Auckland Southern Motorway traffic improves after earlier incident

The Government released its 2025 Budget, featuring a $6.6 billion tax change aimed at stimulating economic growth, alongside cuts exceeding $21 billion over four years. Approximately 180,000 families will experience a 0.5% increase in their effective marginal tax rate, although other tax credit changes will ensure they remain better off, despite concerns that the higher rate may discourage work. Additionally, while a reduction in the corporate tax rate was considered, officials opted for a 20%...

Nearly 9000 young people will lose their eligibility for unemployment benefits in 2027 due to new government rules. The 2025 Budget introduces a change that shifts the financial responsibility for 18- and 19-year-olds back to their parents instead of the state. Consequently, single individuals in this age group will not qualify for income support if they are not employed or studying, provided their parents can support them. Full Article

A second "run it straight" contest, Up the Guts, has been cancelled a day after a similar event was pulled. Organiser Kimami Ngaluafe announced on social media that the scheduled event in Glen Innes on May 25 was halted after Auckland Council intervened with Barfoot & Thompson Stadium. Ngaluafe stated that while the council claimed they were not doing anything wrong, they simply disapproved of the event. Full Article

Google New Zealand reported a revenue of $87.2 million for the year ending December 31, 2024, an increase from $84.3 million the previous year. This revenue figure accounts for $1.05 billion in in-house service fees paid to its US parent, up from $959 million last year. The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) noted that search, in which Google holds a 96.8% market share, represents the largest digital advertising category in New Zealand, with total digital ad...

A Lotto player in Porirua has won a staggering $17.2 million in the First Division Powerball draw, comprising a $17 million Powerball win and an additional $200,000 from a First Division split. The winning ticket was sold at New World Whitby, where staff are now preparing for the prize claim. Owner-operator Nicola Hallett confirmed the supermarket was notified of the win shortly after the draw. Full Article

SummaryElijah Meyer, 23, has pleaded guilty to arson and reckless shooting after targeting the family of Khalid Slaimankhel, a Comancheros gang member attempting to leave the gang. The incident involved shooting into homes, endangering children, and grazing a man in the back as he fled. Initially charged with attempted murder, Meyer's charges were reduced, and he now faces up to 14 years in prison for his actions, which were retribution against Slaimankhel, who is currently...