1 in 3 Kiwis have less than $500 in savings as people grapple with high costs – Westpac

The Savings Divide: Regional Trends and the Future of Financial Resilience New data reveals a significant disparity in savings habits across New Zealand, with residents in Canterbury and Otago leading the way while Aucklanders struggle to build a financial cushion. This trend highlights a growing concern about financial resilience, particularly as economic pressures mount. The … Read more

Shipwrecked Festival traffic chaos: Te Arai locals slam rural road safety

Attendees at the Shipwrecked Festival in Te Ārai faced significant traffic delays over the weekend, with some motorists reportedly stuck for up to four hours in the heat. The festival, which began on Friday and is scheduled to conclude Sunday evening, saw large numbers of people arriving simultaneously, particularly after opening for the first time … Read more

Wellington actor Albert Latailakepa’s leap from school drama to Disney+

From Dickens to Disney+: The Rising Tide of Period Dramas and Kiwi Talent The upcoming second season of Disney+’s The Artful Dodger, launching February 10, 2026, isn’t just another period drama. It’s a compelling example of a growing trend: the revitalization of classic literature for modern audiences, coupled with the increasing prominence of Australian and … Read more

NZ sharemarket plunges 0.7% – Market close

New Zealand Stock Market: Navigating Uncertainty and Identifying Value in 2024 Recent market activity paints a picture of cautious optimism tempered by global economic headwinds and domestic political uncertainty. While major indices in the US and Japan experienced declines, the Australian market bucked the trend, offering a glimmer of positivity. Here in New Zealand, the … Read more

Rocket Lab shares surge to all-time high after $1.4b US military contract and Secretary of Defence visit

Rocket Lab’s Ascent: How a Kiwi Company is Reshaping the Space Race Rocket Lab, the New Zealand-born aerospace company, is experiencing a surge in valuation, recently pushing founder Peter Beck’s net worth to US$4.7 billion. But this isn’t just a story about individual wealth; it’s a signal of a dramatic shift in the space industry, … Read more

South Auckland German shepherd breeder Anne Glover admits animal neglect charges

The Shadow of Volkerson Kennels: A Growing Reckoning for Animal Welfare? The case of Anne Glover, recently adjourned for sentencing after pleading guilty to animal welfare charges, isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a stark illustration of a growing tension between commercial breeding practices and increasingly stringent expectations for animal care. The Glover family’s history – … Read more

Westlake Boys’ High: Sporting Success & School Culture

The Rise of the ‘Total Athlete’: How Schools Like Westlake Boys’ Are Redefining Success Westlake Boys’ High School, as highlighted in a recent profile, isn’t just churning out sporting champions; it’s cultivating a model for holistic student development. This focus – combining academic rigor with elite athletic training and a strong emphasis on character – … Read more

Charities turning away high numbers of volunteer applications

The Rise of the ‘Volunteering Workforce’: How Economic Uncertainty is Reshaping Community Support New Zealand is witnessing a quiet shift. As unemployment ticks upwards and the cost of living continues to bite, more and more people are turning to volunteering – not as a stopgap, but as a proactive way to stay connected, gain experience, … Read more

Timeshare decline: Bay of Islands resort among latest to wind up after High Court ruling

The Sunset of Timeshares: What’s Next for Holiday Ownership? For decades, timeshares promised the perfect annual getaway – a slice of paradise guaranteed, year after year. But a recent wave of legal challenges, coupled with shifting holiday preferences, is casting a long shadow over the industry. From winding up resorts like Bishop Selwyn in Paihia, … Read more

Newport School District starts school with upgrades and exciting classes

The Future of Education: Trends Shaping the High School Experience As schools like Newport High gear up for a new academic year, it’s a perfect time to explore the exciting future trends transforming education. From innovative programs to enhanced security measures, the high school landscape is constantly evolving to better prepare students for the challenges … Read more