Author: Press Room

Ursula von der Leyen wants to protect Europe against Russian missile attacks, and building an Israel-style defence system could cost hundreds of billions. But new funding proposals from an influential Brussels think tank are likely to raise hackles in frugal EU members such as Germany. ADVERTISEMENTBrussels should issue eurobonds to pay for a new European air defence shield, leading economics think tank Bruegel has recommended in a report issued today (17 September). Bruegel’s proposals meet a key electoral promise of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – but could also set alarm bells ringing in Berlin, which has consistently opposed joint…

People who have $5 to invest should have the same choices as people with $5 million, Brooke Roberts believes. She shares her ideas for the RNZ series RICH: The meaning of wealth in Aotearoa.In 1986 when I was 11-years-old my school teacher, Miss Edmonton, used to bring newspapers in to class and get us to go through the stock market listings and pick our favourite shares. This theoretical exercise in the name of financial literacy was thrilling, because almost every day our shares climbed.Miss Edmonton’s enthusiasm for shares was not unique, the stock market at the time was surging in…

Sean “Diddy” Combs faces federal charges in New York, his lawyer said.Details of the charges weren’t immediately announced by prosecutors, but Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, issued a statement saying: “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the US Attorney’s Office.”He added that Combs had gone to New York last week in anticipation of the charges being brought.”He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal,” Agnifilo said.Criminal charges would be a major but not unexpected takedown of one of the most prominent producers and most famous…

The average asking price for a house in Auckland has dropped below $1 million for the first time in four years, according to new data.According to the latest numbers from Trade Me Property, the average asking price for properties in Auckland dropped to $986,750 in August this year — down 1.3% from July. The online realtor said it was the first time the figure had sat at less than $1 million since September 2020.Trade Me Property’s customer director Gavin Lloyd said August was the fifth consecutive month the city saw declining prices.“It’s going to be interesting to see what happens…

Police have named two women who died after a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 54 near Feilding last week. They were 29-year-old Lauren Kate Somerville and 47-year-old Judith Anne Tweedale, both of Mangaweka.Emergency services were called to the serious crash on Cheltenham-Hunterville Rd at about 4.45pm on Thursday.The crash happened near the intersection with Benson Rd in Beaconsfield.Police confirmed Somerville had died that day. The following morning, police confirmed Tweedale had died in hospital.A third person was also hurt in the crash. “Police extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of the deceased.”Enquiries into the circumstances of the…

A polar vortex has led to snow and thunderstorm watches being issued for much of the motu by MetService today, as a chilly blast springs into action.In the North Island, a heavy snow watch is in place for Taihape, as well as road snowfall warnings for the Desert Rd and SH5 from Napier to Taupō this afternoon.If you are safe and have video or pictures of the weather, please send them to [email protected] are also expected to once again impact many North Island regions.”For Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, and western areas from Waikato to Whanganui, there is a moderate risk…

By Gyles Beckford of RNZ The tit-for-tat interest rate battle between retail banks continues with Kiwibank cutting fixed home loan and deposit rates across the board following falls in wholesale rates. The bank has responded to recent cuts by the market’s biggest lender, ANZ, matching it for most durations, but with a market-leading one-year rate of 6.29 percent. Kiwibank has shaved between 4 basis points from its six-month loan to as much as 20 basis points for its longer-term fixed terms. The six-month rate has become a favourite among borrowers looking to position themselves for further falls. The state-owned bank…

Ryan Reynolds has expressed an interest in buying a Welsh cricket team.The 47-year-old actor and his showbiz pal Rob McElhenney have “made contact” over the possibility of buying a stake in Welsh Fire, a Cardiff-based cricket franchise.Dan Cherry – the chief executive of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, which has strong links to the franchise – told the BBC: “It is a feasible option. Contact’s been made.”There’s not been anything substantial come back yet, but we’re in the process and I know that they’ll certainly be included in any process that we’ve got going forward.”All bids and offers that are going…

Kiwibank has announced further decreases to its fixed home loan and term deposit rates.Effective from today, Kiwibank said it was lowering its six-month, one, two, three, four and five-year fixed loans.A one-year loan for those with 20% equity was moving from 6.45% to 6.29%, while a two-year loan moved from 5.99% to 5.79%.It’s three-year fixed loan was lowered from 5.89% to 5.79%, while its four and five-year terms went from 5.89% to 5.69%.The six-month term dropped from 6.89% to 6.85%.Changes were also made to the standard rates for those without 20% equity.The bank was also lowering its nine-month and one,…

Alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction has scuttled its latest tour following an onstage scuffle between lead singer Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro.“The band have made the difficult decision to take some time away as a group. As such, they will be cancelling the remainder of the tour,” the band said in a brief statement today.The move comes after videos captured Farrell lunging at Navarro at a concert in Boston, bumping Navarro with his shoulder before taking a swing at the guitarist with his right arm. Navarro is seen holding his right arm out to keep Farrell away before Farrell…