Liz Gill, a 45-year-old Southland farmer and mother of four, is preparing to compete in the Ironman New Zealand triathlon this March after winning the 2027 Tony Jackson Scholarship. The challenge, which includes a 226km swim, bike, and run, marks the culmination of an eight-year fitness journey in which Gill lost 30kg and transitioned from … Read more
The Philippine government has secured a $6.8-million (approximately ₱417-million) technical assistance grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to bolster the nation’s ability to implement climate-resilient projects. As the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to access this support under the GCF’s second replenishment period (2024–2027), the Philippines will utilize the funds as non-repayable aid … Read more
Fundraising Surpasses $50,000 Target in Campaign to Block Gold Mine The Sustainable Tarras Incorporated Society has raised over $53,000 from more than 400 donors to oppose Santana Minerals’ proposed Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project, exceeding its original $50,000 goal. The campaign, which gained momentum following the death of Sir Sam Neill, features messages like “#SaveItForSam” from contributors. … Read more
Indonesia’s House of Representatives is advancing discussions on a bill to establish an international financial center, with lawmakers and the government aiming to finalize the legislation by July 21. However, progress remains slow as negotiators address 400 “daftar inventarisasi masalah” (DIMs)—points of contention between the executive and legislative branches. President Prabowo Subianto’s administration seeks to … Read more
Rwanda’s gorilla trekking industry in Volcanoes National Park has successfully scaled its conservation-led tourism model, helping the Virunga Massif population grow from approximately 300 individuals in the mid-1990s to more than 1,000 today. Visitors now participate in highly regulated, high-value treks to visit habituated families, with permits currently priced at US$1500 per person to support … Read more
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is positioning her political platform to address rising public frustration over living costs, housing shortages, and immigration policy. As populist movements gain traction, Hanson’s “monocultural” vision—which she defines as “welcoming” and “not exclusive” as long as everyone signs up to the same ideal—faces intensifying public debate. According to the Australian … Read more
Travelers relying on artificial intelligence to plan trips risk falling for “tourist traps” because AI lacks genuine, lived experience, according to Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) representatives. While AI may streamline back-office finance tasks, industry experts emphasize that professional travel agents provide essential institutional knowledge and financial protection that digital search portals currently … Read more
CDC Data Centres’ New Zealand subsidiary recorded a net loss of $87.7m for the 2026 financial year, despite generating a gross profit of $117.3m. According to company filings, the loss was driven by $145.6m in fair value write-downs on investment properties, foreign exchange volatility, and rising debt costs, contrasting sharply with a $637.6m profit in … Read more
Travelers are increasingly prioritizing relaxation and solitude, driving a significant surge in demand for quieter Himalayan destinations. According to data released by Agoda on July 9, 2026, mountain towns such as Dharamshala, Rishikesh, and Uttarkashi have seen double-digit growth in accommodation searches, signaling a shift toward what industry observers call “hushpitality”—a preference for slower, low-noise … Read more
New Zealand is exploring membership in the “Ocean of Peace Alliance,” a mutual defence treaty recently established between Fiji and Australia. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed the government will discuss interest in the alliance, which would position Fiji as a key defence partner for New Zealand in the Pacific region. What is the Ocean of … Read more