Wednesday 27 November 2024
18 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Reserve Bank cuts official cash rate to 4.25 per cent
The Reserve Bank has reduced the official cash rate by 50 basis points in its final review of 2024. This brings the rate to 4.25 per cent, with major banks already moving to lower home loan rates. The next monetary policy review is scheduled for February 2025.
3 outlets · Former National Party minister Nikki Kaye has died
Former National MP Nikki Kaye died on Saturday at the age of 44. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, she had recently participated in a podcast interview on Great Barrier Island. Tributes have been paid to her by people across the political spectrum.
3 outlets · First new charter school to open in Christchurch in 2025
Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki will open in Christchurch early next year for year one to eight students with learning difficulties or disengagement. Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the school, which follows an Australian model. Some critics have described the application approval process as unfair.
3 outlets · Black Caps prepare for England series after historic win in India
New Zealand will face England in a Test series opener at Christchurch's Hagley Oval this Thursday. Following a 3-0 series sweep against India, captain Tom Latham has announced his team, including debutant Nathan Smith. England captain Ben Stokes has praised the Black Caps' recent achievements in India.
3 outlets · Kiwibank fined $1.5m for breaching the Fair Trading Act
Kiwibank has been fined $1.5 million in the Auckland District Court after pleading guilty to 21 criminal charges. The breaches resulted in approximately 35,000 customers being overcharged a total of $6.8 million through systemic and long-running misleading representations.
3 outlets · Banks reduce mortgage rates following Reserve Bank cash rate cut
Retail banks have lowered home loan rates after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand reduced the official cash rate from 4.75% to 4.25%. Kiwibank announced it will decrease its rates by 0.5%, with changes applying to new loans from next Monday and existing lending from 16 December.
3 outlets · Police monitor Mongrel Mob funeral in Tauranga with heavy presence
Police deployed extra staff to Western Bay of Plenty to monitor the funeral of a prominent Mongrel Mob member. The operation resulted in fourteen arrests and the seizure of two firearms and a vehicle. Some gang members criticised the heavy police presence during the event.
2 outlets · Immigration New Zealand declines visa for US commentator Candace Owens
Immigration New Zealand has rejected an Entertainers Work Visa application from American political commentator Candace Owens. The decision follows her recent ban from Australia and comes ahead of a planned speaking engagement in Auckland.
2 outlets · Elevated arsenic levels found in Auckland and Waikato water supplies
Elevated arsenic levels have been detected in water supplies sourced from the Waikato River. Watercare reported a level of 0.011 milligrams per litre in a recent sample. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has been briefed, and officials state the water remains safe to drink.
2 outlets · One dead and 13 injured in Waikato vehicle crash
A person died and 13 others were injured after two cars and a bus collided on State Highway 1 near Tirau on Wednesday. Fire and Emergency New Zealand assisted in extracting people from the vehicles. The injured were transported by road and air to various hospitals.
2 outlets · Auckland alcohol outlets to face stricter trading hours from December
Starting 9 December, Auckland supermarkets and bottle shops will be prohibited from selling alcohol after 9pm. This change represents the final phase of the Auckland Council's new Local Alcohol Policy, which introduces shorter trading hours for off-licence outlets across the city.
2 outlets · Man charged with murder of Blenheim woman Phyllis Sheehan
Police have launched a homicide investigation after 78-year-old Phyllis Sheehan was found dead at a Muller Road property on Monday. A 55-year-old man has been charged with her murder and remanded in custody. He is due to appear in the High Court at Wellington.
2 outlets · Immigration New Zealand assessing YouTuber IShowSpeed's visa compliance
Immigration New Zealand is investigating whether American YouTuber IShowSpeed breached his visitor visa while touring the country. Authorities are assessing his compliance after questions were raised regarding the monetisation of his livestreams. The YouTuber, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, has a following of 33 million subscribers.
2 outlets · Former Ports of Auckland chief executive found guilty in workplace death case
Tony Gibson has been found guilty of breaching health and safety duties following the 2020 death of worker Pala’amo Kalati. The incident occurred when a container fell while loading a ship at the port. Gibson was charged with failing to comply with regulations that protect workers from serious injury or death.
2 outlets · Government to invest $82 million in Māori housing partnership
The Government is investing $82 million to help 12 Māori housing providers build 198 rent-capped homes. These affordable rentals will have rents capped at 80% of local market rates. Construction is expected to start within a year, with several projects located in priority areas including Northland and the Bay of Plenty.
2 outlets · Man arrested after allegedly pulling imitation firearm during vehicle sale
A man has been arrested after allegedly pulling an imitation firearm during a Facebook Marketplace transaction in Takanini, Auckland. The incident occurred at a petrol station on Tuesday night after a disagreement arose between two men regarding the sale price of a vehicle.
2 outlets · Up to 1500 Health NZ roles face potential cuts
Te Whatu Ora is proposing to cut approximately 1500 roles as part of a restructure. Affected areas include the public health service, Hauora Māori, Pacific health, and data and digital teams. While around 700 of the affected positions are currently vacant, staff face significant uncertainty due to budget reductions.
2 outlets · Kmart New Zealand revenue nears $1 billion mark
Kmart New Zealand's annual revenue reached approximately $999.5 million for the year ending June 2024. This represents an 8% increase from the previous year. The growth comes as the retailer faces a soft retail environment and competition from online businesses.
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