Author: Press Room
A $250 million expansion of the Christchurch Engine Centre, which maintains aircraft, has been announced.The Christchurch Engine Centre is operated by Air New Zealand and American company Pratt & Whitney.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, chairwoman of Air New Zealand Dame Therese Walsh and Pratt & Whitney president Shane Eddy all took part in a groundbreaking for the project in Christchurch on Friday.Dame Therese said the expansion would allow the introduction of new GTF engine repair and maintenance, and allow work currently done overseas to now be done in New Zealand.She said the expansion would allow the airline to service its V2500…
The High Court in Christchurch has heard details of what was found on the phone of murder-accused Tingjun Cao. The 53-year-old’s on trial for killing real estate agent Yanfei Bao in July last year. He denies murdering her. Joshua Locke, a digital forensic analyst for the New Zealand Police, gave evidence today about phones belonging to both the victim and defendant. He told the court about a picture of interest he recovered on Cao’s device, “that depicts the lower half of a person’s body”. The original photo or video had been deleted but Locke said he found thumbnail versions of…
Homeowners are being urged to be vigilant after a $20,000 ring was taken during an open home. Police in West Auckland and the North Shore have noticed an increase in thieves targeting open homes, warning homeowners to consider locking up their valuables prior to opening their homes to buyers. “Police are aware of three incidents, including one where a $20,000 ring was taken, and another where a vehicle was stolen after the spare key was stolen from the garage,” Acting Senior Sergeant Alex Waworis said.”Police are following positive lines of inquiry into the incidents, however the best offence against thieves…
Taoiseach Simon Harris said “the time is now right to ask the Irish people to give a new mandate,” as he confirmed that a general election would be held in Ireland on Friday, 29 November. ADVERTISEMENTIreland’s Prime Minister, or Taoiseach, Simon Harris triggered the start of the 2024 general election after he confirmed on Friday that he requested a dissolution of the current Irish parliament, or Dáil. In a short address in Dublin, Harris thanked his colleague in the centre-right Fine Gael party as well as coalition partners Fianna Fáil and the Greens, but acknowledged they “did not agree on every…
Police are appealing for a driver who hit and left a young cyclist with serious injuries in Taupō earlier this week to come forward. The vehicle collided with the teenage cyclist on Tuesday at the intersection of Rifle Range Rd and Tamamutu St.Police said the vehicle then fled the scene.The victim was helped by nearby motorists and was taken to Rotorua Hospital where they remain in a stable condition. “We are appealing to the driver involved to come forward and do the right thing,” a police spokesperson said.Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw a grey vehicle with damage consistent…
The chance for visitors to go glamping at Wellington Zoo may be scrapped as part of Wellington City Council’s amendments to its Long-term Plan.Mayor Tory Whanau has requested officers review and provide advice on the future of projects, including the Civic Square redevelopment and the zoo’s master plan.There are five projects included in the 20-year master plan, such as a revamp or completely new habitats for its lions and a savannah area which includes glamping for visitors.The other parts include a climate action hub, a new kiwi house, and a redesign to the front entrance area.Acting chief executive Chris Jerram…
When it comes to the 2025 Grammy Award nominations, Cowboy Carter rules the nation. She leads the nods with 11, bringing her career total to 99 nominations. That makes her the most nominated artist in Grammy history.Cowboy Carter is up for album and country album of the year, and Texas Hold ‘Em is nominated for record, song and country song of the year. She also received nominations in a wide swath of genres, including pop, country, Americana and melodic rap performance categories.This is her first time receiving nominations in the country and Americana categories. Previously, she and her husband Jay-Z…
One person has been arrested after police discovered 208 cannabis plants at a property on Auckland’s North Shore yesterday.Police were alerted to the property at Rothesay Bay after visitors allegedly smelt a strong smell of cannabis. One person was arrested at the scene.Inspector CJ Miles said the plants were at various stages of maturity and have now all been destroyed. The property where the plants were located is suspected to be a cannabis grow house, Miles said.He added police believe the plants to be part of a wider organised crime group operating across Auckland and investigations remain ongoing.”It’s pleasing to…
EU negotiators prepare for tough talks on finance for developing countries at the COP29 climate talks that open in Baku, Azerbaijan, next week, ADVERTISEMENTAmid fears of president-elect Donald Trump pulling the US out of the global climate talks for a second time, Europe’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said the world can’t wait another four years to act as climate breakdown continues.“You can put on hold everything but nature,” Borrell said this morning on his way into an informal meeting of EU heads of state and government in Budapest, Hungary.“The climate will continue changing and we cannot allow ourselves…
Flooding has closed roads in the Haast area, with police urging people in southern Westland to avoid travelling this evening.”There are a number of roads in the area with surface flooding, which are being closed by contractors,” police said.”High tide is due overnight so people are asked to be extra cautious.”It comes as the Westland District remains under an orange heavy rain warning.The warning has been in place since 9pm and lasts until 3pm tomorrow.”On top of what has fallen, expect 250 to 350mm of rain about the ranges (possibly more in localised areas), and 100 to 130mm nearer the…