Author: Press Room

The controversial founder of a marine conservation activist group has applied for political asylum in France to avoid a trial in Japan, where he faces up to 15 years in prison. ADVERTISEMENTA court in Greenland has extended the the custody of anti-whaling campaigner Paul Watson until 13 November. Denmark is currently considering an extradition request from Japan, where the Sea Shepherd founder faces up to 15 years in prison for allegedly attacking a ship. Watson is accused by the Japanese coast guard of ordering the captain of his ship to throw explosives at a Japanese whaling vessel, in the process…

A charity that helps young people with disabilities through music, dance, and performance has proposed stopping physical workshops outside of the main centres as it attempts to find half a million dollars in savings.StarJam, which holds free weekly performance workshops across the country, revealed today it was consulting with staff over a strategic proposal aimed at saving $500,000.The charity, which has long relied on donations to sustain its services without government funding, said this past year had been its “toughest yet”.It said the rising cost of living, increased operational expenses, and a significant reduction in funding had forced the organisation…

As Georgia prepares for pivotal elections on Sunday, PM Irakli Kobakhidze spoke to Euronews about the country’s history of Christianity and EU aspirations, and dismissed Russia’s influence. ADVERTISEMENTGeorgia will hold parliamentary elections on Sunday, marking a pivotal moment as the country’s first under a fully proportional system.The stakes are high, and the outcome could potentially shape the nation’s future integration within the EU and its movement away from Russian influence.As the election date approaches, the political landscape in Georgia has become increasingly polarized, with opinion polls continuing to present unreliable and contradictory forecasts.While the ruling Georgian Dream party is framing…

The number of electorates in New Zealand will decrease from 65 to 64 at the next general election, with one fewer in the North Island.Stats NZ made the announcement on Wednesday morning after considering last year’s census results.The decision does not alter the size of Parliament — 120 seats, before any overhang — but means there will be one more list MP and one fewer electorate MP.”This means there will be one more list seat in a 120-member Parliament,” acting deputy government statistician Kathy Connolly said.New boundaries for the 2026 election will now be drawn up based on the data.The…

The BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has garnered more significance since the Ukraine war. What does the EU have to fear about this expanding club of Russian allies? ADVERTISEMENTWhat is there to fear for the EU about the BRICS summit, the group whose swelling ranks now account for 45% of the global population and 28% of the world’s GDP?Established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the group aimed to reduce reliance on the US dollar, but has evolved into a geopolitical counterbalance to the G7, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi…

The Yanfei Bao murder trial in Christchurch has been paused today due to “logistical matters” relating to the defendant. The jury was called in just after midday to be told Tingjun Cao, 53, had expressed he does not want to be in court at this time.The Chinese national has pleaded not guilty to murdering the Christchurch real estate agent last year. The 44-year-old mother disappeared on July 19, 2023 and her body wasn’t found for more than a year. Today was set to be the third day of the case, after evidence on day two was adjourned early for “various…

The strike came hours after suspected Kurdish militants set off explosives and opened fire at the aerospace and defence company TUSAS. ADVERTISEMENTTürkiye’s air force has struck Kurdish militant targets in Iraq and Syria in an apparent retaliation for an attack at a key state-run defence company that killed five people and wounded more than 20 others.The defence ministry said more than 30 targets were “destroyed” in the aerial offensive, without providing details on the locations that were hit. It said “all kinds of precautions” were taken to prevent harm to civilians.The strike came hours after suspected Kurdish militants set off…

For the first time, Disney is set to premiere the highly-anticipated Moana 2 in both English and Te Reo Māori, simultaneously.On November 28, Moana 2 Reo Māori will release in participating cinemas across the country at the same time as its original voice cast version.Returning for the ride are The Voice Australia finalist Jaedyn Randell and Piripi Taylor who have reprised their reo Māori roles of Moana and Maui respectively. Moana 2 Reo Māori is the latest project by Matewa Media. In association with Walt Disney Animation Studios, the company is expanding the collection of animated Disney movies that have…

ANZ’s top brass have pushed back against politicians’ suggestions the bank is making too much profit.MPs are scrutinising a series of banks through a Select Committee inquiry into banking competition.The profitability of banking, including how it’s changed over time and how it compares to other OECD economies, is part of the inquiry’s remit.It comes after a Commerce Commission draft report found the sector lacked competition, with the big four Australian-owned banks dominating the major share of it.The commission’s initial review of research showed New Zealand banks had been more profitable than those in similar economies around the world over the…

Napier City Council is working on ways to deter vandals who have once again damaged the city’s Marine Parade viewing platform.It is also encouraging anyone who witnessed the latest act of vandalism to contact the police.Since it was opened in December 2015 the platform has been enjoyed by hundreds of locals and tourists daily.But its glass panels have also been damaged numerous times. It costs about $2000 per panel to replace the glass. This time two panels need replacing.In November 2017, when the glass was damaged for the fifth time, then Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said they were going to…