Author: Press Room
Past and present political figures are paying tribute to former Prime Minister Jim Bolger today following his death aged 90. Bolger’s family confirmed he died peacefully Wednesday surrounded by his nine children, 18 grandchildren and wife Joan.Flags will be flown at half-mast on all government and public buildings today. First elected to Parliament in 1972, Bolger served the country as prime minister from 1990 to 1997. He was MP for King Country for over two decades. ‘Towering figure’ – Former NZ Prime Minister Jim Bolger dies – Watch on TVNZ+His death was acknowledged by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with “deep…
After fears of a dry winter, the country’s hydro lakes have had a much-needed boost, and wholesale electricity prices are easing. The country’s biggest power generator, Meridian, said recent spring conditions had been “perfect” for renewable electricity generation. It said after spending the winter recovering from low inflows in early 2025, September saw national hydro storage rise from 79 percent to 110 percent of historical average. Meridian said its monthly inflows were 181 percent of the historical average in September, lifting Waitaki storage to 91 percent of average. It said snow storage in the Waitaki catchment – which includes Lake…
Analysis: After Jim Bolger died yesterday aged 90, TVNZ’s Chief Correspondent looks back on the former prime minister’s life and career.Jim Bolger was, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, this morning, “a leader of conviction, a reformer of consequence, and a servant of the people whose legacy has shaped our nation in profound and lasting ways”. At first, the convictions appeared to belong more to his Cabinet colleagues: Finance Minister Ruth Richardson in particular. Jim Bolger seemed to grow into his. He became Prime Minister in 1990, after the Labour Government of David Lange, then Geoffrey Palmer, then Mike Moore, had…
An application for a liquor store in Rotorua’s city centre has been denied after being deemed likely to worsen alcohol-related harm and disorder.Business owners described issues with public drunkenness, urination, nudity, and brawls.The Sethi Group of Companies, of which Rahul Sethi is the sole director and shareholder, applied to open a bottle store at what was the Goldiluck Store at 1158 Hinemoa St.The application was rejected by Rotorua Lakes Council’s district and licensing committee in August, and the decision was released last month.Sethi, who unsuccessfully ran for election to the council last week, proposed opening an “independent bottle store” with…
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, died today. He was 74.Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown following a recent fall, according to his agent.Family members said in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.Ace Frehley performs in 2023 (Source: Getty)Kiss, whose hits include Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City, was known for its intense stage shows, which included fireworks, smoke and…
The Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) says a listener’s complaint about The Platform host Sean Plunket is the first that clearly meets the requirements of the Broadcasting Act.Plunket is dismissing the complaint sent to him by the BSA, saying his online platform does not fall within its jurisdiction. He said the BSA had “woefully and egregiously overstepped its bounds” and was calling for the regulator to be “disbanded”.But the authority is defending the decision. saying “everybody wants to have a reaction, but it seems like nobody wants to read the Act,” and it has long held the position that online broadcasts…
It seems the Government has no plans to back down on its proposed card surcharge ban, despite pleas from businesses to pause the move.The Government announced in July a ban on surcharges on card payments in-store, such as paywave, from no later than May 2026.Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson told RNZ he’s hoping to press on with the charges at pace, and is looking forward to a possible “surcharge-free summer”.”We are determined to remove these pesky little stickers, these surprise little bits that are added on to your purchases when you go and buy your date scone and…
The company that runs deal website GrabOne is in liquidation, a message on its website reads. The site, which offered users deals on experiences, products, and travel, now carries a message from the liquidators. It stated that Daniel Stoneman and Neale Jackson of Calibre Partners were appointed liquidators of Global Marketplace New Zealand Limited, the company that operated GrabOne, as of today. “Due to funding constraints, the business has ceased trading and the liquidators are immediately commencing a sales process for the Company’s business and assets,” the update read. “As a result, the Company will not be promoting any existing…
Outgoing Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson has called an emergency meeting just 24 hours before the final result of the cliff-hanger election is due to be announced.The notice states the purpose of the meeting scheduled for tonight is to “approve a complaint and request for an investigation into the conduct of the 2025 Kaipara District Council local government election and 2025 Northland Regional Council Māori constituency referendum”.The intent is also to “authorise the mayor on behalf of the council to lodge the complaint and request for an investigation with the relevant authorities”.The nature of the complaint was not yet clear.With special…
Tauranga police apprehended a 36-year-old fleeing driver with non-lethal sponge rounds, and a Taser, after a 15km incident this morning. Police were initially called to an address on Sabana Pl in Bethlehem after a person reported a relative being shot at shortly after 8am. Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said officers were responding as the suspect left the scene in a white ute and drove towards Cameron Rd. Officers found the vehicle and observed while plans were put in place to safely stop it.Anderson said the vehicle fled when police signalled for it to stop and a…