Author: Press Room

Scientists fear the Government’s decision to weaken New Zealand’s methane reduction target signals a broader retreat from climate action — including an intent to back away from our international commitments, and ultimately cause more warming.The coalition confirmed yesterday it would cut the 2050 target for biogenic methane — mostly from agriculture — from a 24-47% reduction below 2017 levels to just 14-24%.It also ruled out any future methane levy or tax, delayed by two years its required response to the Climate Change Commission’s advice to strengthen climate targets, and said the changes would be pushed through under urgency within two…

Police say investigations are underway after a driver was killed following a police pursuit in Whāngarei at the weekend.Northland District Commander, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, said officers saw a car travelling at high speed along Dave Culham Dr at 11.15pm on Saturday.”The police unit responded and the red and blue lights were activated on Riverside Dr,” he said. “The exact response will form part of the critical investigation.”The car crashed on Memorial Dr and the officers gave first aid, but the driver – who was alone in the vehicle – died at the scene.Matt Srhoj said several investigations were underway to…

ADVERTISEMENT Recent Russian pounding of Ukraine’s energy grid will pose a “new challenge” for the country this winter, the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso, has told Euronews. Ukraine is facing its fourth winter since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. In the months running up to the start of the country’s heating season, the EBRD was working with Ukraine’s state-run oil and gas company Naftogaz to ensure that Ukraine has sufficient gas storage to cover the winter. However, these efforts have been thwarted in recent weeks, as Russia is scaling up…

Thousands of people have had money deducted from their bank accounts in recent months as Inland Revenue steps up its efforts to collect the tax it is owed.IR spokesperson Rowan McArthur said it had sent out 16,500 notices about planned bank deductions since mid-June, 25% more than for the whole of last year.”We are targeting customers who have repeatedly not engaged with IR; and those where information we have indicates there may be funds in their bank account(s) that could be deducted from to pay off existing tax debt.”He said IR was also working to get instalment payment plans in…

Throughout Waikato and Bay of Plenty, councils are rolling out their summer road maintenance programmes.Resurfacing of roads was like a new coat of paint on the roof of a home – it kept the water out and protected the base of the road, stopping potholes from forming.For most local roads, this would mean a spray of chip seal, despite people seeming to have a clear preference for asphalt roads.Here’s a sample of opinions from people in the centre of Hamilton:”It just makes it easier for the cars.””It’s smoother and chips ruin your car.””It’s just nice and smooth, and I like…

Sophie Barker has been elected Dunedin mayor.Barker, an incumbent councillor, had been clinging to a slim lead of just over 100 votes with the release of early results, but preliminary results released this morning showed this had widened to 726 votes.Barker received 16,001 votes, with runner-up Andrew Simms receiving 15,275 votes.In a post to Facebook, she thanked everyone who turned out and voted.”I’m so humbled and honoured to be elected Mayor of Dunedin, for the faith people have shown in me and my vision.”It’s a wonderful milestone for Dunedin to elect its second woman Mayor so I pay tribute to…

A child has died following a house fire in the Canterbury town of Rakaia, becoming the second fatality from the blaze.Emergency services were called to the residence on Dunford St in Rakaia at about 11.15pm on Saturday.Five crews were sent to the property, which was “well ablaze” and with people reported to be inside. Firefighters rescued two people from the burning building.Police confirmed an adult was found dead at the scene. A child, who was found in a critical condition, was airlifted to hospital but died on Sunday afternoon, a police spokesperson said.”The deaths with be referred to the Coroner,…

One of the country’s longest-standing mayors, Wayne Guppy has summed up his almost-certain ousting in a simple three-word text: “democracy has spoken”.Guppy has donned the Upper Hutt mayoral chains for 24 years and was vying for a ninth term, but his reign is likely over, with early results showing the city instead backed Peri Zee, an urban planner and transport adviser.Former Labour leader Andrew Little’s been provisionally elected the new mayor of Wellington. (Source: 1News)The outgoing mayor has kept his comments short and sweet for now, but indicated he would have more to say soon.Meanwhile, Zee, the only candidate who…

The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including a Kiwi driver conquers Mount Panorama, more Jeffrey Epstein trouble for Prince Andrew, and the historic find in a suburban backyard. Matt Payne has won a rain soaked Bathurst 1000. More local election results are expected today after a flurry of votes on the final day delayed some counting. Aid trucks are making their way into Gaza, with hostages expected to be released in the coming hours. A new email between Prince Andrew and Jeffery Epstein has reportedly been obtained by British media. A New Orleans family have found a 1900 year old…

Two 21-year-old New Zealanders have appeared in an Australian court after allegedly attempting to smuggle 40 kilograms of cocaine through Sydney International Airport.The pair appeared in Parramatta Local Court on Saturday after Australian Border Force officers allegedly found the illicit drugs on Friday.The men were selected for a baggage examination upon their arrival in Sydney on a flight from the Middle East. Around 20kg of a white substance was allegedly found in each of the men’s suitcases, totalling an estimated 40kg.Initial testing of the substance returned a positive result for cocaine and the matter was referred to the Australian Federal…