Large nitrous oxide canisters will automatically be classed as psychoactive substances if they do not have a lawful use, with the government introducing measures to crack down on their misuse.
Businesses say the government's deal with Z Energy for an emergency diesel reserve is reassuring in case of supply disruption, but will not help with high prices.
The government is partnering with Z Energy to secure extra diesel to be stored at Marsden Point, over-and-above the current minimum stockholding obligations.
New Zealand's free trade agreement with India is being billed as historic, as the world's most populous country has agreed to cut tariffs on a scale it rarely offers - particularly to an agricultural exporter like New Zealand.
The theft of two Rangiora High School vans, one of which had a wheelchair lift, has prevented many of its students from travelling outside of the school.