New Zealand

The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission has launched an Infrastructure Priorities Programme to address and solve problems such as leaky water pipes, congested roads, schools and hospitals

The Climate Change Commission presented its first progress assessment of the national adaptation plan, examining its effectiveness and implementation, founding that it is not happening at the scale or pace needed; it also contains 9 recommendations

National datasets on rare diseases will be created as part of the Ministry of Health strategy to better support people living with these conditions

The 'AI Blueprint for Aotearoa New Zealand has been published by New Zealand's AI Forum: a comprehensive strategy that aims to position the country as a leading hub for responsible artificial intelligence innovation by 2030

A study of dental care equity in the Ōtautahi/Christchurch emergency room found that Maoris are more than three times as likely as non-Maoris to need emergency dental care and to be admitted to hospital highlighting significant inequalities in oral health

Immigration policies have been revised to improve opportunities for partners of international students enrolled in specific higher education programmes to obtain work visas

According to the latest census, there are one million New Zealand Maoris, a surprising result given that in 1890 there were 42.000 left, decimated by the arrival of settlers who increased poverty and mortality by bringing disease, war and dispossession

A waka tīwai originally used for transport on the Waitotara River was welcomed home in South Taranaki after an absence of 55 years

Supplies of oestradiol patches for the treatment of menopausal symptoms are 'very limited' in Aotearoa and Pharmac predicts that some 'will not be able' to obtain them, as some pharmacies report not having any in stock

The Maori Party intends to organise nationwide protests and strikes today to denounce government policies that would impact the rights of indigenous peoples when the Minister of Finance presents the budget to Parliament

University of Auckland study supports the use of AI for surgery via 'computer vision' to identify abnormalities and relieve overburdened hospitals by improving patient monitoring as they recover at home after surgery

The newly formed Harm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, signed by national and international organisations and drug policy specialists, calling for the legal regulation of all drugs

The much-debated total ban on the use of mobile phones in schools throughout New Zealand comes into effect today