Author: Press Room
European Union leaders are coming to terms with the idea that an emergency funding solution to keep the Ukrainian economy afloat will have to be deployed after Belgium raised the bar higher to unlock a reparations loan that would bolster Kyiv’s finances. The solution could see the EU raise money on the markets to deliver a non-repayable grant to Kyiv that would cover its most immediate financial and military needs in 2026. This, in turn, would give leaders more time to break the deadlock over the proposed loan, a bold attempt to channel the immobilised assets of the Russian Central…
Long-distance passenger rail is set to return to the South Island, with a train connecting Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.The Mainlander was expected to run monthly from January 20 to coincide with the school holidays, with hopes for more frequent services in the future.The first train would take four days to complete, with overnight stops in Dunedin and Invercargill before returning to the Garden City.Tickets for the new service was already available. A one-way trip from Christchurch to Dunedin would cost $229 per person, while the full return journey was $449.The service initially operated from 1970 until 2002.The new initiative would…
Published on 29/11/2025 – 7:00 GMT+1 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has completed a controversial visit to Moscow, where he looked to seal deals on energy and maintain his ties with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin – a move that puts Hungary further outside of the European consensus on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Whereas the EU is maintaining that Russia must pay for the damaged caused to its neighbour and is currently engaged in active diplomatic efforts to sway US President Donald Trump in favour of Kyiv, Orbán accused the Europeans of wanting to extend the war in Ukraine, which he…
As the Christmas season looms, with its crowded end-of-year parties, family gatherings and busy travel schedules, many New Zealanders might be asking a now familiar question: should I get another Covid-19 booster? Professors Michael Baker and Nikki Turner explain.After nearly four years of continuous Omicron circulation, each coming with a distinct summer wave, it is understandable to be weighing this up.Many of us now have reasonable immunity to Covid, both from previous vaccines and from repeated contact with the virus. This may not stop us getting sick with a another Covid infection, but it makes it less likely that it…
An active bout of weather across the country brought more than 14,000 lightning strikes, and the hottest November temperature on record for one region yesterday. MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said the “warm, wet and thundery” conditions had also been paired with “record-breaking heat”. “So yesterday, Auckland got to 27.1C. That is a new November record for Auckland, and records have been going back since 1966, so it’s very, very warm,” she said. She said it was hot all over the country, with Hawke’s Bay recording 32C, fuelled mostly by a warm and humid air mass which had come down from…
A 36-year-old alleged burglar has been captured after changing his clothes mid-way through fleeing the scene in an effort to evade officers. Counties Manukau Central police received a report of a burglary in progress at a dental clinic in Manurewa shortly after 3am. Inspector Warrick Adkin said officers were quickly on scene where one man was arrested and a second allegedly took off in a vehicle. “He didn’t drive far and abandoned the vehicle nearby, behind a building.” It was there, Adkin said, that the man changed his clothes and walked away on foot.”Unfortunately for the man, police officers outwitted…
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including a woman is killed by a shark in Australia, reprieve from hot nights on the way, and expect traffic chaos as sales escalate. A woman has been killed by a shark off a remote New South Wales beach. Hot weather’s set new records in the past few days, but cooler nights should be on the way. More bodies have been found in the still burning apartment buildings in Hong Kong. 17 Bolivian footballers have bee punished after a brawl at the end of their national league semi-final. Traffic chaos is expected to cause…
Aucklanders are being asked to look out for a missing 14-year-old girl. Tracey was reported missing from her Conifer Grove home and was believed to be in the south Auckland area. “Police and Tracey’s family would like to see her return home safely,” a police spokesperson said. “If you see Tracey, or have any information on her whereabouts, please contact police.” Those with information on Tracey’s whereabouts were asked to call police on 105. The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including a woman is killed by a shark in Australia, reprieve from hot nights on the way, and expect traffic…
Dame Judi Dench has revealed she “can no longer see” and admitted she can’t recognise friends as her eyesight worsens.The 90-year-old Oscar-winning actress was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012.In an interview with Britain’s ITV News alongside friend Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi was asked why she had stepped away from the big screen.”It’s because I can’t see anymore.”McKellen said, “but we can see you”, to which Dench replied: “Yes, and I can see your outline, and I know you so well, but I can’t recognise anybody now. “People think, ‘Oh, get her, she’s got very grand,’ but it’s…
Albert-Eden Local Board’s chairperson says they’re not opposed to more events at Eden Park after being put in the firing line by businesses.The government is seeking feedback from the public and the council on its plan to increase the number of gigs at the venue to 12 large and 20 medium concerts a year.On Thursday, the Dominion Road Business Association criticised the Local Board for not supporting the proposal.The Local Board’s Margi Watson, however, told Morning Report on Friday that the business community and the public’s reaction was based on an incomplete record of information.”We very much supported a lot…