Ben Morgan’s Pacific Update: India and New Zealand, a developing security relationship

Pope Francis is recovering in the hospital after undergoing high-flow oxygen therapy, which has affected his ability to speak and requires him to relearn. Despite speculation of retirement, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez stated that the pontiff is returning to his previous condition. The 88-year-old pope's health remains stable, with improvements in breathing and mobility, while the exact timing of his discharge and potential return home before Easter remains uncertain. Full Article

Watercare's decision to restrict new connections to the wastewater network on the Hibiscus Coast due to capacity issues has raised concerns among property developers like Mark Wootton, who believe the move will stifle development in the area. Watercare, however, insists that it has the capacity for 4000 more connections before the Army Bay Treatment plant reaches capacity and that the decision was necessary to protect the environment and public health. Developers like Hopper Development are...

More than 12,000 cubic metres of treated wastewater a day may be discharged into the Shotover River in Queenstown under emergency powers, without informing the water regulator; the council defends the plan, stating the treatment plant is effective and a long-term solution is being sought. A councillor raises concerns over the emergency situation, questioning the necessity of the discharge and lack of consideration for other options, as sewage from various areas enters the Shotover system....

A massive crowd gathered on March 2nd for the annual Auckland Brit and Euro Classic Car show at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga, with photos supplied by the Howick Photographic Society. The event attracted a large number of attendees on a stunning day, showcasing a variety of classic cars. The 2025 Auckland Brit and Euro Car Show was a successful and well-attended event, highlighting the passion for classic cars in the community. Full Article

StackAdapt has partnered with Zitcha, a retail media platform, to provide brands, especially mid-market companies, access to retail media opportunities globally. This collaboration integrates Zitcha's unified advertising platform with StackAdapt's programmatic capabilities, enabling brands to easily run and optimize retail media campaigns in key regions. The partnership aims to remove barriers for small and mid-sized brands, offering a fully integrated retail media solution that enhances campaign efficiency and delivers personalized customer experiences. Full Article

Danielle Puiri-Tuia founded the South Auckland-based running and walking club, Runners High 09, in 2024, providing an inclusive space for locals to join for weekly runs regardless of fitness level. Starting during the first lockdown in 2020, the club has grown rapidly, with members expressing improvements in physical and mental health, and a sense of community and support. The club meets every Saturday morning at different locations, offering a welcoming environment for individuals to connect,...