Rodriguez has been walking a diplomatic tightrope, trying to meet Trump’s demands without alienating Maduro loyalists, who still control Venezuela’s security forces and feared paramilitaries. Writing on Telegram, she described her call with Trump as “productive and courteous” and characterised by “mutual respect”. Under pressure from Washington, Venezuela has released dozens of political prisoners in the past week, but hundreds remain behind bars. Rodriguez claimed a total of 406 political prisoners had been freed since December in a process that “has not yet concluded”. Trump has so far sidelined opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from Venezuela’s post-Maduro transition, claiming the Nobel Peace Prize laureate does not have enough “respect” within the country.

The attack on the bus driver happened near Mt Eden Village. The attack on the bus driver happened near Mt Eden Village. Photo / Peter MeechamA man will appear in court today after an Auckland bus driver was sprayed with a fire extinguisher. The alleged assault happened aboard the 27H bus south of Mt Eden Rd near Mt Eden Village, about 6pm on Tuesday. Passengers called the police and an ambulance, which transported the bus driver to Auckland Hospital to get checked out.

Iran targeted the Al Udeid base in June in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump has threatened to intervene militarily in Iran several times since the protest movement that has shaken the country began in late December. Rights monitors say that under cover of a five-day internet blackout, Iranian authorities are carrying out their harshest repression in years against demonstrations openly challenging the theocratic system. Amnesty International accused authorities of committing mass unlawful killings “on an unprecedented scale”, citing verified videos and eyewitness accounts. Iran Human Rights, based in Norway, said security forces had killed at least 3428 protesters and arrested more than 10,000.

A Dunedin man’s offer to be his partner’s sober driver ended in a drink driving charge after he was caught allegedly drunk while doing the pick-up. The man, who was on a zero-alcohol licence, underwent breath-testing procedures and recorded a breath alcohol level of 510mcg — the legal limit is 250mcg. His licence was suspended for 28 days and he was charged with drink driving and breaching his licence conditions. He underwent breath testing procedures and recorded a breath alcohol level of 710mcg — almost three times over the legal limit. His licence was suspended for 28 days and he was summoned to appear in court at a later date.

Auckland’s stadium debate offers a variation on the same theme. Every few years, the idea of a world-class waterfront stadium reappears. With any public project, the central question is not whether it would be nice to have, but what we forgo to build it. Grand stadium visions return regularly to Auckland’s waterfront, even as councils struggle with the cost of maintaining what already exists. Film productions bring global attention to New Zealand but the public cost of attracting them is borne far beyond the set.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, speaking after leaving the White House, said a US takeover of Greenland was “absolutely not necessary”. It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland,” Lokke told reporters. Denmark promised before the meeting to ramp up its military presence further in the vast, sparsely populated and strategically located island. Trump has derided recent Danish efforts to increase security for Greenland as amounting to “two dog sleds”. In another show of solidarity with Denmark following Trump’s threats, Germany and France both said Wednesday they will send troops to Greenland.

Fire investigators are calling for public help as they probe the massive blaze which destroyed the Roslyn Scout Hall. Firefighters worked into the night to fully extinguish a large fire that engulfed the hall, in School St, yesterday. Police detectives have today been conducting a scene examination alongside with a fire investigator to determine the cause, Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said. "He’s also interested in security camera or dashcam footage from School St taken between 3pm and 4pm yesterday." The hall, which was over 100 years old, was basically empty, had no power connected and was tinder dry.

Australia's Jordan Smith celebrates with the trophy after defeating Taiwan's Joanna Garland in the One Point Slam exhibition event ahead of the 2026 Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Amateur stuns star-studded field to win ‘One Point Slam’ in MelbourneAustralia's Jordan Smith celebrates with the trophy after defeating Taiwan's Joanna Garland in the One Point Slam exhibition event ahead of the 2026 Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Photo / David Gray, AFPAmateur tennis player Jordan Smith sensationally upset a star-studded field to collect a A$1 million ($1m) prize on Wednesday by winning the pressure-packed “One Point Slam” before the Australian Open. The innovative sudden-death contest at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena pitted 24 professionals led by Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff alongside 24 amateurs and celebrity wildcards. Each match consisted of just one point – win and you advanced, lose and you were out.

Google is the world’s biggest seller of ads, which makes anything it does with AI ads a potential trendsetter. How AI ads could go right or wrongGoogle probably won’t be alone in adding advertising to the AI you use. Nate Elliott, an analyst with the research firm eMarketer, said that AI companies are walking a tightrope with advertising. He also said it’s not an accident that AI companies are not saying much publicly about their advertising plans. AI ads might not be much different from the online ads you’re used to.

Act leader David Seymour has pushed for the abandonment of mandatory climate-related reporting altogether. Turners Automotive Group said it spent $1m in the first year of mandatory reporting, establishing systems for data collection and making the disclosure. Act leader David Seymour wants mandatory climate reporting for companies ditched altogether. Oliver Mander said he finds the climate disclosures useful as part of his work heading the NZ Shareholders' Association. Australia and the European Union have pushed ahead with mandatory climate-related reporting.

Dual nationals will now have to pay more to visit - through passport fees - than for someone born in New Zealand or any other visa-waiver country, he said. He was tearing his hair out when they found out about the new rule and that his son only had a New Zealand passport. The British High Commission said in a statement while the UK introduced an ETA requirement for non-British nationals, any British citizens visiting the UK 'must enter on their UK passport, or if they do not have a British passport, on the passport of another country with a UK certificate of entitlement.' "We have been posting about the requirements for dual nationals since 18 August 2025. "We encourage British nationals who plan to visit the UK to apply for, or renew their passports, as soon as possible."

Police seized a dismantled firearm and ammunition at the Waitārere Beach Rd address hours before they responded to a fatal shooting there. Photo / Mike ScottEmergency services responded to a reported shooting at the property around five hours later. Police came across a confronting scene, and Grantham commended those involved for their efforts. “The call we received shortly after midnight was what we call a ‘non-speech emergency call’ – that is, the caller called 111 but did not speak. Police are expected to remain in and around Waitārere Beach over the coming days while a scene examination is conducted at the property.

Judicial sources confirmed to AFP that a complaint was filed against Iglesias, without giving further details. The allegations were first detailed in an investigation published by US television network Univision and Spanish newspaper elDiario.es. Stop speculatingThe allegations have sparked strong reactions in Spain, where the Grammy-winning singer has long been a respected figure. We must stop speculating,” he added during an interview with Spanish television station Telecinco. Iglesias is one of the most successful Latin artists of all time, with more than 300 million records sold.

Melissa Gilbert supports her husband Timothy Busfield following his arrest for child sexual abuse allegations. Melissa Gilbert says she “stands with” her husband Timothy Busfield following his arrest in connection with child sexual abuse allegations. “During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected.”Gilbert’s lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, has distanced itself from the scandal.

Steven and McKenzie are strong signings for the Black Foils, having worked together in the 49er class. Really happy with where that’s landed and that wider high-performance unit,” Tuke said. While McKenzie is a proven talent on the water, Tuke was excited by the prospect of the 28-year-old’s technical input first and foremost. Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie claimed silver medals in the 49er class at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “We’re really fortunate that we’ve got a stable unit through the sailing team that continues on from last year.