The violent death of Captain James Cook at Kealakekua Bay on February 14, 1779, remains a touchstone for modern debates over colonial history and indigenous sovereignty. While traditional narratives historically framed Cook as an enlightened explorer, contemporary perspectives from Kānaka Maoli scholars and historians highlight his role as an agent of empire whose actions—including the … Read more
Nearly one-quarter of young people in New Zealand reported high levels of psychological distress in the month preceding a recent survey by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. Data from Te Hiringa Mahara indicates that 14 percent of the total population aged 15 and over—roughly 609,000 people—experienced high or very high psychological distress, a rate … Read more
An Environment Court judge is weighing the legality of a plastic-to-fuel pyrolysis plant in Whangārei, New Zealand, after operator Warren Sinclair failed to comply with four abatement notices. The case, brought by the Northland Regional Council (NRC), centers on whether an unlicensed industrial process—which burns plastic to produce gas and fuel—poses an environmental risk comparable … Read more
The New Zealand government has committed $100 million in the 2026 budget to address mental health service gaps, but industry experts warn the investment lacks the systemic integration needed to succeed. According to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), the funding is reactive and fails to address chronic workforce shortages or … Read more
Porirua City Councillor Mike Duncan has died, according to a statement from Mayor Anita Baker. Duncan, who had served on the council since 2016, passed away suddenly. Mayor Baker described the loss as a shock to the community and the council. Did You Know? Mike Duncan had been a member of the Porirua City Council … Read more
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