National Plans 30-Week Parental Leave | New Zealand News

Chase the Cat Takes Christchurch by Storm | New Zealand News

A black cat named Chase has turned Christchurch into his playground—and the internet into his biggest fanbase. Wandering freely through the city’s downtown hotspots, from Victoria Square to the Bridge of Remembrance, Chase’s adventures have gone viral thanks to his owner Nick White’s Facebook page, “Has anybody seen Chase?”—created to reassure worried locals he’s not lost. With a custom collar sporting his page URL, Chase’s fame exploded, earning him thousands of followers and even “rescues” from well-meaning strangers. Nick and his family are thrilled by the attention, seeing it as a way to keep Chase safe while celebrating his urban explorations. From Mexican cantinas to convention centers, Chase’s charm and curiosity have made him a beloved local legend—and proof that sometimes, the most ordinary pet can become the most extraordinary star. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/a829b22f587f1fc3

Birds Run for Office This Year | New Zealand News

Birds are running for office in a feathered political showdown — Forest & Bird’s “Bird of the Year” contest turns voting into a nationwide spectacle with quirky parties like Sea vs. Tree and Shy vs. High. Each vote supports both a bird and its party, helping raise awareness for 80% of native birds in peril. Over 150 schools are joining in, and the winner’s song will be unveiled on September 21st. Cast your free vote at birdoftheyear.org.nz before September 20th — because democracy’s got wings. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/8b057c09c603356c

Nash Resigns Over Parental Leave Comments | New Zealand News

Stuart Nash, a New Zealand First candidate, resigned after sparking outrage with comments about Katie Nimon’s parental leave, prompting Winston Peters to call the remarks “unfortunate and not right” and accept his resignation. Nash later apologized, and the party swiftly replaced him with Te Kira Lawrence in Napier — a move underscoring their commitment to supporting women. Peters closed the door on Nash’s return, emphasizing the party’s values, even as he navigated international affairs. The incident follows another controversy involving Shane Jones, whose remarks about Prime Minister Luxon were labeled “crass and unprofessional,” though Jones later clarified they weren’t meant to imply anything sexual. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/e0c2fd5a4dfd9a1a

Cold Snap Hits North, Flooding South | New Zealand News

Winter’s grip is tightening across the country as MetService issues serious cold warnings — with some areas hitting minus four degrees Celsius, especially up north. Clear skies overnight let heat escape, leaving frosty mornings and icy roads ahead. A sweeping cold southerly wind and a major weather system from the east are keeping the chill in for days. While most of the nation braces for frost, a high-pressure ridge offers a reprieve elsewhere — except for the far south, where showers linger near Stewart Island and Invercargill. Meanwhile, flooding has forced the closure of State Highway 7 between Greymouth and Stillwater — so while you’re bundling up, others are battling waterlogged roads. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/cd67d00b75a16855

New Zealand in Deep Freeze | New Zealand News

New Zealand’s bracing for a brutal freeze—with South Island spots like Mount Cook hitting -7°C and even Taupo dipping to -5.1°C. After a stormy weekend, a stubborn high-pressure system is trapping cold air, letting heat escape overnight in sheltered valleys. But don’t pack away your layers just yet: northerly winds are set to roll in by Wednesday, warming things up across the country by Thursday. Bundle up now, but relief’s on the way. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/937acd753f87d6bc