Mark Mitchell, New Zealand’s Police Minister, isn’t mincing words regarding the youth crime wave sweeping the nation. He’s been hitting the streets, talking to shop owners and community leaders in hard-hit areas like South Auckland, and the message he’s hearing is clear: people are fed up.Amidst growing public concern over a surge in violent crime, Mark Mitchell has doubled down on controversial youth rehabilitation programs, emphasizing their crucial role in tackling the root causes of delinquency. In a series of high-profile visits to crime hotspots like South Auckland, Mitchell has engaged with community leaders and business owners who have borne…

40 Billion Oreo cookies vanish each year, devoured with delight. Yet, amidst the creamy crunch, a curious detail often goes unnoticed – the enigmatic symbols adorning each cookie. Could they be more than mere decoration?Here’s everything you need to know about the logo on your favorite Oreo cookie. The Nabisco logo, a seemingly simple circle and cross, echoes the Cross of Lorraine, a powerful emblem wielded by the Knights Templar during the tumultuous First Crusade. A chilling reminder of a brutal past lurks beneath the sugary surface.Another curious symbol, the cross pattée, whispers of the Knights Templar’s legacy. While many…

The Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) is embroiled in controversy over its ambitious Climate Adaptation Plan, facing strong opposition from residents and climate change skeptics alike. The plan, crafted by the Coastal Advisory Panel (CAP) under the leadership of former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, has ignited fierce debate due to its reliance on what critics deem “extreme and implausible” climate modeling.As Cited in the Telegraph, At the heart of the dispute lies the Jacobs Report, a key document underpinning the plan, which utilizes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) SSP/RCP5-8.5 model. This model, projecting significantly elevated sea levels, has…

Wellington’s luxury housing market is showing signs of cooling, with prices for larger properties taking a significant hit in recent months.According to Trade Me Property, asking prices for homes with five or more bedrooms in Wellington plummeted by 9.4% in May, second only to Auckland in terms of price decline. Trade Me spokesperson Casey Wylde noted that this trend isn’t unexpected, given that these properties are typically the priciest on the market.The news comes as Trade Me’s Property Price Index recorded its second consecutive monthly decline, after showing promising growth earlier in the year.While year-on-year prices remain up by a modest…

Four construction sites are working tirelessly on the new Te Ara Tupua seawall, a vital project that will protect the coastline between Ngauranga and Petone while also providing a scenic path for walkers and cyclists. The project is making significant headway, with over 1,195 out of 6,700 uniquely designed “X” shaped concrete blocks already in place. These blocks, along with a whopping 55,000 tonnes of rock, will form the backbone of this robust coastal defense.But the seawall is more than just a protective barrier. It’s a testament to the commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. As part of the…

https://youtu.be/-jcC-gQ6QrE?si=gc2O81IPNNqJrzkqTongan Fish and Chips: A Taste of Home in WellingtonWellington, the vibrant capital of New Zealand, is a melting pot of cultures, and the Tongan community has undoubtedly left its mark on the city’s food scene. One shining example of this is the Tongan take on the classic fish and chips, a beloved dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.A Fusion of FlavorsTongan fish and chips. While it might sound familiar, the Tongan twist elevates this classic to a whole new level. The fish, typically snapper or hoki, is coated in a batter infused with Tongan spices like ginger, garlic,…

Wellingtonians, it’s time for a heart-to-heart! We at Wellington Live have been hearing some wild stories about a sneaky little problem plaguing our beloved city: the disappearing act of wallets and phones. It’s like they sprout wings and fly away! We’re here to spill the tea on some of the most cringe-worthy and sometimes heartwarming tales from fellow Wellingtonians who’ve faced this double whammy.Airport Adventures (or Misadventures):Imagine this: You’re at the airport, ready to jet off on a well-deserved holiday to Queenstown. You reach for your boarding pass, and… poof! It’s vanished, along with your wallet and everything in it.…

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, from Fieldays, highlighted how important a competitive banking sector is for the country’s economy. Minister Willis agreed, emphasizing the need for accessible financial services for everyone, especially those living and working in rural communities.The investigation will look into various aspects of the banking sector, including lending practices, barriers to competition, and the impact of regulations. They’ll also gather evidence from financial regulators and get input from bank executives.People in rural areas have been especially vocal about their concerns, pointing to high interest rates, limited access to loans, and the closure of local bank branches. Mark Cameron,…

Ever wondered how your paycheck compares to others in Wellington, or even across the ditch in Australia? Well, new data from Hays recruitment company sheds some light on that.It seems most companies in both countries are planning to give raises this year, but not as many as last year, and the raises might not be as big. Fields like HR and finance are more likely to see pay bumps. The cost of living is a major factor in how much employers are willing to offer.Wellington’s job market is holding steady, and folks in HR, healthcare, and engineering are finding it…

In this series we look at teams and communities, and why some fans are rock solid over prolonged periods.A sea of blue jerseys defiantly painted in blue visited Christchurch’s stadium on May 25th, as thousands of passionate fans roared their support for the visiting Blues, in a thrilling Kiwi derby against the reigning champion Crusaders. While the nail-biter scoreline of 29-27 may have favored the home team, the Blues’ fanbase’s unwavering loyalty was the night’s true spectacle.More Than Just a Game: A Legacy of Loyalty Through Generations.This wasn’t just another rugby match; it was a chapter in a storied rivalry…