March 30, 2026

#news: First at Five AM – Waatea News 30/3/26

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 30, 2026

A growing child health crisis is being flagged, with preventable illnesses on the rise and disproportionately affecting tamariki Māori and Pacific children.
Read more: Child health crisis deepens as preventable illnesses surge

A major national report is also exposing widespread barriers for disabled New Zealanders, with ongoing inequities across healthcare, housing, education and employment.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/national-barriers-everywhere-report-exposes-daily-struggle-for-disabled-new-zealanders/

In a landmark decision, the High Court has ruled the Government discriminated against midwives, confirming long-standing gender pay inequities.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/hauora-midwives-win-landmark-pay-case-as-court-finds-gender-discrimination/

In environmental news, endangered takahē have been reintroduced into a Hawke’s Bay sanctuary, boosting conservation efforts.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/regional-rare-takahe-return-to-hawkes-bay-sanctuary-in-major-boost-for-species/

The insurance sector is warning urgent action is needed on climate risks, or communities could face rising costs and reduced access to cover.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/national-insurance-warning-act-now-or-risk-losing-cover/

Economic pressure continues to build, with whānau reporting growing concern over rising fuel costs, job losses and uncertainty about the future.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/economy-rising-costs-rising-concern-whanau-feel-pressure-as-economic-worries-grow/

In the regions, job losses remain front of mind, including major cuts linked to manufacturing closures such as Wattie’s and McCain.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/28/economy-hundreds-of-jobs-lost-as-heinz-watties-confirms-factory-closures/

Meanwhile, Woolworths has been fined over a rat infestation at a Dunedin supermarket after delays in responding to the issue.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/29/regional-awwww-rats-rats-delays-cost-woolworths-33k-in-dunedin/

In sport, the Warriors have suffered their first loss of the NRL season, Moana Pasifika have gone down again, and the All Whites were beaten 2-nil by Finland.
Read more:

And in league, Kieran Foran has stepped in as interim coach of the Manly Sea Eagles following the sacking of Anthony Seibold.
Read more: https://waateanews.com/2026/03/28/hakinakina-foran-steps-in-as-sea-eagles-coach-after-seibold-sacking/