Out of control

Guardian staff select the best photos of the year for reflection, showcasing 4WD club member Alistair Stewart's conservation mission and TV personality Hadyn Jones and local legend Anthony "Goldberg" Bartlett in new tees. The Ethnic Leaders Forum Awards featured a vibrant performance by Filipino dancers, while Ashburton residents protested the Treaty Principles Bill before honoring Sue Green with a life membership for her work with the Child Cancer Foundation. Year 4 student Billie Morrison eagerly...

Find My Country House NZ is a popular but uneventful property series following house hunters with extravagant budgets in scenic New Zealand locations, such as Joni and Luke searching with a six million dollar budget. Despite the lack of excitement, the show has garnered high ratings, offering viewers a calming escape from real-life pressures. Host Matt Gibb's affable nature and the serene countryside settings contribute to the show's charm, even as house hunters like Joni...

In 2024, New Zealand's tractor sales saw a decline, but December showed a slight increase, sparking hope for the industry. The UK, Europe, US, and Canada also experienced drops in tractor sales, with Italy seeing significant decreases in combine harvesters and telehandlers. Despite the challenges, there is optimism for a potential turnaround in 2025. Full Article

A man has been cleared of making Snapchat videos while having sex with a woman he met on Tinder after his lawyer argued she was too drunk to remember giving consent. However, he has been found guilty of showing a video to a mutual friend. The judge noted the woman's level of intoxication as a significant factor in the case. The man claimed the woman gave permission to film her, but she denied this, stating...

Special PR has welcomed Jessica McColl as the new Head of Brand Experience, bringing over two decades of creative expertise to lead the agency's experiential offering for clients like Moet Hennessy and Jaguar Land Rover. Managing Director Kelly Grindle highlights the agency's shift towards brand-led experiences that deepen connections with the public, with successful campaigns like the KFC Gravy Train and Tiger Venue Veterans. McColl, formerly of Mango, is excited to enhance Special PR's events...

The average value of residential properties in Auckland at the end of last year was $1,245,290, with the nationwide housing market remaining relatively static in early 2025, showing only a 0.1% increase in property values in the December quarter according to Quotable Value NZ. Despite modest growth in some areas like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, factors such as weak labor market, high cost of living, and surplus of properties for sale are keeping overall growth...