Author: Press Room

One person has died and another person has been taken to hospital in critical condition after a house fire overnight in Canterbury.Emergency services were called to the residence on Dunford St in Rakaia at about 11.15pm on Saturday.Five crews were sent to the property, which was “well ablaze” and with people reported inside. Firefighters rescued two people from the burning building.Police said one person was found dead a short time later.”The death will be referred to the coroner, and inquiries are ongoing.”

Both Lower Hutt and Porirua voters seem to back the idea of exploring the idea of amalgamation between Wellington region’s councils.Before the 2025 local body elections, both Hutt City Council and Porirua City Council decided to ask voters on their ballots whether they should explore creating one council for the Hutt Valley, Porirua and Wellington.The question stated that the council would combine relevant services and functions regionally, while keeping appropriate local services and decision-making local.By the evening of election day, Saturday, 11 October, with 85% of votes tallied, results so far show:In Porirua: 7404 people supported the idea, 5622 did…

The Government has announced “science-based” biogenic methane targets for 2050, which it says will provide exporters with a clear pathway to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and trade competitiveness.The target would be set at a range of 14-24% below 2017 levels by 2050, reflecting the findings of the independent Methane Science Review released in 2024, it said on Sunday.Agriculture and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the government had worked closely with industry and accepted a range of advice to determine a “practical target”.”Today we’re delivering a practical, fair pathway that recognises New Zealand agriculture efficiency, protects jobs and…

A new quizmaster is set to shake things up on Beat the Chasers, with a mysterious new Chaser to debut in the upcoming season finale.Known only as Maverick, the newcomer will join five of the show’s regular quiz champions in the high-stakes spin-off of The Chase.ITV, who air the programme in the UK, are keeping Maverick’s identity tightly under wraps, teasing viewers with the question: “Who is behind the mask, and can they live up to being a part of the greatest quiz team in the world?”The episode will air in the UK on October 19. Hosted by Bradley Walsh,…

The defence force is looking for the descendants of two recently identified WWI soldiers – killed while serving in Belgium nearly 100 years ago. New research from independent, volunteer researchers, with further information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and NZDF, identified the final resting places of 31-year-old Sergeant Thomas Smith and 27-year-old Corporal Thomas Nigel McFarland. The two men were both members of the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps and were killed on October 12, 1917, at the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium. New Zealand and its allies had launched an attack on Bellevue Spur. At least 843 New…

Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning star of “Annie Hall,” “The Godfather” films and “Father of the Bride,” whose quirky, vibrant manner and depth made her one of the most singular actors of a generation, has died. She was 79.People Magazine reports that she died in California with loved ones, citing a family spokesperson. No other details were immediately available, and representatives for Keaton did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Associated Press.The unexpected news was met with shock around the world. Keaton was the kind of actor who helped make films iconic and timeless, from her “La-dee-da, la-dee-da” phrasing as…

The All Whites are still searching for their goal-scoring moments, a problem that coach Darren Bazeley wants to find the solution to.A 1-0 loss to world no. 36 Poland on Friday was the first time the All Whites had played against a European team, in Europe, since November 2023 when they held Ireland to a one-all draw.”I think there is a lot of moments in this game where we’re in good possession around the edge of the box and that final little slip pass or final little movement isn’t quite ruthless or clinical enough,” Bazeley said.”We have to take our…

Two men have been sentenced this week for being in possession of objectionable images depicting sexual exploitation and abuse.Warning: This article includes details that may be distressing to some readers. Helplines are provided.The sentencing followed two separate investigations by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital Child Exploitation team.Visen Keo, 41, was sentenced in the Manukau District Court on October 8.Keo pleaded guilty to four charges related to the possession of more than 50,000 objectionable images depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of babies and children.Three of the charges were representative, meaning Keo had committed similar offences multiple times. He was…

Actress Diane Keaton, who won an Academy Award for her iconic role in Annie Hall, has died at the age of 79, People Magazine has reported.The legendary actress died in California, according to reporting by the magazine, which confirmed the news with Keaton’s family. Further details about her death were not available, and her family has requested privacy, according to a family spokesperson.Keaton, born Diane Hall in Los Angeles in 1946, rose to fame in the 1970s through her collaborations with director Woody Allen and her portrayal of Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather films. She won an Oscar for Best…

Parliament’s Speaker Gerry Brownlee says he will seek a meeting with Te Pāti Māori co-leaders next week following what he has described as “contempt of the House” during the maiden speech of MP Oriini Kaipara yesterday.Kaipara’s 23-minute speech exceeded her allocated time, with repeated bell chimes from Brownlee ignored as she continued to speak.”This is not on,” he said.Around 100 people sat in the public gallery for Kaipara’s maiden speech and, despite an agreement that only a waiata would follow, two haka were performed, prompting Brownlee to suspend the House.”When we have people coming into the House who decide they’re…