Biden quits US presidential race, Interislander ferries in better shape than expected, and the Government appoints a commissioner after sacking the Health NZ board.
1 Joe Biden withdraws from US Presidential election race, endorses Kamala Harris
Biden has announced he's withdrawing from the US Presidential election race.
The 81-year-old wrote on X: "It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as your President.
"And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term."
He offered his full support and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, joining a chorus of voices backing her bid.
2 'Road cone mania': Wayne Brown slams traffic management 'overkill'
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's office released an independent report that revealed regulations allow providers to "overkill" projects, allowing them to "profit from having staff and equipment deployed for as long as possible".
He said the "nonsensical" use of cones was "hugely frustrating for people". "It's embarrassing, and not what you'd expect from a world-class city."
Brown called on central Government to improve the "complex web of overlapping legislation and NZTA rules that have allowed this appalling situation to occur".
3 'Several failures' led to baby's death following prolonged labour
Multiple failures in care have been identified following the death of a newborn at Christchurch Woman's Hospital, according to a report released today by the Health and Disability Commissioner.
It included a delay in assessment during labour; a lack of appropriate escalation; a delay in diagnosing a failure to progress labour; and this leading to a decision to recommend delivery by C-section also being delayed. There was also a delay in starting the C-section.
The infant was diagnosed with a brain injury caused by inadequate oxygen and died in neonatal ICU.
4 Interislander ferries in better condition than expected, report finds
A report into the state of Interislander’s ferry fleet has found they can safely operate for another five years – if regular maintenance and upgrade work is completed.
Consultants from Norwegian maritime firm DNV were called in to assess KiwiRail's three Cook Strait ferries after one of the vessels – Kaitaki – lost power in Cook Strait in January 2023.
"While the ferries are ageing, it has concluded it is possible to keep the three vessels running at least until 2029,“ Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy said.
5 MPI staff at Orana Wildlife Park amid animal welfare concerns
1News' Thomas Mead spoke to 20 current and former Orana Wildlife Park staff as part of an investigation. They detailed a raft of animal welfare concerns, including animal deaths and injuries that have never been brought to light before.
Ministry of Primary Industries staff arrived at the Christchurch zoo to undertake an "initial and rapid" assessment of conditions.
ONE 'TURNAROUND' JOB
The Government has sacked the Health New Zealand board and replaced it with a commissioner due to mismanagement concerns.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the move is "in response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and significant deterioration in financial outlook" at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora.
ONE INTERESTING TACTIC
Lawyer Kristy Lee Howell was arrested on July 2 on the same day she arrived at Parklea Correctional Centre, in Sydney's western suburbs.
She was caught using balloons to smuggle tobacco and painkillers into a prison while visiting an inmate as their representative.
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