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Smart Planner launches travel app beta focused on Queenstown
Artificial Intelligence

Smart Planner launches travel app beta focused on Queenstown

Travellers in Queenstown will now test a beta app that links trip planning with local businesses, community initiatives and destination context.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • 3 days ago
'Outrageous absurdity': Couple fears waterfront Ferris wheel will make apartment building derelict
Auckland Council

'Outrageous absurdity': Couple fears waterfront Ferris wheel will make apartment building derelict

Auckland residents could soon face blocked harbour views and added noise if a 32-metre ferris wheel is approved for Queens Wharf.

By Pretoria Gordon • 4 min read • 3 days ago
Mangapurua Track on Great Ride reopens with seven new bridges
Cycling

Mangapurua Track on Great Ride reopens with seven new bridges

Cyclists can again use the remote route after seasonal work and seven wider crossings improved safety before summer.

By Moana Ellis • 3 min read • Last week
Flood risk meeting called at Franz Josef Glacier
Civil Defence

Flood risk meeting called at Franz Josef Glacier

Residents will hear updated advice on whether stopbanks and infrastructure at Franz Josef can withstand the Waiho River's shifting flood risk.

By Vihan Dalal • 5 min read • Last week
Famed Coromandel track eyes Christmas reopening at a third of original cost
Construction

Famed Coromandel track eyes Christmas reopening at a third of original cost

Visitors to Cathedral Cove could regain access before Christmas as a new reroute is set to cost $121,000, well below the 2024 estimate.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • Last week
Rates cap could leave roading projects high and dry
Local Government

Rates cap could leave roading projects high and dry

North Canterbury councils warn the cap could delay bridge and road work, forcing hard choices for small ratepayer bases and freight links.

By David Hill • 4 min read • Last week
Rotorua emergency housing drops to one motel as crisis-era numbers collapse
Ministry of Social Development

Rotorua emergency housing drops to one motel as crisis-era numbers collapse

Emergency housing demand has fallen sharply in Rotorua, leaving just one motel supporting about a dozen households after more than 600 at the 2020/21 peak.

By Mathew Nash • 3 min read • Last week
South Waikato visitors asked to reconsider trip to Te Waihou/Blue Spring over long weekend
Conservation

South Waikato visitors asked to reconsider trip to Te Waihou/Blue Spring over long weekend

Pressure on South Waikato ratepayers is mounting as officials budget $20,000 for Labour weekend traffic controls at Te Waihou/Blue Spring.

By Bronson Perich • 6 min read • Last week
Gisborne farmers and wine growers see upside of El Niño
Climate change

Gisborne farmers and wine growers see upside of El Niño

Dryer summer weather could ease flystrike risk for Gisborne farmers and help vintners produce a stronger vintage, though fire danger is rising.

By Imogen Brophy • 5 min read • Last week
Piha domain to reopen for summer despite council recommendations
Auckland Council

Piha domain to reopen for summer despite council recommendations

The move secures jobs and keeps a key Piha business open, even as council staff warn flooding could make the site unsafe in future.

By Ross McNaughton • 4 min read • This month
Suspected copper thieves cause major internet outage in Bay of Islands
Broadband

Suspected copper thieves cause major internet outage in Bay of Islands

The latest disruption left 750 homes and businesses unable to take electronic payments, deepening pain for Bay of Islands operators after a slow winter.

By Peter de Graaf • 4 min read • This month
How has the new CRL affected Auckland hospo? It's a mixed bag
Small Business

How has the new CRL affected Auckland hospo? It's a mixed bag

Hospitality around Auckland's new rail stations is seeing only modest gains so far, with some cafes busier and others still waiting for a real lift.

By Serena Solomon • 5 min read • This month
Mackenzie house values soar as demand continues
Real estate

Mackenzie house values soar as demand continues

Residential and commercial owners face higher rates bills after the district's rateable value climbed to NZD $8.353 billion on strong demand.

By Claire Taylor • 3 min read • This month

Global Stories

Tourism stories

Seatlr adds AI city guides & safety reports to app
Artificial Intelligence

Seatlr adds AI city guides & safety reports to app

Travellers can now get local guidance, community chat and four daily safety updates in one app, though it is no substitute for official sources.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • 4 days ago
'Sky glow': Data centres could threaten Mackenzie's dark sky status
Data centers

'Sky glow': Data centres could threaten Mackenzie's dark sky status

Residents fear fast-track data centres could flood Twizel with light pollution, putting Mackenzie's dark sky reserve status and tourism at risk.

By Claire Taylor • 7 min read • Last week

Stories from Other Regions

Tourism stories

Thailand's real estate growth shifts beyond Bangkok
Manufacturing

Thailand's real estate growth shifts beyond Bangkok

Investment is spreading into Thailand's industrial and tourism hubs as supply chain shifts and higher ESG standards weaken Bangkok's dominance.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last week
AirBorneo taps The XMakers to shape brand experience
Customer Experience

AirBorneo taps The XMakers to shape brand experience

The consultancy will help the Sarawak state-owned airline align its visual identity, onboard sensory cues and passenger touchpoints as it expands regionally.

By Mara Sugue • 4 min read • This month