Cause of Manawanui sinking revealed, Eden Park allowed to host 12 concerts a year, and John Campbell sits down with the new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.
1 Human error caused Manawanui sinking, disciplinary process to follow
The Navy vessel sank after running aground on a coral reef off the coast of Upolu, Samoa, before catching fire on October 6. All 75 of its crew and passengers were safely evacuated.
According to an interim report released today, the direct cause of the grounding was determined to be a "series of human errors", with the ship’s autopilot not disengaged when it should have been.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding said the crew did not realise the Manawanui had stayed in autopilot and, as a consequence, mistakenly believed its failure to respond to direction changes was the result of a thruster control failure.
2 Gang member allegedly shoots man through leg with spear gun in front of his children
A man had been putting his young children into his car on Coates St in Hamilton East around 11.30am on Saturday when he was approached by two unknown men wearing Mongrel Mob regalia, a police spokesperson said.
Two associates of the offenders allegedly began to assault the victim's partner before one of them left and returned with a spear gun. The spokesperson said this spear gun was given to one of the gang members, who then shot the victim through the leg.
Three people have been arrested.
3 Black Cap Nathan Smith takes two English wickets on Test debut
The Black Caps have had a promising start to day two of the first Test against England in Christchurch, with the Kiwi seam bowlers going to work against England's batsmen.
On Test debut, Nathan Smith took his first wicket, with Jacob Bethell (10) being caught behind by Blundell. There was concern for Smith however, as they waited for the video umpire to check whether the delivery was legal – which it was.
Shortly after, Smith took the wicket of Joe Root who chopped the ball onto his own stumps to leave the crease for a duck just before lunch.
Watch the Black Caps' summer of cricket live and exclusive on TVNZ+
4 'Historic moment': Eden Park allowed to host 12 concerts a year
The announcement follows "extraordinary public support" that saw more than 2000 submissions made with 94% in favour of an increased number of live music events at the stadium.
Eden Park was previously limited to six concerts per year that could take place on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays preceding a public holiday, and public holidays — subject to restrictions under the resource consent.
Earlier this month, approximately 160,000 Coldplay fans flocked to the stadium for three shows at the stadium.
5 Desert Road closure delayed to 'try and reduce' holiday impact - NZTA
The key North Island route was initially to be closed from January 6 but will now be closed from January 13.
"We appreciate this is a very critical piece of road, so while we can’t postpone for long, we understand summer holiday journeys are important and no one wants to be stuck in their vehicle longer than necessary," NZTA regional manager of maintenance and operations Roger Brady said in a statement.
JOHN CAMPBELL SPEAKS TO NEW POLICE COMMISSIONER
He's brave, principled and loyal to his staff. But how well will Richard Chambers navigate the complex landscape that's New Zealand now?
A landscape crowded with issues like racial inequity in policing, controversial gang insignia laws, and the increasingly pressing question of whether to arm our police. 1News' chief correspondent John Campbell spoke to Chambers.
ONE 'WHITE' CHRISTMAS
It's looking like an early white Christmas at Tainui Reserve in Havelock North.
But while some people love the scenery the aspen poplar trees provide when they drop their fluff, others say it's making their lives miserable.
Ann Christie, who lives in the direct path of the falling fluff, has been fighting to get something done about the trees for more than 30 years.
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