New Zealand

* Air New Zealand cuts capacity on three domestic routes due to reduced demand. * Invercargill to Wellington flights to end in January 2025 amid global engine issues. * Airline schedules changes for Queenstown, Dunedin, and New Plymouth routes. Air New Zealand is reducing capacity on three domestic routes by flying smaller planes

* New $30 million fund to support councils in cleaning up vulnerable contaminated sites. * The fund replaces the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund and covers more remediation projects. * Eligible councils can apply to protect communities and the environment from potential risks. The Government has launched a new $30 million Contaminated Sites and

* The PPTA is proposing to allow membership for teachers working in charter schools. * David Seymour views this as a positive shift towards accepting charter schools. * Charter school teachers may gain collective bargaining rights through PPTA membership. The Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) is proposing to allow teachers from charter

* Air New Zealand to cut direct Invercargill-Wellington flight from January 2025. * Mayor Clark and Southland Business Chamber CEO raise concerns over regional connectivity. * Air New Zealand cites low demand and aircraft shortages for cutting the direct route. Air New Zealand has announced it will discontinue its direct flights between Wellington

* The Government is considering reforms to the building consent system for greater efficiency. * Options include regional BCAs or a single contact point for improved consistency. * The current system's inefficiencies impact housing affordability and delay development. The Government is exploring options to reform the building consent system, aiming to

Southland’s business enterprises were front and center when the Minister of Small Business and Manufacturing, Andrew Bayly, visited Invercargill yesterday. "I had a really interesting day in Invercargill, meeting a range of successful businesses with my wonderful colleague, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds," said Mr. Bayly. "Many

* Thousands gathered in Dunedin to oppose cuts to the new regional hospital project. * Mayor Radich urges government to keep promises on health funding and facility standards. * Future campaign actions include lobbying Ministers and sending thousands of postcards. A massive protest took place in Dunedin, with around 35,000 people from

* Government says current $1.88 billion budget for Dunedin Hospital project is insufficient. * Ministers are considering reducing hospital scope or staging development to manage costs. * Key services like pathology lab and car parking were not included in initial cost estimates. The planned redevelopment of Dunedin Hospital could cost up to