Author: Press Room

Child exploitation and bestiality material were allegedly found on former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming’s work devices, it can now be revealed.The revelation comes after a High Court judge dismissed an application to prevent media reporting the nature of the alleged objectionable material.McSkimming resigned as the country’s second most powerful police officer in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police.His resignation came a week after RNZ approached him, via his lawyer, with allegations about material found on his work devices.RNZ earlier revealed pornography found on McSkimming’s work devices was being investigated as alleged objectionable material.His…

Speedway will continue to race at Baypark in Tauranga giving the sport “certainty and longevity”.Councillors approved extending Speedway Racing Ltd’s lease at Mercury Baypark Stadium until 2039 at a Tauranga City Council meeting this week.Speedway’s current lease was set to end in 2029.Baypark Speedway manager Melissa Webb told Local Democracy Reporting they were “absolutely pleased and grateful” for the council’s decision.“Securing the future of speedway at Baypark until 2039 gives us real certainty and longevity.Baypark Speedway manager Melissa Webb. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting)“We’re looking forward to building on that for the good of the sport, competitors, and fans alike.”Under the…

People who are paying higher premiums for their insurance may be expecting more from their policies in return and being disappointed when they don’t get it, the insurance and financial ombudsman says.The scheme investigated a record 600 disputes between consumers and financial service providers, such as insurers, in the year to June 30, up 25% from the year before. It received 4293 inquiries and complaints.Insurance premiums have risen significantly in recent years.Stats NZ figures showed in March last year house insurance was up almost 25% compared to the previous year, contents insurance up about 28% and car insurance up almost…

“When the negativity outweighs the reward, it’s time to go.”Long-serving councillor Jenny Duncan is calling it quits after four terms at Whanganui District Council.Duncan, who served six of her 12 years as deputy mayor, has announced she will not stand for a fifth term in October’s elections.“It’s now time to hand over the reins,” she said.Duncan said each term had had its own challenges, highs and lows, and rewards.But the role had become more complex over time and took up “way more hours than intended, which is fine if you still enjoy it”.She lashed out at the Government and “keyboard…

Published on 19/07/2025 – 7:00 GMT+2 •Updated 7:01 ADVERTISEMENT It was a lacklustre victory for Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament. Many of those who supported her in the no-confidence vote did so without enthusiasm and to avoid a crisis. The Commission president’s challenge now is to advance her agenda with a fragile majority and against an energized opposition. And with bruising battles ahead over the next long-term budget and a looming trade war with the US the pressure is only mounting. Can von der Leyen deliver? Questions for our guests this week: Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Irish member…

A new Auckland retail crime unit has apprehended two “nationally sought” shoplifters this week, police say.The unit began work on Monday, tasked with targeting recidivist retail crime offenders in the Auckland City and west suburbs between Mt Roskill, Mt Albert, Avondale, Pt Chevalier and Ponsonby.Police area prevention manager inspector Wayne Kitcher said that hours after the team began work, two people were taken into custody.”Between them, these two individuals have accumulated more than $250,000 worth of loss to retailers from across the region.”We will allege that this offending was spread across multiple retailers, where high value items were targeted on…

Fire and Emergency crews were at the scene of a commercial building fire in Ōtāhuhu, Auckland this evening.It told 1News the fire, which was at a panel-beating building, was well-involved on arrival.“Multiple crews were called in. In total, 12 fire trucks attended the scene, including three ladder trucks.“Several specialist and support vehicles also attended.”There were no casualties to report at this stage, FENZ added.

One person has died following a crash between two vehicles near Taupō this morning. Emergency services were called to the scene on State Highway 1 in Wairakei, between Link Road and Kauri Drive, at around 7.30am.”Two people from one vehicle have minor injuries, while the sole occupant of the second vehicle died at the scene,” police said. Hato Hone St John said those with minor injuries were taken to Taupō hospital. State Highway 1 remained closed, and the serious crash unit was investigating. “Enquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing,” police said.

There are estimated to be up to 8 million feral cats in New Zealand – six times more than there are pet cats – and farmers are fed up with nothing being done about it.‘They just keep coming’ – Watch this story in full on TVNZ+A farmer who made international headlines with a feral cat hunting competition for kids says he’s committed to continuing the fight against one of New Zealand’s worst predators.Despite the controversy that followed the North Canterbury Hunting Club’s competition in 2023, organiser Mat Bailey said they are proud they’ve raised the importance of addressing feral cats…

Twenty-one fire trucks were called to a fire at a commercial laundromat in Auckland’s Henderson last night. Fire and Emergency New Zealand was called to the Henderson Valley Road building at around 9.08pm. “When crews arrived, they found the building well ablaze and called for more resources,” a FENZ spokesperson said. Crews from across Auckland were called to the two-storey building, which was being used as a commercial laundromat. A total of 21 fire trucks, including three ladder trucks, a command unit, and multiple support vehicles, were at the scene. “A high-reach ladder was also brought in from Parnell that…