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3 Jul 2025

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Does copyright protection apply to vibe coded programs?
Copyright law does not apply to AI-generated music, video or images so will programs that have been vibe-coded be similarly treated as unprotected?

Single MRI scan could be used to estimate dementia risk
New Zealand scientists have helped develop an internationally groundbreaking tool that estimates a person's risk of getting dementia and other age-related diseases.

It's no longer illegal to be a proudly violent Proud Boy
The terrorist label has been dropped from extremist group the Proud Boys, but its ideology still lurks online in New Zealand.

Khandallah murder trial: Victim was bludgeoned, forensic pathologist tells jury
The elderly woman found dead in her home in Wellington's suburb of Khandallah last year was bludgeoned, a forensic pathologist has told a jury.

Best early Prime Day deals on office chairs and standing desks
The ergonomics of your desk and chair greatly influence how good you feel after a long session at your PC. But you don’t have to spend a ton on an office chair or standing desk—especially not at the moment, in the lead-up to next week’s Amazon Prime Day. Popular chairs and desks are already on sale, even in advance of the big shopping event’s July 8 start date — and not just on Amazon. That includes fan favorites like Staples’ Hyken, which is back down to nearly its all-time low. Read on for all the current best deals on standing desks and office chairs, and check out our Prime Day 2025 deals hub for juicy bargains in other tech categories. Best early Prime Day 2025 deals on office chairs Staples Cartwright Task Chair, Black – $50 (58% off at Staples) Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair, Black – $120 (60% off at Staples) Staples Dexley Mesh Task Chair, Black – $160 (50% off at Staples) Staples always gives Amazon a run for its money with sales on affordable office chairs, and three of its more popular chairs are close (if not at) all-time low prices. Reddit’s beloved Hyken model leads the pack, with its wider-frame Dexley chair also on a sizable discount. Best early Prime Day 2025 deals on standing desks Dekhaoxe 31×15 Adjustable Height Mobile Computer Desk, White – $50 (38% off) Flexispot 48×24 sit-stand desk, Black – $110 (35% off) Flexispot’s standing desks start at much lower prices than competitors, making them popular among Amazon shoppers to begin with. With additional discounts, they’re a great entry into motorized sit-stand setups. Standing desks and office chairs FAQ 1. What features should I look for in a standing desk? We like dual motor standing desks with programmable controls—they’re a little more expensive, but moving the desk up and down is smoother. Their frames usually have a better build overall, too, making for less wobble during height adjustments and while in use. Programmable controls means you can go back and forth between two or even three height positions with a single button press, which makes for much better quality of life. No need to wait and monitor the adjustment as it’s happening. (That might sound like not such a big deal, but if you do it multiple times a day over the course of the year, those seconds feel tedious. Trust me on this one.) 2. What makes for a good office chair? This question can be tricky to answer, since what’s comfortable is a little different for everyone. Generally, you want enough support for your back so it doesn’t take on a hunched position, but not so much you can’t feel relaxed while sitting. You also ideally want to keep pressure off your lower back if you’ll be sitting for long periods—office chairs usually have seats shaped for this, rather than the flatter surfaces of kitchen and casual desk chairs. Armrests, head supports, and mesh fabric can also play a role in comfort, but you may want to try out those features on a sample chair that a friend owns or in a store to see if you need those features. The mesh is particularly good if you sweat or get warm. Wheeled models are also useful for easily moving the chair—and you can upgrade the casters, as Reddit recommends for an even smoother experience. 3. How do I know if I’m getting a good deal on standing desks or office chairs during Prime Day? The deals we select are chosen not just for the product, but because their prices are among the lowest we’ve seen, especially given the pricing history over the last year. If you’re striking out on your own, be sure to look at reviews, as well as Amazon’s AI summaries of user reviews—avoid anything with high return rates, or a known flaw. Also look for brands with not just high user reviews, but independent reviews online. Many standing desks are just rebranded models, and so too for cheaper desk chairs. 4. Will tariffs affect office chair and standing desk prices? Should I buy now? Very possibly yes. A high portion of manufacturing happens overseas, and the U.S. government intends to resume imposing sizable taxes on imports from many countries on July 9. If that happens, costs for goods will likely rise over the second part of 2025—and because most items won’t jump in price immediately, choosing to shop sooner rather than later could be the savvier financial move.

Flood-damaged school furious and frustrated with 'crazy' timing of ERO report
More than 100 students have been taking their lessons at a nearby Mormon Church, but as the school was packing up to move back to its new buildings last week, ERO conducted a review.

Live updates: Flood threat as tropical deluge brings downpours, gales, thunderstorms to NZ
Rain started falling at the top of the country before dawn.

Live: Flood-hit regions brace for worst as more wild weather due to hit
Homes near the Motueka River were evacuated as a precaution as a second barrage of downpours is forecast in the Nelson-Tasman region.

NZ no longer in a state of 'peak tractor'
New Zealand has fallen from 'peak tractor' with bigger machinery, rising on-farm costs and farmers becoming more efficient driving sales down.