KiwiRail’s project for two new InterIslander ferries is progressing, with the operator signing a letter of intent for them to built at a South Korean shipyard. The letter is a non-binding agreement that allows both parties to progress to more detailed contract negotiations. KiwiRail chief executive Greg Miller said the decision to choose the Hyundai […]

Spending on groceries, furniture and electronics boosted New Zealand’s December 2020 sales compared with December 2019, but accommodation and fuel spending were low, the country’s statistics department Stats NZ said on Tuesday. Total retail card spending rose 3.5 percent in December 2020, up 250 million New Zealand dollars (178 million U.S. dollars), compared with the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]