Author: Press Room

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has told his caucus the party needs to up its game on the cost of living, crime and the economy.They are the key issues the coalition campaigned on and focused on in their first year of government; issues the public have clearly told Labour it needs to do better on.MPs are at their annual caucus retreat at the Distinction Hotel in Palmerston North, having returned from their summer breaks.The sun is out and Hipkins is still in jandals but his opening remarks were serious in tone as he told his MPs Labour would pivot from listening…

This article was originally published in Hungarian Law enforcement is investigating the threats, believed to have come from the same source, and have taken precautionary measures. ADVERTISEMENTEmails containing a bomb threat were sent to multiple educational institutions in Hungary on Thursday morning, causing them to temporarily shut down out of precaution, the National Police Headquarters (ORFK) said.The threats have affected at least 268 schools nationwide, prompting an investigation by the authorities. No bombs have been found at schools searched so far in an ongoing effort to deem all schools safe.“We will not go to bed today, and the police will not…

Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po has been welcomed on to Rātana Pā for the annual celebrations of the church’s founder Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana, reaffirming the strong ties between the church and Kiingitanga.It’s her first official appearance at the pā as queen following the passing of her father, Kingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII.Tainui iwi leader Tukoroirangi Morgan told Māori media that today was about taking the kawe mate (a ritual of mourning) of Kingi Tuheitia to Rātana. “I tērā atu tau i tae ā tinana mai ia i muri mai i te hui o Te Kotahitanga…

A court in Paris has accused the overthrown Syrian ruler of complicity in war crimes in relation to a deadly attack on civilians in 2017. ADVERTISEMENTJudges in France have reportedly issued a new arrest warrant against Syria’s deposed leader Bashar al-Assad for alleged complicity in war crimes linked to a barrel bomb attack on civilians in 2017 that killed a French-Syrian man. A legal source with knowledge of the case told French outlets that the Paris Tribunal’s special unit for crimes against humanity and war crimes issued the mandate this week as part of a probe into the death of…

The European Commission has proposed financial support for farmers negatively impacted by the EU-Mercosur trade agreement – but the safety net would only be triggered in the ‘worst-case scenario’ and the EU executive says it won’t be needed. ADVERTISEMENTFarmers fear the as-yet unratified deal with the Latin American bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia could disrupt European markets, particularly in sensitive sectors such as beef and poultry.The EU has promised to introduce safeguards, partly to win over countries like France and Poland, where farmers hold considerable political sway. But recent communications about these safeguards have sown confusion.At a…

Hamish Cleary likes making things in building class, enjoys gardening and loves mowing lawns.Like many students, the 20-year-old is pondering what to do when he leaves school later this year.But while other students might consider going into further education, training or employment, Cleary faces more obstacles.Rangiora High School Lighthouse programme teacher Julia Malcolm said Cleary and other young people with special needs have a full programme at school.They have a range of conditions, including autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, but have a willingness to learn and live meaningful lives, she said.Jessica Higgs (20) spends time in the Rangiora Community…

The Reserve Bank’s battle with inflation is over. So why doesn’t it feel like things have improved?Data released on Wednesday showed the consumer price index lifted 2.2%t in the last quarter of 2024. That’s close to the middle of the Reserve Bank’s 1% to 3% target range.”The good news is, the cost-of-living crisis is definitely over,” said Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr.”With a headline rate of 2.2% and wages in the 3 [% range].”But he said there were good reasons why that might not feel true for lots of households.”You’ve got to experience a wage rise a couple of times…

TikTok users and young people in Germany are significantly less suspicious and have a more favourable view of Moscow and Beijing, according to the study, which flags it as a concern ahead of Germany’s upcoming elections. ADVERTISEMENTYoung Germans who use TikTok are more likely to be climate sceptics, be less critical of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and believe that the Chinese political system is better than democracy, according to a new study.The liberal politics Friedrich Naumann Foundation, which commissioned the study, said that it shows how disinformation narratives and foreign propaganda are impacting Germany as its February elections approach.”Ahead of…

A New Plymouth Lotto player has won $8.3 million in last night’s Powerball First Divison draw.The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto to the person from New Plymouth.Their prize was made up of $8 million from Powerball First Division and $333,333 from Lotto First Division.The winner is the second Powerball multi-millionaire this year, Lotto said.”The win comes just weeks after a Wellington couple scored themselves $7 million – the first Powerball jackpot of 2025. The couple were driving to work when they found out they had won.”Two other players have won $333,333 in Lotto First Division. Those winning tickets were…

Michael Spindelegger, the director of the intergovernmental organization International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) told Euronews how Trump’s crackdown on immigration, including at the southern border of Mexico, could have consequences for Europe. ADVERTISEMENTDonald Trump’s immigration policies will likely influence the migration policy debate in Europe, the director of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Michael Spindelegger told Euronews in an interview featured for Radio Schuman today.During his inauguration speech, US President Donald Trump announced a large-scale nationwide deportation campaign. On Tuesday, his administration began deporting undocumented immigrants from the country. However, several NGOs and international organizations,…