New Zealand is preparing for its largest industrial action in over 40 years on October 23, 2025. Over 100,000 teachers, nurses, and healthcare workers will strike, demanding better pay and working conditions, leading to widespread disruption including school closures and postponed medical appointments.
New Zealand's Labour Party has announced its 'NZ Future Fund' as a key policy for the upcoming election, aiming to build national wealth by investing in local businesses and infrastructure. Modelled partly on Singapore's Temasek fund, it proposes an initial $200 million injection and will be managed independently by the Guardians of the NZ Super Fund.
The University of Auckland has cemented its position as a research powerhouse, with 292 of its academics recognized among the world's top 2 percent of scientists in the prestigious Stanford–Elsevier rankings for 2025. This significant achievement accounts for a quarter of New Zealand's leading researchers.
The high-profile dispute between Dame Noeline Taurua and Netball NZ has deepened, with failed mediation pushing the Silver Ferns coaching saga towards a potential employment investigation or litigation. Taurua has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season amidst concerns over the team's high-performance environment.
BNZ has cut its standard one-year fixed home loan rate by 26 basis points to 4.49% in New Zealand, aiming to attract new customers and provide significant relief to borrowers amidst a competitive market.
Dr. Anna Breman has been named the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, making her the first woman and first foreigner to hold the prestigious role. She will commence her five-year term on December 1, 2025. Breman brings extensive experience from her previous role as First Deputy Governor of Sweden's Riksbank and a distinguished career in economics and finance.
MetService has issued a red strong wind warning for parts of Canterbury, New Zealand, forecasting severe northwesterly gales with gusts up to 150 km/h. Residents are advised to avoid travel, secure property, and prepare for potential power outages and widespread damage from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.
