New Zealand Newspapers

With TV Guide Production Editor James Croot

The Winter Olympics, the men’s T20 World Cup, the Superbowl, Super Rugby. February offers a feast of drama and thrills for armchair sports fans. But while there’s perhaps never been more choices on tap, especially for those Kiwis willing to pay for the...

Mural to add to ‘colourful’ S. Dunedin

A NEW piece of ‘‘democratic art’’ will mark South Dunedin as the coolest, most colourful part of town, an organiser hopes. Work has begun on a new addition to the South Dunedin Street Art Trail — a mural by artist Guy HowardSmith, covering two walls...

No-one left homeless

No-one will be left homeless when the Gore Motor Camp closes for the last time on Saturday. The Gore District Council will terminate the lease held by 4 Trade Direct Ltd, a company owned by Nick Irons, at the end of February, but permanent residents...

Prominent Timaru tree saved COUNCIL

A high-profile cottonwood tree in a prominent Timaru location has been saved from the chop, but will need to come down within five years. Trees in the district were a hot topic at the first full council meeting of the year on Tuesday, as councillors...

‘Upward bullying’ costs police $15k

Aculture long whispered about as the Northland CIB “boys’ club” has now cost the police $15,000 after an inquiry found a senior female Detective Inspector was bullied and frozen out by her peers. The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) ruled the...

‘Not in a great state’

Building work on a new surf lifesaving headquarters at Whanganui’s Castlecliff Beach could start this year. Whanganui Surf Lifeguard Service‘s (WSLS) current facility was opened in 1956, and the club’s new build lead, Dan Brown, said it was “not in a...

Housing optimism, prices taking time

Nearly three quarters of Kiwis surveyed expect house prices to rise this year, as confidence lifts with New Zealand’s market slowly showing steady signs of recovery. Cotality NZ’s Decoding 2026 report looked at expectations from real estate agents, as...

New school bus service on way

Palmerston North Boys’ High School is investigating starting its own bus service to cater for students whose routes have been cut. Meanwhile, a parent-led bus scheme for one rural area will be up and running next week. The school term is starting and...

Long lines and big bills back

Long queues snaked through NZ Uniforms stores this week as parents scrambled for the new school year, with some families spending hundreds of dollars on required clothing and waiting for items to be restocked. “This particular week that we’re in at...

‘Enormous gratitude’

Minister and former National Party leader Judith Collins is retiring from politics to become the new president of the Law Commission. Collins announced her decision in a statement, in which she thanked her family and Prime Minister Christopher...

HOKOWHITU

Move in and experience sun, space, simplicity. This well-presented townhouse blends smart design, low-maintenance living, and relaxed modern style. Built in 1990, it’s a place to truly unwind. Generous open-plan living flows to a lovely private, sunny...

‘A little bit overwhelming’

For dentist Isha Woodmans, two weeks is only scratching the surface of the volunteer time she wishes she could spend in Wairoa offering free dental care. The initiative Tō Waha is a collaboration with Golden Apple Dental, Kahungunu Executive, Health...

A field fit for Fidos

When Jane Leak opened her dog park near Lepperton last year, she had visions of a handful of customers each week. But business has boomed – with dogs coming from as far as Whanganui for a visit and a frolic.

Tack the sails, tap the barrels

Like every mariner worth his salt, Tom van der Burgh can tell a story so rich in detail that you can all but feel the splash of the waves. Tom captains Northern Rebel, the vessel he and his wife own and sail in tandem. The yacht is docked at Waikawa...

Fresh slip threat to property

[email protected] Afresh slip near a resevoir water main pipe that threatened homes and lives forced 150 people to evacuate near Baypark in Tauranga yesterday. Tauranga City Council said it has evacuated residents from 30 properties...

8-year-old shares big win

An 8-year-old girl and a 70-plus-year-old reeled in the big one without getting in a boat at the Bay Bonanza on Sunday . . . $41,000 in cash as joint winners of the Lucky Angler draw. Summer Faber and Roger Lynch were the last two standing in the...

Wade-Brown to retire from politics

One of the Wellington region’s longestserving politicians and best-known environmentalists has announced she will retire from politics later this year. Green Party list MP and former Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown announced her retirement today,...

‘Seems immoral’

Rotorua Lakes Council has finalised its transfer of pensioner housing management to a private provider, five months after announcing the move. The agreement, signed on January 15, opens the door to potential redevelopment of ageing units and confirms...

Off-duty firefighter saves teen caught in rip

Ateen caught in a rip at a Far North bay was saved by a volunteer firefighter holidaying in Northland. Ross Bennett, deputy fire chief at akura Volunteer Fire Brigade in Taranaki, was in the Cable Bay carpark last Thursday when he noticed a crowd...

Behind the billboards: What it cost to chase mayoral chains

Hamilton mayoral candidates forked out more than $100,000 as they vied to win the top seat at the council table. Now Mayor Tim Macindoe accounted for half this amount, shelling out $51.3k on expenses, new records released on the Hamilton City Council...

Five NZ Post retail locations to close in Nelson-Tasman

New Zealand Post has confirmed the closure of five of its retail locations across Nelson and Tasman as part of a nationwide overhaul of its store network. Yesterday, the state-owned enterprise announced it will remove services from 142 urban retail...

EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT KIND OF RETIREMENT AT ARVIDA LANSDOWNE ESTATE.

Whatever you think you know about retirement, think again. Because here at Arvida Lansdowne Estate, we don’t follow the normal rules. We follow yours. Our resident-led approach means you can design the life you want. Whether that’s walking the nearby...

Kho kho: New sport for Waikato with serious global ambitions

A relatively unknown game is hoping to break into the local sporting scene and attract players with the aim of taking part in a Commonwealth championship next month. Kho kho is a highly competitive tag game for enhancing fitness and agility that is...

ON THE COVER

A couple make an old shed on the family farm their new home – see page 26. Photograph by Jane Ussher

AYRBURN CLASSIC – BREAKTHROUGH EVENT OF THE YEAR

The prestigious Breakthrough Event of the Year part of the International Historic Motoring Awards was presented in London on 14 November to the Royal Automobile Club Concours. The Ayrburn Classic 2025 was nominated for the award alongside Concours of...

4WD and SUV buyer’s guide

The new vehicle market in New Zealand is a 4WD buyer’s paradise. Utes and SUVs are as popular here as anywhere in the world, and our new car sales have been dominated by SUVs and 4WD utes for ages. It’s widely known that Ford’s Ranger is top dog in...

Food tastes better shared

The world has become disconnected with technology and since the pandemic we have retreated into ourselves, become more individualistic in nature and independent in status. Our life expectancy is declining with stress; our connection to how our food is...

Walking Festival: Walking the landscapes: ECHO Walking Festival

The landscape from the Coromandel to Te Puke offers a remarkable diversity of walking experiences, where sweeping coastlines meet lush native bush. From the rugged tracks of the Kaimai Range and the dramatic beauty of Karangahake Gorge to coastal...

FUN, FAST and FABULOUS!

Summer is the season to grow melons, pumpkins, cucumbers, zucchini and their flying saucer shaped cousins. Together, they are the cucurbit family and they're fun, fast and easy to grow from seed.

Many hands

Thousands of decisions go into making a magazine. Not just obvious ones like which topics we include, the people we speak to or the pictures we’ll use, but tiny ones too: that headline should go two clicks to the left and up one... yep, perfect. We...

Relaxed entertaining

Tindalls in their HAPPY PLACE

Australia has become home away from home for Zara and Mike Tindall, who make the trip to the Gold Coast every January for the Magic Millions horseracing carnival. The pair looked suitably glam when they turned up to the various events, with Zara, 44,...

RECIPES, CRAFTS, & GIFTS TO MAKE

EDUCATING ERICA

Erica Stanford defends her rapid reforms in our schools – but critics say they’re too experimental

HOW WE TRAVEL

Because it is important for our journalists to have first-hand experience, it can be necessary to accept assistance from travel operators. However, we never promise positive coverage in return.

Panini, sliders and spirulina: The rise and fall of foodie fads

Who could resist that grilled goodness? Those squished bready ovals scored with perfect char marks, squelching cheesy fat. If it was stuffed with chicken, apricot and camembert, so much the better. Like most food fads, it’s not clear exactly how or...

Pre-purchase inspections a valuable safety net

Buying A property is one of the most significAnt investments you’ll mAke, so it’s cruciAl to ensure you mAke An informed decision. A pre-purchAse inspection By A quAlified professionAl is An essentiAl pArt of your due diligence. Here’s why it’s...

Beat the heat:

Summer is around the corner, and as both the mercury and power bills climb, keeping your home comfortable can feel like a costly challenge. If installing air conditioning on top of an already-stretched budget is out of the question, it is possible to...

KARORI

Tender closing 1pm, February 12 This charming 1930s two-bedroom bungalow at the city end of Karori blends timeless architectural character and modern convenience. Beautifully maintained, it’s a retreat for anyone seeking a tranquil lifestyle in a...

Mount landslide disaster

A scientific probe into the stability of Mount Maunganui — including the area that collapsed on Thursday morning — had already revealed it was prone to “mass movement” slips after heavy rain. As emergency workers, rescue teams and recovery dogs search...

Donors rally to help whā nau

Afundraiser for the East Coast whānau who spent hours trapped on their roof amid flooding, debris and heavy rain this week raised over $23,000 in 24 hours. Huia Ngatai shared the story of how her family of seven climbed on to the roof of their...

Pre-purchase inspections a valuable safety net

Buying a property is one of the most significant investments you’ll make, so it’s crucial to ensure you make an informed decision. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified professional is an essential part of your due diligence. Here’s why it’s...

A journey to one of the world’s top surf spots

We didn’t build them

Whitebaiters are worried they could be held liable for stands they use but did not build on a waterway near Blenheim after the Marlborough District Council ordered their removal. Retiree John Ward became aware of the takedown notice in October, when...

New emergency management site for Manawatū-Whanganui

Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group is excited to launch its new website, giving people in the region another trusted source of information before, during and after emergencies. Horizons Regional Council manager emergency management Chay...

Solid gold

Warm tones in a limestone spine lend this estuary-side property priceless presence.

FESTIVAL OF MOTORING

ALLAN DICK: THE ALLCOMERS SERIES | AUSTIN-HEALEY ‘FROGEYE’ SPRITE MIRANDA’S MOTORS: TOYOTA MR2 | JAGUAR-POWERED SPORTS CARS FORMULA JUNIOR WORLD TOUR | SKOPE CLASSIC: SILVESTER COUPE BILL RICHARDSON TRANSPORT WORLD | WAIMAK CLASSIC CARS

New Year Joy

Anew year carries its own kind of unspoken promise that life can feel fresh again. This new energy isn’t something that appears automatically at midnight but rather cultivated, perhaps it’s a shift in thinking and the willingness to release what weighs...

Avofest brings summer vibe

The Katikati Avo Fest returned on Saturday 11th January, bringing big tunes, fresh flavours, and the essence of summer to the Uretara Domain. A standout on the local summer calendar, the festival celebrated New Zealand’s Avocado Capital with live...

RISING BUYER ACTIVITY SIGNALS MARKET OPPORTUNITY

Recent months have seen improving buyer turnout and more realistic vendor expectations, particularly from first-home buyers and owner-occupiers. Well-presented properties tend to attract strong enquiry, while homes needing significant work or priced...

FROM FLUFFY TO FIERCE!

How cute snowy owl chicks grow up to become powerful predators

HOMEGROWN CUT FLOWERS

Fabulous flowers (especially dahlias!), fantastic upcycling & a flying fox off-the-grid in Eketāhuna • A quirky & creative Oamaru garden full of art & colour • Meet the volunteers replanting native trees along Ōtaki River • Brewing peach-flavoured...

Blueberry banquet Savoury ways with summerʼs sweetie

SUMMER STYLE ESSENTIALS

CHORIZO EMPANADAS, CHIMICHURRI VERDE, CHICKEN FLAUTAS, KINGFISH PASTRAMI, PRAWN QUESADILLAS, SNAPPER CEVICHE, TUNA TOSTADA, STRAWBERRY & TOMATO SALSA, PORK KEBABS, SMACKED CUCUMBERS, STEAK LIKE TARTARE, ROASTED PRAWNS, PLUM & MANGO MOCHI, STRAWBERRY &...

FROM THE EDITOR

If you need your footy hit over summer, then watch some sevens, either live or on the box. As I write these words, we are rejoicing that both our national sevens team have, for the first time since early 2024, both won the same tournament. The All...

Wow Factor On Waitoetoe Road

Welcome to 78a Waitoetoe Road. This beautifully presented property offers a diverse mix of flat-to-rolling coastal land, providing both excellent usability and impressive visual appeal. A central race system forms the backbone of the farm layout, with...

Wellington Market Update

Chris describes this year as “a gradual burn” - a market that has reacted quickly to both positive and negative news, but is now beginning to pull through. The recent OCR cut has also provided a welcome lift for buyers. “Every little bit helps,” he...

The smart home seller’s guide:

Selling your home now means navigating A Buyers’ market. With more properties listed than there Are Active Buyers, the power shifts. Buyers can Be more selective, And homes may take longer to sell. In this climate, your choice of real estate company...

What does the market want?

Fonterra, NZ Merino, Atkins Ranch and more weigh in on the changing customer demands and farmers’ efforts to match them

50+ HOMEGROWN RECIPES

• Vibrant salads • Outdoor cooking • Sharing plates • Dips & nibbles • Sweet treats • Cordials, mocktails & cocktails

Fonterra brands gone

Farmer shareholders have said yes to selling off iconic brands to French dairy giant.

DYNAMIC DUO

Universal Cranes recently took delivery of New Zealand’s first two 10x4 S-Ways – one rigid and one tractor unit. A factory-built configuration with competitive tare weight, fitted with Fassi cranes, they are a strong addition to the company’s...

WHAT'S INSIDE?

Rethinking the urban dream What liability law changes mean for landscapers Environmental impacts of compacted soil

Winter a strategic time to buy, sell

When the temperature drops and the days shorten, many buyers and sellers assume the property market hibernates, so they wait for spring to look or list. But for the savvy, winter offers unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers in the real...

Winter a strategic time to buy, sell

When the temperature drops and the days shorten, many buyers and sellers assume the property market hibernates, so they wait for spring to look or list. But for the savvy, winter offers unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers in the real...

Melanie Bracewell

Beyond the punchline.