A makeshift homeless shelter at a Manukau bus station, part of a trial by Auckland Transport, the city council, and the Salvation Army, closed a week early. The shelter provided a safe place and hot meals for the homeless, highlighting the growing issue of suburban street homelessness in Auckland. Salvation Army policy analyst Alan Johnson emphasized the need for permanent night shelters and more housing. Auckland councillor Alf Filipaina noted the trial's success and the need to assess its merits for future initiatives.

A Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Auckland quarantined passengers at Auckland Airport due to flu-like symptoms among approximately 80% of those on board. The passenger Mohammed Fareed, who had traveled from Saudi Arabia, described the quarantine process and speculated that the weather change might have contributed to the illness. Ten passengers were checked by medical staff, but no further treatment was required. The incident follows similar health-related quarantines on flights to New York and Philadelphia.

Greenpeace urges the New Zealand government to redirect funds from oil and gas subsidies to install solar panels in homes, claiming it would benefit 1.5 million households over ten years. The plan includes zero interest loans and grants for lower-income homes. The oil and gas industry disputes the amount of government subsidies it receives, stating it is significantly less than Greenpeace claims.

A New Zealander living in Genoa, Di Mackey, describes the local shock following the collapse of a motorway bridge that killed at least 26 people. The bridge was a major route for commuters, and the community is feeling the impact deeply. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that no New Zealanders have sought consular assistance in relation to the incident. Rescue efforts continue into the night for potential survivors.

A New Zealander living in Genoa describes the community's shock following the collapse of a motorway bridge, which killed at least 26 people. The bridge was heavily used by locals, and the incident has deeply affected the tight-knit community. Rescuers continue to search for survivors, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade reports no New Zealanders have requested consular assistance.

Family members who have lost relatives to suicide are calling for significant changes in the mental health system and the inquest process. They highlight the lack of support during inquests, the need for better mental health services, and the importance of public discussions on suicide. The Mental Health Inquiry, established by the government, is currently reviewing the system and will present its findings on 31 October. Bereaved families emphasize the need for more accessible mental health care, including public respite houses for those in crisis.

Solo mothers in New Zealand find the welfare system complicated, as revealed by a report released by Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter. The report, based on interviews with 40 women, highlights the challenges faced by solo mothers like Sylvia Pahi when seeking work and understanding their entitlements. The report suggests more support is needed to help women receive correct benefit entitlements and recommends lowering benefit abatements.

Thousands have registered for New Zealand's KiwiBuild Scheme on its first day, aimed at helping first-time and 'second chance' home buyers. The scheme sets income caps and maximum house prices, with significant interest shown within hours of the announcement. Housing Minister Phil Twyford highlighted the scheme's potential to assist lower-income individuals through a ballot system. While some, like student Scout Barbour-Evans, see hope in the scheme, they also point out regional disparities in income thresholds. Another student, Nicole, anticipates using the scheme in the future but expects a long wait before homeownership.

A new study led by NIWA on Lake Tekapo aims to understand the tsunami risk in New Zealand's large lakes during earthquakes. The research, led by marine geologist Dr. Joshu Mountjoy, used sonar mapping to reveal significant sediment buildup, indicating potential landslide-induced tsunamis with waves up to five meters high. The study, published by the Geological Society of London, suggests that simultaneous landslides during large earthquakes could serve as a natural warning system. The findings may inform future research on tsunami hazards in other large New Zealand lakes.

A South Auckland initiative, Aspire2Trades, has redesigned its trades program to be more inclusive for school leavers with learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. The program, led by education manager Tony Boyce, includes smaller, more interactive classes and retrained tutors. Students like Kaynen and Jenny Maihia have found the program transformative, with many participants moving on to apprenticeships and full-time employment.

English language schools in New Zealand's South Island are struggling to find qualified teachers for new refugees, as the country increases its annual refugee quota from 750 to 1000. Refugee communities in Invercargill and Dunedin face challenges in hiring teachers with the necessary qualifications and experience. The charity English Language Partners and the Red Cross are involved in arranging classes and supporting the refugees. Despite the difficulties, efforts continue to prepare for the next intake of refugees in July.

South Island high country farmers have closed walking tracks on their land due to excessive tourist activity causing problems such as littering and disturbing livestock. A farmer suggested implementing charges for walkway use to fund necessary infrastructure like toilets. The Walking Access Commission's head, Eric Pyle, noted issues like tourists mistakenly taking lambs to the police, and the Commission plans to collaborate with local councils on access strategies for the South Island.

Doctors are considering lowering the age at which premature babies can be resuscitated from 24 weeks to 23 weeks, potentially improving survival rates. The proposal is being evaluated by a working group of neonatal specialists, obstetricians, midwives, and patients. While some neonatologists support the change, concerns about resource limitations in neonatal units persist. The case of Daisy Salter, born at 23 weeks and now a healthy toddler, exemplifies the potential benefits of the proposed change. The Ministry of Health will need to assess the proposal, and no decision timeline has been set.

A New Zealand woman, Sofia Ali Malik, faces the possibility of never living with her Indian husband, Inamul Haque, after his visa applications to New Zealand were declined four times. Despite their marriage in Fiji and multiple attempts to secure a visa, Immigration New Zealand remains unconvinced of the genuineness of their relationship due to their limited time living together. The couple's struggle highlights the challenges and emotional toll of navigating immigration laws, with Malik experiencing extreme stress and anxiety.

During Passover, New Zealand's Jewish community commemorates the exodus of Hebrews from Egypt by eating unleavened bread and other yeast-free products. The holiday, marked by traditional foods and rituals, serves as a reminder of past struggles and a call to help others in need. The inclusion of a banana on the seder plate highlights the current refugee crisis, symbolizing solidarity with those who have suffered. Personal reflections from community members underscore the importance of empathy and cultural memory.

Security at Auckland's International Arts Centre has been increased for an upcoming auction of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's art collection, featuring prized paintings by Charles Goldie. The collection includes notable works such as an oil painting of Chief Wharekauri Tahuna, expected to fetch between $700,000 and $1 million. The auction, set for April 10, follows a previous high-profile sale and heightened security measures after a theft incident last year. The artworks have attracted significant public interest, with many viewing them before they potentially move into private collections.

A community group in Waihi is concerned that plans for a new underground mine by Oceana Gold could negatively impact mental health and property values. The Hauraki District Council was presented with the mining plans, which aim to create over 300 jobs. However, The Coromandel Watchdog warns of potential adverse effects from prolonged blasting and vibrations. Hauraki mayor John Tregidga acknowledges the concerns but notes that property values have not been significantly impacted.

Tauranga residents face indefinite delays in returning to their homes in a troubled housing development after Bella Vista went into liquidation, leaving about 30 houses unfinished. Thirteen families were evacuated with 24 hours' notice due to Cyclone Hola. The council, working with structural engineers, cannot provide a timeframe for their return but continues to cover motel costs for the displaced families.

The exploitation of migrant workers in Auckland is leading to two to three complaints weekly, according to the Migrant Workers' Association. Despite the first successful human trafficking prosecution in 2016, many cases remain unreported. Government and business leaders, including Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway and Icebreaker chairman Rob Fyfe, discussed the issue at a recent hui. The government plans to increase labour inspectors by 2020, but advocates like Anu Kaloti argue that immediate and constant monitoring is needed. Fyfe highlighted that globalisation and labour market pressures contribute to the problem.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was not offended by Australian journalist Charles Wooley's interview, despite viewers finding his questions about her pregnancy repugnant and patronizing. Ardern, who had not seen the interview, stated she was not concerned by the questions and did not find them sexist or insulting. Wooley's comments about Ardern's attractiveness and youth drew criticism on social media. The current affairs program 60 Minutes defended its interview style, emphasizing its history of tough political interviews.

The removal of funding for a school bus service in west Auckland forces students to walk along a dangerous road, raising safety and financial concerns among parents. The Ministry of Education cut the free bus service due to Auckland Transport's expanding services, but parents argue the new routes are unsafe and unaffordable. Janine Sullivan, a solo mother, and Madeline Collins, a concerned resident, highlight the risks and financial strain, criticizing both the Ministry of Education and Auckland Transport for their lack of responsibility and support.

A family who fell ill and became paralyzed after eating wild boar will receive coverage from ACC for their hospital bills, lost income, and rehabilitation. Initially suspected of botulism, tests came back negative, leading to ACC's decision to provide cover. The family faced financial difficulties due to the delay in coverage and had been living on donations. They are currently in India to see their children and hope to return to work by early March.

A New Zealander, Dr. Hashem Slaimankhel, was among over 100 people killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan. The attack involved an ambulance laden with explosives that detonated in a secure zone, injuring 191 others. Afghanistan's government declared a day of mourning, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed Slaimankhel's death, providing assistance to his family. The Taliban, known for their brutal enforcement of Sharia law and ongoing insurgency, were implicated in the attack. The International Committee of the Red Cross condemned the use of an ambulance in the bombing.

An animal welfare group, Paw Justice, is advocating for Trade Me to completely ban the sale of pets online, citing unethical breeding practices and poor conditions. Trade Me plans to ban the sale of certain dog breeds from March 1 but argues that a complete ban is impractical due to the inability to perform background checks on all pets. The platform also serves as a tool for re-homing lost and found animals. Opinions from various stakeholders, including a dog breeder and Trade Me's policy leader, highlight the complexities and differing views on the issue.

A Putāruru family experienced paralysis after consuming wild boar, initially suspected to be botulism, though tests were negative. The family's lawyer, Sue Grey, raised concerns about the communication at Waikato Hospital and the delay in ruling out botulism. The family awaits ACC's decision on covering medical expenses, with hopes for approval soon. The Department of Conservation and Waikato Regional Council provided information dismissing 1080 poisoning as a cause. The family plans to travel to India to bring their children home and expects to return to work by early March.

Sophia Duckor-Jones, a Kiwi journalist and former Newstalk ZB reporter, provides a personal account of the refugee crisis at Keleti Railway Station in Budapest, Hungary. She describes her shock at the sight of thousands of refugees, particularly families with young children, living in squalid conditions at the station after being prevented from boarding trains to Germany. Moved by the plight of the refugees, Duckor-Jones purchases and distributes food and water to several families, despite her limited budget. She expresses frustration at the EU's handling of the crisis and the apathy of bystanders who merely take photos without offering assistance. Duckor-Jones commits to continue helping the refugees with basic necessities during her stay in Hungary.