Four decades after Rongelap evacuation, Greenpeace makes new plea for nuclear justice by US

A local Queenstown group, MYDC, partnered with The Komunal Cafe to host iftar dinners during Ramadan, fostering inclusivity and community spirit. Attendees from all over Queenstown gathered to break fast together, with Muslims and non-Muslims enjoying Malaysian dishes and expressing gratitude for the positive experience. The organisation, focused on youth development, continues to empower young people through entrepreneurial opportunities and community engagement beyond Ramadan. Full Article

The Pams Afghan Oat Baked Bars have been recalled due to potential metal contamination during production. Consumers are advised not to consume the affected batch with Best Before date of 16/01/2026 and to return it for a refund or discard it. The products were sold at various stores nationwide, have been removed from shelves, and there have been no reported injuries, with investigations ongoing to prevent similar incidents. Full Article

Police are treating the death of 65-year-old Simon Bird in Wellington as a homicide after he was found outside his home. Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard stated that Bird's body was discovered following a welfare check by a friend, with police now investigating his movements leading up to his death. Authorities are appealing for information from anyone who had contact with Bird recently and have recovered his vehicle for forensic examination, reassuring the public of their...

A weeks-long freshwater case between Ngāi Tahu and the Crown concluded with closing submissions accusing the Crown of being adversarial and dismissive of rangatiratanga claims. Ngāi Tahu argued for legal recognition of chiefly authority over freshwater, highlighting degradation of waterways and the need for cooperation in managing water resources. If declarations are made, it could lead to a new regime co-designed by Ngāi Tahu and the Crown, with potential for future negotiations and legislative changes...

The decision on new public toilets in Ashburton Cemetery is on hold after a tied vote between councillors. Options included building a new facility in the cemetery center for $288,345 or on both sides for $598,944, with Mayor Brown initially suggesting no toilet at all. Councillors voted 5-5 on the center option, but the decision was postponed pending more information on usage and funding, to be presented at the next council meeting. Full Article

The US president announced a global tariff programme imposing new import duties on nearly every trading partner, with a baseline 10% tariff on all goods, including New Zealand. The policy will dramatically raise prices at home, sparking market turmoil and concerns of global retaliation. Despite the impact, countries are already building new trade relationships that bypass the US, signaling a shift in the world trade order. Full Article