Author: Press Room

A new global study shows New Zealand is doing well in bringing down the number of breast cancer deaths, a health researcher says.The study – led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer – has found New Zealand and Australia have some of the highest rates of breast cancer diagnoses in the world, at about one in every 1000 women.But it also found Aotearoa’s rates of death from breast cancer were at the lower end of the scale, and reducing by 2.1% each year.Victoria University associate professor in epidemiology Mona Jeffreys said this was positive news.”I was really surprised…

Mercury Energy is warning residential customers are set for a near 10% rise in electricity bills this year, blaming it on a host of factors including higher lines charges and energy costs.It comes after the company revealed $418 million in half-year underlying profit, down 4% from a year ago, which Mercury put down to lower renewable generation and higher costs.It also slumped to a bottom line loss due to changes in the value of unhedged contracts.Mercury said from April, its residential customers faced an average 9.7% increase in their overall electricity bill, largely reflecting higher lines and transmission charges, and…

A two-storey home in western Christchurch has been badly damaged in a fire this morning.Fire and Emergency NZ received multiple calls about the fire in Clotilda Pl, Bishopdale at around 9.30am.Two fire trucks initially responded from Ilam and Redwood station, with three more being called once it was assessed. “It is not being treated as suspicious at this stage, but the fire investigator has been notified and will attend.”All people were accounted for following the fire, they added.”Police will work with FENZ fire investigators to conduct enquiries into the circumstances of the incident,” a police spokesperson said.Footage captured by 1News…

Human rights organisations say the bloc’s failure to reconsider its trade and political ties with Israel amounts to “complicity” in alleged war crimes and breaches of international law. ADVERTISEMENTEU foreign ministers met their Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar in Brussels on Monday in a closed-door meeting that was originally intended to scrutinise Israel’s compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.But protracted talks among EU capitals to strike a common position ahead of the meeting meant calls to reconsider the agreement, spearheaded by Spain and Ireland, had waned and were “more or less off the table”, according to…

Friedrich Merz, who led the Christian Democratic Union to victory at the polls, referred to a strong Europe independent of the United States as his “absolute priority”.  Many in Brussels now expect a more stable government in Berlin will mean a stronger German leadership ADVERTISEMENTThe night of Germany’s snap elections will be remembered as marking a seismic shift in the future course of the European Union.Friedrich Merz, who led the Christian Democratic Union to victory at the polls, referred to a strong Europe independent of the United States as his “absolute priority”.   “I would never have thought that I…

By Anan Zaki of RNZ Mercury Energy is warning residential customers are set for a near 10 percent rise in electricity bills this year, blaming it on a host of factors including higher lines charges and energy costs. It comes after the company revealed $418 million in half-year underlying profit, down four percent from a year ago, which Mercury put down to lower renewable generation and higher costs. It also slumped to a bottom line loss due to changes in the value of unhedged contracts. Mercury said from April, its residential customers faced an average 9.7 percent increase in their…

Award-winning The Gone returns with more murder and mystery for Kiwi Acushla Tara-Kupe and international stars Richard Flood and Michelle Fairley.The multi award-winning local drama series The Gone makes a return tonight with its highly anticipated second season. Starring Kiwi actor Acushla-Tara Kupe (Under the Vines, Shortland Street) and Grey’s Anatomy’s Richard Flood alongside an impressive ensemble cast including Game of Thrones’ Michelle Fairley, the New Zealand/Irish co-production promises to deliver another mysterious case to solve.The show also features Kiwi veterans Wayne Hapi (The Dark Horse), Vanessa Rare (Shortland Street), Matt Whelan (Go Girls) and Miriama Smith (Shortland Street).The cast…

Fire crews extinguished a large blaze near a Northland coastal settlement last night that had threatened properties.At the height of the four hectare scrub fire in Ngunguru more than 40 firefighters were responding, along with four helicopters. Crews received multiple calls reporting the fire at around 3.30pm.One resident told 1News yesterday afternoon that several locals left their homes as a precaution.A fire burning near Ngunguru this afternoon. (Source: Supplied)The fire was extinguished around 8.30am. One crew monitored hot spots overnight, and two crews will return this morning.

The United Nations General Assembly has rejected a US resolution that urges an end to the war in Ukraine due to its failure to note Russian aggression. ADVERTISEMENTIn a win for Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) refused to approve a US-backed resolution on Monday that urges an end to the war.Members of the assembly refused to adopt Washington’s resolution as it failed to make mention of the Kremlin’s aggression.Instead they approved a European-backed resolution which demands Russia immediately withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territories, which US President Donald Trump’s administration opposes.Washington…

The great Kiwi overseas experience (OE) has long been a rite of passage for young New Zealanders, but new research suggests it’s evolving.Auckland Airport has released a new report, shedding light on changing travel trends in the great Kiwi OE.Where are New Zealanders going? Traditionally, the UK and Europe have been top destinations, with four out of ten travellers heading there. While London remains popular, its appeal is waning. In the past, 39% of people visited London on their OE, but now only 30% of future travellers plan to do so. People arriving at a UK airport (Source: istock.com)Scott Tasker,…