Regional
Poll shows preference for Chinese
Tuesday 21 March 2017 | Published in Regional
A group representing Maori economic interests is concerned about a poll showing a preference for schoolchildren to learn Chinese.
Labour's Maori MPs to go 'electorate only'
Tuesday 21 March 2017 | Published in Regional
In a surprise move Labour’s Maori seat MPs have opted to stand as electorate MPs only, and not go on the party list.
Caution on use of Maori words
Tuesday 21 March 2017 | Published in Regional
Iwi leaders have raised concerns about the risks of using Māori words in legislation without proper context.
Tonga appoints first ombudsman
Tuesday 21 March 2017 | Published in Regional
TONGA – Tonga can finally say it has an Ombudsman after years of legislative preparation.
Resettlement deal appears underway
Tuesday 21 March 2017 | Published in Regional
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Officials from the US Department of Homeland Security are set to begin fingerprinting refugees on Manus Island and Nauru in preparation for resettlement in America under the US-Australia refugee deal.
Students living in tents as rental crises deepens
Friday 17 March 2017 | Published in Regional
A graduate student spent a night sheltering in Victoria University's library with her partner, amid reports of students couch-surfing, sleeping on floors and living in tents while they struggle to find homes.
Govt hit by backlash on CYF breach
Friday 17 March 2017 | Published in Regional
A Child, Youth and Family privacy breach is being brandished as proof the government cannot be trusted with people's private information.
Auckland council in for a shake-up
Friday 17 March 2017 | Published in Regional
Auckland mayor Phil Goff is embarking on a major shake-up of council functions, including water and stormwater, which have been in the spotlight following last week's devastating downpours.
Silver medalist on her way to Samoa
Friday 17 March 2017 | Published in Regional
SAMOA – The moment Samoa has been waiting for is only a few days away now.
Fostered independent view
Friday 17 March 2017 | Published in Regional
FRENCH POLYNESIA – The founder of Tahiti-Pacifique magazine Alex du Prel has died on Moorea after an illness at the age of 73.
Beehive thefts rife in New Zealand
Friday 17 March 2017 | Published in Regional
NEW ZEALAND – New Zealand’s bees are being stolen and traded by organised crime syndicates seeking to profit from skyrocketing honey prices thanks to surging demand in China, police and beekeepers say.
State broadcaster is 'government enemy'
Friday 17 March 2017 | Published in Regional
TONGA – A Noble Representative in Tonga’s parliament says closing down the nation’s state broadcaster would be unconstitutional.
Leaked cables shed colourful light on 1975 New Zealand
Thursday 16 March 2017 | Published in Regional
Secret diplomatic cables describe a frustrated country filled with testosterone-fuelled working-class men clamouring for a new populist leader.
Councils push Health to make fluoride decisions
Thursday 16 March 2017 | Published in Regional
Councils vulnerable to activist lobbying are pushing for the Ministry of Health to take over decision-making powers on the future of water fluoridation.
King Kong not wanted
Thursday 16 March 2017 | Published in Regional
VIETNAM – Hanoi’s municipal government has rejected a plan by Vietnam’s culture ministry to erect a “life-size” King Kong statue by an iconic lake in the city.
Missile takes down drone
Thursday 16 March 2017 | Published in Regional
USA – A Patriot missile priced at about US$3 million was used to shoot down a small quadcopter drone, according to a US general.
Woken up by exploding headphones
Thursday 16 March 2017 | Published in Regional
AUSTRALIA – Australian authorities have warned about the dangers of using battery-powered devices on flights after a woman’s headphones caught fire.
Candidate under investigation
Thursday 16 March 2017 | Published in Regional
FRANCE – The right wing French presidential candidate François Fillon has been placed under formal investigation for misuse of public funds.
Trump tax return leaked
Thursday 16 March 2017 | Published in Regional
USA – US President Donald Trump paid $38 million in tax on more than $150 million income in 2005, a leaked partial tax return shows.
Capital city's water leaking
Wednesday 15 March 2017 | Published in Regional
NEW ZEALAND – Pipes in New Zealand’s capital are leaking a million litres of water a day as a result of the powerful November 2016 earthquake.