Nearly $19m paid out in energy bill support last year, average grant high
Nearly $19 million was paid out in support to New Zealanders struggling with energy bills last year, an average of more than $500 per grant.
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Revealed: NZ’s elite soldiers were required to ‘look after’ 501s in MIQ
New Zealand’s most elite military force was required to “look after” 501 deportees from Australia in a managed isolation quarantine facility (MIQ) during the height of Covid-19.
Analysis: David Seymour’s privatisation talk pushes his agenda back into spotlight
Christopher Luxon claims no one is talking about privatisation - but his future deputy Prime Minister certainly is.
Exclusive: David Seymour expected to blow open controversial privatisation debate
Act leader David Seymour is today expected to blow open what will likely be a controversial public debate on privatisation, the Herald understands.
Analysis: Inside National's caucus retreat as MPs accept reshuffle fate
Christopher Luxon began the political year early on Sunday with his National Cabinet reshuffle, framed around creating a “refreshed team” with an intense focus on “economic growth” – two words we’ll likely hear a lot this year.
Exclusive: ‘Urgent’ texts with National staff after Andrew Bayly’s notorious ‘loser’ incident
A series of frantic mid-Question Time text messages from Andrew Bayly to Government staffers amid scrutiny over his actions at a winery in October have been revealed in a release of documents from his office.
Minister won't take personal responsibility for inappropriate actions in youth boot camps
The Children’s Minister won’t take personal responsibility if there are inappropriate actions in her proposed military-style academies scheme (MSAs) for young offenders.
Exclusive: Leaked email reveals government departments’ concerns about boot camp proposal
A leaked email shows government departments had concerns about how military-style academies would uphold the rights of children.
PM claimed no conversation on use-of-force in boot camps, despite Cabinet already agreeing to it
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claimed to have not had conversations about providing military-style academy providers with use-of-force powers, despite those powers already existing in some circumstances and Cabinet agreeing to expand them months ago.
Exclusive: Leaked document reveals minister's admission of risks of allowing boot camp staff to use force against children
A leaked ministerial document from the Children’s Minister shows an admission that giving military-style academy providers the power to use force against children may be seen as “increasing the potential risk of abuse in custody”.
Second Auckland Harbour crossing: Next steps revealed, technical work to begin soon
The Government has tasked NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) with considering two potential options for an additional Waitematā Harbour crossing in Auckland, with technical work expected to begin in the coming months.
Christopher Luxon interview: PM says Kiwis ‘want me to try’ to fulfil election promise despite hurdles
The Prime Minister says he has no regrets when it comes to promising a free trade agreement (FTA) with India this term despite the significant hurdles he faces and his own admission that New Zealand needs to deepen its relationship with India first.
East Asia Summit: Why Christopher Luxon's latest trip could be ‘hugely valuable’ for NZ
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s flying to Laos today for a meeting of world leaders, a trip being described as a “hugely valuable opportunity for New Zealand” in terms of bolstering our economic and security relationships.
Fast-track project list blows cover on proposal to double high-security prison capacity
The Government’s new fast-track project list has blown the cover on a proposal that would allow the capacity at the high-security Auckland Prison to be almost doubled.
Gagged health staff freed from ‘North Korean’ NDAs, agency admits ‘improvements’ could be made
Gagged Health New Zealand staff have been released from their non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) less than a week after Labour challenged the agency’s “North Korean” orders.
Was holidaying better in the 90s? Or did we just get old?
After holidaying in the same place for 30 years, Laura Millar reflects on how much life, and travel, has changed...
Shane Jones interview: Judith Collins ‘sought to school me’ after judge comments, to change approach
Shane Jones said Judith Collins ‘sought to school me’ after judge comments, to change approach
Has school holiday boredom struck already? Head to Ruapehu this winter
Tucked atop a steep gravel road lies Tūkino Skifield, somewhat a hidden gem for powder hounds and located on the eastern face of Mount Ruapehu. While open to the public, it’s only accessible by 4WD.Albeit lesser-known in these parts, Tūkino has an old-school charm about it, run and operated by …
'Financially stressed': 'Suffering' students rely on charities to eat
Local charity Good Neighbour has been donating food to the students. Video / Alex Cairns A line of students snakes around the table piled high with food. They know the drill and bring bags to fill. Breads, meats and dairy products — the process is just like shopping except no …
'It's like going to church': The spiritual journey of tā moko
Tā Moko artists featured at a symposium at Te Puia in Rotorua discuss their perspectives on the art form - past, present and future. Draped in a blanket and supported by whānau holding her hands and surrounding her with aroha, Tatiana Kiwi-Knight lies still and peaceful. The wāhine artist working …
Think Milan is just about fashion? Think again
At the very top of your Milan to-do list should be a visit to Italy’s largest Cathedral, Duomo di Milano. It’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture adorned with thousands of statues and spires. The climb to the top is worth every step for panoramic city views. Just around the corner, …
TIN200 survey: Kiwi tech sector booming, but fewer local jobs
Another striking stat: The number of foreign-owned tech firms has increased from 21 to 44 (the TIN comprises NZ-founded firms, who remain on its index if they keep substantial operations here). Foreign investment often gives a tech company the wherewithal to accelerate global growth. But it can also shift the …
Hanging out in Borneo: Where to meet the ginger locals
The state of Sabah is in East Malaysia, occupying the northern part of Borneo. It’s flush with idyllic beaches, reef and rainforest. In 1963, a 43sq km stretch of land at the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve was transformed into a protected orangutan rehabilitation site. You can spy wild …
Pōrangahau environmental advocate raises possum pest alarm
Robert McLean (centre) with whanau and supporters, and CHB District Mayor Alex Walker, receiving a Community Services Award for service to pest control and the conservation of biodiversity. Photo / Jackie Lowry Photography Robert McLean (centre) with whanau and supporters, and CHB District Mayor Alex Walker, receiving a Community Services …
Eataly: A foodie's guide to authentic Italian dining
Italy is a funfair for the tastebuds and the perfect place for a food-filled adventure, but the origins of its culinary traditions might just surprise you, writes Suzy Pope. Over the centuries, we’ve tinkered with each traditional pasta dish, pizza and delicate dessert, adding and taking away i
The beautiful game: Four types of football you may have never heard of
Cooper Pulini is one of five powerchair football players heading to Sydney for pre-World Cup matches. Photo / Supplied.
Takapau gets its own cafe - dog friendly and even selling plants
Sunshine and blue skies greeted customers at the opening of Takapau’s Botanicafe. Photo / Judy Innes Over the weekend CHB’s latest cafe - Botanicafe - held its grand opening with an event drawing in Takapau locals as well as people from around the wider Central Hawke’s Bay. Botanicafe is based …
Hip-hop turns 50: NYC celebrates with beats, eats, and broadway feats
Sky’s the Limit in the County of Kings The Brooklyn Bridge entrance boasts a 9-foot-tall monument, dedicated to Christopher Wallace, known to many as The Notorious B.I.G. Find it in place until October 31. The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and the Dumbo Improvement District spearheaded this project, exhibiting their commitment to …
Pōrangahau plantings repair cyclone damage
Pōrangahau School’s Year 2-4 Tauretaikai class help with the planting. Photo / Michaela Gower The Pōrangahau Catchment Group planted 240 plants along the riverside at the Pōrangahau Jetty in a planting day last week. Maddy McLean, the Pōrangahau Catchment Group priority projects co-ordinator, said the day was a success. “All …
Classic cars on show in Rebel Round-Up
Classic cars nestled under the autumn oak trees at Central Hawke's Bay's Easter Motorfest to raise funds for the cyclone clean-up. Photo / Paul Taylor Classic cars nestled under the autumn oak trees at Central Hawke's Bay's Easter Motorfest to raise funds for the cyclone clean-up. Photo / Paul Taylor …