Author: Press Room

From help with mundane admin tasks to seeking out relationship advice, internet users are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for life tips. But can you really use AI for voting advice, and can it be trusted with democracy? The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has said no, warning that AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini can be unreliable and prone to bias, ahead of the country’s snap elections scheduled for 29 October. The AP recently published a study in which it fed four chatbots — ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok and Le Chat — 200 typical voting profiles per political party…

The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including Hurricane Melissa makes landfall, the new low mortgage rate from a smaller bank, and new research into whether gluten is the dietary devil it’s made out to be. Hurricane Melissa has arrived in Jamaica with winds up to 300km per hour. Israel has launched new strikes on Gaza amid a dispute over the return of hostage remains. More measles cases are expected as the current outbreak grows to 11. TSB has dropped one of its mortgage rates to an industry leading low. Three Christchurch supermarkets will begin trialling facial recognition software from today.…

New Zealand’s very first all-female professional firefighter calendar has been launched. Thirteen firefighters from nine stations across three cities posed for the Wāhine Toa Firefighter Calendar, with money raised going to a charity for breast cancer research. Calendar co-organisers Nicole Koch and Zoe Feau spoke to Breakfast about the strength, pride, and femininity of those on the frontline. The Wāhine Toa Firefighter Calendar brings together 13 firefighters from nine stations across three cities. (Source: Breakfast)“Zoe and I were actually on shift together, we were talking about the men’s calendar and we were like ‘why isn’t there a woman’s one?’ So…

Failing to declare an apple in your luggage could soon be an $800 mistake under proposed new fines announced by the Government today. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced several biosecurity updates as part of a draft bill aimed at strengthening protections against invasive pests and diseases. One of the changes was doubling the fine for failing to declare high-risk items like fresh fruit and meat.The proposed fine for high-risk items would increase from the current $400 to $800. Penalties for other goods would remain at $400. “Food and fibre sector export revenue is forecast to reach $61.4 billion in 2026,…

Winston Peters’ official Foreign Minister X account has reshared a post from the Prime Minister about securing a new trade partnership with the single word “We…”, before being deleted. Luxon, who was attending the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, posted a photograph of himself linking arms with Southeast Asian leaders.”I’ve just done a deal with Southeast Asian nations that will help grow our economy at home,” the caption began.Peter’s ministerial account reshared the post with one word: “We…”The post was later deleted. It was unclear how long it was live.A screenshot of the since-deleted tweet captured by 1News.…

The Government wants to know if Kiwis support changes to the Warrant of Fitness system, which would see less frequent inspections for some vehicles. The Government today opened public consultation on a range of proposed changes to land transport rules. It included consultation on less frequent inspections for some light vehicles, simplified safety requirements for heavy vehicles, and new safety features for imported cars. Transport Minister Chris Bishop said it was an effort to “modernise” the rules, which he described as “riddled with outdated or nonsensical requirements” that created unnecessary burdens. “These changes are about increasing our transport system’s productivity…

Canterbury is the fastest-growing region in New Zealand, amid a nationwide slowdown in population growth, according to new provisional figures from Stats NZ.The region’s population grew by 1.1% or 7600 people in the year to June 2025.Canterbury’s growth was driven largely by increases in Christchurch (which accounted for 52% of the region’s growth), Selwyn District (27%), Waimakariri District (10%), and Ashburton District (5%). Selwyn had the highest growth rate at 2.4%.The population growth consisted of a provisional net migration gain of 5300, made up of 3700 people moving from other parts of New Zealand and 1600 overseas arrivals, as well…

A Rotorua couple got the surprise of a lifetime when their Lord of the Rings-themed wedding at Hobbiton was crashed by an unexpected guest – none other than Elijah Wood.The actor, best known for playing Frodo Baggins, was visiting the Waikato movie set while in New Zealand for the Armageddon Expo and happened to be touring the grounds as Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride were tying the knot.“I kind of looked up and did a double take,” Sharik told 1News. “You see someone like that, a famous movie star in Hobbiton and think, ‘that’s not really them,’ and then you realise,…

Pharmac has confirmed it will fund another brand of ADHD medication from December 1 following positive public consultation. In September, Pharmac proposed funding a new modified-release brand of methylphenidate – called Methylphenidate Sandoz XR – to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment and offset global supply challenges. From December 1, the drug buying agency said the additional medication would be available in the same strengths as Concerta – 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg.It would be funded alongside existing brands, under current eligibility criteria and was expected to benefit around 3800 people in the first year. Pharmac’s chief…

Friends and family have paid tribute to a US couple killed in a Waikato crash earlier this month, describing them as “incredible people” whose “legacy will last a lifetime”.Josh Greenway, 35, and Amber Stephens, 34, from Phoenix Valley in Arizona, died in a two-vehicle crash in Piarere near the intersection of State Highway 1 and Horahora Rd on the evening of October 15. A Gofundme appeal – In Memory of Josh and Amber: Support Their Families – was set up to help meet funeral expenses and other costs. A friend paid tribute to the couple via the page, describing them…