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…

Inspired by BBC’s “Twenty-six Words We Don’t want to Lose,” this exploration delves into the obscure and delightful terms that deserve to be rescued from the depths of linguistic disuse.Agerasia (pronounced ‘adge-uh-ray-zee-ah’): Like the timeless elegance of Old St. Paul’s, this word describes a youthful appearance that belies one’s true age. Wellingtonians, known for their active lifestyles and love of the outdoors, might embrace this term to celebrate their city’s enduring vitality.Beard-second: The minuscule length a man’s beard hair grows in a mere second, perhaps best measured over a tasting flight at the 42 Below vodka distillery in Te Aro.…

“Could Featherston, nestled at the base of the Remutaka hill, be the unsuspecting gateway for this dangerous imposter drug infiltrating Wellington? Given its proximity to the city and relative anonymity, it’s a chilling hypothesis that warrants further investigation”.High Alert, New Zealand’s drug watchdog, has issued a warning about a dangerous imposter lurking in the illicit drug scene. A substance mimicking ketamine, known as 2-Fluoro-2-Oxo-PCE (or 2F-NENDCK/CanKet), has been found in Wellington, disguised as the popular party drug. However, this wolf in sheep’s clothing delivers a far different experience than the expected “k-hole.”Users report a harrowing journey with this imposter drug,…

EARTHQUAKE PARANOIAI believe that the main reason we have a loss of public vitality in Wellington is due to the numberof closed shops and buildings deemed ‘earthquake prone’There is a background worry among the users of city facilities that at any moment they could diein an earthquake, so it’s best to stay home or only visit low rise shopping malls.This emptying out of the City enhanced crime and the financial viability of many businesses. But let’s take a look at the facts in say the last 100 years In 1931 256 people were killed in the Napier earthquake.The Christchurch earthquake…

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has announced additional night closures on State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill to implement safety enhancements following a recent independent audit. The audit, conducted in response to feedback from road users, identified areas for improvement in the slow vehicle bays introduced earlier this year.Mark Owen, NZTA Regional Manager, acknowledged the concerns raised by regular users and emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing them. “We’ve listened to feedback and are determined to make the Remutaka Hill safer and easier to navigate,” he stated.Key changes include:Renaming the slow vehicle bays to slow vehicle lanes to better reflect…

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,…