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Ex-US Ambassador slams China missile test, warns nation will ‘take over’ Taiwan

‘Big bullies’: Donald Trump's former Ambassador to NZ criticises China as belligerent.

Govt-built inner city apartments finished a year ago still sitting empty

Minister of Housing Chris Bishop says he is 'immensely frustrated' at the situation.

Housing, revenue and 'vibrancy opportunities': Council reveals priorities

'The depth and breadth of what councils and local government do is enormous'.

Nurse-led clinic opens to boost healthcare access in Kaeo

The clinic is run by Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa with partner Mahitahi Hauora.

Tama Potaka | Ngā take whare ohotata o te wā.

E ai ki te Minita Tuarua mō ngā Take Whare, e ai ki a Tama Potaka, mā Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora e whakatau i ngā whāinga e pā ana ki […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/tama-potaka-nga-take-whare-ohotata-o-te-wa/">Tama Potaka | Ngā take whare ohotata o te wā.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

Cambridge to Piarere expressway project enters next stage

Work on the Cambridge to Karāpiro section is set to start in early 2027.

Is an election really bad for the economy?

We're often told that the economy goes on hold in the lead-up to the election – but is there any truth behind it?

Senior nurse says pressure on Hawke's Bay ED is 'constant'

“People say it’s going to take a tragedy ... we’ve had tragedies, and still..."

Education Ministry cuts Christchurch school’s lunch order feed other hungry students

But the school’s principal says the ministry is punishing hungry students instead of fixing poor-quality school lunches.

AI is being trusted with increasingly consequential decisions

OPINION: Enterprise AI has reached an interesting point in its evolution.

NZ’s tourism sector is striving to be greener. What does that mean for businesses?

Interviews with NZ tourism operators finds sustainability is rarely straightforward, requiring continual learning, investment and collaboration.

It may be almost impossible to make data centers pay their ‘fair share’ of electricity costs

Setting a price for power might seem straightforward, but in reality it’s extremely complicated – and residential customers have very little influence in the decision.

A lesson in apathy: Timaru council considers feedback in context of number of submissions made

Within an hour of launching a plea for community feedback to one of the biggest decisions it will make, the Timaru District Council has come under fire from residents frustrated their views are being ignored.

ComCom backs off additional regulations on supermarkets, after 20-month inquiry

The watchdog will instead check whether $6 billion of payments extracted from groceries suppliers meet existing rules.

Baby killed by father: Series of failures by Oranga Tamariki

Mukzameel Ali was jailed for six years in the High Court at Hamilton in May by Justice Layne Harvey after pleading guilty to the manslaughter.

EU-style tariff 'could be advantageous' in New Zealand

The three-euro tariff is intended to level the playing field with low-cost global manufacturers like Temu.

Why ‘Ready Gamer Mum’ is part of an economic strategy

The television show is the first to come out of an annual accelerator for TV producers.

MoE considers slashing number of contractors used

New FMA CEO and chair an ‘opportunity for a reset’, minister says

Cameron Brewer ‘absolutely’ has confidence in the market regulator.

Australia labels China's test missile 'destabilising' to South Pacific

The Australian and Fiji governments yesterday signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance.

Northlanders call for Māori voice in council reform

Communities say iwi and hapū representation must remain central to council amalgamation plans.

When taking your child to hospital feels like landing on Mars

Rangitīkei residents back Head Start despite mayor's criticism

Rangitīkei residents have called on their council to submit a Head Start pathway proposal despite their mayor's criticisms that the Government’s haste in pushing for local government reforms was for "purely political" reasons.

Why large language models are an economic dead end

Our daily commute shows politicians have the map all wrong

Childcare proposal tips pay cuts and fewer qualified teachers

A ministerial advisory group is consulting on changes to how the Govt spends $3b each year on early childhood education

Beating back the illicit tobacco trade

Senior cop under investigation over handling of more than 50 cases says police haven't given him any details

The cases have been re-opened after concerns were raised about the management of of a historical sexual abuse case that had sat untouched for a couple of years.

Not just a problem for O'Brien – OECD flags overuse of restraints of trade

Organisation says people aren't moving as seamlessly between jobs as they should.

Push for pay gap law: Campaigners urge parties to ‘chuck a biscuit in the tin’

Government could receive windfall if pay gaps were reported.

How Luxon quietly empowered Mitchell – and delegated national security responsibilities

Mitchell's new role includes various responsibilities, including cyber-security.

#johnTamihere: Te Pāti Māori Focused on Campaign Despite Leadership Questions and Funding Gap

With the 2026 General Election drawing closer, Te Pāti Māori President John Tamihere says the party remains focused on mobilising supporters, building grassroots momentum and presenting a distinctly Māori vision […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/06/johntamihere-te-pati-maori-focused-on-campaign-despite-leadership-questions-and-funding-gap/">#johnTamihere: Te Pāti Māori Focused on Campaign Despite Leadership Questions and Funding Gap</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#regional: Huia House Opens New Hope for Older Wahine Facing Homelessness

A new transitional housing initiative in Tauranga is providing a lifeline for older wāhine experiencing homelessness, highlighting a growing but often overlooked housing crisis affecting older women across Aotearoa. He […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/06/huia-house-opens-new-hope-for-older-wahine-facing-homelessness/">#regional: Huia House Opens New Hope for Older Wahine Facing Homelessness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

Former New Plymouth MP to stand for Coromandel seat

Former New Plymouth Labour MP Glen Bennett has confirmed he will stand for the Coromandel seat in this year’s upcoming election.

Volunteer firefighters refuse to provide ‘back-up’ during union strikes

#national: School Lunch Failures Put Children’s Rights in the Spotlight

The Government’s school lunch programme is facing renewed scrutiny following the Auditor-General’s report, with Children’s Rights Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad warning that access to nutritious food is not simply a […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/06/school-lunch-failures-put-childrens-rights-in-the-spotlight/">#national: School Lunch Failures Put Children’s Rights in the Spotlight</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#hauora: Pressure Building: Hospital Crisis Sparks Fresh Calls for Health System Overhaul

A patient death following a reported nine-hour wait in Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department has reignited concerns about the resilience of New Zealand’s public health system, with leading Māori health researcher […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/06/pressure-building-hospital-crisis-sparks-fresh-calls-for-health-system-overhaul/">#hauora: Pressure Building: Hospital Crisis Sparks Fresh Calls for Health System Overhaul</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

Not all families getting fuel relief payment

Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Photo: RNZ 
 
 
 
Lauren Crimp of RNZ 
 
Just 60% of families who are meant to benefit from a weekly fuel relief payment have received it to date.

Call for politicians to avoid hate speech

Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby. Photo: RNZ 
 
 
 
Russell Palmer of RNZ 
 
The Race Relations Commissioner is calling on politicians to use their words responsibly and avoid hateful speech.

Horizons keeps final say on iwi agreements, backs $10k funding

Final approval for resource management agreements with iwi will stay with Horizons Regional councillors, rather than being delegated to staff.

Waimate District Council chief executive announces resignation

The council’s chief executive Stuart Duncan has announced his resignation after nearly 10 years in the role.

Peters 'deeply concerned' by China testing in South Pacific

NZ First leader Winston Peters Photo: RNZ 
 
 
 
By Johnny Blades of RNZ 
 
New Zealand says China's testing of nuclear-capable weapons into the South Pacific is at odds with peace and stability in the Islands region.

Insurer says gynaecologists’ bid is about protecting their margins, not patients

David Chaplin: Regulation’s future: FMA does more for less

Idea: We should let people vote

Winston Peters called voting a “privilege” that should be reserved for citizens. Counterpoint: it’s actually our foundational democratic right.

Mayor’s concerns over Abel Tasman Park brushed off

Attorney-General and landowners have said visitors won't notice a difference when they visit Abel Tasman National Park.

Home emergencies and the morally questionable

The Auckland City Missioner on a fortnight of headlines around homelessness, and the systems that sit beneath them.

'Frankly frightening': Growers oppose councils being split by a river

Water users warn splitting the Heretaunga Plains would risk the region's flood protection.

Woman's fears over order to use anti-barking collars on her dogs

A Tauranga woman is terrified for the safety of her two dogs after the city council ordered her to fit them with anti-barking collars.

Economists say means-testing NZ Super makes sense

Should people aged over 65 who are still earning more than $180,000 a year still also be paid NZ Super?

GPs may not be able to avoid raising fees after funding changes

A "significant number" of GPs are planning to apply for approval to increase their fees, a group representing general practices says.

Casey Costello's tobacco tax comments concerns experts, minister says no reduction

The associate health minister has said she is "considering a review" of the excise tax on cigarettes.

Why the hurry with council reform?

Scrapping the Otago Regional Council? Why the rush? PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH 
 
 
 
There is no need to rush local government changes, Tim Mepham writes.

'Tremendous achievement': Govt hails rapid delivery of fuel storage tanks

The fuel tank refurbishment normally takes up to two years but was done in three months.

Empty shops, $200m lost, 1200 jobs gone: Report details CBD downturn

A new report shows how hard it was for Hamilton’s city centre businesses last year, with the number of empty shops at its highest rate in a decade.

Extra beds added to hospitals to meet winter demand

China’s provocative message in a missile to the Pacific

OPINON: China’s missile test is a display of military force, signalling that the PLA now has a second-strike nuclear deterrent.

Simon Wilson: Wayne Brown, Andrew Little and the mayoral leadership NZ's cities are missing

Good mayors can make a real difference to their community but two of ours fail to inspire.

China downplays alarm over Pacific missile test

New Zealand and Australia have strongly protested against the test, saying the Pacific region should not become a theatre for outside military competition.

NZ political parties join forces over China's Pacific missile

Labour's Chris Hipkins has joined Government ministers in condemning the move.

Government gives $50m to West Coast mining projects, including one that’s mothballed

The Government is giving a $50 million loan to two West Coast mineral sand mining companies, one of which has been mothballed since March, to build mineral separation plants.

Indian nationals face tougher pathway to residency from August - lawyer

A lawyer says Immigration NZ changes to temporary work visa rules will create “barriers to residency” for Indian nationals.

ComCom expects rule on T&G Fresh acquisition by August’s end

A statement of preliminary issues filed by the Commerce Commission gives insight into what will be considered when ruling on the proposed acquisition.

First emergency operations centre in Rangitīkei gets go-ahead

In a first for the Rangitīkei district, Marton is officially set to receive a purpose-built emergency operations centre (EOC).

Why the Interislander will be down to one ship for 71 days over the next three months

The service is undertaking an extensive maintenance schedule for its ageing ferries.

‘Getting closer and closer’: on Beijing’s ballistic missile in the Pacific

The military message may be meant for chiefly for others, but the reverberations for New Zealand are clear enough.

Speed limit reversal celebrated by retirement village residents

Locals are "delighted' that the road will return to an 80 km/h zone.

How NZ could turn power-hungry data centres into part of a greener grid

Schneider Electric’s Ollie Hill says centres could strengthen New Zealand’s power grid.

New Plymouth mayor believes committee still needs time to prove effectiveness

New Plymouth mayor Max Brough believes one of the two committees he set-up following October’s local body election will prove its worth - it would just take time.

Herald Live: MP Mark Mitchell gives emergency response update

Herald Live: MP Mark Mitchell and Oamaru Mayor Melanie Tavendale give update on State of Emergency

This ‘centrist’ party is rising in NZ polls. Will it prove power broker?

Of all the political parties contesting New Zealand’s looming general election, one seems to be generating more buzz than almost any other.

That’s The Opportunity Party (TOP), whose recent polling surge has drawn no shortage of media analysis – to the point we’re seeing commentary on commentary.

China ballistic missile test ‘an incursion on mana’ - former trade commissioner

China’s launch of a long-range ballistic test missile into the South Pacific has prompted growing concern in New Zealand

'Essential work' drives Taupō rates increase

All but two councillors voted in support of rates increases.

'Good with his emojis': Council leaders butt heads over amalgamation

Environment Southland chair Jeremy McPhail has defended his council's “premature” release of amalgamation data to the public, claiming he has struggled to get information out of district mayor Rob Scott.

Council to consider extra rates bill support

Paul Hope. PHOTO: ODT FILES 
 
 
 
Waitaki ratepayers struggling to meet their rates bills after a likely 17% rates increase could soon have access to extra support, including third-party assistance and more payment options.

#national: Housing, Homelessness and Conservation: Minister Tama Potaka Faces Questions on Two Fronts

Housing outcomes for vulnerable whānau and the future of Aotearoa’s conservation estate are set to remain under intense scrutiny, with Conservation Minister and Associate Housing Minister Hon Tama Potaka facing […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/housing-homelessness-and-conservation-minister-tama-potaka-faces-questions-on-two-fronts/">#national: Housing, Homelessness and Conservation: Minister Tama Potaka Faces Questions on Two Fronts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#national: Court Ruling Puts Directors, Councils and Forestry Accountability Under the Spotlight

A landmark Environment Court decision has reignited debate over corporate accountability, governance standards and the responsibilities of local government, with Māori business leader Manu Caddie warning the judgment sends a […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/court-ruling-puts-directors-councils-and-forestry-accountability-under-the-spotlight/">#national: Court Ruling Puts Directors, Councils and Forestry Accountability Under the Spotlight</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#election2026: Housing, Rangatahi and Whenua at the Heart of Haley Maxwell’s Ikaroa-Rāwhiti Campaign

Housing insecurity, rangatahi wellbeing, environmental protection and the future of te reo Māori are emerging as central themes in Te Pāti Māori candidate Haley Maxwell’s campaign to represent Ikaroa-Rāwhiti in […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/election2026-housing-rangatahi-and-whenua-at-the-heart-of-haley-maxwells-ikaroa-rawhiti-campaign/">#election2026: Housing, Rangatahi and Whenua at the Heart of Haley Maxwell’s Ikaroa-Rāwhiti Campaign</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#tangaroa: Tarakihi Crisis Sparks Fresh Debate Over Fisheries, Kaitiakitanga and the Future of Māori Fishing

New concerns over the health of Aotearoa’s tarakihi fishery are intensifying calls for a review of fisheries management, with reports indicating the eastern tarakihi stock has fallen to just 7.7 […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/tarakihi-crisis-sparks-fresh-debate-over-fisheries-kaitiakitanga-and-the-future-of-maori-fishing/">#tangaroa: Tarakihi Crisis Sparks Fresh Debate Over Fisheries, Kaitiakitanga and the Future of Māori Fishing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

NZ First swings in behind farmers on ‘regulatory taniwha’

Plan Change 1 risks strangling those who provide our food and should be put on hold, Deputy Leader Shane Jones says.

#politicalroundup: Trade, Security and Sovereignty: Matthew Tukaki Says Aotearoa Must Put Māori Interests First

From global trade agreements to geopolitical tensions in the Pacific, Māori electoral participation and even controversy at the FIFA World Cup, commentator Matthew Tukaki says the common thread is the […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/trade-security-and-sovereignty-matthew-tukaki-says-aotearoa-must-put-maori-interests-first/">#politicalroundup: Trade, Security and Sovereignty: Matthew Tukaki Says Aotearoa Must Put Māori Interests First</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

Outsourcing boom in Waikato cardiology as demand strains system

Waikato Hospital has spent more than $2 million outsourcing cardiac care to the private sector over a span of about five months, as it struggles to keep up with high demand.

#national: Fish, Mining and Freshwater: Shane Jones Faces Tough Questions on Aotearoa’s Natural Resources

The future of Aotearoa’s fisheries, freshwater and mineral wealth is once again under the spotlight, with Resources Minister and New Zealand First Deputy Leader Shane Jones expected to defend the […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/fish-mining-and-freshwater-shane-jones-faces-tough-questions-on-aotearoas-natural-resources/">#national: Fish, Mining and Freshwater: Shane Jones Faces Tough Questions on Aotearoa’s Natural Resources</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

‘Concerned about Hindutva? No’: PM confirms he’ll be at controversial Modi party

The Kia Ora Modi event is being held on Saturday evening and there are concerns it’ll be used to spread Hindutva ideology - but Christopher Luxon isn’t bothered.

Small district council went to court to argue its quake-prone building notices were valid ‒ and lost

A High Court judge has found Carterton District Council failed to show its original earthquake-prone building assessments were carried out by suitably qualified people.

Vape shop numbers 'seem to be getting out of control' - mayor

"We've got to be able to control them somehow," says Wairoa Mayor Craig Little.

School nurse funding welcomed by community

The Government has announced it will provide more funding so that school-based health services such as school nurses will continue at the same levels.

NZ’s unique fossil record of marine molluscs helps scientists predict extinction risk – before it’s too late

New Zealand’s well-documented fossil and living marine fauna allows scientists to explore drivers of extinction risk that are relevant globally.

China’s submarine missile test looks routine. The real story is the panic it triggered

All nuclear powers test missiles. Why do China’s tests provoke such a fierce response?

Government looks at VPN restrictions as part of under-16 social media ban

The Post understands from multiple sources that a VPN ban or restriction is part of Erica Stanford’s plan, angering civil liberty groups.

Developer Matthew Horncastle referred to police over election billboards

The Christchurch property developer says he has been referred to police after displaying political messages on a digital billboard.

Law change will require drivers to give way to buses

Bus drivers will no longer need to rely on the courtesy of other motorists

Tasman’s $15m IT spend questioned

A $15 million digital upgrade at Tasman District Council is delivering savings, but not at the scale some had hoped.

Green Party’s ‘Drink Swim Fish’ pledge aims to curb overfishing and water pollution

The party’s new election policy to curb overfishing and water pollution promises to improve drinking water quality, replenish kaimoana, and ensure local swimming holes and beaches are safe to swim in.

$4.5m Govt loan to boost iwi-led mussel spat nursery in Far North

The loan backs a new mussel spat nursery at Houhora Bay in Far North

Fuel costs, Government underinvestment squeezing Kiwis out of pilot training

OPINION: Pilot training is expensive and outdated student loan settings are pushing domestic students out before they even get started.

This ‘centrist’ party is rising in NZ polls. Will it prove power broker?

TOP’s positive polling is fuelling media speculation about its electoral prospects. Can it finally get over the line? And what might happen if it does?

The mounting warning signs for those turning to AI for workforce savings

OPINION: Artificial Intelligence has become surrounded by competing narratives. One side often predicts the wholesale replacement of workers, while the other side dismisses AI as an overhyped technology that will never live up to expectations.

Government rewrote fast-track law after mining companies pushed for changes

Cabinet quietly changed the legal descriptions of Bathurst’s Buller coal project and OceanaGold's Macraes gold mine after lobbying.

China’s 7000km nuclear missile test: Calculated or coincidence?

It’s China’s second long range missile launch in three years after a 40 years hiatus.

Ministerial trips $11,000 under-budget on average ‒ but a few blowouts ‘raise eyebrows’

New data reveals 18 ministerial trips have gone over-budget this term.

Watch: PM to promote benefits of Indian FTA ahead of Narendra Modi visit

The Indian PM will be in Auckland this weekend.

How smaller states can help drive global stability and prosperity

OPINION: Small, advanced economies are often among the first to adapt to change. We cannot afford to stand still.

State of emergency declared for Kaikōura, evacuations ordered

The Kowhai river breached its banks at 10.26am.

How much is a life worth, in policy terms?

OPINION: Putting a dollar value on a life strikes many people as distasteful at best, and immoral at worst. But the fact is it happens all the time in public policy.

#election2026: NZ First Pledges Citizens-Only Voting in New Election Campaign Policy

New Zealand First has announced it will campaign for a significant change to New Zealand’s electoral laws, proposing that only New Zealand citizens be eligible to vote in national elections. […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/nz-first-pledges-citizens-only-voting-in-new-election-campaign-policy/">#election2026: NZ First Pledges Citizens-Only Voting in New Election Campaign Policy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#mahi: Internal Affairs Workers Vote to Strike Over Cost-of-Living Pay Dispute

More than 1,300 members of the Public Service Association (PSA) employed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will take strike action next week after voting to reject their latest […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/internal-affairs-workers-vote-to-strike-over-cost-of-living-pay-dispute/">#mahi: Internal Affairs Workers Vote to Strike Over Cost-of-Living Pay Dispute</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#election2026: Greens Launch Christchurch Central Campaign with Promise of Fearless Advocacy

Green Party MP Kahu Carter has officially launched her campaign to win the Christchurch Central electorate, pledging to be a fearless advocate for Ōtautahi and positioning the electorate as a […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/greens-launch-christchurch-central-campaign-with-promise-of-fearless-advocacy/">#election2026: Greens Launch Christchurch Central Campaign with Promise of Fearless Advocacy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#whanau: Evidence-Based Learning Wins: Early Childhood Sector Welcomes ENRICH Expansion

Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s decision to expand the ENRICH oral language programme, describing it as an important endorsement of evidence-based education while calling […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/evidence-based-learning-wins-early-childhood-sector-welcomes-enrich-expansion/">#whanau: Evidence-Based Learning Wins: Early Childhood Sector Welcomes ENRICH Expansion</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#election2026: Clock Is Ticking: Māori Voters Urged to Choose Their Electoral Roll Before 6 August

The Electoral Commission is reminding Māori voters that time is running out to decide whether they want to be on the Māori roll or the general roll before this year’s […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/clock-is-ticking-maori-voters-urged-to-choose-their-electoral-roll-before-6-august/">#election2026: Clock Is Ticking: Māori Voters Urged to Choose Their Electoral Roll Before 6 August</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

#election2026: ACT Targets Family Violence with New Law to Protect Pets from Abuse

ACT is proposing new legislation aimed at preventing family violence offenders from using pets as a tool of coercion and control, arguing that victims should never have to choose between […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/act-targets-family-violence-with-new-law-to-protect-pets-from-abuse/">#election2026: ACT Targets Family Violence with New Law to Protect Pets from Abuse</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

China missile test: US says Beijing's nuclear build-up of ‘great concern'

#hauora: Biggest Mental Health Law Reform in Three Decades Passes into Law

New Zealand has introduced its most significant overhaul of mental health legislation in more than 30 years, with the Government passing a new Mental Health Bill designed to replace the […] 
The post <a href="https://waateanews.com/2026/07/07/biggest-mental-health-law-reform-in-three-decades-passes-into-law/">#hauora: Biggest Mental Health Law Reform in Three Decades Passes into Law</a> appeared first on <a href="https://waateanews.com/">Waatea News: Māori Radio Station</a>.

China to test missile in South Pacific

It comes after a defence treaty was inked between Australia and Fiji, and it’s understood the New Zealand Government was warned by China of the test.

Extra classrooms a welcome addition for Feilding High School

The college will be getting two new roll-growth classes as part of a Government funding package for schools across the lower North Island.

Waimakariri rejects Christchurch in favour of governance future with North Canterbury

Residents of Waimakariri have overwhelmingly backed a proposal that would see its future political alignment as being with North Canterbury rather than Greater Christchurch.

Inside National's pitch to double exports and target new markets

BusinessDesk Senior Correspondent Dileepa Fonseka joins The Front Page to dig into the policy, the politics, and what it could actually mean for the New Zealand economy.

China risks exploding Pacific goodwill in one fell swoop of a nuclear-capable missile

Analysis: Test-firing provocation was a rare strategic miscalculation by a nation known more for calm foresight as others act impulsively

Call for Pacific missile ban after China's unexpected test

New Zealand should lead an international push to ban on missile testing in the Pacific, a Waikato University professor says.

3.97% rates rise for Thames-Coromandel as district moves to ‘user-pay’ model

A sub 4% rate rise is booked in for Thames-Coromandel ratepayers as council looks to rely more on a user pay model for fees and services.

Political scientist says NZ stands apart on one-year voting rule

NZ is an outlier in allowing people who have lived in the country for just one year to vote, said a political scientist after NZ First said it would campaign on a law change so only NZ citizens can vote.

Cambridge crossroads: The schools ditching NCEA, what parents need to know

More than half of Māori voters now on Māori electoral roll

Younger generations are continuing to drive a long-term shift towards Māori representation.

South Dunedin infrastructure top of mind at public meeting

Cr Benedict Ong (left) and deputy mayor Cr Cherry Lucas were at loggerheads over Cr Ong’s statements to a public meeting at St Peter’s Church Hall last night, as Cr John Chambers (centre) watches. 
 
 
 
South Dunedin flood management was top of mind for city councillors and attendees at a public meeting last night.

2025 was second-warmest year on record for NZ's part of the world

An extensive marine heatwave and continued glacier loss are among alarm bells ringing for the south-west Pacific.

Compulsory KiwiSaver has a property loophole banks will exploit

ANALYSIS: Banks will lend people more money to buy homes than they can repay in their working lives, knowing they’ll be repaid when borrowers cash up their KiwiSaver.

Man died of methamphetamine overdose while in police custody, watchdog finds

Police used "manual force" - including a Taser - to apprehend Fa'asla Sam Matue who later become unresponsive and died.