Author: Press Room

A former funeral director charged with misconduct in respect of human remains over burials at an Auckland cemetery can now be named as Fiona Bakulich.The former Tipene Funerals undertaker has also been charged with nine counts of obtaining by deception amounting to $15,002.Bakulich was arrested last week following a multi-month police investigation into “concerns around burials at Waikumete Cemetery” in Glen Eden.The 48-year-old appeared on the reality series The Casketeers, which has previously been broadcast by TVNZ.Bakuliuch was flanked by three family members before she made her first appearance in court on Friday, where she was remanded on bail without…

An increase in requests to fly flags at Invercargill City Council has led to a new policy detailing rules and protocols.But its creation raised concern with the deputy mayor, who says flying some international flags could be contentious.Yesterday, councillors discussed the new policy which clarifies which flags can be flown on council poles as well as giving guidance for things like raising and lowering.It follows a number of requests from communities to fly the flags of their home countries on national days.The policy determined only flags belonging to countries recognised by New Zealand as sovereign states could be flown.Deputy mayor…

A pioneering Dunedin eatery’s mission to provide healthy meals to the community at a minimal cost has received global recognition and a financial boost. The Bowling Club, which offers meals for as little as $4, was today announced as one of four New Zealand businesses to win $20,000 from the Xero Beautiful Business Fund. The Caversham-based eatery was also recognised as a global winner and will receive an additional $50,000 – bringing its total to $70,000. Co-founder Jackie Barron said the win brought “a sense of relief and also a new sense of responsibility, deepening our motivation to invest in the long-term…

The owner of online retailer Dick Smith has received a warning from the Commerce Commission for “likely misleading consumers” when its website automatically signed up customers to a $149 membership subscription.The company, however, takes issue with the commission’s view, saying it had already begun changing “the customer experience” prior to the consumer watchdog being involved.The investigation into Kogan Australia Pty Limited was launched last year after allegations of misleading conduct from customers, who said they were unknowingly given a 14-day free trial of the FIRST membership.This trial led to an ongoing payment obligation of $149 annually, or $14.99 monthly, once…

Police are offering a $100,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and successful conviction of the person responsible for the death of Arthur Easton.Easton, 52 at the time of his death, was murdered 39 years ago on October 13, 1985 at his home in Auckland’s Papakura.Speaking today from Counties Manukau Police Station, Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin said the offer will remain in place until January 24, 2025.He said immunity against prosecution will be considered for any accomplice, not being the principal offender, who gives information or evidence that leads to a successful conviction.Adkin suggested it is possible the…

Since 2018, a number of trade-related activities have been banned on Sundays, but experts say changing consumer habits indicate a need to reconsider these regulations. ADVERTISEMENTPoland has reopened its discussion on Sunday trading following consumer calls for an additional day to run errands.Under the current law it is forbidden to trade and perform activities related to trade in commercial establishments on Sundays, although this does not cover postal services, confectioneries, ice cream parlours, liquid fuel stations, flower shops, newsagents, or cafes.The ban was introduced by the former national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) government, following a campaign by the Solidarity trade…

Four vehicles have been seized, with their drivers set to appear in court following a Tribesmen Outlaw Motorcycle Club event in Auckland over the weekend. The seizures come after police across the Counties Manukau area worked to target and disrupt “unlawful gang-related activity”. Three people were charged with sustained loss of traction and one for driving while forbidden. One of the vehicles seized by police after the Tribesman event over the weekend. (Source: Supplied)All four drivers had their vehicles impounded.”Police actively monitored this event to ensure the roads were safe for all users,” Inspector Rakana Cook said. “Overall, we are…

The ruling by a Finnish court came after Russia failed to pay €4.6bn in compensation to the Naftogaz Group following its occupation of Crimea in 2014. ADVERTISEMENTA Finnish court has ordered the seizure of Russian assets in Finland worth tens of billions of euros after ruling in favour of Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas company, Naftogaz.The court’s decision followed a 2023 ruling by the Permanent Arbitration Court based in The Hague which ordered Russia to pay roughly €4.6bn in compensation to the company after seizing its assets illegally during the 2014 occupation of Crimea.“Since Russia refuses to voluntarily pay Naftogaz…

Murder accused Tingjun Cao was back in court this morning, as the second week of his trial began.The 53-year-old is accused of stabbing and killing real estate agent Yanfei Bao in July last year, but denies the offending. The Chinese national was in and out of the High Court in Christchurch last week, which saw proceedings interrupted on multiple occasions. On Friday evidence continued without Cao.This morning he entered the courtroom with a bandage visible on his neck and hand.Justice Lisa Preston told the jury, “As you can see Mr Cao is present in the court today, seated in the…

An interim Police Commissioner has been announced to replace Andrew Coster, who is leaving the force in November, until a permanent replacement is found. It was announced in September Coster is set to lead the Government’s Social Investment Agency. Coster spoke to Q+A earlier this month about his tenure as the country’s top cop.Police Minister Mark Mitchell said today Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kura has been appointed Police Commissioner from November 11 “until such time as a permanent Commissioner commences”.”I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Kura as the Police Commissioner on an interim basis while we are…