Author: Press Room
Auckland Art Gallery is set to receive one of the most significant bequests in its history – $5 million worth of art from a Kiwi philanthropist. But its donor hopes they won’t be handed over for years.Greg Moyle has a treasure trove of New Zealand 20th Century art and wants to find a forever home for the most important pieces in his collection after he dies.The Kiwi philanthropist has pledged 20 pieces to the gallery, including pieces by Rita Angus, Ralph Hotere and John Pule.But he doesn’t plan on handing it over any time soon.”The bank have just extended me…
The mother who lost her three children in a tragic Manawatū house fire broke her silence this morning, speaking about the devastating toll it had left on her. Four people died in the Sanson fire, with mother Chelsey Field identifying them as August, 7, Hugo, 5, and Goldie, 1, and their father Dean Field.In a statement she released this morning, Field said she was “heartbroken and devastated” and said her children “did not deserve this”. Police said the fire and deaths of the children were being treated as a homicide. No one else was being sought over the fire.’Heartbroken’ -…
European leaders said the 28-point plan promoted by the United States for Ukraine is “a draft” and will have to be amended to incorporate their demands. Leaders said in a joint statement Saturday following a dramatic week that the plan could serve as the basis of a negotiation, but more work is needed, and the current terms are not final. The leaders, which include the German Chancellor, the UK Prime Minister, and the French President, express concerns about suggestions that Ukraine’s army would be downsized in a settlement with Russia and argue points related to European and NATO security would…
Matamata-Piako District Council has been fined $105,000 for repeatedly discharging poorly treated wastewater into a Waihou waterway.The council was convicted in the Hamilton District Court after an investigation found the Waihou wastewater treatment plant had been releasing wastewater, including sewage, exceeding consent limits between late 2022 and October 2023.Regional compliance manager Patrick Lynch said resource consents were “licences to operate”, designed to protect waterways. “Meeting consent conditions is not optional. They are important and are designed to safeguard our waterways,” he said. “In this instance, there have been significant and avoidable discharges over a prolonged period.” Judge Melinda Dickey said…
More than one in four prescription errors picked up by pharmacists had a potentially serious risk of harm to patients, an audit has found.Key facts: 1145 reports submitted with 1247 “issues” identifiedDose issues most common (25.93%), followed by quantities, missing details and inappropriate medications26% of problems “high risk of harm” to patientsPharmacists spent 347 hours in total resolving problemsMean resolution time just under 19 minutesIn total, 68 pharmacies in the Midland Region took part in the week-long Script Audit – the first exploration of electronic scripts in New Zealand – using a purpose-built reporting app.The Midland Region covers areas like…
Roll out the barbecue and slap on some sunscreen — MetService is forecasting a warm and sunny weekend for most of the country. The forecaster said warm temperatures were expected in both the North and South Islands, with Christchurch forecast to get close to 30C today. Areas of the North Island, including Auckland, were expected to hit highs of around 24C. Speaking to Breakfast, MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said most places were in for “a really lovely weekend”, but cautioned some areas could still feel the tail-end of wet weather. “So most places are going to stay dry today and…
The before and after shots tell the story: West Coast Regional Council staff have had some wins in the ongoing war on the pestilential water weed, Parrot’s Feather.Originally dumped from domestic aquariums, the South American plant has spread to many parts of New Zealand, and the WCRC has been tackling infestations in Kongahu at Karamea and Kaniere, near Hokitika.After: A Ruatapu waterway freed from Parrot’s Feather by the work of West Coast Regional Council staff. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting)Parrot’s Feather formed dense floating mats on a waterway, outcompeting native plants, reducing water flow, food and habitat for fish.It could clog…
Warning: This story contains content some may find disturbing.Convicted killer Nathan Boulter was investigated four years ago over an allegation he raped a 15-year-old girl when he was 14.He was spoken to while serving time in Otago prison where he denied any wrongdoing, and said the sex between the two was not rape and that the woman was his girlfriend at the time.Police said after reviewing all the available evidence, the matter did not reach the threshold to prosecute under the Solicitor-General Prosecution Guidelines.Boulter – who had a long history of stalking and assaulting ex-partners – pleaded guilty last week…
The police minister says the correct process was followed by his electorate staff who forwarded emails containing allegations about former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming to his ministerial office, months before he was made aware.The Independent Police Conduct Authority’s report found “the emails allegedly sent by Ms Z dramatically increased in their number and distribution” in December 2023 and January 2024.The report said the emails were sent to a range of people and organisations, including McSkimming himself, then-Commissioner Andrew Coster, then-Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura, the Prime Minister, the Police Minister, the IPCA, and various media outlets.Mark Mitchell, who is also MP…
A truck crash on Auckland’s northern motorway just after 11.30am Friday is causing “significant” congestion.Police said the SH1 crash happened near the Millwater off-ramp.There were no reports of injury.Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes or expect delays as both north and southbound lanes were affected.