Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

A survey of over 200 charities indicates that the demand for support has reached its highest level since 2020. The Catanlytic Foundation reported that many households are facing extreme financial pressure. Families are reportedly forced to choose between essential needs such as heating, paying bills, or purchasing food. Chief executive Teresa Moore noted that 'cold poverty' remains a but largely hidden issue.

Local councils are requesting the government to increase financial support for improving national disaster resilience. Documents from the Environment Ministry and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet show New Zealand has spent $64 billion on hazard-related costs since 2010. Wellington City Councilors are considering financial support for businesses affected by the Moore Point Treatment Plant meltdown. The plant failed nearly three months ago and has been discharging millions of liters of raw sewage into the sea near the airport. Some local businesses report revenue losses of up to 50% due to decreased traffic. Wellington City Councilers are deciding this week whether to provide one-off grants of up to $35,000 to specific local businesses. Eligible recipients must be Wellington-owned, employ fewer than 20 people, and demonstrate a revenue loss of at least 50%.

New Zealand experienced 286 company liquidations and 308 insolvencies in March, according to Centrix data. This represents the highest number of liquidations for the month of March since 2015. The report shows there were 3,023 total liquidations in the year leading up to March. The data indicates increasing difficulty for businesses in the region. There were 308 insolvencies recorded during the same month. These figures reflect increasing difficulty for registered businesses in the country. The data suggests debt and land revenue are major factors contributing to these liquidation numbers.

Journalist and producer Lila Baikok has founded a grassroots coalition named Schools Beyond Screens. The organization aims to rein in excessive device use in educational settings. The group advocates for policies that prioritize face-to-face learning as the center of teaching. The initiative focuses on the impact of digital devices on students. The group formed following research into how students use devices for gaming and unmonitored internet access during lessons. They are proposing specific strategies to manage technology in the educational environment.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has pulled out of a long-standing weekly interview slot on TVNZ's breakfast program. No formal leadership challenge or spill has been initiated at this time. The internal tension is described as potentially corrosive to upcoming selection processes. Analysts suggest the current strategy of avoiding direct questions may be ineffective. During a post-Cabinet press conference on Saturday, the Prime Minister expressed frustration with journalists, claiming they had the wrong focus and were not properly serving the public. Questions from reporters focused on government responses to severe weather events, specifically flood protection and climate resilience, rather than leadership stability. This shift is attributed to the circulation of AI-generated misinformation and 'slop' elsewhere.

A New Zealand film production utilized a crowdfunding campaign and the help of friends due to a lack of budget. The crowdfunding raised enough money to cover food, rent, and some flights for the crew. The production team consisted of only seven or eight people, working with a limited budget but leveraging talented friends and a North Canterbury location.

The film 'The Weed Eaters,' by Phineas Teffit and Alice May Connolly, is touring with a 'Big Forking tour' featuring a large prop fork. The film, rated R13, is described as a story about people in their 30s trying to make friends, with some blood and gore but made in-house. Audiences have shown high retention and engagement during Q&A sessions, which include activities like screaming competitions.

An art installation is described as being meaningful and symbolic of resilience to Māori people. The artwork uses 'Tikoka', which was historically used to line 'Uru Pa'. The placement of the artwork evokes a 'korowai' or cloak of mourning, hence its black color. The natural falling of leaves is also noted as a common element.

Artist Lisa Reihana will debut her major installation titled Anzac at the Aotearoa art fair. The event is scheduled to begin next week. This marks the first time the installation is being shown within the country. The segment also discussed superhero costume evolution and science fiction literature.

The New Zealand government is investing over $800,000 to repair storm damage across the national cycle trail network. Funding will target three specific routes: the Horaki Rail Trail, Waikato River Trail, and Tasman's Great Taste Trail. Tourism Minister Louise Upston stated that more than 2 million cyclists use at least one of the 23 trails annually. These cycling activities contribute an estimated $1.28 billion to the national economy. Repairs aim to restore access to these regional tourism assets. Clive Manley stated the focus is on drying out damaged properties and helping residents return home. The investment aims to help these regions welcome visitors again as they recover from severe weather. Health NZ and the Cancer Society will each invest $1 million to expand the SunSmart programme.