Newsealand

Tab Baldwin on Tragic Athlete Drownings: 'I Have Failed'

Ella Thompson — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 08:03:34 GMT

Former Tall Blacks coach Tab Baldwin has apologised after two athletes drowned during a training exercise in the Philippines, sparking safety protocol investigations.

Wellington Airport Resumes Flights After Terminal Fire

Ella Thompson — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:01:24 GMT

Wellington Airport is back in action after a terminal fire triggered evacuations and left travellers stranded. Here is what you need to know about the disruptions.

Compassionate Family Spares Driver Prison After Pedestrian Death

Ella Thompson — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:03:25 GMT

Adrian Bell's family chose compassion over vengeance after his death. The driver who killed him received home detention. A story of grief, grace and systemic questions.

Australia's Social Media Ban: Flawed But Hopeful?

Ella Thompson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:01:10 GMT

Six months after Australia banned social media for under-16s, teens are bypassing it. But could this pragmatic policy still protect the next generation of kids?

Home detention for Nelson driver over drug-fueled crash

Ella Thompson — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:03:10 GMT

A Nelson driver who crashed with massive drug levels in his system gets home detention, raising questions about rehabilitation, job loss, and road safety.

David Harbour Speaks on Lily Allen's Divorce Album

Ella Thompson — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:01:21 GMT

David Harbour breaks his silence on Lily Allen's 2025 divorce album, calling it 'weird' while respecting her artistic privilege. The actor also opens up about mental health struggles and the link between creativity and vulnerability.

Gulf Harbour Trial: Recordings Expose Cover-Up Coaching

Ella Thompson — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:03:53 GMT

{json} family 12, one of at least 37 families devoted to Liu's religious group.

Liu instructed Wu to claim his mother died of a heart attack while travelling, and that the local government had damaged her body. Wu was told to say he wanted to sue for compensation and even make a video stating these claims.

The level of detail in the coaching is striking. Liu advised Wu on the tone,速度

Five Redundancies in Six Years: The Human Cost of Hospitality's Crisis

Ella Thompson — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 21:02:11 GMT

A hospitality worker faced five redundancies in six years as New Zealand's dining sector battles rising costs and restructuring. His story reveals the human toll of systemic instability.

Auckland Housing Intensification Scaled Back by Council

Ella Thompson — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:05:02 GMT

Auckland's council has voted to pare back its ambitious housing intensification plans, opting for a more conservative approach that leaves most suburban streets untouched.

Serial rapist sentenced to 22 years as survivors share trauma

Ella Thompson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:02:32 GMT

Shannan Taylor sentenced to 22 years for raping two women, including a new mother. Survivors describe devastating trauma as court debates rehabilitation.

Russian Ambassador Deflects to Pavlova, Denies War Crimes

Ella Thompson — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:03:53 GMT

Russia's new ambassador wants to discuss dessert, not Ukraine. But his dismissal of ICC warrants and war crimes raises serious questions about diplomatic engagement.

Ferry Loses Both Life Rafts in Hauraki Gulf Swells

Ella Thompson — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 21:02:18 GMT

The raw power of the Hauraki Gulf has once again reminded Aotearoa's maritime community of nature's upper hand, after a SeaLink ferry lost both of its life rafts to heavy swells while traveling from Great Barrier Island.

Cheated by justice: 81yo speaks out after brutal Hamilton attack

Ella Thompson — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 08:03:07 GMT

An 81-year-old Hamilton man feels cheated after his attacker was granted home detention leave despite a brutal assault that ended his 62-year career.

NZ Regional Flights: Should the State Subsidize Routes?

Ella Thompson — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:01:23 GMT

As regional connectivity crumbles, IATA debates if NZ should subsidize rural air routes. Plus, how AI and robotics could solve aviation's staffing crisis.

Behind the Christmas Day Drive-By: Addiction and Grief in Lower Hutt

Ella Thompson — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 08:02:56 GMT

A Christmas Day shooting in Lower Hutt exposes the deep intersections of gang violence, meth addiction, and systemic rehabilitation failures in Aotearoa.

Zverev Powers Into French Open Final Against Cobolli

Ella Thompson — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 21:01:14 GMT

Alexander Zverev edges closer to a long-elusive Grand Slam title after defeating Jakub Mensik in the French Open semi-finals. He'll face Flavio Cobolli in Sunday's final after Matteo Arnaldi's withdrawal.

Luxon Rejects China's MP Travel Ban: A Sovereignty Moment

Ella Thompson — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:02:59 GMT

Prime Minister Luxon calls China's sanction on NZ MPs inappropriate, defending democratic sovereignty and independent foreign policy traditions.

SpaceX IPO: AI Losses, Mars Dreams and Musk's Control

Ella Thompson — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:01:26 GMT

SpaceX is going public with massive losses, a plan for space AI data centres, and an iron grip on voting rights for Elon Musk. Here is what investors need to know.

Gabon's Gunvor Scandal: Can Oligui Escape the Oil Curse?

Ella Thompson — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:30:18 GMT

Swiss investigation into oil trader Gunvor exposes corruption networks in Gabon that outlasted the Bongo era, putting Oligui's reform promises to the test.

Budget 2026: $35m Ambulance Boost or Systemic Band-Aid?

Ella Thompson — Fri, 22 May 2026 08:02:58 GMT

Budget 2026 allocates $35m to ambulance services, but unions and progressives argue relying on charity for essential healthcare is a systemic failure needing full public funding.

Mission Challenges Move-On Bill Targeting Rough Sleepers

Ella Thompson — Thu, 21 May 2026 21:01:11 GMT

Wellington City Mission questions why proposed move-on orders target rough sleepers, calling it criminalisation of survival when the system has failed them.

NZ's Open Door: Turning Australia's Loss Into Gain

Ella Thompson — Thu, 21 May 2026 08:17:41 GMT

As Australia makes success costlier, New Zealand has a unique chance to attract global talent and capital. Here's why we must seize this moment for innovation and growth.

AI Chatbots Cite State Propaganda as Fact Ahead of US Vote

Ella Thompson — Wed, 20 May 2026 21:01:20 GMT

The most professional-looking answers, backed by strongest-looking citations, were also the most likely to contain buried factual errors,

Welfare Overhaul: Punishing Rangatahi or Pragmatic Reform?

Ella Thompson — Wed, 20 May 2026 08:06:03 GMT

The government's push to tighten welfare access for young people and homeowners is now open for public submissions, but critics say the process is being rushed and the policy is out of touch with reality.

NZ kids losing joy for reading and maths amid curriculum shifts

Ella Thompson — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:03:07 GMT

A new study reveals New Zealand children's enjoyment of reading and maths is plummeting. Are rigid curriculum shifts and structured literacy to blame?

Knights of Charity Gala 2026: Where Cannes Glamour Meets Purpose

Ella Thompson — Tue, 19 May 2026 20:17:48 GMT

The Knights of Charity Gala 2026 unites film legends and philanthropists at Cannes, proving luxury and humanitarian impact can go hand in hand.

Maldives Cave Tragedy: Four Italian Divers Found Dead

Ella Thompson — Tue, 19 May 2026 08:05:21 GMT

The bodies of four Italian scuba divers have been found in a deep Maldives sea cave, but the recovery mission has already claimed a rescuer's life, raising urgent questions about diving safety.

Ebola Outbreak in Congo Exposes Catastrophic Global Health Failures

Ella Thompson — Mon, 18 May 2026 21:00:48 GMT

The alert was out very late,

75 Hard Challenge: When Wellness Culture Goes Too Far

Ella Thompson — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:02:43 GMT

Health experts warn the viral 75 Hard challenge's rigid approach may harm rather than help, promoting unsustainable extremes over lasting wellness habits.

Trump's Iran Strategy: Exit Signals Amid Market Chaos

Ella Thompson — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:02:00 GMT

Trump signals potential Iran exit amid global oil crisis and environmental threats, but shifting objectives reveal strategic miscalculations with far-reaching consequences.

NZ First's Fresh Faces: Ngaro's Rocky Start Highlights Party's Experience Gap

Ella Thompson — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 07:02:30 GMT

Adam Ngaro's awkward introduction at Peters' event highlights NZ First's challenge: building parliamentary experience while rising in polls that could deliver significant power.

NZ Government Data Exposed to Unvetted Third Parties

Ella Thompson — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 20:02:03 GMT

Treasury report reveals NZ government data handled by unvetted offshore vendors, highlighting cybersecurity gaps and procurement failures across the public sector.

Hamilton Case Highlights Need for Drug Reform and Mental Health Support

Ella Thompson — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:02:28 GMT

Hamilton man requests longer sentence in drug case that highlights urgent need for progressive drug policy reform and better mental health support in New Zealand.

Hurricanes dominance showcases All Blacks future stars

Ella Thompson — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:02:08 GMT

Hurricanes' dominant victory over Highlanders showcases future All Blacks stars, with Cam Roigard and Ruben Love's partnership offering glimpse of post-World Cup potential.

Carless Days Revisited: What 1979's Crisis Teaches Today

Ella Thompson — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:02:27 GMT

Former Energy Minister Sir Bill Birch reflects on the controversial carless days policy of 1979, offering insights for today's energy challenges and climate action strategies.

Screen Time Crisis: Kiwi Parents Missing 3 Years of Kids' Lives

Ella Thompson — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:02:05 GMT

New research reveals Kiwi parents spend nearly three years of their children's lives on phones, fundamentally impacting development and family connection in the digital age.

Tasman Council Splits on 9.9% Rates Rise Amid Climate Costs

Ella Thompson — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:02:38 GMT

Tasman District Council approves controversial 9.9% rates increase for consultation, with climate adaptation and infrastructure costs driving financial pressures across the region.

Iran's Critical Choice: Diplomacy or Destruction After Key Leader's Death

Ella Thompson — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:02:43 GMT

Iran faces a critical leadership decision that could determine its survival as key security positions remain vacant following recent conflicts.

Digital Vigilantism Raises Questions About Child Safety

Ella Thompson — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:02:41 GMT

A Canadian vigilante's confrontation with a Waikato man over alleged inappropriate online conversations with a minor raises questions about digital safety and law enforcement response.

Rural Healthcare Crisis: Foxton Farmer's Death Exposes System Gaps

Ella Thompson — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 20:01:35 GMT

Inquest into Foxton farmer's death reveals critical gaps in rural healthcare, sparking calls for better emergency protocols and infrastructure investment across New Zealand.

Food Crisis: Rising Grocery Costs Hit Kiwi Families Hard

Ella Thompson — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:02:17 GMT

Food prices surge 4.5% annually with beef mince hitting record highs, forcing Kiwi families to reconsider basic meals and shopping habits as global supply issues impact local affordability.

Fuel Crisis Hits NZ Farmers During Critical Harvest Season

Ella Thompson — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:01:37 GMT

New Zealand farmers face severe financial pressure as fuel prices surge during critical harvest season, with some operations paying an extra $60,000 weekly amid global energy market volatility.

Fuel Crisis Hits Kiwi Farmers Hard During Harvest Season

Ella Thompson — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:02:14 GMT

New Zealand farmers face a fuel price crisis during harvest season, with costs rising over 50 cents per litre, threatening agricultural sustainability and highlighting the need for renewable energy transitions.

Crankworx Rotorua Delivers World-First Tricks and Local Heroes

Ella Thompson — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:01:36 GMT

Crankworx Rotorua delivered world-first tricks and local heroes, with Kiwi riders Jenna Hastings and Robin Goomes shining alongside international stars pushing mountain biking boundaries.

Police Executive Ordered to Repay Taxpayer-Funded Hotel Stays

Ella Thompson — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:01:42 GMT

IPCA investigation reveals police executive misused taxpayer funds for hotel stays during affair, highlighting critical gaps in public sector accountability systems.

Trump's Limited Options as Iran War Drives Oil Crisis

Ella Thompson — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:01:38 GMT

Iran war halts Strait of Hormuz traffic, driving oil prices up as Trump weighs limited options including strategic reserves and controversial Russian oil sanctions relief.

Fiji Sevens Power Through to Vancouver Semis, Mocenacagi Makes History

Ella Thompson — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 07:02:10 GMT

Fiji storms into Vancouver Sevens semifinals with commanding win over Australia, as veteran Mocenacagi becomes most-capped Fijian player and star Naduvalo hits 100 career tries.

Liam Lawson Secures Strong P8 Start at Australian Grand Prix

Ella Thompson — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 20:01:30 GMT

Liam Lawson qualifies eighth for the Australian Grand Prix, showcasing Kiwi talent on the global F1 stage while Mercedes dominates qualifying in Melbourne.

Liam Lawson Secures Top 10 Start for Australian GP

Ella Thompson — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 07:02:04 GMT

Liam Lawson qualifies eighth for Australian GP, showcasing strong pace and securing top-ten start in Melbourne. The Kiwi driver outpaced teammate by over a second in qualifying.

Vanuatu's Ambae Volcano: Acid Rain Crisis Tests Pacific Climate Resilience

Ella Thompson — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:01:34 GMT

Vanuatu's Ambae volcano creates acid rain crisis affecting multiple islands. Government takes community-centered approach, avoiding mass evacuations while providing support.