Author: Press Room

Ahead of this weekend’s Decult Conference in Christchurch, Children of God survivor Maria Esguerra speaks out about her disturbing childhood in the Australian branch of the worldwide cult. Ryan Boswell reports. Maria Esguerra had a childhood filled with fear.She was born and raised in The Children of God, also known as The Family International, a Christian-based apocalyptic cult, known for exploitation and abuse.At its height, the movement had tens of thousands of members worldwide in 70 countries – it’s often mentioned in association with actors Joaquin and River Phoenix and Rose McGowan, all of whom spent time in various branches…

Cypriot President Christodoulides calls for more migration agreements with third countries and seeks to normalise relations with Syria, while stressing the need to invest in infrastructure to enable the return of Syrians. ADVERTISEMENTPresident Nicos Christodoulides of Cyprus voiced support for establishing more strategic agreements with third countries to address migration issues.Speaking to Euronews, the Cypriot president argued that the EU’s agreement with Lebanon has delivered results. The agreement allocated economic aid to Beirut in exchange for cooperation in curbing illegal immigration to Europe.Christodoulides said he is now ready to discuss other possible solutions including return hubs.”We are ready to look…

Tim has been fighting tooth and nail to keep his property from being repossessed. (Source: Supplied)A family has been forced to sell their dream NSW home after a brutal battle with their lender. Tim Dodd has been fighting to keep the house he and his wife worked so hard to get, but they’ve been told to put it on the market and find somewhere else to live.Dodd is one of many people across Australia who have been struggling with their mortgages as a result of economic conditions and interest rate rises. He told Yahoo Finance an intertwined mental health battle…

Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis says her council will refuse to take back the maintenance of three detour routes if the region’s replacement state highway is tolled.Collis, whose council recently submitted against tolling Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway, said charging people to use the replacement highway would be a “kick in the guts”.A massive slip permanently closed the Manawatū Gorge in 2017, forcing people to use Saddle Rd, Pahiatua Track, and Ballance Valley Rd to travel between Wairarapa, Manawatū-Whanganui, and Hawke’s Bay.These roads were formerly maintained by the council but the New Zealand Transport Agency had been footing the…

Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was officially made a Dame in a ceremony in the UK.She was appointed a Dame Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours for her services to the state, a few months after her shock resignation as prime minister.Last week it was announced she would formally receive her damehood from Prince William at a ceremony in Windsor Castle in London.NZ’s former Prime Minster received the honour at Windsor Castle. (Source: Other)In a social media post, Prince William and wife Kate called her a friend, an extraordinary advocate, and…

ASB has once again reduced some of its mortgage rates, following the banking sector’s recent trend – but it’s also announced two new rates that buck the pattern.The announcement follows yesterday’s news that inflation has fallen to 2.2%.This morning, ASB announced new fixed home lending rates of:6.39% for a six-month term (down from 6.75%)5.99% for a one-year term (down from 6.19%)5.79% for an 18-month term (down from 5.89%).The bank also adjusted its four-year and five-year fixed home lending term rates – in the opposite direction. The new rates for both of those mortgages are 5.79%, up from 5.69%.”We know there’s…

More than 28 firefighters, including a crew from Auckland, were called to a blaze at a business premise in Whangārei overnight. Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson told 1News that crews responded to a fire in Whangārei shortly before 11.30pm. At its peak, six fire trucks and a ladder appliance were on scene involving 28 firefighters. Fire and Emergency crews have extinguished a large blaze in Whangārei overnight. (Source: Kelly Sproule)There were no people reportedly involved. Currently, one truck and four firefighters remained to dampen down hotspots and a fire investigator was at the scene.

This article was originally published in French The three most right-wing groups of the European Parliament and their members are all known as “far-right” — but they have some crucial differences. ADVERTISEMENTThe members of Patriots for Europe met in Brussels for the first time on Thursday, convening on the sidelines of the European summit.The group is one of three at the right-wing end of the European Parliament, joined by Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).The parties making up these three parliamentary groups are generally nationalist, sovereigntist, conservative and Eurosceptic, thoguh their positions differ on Russia…

A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being found lying on the road in Auckland’s Queen St early this morning.Police were alerted to “a report of a man lying on the road with significant injuries” at about 1.20am today.”At this stage, it appears the man has suffered a serious assault,” a spokesperson said.”He was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where he remains.”Two people were taken into custody at the scene.”Enquiries are ongoing to understand the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”Anyone with information was urged to call 105.A St John spokesperson confirmed the man was taken…

A law expert says a bill allowing family violence survivors with protection orders to leave marriages “immediately” is the first legislative recognition that people should not have to live in abusive situations.Under current law, there is a minimum two-year separation period, only after which couples could file for a disillusionment, or divorce.The Family Proceedings (Dissolution for Family Violence) Amendment Bill has now passed its third reading, and would allow family violence survivors with a protection order to dissolve their marriages immediately without going through a court process.University of Auckland law professor Mark Henaghan told Breakfast the move recognises the “very…