New Zealand

Protesters in Christchurch scaled a building housing an arms company, accusing it of supplying sniper scopes used in Israel's war on Gaza. Peace activists highlighted the company's link to civilian deaths and urged termination of partnerships with controversial manufacturers. The protest led to arrests and calls for public support to prevent the company from operating in New Zealand. Full Article

A petition with 14,000 signatures protesting a proposed sand mining operation in Bream Bay, Northland, will be presented at Parliament by Tawera Nikau and accepted by Hūhana Lyndon. The initiative aims to protect endangered species like the tara iti and hawksbill turtles, with concerns over the lack of public consultation in the fast-track process. An on-water protest is planned for March 16 to voice opposition to the McCallum Brothers Ltd proposal to dredge 9 million cubic metres of marine sand over 35 years. Full Article

Marmite should be enjoying the same spotlight as Weet-Bix in the school lunch debate, but the finance minister suggested parents pack Vegemite sandwiches instead. Prime minister Luxon acknowledged school lunch issues and advised dissatisfied parents to make Marmite sandwiches with an apple for variety, causing a divide reminiscent of Marmageddon between Marmite and Vegemite supporters in the nation. Full Article

After a complaint of "physical contact" against a top executive seconded to Health NZ, it was revealed that another senior adviser was censured for auditor failings. Commissioner Dr Lester Levy arranged for John Bennett to be headhunted from ACC on secondment, despite complaints of inappropriate behavior. The secondment was approved without any concerns raised about the complaints. Full Article

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The PSNA is demanding the government condemn Israel for cutting off all humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing it as a blatant war crime and a violation of the ceasefire agreement signed with Hamas. PSNA Co National Chair John Minto accuses Israel of trying to evade negotiations by withdrawing aid, urging New Zealand to speak out against Israeli war crimes and uphold international law and United Nations resolutions. Full Article

Luca Fairgray, who raped and assaulted six teenage girls, has lost his bid for name suppression as the Supreme Court rules that open justice outweighs concerns of hardship and safety. Fairgray's history of sexual offenses includes incidents where victims were violated, assaulted, and raped, leading to his home detention sentence. Despite arguments of youth and autism diagnosis, the court found that the seriousness and number of offenses warranted public disclosure, with victims expressing hope for empowerment and justice. Full Article

The Methven community is working to save Mt Harding Creek by addressing concerns that shutting off stockwater channels could lead to the creek drying up. The Mt Harding Creek Catchment Group is leading the effort and proposing solutions to retain stockwater consent for an environmental flow. Landowners who have invested in enhancing the creek feel their efforts will be wasted if water is cut off. The Ashburton District Council plans to exit stockwater delivery by 2027, but the community is seeking support from local councils to find a solution. The creek is crucial for drainage, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity. The...

In honor of International Women’s Day 2025, oOh!media New Zealand is showcasing over 25 women-owned businesses on its national digital out of home network to highlight their success and innovation in various industries across Aotearoa. The campaign, aligned with the IWD theme of AccelerateAction, aims to promote gender equality and amplify the economic and social impact of women-led businesses. Through this initiative, businesses like Get Up To Skateboard, Abel Fragrance, Untouched World, and others from eight regions will be featured, emphasizing the importance of visibility and support for women entrepreneurs. Full Article

Elder Peter Meurs and his wife Maxine, along with other LDS church members, assisted with a tour of the new LDS temple in Manukau on February 24. The temple, designed by Walker Community Architects and built by Westland Construction NZ, took five years to complete. Meurs, the church's Pacific area president, emphasized the sacredness of temples as places of worship and contemplation. The new temple features motifs familiar to New Zealanders and is adorned with paintings, crystal chandeliers, and stained-glass windows. Meurs, who has served in various leadership roles within the church, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part...