An Australian company’s proposal to mine for gold near Cromwell, New Zealand is facing delays and sparking debate. Santana Minerals is seeking approval for a large-scale open-cast gold mine, but a decision on its fast-track application may not come until September 2026 – significantly later than the company desires. Push for Expedited Review Santana Minerals … Read more
Protecting Paradise: How Coastal Communities are Fighting Back Against Dune Destruction The story unfolding on Tokerau Beach in New Zealand’s Far North is a microcosm of a global challenge: balancing recreational enjoyment with the urgent need to protect fragile coastal ecosystems. A local hapū, Te Whānau Moana me Te Rorohuri, is taking a stand against … Read more
David Walliams & The Shifting Sands of Author Accountability British author David Walliams has parted ways with HarperCollins following allegations of inappropriate behavior. Photo: AFP/ Paul Burrows The recent decision by HarperCollins to cease publishing new titles by David Walliams marks a significant moment, not just for the author and publisher, but for the broader … Read more
New Zealand Healthcare at a Crossroads: Efficiency Drives vs. Patient Care A growing tension is brewing within New Zealand’s healthcare system. Recent reports reveal a push for significant “efficiency savings” – a hefty $510 million – even as substantial funds remain unspent on personnel costs. This apparent paradox is fueling frustration among healthcare workers and … Read more
New Zealand Business Confidence Soars: What Does This Mean for the Future? New Zealand businesses are feeling remarkably optimistic, with confidence levels hitting a 30-year high, according to the latest ANZ Business Outlook survey. This surge isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s backed by improving activity, rising employment, and a broader expectation of economic recovery. But … Read more
The End of an Era: Peter Arnett and the Evolving Landscape of War Correspondence The passing of Peter Arnett, a towering figure in war reporting, at the age of 91, marks not just the loss of a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, but also a pivotal moment to reflect on how conflict is covered – and will … Read more
Australia’s Bondi Beach Shooting: A Turning Point for Gun Control and Counter-Terrorism The recent tragic shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, claiming 15 lives and injuring dozens more, has sent shockwaves through Australia and ignited a fierce debate about gun control, counter-terrorism measures, and the rising threat of religiously motivated violence. The attack, allegedly inspired … Read more
Reserve Bank Rate Shift: What It Means for Your Mortgage and the Economy The Reserve Bank plans to reduce the amount of capital banks are required to hold against their loans. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas New Zealand homeowners and businesses could see a slight easing in borrowing costs following the Reserve Bank’s (RBNZ) recent … Read more
Lord Fakafanua’s Premiership: What It Means for Tonga’s Political Landscape The election of Lord Fakafanua as Tonga’s next prime minister marks a pivotal moment for a nation still adjusting to the 2010 constitutional reforms. While his victory was decided by a tight secret ballot (16‑10), the broader implications stretch far beyond the numbers on the … Read more
Why the 3G Sunset Is Just the First Chapter of New Zealand’s Mobile Evolution The retirement of the 3G network is a milestone that many Kiwis will barely notice – unless they rely on older handsets or “smart” devices that still speak the legacy language. What most people don’t realise is that this switch‑off is … Read more