Stories from New Zealand

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.

The Botanist cafe in Lyle Bay has seen revenues cut by up to 50 percent due to raw sewage spilling near the shore. Co-owner Maria Boyle stated that streets emptied in early February following the spill. The business may be forced to shut if the issue is not resolved by summer.

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.

The government and Channel Infrastructure expect diesel to be available at the Marsden Point storage facility by late June or early July. The project is costing taxpayers $21.6 million.

Earth Sciences New Zealand is forecasting an El Nino weather system to arrive this winter. Meteorologist John Tunster stated the system could drive warmer than average ocean temperatures in parts of the Pacific.

The New Zealand government unveiled extra fuel reserves yesterday to mitigate supply disruptions. Z Energy will manage 90 million litres of diesel at the Marsden Point refinery, representing approximately nine days of supply.

New Zealand is forecasting a rapid transition to a formidable El Nino weather system. This forecast considers the impact within the context of a warming global climate.

The average individual angel investment in New Zealand fell to just below $10,000, representing a 16% decrease from the 12-month average.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced changes to the asylum system to address serious criminal offending by a small number of asylum seekers. The specific nature of the proposed changes is currently under discussion. The current legislation focuses primarily on terrorism following the 9-11 era. The move aims to address evolving maritime threats beyond the existing framework. These officials currently possess the authority to issue directions to ships regarding navigation and regional operations. Labour MP Priyanka Radhakrishnan has introduced a bill to criminalize the practice of virginity testing and hymenoplasty. Radhakrishnan described the practices as invasive and a violation of women's human rights. A 2025 report from the Helen Clark Foundation previously highlighted the harm caused to women by these practices.