This Month
Pacific delegates, DFAT out in force at historic Lions Test
The British and Irish Lions face the inaugural First Nations Pasifika XV on Tuesday. The official function could be almost as interesting as the match itself.
City Chic sales, full-year earnings dragged lower by US
The ladies’ plus-sized fashion retailer has returned to profitability, but full-year earnings and sales have fallen short of expectations.
‘Lord of the Rings’ director wants to resurrect this giant bird
The “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson is investing millions to bring the moa bird back to life, using a “Jurassic Park”-like approach. Is it possible?
Sydney start-up says $4.6m flying cars will be on the market by 2030
AMSL Aero has appointed a former Silicon Valley executive to run the business and is preparing to ask investors for more money as it nears take off.
Bardwell shakes up Woolworths supermarket management in broad reset
The grocery giant is aiming to streamline operations and elevate fresh foods and own-branded products in a bid to claw back market share from rivals Coles and Aldi.
June
Australians are the world’s biggest users of cocaine
A new report shows that drug use is increasing around the world – and Australia is also the leading consumer of ecstasy.
PM cannot say when he’ll meet Donald Trump
Anthony Albanese says whenever he meets the US president, it will be “at a time that’s convenient for both of us”.
Smart collar for cows could abolish the need for farm fences
Halter, a New Zealand technology start-up that allows farmers to control their cattle via solar-powered electronic collars, has a $1.5 billion valuation.
Puffers are out at Kathmandu as retailer drops profit warning
The clothing brand would have breached its banking covenants due to poor trading, but it has been given some breathing space by its lenders.
New Zealand halts Cook Islands funding over China row
New Zealand and Australia have both become increasingly cautious about China’s growing presence in the Pacific and the threat it poses to their national security.
Why Jacinda Ardern made an intimate documentary about her marriage
The former NZ prime minister went along with her husband when he started filming her because she figured no one would ever see it. Two filmmakers had other ideas.
Wittner poised for rescue by retailer behind Jo Mercer, Novo Shoes
The voluntary administrators have entered into a period of exclusivity with The Shoe Group for the sale of most of the iconic retailer.
Future Fund-backed OneFortyOne in mega forestry deal
The biggest forestry deal by an Australian-owned firm in a decade comes as the country prepares for the next home-building boom.
May
BioScout goes global using AI to protect farms, vineyards from disease
The venture capital-backed start-up is expanding internationally after its founders turned scientific research into an increasingly lucrative agricultural tech player.
‘Needs a lot of work’: Industry says FIRB still has big problems
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has launched a new portal for applications to the Foreign Investment Review Board, but industry players say it needs a lot more work.
Our wine writer meets his match in a NZ gorge
The highlight of a tasting tour through Martinborough has nothing to do with vineyards.
Anti-Trumpers race to New Zealand with golden visas
The majority of new applicants are from the US, followed by Hong Kong and China, as Donald Trump drives global uncertainty.
‘In a financial trap’: NZ cuts punish public sector, business, workers
The conservative government will release its annual budget on Thursday and is expected to continue to push fiscal discipline.
Tracey Spicer’s journey from wheelchair to mountaintop
Raising funds for UN Women’s programs, the journalist gets back on her feet after illness to scale New Zealand’s rocky mountains.
How Australian farmers are being dudded on European sales
Australian beef exports to Europe would need to triple and sheep sales rise six-fold to match what New Zealand farmers enjoy under their free trade deal.