Author: Press Room

ADVERTISEMENT When US President Donald Trump issued a warning on Tuesday about the trade deal he agreed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland on 27 July, it was another German – former Chancellor Angela Merkel – who appeared to be on his mind. Despite being out of power for almost four years, the former German leader’s complex relationship with Donald Trump – marked at times by respect and dislike – appears to continue to exert influence over the US president. When quizzed on CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’ via phone Trump said of the trade deal that a…

The Conservation Department has offered a compromise over parking fees at Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, after strong objections from locals. Twelve free parks opposite the new Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre on SH6 were removed in June by NZTA Waka Kotahi, leaving DOC’s carpark as the only option for motorists. The pricing strategy released by DOC today for its paid parking trial starting next month, sets the fee at $5 an hour. But Punakaiki locals will be allowed to park free of charge for 20 minutes, giving them time to pick up a coffee or their mail. Buller and Grey residents…

By Russell Palmer of RNZ Labour leader Chris Hipkins has told the Queenstown Business Chamber the economy is not recovering, and more spending is needed to get the settings right. Hipkins and several of his MPs are in the town ahead of a caucus retreat in Christchurch this week, aiming to speak to South Island communities. In Thursday’s speech to the Queenstown Business Chamber, he said the government’s strategy for growth was not tackling the underlying economic problems. “While there are pockets of positivity around economic growth, overall the country is not in the economic shape that we need it…

Residents in the Taranaki town of Stratford are learning what it takes for animal control to act on dog attack reports, following a nocturnal mauling spree of backyard birds.Two dogs were impounded this week, after locals reported that two uncontrolled dogs have killed up to 50 neighbourhood hens and quails in the past month, and were spotted in the area by security camera footage.Lizzy and Daniel Waterson lost seven of their family pet chickens that were mauled or killed on July 28.”Last Tuesday morning, we woke up and I checked the cameras on the phone and I saw two dogs…

A man has been arrested after allegedly threatening a staff member at Masterton Police Station with a knife, putting the station into lockdown this morning.Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nicholas Thom said the man entered Masterton Police Station at 11.37am and “presented a knife” at the staff member on the front counter.”The staff member acted swiftly and immediately placed the station into lockdown.”Officers attempted to speak to the man but he continued to act in a “threatening way”, Thom said.”The altercation later moved outside the police station where staff continued to speak with the man.”The man was tasered and arrested at…

Fair prices for groceries should not depend on a shopper’s postcode, a consumer advocacy group says The Commerce Commission’s Grocery Report – released yesterday – highlighted the fact that areas like Auckland enjoyed more competition and cheaper prices. The Grocery Action Group said the commission’s report had no good news for consumers. Chair Sue Chetwin said the lack of competition in smaller centres meant markups were much higher, even though overheads such as rent were much lower. “In rural areas and smaller towns where New Zealand’s supermarket choices are narrow or non-existent, the report confirms what those living there already know -…

The Prime Minister has reaffirmed New Zealand’s growing friendship with Papua New Guinea, amid shifting dynamics in the Pacific. Christopher Luxon was welcomed with a 19-gun salute, military inspection and a state dinner in which Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged the relationship with his counterpart. “I acknowledge my friend, my dear friend the Right Honorable Chistopher Luxon.” Luxon responded the pair had become “great mates and firm friends” before he praised Papua New Guinea’s leadership role in the Pacific. “Today Papua New Guinea plays a critical leadership role in our regional architecture,” Luxon said during his speech…

Kiwibank has been formally warned by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) for failing to correctly apply aged-based fee waivers to thousands of joint account holders over a 13-year period, resulting in more than $900,000 in overcharges.Between July 2011 and November 2024, Kiwibank incorrectly charged transaction fees to 8,663 joint account customers, despite promotional materials stating that customers under 18 or 19 years old, or over 65, would be exempt.It affected joint accounts where the secondary account holder met the age-based criteria but the primary holder did not. Kiwibank was first alerted to the issued by a customer complaint in June…

By Penny Miles of RNZ The country’s last operational woollen dye house and spinning mill has been saved from the scrap heap. Christchurch-based Wild Earth Yarns is taking over manufacturing equipment belonging to Napier company Design Spun, which is closing. The family-owned company is the manufacturer of high-quality hand-knitting yarn from super-fine merino wool, possum fibre and strong wool. “What that means for us is massive expansion,” Wild Earth Yarns factory manager Blair McLaughlin said. Yarn from its factory in the Christchurch suburb of Bromley is used in textiles, knitting and merino socks. The newly purchased machinery can also manufacture mohair and…

Cabinet has agreed on a set of changes as it looks to roll out electronic road user charges to all light vehicles as it seeks to replace petrol tax.A replacement of fuel excise taxes in favour of electronic road user charging is part of National’s coalition agreement with ACT.Currently New Zealanders help pay for the roads via their vehicle licence (or “rego”) fee, road user charges (RUC) and the petrol excise duty (PED).Minister of Transport Chris Bishop said the transition will ensure all vehicles pay based on actual road use (including weight) regardless of fuel type.”Right now, New Zealanders pay…