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Previously, visitors to Ascension winery in Matakana were after a glass or two of wine; now they're more likely to enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit after communion. Auckland's Catholic Diocese is selling its old church in Warkworth to pay to convert the former winery into a new…

Today from The Detail: It's very valuable but you can't buy it, and if you lose it there can be serious consequences. Why a social licence to operate is now a must for corporates.

This coming month, New Zealand could elect two Karen Morgans as mayor – one in Mackenzie District, one in Hutt City. But these aren’t the pejorative stereotype ‘Karens’; rather than complaining about the problems in their communities, they’re stepping up to make a difference. Mackenzie’s Karen Morgan, who’s been acting…

Ruapehu District Council was hailed a “ratepayer hero” by the Taxpayers’ Union lobby group last week. That was because the small North Island council managed an unexpected $700,000 overspend by cutting services and infrastructure investment, rather than hiking rates and fees.  But, highlighting the difficult balancing act between high rates…

The use of standardised, repeatable designs has become a Government mantra – and the education minister says that all started with her project to cut costs by building modular classrooms. "We've halved the cost of building a classroom," she tells Newsroom. "And I can see other ministers looking at us,…

The topic of US exceptionalism has been prominent over the last few years. It’s been a richly deserved moniker given America’s resilient economy, strong corporate profits and leadership in artificial intelligence. However, things may be starting to change.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts has sent cautionary notes to six smaller councils that are proposing to deliver their drinking water and wastewater services on their own, rather than teaming up with neighbouring local authorities. Jonathan Milne reports.

Today from The Detail: Great for netball fans, maybe not so great for players - it's likely they'll be hit in the pocket after a new deal with free to air TV was signed this week.

Analysis: Asset sales are going to be a key feature of the next election, and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has made no bones about offloading the last 49 percent of gentailers Genesis, Mercury and Meridian, writes Edward Miller.