Author: Press Room

A long-standing Dunedin audio service firm has been put into liquidation, by shareholder resolution, after losing its main contract. In their initial report to creditors and shareholders, Trevor and Emma Laing, of Laing Insolvency Specialists, said Vision AV was incorporated in 1994 and provided network television installation, servicing and also audiovisual related services. For many years, the company provided services in the wider Otago and Southland areas and, for most of that time, the backbone of the business had been undertaking installation, servicing and advisory work on a contract basis. More recently, there had been expansion into highly technical audiovisual…

Scams, soaring mortgage payments and the rising cost of living will be top of mind as the heads of two of Australia’s biggest banks arrive at parliament for a political grilling.National Australia Bank chief executive Andrew Irvine and Shayne Elliot, the head of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ), will appear before a House of Representatives review of Australia’s big four banks on Friday.The big four control about 80 per cent of the Australian banking sector and have been accused of exacerbating financial pressures on their customers.Westpac and Commonwealth Bank CEOs fielded questions about over their companies’ interest…

A warning has come from Fire and Emergency Canterbury after four fires in rural areas sucked up considerable resources this morning.Southern shift manager Daryl Ball is urging those who are having controlled burn-offs to make sure they are fully extinguished, with three fires being whipped up by strong northwesterly winds at around 6am. The first fire started at Charing Cross near Darfield just before 6am, while another three fires were just a couple of kilometres apart at Glentui in the Waimakariri District shortly after.Although the fires have all been contained and pose no risk to people or property, Ball said…

Police are appealing for information after a house fire in Hamilton over the weekend was deemed to be arson. In a statement, a police spokesperson said the house fire occurred on Knighton Rd in Hillcrest on Saturday, August 24 at around 2.30pm.A forensic examination of the scene had since determined the fire was deliberately lit.”Considerable damage was caused to the house during the blaze and neighbouring occupied properties were also put at risk.” The house fire occurred on Knighton Road in Hillcrest on Saturday, August 24. (Source: NZ Police)”Police would like to speak to anyone who has not already been…

Homes have been searched and assets frozen following allegations of fraudulent payments costing over €500,000. ADVERTISEMENTA Lithuanian former MEP is now part of a spiralling probe into alleged fraudulent payments worth over €500,000, EU prosecutors announced today. Lithuanian prosecutors have confirmed to news site BNS that the suspect is ex-MEP Viktor Uspaskich, who has denied the allegations in separate remarks to media.  “The former MEP is now officially suspected of abuse of office, falsification and use of false documents, illegal acquisition, possession and use of an electronic document, as well as the acquisition of high value foreign assets,” the EPPO said…

Air New Zealand has announced a 65% drop in net profit for the 2024 financial year amid operational and economic headwinds. The flagship carrier reported earnings before tax this year of $222 million, compared to $574 million for the same period last year. Net profit after tax was $146 million, compared with $412 million the year before — a 65% drop. Operating revenue grew.Air New Zealand’s chief executive Greg Foran said the result was “as expected”, with a reduction on the prior year, when the airline recorded one of its highest ever results following the reopening of New Zealand’s border.…

The rollout of mental health support for primary and intermediate school pupils in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti is set to continue.The Government has committed sustainable funding to the phased rollout of Mana Ake, which will grow to $3.7 million a year by 2026-27.Mana Ake is a school-based mental well-being programme that helps children learn skills such as coping with change or challenges, managing their emotions, building positive relationships and overcoming grief and loss.It also provides advice, guidance and workshops for parents, whānau and teachers so they can respond to and support the wellbeing needs of children.Mana Ake was initially developed…

The Green Party won’t be holding Sunday’s planned meeting where it was going to decide whether to invoke waka-jumping legislation against former MP Darleen Tana.It comes as High Court proceedings brought by Tana against the party were stood down until next month.Their lawyers had applied for an interim injunction to stop the Green Party special general meeting from going ahead.A hearing was due to take place in the High Court this morning. Both parties have agreed for the case to be deferred to September 12.Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said today the special general meeting would be deferred until the proceedings…

Brussels has raised no objections to the Spanish veto of a Hungarian bid that would have acquired the totality of Talgo, a domestic train maker. ADVERTISEMENTThe decision of the Spanish government to veto the Hungarian takeover of Talgo, a domestic manufacturer of high-speed trains, has received the implicit endorsement of the European Commission, which traded carefully as the news, charged with a geopolitical dimension, continues to make headlines.”The prerogative of such decisions lies with member states,” a Commission spokesperson said on Thursday afternoon, asked about the failed transaction.”In line with EU treaties, member states can restrict single market freedoms, such…

A Dunedin man has been arrested after police received reports of someone posing as a young person online in an attempt to deceive other young people into sending them sexualised content.The 22-year-old’s arrest prompted a warning to parents to stay vigilant of similar behaviour. Detective Sergeant Reece Munro said: “Initial inquiries suggest that there are a number of victims in New Zealand, and potentially other jurisdictions as well.”Support is being provided to those who reported the behaviour to the police. “It is important Kiwi parents know that unfortunately this offending does happen in New Zealand, and that they need to…