The New Zealand government is implementing new power bill relief measures starting December 2025, including automatic monthly credits, expanded support for vulnerable households, and temporary reductions in line charges, aiming to ease financial pressure during the summer peak.
Registered nurse prescribers in New Zealand can now prescribe an additional 211 medicines, significantly expanding their scope to cover common and long-term conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. This move, effective December 4, 2025, aims to improve timely healthcare access and reduce pressure on general practitioners.
A global software issue affecting the Airbus A320 family of aircraft led to significant flight cancellations and delays for Air New Zealand and Jetstar across New Zealand. The problem, linked to the Elevator and Aileron Computer (ELAC) and potentially intense solar radiation, impacted thousands of travelers and prompted a worldwide recall of approximately 6,000 aircraft.
New research from Massey University and collaborators has uncovered the extensive presence of 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) in New Zealand's marine mammals. The study, analyzing 127 stranded whales and dolphins across 16 species, indicates that these persistent pollutants affect both coastal and deep-diving species, with exposure linked more to age and sex than habitat.
The All Blacks, led by Head Coach Scott Robertson, unveiled their 36-man squad for the 2025 European tour. Having already faced Ireland, Scotland, and England, the team is now set to conclude their campaign with a match against Wales.
New Zealand is experiencing a significant 'exit wave' with a record number of citizens departing and fewer foreigners arriving. Net migration fell to 10,600 in the year to August 2025, driven by high costs, slow economic growth, and a weak labor market.
New Zealand is experiencing a notable 'exit wave' with net migration falling to its lowest level since 2013. A record 72,700 citizens departed in the year to September 2025, primarily for Australia, driven by high living costs, slow economic growth, and better overseas opportunities.
New Zealand is experiencing a significant 'exit wave,' with net migration falling to its lowest level since 2013. Record numbers of citizens are departing, primarily for Australia, while fewer non-citizens are arriving. High living costs and a weak economy are cited as key drivers of this trend.
New Zealand is experiencing a notable 'exit wave,' with provisional data from Stats NZ indicating a net migration gain of 27,100 in 2024, a sharp decline from 128,300 in 2023. This marks the lowest net migration since 2013, driven by a record loss of 47,100 New Zealand citizens and fewer non-citizen arrivals. High living costs, stagnant wages, and limited opportunities are prompting many to seek prospects, primarily in Australia.
Former Auckland dentist David Zimmerman and his company have been fined for illegally practicing dentistry and performing botched work, including extracting the wrong tooth from a patient. Zimmerman continued to operate despite his registration being cancelled in 2017, leading to charges under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act and the Radiation Safety Act.
The New Zealand government is amending the Education and Training Act 2020 to eliminate the requirement for school boards to 'give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi'. This move, championed by Education Minister Erica Stanford and ACT Leader David Seymour, aims to refocus boards on educational achievement, but has drawn significant criticism from education sector groups and Māori leaders.
A new national flood map, developed by Earth Sciences New Zealand, indicates that over 750,000 New Zealanders are currently exposed to major flooding risks. This figure could rise to more than 900,000 with three degrees of global warming, highlighting significant challenges for climate adaptation and urban planning.
A queen yellow-legged hornet, a species known for its predatory impact on honeybees, was found building a nest in Auckland's Glenfield suburb. Biosecurity New Zealand swiftly removed the nest on October 17, 2025, and has issued a public alert, urging vigilance to prevent the establishment of this invasive pest.
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.
