Author: Press Room

“Intergenerational debt” is how the Hastings mayor is describing the enormous financial impact from Cyclone Gabrielle.The region is two years into a predicted 10-year recovery, with many residents still living in limbo, communities still cut off and no money earmarked for some broken bridges.The cyclone ravaged Esk Valley, and while lush green fields can be spotted today, it is still bearing the scars of the devastating weather event.Some vibrant community cul-de-sacs are now a ghostly road to nowhere. Two years on, some residents are choosing to stay put in their now category three land.Esk Valley resident Claire O’Connor Bryant is…

US President Donald Trump has rolled out his plan to increase US tariffs to match the tax rates that other countries charge on imports, possibly triggering a broader economic confrontation with allies and rivals alike as Trump hopes to eliminate any trade imbalances.”I’ve decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff,” Trump said in the Oval Office at the proclamation signing on Thursday (local time).”It’s fair to all. No other country can complain.”Trump’s Republican administration has insisted that its new tariffs would level the playing field between US manufacturers and foreign competitors, though these new taxes…

Cyclone Gabrielle killed 11 people nationwide and destroyed thousands of homes in February 2023. Two years on, its grieving victims are warning authorities have failed to make the changes needed to prevent future deaths.Each night before they go to sleep, and as soon as they wake up, two-year-old Ivy Collins’ parents relive the moment she was taken from them.Their gorgeous, bright, cheeky girl – who should have been looking forward to starting school this year – but was instead stolen by a tragic disaster they believe they should have been safe from.”We lost our daughter,” says Ella Collins, Ivy’s mum.…

Around 230 Kinleith mill workers will lose their jobs after its owners today confirmed a proposal to cut paper production operations. The Tokoroa mill’s owners, Oji Fibre Solutions, told staff in November that they were proposing to cease paper production by June, moving to a focus on pulp.Staff were called into a meeting with management this morning to hear the decision. It follows months of consultation, with unions working to save as many jobs as it could. In a statement this morning, Oji CEO Dr Jon Ryder said that after “extensive work” and considerations on a variety of feedback from…

The man accused of murdering Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming in Nelson on New Year’s Day has had his name suppression extended and is yet to enter a plea. The 32-year-old, who made his second appearance via video link while in custody today, is facing a raft of charges including murder, attempted murder and assault using a vehicle as a weapon.A floral tribute outside Nelson Police Station for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. (Source: 1News)Fleming died after being struck by a vehicle in the early hours of New Years Day in Buxton Square car park in central Nelson while on foot patrol.…

Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati has announced she will be stepping down from her role in the third major resignation in the health sector this month.In a statement from the Ministry of Health, Sarfati said she appreciated the privilege and responsibility that has come with leading the ministry during a time of “significant change” within the sector.”It is now time to allow someone new to take up the mantle of one of the most challenging and rewarding roles within the health sector.”She said that she had decided to “leave promptly” after making the decision to go, with her final…

The dumping of deer carcasses, shellfish remains and other organic waste in Whakatāne’s Awatapu Lagoon, which is in the centre of a residential area, is reaching a level a local dog walker describes as “feral”.A resident who frequently walks their dog around the lagoon said the dumping of carcasses, both in the lagoon and on its banks, was a regular occurrence.In most recent incident, a stripped deer carcass that appeared in long grass on the lagoon’s edge overnight, left the walker reeling with disgust.The local, who Local Democracy agreed not to name, said carcasses were usually dumped under the cover…

Thousands of activists demonstrated in Germany on Friday in a bid to raise awareness to climate issues ahead of the upcoming federal elections scheduled for 23 February. ADVERTISEMENTThousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Germany on Friday to protest and raise awareness to climate issues ahead of the country’s upcoming federal elections.Activists believe the climate crisis has been ignored in the upcoming German elections, scheduled for 23 February.  They say that other issues, like debates on immigration and the economy have largely overshadowed the pressing issue.Protesters held banners reading “Right on a future, instead of a right (wing) future”…

A motorist removed cones blocking off an Interislander ferry loading ramp before he stranded his vehicle teetering above the Wellington Harbour yesterday.Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy said the man had driven off a Kaiārahi sailing from Picton but entered “an unauthorised area”.”Rather than following the marked road to exit the terminal, the elderly driver got out of his vehicle and moved the cones blocking access to the ramp to the Aratere berth. He then then drove up the ramp, luckily stopping before it ended, as Aratere was not in port.”Roy said terminal staff acted quickly to get the man…

Minister for the South Island James Meager says he is eager to drive economic growth and infrastructure development by advocating for the needs of Te Waipounamu in Cabinet.Meager, the first-term MP for Rangitata, was promoted to the newly created role last month.Speaking to Breakfast, he said the creation of the role showed Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recognised the South Island had a “huge part” to play in the Government’s much touted economic growth plan.”The role that the Prime Minister has outlined for me is one of advocacy and coordination, taking an all of government approach and an oversight approach to…