Author: Press Room

A van driver was wrongly blamed by police investigators after four young forestry workers were killed in a 2019 crash with a logging trailer without side lighting that was “invisible” in pre-dawn darkness, a coroner has ruled.Storm Lacy, 22, Steven Pari, 35, Te Tahi Brass, 25, and Johnston Ahuriri, 37, died when their work van collided with a truck and trailer transporting logs blocking their lane on Bonisch Rd in the Kaingaroa Forest, Bay of Plenty. A fifth worker survived with serious injuries.In his report, coroner Michael Robb has urged that mandatory side lighting be legislated for oversize off-highway vehicles…

Auckland’s Tāmaki Dr was expected to remain closed this evening after last night’s horror collision between an electric bus and a car, which killed a bus driver. The head-on crash at 9.20pm caused both vehicles to catch fire near Mechanics Bay. Auckland Transport (AT) public transport director Stacey van der Putten said it had been a “tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of life of a valued bus driver who was providing a service for Aucklanders.”Deputy mayor Desley Simpson also gave her condolences.”Our deepest sympathies go out to them, and their family. Everyone goes to work expecting to…

The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including serious weather warnings for rain and life-threatening winds, more than 100,000 public sector workers on strike, and the tourism hotspots in the global travel spotlight. Red weather warnings are in force for large parts of the South Island and lower North Island, as firefighters continue to battle wildfires. The bad weather has forced some events during today’s ‘mega strike’ to be cancelled or moved online. An electric bus in Auckland has burst into flames after a crash with a car.It’s been revealed the Louvre gallery which was robbed earlier this week didn’t have…

Police say they are appealing two decisions where judges have elected to return gang patches confiscated under the Gangs Act.At least three judges have ruled in favour of returning patches to gang members in the year since the legislation – which criminalises the display of gang insignia in a public place – came into effect in September 2024.Less than a month later, Judge Joanne Wickliffe ruled in favour of returning gang member Xavier Grey-Gill’s patch to him after he pleaded guilty to charges he was facing in the Rotorua District Court.”Mr Gray-Gill, you have pleaded guilty to three charges today.…

One in five adults across OECD and EU countries experiences mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms, according to the OECD’s Mental Health Promotion and Prevention report. The symptoms often go unrecognised and untreated, increasing the risk of progression to more severe conditions and raising overall societal costs. Czechia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Portugal report a higher prevalence of moderate or severe depressive symptoms among native-born individuals. Women are more vulnerable to mental illnesses during turning point events, such as pregnancy and postpartum. The prevalence of postpartum depression was estimated at 16.6% for Central-Eastern Europe, 16.3% for Southern Europe, and 13.8% for Northern…

A 52-year-old Northland man has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for possessing child sex abuse material, saying he had been viewing objectionable content for around 20 years. He had previously admitted in the Whangārei District Court to one representative charge of possessing objectionable material depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.It followed an investigation by the Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua’s Digital Child Exploitation Team. During the investigation, a May 2024 search warrant uncovered multiple electronic devices containing over 3000 objectionable videos and pictures covering victims of a wide range of age —from babies to people under…

Suppose you own a café, restaurant, or eatery in New Zealand’s ever-changing weather. In that case, you already know that creating an inviting outdoor space can be the difference between a packed house and empty tables. That’s where outdoor cafe umbrellas come in—not just as functional shade providers but as branding powerhouses that make your business stand out. Whether in Auckland’s Viaduct, Wellington’s Cuba Street, or Queenstown’s lakefront, properly branded cafe umbrellas can enhance your customers’ experience, reinforce your brand, and even increase your revenue. The Power of Outdoor Cafe Umbrellas: Real Business Wins Many café and restaurant owners across…

Small businesses often face the challenge of standing out in competitive marketplaces, especially at outdoor events, trade shows, and local markets. A branded gazebo 3×3 is one of the most effective and cost-efficient tools for increasing brand awareness, attracting customers, and providing a professional appearance. With the ability to customise, transport, and reuse, a 3×3 printed marquee serves as an invaluable asset for small businesses looking to make an impact. This blog explores why investing in a branded gazebo 3×3 is a game-changer for your business, covering everything from visibility and durability to ease of setup and cost-effectiveness. 1. Instant…

In the world of marketing, standing out from the crowd is everything. With businesses vying for attention at events, exhibitions, and trade shows, making a solid and lasting impression is vital. One of the most effective tools to achieve this is through printed marquees. These versatile, eye-catching structures not only provide functional shelter but also serve as a powerful branding tool. Investing in high-quality branded marquees can significantly elevate your presence at outdoor and indoor events, whether a small business owner or a large corporation. Let’s dive into the top five benefits of using custom printed marquees to boost your…

Karanbir Singh, CEO of Driveree, explains, “We understand that delivery drivers are the backbone of our platform. They play a crucial role in our success, and we believe they should be compensated fairly for their efforts. That’s why we’ve designed our pay structure to reflect their hard work and dedication, ensuring they can rely on their income and feel valued.” Competitive Pay Structure and Bonuses Driveree’s competitive pay structure is what sets it apart from other platforms. Drivers are paid a basic per-kilometer rate plus commission, ensuring they are compensated for both the distance traveled and the service provided. On…