Author: Press Room

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…

Agri-tech company Tabula — previously known as TracMap — has expanded into the United Kingdom, which becomes its 16th operating market. In a statement, chief executive John Enlow said the UK contracting market presented a “massive opportunity” for the Mosgiel-based company. Doug Price, who leads operations at AgriBale — one of the UK’s largest straw contracting businesses — has been appointed Tabula managing director in the UK. Tabula provided job management, guidance and tracking solutions across agriculture, horticulture, aviation and vector control. The announcement followed a season running Tabula with AgriBale which proved the system at scale in local conditions.…

Proposed changes to waste collection in the south have raised potential red flags with an advocacy group for blind citizens.On Wednesday, a joint hearing was held by Invercargill City Council and Gore District Council for changes to kerbside collection.New bins for glass recycling and green waste are being explored in addition to existing bins for general rubbish and recycling.Association of Blind Citizens Southland branch chair Carolyn Weston said that although the logic for introducing new bins seemed sound, access issues could be a factor outside the gate.Weston said the number of bins on the street at one time could affect…

Amid widespread concerns over the future of artificial intelligence (AI), many say that it presents more opportunities than risks. In its first study on AI integration in European health systems, the World Health Organization (WHO) says AI can enhance healthcare and alleviate pressure on overworked staff. Most European and Eurasian countries — 50 surveyed in total — are delivering. Despite the presence of legal voids, AI is already being employed for critical tasks. Which countries have already enforced AI-diagnostics? The most common use is in diagnostics, reported by 64% of countries, in sectors like ophthalmology, radiology or dermatology. France, Portugal,…

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…

Former investment banker Rodger Finlay has been appointed chair of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.Finlay, who had been exercising the functions of the chair since August, has filled a role left open after former chairperson Neil Quigley resigned with immediate effect over his handling of the sudden resignation of Adrian Orr earlier this year.The appointment comes ahead of Swedish economist Anna Breman starting as the Reserve Bank Governor on December 1.Finance Minister Nicola Willis, who recommended Finlay, said it was the latest milestone in the refresh of the central bank.”I have confidence in him to lead the work to…