Colin Mansbridge apologises after Rob Penney uses colourful language to describe a reporter, the former UK Post Office boss breaks down at an inquiry into wrongful convictions, and a painting of Princess Kate sparks anger online.
1 Crusaders boss apologises for Penney's foul language towards reporter
Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge has officially apologised on behalf of his organisation for the foul language used by head coach Rob Penney about a 1News reporter yesterday.
After a media conference at the franchise headquarters, Penney’s comments to a colleague in reference to reporter Thomas Mead was picked up by microphones.
Penney described Mead as a “disgrace” and a “c**t” after a line of questioning he apparently disagreed with.
Mansbridge’s apology was sent to all media this morning.
2 Peters frustrated as French fail to approve New Caledonia evacuations
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the Government shares the frustration of New Zealanders waiting to be evacuated from New Caledonia after French approval was not received to operate flights today.
At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the island nation today in an effort to quell protests over the French government's electoral reform.
In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peters said: "We appreciate this will be frustrating for New Zealanders waiting to come home.
"We continue to engage urgently with the French Government in Wellington, Nouméa and Paris asking that it approves the next flights home as rapidly as possible."
3 More vape shops in poor areas and near schools, study reveals
According to a new study out of Canterbury University, there are more vape stores in deprived areas and near schools.
The research found vape store numbers are increasing in New Zealand’s most disadvantaged communities, with many also located near schools.
Published in Social Science & Medicine, the study found nearly 30% of the country’s vape stores are within 400 metres of a school and 71% are within 800 metres.
4 Former UK Post Office boss breaks down in tears at inquiry
The former head of Britain's Post Office Paula Vennells broke down in tears on several occasions as she gave evidence to an inquiry into one of the country’s biggest miscarriages of justice that wrongly convicted hundreds of branch managers of theft or fraud because of a faulty computer system.
Vennells — who earlier this year gave back her Commander of the Order of the British Empire title that she received in 2019 — admitted that she had "made mistakes" but denied there was a conspiracy to cover up the scandal.
"I have no sense that there was any conspiracy at all," she said. "My deep sorrow in this is that I think that individuals, myself included, made mistakes, they didn’t see things and hear things.”
5 You're probably recycling wrong - here's how to get it right
A new report suggests many New Zealanders still don't know how to recycle properly.
New Zealand's recycling systems moved to a national standard in February, which is when removing lids became a nationwide requirement.
1News' Anna Murray investigates where we're going wrong.
ONE CONTROVERSIAL PAINTING
Royal fans on social media have blasted a painting of the Princess of Wales, which is set to feature on the cover of a magazine.
The painting, by artist Hannah Uzor, is due to be the cover of Tatler’s July edition – a British magazine focusing on fashion, lifestyle, and coverage of British high society.
The painting, based on photographs rather than an in-person sitting, has drawn negative reviews from several social media users.
"Doesn’t look like Catherine at all. If she wasn’t wearing that dress, I’d have no clue as to who it’s meant to be," one user on X said.
ONE 'BIONIC' MP
Britain's fractious politicians shared a rare moment of unity overnight when a Conservative lawmaker returned to work six months afterreturned to work six months after sepsis put him in a coma and forced the amputation of his hands and feet.
As Conservative legislator Craig Mackinlay walked unaided into the House of Commons before the weekly Prime Minister's Questions session, government and opposition lawmakers alike rose in a standing ovation.
Mackinlay, 57, said he wants to be known as "the bionic MP".
He plans to campaign for greater awareness of the signs of sepsis and for Britain's state-funded National Health Service, which treated him and saved his life, to offer better treatment and prosthetics to people who have lost more than one limb.
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