Latest news with #Hearn
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Westpac NZ slashes home loan rates after OCR cut, 3-year fixed now just 4.95%, check full list
Westpac New Zealand has quickly responded to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's (RBNZ) recent decision to lower the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 3.25%, announcing reductions in lending and deposit rates. Effective Thursday, May 29, 2025, Westpac NZ is offering special fixed home loan rates of 4.95% per annum across one, two, and three-year terms. This move positions Westpac's three-year rate as the lowest among the five major banks in New Zealand. Additionally, the bank has reduced its six-month fixed special rate to 5.49% per annum. Westpac mortgage rates (variable) have also been adjusted downward by 0.15% annually. This change means that since July of the previous year, customer variable rates have decreased by over 2.00% per annum. Furthermore, most variable business lending rates have been reduced in line with the 0.25% OCR decrease. Live Events According to advertised rates as of 3 PM on May 28, Westpac's new special rate of 4.95% per annum is the lowest three-year rate among the five largest banks. This rate is significantly lower than the average of 5.40% per annum over the past ten years. Savers are closely monitoring the rate decline, and support for them remains a priority, as per Westpac. That's why the 0.25% OCR reduction has not been applied to the Notice Saver product, which continues to offer a rate of 3.10% per annum. Additionally, Westpac is decreasing its mortgage serviceability rate from 7.00% to 6.85%. Sarah Hearn, Westpac NZ's General Manager of Product, Sustainability, and Marketing, said the bank's commitment is to providing value to customers in a competitive environment. She stated, "We'll continue to look for opportunities to pass on interest rate reductions to ensure we're providing customers with good value." Hearn also acknowledged many New Zealanders' financial challenges, encouraging customers to engage with the bank if they have concerns about their finances. The RBNZ's decision to lower the OCR to 3.25% marks the second consecutive reduction, bringing the rate to its lowest level since September 2022. The central bank cited a recovering economy and inflation within the target range as reasons for the cut. However, it also noted ongoing challenges, including global economic uncertainties and the impact of tariffs, which could affect future growth and inflation. Fixed home loan rates (Special, effective from May 29) Term New Rate (p.a.) Change 6 months 5.49% p.a. -0.10% 1 year 4.95% p.a. -0.04% 18 months 4.95% p.a. -0.04% 2 years 4.95% p.a. -0.04% 3 years 4.95% p.a. -0.24% 4 years 5.39% p.a. No Change 5 years 5.39% p.a. No Change Fixed home loan rates (Standard, effective 29 May 2025) Term New Rate (p.a.) Change 6 months 6.09% p.a. -0.10% 1 year 5.55% p.a. -0.04% 18 months 5.55% p.a. -0.04% 2 years 5.55% p.a. -0.04% 3 years 5.55% p.a. -0.24% 4 years 5.99% p.a. No Change 5 years 5.99% p.a. No Change Variable home loan rates (effective from June 3, 2025, for new customers and on June 5, 2025, for existing customers) Term New Rate (p.a.) Change Choices Floating 6.59% p.a. -0.15% Choices Offset 6.59% p.a. -0.15% Choices Everyday 6.69% p.a. -0.15%
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
I've been paying for therapy ever since Leyton Orient's last play-off final, admits legendary Barry Hearn
The 76-year-old has seen three failed play-off finals as an Orient fan and owner KING OF THE ORIENT I've been paying for therapy ever since Leyton Orient's last play-off final, admits legendary Barry Hearn THREE times during his 19-year Leyton Orient ownership, Barry Hearn went through the play-off final emotional wringer. Two were at Wembley, one at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - all three were heartbreaking experiences. 4 Barry Hearn is desperate for Leyton Orient to return to the second tier Credit: Rex 4 It's been three play-off heartbreaks in a row for the League One side Credit: Getty 4 Orient's last season in the top flight came 43 years ago Credit: Getty The most recent, exactly 11 years ago tomorrow, still gives him sleepless nights. Orient led the League One play-off final by two goals but were pegged back to 2-2 by Rotherham United and then lost 4-3 on penalties, despite leading in the shootout. Hearn - now 76 and no longer in charge - believes it will be fourth time lucky when the club face Charlton at Wembley tomorrow. It is 43 years since Orient were last in England's second tier. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL JUST A MINUTE Every EFL play-off final to kick off 60 seconds later for touching reason And for Hearn, as well as wife Susan, victory would help banish the demons of previous near-misses. Britain's leading sports promoter told SunSport: "I've been paying for therapy ever since that day against Rotherham! "I get nightmares about it. This is my opportunity to cleanse myself, take away my therapist bills, go back to normal sleep patterns. "It's a great London derby. South London versus East London always stirs the emotions. It's a 50-50 call. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "It's about who handles the nerves best on the day. It's so exciting. "Me and Susan will be there. Mrs Hearn, the Queen of the Orient, and the previous King of the Orient. Pep Guardiola preview Man City's tasty clash against Leyton Orient "My family has always come first - but Orient are a close second." Hearn's love affair with the club began on January 30, 1960 when, aged 11, he attended his first match at Brisbane Road - a 2-2 friendly draw with Scottish side Falkirk. His hero was Tommy Johnston, "a rough and tough merchant, an old school centre-forward". The decision to buy the club in March 1995, having earned millions promoting snooker and boxing, came via a call from chairman Tony Wood, who was in a desperate financial state after the Rwandan Civil War decimated his fortune. Hearn acquired 243,000 shares for £2.43 but took on £2million of unpaid debts. If they were successful they'd need a bigger ground. If the day comes that they want to move, I'll ensure they're very well looked after. Barry Hearn Fans may have wanted him to spend more money but Essex-based Hearn tried to run the firm prudently. Hearn said: "My life has been built, on a personal and company basis, on sustainability. I don't want to be a quick shot in the dark. "With Orient, I set about trying to make them a sustainable business. I failed really. I cut everything, maximised all my revenues and there was still a gap that was insurmountable — that's football. "I had 19 years of aggravation, frustration, grief, threats, all sorts of stuff . . . and you know what? I wouldn't swap a day of it. "That's the bizarre thing about football. You do things you wouldn't do in any other business. You make decisions based on your heart. But my wallet was always saying, 'Don't get carried away.'" Becoming owner was always a "family investment" and the decision to sell his stake to madcap Italian Francesco Becchetti was made in 2014 over Sunday dinner. Son Eddie, now Matchroom Sport chairman, wanted him to keep it but daughter Katie disagreed. Susan gave the deciding vote: 'Get rid.' Hearn did buy their Brisbane Road ground - ensuring Orient a home for the foreseeable future. He said: "They've got a 20-year lease with a 20-year extension. They're totally protected. "If they were successful they'd need a bigger ground. If the day comes that they want to move, I'll ensure they're very well looked after. "Because that would be my legacy to the club." Hearn, Orient's honorary president, heads to Wembley tomorrow with a strong feeling the club can finally win a play-off final. He said: "The boys have all played great. I do believe they can do it. "I have a good feeling that my years of therapy will no longer be necessary." 4 O's boss Richie Wellens, pictured here being mobbed by fans, has done a terrific job at Brisbane Road Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
I've been paying for therapy ever since Leyton Orient's last play-off final, admits legendary Barry Hearn
THREE times during his 19-year Leyton Orient ownership, Barry Hearn went through the play-off final emotional wringer. Two were at Wembley, one at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - all three were heartbreaking experiences. Advertisement 4 Barry Hearn is desperate for Leyton Orient to return to the second tier Credit: Rex 4 It's been three play-off heartbreaks in a row for the League One side Credit: Getty 4 Orient's last season in the top flight came 43 years ago Credit: Getty The most recent, exactly 11 years ago tomorrow, still gives him sleepless nights. Orient led the League One play-off final by two goals but were pegged back to 2-2 by Rotherham United and then lost 4-3 on penalties, despite leading in the shootout. It is 43 years since Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL And for Hearn, as well as wife Susan, victory would help banish the demons of previous near-misses. Britain's leading sports promoter told SunSport: "I've been paying for therapy ever since that day against Rotherham! "I get nightmares about it. This is my opportunity to cleanse myself, take away my therapist bills, go back to normal sleep patterns. "It's a great London derby. South London versus East London always stirs the emotions. It's a 50-50 call. Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "It's about who handles the nerves best on the day. It's so exciting. "Me and Susan will be there. Mrs Hearn, the Queen of the Orient, and the previous King of the Orient. Pep Guardiola preview Man City's tasty clash against Leyton Orient "My family has always come first - but Orient are a close second." Advertisement Hearn's love affair with the club began on January 30, 1960 when, aged 11, he attended his first match at Brisbane Road - a 2-2 friendly draw with Scottish side Falkirk. His hero was Tommy Johnston, "a rough and tough merchant, an old school centre-forward". The decision to buy the club in March 1995, having earned millions promoting snooker and boxing, came via a call from chairman Tony Wood, who was in a desperate financial state after the Rwandan Civil War decimated his fortune. Hearn acquired 243,000 shares for £2.43 but took on £2million of unpaid debts. Advertisement If they were successful they'd need a bigger ground. If the day comes that they want to move, I'll ensure they're very well looked after. Barry Hearn Fans may have wanted him to spend more money but Essex-based Hearn tried to run the firm prudently. Hearn said: "My life has been built, on a personal and company basis, on sustainability. I don't want to be a quick shot in the dark. "With Orient, I set about trying to make them a sustainable business. I failed really. I cut everything, maximised all my revenues and there was still a gap that was insurmountable — that's football. "I had 19 years of aggravation, frustration, grief, threats, all sorts of stuff . . . and you know what? I wouldn't swap a day of it. Advertisement "That's the bizarre thing about football. You do things you wouldn't do in any other business. You make decisions based on your heart. But my wallet was always saying, 'Don't get carried away.'" Becoming owner was always a "family investment" and the decision to sell his stake to madcap Italian Francesco Becchetti was made in 2014 over Sunday dinner. Son Eddie, now Hearn did buy their Brisbane Road ground - ensuring Orient a home for the foreseeable future. Advertisement He said: "They've got a 20-year lease with a 20-year extension. They're totally protected. "If they were successful they'd need a bigger ground. If the day comes that they want to move, I'll ensure they're very well looked after. "Because that would be my legacy to the club." Hearn, Orient's honorary president, heads to Wembley tomorrow with a strong feeling the club can finally win a play-off final. Advertisement He said: "The boys have all played great. I do believe they can do it. "I have a good feeling that my years of therapy will no longer be necessary." 4 O's boss Richie Wellens, pictured here being mobbed by fans, has done a terrific job at Brisbane Road Credit: Getty Advertisement
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Eddie Hearn ‘expecting' Chris Eubank Jr to rematch Conor Benn NEXT with September 27 at Tottenham eyed for mega-fight
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EDDIE HEARN expects Chris Eubank Jr to rematch Conor Benn NEXT - back at Tottenham's stadium on September 27. The born rivals put on an absolute thriller in front of 67,000 fans at Spurs' £1billion ground - three decades on from their dads' famous fights. 2 Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn look set to rematch Credit: Getty Both ended up in hospital amid the brutality of the 12 rounds with Eubank bed bound for TWO DAYS due to severe dehydration. Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh wasted no time in talking up the contracted rematch back in North London. And promoter Hearn revealed a date is already pencilled in - on the condition Eubank - who will be 36 by that time - is fighting fit. Hearn told SunSport: "You heard His Excellency on the night talk about, I think September 27th at Spurs for us, that's what we're expecting. READ MORE IN boxing 'I couldn't do it' Eubank Jr reveals sour moment between him and Benn after epic fight "The second fight, we signed a contract for two fights, not for a rematch to be exercised for two fights. "So, as far as we're concerned, number two will take place in September, but obviously Eubank's got to be ready and he's got to be comfortable to move forward. "Conor's ready to go now. And obviously he's itching to get back in the ring with Eubank. The first fight was incredible and we'll be ready for number two." The second generation grudge match was initially set for October 2022 at a 157lb catchweight - lower than Eubank had ever been before. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But it was cancelled after Benn failed two drug tests after testing positive for clomiphene - a substance known to boost testosterone. Benn, 28, protested his innocence and took his career to America for two wins at 150lb while his doping saga dragged on. AJ to have surgery this week as Hearn reveals 'encouraging' Fury fight Eventually, UK Anti-Doping dropped the case against him paving the way for a British boxing return to face Eubank. But, amid the scandal Eubank re-negotiated for a 160lb middleweight bout - his weight for the last six years. The only concession he made was for a 10lb rehydration limit on the morning of the bout. Eubank missed the 160lb mark by an agonising 0.05lb on the Friday weigh-in - costing him a £375,000 fine - but he did make the 170lb rehydration. And despite the former super-middleweight world title challenger's weight struggles - Hearn says terms for the rematch remain unchanged. He said: "Our contract is exactly the same as the first fight. All the terms are the same. We have separate contracts with the Saudis and that's how the deal was done. "So I can't speak on his behalf. What I know is what we signed up for. So we expect that to be delivered." You heard His Excellency on the night talk about, I think September 27th at Spurs for us, that's what we're expecting. Eddie Hearn Eubank's legendary father Chris Sr threatened to boycott the bout over fears of Benn jumping up two weights and his son depleting himself to stay at 160lb. Eventually, he did emotionally reunite with his son on the night of the fight and watched in awe as his eldest earned a unanimous decision. But Sr spent 48 worrying hours by his boy's side in hospital as the weight cut and rehydration took its gruelling toll. And Hearn admits if Eubank is medically unable to make the same weight restrictions then he will consider renegotiating under fresh terms. He said: "Look, I don't represent Eubank. So if it's unsafe for him to make that weight, that's something they've got to raise. "It's not my job to go to you Eubank and go, 'Are you alright mate? Do you want an extra couple of pounds if that'll make you perform better?' "I'm just looking out for Conor Benn, who is in danger by fighting the much bigger guy. "But of course, you never want to see a fighter go in depleted, dehydrated or in a dangerous position. "I don't think his performance reflected that, if I'm honest, I just think it was a war. So that's something for their team to discuss with the Saudis. "If they have a medical problem with that - that would go against the contracts that we've signed - but obviously you've got to make sure it's safe for him to continue."
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Eddie Hearn ‘expecting' Chris Eubank Jr to rematch Conor Benn NEXT with September 27 at Tottenham eyed for mega-fight
EDDIE HEARN expects Chris Eubank Jr to rematch Conor Benn next - back at Tottenham's stadium on September 27. The born rivals put on an absolute thriller 2 Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn look set to rematch Credit: Getty Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh wasted no time in talking up the And promoter Hearn revealed a date is already pencilled in - on the condition Eubank - who will be 36 by that time - is fighting fit. Hearn told SunSport: "You heard His Excellency on the night talk about, I think September 27th at Spurs for us, that's what we're expecting. READ MORE IN boxing "The second fight, we signed a contract for two fights, not for a rematch to be exercised for two fights. "So, as far as we're concerned, number two will take place in September, but obviously Eubank's got to be ready and he's got to be comfortable to move forward. "Conor's ready to go now. And obviously he's itching to get back in the ring with Eubank and the first fight was incredible and we'll be ready for number two." The second generation grudge match was initially set for October 2022 at a 157lb catchweight - lower than Eubank had ever been before. Most read in Boxing CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS But it was cancelled after Benn failed two drug tests after testing positive for clomiphene - a substance known to boost testosterone. Benn, 28, protested his innocence and took his career to America for two wins at 150lb while his doping saga dragged on. AJ to have surgery this week as Hearn reveals 'encouraging' Fury fight Eventually, UK Anti-Doping dropped the case against paving the way for a British boxing return to face Eubank. But, amid the scandal Eubank re-negotiated for a 160lb middleweight bout - his weight for the last six years. The only concession he made was for a 10lb rehydration limit on the morning of the bout. Eubank missed the 160lb mark by an agonising 0.05lb on the Friday weigh-in - costing him a £375,000 fine - but he did make the 170lb rehydration. And despite the former super-middleweight world title challenger's struggle at the weight - Hearn says terms for the rematch remain unchanged. He said: "Our contract is exactly the same as the first fight. All the terms are the same. We have separate contracts with the Saudis and that's how the deal was done. "So I can't speak on his behalf. What I know is what we signed up for. So we expect that to be delivered." You heard His Excellency on the night talk about, I think September 27th at Spurs for us, that's what we're expecting. Eddie Hearn Eubank's legendary father Chris Sr threatened to boycott the bout over fears of Benn jumping up two weights and his son depleting himself to stay at 160lb. Eventually, But Sr spent 48 worrying hours by his boy's side in hospital as the weight cut and rehydration took its gruelling toll. And Hearn admits if Eubank is medically unable to make the same weight restrictions then he will consider renegotiating under fresh terms. He said: "Look, I don't represent Eubank. So if it's unsafe for him to make that weight, that's something they've got to raise. "It's not my job to go to you Eubank and go, 'Are you alright mate? Do you want an extra couple of pounds if that'll make you perform better?' "I'm just looking out for Conor Benn, who is in danger by fighting the much bigger guy. "But of course, you never want to see a fighter go in depleted, dehydrated or in a dangerous position. "I don't think his performance reflected that, if I'm honest, I just think it was a war. So that's something for their team to discuss with the Saudis. "If they have a medical problem with that - that would go against the contracts that we've signed - but obviously you've got to make sure it's safe for him to continue." 2 Benn with his promoter Eddie Hearn after losing to Eubank Credit: PA
