How the fuel relief package will work; McCain to close Hastings vegetable processing factory; ACT deputy leader announces she'll stand down at election.
Fuel relief package: Who is eligible and how does it work?
The Government has announced a support package to ease the impact of increasing fuel prices - but how does it work and who is eligible?
From April 7, about 143,000 working families with children will get an extra $50 per week through a boost to the in-work tax credit.
A further 14,000 families will become newly eligible, but will receive an amount less than $50 per week as a result of payments abating with income.
McCain to close Hastings vegetable processing factory
The McCain vegetable processing plant in Hastings will close by the end of January 2027. The company has confirmed the closure but is refusing to say how many jobs are going.
McCain New Zealand has two sites – Timaru and Hastings – under global company McCain Foods Limited, which was the world’s largest manufacturer of frozen foods
ACT deputy leader announces she'll stand down at election
ACT Party deputy leader and Tāmaki MP Brooke van Velden says she will not seek re-election at the election, announcing plans to leave Parliament and "explore opportunities in the private sector".
Van Velden, who serves as internal affairs and workplace relations minister, said she had never wanted to be a career politician.
Watch: Finance Minister reveals fuel crisis support package for Kiwis
Nicola Willis announced some relief measures as the war in Iran sends oil prices soaring and pressure mounts at the pump.
ONE BIG LOTTO CHANGE
For the first time in nearly two decades — Lotto New Zealand is changing up its Powerball format.
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