Author: Press Room

Police are offering a $100,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and successful conviction of the person responsible for the death of Arthur Easton.Easton, 52 at the time of his death, was murdered 39 years ago on October 13, 1985 at his home in Auckland’s Papakura.Speaking today from Counties Manukau Police Station, Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin said the offer will remain in place until January 24, 2025.He said immunity against prosecution will be considered for any accomplice, not being the principal offender, who gives information or evidence that leads to a successful conviction.Adkin suggested it is possible the…

Since 2018, a number of trade-related activities have been banned on Sundays, but experts say changing consumer habits indicate a need to reconsider these regulations. ADVERTISEMENTPoland has reopened its discussion on Sunday trading following consumer calls for an additional day to run errands.Under the current law it is forbidden to trade and perform activities related to trade in commercial establishments on Sundays, although this does not cover postal services, confectioneries, ice cream parlours, liquid fuel stations, flower shops, newsagents, or cafes.The ban was introduced by the former national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) government, following a campaign by the Solidarity trade…

Four vehicles have been seized, with their drivers set to appear in court following a Tribesmen Outlaw Motorcycle Club event in Auckland over the weekend. The seizures come after police across the Counties Manukau area worked to target and disrupt “unlawful gang-related activity”. Three people were charged with sustained loss of traction and one for driving while forbidden. One of the vehicles seized by police after the Tribesman event over the weekend. (Source: Supplied)All four drivers had their vehicles impounded.”Police actively monitored this event to ensure the roads were safe for all users,” Inspector Rakana Cook said. “Overall, we are…

The ruling by a Finnish court came after Russia failed to pay €4.6bn in compensation to the Naftogaz Group following its occupation of Crimea in 2014. ADVERTISEMENTA Finnish court has ordered the seizure of Russian assets in Finland worth tens of billions of euros after ruling in favour of Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas company, Naftogaz.The court’s decision followed a 2023 ruling by the Permanent Arbitration Court based in The Hague which ordered Russia to pay roughly €4.6bn in compensation to the company after seizing its assets illegally during the 2014 occupation of Crimea.“Since Russia refuses to voluntarily pay Naftogaz…

Murder accused Tingjun Cao was back in court this morning, as the second week of his trial began.The 53-year-old is accused of stabbing and killing real estate agent Yanfei Bao in July last year, but denies the offending. The Chinese national was in and out of the High Court in Christchurch last week, which saw proceedings interrupted on multiple occasions. On Friday evidence continued without Cao.This morning he entered the courtroom with a bandage visible on his neck and hand.Justice Lisa Preston told the jury, “As you can see Mr Cao is present in the court today, seated in the…

An interim Police Commissioner has been announced to replace Andrew Coster, who is leaving the force in November, until a permanent replacement is found. It was announced in September Coster is set to lead the Government’s Social Investment Agency. Coster spoke to Q+A earlier this month about his tenure as the country’s top cop.Police Minister Mark Mitchell said today Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kura has been appointed Police Commissioner from November 11 “until such time as a permanent Commissioner commences”.”I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Kura as the Police Commissioner on an interim basis while we are…

TVNZ has revealed it wants to retain a “reduced” version of the 1News website as the broadcaster pushes ahead with major changes to its business. Earlier this month, the broadcaster announced a proposal to shutter 1News.co.nz.Speaking to staff this afternoon, chief executive Jodi O’Donnell announced the outcome of stage one of consultation on wide-ranging “strategic change” plans across the business. The Crown-owned company, which is commercially rather than taxpayer-funded, is attempting to plug a $30 million hole in revenue.A spokesperson for TVNZ confirmed a series of changes today. They includeRetaining a reduced 1News.co.nz while we build news audiences on TVNZ+…

The Government is proposing changing the deed of understanding it has with NZ Post to only require post to be delivered a minimum two days a week in urban areas and three days a week in rural areas.The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment said the deed was last reviewed in 2013. It had been scheduled for review in 2018 but that was extended to 2024.The ministry said, since the last review, New Zealand’s digital connectivity had significantly improved. In 2002, about a billion mail items went through NZ Post in a year. In the last financial year, that was…

A lawyer for the owners of Whakaari/White Island has told a court that the tour operators were responsible for safety — not the company granting access to the volcanic island.Whakaari Management, and four other companies, were fined and ordered to pay more than $10 million in reparations for health and safety failings in the lead up to the 2019 volcanic eruption that killed 22 people.The owners of the island, James, Andrew and Peter Buttle, are challenging the criminal conviction of their company, at an appeal hearing in the High Court at Auckland.Their lawyer Rachael Reed KC said the appeal does…

Two park benches at a south Auckland park will be removed as planned — despite mixed reactions from residents and criticism over the lack of consultation.Earlier this month, the Manurewa Local Board, on advice from Auckland Transport (AT), decided to remove two benches at Randwick Park after nearby residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour by some users.A resident told Local Democracy Reporting she had complained to council after witnessing indecent acts at the benches.However, the decision to remove the benches faced criticism from the community, who complained about the lack of consultation.Local board chairman Matt Winiata said there was a…