Author: Press Room

More than 70 infringement notices were issued and three arrests were made as police targeted a gang gathering near Nelson today. Tasman District Commander Tracey Thompson said the increased police presence was there to “ensure the safety of the public and that attendees of a gang gathering comply with the law”.It came as members of the Mongrel Mob Barbarians travelled to the Lee Valley near Brightwater from other parts of the country. Police drafted in reinforcements from Canterbury and Wellington. They expected up to 150 gang members to attend. Police conducted over 1800 breath screenings. (Source: 1News)Police conducted a number…

Police are investigating the theft of several items from Hagley Oval overnight on Friday, where the New Zealand versus England cricket Test is being played.UK broadcaster TalkSport reported on X that it had two cameras stolen, which meant it would not be able to provide images of Day 3 of the cricket Test on its Youtube channels.The venue owner, Venues Ōtautahi, confirmed there was a security breach and the cameras were among several items taken from a locked area.”Some of the things we are aware of are some Venues Ōtautahi technology equipment like laptops, we’ve had a TV taken from…

Over 2000 volunteers have spent the day packing festive food boxes for families this Christmas with the Christmas Box.Each box is packed to the brim to help feed a family of four to six during a time of year when many can find it tough. However, the charity behind the boxes needs more support to reach the growing demand. “We go up to someone’s front door and the parents are just, they’re just dumbfounded, they’re taken aback by the generosity of getting a Christmas Box,” said spokesperson Rebecca So’e.So’e said last year they packed 32,005 boxes – this year, they’re…

Entering the United States market is the cherry on top for a North Otago farming family who diversified their traditional farming operation to include dog treats. A little like the old idiom of taking coals to Newcastle, the Newlands family are now exporting their Radical Dog treats, which contain Montmorency tart cherries, to Michigan — the leading producer of tart cherries in the US. Radical Dog has been a success story of diversification and entrepreneurism which began back in 1992 when the family decided they needed to use their irrigation water more efficiently and find a crop that would not…

Labour Party members were urged to hold their “nerve” in strong opposition to the Treaty Principals Bill, as the party faithful gathered in Christchurch this weekend for their annual conference. Chris Hipkins said New Zealanders expected a “strong stance” on what he called a divisive issue. The party’s position on the matter was clear as Labour Party t-shirts were available for purchase with the words “Honour Te Tiriti” across the front, while flyers encouraged individuals to make a submission in opposition to the Bill. Labour MP Willie Jackson delivered a rousing speech which was well received by the audience, including…

A Strike ticket sold in Ashburton has seen the lucky owner win $1.5m, but Lotto’s Powerball has rolled over once again.The winning Strike Four ticket was sold at Paper Plus Ashburton for tonight’s Strike Must Be Won draw.One ticket claimed $1m in Lotto first division. The ticket was sold at New World Bishopdale in Christchurch.Powerball was not struck and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $15 million.Tonight’s Lotto numbers were 27, 28, 25, 3, 17 and 10. The bonus ball was 11 and the Powerball 1.Strike was 27, 28, 25 and 3.

Waikato River samples will be sent to Australia for testing, as authorities investigate the reason behind the slightly elevated levels of arsenic in the water.Last week, slightly elevated – but safe – levels of arsenic were detected in treated water from Waikato and Auckland’s drinking supply.A joint statement released by the affected councils, Watercare and the the Water Services Authority said further testing from the Waikato River returned results between 0.0189 milligrams per litre and 0.0256 milligrams per litre.Those results were within the “usual range” for the same sites, which was between 0.0123 milligrams per litre and 0.03 milligrams per…

To pick the best, juiciest summer fruit you need to learn to rely on your senses and knowledge of the varieties and seasons, experts say. We visited Auckland’s wholesale fruit markets to get the intel on how to make sure you get the pick of the bunch.Strawberries and blueberriesDave Berry says it’s usually the strawbs that are dark red and almost look overripe that will have the best flavour, but they won’t keep long.Seek berries with firm skin and no wet patches. Some may suggest the biggest of the bunch is best, but they are often sorted into sizes when…

This article was originally published in Russian Next year, Moscow’s spending on the military and security forces will exceed spending on health care, education and social policy combined ADVERTISEMENTRussian President Vladimir Putin has approved new budget plans, raising 2025 military spending to record levels as Moscow seeks to prevail in the war in Ukraine.Around 32.5% of the budget posted on a government website Sunday has been allocated for national defence, amounting to over 137 billion euros, up from a reported 28.3% this year.Lawmakers in both houses of the Russian parliament, the State Duma and Federation Council, had already approved the plans…

Crown-Māori relations are “probably worse” under the coalition government with “more division” now than when they came to power, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.However, the PM said there had been frustration created “by some pretty horrendous decisions” made by the previous government.It comes after more than 42,000 people marched on Parliament as part of a nationwide hīkoi, with many stridently protesting the Government’s Treaty Principles Bill.Luxon was questioned about the legislation and his Government’s record on Crown-Māori relations in a testy and wide-ranging Q+A interview this morning.Hīkoi mō te Tiriti at Parliament (Source: Getty)Asked if he believed relations were better…