Phase 1 of Covid-19 inquiry released, the Black Caps begin their first Test against England, and one persistently wonky Give Way sign.
1 First phase of Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 released
Delivered to the Government and made public today, the 713-page report included 39 recommendations to make ensure New Zealand is pandemic-ready and resilient.
The inquiry looked at issues such as lockdowns, the response at the border and vaccine mandates. The report said, in combination with the elimination strategy, vaccination was fundamental to the effectiveness of New Zealand's Covid-19 response.
2 Police checkpoints amid Bay of Plenty gang funeral
Police will have an increased presence in the region to monitor the funeral of a gang leader, Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said, with officers "ready to respond to unlawful activity if it arises".
A procession was due to travel across Tauranga late this morning. Police checkpoints will be in place, a spokesperson said.
The police Eagle helicopter will also be on hand, a spokesperson said earlier.
3 Black Caps start well in first England test in Christchurch
Overall, the first session probably belonged to the Black Caps after England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to field.
Devon Conway was out early to a loose shot down the ground – caught and bowled by Gus Atkinson. Tom Latham was dismissed when he played across the line to Brydon Carse and was caught behind. But the Black Caps rallied.
Watch the Black Caps' summer of cricket live and exclusive on TVNZ+
4 Half of nursing graduates miss out on Te Whatu Ora job offers
Te Whatu Ora offered just 844 of 1619 graduate nurses jobs yesterday, which is only 50% of the cohort.
Student nurse and NZ Nurses Organisation student unit co-chairperson Bianca Anderson says it's hard to comprehend.
"Three years of hard work and hard clinical placements and then no job at the end of it. Everyone's devastated and wondering what comes next."
5 Police vehicle in nose-to-tail with Crown car carrying Luxon, Willis
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called it a "very minor incident" and said "everyone's good".
"It was just a bit of a shock, but it was all good, we're all fine," he said.
"Police can confirm a minor nose-to-tail collision involving two official vehicles was reported yesterday," a police spokesperson said.
ONE PERSISTENTLY WONKY SIGN
No matter how many times Gisborne District Council staff fix the sign at the corner of Grey St and Salisbury Rd near Waikanae Beach, they end up returning to repair it — costing a total of $6700 in the last two-and-a-half years.
Residents say the sign is "wonky at least 90% of the time".
The council "fix it ... and then it's knocked down the very next day".
ONE MEMORABLE NIGHT: WARRIORS CAPT DEAN BELL
“I didn't want to let the whole country down because it felt like the whole country was with us,” Dean Bell recalled to 1News presenter Melissa Stokes, of his first outing as captain of the brand new NRL Warriors.
Bell said it was great to be part of the amazing night — one he’ll never forget.
“I remember standing there in the tunnel and I think, yeah, I was nervous but I was excited as well. Obviously, the crowd were excited.”
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