Facial recognition and reward points are being trialled to lift China’s recycling rate as waste volumes outpace the US by 2030.
Councils face tighter rules and faster consents as New Zealand moves to boost housing supply, curb prices and fund infrastructure.
Older spans are under fresh scrutiny as Australasia’s 57,000-plus bridges face heavier traffic, climate stress and overdue maintenance.
Contractors may need tighter privacy policies as new rules on sign-in sheets, breaches and offshore data transfers raise compliance risks.
Ministry of Health backing for vaping as a quit aid is tempered by uncertainty over long-term risks and youth uptake.
Limited funding means New Zealand risks missing out on AI benefits unless ministers set a coordinated plan for research, safety and growth.
Weaknesses in New Zealand’s PPP procurement have been laid bare after a review found early cost estimates and governance helped derail Transmission Gully.
COVID-19 has pushed non-occupational disease to the top of the list, as businesses face rising cyber, health and climate risks.
Busy tradies in New Zealand risk cash-flow headaches unless they tighten invoicing, GST and PAYE routines now, says Fergus founder Dan Pollard.
Councils could gain new powers and funding tools as a two-year review seeks to overhaul a system critics say is unfit for today’s demands.
Patients could see faster, fairer care if the overhaul works, but experts warn its success will hinge on funding, delivery and local buy-in.
Most New Zealand firms are still staying put, with 82.6% not planning business trips to Australia and 87.8% ruling out job moves there.
New Zealand startup investment has grown and matured despite the challenges of COVID-19, according to a report from PwC and the Angel Association.
Schoolchildren in Drury are cycling to class for the first time after a privately funded 9km path network separated them from heavy traffic.
Lockdown housing for the homeless highlighted how policy, modular building and state spending could curb New Zealand’s affordability crisis.
Covering 35,000sqm, the wetland is meant to cut pollution, store floodwater and create habitat for endangered native wildlife in South Auckland.
Digital twin tools could help cut costly delays and emissions, as 90% of infrastructure projects are still late or over budget.
Early clarity on route, funding and delivery could determine whether Auckland’s light rail eases congestion and unlocks more affordable homes.
Poorer collaboration is slowing projects, but digitisation, prefab and greener materials are reshaping New Zealand and Australia’s building sector.
Nearly half of workers are logging longer hours for no extra pay, raising burnout, trust and retention risks for employers.
