Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for 35,000 nurses, healthcare assistants, and midwives employed by Health New Zealand. The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) members will receive pay increases under the 20-month deal, which includes a 2.5 per cent salary increase

The government has committed $212 million to extend the Healthy School Lunches programme for another year, taking it through to 2027. Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced the extension in a pre-Budget reveal, saying the government needed time to examine fundamental questions about the scheme's design. "We

The Warehouse Group has posted stable sales despite tough economic conditions, with customers making fewer shopping trips but spending more per visit. The retail giant, which operates The Warehouse Red Sheds, Warehouse Stationery and Noel Leeming stores, reported third-quarter sales of $700.8 million, down 1.4 percent on the

Jo Galer has narrowly won the Dunedin City Council by-election by just 89 votes, marking one of the closest electoral contests in the city's recent history. Galer secured 10,201 votes to defeat former mayor Aaron Hawkins, who received 10,112 votes in the race to fill the

Invercargill's live music scene is firing on all cylinders this weekend, with a packed programme spanning roots reggae, Irish folk, karaoke showdowns, and a night of unexpected arts encounters across the city. THURSDAY The weekend kicks off a day early at RIFF tonight with a genuinely special show.

Southern Steel defender Carys Stythe is bringing infectious energy and serious defensive skills to the ANZ Premiership, helping propel her team to the top of the competition ladder. The formidable goal keeper has become known for her pre-game ritual that brings the team together. "I always take a little

Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson toured the Telford agricultural campus last week to view ambitious revitalisation plans funded by a $2.4 million government grant. The Minister for Rural Communities and Associate Minister of Agriculture visited on May 7 to meet with Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) management, Telford staff and

The SBS Bank Southland Sharks dominated the second half to defeat the Jadcup Auckland Tuatara 111-94 at home last night, with three players scoring more than 25 points each. The visiting Tuatara started strongly, with Josh Dilling and KC Ioane hitting multiple buzzer beaters in the opening two quarters to