New Zealand

Thousands of New Zealanders flocked to Auckland for KFC's limited edition Kentucky Fish & Chips, raising $40,000 for Surf Life Saving New Zealand. The idea originated as an April Fools joke and was brought to life as a fundraising pop-up event offering Tarakihi battered in KFC's secret herbs and spices. Despite overwhelming demand and sold-out stock, the campaign successfully supported Surf Life Saving New Zealand with funds for training and operational costs. Full Article

Botany Hunting and Fishing in east Auckland is collecting donated used fishing gear to distribute to local youngsters aged 12 and under for free as part of their ‘Fish for Everyone’ initiative. The store's fishing manager Zac Andrews emphasizes the importance of getting kids outside and fishing instead of being glued to screens, with other local businesses joining in to support the cause. Interested individuals can drop off unwanted fishing gear at the store for refurbishment and distribution, aiming to inspire the next generation to enjoy the outdoors and the sport of fishing. Full Article

StatsNZ's latest data reveals that one in six New Zealanders, totaling 17 percent of the population, live with a disability. The survey found higher rates of disability among the LGBTQI+ community, Māori, and females, with physical disabilities being most common among adults and mental health difficulties among children. Certain regions, such as Northland and Taranaki, showed significantly higher disability rates compared to the national average, while Auckland had a lower rate. Full Article

Independent monitoring reveals ongoing failures in the care system for tamariki and rangatahi, with increased abuse and neglect reported in Oranga Tamariki custody. Disproportionate levels of abuse occur in youth justice facilities, with harm caused by staff and other youth, prompting urgent action from agencies to ensure the safety of all children in care. Oranga Tamariki acknowledges the need for improvement in meeting National Care Standards and is implementing measures to better protect vulnerable children. Full Article

Scales Corporation managing director Andy Borland announces outstanding results for the company, with a 39% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $53.6 million and EBITDA of $91.7 million for 2024. The purchase of orchards from Bostock Group and the sale of Blyth and Te Papa orchards will drive the focus on premium apple varieties, particularly DazzleTM, with the aim to increase volumes and expand market reach in Asia and the Middle East. The horticulture division's performance is improving, aided by the acquisition of Profruit and growth in export volumes, especially in premium varieties like DazzleTM, PosyTM, and NZ...

After 12 seasons of drama, Married at First Sight Australia is facing pressure to serve constant tea, leading to explosive drama and erratic behavior among contestants. This season, the show has shifted from a social experiment to a hybrid of professional wrestling and soap opera, with the cast filled with loud misogynists and past connections between couples. The relentless drama, lackluster expert input, and focus on scandal over emotional depth have left the show struggling to maintain its narrative coherence and moral compass. Full Article

Helicopters were called to the scene just after 5pm in Skippers Canyon, Queenstown, where four people were injured in a jet boat incident. One person in moderate condition was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital, while the other three were reported to be in moderate and minor conditions. Skippers Canyon Jet confirmed the incident involved one of their commercial trips, with two passengers and two family members evacuated by helicopter, and the remaining passengers taken to Lakes District Hospital for assessment. Full Article

The Comms Council is launching an industry-wide census survey to measure the current workforce makeup and assess inclusivity within the advertising industry. CEO Simon Lendrum urges professionals to take 20 minutes to complete the survey to identify areas needing action and promote diversity. Results will be shared in April, with plans for inclusive initiatives and working groups to follow. Full Article

The coalition Government is celebrating a decrease in violent crime, with Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith attributing the drop to their tough-on-crime approach. Data shows a two per cent decrease in violent crime in 2024, following a 51 per cent increase from 2018 to 2023. The Government's focus on restoring consequences for crime and empowering police with new tools has led to positive results, with a reduction in total victimisations and assaults, although more work remains to be done. Full Article

More than a year after The Spinoff's campaign on Wellington's housing, Live Wellington challenges the council's decision to reduce character precincts in court. The debate centers on whether exemptions for special character areas should be allowed under the NPS-UD, with arguments focusing on the discretion of councils and the balance between protecting character and enabling development. Questions also arise about the evidence provided by the council and minister to justify their decisions, particularly regarding public submissions. Full Article