Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

New Zealanders diagnosed with upper gut cancers, including pancreatic, stomach, or liver cancer, can now access a dedicated support service. Approximately 2,500 people in New Zealand are diagnosed with these specific cancers annually.

The Civil Aviation Authority is moving to expedite several rule changes to allow for greater innovation and growth. Proposed changes could enable drones to travel several kilometers to deliver goods like pizza to farms. Technical difficulties regarding autonomous navigation from point A to B remain a primary challenge. The discussion aims to create a regulatory space for autonomous vehicles to operate more freely. The country also maintains a space industry, ranking as the fourth largest launcher of rockets into space. New plumbing regulations come into effect tomorrow to remove lead from all products allowed in new-build homes and buildings. The change was signaled four years ago, suggesting a gradual phase-out of leaded products during the transition period. Water New Zealand noted that older homes may still contain pipes with lead in them.

The national median house price in New Zealand rose to just over $809,000 in April. This figure is fractionally higher than the median recorded in March. CoreLogic Chief Economist Kelvin Davidson noted that while prices rose, questions remain regarding the duration of this trend.

The electricity authority has requested that power companies explain their current pricing structures. One resident stated they have had to set aside extra money from their paycheck to cover the higher bills.

New Zealand business confidence fell to minus 10.6 in April, down from 32.5 in March according to a weekly survey. The construction sector recorded the largest drop in activity.

Holger Reinecke and his wife are selling their property on Axis Road after 24 years due to concerns over a proposed mine. The property is located near the Dunstan mountains and sits under a proposed tailings dam.

Crusaders skipper David Havili will play his 150th game for the franchise tonight. The match features the defending champions against the Hurricanes in Wellington. Crusaders coach Rob Penny stated Havili's leadership and influence on the side is.

A political party launched its election manifesto at Parliament on Thursday morning. The manifesto includes a commitment to spend $21 million per year on healthcare initiatives. The plan aims to achieve a 90% HPV immunisation target by 2030. The launch included personal testimonies regarding cancer diagnoses and smear test results. The program is estimated to cost $21 million per year. During the launch, Jen Jewel shared her experience of being diagnosed with abnormal cells via a smear test at age 35. The platform aims to address disparities in treatment protocols compared to international standards. An MP based in Epsom has been handed the health portfolio following the retirement of Dr Shane Reti in March. The new minister stated a commitment to engaging directly with Pacifica communities.

New Zealand households spend approximately $77 per week on goods implicated in modern slavery, including coffee and electronics. In 2022, the country imported almost $8 billion in goods from 39 countries identified as using forced or child labour.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark stated that Winston Peters did not deliberately act regarding the release of emails involving Christopher Luxon. The documents show Luxon sought explicit public support for the US within days of the war starting.