Industry celebrates Campaign Asia wins

Jayden Gerken, 19, was named the top joinery apprentice – cabinetry by the Southern Institute of Technology’s Otago and Southland master joiners award. He completed his apprenticeship in two years and two months at The Turning Point in Gore, where he works on a variety of projects including kitchens, wardrobes, and commercial jobs. Despite leaving school early, Gerken's dedication to his craft and love for woodworking led him to be recognized as the best in...

Groundswell co-founder Bryce McKenzie criticizes the Government's emissions pricing plan, arguing that it will raise food prices for Kiwis without benefiting global emissions. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts defends the plan, which includes agricultural emissions pricing by 2030, as a step towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050. McKenzie asserts that such policies may push production offshore, increasing emissions overall, and suggests removing trade barriers as a more effective solution for reducing global food emissions....

After a day of heavy rain, the annual Christmas Fair in Howick Village saw improved weather conditions in the evening, allowing for a successful event with support from the Food Truck Collective and various community groups and entertainers. The Village Market was bustling, shops and restaurants were open, and the event was attended by local officials and media. Despite the cancellation of the Stockade Hill Christmas Lights event by Auckland Council, the Howick Village Association...

The New Zealand government is refusing to provide humanitarian visas for Palestinians while allowing an increasing number of Israelis, potentially complicit in war crimes, to enter the country as visitors, with 621 Israelis entering in November 2024 alone. The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa claims that many of these tourists are actively serving in the Israeli Defence Force's genocidal attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, calling for the government to deny entry to any Israelis serving or...

The Christchurch City Council is considering changes to roads outside Christchurch Hospital, including potentially closing a traffic lane to increase on-street parking despite concerns about impacts on emergency services and public transport. A trial in 2023 showed delays for ambulances accessing the hospital, with feedback mostly opposing the change. Councillor Aaron Keown has advocated for improved parking access, highlighting issues faced by vulnerable individuals at the hospital and expressing disappointment in the expected council decision...

Annabel, who has a deep love for Christmas due to her childhood traditions, is known for going all out on cooking, decorating, and baking when celebrating with family. This year, the family is planning a special Christmas in Wānaka and will be making a Greek Celebration Lamb with Chopped Salsa Verde as the main course and a Heaven Cake for dessert. The lamb is slow-cooked with Greek flavors, while the cake is a delicate and...