Author: Press Room
Qantas has announced two new services out of Auckland alongside the imminent opening of a new lounge at the city’s airport as a trans-Tasman rivalry with Air New Zealand heats up.The Australian airline will launch new routes to Samoa and the Gold Coast from mid-2026. Both services will operate three times a week and will begin from June 16, with tickets going on sale today.Qantas International and Freight chief executive Cam Wallace said Auckland was one of the airline’s most important international hubs.”These announcements show the scale of investment and growth we’re making in New Zealand,” he said.”Combined with our…
By euronews Published on 08/12/2025 – 7:30 GMT+1 Elon Musk has said the European Union should be ‘abolished’ for issuing his social media platform X with a fine of 140 million dollars. But the European Commission says the fine is a response to several violations of its Digital Services Act. It is the first ever fine issued under this landmark legislation that aspires to keep Europeans safe online. For more on this story Maria Tadeo, Euronews’ EU editor, will join us on set. But this is not the first time the European Union and Elon Musk find themselves in the online…
Residents have been urged to prepare for evacuation as five helicopters battle a large vegetation fire in the vicinity of Tongariro National Park this afternoon – just a month after a massive blaze scorched 3000 hectares in the area.Emergency services were alerted to the fire just after 1.10pm on Monday.Fire and Emergency NZ said the fire, which was initially reported as multiple blazes, merged into a large fire around 110 hectares in size.Flames are visible as a fire burns in Tongariro National Park. (Source: Shane Isherwood)”There are 10 trucks and six support vehicles in attendance working alongside the helicopters.”Crews from…
A heat alert has been issued for Hastings as sweltering temperatures in the North Island are forecast to continue. MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said a heat alert has been issued for Hastings, which was expected to hit 34C today. “The temperature is forecast to be very hot for this location. We advise you to keep hydrated, seek shade, check in with vulnerable people and look after your pets and livestock,” the forecaster said. Find out more about heat alerts herePeople across the country took advantage of the high summer temperatures over the weekend after “unsettled weather” brought rain and a…
A New Zealand national has been charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle 21kg of heroin hidden in his luggage through Sydney Airport. The 21-year-old man arrived at Sydney Airport on board an international flight from Thailand on December 7 when he was selected by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers for a baggage examination. Officers searched two suitcases belonging to the man and allegedly found 21 floral-patterned, vacuum sealed bags containing a white powdery substance. Presumptive testing of the substance returned a positive result for heroin, with an estimated weight of 21kg. ABF officers searched two suitcases belonging to the man…
A woman was left feeling “scared to death” after vaginal packing was mistakenly left in her body for six weeks before being found at a post-natal GP check. The woman’s ordeal was detailed in a Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) report released today after an investigation into what happened at the public hospital operated under Te Whatu Ora Health NZ Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley in 2021. The woman – known as Mrs A – underwent an episiotomy following the birth of her daughter, and vaginal packing in the form of a swab and tampon was inserted to apply pressure…
A man accused of swallowing a Fabergé locket worth more than $33,500 during an alleged theft at an Auckland jewellery store has appeared in the Auckland District Court.He was remanded in custody without a plea until next Monday.Police had been called at 3.30pm on November 28 to the store in Auckland city where a man was accused of picking up a Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg pendant and swallowing it.Court documents reveal the pendant was worth $33,585.The recovered Fabergé egg. (Source: Supplied)Inspector Grae Anderson told RNZ the man underwent a medical assessment at the time of his arrest and an…
Oranga Tamariki aims to run its second boot camp for serious youth offenders in March next year using a new design.The Children’s Minister, earlier this week, in a scrutiny hearing said no date had been set.The ministry told the same hearing it was “giving some thought” to running a second one prior to the law being changed.In response to RNZ inquiries, Oranga Tamariki sketched out its plans and preparation which it said were well advanced.”Oranga Tamariki is planning to run a further voluntary programme, under existing legislative settings, with the intent to deliver in March 2026,” it said.”This is an…
Two lucky players from Auckland have each won $500,000 in last night’s Lotto draw as Powerball rolls over to $15 million.The winning tickets were sold at Woolworths Lynn Mall and on MyLotto to a player from Auckland. “Anyone who bought their ticket from Woolworths Lynn Mall or on MyLotto should check their ticket as soon as possible instore, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App,” a Lotto spokesperson said. Powerball was not struck on Saturday and has now rolled over to Wednesday night with a jackpot of $15 million.Lotto First Division will be $1 million on Wednesday night.The Lotto draw is…
A tramper has died and another has been rescued from a remote track on the West Coast.Police said they were notified of a personal locator beacon being activated close to the Klondyke Rahu saddle in Victoria Forest Park at around 6.30pm on Friday.”Police Search and Rescue attended and located a tramper and a deceased person,” a spokesperson said.”The body was recovered once weather conditions allowed helicopter flight on Saturday.”The matter had been referred to the Coroner, with support being provided to the other member of the tramping party and next of kin.