News

* Sir Michael Hill built an international jewellery empire starting with a single Whangarei store. * He founded a prestigious violin competition and created The Hills golf course near Arrowtown. * Tributes praised his creativity, mentorship, philanthropy and inspiration to generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs. Sir Michael Hill, the founder of the iconic Michael

Mayor Nobby Clark has won support for leaving a review of its charter with mana whenua for the incoming council. At today’s council meeting, it was discussed that the review of the charter He Huarahi mō Ngā Uri Whakatupu was already 10 years old, and should be updated every

* Corbin Strong claimed his first 2025 win with an uphill sprint in Belgium. * IPT controlled the race pace, showcasing teamwork that secured Strong’s overall lead position. * The Kiwi now leads the general classification by four seconds ahead of Rasmus Tiller. Corbin Strong began his 2025 cycling season with a

Lower interest rates, stronger dairy and meat prices, and reduced regulations have lifted farmer confidence to its highest level in nearly a decade, according to Federated Farmers’ latest six-monthly Farm Confidence Survey. Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford said, “Farming families have been through some really tough years recently and that’

Surcharges on in-store payments will be banned by May 2026 to ease costs for consumers. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson said the change would help New Zealanders save millions annually and make shopping more straightforward. “Surcharges are a hassle and an unwelcome surprise when shoppers get to the

Southland has retained its position as the strongest performing region in KiwiBank’s 2025 “Regional Divide” report, with Invercargill’s construction boom driving the local economy. KiwiBank’s annual heat-map, released on 1 July, again awarded Southland a score of 5/10 — the highest in the country, matched only by

Some people do ‘Dry July’ - Invercargill JB HI-FI has started a new trend- cold water plunging in the middle of winter instead. And it’s all in the name of mental health. Invercargill manager Tony Keay said the business supported six charity ‘Helping Hand’ partners including McKenzie’s gift

Vocational Education Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced the appointment of Yvonne Browning MNZM to a vacant position on the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). “I am pleased to confirm the appointment of Mrs Browning to this role. She is passionate about ensuring students, particularly young women, can realise