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Wicked: For Good NZ Giveaway – Tickets & Hotel Stay

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor October 13, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

NZ Herald ‌Subscribers Can Win a Premiere Night for Wicked: For good

Auckland, ‌New Zealand - One lucky NZ Herald print⁤ or‌ premium ‌subscriber and ⁤three family members could ‍win a night to remember, including‌ tickets to ⁣the New Zealand⁣ premiere of Wicked: For Good and an overnight stay⁢ at ‍SkyCity Auckland.The competition launches today, offering a chance to experience the highly‍ anticipated film before its general release.

The⁢ epic conclusion to the untold story of the witches ⁢of Oz, ⁣ Wicked: For Good, arrives⁣ in cinemas November 20. Starring Cynthia ⁣Erivo and Ariana Grande, ⁢the film follows‌ Elphaba and Glinda as they ⁣confront the consequences of‍ thier choices and attempt to change Oz for good. This ‍competition provides‌ an exclusive prospect‌ for‍ NZ Herald subscribers to celebrate⁢ the film’s ⁤release⁤ with a premium prize‍ package.

The grand prize includes movie tickets, a Wicked-themed merchandise pack, a ⁢$200 SkyCity Auckland dining voucher, a night’s stay in the SkyCity Hotel Family Suite, breakfast at The Terrace, and‍ Sky Tower admission. Five runners-up will each receive a‍ merchandise pack and‍ a double pass to see Wicked: For ‍Good in cinemas from November⁤ 20.

to enter, active paid NZ Herald newspaper ⁤or ⁣Premium subscribers must ⁣submit the entry form available ‌below. The⁢ competition opens at 10:00 am Monday, October 13, and closes⁢ at 11:59 pm Sunday, november 9. The winner will be selected at 9:00 am Monday, November 10.

watch⁤ the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLwCyYXpH_A

Further details about the SkyCity Hotel Family Suite can⁤ be found here: https://skycityhotel.skycityauckland.co.nz/rooms/premium-family-suite/

October 13, 2025 0 comments

Business

Mortgage Rates Drop: ASB, Westpac, ANZ & BNZ Cut Rates – OCR Watch

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 4, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

ASB ⁣adn Westpac Join Rate Cut Trend, Lowering Fixed Mortgage Rates to 4.49%

homeowners and prospective buyers are seeing increased relief as ASB and Westpac have both announced cuts to their fixed mortgage rates, with one-year rates now ‍falling to 4.49%. this move follows similar reductions by ANZ and BNZ earlier this week, signaling a growing trend among major lenders ‌to ⁤lower borrowing costs.

The cuts come as ⁢the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is expected‍ to further ease monetary policy in the⁤ coming months. With the Official Cash Rate (OCR) currently at 3%, down from 5.25% in August of⁢ last‍ year, economists predict at least two more rate reductions by March. These lower ⁣rates ⁣aim to stimulate a New ⁢Zealand economy that ⁣the RBNZ recently acknowledged has stalled in its recovery.

ASB reduced its one-year fixed rate by 26 basis points,with its six-month rate now at 4.95% and its two-year rate at 4.65%. According to ASB Executive General manager Adam Boyd,⁣ the cuts are “welcome news ‍to the thousands of households looking to refix their mortgages or begin their journey ‍towards home ownership this year.” Boyd added that their 18-month and 1-year terms⁤ now sit below 4.50%, ⁢offering “certainty in⁣ an economic landscape that continues to evolve.”

Westpac mirrored the 26 basis point drop on its ‌one-year⁢ fixed rate. Thay also lowered their six-month rate to 4.99% and their two-year rate to 4.65%. ANZ previously ⁢announced a one-year fixed rate of 4.49% on Wednesday, while BNZ matched that‌ rate on Tuesday. ANZ’s current rates also include 4.89% for a ⁤six-month fixed term and 4.65% for a two-year fixed term. BNZ advertises rates of 4.99% for six months, 4.49% for one year, and 4.75% for two years.

The RBNZ will ‌announce its next OCR decision on October 8.

October 4, 2025 0 comments

World

FMCG Recovery: GST, Impulse Categories, and Roy’s Insights

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 29, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

FMCG Sector Poised for Structural Shift Driven by Premiumization and Rural Growth: Abneesh Roy

Mumbai, September 29, 2023 – A structural shift is underway in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, fueled by the return of popular price points and rising disposable incomes, according to Abneesh Roy. The anticipated recovery, however, will be selective, with impulse categories, paints, and alcobev expected to benefit more significantly than others.

Roy noted that the FMCG recovery will likely be “a bit later,” citing a post-GST announcement consumer wait for lower prices and trader hesitancy to stock goods at higher MRPs.Hindustan Unilever Ltd. has indicated a potential impact from the GST transition even into October.

He highlighted that impulse categories like biscuits and snacks will see an initial boost due to lower unit taxes, with companies likely to increase grammage to drive volume growth starting in November. While long-term benefits are limited for categories like toothpaste due to constrained consumption increases, paints, alcobev, bhujia, and biscuits are projected to benefit the moast. Gains are also expected in foods like noodles, pasta, chocolates, and confectionery, while Health & Personal Care (HPC) categories will experience a smaller impact.

Roy also pointed to ongoing challenges, specifically the inverted duty structure where services and raw materials are taxed at 18% GST while finished products are taxed at 5%, creating an adverse impact.

He anticipates the full return of popular price points of Rs 2, 5, and 10, extended by five to seven years due to GST cuts, creating a more level playing field with unorganized players. Premiumization will also be a key driver as disposable income rises, with margins expected to improve once the inverted duty issue is resolved. Rural areas and smaller towns are expected to continue outpacing urban markets in growth, with urban recovery anticipated from November.

September 29, 2025 0 comments

Health

Padilha Plans Post-Pandemic Overhaul of Brazil’s Unified Health System

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 17, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Health‌ Minister Padilha Outlines Post-Pandemic ⁢Vision for Brazil’s⁣ SUS, Cites Provisional Measure as Key to Reducing wait Times

BRASÍLIA – Brazil’s ⁣Health Minister, niels Pinheiro‌ Padilha, affirmed his commitment to rebuilding and‍ modernizing the unified Health System⁤ (SUS) during a recent interview, emphasizing a shift towards direct federal intervention in states and ‌municipalities to address‌ critical ‍healthcare access issues. Padilha highlighted ⁤a⁤ Provisional Measure⁢ (MP) as ‍instrumental⁢ in ‌this effort, allowing the Ministry to actively collaborate with local governments and even utilize private sector ⁢resources to reduce waiting lists and improve ⁣transparency.

The ‍Minister’s vision centers ⁢on a more proactive role for‌ the federal government, moving away from the conventional model of solely transferring‍ funds to local ⁢health departments. This change,Padilha explained,is akin to public-private partnerships commonly used in infrastructure projects. “I was born to see‍ people criticizing⁣ public-private‌ partnerships. I have never seen people who criticize when ‌a⁤ government partner to build a work that will not be in the budget. For this you can, and⁤ to take care of people cannot?” he stated, defending the program against criticisms that it circumvents government ⁣spending limits.

The MP, which originated during the management of former ⁣Health minister Nisia Trindade, ‌enables ⁤direct action to reduce queues and improve service delivery⁤ within the SUS. ⁣Padilha announced plans for a national queue query panel, aiming⁤ to provide⁢ patients with real-time updates on ⁢waiting times – a long-standing⁢ issue of transparency. Currently, 25 of Brazil’s 27 states are already providing data for ‍this initiative, facilitating targeted resource allocation.

Padilha also addressed ongoing challenges, including combating ‌vaccine hesitancy and ensuring equitable access to care. He pledged to remain at the Ministry through the‌ end of ‍President Lula’s administration, focusing on ⁤reducing wait⁤ times and strengthening public⁣ health initiatives. The Public Health Project, supported by⁢ the civil association UMANE, underscores the collaborative⁢ approach being adopted to achieve these ‌goals. The‌ Minister noted ongoing dialog with parliamentarians to prioritize Ministry guidelines and the National Health⁣ Plan, expressing optimism about the‍ advancement of key projects.

September 17, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Black Ferns Win Over Ireland: Key Moments & Defensive Prowess

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor September 8, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Black ⁢Ferns ‍Dominate Ireland,Assert world⁣ Cup Credentials

A commanding performance‍ saw the Black Ferns defeat Ireland,securing top spot in their pool and sending a clear signal of their Rugby World Cup ambitions. The victory avenged a‌ 2024 ‍loss to Ireland – their first in three tests – and sets up a quarter-final clash with South‍ Africa.

Despite having marginally less ‍possession and notable time defending in their own territory, the Black Ferns’ relentless defense prevented ireland from ‌scoring. The team’s tackling was particularly impressive, achieving a ‍91%‍ success rate with five players recording double-digit ⁣tackles, led by Maiakawanakaulani Roos’ 19 flawless tackles.

On attack, ‍the Black Ferns showcased their firepower. Braxton Sorensen-McGee continued her impressive form with a hat-trick, running for over 100 meters, while Sylvia Brunt⁢ led the team‍ with 12 ⁣carries. Renee Holmes effectively integrated into the attack, and the ⁣team’s kicking game ⁤proved accurate.

“What I learned ⁤about our team is⁢ that we can go all day,” said Black Ferns player Joan tukuafu.”Whatever⁢ teams throw at us,we’ll give it even more. ‍We’ll be fast to get back into position to have⁤ another go or make another tackle, drive them⁢ back ⁢some⁤ more, and, at the end of ⁤it, turn the ball over hopefully.”

Tukuafu, who transitioned to a ⁣bench role after ‍starting against Japan, contributed substantially to the defensive effort late in the game. The Black Ferns’ win followed France’s victory over⁢ south⁣ Africa, confirming their quarter-final opponent.

Acknowledging the lingering impact of the⁣ 2024 defeat, Tukuafu stated, “As much as we didn’t focus on that, it was in the back of the girls’ minds that played. So, that was a nice‌ statement, but it does show that we were just simply playing to our ⁢potential. We’ve got strike weapons all over the field and,when we kicked it,there was just that ‍desperation to go and get⁤ it back and score some tries.”

September 8, 2025 0 comments

World

Air New Zealand Sale: Cheap Flights to Europe, Asia & Beyond

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor September 8, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Air New Zealand Launches Flash Sale with Flights to Global Destinations Starting Under $500

Air New Zealand is offering significantly discounted fares to a wide range of international destinations,including New York from $799,London and Paris from $1060,and Tokyo from $679. The sale, which began today, extends to popular locations like Honolulu ($499), Los angeles ($699), and Bangkok ($697), alongside options in Asia such as Delhi ($742) and Ho Chi Minh City ($697).

The limited-time offer arrives as Air New Zealand navigates a period of fluctuating earnings. While the airline reported an $189 million profit before taxation for the 2025 financial year – down from $222 million the previous year – passenger revenue declined by 2% to $5.9 billion due to reduced network capacity stemming from engine availability constraints. The current sale is expected to drive rapid bookings, with the airline anticipating high demand and limited seat availability. The promotion runs until midnight on September 22nd.

Beyond the highlighted fares, the sale includes destinations like Shanghai ($570), Bali ($579), Taipei ($685), Hong Kong ($695), Singapore ($795), San Francisco ($739), Houston ($779), Vancouver ($999), and Phuket ($771). A card payment fee, selected travel periods, and standard conditions apply. Air New Zealand anticipates earnings for the first half of the 2026 financial year will be similar to, or lower than, the second half of 2025.

September 8, 2025 0 comments

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NZ Herald ‌Subscribers Can Win a Premiere Night for Wicked: For good

FMCG Sector Poised for Structural Shift Driven by Premiumization and Rural Growth: Abneesh Roy

Health‌ Minister Padilha Outlines ​Post-Pandemic ⁢Vision for Brazil’s⁣ SUS, Cites Provisional Measure as Key to Reducing wait Times

Health‌ Minister Padilha Outlines Post-Pandemic ⁢Vision for Brazil’s⁣ SUS, Cites Provisional Measure as Key to Reducing wait Times