US-NZ ties strong ‘whoever’s in the White House’

Global superstar Ed Sheeran will perform three concerts in New Zealand in January 2026 as part of his Loop Tour, celebrating his upcoming album Play. This tour includes shows in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, marking Sheeran's return to Christchurch after 11 years and to Auckland's Go Media Stadium following a previous performance at Eden Park. Want More Context? 🔎

Auckland's fire-damaged New World Victoria Park will undergo repairs and is expected to remain closed for about two years, with a planned reopening in 2027. Foodstuffs North Island's general manager, Lindsay Rowles, stated that the existing three-level store may be repaired rather than demolished, and design teams are already working on the project. Want More Context? 🔎

Three wealthy Kiwi families and a former investor have agreed to purchase Ubco, an electric motorbike maker that entered receivership in January, owing $35.7 million. Following positive discussions with receivers, the deal will not only restart operations but also ensure majority local ownership of the company. Want More Context? 🔎

Sky TV is acquiring financially struggling TV3 for $1, marking a significant shift in the New Zealand media landscape and setting up competition with TVNZ. The deal will result in the exit of Warner Bros Discovery from the free-to-air sector, with around 130 staff transitioning to Sky, led by Juliet Peterson, reporting to Sky's CEO Sophie Moloney. Want More Context? 🔎

The family of 11-year-old Emma-Jane Kupa, who was fatally struck by drunk driver Terina Pineaha, is calling for a longer sentence than the four years and five months handed down for manslaughter. Emma-Jane's mother, Shannon Davis, expressed that the sentence feels like a "slap in the face" and does not deliver true justice. Want More Context? 🔎

Invercargill businessman Rick Murrell has died following a fishing trip at Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park. Police were alerted when he and another fisherman failed to return and check in by radio; a helicopter later located their boat at Safe Cove around 12:30 am, revealing the unfortunate outcome. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Invercargill businessman Rick Murrell has sadly passed away after going fishing on Lake Manapouri. Want More Context? 🔎