Author: Press Room

Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati has announced she will be stepping down from her role in the third major resignation in the health sector this month.In a statement from the Ministry of Health, Sarfati said she appreciated the privilege and responsibility that has come with leading the ministry during a time of “significant change” within the sector.”It is now time to allow someone new to take up the mantle of one of the most challenging and rewarding roles within the health sector.”She said that she had decided to “leave promptly” after making the decision to go, with her final…

The dumping of deer carcasses, shellfish remains and other organic waste in Whakatāne’s Awatapu Lagoon, which is in the centre of a residential area, is reaching a level a local dog walker describes as “feral”.A resident who frequently walks their dog around the lagoon said the dumping of carcasses, both in the lagoon and on its banks, was a regular occurrence.In most recent incident, a stripped deer carcass that appeared in long grass on the lagoon’s edge overnight, left the walker reeling with disgust.The local, who Local Democracy agreed not to name, said carcasses were usually dumped under the cover…

Thousands of activists demonstrated in Germany on Friday in a bid to raise awareness to climate issues ahead of the upcoming federal elections scheduled for 23 February. ADVERTISEMENTThousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Germany on Friday to protest and raise awareness to climate issues ahead of the country’s upcoming federal elections.Activists believe the climate crisis has been ignored in the upcoming German elections, scheduled for 23 February.  They say that other issues, like debates on immigration and the economy have largely overshadowed the pressing issue.Protesters held banners reading “Right on a future, instead of a right (wing) future”…

A motorist removed cones blocking off an Interislander ferry loading ramp before he stranded his vehicle teetering above the Wellington Harbour yesterday.Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy said the man had driven off a Kaiārahi sailing from Picton but entered “an unauthorised area”.”Rather than following the marked road to exit the terminal, the elderly driver got out of his vehicle and moved the cones blocking access to the ramp to the Aratere berth. He then then drove up the ramp, luckily stopping before it ended, as Aratere was not in port.”Roy said terminal staff acted quickly to get the man…

Minister for the South Island James Meager says he is eager to drive economic growth and infrastructure development by advocating for the needs of Te Waipounamu in Cabinet.Meager, the first-term MP for Rangitata, was promoted to the newly created role last month.Speaking to Breakfast, he said the creation of the role showed Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recognised the South Island had a “huge part” to play in the Government’s much touted economic growth plan.”The role that the Prime Minister has outlined for me is one of advocacy and coordination, taking an all of government approach and an oversight approach to…

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he will only agree to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin after a common plan is reached with US President Donald Trump. ADVERTISEMENTUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin can only happen after a plan to end the war in Ukraine is reached with US President Donald Trump.Zelenskyy made the remarks as he sat down with US Vice President JD Vance in Munich as the pair attend the Munich Security Conference.The Ukrainian leader says his country needs more assurances before a peace deal can be made possible, particularly, security…

The speed limit on a stretch of road that claimed the life of a cyclist in Wairarapa has been under scrutiny for years, with a mayoral hopeful adamant change is now urgent.A 2018 Wairarapa Wine Growers submission to the South Wairarapa District Council’s long-term plan – seen by RNZ – urged the council to slash speed limits around Martinborough’s wineries.One person died and three more were seriously injured when a car collided with a shared bike on Puruatanga Rd on Thursday morning. British tourists are believed to be among those injured.Medical paraphernalia, vehicle debris and tree branches could be seen…

Police have released a photo of a vehicle of interest after a man did an indecent act towards a young student in Auckland’s Epsom earlier this week.The girl’s father told the New Zealand Herald that his daughter, 14, was followed by a man driving a van on Gladwin Rd at around 3.35pm on February 12.”As he pulled up next to her she saw that he was naked and touching himself.”She didn’t get a plate number, unfortunately, she was obviously panicking and running away.”Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves said the man fortunately did not exit the vehicle and was last seen…

A large South Canterbury farming company has been fined and ordered to pay reparations after a worker was crushed to death by a hydraulic tailgate on a trailer in 2022.The March 2022 incident occurred when Louis van Heerden, 45, was standing at the back of a dark, narrow shed at Turley Farms near Temuka as a spotter while grass seed was tipped off the trailer. He was killed after being crushed by the trailer’s hydraulic tailgate.An investigation by WorkSafe found Turley Farms had “no specific plan” for managing indoor traffic.”In addition, workers should not have been permitted in such a…

A representative for Kanye West and Bianca Censori has denied reports suggesting the couple is heading for divorce.The pair – who were reported to have tied the knot two years ago – were said to have split this week in the aftermath of the 47-year-old rapper’s latest stunt which involved selling T-shirts emblazoned with a swastika but now a spokesperson for the couple has insisted they are still together and are making plans for Valentine’s Day.The rep Milo Yiannopoulos told The Hollywood Reporter: “Ye and Bianca are in Los Angeles, about to enjoy Valentine’s Day together.”Announcements about their private life…