ARN suspended Kyle Sandilands earlier this month after he berated co-host Jackie "O" Henderson on-air nearly two weeks earlier. Photo: Getty ImagesAn Australian radio giant's value has slid further after it axed a top-rating show and set up a likely lengthy legal battle with shock jock Kyle Sandilands. The colourful host vowed to sue ARN today after it tore up his $A100 million ($NZ121 million) contract and axed the long-running Kyle and Jackie O Show. ARN announced Sandilands' contract termination this morning in a statement to the ASX. The Sydney ratings darlings are in the second year of a decade-long, $A200 million contract which coincided with a poorly received entry into the Melbourne radio market.

The players are demanding a revolution. The NZ Herald's Alex Powell wrote an article which included comments from Black Caps mainstays Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra stating that NZ20 is what they are wanting and that they want that resolution quickly. Alex joined Elliott to discuss what is currently going on and what he knows as we wait for the answer of what is going to happen to domestic cricket in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE

Photo: SuppliedA book of poems about motherhood has been dog-eared and shared by Meghan Markle on her social media. They Bloom Because of You was published two weeks ago by Christchurch-based mother of three, Jessica Urlichs. "I was just completely stunned, I didn't believe that it would be real," Urlichs told RNZ. When Urlichs posted her "shock" at the "huge moment" Markle replied with the message: "My mom friend, Christina, shared it with me. Overseas interest in the book has spiked since Markle, who lives in California with husband Prince Harry and their two children, posted about it.

Interest.co.nz notes that BNZ’s one‑year rate is now matching Kiwibank and sits below Westpac’s recently increased one‑year offer, giving BNZ a competitive edge at that term. Its 18‑month rate also remains “at a very competitive level among the major banks”, while the two‑year rate, although higher, is still around 30 basis points below Westpac’s new two‑year level and in line with ANZ and Kiwibank. Wholesale funding costs drive latest round of risesBNZ did not provide commentary alongside its rate announcement, but the timing closely mirrors Westpac’s explanation that longer‑dated funding has become more expensive. Sarah Hearn, Westpac NZ’s managing director of product, sustainability and marketing, said this week that longer‑term wholesale rates “have increased significantly in recent weeks, driving up funding costs for lenders”. Those shifts come despite the Reserve Bank holding the official cash rate at 2.25% at its February meeting.

Photo: SuppliedPolice allege an organised crime group they've linked to the killing of a New Zealand man corrupted prison officers and bail officials. One of the defendants, a 35-year-old Auckland man, is accused of being one of the senior members with direct reporting back to a more senior member in the US. Police allege this included corrupting prison officers and bail address managers "to facilitate the movement of the syndicate's property". They claim the group rented Airbnbs at multiple addresses throughout Auckland to assist them in their activities. In June 2025, the American syndicate members were arrested.

Sign in hereAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Lotto Powerball: $17 million up for grabs in latest jackpot drawKiwis have a chance to become the country’s latest Lotto multi-millionaire with this evening’s $17 million Powerball draw. The Bonus Ball is 23 and the Powerball is 6. Tonight’s combined prize pool is $18.4m – $17m in First Division Powerball, $1m in First Division and $400,000 in Strike Four. Last Saturday’s $15m First Division Powerball jackpot was not struck; however, five players split the $1m First Division prize, snagging $200,000 each.

Photo: Getty ImagesThere are allegations of corporate concert welfare and promoters holding the government to ransom over funding for big events while home grown talent is left out. The government has announced it will be using the Major Events and Tourism fund to help fund British pop star Robbie Williams' tour to New Zealand. The $70 million fund is aimed at stimulating economic activity around entertainment events, and $40 million of that money is to secure large-scale international events. It has also contributed undisclosed amounts to other gigs including Linkin Park and Wellington's Ultra music festival - that includes major international DJs. Photo: James MinchinSplore Festival producer Fred Kublikowski applied for event funding through the Major Events and Tourism Fund, but was denied.

Photo: SuppliedWestport will lose its only air service in May unless the government rescues it. Originair today confirmed it could no longer sustain the losses on the Westport to Wellington route, fewer than 18 months after taking over. He was disappointed the government spent substantial sums developing cycling and walking tracks to try and attract tourism, but did not do likewise for regional air services. Originair had applied to the government's Kanoa Regional Investment Fund for support under the Regional Airline Support Package. Sounds Air had replaced Air New Zealand nine years earlier, but found the route was not viable.

Photo: Getty ImagesAs the value of scrap copper goes up, so are reports of the metal being stolen, and police want help to catch the thieves. Field Intelligence Officer Constable Craig Colyer said these have included copper cylinders, copper wire being burnt off and stripped, and copper being taken from buildings and power companies. "Police are asking anyone with information about copper crimes, or of scrap copper that may come from suspicious origins, to contact police immediately." Police were asking residents to be vigilant around their properties and to secure any items that may include copper. People could also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mataura woman Elma MacRae still loves to get out in her garden with a fork, despite celebrating her 100th birthday recently. PHOTO: RICHARD DAVISONHard work, homegrown veges and a little woolly magic are the recipe for longevity for a freshly-minted Mataura centenarian. Born and bred in Mataura, Mrs MacRae put her longevity down to a time-honoured formula. "There’s something about being outside and good, honest hard work that I enjoy, and there’s nothing to beat the taste of your own, homegrown produce." I have a special wool for socks, and so often I’ll give the young ones socks for gifts.

Hugh Renton will make his comeback after a long injury layoff. Photo: Peter McIntoshThe Highlanders have a Hugh-ge addition to their team this week. Star No 8 and co-captain Hugh Renton will make his long-awaited comeback from injury when he starts against the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday night. Renton played just seven games for the Highlanders across the 2024 and 2025 seasons due to ankle and groin injuries, and his last Super Rugby appearance was against the Chiefs in Hamilton on April 19 last year. Canterbury first five/fullback Andrew Knewstubb makes his first appearance on the bench and will make his Super Rugby debut at the age of 30 after a long career in sevens.

Sunday♦ Jade Paul makes claims about her relationship with ex-husband Chris Hipkins on her private Facebook page. ♦ Hipkins calls a media conference for 4.45pm on Parliament’s familiar black and white tiles. “You won’t find them anywhere on social media, you won’t find me talking about them, beyond generic references to being a parent, anywhere in public. Hipkins goes on to say that he denies the claims Paul has made. He chokes up as he says, “My kids are with her, so I don’t know.”The media conference is over in five minutes.

Their 1-5 curve is flatter at +15 bps (-4 bps) and the 3 mth-10yr curve is now at +50 bps (-3 bps). The Australian 10 year bond yield starts today at 4.90%, down -6 bps from yesterday. And the NZ Government 10 year bond rate starts today also down -6 bps at 4.71%. That all means our TWI-5 starts today little-changed at just on 62.2. The bitcoin price starts today at US$74,160 and up +0.5% from this time yesterday.

“This is an iconic symbol of this nation.” The judge added that Trump was a “steward” of the White House, not its owner. “It does not benefit the [National] Trust, it does not benefit the public, to have this [White House] site dormant,” Roth said. Judge Leon has been sceptical of the Administration’s arguments in hearings, saying that past White House renovation projects are not comparable to Trump’s expansive ballroom. The White House subsequently submitted plans to the Commission of Fine Arts, a federal review panel that advises on major design projects. Judge Leon, an appointee of President George W. Bush, echoed that criticism in a January hearing and again on Tuesday.

A Bell 505, typically used for business travel, military training, policing or as a utility helicopter. NZ firm Core Aviation to represent Texas-based Bell helicopters of Airwolf and police Eagle fameA Bell 505, typically used for business travel, military training, policing or as a utility helicopter. Auckland aviation company Core Aviation says a new deal with Texas-based Bell Textron should boost competition in the local helicopter market. Core Aviation says usually eight to 10 new helicopters are sold each year in New Zealand for tourism, emergency services, agriculture, and to private owners. Now it says Bell wants to expand and has made Core Aviation its representative.