Construction industry woes set to continue as sector faces mental health crisis

The construction industry in New Zealand is struggling – with building companies going to the wall as the housing market falls away. It also has one of the highest rates of workplace injuries of any industry. But there’s another workplace hazard that we’re not talking about. Construction workers…

Pressure on All Blacks and Scott Robertson after rough start to new coaching era

Scott Robertson is the most successful coach in Super Rugby history - leading the Crusaders to seven-back-to-back titles.  He is also a firm favourite with the public – and is perhaps the most popular rugby coach we've ever had.  But his transition from the red and blacks to leading the All Black…

New controversies put X's problems back in the spotlight

The struggles facing social media platform X are back in the spotlight.  In amongst an advertising exodus and concerns over owner Elon Musk’s takes on the US election, Brazil's Supreme Court has upheld a ban on the app formerly known as Twitter.  These are just the latest controversies to hit the…

The biggest winners and losers from the Government's transport plans

The Government has announced a record 32.9-billion-dollar investment in New Zealand’s transport network over the next three years, through the National Land Transport Programme.   The big winner is new roads, and the big loser is walking and cycling improvements.   So, what does this mean for con…

Days 24 - 26: Witnesses reveal a different side of Polkinghorne as defence argues its case

Week six of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne continued with the defence’s case.   The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021.  He maintains she took her own life.  Witnesses for the defence revealed a different side of Pol…

Kīngi Tūheitia remembered as thousands gather for his funeral

Last week, Kīngi Tūheitia the seventh Maori monarch, passed away aged 69, a little over a week after marking 18 years of his reign.   His shock death has seen a week of mourning at Turangawaewae Marae, the official residence for the head of the Kingitanga movement, with politicians sharing memorie…

Is cost-cutting the best way to fix the problems with our healthcare system?

Several weeks ago, the Government dramatically moved to take control of Health New Zealand by appointing Professor Lester Levy as a commissioner. He has the unenviable task of finding 1.4 billion dollars in savings, while also improving services and meeting the Government’s national health targets…

Sir Peter Jackson's property portfolio grows - but what are his plans for Wellington?

The year’s biggest land deal has Wellington aflutter with rumours Sir Peter Jackson could be building his long-awaited movie museum. Interests associated with The Lord of the Rings director have spent $105 million buying a large piece of land near the city’s airport in Lyall Bay. So, why the secr…

How wild will our spring weather be - and is La Nina still coming our way?

Winter has come to an end, and it's been a wet last few weeks. A burst of rain in August culminated in flooding in Wellington and saturated days for the rest of us. With us heading now into spring, the hope is that with longer days fast approaching, we might start to see some warmer weather again…

Days 22 and 23: Defence opens their case with Pauline Hanna's sister

After nearly five weeks of witnesses, The Crown has closed its case in the trial of Philip Polkinghorne.  The former Auckland eye surgeon is accused of murdering his wife, Pauline Hanna, who was found dead on 5 April, 2021.  He maintains she took her own life.  The Crown closed its case with mor…