New Zealand

* Timaru's Alliance Smithfield plant could lose 600 jobs under a new proposal. * A 21-day consultation period will end, with a final decision expected by October 18. * Declining sheep numbers and land-use changes have led to a surplus in processing capacity. Hundreds of jobs at Timaru’s Alliance Smithfield

* NIWA could acquire MetService to create a more efficient weather forecasting system. * The integration aims to combine forecasting science with hydrology and coastal hazard expertise. * Officials will provide further implementation details to support this streamlined approach. The New Zealand Government is considering a significant overhaul of the country's

* The Warehouse Group reports a $54.2 million loss, down from a $29.8 million profit. * Retail sales fell across the board, with The Warehouse sales down 5.3% to $1.8 billion. * Management acknowledges missteps and pledges to focus on core retail strengths moving forward. The Warehouse Group has

* New legislation gives police and courts stronger powers to tackle gang-related activities. * Courts can issue non-consorting orders, and police can stop gang members from associating. * Repeat offenders face new restrictions on displaying gang insignia in both public and private. Legislation passed through Parliament today will provide police and the courts

Sad news from the world of kiwi music this weekend with the passing of country music legend Eddie Low after a long illness Coming from the Rotorua region, Eddie Low started early in the music business forming his first band, Three Blind Mice at age 13, and he just carried

A second veteran and vintage car collection auction in Gore this Saturday in honour of the late Robin Dickson is attracting interest from around the world. William Todd & Co (2011) Ltd is carrying out the special auction, which includes 32 vehicles dating back to 1902. There are various Ford

* The government introduces reforms to reduce violent crime and prioritise victims' interests. * New legislation limits sentence discounts and addresses growing concerns over short prison terms. * Sentencing reforms also focus on protecting sole-charge workers and businesses tied to homes. The government is set to introduce new legislation this week aimed

* The government aims to reduce personal liability for company directors to encourage stock listings. * cplans to simplify compliance and ease investment for mid-sized businesses. * The changes include removing financial forecast obligations and climate-related disclosure liability for directors. The government is set to reduce personal liability for company directors to encourage