Author: Press Room
Historians estimate hundreds of West African soldiers who fought for France were killed in 1944 by the French army after they demanded unpaid wages. ADVERTISEMENTBiram Senghor regularly goes to pay his respects at a military cemetery in Thiaroye, a fishing village near Senegal’s capital Dakar, bowing in front of a different grave each time.The 86-year-old has no way of knowing which grave belongs to his father, M’Bap Senghor, one of likely hundreds of West African riflemen who fought for France during World War II but were killed on Dec. 1, 1944 by the French army after demanding unpaid wages.In this…
If New Zealand wants to tweak its methane targets without increasing its contribution to climate change globally, steeper emissions reductions will be required in other areas, the Climate Change Commission says.New Zealand’s domestic 2050 target currently requires all greenhouse gases to reach net zero emissions, except for biogenic methane where only reductions from a 2017 baseline are needed. As part of the National-ACT coalition agreement, the Government agreed to “review the methane science and targets in 2024 for consistency with no additional warming from agricultural methane emissions”. The findings of the review are expected by the end of the year.Outgoing…
A man is in critical condition after a “serious incident” in a Porirua suburb overnight, police say.Emergency services were called to Kotuku St, Elsdon, about 2am after a “man was located injured at the address”. A scene guard remains at the property. Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Middlemiss said inquiries into the incident are ongoing.He said: “He was transported to hospital, where he remains today in critical condition.”Police are now working to establish the circumstances of what has occurred, and a number of people will be assisting with our inquiries today.”We would like to reassure the public this is believed to…
One person has died in a single-vehicle crash in Auckland this morning.Police said the crash occurred on Hyperion Drive in Randwick Park around 7am.After being closed for much of the morning the road is now back open. Hato Hone St John said it treated one person in a minor condition at the scene.
Walking access to the popular Mautohe Cathedral Cove is back after being closed to the public due to damage to tracks caused by extreme weather events nearly two years ago.Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka spoke from Mautohe Cathedral Cove, where he officially opened the track today.“This hike offers spectacular coastal views and is truly one of the most stunning beaches the world has to offer. The area has previously drawn an estimated 250,000 walkers annually,” said Potaka.“Mautohe Cathedral Cove plays an important role in supporting the local economy and this reopening is an exciting step in the region’s tourism recovery…
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has committed to keeping New Zealand out of the AUKUS security pact if his party returns to power.Hipkins revealed the policy position during his speech at the annual Labour Party conference, where he also committed his party to a “full rebuild of Dunedin Hospital”.He said any future government he leads would “restore New Zealand’s proudly independent foreign policy”.The former prime minister told party faithful: “Decisions about New Zealand’s best interests should be made here at home, not in Washington, Canberra or Beijing.”So today I can announce that under Labour, New Zealand will not be part of…
Tens of thousands of Spaniards have taken to the streets of Valencia a month after floods devastated the city. They’re demanding regional officials step down after fumbling the emergency response that led to the deaths of more than 230 people. ADVERTISEMENTAround 130,000 people took part in the second such major march since Storm Dana struck the eastern Spanish city last month causing Spain’s worst natural disaster in decades. Protesters have repeatedly called for Valencia’s regional president, Carlos Mazón, to step down. Mazón has acknowledged that mistakes were made but refused to be held solely responsible for the tragedy. He said…
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has defended his Government’s progress on improving economic growth, and has been pressed about whether it is still committed to returning the books to surplus in 2027-28. Ahead of the Treasury’s half-year fiscal update, Finance Minister Nicola Willis earlier this week appeared to soften her language on the prospect of returning to surplus, saying she was “not going to chase a surplus at all costs”. Luxon spoke to Q+A’s Jack Tame for a wide-ranging interview this morning. He was questioned about his coalition’s progress one year into the government.On fiscal expectations, the PM said: “We are…
Polling stations have opened in Romania, where millions are casting their ballots in a crucial parliamentary election. The vote comes just one week after a highly controversial first round of the presidential race, which saw relatively unknown populist candidate Călin Georgescu win 23% of the vote. ADVERTISEMENTSunday’s parliamentary race is the most important vote in Romania, as it determines the country’s new government and prime minister. There are concerns however that it may be overshadowed by the chaos that ensued from last week’s presidential vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in Romania, particularly in areas such as national security…
A helicopter is en route to help fire crews battling a grass fire west of Napier this afternoon.Fire and Emergency NZ were notified of the blaze behind the Napier Refuse Centre in Taradale at around 1.40pm.Five trucks were in attendance as of 2.50pm with more on the way, a spokeperson said.The public is asked to stay away from the area as well as the Tutaekuri River which flows behind the centre.