‘Outstanding results in a period of change’

Phill Hooper, a first-term councillor on the Ashburton District Council, is considering running for re-election but does not feel prepared to take on the role of Mayor following incumbent Neil Brown's decision not to seek another term. Despite feeling more confident in his understanding of local politics, Hooper believes a councillor with only one term of experience may not excel as Mayor. Several candidates, including Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan and first-term councillor Rob Mackle, have...

The deputy prime minister made unfounded attacks on Green MP Benjamin Doyle, accusing them of promoting paedophilia based on Instagram posts. The Green Party should have done more to educate Doyle on potential interpretations of their online presence before becoming an MP. Despite the harm caused by the accusations, legal action may be taken against Peters, while the Greens' lack of guidance for candidates on online behavior is also a concerning issue. Full Article

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) welcomes Pharmac's consultation on funding estradiol patches for women in perimenopause and menopause, which includes options for Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan. This decision follows concerns raised last year over limiting funding to one brand, with ongoing supply issues for Estradot. RWNZ president Sandra Matthews applauds Pharmac for listening to women's concerns and improving access to essential menopause treatments, urging members to participate in the public consultation closing on April...

The Black Ferns Sevens cruised to the final of the Hong Kong leg of the world series by defeating Canada 41-0 in the semifinal, showcasing dominant attacking play with seven tries. Manaia Nuku scored early, and the team continued to apply pressure with Sarah Hirini and Jorja Miller excelling in turnovers. Jazmin Felix-Hotham scored twice, with additional tries from Nuku, Risi Pouri-Lane, Miller, Kelsey Tineti, and Michaela Brake, setting up a final against Australia, who...

In response to being a victim of drink spiking at an Auckland bar, Gaby Ivanov-Giraldo is advocating for raising awareness and reducing victim shame. She emphasized the importance of reporting incidents, staying vigilant, and opting for bottled drinks for safety. Ivanov-Giraldo shared her experience to empower others and prevent similar incidents, urging people not to blame themselves and to recognize spikers as criminals. Full Article

People are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices during EcoFest 2025, with over 200 events citywide, including activities in east Auckland by the Beautification Trust. The festival aims to inspire sustainable practices, foster a love for nature, and raise environmental awareness through workshops, open gardens, repair cafes, and environmental action days from March 22 to April 22. EcoFest empowers and connects communities, offering hope and proactive responses to global environmental challenges, with events like the Pollinator...