Stories from New Zealand

Lightforce Solar is opening a new branch in Queenstown to meet rising demand for solar installations. Data from the Electricity Authority shows more than 10,000 new installations occurred in the past year, representing a 4% increase. John Harmon of Lightforce Solar stated that high power bills and energy resilience are the primary drivers for household adoption. The average cost for a household solar installation is up to $35,000, according to Harmon.

A couple from Christchurch has taken Kmart to the disputes tribunal following exposure to asbestos-contaminated sand. The couple's three-year-old twins played with the product, which was part of a recall notice issued by the retailer in November last year. The family was instructed to evacuate their home after the sand tested positive for asbestos. Eli Crisp is cited in relation to the case. The ordeal reportedly cost the family tens of thousands of dollars. The couple is seeking compensation under the Consumer Guarantees Act. The incident involves the contamination found within the sand product.

The New Zealand Education Ministry confirmed one case regarding school non-attendance is currently before the courts. This follows the establishment of an attendance prosecution unit last year. Education Minister David Seymour stated the government will be tougher on non-attendance, distinguishing between those who cannot attend and those who will not. Seymour noted that the action demonstrates the government's seriousness regarding the issue. The ministry indicated that enforcement will target those who choose not to attend school rather than those unable to do so.

Sam Altman was present in Auckland today to attend jury selections. The broadcast noted that Altman and Elon Musk have been critical of one another. During preparations, OpenAI sought to include testimony regarding Elon Musk's potential use of ketamine, though the request was denied. The two individuals are expected to provide conflicting testimony.

Parents of three-year-old twins are accusing Kmart of downplaying the risks associated with asbestos-contaminated sand. The family expressed concern that the retailer's instructions were to simply dispose of the material rather than investigate further. Al Crisp and David Dingwall are seeking compensation from a dispute tribunal after discovering tremolite asbestos in their home. Consumer NZ head of research Gemma Rasmussen stated that under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods must be of acceptable quality and safe to use. The testing process for the residents cost tens of thousands of dollars. The couple alleges Kmart downplayed the risk in a recall notice on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website. They have lodged complaints with WorkSafe, MBIE, and the Commerce Commission. Al Crisp noted that for everyday people, determining responsibility is difficult.

Chris Greenaker has officially taken the top coaching position for the Wellington Phoenix men's team. Greenaker previously served four separate stints as a caretaker coach for the club. He had previously acted as caretaker for former coaches Ernie Merrick and Mark Rudin. The appointment follows a long apprenticeship within the organization. He led the team to four wins in eight matches to conclude the A-League season. The Englishman moved to Wellington in 2009 to join the Phoenix as a player before transitioning into assistant coaching roles. Greenaker stated that the role was a paramount prospect he had been looking to secure. He noted that the timing felt right as he felt he had enough experience to justify the position.

Local authorities in Auckland are deciding today whether to permit the installation of a bronze statue of a 'Japanese comfort woman'. Auckland is making a decision regarding a statue representing Japanese 'comfort women' from the Second World War. The discussion centers on the history of sexual violence associated with these women. The discussion centers on the historical context of the military-enforced brothels. The women were forced to work in brothels and undergo forced abortions by Japanese military personnel between 1932 and 1945. The source noted that Japan has expressed opposition to the monument. The source noted that the proposal has met with resistance from Japan. The discussion follows historical tensions regarding such monuments, including a statue removal in Berlin last year.

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters stated that roads would suffer if the government eases weight restrictions for heavy vehicles. He proposed shifting more freight to trains to mitigate impact. The government is currently considering weight restrictions as part of a national plan to save fuel during a potential move to phase two. Peters noted the rail industry has been briefed and is ready for the transition.

More than 400 early childhood services closed nationwide between March 2022 and July 2025. Almost 200 of these closures occurred in Auckland alone, according to the Early Childhood Council. The data was reported by RNZ National. Council Chief Executive Simon Loebber stated that aggressive childcare discounts are unsustainable.

The Co2 Centre for Informed Futures has published a report titled People, Place and Prosperity. Co-author Emeritus Professor Paul Spoonley is calling for a long-term population strategy to address an aging population and declining birth rates. The report warns of the impacts of New Zealand's shifting demographics. Nathan Serendrin, chair of the Wise Response Society, stated the New Zealand government must release its list of priority fuel users immediately. He argued the government is being too relaxed and that citizens require specific information to plan effectively. The request comes as the government prepares for potential economic shifts. The source warned that lack of food security could threaten social and economic stability.