Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

The government is introducing measures to crack down on the sale and misuse of nitrous oxide. Large canisters will be automatically classified as psychoactive substances unless they have a documented lawful use. The gas currently has legitimate medical and commercial applications, including anesthesia and whipped cream propellant. The move aims to target misuse of the substance. Currently, enforcement for recreational use requires proof of intent, but new regulations will remove this requirement. All importers will be required to obtain approval from the Director-General of Health. All large canisters exceeding 10 grams will be automatically regulated under the Act. The government is taking further steps to reduce the recreational use of nitrous oxide, also known as "little nangs." The announcement was made during the RNZ Morning Report.

Warnings are growing regarding New Zealand's national debt. Political battles are expected during the upcoming election year over the sale of state-owned assets. The potential sale list includes Landcourt, over 100 farms, and the Met service.

The New Zealand Education Ministry expects student numbers to drop this year after reaching a record high last year. This follows a period of growth in the sector. The decline is described as the start of a slow downward trend in overall numbers. The Ministry of Education reported that national school rolls rose by approximately 90,000 children over 11 years to reach nearly 850,000 last year. This growth was attributed to a birth rate increase between 2007 and 2010 and high net migration. The ministry predicts a decline in numbers as the mini-baby boom cohort leaves the school system. While this year will see only a few thousand fewer students, declines are projected by 2035.

Mary Becker, a nurse at a youth inpatient facility, stated that proposed changes in the Employment Leave Bill would reduce her annual pay by nearly $3,000.

New Zealand Police have extended their contract with Japanese technology firm NEC to maintain fingerprinting services. The extension follows delays in the tender process for a new National Automated Fingerprint Identification System that began in 2024.

Submissions closed today regarding proposed changes to New Zealand immigration laws. The changes would remove the right to appeal for overstayers on visitor visas or temporary migrants who commit a crime.

Lyle Bay cafe owner Maria Boyle stated the business will definitely close if sewage issues are not resolved before next summer. Boyle described the current situation as a disaster. The cafe is located in Wellington.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says councillors will discuss offering grants from a maximum $150,000 fund on Thursday. Little stated that a $35,000 grant would not be enough to cover losses but would provide some help.

A sewage plant continues to discharge untreated sewage through an outfall pipe located approximately one kilometer offshore during heavy rain. Maria Boyle stated that the support for local businesses is badly needed after revenue losses. South Coast beaches have been reopened despite the ongoing discharge. The plant is reportedly Wellington owned and employs fewer than 20 people. Chief Operating Officer Charles Barker stated the organization is not an insurance company and cannot alleviate every business risk. The company expressed a sense of responsibility toward businesses in the community. A Wellington diving business owner stated that customers do not feel safe diving on the south coast following a moor point failure. Additionally, sewage is released through a short pipe near the shore during rainfall. No date has been provided for the repair of the plant.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis confirmed she shut down an event in her office in May 2025. The incident occurred ahead of the budget period. Willis stated the decision followed the use of offensive language during a function hosted for press gallery journalists.