The world’s headlines can feel heavy these days, but if you pause and look closer, especially here in New Zealand, there’s plenty to smile about.
Every week, I like to share a handful of stories that remind us that life here is pretty kosher.
This week’s roundup has it all: New Zealand’s place among the world’s safest countries, pups competing for national glory, a controversial duck, a snake in a suitcase and an unbelievable stroke of luck at sea.
So take a break from the doom and gloom and enjoy some good news in Kiwi style.
New Zealand Ranked Among the World’s Safest Countries in 2025
22 August 2025
In a world where conflict and instability dominate headlines, New Zealand continues to stand out as a haven of peace.
The 2025 Global Peace Index has ranked New Zealand third in the world thanks to improvements in safety and security. Strict gun laws, a strong social safety net and access to universal healthcare all contribute to a sense of everyday security.
Beyond safety, New Zealanders cherish their connection to nature. No matter where you live, a major city or a small town, you’re never far away from a park, mountain, bush or beach. New Zealand truly is a hiker’s paradise.
But New Zealand’s attraction lies not just in its stunning scenery. As locals often say, New Zealand’s real strength lies in its people: a rich Māori culture, vibrant festivals and an emphasis on community. Kids still walk to school, doors are often left unlocked, and strangers stop to lend a hand.
There’s a general trust in others and in the systems around you, which creates a real sense of community in daily life.
—Mischa Mannix-Opie, director of client experience at relocation firm Greener Pastures
Top 10 countries in the 2025 Global Peace Index:
- Iceland
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Slovenia
- Finland
Head to Five of the world’s safest countries for 2025 for more reasons why New Zealand ranks third in the 2025 Global Peace Index.
Waipawa’s Giant Yellow Duck: Love It or Hate It, Pawa Is Here to Stay
26 August 2025
Every New Zealand town seems to have its quirky mascot. Ohakune has its carrot, Paeroa has its giant soda bottle, and Taihape has a gumboot.
Small-town mascots often seem to make headlines in the New Zealand media. Weekly Whirl #2 features Taupō’s dinosaur and Avondale’s Giant Spider, while North Otago’s chicken tree drew attention in Weekly Whirl #7.
This week, Waipawa in Central Hawke’s Bay was in the spotlight for its duck. Not just any duck! This two-metre-tall, 400 kg concrete bird named Pawa has been sparking debate for three decades.
Pawa was built in 1995 to promote Waipawa’s first Duck Race. It has been called everything from a local icon to New Zealand’s ugliest mascot (a Radio Pacific poll gave her that title in 2003).
Some residents see her as an eyesore; others think her “different-ness” makes Waipawa memorable.
Love her or loathe her, one thing is certain: Pawa gets people talking.
She no longer has a permanent home on the main street, but she re-emerges each year for the town’s Spring Fling festival. In its headline event, the Duck Race, thousands of rubber ducks float down the Waipawa River to raise money for Ronald McDonald House. This charity provides accommodation to families when their child is in a New Zealand hospital away from home.
For organisers and families, Pawa is more than a mascot; she’s part of the community spirit. And if you’re in Waipawa this October, you can see her waddle back into the spotlight once again.
Read more about Pawa the duck at The Great NZ Road Trip: Pawa the duck – the mascot that has divided a small central Hawke’s Bay town for 30 years.
Waikato Pups in the Running for NZ’s Top Dog 2025
27 August 2025
New Zealanders love their dogs. I spotted this article about four Waikato canines that are among 20 finalists in Frog Recruitment’s Top Dog 2025 competition, chosen from more than 300 entries nationwide.
Two pups are up for the Top Dog with a Job title.
Dotti, once a pound pup, now works with the Waikato District Council, teaching children how to stay safe around dogs, responding to commands in te reo Māori along the way.
Golden Retriever Scout is a therapy dog who brightens classrooms and brings comfort to dementia patients at a Hamilton rest home.
Meanwhile, Mac, a mixed-breed, is competing for Top Office Dog. Formerly the ‘CEO’ of electric bike company FTN Motion, Mac still brings good vibes and has a giant portrait in the workshop to prove it.
He’s joined by Baz, a miniature dachshund and NZME Waikato’s unofficial wellness officer, whose joyful ‘waddle’ and cuddles keep spirits high in the office.
Now in its tenth year, the competition celebrates the positive impact dogs have on workplaces, communities and our well-being, something Kiwis wholeheartedly understand.
Since writing this post, a Huntaway called Koozer was named New Zealand’s Top Office Dog 2025.
Full story: NZ Top Dog 2025: Waikato working pups could be country’s next Top Dog and New Zealand’s top office dog crowned.
Live Snake Found in Christchurch Traveller’s Luggage
29 August 2025
When you live here, you can’t escape the love–hate relationship between the Kiwis and Ozzies. Nothing serious; just innocent banter. But one thing the Kiwis are quick to point out is the fact that we don’t have to deal with poisonous snakes.
That’s until a Christchurch traveller returned home with an unwelcome surprise: a live snake hidden in their suitcase, wrapped around a jandal. I should add that he brought the visitor from Bali, not Australia!
Biosecurity New Zealand quickly sent trained handlers, who identified it as a non-venomous wolf snake.
While one or two snakes slip through each year, most are intercepted at the border.
The snake will be euthanised, and officials say the case highlights the importance of strict biosecurity measures to protect New Zealand’s snake-free status.
Full story: Live snake found in Christchurch traveller’s suitcase.
Phone Lost at Sea Recovered from 400m Deep off West Coast
30 August 2025
This story illustrates the kindness of strangers mentioned in the first story of this Weekly Whirl.
When Lincoln student Charlie dropped his phone overboard while fishing for bluefin tuna off the Hokitika Trench, he never expected to see it again.
But against incredible odds, the phone, along with his driver’s licence and bank card, was later hauled up in a trawl net from 400 metres underwater.
Though the phone itself is beyond saving, it’s being returned thanks to the honesty of the crew who found it.
Charlie’s dad called the recovery unbelievable and joked:
Charlie will shout you a beer or two next trip!!
Amusingly, this isn’t Charlie’s first mishap. His father says it’s about the seventh phone he’s lost.
Full story: Phone lost overboard trawled up from ‘400 metres’ underwater, off the West Coast.
Neighboring Albatross Chicks Have A Preening Party In New Zealand
26 August 2025
Let’s finish with this peaceful moment as two young Northern Royal Albatrosses prepare their feathers for their all-important first flights!