News in Brief

Tasman Ratepayers Face 9.9% Rates Hike

Ratepayers in the Tasman District Council area face a substantial 9.9% average rates increase after elected officials finalised the region's complex 2026/2027 Annual Plan. Mayor Tim King noted that rising infrastructure costs, insurance, and the lingering financial impacts of past severe weather events left the council with few popular financial levers to pull. By contrast, neighbouring Nelson City Council adopted a much smaller 4.7% increase.

Road Closures and Costs Force Closure of Iconic Nelson Business

After 19 years of operations, local culinary staple Prego Mediterranean Foods & Comida Cafe has announced it is shutting its doors permanently. The owners cited a devastating combination of ongoing road closures from major CBD works and relentlessly rising operational costs. The community has expressed deep sadness over losing a foundational piece of the central city's hospitality scene.

Tasman Mako Leader David Havili Announces Move to Japan

In local rugby news, Tasman Mako leader and Crusaders captain David Havili has confirmed a future move to Japan. The versatile All Blacks back intends to finish out his local commitments and return to provincial colours for Tasman before heading overseas later this year to begin his new international club chapter.

Upcoming NBS Nelson Giants Basketball Fixtures

Local basketball fans have a busy stretch ahead as the NBS Nelson Giants continue their 2026 Sal's NBL campaign. Fans can secure tickets through Giants Flicket for these upcoming rounds:

Wellington Saints (Away): Friday, 26 June, 2:30 pm at TSB Arena

Auckland Tuatara (Home): Sunday, 28 June, 6:00 pm at Trafalgar Centre

Franklin Bulls (Home): Sunday, 5 July, 3:00 pm at Trafalgar Centre

Southland Sharks (Away): Saturday, 11 July at ILT Stadium Southland

Coalition Tensions Rise Over Proposed India Free Trade Agreement

On the national stage, political sparks are flying between National and New Zealand First over confidential immigration documents linked to a proposed free trade agreement with India. NZ First leader Winston Peters publicly targeted National in Parliament, alleging that proposed immigration policy concessions within the draft deal are discriminatory toward Indian nationals.

Search for Survivors Intensifies After Devastating Venezuela Earthquakes

Overseas, a catastrophic double earthquake in Venezuela has left the nation reeling, with the confirmed death toll climbing to 235 as search and rescue teams frantically comb through the rubble. Massive destruction is reported across several regional towns and the port city of La Guaira. Global seismic experts confirm that while three major international quakes occurred within a short window, they are not structurally connected.

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.