Author: Press Room

A close friend of the driver of a car involved in a tragic collision in Martinborough says his remorse weighed heavily on him in his final months following the crash.Alison Robyn Korny, 48, died and three others were seriously injured when Alan Leatham’s car struck the four-seater bike they were riding on Pūruatanga Rd on February 13.Earlier this week police said the driver of the sole occupant of the car had since died, meaning their investigation had concluded and no-one would be charged.’He just went like a blank’ — Moana Carol AporoAlan Leatham had been on his way to see…

ADVERTISEMENTThe latest in a series of broad simplification initiatives, referred to as “omnibus” packages during Ursula von der Leyen’s second term, was unveiled in Brussels today, focusing on agriculture.The measures are designed to reduce what the Commission sees as unnecessary administrative burdens in the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the EU’s farming subsidy framework.The changes aim to streamline on-farm checks and reporting requirements by addressing overlaps in areas such as organic farming regulations and environmental conditions.“This package is much more than just simplification. It’s also about boosting competitiveness, increasing the resilience of the sector, and, of course, digitalisation,”…

NIWA and GNS Science’s chairs have been named to lead two of the new research institutes created by merging or scrapping their current ones.The Government in January confirmed its reform plans to merge the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science) with the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) — which was also acquiring the MetService as a subsidiary.Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti confirmed on Wednesday that when those organisations formed the new Earth Science Institute from July, it would be chaired by David Smol — who currently held that role at GNS.The new…

ADVERTISEMENTThe European Parliament’s committee on constitutional affairs (AFCO) rejected on Wednesday a draft plan to implement an EU body for ethical standards, agreed by European institutions after the allegations of corruption involving Qatar and Morocco that hit the Parliament from December 2022.In spring 2024, eight of the institutions and advisory bodies of the EU signed an agreement to establish the so-called “Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards for Members of Institutions and Advisory Bodies of the EU”.The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, along with five other institutions, agreed to form a board composed by their representatives…

A 15-year-old boy who was killed in a fight in Napier is being remembered as a quiet and respectful student who was full of creativity and skill.In a post on social media, Napier Boys High School said Kaea Karauria’s death had deeply saddened their community.”His passion for sport was like a superpower. Sport lit him up from the inside… particularly evident in his excitement to represent NBHS in the U15’s team last year.”He embraced the opportunity to play alongside old friends and prove his talent.”The school said beyond the sports field, Karauria was also a valued presence academically and was…

ADVERTISEMENTFrance vowed to expel an unspecified number of Algerian diplomats from its territory on Wednesday in response to Algiers’ decision to send back 15 French officials on Sunday.This latest instalment in the diplomatic tug of war between the two nations comes after Algeria expelled 12 French officials in mid-April, which led France to expel 12 Algerian diplomats and consular officials while recalling its ambassador.France’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told broadcaster BFM that a number of Algerian officials who hold a diplomatic passports but who do not currently have valid visas to work in France would be sent back to their country.…

Coalition members are responding to the Green Party’s alternative budget with derision, while Labour distanced itself from the proposal, saying it would set out its own tax policy this year.The Prime Minister said it was “clown show economics” and an “absolute circus” while the Deputy Prime Minister held up a printed copy of the hammer and sickle symbol to reporters, calling the co-leaders “Chloe Marx and Marama Engels”.The Greens have pledged free GP visits and free childcare funded through new taxes and increased borrowing.The policies included a wealth tax; a private jet tax; ending interest deductibility for landlords; restoring the…

Three Te Pati Māori MPs have been suspended from Parliament by the Privileges Committee for performing a haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill last year.Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer were “severely censured” and suspended for 21 days, while Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke was suspended for seven days.In a decision released on Wednesday night, the Privileges Committee found the trio had acted “in a manner that could have the effect of intimidating a member of the House in the discharge of their duty”.”There is no question that the behaviour of Ms Maipi-Clarke, Ms Ngarewa-Packer, and Mr Waititi could…

It’s been a busy few weeks for the Brothers Beer Brewery in Auckland, making and packing as much beer as they can — to send to China.”Our last China order is literally double in size,” manager Dylan Adams told 1News. “It’s gone from one 40ft container to two and, you know, we get those orders pretty regularly.”New Zealand boutique beer brands are taking a glass half full approach and tapping into chances with China.  (Source: 1News)The US was a big export competitor for beer makers here, but the price of American products has skyrocketed because of the recent tariff stand-off.…

McDonald’s is offering free Quarter Pounder burgers to those with the first name of Brad after A-list actor Brad Pitt visited a drive-thru in Auckland’s Kūmeu last month.The fast-food giant said anyone registered on the Macca’s app with the first name Brad would received the deal.”To be eligible, users must have registered to the McDonald’s app before May 12, 2025.”All Brads are welcome — Hollywood or Henderson.”The offer was only available on the fast-food chain’s app until midnight on Sunday.Brad Pitt meets a young fan at McDonald’s Kūmeu. (Source: Supplied)Watch the video of the young fan’s encounter on TVNZ+On April…