Vector penalised $1.1 million for excessive level of power outages

electricity

Tāmaki Makaurau - Commerce Commission action against Auckland electricity lines company Vector has resulted in the Auckland High Court imposing a penalty of $1,158,400 for breaches of network quality standards relating to excessive power outages from 2017 to 2020.As a regulated business under the Commerce Act, Vector, must comply with

Another giant space balloon space launched from Wanaka

space balloon

Wānaka  - NASA today launched another super pressure balloon from Wānaka airport, with Airways New Zealand helping the stadium-sized balloon to climb safely to the edge of space. It’s the second scientific balloon NASA has launched from Wānaka this year and will join another launched last month which is now on

Trust in banks dive as their profits soar, Consumer NZ

banks

Te Whanganui-a-Tara - New research by Consumer NZ has found trust in banks is dipping, with 39 percent of New Zealanders stating they do not trust the banks. This is the highest level of distrust since Consumer began tracking sentiment in June 2021. Banking customers are also expressing frustration with how

Trading hours extended during rugby world cup

rugby

Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Government will amend the law to ensure licensed premises can stay open during rugby world cup matches later this year, ensuring a much needed boost for the hospitality sector. The men’s rugby world cup will kick off in France in September and time zone differences mean many of

Consumer NZ warning about dodgy car finance deals

car deals

Te Whanganui-a-Tara - After receiving a complaint from a Wellingtonian who unwittingly signed up for a $30,000 Go Car Finance loan for a car worth $7000, Consumer NZ is warning buyers about just how easy it is to get ripped off. Both the dealer and finance company have fallen foul of

Exercise is not what to do but when to do it

exercise

Te Whanganui-a-Tara - The idea of chrono-biology, when a person does things such as exercising, eating and sleeping, is an emerging science but one backed by more and more research.   This covers everything from early morning workouts to intermittent fasting and napping during the day, ExerciseNZ chief executive Richard Beddie

Electric vehicle imports into NZ climbing

EVs

Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Imports of fully electric vehicles more than doubled in value during the 12 months to March 2023, amid a series high for vehicle imports, according to data released by Stats NZ today.The total value of passenger motor vehicles imported in the 12 months to March 2023 was

Chris Hipkins to meet UK prime minister Rishi Sunak

london

London - Prime minister Chris Hipkins will meet his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street this week to advance the two countries’ free trade agreement (FTA). The meeting takes place as part of the prime minister’s trip to London for the coronation of king Charles III. Trade and securing improved