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New Zealand's agricultural sector could be impacted by escalating tensions in the Red Sea.

Experts warn the ongoing attacks could cause further shipping bottlenecks around the world.

The Country's Jamie Mackay says freight prices have climbed to a level not seen since the days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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New Zealand's population has continued to expand in 2023- but the influx has slowed somewhat.

New data from Stats NZ shows annual net migration reached just under 126,000 in the year to December.

The net migration gain is still one of the largest recorded, it's equivalent to the population of Taranaki.

NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what this means for economic forecasts.

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Finance Minister Nicola Willis has been on the receiving end of backlash over her proposal for the public sector.

There's growing speculation the coalition Government will cut jobs in order to meet targets.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the number of public service workers has gone up by tens of thousands under Labour- and industry leaders will be looking to create savings.

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Over in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his engagement to his long-time partner.

The Prime Minister proposed to Jodie Haydon on Valentine's Day, at his Canberra residence.

The pair have been together since 2020, where they met at a Melbourne business dinner.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says people from all corners of the country have congratulated Albanese on the engagement.

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Dame Noeline Taurua's role is up for grabs, as Netball NZ has launched an open recruitment call.

The Silver Ferns coach will have to fight to keep her job, as Netball NZ is determined to choose the best coach to guide the team for the next four years.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. 

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Proposals to cut Wellington's swimming pool and library hours have been scrapped.

The City Council finalised its draft 10-year budget today, in a meeting lasting almost seven hours.

The Council voted on spending cuts, including unpopular proposals to trim community services.

Councillor Nicola Young disapproves of this verdict, saying one local pool's had its time. 

"They are spending a lot of money, and they can never stop."

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A new report by the Education Review Office reveals primary teachers feel less equipped to teach maths than ever.

The ERO report claims almost a quarter of new teachers are not confident about their own teaching abilities in mathematics.

Otago University Associate Professor Naomi Ingram says maths is a trickier subject than reading or writing for educators.

"Their perceptions are that it is unique, because it is perceived to be more difficult, there's more proportions of time that kids have to think compared to other subjects- to learn mathematics, you need to be confused." 

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Dame Noeline Taurua will have to fight hard to return as the head coach of the Silver Ferns.

Netball New Zealand said the organisation and Dame Taurua had agreed to go to the open market for the role, in the best interests of the Ferns and the 'integrity' of the sport.

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie says it's important that they don't take the Silver Ferns' success for granted.

"We certainly want to be able to grow and improve on our performance at the Nations Cup in January. I think what we do know is- Noels has got a great legacy and we want to see what her plans are for the future." 

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Auckland's mayor wants better communication from agencies responsible for the rail network.

Wayne Brown had talks with Auckland One Rail, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail yesterday and promised an aggressive plan to reduce disruption.

He says communications need to be clear and aimed at the passengers, not other agencies. 

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The Emergency Management Minister says smoke is dissipating from the fire still raging on Christchurch's Port Hills.

The blaze has burned through at least 650 hectares since it broke out yesterday, triggering evacuations.

The fire is yet to be contained, but people are being allowed back into homes on Hoon Hay Valley and Early Valley Roads.

Others will have to stay another night away.

Minister Mark Mitchell says firefighters are working incredibly hard.

"Today, they had an additional two fixed-wings in there, putting fire retardant in ridge lines and things like that. Their response was so quick."

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