Spark confirms job cuts as it outsources to AI, networking partner

Ardie Savea's future position is pivotal as All Blacks coach Scott Robertson prepares to announce his first lineup of the year, potentially including up to four rookies, amid Wallace Sititi's injury. Sititi's ankle surgery complicates plans to shift him to his preferred position at the back of the scrum, which had implications for Savea taking the No 7 jersey. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Ardie Savea's playing position will help decide which new...

The North Island and parts of the South Island are facing severe weather as an atmospheric river brings strong winds and heavy rain, prompting emergency warnings. Up to 150mm of rain is expected in Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough, with the New Zealand Defence Force and Fire and Emergency teams deployed ahead of the storm. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: New Zealand is getting ready for a big storm with lots of rain and...

Iconic Kiwi treat Jaffas, the orange chocolate balls made by RJ's, have been discontinued due to declining sales, as confirmed by a company representative. Despite their nostalgic appeal for many, the lack of consumer demand has led to their removal from store shelves and the RJ's product page. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Jaffas, a popular Kiwi candy, are going away forever because not enough people are buying them. Want More Context? 🔎

A driver in a white ute reported a near-miss incident on State Highway 2 in Hawke's Bay when an overtaking van approached dangerously. The van narrowly avoided a collision as the ute braked heavily, with the event captured on the dashcam of the truck being overtaken. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A driver in a white truck got really scared when a fast-moving van almost crashed into him while trying to pass another...

The Advertising Standards Authority has mandated the removal of a TV ad for The Warehouse that features a child's light-purple school backpack and the tagline "Can't do long division," due to complaints that it reinforces the stereotype that "girls aren't good at maths." This decision highlights ongoing concerns about gender representation in advertising. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A TV ad showing a girl’s schoolbag was told to stop airing because it suggested...

A new investigation into the Christchurch mosque shooting explores the radicalization of Australian terrorist Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 worshippers at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on March 15, 2019. The six-part podcast, Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor, examines Tarrant's violent ideology and his shift towards extremism between 2014 and 2015, questioning whether he acted alone. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A new podcast tells the story of a man named...