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Taiming Zhang took the James Cook Hotel to the Human Rights Review Tribunal after being banned for disputing the difference between Coke No Sugar and Coke Zero, claiming it was a breach of his human rights. Zhang has a history of lodging complaints, including against Victoria University and a Wellington restaurant, prompting the tribunal to note the lack of seriousness in his claims. The tribunal ultimately struck out his case, finding that his ban was...

Police are investigating a homicide in Ōpōtiki after a man died overnight following a fight involving six people in central Ōpōtiki. The man was found with a suspected stab wound on Church Street, and no arrests have been made yet, with gang members believed to be involved. Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Varnam is urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation. Full Article

In Dunedin, the government originally proposed a costly hospital refurbishment, sparking protests, but eventually decided on a scaled-down inpatient building within budget by 2031. Despite concerns about the existing hospital's deterioration, officials confirmed the new building's design and capacity for future expansion. However, questions remain about staffing and the contracting model for construction. Full Article

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