Author: Press Room

The number of companies opened across the EU is higher than those closing, with 3.4 million new companies created in 2022 versus 2.8 million that went out of business. ADVERTISEMENTAccording to the most recent Eurostat data, the EU’s business ecosystem seems to be in good health.In 2022, 3.4 million new companies opened across the block, while 2.8 million closed down.The countries that launched the most new businesses — compared to the size of their markets — were Lithuania (18.3%), Portugal (16.7%) and Estonia (16.6%).Austria (6.2%), Denmark (7.4%), and Italy (7.9%) reported the lowest rates of enterprise growth.The countries with the…

Health New Zealand is feeling the heat from its minister after revelations of a second significant spend-up on catering at conferences in the past year.In response to questions from RNZ, Health NZ confirmed it hosted up to 400 finance staff at a conference at Auckland’s Eden Park on 30-31 October last year.The overall catering costs totalled $95,584. The venue hire was an additional $20,067.It comes after RNZ revealed Health NZ racked up a $60,000 catering bill — including $9200 on canapés — during a three-day meeting for 300 managers in late March.In a fresh statement to RNZ, a spokesperson for…

The European Commission president told reporters in Brussels that the EU will assist in coordinating rescue efforts through its Copernicus geo-monitoring satellite system. ADVERTISEMENTAs Spanish rescue services continue to deal with the devastating impact of flash floods, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters in Brussels that the EU will assist by using its Copernicus geo-monitoring satellite system “to help coordinate the rescue teams.”The chief of the EU executive said that the bloc stands ready to activate a civil protection mechanism offering the combined assistance of the other 26 member countries should Spain request assistance. “Europe is ready…

A supervising police officer’s behaviour towards a junior female colleague amounted to sexual harassment, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) said today.The IPCA was alerted to the junior police officer’s complaint in October 2023.”Police notified us of a complaint made by a junior female officer (Officer B) about sustained inappropriate behaviour, including comments of a sexual nature towards her, by a senior male officer who was also her supervisor (Officer A),” the authority said in a summary report today.”The inappropriate behaviour occurred throughout Officer B’s two-month secondment to Officer A’s section but intensified towards the end.”While Officer A’s behaviour was…

A primary school and a preschool near where a child was indecently assaulted last week say police didn’t alert them to what had happened.Police said a girl was approached by an unknown man near Aronia Park in Goodwood Heights, in the South Auckland suburb of Manukau, at about 8pm on Friday.The man indecently assaulted her in nearby bushes before fleeing.Everglade Primary School Principal John Robinson told RNZ police came to ask about CCTV but did not mention what had happened.”I found out about it last night,” he said.”My wife said ‘hey, this is on the Herald website, that’s near your…

Moldovan voters to choose between pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu and challenger Aleksandr Stoianoglo, who favours closer ties with Russia. ADVERTISEMENTWhile much of Europe is focused on the final week of the razor-thin race for the White House, another significant presidential election is unfolding closer to home in Moldova.Moldova’s election runoff on Sunday is between Maia Sandu, the pro-Western incumbent who has pushed strongly for greater EU integration, and Alexandr Stoianoglo, a Russia-friendly former chief prosecutor seeking closer ties with Moscow.The first round of the presidential race in the country of 3 million was held on 20 October alongside a referendum…

Police are investigating the destruction of a carving gifted by mana whenua and displayed at Pukekohe Train Station.In a Facebook post, the Franklin Local Board said the vandalism was “upsetting and disrespectful”.”We are saddened at this vandalism at Pukekohe Station and gutted that a beautiful carving by Ngāti Tamaoho kaumatua Ted Ngataki, who has only ever shown us kindness and a willingness to share his wisdom, should suffer in this way.”We are deeply sorry this happened,” the post read.In a statement to RNZ, police said a report was first made on October 27 when it was noticed the carving had…

Fire and Emergency services are at the scene of a well involved fire at a rural school, northeast of Hamilton.A FENZ spokesperson told 1News the fire broke out just before noon in a Puketaha School building “used as a school hall”, and has a size of approximately 10 to 15 metres.”The building has been evacuated with all persons accounted for.”A post from the school, shared on Facebook, said: “The staff have done an incredible job keeping the children safe and cared for.”Two crews, equipped with breathing apparatus, were working to contain the fire.”In attendance is four fire trucks, two water…

The Baltic nation had repeatedly blocked an attempt to impose up to 25% value-added tax on online platforms offering short-term rentals and ridesharing. ADVERTISEMENTEU diplomats have agreed a reform to VAT rules that would mean tax hikes on short-term rental and taxi-style services such as Airbnb and Uber, after Estonia dropped its opposition.Estonia, home to ride-sharing app Bolt, had previously voiced concerns over unfair treatment of online platforms, and the often small-time suppliers that use them.The redrafted text includes a longer transition period, meaning the online platform rules will become voluntary in July 2028 and mandatory from January 2030, an…

A staff member at one of the country’s most prestigious schools who resigned over allegations of inappropriate online activity did not commit any criminal offences, police say.The staff member, who boarded at the school and was involved with football, admitted to the activity, King’s College confirmed last week.It was believed he had been engaging with a minor.The school notified police, and contacted parents and guardians, asking them to talk with their child if they had any concerns.In a statement released by the school last week, it said as far as staff were aware, the online activity did not involve any…