Northern Territory police recently arrested a 45-year-old woman in Gray after discovering a cannabis operation that allegedly used stolen cat food as currency. The seizure, which included $35,000 in gold bullion and various weapons, highlights a growing trend of unconventional bartering and physical asset stockpiling within local illicit markets. How is bartering replacing cash in … Read more
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted the first binding international standards for gig workers, establishing global rules for pay, safety, and algorithmic management in the ride-hailing and food delivery sectors. While the agreement marks a significant shift in labor protections, enforcement remains subject to individual government ratification, with the United States voting against the … Read more
Former chief ombudsman Sir Peter Boshier has called for urgent reforms to the Official Information Act (OIA) after revealing he once threatened to refer Te Whatu Ora to the Solicitor-General for prosecution due to persistent non-compliance. Boshier, who served as ombudsman from December 2015 to March 2025, cited a lack of legal consequences for agencies … Read more
The New South Wales state government has formally admitted in court documents that a police officer committed battery against former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas during a pro-Palestinian protest in Belmore last year. State lawyers conceded that the officer struck Ms. Thomas in the eye with a police torch and that her subsequent arrest was unlawful, … Read more
New Zealanders are increasingly viewing China as a friend over the United States, according to the 2026 Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples report. Data from the Asia New Zealand Foundation shows perceptions of China as a friend rose to 43 percent, while perceptions of the U.S. dropped to 39 percent. This marks the first … Read more
The New Zealand RNA platform, based at the Malaghan Institute, is developing domestic capacity for mRNA technology through a $69.5 million government-funded initiative. The project aims to build a “lab to jab” pipeline, moving from research-grade RNA to clinical-grade vaccines and therapies for diseases like influenza and staphylococcus aureus. Why is mRNA technology faster than … Read more
Gym giant CityFitness was ordered to pay a $1.12 million fine after admitting to misleading customers about membership costs. The company advertised weekly rates of $6.99 but added a compulsory 3% “transaction fee” that the Commerce Commission found was actually designed to increase company profits rather than cover costs. Why did CityFitness face a $1.12 … Read more
Goserelin, an antihormonal medication essential for treating conditions like breast and prostate cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids, remains fully available in New Zealand. While the manufacturer, AstraZeneca, is withdrawing the 3.6mg implant from the Australian market for commercial reasons, Pharmac has confirmed there are no plans to alter supply or funding arrangements for New Zealand … Read more
The New Retirement Frontier: Moving Beyond the “Accumulation” Mindset For decades, the financial industry has been obsessed with one thing: how to grow your nest egg. From KiwiSaver to 401(k)s, the focus has been squarely on the accumulation phase. But as more people approach their golden years, a new, more complex challenge has emerged: how … Read more
The New Frontier of Paramedicine: Shifting from Transport to Treatment For decades, the role of a paramedic was largely defined by the “scoop and run” philosophy: stabilize the patient and transport them to the nearest emergency department (ED). However, as healthcare systems worldwide face unprecedented strain, that paradigm is undergoing a radical transformation. The move … Read more