in advanced technology research will boost high-tech exports, strengthen connections between research and industry and generate high value jobs, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. “Advanced technology research leads to life-changing innovation,” says Dr Reti. “The breakthroughs that can be achieved through areas like cryogenic and quantum … Read more

Parent Portal launched to empower parents

Source: New Zealand Government Every parent wants to see their child thrive at school — to feel confident, supported, and capable. Today, the Government is taking a major step toward making that aspiration a reality with the launch of a new Parent Portal: an online resource designed to enable families to play their part in … Read more

Prime Minister congratulates Albanese and Wong

Source: New Zealand Government Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has congratulated Anthony Albanese on winning the Australian Federal Election, and Lawrence Wong on winning the Singaporean election.“I have been in touch with both Mr Albanese and Mr Wong to offer my congratulations on retaining office,” Mr Luxon says.“When we spoke, Mr Albanese and I affirmed our … Read more

New air ambulance helicopter for Auckland and Northland

Source: New Zealand Government A new air ambulance helicopter commissioned today will significantly enhance emergency medical response capabilities across Auckland and Northland, Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello and ACC Minister Scott Simpson announced today.“This state-of-the-art helicopter represents a major advancement in aeromedical service delivery, and we are pleased to see it become operational in … Read more