Author: Press Room

The Government has released its first quarterly action plan for 2025 — focused on growth and rebuilding the economy.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the plan outlined upgrades to visa settings, delivering smarter regulation for the agriculture sector, and reshaping planning rules so “people can get stuff done in this country”.”We have hit the ground running with many of the priorities in our Q1 plan already ticked off, including allowing digital nomads into New Zealand and laying the groundwork for AI to improve public services.”Luxon said the “centrepiece” of the plan was an international investment summit, which aimed to bring together…

Less than a day before that announcement, US media reported that Donald Trump had had a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss steps towards a negotiated solution. ADVERTISEMENTUS President Donald Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz has said senior members of the administration will meet with European officials this week about how to end the war in Ukraine.The push comes almost three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbour in 2022.Less than a day before that announcement, US media reported that Trump had had a phone call with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to discuss…

The crowds have dispersed, and the tide has receded, marking the end of another year at Waitangi. Yet, the marae at its core stands steadfast, forever tied to the land where a pivotal moment in our country’s history began. Te Tii Marae is a special place. It’s where He Whakaputanga, the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1835, and where Rangatira wrestled with the decision of whether or not to sign Te Tiriti o Waitangi five years later. However, that’s not always the story people have been told about this place. Its ancestral house stands proudly, like a sentinel over…

Te Kūiti’s Jack Fagan has picked up world shearing’s biggest cash prize of more than NZD$20,000 after he shore a sheep in under 20 seconds at an Australian competition.In a field stacked with Kiwi shearing talent, Fagan won A$20,000 (NZD$22,153) with a final shear of 19.78 seconds at the Oberon Quickshear in New South Wales.Masterton shearer Paerata Abraham came in second place with a 19.96 second time, winning A$4,000 (NZD$4,430).In third place was Australia-based Jovon Taiki from Pōrangahau, fourth was Rowland Smith of Maraekakaho, and fifth was Australia-based Hemi Power from Gore.It was Fagan’s third speed shearing win in a…

An immigration lawyer says overhauling the so-called golden visa is sensible, though home ownership remains a “considerable barrier” to foreign investment.The coalition is overhauling the Active Investor Plus visa in favour of a two-pronged pathway to residence for foreigners making either higher risk or mixed investments.The changes, in place from 1 April, remove the existing English language requirement and will allow investment in commercial property and new property developments.Lawyer Nick Mason welcomed the revamp, having previously criticised the current scheme as too complicated and blocking potentially billions of dollars of investment.”I think it’s sensible. It’s going back to broadly what…

A mother of four died in New South Wales over the weekend after a tree exploded following a lightning strike.Rosanna Hashem was with her friend outside when lightning struck a tree at around 5.30pm (local time) on Saturday in Cawdor, south-west of Sydney.She died at the scene and her friend was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.Jemma Powell, who worked for Hashem for the past seven months, told 9News she was “blessed to have known her for a short time”.”She was a beautiful mother of four boys, a loving wife, sole owner of her own business. She…

Speaking in the first TV debate before snap elections later in the month, Scholz said his strategy for dealing with Trump is “clear words and friendly conversations.” ADVERTISEMENTGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said the European Union can act “in an hour” if US President Donald Trump slaps threatened tariffs on the bloc.Speaking in the first TV debate before snap elections later in the month, Scholz said his strategy for dealing with Trump is “clear words and friendly conversations.”He pointed to his public statements after Trump said he wouldn’t rule out the use of military force to take control of the Panama…

A new shopping with a Mitre 10 Mega and up to 28 other stores has been given the go-ahead in a north Christchurch suburb. Christchurch City Council has issued resource consent for the 2.5ha development on Prestons Rd in Marshland. The resource consent application for the commercial-zoned land was not publicly notified. The Mitre 10 Mega will cover 1.1ha and include a drive-through trade area and garden centre. The other shops, including hospitality outlets, retailers, medical facilities or professional offices, will range in size from 100m² to 290m². About 375 car parks are also planned for the site. Ferrymead Properties Ltd,…

Under the blaring summer sun and surrounded by swarms of sandflies, the Waimea Community Dam was formally opened on Friday morning, bringing an end to a quarter century of work.The 2001 drought, known as the Big Dry, saw the lower reaches of the Waimea River dry up and saltwater intrusion threaten water bores, and wreaked havoc on the local economy.That event sparked a comprehensive investigation into the region’s water security which eventually concluded that a dam was needed for the Waimea Plains.And now in 2025, the Waimea Community Dam, though long-delayed and significantly over budget, has been finally opened in…

A 77-year-old Christchurch runner, who has clocked up 290,000 kilometres since he first laced up his running shoes, has added six more Master Games medals to his already impressive tally.At the competition held in Whanganui, John Mulvaney came first place in the 75 to 79 Men’s Mile and 800m, second placed in the 200m, 3000m, and third place in the 100m and 60m.He told 1News last week: “I’ve been running for so long I take it all in my stride. I feel like a 50 year old.” “Run fresh, and look out, go Johnny boy.”Mulvaney showed 1News his impressive haul…