New Zealand

* Invercargill City Mayor hails return of SIT as a win for students. * Government to reinstate standalone polytechnics from January 2026. * Vocational education system redesign aims to strengthen regional economies. The return of the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) as an autonomous institution has sparked optimism in Invercargill. Mayor Nobby Clark,

* Police seized firearms, drugs, and ammunition in raids across Otago Lakes Central. * Operation Speargrass targeted drug suppliers and found improperly stored firearms. * Four individuals face penalties, including arrests and suspended firearms licences. Police conducted a series of targeted raids across Cromwell, Alexandra, Clyde, Hawea, Wānaka, and Queenstown this week as

Police are continuing to investigate the death of Karen White, a 60-year-old Invercargill woman, who was killed at her Lake Hāwea home on 8 March 2024. Authorities have confirmed that Mrs White died from injuries sustained in a significant assault. Officers are currently interviewing multiple individuals to better understand the

In its first week, the newly launched Red Tape tipline received over 300 reports from New Zealanders frustrated by excessive regulations, according to Regulation Minister Hon David Seymour. “Red tape wastes valuable time, money and sanity,” Seymour said. “I am not surprised to see an outpouring of discontent from Kiwis

* Reserve Bank’s OCR cut of 50 points triggers immediate mortgage rate reductions by banks. * Finance Minister highlights financial relief for families and businesses across New Zealand. * OCR reductions since August total 125 points, boosting borrowing power and easing budgets. The Reserve Bank has reduced the official cash rate (OCR)

* Government receives record-breaking submissions on proposed changes to build granny flats more easily. * Homeowners and industry workers highlight council processes as barriers to affordable housing growth. * Next steps include detailed policy design with legislation expected by 2025. Nearly 2,000 submissions have been received on the Government’s proposals to

The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Related: Financial Limit For Tribunal Claims Increased Richard Chambers Named New Police Commissioner “Gang patches will no longer be

Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith.  “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect