WebfitNews

31/07/2026

How should South Dunedin prepare for future flooding?

Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council have unveiled the next phase of the South Dunedin Future programme, combining immediate flood protection projects with long-term climate adaptation planning.

The plan includes:

💧 A 30-year infrastructure investment programme
🚰 New engineering options, including a "pipes and pumps" approach
🌿 Assessment of nature-based solutions and future land-use changes
🏘️ Planning that aims to protect communities while preparing for climate challenges

The first package of priority projects is expected to help shape future council investment decisions and strengthen South Dunedin's resilience.

Read the full story:

https://webfitnews.com/south-dunedin-future-flood-protection-adaptation-plan-2026/

31/07/2026

🎓 Horowhenua students, this opportunity is worth a look.

Applications are now open for the Horowhenua District Council Tertiary Education Scholarship.

The successful applicant will receive:

✅ $1,000 towards tertiary study fees
✅ Up to 10 weeks of paid summer work experience with Council
✅ A chance to build practical skills and explore a career in local government

The scholarship is open to students from Horowhenua who will begin or continue tertiary study in 2027.

Applications close at 11.59pm on 30 August 2026.

Read the full story:

https://webfitnews.com/horowhenua-tertiary-education-scholarship-2027/

Applications are open for the Horowhenua District Council Tertiary Education Scholarship, offering $1,000 toward study fees and up to 10 weeks of paid summer work experience.

31/07/2026

Warmer water is coming to Arrowtown Memorial Pool this summer

Work is underway to replace the pool’s failed LPG boiler with a new electric heat pump system.

QLDC says the upgrade could reduce heating emissions by up to 83 percent, lower operating costs and provide a more reliable swimming season after last summer’s colder-than-usual conditions.

The pool is expected to reopen on the final weekend of November.

Read the full story:

https://webfitnews.com/arrowtown-memorial-pool-electric-heat-pump-upgrade-2026/

Arrowtown Memorial Pool is set for a warmer summer after QLDC began replacing its old LPG boiler with an electric heat pump system that could reduce emissions by up to 83 percent.

31/07/2026

Police seize 415 cannabis plants from a Bass Hill home

NSW Police say a hydroponic cannabis crop with an estimated potential street value of $1.2 million was uncovered during a search of a Trebartha Street property.

A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene, charged with cultivating a prohibited plant in a commercial quantity, and refused bail.

The operation was carried out by officers from the South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad.

Read the full story:

https://webfitnews.com/bass-hill-hydro-cannabis-seizure-1-2-million-2026/

31/07/2026

💡 Have an idea that could help build a stronger Queenstown Lakes economy?

Applications are now open for QLDC’s Economic Diversification Fund, supporting collaborative projects in innovation, research, technology, creative industries and regional development.

The 2026 to 2027 funding round is open until 30 September 2026, with applicants encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest by 31 August.

Organisations from across New Zealand can apply, provided they are working with at least one Queenstown Lakes-based business, organisation or community group.

Read the full story:

https://webfitnews.com/queenstown-lakes-economic-diversification-fund-2026-applications/

Businesses, innovators and community organisations can now apply for QLDC's Economic Diversification Fund to help deliver projects that strengthen Queenstown Lakes' economy and build long-term resilience.

30/07/2026

Tax cuts. Childcare support. KiwiSaver for babies. More paid parental leave.

National has put Kiwi families at the centre of its 2026 election campaign, unveiling a package that combines existing government support with new election promises.

But which policies are already available, and which ones would only happen if National wins another term?

We break down what's in the package, who benefits, and what it could mean for your household budget.

Read the full story:
👉 https://webfitnews.com/national-family-tax-relief-kiwisaver-parental-leave-election-2026/

Would these policies make your family financially better off, or should the focus be elsewhere?

👇 Join the conversation.

National is campaigning on tax relief, FamilyBoost, a proposed $1,500 KiwiSaver Baby Boost for newborns and extending paid parental leave to 30 weeks. Here's what it means for Kiwi families.

30/07/2026

🏏 Another Golden Chapter Comes to an End

Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket, closing the curtain on a distinguished career defined by discipline, resilience and unforgettable overseas performances.

From his match-winning century at Melbourne to leading India during the historic 2020-21 Test series victory in Australia, Rahane earned respect as one of Indian cricket’s calmest leaders and most dependable players in challenging conditions.

His retirement also marks another major farewell from a celebrated generation that included R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Read the full story, career highlights, statistics and legacy of Ajinkya Rahane:

🔗 https://webfitnews.com/ajinkya-rahane-retires-international-cricket-career-highlights-2026/

From historic overseas victories to leading India to a famous Test series win in Australia, Ajinkya Rahane's retirement marks the end of an unforgettable chapter in Indian cricket.

30/07/2026

📱 Independent review finds lessons for future Public Service communications

An independent review has found that the Public Service Commission did not breach political neutrality and received no direction from Ministers over its 2025 social media campaign.

However, the review says the Commission moved too quickly and should have taken greater care before publishing paid social media posts during collective bargaining and the lead-up to the public sector day of action.

Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has accepted the findings and recommendations, including stronger sign-off processes, more time for integrity analysis and possible external peer review in high-risk situations.

Read the full story:

https://webfitnews.com/public-service-commission-social-media-review-2026/

An independent review found the Public Service Commission's 2025 social media campaign did not breach political neutrality but identified lessons to improve future communications and decision-making.

30/07/2026

🙏 Celebrate Lashkar Bonalu 2026 in Auckland! 🌺

Experience the vibrant colours, deep devotion, and rich cultural traditions of Telangana as the New Zealand Telugu Association, in association with Mangere Thiru Subramaniyar Aalayam, invites everyone to the Lashkar Bonalu Celebrations 2026.

Bonalu is one of Telangana’s most cherished festivals, dedicated to Goddess Mahankali, celebrating faith, gratitude, and community. It is a beautiful opportunity to witness traditional rituals, cultural performances, devotional offerings, and the warmth of the Telugu community.

📅 Date: Sunday, 2 August 2026
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM onwards
📍 Venue: Mangere Thiru Subramaniyar Aalayam
69 Tidal Road, Mangere, Auckland

✨ Why you should attend:

* Experience an authentic Telangana cultural celebration.
* Seek the blessings of Goddess Mahankali for health, prosperity, and protection.
* Enjoy traditional devotional ceremonies and cultural festivities.
* Meet families from across Auckland and celebrate together.
* Everyone is welcome, regardless of background.

Bring your family and friends and be part of this colourful celebration of faith, culture, and community spirit.

📞 For more information:
• Janak: 027 6666 143
• Ilango: 0217 398 179

Webfit News wishes the organisers and everyone attending a joyful and blessed Lashkar Bonalu 2026.

30/07/2026

Let's celebrate the 80th Independence Day of India with Tiranga and a commitment to Swachhata. From 9–17 August, create and capture your special moment with the Tiranga. Everyone is requested to join the and campaigns by encouraging neighbours and the community to participate in Selfie with Tiranga and cleanliness drives. Every small effort towards Har Ghar Tiranga and Har Ghar Swachhata makes a big impact.
Upload your Selfie with Tiranga at https://harghartiranga.com.
PMO India
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
Mahatma Gandhi Centre/Auckland Indian Association
Indian Newslink
Vitasta NZ
U.P. Tourism and Business Advisory Board-NZ
Namaste Bharat Kiwi Times
India New Zealand Business Council
Indian Association Manukau New Zealand
Bihar Jharkhand Association of New Zealand
Bank of Baroda New Zealand Ltd
Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust
Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand
Indian Council For Cultural Relations
WebfitNews
Hindu Foundation New Zealand
Indian Weekender