The Weekend Collective

New Zealand's biggest bank, ANZ, has downgraded its forecast for property prices this year. 

It says its previous forecast of 5% is looking unrealistic as the OCR looks to be making a turn soon and market prices are already falling - now saying a 2% rise is more likely. 

Meanwhile, economists are laying out their predictions for when we'll see the OCR make that turn. 

Many say it won't be until 2027, but some are pre...

As you get older, your health becomes more and more of a worry, so life insurance seems like a no-brainer. But is it? Do you really need it after the mortgage is paid and the kids are on their own?

And what policies are must-haves, against ones that are just nice to have? 

Financial Author Martin Hawes joins Tim Beveridge to give his insurance advice and explain the pros and cons of different policies. 

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A man who snatched a 3-year-old girl from a Rotorua daycare centre with the intention to rape her will be released from jail in just over six weeks after serving one year in jail. 

His release comes under strict conditions including six months of standard release conditions, and he must adhere to other special conditions set out in his probation report.

This case has raised questions around sentencing discounts going too far, ...

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has welcomed provisional Term 4 attendance data, which shows attendance rates were higher than any Term 4 since 2022.

Data shows that in Term 4 of 2025, 57.3% of students attended school regularly, which is an increase from 56.4% in Term 4 of 2024.

He told Tim Beveridge that although the numbers are promising, there is still more work to be done. 

He said that it's not just about gett...

One of the hottest topics of the modern era is kids and smartphones. As we've seen more of the what the internet can do (for better or worse) they seem like an essential part of life. Wallet, Keys, Phone, that's what you always keep on you. 

A first phone is typically only for texting mum and dad, so why do you need a device that has the capability for so much more? 

Child Psychologist Sara Chatwin joins Tim Beveridge to ...

Normally when property comes up in discussion, it's focused on the plight of the youngsters who are fighting to get on to the property ladder. But today, we're switching it up a bit.

Your house is likely the most expensive thing you own, that applies for everyone who's lucky enough to own one. So how do you manage your money with it?

How old is too old to be investing in property? Are you worried that you've left it too late? At wh...

Confidence in New Zealand's rural sector has really started recovering over the past year or so. 

Stabilising interest rates, great dairy results, and promising meat exports have formed a foundation for what will hopefully be a successful 2026. 

Confidence dropped slightly in the last quarter of last year, but it's still much higher than it has been over previous years. 

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Whether you've joined a gym, started going for a run a few times a week, or adding a swim or cycle to your existining routine - there will be things everyone should be looking out for and keeping in mind to stay on track. 

For a new routine to stick, you'll need to start in a specific way to make sure you're not wearing yourself out before you've even really started. 

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The victims of an unprovoked attack on an Auckland train line late last year are speaking out, describing injuries and a lingering fear of using public transport.

It’s yet another reminder of the safety concerns many New Zealanders have at the back of their minds the next time they step onto a bus or train.

Auckland Transport data shows hundreds of violent incidents across public transport services in the two years to November 2025...

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to give his State of the Nation Address tomorrow and being an election year, it'll be an important one. 

The National Party will be trying to recover from their recent polling, while kiwis will be looking for some desperately needed economic recovery. 

Health may also be one to keep an ear out for, after Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she'll be looking to shake up funding in th...

NCEA results are officially out.

Most kids would have genuinely worked as hard as they could to get the grades they hoped for - even the kids who act like they don't really care. 

And for many it won't have turned out as hey had planned - whether that meant not quite meeting the dizzying heights of their ambition or an actual fail grade. But it's unavoidable - at some stage through their school career - and life for that matte...

The no-consent granny flat law changes came in this week. 

That means you can build an up-to-70sqm dwelling in your backyard without having to ask the council if you're allowed to. 

Getting one set up on your property would set you back at least $200,000, but the question on minds of anyone with enough space for something like this is - how much value will it add? 

They can be rented out for a bit of passive income -...

Often trust have been seen to be province of the uber wealthy. But are they? And often people don't think about this issue until it is too late

So when should we think about these issues - our family. inheritances and what's gonna happen to our money when we aren't around to look after it?

Managing Director for New Zealand Family Trust Services Limited Janet Xuccoa joins Tim Beveridge to give her advice on trust accounts, and how t...

While a lot of people will be running around doing some last minute shopping for presents - they'll also be working out what to put on the table.

But as Kiwis, we waste almost as much as we eat.

A survey by Love Food Hate Waste NZ found that binned leftovers made up 42% of food waste across the holiday season, and too-much cooked food making up a further 26.1%.

Chef Allyson Gofton joins Tim Beveridge to discuss the less-wasteful al...

This year's international politics have been unstable to say the least.Trump's Tariffs, Gaza, Ukraine and the Epstein Files have been gifts that keep giving...or not.

But closer to home we've managed to dodge declarations of war. However, there's still lots to reflect on and discuss.

Former Speaker of the House Sir Lockwood Smith and Auckland Councilman Richard Hills join Tim Beveridge to wrap the year's politics, and give an insig...