Author: Press Room

One person has been arrested and a homicide investigation launched following the death of a man in Auckland’s New Lynn this afternoon.Emergency services were called to Kaponga Cres in the suburb of New Lynn just before noon to a report of a person injured.St John responded to the incident with two rapid response units, an ambulance, and an operations manager.Despite efforts of first responders, the man died at the scene.Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said one person was taken into custody.”As such, police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter. We would like to reassure the community…

ADVERTISEMENT Ursula von der Leyen hit back against a renewed attempt to topple her presidency by making a pitch for political unity at a time when “our adversaries are not only ready to exploit any divisions” but “they are actively inciting those divisions in the first place”. Von der Leyen faces two simultaneous motions of censure this week, filed by far-right and far-left groups in the European Parliament, just three months after she comfortably survived her first-ever vote of no confidence. Neither of the two motions is expected to succeed. “The point of this unity is not necessarily for us…

Another business linked to Christchurch property developer Andrew Bendemski has folded, leaving a string of connected companies owing at least $35 million to creditors. Among failed projects was a Wanaka development with consent to build about 60 townhouses near the lake waterfront, which went to mortgagee sale last year. This was owned by Stoney Creek GCO Ltd, whose director was Mr Bendemski. After developing Christchurch and Wanaka subdivisions, he now has an Auckland address. The latest of interwoven companies to go under this year is GCO Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which was placed in liquidation on September 26. Mr Bendemski is the…

Former Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr has been paid nearly half a million dollars, in addition to $760,000 in remuneration, after he abruptly quit his job in March.The “restraint of trade payment” amount was disclosed today in the bank’s annual report, showing Orr was paid nearly $1.2 million total in the period since July 1, 2024.Around $766,180 of the total amount was his overall remuneration – including salary, KiwiSaver employer contributions and other employee benefits – while $416,120 was paid to the former governor this month for restraint of trade.A spokesperson for the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) confirmed to 1News that…

A Christchurch hospitality sector dining on a spending rise suggests pubs, cafes, restaurants and takeaway outlets are no longer still struggling. Hospitality businesses are hoping this is a sign the cost-of-living crunch may be putting less heat on them. Hospitality New Zealand said the Christchurch spend in food services and commercial accommodation was up 7% in August from the same month a year ago. Interim chief executive Nick Keene said hospitality spending in the city had one of the highest rises nationwide. It was especially pleasing to see the spending gain was locally driven, showing households were perhaps more confident…

Former Silver Fern Maia Wilson says she has come under fire from keyboard warriors in the aftermath of Dame Noeline Taurua’s suspension, despite not knowing anything about the saga.The national body confirmed on Saturday that Taurua will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season following failed attempts at mediation last week.Netball NZ said “despite considerable and genuine effort” from the two parties, a resolution regarding the Silver Ferns “high performance programme and environment” had not yet been reached.Taurua was sensationally stood down 11 days out from the Taini Jamison series against South Africa last month.The rift between Dame…

Defective paint used by contractors during repairs to a popular fountain in Napier last year has resulted in it being closed again.A Napier City Council spokesperson said the contractor who carried out the improvements was fixing an issue they had with the paint.”They are still under a liability period for the contract and are rectifying it at no additional cost to the council,” the spokesperson said. “It needs specific weather conditions to apply correctly, so it had to happen now before it gets too hot over summer.”The fountain was closed for repairs in June 2024 after the council discovered deterioration…

New Zealand rugby star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been honoured with a Barbie doll in her likeness as part of a campaign to celebrate women in sport.The two time Olympic and Rugby World Cup winning athlete was one of four professional rugby players featured in Mattel’s Team Barbie initiative, launched to mark the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl. The campaign aimed to highlight female role models and encourage girls to stay engaged in sport.Woodman-Wickliffe said it was “surreal and special” to see herself as a Barbie doll.”Having grown up loving Barbie, it was surreal and special to see myself…

ADVERTISEMENT Sweden (94.6%), France (85.2%), and the Netherlands (80.3%) rank best in the European Union for abortion rights, according to the European Abortion Policies Atlas 2025. The scores awarded to these countries relate to their strong legal protections that fully decriminalise abortion, wide service availability, national health coverage, government-led online information and countering misinformation. By contrast, Malta, at 3.7%, and Poland, at 18.6%, remain at the bottom of the ranking, with abortion largely criminalised with strict penalties, and access to clinical care restricted. In general, northern and western European countries rank better in the Atlas. However, experts in sexual and…

Hastings is closing its bars an hour earlier, sending patrons home in a decision at odds with neighbouring city Napier.Hastings District Council has voted unanimously for additional changes to its Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), including pubs closing at 2am instead of 3am, with a mandatory one-way door from 1am.Supermarkets and grocery stores must also reduce the hours alcohol can be sold to 9am to 9pm. Previously, it was 7am to 10pm.The changes came into force last week, on September 30. The impacts of the changes would be reviewed in a year.Nick Keene, Hospitality NZ’s interim chief executive, said the decision…