Saturday, March 7

Blog

Privacy complaint lodged over IRD’s data-sharing with social media companies
Business

Privacy complaint lodged over IRD’s data-sharing with social media companies

IRD is regularly providing what it says are fully anonymised details of thousands of people to several platforms for targeted marketing. Photo: 123rf A Queenstown employment consultant has lodged an official complaint about Inland Revenue (IRD) giving his details to social media companies. IRD is regularly providing what it says are fully anonymised details of thousands of people to several platforms for targeted marketing. David Buckingham has told the Privacy Commissioner he discovered this in May. He said it breached his privacy because the anonymisation was not effective, while at the same time the marketing was narrowly targeted and segmented. The "hashing" process IRD relies on is not accepted overseas as adequate to anonymise personal data. Buckingham said in his complaint this h...
Trans-Tasman flights to return to Hamilton, Dunedin airports
Business

Trans-Tasman flights to return to Hamilton, Dunedin airports

Jetstar will operate trans-Tasman flights from Hamilton and Dunedin from June 2025. Photo: 123RF Trans-Tasman flights will return to Hamilton Airport for the first time in 13 years. Jetstar flights will operate out of the airport to Sydney and the Gold Coast from June 2025. The Australian airline will also run a new direct service between Dunedin Airport and the Gold Coast from the same time. Waikato Regional Airport chief executive Mark Morgan said the news came after more than a year of negotiations with the airline and border agencies. "Analysis indicates the flights will boost the regional economy by about $45 million per year." Morgan said. Hamilton Airport Photo: Google Maps Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said it was a "huge win" for the city and region. "Air travel plays a ...
Here`s what we know about `The Vampire Diaries` reboot
Entertainment, Movies

Here`s what we know about `The Vampire Diaries` reboot

Hello, Brother! Every time a `Vampire Diaries` fan hears these words, all we can think of is a handsome guy standing at our door. Okay, you crazy people, yes, you guessed it right, we`re talking about Damon Salvatore! And yes, now we’re thinking about Elena Gilbert, Stefan Salvatore, Bonnie Bennett, Caroline Forbes—the list goes on. It’s been 15 years since `The Vampire Diaries` first premiered. It was a time when stories about vampires were at their peak, and people were loving the concept more than anything else. Now, 15 years later, the show still holds its audience. While loyal fans keep rewatching it, the new audience has it on their binge list. But can this lead to a reboot of `The Vampire Diaries`? Sadly, no, but it doesn’t mean that the franchise won’t continue.       ...
Synlait shareholders to decide on $218 million cash injection
Business

Synlait shareholders to decide on $218 million cash injection

Photo: Getty Images The shareholders of specialty milk producer Synlait have a stark choice to make this week to either approve a capital injection or risk putting the company in the hands of a receiver. Shareholders were being asked to approve a $218 million cash injection by its two largest shareholders, along with financial restructuring to fix its most immediate financial problems. However, the deal excludes all other shareholders and would result in their stakes being diluted, as the largest shareholder China's Bright Dairy will increase its stake to 65 percent, and A2 Milk will preserve its near 20 percent stake. Synlait chair George Adams said the alternatives were far less appealing. "We're pretty much at the end of the road," Adams said. He said time was ticking for the business...
Live: FBI investigating attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Florida
World News

Live: FBI investigating attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Florida

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, centre, speaks alongside the FBI's Jeffrey Veltri, left, and US Secret Service Miami field office agent Rafael Barros, following gunshots near former US president Donald Trump's golf course. Photo: AFP / Chandan Khanna Donald Trump is safe after what the FBI says appears to be an assassination attempt Shots were fired outside Trump's golf course in Palm Beach, Florida AP reports US Secret Service agents opened fire after seeing a person with a firearm near the course Trump was injured in an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on 13 July. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is safe after what the FBI says appears to be an assassination attempt outside Trump's golf course in Palm Beach, Florida. "The FBI has responded to West Palm Bea...
Contract law changes: Simplifying or complicating?
Business

Contract law changes: Simplifying or complicating?

Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden says new requirements will give clarity to workers and businesses. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER A major union and a big business group are at odds over whether planned changes to employment law will simplify or complicate matters. The government is introducing new tests to define whether workers are employees or contractors. It comes after a Court of Appeal case ruled four Uber drivers were employees and should receive benefits like holiday pay. Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden says new requirements will give clarity to workers and businesses. She declined to be interviewed by Morning Report on the matter, but on Sunday said if four criteria were met, then a worker would be classified as a contractor - and without the benefits b...