New Zealand Weather: Wellington Downpours & Auckland Gales

Severe weather is lashing the lower North Island and parts of the upper North Island, bringing heavy rain, flash flooding risks, strong winds, and road closures across the country on Saturday. Motorists are urged to take extra care as intense downpours create hazardous road conditions and surface flooding. Wellington Flash Flooding and MetService Warnings Heavy … Read more

Woofington’s Castle Future Uncertain After Sale Deadline Passes

The future of the Wellington property at 430 Hawkins Hill Rd, Brooklyn—formerly known as the luxury dog daycare business Woofington’s—remains uncertain after a deadline for offers passed on July 20 without a sale. According to OneRoof, an initial mortgagee auction held the previous week failed to attract any bids, leading the mortgagee to list the … Read more

Couple’s $2M Lawsuit Against ANZ Over Rates Debits Fails

A High Court judge has dismissed a $2 million lawsuit brought against ANZ bank by two Featherston residents, labeling the claim as “choked with pseudo-law.” Judge David Boldt ruled against homeowners Herman van Velzen and Elizabeth van Gool, finding their legal arguments—which challenged the bank’s authority and the validity of local rating laws—to be entirely … Read more

The Real Cost of Wegovy: One Woman’s Journey

Weight-loss medications like Wegovy are driving a significant shift in clinical nutrition, as thousands of patients report life-altering physical changes despite persistent social stigma and high out-of-pocket costs. According to Health NZ data from May, 35,961 patients in New Zealand are currently using GLP-1 receptor agonists to manage weight, navigating a complex landscape of financial … Read more

Police Refute Ray Chung’s ‘False’ Claims Amid Ongoing Controversy

Wellington District Commander Penelope Gifford has dismissed allegations made by former councillor Ray Chung regarding police conduct during a search operation in Karori. Inspector Dean Silvester previously alleged in a text message that Chung spread misinformation and engaged in inappropriate contact with emergency services and the missing person’s family, claims which Chung has labeled “far-fetched.” … Read more

Disabled Man Stranded: Why One Woman Was Forced to Block a Bike Lane

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

15 New Zealand Restaurants Awarded Michelin Stars

Fifteen New Zealand restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars in the inaugural release of the Michelin Guide New Zealand, marking a significant milestone for the country’s culinary sector. The awards, which also recognized over 30 establishments with Bib Gourmand status, highlight top-tier dining across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Which New Zealand restaurants received Michelin … Read more

Wellington Storms Damage Historic Gravesites

Wild winds reaching 150 kph have caused widespread damage across the Wellington region and Wairarapa, leaving historic grave sites at Karori Cemetery crushed and thousands of residents without power. While Wellington Electricity works to restore remaining outages, property owners like Tawa resident Karen Tui Boyes face significant financial uncertainty following land slips caused by the … Read more

Sixth Suspected Fantasy Overdose Reported in Wellington

A Deadly Spike in Wellington GHB Overdoses A sixth person has been hospitalized in the Wellington region following a suspected overdose of GHB, the drug commonly known as fantasy or liquid ecstasy. Since last Friday, police have recorded six cases across the capital, including one fatality. Detective Inspector Anna Grant confirmed the latest victim was … Read more

Labour Proposes Expansion of Apprenticeship Boost Scheme

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has pledged to restore the two-year Apprenticeship Boost subsidy by 2028 if his party wins the upcoming election. The policy, announced at the party’s congress in Wellington, aims to increase domestic workforce participation by providing $500 monthly payments to employers for two years, alongside new grants for apprentice toolkits and … Read more