Stories from Wellington · New Zealand

Public conservation land contiguous with Puriōra Forest Park in New Zealand's North Island totals approximately 90,000 hectares. This area contains some of the best remaining podocarp forest, which includes large rimu and totara trees.

The TVNZ natural history unit, which had a long association with the broadcaster and previously interacted with students, is reportedly no longer active. The source expressed sadness over this development.

Jana Dale-Peterson, who is in charge of custody units nationally, announced that New Zealand police are developing a new bespoke restraint chair. This chair will include a cushion at the back top end to minimize movement when a person is strapped in.

A university is investigating whether private communications and information, including names, student IDs, and messages between students and lecturers on its site, have been accessed.

Mikey Sherman announced her resignation on social media this afternoon, stating her role had become untenable. She acknowledged using offensive and inexcusable language last year. Sherman claimed her language was a response to deeply personal and inappropriate remarks.

The Commerce Commission has approved the merger of fuel companies NPD and Gull. Commission chair John Small stated the regulator is satisfied the proposed merger is unlikely to cause problems. The decision was announced following a review of the transaction.

New Zealand has entered discussions with Australia and the United Kingdom regarding the replacement of its naval frigates.

New Zealand Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed today that the media regulatory authority will be scrapped following an assessment of its fitness for purpose. Goldsmith stated that news and entertainment consumption patterns have changed dramatically while the regulatory structure has not. A suggestion exists for the council to transition into a self-regulatory body for handling complaints. Goldsmith also noted that consumers can choose to avoid offensive content by switching stations. A proposal is being discussed to remove New Zealand's only statutory regulator of broadcasting media. Concerns were raised that without this regulator, broadcast media might not maintain standards, potentially distorting public debate and enhancing polarization.

A former member of the Broadcasting Standards Authority announced today that the regulator is being axed. The announcement was made by a former member of the organization.

New Zealand announced new requirements for citizenship applicants today. Applicants will be expected to achieve a 75% pass mark on the test. Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke Van Velden stated the change is necessary for a range of reasons. The new requirements are expected to take effect starting late next year. New Zealand's Internal Affairs Minister and Act MP Brooke van der Veldt announced that migrants applying for citizenship must pass a new multiple-choice test starting late next year. The proposed test will cover topics including the Bill of Rights Act, voting rights, human rights, and the structure of government. Brooke van der Veldt stated the measure is intended to strengthen the definition of New Zealand citizenship.