Author: Press Room

Surcharges imposed for paying with a debit card could soon be a thing of the past, with the federal government threatening banks with an outright ban.The consumer watchdog has been given $2.1 million by the government to investigate fees on debit and credit cards.Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government was prepared to ban the fees on debit card transactions from the start of 2026, but that would also depend on a review carried out by the Reserve Bank.”Consumers shouldn’t be punished for using cards or digital payments, and at the same time, small businesses shouldn’t have to pay hefty fees…

Former MP Golriz Ghahraman’s shoplifting convictions are being appealed, court documents show. The former Green MP was denied a discharge without conviction and was fined $1600 and ordered to pay court costs in June, after admitting four charges of shoplifting. Her lawyer Annabel Cresswell had an appearance scheduled for the appeal at the Auckland High Court this morning. She declined to comment to 1News.Ghahraman, who partly attributed her actions to poor mental health brought on by the stresses of her job, resigned from her job as a high-profile MP shortly after the allegations became known in January. Nearly $9000 worth…

Months of intensive restoration work has paid off for Hawke’s Bay whitebaiters, as stocks of the delicacy bounce back after a significant drop off due to weather events last year.Baiters along Hawke’s Bay banks and waterways are celebrating the conservation projects that have contributed to an increased population of whitebait, as some had previously struggled to catch anything following destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Resident Dean Dawson told 1News it was a special time of year for his family, who had been fishing the same site on the Tukituki River for more than 50 years. “[It is the]…

The plight of Europe’s automotive sector — and its impact on the economy and jobs — has become a hot political topic. ADVERTISEMENTElected officials in Europe are raising the alarm over a slowdown in the production of cars and electric vehicles, blaming overburdening regulation and stiff competition from global rivals such as China.The automotive sector is one of the staples of Europe’s industry, accounting for 7% of EU GDP. But carmakers are struggling to adapt to the production of battery-electric vehicles, a transition Brussels is betting on as it prepares to phase out the production of combustion engine cars by…

The season’s first ship, Diamond Princess, with a capacity of 2670 passengers, makes it way to dock at Port Chalmers this morning.  Ninety-four cruise ships are expected throughout the season – down from 118 last year. Early this month, the Otago Regional Council announced 358 additional bus trips on the Port Chalmers route would run on 44 days during the season.

Neil Finn, the founding member and main songwriter of beloved Australian band Crowded House says the latest album “feels more special than ever” as the refreshed band prepare to tour New Zealand. He has also hinted another album is likely.Alongside bassist Nick Seymour, keyboardist Mitchell Froom and Finn’s sons Liam and Elroy, the band were currently touring their eighth Crowded House studio album Gravity Stairs, playing audiences in Aotearoa from next month. “We’ve become a better band from having done so many shows. There’s a lot of trust and a lot of jamming, and we’re getting off script,” Neil Finn…

Three people have been injured – two seriously – following a gas leak at a daycare on Auckland’s North Shore.1News understands the incident occurred at Caterpillars to Butterflies Early Childhood Centre, located on Coronation Rd.Hato Hone St John said it was called to an address in Hillcrest after receiving a report about 11.48am.Three patients were taken to North Shore Hospital, with two in a serious condition and a third with moderate injuries.”Two rapid response units, four ambulances, and one operations manager responded.”Fire crews were called to the scene around 12pm, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson told 1News. “Two…

Five people – including a teenager – have been arrested following an alleged kidnapping attempt at a home in Auckland overnight. Police were called after receiving a report a group of armed men were “trying to force their way into a home” on Coronation Rd in Epsom just after midnight, Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said. “The men allegedly forced entry and presented weapons to an occupant at the address, holding them against their will,” he said. “They also allegedly stole some personal items, including jewellery.” Officers were called to the scene and “disturbed the alleged offenders, who tried to…

Germany seeks reassurance from European Commission that it will not be forced to restrict car driving or shutter polluting factories as stricter air quality rules take effect across Europe. ADVERTISEMENTEnvironment ministers have signed off on stricter EU limits for air pollutants at an EU Council summit in Luxembourg, in a move welcomed by environmentalists and public health campaigners.“This was a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity for lawmakers to revise air quality standards to better protect people’s health, and we are pleased that they have seized it,” said Emma Bud, a lawyer with the environmental group ClientEarth, after the vote today.The legal charity…

The Southland community is mourning the sudden death of businessman Reece McDonald at the age of 47. Described as a kind, compassionate leader and friend, Mr McDonald was the president of the Southland Chamber of Commerce. He died on Saturday after an unexpected medical event. His death notice stated he “left this world while riding his bike at Sandy Point”. The news has shocked and saddened people around the Southland community. Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sheree Carey said the board and the team knew him as a man who was kind, compassionate and a great supporter of people. “He…