Budget 2025 introduces KiwiSaver changes and business tax relief
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced Budget 2025, which includes increasing default KiwiSaver contribution rates to 4%. The government will halve its own contributions and introduce means testing, including a cap for those earning over $180,000. The changes, which take effect in July, also extend contributions to employed 16 and 17-year-olds.
+26 outlets · Government reallocates savings from pay equity and KiwiSaver reforms
The Government will use savings from pay equity and KiwiSaver changes to fund business tax incentives, health, and education. Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the Budget 2025 measures, which include means-testing Best Start payments and reducing government KiwiSaver contributions.
+26 outlets · Fourth person charged in Gulf Harbour homicide investigation
A 64-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping and manslaughter in relation to the death of Shulai Wang. Her body was found in a rubbish bag in Gulf Harbour in March 2024. The man has appeared in the North Shore District Court and pleaded not guilty.
+15 outlets · Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers 2025 Budget to Parliament
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has unveiled a fiscally conservative Budget featuring $6.8 billion in new capital investment. While the government aims to return the country to a surplus, the opposition has criticised the measures as austerity and cuts. The Budget includes approximately $5.3 billion in annual savings over the next four years.
+15 outlets · Government to income-test parents of 18 and 19-year-old benefit claimants
From July 2027, the Government plans to introduce a parental assistance test for 18 and 19-year-olds seeking Jobseeker or emergency benefits. This policy aims to determine if parents can reasonably be expected to support their children financially. The specific income threshold for parents has not yet been decided.
+15 outlets · Major changes announced in Budget 2025
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has released the 2025 Budget, which includes a $6.6 billion tax change intended to stimulate economic growth. The Budget features KiwiSaver adjustments, such as halving government contributions, and will result in an effective marginal tax rate increase for approximately 180,000 families.
4 outlets · Budget 2025 includes funding boost for student learning support
The Government has allocated $646 million for learning support in Budget 2025 to assist students with complex needs. This investment aims to fund more specialists and bespoke classrooms, though some reports note the increase is offset by cuts to existing programmes.
+26 outlets · Northland man charged with murder of Parakao resident
A 26-year-old Northland man has been charged with the murder of 55-year-old Geoffrey Ware. Mr Ware was found unresponsive at his rural property in Parakao on 9 May. Police are continuing to seek information regarding a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200.
4 outlets · Reactions follow Budget 2025 announcements and spending changes
The National-led government has announced a budget that redirects $5.3 billion in annual savings toward health, education, law and order, and defence. Labour claims the funding comes from changes to pay equity rules, while protesters gathered at Parliament to express anger over the policy shifts.
3 outlets · Two men injured during Run It Straight event in Auckland
Two men were knocked out after colliding at full speed during a Run It Straight competition in Auckland on Wednesday. One individual was helped away on his feet, while another slumped to the ground and reportedly suffered a seizure. Organisers failed to secure permits for two similar events in Māngere and Mt Albert.
4 outlets · Removal of train carriages seen as opportunity for Taumarunui
The final Auckland Transport commuter train carriage has been removed from the Taumarunui rail yards. Ruapehu District Council Mayor Weston Kirton says the removal of the derelict carriages provides a turning point for future economic development in the area.
3 outlets · Commercial building extensively damaged in Cromwell fire
Firefighters battled a well-involved blaze at a commercial building in Cromwell on Thursday evening. Crews were called to the intersection of McNulty Road and Barry Avenue around 6.15pm and required assistance from neighbouring towns. Although initial reports suggested people were trapped inside, the building has since been cleared.
3 outlets · Singapore Airlines to increase Christchurch flights this summer
Singapore Airlines will add 46 return flights between Christchurch and Singapore from 24 November 2025 to 12 February 2026. This increase provides up to 23,000 extra seats to meet demand from international visitors and South Island travellers during the peak summer season.
3 outlets · Student hospitalised after assault at rural Canterbury school
A student was taken to Christchurch Hospital in moderate condition after being assaulted by another pupil at Oxford Area School on Wednesday afternoon. Police and paramedics attended the scene at approximately 2pm. The school principal is currently supporting the injured student.
3 outlets · Police seek help to find missing 14-year-old girl in Auckland
Police are asking for public assistance to locate Marilyn, a 14-year-old girl missing from Ponsonby since Sunday, 18 May. She is described as being approximately 175cm tall with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities and her family are concerned for her welfare.
3 outlets · Napier fisherman to bypass new beach barriers despite potential fines
Steve Dean plans to drive a longer route to his fishing spot after Napier City Council installed wooden barriers along Marine Parade. The barriers were erected to protect grass and trees, but were recently vandalised, resulting in the destruction of 38 pōhutukawa trees.
4 outlets · RNZ to face $18 million funding cut in Budget 2025
Media Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced an $18 million reduction in RNZ funding over the next four years. This represents an annual decrease of approximately $4.6 million, or 7% of the broadcaster's $67 million operating budget. The government has challenged the broadcaster to improve its reach and trust.
3 outlets · Budget 2025 to allow 12-month medicine prescriptions
New Zealanders will soon be able to obtain 12-month prescriptions for certain medicines, such as asthma inhalers and insulin. This change, announced in the Budget, replaces the current three-month limit and could save patients up to $105 annually in GP fees.
+15 outlets · Government reveals spending plans in Budget 2025
The Government has unveiled its Budget 2025, detailing new spending, savings, and cuts. Finance Minister Nicola Willis described the release as a 'No BS Budget'. The announcement occurred at 2pm today.
3 outlets · One person seriously injured in suspicious Nelson house fire
A person was seriously injured after a house caught fire on Konini St in Nelson South on Wednesday night. Fire and Emergency NZ reported that the property had no working smoke alarms. Police are currently investigating the blaze as a suspicious fire.
3 outlets · Homicide investigation launched after man dies at Far North property
Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man died from critical injuries at a Waikerikeri Road property in Horeke. The incident began on Wednesday evening after a man arrived at the Kaikohe Police Station. This marks at least the eighth homicide in the Northland region this year.
3 outlets · Police investigate unexplained death of three-year-old girl in Kaikohe
Northland police are investigating the unexplained death of a three-year-old girl in Kaikohe. Emergency services were called to a Tawanui Road property around 6.15pm on Wednesday. The child was unresponsive and died at the scene despite medical treatment.
3 outlets · RNZ blocked from reporting on confidential education pre-Budget report
The High Court has granted the Attorney-General an emergency injunction to prevent RNZ from publishing details of a secret education report. The gag order follows RNZ seeking comment on a document titled 'Report: Budget 25 Initiative Themes'. The injunction aims to protect the government's ability to participate in collective bargaining.
3 outlets · Government to reveal Budget 2025 and pay equity savings today
Finance Minister Nicola Willis will unveil Budget 2025 at 2pm today. The announcement is expected to include the exact amount saved through changes to pay equity laws. Key focuses for the Budget include economic growth, KiwiSaver, and the foreign buyer ban.
3 outlets · First home buyers account for 27 per cent of property sales
First home buyers remain the most active group in the New Zealand property market, representing 27 per cent of April sales. Data from Cotality suggests the market is showing signs of recovery due to more housing options and lower prices.
3 outlets · Budget 2025 allocates funding for Māori education and learning support
The 2025 Budget includes $54 million in operational funding and $50 million in capital funding to support Māori learners. While spending on teaching and learning is increasing, annual growth in overall education spending is being slowed as previous school building investments conclude.
2 outlets · Queenstown woman couch surfing due to social housing waitlist
Hine Taylor has been couch surfing for over five months while waiting for social housing in Queenstown. She reported being told that no emergency homes were available. Taylor estimated she knows approximately 10 other people in the area sleeping in cars, on the street, or couch-surfing.
4 outlets · Jobseeker describes struggle after applying for 500 roles in a year
Allister Benson has applied for up to 500 jobs in the last 12 months following three redundancies in two years. The former tech sales professional says the current job market is tough and has had to broaden his search across multiple industries.
4 outlets · Christchurch rail contractors avoid train after incorrect all clear signal
Contractors working on a Christchurch rail line avoided being struck by an oncoming train after being wrongly authorised to work on the track. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission found a distracted trainee rail protection officer had given the incorrect signal. Workers managed to exit the track after hearing level crossing bells.
+15 outlets · Gisborne residents overwhelmingly favour local control of water services
A consultation found that 90% of submitters want water services kept under council control. This model may involve ring-fenced funding and could result in average household rate increases of $100 per year.
2 outlets · Iwi initiative addresses school attendance in Whanganui and South Rangitīkei
Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa worked with schools and health providers to address low attendance in 2024. The initiative closed 494 cases, with more than half of those children successfully re-engaging with school or alternative education.
4 outlets · Tanya Carlson to close Ponsonby flagship store in June
Fashion designer Tanya Carlson has announced her Ponsonby retail space will close on 8 June. The brand is shutting the Auckland location after 21 years to evolve alongside shifts in the retail industry.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand flight cancelled after plane hits Brisbane airbridge
Air New Zealand flight NZ146 from Brisbane to Auckland was cancelled on Thursday after the aircraft made contact with an airbridge while pushing back from the gate. The airline stated the plane requires a full inspection following the incident at Brisbane Airport.
2 outlets · Government announces increased funding for private schools in Budget 2025
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has unveiled $15.7 million in new subsidies for private schools. This represents the first increase in funding for independent schools in 15 years. The move aims to support diversity and choice within the education sector.
2 outlets · Man jailed after punching judge in Wellington courtroom
Ryan Brown has been sentenced to prison after admitting to punching Judge Bruce Davidson in the arm. The attack occurred in a Wellington District Court courtroom during a court proceeding. The incident has been described by police as unprecedented.
3 outlets · Christchurch entrepreneur to become first New Zealander in space
Kea Aerospace chief executive Mark Rocket has secured a seat on an upcoming Blue Origin suborbital flight. The mission will launch from Texas and reach more than 100km above Earth. A date for the flight has not yet been announced.
2 outlets · Budget 2025 includes rates relief for SuperGold cardholders
The Government has announced that SuperGold cardholders will receive assistance with rates bills starting in July. The Budget also includes a million-dollar funding boost for councils in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne to assist with road recovery following Cyclone Gabrielle.
+15 outlets · Musab Hamdi sentenced to preventive detention for rape of 13-year-old
Musab Hamdi has been sentenced to preventive detention after raping a 13-year-old girl in his car. The convicted rapist groomed the girl on Snapchat and drove 80km from Auckland to her home. Hamdi must prove he is no longer a community threat before being considered for release.
2 outlets · Waikato farm manager fined for effluent discharge near Turua
Vernon Paul Madeley has been fined $5,000 and ordered to perform 140 hours of community work for unlawfully discharging dairy effluent. The incident occurred in May 2024 near Turua, where a stalled irrigator allowed effluent to flow into a drainage system connected to a river for up to a week.
2 outlets · Government saves $12.8 billion through pay equity scheme changes
Finance Minister Nicola Willis says changes to the pay equity scheme will provide $12.8 billion in savings over the next four years. The Government described the previous regime as unwieldy, while the Opposition has criticised the changes.
2 outlets · Second Run It Straight event cancelled following backlash
Organisers have cancelled a second Run It Straight event in Auckland, citing backlash from other events. This follows a similar cancellation the previous day. Meanwhile, the Runit Championship League has announced it will return to Trusts Arena despite reports of two men suffering head injuries during a recent trial.
3 outlets · Wellington cafe Fidel’s to close for three months for earthquake strengthening
The Cuba Street landmark Fidel’s Cafe is set to close temporarily for approximately three months. Owner Roger Young stated the closure is necessary to allow for earthquake strengthening construction at the building located north of Abel Smith Street.
2 outlets · One person dead and two injured in Rotorua crash
One person has died and two others were injured following a two-vehicle crash on Dansey Rd in the Ngongotahā Valley. The incident occurred around 8am, with one survivor reportedly suffering serious injuries. Dansey Rd was closed following the crash.
2 outlets · Investigation launched after child critically injured at Pukekohe school
Police are investigating a deeply distressing incident at Waiau Pā School in Pukekohe last Friday. A child was critically injured and flown to Auckland City Hospital for treatment. The Ministry of Education's traumatic incident team is currently supporting the school.
3 outlets · Tauranga City Council considers disestablishing over 100 roles
Tauranga City Council is considering cutting more than 100 positions to reduce costs, according to Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular. The proposal follows more than 1,000 submissions on the council's Annual Plan, which highlighted public concerns regarding rates.
+15 outlets · Economic recovery starts slowly with momentum in rural areas
New Zealand's economic recovery is beginning slowly, according to consultancy Infometrics. While growth is lower in every region, rural economies are being supported by improved export prices for horticulture, meat, and dairy.
2 outlets · Employee apologises after heckling Winston Peters at Wellington train station
An engineering firm has launched an employment investigation into a staff member who swore at Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. The incident occurred during a government announcement regarding rail funding at a Wellington train station. The man involved expressed that he is apologetic and was visibly upset about the situation.
2 outlets · Nine-year-old cancer survivor to participate in fundraising skateathon
Indi Wealleans, a nine-year-old from Christchurch who has survived cancer twice, plans to take part in an ice skateathon. The event aims to raise funds for families through the Child Cancer Foundation. Despite medical advice to limit physical activity during remission, she intends to skate to support the cause.
2 outlets · Auckland Council approves strategy for rapidly growing southern rural region
Auckland Council has approved a strategy to support the southern rural areas, including the Franklin Ward. This region is expected to see an increase of 89,900 people, 37,500 households, and 16,500 jobs by 2052.
2 outlets · Government reveals Budget 2025 spending and service cuts
The government is releasing Budget 2025 on Thursday to outline how funds will be reallocated. The announcement will detail specific cuts to various services and show how the government intends to fund its promises.
2 outlets · Wellington City Council to decide budget for community assets and water
Wellington City Council is holding a meeting on Thursday to determine budget spending for the next nine years. Discussions will include the future of Begonia House, Khandallah Pool, and the Karori Event Centre. The council is also expected to address water infrastructure and motorcycle rider regulations.
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