New Zealand

* Simeon Brown criticised Health NZ for engaging in advocacy unrelated to healthcare delivery. * Brown cited examples including fast food opposition, raffle bans, and transport policy. * The Health Minister urged Health NZ to focus on improving immunisation rates and care access. New Zealand’s Minister of Health, Simeon Brown, has criticised

* JB Hi-Fi’s net income rose 8% to $285.4 million, driven by strong sales growth. * New Zealand sales surged 20%, with online sales jumping 58.4% to NZ$32.4 million. * JB Hi-Fi Invercargill celebrates its first birthday on 20 February. JB Hi-Fi has reported a significant increase in

* The adult minimum wage will rise to $23.50 an hour from April 2025. * The increase supports workers while balancing economic recovery and business stability. * Starting-out and training wage rates remain at 80 per cent of the adult rate. The adult minimum wage in New Zealand will increase by 1.

* The Government is increasing medical school placements to train more New Zealand doctors. * Funding will support graduate doctors and nurses in primary care settings across the country. * A new 24/7 digital healthcare service will improve access to medical consultations. The Government has announced a major package aimed at tackling

The Government has agreed to introduce legislation that will enable a four-year term of Parliament subject to a referendum, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As stipulated in the National-Act coalition agreement, the Bill is modelled on the ACT Party’s draft Constitution (Enabling a 4-Year Term) Amendment Bill. “This means

* Government aims to speed up approval of agricultural and horticultural products to boost productivity. * Review recommends halving approval times, potentially saving $272 million over 20 years. * Industry welcomes changes but urges swift action to rebuild confidence in the system. The Government has announced plans to cut red tape for agricultural

* New Zealand recorded a net loss of 47,100 Kiwis, the largest in a single year. * Departures of young people aged 18 to 30 made up 38% of migrant exits. * Net migration gain fell to 27,100, significantly lower than the 128,300 recorded in 2023. New Zealand’s net

* Government proposes reducing Warrant of Fitness checks for vintage vehicles and private motorhomes to yearly. * Southlanders, known for their passion for classic vehicles, will welcome the proposed changes. * Public consultation on the proposed changes runs from 24 February to 4 April 2025. The Government is seeking public input on a