More than 200 film and TV production workers will have arrived in New Zealand by the end of the year, despite border restrictions. ‘Avatar’ and the ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV series among others will be filmed in New Zealand during 2020-2021.  These productions were granted exceptions on the basis that they will inject about $400 […]

On 17 June, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) officially announced the start of negotiations on a free trade agreement between New Zealand (NZ) and the United Kingdom (UK). The government believes that an NZ-UK Free trade agreement will develop significant benefits for the citizens of both countries. The UK is currently NZ’s […]

The New Zealand government has launched a new plan to boost the country’s primary sector export earnings by NZ$44bn (US$28.8bn) over the next decade. Earlier this week the government released its ‘Fit for a Better World – Accelerating our Economic Potential’ action-plan. The document outlines how the country will place primary industries at the core […]

A long-planned transformation of the Taupō town centre has been given a $20 million shot in the arm. Taupō Mayor David Trewavas welcomed the “huge boost” saying the council and district were incredibly grateful for it, but also that much work had gone into the planning. The $20 million  will be used for a reorientation […]

Five years after it was abolished, Hauraki District Council has voted to reintroduce a policy that sees developers pay money to fund growth-related infrastructure. Councillors on Wednesday adopted a development contribution policy, following five years of a “significant” increase in population. With a policy in place, people applying for consents or connections for development – […]

After years of driving past the Paeroa Historical Maritime Park on his way to Auckland and wanting to stop, Deputy PM Winston Peters finally paid the place a visit this week. As well as a tour of the park, he received a progress update on a $1.1 million development aimed at boosting tourism in the […]

New Zealand and Australian stock markets could be in for more volatility as concerns rise about another Covid-19 outbreak in China. According to AAP, Beijing has locked down 11 residential communities near a wholesale food market after 45 workers tested positive to COVID-19. The market will also have an eye on Wall St, where US […]

New Zealand wines are outselling those of Australia in the United States. Wine exports to the USA surpassed over 1 billion dollars. For an industry expected to pass two billion dollars in exports by 2025, this milestone comes as welcome news to wine producers Australia is still more successful in Asia.

About 33,000 new homes were consented with Auckland leading the way, followed closely behind by Wellington, Stats NZ said in a release. One third of all residential consents have been for apartments, town houses, flats and units – signalling a change in culture as kiwis move away from traditional houses with gardens to more urban […]

The teacher shortage has eased slightly in Auckland, but is still critical in some provincial areas such as Northland, Waikato and Hawke’s Bay. While the Ministry of Education has run recruitment drives oversase which have helped ease the problem it hasn’t solved it. Foreign teachers and kiwis working oversees may be eligible to grants if […]