Five Big Things: Tuesday, February 20

February 20, 2024
Grant Robertson and Jacinda Ardern in 2014.

The disappearance of 25 cows baffles Taranaki farmers, Labour reshuffles its caucus as Grant Robertson takes on a new job, and one ice-cold question.

1 Grant Robertson retires from politics, takes on new university job

One of the most prominent faces of the previous Labour government, Grant Robertson, has announced his resignation after 15 years in Parliament.

He is taking on a new job as vice chancellor of Otago University. Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern has paid tribute to Robertson.

The former finance minister and deputy prime minister helped to lead New Zealand through the Covid-19 pandemic but later faced criticism as the country's economy hit turbulence.

2 Taranaki farmers baffled as some cows fail to return from grazing

How do 25 cows just disappear? It's a mystery bugging some farmers in Taranaki who sent their barren cows to a grazier for a year.

"I just want some answers," farmer Paul Stachurski told Fair Go.

3 Police seize several motorbikes following Paeroa gang tangi

At least four motorbikes have been seized following the tangi of a Waikato-based gang member. Police said they had an increased presence in the Waikato town of Paeroa today for the tangi — where a service was held at a local marae.

4 Apology for survivors of Lake Alice hospital abuse

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has described what happened at the Lake Alice psychiatric hospital as "a shameful chapter in our nation's history", as it offered an apology today.

5 'I think I'm done': Woolworths CEO walks out of Australian interview

Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci has walked out of a heated interview while being questioned over allegations of price gouging in Australia. Watch the moment here

ONE CURSED CREDIT CARD

Many will relate to the headache of trying to cancel a dormant, yet costly online subscription. 1News reporter Jessica Roden discovers just how much effort is required – and learns about an unsolicited banking "tool" in the process.

ONE ICE-COLD QUESTION

They say you get what you pay for but sometimes — just sometimes — real life is NOT a cliché. Take the surprising results of Fair Go's tests involving the latest mobile drink accessory, the giant insulated drinks holder known as the 'Stanley' cup.

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