Tech – Samsung To Launch Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, The Most Powerful Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner in the World

Source: Samsung Ground-breaking new vacuum cleaner unveiled at Samsung’s annual global launch event  is now ready to expand to the global market AUCKLAND, New Zealand – March 31, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the global rollout of the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, the world’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum cleaner, which was … Read more

Transporting New Zealand welcomes ferry certainty but warns of risks

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Transporting New Zealand has welcomed the detail provided by Minister for Rail Winston Peters in today’s procurement update about Cook Strait ferries. “It is positive that the road freight industry has some certainty around the Cook Strait connection. This includes a Christmas 2029 deadline for delivery of two new vessels, the … Read more

Health and safety reform: missed opportunity to make workplaces safer

Source: New Zealand Institute of Safety Management Health and safety professionals say the Government has squandered an opportunity to make serious inroads into New Zealand’s appalling workplace health and safety record. “The reform plan announced today is underwhelming and unambitious,” said Mike Cosman, New Zealand Institute of Safety Management Chair. “The Government has missed a golden … Read more

SH11 closed due to fatal crash

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency 31 March 2025 3:32 pm | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 11 is closed near Haruru due to a fatal crash. The closure is between the State Highway 10/SH11 intersection at Puketona and Haruru and is expected to remain in place … Read more

ACT welcomes RBNZ’s review of banking red tape

Source: ACT Party Welcoming the Reserve Bank’s review of banking capital requirements, Mark Cameron – who represents ACT on the select committee inquiry into banking practices – says: “ACT Party has been sounding the alarm about these rules since 2019, so we’re glad to see the Reserve Bank finally take notice. “These rules are driving up … Read more

Release: Kiwis worse off this April thanks to Govt choices

Source: New Zealand Labour Party April 1 used to be a day when workers could count on a pay rise with stronger support for those doing it tough, but that’s not the case under this Government. “April 1 is now a painful reminder of how much more Kiwi families are being forced to pay,” Labour … Read more

Release: Three more years for Interislander ferries

Source: New Zealand Labour Party Winston Peters is shopping for smaller ferries after Nicola Willis torpedoed the original deal, which would have delivered new rail enabled ferries next year. “Instead of scoring two ferries for $551 million, Winston Peters has informed us he will progress with two smaller ferries but has no contract, or costs,” … Read more

Help shape the future of farm plastics recycling

Source: New Zealand Government The Government is encouraging New Zealanders, particularly in rural areas, to share their views on proposed regulations to improve the management of farm plastic waste, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “The proposal – an industry-led initiative – would bring the existing Agrecovery and Plasback programmes into a single national recycling system, … Read more

Business – Appointment of Chair-elect for Mainland Group – Fonterra

Source: Fonterra Co-operative Group Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd today announces the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Coutts ONZM as Chair-elect of Mainland Group, the proposed divestment entity of Fonterra’s global Consumer business.   An internationally recognised director and executive, Liz is currently Chair of ASX and NZX-listed companies EBOS Group Ltd (ASX/NZX:EBO) and Oceania Healthcare Limited … Read more

Fatal crash: SH11, Haruru

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) A section of State Highway 11 near Haruru has been closed due to a fatal crash. Police are in attendance at the crash involving a truck and vehicle on Puketona Road / State Highway 11. The crash was reported at 2.27pm. Sadly, the driver of the vehicle has died … Read more

New Podcast – Queerying Archaeology podcast available now – Heritage NZ

Source: Heritage New Zealand A new episode of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s Aotearoa Unearthed series of podcasts looking at archaeology in New Zealand is now available to download. Entitled Queerying Archaeology, podcast host Dr Rosemary Baird talks with the organisation’s Policy Team Archaeologist Victoria Trow, about how taking a queer feminist approach to archaeology … Read more

Cooks Strait Ferries – Port Marlborough welcomes government announcement on new ferry decision

Source: Port Marlborough Port Marlborough is pleased to acknowledge the Government’s announcement today with the news that cabinet has confirmed the plan for two new rail ferries to enter service in 2029. For the past 15 months following the cancellation of the iReX project, Port Marlborough has collaborated with government to develop options that will ensure … Read more

Gambling and Health – Māori Communities Exploited by Gambling Companies Hiding Behind Influencers

Source: Hapai Te Hauora Online casinos are illegally targeting Māori through influencer content – and Hāpai Te Hauora is backing the DIA’s crackdown as a crucial first step in protecting our communities. Recent reports have revealed a surge in Māori influencers being used to promote online casinos – a tactic that directly exploits Māori communities already … Read more

Weather News – Wet weather and warmer nights ahead – MetService

Source: MetService Covering period of Monday 31st March – Thursday 3rd April – As another month with below-average rainfall comes to a close, MetService is forecasting a wet and warm second half of the week. This is as a large weather system approaches from the Tasman Sea, bringing with it much-needed rainfall to parched areas … Read more

Employment Issues – IPL fuel workers strike begins over unfair bonus scheme exclusion – Workers First Union

Source: Workers First Union Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue through mediation, IPL continues to offer the bonus only to non-union employees, a decision that Workers First says is unlawful under the Employment Relations Act 2000. “Our members are taking strike action today after being denied the same rights as their colleagues because they’ve chosen … Read more

Health and Employment – Exhausted Bupa aged care workers take a stand against proposed cuts

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation On Tuesday, New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) BUPA members will be making a stand on behalf of their communities over fears planned restructuring will harm the safety of residents. The rally is part of a response to proposed nationwide changes by BUPA and other major aged … Read more

Walk Without Fear Trust welcomes new sentencing reforms aimed at restoring public safety

Source: Walk Without Fear Trust The Walk Without Fear Trust strongly supports the Government’s newly announced sentencing reforms aimed at ensuring real consequences for serious crime and repeat offending. The Trust, which advocates for safer communities, justice for victims, and proportionate, meaningful consequences for offenders, believes the reforms are a vital step toward deterring repeat … Read more

Transport Sector – Delay in replacing Cook Strait Ferries major risk for industry and economy

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand The first results from the 2025 National Road Freight Survey show that 79 per cent of road freight industry participants agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that “the delay in replacing the Cook Strait ferries is a major risk for the road freight industry and New Zealand economy”. … Read more

Economy – RBNZ expands access to the Exchange Settlement Account System

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand 31 March 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua is opening access to its Exchange Settlement Account System (ESAS) following a comprehensive public consultation. On 27 March 2025 the Reserve Bank Board approved revised access criteria for the ESAS, the payments and settlement system used … Read more

Police appealing for information following serious assaults, Hastings

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Hawke’s Bay Police are appealing for information from the public in relation to a number of serious assaults in Hastings. Detective Sergeant Ryan Kemsley says Police were called to a disorder involving a large number of people fighting on King Street at around 3.30am on Sunday 30 March. “Police … Read more

Rail ferries and straightforward infrastructure

Source: New Zealand Government Rail Minister Winston Peters has announced the plan for two new rail ferries to enter service in 2029, continuing the 60-year legacy of the Interislander connecting New Zealanders and their goods. Cabinet today agreed the package which Mr Peters says will deliver the appropriate ships and infrastructure for the job at … Read more

State Highway 2, Waikino closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) State Highway 2, Waikino is curerntly closed while emergency services respond to a crash. The two-vehicle crash happened near School Road, and was reported just before 1pm. Initial indicications are that there are serious injuries. Detours are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect … Read more

Completing your December 2021 SDR

Source: Tertiary Education Commission Last updated 17 December 2021Last updated 17 December 2021 Print Share This section provides information to help you submit your December 2021 Single Data Return (SDR). It also contains a summary of changes for the April 2022 SDR.This section provides information to help you submit your December 2021 Single Data Return … Read more

Completing your April 2022 SDR

Source: Tertiary Education Commission Last updated 30 March 2022Last updated 30 March 2022 Print Share This section provides information to help you submit your April 2022 Single Data Return (SDR). It also contains a summary of changes for the April 2022 SDR.This section provides information to help you submit your April 2022 Single Data Return … Read more

Powhiri at Te Ahu Cultural Centre

Source: New Zealand Governor General Kia kotahi mai ki te ao nei Kia kotahi mai ki te whenua nei Kia kotahi mai ki nga wai e rere nei Kia kotahi mai ki te hauora Ko te whakakotahitanga a te hāpori o Kaitaia, te kaupapa o te rā, anei e tū ake te whakatinanatanga o te … Read more

Patterson leads the running of the sheep at the Great NZ Muster

Source: New Zealand Government Te Kūiti’s Great New Zealand Muster is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the sheep and the farmers, and the invaluable role they play in our communities and regional economies, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Mark Patterson. Mr Patterson, known as the ‘Minister for Wool’, joined the front of the Great NZ … Read more

Taupō gets revved up for Supercars

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency Motorsport fans heading to the 2025 ITM Taupō Super 440 event next month should plan ahead and be prepared for heavy traffic on the roads as people and vehicles converge in the central North Island.  The event will be held at Taupō International Motorsport Park from Friday 11 to Sunday … Read more