Author: Press Room

By Giles Dexter of RNZ New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is demanding answers from Fonterra over the sale of its consumer businesses to French dairy giant Lactalis. Fonterra has agreed to sell major brands like Mainland and Anchor for $3.8 billion. The potential inclusion of Bega licenses held by Fonterra’ Australian businesses could take the headline value of the transaction to $4.2 billion. The sale includes a long-term agreement for Fonterra to sell milk and ingredients to Lactalis The deal is expected to settle in the first half of next year, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval. Voting has opened…

The Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points, but what will that actually mean for households?Here are a few ways you might notice the effect:Interest ratesHome loan rates should fall a bit further, particularly for the shorter fixed terms.Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said markets had priced in about a 50% chance of a 50 basis point cut. He said rates could get down to 4.2% or 4.3% after Wednesday’s decision.Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr said interest rates were getting to a level that made a difference to households.”A 7.5% mortgage rate really hurt most…

Gold has surged past the $US4000 ($NZ6900) an ounce level for the first time, building on a record-breaking rally as broader geopolitical and economic uncertainty, as well as expectations of US interest rate cuts, sent investors flocking to the safe-haven asset. Silver also climbed to a record high on Wednesday, latching on to gold’s record streak as investors flocked to the metal. Spot gold was up 1.7% at $4050.24 per ounce by the afternoon, while US gold futures GCv1 for December delivery also settled 1.7% higher at $4070.5. Silver gained 3.2% to $49.39 per ounce, after hitting its all-time high of $49.57. “Gold’s strength reflects an extremely…

An orchardist says the horticulture industry is not crying out for workers, as the Prime Minister urges young people to look for work in the sector.From next November, the Government will means-test 18- or 19-year-olds before they can access a Jobseeker benefit.Christopher Luxon has encouraged jobseekers to look to horticulture for work, telling RNZ the sector is “crying out” for young people.”If you go outside of Wellington, to Hawke’s Bay or go to the South Island… The primary industries, for example in horticulture [and] in our growing industries, they are crying out for young people to come and join those…

The owners of a popular Wellington café are apologising for blaming its closure on filmmakers Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh.Chocolate Fish Café owners Penny and John Pennington said last week they were shocked the cafe would be forced to close as the filmakers, who own the property, were ending its lease as part of a redevelopment plan for Shelly Bay.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Penningtons said Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh were not responsible for the decision, and they were wrong to say so.”On Tuesday 30th September, we were informed by our landlord, Wingnut…

The coward-punch killer of a much-loved Taranaki man filmed his victim and taunted him while he lay dying on the ground.Daytona Thompson, 22, was jailed for four years and two months for the manslaughter of Daniel Nganeko, 37, when he appeared for sentencing in the High Court at New Plymouth on Tuesday.Daniel Nganeko, a videographer, died after being hit on the chin in an unprovoked attack outside a New Plymouth rugby club in July.Knocked out cold, he fell and hit his head on the kerb, fracturing his skull.His life support was turned off three days later at Auckland City Hospital.Fighting…

Kiwi contestants will be up against two international quizzing legends, when The Chase New Zealand premieres on November 3. Thousands of Kiwis applied for the 16 coveted spots on the four-part special to be hosted by Paul Henry. And the chosen 16 better be well prepared as the nation tunes in to watch them face down two of the most renowned Chasers in the history of the wildly successful show.The Chase’s Anne Hegerty, known as The Governess. (Source: Supplied)Known for her quick wit, inscrutable demeanour, and one of the most successful win rates of any Chaser, Anne Hegerty, best known…

The activist and actor who shared Winston Peters’ street address online says she regrets the “oversight” but claims the NZ First leader is now using it as a “diversion tactic”.One NZ earlier said it would remove Acacia O’Connor from its ad campaign after revelations she publicised Peters’ personal address online last week and encouraged people to join a pro-Palestine protest outside his house.A window was smashed at Peters’ home yesterday. A 29-year-old man has since been charged with burglary and will appear in Auckland District Court on Friday.Winston Peters says activism has gone too far after a crowbar was used…

Have kegs, will travel. A Dunedin woman has come up with an idea for those who want a cool brew any time and anywhere they want. The Keg Collective is the brainchild of Shaquille Spooner-Nixon, who has transitioned a horse float into a six-tap, six-keg trailer which pours liquid of all sorts. She said the idea had been floating around in her head for a while. “I was always wanting to make some sort of mobile business. At first, it was cafe, and then I thought, ‘oh, maybe a bar’. Then I decided, after working all week, who really wants…

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon has firm words for online detractors: “Stop talking down our district.”The mayor was taking aim at social media commentary attacking the council’s debt of $210m and his mayoral opponent’s 0% rate rise promise.Gordon and his council colleagues responded to the criticism during the final council meeting of the term on Tuesday, ahead of Saturday’s election.”I wish people would stop talking down our district and start talking it up,” Gordon said.Councillors unanimously adopted the council’s 2024/25 annual report at the meeting, although mayoral challenger Paul Williams did question the lower than expected budget surplus.The budget surplus was…