Author: Press Room

US Correspondent Logan Church spoke with Finance Minister Nicola Willis in New York about the impact of tariffs on NZ’s economy.Many Kiwis were likely first exposed to Donald Trump through his hit TV Show The Apprentice, which was first broadcast in 2004. I remember watching it on TVNZ back in the day.At the end of the title sequence (over the song For the Love of Money by the O’Jays) was one of the show’s taglines – “It’s not personal, it’s just business.” Just over two decades later, that is precisely what Donald Trump’s officials have told New Zealand after the…

As a rare ‘black moon’ graces the sky this week, University of Sydney researcher Laura Nicole Driessen explains what you need to know about the lunar phenomenon. There’s been a lot of buzz online about the August “black moon”, happening this week.While you’ve probably heard of a “blue moon” before, this might be the first time you’ve encountered its ominous-sounding counterpart.You’re not alone. In fact, neither “blue moon” nor “black moon” are astronomical terms. They describe the moments when the lunar calendar and our calendar year fall out of alignment.So what is a black moon? The current definition has nothing…

Auckland DJ duo the Katayanagi Twins have reportedly been denied entry into the United States.The duo consists of Rain and China Katayanagi, twins from Auckland who performed at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival earlier this year.In a post to social media, Rain Katayanagi said they had been “flying to LA to chase Summer”, with a video showing various clips of a flight.She followed this up and said, “country doesn’t let us in, and puts us on a one-way flight back to NZ”.It was followed by footage of the plane taking off and one of the twins could be seen crying.Stills from…

A Canadian woman who attempted to smuggle gift-wrapped methamphetamine through Auckland Airport has been sentenced to more than three years in prison.The 30-year-old arrived at Auckland International Airport on a flight from Vancouver, Canada, on December 8.She was arrested after Customs officers carrying out a baggage search identified the Class A drugs wrapped as Christmas gifts inside a duffel bag.The total approximate weight was 9.9 kilograms, with a purity of 80%.If sold in retail amounts, the drugs would be worth approximately NZ$2.9 million. Methamphetamine disguised as a wrapped present. (Source: NZ Customs)She appeared in the Manukau District Court today charged…

Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a woman missing from Auckland’s Three Kings for a week.Ingrid Nason, 33, was last seen on August 15.Nason is described as having blonde hair, green eyes, and 1.65-1.70m tall.”Police and Ingrid’s family have concerns for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible,” a police spokesperson said. Anyone who had seen Nason or had information that might help police locate her was asked to call 111.

A bill opening the way for driver’s licences, warrants of fitness and certificates of fitness to live on motorists’ phones has started its journey through Parliament.Kiwis would have the option of carrying their licence in their wallets or on their phones under the new regime. Under current laws, drivers must carry their physical licence when behind the wheel. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday digital driver’s licences are a “common sense thing”. “We’re all using digital wallets to buy products and services across the country,” he said.Transport Minister Chris Bishop told 1News the option for Kiwis to have a digital…

She has worked with military personnel, athletes, lifeguards, bodybuilders and private clients from all walks of life. Now Central Otago’s Shannon MacLachlan has used her extensive skills as a strength and conditioning coach to help prevent injuries among the growing numbers of women in the construction industry. BCITO — the largest provider of construction trade apprenticeships in New Zealand — recently launched the Actions Speak Louder programme, a range of initiatives to ensure women who enter the trades feel comfortable and supported to stay. It partners with a variety of organisations to offer free period products, discounted Portaloos and free…

Patients admitted to Dargaville Hospital overnight are being asked to sign a consent form to confirm they understand there is no doctor on site due to staff shortages.Health NZ said the hospital remains safe for low-risk patients — but the former clinical director for Northland’s rural hospitals accuses management of “playing with people’s lives”.A copy of the disclaimer, obtained by RNZ, explained only patients who were “unlikely to urgently need a Doctor on site” would be admitted.”If you are agreeable to staying at Dargaville Hospital, knowing that the doctor may not be able to see you urgently, we ask that…

They’re kith and kin distilling alcohol in the aptly-named Gin Tin. Meet the team behind Prophecy Distilling who have been operating for just four months from two converted shipping containers at Earnscleugh in Central Otago, yet have already won a trophy and two medals. Anna Ballantine, her brother Matt Cowie and sister Georgia Cowie, and their respective partners Tom Ballantine, Jamie Cowie and Tom Craven, have been joined by friends Lexi and Barry White. Mr Cowie had once talked about making gin with mates but had not got much further than drinking the spirit. When Mrs Ballantine and her good…

Casino operator SkyCity has reported a small net profit, with revenue down 11% and underlying profit down 42%.The company remained in a trading halt for a second day, to undertake a $240 million fully underwritten capital raising to address current trading conditions, as well as ongoing investment requirements.Chief executive Jason Walbridge said SkyCity was also looking to sell some $200m assets over 12 to 18 months, including the sale of the Auckland carpark concession and the 99 Albert Street office building.Key numbers for the 12 months ended June compared with a year ago:Net profit $29.2m vs loss $143.3mRevenue $852.2m vs…