'A present-day emergency': Govt urged to support housebuilding

Les Mills, New Zealand Olympian behind global gym chain, dies aged 91

He and his wife opened first Les Mills gym in Auckland in 1968 and family later introduced workout programs including BodyPump taught worldwideLes Mills, the New Zealand Olympian and former Auckland mayor whose name is synonymous with his global fitness chain, has died aged 91.In a statement released on Monday, Phillip Mills said his father had achieved a huge amount in his life and the common thread throughout was his desire to help others.

Donald Trump expects UK to meet funding levels amid military spending controversy

Donald Trump expects UK to meet funding levels amid military spending controversy The White House has stated the President is not willing to budge on NATO allies such as Britain sticking to their pledge to spend 5% of economic output on defence by 2035 US President Donald Trump said he expects NATO allies to stick to their defence spending pledges, amid controversy over future UK military funding. Mr Trump's demand came as Sir Keir Starmer was due to unveil a long-delayed investment plan for...

Makeshift bomb explodes in Monaco, with three seriously hurt

Regional council boss resigns after very difficult six-year tenure

Hepburn Shire Council chief executive resigns after very difficult six-year tenure Tue 30 Jun 2026 at 1:03pm In short: Hepburn Shire Council chief executive Bradley Thomas has resigned in what has been described as a very difficult six-year tenure. During this time, Mr Thomas has faced a "private prosecution" by a ratepayer, and had a cup of coffee thrown on him by a resident. Mr Thomas's resignation will take effect in August, and council will provide updates on an interim chief executive.