Budget 2025: Budget-night papers reveal effective 0.5% tax hike on 180,000 families, KiwiSaver changes may undermine growth agenda

A London-bound Air India flight crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM local time. The aircraft, carrying 242 people including crew, issued a MAYDAY call to air traffic control before losing contact and falling outside the airport perimeter. More Context

A dramatic dash cam video captured an orange ute driving recklessly on the wrong side of the road, colliding with a white car on State Highway 1 in Wellington. Witness Luke Drabble recounted that the ute appeared to come down from National Storage, while the white car was heading up from the city, resulting in a significant spin of the latter vehicle upon impact. More Context

Aucklanders should prepare for fierce thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail as they face a chilly weekend ahead, with MetService warning of potential electrical storms in the early morning. Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane indicated that the risk of lightning will decrease later in the day, but the pre-dawn period may be particularly active. More Context

Negotiations between Sky and New Zealand Rugby for a renewed broadcast contract are progressing, with TVNZ expected to partner as a free-to-air channel, showcasing live National Provincial Championship games on TVNZ+ starting in 2026. Sky will retain rights to the All Blacks and Super Rugby, collaborating with TVNZ for a shared broadcast package, similar to the existing arrangement for netball. More Context

SummaryTransport crash experts are advocating for stricter drone registration rules following a near-miss incident involving an Air New Zealand Airbus and a drone at Auckland Airport last April. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) reported that neither the drone nor its operator could be identified, highlighting concerns over compliance with civil aviation rules among some drone users. TAIC manager Jim Burtenshaw emphasized the responsibility of drone operators to avoid aircraft and the importance of understanding...

The Marlborough Boys’ College rugby team, which recently garnered attention for a controversial try, is now facing allegations of questionable tactics, as it features five "year 14" students in its first XV. This situation has raised concerns about the integrity of the Miles Toyota Premiership, the premier schoolboy rugby competition, and highlights ongoing issues regarding the intense nature of school sports. The phenomenon of year 14 students returning for an additional year of high school...