Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

A New Zealand zoo will allow visitors to watch live veterinary procedures for the first time. The gallery will include penguin health checks, aardvark ultrasounds, and porpoise post mortems.

The New Zealand government is seeking approximately $500 million in private sector capital to facilitate the growth of Kiwi Bank. The bank currently requires more capital to compete with the four major Australian-owned banks.

Minister Goldsmith stated the government will not consider abolishing the Pacific People's Ministry for the remainder of the term. The ministry aims to reduce crime victimization rates, noting Pacific people are statistically more likely to be victims. Goldsmith said the ministry provides essential expertise to other ministers. The decision follows calls from political opponents to scrap the department. The ministry's role includes addressing the fact that Pacific people in Aotearoa are more likely to be victims of crime.

Goldsmith has entered a new role during a period of increased hardship for Pacifica communities in Aotearoa. Pacifica demographics have seen rising unemployment, food insecurity, and incarceration rates over the last two years.

A former representative of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand questioned the level of government support provided to the hospitality sector. The speaker noted that hospitality receives different levels of assistance compared to the farming sector.

ACT MP Todd Stevenson has labeled a $40 million event attraction package a personal slush fund for Tourism Minister Holly Hedley. The policy is intended to fund high-profile visitors to New Zealand, such as Robbie Williams.

TVNZ political editor Mikey Sherman is facing criticism following allegations of using a homophobic slur. The incident reportedly occurred against another reporter during Pre-Budget Drinks held in the office of Nicola Willis.

The New Zealand government has removed English fluency requirements for individuals investing between $5 million and $10 million for an active investor plus visa. MP Ricardo Menendez-Marge criticized the previous English testing mandate as elitist.

Local residents report that Hattai Beach, a popular swimming and sunbathing spot in Wellington, has lost its sand. The loss follows construction work performed on the sea and retaining walls last year.

New Zealand has delivered a $3 million support package to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. The funding aims to address urgent humanitarian needs following Cyclone Maela, which caused widespread damage in both countries earlier this month. The assistance follows formal requests from both nations to aid affected communities. Both New Zealand and partner countries are working to address the humanitarian requirements in the affected areas. The New Zealand Defence Force has delivered shelter, hygiene, and kitchen kits to the Solomon Islands. Material including agriculture tool kits, generators, and water containers has also been delivered to Papua New Guinea. New Zealand police in Bougainville have assisted in moving injured individuals from landslides. The Pacific Response Group has been established as a new military mechanism for the Pacific region.