Author: Press Room

Swedish furniture giant IKEA has revealed its first New Zealand store will open on December 4. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the announcement in Auckland today and took part in a guided tour for an exclusive first look inside the 34,000sq m store with media and other stakeholders. Auckland Council advised IKEA to avoid opening on public holidays, Fridays, weekends, Black Friday or Boxing Day. In July this year, the retailer said it was on track to open at Sylvia Park Shopping Centre in the Auckland suburb of Mt Wellington later this year, and had already employed 85 of the 500…

When scientists cracked the human genome in 2003 – sequencing the entire genetic code of a human being – many expected it would unlock the secrets of disease. But genetics explained only about 10% of the risk. The other 90% lies in the environment – and diet plays a huge part, writes David Benton.Worldwide, poor diet is linked to around one in five deaths among adults aged 25 years or older. In Europe, it accounts for nearly half of all cardiovascular deaths.But despite decades of advice about cutting fat, salt or sugar, obesity and diet-related illness have continued to rise.…

You’re driving up a suburban street when the road narrows with cars parked on both sides, leaving just enough space for one vehicle to pass through at a time.Up ahead, another driver is coming from the opposite direction. You both slow down, unsure who should move first. There’s no signage, no lane markings, and no obvious rule. So, who gives way?It’s a familiar squeeze, and one that’s happening more often as housing intensifies and streets grow busier.But according to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), the New Zealand Road Code or the Land Transport Act doesn’t offer a definitive answer.”In…

Education Minister Erica Stanford has criticised NCEA for allowing students to “get credits for having a part time job, or participating in a group activity, or filling in forms”. With the Government currently consulting on their proposal to scrap it, Re: News asked current and former high school students what they think about New Zealand’s secondary school qualification and its flexibility. Watch what the students had to say about NCEA on TVNZ+Passing NCEA Level 3 with credits from McDonald’s Re: News spoke to a 19-year-old school leaver, who only passed NCEA Level 3 because he got credits from his part-time…

Two years ago, Steve Davies went on a full day motorbike ride around the lower North Island with some mates – and was lucky to survive a serious crash.It was raining, conditions were difficult, and Davies was the tail-end Charlie with six bikes ahead of him as they headed towards Hunterville on the rural back roads.After coming around a left-hand corner, he could see a patch of slippery tar bleed ahead, he tried to avoid the worst of it, but his bike slid from underneath him.Davies could see a patch of slippery tar bleed ahead, he tried to avoid the…

Salmon, bacon and “anything from vanilla to sauerkraut” are among the ice cream flavours planned at a new dessert bar opening soon in the Octagon. Blue Cockatoo is expected to open in November at 16 The Octagon — next to the Regent Theatre. Co-owners Hannes Bareiter and Melanie Hartmann had initially eyed up the premises six years ago, before starting their St Clair restaurant Titi, which they sold in April. They had always wanted to do “something different”, Mr Bareiter said. “There’s a good chance there’ll be savoury ice creams. “There might be salmon in it … same with cocktails,…

Any gold you’ve got stashed in your jewellery box could well be worth more than you think, auction houses say.The price of gold has reached new record levels, up about 45% year-on-year and more than 100% over five years.That’s also pushing up the price of gold jewellery, including pre-owned items.Christine Power, head of fine jewels, watches and luxury accessories at auction house Webb’s said there had been a noticeable impact on values.”People have started to realise that there is a return so we are finding that more people are going through their items at home and seeing what little treasures…

Two people are in custody after a man was found unconscious on a footpath following an alleged assault in Auckland’s Mount Wellington yesterday. Counties Manukau West Area Response Manager Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey said officers were called to Meadow Street, Mt Wellington, shortly before 7.30pm after a man was found unconscious on the footpath. “He was initially transported to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition but is now stable,” he said. “Last night, police took two people in custody in the nearby area. The pair will be referred to Youth Aid.” Inquiries would continue into how last night’s events…

The parents of a 16-year-old boy who died drunk-driving are pleading with the government to strengthen liquor laws, after learning he was served alcohol multiple times that night, including when visibly drunk.Silas Sims, a popular student and keen rugby player at Mahurangi College in Warkworth, smashed his car into a concrete pole in the early evening of July 19 this year.His parents, Ben and Sarah, are appealing personally to Nicole McKee, the minister in charge of alcohol laws, in the hope of preventing others experiencing the tragedy they are living through.McKee said the circumstances of Silas’ death were tragic, but…

The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including new anti-gang powers for Manawatū police, Kim Jong Un’s surprise guest, and Donald Trump fires back at rumours about his health. A ‘gang conflict warrant’ is now in force across the whole Manawatū region amid rising gang tensions. Kim Jong Un has taken a surprise guest with him on a major visit to Beijing. Donald Trump has slammed rumours about his health, after he was hardly seen for a few days. Wellington’s ‘City to Sea’ bridge could start being demolished on Friday, unless there’s a fresh legal appeal. British musicians have used the…