Author: Press Room

A series of wire and cable thefts in the Kawerau area may be linked to a strong chemical smell residents have been suffering.The current theory is that the thieves are using fire to strip the cable down to its valuable metal. Since September 21, Bay of Plenty Regional Council has received 41 calls to its Pollution Hotline regarding a strong chemical smell of burning plastic or rubber.At first it was suspected to be a resident burning rubbish or an industrial site.Regulatory compliance manager Stephen Mellor said while the calls were most frequent at the beginning of last week and they…

It has been a “bitter night” for parts of the South Island as plummeting temperatures brought snow and prompted some road closures. A road snowfall warning remained in place for Lewis Pass (SH7) until later this morning, while a strong wind watch was also in effect for Wairarapa and the Tararua District from 8am until 2pm today, as west to northwest gusts may be severe in exposed places.The forecaster said Crown Range Summit received a “fresh dusting of snow overnight”. “It’s been a bitter night for the southern South Island as a cold front has brought some freezing conditions across…

ADVERTISEMENT The pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity led by Maia Sandu may have scored a win in Moldova’s parliamentary elections, but the flood of Russian-backed disinformation which emerged on social media during the country’s electoral period is still garnering traction. One false claim that spread across social media on 24 September—just days before the election on Sunday 28 September—alleged that France had agreed to pay Moldova to dispose of its toxic waste. The allegations gained traction on X when a video styled as a TV news report with an apparent AI voiceover claimed that Sandu had agreed to take…

The family of a woman who went missing in Auckland more than a month ago say there’s been no sightings and no bank movements since she disappeared.Te Anihana Pomana was last seen leaving the SkyCity hotel in central Auckland just after 5am on August 21. The 25-year-old left all her belongings in the hotel.In a social media post, a representative of the family made an emotional plea for Pomana to come home.”Our baby sister, where are you our beautiful girl? Thinking of the very first time I held you and the last time,” she said.Te Anihana Beau Pomana, 25, was…

ADVERTISEMENT The latest Eurostat data on the products and services people can afford to buy tells a story of two Europes. Around 27.5 million European Union citizens live in conditions of severe deprivation, whether social or material. Material and social deprivation refers to the inability to afford some goods or services, which are considered desirable or even necessary to lead an adequate life. The highest rates were found in Eastern Europe, with Romania coming first. Here, 17.2% of people struggle to make ends meet. It is followed by Bulgaria (16.5%) and Greece (14%). These three countries also topped last year’s…

Small businesses in New Zealand, whose Facebook and Instagram accounts have been wrongfully suspended, can now send their appeals to a dedicated inbox, after the Small Business Minister Chris Penk stepped in to talk to Meta for a human-based solution.RNZ has heard from over 30 New Zealanders and small businesses who’ve had their accounts suspended after being accused of breaching Meta’s rules – including accusations of posting child exploitation material.The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including spring snow closes roads in the south, a strong quake crumbles buildings in the Philippines, and why the FBI director’s gifts to NZ officials…

Police have released CCTV images from the last known sighting of missing Christchurch teenager Marley. Search efforts had been ongoing for the missing 17-year-old since he was reported missing on Friday last week, and his vehicle was later located in Sumner.Police have now released images of his last known location on Whitewash Head Rd, Scarborough on September 26 at 2.55pm.In the images Marley was seen to be wearing a light grey Adidas hoodie with white and black lettering, black shorts, black socks, and burgundy Converse shoes.Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge urged anyone in the area with CCTV or doorbell cameras to…

Auckland ratepayers will soon get a say on a proposed six-month trial of a fortnightly rubbish collection.The trial, which would take place in parts of Te Atatū Peninsula in West Auckland, Panmure/Tāmaki out east and south Auckland’s Clendon Park/Weymouth, will start next February — if approved.Auckland Council Waste Solutions general manager Justine Haves said community feedback would be critical in deciding whether the trial went ahead.”No decision on a trial has been made yet,” Haves said. “This is your opportunity to tell us what you think. We want to understand how households feel about the idea of a fortnightly rubbish…

What counts as a 1 percenter in New Zealand these days?The ‘1%’ is often used as shorthand for the wealthiest people on the planet.Last week, Stats NZ released updated net worth data that gives the opportunity to see what that looks like in New Zealand now.Net worth is calculated as a measure of everything a person or household owns, minus their debts.Here’s how it breaks down.To be in the top 50%:For households: At least $524,788For individuals: At least $134,850For the top 10%:For households: At least $2.414 millionFor individuals: At least $1.226mFor the top 5%:For households: At least $3.718mFor individuals: At…

A former commercial fisher has been fined $50,000 after illegally selling seaweed online. In November 2022, fishery officers discovered an online post advertising liquid seaweed fertiliser in 1000-litre containers for $500, and $20 for a 20-litre bucket. A search warrant of a property found 14 of these containers of liquid seaweed fertiliser. Analysis of the seaweed found it to be Macrocystis pyrifera, which can be used for fertiliser and in some food products.Ryan Campbell McManaway, 36, was sentenced at the Invercargill District Court on September 26 on four charges under the Fisheries Act, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry…