Author: Press Room

NZ Food Safety has received a complaint about flies being found in a meal provided by the Government’s school lunch programme. The government ministry’s deputy general Vincent Arbuckle confirmed to 1News that it had “received a complaint about flies in school lunches”. “We are working with the Ministry of Education in the first stages of looking into this complaint to establish the facts.”Substack blogger Emily Writes spoke to a source with a family member at a school who claimed the child opened their school lunch yesterday, “and a couple of flies came out”. “We don’t know where the flies are…

This article was originally published in Hungarian “There is always an empire that is trying to take away the freedom of the Hungarians, and right now it is the one in Brussels,” Viktor Orban claimed. ADVERTISEMENTHungary’s populist prime minister on Saturday vowed to rid his country of those he claims work for the interests of foreign powers, saying his right-wing government will eliminate a global “shadow army” serving the European Union and a “liberal American empire.” In a conspiracy theory-laden address, which coincided with a national holiday commemorating Hungary’s 1848 revolution against Habsburg rule, Viktor Orbán told a group of several…

Stargazers across the country were treated to a rare sight yesterday evening when a total lunar eclipse turned the moon a “blood” orange.A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the lunar surface.According to NASA, the moon’s orange hue is created by small amounts of sunlight passing through the Earth’s atmosphere. It appears orange because colours with shorter wavelengths, like blues and violets, scatter more easily than those with longer wavelengths, like red and orange.The eclipse reached its totality between 8pm and 8.30pm when the moon was fully enshrouded…

Homes have been evacuated after an “extensive” scrub fire broke out in Hawke’s Bay this afternoon. Seven properties were evacuated after a burn-off got out of control in Māhia around 12.20pm.Fire crews were called to the scene around 12.20pm. (Source: Supplied)Several properties have lost power, a local told 1News.Crews from Nuhaka, Wairoa, Hastings, Heretaunga and Gisborne were called to help tackle the fire, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson earlier told 1News.Smoke billows from a large scrub fire in Māhia. (Source: Supplied)Three fire trucks and one helicopter were in attendance, while more appliances and a helicopter were en route.Members…

A person has died after a car collided with a building in the Auckland suburb of Howick last night. Emergency services were called to the scene near the intersection with Cook and Picton streets just before 6.30pm, police said.The sole occupant of the vehicle was critically injured in the crash. Their death was confirmed by police today.The serious crash unit was called to the scene.Police are making enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

Organisers behind the national Kapa Haka competition Te Matatini have released a new album of festival favourites.Among the 53 tracks is a song that won the inaugural People’s Choice Award at the event and has been viewed 6.6 million times online. Naia Awatea from Te Kuru Marutea (Te Tauihu) said that “you do not think or ever expect that it’s gonna be you. You are the face right now, and that’s kinda scary”. “Singing that song, we felt it. We knew what was behind it. We knew who we were dedicating it to, things like that.”But once we realised everyone…

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the country must continue to confront the forces which led to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks.Luxon spoke at a Unity Hui in Christchurch this morning marking the sixth anniversary of the mosque attacks, which left 51 people dead and 89 injured.On March 15, 2019, a white supremacist terrorist from Australia stormed into Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre.In his speech, Luxon said there was no place for Islamophobia in New Zealand.”As we reflect on this day we must also confront the forces that led to this tragedy,” Luxon said. “Islamophobia – like all forms…

Police have “serious concerns” for a man missing for three days following a crash near Taupō.Joseph Grattan was presumed to be injured in a crash on SH23 Tihoi Rd near Waimanoa Rd on Wednesday, March 12 around 2pm, police said.The 24-year-old was last seen at Patikura Pl in Turangi, near Taupō, on February 28.”Initial enquiries at the scene have given us reason to believe Joseph was injured from this crash.”Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or was in the area at the time of the crash and may have seen Joseph.”Anyone with information has been…

Old Papatoetoe’s makeover is taking shape with new homes, green spaces and a new laneway under development.Eke Panuku – Auckland Council’s development arm – is carrying out the redevelopment of the South Auckland suburb, which aims to bring new life to the area.Local Democracy Reporting recently visited the area, after reporting on the changes in October 2024. Vi Hausia, Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board deputy chairman and local resident, said he is excited about the project being almost complete.”Exciting changes are underway in Old Papatoetoe. This is something we’ve worked towards for years, and now we’re only months away from enjoying the…

Calls are growing for the Government to take Australia’s lead and ban engineered stone to protect workers from developing silicosis, an incurable lung disease.The composite material – made up of crushed quartz and polymer resin – is often used as a cost-effective alternative to natural stone benchtops. Engineered stone can contain in excess of 90% crystalline silica which can then be inhaled as a dust, leading to the development of the disease. Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting longer than six weeks, shortness of breath, and tiredness and weakness, Health New Zealand said on its website. Some people may eventually…