Five Big Things That Happened Today: Wednesday, December 4

December 4, 2024
Auckland's Muriwai Beach (file picture).

Heat alerts issued for three NZ locations, martial law declared for six hours in South Korea, and can small acts of kindness really change the world?

1 Missing Mt Cook climber a professional who taught others in US

One of the climbers missing on Aoraki Mount Cook is an "accomplished" professional climber who taught others in the industry about snow and mountain safety, a colleague says.

The search for Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, from the US, and a Canadian national was launched on Monday after they were reported overdue.

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2 Heat alerts issued for three New Zealand locations

MetService has issued heat alerts for Nelson, Blenheim and Napier as temperatures remain high in parts of the country.

"The temperature is forecast to be very hot for this location," messages on the MetService website read.

"We advise you to keep hydrated, seek shade, check in with vulnerable people and look after your pets and livestock."

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3 What to know about South Korea's martial law declaration

South Korea spent about six hours under martial law overnight after President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a sudden, shocking declaration that hearkened to the country's past dictatorships.

Troops surrounded parliament after Yoon accused pro-North Korean forces of plotting to overthrow one of the world's most vibrant democracies.

Lawmakers voiced outrage and voted to end the declaration, and the president lifted the decree before daybreak on Wednesday.

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4 Cycling boss apologises for 'appalling' treatment of Olivia Podmore

The head of Cycling NZ has apologised to the family of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore for the "appalling" treatment she endured in the sport's high performance programme.

Cycling NZ chief executive Simon Peterson today appeared before an inquest into the death of the young athlete.

This story discusses mental health and suicide which may be distressing to some readers.

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5 Reserve Bank governor criticises 'infatuation with the housing market'

Adrian Orr stands by his decisions during and after Covid-19, saying the economy could have turned out far worse, while also criticising investors who had taken advantage of cheap lending to buy more property.

"What people went and did with that money is a disappointment," Orr said of the cheap lending environment during the pandemic's height.

"Too many people saw that as an opportunity to punt or stag the property market. Other people used the cash flow to stay in business or stay afloat as human beings."

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A LIFE OF DIZZYING HIGHS AND CRASHING LOWS

From the Arctic Circle to the Southern Alps, the lauded adventurer has descended with avalanches, slept in fear of polar bears and survived three marriages.

With his autobiography documenting his wild life now on the shelves, Sir Graeme Dingle KNZM MBE, turned 79 over the weekend.

He talks to Emily Simpson.

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ONE SMALL ACT OF KINDNESS?

Can small acts of kindness really change the world? Science says yes.

Small moments of connection can create an upward spiral, according to psychology research. Liza Hinchey explains.

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