Workers at New Zealand's state-owned Kiwibank have gone on strike over the bank's latest pay offer. The workers' union says the 2.25 percent offer does not add up and that the bank can easily afford to improve it.

New Zealand's free trade agreement with India has officially taken effect, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said. The deal makes 57 percent of New Zealand's exports to India tariff-free, including sheep meat, wool, coal and forestry products.

New Zealand's economic recovery is progressing slowly, with employment and retail spending both still contracting, according to Bank of New Zealand senior economist commentary. The bank linked the weak results to ongoing pressure on household incomes across the country.

Independent Australian MP Helen Haines was critically injured in a violent attack near her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Police took a man into custody, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said counter-terrorism officers are assisting with the investigation.

New Zealand's economic research institute NZIER has warned that raising KiwiSaver contribution rates could leave some savers financially worse off in the near term. The institute's paper points to a trade-off between improving long-term retirement preparedness and preserving people's financial resilience today.

Oyster growers along South Australia's coast report recovery from last year's harmful algal bloom, though the pace varies widely between regions. Farmers describe reduced stock levels and a rise in barnacle growth as lingering challenges heading into the busy summer season.