Stories from 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.

The Bay of Islands received 42 visiting cruise ships over the last year. Cruise manager Erwin Wilson stated that visiting ships bring revenue to the region. The average spend per person in the bay is approximately $180.

The Otago pakeke sea lion population produced more than 35 pups during the current breeding season. The breeding numbers are reportedly increasing despite challenges from the fishing industry, food scarcity, and disease.

The Education and Workforce Select Committee is currently discussing the Employment Leave Bill. Part-time and shift workers testified to the committee that proposed changes to leave allowances could result in losses of thousands of dollars per year.

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.

An intelligence head from the mathematics department at Canterbury University has become the first person from outside the United Kingdom to win a prestigious mathematics medal. The recipient specializes in deciphering and understanding ancient mathematical texts.

The Westland District Council announced the temporary closure of the Hawke-Ticker swimming pool due to rising diesel costs. The facility is expected to shut for three to six months because heating water has become unsustainable.

Students and staff were evacuated from the Albany campus of Massey University in Auckland following a fire in a top-floor classroom. Fire and emergency crews responded to the incident.

A man in his 60s has pleaded not guilty to 10 charges of historical sexual offending at Dilworth School in Auckland. The man has been a target of police for several years, according to the report. His arrest is the 14th made under police investigation known as Operation Beverly. Police stated they have been seeking the individual for a number of years. A man appeared in the Auckland District Court facing 10 charges of sexual offending. His application for continued name suppression was denied, though a lawyer's appeal currently prevents his name from being released. The defendant has opted for a trial by jury and is expected to reappear in court in July. An appeal by his lawyer means his name remains suppressed for now. A man is facing charges related to sexual offending against boys at Dillworth School. The case involves allegations of sexual offending at the institution.

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.