Author: Press Room

Pauline Collins, the versatile British actress who won a cult following for her portrayal on stage and screen of Shirley Valentine, a disillusioned middle-aged housewife finding excitement in Greece, has died. She was 85.In a statement on Thursday (local time), her family said that Collins died peacefully at her care home in north London this week, having endured Parkinson’s for several years.In a long career that spanned TV, film and theater, Collins was adept at playing an array of roles, all of which she infused with her trademark authenticity that indisputably earned her the status of a “national sweetheart” in…

BNZ has reported a statutory net profit of $1.49 billion after tax in its full year result to September 30, 2025.The bank said it is down $7 million, or 0.5%, on the previous year.Revenue decreased at BNZ by 3.7% year on year, while total lending increased 4.6%, with home lending up 6.4% and business lending up 2.2%.BNZ chief executive Dan Huggins said the result “reflects the current economic environment as New Zealanders continue to navigate an economy that is taking longer than expected to recover”.”BNZ has supported more than 11,500 customers into home ownership, with first home buyers accounting for…

Scouts in Auckland’s Herne Bay are sharing a carpark with freedom campers, some of whom are urinating in public and even defecating behind their hall, a leader says.Hawke Sea Scouts group leader, Reuben Jackson, said the organisation had been operating out of their hall on West End Road, by Cox’s Bay Reserve for almost 100 years, but in the past two or three there had been increasing problems with people camping outside of designated spots in the carpark.The carpark had three designated freedom camping spots, but Jackson said there was often campers using all of the available parks, preventing scout…

“Targeted updates” to the International Screen Production Rebate will ensure New Zealand retains its edge as a competitive and attractive place for film, television, and streaming productions, the Government says.The rebate, which has been in place since 2014, allows film companies and producers to receive money back from spending in New Zealand during production.Currently, New Zealand’s rebate rate is 20%, increased to 25% if a project is found to bring wider benefits to the country.Competing rates include Australia (up to 40%), Ireland (32%), the United Kingdom (29%), and Canada (up to 29%).Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said the changes responded…

Fireworks were shot at police officers on Dunedin’s Castle St for a second night this week, leading to three people being arrested.Police received multiple calls reporting disorder from 9pm on Wednesday with fireworks being let off and people drinking in the street.Sergeant Matt Lee said some attendees deliberately aimed fireworks at officers, describing the actions as “reckless and dangerous”.”Thankfully, no one was injured.”Multiple arrests after fireworks aimed at police officers in Dunedin – Watch on TVNZ+Discarded fireworks on Castle St in Dunedin (Source: 1News)He said there were around 80 people on the street and that some continued to shoot fireworks…

Every police officer is being required to undertake alcohol breath testing training amid revelations over 100 officers are being investigated for falsifying tests.Last week RNZ reported about 120 officers were under investigation over the matter.Today, relieving Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers today said police is aware the matter had impacted public trust and confidence in its breath testing regime.”We are committed to putting this right.””As part of this commitment to both our community and our partners, the police executive has made the decision to require all constabulary staff to complete an online training module for alcohol breath testing.Rogers said the training…

The remaining five lions at Whangārei’s Kamo Widlife Sanctuary may have a “glimmer of hope” with individuals expressing interest in purchasing the facility and offering continuing care.It had been announced on Tuesday that the lion park would be euthanising its seven elderly big cats.The sanctuary confirmed this morning that two of the elderly lions, Imvula and Sibili, were euthanised yesterday because of ill health. The Ministry of Primary Industries confirmed to 1News the process had followed the Animal Welfare Act.Facility operator Janette Vallance said the pair had “serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating”.”These decisions were made…

Labour will make cervical screening free if it wins the 2026 general election, the party announced today.Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said it would be added to the party’s Medicard scheme.Announced last month, the Medicard scheme would offer three free doctor’s visits a year to all New Zealanders, and would be funded by a narrow capital gains tax.Today, Verrall said taking a Medicard to a doctor or community screening event would also allow for free cervical screening for those aged 25 to 69 from October 2027. Verrall said this would prevent cancers and avoid costly hospital treatments.“Each year 175 New…

Some heavy-hitters are lining up to oppose the extension of hours of a prominent bottle store in Dunedin’s student quarter. Bottle-O Cumberland is seeking to increase its licence hours to 9am-10pm daily. Its current hours are Monday and Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday to Saturday 10am-10pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. The University of Otago, police, the chief licensing inspector, the Medical Officer of Health and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have all opposed the application. Police raised concerns about the suitability of the applicant. “The now shareholders of Kitt Enterprises Limited were found unsuitable at two other premises, albeit in different company names.”…

A third and final recount request in Northland’s tightest local election has been rejected, meaning the new Kaipara District Council can finally be sworn in.In the final count, Mark Vincent lost his seat in the Otamatea Ward by just two votes to council newcomer Denise Rogers.Three votes separated three candidates vying for one seat, with Rogers gaining 742 votes, Vincent 740 and Fiona Kemp 739.Vincent applied for a judicial recount, citing the narrow margin, a high number of disallowed special votes, and public sentiment around the election that was “particularly negative and distrustful”.A recount would “go a long way to…