WIN! Growing Younger Fitness Plan valued at $599!

Fifteen new Kāinga Ora homes have been completed in Ashburton, with families moving in before Christmas. The development in Dobson Street, opened by Mayor Neil Brown, features 12 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom homes, along with a communal outdoor area. This project is the largest Kāinga Ora has completed in Ashburton so far, with a total of over 60 homes finished since 2023 and 32 more under construction or contracted. Full Article

GroupM New Zealand recently hosted an event in Auckland with TikTok to explore the future of influencer marketing, featuring insights from Goat and agencies like EssenceMediacom and Mindshare. The event delved into the growing creator landscape, showcasing strategies for advertisers to leverage influencer content across platforms to drive business outcomes. GroupM also introduced Goat Extend, a solution for extending influencer content reach omnichannel, and discussed the evolving nature of influencer marketing with industry experts and...

Tributes are pouring in for mid-Canterbury farming leader Chris Allen, who tragically died in a farm accident near Ashburton. Known for his role on the Federated Farmers board, particularly in water and biodiversity, Allen was praised for his collaborative nature and practical approach to finding solutions. His sudden passing has deeply affected those who knew him, with many highlighting his respected reputation and ability to work across different groups and parties. Full Article

Pierre John Parsons, now known as PJ, a transgender woman and convicted child rapist, has gone to the Supreme Court to have an extended supervision order lifted, arguing her predilection is now "latent and might only emerge in certain circumstances". Parsons was jailed for abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl in 1995, and has been on parole or under an ESO since. Despite previous breaches and more offending, the courts have upheld the ESO, citing...

In 2025, predictions include the hastened termination of Freeview for free-to-air television, potential tension in politics surrounding a Deputy PM transfer to Act, and a stalemate in Gaza as Israel struggles to clear Gaza City. Reflecting on 2024, the author reviews various blogs, including one on the HMNZS Manawanui incident, speculating about the ship's navigation errors and potential reasons for the collision. Overall, the author's insights and predictions offer a unique perspective on current events...

Hawke's Bay officials have completed silt recovery work after cyclones caused widespread damage, with over 2.5 million cubic metres of silt and debris collected. In Tai Rāwhiti, woody debris removal work is ongoing, with forestry crews aiming to clear slash and debris to improve land use sustainability. Challenges such as steep terrain and high costs of helicopter use are being addressed in the ongoing effort to clear rivers and prevent future build-up of debris. Full...