Author: Press Room

The Belarusian Association of Journalists said the seven journalists who worked for the Intex-Press online newspaper in the western city of Baranavichy were arrested earlier this month and charged with ‘supporting extremist activities.’ ADVERTISEMENTAuthorities in Belarus have arrested seven journalists who worked for an independent regional news outlet, a media watchdog has said, the latest move in a sweeping crackdown on dissent and freedom of speech by the country’s president, Alexander Lukashenko.The Belarusian Association of Journalists said the seven journalists who worked for the Intex-Press online newspaper in the western city of Baranavichy were arrested earlier this month and charged with…

Legislation reinstating 90-day no-cause evictions for renters, and bringing in “pet bonds” has passed its third reading.The bill amends the Residential Tenancies Act, and makes the following changes:Reintroduces 90-day notice ‘no cause’ terminations for periodic tenancies (rental agreements that do not specify an end date)Reduces landlords’ notice periods for ending periodic tenancies in specific circumstances from 63 to 42 daysReduces tenants’ notice periods for ending periodic tenancies, or renew or extend a fixed-term tenancy, from 28 days to 21 daysReintroduces landlords’ ability to give 21 to 90 days’ notice to end a fixed-term tenancy at the end of its term,…

Crews will be monitoring a vegetation fire overnight as it continues to burn along State Highway 1 south of Burnham, Canterbury.The fire is estimate to have burned through 30 hectares, including part of the Selwyn River bed and adjoining farmland.Fire and Emergency New Zealand incident commander Mike Johns said in an update at 8pm today that the response “is beginning to be scaled back slowly”.However, “multiple” crews, fire trucks, and tankers remain at the scene, Johns said. Two helicopters with monsoon buckets are also providing assistance. A number of grass fires have broken out by SH1 near Burnham in Canterbury.…

Following the Government’s announcement that greyhound racing in New Zealand will soon end, close to 3000 dogs are likely to be put up for adoption. On Tuesday, Racing Minister Winston Peters said the Government intended to wind down racing over 20 months in a decision “driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs”.A key task for that process will be rehoming the estimated 2900 racing greyhounds in New Zealand. This means anyone looking to have a greyhound as their family pet will soon have the opportunity to adopt one. So, what do you need to know about the breed before…

By Susan Edmunds Christchurch woman Carolyn says it took her a long time to shake the effects of a toxic workplace. Carolyn, whom RNZ has agreed not to name, was working in a part-time job that she had initially found through temping and had made permanent. It was paying well and she enjoyed it. But she shifted to a new role with a not-for-profit because a friend worked there who was treated well, and she respected the work they were doing. But before long, she was being “micromanaged”, her emails and texts read and being shouted at across the office. “My…

Crews tackled flare-ups at the site of a vegetation fire near Burnham in Canterbury overnight, with fresh crews continuing the work today.The fire broke out alongside State Highway 1 yesterday afternoon.”Fresh crews of firefighters will be working on the Burnham fireground today to continue the work of fully extinguishing the fire which broke out alongside SH1 near the Selwyn River yesterday afternoon,” FENZ said in a statement this morning.Incident Commander Mike Johns said crews worked to battle flare-ups overnight — including “candling”, when whole trees were on fire.”This morning heavy machinery will be working to help dig out deep seated…

Additional hurdles have appeared for Tasman District Council as it continues to try and lower speed limits after being forced to restart the process by the Government.The unforeseen challenges have raised frustration among councillors, even leading the mayor to a swearing outburst during a Wednesday meeting.The council is currently in the process of preparing to re-consult residents on lowering several speed limits across Tasman.A suite of new speed limits for the district – which were widely supported by residents, approved by the council, and adopted by the New Zealand Transport Agency – were invalidated by the Government’s new rule for…

The European Union on Wednesday issued new sanctions against Russia, targeting the “shadow fleet” of tankers. Ukraine’s Presidential advisor and commissioner for sanctions policy says he welcomes the step, but believes pace remains a problem. ADVERTISEMENTThe European Union on Wednesday issued new sanctions against Russia, targeting the “shadow fleet” of tankers that Moscow has deployed to circumvent Western restrictions on oil trade and maintain a source of revenue that is crucial to fund the war against Ukraine.The fleet consists of old-age, uninsured ships whose poor condition has stoked fears of an impending environmental disaster near or inside European waters.A handful…

Break-ins at two Ōtara schools, just 750 metres apart, and a local preschool have led to calls for more security patrols and community vigilance during the school holidays.Secret Santa presents and tuck shop food were among the items stolen, while the thieves left a trail of smashed windows and broken doors during the break-ins over the weekend.The incidents come after vandals hit a number of playgrounds and parks around the area in recent months, sparking calls from a local board leader for more security patrols in the area.Caretaker of Rongomai Primary, Phil Johnson, said he was frustrated and disgusted by…

Teachers fear a series of curriculum rewrites will erupt into fierce debates over topics including Shakespeare, transgender identity and traditional Māori knowledge.A months-late advance draft of the secondary school English curriculum is only now circulating among select teachers after what they say was a cloak and dagger writing process. In November, the group rewriting the science curriculum was suddenly paused.Meanwhile, rewrites of the Aotearoa New Zealand histories curriculum and health and physical education, which included relationships and sexuality curriculums, lay ahead.PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said curriculum rewrites were usually controversial only among teachers, but increasingly they were attracting public debate…