Two rescued from grounded boat in Otago, Luxon promises cancer drug announcement "before Christmas", and what happens if Lotto Powerball's $43m jackpot is not won?
1 What happens if Lotto's Powerball's $43m is not struck?
The Lotto Powerball jackpot has been rolling over for several weeks now, with an eye-watering prize of $43 million on the line in Wednesday night's draw.
If nobody wins Powerball again, the jackpot will roll over approaching must-win territory. The Powerball prize is legally capped at $50 million, which means it must be won when it reaches that limit.
New Zealand has had two previous “must be won” Powerball draws of $50 million, both in 2020.
Two players split the $50 million prize in March that year, each winning Powerball First Division. The $50 million “must be won” draw of September 2020 rolled down to Second Division, meaning the jackpot was shared between 10 winners.
2 Dramatic rescue operation after fishing boat runs aground in Otago
A rescue operation was launched around 7.30am on Tuesday after the boat became "stuck" off Harington Point near Taiaroa Heads.
"A rescue is underway after a vessel has become stuck off Harington Point," police said shortly after 9am.
"Two people have been rescued and are back on shore, one person has been transported to hospital."
James Berthelsen, who witnessed the incident, told 1News conditions were "near perfect" when he saw the grounded vessel.
3 Levin's mayor wants greater police powers after violent car gathering
More than 200 cars — each containing multiple passengers — began gathering in a car park on Bath St around 8pm on Saturday, later converging at the intersection of Queen St and SH57.
Police were pelted with rocks and bottles as efforts to dismantle the crowd allegedly sparked hostilities leaving some officers injured and police cars damaged.
Two people — one who was allegedly found with a flick-knife — were arrested and six cars impounded after dozens of police sought to quell "anti-social road user activity".
4 Luxon promises cancer drug announcement 'before Christmas'
National campaigned on spending a total of $280m on 13 treatments that would have helped fight bladder, bowel, liver, lung, kidney and head and neck cancers in addition to melanoma.
It was supposed to be funded by reinstating the $5 prescription payment, however, Budget 2024 included no money for the drugs.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Breakfast the Government is working "really hard' and would deliver on that commitment.
"People will know before Christmas."
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the lack of funding was "just cruel" and that National never should have promised to fund specific new cancer drugs.
5 Pacific Explorer cruise ship to be retired as P&O absorption announced
Australian cruise brand P&O, which has been sailing for 90 years, will be retired and its operations folded into Carnival Cruises early next year, its parent company has announced.
The "strategic" move would boost guest capacity and increase operational efficiencies, Carnival Cruises said.
Pacific Explorer, which has run many trips out of Auckland, will exit the fleet in February of 2025.
ONE STRANGE MILITARY RECRUIT
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has recruited a special canine mannequin named Hero to practice administering first aid to an injured animal.
NZDF Military working dog capability manager Alan Inkpen said personnel were taught how to triage and stabilise an injured dog.
"We’re not expecting handlers to become veterinarians, but rather have the required skills to help them keep their four-legged colleague alive so that it can be transferred out to receive specialised care."
ONE CAVITY FILLED
Dargaville finally has its own dentist again after some locals were reportedly "pulling their teeth out with pliers" amid the struggle to find a professional to work in the Northland town.
Last year Julie and Rodney Cotton bought the local dental clinic after it closed. They then began desperately searching for staff.
The new clinic finally opened this morning, with senior practising dentist Chris Leishman, dental assistant Alysha Ross and practice manager Sophie Blackwell running it.
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