Government Minister apologises for misconduct, hundreds of job losses as Timaru meatworks confirms closure, and the Black Caps make history in India.
1 Minister called worker 'loser', told them to 'f*** off' during visit
The incident happened on a visit to a warehouse earlier this month, leaving the complainant feeling "degraded, embarrassed, and deeply disrespected".
Bayly said he has apologised for the interaction, to the complainant and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, adding the comments were "unintentional" and meant in a "light-hearted manner".
The Prime Minister said he retained confidence in Bayly - who is also the Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing, and Statistics - but said the actions "fell well short of my expectations".
2 Hundreds of jobs to go as Timaru meatworks closure confirmed
In a statement today, Alliance Group said Smithfield would close after it stopped processing venison on the day shift at the end of December. The decision follows a two-week consultation period with staff and unions.
The plant had already stopped sheep meat, calves and night shift venison seasonal processing in late September.
Alliance said the "vast majority" of its 600 employees at Smithfield would be made redundant.
3 Meth beer trial: Accused told police he trusted his friend 'blindly'
Himatjit Kahlon is on trial before a jury in the Auckland High Court accused of the manslaughter of a 21-year-old who innocently drank a beer that contained methamphetamine.
Kahlon gave Honey Bear Beers to Aiden Sagala for being a "good worker" at Fonterra — where Kahlon was a team leader and Sagala had been working prior to his death in March 2023.
The pair would drink at a Manukau warehouse which was raided in Operation Lavendar where 700kg of methamphetamine was found.
4 One Direction 'completely devastated' at Liam Payne's death
The surviving members of One Direction, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik, said in a statement they were "completely devastated" by Liam Payne's death.
"In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
"The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever."
5 Formula 1: Liam Lawson ready to prove himself at US Grand Prix
New Zealand driver Liam Lawson starts a six-race sprint to the end of the season at the United States Grand Prix in Texas with the goal of proving he's worthy of a full-time seat in 2025.
Lawson will likely start Monday's race near the back because of a significant grid penalty for the number of engines already used for Ricciardo. Lawson must the take penalties because they are assigned to the car, not the driver.
ONE GOLD MEDAL
Kiwi cyclist Ally Wollaston beat a star-studded field in the elimination race, beating six-time world champion and double elimination world winner, Lotte Kopecky in the final in Copenhagen.
"It feels amazing. It is something that I have been hunting for quite a long time. I am blown away and a little bit lost for words at the moment," said Wollaston.
"For now, I am enjoying the experience."
BLACK CAPS SEIZE LEAD OVER INDIA
New Zealand built a 134-run lead after bowling out India for 46 — its lowest total in a home test.
The Black Caps reached 180-3 when bad light stopped play at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Opener Devon Conway led the way with 91 runs off 105 balls. Rachin Ravindra (22) and Daryl Mitchell (14) were unbeaten at stumps on day two of the first test.
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