New Zealand

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...

Listed carpet maker Bremworth is preparing to call a special meeting requested by disgruntled shareholders representing 11.5% of the company's capital, seeking to remove current directors and appoint new ones. The board, engaged in a strategic review, has attempted to engage with the shareholders to avoid disruption but faces resistance from the requesting shareholders, who want Robert Hewett as the new chair due to potential conflicts of interest. Further details on the meeting will be provided to shareholders in due course. Full Article

Shareholders of carpet maker Bremworth have called for a board revamp, requesting a special meeting to elect a new board led by Rob Hewett as chair. Proposed new board members include Trevor Burt, Julie Bohnenn, and Murray Dyer, advised by industry experts Warwick Norman and Craig Woolford. The call for change follows poor operational performance and financial results under the current board, with shareholders seeking a focus on financial management and shareholder value. Full Article

Traffic delays occurred on the Auckland motorway due to a five-vehicle crash near St Luke's off-ramp, with no reported injuries. Motorists were advised to expect delays and find alternative routes during the 'March madness' period. Auckland Transport assured that the public transport network was prepared to accommodate the increased demand. Full Article

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In May 1985, Rongelap Islanders joined the Rainbow Warrior on a mission to Mejatto, calling for nuclear justice from the US government for the impact of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands. The Greenpeace flagship flew the Marshall Islands flag at half-mast to honor those affected by nuclear fallout and conducted independent scientific research across the country to support ongoing legal proceedings. The Marshall Islands continue to endure the physical, economic, and cultural fallout from nuclear tests, demanding accountability and reparations while facing further displacement from the climate crisis and deep-sea mining threats. Full Article

Howick Little Theatre's 2025 season offers a diverse lineup of comedy, drama, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling, starting with Renovations for Six, a fast-paced comedy by Norm Foster. The season continues with The Case of the Frightened Lady, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Rabbit Hole, and Many Happy Returns, promising unforgettable theatrical experiences for audiences. Tickets for each production will be available throughout the year, with showcard subscriptions offering advance access to the full season at www.hlt.nz or by calling 09 534 1401. Full Article

Police in Auckland are investigating the death of a woman found at a house in Morningside after officers responded to a call on Don Croot Street. Despite attempts to revive her, the woman could not be saved. The death is currently unexplained, prompting a police investigation with a scene examination scheduled for the following day. Full Article

Scientist Shaun Ogilvie testifies at Ngāi Tahu's freshwater case, highlighting the tribe's connection to Wairewa and Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and the degradation of waterways due to poor land management practices, with eutrophic conditions and Nodularia spumigena blooms in the lakes. Mahinga kai is crucial to Māori culture, linking environment, beliefs, and identity, but faces threats like deforestation and dam construction hindering fish migration. Wetlands, considered treasures, have been depleted by 90% in the last 150 years, impacting biodiversity and water purification processes essential for mahinga kai. Full Article

out of the summary. The article explores the impact of online interactions on real relationships, questioning if parasocial relationships with celebrities and fictional characters contribute to feelings of loneliness and alienation. Drawing on the concept of Dunbar's number, which suggests cognitive limits to the number of stable relationships one can maintain, the author argues that investing in virtual connections may come at the expense of meaningful real-life interactions. Research on intense celebrity admiration and its negative effects is discussed, challenging readers to consider the importance of prioritizing genuine connections over superficial online interactions in order to cultivate true happiness. Full...