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Goldsmith dismisses Dame Lynda's criticisms as 'same old cliché'

Paul Goldsmith has defended the government's funding of the arts. Photo: RNZ

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

Waiariki McIlroy-Jones appears at Christchurch District Court for sentencing on charges relating...

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.

Elderly pedestrian beaten to death in Queensland

An elderly pedestrian was killed in an assault by a man with a metal pole on a random rampage in regional Queensland, police say.

'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.

Donations to ACT Party surge, doubling in 20 days

ACT has banked a rush of donations within the last 20 days, doubling its campaign year...

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.

Sea lion pup killed by vehicle on Dunedin road

A female New Zealand sea lion/pakake pup has been killed on a Dunedin road, about a week after a male pup was found dead in the Catlins.

Dunedin collie comes in from cold after 147 days in bush

Lauren Moses with Amira after the Border Collie was found. Photo: Supplied

Dunedin collie comes in from cold after 147 days in bush

It was third time lucky in the pursuit of a Dunedin dog which evaded capture in the bush north of the city for nearly 150 days.

Deal reached to extend ceasefire, pending Trump approval

US President Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters

Deal reached to extend ceasefire, pending Trump approval

The US and Iran have reportedly reached an agreement to extend their ceasefire, though US President Donald Trump has yet to approve it.

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.

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.

Man jailed over plot to attack Taylor Swift concert in Austria

Taylor Swift performing her recent The Eras Tour. Photo: Reuters

Man jailed over plot to attack Taylor Swift concert in Austria

An Austrian court has sentenced a 21-year-old man who admitted planning a foiled Islamist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna to 15 years in prison.

'What the f***!': Dame Lynda Topp blasts government in awards speech

Dame Lynda Topp blasts the government's arts funding at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Photo: RNZ...

'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.

Treatment in US could save young NZ woman's life

Maddie relies on a hemodialysis machine every night to keep her alive. PHOTO: DANIEL ALVEY

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.

Deadly blaze that started in bedroom 'not suspicious'

Rose-Maree Couch, 23, and her 3-year-old daughter, Sapphire-Hope. Photo: Supplied

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.

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'Excessive and unconvincing': Otago blocks OIA requests over Israel-linked tech firm

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'Excessive and unconvincing': Otago blocks OIA requests over Israel-linked tech firm

A critic of Otago University’s proposed arrangement with tech giant Palo Alto has called out the institution’s use of ‘‘commercial sensitivity’’ to block official information requests.

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