Australian Beer and Cigarette Taxes Top Global Rankings, Sparking Industry Warnings Deutsche Bank’s 2026 cost of living index reveals Melbourne and Sydney as the world’s most expensive cities for beer and cigarettes, with prices for five beers and two packs of Marlboros reaching $US111.20 and $US109.50 respectively. The data highlights a “relentless” rise in sin … Read more
Auckland’s $5.5 billion City Rail Link (CRL) will open without plans for full-day maintenance closures for at least three years, according to KiwiRail. Officials confirmed the project will launch on a reduced, transitional timetable, with plans to reach full service within six months. While the official opening date remains unannounced, the project is expected to … Read more
Singapore’s heavy reliance on mega-infrastructure projects, specifically the Tuas Port and Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), faces mounting scrutiny as Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Workers’ Party (WP) warn of potential long-term structural risks. While the government maintains these projects are essential to preserve Singapore’s status as a global logistics hub, critics argue that … Read more
Residents in Wellington’s Aro Valley are facing significant accessibility challenges following the removal of 18 resident and 52 coupon car parks on Aro St to accommodate an uphill cycleway. Local residents report that the changes have made it difficult for disabled, elderly, and sick community members to access their homes safely. How has the Aro … Read more
Bluebird Intelligent Transport has scaled from a single-vehicle startup to a fleet of 400 cars by leveraging the growth of South Africa’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector. According to founder Wasief Chilwan, the company now facilitates 80,000 monthly passenger trips for major industries, including call centers and hospitality, after pivoting from ad-hoc taxi services to … Read more
A passenger bus traveling from Quetta to Peshawar plunged into a rocky ravine in the mountainous Dana Sar area of southwestern Pakistan on Friday, resulting in the deaths of 40 people. According to Sanaullah Sherani, head of the Zhob district’s emergency center, the vehicle fell approximately 70 to 80 feet (21 to 24 meters) after … Read more
Consumer New Zealand has launched an online portal to educate travelers on their legal rights during flight disruptions. This initiative addresses a transparency gap in the aviation sector where 90% of New Zealanders are reportedly unaware of their protections under the Civil Aviation Act and the Consumer Guarantees Act. What rights do passengers have during … Read more
Winter driving safety requires adapting to increasing seasonal hazards like black ice, fog, and heavy rain. To mitigate risks, the Automobile Association (AA) recommends increasing following distances by up to 10 times on icy roads and maintaining a four-second gap in the rain to ensure control and prevent crashes. How can motorists handle black ice … Read more
Air New Zealand is shifting its business model to prioritize high-value “bucket list” international travelers as part of a strategic reset aimed at restoring profitability. According to Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar, the airline will move away from being “all things to all customers” to focus on premium inbound tourists and key domestic business segments, while … Read more
New Zealand petrol prices could drop to $2.50 per litre if the US-Iran ceasefire holds, according to AA Principal Policy Adviser Terry Collins. The interim deal has already driven international oil prices down from US$114 a barrel in May to US$72 in August, lowering local 91 petrol averages to approximately $3. Why are international oil … Read more