Author: Press Room

The multipolarisation of the international order is challenging the EU’s liberal vision with Donald Trump’s return to the White House likely to accelerate the trend, a key report found. ADVERTISEMENTThe EU is facing a “perfect storm” of crises threatening its security, economic, and ideological models that it can weather only if it boosts defence spending and trade ties with other regions, the Munich Security Report 2025 warns.The annual report, released on Monday, days before world leaders, ministers and defence executives meet at the Munich Security Conference, states that the negative effects of the multipolarisation of the international order appear to…

Canterbury’s regional council is none the wiser on how to respond to large-scale solar farm applications, after seeking advice from a government agency last year.An Environment Canterbury (ECan) spokesperson said the council had yet to receive “any feedback or direction” from the Ministry for the Environment regarding the handling of large-scale solar farm applications.ECan gave its support in May 2024 to an Environment Protection Authority proposal to ask the Environment Minister to “call-in” a consent application for a large-scale solar farm in the Mackenzie district.The Environment Minister could be asked to “call-in” the decision-making process for resource consents when it…

A Kathmandu Coast to Coast veteran had a remarkable comeback over the weekend after snapping his bike in a dramatic a crash – before going on to complete the race on borrowed wheels.The endurance race, held every February, challenges athletes to run, kayak and cycle from the West Coast’s Kumara Beach to New Brighton in Christchurch.Despite completing the race 22 times, one of only seven to do 20 or more, Ian Walsh said this year’s event was his most exciting.The New Zealander smashed into a temporary traffic light 5km into the 55km cycle stage, which damaged his bicycle’s derailleur gearing…

This week’s key events presented by Euronews’ senior energy and environment reporter Robert Hodgson . Key diary datesMonday 10 February – Tuesday 11 February: AI Intelligence action summit, Paris. Tuesday 11 February: EU Parliament plenary to debate ‘preparedness for a new trade era’. Wednesday 12 February: EU Parliament plenary to debate Competitiveness Compass.In spotlightADVERTISEMENTDeregulation, lightening the burden on European companies or, as the European Commission prefers to call it, ‘simplification’.This week will see a divided European Parliament discuss the second von der Leyen commission’s controversial pro-business agenda, with left-wing and environmentalist groups highly suspicious of what they perceive as an opportunistic move by…

Two pedestrians have been injured by what appeared to be material falling from a building facade in Auckland’s CBD.Police said the fallen material appeared to be masonry that had come loose.A section of footpath was cordoned off on Queen St, and Hato Hone St John sent two ambulances and one rapid response vehicle to the scene, reported shortly after 11am.”Two patients, both in a moderate condition, were assessed and treated.”Police confirmed they were providing assistance to emergency services at a location on Queen St where an object had fallen and shattered glass.Police pictured at the scene on Auckland’s Queen Street.…

The European executive has announced that it would retaliate against US tariffs on aluminium and steel if they are confirmed, considering them unlawful and counterproductive. ADVERTISEMENTThe EU will react to protect its interests against “unlawful and economically counterproductive” tariffs on aluminium and steel if these confirmed, the Commission said in a statement today.“The EU sees no justification for the imposition of tariffs on its exports. We will react to protect the interests of European businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures,” the statement read.“The imposition of tariffs would be unlawful and economically counterproductive, especially given the deeply integrated production chains…

ACT leader David Seymour has been stopped by security after he tried to drive a near 80-year-old Land Rover up Parliament’s steps.The 1948 Land Rover Series I, believed to be the oldest in NZ, was at Parliament as part of a fundraising effort for Manaaki Manawa – The Centre for Heart Research.Owner and research scientist Julian Paton said the car was being driven from Dunedin to Auckland to raise money for the project.He hoped to raise $300,000 to fund research into a “revolutionary” new heart valve for children with rheumatic fever.Paton was met on Parliament’s forecourt by Seymour and his…

Māori singer, composer and performer Toni Huata has died.Huata was a champion of Māori music and te reo, and released much of her music in her mother tongue. She was also the Kaihautū Puoro Māori — director of Māori music at the SOUNZ Centre for NZ Music.From Hastings in Hawke’s Bay, Huata affiliated to Ngāti Kahungunu and Rongowhakaata iwi. She was also of Lebanese, Welsh, and Irish descent.Huata grew up with her grandparents in a Māori-speaking household. Her whānau was well-known for their contributions to Māori music and performing arts.Her uncle, Canon Wi Te Tau Huata, wrote one of Aotearoa’s…

Police are continuing to search almost a week on for the person responsible for a stabbing that left a man critically injured in Auckland’s Birkenhead.A man was found with serious injuries on Birkenhead Ave by a member of the public at around 2pm on February 4.Hato Hone St John said it responded to the incident with one ambulance and two rapid response vehicles.”One patient, in a critical condition, was transported to Auckland City Hospital.”A witness told 1News that they saw a badly injured man lying on the side of the road on his back at around 2pm.”An elderly lady stopped…

Plans to build a memorial for the unmarked graves at the Pukekohe Cemetery has begun with a series of whānau engagements underway.The unmarked graves, many of them Māori babies, has long been a source of pain to many in the rural South Auckland community.Five public engagements, starting with the whānau of those resting at the unmarked graves, have been planned in February, seeking views on the memorial.The decision to build a memorial came in the wake of the publication of Dr Robert Bartholomew’s 2020 book No Māori Allowed, which detailed historic racism in Pukekohe, and the subsequent Reikura Kahi documentary…