Chapter 1: The Rise of a Kiwi IconIn the heart of 1990s New Zealand (Wellington), a new phenomenon was taking flight: Flybuys. Conceived as a coalition loyalty scheme, where shoppers could earn points across a network of retailers and redeem them for rewards, it quickly captured the hearts of Kiwis. From families dreaming of a Wellington getaway to savvy shoppers maximizing their grocery savings, Flybuys became synonymous with rewards and recognition.Chapter 2: Soaring to New HeightsThe scheme soared to incredible heights, with 2.9 million members making up a staggering 80% of Kiwi households. It was a win-win for everyone: shoppers…

Renowned freshwater ecologist Mike Joy found himself momentarily silenced, a rare occurrence for the 2023 Callaghan Medal winner for science communication. Joy, a senior research fellow at Victoria University and recipient of numerous awards, had been invited by Wellington City Libraries to discuss his upcoming memoir, “The Fight for Freshwater.”However, a subsequent conversation with a library representative raised concerns that Joy might veer into political territory. The representative ultimately rescinded the invitation, citing a breach of their policy on public events. The decision left Joy astounded and, for once, speechless.Joy’s advocacy for New Zealand’s waterways has often drawn criticism from…

Executive Director of Cambridge Cycling Campaign, Roxanne opened the webinar, highlighting the need to leverage the pandemic to advocate for active travel and improved urban environments.Patrick Morgan, Project Manager of Cycling Action Network NZ, provided context on New Zealand’s car-dependent culture and recent political shifts towards embracing cycling.He introduced the “Innovating Streets” program, a government initiative funding tactical urbanism projects in cities.Claire Pascoe’s Presentation:Claire Pascoe, Lead Advisor on Urban Mobility at NZ Transport Agency, shared how the pandemic has created a unique opportunity for innovation in urban planning.She emphasized the need to be agile and adapt to the changing landscape,…

A 200-car burnout gathering in Levin turned violent Sunday night, leaving two police officers injured and multiple arrests made.Around 30 police officers, deployed pre-emptively, were “put at serious risk due to the aggressive behavior” of many involved, Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said.The chaos unfolded as the large gathering on Bath St around 8 pm descended into a series of burnouts at the intersection of Queen Street and State Highway 57. Attempts by police to intervene were met with resistance, with patrol cars being kicked and pelted with bottles.The group then moved to Otaki and back to Levin, continuing…

Prince Charles, the eldest son of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born on 14th November 1948, at Buckingham Palace. The announcement of his birth was conveyed through an encoded telegram from King George VI’s private secretary to the New Zealand Governor General, marking the beginning of a longstanding connection between the British royal family and New Zealand.In 1970, Prince Charles embarked on his inaugural visit to New Zealand, accompanied by his parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and his sister Princess Anne. The royal family’s presence during the opening of the 36th New Zealand Parliament captured…

Wellington witnessed a strong and peaceful demonstration. Hundreds of Kiwis rallied to protest the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, motivated by a strong sense of justice and solidarity.

A local businessman, Paul, has sounded the alarm on the deteriorating condition of pipework beneath Thorndon Quay, a critical issue that could derail the ongoing $58 million cycleway and bus lane project and devastate local businesses. Paul’s concerns, based on exclusive information obtained through an Official Information Act (OIA) request, highlight a potential crisis lurking beneath the surface of this ambitious infrastructure project.Wellington Water Limited Confirms Urgent Investigation NeededWellington Water Limited (WWL), the entity responsible for the city’s water infrastructure, has confirmed the dire state of the pipes. Of particular concern is a 525mm cast iron transition main laid in…