Author: Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com A long‑running Pink Floyd tribute act has been forced to cancel its Napier performance at the last minute after receiving a cease‑and‑desist order from the licence holders of the legendary British rock band. The Pink Floyd Experience, a New Zealand tribute group that has toured for nearly 30 years, was due to perform its latest show The Wall+ at the Napier Municipal Theatre on Wednesday night. But organisers announced late on Tuesday that the concert could no longer proceed, saying they were “absolutely devastated” and blindsided by the legal notice. “Due to unforeseen licensing issues completely outside…

By Colin Ambler and Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Labour and the Green Party have delivered a blistering joint wave of criticism at Budget 2026, accusing the Government of failing its final chance to ease pressure on households and instead deepening hardship for those already struggling. Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said the Budget “fails the basic test of making life better”, arguing that New Zealanders are facing rising costs, shrinking services and worsening job losses under Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis. “Forty thousand more people are unemployed since Luxon took office,” Edmonds said, adding that cuts to the…

By Mike Bain, Colin Ambler, Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered her final Budget of the term — a document that pours billions into classrooms, hospitals and major transport links, while quietly tightening the screws on banks and high‑value charitable deductions. It is a Budget built to project discipline, signal momentum, and draw sharp political battle lines heading into election season. Willis arrived at the lock‑up with a grin, telling reporters she was “a little early — like the surplus”. Against earlier forecasts, the Government now expects to return to a $2.6 billion surplus by 2028‑29, using her…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Jewish witnesses testifying before an inquiry into antisemitism have faced a surge of online harassment and intimidation, the commission’s chair said on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. Virginia Bell, a former High Court judge leading the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, said multiple witnesses reported a sharp increase in hateful messages after giving evidence at public hearings that began ib May 4. “We have received reports from a number of witnesses concerning a dramatic increase in online hate messages after they have given evidence,” Bell said, condemning what she described as “undiluted” hatred targeting the Jewish community.…

By Sarah Mc Millan/cvnznews.com Marlborough District councillors have unanimously agreed to loan $110 million to Port Marlborough to finance the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project, clearing the way for long‑delayed upgrades to Picton’s ferry precinct. The decision follows a public consultation process that drew 73 submissions, with Mayor Nadine Taylor saying the message from the community was clear: the project is essential for Picton and Marlborough and needs to proceed without further delay. Under the proposal, Port Marlborough will repay the loan in full, including interest, and continue returning dividends to the council. Those dividends will be used to benefit ratepayers…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The suspect allegedly stole equipment of murdered Peter Meagher and pawned it a few days after the attack. A 35-year-old man in Australia has been charged with stealing camera equipment from one of the deceased victims of the Bondi Beach shooting attack in December, police stated on Thursday. Following investigations into the attack, “detectives identified that one of the victims—a 61-year-old retired police officer and photographer—had his camera equipment stolen in the aftermath of the attack,” the New South Wales Police Force said in a statement. Father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram opened fire on Dec.…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Being sexually abused is devastating enough. Now hundreds of survivors face a second injury: the loss of the counselling that helps them survive and rebuild. The Ministry of Social Development will end contracts with more than a dozen specialist sexual‑violence services in June, cutting about $1.7 million and redirecting the money into a prevention programme — a move providers say abandons people already harmed. Survivors and frontline agencies warn the change will force clinics to turn people away and leave no clear place to refer them. Alice*, a migrant who says she was abused overseas, told reporters…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Samaritan’s Purse is airlifting an Ebola Treatment Center and personal protective equipment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in response to the deadly Ebola outbreak. Disaster response specialists—including an outbreak specialist; infection, prevention and control specialist; and medical personnel—have recently deployed and more team members are on the way. The team’s initial focus will be to help establish effective infection, prevention, and control protocols for local mission hospitals and communities in the DRC as well as to coordinate with the Ministry of Health to establish an Ebola Treatment Center to be operated by Samaritan’s Purse.…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Six emergency rescue teams consisting of 345 personnel have since been sent to the scene, the Xinhua state news agency reported on Saturday. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged emergency responders to double down on rescue efforts after a gas explosion in a coal mine in northern China on Friday killed more than 80 people. The explosion occurred underground at around 7:30 pm at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, China’s Xinhua state news agency reported. The death toll rose rapidly on Saturday, with at least 82 people now reported to have died following the explosion,…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Days after an explicit pornographic video appeared on his X account, Hillsong founder Brian Houston has told supporters he does not watch pornography and believes someone with access to one of his devices deliberately posted the material. In a video message, Houston said he wanted to “speak personally” about the incident, calling the post “vile” and insisting, “I do not watch pornography — not online, not on social media, nowhere else.” He said more than five decades in ministry had shown him the damage pornography causes to individuals, marriages, and families, adding, “I detest it.” Houston said…

by Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren, has reportedly instructed its members to get rid of their pets, leaving followers across Australia and New Zealand distressed as they face choosing between their church and their animals. An investigation by The Age found that members have already begun surrendering pets following the directive. One New Zealand member posted online about being heartbroken at losing her kitten, with several church members telling The Age she was required to euthanise it to comply with the order. The instruction reportedly followed a dog attack last month involving…

A new University of Auckland study has laid bare how ultra‑processed food (UPF) companies design and market their products to keep people eating more, even when they know the foods are unhealthy. Researchers say the system is so effective that New Zealanders now consume roughly half their diet as UPFs — a pattern linked to rising rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com New Zealand’s science community is bracing for a bleak Budget, with senior researchers warning that the country’s research system is “buckling at the knees” just as the government prepares to push more schoolchildren into compulsory science learning. New Zealand Association of Scientists (NZAS) Co‑President Troy Baisden says the sector has been hit with “truckloads of bad news” in recent weeks, and confidence is collapsing across both public and private research. “The government keeps pointing to private‑sector R&D as if it’s booming,” he says. “But Stats NZ’s latest survey shows business spending has flatlined and R&D employment has…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com For months now, a Victorian parliamentary inquiry has been hearing some of the most disturbing testimony ever levelled at Australia’s high‑control religious groups. Survivors—many speaking publicly for the first time—have described childhoods marked by fear, coercion, and violence, and adulthoods shaped by the long shadow of psychological harm. The inquiry has received 286 public submissions, most from former members or their families. An ABC analysis of those submissions shows six groups repeatedly named: Jehovah’s Witnesses (46 submissions), Geelong Revival Centre (25), Shincheonji Church of Jesus (10), City Builders Church (6), Two by Twos (5), and the Church…

Image: Parafed Bay of Plenty board members Neil Cudby, Bryce McFall and Amanda Lowry, gearing up for the upcoming Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport. By Sarah Mc Millan/cvnznews.com The Healthvision Festival of Disability Sport is back in Tauranga this weekend. It’s one of the biggest disability sports events in New Zealand, showcasing the impact of adaptive sport. Parafed Bay of Plenty Chairman Bryce McFall says the idea for the festival began nearly a decade ago when he “woke up in the middle of the night” with a desire to bring disability sport into the spotlight. “I thought, let’s try and get it into the…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com. The small Pacific country Nauru is preparing for one of the most significant identity changes in its modern history, after parliament voted unanimously to restore the nation’s indigenous name, Naoero. The constitutional amendment — supported by all 16 MPs present — now heads to a national referendum, where citizens will decide whether the country formally reclaims the name used by its people long before foreign contact. President David Adeang first introduced the proposal in January, arguing that the internationally recognised name Nauru was never the island’s true name, but a colonial-era mispronunciation that stuck because outsiders struggled…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Kiwis who use mobile phones should be careful when scanning QR codes. Scammers are increasingly targeting phones through these codes. Cybersecurity firm Eset reported that its New Zealand customers experienced about 200,000 cyber attacks in the year ending March 2026, which averages to one attack every three minutes. Phishing is still the biggest threat, but attacks are now happening in more ways than just email. They can come through documents, PDFs, and QR codes too, which makes them trickier to spot. QR code-based scams, known as ‘quishing’, have only emerged at scale locally in the past six…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Health New Zealand says measles is now likely circulating in the Wellington region, after confirming a fourth case with no clear link to previously identified exposure sites. Public health officials say the development marks a shift from isolated cases to probable community transmission. The newest case, confirmed this week, is not connected to any of the earlier named locations of interest — a sign that the virus may be spreading undetected. Last week, authorities identified a third case linked to a person who dined at Mediterranean Foods Trattoria and Deli in Newtown on 19 April while infectious.…

by Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Daycares in Wales have been directed to report incidents of toddlers engaging in “racist” behaviors. The guidance was first issued in 2024 and has since been circulated by the National Day Nurseries Association, according to GB News. The Telegraph reports that taxpayer-funded provisions for nursery employees aim to cultivate “anti-racist” environments. Workers are encouraged to call authorities if a “racist incident” occurs that could be considered a hate crime. If the incident is not a hate crime, then they may offer “age-appropriate learning support opportunities for the perpetrator.” According to the guidance, staff are to conduct an “understanding audit”…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Age Concern Auckland says it is seeing a sharp rise in financially motivated elder abuse as the cost‑of‑living crisis deepens, with some families turning to their elderly relatives as an informal “bank of last resort”. Chief executive Kevin Lamb said referrals involving elder abuse had jumped 20–30 percent in the past year, and a growing share of cases were directly tied to financial stress inside households. Older New Zealanders, he said, are being hit with a “double whammy”: their own rising living costs, and the increasing vulnerability that comes when desperate family members see them as a…

By Sarah Mc Millan/cvnznews.com BestStart, a top early learning center in New Zealand, has been named the Most Trusted Brand in the Early Childhood Centre category for 2026. This is the sixth time BestStart has received this recognition from New Zealanders. Tony Ryall, BestStart Chief Executive, says, “To be trusted by kiwi families six years in a row is something we don’t take for granted. Around 20,000 children are cared for in our centres and it is a privilege to be part of their early learning journey. Our teachers work hand in hand with whānau to nurture each child and…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Australia’s federal royal commission investigating the conditions that led to the Bondi Beach massacre on Dec. 14 began taking testimonies on Monday in Sydney, revealing the unhealed wounds of the local Jewish community to the nation. “Antisemitism was allowed to come into the open,” said Sheina Gutnick, (pictured) whose father, Reuven Morrison, was killed in the Bondi attack, according to AFP. Gutnick referred to the shift in the country following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel’s northwestern Negev. “Now Bondi holds a really, really heavy weight in our community’s heart,” AFP quoted her as telling the members of…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The Government has announced $56.6 million in major school redevelopments, describing it as further good news for the education sector as part of its wider $2 billion investment in school infrastructure. Education Minister Erica Stanford and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say the funding will address long‑standing property issues and deliver warm, safe, modern classrooms for thousands of students. Stanford said the package will upgrade 52 teaching spaces across six schools, with work scheduled to begin within the next six months. “As Minister, I’m delighted that six schools will be receiving these major redevelopments, covering 52 teaching spaces…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Supporters of an upcoming exhibition of eucharistic miracles and the visit of a relic of one of the Church’s newest – and youngest – saints say they hope it will be a source of inspiration for Catholics of all ages. St Carlo Acutis, who was canonised last September, was an Italian teenager with a deep Catholic faith and a passion for spreading that faith using technology. Among his online projects was a website of eucharistic miracles, which he built before he died in 2006 at the age of 15. He has been dubbed by many “the patron…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Three‑time Paralympic gold medallist Anna Grimaldi has been selected for the New Zealand Team heading to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking her debut at the event and making her the first athletics athlete confirmed for the team. Grimaldi will contest the Women’s 100m T47, a classification included in the Commonwealth Games programme for the first time. She said the opportunity to finally compete at the Games was something she had long hoped for. “The Commonwealth Games has always been something I’ve wanted to experience. I’ve heard so much from other athletes and I’m really looking forward…

by Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The Electricity Authority has demanded answers from major power retailers after most companies pushed through price rises on April 1 that will leave the average household paying about 8% more for power this winter. Retail increases ranged from roughly 1% to 11%, the regulator says, and it has written to firms with more than 1% market share asking for a full breakdown of what is driving the hikes and whether more increases are likely. The Authority’s early assessment is that higher lines charges — the cost of transmission and distribution — explain around half to two‑thirds of…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The UN committee responsible for monitoring women’s rights has issued a firm clarification after confusion arose over its recent review of the Netherlands. The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) says its position has not changed: nations must protect girls from all forms of exploitation, abuse, and harmful practices, and any suggestion otherwise is incorrect. The clarification comes after the Committee released concluding observations on the Netherlands that included references to “sex work.” Some interpreted this wording as a softening of the UN’s stance on prostitution involving minors. CEDAW has now issued a formal…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com A gruelling 90-day, 1,367 kilometre endurance swim has helped ignite a nationwide movement to end bottom trawling, with tens of thousands of New Zealanders backing calls for stronger ocean protections. Swimmer Jono Ridler completed the unassisted journey as part of the Swim4TheOcean campaign led by Olympic sailor Blair Tuke and the Live Ocean foundation, drawing attention to the environmental damage caused by destructive fishing practices. The campaign has gathered more than 67,000 signatures, reflecting a surge in public concern about the impact of bottom trawling on marine ecosystems, particularly fragile seamount habitats. Organisers say the achievement goes…

New Zealand family doctors report that rising fuel costs are causing patients to miss appointments and have difficulty affording medications. They anticipate this problem could get worse soon due to increasing international tensions. The war in Iran is still causing global supply chain problems. Officials in the UK are worried they might run out of medicine in a few weeks. Health officials in New Zealand are concerned about similar problems. Adding to the uncertainty, US President Donald Trump has warned Iran to expect “hell fire” within the next 24 hours — a threat that has pushed global oil markets into…

By Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Food is one of those quiet assumptions in New Zealand life — something we believe will always be there. Prices rise, portions shrink, eggs cost more than they should, but the shelves remain stocked, and so we carry on. We trust that our growers, processors, and overseas suppliers will keep the system humming. But that assumption is beginning to crack. As our winter approaches — and as Australia, our largest food supplier, heads into another volatile season — a troubling convergence is forming. It is bigger than supermarket specials, bigger than inflation, and bigger than politics. It…

New Zealand’s fuel system is under fresh scrutiny after the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment published updated stock and shipping data on Monday, prompting political pressure and warnings from economists that diesel rationing planning may be needed if international disruptions persist. MBIE’s figures show national stocks remain within normal ranges but diesel has the tightest margin, leaving farming, freight and heavy industry most exposed if shipments are delayed. Officials say the data is a snapshot and that authorities are monitoring inbound shipments closely, but the narrow diesel buffer has already prompted calls for contingency planning. Te Pāti Māori and…

The Green Party is calling for an urgent select committee inquiry into the closure of Heinz Watties, Greggs, and McCain food processing facilities. Green Party spokesperson for agriculture Steve Abel, a Member of the Primary Production Select Committee, has written to the Committee expressing serious concern at the closure of long-standing food production facilities. “Understanding the extent of the impact and risks is a matter of urgency that the Primary Production Select Committee should open an inquiry into,” says Steve Abel. “The closures of Heinz Watties, Greggs, and McCain food manufacturing sites have implications for New Zealand’s food resilience and…

Auckland, please be aware that we’re expecting more rain and wind across the country, so stay safe and prepared. The Whangārei District Council and the Far North District Council have declared a State of Emergency for the next week for everyone’s safety. Please stay informed and take precautions. Here’s what Aucklanders need to know to stay safe amid the stormy weather. Auckland has received almost a month’s worth of rain in just one day. More heavy rain and strong winds are expected through Friday. An orange strong wind warning is in place for nine hours from 4pm today to 1am…

The New Zealand Healthcare Chaplains Association (NZHCA) is marking a remarkable milestone—60 years of dedicated service supporting spiritual care across the nation’s healthcare system. Since 1966, NZHCA has stood alongside patients, families, and healthcare staff during some of life’s most vulnerable and hope‑filled moments. Their chaplains offer compassionate presence and spiritual support to people of every faith background—and to those with none—helping ensure that care in our hospitals is truly holistic. President Wyatt Butcher says the anniversary is a moment to honour the organisation’s shared history, give thanks for those who have shaped its journey, and look ahead with fresh…

From the Editors desk There are many questions buzzing in New Zealand at the moment about what really is at stake for New Zealand going forward. Here at cvnznews.com our small team sat down and workshopped some of the points of interest and then researched some answers, hopefully the following will help you understand, as a country and as individuals, what is exactly happening. We haven’t all the answers, but this is a good start. 1. Where New Zealand actually stands on the conflict The joint statement and “readiness to contribute” So yes—New Zealand has signed up to language that…

ACT Party Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden has announced she will not seek re‑election at this year’s general election, saying she plans to explore opportunities in the private sector while completing her current term. Van Velden, the MP for Tāmaki and Minister of Internal Affairs and for Workplace Relations and Safety, confirmed she will continue to serve constituents and fulfil her ministerial duties until the election in November. “At the election this year, I will have spent nine years in public service; first working with David Seymour to help secure the passage of the End of Life Choice Act through…

A decision made behind the historic walls of Britain’s Parliament has sent shockwaves far beyond London–and for many, it feels like a line has been crossed that cannot easily be uncrossed. Last week, the House of Lords advanced legislation that pro-life leaders are calling not just controversial, but catastrophic. What has unfolded is not a minor policy shift. It is, in their view, a moral earthquake–one that strikes at the very foundation of how a society defines life, dignity, and justice. At the center of the storm is Clause 208 of the Crime and Policing Bill, a provision that states…

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners have launched a joint campaign to attract more international general practitioners to Aotearoa, aiming to shore up GP numbers across urban and rural communities. The partnership is designed to make it easier for overseas doctors to understand the roles, pathways and support available to become practising GPs in New Zealand. A new suite of resources and video testimonials, released today, offers practical insights into day‑to‑day clinical work, workforce pathways and lifestyle opportunities from major centres to remote parts of the motu. College President Dr…

The Government has opened the door for a new future at the historic Chateau Tongariro, calling for proposals from experienced operators to restore and run the iconic landmark in Tongariro National Park. The Request for Proposals (RFP), announced by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, opens on 18 March 2026 and invites bids that respect both the building’s heritage and the cultural significance of the surrounding landscape. The Chateau, built in 1929, has long been one of New Zealand’s most recognisable alpine hotels — a grand, isolated structure set against the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. For decades it hosted…

War is disrupting the education of at least 52 million children in the Middle East and nearby countries, says Save the Children. The organization reports that fighting has disrupted the education of millions of children. They have had to quit school, switch to online classes, or deal with constant disruptions because of damaged buildings, unsafe conditions, and people being forced to move. Violence in the region is disrupting schools in multiple countries. Some schools are damaged, ruined, or being used as shelters for people who have been forced to leave their homes. Because of airstrikes, military activity, and people moving…