Author: Press Room

In this episode we talk about a new payment method that is being studied by the European Central Bank: the digital euro. Do we need another alternative for online payments and could this project have negative impacts on the banking system? ADVERTISEMENTThe digital euro is being considered by the European Central Bank as a new payment method available on a rechargeable card, a digital wallet or a mobile phone app. This aims to tap into the trend in transactions: between 2019 and 2022, payments using banknotes and coins fell from 72% to 59% of total transactions in the European Union. By contrast, the number of transactions using…

Three people have died in a collision between a train and a car at a level crossing in Hamilton this morning.Police said the collision at a level crossing on Peachgrove Rd was reported at about 4.30am.Police said two other occupants were taken to Waikato Hospital, where they remain in a serious condition.The serious crash unit has completed a scene examination, and police will now focus on establishing the circumstances of the crash.”We will be speaking with the surviving occupants of the vehicle and those who witnessed the crash.”The crash took place at a level crossing on Peachgrove Rd in Hamilton.…

As the trial nears its conclusion, a guilty verdict could result in fines and prison time and disqualify Le Pen from running for president in 2027. ADVERTISEMENTThe leader of France’s far-right National Rally, Marine Le Pen, is facing a trial that may determine her political future. Accused of embezzling EU parliamentary funds to pay party staff, Le Pen and 24 National Rally officials are under intense scrutiny. The trial could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment and up to €1 million in fines, but the real threat to Le Pen is the potential ineligibility to run for office in…

A woman has been charged with murder after a man was killed in an alleged hit-and-run in Auckland’s Pukekohe last month. Teri Rhind, 37, was left critically injured after being struck by a vehicle on Wellington St in the early hours of October 18.On October 21, Rhind died of his injuries while in hospital, prompting a homicide investigation by police. During its investigation, dubbed Operation Gain, police say the Franklin community was “quick” to come forward with information. The information led officers to the location of the vehicle involved in the incident and the offender being charged. “I would like…

The slogan uttered by a Ukrainian border guard on Snake Island has become a symbol of defiance against Russian aggression – but it’s more political than commercial, the EU judges said. ADVERTISEMENTThe slogan “Russian warship, go f*** yourself”, famously uttered by a Ukrainian border guard to invading forces, can’t be trademarked, the EU’s General Court ruled on Wednesday.  The saying, made as Russia attempted to capture Snake Island in the Black Sea, has become a symbol of Ukraine’s defiance, cited in street protests, billboards and stamps.  But a legal bid by the Ukrainian border service to claim commercial rights to use…

A unique food rescue operation in Central Hawke’s Bay is feeding 800 locals a week in an effort to reduce food insecurity in the community.The Food Basket CHB was founded by local wahine Mel King seven years ago. It collects leftover groceries from supermarkets to feed the community and stop tonnes of food from going into landfill.The operation now has 40 volunteers, and has grown to include cooking classes, gardening and frozen meals for the elderly and ill. King told RNZ that the initial idea was inspired by the Free Store in Wellington.In the past year the group has rescued…

Donald Trump has threatened to slash the US assistance to Ukraine and said he would seek to end the war instigated by Russia within days of taking office. ADVERTISEMENTIn a bid to keep US support for Ukraine high under the incoming Trump administration, Brussels is now increasingly linking the fight against China’s assertiveness, a key priority for Washington, to efforts to bolster the European war-torn nation.“If the US is worried about China or other actors then they should also be worried about how we respond to Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Kaja Kallas, the Commissioner-designate for foreign affairs and security, told…

Police are working to identify human remains found at a rural location close to Tokoroa township.Taupō area investigations manager Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Yardley said at this stage, efforts are focused on identifying the remains and establishing the circumstances surrounding the discovery.Yardley said an examination of the scene is underway, and “specialist resources, including search teams, are assisting to ensure a thorough search”.”We understand this news may be concerning to the community, and we want to reassure residents that our team is working diligently.”Formal identification will take some time and until this process has been completed Police will be unable…

The European Commission in 2020 adopted 5G security measures to protect telecom networks, but just a handful of countries have banned the Chinese suppliers. ADVERTISEMENTThe incoming European Commissioner for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy is dissatisfied with how much national governments have excluded so-called high-risk telecom infrastructure companies – China’s Huawei and ZTE – from critical infrastructure, Henna Virkkunen told lawmakers during a confirmation hearing in the European Parliament on Tuesday night.In the three-hour hearing, Finland’s Virkkunen (EPP) – herself an MEP between 2014 and 2024 – said the issue will come up with the planned revision of cybersecurity rules next…

Two people have been arrested after a group of youths went on an alleged crime spree in Waikato early on Monday. Police were first called to a commercial premises on Ward St in Hamilton at around 12.30am, where a ram-raid had been reported. The alleged offenders managed to flee the scene before police arrived. The vehicle involved had been reported stolen. Just after 1am, police received a report of a group of youths — matching the description of those involved in the ram-raid — trying to break into cars about 35km away on Acacia Ave in Kihikihi. The group managed…