Inside the push to fix Luxon’s media image

It’s 208 days until Kiwis hit the polls and vote for the next Government. And despite campaigning not officially starting, the Prime Minister’s performance has been called into question, time and time again. Accusations range from Luxon leaning too much into corporate speak and acting like a CEO …

The New Zealanders sitting in some of the world’s worst prisons

There are more than 70 Kiwis banged up abroad, according to new data. But, the true figure is likely higher, with many detainees choosing not to tell the New Zealand government they’ve been arrested. They’re detained across dozens of countries, from the US and Australia to parts of Asia, Europe, …

Cyclone Vaianu: Why category downgrade could be misleading

Cyclone Vaianu is currently tracking toward the top of the North Island with forecasters warning it could make landfall between Auckland and the Coromandel this weekend.  Heavy rain, high winds and coastal surges are all in play, with officials stating it could be a potentially life-threatening we…

Did the US just prove military power doesn’t work anymore?

Donald Trump has backed down again on threats towards Iran. In a social media post, the President said he has agreed “to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks” and that this “will be a double-sided ceasefire”. It’s after Iranians formed human chains along bridges and ar…

Is New Zealand backing a bully? Concerns over Peters’ visit to Trump’s US

Iran has rejected a proposed ceasefire with the US and Israel.  It’s after an expletive-ridden post from President Donald Trump – where he demanded the Strait of Hormuz be opened or else Iran would be “living in Hell”.  Iran’s deputy foreign minister has accused Trump of threatening war crimes, s…

Savea's wake-up call to NZ rugby and the All Blacks

It’s been revealed that Ardie Savea’s future with the All Blacks hung in the balance. His push to quit was amid whispers of player discontent and coaching fractures exposing deep cracks in the team’s foundations. Players apparently openly questions coaching, discipline, and its overall direction.…

How new financial year rules will hit your pay, benefits and household costs

The financial year is coming to an end.  It means we’ll see a whole bunch of policies and adjustments from April 1.   Everything from crayfish catch limits and Pharmac funding to changes to the Living and Minimum wages.  Super annuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries are among th…

Could working from home be the answer to rising fuel prices?

With the word ‘crisis’ now comes talk about working from home. As oil prices rise and the cost of petrol surges towards $4 a litre, it’s been flagged as a potential voluntary measure in contingency plans. There’s been no direct government endorsement or mandate for working from home, but it’s bee…

'They’ve got a plan': Expert says US, Israel misread Iran’s strength

Iran is warning against US ground invasion as regional leaders ramp up diplomatic efforts. It comes as the USS Tripoli – carrying 3,500 US service members – arrived in the Middle East at the weekend. It’s all while Pakistan said it is prepared to host US-Iran talks after meeting with foreign mini…

The good, the bad and the ugly in Auckland’s city centre

Look around Auckland, and you’ll see a spattering of planned, under-development, or moth-balled building projects. The city’s ever-changing face often dominates Aucklander’s conversations – for good, or oftentimes, bad. So as we prepare to ride the $5.5 billion City Rail Link this year, what else…