Govt says AI will help moderinse welfare system
The government says a new law allowing the Ministry of Social Development to use AI to make benefit decisions will modernise NZ's welfare system.
Purpose of English Language Bill questioned
Purpose of English Language Bill questioned
A researcher and linguist based at Otago University says the govt's push to make English an official language raises a question of "what exactly is English being protected from?".
Boy's death after leaving school van investigated
Boy's death after leaving school van investigated
WorkSafe is making inquiries following the death of a child after leaving a school van earlier this week.
Quake rattles Seddon
Quake rattles Seddon
A magnitude 4.7 earthquake has struck 15km east of the Marlborough town of Seddon.
Multiple people rescued from Hamilton house blaze
Multiple people rescued from Hamilton house blaze
Multiple people have been rescued after a fire broke out in the roof of a house in Hamilton.
Bullet from Nelson driveby narrowly missed person watching TV
Bullet from Nelson driveby narrowly missed person watching TV
A person watching TV in the comfort of their suburban lounge narrowly avoided being shot in the head during a drug-related drive-by shooting.
Body in bag trial: Accused grandmother denied knowing victim
Body in bag trial: Accused grandmother denied knowing victim
A jury has been told that a grandmother, who is one of the four charged over the death of Shulai Wang, had told police she didn't know the woman, and that other "homeless ladies" lived in their house.
Goldsmith dismisses Dame Lynda's criticisms as 'same old cliché'
Goldsmith dismisses Dame Lynda's criticisms as 'same old cliché'
Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith has brushed off criticism of the government at the Aotearoa Music Awards as the "same old cliché", after Dame Lynda Topp delivered an expletive-laden broadside over arts funding.
Budget 2026: Kindys 'will probably have to ask for donations'
Budget 2026: Kindys 'will probably have to ask for donations'
Kindergartens New Zealand says its members will struggle after the Budget increased their operational subsidy by less than 0.5%.
Canterbury man behind $11m illegal lottery avoids prison
Canterbury man behind $11m illegal lottery avoids prison
A Canterbury man behind the country's biggest illegal lottery will not be going to jail but his punishment is yet to be determined.
'Akin to torture': Systemic failings found in death of neglected 90yo
'Akin to torture': Systemic failings found in death of neglected 90yo
The findings of Health NZ's independent review into the support and care of a neglected, elderly Christchurch father has highlighted systematic issues and gaps.
Govt pushing law change to allow AI to make benefit decisions
Govt pushing law change to allow AI to make benefit decisions
A proposed new law would allow the Ministry of Social Development to use AI to make decisions about people's benefits.
Donations to ACT Party surge, doubling in 20 days
Donations to ACT Party surge, doubling in 20 days
The ACT Party has received $600,000 in new donations in the last 20 days, more than doubling its tally in election year so far to $1.2m raised.
Deadly blaze that started in bedroom 'not suspicious'
Deadly blaze that started in bedroom 'not suspicious'
A fire that claimed the life of a young Christchurch mum and her pre-schooler daughter started in a bedroom but police say it was not suspicious.
Treatment in US could save young NZ woman's life
Treatment in US could save young NZ woman's life
After an 18-year battle with kidney disease, a miracle treatment may provide a Canterbury 22-year-old with a normal life.
50,000 more Kiwi kids suffering from material hardship than three years ago
50,000 more Kiwi kids suffering from material hardship than three years ago
An expert on the impacts of child poverty says 50,000 more NZ children are suffering from material hardship than three years ago.
Budget no frills and no thrills
Budget no frills and no thrills
Finance Minister Nicola Willis promised that Budget 2026 would not be one to get the pulse racing, and boy did she deliver.
'What the f***!': Dame Lynda Topp blasts government in awards speech
'What the f***!': Dame Lynda Topp blasts government in awards speech
Surviving Topp Twin, Dame Lynda, has delivered a blistering impassioned volley at the government for overlooking the arts in this year's Budget.
Budget prompts nostalgia not optimism
Budget prompts nostalgia not optimism
If Budget 2026’s Economic and Fiscal Update document came with a soundtrack it would be The Way We Were, by Barbra Streisand.
Top of South Island braced for 44 hours of rain
Top of South Island braced for 44 hours of rain
Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for parts of the South Island, with heavy downpours forecast in the Tasman district.