Manila Bulletin – EDCOM II urges DepEd to end ‘mass promotion’ as student proficiency collapses across grade levels

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) has issued a call for the Department of Education (DepEd) to halt “mass promotion” practices, citing a correlation between the policy and declining academic performance among Filipino students. Declining Proficiency Levels EDCOM II’s final report, released on January 26, indicates that national assessments reveal many learners are … Read more

Amber Heard claims she has lost her ‘ability to speak’ after Johnny Depp trial

The Silencing Effect: Defamation, Public Perception, and the Future of Speaking Out Amber Heard’s recent statement – that she’s “lost her ability to speak” following her highly publicized legal battles with Johnny Depp – isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a chilling symptom of a growing trend: the use of defamation lawsuits, coupled with intense online … Read more

Tax incentives have worked to boost R&D spend – Motu study

New Zealand’s R&D Boost: Early Signs Positive, But Productivity Gains Still on the Horizon New Zealand’s Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) scheme is showing promising early results, injecting $1.83 billion into the nation’s R&D landscape. A recent report reveals a significant economic impact – a 4.2x return on government investment, translating to a $6.77 … Read more

Horse racing: Aussie may well have to wait as bonus beckons – Mick On Monday

New Zealand Racing’s Bold Move: Keeping Stars at Home with Lucrative Bonuses The New Zealand racing scene is bracing for a potential shake-up, fueled by a newly announced $500,000 bonus designed to incentivize owners and trainers to keep their top 4-year-olds racing on home soil. This initiative, spearheaded by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), comes … Read more

Large fire breaks out in Onehunga, Auckland; residents told to stay inside due to smoke

A fire broke out in a two-story building on Onehunga Mall in Auckland this evening, prompting a response from both Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). Police were alerted to the situation shortly after 8:00 PM and immediately established cordons between Arthur and Church Streets. Building Fire Disrupts Onehunga Mall According to a … Read more

Landlord ordered to pay tenant almost $5000 after child fell through hole in floor

Landlord Neglect & The Rising Tide of Tenant Disputes: A Warning for Property Investors A recent Tenancy Tribunal ruling in New Zealand, involving a property managed by Harcourts Mount Roskill and owned by NNDS Limited, highlights a growing trend: increasing disputes between landlords and tenants over property maintenance. The case, where a tenant was awarded … Read more

Family estrangement: Why parent-child relationships can break down – and what to do about it

The Rising Tide of Family Estrangement: What the Future Holds Family. The word conjures images of warmth, support, and unconditional love. But for a growing number of people, the reality is far more complex – and often, marked by estrangement. While not a new phenomenon, experts are observing a significant increase in familial rifts, extending … Read more

Rome’s Trevi Fountain to charge tourists $4 to stand on steps for photos

Rome’s Tourist Tax: A Sign of Things to Come for Overwhelmed Cities? Rome is testing a new approach to managing its legendary crowds. The Trevi Fountain, a magnet for some 30,000 visitors daily, is considering a daytime entry fee for non-residents. While access will remain free after dark, those wishing to toss a coin (or … Read more

Comedian and radio host Leigh Hart pays tribute to NZ nurses after week in hospital, less impressed with racist patients

Auckland resident Leigh Hart recently shared a heartfelt message of gratitude for the healthcare workers at Auckland City Hospital, particularly those on Ward 68. Hart’s post, accompanied by a photo, highlighted the dedication of doctors, orderlies, cleaners, and especially the nursing staff who cared for him during a recent stay. Recognizing Unseen Labor Hart expressed … Read more

Five things to watch in New Zealand’s economy in 2026

Navigating the Tug-of-War: New Zealand’s Economic Outlook & Beyond New Zealand’s economic recovery is proving to be a complex dance, a “tug-of-war” as described by recent analysis. Households are still grappling with the lingering effects of high living costs and a softening job market, yet positive forces are at play. Falling mortgage rates and a … Read more