New Zealand Newspapers

ON THE COVER

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

Tasman third in MDMA use

Tasman’s consumption of MDMA is the third-highest in the country, surpassing that of both Auckland and Wellington, according to the police’s latest wastewater testing results. Released in December 2025, Tasman’s MDMA consumption was detected at an...

‘Living it every day’

Noelene Lane has revived a mobility scooter group lost to the Covid-19 pandemic. And the group is charging up for its first rally. The mobility advocate has relaunched the Whanganui Mobility Scooter Group, previously called Pedestrians on Wheels. Lane...

Eco village aims to generate own power

Acommunity microgrid and onsite wastewater treatment plant are some of the key features of an ecodevelopment under way in Northland. Stage one of the Mangawhai Hills subdivision is progressing, with developer Patrick Fontein hoping the 57 titles will...

Parliament back after storm

The traditional first big day of national politics was overshadowed last Friday as the prime minister skipped Rātana celebrations to visit areas smashed by extreme weather. It’s likely that the damage from this deadly weather event will continue to...

Commander says goodbye

A man tasked with overseeing some of the country’s most grisly cases is retiring from police after almost five decades serving the public. Ross Grantham joined the force in 1979 and was posted to his first beat in Wellington in January 1980 after 12...

Sheeran in the rain – a glorious feeling

Ed Sheeran, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, Saturday, January 24. Rain killed all but two of Ed Sheeran’s guitars, and an earpiece, and caused a mechanical bridge to malfunction for a bit, but he still put on a show to remember. Sheeran...

Wayne’s world

Coaching legend Sir Wayne Smith is leaving his senior New Zealand Rugby role for a new position overseas. Smith was appointed New Zealand Rugby (NZR) performance coach in 2023, a part-time role working closely with the Black Ferns, initially, and then...

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...

OH, XO!

INSIDE: UP THE CREEK CASTLEPOINT PÃTEA 830 BEST JIGS FOR SNAPPER NGATAKI MAGIC PARABLE YACHT = INCLUSIVE SAILING CHRISTMAS GIFT SELECTION MARINE PROTECTION ZONES NEW ERA FOR COASTAL LIVING CLASSIC BOATS AT ROTOITI FRESH START FOR BAY BELLE REFLECTIONS:...

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...

J.LO’S REVENGE ROMANCE ...with Zac!

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

New school bus routes frustrate parents

Bus route changes in Hawke’s Bay have frustrated some parents, who say their children now face longer walks or multiple buses to get to school. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s (HBRC) new goBay bus network launched yesterday, and replaces services...

Long-term gas supply crucial

Long-term gas supply will be needed for decades to keep New Zealand’s energy system running despite supplies tightening, the chief executive of a well-established energy company says. Todd Energy boss Mark Macfarlane made the comments in a Taranaki...

Susan Knowles Lisa Maclennan Max Furse-Kee Sharon Maccanico Jacqualine Wheeler Måns Bernhardsson

“With this tragedy, those who have passed now become part of the sacred fabric of our maunga. Their wairua will forever rest beneath the mantle of Mauao, protected and embraced for all time.” Ngāti Ranginui iwi

Landslide victims remembered

ARotorua property manager who died in the Mount Maunganui landslide has been remembered for the lives she touched and the “the aroha she gave so generously”. Susan Doreen Knowles, from Ngongotahā, was one of two Rotorua women who were victims of the...

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...

Fish for compliments

If it’s hot outside, the family is often dispersed until early evening, and meals that can come together quickly are a must. Luckily, fresh produce is abundant in the garden and stores at this time of year, so it’s easy to put together a simple salad,...

Pedal power pushes expansion of Mackenzie District tourism business

Fuelled by pedal power encapsulated in a 91% surge in cyclists using the Alps 2 Ocean Trail over the past four years, a Twizel tourism operator with humble beginnings has moved into a bigger space to meet demand. Cycle Journeys’ new depot, thought 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 giant remembered

The Wairarapa and Bay of Plenty communities are this week mourning the loss of Nelson Rangi, known as a man whose wisdom spanned generations and cultures. Rangi, whose full name was Nelson Francis Rangitakaiwaho, died in his Masterton home on...

Shabby buildings in the spotlight

BUSINESS

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...

Family trapped on roof as water tears through home

A mother has described her traumatic experience of being trapped on the roof of her “creaking” home with children desperate to be rescued from rising floodwaters. Huia Ngatai climbed on to the roof of her Te Araroa home as floodwaters overwhelmed...

Deluge cuts off towns

The severe weather has heavily impacted parts of the North Island this week, including the Waikato region. Coromandel, Hauraki and parts of Matamata-piako District were particularly hit hard, with the weather forcing evacuations and triggering...

Bring us an offer

Tucked away in a sought-after location, this home offers sun-splashed living, four bedrooms, study area, and two bathrooms. Its smart three-level layout is all about easy living. Drive directly into your garage, move upstairs to the first floor to the...

Rain causes road closures

Parts of the Far North remained under close watch yesterday after MetService upgraded Northland’s heavy rain warning to red, triggering road closures, restricted access and the opening of an emergency operations centre in Kaikohe. MetService issued...

With TV Guide Journalist Sarah Nealon

Have you had a chance to read about about the local TV programmes coming your way? If not, turn to page 4. There is an exciting line-up of shows for 2026. I’m delighted some of my favourites are returning and I’m looking forward to new offerings like...

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

Onlinenow Read Dame

tips

Destination park changes hands

Over the course of 34 years, a former quarry has been transformed into a place of recreation and inspiration and become a Waikato visitor attraction. John and Dorothy Wakeling created the Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum in the 17.5ha...

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...

Safe shelters to help homeless

A combination of fabrication know-how, a tragic loss of a rehabilitation centre, and seeing local homelessness at first hand has prompted a local man to action a micro-camper business idea. Joel Beven has launched the first prototype of Shelter3, a...

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.