Idealog

New Kiwi software makes road project verification easier Above: Company-X co-founder and chief executive Jeremy Hughes. Hamilton software developer Company-X has launched new software to make road project verification easier. Road maintenance and renewal are one of the largest and fastest-growing costs on council balance sheets. Company-X co-founder and chief executive Jeremy Hughes says the problem is rarely a lack of testing, but rather information being scattered across channels and teams.

Kiwi startup launches the world’s safest dating app Above: Guardian Flame launched with a user event at Auckland’s Dr Rudi’s on August 28. Palmerston North technology venture Guardian Flame has launched the “safest” dating app, featuring world-first verification and accountability features. The launch follows a strategic pivot driven by overwhelming community feedback.

Napier guns for the title of Negroni Capital of New Zealand Above: Napier Negroni Week judges Amy Hopkinson-Styles and Gordon Russell. It has vineyards, dramatic coastline, the longest sunny days, espresso bars and delicious pizzerias. But it’s not Naples, it’s Napier. This September, the city is adding another claim to fame as it makes a serious play for the title of Negroni Capital of New Zealand. Hosted by the Napier City Business Association, Napier Negroni Week runs from September 21-27, 2026.

Why your best performer might not be your best leader says Kiwi leadership coach Above: Leadership coach, author and researcher Suzi McAlpine shares findings from her research report Beyond the Workshop. For a long time, climbing the ‘corporate ladder’ has followed a somewhat predictable path. Do your job well. Prove yourself as a high performer. Eventually, management becomes the logical next step.

Sid and Chand Sahrawat open Cassia 3.0 in Auckland CBD Restauranteurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat can’t wait for people to see the new space they’ve created. Opening on September 1 is the third iteration of the Sahrawat’s well-known restaurant brand Cassia. It is returning to the Tāmaki Makaurau CBD after a two month pop up at Ozone in Grey Lynn. Speaking to Idealog five days before officially opening and two days before their preview night, Chand says its been a mad rush.

2026 National Schools Poetry Award winner announced Xavier Tapsell, a Year 13 student from Tauranga Boys’ College, is the winner of the 2026 National Schools Poetry Award. His poem ‘The left spring’s soft’ movingly portrays a parent and child struggling to bridge the gulf between them. “It’s about two people who’ve drifted so far apart neither of them really knows how to close the gap,” says Tapsell.

Feathered candidates hit the campaign trail for Penguin of the Year 2026 Forget policy debates and political polls for a second – there’s another vote that needs your attention and these little candidates are a heck of a lot cuter. The 16 kororā (little penguins) at the National Aquarium of New Zealand’s Penguin Cove in Napier are vying for the coveted title of Penguin of the Year 2026.

NZ Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2026 showcase new talent and classic favourites A tiny suburban Auckland gelato shop that opened just seven months ago and one of the country’s well-established ice cream makers have taken top honours at the New Zealand Ice Cream & Gelato Awards 2026. Joylato’s Blueberry Yoghurt Gelato was named Chelsea Sugar Supreme Boutique Champion, picking up a further three trophies. Owner Esther Cai opened the Joylato shop on Hurstmere Road in Takapuna in January.

Review: Oppo Reno16 Pro is polished, practical and fun Above: The Oppo Reno16 series dropped in Aotearoa in July. Oppo has dubbed its new smartphone series a “creative studio in your pocket”. Reviewer and tech enthusiast Jegan Nithianandan puts this claim to the test. There’s a multitude of third-party editing apps out there these days, allowing users to download as needed to create content. However, this creative expression can often come at the expense of storage and potential licensing costs.

Tupperware returns to Aotearoa After a four-year absence, kitchenware brand Tupperware is making its return to Aotearoa. Launched under new distributor H.A.G. on August 24, the Tupperware products also bring a refreshed colour palette designed for modern living. First arriving in New Zealand in the 1970s, Tupperware became a household staple. The brand says it was renowned for its premium quality, innovative airtight seal and products built to last.