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Body Shop franchise returns to New Zealand with store in Richmond, near Nelson

Source: Radio New Zealand

The entrance to the Body Shop store in Richmond. Supplied

  • Body Shop brand returns to NZ after seven month absence
  • New local franchise opens shop in Richmond, new website
  • Gradual growth expected, plans for two more shops

Ethical beauty brand The Body Shop has returned to this country with a new franchise owner and a new store in Richmond, a town near Nelson in the South Island.

The New Zealand operation was caught in the financial troubles of the UK business and was put into liquidation in April with the [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/556928/all-body-shop-stores-close-around-country-70-staff-lose-jobs

closure of 16 shops and the loss of about 70 jobs].

The collapse and later sale of the UK business ended the financial lifeline for the New Zealand operation, and attempts to finalise a local sale did not succeed, resulting in its liquidation and liabilities of around $12 million, half of which was inter-company loans.

A new locally owned franchise, Version3, owned by Nelson based Pamela Bonira and Khan Wyman, has relaunched the brand with the shop and an online retail site.

Franchise general manager Wyman said there had been strong public demand and backing for the return of the brand.

“Our vision is simple: to provide high-quality ethical products while rebuilding strong relationships with our community.

“We expect organic growth in 2026 and beyond and plan for at least two more stores across the country in the coming years, guided by customer feedback and demand.”

Franchise general manager Wyman said there had been strong public demand and backing for the return of the brand. supplied

The chair and chief executive of the revived UK Body Shop, Mike Jatania, said the re-entry to New Zealand was a step forward in growing the business.

“This launch will not only reconnect us with a passionate customer base but also contribute to the sustainable, long-term growth of our business.”

The Body Shop brand, founded by the late Anita Roddick, built its marketing on producing and retailing natural beauty products emphasising environmental and ethical values.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Watch live: Urgent Parliament debate into damning report in police handling of McSkimming saga

Source: Radio New Zealand

Parliament is set to urgently debate a damning report into police handling of complaints against disgraced former top cop Jevon McSkimming.

A damning report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority found serious misconduct at the highest levels of police over how they handled accusations of sexual offending by former Deputy Commissioner McSkimming

Police Minister Mark Mitchell has revealed 36 emails about McSkimming were kept from him by police.

Meanwhile, Social Investment Agency boss Andrew Coster – the Police Commissioner at the time of the McSkimming probe – has been put on leave and is refusing to comment.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Mike King steps down as chief executive of mental health charity I Am Hope Foundation

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mike King is stepping down as chief executive of the mental health charity I Am Hope Foundation but says he will continue to play a key role in the organisation in a new capacity. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The outspoken founder of a mental health charity is stepping down from chief executive duties and looking for a successor.

Mike King launched the I Am Hope Foundation, which runs Gumboot Friday, and said it was time for the charity to have a new vision and a new voice to take it forward.

“When we started I Am Hope it was nothing more than a dream, a small group of people trying to make sure every young person could access free mental health support without barriers,” he said.

“Building this organisation from scratch has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. But we’ve reached a point where it’s time for a new vision and a new voice to take us forward.”

King will continue to play a key role in the organisation in a new capacity, not yet announced.

“I’ve loved every second of this journey, the wins, the challenges, the people. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made through Gumboot Friday, funding thousands of counselling sessions for young Kiwis. Now it’s time for someone else to build on that legacy.”

At times controversial, King’s comments last year about alcohol and mental illness drew criticism.

The government last year committed $24 million over four years to the Gumboot Friday initiative, which offers free counselling to young people.

That was despite pressure from Labour at the time, who called on the government to pause its funding of I Am Hope/Gumboot Friday following King’s controversial comments on alcohol.

“Alcohol is not a problem for people with mental health issues. It’s actually the solution to our problem, until you come up with a better solution,” King said at the time.

The Drug Foundation rejected that, saying alcohol was “really unhelpful during times of mental distress”.

King said the recruitment process for the new chief executive will begin in the coming weeks.

He has been executive director and principal ambassador for I Am Hope, carrying a share of the organisation’s chief executive duties.

Since launching Gumboot Friday in 2019, the initiative has provided more than 137,000 free counselling sessions to young New Zealanders aged 5 to 25.

King said he would continue to play a key role in the organisation in a new capacity, which will be announced alongside the appointment of the new chief executive.

“I’m not going anywhere,” King said.

“My passion for helping young people hasn’t changed. I’ll be taking on a new role that lets me get back to what I love most, connecting with people, challenging the system, and championing hope.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Tributes flow for beloved student Emma Heathcote, who died in quad bike accident

Source: Radio New Zealand

Solway College student Emma Heathcote died after a crash involving an ATV. Supplied/Facebook

Tributes have poured in online for a Masterton college student who died in an quad bike accident on Monday.

Solway College student Emma Heathcote died after a crash involving an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) at a property in the Tararua District.

“Our beloved, Emma Heathcote, was taken from us in a tragic accident on the 10 November 2025,” a social media posted on behalf of Heathcote’s family by Buzz King said.

“Emma had the biggest heart we have ever known. She was resilient in her own quiet way, with a buoyant sense of humour that lifted everyone around her.’

She was loved deeply by her parents Tony and Jenny, her sisters Amelia and Maddy, her grandparents, and all her wider whanau and friends, it said.

“Our hearts are aching beyond words.”

The post has since received over 1000 reactions and more than 100 comments, with people reminiscing about her equestrian skills and her bright personality.

“She was such a wonderful girl with the greatest sense of humour. She never failed to put a smile on anyone’s face and I am heartbroken to know we have lost such a bright light,” said one person.

“Still in shock after hearing the news earlier today – such a gorgeous and lovely young lady who was doing so well with the horses too,” said another.

“I am so sad to read this. Had the pleasure of watching Emma and Malibu jumping together and winning over the last couple of weeks,” a third said.

“Emma was the most polite, talented, helpful and fun young lady, always volunteering to help out and such a popular and great mate to so many,” another said.

Meanwhile, another statement on behalf of the family issued by the police said they were overwhelmingly heartbroken.

“Words cannot express the grief we are feeling at the moment. We are grateful to our wonderful community for the support they are giving our family.”

Police said WorkSafe had been advised and the death would be referred to the Coroner.

A service for Emma is to be held at Solway College on 15 November.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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When are the public holidays in 2026 and how can I maximise my annual leave?

Source: Radio New Zealand

With some strategic planning, you can maximise the amount of time you get off work using the least amount of annual leave. Unsplash

Counting down the days to a well-earned summer break?

With some strategic planning, you can maximise the amount of time you get off work while using the least amount of annual leave.

Here are the key dates to be aware of.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as well as the New Year’s statutory holidays fall on a Thursday and Friday in 2025.

Use those stat days, along with six days of annual leave, to take off 22, 23, 24 of December, along with 29, 30 and 31 December to get a 16-day stretch of time off work.

Easter weekend 2026

Unlike in recent years, Easter and Anzac Day do not fall in the same week, so you lose the opportunity to combine those stats for extended time off.

However, use the Good Friday and Easter Monday stat days, and book eight days of annual leave for March 30, 31 and April 1 and 2, along with April 7, 8, 9 and 10 to get 16 days off work.

When are the public and anniversary holidays in 2026?

  • New Year’s Day – Thursday 1 January
  • Day after New Year’s Day – Friday 2 January
  • Wellington Anniversary – Monday 19 January
  • Auckland Anniversary – Monday 26 January
  • Nelson Anniversary – Monday 2 February
  • Waitangi Day – Friday 6 February
  • Taranaki Anniversary – Monday 9 March
  • Otago Anniversary – Monday 23 March
  • Good Friday – Friday 3 April
  • Easter Monday – Monday 6 April
  • Southland Anniversary – Tuesday 7 April
  • Anzac Day – 25 April (Observed Monday 27 April)
  • King’s Birthday – Monday 1 June
  • Matariki – Friday 10 July
  • South Canterbury Anniversary – Monday 28 September
  • Hawke’s Bay Anniversary – Friday 23 October
  • Labour Day – Monday 26 October
  • Marlborough Anniversary – Monday 2 November
  • Canterbury Anniversary – Friday 13 November
  • Westland Anniversary – Monday 30 November
  • Chatham Islands Anniversary – Monday 30 November
  • Christmas Day – Friday 25 December
  • Boxing Day – 26 December (Observed Monday 28 December)

What about school terms in 2025?

While exact start dates for individual schools differ, Term 1 starts between Monday 26 January and Monday 9 February (at the latest).

Term 1 is 10 weeks long, with the last day being 9 April. It includes one public holiday; Waitangi Day on February 6.

Term 2: Eleven weeks. Begins 20 April and ends 3 July, and includes two public holidays; Anzac Day (observed 27 April) and King’s Birthday on 1 June.

Term 3: 10 weeks. Begins 20 July and ends 25 September. There are no public holidays in Term 3.

Term 4: Begins Monday 12 October and ends no later than Friday 18 December, and includes the Labour Day public holiday on October 26.

When are the school holidays?

The first lot of school holidays run from April 3 to April 19 and include Good Friday, Easter Monday and Easter Tuesday.

Term two school holidays run from 4 July to 19 July and include the Matariki public holiday on Friday 10 July.

Term three school holidays run from 26 September to 11 October.

The summer holidays start no later than 19 December and run for five or six weeks – from the school’s closing date until opening date of 2027.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Redundancy ‘a last resort’: Fire and Emergency set to propose sweeping changes, some jobs to go

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fire and Emergency (FENZ) is expected to suggest sweeping changes to its organisation and some jobs to go, but to safeguard firefighters, in a deepseated change proposal due out on Wednesday.

“Redundancy will be a last resort,” chief executive Kerry Gregory told FENZ’s 3000 paid personnel in an update last week obtained by RNZ.

“We will not be offering voluntary redundancies. Fire and Emergency is committed to retaining valuable skills and experience wherever possible.”

FENZ is looking to cut costs and save $50 million a year, as well as reset itself for a future of rising demand from not just fires but the likes of big storms, documents showed.

RNZ has asked if FENZ will be making the change proposal document public. It has 15,000 personnel all up – 12,000 volunteer firefighters, about 1800 paid firefighters, and 1200 or so corporate, admin and support staff.

It had earlier promised no change to frontline firefighter numbers or to what it responds to, whether fires, medical emergencies or flood rescues – though Gregory had also told staff, “We can’t keep doing everything for everybody”.

RNZ revealed last week that the restructure of the $800m-a-year agency was being drawn up by Gregory, with a proposal that gave two weeks for feedback, and with final decisions due before Christmas

“This change is looking at the whole organisation and how we operate, but frontline firefighters and ComCen call takers will not be losing their jobs as part of these proposals,” he said in the November 4 ‘town hall’ with staff.

“I can reassure you that no one will be losing their job this side of Christmas.

“I do acknowledge that uncertainty will exist for anyone whose roles are confirmed disestablished when the decisions are released.”

FENZ had already disestablished 11 positions, and set up six new roles, for a total loss of five roles, in the first phase of the reset – but some of those people were retained “so they could be part of the talent pool” following the more major, second phase being embarked on now.

“This is setting us up to become a more effective and efficient organisation that can deliver on our goals.”

“In this phase, we are working across the organisation to ensure the functions and branches can deliver the organisational changes we believe we need to make,” the notes of Gregory’s ‘town hall’ with personnel last week said.

“We deliver our services right across the whole country so how we deliver those services needs to be factored into any final decisions.”

The new structure would be stood up around March and April.

“We are hoping anyone disestablished will be looking to secure a new roles in the organisation in the first instance.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Police charge third person with murder of Tristan Oakes in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty

Source: Radio New Zealand

This arrest brings the total number of people charged with murdering the 29-year-old to three. RNZ / REECE BAKER

Police on Wednesday charged a third man with the murder of Tristan Oakes in his Te Puke home at the weekend.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown said police investigating the murder today arrested a 24-year-old Te Puke man and charged him with murder.

This brought the total number of people charged with murdering the 29-year-old to three.

Police had charged a further three Te Puke men, aged 29, 30, and 33, with burglary, Flowerdew-Brown said.

All six men were scheduled to appear in Tauranga District Court Wednesday afternoon.

Police thanked the community for their assistance during the investigation.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Pharmac to fund alternative treatment for tooth decay

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac will fund silver diamine fluoride for the treatment and prevention of tooth decay from 1 December 2025 for people accessing dental services through public hospitals, and Health New Zealand’s Community Oral Health Service for children and some adolescents. This follows public consultation and is expected to children, and those who may find some traditional dental procedures challenging.

Silver diamine fluoride is a treatment that halts the progression of tooth decay and reduces tooth sensitivity. It comes in a liquid form that is applied to the tooth, making it less painful and invasive than a filling.

Adrienne Martin, Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals says feedback from the public was supportive of Pharmac’s proposal to fund this medicine.

“People told us that the proposal would help improve oral health and reduce pain and suffering from dental disease for some of our most vulnerable people. We also heard that this would be helpful for some neurodiverse people who find traditional dental procedures challenging.” 

Some respondents also commented that silver diamine fluoride should be funded for private dental use. The part of the application relating to listing on the Community Schedule has been declined as funding of medicines via private community dental clinics sits outside of Pharmac’s responsibility.

Funded silver diamine fluoride treatment will be available for people of all ages accessing dental services through public hospitals, and Health New Zealand’s Community Oral Health Service for children (school year 8 and under) and some adolescents.

Pharmac would like to thank everyone who provided feedback to our consultation.

“Your input is really important to us and helps us shape our decisions,” says Martin. “Silver diamine fluoride may help prevent the need for more invasive dental treatments and relieve some of the anxiety some children and others who are eligible feel about going to the dentist.” 

Learn more:

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Mid Dome Poaching Project to Tackle Illegal Hunting in Southland

Source: New Zealand Police

Southland Police are teaming up with Department of Conservation (DOC) and farmers to target illegal hunting and trespassing in the Mid Dome Conservation Area.

‘The Mid Dome Poaching Project’ brings puts poachers in the spotlight and focuses on educating hunters, in order to protect private property, and ensure the safety of hunters and farmers.

The Mid Dome area has seen a rise in illegal hunting activity since 2022, with hunters breaching DOC permit conditions and trespassing onto privately owned farmland.

Senior Sergeant Peter Graham says farmers bordering the Mid Dome Conservation Area have reported repeated incidents of poaching and safety concerns.

“This project is about working together to educate hunters, enforce the law, and protect Southland’s rural communities,” says Senior Sergeant Peter Graham.

Department of Conservation Ranger, Jono Airey says hunting permits are issued for public conservation land only.

“Hunters must respect boundaries and seek permission before crossing private property, were committed to working with police and landowners to ensure responsible hunting practices,” says Jono Airey.

Local farmer Maurice King whose property borders the conservation area is supportive of the project.

“We’re not anti-hunting—we’re anti-illegal hunting; Illegal hunters need to know spotlighting from roads is illegal and they will be held to account”.

The Mid Dome Poaching Project will run throughout the summer hunting season and into the April ROAR period.

To help Police identify and hold poachers accountable, we ask anybody to report suspicious behaviour to us, including suspicious vehicles or people in your local area.

If it is happening now, call 111. If you are reporting information after the fact, call 105 or go online.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Aoraki/Mt Cook car park charges confirmed

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  12 November 2025

DOC Director of Heritage and Visitors Catherine Wilson says the prices are similar to those set for sites at Punakaiki and Franz Josef/Waiau where carpark charging is also being trialled.

“The prices were decided on once we reviewed all the submissions from locals, tourism operators and businesses. They’ve been set in response to submitters’ calls for an initial free period, special consideration for locals, free parking for concessionaires, and a reasonable price for both regular users and occasional visitors,” she says.

The details of the car park fees are:

  • A free parking period for 20 minutes to allow for drop-offs/pick-ups or for staying a short time.
  • An hourly rate of $5 per hour
  • A daily rate of $25 per day
  • An annual pass for locals (within Mackenzie district boundaries) of $10 per vehicle per year, which allows for unlimited access during the year
  • An annual pass for other regular visitors for $60 per vehicle per year
  • Commercial tourism operators who hold a valid concession will be granted a parking fee exemption for the duration of the pilot.

Payment machines will be installed, and cameras will record the entry and exit of vehicles. Non-payment of parking fees will incur breach notices, which will be enforced by Stellar Projects, who have been appointed to install the paid parking hardware.

DOC’s estimated combined revenue from the three pilot sites of Punakaiki, Franz Josef and Aoraki Mt Cook is expected to be approximately $1.5 million over the 7-month pilot period (December 2025 to June 2026 inclusive).

Once the pilot is completed and the outcomes have been reviewed, a decision will be made whether to continue with paid parking at the three sites, and if it should be extended to other busy sites.

Catherine Wilson says the introduction of a paid parking programme enables visitors to contribute to the conservation facilities and naturing experiences they enjoy.

“This is standard practice at many national parks overseas, and most international visitors accept this as a necessary contribution to support amazing nature sites.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz