National News
Major logistics centre opens in Hamilton
A major logistics centre and commercial-industrial complex has opened in a suburb of Hamilton. The Ruakura Superhub, which will cover an area of 490 ha when fully complete, has been in the planning process for 16 years. The initial stage of the project, which opened earlier this month, includes an “inland port” that connects the […]
New Zealand announces new ambassador to China
Grahame Norton, a former High Commissioner to India, has been named as New Zealand’s next ambassador to China. He will begin in the role in December. In a statement announcing the appointment, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said China, New Zealand’s top trading partner, shared a long and important relationship with New Zealand. After 50 years […]
Eighth Chinese Language week celebrated
This week New Zealand celebrated its eighth annual Chinese Language Week. The week runs from Sunday 25 to Saturday 1 October. The goal of the Chinese Language Week is to bridge the cultural gap between New Zealand and China and to encourage Kiwis to learn the Chinese language. To mark this year’s Week, Venice Qin, […]
New Zealand “strong and firm” on anti-nuclear stance says PM
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand has an important role to play in international efforts towards nuclear non-proliferation. Ardern spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week, where she condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and called for a complete ban on all nuclear weapons. Speaking to the media after her […]
New Zealand house price growth falls in international rankings
The growth rate of house prices in New Zealand has fallen in comparison to international markets. The Knight Frank Global House Price Index showed that average house prices across 56 countries increased by 10% over the 12 months ending June 2022. However, in New Zealand, prices only increased by 5.5%. Once adjusted for inflation, they […]
Hamilton opera school to be a career “springboard”
A new opera school focused on career preparation for talented New Zealand singers has been launched at the University of Waikato. The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (Te Pae Kōkako) is the long-held vision of Dame Malvina Major (pictured), a New Zealand soprano and faculty member of the university. Speaking to SunLive, Major said that […]
South Island business exporting sea cucumbers to China
A South Island business is successfully exporting sea cucumbers to China. James Parfitt, CEO of Wild Catch, says that his company is exporting nearly one million sea cucumbers per year, and that business has recovered after a slump during the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to The Spinoff, Parfitt says that he first got the idea for […]
Korean-Kiwis produce documentary on “real North Korea”
Two Korean-New Zealanders have produced a documentary on North Korea to highlight the “human side” of the country. Sarah Lee and Inah Kim decided to produce the documentary after travelling twice to North Korea before the Covid-19 pandemic and discovering that life there was different from how they expected it to be. “When we think […]
Traffic light system no longer in operation
New Zealand’s Covid-19 traffic light system has ended. As of 13 September, it is no longer necessary to wear a mask in public, except in healthcare and aged care environments (such as hospitals, pharmacies and residential facilities for the elderly). The government’s vaccine mandates will also end on 26 September. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed […]
One-off public holiday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II
New Zealand will have a one-off public holiday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II. The holiday will be on Monday 26 September. There will be no trade restrictions on this day. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that many New Zealanders will appreciate the opportunity to mark the Queen’s death and celebrate her life. “I know many […]