Bid to change Russell's name to Kororāreka declined
The New Zealand Geographic Board has announced the proposal to change the name of the Northland town Russell to its original Māori one has been declined.
National
Confusion over police inquiries after secret memo
Confusion over how police investigate crimes after secret memo
A police directive to staff says they will no longer be investigating allegations of shoplifting below $500, petrol drive-offs below $150, and online frauds below $1000.
Teen girls charged over serious assault in Auckland
Teen girls charged over serious assault in Auckland
Three teenage girls are before the youth court in Auckland after a young woman was seriously assaulted on Thursday night.
Concern for Ashburton teen missing for several days
Concern for Ashburton teen missing for several days
Police are appealing for help to find a 15-year-old Canterbury girl who has been missing for almost a week.
SUBSCRIBER
Plans for third medical school seemingly shelved
SUBSCRIBER
Plans for third medical school seemingly shelved
The government appears to have consigned a proposed new medical school based at the University of Waikato in Hamilton to the waiting rooms.
Former deputy police boss denies firearms vetting claims
Former deputy police boss denies firearms vetting claims
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming says he "strongly denies" any allegations he acted inappropriately in relation to the vetting process for firearms licences.
Budget 2025: Firms given get-fit regime
Firms given get-fit regime
In her "Growth Budget", Nicola Willis has sent the country’s businesses to the gym for a workout.
One change leaves 61,000 families worse off
One change leaves 61,000 families worse off
About 61,000 families will be worse off as a result of a move to income-test the Best Start tax credit in the first year of a baby's life, a regulatory impact statement prepared by officials shows.
Kiwi rapist avoids 501 deportation
Kiwi rapist avoids 501 deportation
Warning: disturbing content. A NZ-born man who raped a drunk 15-year-old in Australia has avoided deportation so he can care for family members.
Defence Force could get more 'killer drones'
Defence Force could get more 'killer drones'
The Budget shows the Defence Force's growing push into the drone warfare will focus first on "counter-drone" systems.
Growth in the wrong places for education
Growth in the wrong places for education
Minister of Finance Nicola Willis called it the "Growth Budget". But it is not a Budget that we think will foster children’s growth and learning.
School's 'heartfelt support' with student after assault
School's 'heartfelt support' with student after assault
A rural Canterbury school principal is supporting a student who was taken to hospital after being assaulted by another student.
Trump’s tariff flames lick at incentives
Trump’s tariff flames lick at incentives
You will not see the name Donald Trump anywhere in the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update, but the United States president looms large over the financial predictions contained within.
Fourth person charged in Gulf Harbour body in bag case
Fourth person charged in Gulf Harbour body in bag case
A fourth person has been charged more than a year after a woman was found dead, stuffed in a black rubbish bag, in Gulf Harbour north of Auckland.
What will KiwiSaver changes mean for your balance?
What will KiwiSaver changes mean for your balance?
An increase in default KiwiSaver contribution rates announced in Thursday's Budget could leave KiwiSaver members more than $100,000 better off at retirement.
More money for journalists in Budget, less for RNZ
More money for journalists in Budget, less for RNZ
The government is putting more money into hiring local journalists, but cutting Radio New Zealand's (RNZ) budget. Budget 2025 includes $6.4 million over four years to hire journalists in heartland...
Budget delivers 'major investment' in infrastructure: Bishop
Budget delivers 'major investment' in infrastructure: Bishop
Major investments in hospitals, mental health facilities, school buildings, rail and roads are being funded in Budget 2025, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.
Change set to end run of settled weather
Change set to end run of settled weather
New Zealanders should make the most of the good weather over the next couple of days as it is expected to take a turn towards the end of the weekend.
Underperformers cut in education spend
'Underperforming' areas cut to pay for 'seismic shift' in education
The 2025 Budget puts the handbrake on annual growth in education spending, as past splurges on school buildings run out in the next few years.
Opposition slams Budget 'austerity and cuts'
Opposition slams Budget 'austerity and cuts'
Austerity and cuts are the themes the opposition is focusing on in its criticism of this year's Budget, while the Prime Minister hit back at the Greens.