Author: Press Room

Auckland oyster farmers are furious after what is believed to be the biggest wastewater spill into the Mahurangi River this year.Ten marine farms have been in a lengthy battle with Watercare to stop sewage overflow contaminating their oyster crops.Mahurangi Oysters owner Jim Aitken told RNZ that, in an email on Thursday, Watercare informed them of an overflow at its Lucy Moore Memorial Park pump station.In the email, seen by RNZ, Watercare said at about 2.30pm the pump station overflowed to the stormwater pond and wastewater began entering the Mahurangi River.”We believe the overflow was caused by a power surge that…

A series of posts, videos and photos relayed across X and Facebook have misleadingly purported that US President Donald Trump has extended a personal White House invitation to Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). “Donald Trump has officially invited Weidel and the AfD to Washington”, stated one X user, in a post which has been viewed more than 90,000 times. Other pro-AfD accounts have also relayed the claim, with one German YouTuber alleging that Weidel was planning a flight to Washington “to meet Trump” in a clip which has garnered more than 64,000 views. So…

Seven Sharp presenter Hilary Barry is the New Zealander who will share the stage with Oprah Winfrey when she appears live in Auckland in December on her Oprah, in Conversation tour.“It’s a bit of a thrill,” says Barry, who is a long-time fan of Winfrey’s “real and authentic” interviewing style which, she says, was an inspiration to her as a young journalist.’Kia ora!’: Oprah Winfrey shares her message to Hilary Barry – Watch on TVNZ+Hilary Barry in the early 2000s. (Source: Supplied)“Broadcasters like Oprah have taught me that that you can come to a difficult interview with kindness, and actually…

Two “short-lived” eruptions were observed at Whakaari/White Island yesterday afternoon, volcanologists say.The first eruption took place at 12.30pm on Thursday, followed by a second at 6.40pm.Both were described by Earth Sciences NZ as small, low-energy events, with the latter depositing ash close to the island.Earth Sciences NZ volcanology team leader Agnes Mazot said no further activity had been observed since the eruptions.The Volcanic Alert Level remained at Level 3, indicating minor unrest. The Aviation Colour Code also remains Orange, signalling a heightened risk to aviation due to potential ash emissions.While volcanic ash was not observed in satellite imagery, sulphur dioxide…

As the new Nelson City Council was sworn in on Thursday afternoon, returning mayor Nick Smith put the economic recovery of the city in his sights.He described the last season, marred by recent closures and restructurings at large employers across the region, as the “winter from hell”, creating the “toughest period in decades” for the local economy.To support economic recovery, Smith said the council needed to keep rates affordable, revitalise the central city, and support key industries.He aimed to do this by keeping average rates increases below 5%, continuing to invest in central city infrastructure and facilities, and better integrating…

Police have named the bus driver who died in a fiery crash on Tāmaki Drive last week as investigations into the incident continue.Sean Cleary, 61, was killed when the bus he was driving collided with a car on Tāmaki Dr on Wednesday last week.Police said inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing.”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown previously said he was “saddened” to hear of the driver’s death in the crash.”It’s a stark reminder of the fragility of life and how it can change in the blink of an…

The Waitangi Tribunal has recommended a Māori man seeking citizenship for his children should be granted it.The Citizenship Act 1977 provides for four types of citizenship – citizenship by birth, descent, grant, and special grant – but it limits citizenship by descent to one generation.The Tribunal recommended that citizenship by descent be extended to two generations for Māori.The claim was brought by John Ruddock (Ngāpuhi), who was born in Australia and became a New Zealand citizen by descent through his Māori mother. But his children are not New Zealand citizens under the Act despite their whakapapa, as they were born…

A fire at a former Palmerston North pub that closed six schools and five early childhood centres due to fears of asbestos contamination has been deemed “suspicious” by police.Emergency services were called to the old Fitzherbert Tavern on Ferguson St at around 5.15pm yesterday.Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Deegan said today the fire had been “deemed suspicious” and that a scene examination was being undertaken.”Police would like to hear from any members of the public who may have seen any suspicious persons at the premises prior to the fire.”Fire and Emergency NZ brought heavy machinery in to help demolish parts of…

The group behind a bid to change an Auckland school to a charter school against its will says battle lines have been drawn and it is no longer taking feedback on its proposal.Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust and a former board member, Siaosi Gavet, want to convert Kelston Boys’ High School.The school itself says it’s an unsupported bid that it doesn’t endorse, and it’s not wanted by senior leaders or staff.The trust has consultation open until midnight on Friday.But in a document posted on its website, it says the school’s open letter it put on social media ends that consultation.”The…

The volcanic alert level at Whakaari/White Island has been raised to level three after a possible eruption this afternoon.Earth Sciences New Zealand said a small-low energy eruption possibly occurred at around 12.30pm.The aviation colour code had also been increased to orange as a result.MetService said it had not detected volcanic ash in the observed plumes using satellite imagery.”The event seems to have lasted for a few minute and is now over,” Earth Sciences New Zealand reported.The increased volcanic alert level would remain for at least 48 hours, and would be reassessed by Earth Science New Zealand’s volcano monitoring group and…