Latest Top 3 News Stories

Manawatū Local Newsroom

‘Significant operation’: Jail for meth cook
Joseph McLaughlan says he was blindfolded when he was driven to a storage unit in Palmerston North to cook batches of methamphetamine.
Published: 6:00PM 25 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627264/significant-operation-jail-cooks-role-drug-ring

Woman killed in Woodville crash identified
Kelly King, 46, died in the Saddle Road crash on March 3.
Published: 12:52PM 25 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627764/woman-killed-woodville-crash-identified

Leading by example earns army accolades
Corporal Gabriel Dewes has received three awards for his leadership and influence on fellow soldiers.
Published: 10:07AM 25 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360627281/leading-example-earns-army-accolades

Men jailed over group attack at party
Cyris Keedwell nearly died after being stabbed in the heart at a party in Pahīātua.
Published: 5:00AM 25 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360625803/pair-jailed-over-group-attack-party-where-man-stabbed-heart

Two people seriously injured in crash that blocked SH1
Emergency services were called to a single-vehicle crash on the highway near Taihape.
Published: 7:48PM 24 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360626912/two-people-seriously-injured-crash-near-taihape

Defence witness says no change in murder accused day of killing
A man with more than 130 dishonesty convictions says he has no reason to lie in a murder trial as he has nothing to gain.
Published: 7:00PM 24 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360625810/defence-witness-says-no-change-murder-accused-day-killing

Will the $2.7 billion cost of tertiary courses be enough?
The government is spending $2.7 billion on tertiary courses this year, but there are early signs it will not be enough to cover all the enrolments.
Published: 11:46AM 24 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360625971/will-27-billion-cost-tertiary-courses-be-enough

House and car go up in flames near Palmerston North
A fire investigator and police officers spent Sunday afternoon working at the scene on Number 1 Line in Longburn.
Published: 10:08AM 24 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360625604/house-and-car-go-flames-palmerston-north

‘Absolute nightmare’: One road, four waits behind buses
The makeover of Palmerston North’s Featherston St - which included four in-lane bus stops - has caused a stir in the city.
Published: 5:00AM 24 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360620387/absolute-nightmare-palmerston-north-road-four-bus-stops-traffic-lanes

Firearms incident in Palmerston North leads to arrest
A 19-year-old man is due to appear in court following reports that he presented a firearm at members of the public and police.
Published: 5:35PM 23 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360625377/19-year-old-arrested-following-palmerston-north-firearms-incident

Defence alleges three others had 'means and motive' to murder
Lawyers say the Crown’s case against Manukura McLeod has too many flaws and at the end of the trial no one will know who fatally stabbed Dayne Rademakers.
Published: 7:00PM 21 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360623019/defence-says-others-had-means-and-motive-murder-dayne-rademakers

‘17 years of secrecy’: Jail for man who raped young teen
A young man was raped when he was 14, but despite being found guilty of the abuse by a judge his offender still denies any wrongdoing.
Published: 12:51PM 21 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360602840/17-years-secrecy-jail-man-who-raped-teen

Arrest made in connection with January shooting in Feilding
Man to appear in court on aggravated robbery and wounding charges.
Published: 12:31PM 21 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360623805/arrest-made-connection-january-shooting-feilding

Devilskin announce 12-stop national tour
The multi-platinum rockers will be joined by Villainy, and Midwave Breaks and kick off the tour in Invercargill.
Published: 11:10AM 21 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360622036/devilskin-announce-12-stop-national-tour

Fresh appeal for information about man missing for almost two years
Then-40-year-old Stephen Ryan was last seen on the evening of Tuesday March 28, 2023, after he was dropped off at an address in Feilding.
Published: 8:08AM 21 March 2025
Source: Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360623309/police-renew-appeal-information-about-missing-man-stephen-ryan

New Zealand Newsroom

'Strong and unusual' currents expected after earthquake, NEMA says
Remote parts of Fiordland's coast may experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake off the South Island this afternoon.
Published: 5:52PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547469/strong-and-unusual-currents-expected-after-earthquake-nema-says

Will RMA change mean cheaper houses?
Planned changes to the Resource Management Act should reduce house prices and improve supply - provided they are able to be enacted.
Published: 6:16PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/547479/will-rma-change-mean-cheaper-houses

Homicide investigation launched over Abdul Nabizadah's death in Miramar
The grieving family is hoping the two men seen in the area on foot will come forward to police.
Published: 5:59PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547458/homicide-investigation-launched-over-abdul-nabizadah-s-death-in-miramar

Oranga Tamariki 'always intended to publish' scathing review
Oranga Tamariki says it always intended to publish a punishing review that found grievous privacy breaches which caused people physical harm.
Published: 5:56PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547477/oranga-tamariki-always-intended-to-publish-scathing-review

Whangārei's bid to halt water fluoridation rejected
Whangārei District Council has lost its bid for an injunction that would have allowed it to stop adding fluoride to the city's water supply.
Published: 5:47PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547476/whangarei-s-bid-to-halt-water-fluoridation-rejected

'A win for all Indigenous languages': Te reo Māori enters the Ivy League
In what's being hailed 'a win for all Indigenous languages', Yale is offering a course in te reo Māori - a first for any Ivy League university.
Published: 5:40PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/547473/a-win-for-all-indigenous-languages-te-reo-maori-enters-the-ivy-league

New Zealand-led taskforce seizes 260kg of narcotics off coast of Oman
A New Zealand-led taskforce has made a successful drug bust of 260 kilograms of narcotics, worth $87.8 million, from a boat off the coast of Oman.
Published: 4:45PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547465/new-zealand-led-taskforce-seizes-260kg-of-narcotics-off-coast-of-oman

Can't keep building stop-banks forever - scientists
Researchers say we must change the way we manage river flooding risks, and communities cannot continue to build ever bigger stop-banks.
Published: 5:43PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547475/can-t-keep-building-stop-banks-forever-scientists

'Explosive activity' at Whakaari/White Island
There's evidence of "ballistic blocks" being ejected up to 600m high.
Published: 3:47PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547456/explosive-activity-at-whakaari-white-island

Disputes involving Asian parties clogging up courts
A prominent Asian lawyer says cultural differences and language issues are resulting in more cases going to trial.
Published: 2:19PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/chinese/545911/disputes-involving-asian-parties-clogging-up-courts

Thousands report feeling magnitude 6.8 earthquake off South Island's coast
People are advised to avoid beaches and marine areas at the bottom of the South Island.
Published: 5:23PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547459/thousands-report-feeling-magnitude-6-point-8-earthquake-off-south-island-s-coast

Rodent droppings prompt boil water notice for Woodville residents
Tararua District District said it was the "first occurrence of animal entry" into the Woodville Water East Treated Reservoir.
Published: 5:15PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547470/rodent-droppings-prompt-boil-water-notice-for-woodville-residents

Auckland Council seeks feedback on draft plan for the next year
A 'bed tax' and changes to targeted rubbish collection rates are among the decisions Auckland Council is seeking feedback on.
Published: 5:08PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547468/auckland-council-seeks-feedback-on-draft-plan-for-the-next-year

Geoffrey McIver named as pedestrian killed by Invercargill train
Geoffrey Francis McIver, 54, was struck by a freight train at a pedestrian crossing last week.
Published: 5:01PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547467/geoffrey-mciver-named-as-pedestrian-killed-by-invercargill-train

Man who allegedly threatened to blow up Christchurch community housing complex was facing eviction
Parts of the suburb were locked down for several hours.
Published: 1:51PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547452/man-who-allegedly-threatened-to-blow-up-christchurch-community-housing-complex-was-facing-eviction

63-year-old woman found dead in cell day after conviction for murdering father
Ronald Allison died in 2013, after Lynne Martin set his house on fire while he slept inside.
Published: 12:53PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/545919/63-year-old-woman-found-dead-in-cell-day-after-conviction-for-murdering-father

One dead after crash near Hamilton, State Highway closed
Police were called to the two-vehicle crash at the small township of Horotiu.
Published: 2:44PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/547457/one-dead-after-crash-near-hamilton-state-highway-closed

TikTok pulls controversial 'chubby filter' - but is the damage already done?
Ozempic is in, body positivity is out - and a new social media trend isn't helping.
Published: 10:03AM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/wellbeing/tiktok-has-pulled-a-problematic-chubby-filter-but-is-the-damage-already-done

Global Newsroom

Oscar-winning filmmaker Hamdan Ballal attacked, arrested in West Bank
The director is still missing after soldiers abducted him.
Published: 5:34PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/oscar-winning-filmmaker-hamdan-ballal-attacked-arrested-in-west-bank/7BEL3465JVDRLEFOUJYC6R3SJI/

One doctor’s quest for the truth about convicted killer nurse Lucy Letby
NYT: His research was used to convict her, but he says it should never have been cited.
Published: 3:17PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/one-doctors-quest-for-the-truth-about-convicted-killer-nurse-lucy-letby/LJS3NNXSDJDELISCVF3Z2JAKRE/

In his second term, Trump fuels a ‘machinery’ of misinformation
New York Times: Trump's team using false claims to justify policy changes.
Published: 2:42PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/in-his-second-term-trump-fuels-a-machinery-of-misinformation/TFYG7Z4NJVEHVN6EC4EV3RAOCI/

White House confirms journalist was accidentally sent classified war plan
The Atlantic magazine's editor got advance notice of the strikes via Signal.
Published: 8:24AM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/white-house-confirms-journalist-was-accidentally-sent-classified-war-plan/JR75DWWAIFBHXAKFEO43TB2Z4Y/

Greenland PM accuses US of interference amid Trump’s territorial ambitions
US planes were seen in Nuuk; the visit's purpose was called a power move.
Published: 7:44AM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/greenland-pm-accuses-us-of-interference-amid-trumps-territorial-ambitions/TCN5JT7LURD4VFJD2SZSDEGUNE/

Tiger Woods and Donald Trump jnr’s ex-wife go public with their relationship
The couple have officially confirmed their relationship on Instagram.
Published: 5:58PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/tiger-woods-and-donald-trump-jnrs-ex-wife-go-public-with-their-relationship/OOH74WBQXND7ZAZWQFLCYMXWGY/

Madeleine McCann investigators race to lay charges before suspect is released from prison
Prosecutors aim to charge Christian Brueckner before his early release from jail.
Published: 2:55PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/madeleine-mccann-investigators-race-to-lay-charges-before-suspect-is-released-from-prison/HD2G33FSW5BI7PRHUANRQJUYEU/

How did a fire leave Heathrow Airport in darkness, with insufficient backup?
New York Times: The UK government has faced pressure for years over ageing infrastructure.
Published: 2:44PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/how-did-a-fire-leave-heathrow-airport-in-darkness-with-insufficient-backup/K2RA6RU6K5G5RGKJ66HJ5VAIYU/

‘Incredibly frightening’: Footage captures moment man shot in Melbourne street
Chilling footage has captured the moment a man was shot in a 'targeted' attack.
Published: 12:02PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/incredibly-frightening-footage-captures-moment-man-shot-in-melbourne-street/AAZIVYVI7BGVNJPOGP5LJXYFEA/

Turkish President Erdogan’s main rival Ekrem Imamoglu arrested, sparking protests
His arrest sparked protests in Istanbul, spreading to 55 of Turkey’s provinces.
Published: 8:33AM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/turkish-president-erdogans-main-rival-ekrem-imamoglu-arrested-sparking-protests/FYIKTOSFPZECZBHFVJFDYA57FI/

Sports Newsroom

Football World Cup: All Whites doing it for family and future generations
Hours after securing a Football World Cup berth the All Whites' thoughts turned to family and the future of the game.
Published: 5:27PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/547471/football-world-cup-all-whites-doing-it-for-family-and-future-generations

All Whites star Chris Wood hopes injury 'nothing too major'
Nottingham Forest fans are waiting with bated breath to find out how serious striker Chris Wood's injury is.
Published: 11:55AM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545916/all-whites-star-chris-wood-hopes-injury-nothing-too-major

What we learned from the All Whites qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Who stood out and who didn't? Mathew Nash takes a closer look at how the All Whites booked their tickets to next year's tournament.
Published: 1:31PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/547448/what-we-learned-from-the-all-whites-qualifying-for-the-2026-fifa-world-cup

Can New Zealand win a game at the World Cup?
Former All White Ben Sigmund believes the current side could be the first to score a win.
Published: 1:29PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545895/can-new-zealand-win-a-game-at-the-world-cup

New Zealand Rugby scuppers Rugby Australia's plan for an Anzac Day test
"We don't see it as viable, at this stage," NZR chief Mark Robinson says.
Published: 8:00AM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545886/new-zealand-rugby-scuppers-rugby-australia-s-plan-for-an-anzac-day-test

‘What you dream of as a kid’ – All Whites celebrate ticket to the big dance
Watch: The All Whites are celebrating the win sending them to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
Published: 12:37PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545867/what-you-dream-of-as-a-kid-all-whites-celebrate-ticket-to-the-big-dance

Long wait over for fans as All Whites qualify for World Cup
For many of the more than 25,000 fans that packed the stands at Eden Park to witness the All Whites victory, this one was a long time coming.
Published: 5:45AM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545870/long-wait-over-for-fans-as-all-whites-qualify-for-world-cup

Wellington pair set to debut in Black Caps
Wellington pair Nick Kelly and Muhammad Abbas have been named in the Black Caps squad for the ODI series against Pakistan this month.
Published: 6:21AM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545873/wellington-pair-set-to-debut-in-black-caps

Victory! All Whites on the way to the FIFA World Cup 2026
A 3-0 win over New Caledonia means New Zealand is headed to its third World Cup.
Published: 9:16PM 24 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545851/victory-all-whites-on-the-way-to-the-fifa-world-cup-2026

Explainer: Why does everyone get so bloody angry about schoolboy rugby?
Jamie Wall reveals just what's going on in yet another controversy rocking the often turbulent and bizarre school rugby landscape.
Published: 10:13PM 23 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545751/explainer-why-does-everyone-get-so-bloody-angry-about-schoolboy-rugby

Formula 1: Will Liam Lawson find the Red Bull window before it shuts?
New Zealand driver Liam Lawson admits time is running out if he is to make an impression with the Red Bull team in Formula 1.
Published: 5:52PM 24 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545847/formula-1-will-liam-lawson-find-the-red-bull-window-before-it-shuts

Home losses, coach’s departure sour start to Indian Panthers’ debut season
Jonathan Goodman is named interim head coach after Miles Pearch resigned in a turbulent start to the team's inclusion in the national basketball league.
Published: 8:08PM 24 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/545852/home-losses-coach-s-departure-sour-start-to-indian-panthers-debut-season

Black Foils seek consistency after missing latest SailGP podium race
New Zealand were left feeling frustrated after failing to qualify for the final of the San Francisco round.
Published: 3:03PM 24 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545830/black-foils-seek-consistency-after-missing-latest-sailgp-podium-race

FIFA World Cup qualifier All Whites v New Caledonia: what you need to know
Squad lists, team news and key stats about tonight's massive game for the All Whites.
Published: 10:22AM 24 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545790/fifa-world-cup-qualifier-all-whites-v-new-caledonia-what-you-need-to-know

Football: Phoenix goalkeeper's breakout season cut short
The Phoenix will be without their goalkeeper for the rest of the A-League football season with scans revealing Alby Kelly-Heald needs shoulder surgery.
Published: 2:57PM 24 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545829/football-phoenix-goalkeeper-s-breakout-season-cut-short

Grizz Wyllie 'shaped the game in ways that will be felt for generations'
A coach who shared the highs and lows of two World Cups with Wyllie says their vastly different styles may have been a roadblock to success.
Published: 9:31AM 24 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/545763/grizz-wyllie-shaped-the-game-in-ways-that-will-be-felt-for-generations

News In Pictures

Business Newsroom

Spark share price lifts off 13-year low as NZX 50 grinds up – Market close
NZ market follows lead of the US.
Published: 6:30PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/markets/shares/spark-share-price-lifts-off-13-year-low-as-nzx-50-grinds-up-market-close/P3MQQJROMZDNFPPQAKRPIBI6N4/

Torpedo7’s new owners reveal major shake-up for retailer
Some stores to be closed while others will be rebranded under new name.
Published: 6:21PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/retail/torpedo7s-new-owners-reveal-major-shake-up-for-retailer/4XCW7SDTRVBTFMW3GJTWRKCJVQ/

Media Insider: Trade Me could be eyeing potential acquisition of Stuff digital arm, website
In a back to the future move, could NZ's biggest classifieds website buy into Stuff?
Published: 5:29PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-trade-me-could-be-eyeing-potential-acquisition-of-stuff/ZKNODZF2JNE2BDCLA5UFUD63LM/

The PM’s next jet? French airline Dassault makes a pitch for its Falcon 8X as Avalon Air Show draws industry to the neighbourhood
Jet and helicopter companies jockey for spotlight as huge airshow starts Downunder.
Published: 4:25PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/companies/airlines/the-pms-next-jet-french-airline-dassault-makes-a-pitch-for-its-falcon-8x-as-avalon-air-show-draws-industry-to-the-neighbourhood/4XHYGITIOVBB7KWYZGWJRX3MBY/

Investing advice: How much you could earn buying Lego, whisky, or handbags
Investing in whisky yields an average annual return of 17.52%.
Published: 3:38PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/investing-advice-how-much-you-could-earn-buying-lego-whisky-or-handbags/P7PEFCDL75DFJJDW6IZBAKYPYA/

Assets of 10 biggest iwi rise only $100m since 2022: new TDB Advisory report out
Most iwi had positive financial returns in 2024, an improvement on 2023: latest report
Published: 3:00PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/ten-biggest-iwi-have-82b-assets-tdb-advisory/C3PQ7EBJUJD5FHEQRFCPW2WX7A/

Kiwifruit exporter Zespri claims world first in all products sold with home-compostable labels
Zespri says other fruit companies use home-compostable labels, but not in all markets.
Published: 1:21PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/kiwifruit-exporter-zespri-claims-world-first-in-all-products-sold-with-home-compostable-labels/W2IIR27RQNHVJB7EFVUQNFRCGA/

Tauranga electric motorcycle maker Ubco owes $36m, potential purchaser emerges
The firm went into receivership in January, having raised tens of millions from investors.
Published: 1:00PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/tauranga-electric-motorcycle-maker-ubco-owes-36m-potential-purchaser-emerges/XUBDFHZZQVBKFBCZGAP2BK647Y/

Employment confidence slumps to 2020 post-Covid lockdown lows
The good news is the unemployment rate is believed to be nearing its peak for this cycle.
Published: 10:50AM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/employment-confidence-slumps-to-2020-post-covid-lockdown-lows/SYFW5SK5FBANZAJIRHJ3UZERSU/

Media Insider: Billionaire Jim Grenon inquired about buying Stuff during first Covid lockdown in 2020
The businessman aiming to be NZME chair confirms approach to buy Stuff in 2020.
Published: 10:31AM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-billionaire-jim-grenon-inquired-about-buying-stuff-during-first-covid-lockdown-in-2020/MYIZOY6SUJE3NPFXOMZPCAMDV4/

Politics Newsroom

Will RMA change mean cheaper houses?
Planned changes to the Resource Management Act should reduce house prices and improve supply - provided they are able to be enacted.
Published: 6:16PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/547479/will-rma-change-mean-cheaper-houses

Labour's Greg O'Connor plans to stick around even if his Ōhāriu seat is carved up
Under proposals released by the Representation Commission, the electorates of Ōhāriu, Mana, and Ōtaki will be scrapped, and replaced by two new seats: Kenepuru, and Kāpiti.
Published: 6:24PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547480/labour-s-greg-o-connor-plans-to-stick-around-even-if-his-ohariu-seat-is-carved-up

The House: Hunker down for a week of urgent plod sprinkled with chaos
MPs will spend the week debating bills under urgency. We outline the key legislation proposed.
Published: 6:44PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547481/the-house-hunker-down-for-a-week-of-urgent-plod-sprinkled-with-chaos

'Horrific': Luxon won't rule out heads rolling over girl's mistaken identity
An 11-year-old was taken to a mental health facility after being mistaken for a 20-year-old. The PM wants to know why it took two weeks to tell the minister.
Published: 2:02PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545908/horrific-luxon-won-t-rule-out-heads-rolling-over-girl-s-mistaken-identity

Primary health organisations taking up too much health spending at GPs' expense - report
Top-heavy PHOs are siphoning off too much funding before it gets to frontline GPs, according to an independent report.
Published: 6:05PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547478/primary-health-organisations-taking-up-too-much-health-spending-at-gps-expense-report

Māori Development Minister unaware government ruled out Treaty clause in RMA reform
The Minister of Māori Development didn't know Cabinet had agreed not to include the clause in the coalition's proposed legislation.
Published: 4:13PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547454/maori-development-minister-unaware-government-ruled-out-treaty-clause-in-rma-reform

Victim Support ditching volunteers from July
Manaaki Tāngata Victim Suppport is phasing out its 37-year-old volunteer-based service in favour of a fully staff-based workforce.
Published: 4:36PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/547464/victim-support-ditching-volunteers-from-july

Politics: Luxon lashes Health NZ over 11-year-old's mistaken identity
The PM fielded questions in Parliament on a day where a case of mistaken identity has put the heat on police and Health NZ.
Published: 3:29PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545876/politics-luxon-lashes-health-nz-over-11-year-old-s-mistaken-identity

Wellington to lose an electorate as shake-up of local seats proposed
Maps show how three electorates would vanish and two new ones would be set up in the capital, with other boundaries moving.
Published: 1:44PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545912/wellington-to-lose-an-electorate-as-shake-up-of-local-seats-proposed

Minister closes inner Hauraki Gulf to fishing of rock lobster
Shane Jones says the closure, starting from April 1, is to allow the lobster population to restore itself.
Published: 1:02PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545923/minister-closes-inner-hauraki-gulf-to-fishing-of-rock-lobster

The new threat to the undersea cables keeping our internet going
A Chinese tool capable of cutting the most fortified undersea cables is stoking fears.
Published: 8:18AM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545872/the-new-threat-to-the-undersea-cables-keeping-our-internet-going

Spy agency minister Judith Collins refuses to release Pacific cyber security documents
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service has been warning Pacific partners that China's growing influence in the region presents foreign interference and espionage risks.
Published: 12:46PM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545922/spy-agency-minister-judith-collins-refuses-to-release-pacific-cyber-security-documents

Outsourcing being used to pretend hospital wait times are being fixed - doctor
Frustrated senior doctors say millions of dollars of taxpayer money going to private hospitals to do elective operations could help many more patients, if it was invested in the ailing public system.
Published: 8:31AM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545877/outsourcing-being-used-to-pretend-hospital-wait-times-are-being-fixed-doctor

RMA overhaul: Government seeks common ground with opposition
But a 'take it or leave it' approach will make consensus a challenge.
Published: 7:36AM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545868/rma-overhaul-government-seeks-common-ground-with-opposition

Christopher Luxon reveals Resource Management Act reform
The prime minister said the RMA was "the culture of 'no' that I spoke about earlier in the year brought to life".
Published: 6:29AM 25 March 2025
Source: Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/545835/christopher-luxon-reveals-resource-management-act-reform

Entertainment Newsroom

Oscar-winning filmmaker Hamdan Ballal attacked, arrested in West Bank
The director is still missing after soldiers abducted him.
Published: 5:34PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/oscar-winning-filmmaker-hamdan-ballal-attacked-arrested-in-west-bank/7BEL3465JVDRLEFOUJYC6R3SJI/

Festival failures prompt calls for shake-up in ticketing rules
Juicy Fest, Timeless Summer cancellations show regulations fail to protect punters.
Published: 11:15AM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/festival-failures-prompt-calls-for-shake-up-in-ticketing-rules/XKKYRU6AMNB3ZFNSRGFD6BF2AA/

French actor Gérard Depardieu goes on trial on sexual assault charges
Film star's lawyer has vowed to show accusations from two women were 'false'.
Published: 8:36AM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/french-actor-gerard-depardieu-goes-on-trial-on-sexual-assault-charges/3VAGKZW2VZAH5EJKKXDHK7XNYY/

Married At First Sight Australia episode 30 recap: MAFS Australia: Homestay week and beard brings chaos to experiment
OPINION: It's one of the final tests, and some couples are failing hard.
Published: 6:00AM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/married-at-first-sight-australia-episode-30-recap-mafs-australia-homestay-week-and-beard-brings-chaos-to-experiment/GGUO465GMNFOJAZC5KZUA3WTQM/

Married At First Sight Australia: Kiwi bride Jacqui Burfoot‘s Manly home revealed to be an Airbnb
The Airbnb, found in one of Sydney's most expensive suburbs, costs $220 per night to rent.
Published: 8:30PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/married-at-first-sight-australia-kiwi-bride-jacqui-burfoots-manly-home-revealed-to-be-an-airbnb/XHGFMZYF6ZCIDKSPES3P4T2RFE/

Tiger Woods and Donald Trump jnr’s ex-wife go public with their relationship
The couple have officially confirmed their relationship on Instagram.
Published: 5:58PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/tiger-woods-and-donald-trump-jnrs-ex-wife-go-public-with-their-relationship/OOH74WBQXND7ZAZWQFLCYMXWGY/

TV host Graham Norton dines at Christchurch restaurant You Hanoi Me ahead of NZ tour
Graham Norton’s nationwide tour begins today at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch.
Published: 3:01PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/tv-host-graham-norton-dines-at-christchurch-restaurant-you-hanoi-me-ahead-of-nz-tour/PF4VHCCRSVGVNBNBL7Y2VZ56OQ/

Justin Bieber’s candid posts on personal struggles amid health speculation
He has been the subject of months of speculation about his physical and mental health.
Published: 1:44PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/justin-biebers-candid-posts-on-personal-struggles-amid-health-speculation/KMDTINGH2NEJXGSRAPX4VR73UY/

Chelsea Handler at 50: Still hustling and dreaming of margaritas
New York Times: The comedian dishes on life lessons and breakups.
Published: 9:17AM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/chelsea-handler-at-50-still-hustling-and-dreaming-of-margaritas/IOFVQZAKBNG2BMBYYSWHAQ6WGY/

Snoop Dogg wants to heal the rift between Prince William and Harry
'Life is too short to not make things right,' says rapper.
Published: 9:00AM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/snoop-dogg-wants-to-heal-the-rift-between-prince-william-and-harry/FFPKNNNRGFEEHNEQUJXXLJ2DLM/

Lifestyle Newsroom

Menopause expert Dr Naomi Potter shares advice on common symptoms
Hormonal changes during menopause can cause symptoms like hot flushes and anxiety.
Published: 5:00PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/menopause-expert-dr-naomi-potter-shares-advice-on-common-symptoms/MWNHAN3ALVG3PBYPMSX46VQHBU/

Viral AI filter slammed for promoting fatphobia, body-shaming
The AI filter made users look ‘chubby’ or ‘skinny’, sparking criticism.
Published: 1:54PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/viral-ai-filter-slammed-for-promoting-fatphobia-body-shaming/RX54B2C6TJG4ZJON6BQG3RJ53Q/

After a Netflix show and podcast, what’s next for Meghan Markle? An Instagram shop selling luxury clothes
The Telegraph: The Duchess' latest venture reveals how she plans to monetise her look.
Published: 1:01PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/after-a-netflix-show-and-podcast-whats-next-for-meghan-markle-an-instagram-shop-selling-luxury-clothes/RG2PMGKKYJGCNKCQHZYAG6KCE4/

High-protein diets under scrutiny: Balancing benefits and risks
People are increasingly consuming protein in the belief it helps them stay healthy.
Published: 12:00PM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/the-dangers-of-too-much-protein/RPFMVPYYMFBBDIH6DLB7LA7MPA/

Deep clean essentials: What to wash beyond your clothes
Here’s how to put this secret weapon to better use.
Published: 10:13AM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/deep-clean-essentials-what-to-wash-beyond-your-clothes/64TOTUTMURAILJDZ6ECUYUFCBU/

What works for low back pain? Not much, a new study says
New York Times: Researchers looked at 56 treatments for acute and chronic pain.
Published: 8:00AM 25 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/what-works-for-low-back-pain-not-much-a-new-study-says/4KF2AR4JPJE5FAEEH2EHAOMWFQ/

Oyster thief strikes Auckland’s Jervois Steakhouse in daylight heist
Security footage captured the woman's brazen daylight act.
Published: 8:00PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/oyster-thief-strikes-aucklands-jervois-steakhouse-in-daylight-heist/NMZ65MRD6NACFEKB6V6KD2V7C4/

Tech for babies is booming. Here’s what one parent found helped the most
New York Times: Baby on the way? The flashiest gadgets might not be the answer.
Published: 5:00PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/tech-for-babies-is-booming-heres-what-one-parent-found-helped-the-most/D6WLAWR7QZBAJBETFG6HYXRC4Q/

Why do I need to go to the loo all the time?
Telegraph: Frequent urination affects millions and could be more than just bad timing.
Published: 12:00PM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/why-do-i-need-to-go-to-the-loo-all-the-time/5JUZSUHCJFFTZPGPJFYNCOLPFY/

Snoop Dogg wants to heal the rift between Prince William and Harry
'Life is too short to not make things right,' says rapper.
Published: 9:00AM 24 March 2025
Source: NZ Herald. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/snoop-dogg-wants-to-heal-the-rift-between-prince-william-and-harry/FFPKNNNRGFEEHNEQUJXXLJ2DLM/