Education & Te Tiriti: NZEI says the Waitangi Tribunal has directed the Government to defer releasing the updated New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa while concerns are ruled on, warning rushing changes undermines consultation with teachers and iwi. Health Access: Selwyn is set to get extended after-hours care from the Phoenix Health Hub at Toka Hāpai Selwyn, with new weekend and evening hours. Mental Health Strategy: Psychiatrists back the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy’s priorities but warn it needs stronger cross-government accountability and long-term funding beyond the health system. Housing & Homelessness: Dunedin City Council adds Homelessness Outreach Advisors to connect people to services and plug care gaps. Transport & Disability: Government drops nationally mandated Total Mobility trip caps and documentary evidence requirements after submissions. Politics & Voting: Christopher Luxon says he’s open to a referendum on New Zealand’s electoral system, while polling shows Opportunity breaking 5% and Labour sliding. Crime & Courts: An Auckland police officer pleads guilty to possessing objectionable publications. Business & Exports: Pan Pac wins a top export award after cyclone rebuild, highlighting Hawke’s Bay resilience. Energy & Cost of Living: Research says switching from piped gas to electric heat pumps can save households and small businesses thousands over 15 years. Weather: MetService reports record-breaking cold across parts of the central North Island.