Author: Press Room

Twenty years since the leaky home disaster began, 1News can reveal it is still costing councils tens of millions of dollars every year.With the Government making a series of changes to simplify and streamline the consenting rules, there are warnings it needs to be careful we don’t end up with another building catastrophe.The Government wants virtual inspections to be rolled out as the “default” nationwide. But there are calls for caution.New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors president Darryl August said it is a case of “making sure that things are done correctly, on building sites in particular, and making sure…

South Island mayors are “steaming mad” over the Government’s plan to downgrade the new Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich says.The Government announced last week that the cost of the development had blown out to $3 billion and savings had to be made.Around 35,000 people rallied in anger outside the Octagon. “The people of this region are hopping mad, they’re steaming about this depreciation of the hospital that they’ve been waiting for for so long,” Radich said. Protesters are promising a lot more pushback to come. “This project is in people’s hearts, and they will not let it be messed…

A Ngāpuhi hapū leader today told Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith the country’s biggest iwi should get an $8.43 billion redress for generations of losses.Te Whiu chairman TeRau Allen-Arena’s call came as Goldsmith met formally with Ngāpuhi hapū for the first time at Whitiora Marae in Te Tii on Te Puna Inlet in the Bay of Islands today.Goldsmith visited Te Tii for Te Kotahitanga o ngā hapū Ngāpuhi’s October meeting, amidst efforts to get Ngāpuhi hapū together to work towards treaty settlement.“Te Kotahitanga continues to have a goal to be a forum where the hapū of Ngāpuhi can come together…

A San Diego doctor charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s fatal overdose has pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute the surgical anaesthetic ketamine.Dr Mark Chavez, 54, entered the plea to the felony in federal court in Los Angeles, becoming the third person to admit guilt in the aftermath of the Friends star’s death last year.Chavez agreed to cooperate as the US Attorneys Office pursues more serious charges against Dr Salvador Plasencia, who prosecutors say gave ketamine directly to Perry. The other major target in the investigation is Jasmine Sangha, an alleged dealer who prosecutors say was known as the…

Whangārei’s new cruise ship industry is forecast to boom with as many as 45,000 passengers arriving annually by 2044.This comes with a corresponding increase in the number of cruise ships.About 30 are expected to visit Whangārei annually by that time. This compares with just three for the destination’s inaugural 2023/2024 season.The sector’s potential for Whangārei has been highlighted in a Whangārei District Council (WDC) commissioned economic impact report, after that inaugural season.Its figures show the coming 2024/2025 cruise ship season could pump close to $1 million into Whangārei, roughly double the inaugural season that started on February 4.Four cruise ships…

Lotto’s Powerball has rolled over to $15 million after no tickets struck the jackpot this evening.There were no first division winners for tonight’s draw. Meanwhile, eleven lucky players have each won $22,203 in Lotto Second Division. One player from Auckland has also won $500,000 with Strike Four.The winning numbers were: 10, 12 22, 28, 31, 39, Bonus Ball 17, and Powerball 08.Lotto First Division will be $1 million on Saturday night.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on Wednesday. During Macron’s fourth visit to Germany this year, the French leader voiced concerns over the future of Europe. ADVERTISEMENTFrench President Emmanuel Macron discussed Chinese electric vehicle (EV) tariffs, escalating tensions in the Middle East and the future of Europe in a visit to Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz underlined the need for a ceasefire amidst spiralling tensions between Israel and Iran in the morning at the Chancellery, where Macron vowed to support Israel by increasing the presence of the French military in the Middle East.…

The regions are in the brace position as Air New Zealand cuts more flights and capacity on routes. Changes include swapping out larger Airbus jets for much smaller twin engine turboprop ATR-72 planes on some Queenstown and Dunedin flights, meaning more than 100 fewer seats on a flight. In some cases, morning departure times will be later and return flights earlier in the afternoon, compressing any day trips. The Christchurch to New Plymouth route is also being reduced by three flights a week. On Monday, Air New Zealand confirmed it is ditching direct flights from Invercargill to Wellington from January next…

Parking penalties have jumped 70% throughout Aotearoa – but is it fair and can you pass the buck?Parking fines are up for the first time in 20 years and misbehaving parkers will now be facing stricter penalties across the board.What used to be a $40 fine for not paying for parking in Wellington is now $70.If you miscalculate how long you need the spot, those penalties are also increasing – going up to almost $100 if you really overstay your welcome.We have all been guilty playing roulette when it comes to parking, but is the price of not paying worth…

At Orewa Beach Farmer’s Market on a Sunday, it’s easy to get lost in the crowds of prams, parents, and people, but Rich Kitto stands out.From the bright red pants with orange suspenders, to his long blonde hair that frames a comically large polka dot bow tie, he looks every part the professional clown.Survey the area, and you’ll see his camping chairs assembled and his table laid out. Kitto only takes a moment to be ready. Moments later, a line of people will form that usually spreads down the street.Rich Kitto spends his spare time bringing smiles to the faces…