Author: Press Room

The European Commission has been criticised for giving too much space to industry and business interests in discussions over a fast-track streamlining of sustainability and due diligence reporting rules. ADVERTISEMENTLiberal MEP Pascal Canfin has slammed what he calls a “fake consultation” over plans to renegotiate due diligence requirements for companies operating in Europe, in what green groups fear will be just a first phase of a bonfire of red tape.Economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis is due to convene a ‘simplification roundtable’ on Thursday (6 February) to discuss a so-called omnibus proposal to amend a raft of EU laws that were only…

In a commentary piece for Euronews the Montenegrin President outlined four potential outcomes for EU accession processes, some with hidden dangers. ADVERTISEMENTMontenegro’s President has flagged dangers lurking in EU enlargement processes while recommitting his country to successful EU accession by 2028 in a comment piece for Euronews.In the article Jakov Milatovic drew on his previous career as an economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to sketch four scenarios for EU accession by candidate countries.The first two see the candidate country either failing the accession process for lack of democratic or institutional progress, or alternately succeeding in building…

By Susan Edmunds of RNZ House prices are likely to remain broadly flat for the next five years, Infometrics chief economist Brad Olsen says, and New Zealanders may need to come terms with not being able to “bet the house on” strong capital gains. He told a Financial Services Council event on Tuesday that there could be “ups and downs” in price movements but overall prices were likely to go sideways or slightly lift over the coming years. “Slightly up is an important shift from previously when it was solidly up all the time. “I think we’re becoming a little…

A jetski has been found in the search for a man who went missing while attempting a crossing of Cook Strait. The man left the Tasman District in the morning bound for Plimmerton, north of Wellington, but did not arrive as expected.Police and search and rescue teams have been conducting a water search with the assistance of Coastguard and the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ.The New Zealand Defence Force had also joined the effort.”A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was involved in the search this morning and early this afternoon,” a spokesperson confirmed.”Crew on an RNZAF NH90 helicopter will…

The case could reshape Frontex’s operations if the court rules that the EU’s border agency failed to monitor fundamental rights compliance. ADVERTISEMENTA Syrian family wants to hold Frontex accountable for human rights violations and illegal pushbacks. If the European Court’s decision confirms their claims, it could change how the agency works.This landmark case against Frontex arrived on Tuesday at the Grand Chamber of the EU Court of Justice. The European Court in Luxembourg heard arguments about Frontex’s role in illegal pushbacks. Lawyers from Human Rights law firm Prakken d’Oliveira are pursuing the case, which is supported by the Dutch Council for Refugees,…

The man accused of murdering a pig hunter and attempting to murder another has pleaded not guilty and will face trial in two years.Stu Edmondson appeared via audio video link in the High Court at Hamilton this morning to face charges relating to a shooting near Coromandel town in December.Kevin Mabbott died in the incident on The 309 Road and another man was taken to hospital in a serious condition.The 77-year-old was charged after two men were allegedly found with gunshot wounds on a remote road. (Source: 1News)Justice Tahana remanded Edmondson in custody while he awaited the May 2027 trial.Edmondson,…

“No one from Russia and no one from Russia’s leadership is untouchable,” said High Representative Kaja Kallas. ADVERTISEMENTA coalition of 38 countries, including all members of the European Union, announced on Tuesday “major progress” in their joint work to establish a special tribunal to judge the Russian leadership for the crime of aggression committed against Ukraine.The work among experts and lawyers has so far centred on drafting the legal statute that will underpin the tribunal and determine its jurisdiction. The statute is not yet final but the coalition hopes it could be endorsed before the end of the year.Details of…

A refusal to grant fast-track consent for a controversial Bay of Islands boat-launching facility could be the final nail in the coffin for the long-running project.The boat ramp and car park was proposed in 2020 and had sharply divided the small community at Rangitāne, about 13km from Kerikeri.The most recent version of the plan included a double-width ramp, a reconstructed jetty, a floating pontoon, a walkway, and a 7400 square-metre reclamation in Kerikeri Inlet for boat-trailer parking.The reclamation, which would have been about 150m long and 60m wide, proved the most contentious part of the plan.It was also the reason…

This article was originally published in French RN leader Jordan Bardella cited the risk of instability if the current executive were to be overthrown — and the Socialist Party has also announced that its MPs should not support a motion tabled by the far-left LFI. ADVERTISEMENTThe week that was already being hailed as “crucial” for François Bayrou seems so far to have brought him nothing but good news.While a motion of censure filed by the far-left party France Unbowed (LFI) threatened to topple his government, the Socialist Party’s national office announced on Monday that it had taken the decision to abstain…

There is only one thing worse than watching paint dry, and that is getting it out of your hair. Apprentice painter Gabby Woodcock reckons it is easier to just let it dry and then “scrape it off” with her fingernails. “Paint dries so fast — it’s usually dry before you even know it’s on you.” The 19-year-old hopes she will get less and less paint on her as her apprenticeship progresses and her brush technique improves. She is the 99th painting apprentice to have been taken on by Sims & Blue, and now the Dunedin family-owned painters and decorators are…