Author: Press Room

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…

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…

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…

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…

It seems the Government has no plans to back down on its proposed card surcharge ban, despite pleas from businesses to pause the move.The Government announced in July a ban on surcharges on card payments in-store, such as paywave, from no later than May 2026.Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson told RNZ he’s hoping to press on with the charges at pace, and is looking forward to a possible “surcharge-free summer”.”We are determined to remove these pesky little stickers, these surprise little bits that are added on to your purchases when you go and buy your date scone and…

The company that runs deal website GrabOne is in liquidation, a message on its website reads. The site, which offered users deals on experiences, products, and travel, now carries a message from the liquidators. It stated that Daniel Stoneman and Neale Jackson of Calibre Partners were appointed liquidators of Global Marketplace New Zealand Limited, the company that operated GrabOne, as of today. “Due to funding constraints, the business has ceased trading and the liquidators are immediately commencing a sales process for the Company’s business and assets,” the update read. “As a result, the Company will not be promoting any existing…

Outgoing Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson has called an emergency meeting just 24 hours before the final result of the cliff-hanger election is due to be announced.The notice states the purpose of the meeting scheduled for tonight is to “approve a complaint and request for an investigation into the conduct of the 2025 Kaipara District Council local government election and 2025 Northland Regional Council Māori constituency referendum”.The intent is also to “authorise the mayor on behalf of the council to lodge the complaint and request for an investigation with the relevant authorities”.The nature of the complaint was not yet clear.With special…

Tauranga police apprehended a 36-year-old fleeing driver with non-lethal sponge rounds, and a Taser, after a 15km incident this morning. Police were initially called to an address on Sabana Pl in Bethlehem after a person reported a relative being shot at shortly after 8am. Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said officers were responding as the suspect left the scene in a white ute and drove towards Cameron Rd. Officers found the vehicle and observed while plans were put in place to safely stop it.Anderson said the vehicle fled when police signalled for it to stop and a…

Dawn Meats Group has upped its offer for a stake in Alliance Group by up to $25 million on the back of the co-operative’s stronger-than-forecast year-end results. On Monday, Alliance farmer shareholders will vote on whether to sell a 65% stake in their co-operative for a total proposed cash investment of about $270m. The special general meeting in Invercargill is not open to the media and the result will be announced the following day. In a statement yesterday, Alliance chairman Mark Wynne said the additional investment was triggered by an agreed adjustment mechanism between Dawn Meats and Alliance which rewarded…

Food prices increased 4.1% in the 12 months to September, the smallest annual increase since April.According to Stats NZ figures out today, the grocery food group contributed the most to the annual increase – up 3.9% – while meat, poultry and fish jumped 6.4%, and fruit and vegetables jumped 5.8%.Although food prices had increased, the rate of increase had slowed, with the 4.1% increase the smallest since April this year.The 12 months to August and July both saw 5% increases. Food prices decreased 0.4% in the September month.The foods driving up the cost of your supermarket shop – Watch on…