Reverse mortgage or retirement village: Which will give you the retirement you want?

The Growing Dilemma: Retirement Villages, Reverse Mortgages, and the Future of Senior Living Jo Murphy’s story is becoming increasingly common. Selling a beloved home to move into a retirement village, only to find a loss of independence and eroding finances, is a fear weighing on many New Zealanders. As the cost of living rises and … Read more

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says economic impact from Middle East war isn’t clear

New Zealand Economy on Edge as Middle East Conflict Threatens Inflation and Budget 2026 Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone The escalating conflict in the Middle East is casting a long shadow over New Zealand’s economic outlook, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledging the potential for significant disruption. While the full extent of the impact remains … Read more

‘A bit embarrassing’: Canada’s PM praises Australia for first allowing women to vote

A Trans-Tasman History Lesson: When Did Women Really Get the Vote? A recent gaffe by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has sparked a friendly, yet pointed, debate about the history of women’s suffrage. Even as addressing the Australian Federal Parliament in Canberra, Carney praised Australia as the first nation to grant women the right to … Read more

Children reported to Queensland Health over ‘unlicensed’ cupcake stand

The Rise of the “Dobbed-In” Generation: Are We Stifling Childhood Entrepreneurship? A Brisbane mother, Kelly Stothard, recently received a startling letter from the Brisbane City Council threatening fines over her children’s innocent cupcake stand. The complaint, lodged anonymously with Queensland Health, highlights a growing trend: increased scrutiny of children’s entrepreneurial endeavors and a potential chilling … Read more

New Zealand family living in Qatar: ‘Like a Covid lockdown with the occasional loud boom’

Life Under Shadow: A New Zealand Family’s Experience Amidst Escalating Middle East Tensions The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, triggered by attacks between Israel and Iran, is impacting lives far beyond the immediate conflict zones. A New Zealand family living in Qatar is experiencing this firsthand, navigating a new reality of potential … Read more

No change to government’s LNG plans after global price spike

New Zealand’s Energy Future: Navigating Global Volatility and the LNG Gamble New Zealand is facing a critical juncture in its energy policy, as global events – specifically escalating conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to LNG supply – throw a spotlight on the nation’s energy security. The government’s commitment to a $1 billion LNG … Read more

Trump’s neck rash is because of ‘preventative skin treatment’, his doctor says

President Trump’s Neck Rash: A Sign of Preventative Care or a Broader Trend? The rash was visible on Donald Trump’s neck during a Medal of Honour ceremony in the East Room of the White House this week. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images A visible reddish rash on President Trump’s neck during a recent Medal of Honor … Read more

Neither preemptive nor legal, US‑Israeli strikes on Iran have blown up international law

The Shifting Sands of International Law: A World After the US-Israeli Strikes on Iran The joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and escalating regional conflict, represent a significant fracture in the international legal order. These actions, undertaken while diplomatic negotiations were ongoing, raise critical questions about the future … Read more

Iran attack sparks warning for KiwiSaver, fuel, inflation

Iran Tensions Send Ripples Through KiwiSaver and Fuel Markets Global markets are bracing for volatility following recent attacks on Iran, with New Zealand investors potentially facing a turbulent week. Experts predict share market fluctuations and a possible rise in fuel prices, prompting concerns about the impact on KiwiSaver balances and household budgets. KiwiSaver: What to … Read more

Cricket: South Africa beat Zimbabwe to set up semi-final clash with Black Caps

South Africa Secures Semi-Final Spot, Faces Fresh Zealand in T20 World Cup South Africa continued their dominant run in the 2026 T20 World Cup, defeating Zimbabwe by five wickets in a Super Eights match on March 1st. This victory ensures they will face New Zealand in the semi-final at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The Proteas … Read more