The Regulatory Standards Bill, proposed by New Zealand's Regulation Minister David Seymour, faces strong opposition during select committee hearings. Critics, including former Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer and Māori leaders, argue the bill undermines regulatory oversight and favors corporate interests over public welfare. The debate highlights concerns about transparency, public health, and the role of the Treaty of Waitangi in shaping New Zealand's regulatory framework.

Erin Patterson has been found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder after poisoning her in-laws with death cap mushrooms during a family lunch in 2023. The trial, which lasted nine weeks in the Victorian town of Morwell, concluded with a unanimous jury decision after seven days of deliberation.

Tim Bray, a beloved pioneer of children's theatre in New Zealand, has passed away after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. His contributions to the arts and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett is expected to miss the second test against France in Wellington due to an Achilles injury sustained in the first test. Coach Scott Robertson has hinted at an official announcement regarding Barrett's availability, which could impact the team's strategy and lineup.

The New Zealand Youth Choir has won the Grand Prix of Nations at the European Choir Games in Aarhus, Denmark, with a score of 97.50 in the Folklore section. The choir also earned a Gold Medal in the Musica Sacra a cappella category.

Acting Prime Minister David Seymour addresses media concerns over the controversial Regulatory Standards Bill, which has drawn criticism from former leaders and stakeholders. The bill, designed to streamline regulatory processes, faces scrutiny amid debates over its potential impact on businesses and regulatory independence.

Oriini Kaipara, a former broadcaster and journalist, has announced her candidacy for Te Pāti Māori's Tāmaki Makaurau by-election. This follows the passing of MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp, triggering a by-election in the Māori electorate. Kaipara emphasizes her deep connection to the community and her commitment to Māori representation in politics.

The murder trial of Chrishan Raju, accused of killing Joeli Rankin in a Mt Albert flat, has begun in the High Court in Auckland. The case centers on whether Raju acted in self-defense during a violent confrontation last year.

A New Zealand start-up has launched a smart power saving panel designed to help households reduce their electricity bills by over $1000 a year. The panel offers real-time energy insights, automation, and advanced safety features.

Get the latest updates on the All Blacks 2025 schedule and results. With 13 tests under Scott Robertson's leadership, the team faces France, South Africa, Australia, and a historic Grand Slam tour in Europe.

The government has announced significant changes to its flagship family tax policy, FamilyBoost, including an increase in the maximum refund amount and a higher income threshold. These adjustments aim to benefit tens of thousands of households by providing greater financial support for childcare expenses.

Eight All Blacks have been named in the AUNZ Invitational XV squad to play the British and Irish Lions in Adelaide. The match could provide valuable insights for Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the three-test series.

A woman was stabbed in a random attack in a Dunedin car park, described by police as an 'unprovoked assault on an unknown victim.' The suspect, a 39-year-old woman, was arrested and charged with wounding with intent to injure and possession of an offensive weapon.

The All Blacks' recent victory against France highlighted their growing strength in the forwards and set a promising trajectory for the Rugby World Cup. With a young and inexperienced scrum pack, the team's bold decisions and composure in critical moments signaled a positive direction for the future.

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has become Suriname’s first woman President after her party won the most seats in the May legislative elections. The 71-year-old former opposition leader is set to take office on July 16, 2025.

A senior doctor in New Zealand was found to have been fairly dismissed after sending inappropriate and flirtatious messages to a junior colleague. The Employment Court ruled that the behavior constituted sexual harassment and that the disciplinary process was just and proportionate.

A New Zealand resident inside the Melbourne synagogue that was attacked in an alleged arson incident warns of the dangerous shift from hate speech to violence. The incident is part of a broader rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic acts in Australia.

Early childhood centres in New Zealand report that the government's free lunch scheme is making a significant difference in the lives of children living in poverty. With over 8,000 children benefiting from the programme, educators and community leaders are calling for its expansion.

Residents of Motueka are coming together to rebuild their lives and support one another in the wake of the region's worst flood in nearly 150 years. The Nelson Tasman region remains under a state of emergency as communities work tirelessly to clear debris and recover from the damage caused by the recent deluge.

The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas has reached 67, including 21 children. The disaster, triggered by torrential rains over the Fourth of July weekend, has left communities in central Texas reeling from the devastation. Over 850 people have been rescued, and the search for missing individuals continues.