Author: Press Room

A woman is in a critical condition in hospital after being assaulted in Christchurch this morning.Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said the victim was found injured at the Richmond Village Green on Stanmore Rd at around 9.20am today.”A scene examination of the area is underway.”As part of our inquiries, police would like to speak to anyone who may have information that would help us determine what happened.”St John said it responded with one ambulance and one rapid response vehicle.”One patient was assessed at the scene and transported to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition.”

European metalworkers in Brussels called for job protections and more training during the green transition. Since 2019, nearly one million industrial jobs have been lost, and many more are at risk. ADVERTISEMENTDiscontented metalworkers from across Europe gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to express concern over job security during the continent’s green transition.They are calling for the EU’s new industrial policy to include stronger protections for workers and their families within the sector. One key demand is for the EU to prioritise effective training and retraining programmes, even if it means reducing working hours to accommodate these initiatives.Lieve De Preter, president…

Last month was the coldest January recorded since 2017, according to NIWA. NIWA released its monthly climate summary today, noting the nationwide average temperature was 16.4C last month — the same average temperature as January eight years ago. Below-average temperatures were recorded in the central and southern North Island and much of the South Island. Six locations — Martinborough, Māhia, Winchmore, Waipara West, Diamond Harbour, and Le Bons Bay — recorded their coldest January on record. A further 17 locations experienced near-record-low mean temperatures for January. Waiau was New Zealand’s coldest location, with its 50C mean temperature that was 3.1C…

Second edition of Euronews and European Travel Commission event will see debate on trends affecting sector, including addressing hotspot tourism backlashes. ADVERTISEMENTThe EU’s first sustainable transport and travel commissioner will outline priorities during the second edition of the Destination Europe Summit in Brussels on Thursday.Apostolos Tzitzikostas will share his vision and priorities for Europe’s tourism sector, which despite bouncing back following the COVID-19 pandemic remains under challenge from a range of issues ranging from geopolitical instability and inflation to extreme weather events.Increasing local resistance in Europe in popular hotspots has intensified the call for more sustainable tourism practices.EU policymakers, industry leaders…

Westpac has cut its 3-year special fixed home loan rate to 4.99% — the first major bank to offer a mortgage rate below 5%.The bank announced today it would drop 1-year, 18-month, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year for special and standard rates starting Friday.The biggest drop was for 3-year special rates, falling 0.60% to 4.99%. The special rates are available to customers with a minimum of 20% equity.Outside the 3-year rate, the other drops were between five and 10 basis points.Westpac also planned to lower some term deposit rates between 0.05% and 0.10%.Westpac NZ general manager of product, sustainability and marketing…

Carlo Nordio argued that the ICC’s arrest warrant contained contradictions and procedural flaws, leading Italy’s courts to order Ossama al-Masri’s release. ADVERTISEMENTItaly’s justice minister vigorously defended the government’s decision to repatriate a Libyan warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), arguing on Wednesday that the court itself had made an “immense mess” of the case with an inconsistent and flawed arrest warrant.Carlo Nordio told the lower house of the Italian parliament that he had acted cautiously regarding the 18 January warrant against Ossama Anjiem, also known as Ossama al-Masri, who is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.Nordio…

Air New Zealand will end its seasonal service to Seoul, South Korea, the airline has announced.The final current seasonal flight from Incheon to Auckland will take place on March 29, and will mark the end of the service.The airline currently offers three return flights a week.Chief commercial officer Jeremy O’Brien acknowledged the disappointment the news may cause.”We sincerely apologise for the impact. Due to the ongoing challenges with engine availability, we have reviewed our network to ensure we are set up to operate our schedule effectively and best deliver for our customers’ needs.”Air New Zealand said the “small” number of…

Lammy’s trip comes two weeks after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a 100-year partnership agreement between the two countries. ADVERTISEMENTThe UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning, where he is expected to announce a new support package for Ukraine as Russia’s all-out invasion of its neighbour nears its third anniversary. The financial package aims to support the war-torn country’s energy sector and grain exports, and contribute to its economic growth. Lammy is also expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit. Lammy’s trip comes two weeks after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer…

An Ashburton-based family-owned agri-business is teaming up with environmentalist, actor, and social entrepreneur Suzy Amis Cameron in plans to create a food and fibre business park in Mid Canterbury.Carrfields managing director Craig Carr confirmed they were in the process of acquiring land in the Ashburton Business Estate to build a food and fibre business.It was a joint venture between Inside Out LLC – a US-based entity founded and controlled by Suzy Amis Cameron – and the Carrfields Property Group.Amis Cameron is married to filmmaker James Cameron — the couple relocated to New Zealand in 2012.The pair lived on a farm…

Greenland’s national debate about independence will consider negotiating better terms in its relationship with Denmark and securing more significant investment from the EU. ADVERTISEMENTAs it faces a push for a takeover by US President Donald Trump, Greenland’s pro-independence leaders are being forced to seriously consider the implications of no longer being attached to Denmark at a time of serious geopolitical peril.“Indeed, we are talking about independence, but what does independence mean? No one is truly independent,” said Maliina Abelsen, chair of Greenland’s largest company, Royal Greenland — a state-owned fishing company that represents over 95% of Greenland’s exports.Between its reserves of…