New Zealand

The Mainlander will shift from monthly excursions to a regular timetable between Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Gore and Invercargill.

About 309,876 people cast their votes in the first three days of advance voting, up from 235,515 in 2023.

Two crew suffered serious burns and a third received bruising — all three were taken to Invercargill's Kew Hospital after the accident on board the Malta-flagged M.V Olivia.

If your WoF has been expired for more than two months, the infringement fee rises from $200 to $350 — one of several higher penalties taking effect from Sunday.

Annual inflation is expected to hit 4.4 percent in the December quarter, largely reflecting current futures prices for fuel, the Reserve Bank says.

RealNZ has backed conservation for more than 70 years, and the new deal will see DOC, iwi and others identify a conservation focus for future years.

Sexton's scratch race silver was one of several strong results for the New Zealand team as it targets qualifying points ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics.

A 12,800-signature petition and a locomotive shortage are part of the picture — Peters says access to engines is one hurdle before more South Island trains can run.