New Zealand

* 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

* 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