Act’s David Seymour finds $115m in public sector savings in Budget 2025 that freed up $5.3b overall

A strong west to southwest flow will bring 130km/h winds and 6m waves this weekend. Warnings are in place for severe gales and large swells, particularly affecting the South Island, with MetService highlighting risks along western coastlines. For those planning beach getaways, these conditions will result in substantial southwest swells throughout the weekend. However, Monday is expected to be calmer, providing the best conditions for outdoor activities. Full Article

A 34-year-old woman, Terina Pineaha, was charged with the manslaughter of 11-year-old Emma-Jane Sylvia Kupa after a drunk and meth-affected driving incident. Pineaha was driving at speeds of up to 105 km/h in a 50 km/h zone when she struck Emma-Jane, who was biking with her sister on Chatham Rd in Flaxmere on January 30. Pineaha appeared in the High Court at Wellington via audio-visual link, where she admitted to multiple charges related to the...

Cabinet minister Chris Bishop expressed regret for his remarks during the Aotearoa Music Awards in Auckland, where he said “what a load of crap” in response to a performance by pop singer Stan Walker. Video footage captured him seated with a drink while attendees nearby danced and waved tino rangatiratanga flags, symbolizing self-determination. In a statement, Bishop clarified that his comment about “performative acclaim” referred to what he perceived as overtly political branding at the...

SummaryPolice are investigating an alleged assault during a schoolboy rugby game between Napier Boys’ High School and Gisborne Boys’ High School, where a hooded man punched a Napier player following a high tackle that initiated an on-field altercation. Gisborne Boys’ headmaster Tom Cairns stated that the assailant was not affiliated with the school community. The incident occurred in the first half of the Super 8 Rugby First XV game, causing significant disruption as players reacted...

SummaryBoy racers are planning a gathering in Levin this long weekend, marking a year since a previous event turned violent with over 200 attendees clashing with police. Authorities are gearing up for a strong response with a focus on proactive enforcement and a zero-tolerance stance, as expressed by Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden, who is confident in the police's preparedness. This anticipation contrasts with the attitude of last year's event organizer, who publicly dismissed threats of...

SummaryAlmost three weeks after the death of Napier teen Kaea Karauria, his killer remains unidentified. In a show of respect for the 15-year-old, Hawke's Bay rugby star Jonah Lowe honored Kaea during Super Rugby by wearing his name on his strapping, which a relative praised as a gesture reflecting Lowe's "heart of gold." Kaea lost his life on an Onekawa street on May 11, despite the efforts of ambulance staff, as police continue to seek...