Aotearoa NZ 2025 Qtr 1
(Jan-Mar)
“In some ways I believe I epitomise the average New Zealander: I have modest abilities, I combine these with a good deal of determination, and I rather like to succeed.”
Walking the length of the country in 52 days
A severe case of trench foot did not stop an intrepid American hiker from completing the fastest self-supported journey of Te Araroa last week. The new record on the trail covering the length of the country - 52 days, 11 hours and 58 minutes - was set by Billy Meredith from the United States. Meredith told RNZ's Midday Report the biggest challenge came towards the end of the epic journey, when his feet started to suffer.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 31.03.2025
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The 50th Anniversary of Polyfest: What you need to know
This week, the Manukau Sports Bowl will come alive with the electric energy and sounds of the ASB Polyfest, the world's largest Polynesian cultural festival. It's the event's 50th anniversary. Over four days, from 2-5 April, more than 60 schools and thousands of performers will unite to celebrate an array of Polynesian cultures.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 31.03.2025
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Thousands descend on Ōtiria Marae for three-day Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival
More than 5000 people are expected to descend on Northland's Ōtiria Marae as one of the region's biggest iwi celebrates its culture, kai and unique dialect. The three-day Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine Festival got underway on Friday with kapa haka performances by children from 15 schools across the region.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 28.03.2025
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Swinging superstar takes aim at world record
Patrick Cooper may be on a playground, but he is not fooling around with his goal to break the record for the longest time swinging on a swing. Cooper kicked off the ground at 1.30pm on Friday afternoon at Waitangi Park in Wellington with a goal to swing non-stop for 48 hours. The current Guinness World Record for the challenge is 36 hours, 32 minutes clocked by a British man.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 29.03.2025
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The man who turned 3 hectares into an abundant Bay of Plenty food forest
From cherimoya and white sapote to Brazilian cherries, Kris Edgington is growing a mouth-watering array of food on his productive Bay of Plenty property. Most of us have heard of a veggie garden, but what exactly is a food forest? Kris Edgington knows more about them than most. He's got a thriving, self-sustaining property filled with nutritious and delicious kai in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 28.03.2025
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Ten-year-old trumpet whiz Celine Wu set to wow at ANZAC Dawn Service
Celine Wu is only 10 years old but plays the trumpet like someone much older and with far bigger lungs. She took up playing the trumpet at age 7 - has been the New Zealand under-15 champion two years in a row, and has performed at New York's famed Carnegie Hall. She played there after winning first prize in the American Protégé Woodwind and Brass Competition in 2023 - aged only 8.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 28.03.2025
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Geckos first found in Canterbury in the 1960s could be world's oldest
Two geckos discovered on an island off the North Canterbury coast could be the oldest in the world, the Department of Conservation says. The two Waitaha geckos were first discovered and marked in 1967 and 1969 respectively by the late herpetologist Tony Whitaker. Banks Peninsula-based biodiversity ranger Kaitlyn Leeds said monitoring visits to Motunau Island occur every five years. The geckos were found during a recent visit.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 28.03.2025
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The first Deaf teacher at a mainstream school in NZ
King was born Deaf and uses New Zealand Sign Language full-time, leading the primary school class using every tool in his kit that is not the spoken word. On the first day of school, Phillip King met his Year Six class and gave them all a “sign name”. Sterling Thompson is known as the action of “throwing a ball”. Taylor is “tree” because he likes to climb and Casper got a hand gesture swiping his brow, where he has a scar.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 28.03.2025
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New guidelines aim to make outdoors more accessible
Enjoying the outdoors may seem like the ultimate free activity, but not everyone can take part. That is hopefully about to change, with the launch of new Outdoor Accessibility Design Guidelines in Rotorua on Friday afternoon. The guidelines provide clear, practical advice for anyone involved in creating, maintaining, or advocating for accessible outdoor spaces. They are a first for NZ & focus on improving access to beaches, lakes, parks, and trails.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 28.03.2025
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From sporting honours to King Country shepherdess
Before Grace Watson left primary school, she could already drive a tractor and a manual ute, now she's a finalist for Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year. Watson (Whakatōhea) and her three sisters grew up on her parent's dairy farm at the foot of Mt Tarawera in the small rural community of Rerewhakaaitu. "Farming is completely in the blood on both sides of my family," she said.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 24.03.2025
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Octopus hitchhiking on shark in Hauraki Gulf makes global headlines
International media and scientific organisations are lapping up footage of a real life 'Sharktopus' filmed in the Hauraki Gulf. Marine biologist Professor Rochelle Constantine said the encounter in December 2023 was a tale to top them all. In a post on the University of Auckland website, she said at the time the research team she was part of was looking for workups, also known as feeding frenzies, when they spotted a short-fin mako shark.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 26.03.2025
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Dunedin skateboarder’s free lessons for new migrants
A Dunedin local who has been giving free skateboarding lessons to the city's new migrants is hoping to encourage even more people into the sport by opening up to the wider community. Danny Healy and his nephew Lewis Cameron are giving the lessons in Dunedin warehouse building The Hub.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 24.03.2025
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Sculpture made from pieces of cyclone and flood-wrecked homes in Muriwai unveiled
A sculpture made from pieces of the cyclone and flood-wrecked homes in Muriwai on Auckland's west coast has been unveiled. Seven unique columns designed by sculptor Jeff Thomson, whose work included the Taihape Boot and the Auckland Zoo Elephant, could be viewed in Muriwai's town centre from Sunday. Long-time Muriwai resident and organiser Abe Dew said hundreds of local volunteers and several local artists helped with the project.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 23.03.2025
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'You learn humanity' - the trials and rewards of a foster mum for 60
Would you open your home to a child you didn't know? Letitia Dowie-Lewis has done just that, at least sixty times, sometimes with only half an hour's notice. She is the 2025 recipient of the Excellence in Foster Care Award, New Zealand's highest caregiving honour, a title that was presented to her by Governor General Cindy Kiro. The 53-year-old told RNZ that sheltering tamariki has been a lifelong calling, a passion she inherited from her parents.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 23.03.2025
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Young New Zealanders head to France for Ocean Citizen Summit
Six young New Zealanders are travelling to France this weekend to attend a global Ocean Citizen Summit. The summit - hosted at Nausicaá - Centre National de la Mer in Boulogne sur Mer in France - will bring together more than 60 young people from around the world. Quack Pirihi, Lottie Stevenson, Kat Cooper, Maia Horn, Wei Heng Pok, and Veronica Rotman were selected to represent New Zealand by WWF and Save the Children last year.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 22.03.2025
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Health pioneer Professor Bev Lawton on what she'd do with unlimited funding
Excellence was celebrated this week with the announcement of the new Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year. Professor Bev Lawton (Ngati Porou) is a pioneer in women's health. Her advocacy in the last year in particular has led to an historic shift to HPV self-testing as the primary way to screen for cervical cancer. She is also the founder and director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine / National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 22.03.2025
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Excavating a historical waka, and the story that goes with it
In the Chatham Islands, locals have found a centuries-old waka. The process of identifying its origins and ownership is anything but straightforward. ix months after Vincent Dix and his son Nikau stumbled across remains of an ocean-voyaging waka while searching for driftwood on their property in Rēkohu - Chatham Islands, the community is still buzzing over the discoveries. Where did the waka come from and who does it belong to.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 22.03.2025
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Maths teacher, Local Hero of the Year winner’s message to students and parents
Auckland mathematics teacher who runs a YouTube channel helping students get through NCEA maths has been named Local Hero of the Year. Subash Chandar K received the honour at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. Chandar K said the attitude of young people coming into maths was not always the best, but they did want to learn. His big message for students was that they should be comfortable making mistakes.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 21.03.2025
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AI-driven weather prediction breakthrough reported
Researchers say Aardvark Weather uses thousands of times less computing power and is much faster than current systems. A single researcher with a desktop computer will be able to deliver accurate weather forecasts using a new AI weather prediction approach that is tens of times faster and uses thousands of times less computing power than conventional systems. Weather forecasts are currently generated through a complex set of stages.
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Source. theguardian.com, 20.03.2025
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New Zealand magic act Laser Kiwi dazzles Penn & Teller
Wellington-based performance trio Laser Kiwi have successfully fooled magicians Penn & Teller during an appearance on their television show. Penn & Teller: Fool Us has its contestants perform a magic trick, and then the duo try to guess how they did it. Only about 10 to 15 percent of all contestants manage to fool Penn & Teller.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 21.03.2025
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Professor Bev Lawton named the New Zealander of the Year
A researcher described as a pioneering force for women's health in Aotearoa has been named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2025. Professor Bev Lawton, of Wellington, received the honour at an awards event in Auckland on Thursday evening. It is just one of Lawton's many accolades to date, including being made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2005 for services to women's health.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 21.03.2025
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Meet the Māngere locals on a mission to get more people cycling
Māngere locals are on a mission to promote cycling in the south Auckland suburb - aiming to make the area the cycling capital of the pacific. A new cycleway was in the works in the area, which would connect Māngere town centre to the Māngere bridge township and over the Manukau harbour. The local cycling hub hopes once that is finished it will get even more people using two wheels instead of four.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 20.03.2025
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SH1 lights to be changed to protect town's birds
The country's roading authority is to turn down the lights in Kaikōura. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will begin replacing the old-style sodium lights along State Highway 1, between Killarney Street and Mill Road, with LED lights from next month. The motivation behind the dark sky status bid was to protect the endangered Hutton's shearwater birds / tītī, as the birds regularly crash land in the town after becoming disorientated by street lights.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 20.03.2025
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Appeal for CCTV footage as expert ponders meteorite search in Hawke's Bay
A fireball hurtled towards the ground in Hawke's Bay last Wednesday night, and based on eyewitnesses and camera footage, may have caused a meteorite to land somewhere within a 600 hectare patch of private land. Now the hunt could be on - if it's located, it will be the eleventh one found in New Zealand.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 19.03.2025
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Minecraft recreates NZ's most popular tourism destinations
Gamers will soon be able to explore some of NZ's most popular tourism destinations - walk part of the Abel Tasman and gaze at the night sky from Lake Tekapo - in the cube-shaped world of Minecraft. Six locations can be downloaded from the Minecraft store this week as part of an initiative with Tourism New Zealand, that will introduce New Zealand and Te Ao Māori to millions of players around the world.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 19.03.2025
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Dolphins and orcas sighted across Wellington bays
Something must be in the water, as Wellingtonians have been treated to a large pod of dolphins and multiple orca sightings in the past two days. The pod of dolphins was seen whipping up a storm around many of Wellington's bays yesterday. A pod, likely the same one, was also seen today.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 16.03.2025
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WOMAD 2025: Sensory overload and solidarity
There's so much going on at the annual festival of global music that it can feel overwhelming. The only option is to surrender, say Tony Stamp and So'omālō Iteni Schwalger. It’s not every day you see an act using PVC piping, a suitcase, and ceremonial voodoo pots as percussion. But WOMAD isn’t your typical festival. Everyone from infants to the elderly were in attendance to watch Nana Benz Du Togo perform on night one.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 16.03.2025
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Blood moon lunar eclipse: Stunning photos captured across New Zealand
Astronomy fans and photographers were treated to a rare blood moon lunar eclipse on Friday night, with many breaking out their tripod and lenses to try to capture the sight. A lunar eclipse is when the Sun, Earth and Moon are lined up so that the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the sun's light from the Moon and creating a shadow, which creates a fiery orange hue.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 16.03.2025
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The joy of slow hiking
While hikers everywhere attempt to be the fastest to complete their journey, Venetia Sherson contemplates the joy of a gentle trudge. The Guiness Book of Records is filled with fastest hikes from A to B. Last year 31-year-old American woman Tara Dower hared across the 3535km mountainous Appalachian Trail in 40 days, 18 hours and 5 minutes, slicing a whopping 13 hours off the previous record held by Belgian hiker Karel Sabbe.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 16.03.2025
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Turtle release in Northland stirs emotions - 'You can't ask for better'
Five endangered turtles have been returned to the wild at a Northland beach after being rescued near death and nursed back to health. The green turtles were released on Wednesday at Rangiputa Beach, on the Karikari Peninsula, while a crowd of hundreds - including children from local schools and kohanga reo - watched from the shore. The release also marked the start of New Zealand's biggest turtle-tracking study to date.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 13.03.2025
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Wāhine plumber hopes more women enter trades this World Plumbers' Day
In a field where only 15 out of 11,389 certified plumbers in Aotearoa are women, Hera Eruera - better known as She's a Māori Plumber online - is challenging the status quo. This year's World Plumbers' Day, celebrated on Friday 14 March, Eruera hopes more wāhine are inspired to pick up the tools and enter the plumbing space. From being a stay-at-home māmā to becoming a fully qualified plumber, Eruera said a career in trades helped transform her.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 13.03.2025
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Ian Rankin, Samantha Harvey among big names at Auckland Writers Festival 2025
The 2025 Auckland Writers Festival features an eclectic lineup of local and international literary voices. Sir Ian Rankin, Samantha Harvey, David Nicholls and Colm Toibin are among an eclectic lineup of literary voices heading to Tāmaki Makaurau for the 2025 Auckland Writers Festival in May. The festival, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, will feature more than 170 New Zealand writers alongside nearly 50 international guests.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 12.03.2025
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Meet the rōpū empowering rangatahi in small Taranaki town, Waitara
A small town Taranaki community group is building future leaders by providing a safe space for taiohi rooted in te ao Māori principles. The Waitara Taiohi Trust runs various programmes every day of the week, with the aim of fostering whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga among young people in their community.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 11.03.2025
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Cheaper radar units a game changer for Coast flood monitoring
New radar technology is making it easier - and cheaper - for hydrologists and Civil Defence to keep an eye on rivers around the West Coast and predict floods. The West Coast Regional Council now has a network of about 50 telemetry sites tracking rainfall and river levels. Hydrology manager Samwell Warren says about 12 sites have been added in the past year.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 11.03.2025
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How street art is redefining Christchurch's identity
As the FLARE Ōtautahi Street Art Festival came to an end on Sunday, the city of Christchurch told a story that went beyond those that had been painted. Christchurch was once known as "the most English city outside of England" but Watch This Space's creative director Dr Reuben Woods said a lot had changed in the 14 years since the magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck on 22 February 2011.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 11.03.2025
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Orange roughy takes the lead in Fish of the Year competition
It might be slow-moving, but the orange roughy holds top spot in the Fish of the Year - for now. Since voting opened on 1 March, 2300 votes have been cast. The roughy is fending off a school of challengers, and Fish of the Year spokesperson Kim Jones said its margin has remained steady since voting started. The competition is organised by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, Jones said.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 10.03.2025
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Rare white weka spotted at West Coast campground
A rare white weka had a lucky escape from a lawn mower after it was spotted at a West Coast campground. The owner of Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation and Camping Ground in Mokihinui Jesse Paley-Atkins, told Morning Report his dad was mowing the lawn when he saw the weka. "It stood out because it was a bright, white bird. It instantly struck dad as being really unusual.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 10.03.2025
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Pasifika Festival 2025: A weekend celebrating culture, food, performance and song
Pasifika Festival ran at Auckland's Western Springs over the weekend bringing with it singing, dancing, food and activities. The annual event showcased Pasifika culture with food, performance and song, and a gathering of people from 11 different island nations. Many people wore traditional dress, and there were multiple generations in attendance.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 10.03.2025
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Lucy Moss on co-creating Tony award-winning musical SIX
SIX the musical is 80 minutes of high-energy, girl power pop songs and a rewriting of 500 years of history. Or herstory rather. The show title refers to the six wives of Henry the VIII, who come together to battle it out in a singing competition; spilling secrets about their shared ex-husband to decide which Queen takes the lead.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 10.03.2025
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Winner of Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza pockets $30,000
Kaitāia man Rory Collings is $30,000 richer after winning New Zealand's - and possibly the world's - biggest surfcasting contest. A total of 1200 anglers from every corner of the motu took part in this year's Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza, in the hope of hooking the heaviest fish and a share of more than $200,000 in prizes.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 09.03.2025
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Rural games underway in Palmerston North
Tree climbing, speed fencing, axe throwing and a chainsaw sculpture exhibition. Some 40,000 people are expected to flock to The Square in Palmerston North, for the 10th Rural Games, underway today. Participants in the 3-day event include shearing legend Sir David Fagan, world champion tree climber Steph Dryfhout, and the world champ timbersports competitor Jack Jordan.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 07.03.2025
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Kiwi architects Tennent Brown pushing the boundaries
Hugh Tennent and Ewan Brown are the founding partnership behind Pōneke-Wellington firm Tennent Brown Architects and are the forefront of not only making buildings liveable - but living. It's a small firm that has consistently punched above its weight since it was formed over two decades ago - and last night received the 2024 Gold Medal from the New Zealand Institute of Architects.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 06.03.2025
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Music with Ian Chapman: The latest Dunedin Sound
Ian Chapman shines a spotlight on four exciting Dunedin acts both new and established. Much loved local singer songwriter Kylie Price is currently establishing herself in the UK; young ex-Bayfield High School band Ivy continue their remarkable push into the nation's consciousness, the widely revered Soaked Oats remind us of why they rank among the 'must listen' Kiwi acts of today, while the exciting up-and-coming pop artist Sylvie Harper.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 05.03.2025
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Climber Riley Smith on why the sport's popularity is surging
nterest in sport climbing is certainly on the rise - it's been included in two Olympics now and is set to be a permanent inclusion from 2028. Riley Smith is someone who knows and appreciates climbing - both indoors and out: he started aged around 8 and took over as chair of the Otago section of the Alpine Club while in his last year of high school.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 05.03.2025
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The architects with a DIY approach to building communities
31 years after founding the Newtown Festival, Anna Kemble-Welch and Martin Hanley are stepping back. Nearly 80,000 people attended the event on Sunday. The annual celebration of community, creativity and diversity plays host to over a thousand performers, hundreds of stall holders and plenty of free, family friendly activities. Over the years they've featured some top talent including Bret McKenzie, Bic Runga, Ladi-6, Che-Fu and King Kapisi.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 04.03.2025
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Te Matatini: Opening a window into te ao Māori
Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga brought tens of thousands of visitors to Taranaki for the biennial celebration of kapa haka, injecting millions of dollars into the province in the process. But beyond the economic impact it has also opened a window into te ao Māori, breaking down boundaries as it does.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 04.03.2025
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Where is the best burger in New Zealand?
A humble food truck at the bottom of the country has taken out the top spot in the Burger Nation competition. Peake's Kitchen is run by a husband-wife duo, Tom and Nicole Peake, in the tiny coastal town of Papatowai in the Catlins. Their winning burger features hand-ground Hereford steak patties, house-made Peake relish, and pinot noir-pickled beetroot.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 06.03.2025
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New kākāriki karaka population helping to bring bird back from extinction
A new wild kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet population is being established on Pukenui/Anchor Island, with 34 of the critically endangered birds being released. Pukenui/Anchor Island is located in Fiordland's Dusky Sound and is a predator-free island. The released birds were bred and raised in Christchurch, before taking the long journey south.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 06.03.2025
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New Zealand author Saraid de Silva named on list of Women's Prize for fiction longlist
New Zealand author Saraid de Silva stands among the line-up of writers longlisted for the 30th Women's Prize for Fiction. Miranda July, Elizabeth Strout Karen Jennings and Laila Lalami also appear on the list of 16 writers in contention for the £30,000 (NZ$68,000) prize. One of the judges on the five-woman panel, Glamour UK editor-in-chief Deborah Joseph, said of de Silva's Amma: "I didn't want this book to end.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 05.03.2025
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Free course teaches Kiwi surfers how to rescue swimmers in trouble
Surfing New Zealand is running free courses across Aotearoa, teaching surfers how to rescue fellow surfers, swimmers, fishers and boaties. The course was designed in Australia, where it's estimated 60 percent of rescues in the open ocean are performed by recreational surfers. There are fifteen thousand kilometers of coastline across our motu and more than 90 percent of beaches are unpatrolled.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 04.03.2025
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Chatham Islands father son duo makes ancient waka discovery, collecting 450 pieces
A father and son have made the discovery of a lifetime - an ocean-voyaging waka on Rēkohu/Chatham Islands. The significant archaeological find included 450 pieces, some with unique carvings and braided rope which suggests the waka could be very old. The specific origin and age remain a mystery, with local iwi and Moriori offering different theories on its history.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 04.03.2025
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'It's just no stress' - resurgence in fishing on Wellington coast
More fish are being caught in the seas around Wellington, and the La Nina weather pattern could be partly responsible. One fishing expert said it had been a great fishing season which has seen some surprises, including fish that have never been caught before in the region. Nestled on a wharf in Scorching Bay, a group of uni lads are part of the growing trend of people fishing around the capital.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 04.03.2025
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Pasifika 2025: Bringing the island vibes to Western Springs
Auckland's Pasifika Festival, one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations of Pacific Island cultures, returns to Western Springs this weekend. The festival, in its 32nd year, will showcase the heartbeat of the Pacific through food, music, dance, and more. Alf Filipaina, Manukau ward councillor, fondly recalls the festival's early days and attending with his Samoan perspective.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 04.03.2025
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Horse prevails in Central Otago's Only Fools and Horses race
Four legs have - unsurprisingly - triumphed over two in the inaugural Only Fools and Horses race in Central Otago at the weekend. The race started as an idea tossed around at the pub, but on Saturday more than 50 runners and 26 horses and riders tackled the 40-kilometre race through the rugged terrain of Maniototo.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 03.03.2025
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Manu World Champs crowns winner in Auckland
The Manu World Champs wrapped up in Auckland on Sunday with eight winners crowned across the kid, youth and adult divisions. The competition also saw a few famous faces have a go at popping a manu, from Olympic swimmer Lewis Clareburt to Sports Minister Mark Mitchell. Ten qualifying events were held in eight cities around the country ahead of the finals, which was held at Karanga Plaza and the Tidal Stairs at the Viaduct.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 03.03.2025
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Thousands of Aucklanders complete 'Round the Bays' fun run
Thousands of energetic Aucklanders were buzzing after they finished the 8-kilometre 'Round the Bays' fun run on Sunday. It was the fifty-third iteration of the annual fun run, attracting thousands of people to run and walk from Britomart in the central city to Saint Heliers beach, and raise money for charity. The atmosphere at the run's afterparty event at Maddis Farm Reserve in Kohimarama was cracking with the sizzle of sausages and music.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 02.03.2025
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Toa Henderson wins Golden Shears Open
Northland shearer Toa Henderson has become the first debut finalist to win the Golden Shears Open in 15 years. The Kaiwaka-based 34-year-old won Saturday night's competition "with remarkable comfort", Shearing Sports New Zealand spokesperson Doug Laing said. Henderson defeated defending champion Leon Samuels, eight-times winner Rowland Smith, four-times winner John Kirkpatrick and 2015 victor Gavin Mutch..
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 02.03.2025
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Edible bale netting - 'No one else is doing it. Just little old Grant from Orepuki'
The Orepuki deer farmer, who invented a non-polluting baleage wrap that animals can eat, has just received his first shipment of plant fibre bale netting from India. Baleage is a way of storing forage to preserve it as livestock feed. The big round bales are normally fed out to dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep and deer over winter. Up until now, the wrap that holds the feed bales together has been made out of plastic.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 28.02.2025
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Emotional powhiri initiates Te Matatini o te Kāhui Maunga
Te Matatini officially got underway in New Plymouth on Monday with an emotional pōwhiri from the Taranaki hau kāinga, welcoming the more than 50 haka groups and kuini Nga wai hono i te po. The biennial national kapa haka competition is being held at the Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth from Tuesday to through to Saturday, 1 March with a record 55 teams competing.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 24.02.2025
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Sunflower community project brightening Central Hawke's Bay
A dairy farm field filled with sunflowers in Central Hawke's Bay is bringing joy and happiness to the local community. The two hectare paddock on Ashcott Road is owned by local dairy farming business BEL Group, and this is the second year they've been planting the flowers as a community project. It's a flash of colour on the rural road, with the flowers' cheery bright yellow faces basking in the sunshine as bees buzz busily around them.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 22.02.2025
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Huge restoration and pest control project planned for three of NZ's largest islands
New Zealand aims to raise $137 million to eradicate pests and restore ecosystems on three of our largest islands, as part of a new partnership with overseas conservation charities. The Department of Conservation and partners are joining Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) in a bid to rewild Rakiura-Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands and the subantarctic Auckland Island.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 21.02.2025
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Belgian man breaks speed record for running length of New Zealand
A Belgian ultrarunner has smashed the record for the fasted run of New Zealand's longest trail Te Araroa. The 3000km trail spans the length of New Zealand, starting from Cape Reinga to Bluff, with Belgian ultrarunner Karel Sabbe completing it in 31 days, 19 hours, and 41 minutes. It beats the previous record by over 17.5 days. Sabbe told Morning Report he ran an average of 96kms a day - that's over two marathons each day.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 18.02.2025
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Wellington wiz stuns Rubik's Cube community with 10-year record
A Wellington man has taken a puzzle challenge to new heights, solving a Rubik's Cube he hadn't seen in 10 years entirely from memory, while blindfolded. Tom Nelson uploaded the first video in January 2015, showing him randomising the cube and attempting to memorise it, before taping it up in a box that wasn't opened for another decade. Nelson on the same YouTube account with one goal - to solve the cube he had locked away before.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 12.02.2025
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Te Kūiti's Jack Fagan has picked up world shearing's biggest cash prize of more than NZD$20,000 after he shore a sheep in under 20 seconds at an Australian competition.
n a field stacked with Kiwi shearing talent, Fagan won A$20,000 (NZD$22,153) with a final shear of 19.78 seconds at the Oberon Quickshear in New South Wales. Masterton shearer Paerata Abraham came in second place with a 19.96 second time, winning A$4,000 (NZD$4,430). In third place was Australia-based Jovon Taiki from Pōrangahau, fourth was Rowland Smith of Maraekakaho, and fifth was Australia-based Hemi Power from Gore.
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Source. 1news.co.nz, 10.02.2025
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The global surf movement enriching the lives of autistic kids
This weekend in Mount Maunganui, over 80 children living with autism will enjoy a day of surf lessons thanks to not-for-profit Surfers Healing. The California organisation uses ocean waves to provide therapeutic experiences for kids, including those whose autism means they can become overwhelmed with simple sensations.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 30.01.2025
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'Connecting with their tūpuna' keep the kaihoe waka going, as Waitangi celebrations ramp up
As Waitangi celebrations begin to pave way, haukāinga and manuhiri have arrived in numbers, soaking up the sun and embracing Te Ao Māori. For many, the week of Waitangi is not just about getting ready for the commemorations; it's a chance to connect with whakapapa and honour their tūpuna, far from the politics and formalities that often dominate the kōrero.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 05.02.2025
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Land at head of Lake Whakatipu becomes official International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Around 200,000 hectares of land located at the head of Lake Whakatipu has officially been certified as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Named the Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Sky Sanctuary, it is the fifth sanctuary in Aotearoa to get the title, and 25th in the world. The initiative is run by Dark Sky International which certifies communities, parks, and protected areas around the world that preserve night-sky visibility through responsible lighting policies.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 04.02.2025
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Record-breaking hiker aims to complete Te Araroa in fastest-ever time
A man who hiked more than 12,500 kilometres across America, setting a speed record, is now going to attempt to to traverse New Zealand in record time on the Te Araroa trail. Billy Meredith, whose trail name is "Wahoo", completed the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide in just over seven-and-a-half months in 2023, faster than it had ever been done before. "I was averaging about 52 kilometres a day for 234 days in a row."
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 03.02.2025
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'Refreshing' Karanga Plaza pool a hit with children - and adults
First person - As I wander through Auckland's Viaduct and approach the new Karanga Plaza pool, I'm met with a promising sight - if not a slight inconvenience. The problematic Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge is going up, meaning I'll have to wait a few extra minutes before I cool off in the water. From the city side of the bridge, I can hear the splashes and laughter coming from the pool, as kids line up and see who can pop the biggest manu.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 03.02.2025
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How Kiwi-Tongan actress Luciane Buchanan became one of Netflix's biggest stars
Thanks to her starring role in the hit Netflix series The Night Agent, Kiwi-Tongan actress Luciane Buchanan's face is now known by millions around the world. She chats to Saturday Morning's Mihi Forbes about overcoming internalised cultural expectations as a teen actor and why she finds it refreshing that her Night Agent character's ethnicity isn't relevant in the show
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 01.02.2025
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Fields of sunflowers a golden fundraising boost for farmers
Dozens of paddocks planted in bright yellow sunflowers have been drawing visitors to farms throughout Aotearoa this summer. Whether to help supplement farm incomes or for fundraising, sunflower patches have been drawing in large crowds and families in recent weeks. However, it's been a challenging season for many sunflower growers.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 31.01.2025
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Taiaroa Head albatross breeding season could be the best on record
This year's royal albatross breeding season at Taiaroa Head is looking like it will be the best on record, the Otago Peninsula Trust says. The newest Department of Conservation Royal Cam albatross chick has hatched at the albatross colony on the Otago peninsula, marking the start of the 2025 Royal Cam season. Each year, a toroa pair is livestreamed as they go from nesting to fledging a chick. The livestream is now in its 10th year.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 31.01.2025
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Dozens of rare hihi chicks hatch in Auckland's Shakespear Regional Park
At least 55 hihi chicks have hatched in an Auckland regional park - exceeding all expectations of conservationists trying to reintroduce the rare bird to the mainland. The chicks were born in Shakespear Regional Park's Open Sanctuary this summer following a major translocation project last year. Auckland Council, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society and Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust moved 40 adult hihi to the park in June.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 28.01.2025
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How decades of effort brought kōkako song back to the forests
There were just 458 known pairs of kōkako 25 years ago, now their numbers have increased five-fold. Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research senior scientist John Innes had been part of the drive to turn those numbers around. He devoted the last 44 years to protecting native birds and retires this week. The call of kōkako still delighted him, he told Summer Weekends.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 26.01.2025
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Para-paddlers propel for podium
To move a waka forward you pull with your arms and push with your legs, but for some it's a little bit trickier. Miimama Pepe, Ben Hekenui, George Thomas, and Peter Cowan prove that their disability is no barrier to competing in waka ama. Peter Cowan first picked up a paddle in 2012, not to compete, but to get moving on the water. "It's been over 10 years now and I haven't regretted doing that," he said.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 17.01.2025
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Wētā FX nabs three Oscar nominations at 97th Academy Awards
Wellington's Wētā FX has been nominated three times for their visual effects at the 97th Academy Awards. The visual effects company has been given the nod for their work on Alien: Romulus, Better Man and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Head of VFX, Matt Aitken, said this year Wētā FX have more people nominated for the Oscar than at any other point in their history.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 24.01.2025
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World Buskers Festival brings acrobatics, circus, comedy shows to Christchurch
Christchurch's CBD will be filled with some of the world's best street performers from Friday, as the World Buskers Festival gets underway. It has been running since 1993, and this year features 330 performances over a 10 day period. There will be dancers, acrobatics, circus and comedy shows, meaning this year's festival has something for everyone.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 24.01.2025
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Oxford’s bright stars pull in the visitors
Oxford's twinkling night sky is drawing in the visitors since the area gained international dark sky status. ''We get calls in the summer or in the middle of the week from people saying, 'we're coming to Oxford, do you have any activities at the observatory','' Oxford Dark Sky president Raul Elias-Drago said. ''There is plenty of interest. We get people wanting to know about the dark sky status and wanting to see the stars.''
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 23.01.2025
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Hump Ridge Track receives global recognition: 'It has been amazing for Tuatapere'
The country's newest Great Walk has already achieved international status, with locals saying it is already a boon to sleepy towns. AllTrails, a digital trail guide for outdoor explorers, has named the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track in its top 25 trails for the year. It is the first summer since the Hump Ridge Track was officially opened as a Great Walk, and Sonia Powazuk from Slinky's Sourdough in Tuatapere has been busy baking.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 22.01.2025
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Sam Wills, aka Tape Face, heads back to Christchurch for World Buskers Festival
Sam Wills, known as Tape Face, gained international fame after reaching the finals of America's Got Talent in 2016. The prop comic and mime artist, born in Dunedin and raised in Timaru, has been performing as Tape Face six nights a week for eight years in Las Vegas. But now taking he's taking time off to head back to his roots for the World Buskers Festival in Christchurch next week.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 19.01.2025
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Dargaville to represent NZ at prestigious theatre festival in Monaco
A group of eight amateur actors from Dargaville have been plucked from their local Northland theatre stage to perform on the French Riviera. The team from the Dargaville Little Theatre will head to Monaco in August to represent New Zealand in Mondial du Théâtre, the World Festival of Amateur Theatre. The festival takes place once every four years - celebrating community acting projects from around the world.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 17.01.2025
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Six planets to line up in night sky
Six planets are lining up across the night sky this month in a so-called "parade of planets". Four of the planets, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye. Astronomer and planet discoverer Ian Griffin said it was a great time to do some sky watching if you were interested in planets.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 15.01.2025
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Kiwi running the length of New Zealand twice for men's well-being
Kiwi marathon runner Stefan Ozich is running the length of Aotearoa - twice - and he could be the first to do so, making a world record. He is hoping to raise $1 million for The Last Chance Project, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of men in New Zealand communities.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 12.01.2025
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Archaeologists called in after waka uncovered on Rēkohu Chatham Island
The partial remains of a waka have been found on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage said it was working closely with landowners, as well as the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri, Moriori Imi Settlement Trust, Heritage New Zealand and the Department of Conservation, to ensure that the recovery and conservation of the waka was undertaken appropriately.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 13.01.2025
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'Chuffed': New Zealand's sunniest region celebrates
Marlborough has secured the award for the sunniest region in New Zealand for 2024. It comes after NIWA released its annual climate summary for the year, which saw an ongoing warming trend locally, and around the world. Marlborough took the crown with 2769 hours of sunshine recorded in Blenheim, ahead of Nelson and Bay of Plenty, which came as no surprise to Blenheim mayor Nadine Taylor.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 09.01.2025
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'Magic' moment when gravity-defying rock sculptures click into place
Perversely, imperfections are the key to the intricate gravity-defying rock sculptures often found among the reefs and rock pools along the New Plymouth coastline. They are the work of artist Nannos - otherwise known as Daniel Morgan - who can sometimes be spotted meticulously balancing rocks in this unique form of environmental art.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 07.01.2025
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Marathon man completes 10 Great Walks in nine days
For most people one Great Walk is achievement enough, but runner Romain Groleau had bigger plans. Starting his journey on 28 December, Groleau ran all 10 Great Walks, crossing the finish line at 2am on Sunday. The 44-year-old covered the distance of over twelve marathons, raising money for the New Zealand Nature Fund.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 07.01.2025
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Goals for the new year: How a mental performance coach would help you 'dare to dream'
Mental performance coach David Niethe has worked with world-class athletes like golfer Lydia Ko and MMA fighter Israel Adesanya, but says his struggle with school and bullying first pushed his self-image into the ground. He likes to challenge people to consider what they could do in life if they knew you could not fail, and has written about his coaching approach in his book The Winning Mindset.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 05.01.2025
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New Zealand gearing up for Kho Kho World Cup in India
A New Zealand's women's team is gearing up for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup that is poised to take place in India next month. The tournament, hosted in New Delhi from 13-19 January, is expected to feature more than 600 athletes and officials from 24 countries, competing in both men's and women's categories. Kho kho, an ancient Indian sport resembling a strategic form of tag, is steadily gaining traction in New Zealand.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 06.01.2025
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Abel Tasman National Park visitors asked to report sightings of toutouwai/bush robin
Visitors to Abel Tasman National Park are being asked to report sightings of the toutouwai or bush robin. Conservation organisation Project Janszoon would record sightings of the robin from Monday until the end of January. Robins had been largely absent for about 30 years - but seemed to be making a comeback thanks to habitat restoration and predator control, programme director Bruce Vander Lee said.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 06.01.2025
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‘They spread magic’: New Zealand’s ‘trail angels’ offer weary hikers food, showers and hope
A network of locals ready to provide a bed, a lift, or a box of chocolates to tired walkers along the Te Araroa trail has become a lifeline. American hiker Donna Barkley was weeks into walking New Zealand’s longest hiking trail when her strength started to falter. Starting at the northern tip of the country in mid-October, she had trudged south along vast empty coastlines, over farmland and through dense forests thick with mud.
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Source. theguardian.com, 03.01.2025
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Newly restored DOC hut at Cape Brett offers some of the best views in Northland
The newly restored Cape Brett Hut boasts some of the best views in Northland. To enjoy some of the best views in the Bay of Islands this summer you could book the exclusive, cliff-top Rahimoana villa at Eagle's Nest in Russell for a mere $15,000 a night. Or, you could spend just $25 a night for an arguably even more stunning view overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Hole in the Rock.
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Source. rnz.co.nz, 02.01.2025
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