Author: Press Room

Western naval nations have vowed checks on a network of ageing tankers that may be helping Putin circumvent sanctions and fund his war effort. ADVERTISEMENTEU authorities will now demand papers from ageing oil tankers which may pose an environmental threat, and help Russian President Vladimir Putin fund his war, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said on Tuesday. The remarks come just a week after the EU imposed new sanctions on around 50 ships that Moscow is believed to be using to evade western price caps on crude oil exports.  “Yesterday we decided together … to do more to disrupt and deter…

A hearing panel has recommended approval of a plan to extend Nelson Airport’s runway to the north.Nelson City Council will vote on the contentious matter on Thursday, however it has limited legal grounds to reject the panel’s recommendations.An extended runway is sought to improve safety and to better cater for future growth and low-emission aircraft, which the airport has argued will be heavier and thus need a longer runway.The airport has said the extension was not about catering to commercial jets to land which would require another consultation and planning process.The runway is proposed to be extended north, towards Tāhunanui,…

Although informal, parliamentary intergroups are a mirror of Europe’s ever-changing priorities—part tradition, part reinvention, and occasionally, a little bit of whimsy. ADVERTISEMENTAs the European Parliament embarks on a new legislative mandate, fresh topics are set to capture the attention of MEPs and bring new Parliamentary ‘intergroups’ to life.These intergroups—informal networks of MEPs from different political groupings—focus on specific issues, often with input from civil society.Although not official parliamentary bodies, intergroups are formally recognised by the Parliament and established at the start of each term.For this tenth legislative term, political groups have approved a list of 28 intergroups. Many are being…

Bluey is heading to the big screen.The Walt Disney Co and BBC Studios announced overnight that a film based on the hit Australian animated series will arrive in theatres in 2027. The movie will be written and directed by series creator Joe Brumm, with a voice cast led by the series’ regulars, including Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack.According to the companies, the CGI-animated film will “continue the adventures of Bluey, a lovable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo”.”I’ve always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie,” Brumm said in a statement. “I…

A manhunt continues for a 28-year-old wanted over a homicide in Naenae, Lower Hutt, with police seeking CCTV from the public and information about the movements of a car. Police are appealing for information over the death of Albert Enoka in Naenae last week, warning that the suspect was “dangerous and should not be approached”.Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said relevant surveillance camera footage would be “crucial” to investigators as officers seek Wipuhara Kapene, 28. “We are looking to establish the movements of the pictured black Mercedes, registration KRP453, shortly before and after 3.10pm in Naenae on Tuesday, December 10,” police…

Landmark corporate supply chain rules scraped through the EU legislature earlier this year despite complaints from business – but suggestions of a U-Turn are now prompting a backlash from the powerful socialist grouping. ADVERTISEMENTA prospective U-Turn on landmark EU corporate supply-chain rules is raising “deep concern” among centre-left MEPs, potentially endangering the centrist coalition recently mustered by President Ursula von der Leyen to secure a second term, according to a letter seen by Euronews.The EU’s Corporate Due Diligence Directive requires companies to check their supply chains for dodgy environmental and labour practices, to try and avoid disasters like Rana Plaza,…

A man who allegedly went on a crime spree in Dargaville before ramming a police car was arrested yesterday.Police were notified of a vehicle seen travelling on Port Rd in Whangārei at around 11.30am, which had been stolen earlier during an aggravated burglary in Dargaville.Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom said the vehicle was then sighted again on State Highway 1 near Otaika Rd and Rewa Rewa Rd.”The driver has then proceeded to ram a police vehicle.”Thankfully, no one was injured and the damage was minimal, however, this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable.”Nordstrom said the vehicle fled towards Maungatapere…

Artisan Pantry co-founders Penny Dawson and Vito Iannece are calling time on the business. Photo: Gregor Richardson It’s hasta la pasta for Dunedin’s Artisan Pantry. The doors close on the business, formerly known as Pasta d’Oro, this Friday, after nearly four decades of producing locally-made pasta and ready-made meals. Co-founders Penny Dawson and Vito Iannece said the decision to sell the the Kaikorai Valley factory and shop was not made lightly. “It’s bittersweet to close this chapter. We’ve spent the majority of our adult lives making pasta and meals and, while it’s time for us to retire, we’re excited about…

Three people have been injured, one critically, in a two-vehicle crash in the central North Island this morning.Police said the crash occurred on Western Bay Rd, State Highway 32, south of Waihāhā at around 10am.St John said two ambulances, two helicopters and one operations manager responded to the crash.”One patient in a critical condition is being airlifted to Waikato Hospital, one patient in a serious condition is being transported to Rotorua Hospital by ambulance, and one patient in a moderate condition is being transported to Taupo Hospital by ambulance,” a spokesperson said.Both the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Greenlea Rescue…

In the wake of the spillage of some 26 tonnes of tiny plastic pellets which washed up on Spanish beaches a year ago, environment ministers have agreed that minimum standards and monitoring should apply to shippers operating in EU waters. ADVERTISEMENTProposed legislation to reduce the accidental release of microplastic pellets into the environment should be extended to cover shipping, an overwhelming majority of EU governments agreed today – setting them on collision course with the European Parliament and Commission.Environment ministers reached a joint negotiating position today on the proposal, designed to help meet the EU’s goal of reducing overall microplastic…