Author: Press Room

Analysis: Welcome back to New York, Mr Peters. The country you visit this week is remarkably different to the one you visited last time we met. Leaders week at the United Nations is often a bit of a yawn-fest – a whole lot of politicking, yes, but ultimately the decision making made in that glass-covered 1940s building on 1st Ave feels like it has little impact on the lives on the people it says it represents. This year, however, feels very different – and the officials who work behind the scenes tell me they feel that way too. The laundry…

Six thousand senior hospital doctors and dentists began a 48-hour strike just after midnight Monday, as the battlelines hardened in their long-running pay dispute with Health NZ.In contrast to his predecessors – who tended to gratefully defer to Health NZ “as the employer” in contract negotiations – Health Minister Simeon Brown has taken a more hands-on approach.He has openly criticised doctors who “chose” to strike, calling it “a decision by some of the most well-paid public servants in New Zealand to walk away from patients and cancel care”, and voiced his disappointment over the union’s refusal to enter binding arbitration.Based…

Two new pathways to residency for skilled migrants have been announced by the Government, aimed at plugging gaps in the workforce and helping businesses hold on to workers. Today’s announcement has seen coalition party NZ First invoke the “agree to disagree” clause. It had concerns that the new pathways could be used as a stepping stone for people to get into Australia.The two new pathways, a skilled work experience pathway and a trades and technician pathway, would come into effect in mid-2026. “Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial…

Thirty years ago on Tuesday, Mount Ruapehu exploded in spectacular fashion, triggering headlines overseas and a somewhat haphazard emergency response at home.Scientists who were there say it was good luck – not good management – that no one was killed.The volcano in the central plateau had been rumbling away for months, when in September 1995 it blew – sending lahars thundering down valleys and plumes of smoke and volcanic ash kilometres into the sky.It sparked the start of unrest that would last until mid-1996, with the eruptions costing the local economy millions in tourism dollars.According to the Natural Hazards Commission…

ADVERTISEMENT The European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI) is set to vote today on whether to lift the immunity of five members of Parliament, including Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar and Italian left-wing firebrand Ilaria Salis. The 25 lawmakers on JURI will vote secretly on seven requests to strip immunity, making a recommendation on whether to approve or reject them. The final decision on each case will then be taken by the Parliament in a plenary session, where all MEPs can confirm or reverse the vote of their colleagues in the JURI Committee. If their immunity is waived, national…

The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including a new name for an Auckland transport hub, Jimmy Kimmel is set to return, and a big boost for the All Blacks. Auckland’s downtown train station has a new name, after a two year transition period. US President Donald Trump is reportedly linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism, despite no scientific support. Jimmy Kimmel will return to the airwaves after his suspension over comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk. Four injured All Blacks will return for this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup clash with the Wallabies. Harry Styles has run the Berlin marathon…

A select committee report has called for minor amendments to the Government’s legislation allowing small homes like granny flats to be built without a consent.The Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Bill would allow for standalone dwellings of up to 70 square metres to be built without a consent, so long as certain conditions are met.The conditions include a simple design compliant with the building code, that construction is done by authorised professionals, and that councils are notified before and after the work.The changes recommended by the Transport and Infrastructure Committee include that councils should be able to indicate…

By Russell Palmer of RNZ  Part-time workers will get less sick leave under sweeping changes to the Holidays Act the minister says will be fairer. Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden says the revamp which – as signalled last June – will see both annual and sick leave accumulate based on hours worked, is a win for workers, businesses and the country. She argues the sick-leave changes for part-time workers is more proportionate and will, in the long run, increase part-time jobs in the economy. Those receiving ACC payments will also no longer gain leave while not at work, in a change…

The founder of popular Wellington coffee brand People’s Coffee says a “brutal” 18 months in the hospitality industry informed his decision to sell the business entirely.Industry experts say still rising coffee prices are making it increasingly difficult for roasters, but new owners of the brand and its former flagship cafe say they are committed to keeping independent coffee culture alive.Matt Lamason sold the People’s Coffee brand to Wellington coffee roastery Karamu Coffee in July after 21 years heading the brand.He also sold the brand’s three cafes in the city at different times over the past six months.Lamason said despite the…

Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, the ariki and paramount chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, has died.In a statement, Te Kapua Whakapipi the Office of the Ariki said he passed peacefully with his wife Lady Susan Te Heuheu and whānau by his side.Born at Little Waihi on the shores of Lake Taupō to Sir Hepi and Lady Pauline Te Heuheu, he leaves behind a legacy of service to his iwi and to conservation.Earlier this year, Sir Tumu called for the return of Tongariro National Park to Māori ownership, saying the Crown had not honoured the original gift of the mountains by his ancestor.…