Author: Press Room

ADVERTISEMENTWomen in Ukraine are facing a surge in gender-based violence in addition to the direct threats of conflict following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the Ukraine representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has told Euronews. Ulla Müller, who leads the UNFPA team in Ukraine, warned of the escalating dangers faced by women living in the country and said gender-based violence is worsening. Violence against women tends to increase in conflict situations as instability exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, Müller told Euronews.  “Gender-based violence is the shadow of the crisis that no one talks about. That has to end,” she said, adding that it is…

Construction of Christchurch’s long-awaited stadium is entering its final stretch, with One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha on track to open its doors in a year’s time.The Garden City’s largest construction project broke ground in April 2022 and is expected to be complete in April 2026. The multi-use arena will have capacity for a crowd of 30,000 (25,000 permanent seats and room for 5000 more) for sports matches and up to 37,300 when in concert mode.It will be the last of the anchor projects from the original rebuild blueprint. One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha has already become a…

ADVERTISEMENTGermany is prepared to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine as part of efforts to help Kyiv seize the momentum against Russia, the soon-to-be Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said.Speaking with ARD’s Caren Miosga on Sunday, Merz made it clear that he stood by his past calls to give the Ukrainian military the long-range weapons. The suggestion breaks with the policy of the incumbent German leader Olaf Scholz, who has refused to give Ukraine the missiles. Merz’s comments came after a Russian missile attack — which he called “a serious war crime” — left at least 34 civilians dead and 117 wounded…

The Warriors’ depth is in for a significant test as Rocco Berry’s one-game suspension adds him to their list of outs for Saturday’s clash against Brisbane.The Auckland club had already been preparing to lose co-captain James Fisher-Harris (pectoral) and star fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (head knock) after both went down in Sunday’s 42-14 loss to Melbourne.Four-time premiership-winner Fisher-Harris was booked in for scans on arrival back in Auckland on Monday but the club was not expecting an update on his condition until later in the week.Berry has been offered a one-game suspension for a late, high shot on opposite centre Jack…

ADVERTISEMENTThe European Union has imposed sanctions on seven Iranian prison and justice officials over what the bloc says is a politically motivated campaign to detain EU citizens.Brussels has for years been concerned about the increasing number of its citizens detained by Iran on “spurious grounds,” many of whom it says “continue to be held in degrading conditions with no chance of a fair trial.”In response, EU foreign ministers imposed asset freezes and travel bans on three judges, two prosecutors and two prison officials, including Hedayatollah Farzadi, who is in charge of the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, which was previously targeted…

ANZ has cut its interest rates ahead of quarterly inflation statistics being released on Thursday.The change — due to come into effect on Tuesday, April 15 — was the second time the bank has adjusted its rates since the Official Cash Rate was reduced by 25 basis points last week.For fixed home loans, ANZ has reduced its six-month rate by 40 basis points to 6.09%, and the one-year rate by 30 basis points to 5.59%. The bank’s 18-month rate has also been reduced by 20 basis points to 5.59%.The two, three, four and five year rates were left unchanged.Some of…

A South African family fear for their son’s future, after they were declined residency because his health issues are considered a burden on New Zealand’s health and special education system.Joshua Meets, whose family has lived in New Zealand for almost five years, has a complex seizure disorder, developmental delay and is non-verbal – meaning he required around-the-clock care.That meant the family’s residency application was declined, and their future in the country was uncertain.But the family said New Zealand was now their home, and they were worried about their son’s medical care if they had to move back to South Africa.The…

Customs officers at Auckland International Airport have seized more than 52kg of methamphetamine and cocaine in two separate smuggling attempts over the weekend. In the first incident, approximately 50kg of methamphetamine was found in two unaccompanied bags on a flight from San Francisco, USA, Customs New Zealand said today. The bags were found by Customs officers carrying out routine checks.In the second incident, 2kg of cocaine was found concealed in the lining of a passenger’s suitcases. The traveller, a 24-year-old foreign national who had arrived on a flight from Santiago, Chile, was charged with importation and possession for supply of…

ADVERTISEMENTThe European textile sector is holding its breath. In a 180° turn of events, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a 90-day “pause” in reciprocal tariffs, except for China.If he were to carry out his threat, products from the EU entering the United States would be subject to a 20% surtax.We took the pulse of the textile sector at a time of uncertainty.”European textile and clothing exports (to the United States, editor’s note) represent around €7.5 billion a year. So if Mr Trump maintains his 20% surtax, that means €1.5 billion in customs duties”, explains Dirk Vantyghem, Director General…

The Government is proposing a significant overhaul of New Zealand’s driver’s licensing system — one which could make it more accessible, efficient and affordable to obtain a full driver’s licence – while introducing new safety features for those on their learner’s or restricted.If you’re learning to drive, on your restricted licence, or just curious about the potential changes, here’s a breakdown of what is being proposed and how you can have your say.What’s being proposed?One of the biggest changes proposed by the Government is the removal of the full licence test.Currently, restricted drivers need to pass a practical test in…