Lance Evans

New Zealand’s economy shows signs of shaking off its recent sluggishness, with Westpac economists forecasting a robust 3.3 percent GDP growth for 2026. This projection comes after a modest 1.8 percent expansion in 2025, signaling a return to above-trend performance driven by falling interest rates, strong exports, and rising business confidence. Chief economist Kelly Eckhold … Read more

Oceans cover nearly three-quarters of Earth’s surface, yet vast high seas areas beyond national boundaries remain largely unprotected, vulnerable to overfishing, pollution, and climate threats. The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity … Read more

Royal New Zealand Navy Commander Bronwyn Heslop faced a high-profile court martial over an alleged off-duty incident during a 2023 deployment. The two-day hearing at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland concluded with a unanimous not guilty verdict, clearing her of charges related to prejudicing service discipline. Background on Commander Heslop Bronwyn Heslop stands as a … Read more

New Zealand’s building product standards are aligning more closely with Australia’s in 2026 through targeted reforms and a fresh trans-Tasman agreement. This shift promises smoother trade, reduced red tape, and greater choice for constructors facing supply strains. Background on Standards Alignment New Zealand and Australia have long pursued a seamless Single Economic Market under Closer … Read more

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s events industry. Set to open its doors on February 11, 2026, this state-of-the-art facility promises to transform how conferences, exhibitions, and global gatherings are hosted in the country. Introduction to NZICC Nestled in the vibrant heart of Auckland’s central … Read more

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott clinched a thrilling silver medal for New Zealand in the women’s snowboard big air event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. The 24-year-old Wānaka star delivered clutch performances under pressure, securing New Zealand’s first medal of the Games and her fourth Olympic medal overall. Event Overview and Format Snowboard big … Read more