Author: Press Room

Published on 12/06/2025 – 5:07 GMT+2•Updated 5:37ADVERTISEMENTGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin on Wednesday. Topping the agenda for the two leaders was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, immigration bilateral ties and global trade and politics.Commenting on recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, Merz stressed that anyone with a reasonably clear view must recognise that “Russia is a threat to the security” of the entire NATO alliance.As the NATO leaders’ summit in the Hague nears, the German chancellor emphasised that “Russia is a risk to security on both sides of the Atlantic.” Merz noted…

A coroner has found a man who jumped from a crane on the Wellington waterfront died as a result of methamphetamine and cold water immersion.On January 26, 2024, Jarreth Colquhoun, 33, leapt from the crane of the SS Hikitia at the Taranaki St Wharf.The report said he reached the top — nearly 40m up — threw his cap down and waved to the public, before jumping into the water.He surfaced briefly, face-down, and then sunk. His body was found on the sea floor two hours later by the police dive squad.Coroner Rachael Schmidt-McCleave ruled on the balance of probabilities he…

A key “gateway” between Palmerston North and the Tararua District — Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway — has opened to traffic this morning. The 11.5km highway has officially become State Highway 3, replacing the old Manawatū Gorge Rd, which closed in 2017 following slips.New Zealand Transport Agency project manager Grant Kauri said seeing the first vehicles travel the road this morning was a “special moment”.”The closure of the Manawatū Gorge road had such a significant impact on people in Manawatū and Tararua. We know the surrounding communities have struggled with the closure so being able to build them…

Community leaders in the small Far North town of Moerewa are calling for a long-standing culture of doing “burnouts” to end before it ends in tragedy.According to locals, people burning rubber and smoking up homes was a weekly occurrence.Roddy Hapati Pihema said there were burnout marks on almost every street in Moerewa.Pihema, who headed the Taumatamakuku Community Residents Representative Committee, said the problem was so widespread that even the police did not know how to deal with it.”The police have basically given up. Half the community wants the behaviour to stop, but you still have this generation where it has…

People living with disabilities are still feeling ‘”a lack of respect” due to people misusing mobility carparks, despite the fine amount being increased last year. In October last year the government increased the amount individuals had to pay if they parked in a mobility park without a permit from $150 to $750.Whangārei District Council told the Northern Advocate this week that 214 infringements were issued in the eight months since the higher fines came into force.It was up from 158 issued during the previous eight-month period when the lower fine was still in effect.The council told the Advocate that of…

Phil Schultz is 81 and still working 24 hours a week – plus more if it’s needed. He drives a shuttle from Whangārei to Auckland.It’s a job he’s held for the past couple of years. Before that, he was an operator on the city’s Te Matau ā Pohe lift bridge for nine years.”I’ve been in transport most of my life, either driving or owning businesses, and the main reason I had a change I suppose is the bridge shift involved every second weekend working and I just wanted more weekend time for family.”They were having trouble finding someone to do…

The community is being asked if speedway should stay at Mercury Baypark Stadium as the council decides whether to extend the club’s lease.Baypark Speedway has called the Mount Maunganui stadium home since it was built in 2001 and has a lease to operate there until 2029.Tauranga City Council is considering a proposal that would extend speedway operations until 2039.The proposal would involve Speedway Racing Ltd buying the north stand of 15,600 seats for $1 and being responsible for its maintenance, while leasing the land from the council through the facilities arm Bay Venues.The council would retain ownership of the land…

Tributes for the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson from across the music and entertainment world have flooded in following his death at 82. Wilson’s family posted news of his death on his website and social media accounts today. Further details weren’t immediately available.The influence of Wilson’s music was felt far and wide, which has been reflected in the tributes made by other musicians and entertainers. “Brian Wilson was my friend and my brother in songwriting. We shared a similar sensibility, as evidenced by his 4 over 5 chord under Aaaah! in Good Vibrations and mine under I’m Into Something Good. We…

A stolen car has hit a school bus in Lower Hutt this morning after avoiding road spikes and driving towards police officers.Police received reports at about 8.30am of a stolen vehicle being driven erratically in the Eastbourne area, heading towards Lower Hutt.A police spokesperson said spikes were set up to try and stop the vehicle.”The driver has then swerved towards police staff standing on the street, avoiding the spikes, before colliding with a school bus which continued on.”No injuries were reported and police will be following up with the bus driver.”The stolen vehicle had been located in Lower Hutt and…

The Reserve Bank has revealed more details behind the shock resignation of former governor Adrian Orr in March, which has now been attributed to a “distressing” disagreement over the central bank’s funding.Finance Minister Nicola Willis and bank officials have been tight-lipped for months over the departure of one of the Government’s most senior public sector bosses. But documents released today reveal he disagreed with Willis and the Reserve Bank’s board over how much operational funding the bank would need. Funding for the central bank is negotiated directly with the Government in five-year terms.According to an updated statement from the Reserve…