Author: Press Room

Two years ago, Steve Davies went on a full day motorbike ride around the lower North Island with some mates – and was lucky to survive a serious crash.It was raining, conditions were difficult, and Davies was the tail-end Charlie with six bikes ahead of him as they headed towards Hunterville on the rural back roads.After coming around a left-hand corner, he could see a patch of slippery tar bleed ahead, he tried to avoid the worst of it, but his bike slid from underneath him.Davies could see a patch of slippery tar bleed ahead, he tried to avoid the…

Salmon, bacon and “anything from vanilla to sauerkraut” are among the ice cream flavours planned at a new dessert bar opening soon in the Octagon. Blue Cockatoo is expected to open in November at 16 The Octagon — next to the Regent Theatre. Co-owners Hannes Bareiter and Melanie Hartmann had initially eyed up the premises six years ago, before starting their St Clair restaurant Titi, which they sold in April. They had always wanted to do “something different”, Mr Bareiter said. “There’s a good chance there’ll be savoury ice creams. “There might be salmon in it … same with cocktails,…

Any gold you’ve got stashed in your jewellery box could well be worth more than you think, auction houses say.The price of gold has reached new record levels, up about 45% year-on-year and more than 100% over five years.That’s also pushing up the price of gold jewellery, including pre-owned items.Christine Power, head of fine jewels, watches and luxury accessories at auction house Webb’s said there had been a noticeable impact on values.”People have started to realise that there is a return so we are finding that more people are going through their items at home and seeing what little treasures…

Two people are in custody after a man was found unconscious on a footpath following an alleged assault in Auckland’s Mount Wellington yesterday. Counties Manukau West Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey said officers were called to Meadow Street, Mt Wellington, shortly before 7.30pm after a man was found unconscious on the footpath. “He was initially transported to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition but is now stable,” he said. “Last night, police took two people in custody in the nearby area. The pair will be referred to Youth Aid.” Inquiries would continue into how last night’s events…

The parents of a 16-year-old boy who died drunk-driving are pleading with the government to strengthen liquor laws, after learning he was served alcohol multiple times that night, including when visibly drunk.Silas Sims, a popular student and keen rugby player at Mahurangi College in Warkworth, smashed his car into a concrete pole in the early evening of July 19 this year.His parents, Ben and Sarah, are appealing personally to Nicole McKee, the minister in charge of alcohol laws, in the hope of preventing others experiencing the tragedy they are living through.McKee said the circumstances of Silas’ death were tragic, but…

The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including new anti-gang powers for Manawatū police, Kim Jong Un’s surprise guest, and Donald Trump fires back at rumours about his health. A ‘gang conflict warrant’ is now in force across the whole Manawatū region amid rising gang tensions. Kim Jong Un has taken a surprise guest with him on a major visit to Beijing. Donald Trump has slammed rumours about his health, after he was hardly seen for a few days. Wellington’s ‘City to Sea’ bridge could start being demolished on Friday, unless there’s a fresh legal appeal. British musicians have used the…

Salmon, bacon and “anything from vanilla to sauerkraut” are among the ice cream flavours planned at a new dessert bar opening soon in the Octagon. Blue Cockatoo is expected to open in November at 16 The Octagon — next to the Regent Theatre. Co-owners Hannes Bareiter and Melanie Hartmann had initially eyed up the premises six years ago, before starting their St Clair restaurant Titi, which they sold in April. They had always wanted to do “something different”, Mr Bareiter said. “There’s a good chance there’ll be savoury ice creams. “There might be salmon in it … same with cocktails,…

The Government says it has chosen its preferred supplier for two new ferries for the Cook Strait, due to arrive in 2029. Rail Minister Winston Peters said that Ferry Holdings, the Government-established company to lead the procurement and delivery of the new ferries, had narrowed down its shortlist of six shipyards to build the vessels to just one. The shipyard would be named once the contracts are signed. Peters said a letter of intent had been signed with the ship builder to begin the final stage of technical negotiations. “Nobody can accuse us of a lack of pace when Ferry…

The Goverment’s announcement that it will provide loan funding of $30 million for at-risk regional airlines is being welcomed as a lifeline by Air Chathams to maintain its Whakatāne to Auckland route.However, Whakatāne Mayor Victor Luca thinks the Government offer falls short of what it should be doing to keep regional airlines operating.”It’s a start,” he said. “Only the operators know if it’s enough.”I still think the Government has an obligation to do more. If Air New Zealand is 51% owned by us, and they are making hundreds of millions of profit these days, then I think they need to…

Nelson-based nutritionist Julie North got her hands on the only Harricado in the country and put it to the smash – comparing NZ avos in form and flavour.The Harricado, described as creamy and nutty, is a new variety of the popular fruit discovered this year. The home orchardist who grew the avo, Harry Pearson, first stumbled upon the huge avocado tree at an open home in Nelson.”I joked with the owners after I purchased the property, I said ‘the main reason I bought it was the avocado tree’,” Pearson told RNZ.Pearson is working with the New Zealand Tree Crops Association…