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Childcare centres will get extra funding six months early after the Government brought forward a $40 million boost. Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the 1.5 percent subsidy increase will now come in July 2026, instead of January 2027. "There are few things as important to Kiwi parents

New Zealand will return to budget surplus a year earlier than expected, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivering a disciplined Budget 2026 focused on getting the books back in order. Treasury now forecasts a $2.6 billion surplus in 2028-29 under the government's preferred measure, compared to a

Fonterra has lifted its profit forecast and narrowed next season's milk price range as strong demand offset global shipping disruption. The dairy co-operative posted year-to-date operating profit of $1.8 billion, up $103 million on last year. Underlying earnings per share rose to 57 cents from 53 cents.

Repertory Invercargill is turning 90 with a love story about parallel universes. Constellations, running June 10-13, follows a physicist and a beekeeper through the many possible paths their relationship could take. The play blends science, humour, heartbreak and the theory that every small choice changes everything. Director Aimee Marshall, whose

Steel fans will pack extra stands at ILT Stadium Southland for Sunday's crucial clash with the Northern Mystics. Two additional stands have been installed to boost capacity to nearly 3100, as the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel chase a finals berth with three regular season games remaining. The

Charities and not-for-profits can earn $10,000 tax-free instead of $1,000 under new Government rules. Revenue Minister Simon Watts and Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston announced the changes after Inland Revenue's review found existing tax rules lacked clarity and could undermine credibility. "Last year,

Police can now release the name of the man who was found deceased at a Sommerville Street, Andersons Bay, property on Friday 22 May. He was Douglas Alexander Senior, 58, from Andersons Bay. Police extend our deepest condolences to Douglas's family and friends during this difficult time. The

The Government has scrapped controversial homeschooling regulations after fierce opposition from families and ACT MPs forced Education Minister Erica Stanford to back down. The Education and Training Amendment Bill was due for its final reading today but will now return to committee to strip out the homeschooling provisions entirely. Stanford