School holidays: How much will they hit your pocket?

Ashburton's mayor Neil Brown prioritizes community engagement over cost-cutting measures, allocating $30,000 for the Light up the Night Christmas event despite government pressure to reduce spending. The event, set for November 30, includes entertainment and the lighting of a giant Christmas tree in Baring Square East. Additionally, the NBS Ashburton Santa Parade, organized independently with council support, will take place on December 7 in the Ashburton Domain, showcasing a variety of themed entries and fostering...

British journalist Jon Ronson, known for his work on the fringes of society, discusses his career and upcoming stage show in New Zealand with Stewart Sowman-Lund. Ronson's focus on conspiracy theorists and culture wars has been ahead of its time, with his exploration of cancel culture and public shaming becoming increasingly relevant. He reflects on the impact of figures like Jordan Peterson and the mainstreaming of conspiracy theories during the Trump presidency, highlighting the importance...

Sheep farmers can boost subterranean clover populations in hill country pastures by spelling selected areas for four to five weeks over late spring and early summer, allowing the plant to set seed for germination with autumn rainfall. Sub clover provides high-quality feed in late winter and spring, ideal for lactating ewes and promoting higher lamb growth rates, while also fixing nitrogen to enhance pasture grasses' quality. Active management, including maintaining 80% ground cover of sub...

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a new contract with the English Premier League champions, extending his stay at the Etihad through to the end of 2026 with an option for a further year. The 53-year-old, who joined the club in 2016, has led City to multiple league titles, two FA Cups, a Champions League triumph, a FIFA Club World Cup, and four League Cups. Currently, City is second in the Premier League table,...

Transport Minister Simeon Brown has revealed that the New Zealand Transport Agency spent $786 million on road cones and temporary traffic management in the past three years, prompting the Government to require public reporting of this spending. Brown is advocating for a new risk-based approach to TTM implementation, aiming to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Initial results show a decrease in TTM expenditure, with the Government committed to finding efficiencies for better public services. Full...

Emergency services responded to a truck fire on State Highway One in Counties Manukau, causing the highway near Ramarama to be blocked. The incident was first reported at 10.49am, resulting in the closure of southbound lanes between the Great South Road on-ramp and the Ramarama off-ramp. The fire has been extinguished with no reported injuries, and both southbound lanes have reopened for traffic flow. Full Article