Tourism operators in Auckland are expressing concern about a slower-than-expected winter season and urging the government to consider a bed tax to help fund major events.International tourism is back to pre-pandemic numbers, but domestic tourism is lagging, with a 2.8% drop in domestic spending in December compared to the year…

Some Hawke’s Bay growers have seen record-breaking profits two years on from widespread devastation wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle.New Zealand’s apple and pear industry recorded its largest-ever orchard-gate profits, surpassing $1 billion in revenue. The Hawke’s Bay region is home to 65% of the nation’s crops.Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said she…

Japan and South Korea have now been recognised as having health systems that are comparable to New Zealand — giving recruiters and the health sector hope of a new potential pool of doctors to pull from. The Medical Council added the two countries to its list of comparable health systems…

There’s concern ahead of winter that kiwis are set to see big hikes in their power bill and supply could be constrained if current dry conditions continue. From April 1 lines charges will rise, meaning an extra $10 a month for the average household’s power bill. For some regions, it…

Whangārei District Council is holding a sudden closed-door meeting on Tuesday morning about fluoridating its drinking water.The closed meeting comes just 19 days ahead of the Government’s March 28 deadline for the council to fluoridate its drinking water.The short-notice 9.30am emergency meeting comes after an unusual last-minute Friday change where…

Sharemarkets have been volatile this week as the impact of US President Donald Trump’s on-again-off-again tariff war was felt.The Vix volatility index, which measures fear in the market, is up 60% this month.But commentators say, despite the upheaval, there are still investment opportunities worth considering.An investment adviser at Hamilton Hindin…

Police are making inquiries after a crash at Ruapuna Speedway near Christchurch last night which left a competitor in a critical condition.Emergency services were called to the event in Templeton about 7pm.A sprint car competitor was injured in the single vehicle crash with following races cancelled.”To our loyal supporters, thank…

Financial incentives are being offered to landowners for a quick sale in an effort to speed up major infrastructure projects under the Government’s planned “overhaul” of the Public Works Act.An incentive payment of 15% of the land value, capped at $150,000 will be offered to those who sell voluntarily before…

A man missing for almost three months was last seen in central Dunedin, with his vehicle found at Larnach Castle, police say.Police have appealed for information to help find 54-year-old Joshua.Joshua, who usually resides in Christchurch, was last seen in central Dunedin on December 11 and has not been in…

Chris Hipkins still has no public position on a capital gains tax, but says Labour will be campaigning on “tax reform”.The party leader told Q+A that Labour would be announcing its tax policy later this year, ahead of the 2026 election.He said too much investment was going into property rather…