The New Zealand government has unveiled an overhaul of its water infrastructure, replacing the previous Labour government’s Three Waters reforms. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced that council-controlled organisations (CCOs) can now immediately access increased borrowing from the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA). This change allows CCOs to borrow up to five times their water rate revenue, enabling crucial infrastructure investments while mitigating the need for steep rate hikes.
Vitamin D deficiency linked to higher risk of dental cavities in older adults
A recent study published in Nutrients reveals a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of dental cavities in adults aged 65 and older. The study, which analysed data from over 2,700 participants, found that those with low vitamin D levels had a 44% higher likelihood of having untreated cavities.
Millions of people may be putting their health at risk by using herbal supplements like turmeric and green tea extract, according to a new study from the University of Michigan. Published in JAMA Network Open, the research found that 15.6 million US adults regularly use at least one of six botanical products associated with liver damage.
Study: How sex, marriage, race, and education shape 18 years of life expectancy
A recent study published in BMJ Open suggests that four key social factors—sex, race, marital status, and education—account for up to 18 years of difference in life expectancy among subjects. Married, college-educated White women can expect to live 18 years longer than never-married White men with only a high school diploma.
The National Party’s ability to address the housing crisis may determine its political future
The housing crisis in New Zealand has become a focal point for National Party Housing Minister Chris Bishop. At the National Party AGM, Bishop noted: “Declining rates of home ownership is the greatest threat to the centre-right worldwide.”
Data shows a clear link between homeownership and National voter support.
GARM ‘Advertising Cartel’ dissolves in the face of legal pressure from X and Rumble
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), and Rumble filed a federal lawsuit in Texas against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and several major corporations, including Unilever, CVS, and Mars, accusing them of antitrust violations.
Farming confidence at all-time low due to cost and price pressures
Farmer confidence has hit an all-time low, according to the latest bi-annual Federated Farmers survey, with over two-thirds of the 1400 surveyed farmers viewing current economic conditions as unfavourable.
