Solicitor-General Una Jagose was questioned by broadcaster Sean Plunket on whether prosecution guidelines promoting cultural initiatives align with the role of prosecutors, suggesting they prioritise activism over justice. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Economy

Health

Society

Featured:

“Do you believe New Zealand needs to be decolonised?” Broadcaster presses Solicitor-General on views

Una Jagose, the country’s Solicitor-General, has issued revised prosecution guidelines after the original October 2024 guidelines suggested prosecutors consider Māori ethnicity when deciding on charges.

The backlash led to widespread accusations of endorsing racial bias. The revised guidelines focus on “individualised factors” like poverty, abuse, and lack of education. However, they still encourage prosecutors to understand tikanga Māori and promote te reo Māori.

14 December 2024

Labour and Te Pāti Māori surge as National and Greens stumble

New Zealand’s political landscape is undergoing major changes as Labour and Te Pāti Māori rise, while National and the Greens face setbacks.

Polling data from 76 public polls (January 2023–December 2024) highlights shifting voter allegiances following the October 2023 election.

National is trending down, with its post-election honeymoon period fading. The Greens, meanwhile, are also in decline.

14 December 2024

Rising electricity prices threaten New Zealand’s economy as global energy demand surges

New Zealand is grappling with rising electricity prices, driven by market pressures and structural inefficiencies, as businesses and households brace for higher costs in 2025.

Wholesale electricity prices have surged, leaving independent retailers and manufacturers struggling to manage risk and remain competitive.

14 December 2024

Communities struggle with costly water reforms as councils face tough decisions

The government has introduced a 100,000-word water services bill aimed at restructuring how water is managed across New Zealand.

While lower profile than the controversial Three Waters reforms, this bill is already creating waves among councils grappling with rising costs, debt, and uncertain partnerships.

14 December 2024

Goldsmith unveils media reforms, repeals ad restrictions while pausing Big Tech bill

Media Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the repeal of ad restrictions for media broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays in Parliament, emphasising its potential to generate an additional $6m in annual revenue for traditional broadcasters.

“Traditional media outlets are operating in an extremely difficult environment, and as the Government, we must ensure regulatory settings are enabling the best chance of success,” Goldsmith said.

14 December 2024

Chinese cops show off their (AI-powered, robotic) balls

China has rolled out all-terrain, AI-powered spherical robots capable of detecting, chasing, and apprehending criminals.

The RT-G “robo-cops,” developed by Logon Technology, are designed to assist—and eventually replace—human officers in dangerous environments, showcasing what the company calls a “technological breakthrough.”

14 December 2024

Coffee prices hit record high amid global supply woes

The cost of coffee has surged to its highest level ever. On Tuesday, Arabica beans—the most widely produced variety—reached USD$3.44 per pound, an 80% increase this year.

Robusta beans, commonly used in instant coffee, also saw record highs in September. Experts blame bad weather in Brazil and Vietnam, the world’s largest coffee producers, coupled with rising global demand.