Author: Press Room

New Zealand’s very first all-female professional firefighter calendar has been launched. Thirteen firefighters from nine stations across three cities posed for the Wāhine Toa Firefighter Calendar, with money raised going to a charity for breast cancer research. Calendar co-organisers Nicole Koch and Zoe Feau spoke to Breakfast about the strength, pride, and femininity of those on the frontline. The Wāhine Toa Firefighter Calendar brings together 13 firefighters from nine stations across three cities. (Source: Breakfast)“Zoe and I were actually on shift together, we were talking about the men’s calendar and we were like ‘why isn’t there a woman’s one?’ So…

Failing to declare an apple in your luggage could soon be an $800 mistake under proposed new fines announced by the Government today. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced several biosecurity updates as part of a draft bill aimed at strengthening protections against invasive pests and diseases. One of the changes was doubling the fine for failing to declare high-risk items like fresh fruit and meat.The proposed fine for high-risk items would increase from the current $400 to $800. Penalties for other goods would remain at $400. “Food and fibre sector export revenue is forecast to reach $61.4 billion in 2026,…

Winston Peters’ official Foreign Minister X account has reshared a post from the Prime Minister about securing a new trade partnership with the single word “We…”, before being deleted. Luxon, who was attending the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, posted a photograph of himself linking arms with Southeast Asian leaders.”I’ve just done a deal with Southeast Asian nations that will help grow our economy at home,” the caption began.Peter’s ministerial account reshared the post with one word: “We…”The post was later deleted. It was unclear how long it was live.A screenshot of the since-deleted tweet captured by 1News.…

The Government wants to know if Kiwis support changes to the Warrant of Fitness system, which would see less frequent inspections for some vehicles. The Government today opened public consultation on a range of proposed changes to land transport rules. It included consultation on less frequent inspections for some light vehicles, simplified safety requirements for heavy vehicles, and new safety features for imported cars. Transport Minister Chris Bishop said it was an effort to “modernise” the rules, which he described as “riddled with outdated or nonsensical requirements” that created unnecessary burdens. “These changes are about increasing our transport system’s productivity…

Canterbury is the fastest-growing region in New Zealand, amid a nationwide slowdown in population growth, according to new provisional figures from Stats NZ.The region’s population grew by 1.1% or 7600 people in the year to June 2025.Canterbury’s growth was driven largely by increases in Christchurch (which accounted for 52% of the region’s growth), Selwyn District (27%), Waimakariri District (10%), and Ashburton District (5%). Selwyn had the highest growth rate at 2.4%.The population growth consisted of a provisional net migration gain of 5300, made up of 3700 people moving from other parts of New Zealand and 1600 overseas arrivals, as well…

A Rotorua couple got the surprise of a lifetime when their Lord of the Rings-themed wedding at Hobbiton was crashed by an unexpected guest – none other than Elijah Wood.The actor, best known for playing Frodo Baggins, was visiting the Waikato movie set while in New Zealand for the Armageddon Expo and happened to be touring the grounds as Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride were tying the knot.“I kind of looked up and did a double take,” Sharik told 1News. “You see someone like that, a famous movie star in Hobbiton and think, ‘that’s not really them,’ and then you realise,…

Pharmac has confirmed it will fund another brand of ADHD medication from December 1 following positive public consultation. In September, Pharmac proposed funding a new modified-release brand of methylphenidate – called Methylphenidate Sandoz XR – to improve access to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment and offset global supply challenges. From December 1, the drug buying agency said the additional medication would be available in the same strengths as Concerta – 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, and 54mg.It would be funded alongside existing brands, under current eligibility criteria and was expected to benefit around 3800 people in the first year. Pharmac’s chief…

Friends and family have paid tribute to a US couple killed in a Waikato crash earlier this month, describing them as “incredible people” whose “legacy will last a lifetime”.Josh Greenway, 35, and Amber Stephens, 34, from Phoenix Valley in Arizona, died in a two-vehicle crash in Piarere near the intersection of State Highway 1 and Horahora Rd on the evening of October 15. A Gofundme appeal – In Memory of Josh and Amber: Support Their Families – was set up to help meet funeral expenses and other costs. A friend paid tribute to the couple via the page, describing them…

Nelson City Council’s transition away from clear-fell pine forestry is well underway with around 74,000 trees planted in the Maitai and Marsden Valleys this winter.”We’re systematically moving through the whole of the commercial forestry estate at the moment and prioritising our work,” said the council’s new forest systems manager Dr James Griffiths.Griffiths, a scientist with 20 years of experience in pest management for the Department of Conservation, has been in his role for two months after the council initially struggled to fill the position.The council decided to transition away from clear-fell commercial forestry to create a well-managed continuous canopy amenity…

Police have seized a motorbike, brand new power tools and more than $9000 in cash during a search warrant executed in Christchurch.The operation was a joint effort between Canterbury Rural and Christchurch Tactical Crime Units, following investigations into a series of commercial burglaries.Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker said officers were pleased to recover stolen tools linked to the burglaries.“We also found other items of interest including drug utensils, rifle ammunition, firearm parts and multiple new retail items,” she said.The occupant of the house was found to have unpaid fines, despite the large amount of cash discovered in the garage. Rifle ammunition…