Author: Press Room

New Zealand’s population could eclipse six million before 2040, according to the latest projections released by Stats NZ.Stats NZ population estimates, projections, and coverage spokesperson Victoria Treliving said net international migration has been the main contributor to New Zealand’s population growth this century, and this is projected to continue.Two-thirds of the population growth to hit a population of six million is likely to come from net international migration, Stats NZ said, with the remainder to come from natural increase (births less deaths).The projections also indicated the population will likely increase to around 7 million by 2060, and potentially nearly 8…

Rua Bioscience has reached a settlement with Australia’s Cann Group following legal proceedings initiated by Rua in February last year. In an update to the NZX, Rua said both parties undertook mediation as part of the legal proceedings which had led to the settlement. Both companies had executed new supply agreements to support their respective operations in the New Zealand and Australian medicinal cannabis markets. The commercial terms of the settlement were confidential and took effect immediately.

A council that installed chicanes on a once quiet country lane-turned-rat-run to force drivers to reduce speed, did so after only six formal complaints and without consulting the community.The move infuriated Tamahere residents near Hamilton, who say the reflector hipsticks and one-lane chicanes are a major crash hazard during fog and at certain times of the day with sun strike.At an explosive public meeting in the sought-after Waikato country suburb on Tuesday night, the majority of about 70 residents who attended, demanded Waikato District Council end the trial now.”My suggestion is the trial is over,” one man said to a…

ADVERTISEMENTSimplifying some of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules could save €1.58 billion per year for farmers and €210 million each year for member states, according to the European Commission. To achieve this goal, the EU executive has proposed easier payments for small farmers, including increasing the annual lump sum to €2,500, and more flexible environmental controls, namely for the conservation of peatlands, wetlands and watercourses.Farmers will also benefit from an easier mechanism to be reimbursed in the event of natural disasters or animal diseases and will have a single digital system to reduce bureaucracy.“The aim is to make life easier for farmers, ultimately contributing to…

“Just be keen as beans.” That’s the advice of young South Otago forestry worker Callum Maze, 21, who received the apprentice of the year award at the Southern Wood Council’s recent forestry awards, held in conjunction with Competenz. The acknowledgement recognised a commitment to self-development and skill achievement through the apprenticeship. Lawson Roxburgh, of Roxburgh Logging, said Mr Maze began work straight out of school as an enthusiastic young man who took in everything that was going on. “His natural ability and willingness to learn have seen him constantly involving himself with more experienced members of his team, who recognise…

The University of Auckland has been ordered to pay scientist Siouxsie Wiles $205,059.94.The payout – revealed in an Employment Court decision today – is towards Wiles’ legal costs, after a three-week hearing in the Employment Court last year.In that case, the court found the university breached its contractual obligations to protect Wiles as harassment against her intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic.However, it did not find the university had breached Wiles’ academic freedom, or claims related to Te Tiriti.In her decision today, Judge Joanna Holden said the parties were encouraged to agree to costs, but due to the university’s response Wiles…

ADVERTISEMENTGeopolitical tensions and conflicts, such as those in Ukraine, made the EU realise how vulnerable it is in relying on just one or even a few countries for key resources. As was the case with Russian gas, the same logic applies to these so-called critical materials, natural resources that are essential to the economy.The EU now wants to be more self-sufficient, boosting its domestic raw material capacity and diversifying supply sources. But how and at what price? That’s the focus of this episode of Europeans’ Stories. The European Union needs critical raw materials for its Green Deal climate neutral goals – the Digital transition,…

Eleven bottle shops and stores across Auckland have been caught selling booze to under-18s in the past year.Black Bull Northcote, Simply Fresh in Hillcrest, Glengarry Ellerslie, Brew Royal Oak, Bottle O Mount Smart, Grand Food Mart in Orewa, Kowhai Liquor Centre at Warkworth, Wine and Spirits in Flat Bush, Forrest Hill Liquor Centre, Favona Liquor Wholesale and Unsworth Liquor — had their licences to sell alcohol suspended briefly for breaching the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.The stores were caught during several controlled purchase operations conducted by Auckland Council’s Alcohol Licensing Unit, police and the Auckland Regional Public Health…

ADVERTISEMENTThe European Union will extend the temporary protection granted to Ukrainian refugees until March 2027 as it paves the way for a “gradual return and sustainable reintegration” in the country once Russia’s invasion comes to an end, a prospect that remains distant and precarious as Moscow stalls the negotiations promoted by the United States.It marks the first time that Brussels presents a detailed roadmap for Ukrainians to either go home after the war or stay in the bloc on a long-term basis.An estimated 4.3 million Ukrainians left their country and relocated across the EU in what is considered the largest…

A portable robotic eye-testing device could provide care for people in remote communities who currently face obstacles to treatment.Difficulties with transport, childcare and general costs can all get in the way of people receiving the care they need.A trial of the prototype machine – made from a 3D printer and with a specialised camera – is now underway in Northland. Specialists can hold a consultation with the patient remotely while they are having the test.The trial is being run by iwi health provider Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi. Its chief executive Tia Ashby said eye health is crucial to the…