Auckland Surf Park: A New Wave for New Zealand Surfing 

New Zealand’s surfing scene is riding a new wave of excitement with the official confirmation of the country’s first surf park. Olympic surfer Billy Stairmand described the launch of the Auckland Surf Park as a “massive game-changer” for the sport.  

Located on a 46-hectare parcel of land at Dairy Flat in Auckland’s north, this $100 million project is spearheaded by global wave pool entrepreneurs, Aventuur, and will feature cutting-edge technology from Spanish company Wavegarden.  

Scheduled to open in the summer of 2026/27, the park is anticipated to revolutionize New Zealand surfing. Furthermore, it will boost the local economy with over 400 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions.

Ancient Architectural Marvels Unearthed in Samoa 

Remarkable architectural structures dating back between 600 and 900 years have been discovered in Samoa, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s historical and social development.  

A team of archaeologists from the University of Auckland uncovered ancient rock walls, high mounds, and ditches in the Falefa Valley on Upolu Island. Conducted in partnership with the National University of Samoa and with permission from local villages, the excavation revealed that these constructions were a response to a significant population increase around 900 years ago. The findings provide insight into the development of hierarchical societies offers a fascinating parallel to similar changes observed in early societies worldwide.

Transformational Hotel Development Set to Revitalize Hamilton CBD 

A $100 million hotel development has been unveiled for Hamilton’s CBD, set to transform the city’s tallest building by 2026. The 191-bed Pullman hotel will retrofit and revamp the Mistry Centre in Centre Place shopping mall. This project is seen as a “game-changer” by owners Sanjil Mistry and Pienaar Piso, and Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate lauds the development as “transformational,” noting it will create over 100 jobs and rejuvenate the central city.

No Recall Needed for Spicy Korean Noodles, Says NZ Food Safety 

The New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has concluded its investigation into the spicy Samyang ramen noodles banned in Denmark and have determined no recall is necessary in New Zealand. NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle stated that while the high capsaicin content could pose a risk to frail elderly people and young children, these groups are not the target consumers.

Kiwi Musicians Raise Funds to Prevent Coromandel Gold Mine 

Musicians Against Mines, a new campaign by Ours Not Mines, has garnered support from over 20 top New Zealand artists to oppose a proposed gold mine in the Coromandel. Artists including Benee, Fat Freddy’s Drop, and The Phoenix Foundation have donated handwritten lyrics to be auctioned, raising funds for the campaign and legal battles. Founder Morgan Donoghue highlighted the incredible response from the music community. Despite a High Court setback, the group continues to fight against the mining project on protected DOC land, aiming to preserve New Zealand’s pristine environments for future generations.