Author: Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Hundreds of home support workers say rising fuel costs are making it increasingly difficult to care for some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable people, with many now missing shifts, dropping clients, or considering leaving the sector altogether. A joint survey by unions PSA and E tū of 921 home support workers paints a troubling picture of a workforce struggling to absorb the cost of travelling between clients while waiting for an overdue review of mileage allowances. According to the survey, 36 percent of respondents said they had been unable to attend scheduled shifts in the past six months…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com If you’re planning a Coromandel beach holiday with your four-legged friend this summer, check the signs before heading onto the sand. New summer dog restrictions are now in force across some of the Coromandel’s most popular beaches, with visitors risking fines if they fail to follow the rules. The Thames-Coromandel District Council has reintroduced seasonal controls at beaches including Whangamatā, Hāhei, Buffalo Beach and Matarangi. Some areas that previously allowed dogs to roam freely will now require them to be kept on a lead, while others will have outright bans during peak periods. The restrictions began over Labour…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has filed a charge against Westpac New Zealand Limited, alleging the bank failed to meet disclosure requirements under the country’s Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS). The allegation relates to Westpac’s Custodian PIE product, which the Reserve Bank says was missing from the bank’s DCS webpage for approximately 109 days between 5 December 2025 and 24 March 2026. Under the Deposit Takers Act 2023, banks and other deposit takers are required to provide clear, accurate and up-to-date information about products covered by the Depositor Compensation Scheme, which protects eligible deposits if a licensed…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com A major fire at a power facility in Auckland’s industrial suburb of Penrose has sent thick black smoke billowing across the city and caused widespread power outages. Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were called to the blaze on McNab Street shortly after 3.20pm on Thursday, with multiple fire appliances responding as flames threatened nearby buildings. Authorities confirmed the fire was at a Vector facility in Penrose. Witnesses reported seeing large plumes of smoke visible from several kilometres away, with some Aucklanders on the North Shore able to see the smoke cloud rising above the city skyline. Firefighters…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Politicians Want Rural Votes But Won’t Talk About The Health Crisis Facing Nearly A Million Kiwis The findings have renewed pressure on political parties to explain how they would tackle mounting healthcare challenges in rural communities. Hauora Taiwhenua has previously called on all parties to commit to six priorities, including growing the rural health workforce, improving funding for rural practices, strengthening training pathways, harnessing digital technology, and ensuring rural communities have a stronger voice in health policy. National has highlighted its broader healthcare investments during the election campaign, arguing that workforce shortages are a nationwide challenge and pointing…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.comNew Zealanders hoping spring would finally deliver a run of settled weather may need to keep their umbrellas close at hand, with forecasters warning of heavy rain on the West Coast and unsettled conditions spreading across much of the country. MetService has issued a 30-hour Heavy Rain Watch for the ranges of the Westland District, beginning at 9am Tuesday and continuing until 3pm Wednesday. Forecasters say periods of intense rain could bring hourly falls of between 10mm and 15mm at times, with total accumulations potentially approaching warning thresholds. There remains a moderate chance the watch could be upgraded to…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Church finally names predator and apologises to survivors it failed to protect The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand has publicly identified another former minister who sexually abused children during decades of ministry and is appealing for additional survivors to come forward. The church says it is currently working with three victims of the late Rev David Wentworth Pimm, who died in 2014, but believes there may be others who suffered abuse during his more than 40 years of service. Assembly Executive Secretary Erin Pendreigh said the church was deeply sorry for the harm caused by Pimm and…

Sarah McMillan /cvnznews.com A newly discovered cyber vulnerability has sparked fears that New Zealand business websites could already be helping criminals operate online without their owners even knowing it. Cybersecurity experts warn hackers may be able to hijack ordinary Kiwi websites and use them to host illegal content, run scams, launch attacks on other organisations, or support dark web activity, all while the legitimate business remains completely unaware. Auckland cybersecurity specialist Daniel Watson is warning business owners not to assume their websites are too small or too simple to attract criminal attention. “Most small businesses have what we call a…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com A quarter-tonne of cocaine worth $80 million. Sixty-seven illegal firearms. Thousands of gun parts. A suspected pipe bomb. Those were among the discoveries uncovered in two major law enforcement operations that have dealt a significant blow to organised crime networks operating in New Zealand. Read More: In one of the country’s largest recent drug interceptions, Police and Customs seized 250 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a shipping container arriving from Brazil, preventing what authorities say would have caused more than $90 million in social harm. The massive haul was uncovered as part of Operation Toucan, a joint investigation…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster has released the second and final report into the December 2025 cyber breach involving the Manage My Health (MMH) patient portal, warning that the incident should serve as a major wake-up call for organisations handling personal information. Webster said the breach highlighted the importance of understanding what information agencies collect, why they collect it, how it is stored, and how they respond when things go wrong. “It is going to be a lot more stressful for your customers and your staff if you have to create your crisis management playbook as you respond to…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The government’s $1.7 billion Interislander replacement project has hit its spending limit, forcing officials to strip out a range of planned upgrades, including measures aimed at improving safety, sustainability and long-term value for money. Documents released by Ferry Holdings show the project exceeded the funding envelope set by Cabinet earlier this year, triggering a push to deliver only the “minimum viable” version of the programme while keeping taxpayer funding within budget. The latest figures reveal the cost of two new ferries, port upgrades and associated infrastructure is now relying on every dollar of the government’s $1.704 billion commitment,…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.om A routine inspection at a South Auckland facility has led to the seizure of 137 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $40 million on New Zealand streets. Police were called to the facility on Tuesday morning after staff became suspicious of several bags inside a shipping container and alerted authorities. Detective Inspector Karen Bright of Counties Manukau CIB said officers who attended the scene discovered 137 individual bricks of cocaine concealed within the bags. The shipment, weighing a total of 137kg, is believed to represent approximately 1.37 million doses of the Class A drug. “This is a significant…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The Reserve Bank has left the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 2.75%, defying widespread expectations of a rate hike less than two weeks before Election Day. The decision came despite rising global oil prices and forecasts that annual inflation could climb to 4.4% by the end of the year. National leader Christopher Luxon said the hold was a reminder of “how much is at stake” at the election, arguing disciplined government spending had helped ease inflation pressures. Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis said the Reserve Bank had recognised inflation was not spreading through the economy as strongly as…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Teddy Bear Bureaucracy: When the State Declares War on Stuffed Animals There are stories that make you angry. There are stories that make you laugh. And then there are stories so magnificently ridiculous that they deserve to be framed and hung in a government office as a warning of what happens when bureaucracy finally disappears up its own clipboard. Welcome to modern Britain, where a council officer reportedly arrived at a family’s rural property to investigate a 12-year-old girl’s pretend teddy bear café. Not a real café. Not a commercial enterprise. Not a tax evasion scheme operating from…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Breast Cancer Foundation NZ says women need clear commitments from political parties on funding additional screening for those at higher risk, after both major party leaders acknowledged during a televised debate that they were unfamiliar with the challenges dense breast tissue presents for mammogram screening Political parties are facing growing pressure to improve breast cancer screening after advocates revealed that four of seven major parties have not said whether they would support funding additional screening for women at higher risk. The issue gained national attention during the New Zealand Herald leaders’ debate on October 14, when both Prime…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com As political parties trade promises on education, economic policy and law and order, one issue appears to have been pushed to the margins of the election campaign: New Zealand’s longstanding child abuse crisis. Family for Every Child says child maltreatment and child poverty have received little meaningful attention from major parties, despite the devastating impact both have on children’s health, wellbeing and future life outcomes. The organisation has expressed concern that National’s newly released “Plan for Kiwi Kids” focuses heavily on education initiatives and reducing cellphone use in schools, while offering no specific measures to tackle child maltreatment…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com As thousands of New Zealanders prepare to head out on the water this summer, Maritime New Zealand is reminding boaties that wearing a lifejacket is only half the safety equation. It also needs to be fit for purpose. The message comes as the 13th annual Safer Boating Week gets underway from October 19 to 25, with this year’s theme: “If your lifejacket’s not fit for purpose, it might as well be painted on.” The campaign follows recent rule changes requiring everyone on recreational craft six metres or less to wear a lifejacket. While the law now makes wearing…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com New Zealand’s inflation figures are due this week, and economists are hoping for some relief. But while the September quarter may show a slight improvement, rising fuel costs are raising concerns about what lies ahead. Kiwi Economics expects annual inflation to come in at around 4% for the September quarter, only slightly lower than the previous quarter. A result closer to 3.8% would be welcomed, but economists remain cautious. The key issue is where inflation is coming from. Analysts will be watching whether price pressures are being driven by imported costs, such as fuel, or by domestic factors…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Labour’s proposal to ban social media for under-16s has ignited debate across the political spectrum, with all major parties agreeing online harms are a serious issue but sharply divided on how far the Government should go to address them. Labour has pledged to introduce restrictions aimed at preventing children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, arguing stronger protections are needed to shield young people from harmful content, online exploitation, cyberbullying and addictive digital environments. The party says parents should not be left to fight powerful technology companies alone and has proposed placing greater legal responsibility on social…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Summer Rail Closure Means Bumpy Ride Ahead for Wairarapa Commuters Wairarapa commuters are being warned to prepare for a month of buses, disruptions and, according to one regional councillor, potentially “vomit-inducing” journeys over the Remutaka Hill this summer. The Wairarapa rail line will close from December 26 until January 26 while KiwiRail undertakes a major programme of upgrades aimed at improving reliability and preparing the network for the arrival of new Tūhono trains later this decade. For passengers, however, the immediate reality will be far less glamorous. Train services will be replaced by buses for much of the…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Online shopping scams declined in September, but Netsafe is warning New Zealanders not to become complacent as spending is expected to surge in the lead-up to Black Friday and Christmas. Netsafe received 292 reports of online shopping scams in September, with reported losses totalling $58,300. That compares with 337 reports and $146,800 in reported losses during August. The drop comes as many households continue to feel financial pressure from higher living costs, including power bills, fuel prices, and groceries. Retail spending typically softens during the winter months before increasing as shoppers prepare for Christmas. Netsafe says now is…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com But voters still want rates kept under control as pressure grows on local government For all the complaining about potholes, rates bills and never-ending roadworks, it turns out New Zealanders trust their local council far more than they trust central government. A new poll released as more than 600 local government leaders gather in Rotorua for the annual SuperLocal conference has delivered a surprising result: 54 percent of New Zealanders trust their local council to make decisions for their community, compared with just 24 percent who trust central government. That means councils enjoy more than double the trust…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Christchurch could soon become home to New Zealand’s second Costco warehouse, with a major retail and fuel station development accepted into the Government’s fast-track approvals process. Plans for Christchurch’s first Costco store have moved a step closer to reality after the Government accepted the proposed development into its fast-track approvals process. The project would see the international wholesale retailer establish a major new site on 17.68 hectares of vacant land near Christchurch Airport, bounded by Memorial Avenue, Avonhead Road and Russley Road (State Highway 1). Current plans include a 16,090sqm Costco warehouse featuring a retail area, food court…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com With Christmas now just over 10 weeks away, New Zealand retailers are already preparing for their busiest trading period of the year, and job seekers are being urged to get organised now rather than waiting until the festive rush begins. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says many businesses will soon be recruiting extra staff to help manage increased customer demand. “Many retailers will need additional staff over Christmas so now is the time for both businesses and potential employees to get ready,” Young says. She says retailers who hire early are better positioned to train staff and…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Speculation is growing that retail giant Costco could one day set its sights on Wellington, with some residents suggesting Johnsonville Mall as a possible location if the company expands beyond Auckland. While there is no official indication that Costco is planning a Wellington store, the discussion has sparked considerable interest online, with many Wellingtonians enthusiastic about the prospect of greater supermarket competition and lower prices. The idea comes as Johnsonville Mall continues to await long-promised redevelopment. Owned by Stride Property Group, the site has seen multiple development proposals over the years, but progress has been slow, leaving many…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com ACT is claiming a political win after Labour backed a proposal aimed at reducing the cost of school uniforms for Kiwi families. The party says its plan would limit state schools to three compulsory branded uniform items, allowing parents to purchase everyday clothing such as shorts, trousers, skirts and socks from mainstream retailers instead of being forced to buy higher-priced branded alternatives. ACT Education spokesperson Laura McClure said the issue has become a significant cost burden for many families, particularly during a period of ongoing financial pressure. “Last year, 38,000 WINZ hardship loans worth $11 million were issued…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The Green Party has unveiled a new policy to regulate artificial intelligence, arguing New Zealand needs stronger safeguards before AI becomes more deeply embedded in workplaces, government services and everyday life. Announcing the policy, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said AI should serve people rather than large technology companies. “Artificial Intelligence should work for people and the planet. We don’t work for AI,” Swarbrick said. The Greens say regulation would ensure AI does not replace human decision-making, protects New Zealand’s data sovereignty, operates within environmental limits, shares benefits broadly across society and remains transparent and accountable. The proposal…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.co The Commerce Commission’s decision to take PD Mart to court sends a message that should have been obvious from the start: if you’re selling products in New Zealand, especially products for children, safety standards are not optional. According to the allegations, officials repeatedly discovered non-compliant goods in PD Mart stores over an extended period, including children’s toys, baby walkers and car seats. That wasn’t a one-off mistake. The Commission says the problems continued across multiple inspections, raising serious questions about the retailer’s systems and commitment to consumer safety. Parents shopping for bargains have every right to assume that…

Crown says deadly failures contributed to Wellington’s worst boarding house tragedy, while defence argues the true culprit was the convicted arsonist who lit the fatal fire. Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The long-awaited trial over the deadly 2023 Loafers Lodge fire has begun in the High Court at Wellington, with four people facing manslaughter charges over the operation and maintenance of the boarding house where five residents lost their lives. The eight-week trial centres on the devastating fire deliberately lit by arsonist Esarona Lologa on May 16, 2023. Nearly 100 residents were inside the Adelaide Road accommodation block when flames rapidly spread through…

Councillors warn of “nasty decisions” ahead as Wellington City Council searches for millions in savings to keep future rates increases under a proposed government cap. Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Wellington residents could see New Year’s Eve fireworks cancelled, museum funding reduced and school swimming subsidies scrapped as the city council looks for $60 million in savings. Deputy Mayor Ben McNulty has warned councillors that difficult choices lie ahead as the council prepares for the Government’s proposed four percent rates cap, expected to take effect from 2029. “We can’t do everything that we’re continuing to do, and have affordable rates,” McNulty told councillors.…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com A 36-year-old woman who jumped into the Ōtara River near Ōpōtiki while fleeing police has been found dead, bringing a tragic end to a major search operation. Police confirmed the woman’s body was recovered on Tuesday afternoon near Moutohorā (Whale Island), north of Whakatāne, after it was discovered in the water by a member of the public. Inspector Phil Gillbanks said the woman had been formally identified as the person who entered the river early Sunday morning after fleeing from police alongside a 33-year-old man. Her death will be referred to the Coroner. “Police would like to thank…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com New Zealand is celebrating with one of its most beloved sporting champions after Olympic legend Dame Lisa Carrington announced the arrival of her first child, a beautiful baby girl. The 37-year-old kayaking superstar shared the joyous news on social media, posting a touching video accompanied by Six60’s Rivers. Alongside the video, Carrington wrote the simple but heartfelt words: “Our beautiful baby girl is here. We are completely in love.” For a nation that has cheered Dame Lisa through some of its greatest sporting moments, this latest milestone feels especially significant. Known for her humility, determination, and quiet excellence,…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Australian security and law enforcement agencies are investigating possible Victorian connections to the FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attempting a terrorist attack aboard a passenger jet bound for Israel. The investigation follows a shocking mid-air incident aboard FlyDubai Flight FZ1073, where co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, allegedly attacked the aircraft’s captain with a crash axe while the Boeing 737 was carrying 174 passengers and crew. The incident has attracted attention in New Zealand because reports have previously linked al-Hammami to pilot training in Hamilton, highlighting a Kiwi connection to a story that has become an international security concern.…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com While most retired rugby players are content to watch from the sidelines, Richie McCaw continues to seek out challenges that push the limits of human endurance. The former All Blacks captain has swapped test matches for mountain trails, kayaks and navigation maps as he helps shape the next edition of the One NZ Godzone expedition race, set to take place in the spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook and Mackenzie Country region from February 25 to March 5. McCaw is now a lead trustee of the Pure Adventure Charitable Trust, which oversees the iconic multi-day endurance event. Having competed in…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Update Friday October 2 17:00 Police say the three people who were found dead in a South Auckland home were related. Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray said police were supporting the family while investigators worked to establish what happened. “I also want to pass on our condolences to the family at the centre of this incident. I know the family at this time will be reeling at the loss of three family members. Police are working with the family to ensure that they have the necessary support wrapped around them,” Gray said in a video posted…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com The Salvation Army has thrown down a challenge to political parties contesting this year’s election: New Zealand’s biggest social problems are well known, but where will the money come from to fix them? The call comes on the same day Treasury’s Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update (PREFU) delivered better-than-expected news on the Government’s finances, forecasting an earlier return to surplus and lower debt levels than previously anticipated. While the improved outlook may provide some additional breathing room for future governments, Treasury also warned that long-term pressures from an ageing population, rising healthcare costs and growing superannuation commitments remain…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com New Zealand’s Ambassador to Nepal says it may take time before definitive answers emerge about the fate of five New Zealanders still missing after catastrophic flash flooding devastated parts of the Himalayan nation. Speaking with Stuff reporter Lisette Reymer, Ambassador Patrick Rata said New Zealand officials were working closely with Nepalese authorities to establish what had happened to the missing Kiwis and to ensure any verified information reached families as quickly as possible. “We are doing everything we can to engage the authorities so that when we have information that could be relevant, that we get that information,…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com Just when motorists thought they might be getting a break, petrol prices are climbing again, and economists warn the pressure may not ease anytime soon. According to Kiwibank economists, New Zealand is being squeezed by a combination of rising global oil prices, a weaker Kiwi dollar and higher international interest rates, creating a costly mix for households already battling living expenses. The bank says the latest fuel surge is being driven by elevated refined fuel prices in Singapore, a key benchmark for New Zealand’s imported fuel supplies. The result is likely to be felt at service stations across…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com A popular Auckland bar, restaurant and live music venue has gone into liquidation after struggling under the weight of rising costs and financial pressures. East Street Hall, located just off Karangahape Road on East St, was originally a Samoan church before being transformed into a unique hospitality and entertainment venue in 2020. The site became known for its blend of dining, nightlife and live performances, attracting a loyal following in Auckland’s central city. According to the Companies Register, chartered accountant Victoria Toon has been appointed liquidator of Lithique Limited, the company trading as East Street Hall. Creditors have…

Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com As Pope Leo XIV urges the Catholic Church to confront its history of clergy sexual abuse with humility, truth and accountability, his message is finding particular resonance in New Zealand, where survivors say the battle for justice is still not over. Speaking during a Mass in Lourdes, France, the Pope acknowledged the deep wounds caused by abuse within the Church and called on Catholic leaders to continue pursuing truth and reform. Read More: ‘Take It On The Chin’: How Clerical Language In New Zealand Can Reframe Institutional Abuse – cvnznews.com Catholic Church Faces Escalating Pressure Over Abuse Accountability…