New Zealand Newspapers

Inspired ideas for bathroom vanities

The perfect bathroom should set the tone for your day, and feel like a retreat. A lot of this comes down to ambience, and while standard vanities are convenient, a bespoke unit can transform ‘ordinary’ into something special. Here are some inspiring...

‘It's broken country’

Residents along a closureprone state highway want to know how $75 million to be invested in its resilience will be spent. The money, announced in Budget 2026 yesterday, will be used to improve the resilience of State Highway 2 Waioweka Gorge. It comes...

Breaking down the Budget

Some Wairarapa community leaders are questioning whether Thursday’s “bread and butter” Budget will do enough for households, schools and services already under pressure. Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s last Budget of the term set aside billions for...

SAINT ALBANS

178 Knowles Street Auction: Thursday June 4, 2026 from 10am (unless sold prior) Open home: May 30, 2.30pm-3pm May 31, 1.15pm-1.45pm 3 / 1 / 2 / 2 Agents: Harrison Reid 021 248 8232 Cameron Bailey 027 555 7079 Harcourts old Licensed Agent REAA 2008

PLUS

Winter is looking like a very good time to be in Wellington with the approaching Lōemis festival. The capital’s answer to Hobart’s Dark Mofo or Melbourne’s Rising, this feast of food, dance and music is a place of discovery with a range of intriguing...

HISTORY COR NER

Marlene Frost sent in this image of her father, Stan Frost, right, with his best friend Tim, centre, and a man from Motueka, taken in Egypt in 1940. “They must have been on leave before the Battle of El Alamein,” she wrote. “These men were very...

By Amy Poehler

If you’re a fan of the actor’s Golden Globewinning podcast Good Hang, you’ll love listening to her narrate her 2014 memoir.

Take it slow

When the weekend rolls around, it’s worth slowing down in the kitchen for something rich and warming, especially as the weather cools. These recipes from Tony Tan’s new cookbook Hong Kong Cult Recipes (out on Tuesday, June 2) are the kind of dishes...

Consent carrot helpful, but not huge: councils

Budget 2026 may not have been a lolly scramble, but Waikato councils were pleased to find a financial carrot aimed at supporting growth. The $400 million, four-year Housing Growth Incentive Fund has been dubbed “small change”, but will essentially pay...

Budget no frills and no thrills

FINANCE Minister Nicola Willis promised that Budget 2026 would not be one to get the pulse racing, and boy did she deliver. Her Budget speech gave an early clue that adrenalineraising announcements would be thin on the ground. She was a fifth of the...

■ Cartoonist’s view: Sharon Murdoch

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LIFE IS SHORT

When Martin Short was 12, his oldest brother died in a car accident. Five years later, his mother died of cancer; three years after that, his father had a stroke and died, leaving Short, at 20, the youngest of five, living alone at his family home in...

■ Budget receipt calculator: See where your taxes are going

Government expecting early surplus: Health, education and defence the big winners Luke Malpass analysis: A modest Budget for straitened times Dangling a fiscal carrot to councils ■ Budget receipt calculator: See where your taxes are going ■ Vulnerable...

Applause but not a lot of laughs – unless your name is Winston,

As the MP who has sat through the most Budget platitudes by a considerable margin, NZ First leader Winston Peters endured yesterday’s Budget debate as merrily as if it was a new season of his favourite comedy show. Depending on the ballot box, of...

Council’s river divide

Horizons Regional Council has approved funding of nearly $350,000 a year for a statutory partnership board and its work to improve the health of the Whangaehu River catchment. Councillors were sharply divided in a closely contested vote, with the...

Top Gun, battle wounds and the ceremonial sword

The high school teacher under scrutiny for waving a slug gun in class and for his claims of an illustrious military career has voluntarily left the classroom while under investigation by the Teaching Council. On May 22, Marlborough Boys’ College...

Budget win for North

The 2026 Budget is being touted as a win for Northlanders, with funding for Whangārei Hospital’s 158-bed ward tower a key announcement. The Budget, described by Finance Minister Nicola Willis as “responsible” in an increasingly uncertain world, also...

Fiscal goals v coalition reality

Business and Politics Editor All Budgets are balancing acts. This one was no different. What was different was that it is an election year and yet there were no blatant sweeteners for the median voter. Instead, this was a document designed to confer...

BOUNCE BACK BUDGET?

Nicola Willis warned Kiwis not to expect a lolly scramble and anyone holding out hope for an election-year surprise would be disappointed. Instead, the Government’s Budget, unveiled yesterday, focused on attempting to untangle the New Zealand economy...

Govt reforms loom over council matters in Tararua

Navigating the “abolition” of local government is a key focus for council, with many reports and portfolio updates reflecting the undeniable prevalence of recent government reforms. Scott Gilmore used his mayoral update at the recent Tararua District...

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FIND Out wHAt’s ON tHIs LONG wEEKEND Long days travelling for dialysis nearly broke her . . Now she has hope .

For three months, Tauranga mother Tui Penman woke at 5am three days each week to go to Waikato Hospital. The 47-year-old has chronic kidney disease, requiring a four-hour haemodialysis session every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Penman said Tauranga...

Pink Floyd tribute gig hits a brick wall

APink Floyd-inspired concert in Napier has been abruptly cancelled after organisers received a cease and desist order from the worldfamous rock band’s licence holders. Playing to Kiwi audiences for the best part of three decades, the Pink Floyd...

‘Give this a chance’

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell is defending upcoming parking changes after a backlash against a reduction in free parking spaces. From July 1, control of Rotorua’s parking services will return to council hands, bringing a sweeping overhaul of inner-city...

‘Just trying to get by’

Income-related rent will increase from next year as part of a social housing overhaul. Minister of Housing Chris Bishop says reforms are necessary to improve fairness, but social housing tenants say it puts further strain on already struggling...

40 MAGIC TV MOMENTS FROM FOUR DECADES

Waikato misses out on hosting Battle of Mooloo

Waikato has missed out on hosting the David Nyika versus Floyd Masson “battle of the Mooloo” boxing match due to a lack of substantial funding support. The fight, an eliminator for the IBF world cruiserweight title, will take place in August at...

LINTON

Tender closing Thursday May 21, 2026 This 5.06ha property has three beautifully renovated dwellings on one title. Whether accommodating extended family, creating a substantial home-and-income stream, or securing a multi-dwelling investment, this...

Making waves to raise funds for water safety

Lewis Elliott is all about keeping people safe in the water. The Swim Education Team Leader at Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool is taking part in next month’s Big Swim to raise money for Coastguard – a nationwide volunteer organisation committed to...

Language-led push to cut food waste

Peri Guan can’t wait to help Chinese people find out more about reducing food waste and saving money – in their own language. Guan is one of the Waste-Ed with Kate trainers who are delivering workshops to Chinese, Samoan and Indian communities as part...

The Games, the Queen and that tiny lunch

Sally and Mene Mene have returned to QEII Park, reliving their Commonwealth Games memories as they explored a new $1.2 million sports-themed playground that now occupies the site. On page 3, they talk to reporter Geoff Sloan about the iconic 1974 event...

Wrecked rickshaw spoils birthday

Jess Reid received an unwanted birthday present on Saturday night when her family’s treasured rickshaw was vandalised while parked on the esplanade. Reid was celebrating her 41st birthday with husband Hamish and six close friends around a bonfire at...

Language-led push to cut food waste

Peri Guan can’t wait to help Chinese people find out more about reducing food waste and saving money – in their own language. Guan is one of the WasteEd with Kate trainers who are delivering workshops to Chinese, Samoan and Indian communities as part...

Making waves to raise funds for water safety

Lewis Elliott is all about keeping people safe in the water. The Swim Education Team Leader at Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool is taking part in next month's Big Swim to raise money for Coastguard – a nationwide volunteer organisation committed to...

Rates debate – how much will you pay?

The council has found enough savings to reduce its average rates rise to “4.5%-ish”. It comes after the majority of submitters on the draft Annual Plan wanted a rates rise of 4.9% or lower after the council initially proposed a 5.4%...

Timeless style cruising in

Alexandra’s main street came alive as 36 Mustangs rolled through town at the weekend for this year’s Southern Muster. The annual event, held alternately by the Canterbury Mustang Owners Club and the Invercargillbased Southern Mustang Club, brings...

Rates to breach 20% despite cuts

Clutha looks set to breach a selfimposed cap of 20% for rates increases. The Clutha District Council’s draft annual plan included a proposed average rates increase of 20.58%. Following decisionmaking meetings last week, the council announced a...

Front-row centre

Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust Chair Kevin Moseley shows his appreciation for the performing arts centre whose 10th year coincides with the organisation’s 50th anniversary. Whitehaven Theatre hosts a special show on Friday (29 May) to mark both...

Far North records 496 dog-related ACC claims

The Far North ranks among the worst districts in the country for dog-related ACC claims, recording nearly 500 ACC claims last year. The Far North District Council (FNDC) is currently conducting a statutory review of the Animal Management Bylaw 2018 and...

CELEBRATING

Read about Wairarapa’s innovative and successful business women. Be inspired and empowered

Flower power

Marlborough Youth Trust has unveiled its special Garden of Voices mural. Manager Maxine Sweeney says the eye-catching artwork represents recent Youth Week and this year’s kaupapa, “Our Voices Matter! We Deserve to Be Heard | Taringa whakarongo! Ki te...

Food, fear and search for relief: Kyra’s campaign for treatment

Imagine having a cafe catch-up with friends and being afraid to try any new foods in case you find yourself unable to swallow. Or feeling like food has become lodged in your throat and chest, turning even ordinary meals into uncertainty and...

Tommy’s Market Update

According to leading agents Alexia Stoddart and Chris Robinson of Tommy’s Real Estate, the market remains steady, but buyers are taking a more measured approach as conditions continue to normalise. April’s significant weather events, including record...

Anchored in greatness

Upcoming Waikato musicians have recorded three iconic Kiwi tracks alongside the legend who wrote them. Hamilton-based rangatahi band Albert Street, featuring Hamilton East student Miss Ally, stepped into Stebbing Recording Studio to record their...

INSIDE:

SHIPS’ FIGUREHEADS – A SAFE PAIR OF EYES WHICH CATAMARAN IS BEST FOR YOU? CONTRACTING A BOAT YARD RUAMAHANGA DIVERSION THE CATCH: BLOW THE WIND FUTURE OF CARIBBEAN BOATS STAYING PUT FOR CYCLONE SEASON FUEL CRISIS EFFECTS THE AUCKLAND WOODEN BOAT...

VETS ON WHEELS!

The mobile docs helping species in Victoria…

Dream ESCAPE

A great utility salad to pop on the table as an easy side dish that goes particularly well with fried foods. ¼ head cabbage, finely shredded (3 packed cups) 1 cup edamame beans, blanched 1 cup finely shredded carrots 8 yellow or red cherry...

A Toast to Tenacity

The revival of Earnscleugh Castle, where Ryan Sanders and Marco Creemers demonstrate their ambition and resilience in Central Otago

Basket case

Our two supermarket giants have long been accused of blocking competition and contributing to high food prices. But what’s really stopping new entrants?

MasterChef Poh

REGRETS, RIVALRY & REVENGE!

NIX ADAMS, 39, social media superstar What’s your secret to making it to the final four? Being someone who people feel comfortable with – being real, whether it’s good or bad. I wanted to always remain true to my integrity and core moral values....

THEIR UNEXPECTED JOY IN CHAOS

Make, Bake & forage

DIY firepit upcycled mini composter homegrown herbal teas watercress salsa verde tasty turmeric recipes

MADE TO MATTER

When the mid-afternoon harbour light hits a full-height wall of aged brass cabinetry, it breaks back across the kitchen. Raimana Jones of Atelier Jones placed the brass on the wall opposite the room’s northwestfacing window for exactly that reason....

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.

MOUNTAIN HIGH

THESE PAGES Steve and Jackie Worrall wanted furnishings which were neither delicate nor too heavy, or too contemporary for their Queenstown holiday home, and found a perfect fit in Coco Republic pieces, in particular a showstopping Aspen leather sofa...

HOMEBUILT

Quiz

1. Air NZ announced new non-stop routes from Christchurch to which three destinations? 2. Colossal Biosciences announced the development of an artificial egg in its quest to resurrect which extinct bird? 3. Which Aussie pop star revealed a 2021...

KHU KHU’S BAO-DOWN BURGER

A few years before Covid, Michael Khuwattanasenee was 20 days into trying veganism when a bowl of noodles on Dominion Rd undid it all. Though he’d asked for a vegan meal, he could taste the oyster sauce in his food. He didn’t blame the establishment –...

Clean living: Protect precious assets

Your new home is pristine, and you want to keep it that way, but each surface needs specific care to look its best. The wrong products can damage expensive finishes, turning a tidy-up into a costly mistake. Read how to clean and protect key surfaces...

PARADISE LOST

Hā hei locals are divided over the return of James Skelton to the holiday hotspot where he abused a 9-year-old girl who ‘trusted him like a grandfather’. Some say leave him alone; others want him gone. The girl he abused, and her family, remain too...

NORTHLAND

Tender closing 27 May 2026 at 1pm Open Home Sunday, 1pm-1.30pm Exemplifying award-winning Upoko Architects’ vision, the home has been sympathetically renovated to honour its original character, pairing contemporary finishes with timeless features in...

How a year of secret filming exposed animal abuse

New Zealand was winding down for summer. Across the country, shearing gangs were finishing their last runs of the season, farmers were heading to the beach, and executives at the New Zealand Merino Company were looking forward to the break. Then, on...

New tolls and Katikati Bypass to be considered

New tolls will be explored for New Zealand’s most-tolled region under a new agreement between Western Bay of Plenty councils and the Government. The long-discussed Katikati Bypass is also on the agenda, earmarked for funding from asset sales. The...

WHIP UP YOUR OWN TAKEAWAY FAVES

New Zealand Walk: Plenty of variety on Branch Walk way

The 6km Branch Road Walkway in the Pohangina Valley, 16km from Ashhurst, has charm and history and is considered to be a relatively easy walk. It follows the route of an abandoned road linking Pohangina Village with Ridge Road. When Branch Road was...

TOP & FLOP CROPS

When the American food activist and author Michael Pollan famously railed against eating “anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognise,” he was referring to highly processed foods, rather than exotic ingredients. But sometimes I can’t help but...

FROM THE EDITOR

Caleb Clarke has looked sharp as a tack for the Blues this season. He went okay for them in 2025 but could not cross the tryline and didn’t quite look in peak form. There was all sorts happening in the background, as he discusses in our feature...

MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Versatile, easy to make yet effortlessly delicious, comforting and nutritious, pasta is a star in everything from high-end restaurants to family gatherings. Put some culinary magic on your table and captivate your tastebuds with this ultimate selection...

A RECIPE FOR HEIFER MATING SUCCESS

Glenaray Station successfully mate yearling heifers, increasing their reproductive potential

THE RIGHT STUFFAYRBURN CLASSIC 2026

All the ingredients were there this year, for a very different kind of motoring festival experience for New Zealanders. In March 2025, the inaugural Ayrburn Classic showed its potential, confirming what many suspected: it was a successful concept for a...

MUSTANG MISHAP

While we always check and double-check material before we burst into print, things don’t always go to plan and the odd mistake and/ or omission is virtually inevitable. In the report on the 2026 Ellerslie Intermarque Concours d’Elegance in our last...

NICOLA CHAN CELEBRATES A DECADE OF DINING AT PARIS BUTTER, AUCKLAND

Ten years in, Paris Butter remains one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed dining destinations. With three hats in the Cuisine Good Food Guide, the Herne Bay restaurant is known for refined dining, polished hospitality and a standard of excellence that has...

Are you future proof?

An interesting trend we have seen over the last five or so years is that a fairly large number of automotive repair businesses just cease to exist at some point. We see this when we get magazines returned or cancelled. Whilst there are many reasons for...

A POSITIVE START TO THE YEAR

It has been a busy start to the year. Our recent member meet-ups around the country were a great success, providing a valuable opportunity to share the Board’s revised strategy and hear directly from members about the opportunities and challenges...

Do the thing! rot

When leaves rot they slowly turn into compost, with the help of all the worms, bugs and tiny creatures that live in the soil. Compost is food and medicine for the soil, keeping our gardens healthy. Leaves that have fallen from trees make brilliant...

84 CAPSULE WARDROBE IDEAS

PLUS SIX TRAILBLAZERS ON THEIR ROAD TO SUCCESS

Fill me in

The cover story for this issue has been brewing for a while. It started as so many articles do: several separate conversations follow the same arc and it’s apparent an idea’s time has come. In no particular order, I was hearing: so much marketing...

You have a voice

After about an hour underground, we started heading back through the cave system. It was properly dark now. The kind of dark where your head torch becomes your entire world. The walls of the cave glowed in the narrow beam of light, wet rock reflecting...

Grow apples, pears, medlars and quinces.

When it comes to pip fruit, it pays to do some research to figure out which variety is best suited to your garden. Even a modest-sized section can make room for a small specimen or an espaliered pip fruit tree, and double-grafted trees can give you...

AUTUMN COLOUR

Trees, shrubs and flowers for seasonal drama

Mosgiel

At Elm Grove, the next generation of Kirklands are blending heritage and innovation on the 173-year-old, Taieri, low-cost dairy farm with an A2 colostrum-based skincare range designed for sensitive skin

IMPROVING PASTURE PRODUCTIVITY

A deep dive into utilising pasture well

A historic lifestyle opportunity

This is not only a stunning piece of history, but what a place to live! In the heart of Maraekakaho perched just above the historic woolshed is the Gardeners Cottage from Maraekakaho Station. A lovely two bedroom cottage plus two bedrooms detached from...

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...

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...

Fonterra brands gone

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

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...