Author: Press Room

Experts have warned of the long-term psychological effects on the children of fugitive Tom Phillips, who police say has involved at least one of them in recent criminal activity — including a burglary earlier this week.Police released CCTV footage yesterday of two masked individuals, who police believed to be Marokopa father Tom Phillips and one of his children, robbing a store in Piopio on Wednesday.The pair, who travelled in and out on a quad bike, were in the area for 13 minutes.Phillips has been on the run for more than three-and-a-half years and there is a warrant for his arrest…

A years-long battle between Pākiri locals and a sand mining company has ended after McCallum Bros withdrew its High Court bid to continue dredging operations in Auckland’s north.McCallum Bros Limited (MBL) and the Manuhuri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust (Ngāti Manuhuri) reached a settlement agreement that would see the company surrender its temporary consent for sand extraction at Pākiri, abandon its legal challenge against Environment Court decisions made in 2024, and settle the costs awarded to Ngāti Manuhuri.Effective immediately, MBL would no longer extract sand under the consent.The company said a key factor in its decision was the significant time, cost and…

Long-time advocates for anti-stalking laws say new Government legislation doesn’t go far enough, and could fail to capture some offenders.Currently before Parliament, the new law could send stalkers to prison for up to five years when they commit two specified acts – such as following a person, recording or doxing them – within a two-year period. One survivor, who spoke to 1News anonymously for her own safety, said she was stalked for months several years ago by a man she briefly dated – and wished more could have been done. “It took me a very long time to feel safe…

Two men have died following separate incidents involving a farm and a quad bike this afternoon.Emergency services were called to property in Okaiawa, South Taranaki shortly after midday following an incident involving a farm bike. “On arrival, a male was pronounced deceased at the scene,” a police spokesperson said. St John said it sent one ambulance.”Our crew was not required for transportation,” a spokesperson said. Police also confirmed emergency services were called to an incident involving a quad bike at a property in Saint James Range, near Hanmer Springs just before midday. “On arrival, a male was pronounced deceased at…

More than 8000 high school students have sung their hearts out at this year’s Big Sing competition in Dunedin.The Big Sing Finale 2025 showcased the top 24 secondary school choirs selected from more than 250 choirs who competed at regional festivals earlier in the year. From Auckland to Invercargill, students have travelled hundreds of kilometres to take part in the national finale.The competition has taken on new prominence this year, thanks in part to the box office success of Tinā, the fifth highest-grossing New Zealand film of all time. The film, which was partly inspired by a viral choral performance from the Big Sing, has drawn fresh attention…

Winter’s final day is set to bring strong winds to parts of the country, with MetService issuing a string of weather warnings and watches. A series of fronts embedded in a strong west to southwest flow was forecast over the next few days, bringing severe gales to exposed places.An orange-level strong wind warning has been issued for Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula for Sunday afternoon, with several southwesterly gales forecast to gust up to 120km/h in exposed areas. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) warned the Auckland Harbour Bridge was likely to close intermittently during strong…

One lucky Bay of Plenty ticket holder has won $12.5 million with Powerball First Division in last night’s live Lotto draw.The winning ticket was sold on MyLotto in Ōpōtiki.The prize was made up of $12 million from Powerball First Division and $500,000 from Lotto First Division.One other Lotto player will be celebrating after winning $500,000 with Lotto First Division. The winning ticket was sold at Hornby Mall Lotto in Christchurch.Saturday’s numbers were 13, 4, 40, 33, 9, and 15. The Bonus ball was 1 and the Powerball was 4.There were four Division 2 winners, each taking a share of $30,917.Saturday’s…

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake rattled the top of the South Island and the lower North Island last night.Geonet said the tremor struck 10km south of French Pass at around 11.31pm on Saturday at a depth of 51km.The shaking, described as “moderate”, was reported by nearly 7500 people.It was felt widely across the Taranaki, Wellington, and Nelson-Tasman regions.NZ Civil Defence said earthquakes were a “good reminder to stay preapred”.”Drop, Cover, and Hold remains the right action to take during an earthquake. If you’ve already headed to bed for the evening, remember to Stay, Cover, and Hold.”A 3.1 magnitude earthquake with a…

A large warehouse fire at a plant nursery in Auckland’s northwest prompted a major response from firefighters last night, with sixteen trucks and multiple support vehicles called to the scene.Fire and Emergency NZ said it was called to a “fully involved” fire at Van Lier Nurseries on Riverhead Rd in Kumeū at around 9.45pm on Saturday.The affected structure measured approximately 25 by 50 metres and was engulfed in flames when crews arrived.Firefighters worked for over two hours to contain the fire, successfully bringing it under control by 11.53pm.”Sixteen trucks, as well as support vehicles, were on site at the height…

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay says he has undergone treatment to remove skin cancer.The 58-year-old said he had basal cell carcinoma, a non-melanoma form of skin cancer, removed in a post to Instagram.”Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast reactive work on removing this basal cell carcinoma, thank you,” the Kitchen Nightmares star said.”Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend, I promise you it’s not a facelift. I’d need a refund.”The post showed the side of his face following the treatment with a plaster beneath his ear.Basal cell carcinomas were New Zealand’s most…