Author: Press Room

Nicki and Craig McMillan, owner-operators of HeliVentures in North Otago, have been nominated as Rural Champions for their outstanding contribution to the aviation industry and the wider rural sector. Described in their nomination as “very close to being one of the leading aviation companies in the South Island,” the McMillans have built HeliVentures around a commitment to safety, innovation and community. Mr McMillan said the company had grown because of its focus on investing in the best possible equipment, training and systems. “Our biggest focus has always been on safety and delivering the best service possible to our client. That…

Firefighters who responded to Wellington’s fatal hostel fire more than two years ago, have given emotional testimony at the High Court in Wellington.It’s the second day of the trial for the man who’s said to have started the blaze at Loafers Lodge on May 16, 2023.The 50-year-old, who has name suppression, is charged with two counts of arson and five of murder, for killing Michael Wahrlich, Melvin Parun, Peter O’Sullivan, Kenneth Barnard and Liam Hockings.It’s expected he’ll pursue the defence of insanity.A 50-year-old man is accused of lighting the Loafers Lodge blaze, killing five people.  (Source: 1News)Several Fire and Emergency…

ADVERTISEMENT Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s comments have set off a firestorm between France and Italy. France summoned the Italian ambassador on Thursday after Salvini urged President Emmanuel Macron to put on a bullet-proof vest and go to Ukraine himself, in critical remarks about French support for the possible deployment of European peacekeeping troops in post-war Ukraine. “Go if you want. Put on your helmet, your gun, your bullet-proof vest, go to Ukraine,” the far-right MP said in remarks on Wednesday. He also told the French president to “hang on to the tram,” an expression that can generally be…

The New Zealand Merino Company is back in the black, having posted an after-tax net profit of $160,000 for the full year ended June 30. That was a $3.45 million improvement on last year’s loss, while ebit of $1.23m was up $3.86m on last year. In an update to the USX, the company said there was no trade facility debt as at June 30, down from $10m of borrowings a year earlier. There were 85,000 bales sold, with 69% into contract, down from 115,000 bales last year. No dividend was declared, in line with dividend policy. The company said a…

A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Gisborne this morning.Police were called to an address on Winter St in Mangapapa around 6.50am to a report of disturbance coming from the home, Inspector Danny Kirk said.Officers arrived at the scene where they found a man unresponsive.First aid was immediately carried out, but he died at the scene.”Police are undertaking several enquiries to determine the circumstances of the death,” Kirk said.A cordon would remain at the scene overnight for a scene examination on Wednesday morning.”Police are speaking with several people in connection to the incident and…

There are calls for a rental warrant of fitness to ensure student flats in North Dunedin are actually complying with Healthy Homes Standards.Since July 1, the standards set out minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage – and all rental properties are supposed to be up to scratch.But some students at Otago University say their flats are not only in appalling condition but issues like mould are making them sick.They say some landlords carry out the healthy homes checks themselves – and the Otago University Association said this was a big part of the problem.Second year University of…

ADVERTISEMENT The European Commission is “establishing the facts” and talking to all sides about an alleged shooting by the Libyan coast guard at crew and survivors of the humanitarian NGO boat Ocean Viking, which occurred on Sunday in international waters. “We have seen the press reports, we have reached out to the relevant Libyan authorities regarding this reported incident to clarify the facts. It is for the relevant Libyan authorities to now urgently shed light on what happened,” European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert told journalists on Tuesday.  “It is obviously a worrying development that does not leave us indifferent. We…

A man who police believe has been approaching Christchurch schoolgirls was under a preventive detention order for sexual violence.Leo Darin Goodwin, 53, is accused of approaching teenagers under the age of 16 in breach of the conditions of the order.He appeared at the Christchurch District Court today, where he was remanded in custody.Police said girls were asked for inappropriate favours in exchange for money. Letters were sent to 11 schools as part of their inquiries.Goodwin has multiple convictions for violence and rape against women, dating back to the 1990s.He was sentenced to preventive detention in 2006 at the High Court…

ADVERTISEMENT The fragile alliance between the European Union and the United States took a new turn for the worse after Donald Trump unexpectedly threatened to impose “substantial additional tariffs” on countries that implement legislation targeting American tech companies, “unless these discriminatory actions are removed”. Trump did not specify the level of the potential tariffs. “American Technology Companies are neither the ‘piggy bank’ nor the ‘doormat’ of the World any longer. Show respect to America and our amazing Tech Companies or consider the consequences!” Trump said on Monday in a social media message. The European Commission, which appeared caught off guard…

The man charged with murder and arson after a fatal Wellington hostel fire in 2023 had only been living there for a week when he started the blaze. The 50-year-old, who’s been granted name suppression, quietly entered not guilty pleas as his trial began at the High Court in Wellington this morning. His lawyers are expected to rely on the defence of insanity.The man charged with torching the Wellington hostel, killing five people, is on trial. (Source: 1News)Justice Churchman told the jury “that’s the one part of this case where the burden of proof shifts to the defence”.It’s accepted by…