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On day 12 of the Treaty principles bill hearings, the Justice Committee heard submissions totaling five hours. Former Act Party MP Donna Awatere Huata cancelled her submission, while opposition to the bill was voiced by Tauranga Māori Business Association chair Leone Farquhar, Mana Moana’s Nuhisifa Seve-Williams and Tevita Ka’ili, former Māori Party co-leader Marama Fox, activist Tāme Iti, Mark Steel of the Legislative Design and Advisory Committee, and representatives from Epilepsy Waikato Charitable Trust and...

Property owners in Ashburton may see a slight decrease in rates rise, with initial workshops suggesting a 9.8% average increase for the 2025/26 year, down from last year's 11.8%. The council is exploring cost-saving measures, particularly in the roading budget, to potentially lower rates further. Final decisions on rates and budget adjustments will be made in upcoming workshops and meetings in March and April. Full Article

The Grey Goose, a talented mare, faces a challenge in match fitness as she returns to the track after a hoof issue sidelined her for nearly 100 days. Trainer Jo-Ann Gordon acknowledges the tough competition in the $220,000 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age race at Wingatui, with the weight-for-age conditions and strong field posing additional hurdles for the mare. Despite lacking match fitness and the preference for wet tracks, Gordon remains optimistic about The...

Thousands of New Zealanders flocked to Auckland for KFC's limited edition Kentucky Fish & Chips, raising $40,000 for Surf Life Saving New Zealand. The idea originated as an April Fools joke and was brought to life as a fundraising pop-up event offering Tarakihi battered in KFC's secret herbs and spices. Despite overwhelming demand and sold-out stock, the campaign successfully supported Surf Life Saving New Zealand with funds for training and operational costs. Full Article

Botany Hunting and Fishing in east Auckland is collecting donated used fishing gear to distribute to local youngsters aged 12 and under for free as part of their ‘Fish for Everyone’ initiative. The store's fishing manager Zac Andrews emphasizes the importance of getting kids outside and fishing instead of being glued to screens, with other local businesses joining in to support the cause. Interested individuals can drop off unwanted fishing gear at the store for...

StatsNZ's latest data reveals that one in six New Zealanders, totaling 17 percent of the population, live with a disability. The survey found higher rates of disability among the LGBTQI+ community, Māori, and females, with physical disabilities being most common among adults and mental health difficulties among children. Certain regions, such as Northland and Taranaki, showed significantly higher disability rates compared to the national average, while Auckland had a lower rate. Full Article