Author: Press Room

Wētā FX has proposed changes to 100 jobs in its support departments, largely based in Wellington. The company, a global leader in special effects, employs about 2000 people globally, and it says most of these are contractors not affected by the changes. It said it informed staff yesterday, beginning a consultation period after which changes would be confirmed after staff feedback. The changes would take effect from different dates, the company said, depending on individual agreements. It blamed a number of factors for the changes, including challenges facing the global entertainment industry. Among them were unexpected delays in projects being…

A New Zealand nurse working in the only fully operational hospital in Rafah in the southern Gaza strip says there’s been a significant increase in mass casualty events since the United States and Israel-backed food distribution system started in late May.“The impact of gunshot wounds and explosive injuries is huge and it’s far and it’s wide,” Felicity Gapes told 1News. “This morning, I took a piece of shrapnel out of a 12-year-old girl’s finger and she was amazing, what a child, so stoic, very stoic,” the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) deputy health coordinator said.Gapes coordinates health services…

A review into the beleaguered $1.3 billion national public transport ticketing project has resulted in a “wide range of recommendations,” but remains under wraps for now. A spokesperson for Transport Minister Chris Bishop said yesterday afternoon that he hadn’t yet received a copy of the report or a promised plan to deliver the project.An NZTA spokesperson said the independent review carried out by LEK Consulting “includes a wide range of recommendations which require careful consideration to understand their implications and feasibility”.”We will share further information on the report and the revised rollout plan in late August, following the next meeting…

By Susan Edmunds of RNZ Only just over 100 of more than 180 people employed by Victoria Park New World have so far found work in other Foodstuffs supermarkets. Workers First Union on Friday expressed concern that Foodstuffs had “reneged on its commitment” to rehire staff from the fire-damaged supermarket. Workers would receive their last Victoria Park pay cheques on Monday, the union said, but about 40% would now be without work. Union members say that of the 80 new positions available at New World Point Chevalier, only around half had been filled by staff from New World Victoria Park. One worker…

MetService says many parts of New Zealand can expect a “really lovely weekend”. As of 7am today, MetService said temperatures were sitting at 0C in Masterton, 1C in both Blenheim and Wanaka, and 2C in Taumarunui and Queenstown. MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said today was “probably the coldest morning out of the next few days” as a southerly flow swept in. She said this morning Tekapo dropped to -1.9C, Auckland Airport recorded 6.6C and Christchurch 2.2C. “So a few frosts here and there, but actually going forward for the weekend we’re looking at very average temperatures for this time of…

Around 100 roles at visual effects company Wētā FX are facing changes under a new proposal, the company says. The digital visual effects and computer animation company based in Wellington’s Miramar has proposed changes to around 100 roles in its support departments. Most of those positions are in Wellington. A spokesperson from Wētā FX said a consultation period has since started with the crew that are proposed to be impacted.”Following a period of feedback and review, the changes will be confirmed and impacted crew will be informed. If the proposed changes are confirmed, they will be phased in with specific…

China says it strongly opposes any “groundless assertions” after comments made by the head of the FBI at its new office in Wellington.The US Federal Bureau of Investigation is opening a dedicated attaché office in the capital to investigate threats, including terrorism, cyber crime, money laundering and child exploitation.Director Kash Patel also said it would counter China’s influence in the Pacific.Jose Sousa-Santos from the University of Canterbury said the move will bring New Zealand law enforcement up to speed with modern threats. (Source: Breakfast)The Chinese Embassy hit back, saying it took note of the comments and described them as part…

US President Donald Trump announced the tariffs in April. Photo: Getty Images New Zealand exports to the US will face a 15 percent tariff rate, it has been announced. The White House has revised its list of tariffs for particular countries and New Zealand has been put on a 15 percent base rate, up from the original 10 percent announced earlier. US President Donald Trump announced the tariffs back in April and said he they would be imposed on more than 125 countries. More to come . . . 

Coalition parties are calling for the opposition not to re-ban oil and gas exploration in the hope more political consensus will bolster the industry – but those pleas seem to be falling on deaf ears.The legislation scrapping the 2018 ban passed through Parliament on Thursday night with Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori pledging to restore it if they win power – a stance that could yet keep oil companies from investing in exploring for new wells.The repeal fulfils election promises from both National and ACT, though New Zealand First’s Shane Jones has been leading the effort.Jones stood alongside…

TVNZ and South Pacific Pictures have announced that Shortland Street will return for its 2026 season.New Zealand’s longest-running drama will continue due to funding support from NZ On Air, combined with eligibility for the Screen Production Rebate.  The show’s future had come into question amid ongoing cost-cutting at the state broadcaster and wider media uncertainty. In July 2024, it was announced it would continue screening three days week instead of five. Last year, the Government tweaked eligibility criteria for the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate for local shows “with strong industry and cultural value” such as Shortland Street. TVNZ’s chief executive…