How ketamine has become the new party drug of choice for students

A new study is shedding light on the changing landscape of New Zealand’s ‘party drug’ scene. The annual New Zealand Drug Trends Survey, completed by more than 8000 people nationwide, shows that ketamine is rapidly growing in popularity. Price data puts it among the more affordable options at arou…

Private lives, public fallout: Where should we draw the line for politicians?

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has acknowledged he considered his future in politics, in the wake of his ex-wife's allegations.   She made a series of claims in a now deleted private social media post on Sunday.   None of which alleges unlawful conduct.   Being a politician is one of the most publi…

How high could fuel prices go, and what help could be on the way?

Inflation could hit 3.7% under Treasury’s ‘worst-case’ inflation scenario.  It’s while petrol prices have risen about 45 to 50 cents a litre, adding about $23 to the price of filling an average car.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis has outlined the government's priorities - First a focus on suppl…

How pets are keeping victims trapped in violent homes

A major barrier to escaping family violence, is the heartache of leaving your pet behind to get out.   Every day, pets are used as tool to control and harm victims experiencing family violence.  Pet Refuge provides a safe, temporary haven for pets – and demand for their shelter is at an all-time …

From carless days to EV push: The fuel crunch options on the table

If you’re old enough, then you’ll remember there was a time when every Kiwi household had to pick a weekday where they wouldn’t drive. Carless Days were introduced in 1979 as an attempt to reduce petrol consumption amid a global oil shock thanks to the Iranian Revolution. The scheme was short liv…

Air NZ is cutting flights. When should we start to worry?

Air New Zealand is set to cut 1100 flights – affecting about 44,000 customers.  CEO Nikhil Ravishankar has cited “unprecedented” jet fuel prices as the cause – which he said could not be passed on to customers, who were already facing cost-of-living challenges.  A normal price for jet fuel is abo…

How vulnerable is New Zealand to a global oil shock?

A global oil giant is warning of a looming catastrophe unless the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon. The US and Israel war on Iran is wreaking havoc on global oil and gas markets, spiking prices and sending shockwaves across global economies. It’s being called by some commentators the “biggest oil di…

Covid inquiry: Report slams cost of long lockdowns, urges future changes

The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 has been released. Deciding that the first phase of the inquiry was inadequate, the coalition government expanded the terms of reference to focus on lockdowns and vaccine mandates. In particular, finding out whether the former gove…

Trade Me drops seller fees – now it has to win back users

Trade Me is bidding farewell to some of its marketplace fees. From March 10, sellers won’t have to pay a 7.9% success fee when they sell things like their couch, a dress, lamp, or TV. The platform’s said it wants to make it easier for Kiwis to declutter their homes, say goodbye to their second ha…

National plunges to lowest poll as governing party in decades

A new poll out today spells a storm brewing for National. The Taxpayers’ Union Curia poll has shown National drop nearly three-points to 28.4% -- the lowest poll for the party since it formed a Government in 2023. It’s while Labour is up 0.3 points to 34.4% - The Greens are up to 10.5%, NZ First …