Author: Press Room

A 15-year-old boy who was killed in a fight in Napier is being remembered as a quiet and respectful student who was full of creativity and skill.In a post on social media, Napier Boys High School said Kaea Karauria’s death had deeply saddened their community.”His passion for sport was like a superpower. Sport lit him up from the inside… particularly evident in his excitement to represent NBHS in the U15’s team last year.”He embraced the opportunity to play alongside old friends and prove his talent.”The school said beyond the sports field, Karauria was also a valued presence academically and was…

ADVERTISEMENTFrance vowed to expel an unspecified number of Algerian diplomats from its territory on Wednesday in response to Algiers’ decision to send back 15 French officials on Sunday.This latest instalment in the diplomatic tug of war between the two nations comes after Algeria expelled 12 French officials in mid-April, which led France to expel 12 Algerian diplomats and consular officials while recalling its ambassador.France’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told broadcaster BFM that a number of Algerian officials who hold a diplomatic passports but who do not currently have valid visas to work in France would be sent back to their country.…

Coalition members are responding to the Green Party’s alternative budget with derision, while Labour distanced itself from the proposal, saying it would set out its own tax policy this year.The Prime Minister said it was “clown show economics” and an “absolute circus” while the Deputy Prime Minister held up a printed copy of the hammer and sickle symbol to reporters, calling the co-leaders “Chloe Marx and Marama Engels”.The Greens have pledged free GP visits and free childcare funded through new taxes and increased borrowing.The policies included a wealth tax; a private jet tax; ending interest deductibility for landlords; restoring the…

Three Te Pati Māori MPs have been suspended from Parliament by the Privileges Committee for performing a haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill last year.Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer were “severely censured” and suspended for 21 days, while Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke was suspended for seven days.In a decision released on Wednesday night, the Privileges Committee found the trio had acted “in a manner that could have the effect of intimidating a member of the House in the discharge of their duty”.”There is no question that the behaviour of Ms Maipi-Clarke, Ms Ngarewa-Packer, and Mr Waititi could…

It’s been a busy few weeks for the Brothers Beer Brewery in Auckland, making and packing as much beer as they can — to send to China.”Our last China order is literally double in size,” manager Dylan Adams told 1News. “It’s gone from one 40ft container to two and, you know, we get those orders pretty regularly.”New Zealand boutique beer brands are taking a glass half full approach and tapping into chances with China.  (Source: 1News)The US was a big export competitor for beer makers here, but the price of American products has skyrocketed because of the recent tariff stand-off.…

McDonald’s is offering free Quarter Pounder burgers to those with the first name of Brad after A-list actor Brad Pitt visited a drive-thru in Auckland’s Kūmeu last month.The fast-food giant said anyone registered on the Macca’s app with the first name Brad would received the deal.”To be eligible, users must have registered to the McDonald’s app before May 12, 2025.”All Brads are welcome — Hollywood or Henderson.”The offer was only available on the fast-food chain’s app until midnight on Sunday.Brad Pitt meets a young fan at McDonald’s Kūmeu. (Source: Supplied)Watch the video of the young fan’s encounter on TVNZ+On April…

ADVERTISEMENTA Hungarian lawmaker in Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party has proposed a bill that could significantly restrict the operations of foreign-funded NGOs that are deemed to be a threat to the country’s sovereignty.János Halász filed a draft law late on Tuesday entitled “Transparency in Public Life”, which says that public activity in Hungary should be subject to stricter regulation.The bill states that organisations that threaten Hungary’s sovereignty will no longer be allowed to accept foreign funding without authorisation, will not be eligible for personal income tax relief, and will have to declare their assets, among other requirements.Hungary under…

A former Invercargill councillor says she has not cleared her bill with the council after they removed gorse from her land more than two years ago.Karen Arnold has been embroiled in a battle with the organisation since 2022 when her section at Theodore St, Bluff, began failing inspections due to overgrowth.A report prepared for a March hearing showed it had drawn three “request for service” complaints and failed eight of 10 inspections.But Arnold disputes the issue, saying compliance notices from council were unlawful and breached the New Zealand Bill of Rights.Arnold said she won’t pay her share of a $5320…

Police have released the name of the 55-year-old man found dead in Parakao, Northland, yesterday.Geoffrey Wayne Ware was found by ambulance staff on his rural property off Mangakahia Rd, on State Highway 15, just before 4pm on May 9.“We would like to extend our condolences to Mr Ware’s whānau and loved ones at this difficult time,” Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris said.A homicide investigation was launched yesterday, and police say the enquiry team are making good progress in response their appeal for information.“We are following some strong lines of enquiry.””I would like to acknowledge the public for their assistance,” Harris…

ADVERTISEMENTThe European Union has agreed to impose a new round of sanctions against Russia, threatening to slap on another one if the country continues to refuse the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by the White House and the “Coalition of the Willing”.The big push comes as Volodymyr Zelenskyy challenges Vladimir Putin to sit down for direct peace talks in Turkey, a format endorsed by Donald Trump. So far, the Kremlin has not confirmed whether the Russian president will actually travel to Istanbul.”I believe that if Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is the final point that he does not…