National News
New food rules for childcare centres
New rules excluding any risky foods in New Zealand’s childcare centres will take effect on Monday to prevent choking hazards, while parents complained that it would be too hard to prepare for their kids’ lunchboxes. The rules, released by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday, prohibit the presence and feeding of risky foods such as […]
More expensive fruit, vegetables boost New Zealand food prices.
Fruit and vegetable prices increased almost 9 percent in the year ended December 2020, boosting overall food price inflation to 2.9 percent, New Zealand’s statistics department Stats NZ said on Friday. “In 2020 prices have been high for a variety of crops, including potatoes, courgettes and tomatoes, at different times of the year and for […]
New Zealand house prices hit a record high for the fourth month in a row.
According to the latest real estate data on Friday, the lack of properties for sale is putting pressure on New Zealand house prices and speeding up home sales, leading to record median house price for the fourth month in a row. Median house prices across New Zealand increased to a record median price of 749,000 […]
Cook Islanders to resume quarantine-free travel to New Zealand
Passengers from the Cook Islands can resume quarantine-free travel into New Zealand from January 21, enabling access to essential services such as health, according to an official announcement on Friday. “Following confirmation of the Cook Islands’ COVID free status and the implementation of strict health and border protocols we are now in the position to […]
1,000 returning international tertiary students
The New Zealand government on Thursday approved an exception class for 1,000 international tertiary students, degree level and above, who began their study in New Zealand but were caught offshore when border restrictions began. The exception will allow students to return to New Zealand in stages from April 2021. “Our top priority continues to be […]
NZ’s Covid-19 support for Pacific Nations
New Zealand is preparing to support Pacific nations to access safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines at the earliest opportunity, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said on Thursday. “Pacific countries have worked hard to keep COVID-19 out, or to stamp it out, and New Zealand has been committed to supporting them in this,” Mahuta said in a […]
Better wages for the lowest paid
The New Zealand government confirmed it would deliver on its commitment to raise the minimum wage to 20 NZ dollars (14.26 U.S. dollars) per hour from April 1, 2021, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood said on Thursday. As the country recovers and rebuilds from COVID-19, the government is committed to supporting New Zealanders […]
Economic prospects for the primary sector “bright.”
New Zealand’s primary sector’s economic prospects are bright despite the significant challenges from COVID-19, Agriculture, Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor said on Tuesday. The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report forecast food and fibre export revenue of more than 47.5 billion NZ dollars for the year ending in June 2021, and […]
China becomes New Zealand’s 2nd largest source of foreign investment.
China is now New Zealand’s second-largest source of foreign investment. However, the investment relationship still lags behind trade and people-to-people links. A report by the New Zealand China Council shows that in 2017, China invested 8.25 billion New Zealand dollars across the country. Executive Director of New Zealand China Council Stephen Jacobi said that contrary […]
Milk prices great for farmers
Westpac has lifted its 2020/21 farmgate milk price forecast by 50 cents to $7.50/kg – 20c above the upper end of Fonterra’s forecast range. A $7.50/kg milk price would be one of the highest in the co-op’s 20-year history. Westpac has increased its 2021/22 milk price forecast by 25 cents to $7.25/kg. The price increase […]