Here are some of the latest news updates from New Zealand:
National News:
- The government is facing criticism for its decision to abolish the Maori health authority, with some saying it will worsen health outcomes for Maori people https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/27/new-zealand-moves-to-abolish-maori-health-authority-despite-protests.
- The government is calling for the release of a pilot who was kidnapped in Papua New Guinea a year ago https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/27/new-zealand-moves-to-abolish-maori-health-authority-despite-protests.
- A report suggests that offshore wind farms could significantly boost the economy by 2050 https://www.rnz.co.nz/news
- Disability rights advocates are angry after a Minister accused families of rorting the system in regards to recent funding changes https://www.rnz.co.nz/news
- Half of New Zealand schools are not using national tests designed to monitor student progress https://www.rnz.co.nz/news
- Climate activists are calling on a local council to include cruise ship emissions in their environmental targets https://www.rnz.co.nz/news
Other Interesting Stories:
- Polyfest, a major cultural festival celebrating diversity, kicked off with vibrant performances https://www.1news.co.nz/
- The long-running vacuum cleaner retailer Godfreys is closing all its stores in New Zealand https://www.1news.co.nz/
- The family of a campervan murdered by a teenager on a youth program have spoken out about the crime https://www.1news.co.nz/
- Archaeologists are upset after a company was fined for damaging a significant cultural site https://www.rnz.co.nz/news
- Gisborne has the highest birth rate for mothers in New Zealand https://www.rnz.co.nz/news
For more details on these stories, you can visit New Zealand news websites like RNZ or NZ Herald.
- Local body election voting needs to go digital or face even lower turnout – Ben Goodale
Auckland’s 2025 local election turnout has plunged to just 25%.http://dlvr.it/TNfXlB - Crypto market reels as Trump’s China tariff threat fuels insider trading allegations
An anonymous trader reportedly gained $300m by shorting Bitcoin and Ether.http://dlvr.it/TNdVtq - Renting out your bach? Beware the tax trap that could cost you dearly – Mary Holm
OPINION: It sounds like a conversation with an accountant is needed before doing this.http://dlvr.it/TNbwsL - Media Insider: TVNZ profit turnaround – CEO Jodi O’Donnell’s bonus revealed; Top screen boss resigns, sounds warning; Cannabis, pizza don’t mix, rules watchdog
Jodi O’Donnell leads TVNZ back to profit; Top screen industry CEO resigns, sounds warning.http://dlvr.it/TNZqVj - Is the Reserve Bank gold-plating its regulations? – Roger Partridge
OPINION: Nicola Willis now has power to push for a full independent review of the policy.http://dlvr.it/TNYh78 - Armourguard challenges banks’ bid for collective cash‑in‑transit talks
Banks want Commerce Commission approval to jointly renegotiate terms.http://dlvr.it/TNXVrH - Black Pineapple’s cocktail catering subsidiary owes Inland Revenue over $680k, founder disputes overdrawn account claim
Inland Revenue is owed more than $687,000 across multiple claims.http://dlvr.it/TNWHj7 - Why a financial expert says you should cancel your credit card – The Prosperity Project
Expert says spending beyond your means is a raw deal for your future self.http://dlvr.it/TNV8Cq - Is private health insurance worth it? – Diana Clement
Public waiting lists can push patients to pay privately or crowdfund care.http://dlvr.it/TNTMW5 - AI deepfakes and companion apps: How NZ can lead the world on child safety – Cecilia Robinson
OPINION: AI harms are hitting kids faster than parents and the Government can keep up.http://dlvr.it/TNSTr0 - Foreign buyers circle: Why New Zealand companies are suddenly in play – Stock Takes
Bremworth, Fonterra’s Mainland and Restaurants Brands are all in play.http://dlvr.it/TNRGfD - The Warehouse Group 2025 results: Net loss narrows to $2.8m
The Warehouse Group cut its net loss to $2.76m from $54.2m last year.http://dlvr.it/TNQ0yh - New Zealand Winegrowers reports bumper 2025 harvest with exports up 5% by volume but value down
US sales fell 4% to $762m, dragging the overall export value down slightly.http://dlvr.it/TNNjfY - Eke Panuku’s legacy and what will replace it; Allan Young reflects; Patrick Dougherty’s move; Mark Fraser on nearly five years at Kāinga Ora – Property Insider
‘Guiding urban renewal projects across the Auckland region’ – Allan Young’s achievements.http://dlvr.it/TNMb5G - Ten reasons why Auckland food business Bake & Beans failed, liquidator seeks buyer
Gourmet pies, cakes and savouries made by companies hit by a combination of events.http://dlvr.it/TNLXRw - How AI could upskill and future-proof Kiwi secondary school students
BusinessNZ says the updated curriculum will better equip future workers.http://dlvr.it/TNKpMD - Where to put a lump sum just sitting around – Darcy Ungaro
When your timeframe’s short, just save it.http://dlvr.it/TNK0Qw - Media Insider: TVNZ chair Alastair Carruthers stepping down early; The Traitors Australia defects to NZ; Ex-Herald editor urges Media Council to review cold-case story ruling
Outspoken ex-NZME investor turns to Sky TV; Ex-Herald ed criticises Media Council ruling.http://dlvr.it/TNHv3M - White Tiger Rotorua restaurant to reopen under new owner after $1.4m collapse
It closed in May but its new owner is planning a ‘grand comeback’.http://dlvr.it/TNGnXg - Mood of the Boardroom: NZ CEOs rank Government ministers and Labour leaders, Luxon and Willis fail to make top 10
150 business leaders give their verdict on the Govt in the Mood of the Boardroom survey.http://dlvr.it/TNFfrw - Trump’s US$100,000 H-1B visa fee: After initial shock, NZ firm sees workarounds
‘E-3 tsunami’ feared as a result of the huge fee applied to H-1B visas.http://dlvr.it/TNDXSQ - Trump’s H-1B visa order clarified as one-time US$100k fee for new petitions
Indian nationals make up nearly three-quarters of all new H-1B visa recipients.http://dlvr.it/TNBmvN - Why digital-first care is New Zealand’s best chance to fix health system – Cecilia Robinson
OPINION: How to build a fair and modern health system.http://dlvr.it/TN9xyd - KiwiSaver choice that could cost retirees almost $30,000
Retired women hold just 16% of their KiwiSaver in growth funds.http://dlvr.it/TN8rMc - Alarming US public debt means New Zealand Government should be more prudent – Bryce Wilkinson
OPINION: Net interest charges reached US$934b in 11 months, more than defence.http://dlvr.it/TN7jzT - GDT: Dairy prices slip again, down 0.8% in latest auction
Cheddar rises but mozzarella plunges in third straight GDT price decline.http://dlvr.it/TN6ZrD - Aviation Action Plan released: Changes for Ōhakea, regional airlines, aim to speed up new drone rules
Drones, Ōhakea, a pilot shortage and regional airlines all get attention in the new plan.http://dlvr.it/TN5RcT - Online grocer Paddock to Pantry expands product range in push against supermarket duopoly
A $10m South Auckland distribution hub is fuelling the rapid expansion.http://dlvr.it/TN4NWT - Should you keep your first home as a rental when upgrading? – Nadine Higgins
OPINION: Borrowing against your new home may leave you unable to claim tax breaks.http://dlvr.it/TN3grv - Southern Cross chief Nick Astwick on premiums, ageing and why health is your greatest asset – Money Talks
Nick Astwick was planning to be a detective before the banking sector swept him away.http://dlvr.it/TN2tW8 - Media Insider: Regional media firm, 20 jobs saved in rescue deal led by local identity
Firm owed more than $600,000 and most creditors will miss out – but jobs have been saved.http://dlvr.it/TN1n6v - A labour law reform that works for workers – Roger Partridge
OPINION: The bill removes unjustified dismissal rights for earners above $180,000.http://dlvr.it/TN0dlX - Briscoe Group flags cautious full-year forecast despite resilient sales
Briscoe Group’s net profit fell 11.8% to $29.3m in the first half while revenue was flat.http://dlvr.it/TMzSwS - Commerce Commission takes CityFitness to court over allegedly misleading membership prices
Advertised membership prices allegedly didn’t include a compulsory 3% “transaction fee”.http://dlvr.it/TMyK6h - Why your loved ones need you to write a will – The Prosperity Project
Neglecting to leave clear instructions can cause chaos for those you care about.http://dlvr.it/TMxDPl - The tax and legal minefields to be aware of when retiring overseas – Diana Clement
OPINION: Smooth sailing abroad starts with knowing these legal basics.http://dlvr.it/TMwSc3 - The hidden cost of hoarding cash: Nick Stewart
OPINION: With NZ’s economic headwinds, sitting on cash isn’t the safe option.http://dlvr.it/TMvdXh - UDC Finance makes bumper profit but credit losses climb – Stock Takes
The company booked a credit impairment charge of $39.8m in the 15 months to March 31.http://dlvr.it/TMtTdw - Time to unscramble New Zealand’s government – Roger Partridge
NZ has 81 ministerial portfolios across 28 ministers and 43 departments.http://dlvr.it/TMsGfv - Where NZ’s Airbnb guests come from and how much they spend on an average stay
Domestic guests made up 55% of Airbnb stays in NZ last year.http://dlvr.it/TMps1K - Jetstar fined $2.25m for misleading customers about compensation
Jetstar misled some customers about their refund rights after cancelled flights.http://dlvr.it/TMnnBG - Scammers are using my image to lure people into losing money – Nadine Higgins
OPINION: Scammers are using images of well-known Kiwi financial experts in online scams.http://dlvr.it/TMn5tY - The KiwiSaver provider that doesn’t pay contributions on top of salaries for staff – Mary Holm
OPINION: It’s not against the law but goes against the ‘spirit’ of the scheme.http://dlvr.it/TMmMZ2 - What rights do consumers have in a receivership and how you can protect yourself
And why you should try to avoid paying a deposit, if you can.http://dlvr.it/TMlLqb - AI giant Nvidia beats earnings expectations but shares fall
Nvidia shares fell over 3% in after-market trading.http://dlvr.it/TMkJ6q - Precinct Properties’ revenue, profit up: advancing 56-level Downtown plans, new hotel announced
Plans for ‘capital recycling’: sell part or all of the new PwC Tower in Commercial Bay.http://dlvr.it/TMjDyQ - Fonterra settles with Bega, takes price for Mainland sale to $4.22b
The sale is one of New Zealand’s biggest corporate transactions.http://dlvr.it/TMh9Qx - Reserve Bank doubles Auckland office space, plans $14.5m fit-out just as staff redundancies hit
The bank plans to cut 142 roles, including 35 currently vacant positions.http://dlvr.it/TMgB6T - How to plan for retiring overseas – Diana Clement
OPINION: Health insurance is crucial when retiring overseas, especially in Thailand.http://dlvr.it/TMfX9C - Billion-dollar apartment builder Precinct Properties launches new $100m scheme
Precinct has nine Auckland apartment schemes. Its largest is in Parnell for students.http://dlvr.it/TMdnqg - Fonterra agrees to sell consumer arm to French company Lactalis for $3.8b
The dairy co-op has agreed to sell its consumer arm to French dairy giant Lactalis.http://dlvr.it/TMcmnW - Pāpāmoa business The Spilt Milk Co. recognised for keepsake jewellery in Pet Innovation Awards
She crafts keepsake jewellery with DNA elements such as ashes, hair, and embryos.http://dlvr.it/TMbjnl - RIDE THE BEST NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
SEARCH NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS New Zealand’s railway system is a key part of the country’s transport network, with a strong focus on freight and a smaller but highly popular passenger service that caters to both tourists and local commuters.1 The network is owned and operated by KiwiRail, a state-owned enterprise.2 Key Aspects of New Zealand’s Railway… Read more: RIDE THE BEST NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS ACROSS THE COUNTRY - Kitchen Things tipped into receivership, 12 stores closed
Kitchen Things’ 12 stores in New Zealand have all been temporarily closed.http://dlvr.it/TMZfhF - Covid and tax fraudster used false identities to try to steal $220,000
Bank account details were doctored in Caitlin Briar Ashby’s bid to steal.http://dlvr.it/TMYbp0 - Comvita receives takeover offer from Mark Stewart’s Florenz worth $56.4 million
Comvita’s board supports the $56.4m takeover offer from Florenz.http://dlvr.it/TMXdxs - This isn’t a housing market meltdown, it’s a full-blown crash – Liam Dann
OPINION: The sugar rush of rising property prices went on too long. Now we’re going cold.http://dlvr.it/TMWynH - Zuru nappy trial: Rascals patriach challenged over claims
Keith Taylor’s dramatic evidence contested over a full day by Zuru’s KC.http://dlvr.it/TMWDwk - Donald Trump wants to open up US retirement savings to crypto, should KiwiSaver follow suit? – Stock Takes
Should KiwiSaver schemes take a lead from the US and get more involved in crypto?http://dlvr.it/TMVHgl - BNZ cuts mortgage rates to draw level with rival ANZ
A week out from the next OCR decision, major banks are dropping their home loan rates.http://dlvr.it/TMS9nF - Dawn Meats may buy 65% of Alliance Group for $250 million
The deal requires 75% shareholder acceptance at a mid-October meeting.http://dlvr.it/TMR6sw - Activewear brand LSKD to open Ponsonby store, its fourth in NZ
LSKD will open its fourth NZ store in Ponsonby central on August 30.http://dlvr.it/TMQ6jc - How to avoid lifestyle creep when you get a pay rise – Diana Clement
OPINION: Lifestyle inflation often cancels out extra income from pay rises.http://dlvr.it/TMPR4l - New Zealand avocado exports soar, revenue hits $94m amid market growth
Export volumes increased 170% to 3.6 million trays this season.http://dlvr.it/TMNhCp - Fake products and service scams rose 25% in July, says Netsafe
Scammers create misleading or fake listings on trusted marketplaces.http://dlvr.it/TMMdxc - Patio Table Candles A Nightly Display
ICYMI: Patio Accessory Things Creating a beautiful nightly display on your patio table with candles is a fantastic way to add ambiance and a touch of magic to your outdoor space. Here’s a breakdown of ideas, styles, and practical tips for making your nightly display shine. 1. The Power of Candle Holders Choosing the right… Read more: Patio Table Candles A Nightly Display - Patio Accessory Outdoor Event Sale Prices
ICYMI: Patio Accessory Things As summer winds down, many retailers are holding sales and clearance events on patio accessories and outdoor event essentials to make room for fall and winter inventory. Here’s a summary of the types of deals you can find right now: Major Retailers and Home Goods Stores What to Look For You… Read more: Patio Accessory Outdoor Event Sale Prices - New Zealand’s busiest house builders: New list reveals Top 10
Numbers are down but thousands of new homes are being built by the leaders in the sector.http://dlvr.it/TMLX3y - Patio Table Candles A Nightly Display
Creating a beautiful nightly display on your patio table with candles is a fantastic way to add ambiance and a touch of magic to your outdoor space. Here’s a breakdown of ideas, styles, and practical tips for making your nightly display shine. 1. The Power of Candle Holders Choosing the right candle holders is key… Read more: Patio Table Candles A Nightly Display - Patio Accessory Outdoor Event Sale Prices
As summer winds down, many retailers are holding sales and clearance events on patio accessories and outdoor event essentials to make room for fall and winter inventory. Here’s a summary of the types of deals you can find right now: Major Retailers and Home Goods Stores What to Look For You can find deals on… Read more: Patio Accessory Outdoor Event Sale Prices - New Zealand News Has Brilliant Content IN YOUR POCKET PHONEMany news organizations in New Zealand have developed mobile apps to provide content directly to users’ smartphones. These apps offer a range of features to keep you informed on the go. Some of the most popular news apps and content providers in New Zealand include: Many users appreciate the ability to personalize their news feed,… Read more: New Zealand News Has Brilliant Content IN YOUR POCKET PHONE
- Labour market data: Unemployment hits 5.2%, 16,000 more jobless in past year
New labour market data shows tough times for jobseekers.http://dlvr.it/TMKPXF - NZ wine industry dealt $112m Trump tariff blow
NZ Winegrowers Advocacy says the tariff will go from 10c to around $1.10 per bottle.http://dlvr.it/TMJGWy - Meta, Amazon, IBM, HP: Flexible leasing model at tech titan’s Auckland offices changed
Company leases desk spaces in Britomart, Wynyard Quarter, PwC Tower and Wellington.http://dlvr.it/TMH9qj - Couple take former Pāpāmoa Beach home owner to court as she refuses to leave after mortgagee sale
The woman said she was trying to negotiate with the bank and didn’t consent to the sale.http://dlvr.it/TMGSJP - Butter backlash overlooks farming’s crucial economic role – Bruce Cotterill
OPINION: Why butter prices reflect New Zealand’s agricultural success.http://dlvr.it/TMFdqg - Will NZ reporting season reveal green shoots? – Stock Takes
Will this month’s company reporting season reveal a turnaround for the sharemarket?http://dlvr.it/TMDVHj - Southern Cross Travel Insurance fined $1.1m for misleading discount claims
Discounts were applied only to base premiums, not entire premiums.http://dlvr.it/TMCQl7 - Synlait Milk forecasts reduced loss, improved earnings for 2025
Synlait expects an annual net loss of $27m to $40m, down from a $182.1m loss in 2024.http://dlvr.it/TMBMFF - NZX futures support $10 milk price for 2026 season amid strong demand
NZX futures pricing supports the case for a $10/kg milk price for farmers.http://dlvr.it/TM9Hxf - King Honey in receivership as Me Today fails to find buyer
BNZ have appointed PwC NZ’s Richard Nacey and John Fisk as receivers.http://dlvr.it/TM8HCF - KiwiSaver hardship reveals hidden cost of this economic downturn – Liam Dann
OPINION: We need to look more closely at who is withdrawing their money and why.http://dlvr.it/TM7ckY - Pharmac must shift from being a gatekeeper of cost to an enabler of health – Cecilia Robinson
OPINION: Its role can no longer be confined to doing more with less.http://dlvr.it/TM6vSp - Tesla’s sales fall most for a decade in another rough quarter
Shares were little changed, erasing earlier gains in extended trading.http://dlvr.it/TM4pmd - Reserve Bank chairman Neil Quigley responds to allegations around Adrian Orr’s resignation
Nicola Willis tries to keep her distance.http://dlvr.it/TM3ksV - SkyCity applies for 15-year Queenstown casino licence renewal
Internal Affairs, Police, Companies Office and Insolvency Service have cited no issues.http://dlvr.it/TM2hQg - Inflation up 2.7% in 12 months to June 2025, but quarter rise lower than expected
The consumer price index increased 2.7% in the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter.http://dlvr.it/TM1j97 - Mike Greer Homes bucks house-building slump
‘We just build them and worry about selling them later. We do well in a tougher market.’http://dlvr.it/TM14rl - Former Christchurch Hunters and Collectors building transformed from ‘Dirty 30’ eyesore after the earthquake
The former Hunters and Collectors building has been transformed.http://dlvr.it/TM0PG8 - Waipareira Trust wins legal point against Charities Board but fails to quash deregistration notice
The Waipareira Trust argued the Charities Board was improperly constituted.http://dlvr.it/TLzQ2h - Lower Hutt restaurant Well Sushi fined $30,000 for exploiting vulnerable migrant worker
The man, who was on a sponsored work visa, was owed more than $50,000 in wage arrears.http://dlvr.it/TLyN3H - Why the Regulatory Standards Bill matters for property rights – Richard Prebble
OPINION: Property rights are a cornerstone of liberal democracy, but not in New Zealand.http://dlvr.it/TLxKF7 - Auckland must boost transport, housing to stay competitive: Report
Auckland relies heavily on cars due to limited transport options.http://dlvr.it/TLwGdR - Butlers Chocolate Cafe closes: What went wrong, who’s owed money?
Butlers Chocolate Cafe closed its New Zealand stores after 18 years.http://dlvr.it/TLvH64 - Gig economy on trial as Uber fights drivers’ employee status – Sasha Borissenko
OPINION: The Government is already moving to tighten up who an employee is.http://dlvr.it/TLtdD5 - Dilworth Trust wins court case to evict Auckland retiree over leasehold fee arrears
The Dilworth Trust increased the annual leasehold fee from $45,000 to $202,000 per year.http://dlvr.it/TLswsw - ’76 Comeback Special
Music Video, 1995 Mustang-driving vixen Celia Mancini pulls the punches in this lo-fi but high energy clip, which evokes 60s era heroines Emma Peel (The Avengers) and Modesty Blaise. The legendary King Loser vocalist dispatches a series of unfortunate victims, who may look familiar to close followers of the band. Mancini speeds off wearing a… Read more: ’76 Comeback Special - Ryman Healthcare releases latest quarterly sales: CEO says situation improving
Ryman’s performance contrasted sharply with Summerset, which made record sales in quarter.http://dlvr.it/TLrvB6 - Number of New Zealanders leaving for Australia in 2024 highest in more than a decade
New Zealanders continue to leave the country in record numbers.http://dlvr.it/TLqnhw - The House Within
Film, 2024, (Trailer) With a body of work spanning six decades and over 30 books of fiction, poetry, and memoir, Fiona Kidman has become one of New Zealand’s celebrated authors. This feature-length documentary draws a contemplative portrait of the writer’s inner world, and the lifetime that has shaped her stories. Captured at 83-years-old in her… Read more: The House Within