Author: Press Room

New data from TradeMe shows job listings surged 13 percent last quarter, signalling a potential rebound in the job market – especially in the South Island. Total job listings nationally are still 0.8 percent lower than a year ago. TradeMe Jobs head Nicole Williams said the South Island was powering ahead and leading the job recovery. “The strong listing growth in regions like Southland – up a huge 25.1 percent – Otago – up 7.1 percent – and Canterbury – up 6.1 percent – is offsetting the quieter markets in our two biggest cities.” Canterbury hit a record number of job listings…

Read More

The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including a former Prime Minister dies, coroner says teen had been huffing nitrous oxide before a fatal crash, NRL clamps down on possible R360 defectors. Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger has died. A coroner says an unlicenced driver was under the influence of nitrous oxide when she crashed, killing herself and four others. Police want CCTV footage from the area around a fatal house in Auckland. The NRL says any players and agents linked to a breakaway rugby union competition will be banned for 10 years.

Read More

Are you wasting money on your credit card?Centrix data shows 2.36 million active consumer credit cards in this country – but if you own one of them, there are a few ways you might be losing out.Here are some expert tips on managing your card and getting the most out of it.Use a low-rate card or transfer your balance, if you have credit card debtThere’s no point having a credit card that offers lots of rewards and perks, if it means you face a higher interest bill each month.Reserve Bank data shows the average interest rate being paid by people…

Read More

Two people were killed and three people were badly injured in a two-vehicle crash in Waikato yesterday evening, prompting a plea from police for witnesses to any “unusual or poor driving behaviour” in the area. Emergency services were called to the intersection of State Highway 1 and Horahora Road in Piarere, south of Matamata, at around 7.50pm. Two people were killed in the crash.St John said two other people were airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition. One person was taken to hospital by ambulance in a serious condition.This morning, police made a plea for anyone who witnessed, or…

Read More

Past and present political figures are paying tribute to former Prime Minister Jim Bolger today following his death aged 90. Bolger’s family confirmed he died peacefully Wednesday surrounded by his nine children, 18 grandchildren and wife Joan.Flags will be flown at half-mast on all government and public buildings today. First elected to Parliament in 1972, Bolger served the country as prime minister from 1990 to 1997. He was MP for King Country for over two decades. ‘Towering figure’ – Former NZ Prime Minister Jim Bolger dies – Watch on TVNZ+His death was acknowledged by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with “deep…

Read More

After fears of a dry winter, the country’s hydro lakes have had a much-needed boost, and wholesale electricity prices are easing. The country’s biggest power generator, Meridian, said recent spring conditions had been “perfect” for renewable electricity generation. It said after spending the winter recovering from low inflows in early 2025, September saw national hydro storage rise from 79 percent to 110 percent of historical average. Meridian said its monthly inflows were 181 percent of the historical average in September, lifting Waitaki storage to 91 percent of average. It said snow storage in the Waitaki catchment – which includes Lake…

Read More

Analysis: After Jim Bolger died yesterday aged 90, TVNZ’s Chief Correspondent looks back on the former prime minister’s life and career.Jim Bolger was, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, this morning, “a leader of conviction, a reformer of consequence, and a servant of the people whose legacy has shaped our nation in profound and lasting ways”. At first, the convictions appeared to belong more to his Cabinet colleagues: Finance Minister Ruth Richardson in particular. Jim Bolger seemed to grow into his. He became Prime Minister in 1990, after the Labour Government of David Lange, then Geoffrey Palmer, then Mike Moore, had…

Read More

An application for a liquor store in Rotorua’s city centre has been denied after being deemed likely to worsen alcohol-related harm and disorder.Business owners described issues with public drunkenness, urination, nudity, and brawls.The Sethi Group of Companies, of which Rahul Sethi is the sole director and shareholder, applied to open a bottle store at what was the Goldiluck Store at 1158 Hinemoa St.The application was rejected by Rotorua Lakes Council’s district and licensing committee in August, and the decision was released last month.Sethi, who unsuccessfully ran for election to the council last week, proposed opening an “independent bottle store” with…

Read More

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, died today. He was 74.Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown following a recent fall, according to his agent.Family members said in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.Ace Frehley performs in 2023 (Source: Getty)Kiss, whose hits include Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City, was known for its intense stage shows, which included fireworks, smoke and…

Read More

The Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) says a listener’s complaint about The Platform host Sean Plunket is the first that clearly meets the requirements of the Broadcasting Act.Plunket is dismissing the complaint sent to him by the BSA, saying his online platform does not fall within its jurisdiction. He said the BSA had “woefully and egregiously overstepped its bounds” and was calling for the regulator to be “disbanded”.But the authority is defending the decision. saying “everybody wants to have a reaction, but it seems like nobody wants to read the Act,” and it has long held the position that online broadcasts…

Read More