Author: Press Room

The relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands has worsened significantly over the past few hours.A statement from Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ office said the Cook Islands had failed to share, which it is required to do as a realm country, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership “and other agreements” which Prime Minister Mark Brown is about to sign with China.A spokesperson for Peters said New Zealand had repeatedly asked for more consultation, which is required under the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.”We therefore view the Cook Islands as having failed to properly consult New…

Suzuki Motor Corp. Chairman Osamu Suzuki (centre) walks through the Daihatsu Motor Co. booth during the Tokyo Motor Show at Tokyo Big Sight on October 25, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Getty Images Osamu Suzuki turned the Japanese compact vehicle specialist into a globally competitive enterprise. Born Osamu Matsuda in 1930, Suzuki worked in banking after graduating from Tokyo’s Chuo University School of Law. He joined Suzuki Motor in 1958 after marrying one of the company’s founder’s granddaughters, Shoko. The firm specialised in small cars built to suit Japan’s cramped and teeming cities, and soon after Osamu Suzuki became the…

The Government has unveiled plans to adjust migrant investor visa settings, hoping to incentivise more people to invest in the New Zealand economy. The changes will be made to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa, which provides a pathway to residency for wealthy individuals willing to invest in the New Zealand economy. Under current law, those applying for the visa must have at least $15 million or weighted equivalent in available assets or funds. From April 1, the current weighting system for the AIP will be replaced by two “simplified” investment categories. The first is called the “growth category”, focusing…

A New Zealand-born entrepreneur says the artificial intelligence contest between the US and China is heating up because the technology has the potential to be as disruptive for conflict strategies as nuclear weapons.San Francisco-based Sean Gourley was the founder and former chief executive of Primer AI, a technology firm that develops AI to synthesise data and support decision-making. The US Air Force is among its clients.Gourley told Q+A that technologies like nuclear weapons, stealth weaponry, and precision-guided munitions can form part of a military’s offset strategy. This strategy uses innovation to gain significant advantages over opponents without similar technologies. “Technological…

A person has been airlifted to hospital in critical condition from the Shipwrecked Festival, a popular music and arts event.A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they were alerted to the incident at 4.11am today at Te Ārai, north of Auckland.An ambulance and rescue helicopter were dispatched, and the individual was transported to Auckland Hospital.A festival spokesperson confirmed one person was taken to hospital this morning via helicopter.They said they were in touch with the victim’s family and requested privacy on their behalf.rnz.co.nz

New Zealand’s wine industry faces a nervous wait to see if US President Donald Trump decides to impose tariffs.Vineyards up and down the country were currently preparing for the busiest time of the year — the grape harvest.In Marlborough, the 2025 vintage was not the only thing front of mind for wine growers.”It’s a concern we could do without,” Whitehaven Wines chief executive Steve Ross told Q+A.Trump has postponed proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and imposed tariffs on China. During his previous administration, tariffs were applied to steel produced in New Zealand.Whitehaven Wines chief executive Steve Ross told Q+A…

A man has been charged following an alleged stabbing in Auckland’s Titirangi last night.Police were called to an address on Woodlands Park Rd at around 7.20pm after a man suffered serious injuries.”Inquiries led police to a Mount Roskill address where a 60-year-old man was arrested shortly after 10pm,” a police spokesperson said.St John sent one ambulance, one operations manager, and two rapid response vehicles.”One person was taken to Auckland Hospital in a serious condition,” a St John spokesperson said.The 60-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and was due to appear in the…

Singapore’s compulsory mother tongue language instruction in schools has helped the English-speaking country preserve its Asian identity, a linguist says.”The idea is that if they could at least learn the language while they are still in school, and they have this foundation because the key to mastering a language is that you have to learn it at a young age,” said National Institute of Education, Singapore linguist Neo Peng Fu.The languages range from Tamil, Malay or Chinese and a student has to learn the language that aligns with their ethnicity. Language has been a key issue for the multicultural country…

Tough economic times might mean more baches for sale — but there’s a warning to think carefully before buying one.Property listings website Realestate.co.nz said this week that there appeared to have been an increase in the number of secondary homes listed for sale in places like Coromandel and Pauanui.Pauanui has about 65 homes listed for sale, compared to 10 to 15 at the peak of the market post-Covid.Realestate.co.nz spokesperson Vanessa Williams said she had spoken to real estate salespeople in different parts of the Coromandel who said that, due to the rising cost of living and high interest rates of…

A Powerball player from Hamilton has won $10.5 million in last night’s Powerball First Division draw. The winning numbers were 9, 15, 7, 12, 1, and 33. The bonus ball was 10 and the Powerball was 3.The winning ticket was sold at Glenview Centre Lotto & Post Shop in Hamilton. The prize was made up of $10 million from Powerball First Division and $500,000 from Lotto First Division.The win comes just weeks after a Taranaki couple won $8.3 million. The couple are looking forward to helping their family,” a Lotto spokesperson said. One other player won $500,000 with Lotto First…