Adventure Tourism & Competition: Rotorua’s three commercial rafting operators can merge after the Commerce Commission approved the deal, clearing the way for Rotorua Rafting, Kaitiaki Adventures and Kaituna Cascades to combine rafting and sledging operations. Campervan Infrastructure: Gisborne council is considering a campervan effluent dump station after a decade-long push, with costs and funding split between the council and the NZ Motor Caravan Association. Winter Travel Disruptions: Snow and strong winds are causing road closures and cautions across Otago, including State Highway 1 closed near Dunedin/Waitati and SH87 closed due to snow and ice, with Milford, Crown Range and Lindis passes among routes facing snowfall warnings. Digital Permits for Hunters: DOC’s digital hunting permit system has issued more than 53,000 permits since late 2024, with self-service processing now handling 99.5% of permits and cutting admin time by about 70%. RSE Worker Standards: Immigration and employment changes are being signalled for RSE workers, with accommodation and pay deductions still a key concern for workers who say they’re “not here for a holiday.” Pacific Travel & Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are gathering in Palau, but several heads of government are absent, raising questions about regional unity as climate and economic priorities take centre stage. Nepal Floods (NZ links): Search updates continue after Nepal flash floods, including named missing New Zealanders and ongoing efforts to reunite families and locate survivors.