Author: Press Room
The businessman looking to oust the board of media company NZME believes he has the numbers to achieve change, and told the current board resistance was “futile”. In a letter released through the company to the NZX, Jim Grenon gave more detail on how the board might be restructured, although he remained adamant that he and his three nominees – Des Gittings, Philip Crump and Simon West – should be voted in to replace the current board. But he offered some compromise with “other shareholder factions… to end up with more consensus”, by suggesting four other directors could be appointed.…
Thousands of tonnes of food scraps have been saved from going into landfill in the two years since Auckland households received their council food scrap bins.Some residents told First Up they found the bin easy to use, while others believed it was not for them.Auckland Council rolled out food scrap bins for 465,000 households in April 2023.One of the recipients was Jenni Smith, who rents a small unit in New Lynn.She said she now separated her food waste from general rubbish thanks to the council bin.”Well, because I’m renting it depending on the space, it can be kind of tricky…
Former prime minister Dame Jacinda Ardern has joined Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government as a Distinguished Fellow and member of the world leaders circle.Dame Jacinda has a three-year affiliation to the network of former heads of government, and will attend an annual gathering at the English university.The world leaders circle aims to improve governance around the world.In a statement, Professor Ngaire Woods said they were delighted to welcome Dame Jacinda.”Her leadership in times of crisis, commitment to public service, and deep understanding of governance will bring invaluable insights to our global community.” Professor Woods said the Oxford initiative would…
The protest was the second in as many weeks since the ruling Fidesz party of Hungary used its two-thirds parliamentary majority last Tuesday to expedite the law, which critics say is the government’s most recent assault on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the country. ADVERTISEMENTThousands of protesters blocked a major thoroughfare in the centre of Hungary’s capital on Tuesday in opposition to a recent law that effectively bans LGBTQ+ Pride events and restricts Hungarians’ right to assembly.The protest was the second in as many weeks since the ruling Fidesz party of Hungary used its two-thirds parliamentary majority last…
An 11-year-old girl who was mistaken for an adult, handcuffed and admitted to a mental health facility was given at least two doses of anti-psychotic medication, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.Investigations are under way by both Health New Zealand and police after the incident in Hamilton earlier this month.The girl, who is reportedly autistic and non-verbal, was mistaken for a 20-year-old mental health patient by police after she was seen climbing a bridge.Doocey told Morning Report the situation is hugely distressing.”The 11-year-old was taken into Waikato Hospital and administered antipsychotic drugs twice throughout the day,” Doocey said.Asked how this…
A beachside community in Auckland will finally have its first pump track after the project was approved by the local board.Motivated by his three kids, Byron Scott has tried for years to build a pump track in the Maraetai and Beachlands area.He had the expertise through his company Trail Pro and the funds, but lacked the space to bring his dreams of a 360 square metre asphalt pump track to life.Until now.At Tuesday’s meeting, the Franklin Local Board approved Constellation Park as the location for the pump track, and Trail Pro’s contribution to cover 80% of the costs.Chair Angela Fulljames…
Aucklanders’ water bills are set to increase as Watercare prepares to become financially independent and spend billions of dollars improving the city’s water services.From July 1, 2025, the price an average Auckland household pays for water and wastewater services would go up 7.2% or $7 a month.But that is lower than the 25.8% price hike Auckland Council had proposed for water rates.Some Aucklanders RNZ spoke to in the CBD felt their water bills were already too high, but most were willing to pay more if it meant better service.”In New Zealand, we don’t spend enough on infrastructure,” Paul Kennedy said.…
Jordan O’Brien has had many near-death experiences. One moment stands out – the time he came seconds from being killed by a Russian rocket.”The image [I have] is the blinding flash of light that almost killed me. I wear a piece of a rocket that almost took my life and the lives of two of my mates,” he said.”It was 2am and I was on watch, and didn’t even hear it come in. It just hit the ground. And it’s just a blinding flash of light. And then I’m lying on my back, and I come to, and I thought…
Almost half of Brits would support the creation of a European army that included the UK, apart from Reform UK voters who are sticking close to the US. ADVERTISEMENTAs talks about bolstering the European Union’s defensive capabilities and production loom, a recent YouGov survey found that around 46% of British people would support the idea of the creation of a European army that includes the UK. Of the 7,300 adults in Great Britain who were questioned, 28% do not support the idea. The individuals who ‘strongly support’ the idea are mainly located in Scotland and Wales, while those who ‘somewhat support’…
Police, including members of the negotiation team, are responding to an “active incident” at the Murupara police station this morning which has left at least one road closed.The scene is currently contained and police are “actively engaging” with one person, a spokesperson said.”A number of staff are in attendance including the police negotiation team.”We continue to ask the public to avoid the area.”Pine Dr, between Oregon Dr and Main Rd, remains closed.More to come