The Meke Foundation has opened free fitness pods in Camberley and Flaxmere with funding from CityFitness. The Hawke’s Bay facilities aim to reduce barriers to exercise while helping rangatahi reconnect with education, training and employment.
Paddock to Pantry has announced a $25 million expansion programme to establish more than 20 new grocery stores across New Zealand over five years, potentially creating up to 1,000 jobs. The independent retailer is also proposing a Government-backed funding scheme to accelerate supermarket competition.
Almost 44% of New Zealanders experience loneliness to some degree, with major urban centres among the most affected. Registered psychologist Sara Chatwin warns that social isolation could affect health and regional workforce growth as Kiwi-founded social discovery platform Zeeën launches to help people build new connections.
Australian beverage exporter CocoCoast is aiming for A$200 million in annual revenue within five years after growing 53% in the past year. The coconut water brand is returning to the US through a Seattle distributor while expanding across the UK and Europe.
CityFitness has announced a $100m programme to open up to 50 additional gyms, create as many as 1,000 jobs and enter New Zealand's women-only fitness market. The investment also includes facility upgrades and a broader Simplicity Fitness network.
ESET New Zealand is warning consumers and businesses about AI search scams after cybersecurity data found ChatGPT results directing users to unsafe sites. The risk comes as AI is also accelerating phishing and vulnerability exploitation, reducing the time businesses have to respond.
NZ Avocado says lifting New Zealand avocado consumption towards Australian levels could add more than $30 million a year to the domestic wholesale market. The opportunity comes as growers prepare for almost 8 million trays to enter domestic and export markets in 2026-27.
NZAero and NMIT are establishing a new aviation engineering training initiative at NZAero’s Hamilton manufacturing facility. The programme will expand specialist training into the North Island as New Zealand faces a growing shortage of aircraft engineers.
Visionwest Community Trust is calling for changes to government procurement rules following the outcome of a $1bn home healthcare tender. The charity says procurement assessments should better recognise community reinvestment, established local relationships and the wider support provided by not-for-profit organisations.
Paddock to Pantry is expanding its digital-first grocery model nationwide after recording 197% sales growth in the year to 31 July 2026. Its centralised fulfilment and consistent national pricing offer a new test of New Zealand’s supermarket market structure.
International entrepreneur Peter Price AM says New Zealand could capture more global research, product development and commercialisation activity by broadening its innovation strategy. His argument comes as Tazi prepares for its first commercial launch in New Zealand following five years of local R&D.
CityFitness says Step Up Aotearoa reached 1 billion steps in 11 weeks, well ahead of schedule. The result highlights the wider public health challenge around everyday movement in New Zealand.
NZAero has restarted CT-4 Airtrainer production in New Zealand after a 14-year hiatus, backed by growing military and civilian training demand. A new agreement with Thailand could also support tens of millions of dollars in export revenue over the next three years.
Southpac Group is preparing to expand its North American adviser network as US doctors and other professionals seek greater protection against litigation risk. The New Zealand firm says its client numbers increased by more than 290 per cent between 2022 and 2025.
New data from realestate.co.nz and Stay Luxe shows wealthy international visitors are driving significant growth in luxury rental demand. The Golden Visa New Zealand trend is also increasing spending across hospitality, tourism, transport, retail and premium services before migrants purchase property.
AI search is changing how Auckland businesses are discovered and evaluated. The shift is set to increase demand for credible media coverage, expert content and strategic reputation management.
Tauranga-based Clarity Distilling Company is preparing for international expansion after its whey-based Navy Gin received 99 points at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition. The result has generated enquiries from overseas consumers and distributors, creating the potential for a multimillion-dollar New Zealand gin export business.
Healthy Skin Lab is seeking a $4 million strategic investment after its tinted SPF 50 moisturiser attracted viral attention and more than $2 million in organic sales. The New Zealand skincare export business plans to increase US production and pursue pharmacy, healthcare and retail distribution.
Southpac Group has appointed Impact PR to lead its strategic communications, media relations and thought leadership across New Zealand and international markets. The appointment supports the international fiduciary services provider’s continued growth and expanding North American profile.
New Zealand’s largest gym chain, CityFitness, has appointed Auckland public relations agency Impact PR to support its strategic communications, media relations, thought leadership and national brand communications programme.