Hemp industry rules loosened in sweeping law change: The announcement is being made by the Regulation Minister at the Hemp NZ Food Factory.
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581508/hemp-industry-rules-loosened-in-sweeping-law-change
Economist asks: Why not cap taxes if we're capping rates?: A leading economist says it's "galling" to see government planning a rates cap for councils when there ...
rnz.co.nz/news/business/581476/economist-asks-why-not-cap-taxes-if-we-re-capping-rates
Taxpayers' Union releases fudge taking swipe at Finance Minister Nicola Willis: The Taxpayers' Union campaign features the slogan 'A treat today - A tax ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581466/taxpayers-union-releases-fudge-taking-swipe-at-finance-minister-nicola-willis
Lost in transition: The businesses trapped by New Zealand’s energy crisis: Behind the nation's energy crisis are businesses quietly fighting to survive - many ...
rnz.co.nz/news/in-depth/581471/lost-in-transition-the-businesses-trapped-by-new-zealand-s-energy-crisis
Seven-year-old Hamilton boy Tyrese goes missing after leaving to visit friends: Tyrese left his home on Anderson Road in Deanwell at 4pm, saying he was walking ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581468/seven-year-old-hamilton-boy-tyrese-goes-missing-after-leaving-to-visit-friends
7000 pensioners overcharged in another Inland Revenue error: Some say they want assurance Inland Revenue had taken steps to stop it happening again.
rnz.co.nz/news/business/581487/7000-pensioners-overcharged-in-another-inland-revenue-error
Nine to Noon live: Growing crisis in welfare support revealed in major report: The report, based on more than 10,000 requests for assistance, said people from ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581505/nine-to-noon-live-growing-crisis-in-welfare-support-revealed-in-major-report
Parliament chamber's gallery shut to members of public for rest of year after protest
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581425/parliament-chamber-s-gallery-shut-to-members-of-public-for-rest-of-year-after-protest
Government launches 'one-stop shop' app: Judith Collins says the app will be "more secure than almost anything else you could think about".
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581506/government-launches-one-stop-shop-app
Willis denies claims of sideshow over Richardson debate on government spending: Nicola Willis says she wants a "civil, substance-based debate" with her early ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581388/willis-denies-claims-of-sideshow-over-richardson-debate-on-government-spending
Over half a million evacuated in Cambodia, Thailand during border clashes: More than 500,000 people have fled their homes to safety in Thailand and Cambodia ...
rnz.co.nz/news/world/581448/over-half-a-million-evacuated-in-cambodia-thailand-during-border-clashes
Labour remains most popular party in new poll, but coalition could still govern: The coalition just scrapes back into power in a new poll, with gains for the ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581429/labour-remains-most-popular-party-in-new-poll-but-coalition-could-still-govern
Australia's social media ban for children takes effect in world first: It's the first country in the world to ban social media for under-16s ...
rnz.co.nz/news/world/581341/australia-s-social-media-ban-for-children-takes-effect-in-world-first
Key FactsGlobal Moves to Restrict Youth Social Media Use
Dec 13, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
- Australia’s under-16 social media ban has drawn significant international scrutiny from governments and advocacy groups.
- Several European nations, including Denmark and Spain, aim to implement similar minimum age requirements soon.
- In the United States, state-level restrictions on minors’ social media use are increasing, though a national ban seems unlikely.
- The United Nations cautions that bans may have unintended effects, emphasizing the importance of safe platform design.
A strong age limit is a good starting point.— Christel Schaldemose, the Danish MEP behind the resolution advocating for continent-wide regulation.
Venezuela's Machado will not receive Nobel Peace Prize in person: The Venezuelan opposition leader was due to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in person in Oslo ...
rnz.co.nz/news/world/581457/venezuela-s-machado-will-not-receive-nobel-peace-prize-in-person
Key FactsMachado’s Delayed Arrival Amid Political Threats
Dec 11, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: zdfheute.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: zdfheute.de
- Maria Corina Machado arrived in Oslo several hours after the official Nobel Peace Prize ceremony had concluded.
- Her daughter accepted the award on her behalf at Oslo City Hall due to threats from the Venezuelan government.
- Machado lived underground for more than a year before traveling to avoid arrest on charges of treason in Venezuela.
- The opposition leader’s inability to return home weakens the divided Venezuelan opposition movement.
For her tireless commitment to the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and for her fight for a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.— This statement outlines the reasons why María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Fast-track amendment passes under urgency, backtracks on controversial proposals: Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says one specific aspect of the fast-track ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581500/fast-track-amendment-passes-under-urgency-backtracks-on-controversial-proposals
Leaving a party or social event without saying a proper farewell is something most of us have probably done at some point.
Full story ⬇
Full story: Is it ever okay to leave a party or social event without saying goodbye?
Nearly 200 children conceived from sperm donor with increased cancer risk: Between 2006 and 2022, the man's sperm was sold to 67 clinics in 14 countries.
rnz.co.nz/news/world/581495/nearly-200-children-conceived-from-sperm-donor-with-increased-cancer-risk
Double-bunk cell death: Jonathan Trubuhovich's family want Corrections to be held accountable
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581443/double-bunk-cell-death-jonathan-trubuhovich-s-family-want-corrections-to-be-held-accountable
Young dad's death after sand dune collapse a 'tragic accident' - coroner: Kane Watson was killed by a sand dune that collapsed and swallowed him on a West ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581464/young-dad-s-death-after-sand-dune-collapse-a-tragic-accident-coroner
26,000 New Zealanders' devices infected with malicious software, cyber security agency warns
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581342/26-000-new-zealanders-devices-infected-with-malicious-software-cyber-security-agency-warns
All Black Sevu Reece heading to France at end of 2026: All Blacks' wing Sevu Reece has signed with French club Perpignan and will leave the Crusaders at the end ...
rnz.co.nz/news/sport/581496/all-black-sevu-reece-heading-to-france-at-end-of-2026
Could Australia's 'No Jab, No Pay/No Play' policies work in NZ?: Under Australia's long-standing 'No Jab, No Pay' legislation, parents must have kids immunised ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581360/could-australia-s-no-jab-no-pay-no-play-policies-work-in-nz
Government increases major school property grant: Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the base rate for five-year agreement or 5YA funding would increase ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581431/government-increases-major-school-property-grant
School lunch provider cleared over mouldy meals in Christchurch: The most plausible explanation is lunches meant to be served the week before were accidentally ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581407/school-lunch-provider-cleared-over-mouldy-meals-in-christchurch
IKEA delays won't stop customers from coming back: Sales have surpassed IKEA's expectations, but a marketing expert says delays will not turn customers off.
rnz.co.nz/news/business/581455/ikea-delays-won-t-stop-customers-from-coming-back
Black Power’s Robert Richards and Royden Haenga sentenced for the murder of gang rival Hori Gage
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581422/black-power-s-robert-richards-and-royden-haenga-sentenced-for-the-murder-of-gang-rival-hori-gage
Drunken skipper Travis Whiteman fined for reversing into swimmers with propellor: One victim said the skipper discarded alcohol bottles from the boat when he ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581499/drunken-skipper-travis-whiteman-fined-for-reversing-into-swimmers-with-propellor
Minister seeking advice after Supreme Court decision rules full-time carers are employees of the government
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581377/minister-seeking-advice-after-supreme-court-decision-rules-full-time-carers-are-employees-of-the-government
Girl dies after falling from quad bike driven by father into mower towed behind: The little girl was sitting on a loose plywood platform on the quad bike driven ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581369/girl-dies-after-falling-from-quad-bike-driven-by-father-into-mower-towed-behind
Politicians from across the spectrum have dominated the 2025 list along with some frank conservationists.
Full story ⬇
Full story: Quote of the year: Luxon's 'go make a marmite sandwich' in running for annual contest
Emergency set net fishing ban to protect threatened hoiho around Otago Peninsula extended
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581392/emergency-set-net-fishing-ban-to-protect-threatened-hoiho-around-otago-peninsula-extended
Parliament interrupted by protest demanding sanctions on Israel: Question Time was just beginning as the call "free Palestine" rang out from above the chamber.
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581301/parliament-interrupted-by-protest-demanding-sanctions-on-israel
Customs use of surveillance system could be a 'significant issue' for privacy - memo
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581490/customs-use-of-surveillance-system-could-be-a-significant-issue-for-privacy-memo
Reduced trading hours hurting Auckland alcohol sales: One year after the council imposed a ban on alcohol sales after 9pm, some liquor store owners in the city ...
rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/581420/reduced-trading-hours-hurting-auckland-alcohol-sales
Cash-strapped councils can't afford more compensation, councillors say: A regional councillor who lobbied for years for compensation for landowner affected by ...
rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/581417/cash-strapped-councils-can-t-afford-more-compensation-councillors-say
OpinionThrough the mill: Tokoroa’s tough year was about much more than job losses: Around the world, small towns built around a single industry or company are feeling ...
rnz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/581419/through-the-mill-tokoroa-s-tough-year-was-about-much-more-than-job-losses
Duelling RMA reforms: How different is the coalition's solution from Labour's?: Analysis - There are key differences, but the main thrust of how it works is ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581427/duelling-rma-reforms-how-different-is-the-coalition-s-solution-from-labour-s
New Plymouth lake to be drained in fight against invasive clams: The invasive clam Corbicula fluminea was found in Lake Rotomanu on 8 November ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581446/new-plymouth-lake-to-be-drained-in-fight-against-invasive-clams
Judge tells court martialled, dismissed soldier Jackie Te Weehi her actions were destructive
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581326/judge-tells-court-martialled-dismissed-soldier-jackie-te-weehi-her-actions-were-destructive
Tom Phillips’ firearms licence revoked months before second disappearance, documents show
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581463/tom-phillips-firearms-licence-revoked-months-before-second-disappearance-documents-show
Man dies outside store after two stabbings on Auckland bus: Several people tried to help the man in his last moments, a dairy worker says.
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581281/man-dies-outside-store-after-two-stabbings-on-auckland-bus
Police appeal for information after robbery at Quinns Post bar in Upper Hutt: Hutt Valley Police are appealing for information after a masked offender ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581445/police-appeal-for-information-after-robbery-at-quinns-post-bar-in-upper-hutt
Heat, holidays, hikes, and a 'stinking strong' sun: Holidaymakers are being warned to expect a summer that swings from scorching heat to downpours - sometimes in ...
rnz.co.nz/news/thedetail/581473/heat-holidays-hikes-and-a-stinking-strong-sun
Earlier this year Don McGlashan made headlines when he had a spat with National Party MP and Cabinet minister Chris Bishop at the Aotearoa Music Awards ... Show more
What spurred Don McGlashan to tell off Chris Bishop at the AMAs?
What spurred Don McGlashan to tell off Chris Bishop at the AMAs?
Government revokes sports school contract with non-existent trust: The agency previously explained the mistake happened because the school's sponsor changed its ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581350/government-revokes-sports-school-contract-with-non-existent-trust
Inland Revenue accused of 'behind closed doors' push for tax on groups: Inland Revenue is pushing ahead with consultation on a plan that would see organisations ...
rnz.co.nz/news/business/581355/inland-revenue-accused-of-behind-closed-doors-push-for-tax-on-groups
Labour, National MPs join forces to address social media harm against children: "I have children who went through a life without this, and the fact our kids are ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581449/labour-national-mps-join-forces-to-address-social-media-harm-against-children
Crown Jewels protest turns to custard as Kiwi cop makes arrests: "I figured my arrests procedures would stick," Waikato cop Mark Strongman said after detaining ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581412/crown-jewels-protest-turns-to-custard-as-kiwi-cop-makes-arrests
Auckland residents worried following fatal bus stabbing: The cordon in Glen Innes has been lifted, and locals are trying to get on with daily routines ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581452/auckland-residents-worried-following-fatal-bus-stabbing
Special Olympics kicks off in Christchurch with inclusion being the main theme: The games were officially set in motion during Wednesday's opening ceremony at ...
rnz.co.nz/news/sport/581456/special-olympics-kicks-off-in-christchurch-with-inclusion-being-the-main-theme
No, pensioners aren't getting a Christmas bonus: Superannuitants are being warned not to fall for a new scam.
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581387/no-pensioners-aren-t-getting-a-christmas-bonus
The widening rift between Donald Trump and Europe is a gift to Vladimir Putin: The US president has doubled down on his criticism of Europe, calling it "weak" ...
rnz.co.nz/news/world/581384/the-widening-rift-between-donald-trump-and-europe-is-a-gift-to-vladimir-putin
'Heartbroken': Two killed in fire at Foxton Beach home: Police have confirmed the death of two people after a house fire.
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581261/heartbroken-two-killed-in-fire-at-foxton-beach-home
Te Pāti Māori 'high performing' despite dismal poll result - co-leaders: Support for the party dropped to one percent in the latest poll after weeks of ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581307/te-pati-maori-high-performing-despite-dismal-poll-result-co-leaders
Full-time carers' appeal for employee status upheld by Supreme Court: Two parents who care full-time for their disabled children are, in fact ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581306/full-time-carers-appeal-for-employee-status-upheld-by-supreme-court
Revealed: The most complained about New Zealand TV ads for 2025: From burnouts to bare bottoms, Kiwis had a gutful of a few well-known businesses on their ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581444/revealed-the-most-complained-about-new-zealand-tv-ads-for-2025
Spotlight falls on youth offending in wake of Christchurch dairy stabbing: Police have arrested a 14-year-old on suspicion of stabbing a dairy owner during a ...
rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/581435/spotlight-falls-on-youth-offending-in-wake-of-christchurch-dairy-stabbing
Animal crackers: Wildlife comedy photography winners announced: Mark Meth-Cohn, an amateur photographer from the UK, has won the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards ...
rnz.co.nz/life/culture/animal-crackers-wildlife-photography-comedy-winners-announced
NZTA allows 335 drivers to re-sit tests after commercial licences suspended: Agency had uncovered 459 cases of overseas commercial driving licences being ...
rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/581288/nzta-allows-335-drivers-to-re-sit-tests-after-commercial-licences-suspended
Too many laws passing without 'proper scrutiny', Geoffrey Palmer says: Sir Geoffrey Palmer says the government is increasingly pushing through legislation under ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581193/too-many-laws-passing-without-proper-scrutiny-geoffrey-palmer-says
Three double-bunk deaths at Mt Eden prison in a year: An inmate died 10 days after allegedly being assaulted by his cellmate at Mt Eden prison in late November.
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581339/three-double-bunk-deaths-at-mt-eden-prison-in-a-year
Powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan's northeast region: Tsunami warnings were issued for three prefectures in northeast Japan after the powerful ...
rnz.co.nz/news/world/581237/powerful-7-point-6-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-japan-s-northeast-region
Key FactsPowerful Earthquake Hits Northeast Japan
Dec 9, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: asiaone.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: asiaone.com
- A strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off Aomori’s coast at a depth of 54 kilometers late Monday night.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency reported tsunami waves up to three meters high but no major damage ensued.
- Approximately 90,000 residents evacuated their homes, and at least 30 people sustained injuries.
- Train services were suspended and power outages occurred but were restored by Tuesday morning.
As of now, I have received reports of 30 people being injured and one fire.— Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters.
NZ immunologist urges measles vaccination check before Christmas travel: A New Zealand-based Tongan immunologist says vigilance around measles spread is ...
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/581418/nz-immunologist-urges-measles-vaccination-check-before-christmas-travel
'Devastated' Joseph Parker confident he will fight again after failed dope test: In his first interview since a positive doping test, the New Zealand heavyweight ...
rnz.co.nz/news/sport/581379/devastated-joseph-parker-confident-he-will-fight-again-after-failed-dope-test
Government still has the numbers to stay in power in new poll: Te Pāti Māori is on one percent, while the Greens have dropped to seven percent.
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581219/government-still-has-the-numbers-to-stay-in-power-in-new-poll
Major New Zealand apple grower shuts off shipments to US as tariffs bite into profits
rnz.co.nz/news/country/581408/major-new-zealand-apple-grower-shuts-off-shipments-to-us-as-tariffs-bite-into-profits
Rotorua Night Market to return to city centre, ending 'foolish' trial: The council has cut short a trial move to Kuirau Park after just two months.
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581438/rotorua-night-market-to-return-to-city-centre-ending-foolish-trial
On this day, 24 years ago, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring premiered, and changed New Zealand.
Read more below ⬇How Lord of the Rings changed cinema - and New Zealand
Man accused of fatal Auckland bus stabbing remanded in custody: The man accused of a fatal stabbing on an East Auckland bus and wounding another has been ...
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581398/man-accused-of-fatal-auckland-bus-stabbing-remanded-in-custody
Social media ban backed by online harm inquiry, prompting ACT disagreement: The ACT Party says it is concerned that the report has "drifted noticeably from its ...
rnz.co.nz/news/political/581442/social-media-ban-backed-by-online-harm-inquiry-prompting-act-disagreement
Neighbours fume over plans to axe trees for solar farm: A council has thrown its support behind residents of a country lane distressed about Genesis Energy's ...
rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/581338/neighbours-fume-over-plans-to-axe-trees-for-solar-farm
Blindsided to Boulter: The ASB Classic 2026 womens' tennis field: A seven-time Grand Slam champion, an Olympic medalist and the Philippines' first top 50 player ...
rnz.co.nz/news/sport/581426/blindsided-to-boulter-the-asb-classic-2026-womens-tennis-field
Norton Sowerby sentenced on three counts of manslaughter after driving across Hamilton train tracks, killing his friends
rnz.co.nz/news/national/581454/norton-sowerby-sentenced-on-three-counts-of-manslaughter-after-driving-across-hamilton-train-tracks-killing-his-friends
The unofficial NZ Rugby awards for 2025: Recognition for a loosehead, mascot treachery and Hamilton being compared to the USSR - it's all in Jamie Wall's annual ...
rnz.co.nz/news/sport/581413/the-unofficial-nz-rugby-awards-for-2025
Vanuatu teachers strike may roll into third year if government won't pay - union: The next meeting between the union and government officials has been set down ...
rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/581424/vanuatu-teachers-strike-may-roll-into-third-year-if-government-won-t-pay-union
Fire kills 12 in south China residential building: The building that caught fire was a four-storey self-built reinforced concrete structure ...
rnz.co.nz/news/world/581453/fire-kills-12-in-south-china-residential-building
