National News
Seaweed technology gets government backing
A project that aims to turn seaweed into a gel for use in cosmetics, wound care and plastics has been awarded government funding. The government will provide a loan of $750,000 towards the $1.5-million project, which will see the world’s first commercial seaweed-based nanocellulose manufacturing plant being built in the Waikato town of Paeroa. “This […]
Top baby surname reflects the country’s changing demographics
The most common surname for babies born in New Zealand is once again Singh. The name has been in the top spot since 2019. According to data released by the Department of Internal Affairs, the second most common surname for babies born in New Zealand is Smith. Kaur, a name that is historically the feminine […]
Fijian-Indians fighting to be classified as Pasifika, not Asian
Fijian-Indians living in New Zealand are missing out on support services in areas including health and education because they are being classified as Asians and not Pacific Islanders, a community leader has said. President of the Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand Krish Naidu (pictured) said that by not recognising Fijian-Indians as a Pacific community, […]
Global campaign launched to attract “high-quality” tourists
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) has launched its first global campaign in two years, which aims to appeal to curious travellers. The “If you seek” campaign includes short films of destinations and activities from well-known locations across the country to those less recognisable. Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said that there was an […]
Official cash rate raised to seven-year high
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has raised the official cash rate to a seven-year high in a bid to control inflation. The rate was raised by half a percentage point, up to 3 per cent. The RBNZ stood by its aggressive approach to tackling inflation, which is currently at a 30-year high of […]
Plan for rejuvenation of Tauranga city centre
A plan for the rejuvenation of the Tauranga city centre was presented at a council meeting last week. The 10-year plan includes the development of eight different precincts, including a cultural and historical precinct, retail and commercial precincts, a waterfront precinct and a “Te Manawataki o Te Papa” civic precinct. The city centre has seen […]
UPDATE: Nelson, Tasman and the West Coast floods
The Nelson Tasman region and West Coast remain under a red heavy rain warning. 400 homes have been evacuated in Nelson. A number of roads around the region remain closed due to flooding, land slides and fallen trees. As of Friday morning the rain has eased however the MetServices have warned 21 hours of renewed […]
UPDATE: Taranaki Flooding
Taranaki motorists are being warned to be vigilant on their morning commute with reports of surface flooding, slips, potholes and road closures across the region. Several cars have had punctured tyres as a result of potholes along State Highway 3 near Eltham and Tariki, while there is surface flooding in several parts of the region, […]
Update: Far North Floods
According to Civil Defence several homes have been evacuated in New Zealand’s northernmost town, Kaitāia, on Thursday night. Kerikeri was the worst hit with 172mm of rain in 24 hours. Kaitāia saw 101.4mm of rain and Whangārei airport had 32.4mm. According to MetService: “There’s still heavy rain in Northland, but it has eased from what […]
Evacuations across top of South Island, flooding in Far North
The Maitai River is rising again and hundreds remain forced from their homes in Nelson and Buller as a super-charged deluge continues to swamp parts of New Zealand. Rivers are breaching banks, roads are closed and strong winds are downing trees. Much of the North Island, including Auckland, is under a swathe of strong wind […]