Author: Press Room

The world’s largest companies and trade associations from the big tech, banking, energy, and chemicals/agri sectors have significantly increased their EU lobbying budgets in recent years. ADVERTISEMENTThe 162 biggest corporations and trade associations collectively spent €343 million on lobbying EU legislators and officials over the past year, according to a new analysis. Between February 2024 and February 2025, annual lobbying expenditures rose by 13%, and by nearly a third since 2020, according to a report from non-profit groups Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) and LobbyControl. However, these estimates remain conservative, as only entities spending over one million euros are required to disclose their…

By Krystal Gibbens of RNZ Data from petrol price comparison app Gaspy has found that Timaru was the cheapest place for fuel, while Greymouth was the priciest in recent weeks. Gaspy’s price comparison of 91 petrol prices in mid-February found consumers could face stark price differences depending where they were in the country. As of February 19, Greymouth was the priciest town for fuel, followed by Tauranga, Kaitaia, Wānaka, Thames and Whangarei. Timaru conversely had the lowest fuel prices, followed by Nelson, Richmond, Blenheim and Hamilton. Gaspy Director Mike Newton said having the majority of the cheapest pricing in the…

While you won’t find any roaming animals or Noah himself, a unique building in Sumner is a modern-day twist on Noah’s Ark.The story began in the late 1950s where two Canterbury residents envisioned transforming a bushy hillside in Sumner into a spiritual garden, a place where people could come together to celebrate their faith. Over the years, their dream materialised into the Gethsemane Gardens and Noah’s Ark Canterbury, with the ark built in 2004. For a number of years the space served as a Christian-based venue for weddings, funerals, and celebrations. In 2013 the original owners sold the property, which…

A former building inspector for Auckland Council has been sentenced to 11 months’ home detention after pleading guilty to 21 charges of accepting bribes as a public official.Nicholas Bright accepted the bribes, which included cash payments and home renovations, in connection with his role as a building inspector, the Serious Fraud Office said.It added the “corrupt activities” lasted for over two years.The renovation work included gas fitting work, installation of a heat pump, double-glazed windows and a new carpet. The cash payments totalled more than $35,000.Auckland Council referred the matter to the SFO after an internal investigation identified irregularities in…

All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke has admitted to driving dangerously and says he is “extremely apologetic and embarrassed”.He said he made an error of judgement while riding his motorbike in Auckland in 2024.”Last year, I made an error of judgement while riding my motorbike in Auckland. I’ve taken full responsibility for my actions and have entered a guilty plea today. I’m extremely apologetic and embarrassed. The court and employment processes are ongoing and I am now going to focus fully on my rugby,” Clarke said.Through his lawyer Rowan Butler, Clarke pleaded guilty in the Auckland District Court today to failing…

Te Matatini 2025 will be held at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth from Tuesday, February 25 to Saturday, March 1.An unprecedented 55 haka groups will perform from Tuesday. Check out the schedule here.Watch live on TVNZ2 and TVNZ+ and follow the latest updates below.

By Nona Pelletier of RNZ The number of New Zealanders expecting house prices to rise has returned to 2020 confidence levels. ASB’s latest Housing Confidence Survey for the three months that ended in December found a net 33% of respondents thought house prices would rise and a net 23% thought it was a good time to buy a house. However, there was a slight drop in the proportion of people expecting interest rates to fall to a net 51% from a net 57%, though the survey pre-dated the Reserve Bank’s (RBNZ) most recent cut to the official cash rate to…

The final week of meteorological summer would tick all the boxes, according to MetService, with a “persistent” area of high pressure bringing clear skies, warm days, light winds, and little rainfall to much of the country.The sole disturbance comes in the form of a rain band which moves onto southern Fiordland and the ranges of Westland this evening. A heavy rain watch has been issued from the regions from 7am until 8pm on Tuesday.MetService said it had been an “abnormally dry start to the year” for the west of the South Island.”Milford Sound has recorded only ~20% of its usual…

In the first three months of the gang patch law, police have seized 76 patches, 67 firearms and laid 337 charges for alleged insignia breaches.And police said between November 21 and February 19 a further 3037 charges had been laid against gang members for other offending including serious violence, drugs and firearms.Police Minister Mark Mitchell said since the laws came into effect, there has been a 52% increase in firearms seizures when compared to the same period last year.”We all know how gang members earn their patch. Before the changes, gang members felt empowered and used their patches to intimidate…

The outpouring of community support following a spate of arson attacks on churches at the weekend has been staggering, Masterton’s mayor says.Police are investigating after four churches across the Wairarapa town were set alight between 4am and 5am on Saturday.There were also arson attempts at two other churches, and a funeral home chapel.A police presence would remain in the town on Monday, with officers continuing to conduct reassurance patrols in Masterton and nearby towns.Masterton mayor Gary Caffell said the attacks were shocking and locals had really rallied together.One of the Masterton churches sustained ‘significant’ damage. (Source: Wellington FENZ)”It’s been an…