Author: Press Room

A New Zealand man who founded a California-based porn empire that recruited women with false modelling offers pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in a federal court, authorities said.Michael James Pratt pleaded guilty Thursday (local time) in federal court in San Diego, according to the US Department of Justice. He faces a possible life sentence when he is sentenced September 25.Pratt, 42, was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list when he was arrested in Madrid in 2022, three years after he fled while facing sex trafficking charges.Federal prosecutors said Pratt and his co-defendants used force, fraud and coercion to…

The search for a 79-year-old Christchurch woman who went missing in Christchurch has resumed today after it was paused due to poor weather conditions.  Elisabeth was reported missing in Riccarton on Wednesday night. “Police Search and Rescue, along with volunteers from Land Search and Rescue, are out operating in the Fendalton and Riccarton areas,” police said.  Christchurch residents may notice an increased police presence and are asked to check any outbuildings for Elisabeth or any unusual signs of disturbance.  “Elisabeth’s loved ones are feeling increasingly concerned for her, and Police are still urging anyone with any information, no matter how small, to…

A truck route “in a constant state of deterioration” might become a lot quieter after a Gisborne District Council decision regarding heavy vehicle permits.During council meetings last year, councillors and community members raised safety concerns around trucks travelling along Back Ormond and Ormond Rds.A man who drove daily along Ormond Rd to and from work said he had seen too many “near-misses” involving schoolchildren.In July, the council added new maps to NZ Transport Agency’s (NZTA) “H” permit system, which exclude Back Ormond and Ormond Rds.Trucks that carry over 44 tonnes require “H” permits to be driven on roads.These permits were…

Internet experts say the government must do more to avoid internet outages, after a warship knocked out services to Taranaki and Marlborough.Interference from an Australian warship’s navigation radar caused internet and radio services to fail in those regions on Wednesday.The 230-metre HMAS Canberra was sailing through Cook Strait when its systems disrupted 5 GHz wireless access points.The chief executive of the Telecommunications Users Association, Craig Young, said it showed the vulnerability in the country’s network.”It was fixed quite quickly once they figured out what was going on,” he said.”But it does show that we do have a weakness in the…

Police have called off the formal search for a 79-year-old Christchurch woman missing in sub-zero temperatures.The woman, Elisabeth, was reported missing in Riccarton on Wednesday night.Police were still appealing to the public for information, and asking people in Riccarton and surrounding areas to check their security cameras, sheds and garages.There was an unconfirmed sighting of her at Moa Vale at around 10am on Thursday morning.Elisabeth was wearing blue pants, a dark coloured long-sleeved top, black shoes and had distinctive long blonde/white hair.She had been admitted to a Christchurch rest home the day she disappeared.A Ryman spokesperson said she was referred…

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…

In the dynamic field of search engine optimisation (SEO), several influencers have emerged as leading figures, sharing insights, strategies, and trends that help businesses and marketers enhance their online presence. Here are some of the top SEO influencers to follow in 2024: Top SEO influencers Craig Campbell James Dooley Matt Diggity Matthew Woodward Julie Adams Olesia Korobka Holly Starks Craig Campbell Craig Campbell is considered among the top SEO influencers. He is a well-known SEO specialist based in Glasgow, recognised for his extensive experience and contributions to the digital marketing industry. Craig Campbell has been involved in SEO for over…