New Zealand Newspapers

Napier CBD slump

Foot traffic in Napier’s city centre has declined, with the number of people visiting the CBD dipping in 2025 compared to the previous year. Retailers say factors such as people generally having less money to spend, fewer cruise ships, changes to...

Couple must pay $488,219 after losing court battle

A Taranaki couple have been told to pay $488,219 in rates they have refused to pay for five years. Warren and Claire Bolton owned a 24-hectare block of farmland at Bell Block, near New Plymouth. The land was part of a 32.5ha block they bought in...

Paddleboarders pinged

Dozens of stand-up paddleboarders have been pinged for not wearing a lifejacket in the Bay of Plenty region, with many thought to be unaware of the requirement. The offence can attract a $200 fine under the region’s Navigational Safety Bylaw. The...

‘Feral’ burglars ‘even took spare curtains’

A mother whose Gisborne house was broken into on New Year’s Day says “feral scum” burglars have “broken” her whānau’s “wairua” (spirit). Baby items and a toy car belonging to her 2-year-old son, Tewai-Moerangi, were among items taken from Hine Slade’s...

Tank rules adding to costs

Rainwater tanks may seem like a water resilience no-brainer in Wairarapa, but they come at a cost. Since October last year, the Wairarapa Combined District Plan has required new dwellings in residential zones across Masterton, Carterton and South...

$50m mental health unit to open mid-year

The construction of Rotorua’s new mental health and addictions inpatient facility is in the “final stages” and will open to patients by mid-year. The project at Rotorua Hospital has been beset by delays and cost increases since it was announced six...

Rave reviews for theatre

In the words of one startled punter, “Oh my god.” If the most sincere form of appraisal is an involuntary reaction, the audible gasps of astonishment from numerous audience members walking into the BNZ Theatre’s main auditorium for the first time...

Solid gold

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

Yelling ‘Bella’ a recipe for wagging chaos

Calling out the name Bella in a southern dog park is likely to get more than a couple of labrador tails wagging. That’s because Bella is the most popular dog name in both Invercargill and the Southland District Council areas. And the most popular...

Timaru stop for new train

There was time for photographs, refreshments and a stretch when The Mainlander passenger train made a stop at Timaru on its inaugural journey to Invercargill. Those onboard included Christchurch residents Manju Shaji, Monash Mohanan and their son,...

Pic’s crunches competition

Pic’s Peanut Butter is gearing up for another chunky year. The Nelson-based spread manufacturer saw sales reach $40 million and revenue grow by 20% in the 2025 financial year, and it anticipates another 20% increase in sales in the current year. Most...

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

Ancestry surprise

Halina Tilsley was always confident she knew who she was. Born after the end of World War II, she was the daughter of a Polish woman and a British-born Kiwi soldier, a mother of two, a grandmother and greatgrandmother. But two years ago, her life and...

Feel full for longer

Looking for a high-protein breakfast? These oat pancakes with cottage cheese & berries have you sorted.

Problem into protein

City Mission Whanganui is trying to turn what some people think is a problem into a protein-packed meal for those in need. Its venison processing programme, which began in November 2023, aims to address the lack of nutritious protein for the food...

‘Keep safe and look after your mates’

Northlanders already battered by days of heavy rain are being told to brace for another onslaught of torrential downpours today. The region is under an orange heavy rain warning until 1am tomorrow with MetService saying there is a high chance it will...

Afghan family adjusts to life

After years in a foreign country as a refugee, adjusting to living in New Zealand was a shock to a family from Afghanistan who now call Palmerston North home. The Awhina Whakatau Trust works to provide accommodation for refugee families when they...

Put housing focus on pace: Seymour

Act’s David Seymour says residents in his Epsom electorate aren’t “antiintensification”, but if they’re told towering buildings will be constructed “looking into everyone’s backyards and their swing sets and their pools”, they’ll ask, “why would you do...

Feel full for longer

Looking for a high-protein breakfast? These oat pancakes with cottage cheese & berries have you sorted.

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...

Northland braces for more wet weather

Northland is bracing for more severe weather this week as more rain is expected, along with strong winds which could reach gale force. This as clean-ups have begun across the region following relentless downpours at the weekend. Some parts of the...

Quiz

1. The world’s biggest boy band, BTS – from South Korea – announced a global tour, following a four-year break caused by A) burnout; B) getting married and having children; C) military service; D) going to uni? 2. NZ’s highest suspension bridge,...

BACK TO SCHOOL COSTS

The real price of your child’s education

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.

Transform your home with wallpaper

Wallpaper is back, and isn’t going anywhere, transforming plain walls throughout the country into captivating focal points. No longer just a roll of repeating patterns, today’s wallpaper offers everything from immersive murals to tactile surfaces that...

‘Tsunami’ of changes

Discussions included the council’s focus on ensuring staff numbers were “fit-forpurpose”, proposed changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA)and balancing her mayoral title with her new role as president of Local Government New Zealand...

EDITOR’S LETTER

Period dramas are perennially popular and we have two to look forward to this week with the return of Bridgerton and a reboot of television classic The Forsytes. While the past was not without its problems, it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of a...

Remarkable residence in world-class grounds

Comfort, space, and practicality make this a very special property. Inside, a warm, vibrant palette creates a welcoming atmosphere, while spacious living means ample space for the whole family. The 911sqm section is more than large enough for children...

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...

ON THE COVER

Colourful design enlivens this home on Waikanae Beach – see page 24. Photograph by Paul Mccredie

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.