Author: Press Room

A group of priests spent the night chained together outside Nicola Willis’ Johnsonville office, calling on the minister to “come and break bread”. The protesters chained themselves to the door yesterday in a call for the Government to impose sanctions on Israel over the war in Gaza and for New Zealand to recognise Palestine as a state. The group remained chained to the door this afternoon and said they would stay until Willis met with them. A second group of priests were trespassed after staging a sit-in at Health Minister Simeon Brown’s electorate office in Pakuranga, Auckland.Rev Mel McKenzie of…

Multiple warnings and watches have been issued with heavy rain and strong winds forecast to lash most of the South Island and the lower North Island on Wednesday into Thursday.MetService said a front preceded by a “humid” northwest flow would move across the country from late Tuesday until Thursday.Several orange-level heavy rain warnings have been issued for the South Island.Up to 200mm of rain is expected in the ranges of Westland and the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, with peak intensities reaching 35 mm/h. Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound was also under a warning, with up…

A man has been arrested in Auckland for allegedly smuggling 10kg of an illegal drug known as kamini into the country from India.Customs investigators conducted search warrants at a business and home in Auckland after they found the pills concealed in packets of snacks sent from India two months ago.The pills were sent for testing and analysis by the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science), which certified the pills as kamini, which contained class B and C controlled drugs. The kamini pills were concealed in packets of snacks sent from India two months ago. (Source:…

ADVERTISEMENT The EU rules on AI should be paused while potential “drawbacks” are assessed, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Tuesday during a conference considering the European Commission’s progress in implementing the recommendations set out in Draghi’s landmark report from 2024.  The AI Act which entered into force in August last year, but will fully apply in 2027, is “a source of uncertainty”, the former Italian premier said. The rules aim to regulate AI systems according to the risk they pose to society, ranging from minimal enforcement to more compliance for high-risk systems and prohibitions. “The first rules—which…

The Government is promising changes to the Commerce Act it says will prevent “creeping acquisitions and predatory pricing”.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson said the changes would set out clear rules for mergers, and streamline approvals for business collaboration.The Commerce Commission would be restructured with stronger tools to seek a High Court injunction to require companies to comply with the act.Simpson said it would also have the ability to pause or “call in” risky mergers before they are completed.”This targeted power ensures problematic deals can be properly assessed.”The changes would set out clear…

Published on 16/09/2025 – 10:24 GMT+2 ADVERTISEMENT A video has gone viral on social media alleging that a Muslim terrorist group has threatened to burn the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, unless French authorities release Brahim Aouissaoui. He is a Tunisian citizen who killed three people in a terrorist attack in Nice in 2020. The video shows three masked men issuing their ultimatum before setting a model of Notre Dame on fire. They each bear a logo on their sleeves that resembles that of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group formerly led by Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa. “Your churches…

Suppose you own a café, restaurant, or eatery in New Zealand’s ever-changing weather. In that case, you already know that creating an inviting outdoor space can be the difference between a packed house and empty tables. That’s where outdoor cafe umbrellas come in—not just as functional shade providers but as branding powerhouses that make your business stand out. Whether in Auckland’s Viaduct, Wellington’s Cuba Street, or Queenstown’s lakefront, properly branded cafe umbrellas can enhance your customers’ experience, reinforce your brand, and even increase your revenue. The Power of Outdoor Cafe Umbrellas: Real Business Wins Many café and restaurant owners across…

Small businesses often face the challenge of standing out in competitive marketplaces, especially at outdoor events, trade shows, and local markets. A branded gazebo 3×3 is one of the most effective and cost-efficient tools for increasing brand awareness, attracting customers, and providing a professional appearance. With the ability to customise, transport, and reuse, a 3×3 printed marquee serves as an invaluable asset for small businesses looking to make an impact. This blog explores why investing in a branded gazebo 3×3 is a game-changer for your business, covering everything from visibility and durability to ease of setup and cost-effectiveness. 1. Instant…

In the world of marketing, standing out from the crowd is everything. With businesses vying for attention at events, exhibitions, and trade shows, making a solid and lasting impression is vital. One of the most effective tools to achieve this is through printed marquees. These versatile, eye-catching structures not only provide functional shelter but also serve as a powerful branding tool. Investing in high-quality branded marquees can significantly elevate your presence at outdoor and indoor events, whether a small business owner or a large corporation. Let’s dive into the top five benefits of using custom printed marquees to boost your…

Karanbir Singh, CEO of Driveree, explains, “We understand that delivery drivers are the backbone of our platform. They play a crucial role in our success, and we believe they should be compensated fairly for their efforts. That’s why we’ve designed our pay structure to reflect their hard work and dedication, ensuring they can rely on their income and feel valued.” Competitive Pay Structure and Bonuses Driveree’s competitive pay structure is what sets it apart from other platforms. Drivers are paid a basic per-kilometer rate plus commission, ensuring they are compensated for both the distance traveled and the service provided. On…