Author: Press Room

Companies polluting land or water are now risking fines of $3000 – four times the amount they’ve been up for in the past.New and much harsher penalties come into force nationally this week under amendments to the Government’s Resource Management regulations.It followed concerns that the old fees could be seen by some as a minor cost of doing business, rather than a serious penalty.The new infringement fees are higher for companies breaking the rules, than for individuals, the West Coast Regional Council heard today.Currently, the maximum fine for contaminating water was $750. This would rise to $1500 for an individual…

By Jessica Hopkins of RNZ The owner of Marbecks Records says closing its physical store on Auckland’s Queen St after more than 90 years is a sign of the times. Marbecks Record Shop at Queens Arcade will shut its doors on October 31 and become online only. The retailer is the latest establishment to call it quits in the once-vibrant CBD. In June, department store Smith and Caughey’s closed down after 145 years in business, citing less foot traffic as more office staff worked from home, disruptions from the construction of the City Rail Link, and competition from malls and online retailers. Marbecks had built up…

For nearly five decades, the crack of gunfire has rung out near Bay View in Hawke’s Bay.Hundreds of police officers and hobbyists have trained at the Hawke’s Bay Pistol Club.But the club says the good days are nearing an end, and it might have to fold if it is not given more time to find a new location away from its current site of cultural significance.The land the club has sat on for 48 years, at 45 Onehunga Rd, was owned by Napier City Council and Pamu (Landcorp New Zealand).Now post-treaty settlement entity Mana Ahuriri wants to purchase the property…

Houses in Devonport, Matakana, Remuera and Rodney, an apartment in Tauranga and large plots of land are among the properties that foreign buyers might be able to buy under new rules.The Government has confirmed that holders of so-called “golden visas” will be able to buy or build one home worth at least $5 million.Since 2018, buyers have generally needed to be residents or citizens to be allowed to buy any residential property.But there are only about 7000 homes in New Zealand in that price range.Cotality chief property economist Kelvin Davidson said $5m+ homes were only about 0.4% or 0.5% of…

By Jonathan Leask, Local Democracy Reporter The opening date for an estimated $200 million equine stud and equestrian training centre in Canterbury has been pushed out to late 2027. Southern Parallel Equine Centre (SPEC) chief executive Catherine Stuart also announced plans to open stage 2 of the Lake Hood project, the Southern Parallel Life Skills Academy, at the same time. Stuart said she is working with Ashburton District Council on building consents for SPEC and aims to commence construction in the second quarter of 2026. “We are aiming to open the event and competition aspects of SPEC in the fourth…

Dwayne Johnson takes a serious turn as UFC fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, which had its world premiere today at the Venice Film Festival.”I have for a long time wanted this,” Johnson said before the premiere. “The transformation part was something I was really hungry to do. I’ve been very fortunate to have the career that I’ve had and make the films that I have, but there was just this voice inside of me, this little voice, like what if I can do more.”The actor, best known for big budget action movies and comedies, was already sparking Oscar…

A Gang Conflict Warrant already in place for Levin has been extended to cover Manawatū as well after police were fired on twice in two days in Palmerston North.On both occasions, shots were fired at patrol cars as officers tried to stop suspicious vehicles.Central Districts police commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said the extended warrant gave police more powers to search gang members.It now covered an area spanning Dannevirke, Feilding, Eketāhuna and Horowhenua.”Despite the fact it has a wide zone, we are thoughtful and professional around how we apply this legislation,” he said.Recent troubles in Levin, and now Palmerston North, came…

By Susan Edmunds of RNZ Houses in Queenstown, Lake Hayes and Auckland suburbs Devonport and Remuera, as well as large plots of Central Otago land are among the properties foreign buyers might be able to buy under new rules. The government has confirmed that holders of so-called “golden visas” will be able to buy or build one home worth at least $5 million. Since 2018, buyers have generally needed to be residents or citizens to be allowed to buy any residential property. But there are only about 7000 homes in New Zealand in that price range. Cotality chief property economist Kelvin…

Auckland music institution Marbecks has announced the closure of its physical store more than 90 years after it opened on Queen St.In a post to Facebook, the record shop, which opened in 1934, said it would be closing the doors at its Queens Arcade location and moving to an online-only store.”Marbecks will continue to operate online, offering our exceptional range of new releases and the extensive collections,” the statement read.”The move to an online store marks the beginning of a new chapter for us, ensuring that you will continue to access the best in music, delivered straight to your door.…

Company liquidations have increased significantly, despite positive lending trends and eased interest rates. The latest Centrix Credit Indicator for August shows company liquidations are up 26 percent year-on-year, partly due to increased enforcement activity by Inland Revenue. But chief operating officer Monika Lacey said the jump was nothing to be concerned about. “I think the important context to provide here is that in New Zealand, we have over 700,000 registered businesses, of which 600,000 or nearly 600,000 are active. “So, as an actual number of businesses that are going into liquidation, when you’re talking in the hundreds, it is a very…