Author: Press Room

Consent has been granted for the sale of three adjoining South Otago dairy farms to an entity ultimately majority beneficially owned by pension funds administered by the Washington State Investment Board. Overseas investment decisions released by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand yesterday showed the Minister for Land Information and the Associate Minister of Finance had approved the transaction. NZ Dairy Holdings Trusco Pty Ltd as a trustee for NZ Dairy Holdings Trust is an investment vehicle for Australian agricultural investment firm Laguna Bay. It has been given approval to acquire a freehold interest in about 845ha in Clydevale…

A public inquiry will be held to look into the disappearance of Marokopa’s Phillips children, Attorney-General Judith Collins announced. “The inquiry will look into whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the safety and welfare of the Phillips children,” Collins said. “The decision to establish a Public Inquiry reflects the significant public interest and concern for the children’s welfare over the almost four years they were missing.What’s set to be investigated as Marokopa public inquiry launched – Watch on TVNZ+Terms of reference developed with the privacy and welfare of the three “vulnerable” children in mind. (Source: 1News)“It is…

Port Otago and its property arm “being stolen away” from the Otago Regional Council may be used to pay off other councils’ debt, its chairwoman says, but she is comfortable with the proposed local body changes.Sweeping changes to local government structure were announced this week, with the regional council set to be replaced by combined territories boards. The boards would empower mayors from the same region to work together to govern their regions through genuine regional collaboration. But doubts remain about what will happen to the port, which is owned by the Otago Regional Council, brought about by changes in…

Two boaties have been safely evacuated after their launch caught fire on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf this morning.Emergency service received multiple calls at around 8.15am to report a 11m launch on fire between Motukorea/Browns Island and Musick Point.Police maritime unit Sergeant Jesse Jenden said Deodar III transported firefighters from Parnell to the burning boat.”Unfortunately, the vessel was well engulfed in fire.”A launch engulfed in flames on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. (Source: Supplied / SeaLink) (Source: Supplied)Auckland ferry service SeaLink confirmed its vehicle ferry Island Navigator responded to the incident a maritime incident involving “a burning pleasure craft” around 8.30am.”Our vessel master notified…

Italy’s Senate will not vote on legislation introducing the concept of consent into sexual violence law before February 2026, derailing a bill that had received unanimous approval in the Chamber of Deputies just one week ago. Giulia Bongiorno, president of the Senate Justice Commission, told Corriere della Sera newspaper on Wednesday that the bill would be ready in committee by January, but the Senate vote has been postponed after the League requested new hearings and a re-examination of the text. The Lega party raised concerns about a paragraph regulating cases of “minor gravity”, requesting clarification on the concept. Forza Italia…

More than 5000 lightning strikes were recorded over the country since midnight as an active front moves up the South Island. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told 1News the number of lightning strikes over New Zealand and the nearby sea area was 5107, with 3194 of those reaching the ground. “Over the South Island specifically, the numbers were 1137, with 473 of them reaching the ground,” she said. Yesterday, a series of fronts preceded by humid northerlies were forecast moving across the country, expected to bring periods of heavy rain and wind. The forecaster said some rain warnings and watches persist,…

The European Union must talk with governing authorities such as the Taliban on technical matters related to migration, the European Commissioner in charge of Migration, Magnus Brunner, said on Euronews’ flagship interview programme, The Europe Conversation. “Getting engaged with third countries, even though we don’t like their governments and the way they’re doing things, is still important,” Brunner said when asked about Germany negotiating a deal with the Taliban to send back Afghan nationals set for deportation. “It’s not fun, it’s not easy, but not being engaged is not an option. So on a technical level, I totally understand it,…

Former University of Otago Business School dean and pro-vice-chancellor Prof George Benwell has been made a life member of Business South. The organisation said Prof Benwell had served with distinction as a long-standing supporter of both the Otago Chamber of Commerce and Business South, offering strategic leadership, governance expertise and a strong commitment to the success of business across the region. Neil Finn-House, who has moved to Wellington, was also recently awarded life membership in recognition of his “exceptional” service over many years, and also significant leadership during a period of organisational change when the Otago Chamber of Commerce and…

Supporters, workplaces, charities and schools are preparing efforts to unite New Zealand for a day of generosity, with the nationwide Give a Little Day celebration set for Tuesday December 2.Registered charities or schools donated to via Givealittle on the day will receive the full amount, with the crowdfunding site waiving the 5% platform fee it usually charges.Givealittle chief executive Lythan Chapman said she recognised a growing need among communities.“New Zealanders remain some of the most generous charitable givers in the world. We see that generosity every day. But we also see pressure on charities and schools,” she said.”Give a Little…

By establishing a system of control and rules, the new EU Pact on Asylum and Migration, albeit not perfect, has the potential to bring back confidence to European citizens on a topic that has caused deep political divisions – that’s according to Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, who was a guest on Euronews’ flagship interview programme The Europe Conversation. “We need the trust of the people back,” Brunner said, adding that migration is a topic “at the heart of everyone.” The new EU Pact on Asylum and Migration is the first time that member states have agreed on something that could…