Author: Press Room

“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…

Some of Ponsonby’s narrow residential side streets could soon have paid parking during evening hours under proposals designed to tackle what Auckland Transport calls a parking “free-for-all”.Auckland Transport wants to extend paid parking from 6pm to 9pm on Thursdays to Saturdays in some streets within Ponsonby as the area struggles to meet demand for on-street parking.The agency’s group manager of transport network, planning and policy Andrew McGill said side streets off Ponsonby Rd were clogged with people looking for free parking.”Currently, parking in Ponsonby during the evening is a bit of a free-for-all,” he said.”Some residential side streets off Ponsonby…

“Real impact doesn’t always come with grand gestures … it’s often about steady progress behind the scenes.” That is the belief of Central Otago farmer and community leader Kelly Heckler, who is one of four recipients of 2026 Nuffield Scholarships. The scholarships, presented at Parliament, enable the cohort to undertake a Rural Leaders-delivered programme that offered opportunity for travel, study of the latest agriculture innovations and an introduction to decision-makers around the world. Mrs Heckler, who farms with her family at Lauder Creek, a sheep and beef property near Omakau, would explore research in freshwater management with a specific focus…

Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.He appeared in the Wellington District Court on Thursday to enter the pleas.McSkimming pleaded guilty to three representative charges of possessing objectionable publications, namely child sexual exploitation and bestiality material knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the publication is objectionable.Disgraced former top cop admits to child sexual, bestiality material charges – Watch on TVNZ+Jevon McSkimming in Wellington District Court on Monday, August 4, 2025. (Source: 1News)He was initially charged with eight counts of possessing objectionable material, namely bestiality and child exploitation.The 52-year-old…