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19 May 2026

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Clubcard to go as Foodstuffs launches new scheme. How do you rate supermarket loyalty programmes?
New World, Pak’nSave and Four Square are launching of Club+ so shoppers can use rewards across the three supermarkets

Trump and Xi stroll through ancient gardens as Beijing summit wraps
Donald Trump insists US-China relations are in a "good place" following final talks with Xi Jinping at his official Beijing residence.

AIA claims stats released; Heart claims high
AIA pays $790 million in total claims in 2025 as heart disease continues to impact thousands of Kiwi families.

Green light given for banks to collectively negotiate with Armourguard operator
Commerce Commission authorises the NZ Banking Association to collectively negotiate with Evergreen International LLC over its cash-in-transit services.

Tensions flare near Strait of Hormuz as a ship is seized and another is sunk
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A ship anchored off the United Arab Emirates was seized and taken toward Iran and another — a cargo ship near Oman — sank after being attacked, authorities said Thursday, as tensions escalated near the Strait of Hormuz.

Unemployment set to rise as firms 'shelve hiring' amid global uncertainty
From petrol pumps to mortgage statements, Kiwis are being warned of a "sharp shift" in economy that could see interest rates rise this month.

AIA says new product adviser-driven
AIA has launched a new trauma product which it says is the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Iran responds to US ceasefire proposal as drones target Gulf nations
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has sent its response to the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal via Pakistani mediators and wants negotiations to focus on permanently ending the war, Iran’s state-run media said Sunday. Pakistan confirmed receiving it.

Commerce Commission approves petrol station merger
Petrol station brands Gull and NPD can merge, after the Commerce Commission determined the move would not lead to higher prices.

The Iran war is crippling one of the world’s wealthiest nations
New York Times: Qatar is cut off from the world and bleeding billions of dollars.

OCR increases should start sooner rather than later
ASB’s economists are favouring OCR hikes to start in July while Westpac thinks September is the right time.

New insurance comparison tool hits the market
KAN has revamped and relaunched the late Graeme Lindsay's Strategy insurance research business.

Diesel up 94.9%: New Stats NZ figures show alarming fuel price trajectory since war
Diesel prices have soared by 94.9% as fuel costs continue a sharp upward trajectory, figures from Stats NZ show.

Pope decries the rise of AI-directed warfare, saying it leads to a spiral of annihilation
ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Thursday denounced how investments in artificial intelligence and high-tech weaponry were leading the world into a “spiral of annihilation,” as he called for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine during a visit to Europe’s largest university.

Basecorp secures more funding
Basecorp has closed out another securitisation programme raising funds for future lending.

Musk, Cook, Huang and other powerful US executives expected to join Trump on trip to China
Trump is expected to arrive in Beijing Wednesday (local time) to meet with President Xi Jinping. Aside from discussions about Iran, the two leaders are expected to discuss trade and artificial intelligence.

‘We are witnessing history’: The Big Short investor warns of looming financial crash
Michael Burry has likened the current state of the stock market to the “scene of a bloody car crash, minutes before it happens”.

Wellington hospo stalwart announces closure after ‘incredible’ 23 years
Red Square Bar announced its closure on Sunday night, saying “all good things must come to an end”.

Iran warns the US against attacks on its oil tankers and other ships but ceasefire appears to hold
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy on Saturday warned that any attack on Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels would be met with a “heavy assault” on one of the U.S. bases in the region and enemy ships.