Critical incident unfolding in Coromandel Peninsula, Govt confirms three highway toll decisions, and what to know if you're looking to adopt a greyhound.
1 Emergency services respond to Coromandel Peninsula 'shooting incident'
In developing news, emergency services are responding to a reported "shooting incident" on the Coromandel Peninsula this afternoon.
Police said the 309 Road, linking Coromandel and Whitianga, was closed as of 3pm due to a "critical incident". Two rescue helicopters were in attendance, with confirmation one patient was being airlifted to hospital.
2 Government confirms three new roads to be tolled, cost of trips
The Government has revealed three new North Island highways will be tolled, and how much it will cost to travel on them.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the tolling decision today, which will include charges on new highways in Auckland, Tauranga and the Wellington region.
3 New rules for the workforce – what they might mean for you
The Government has ended the year with a flurry of proposed changes to employment laws. 1News explains what New Zealand’s workers can likely expect for 2025.
4 Lights, equipment stolen ahead of popular New Plymouth festival
There is disappointment in New Plymouth at the theft of $10,000 worth of fluorescent Christmas lights and equipment ahead of the city's popular Festival of Lights.
New Plymouth District Council's events leader Lisa Ekdahl said fluorescent lights and spotlights were stolen from Pukekura Park alongside, lighting equipment for an artist's installation.
5 Suspect in US CEO killing wasn't a client of the insurer
The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was never a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official says.
Luigi Mangione remained jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested after being spotted at a McDonald's in the city of Altoona, about 370km west of New York City.
WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO ADOPT A GREYHOUND
Following the Government's announcement that greyhound racing will soon end, close to 3000 dogs are likely to be put up for adoption.
A key task ahead will be rehoming the estimated 2900 racing greyhounds in New Zealand. This means anyone looking to have a greyhound as their family pet will soon have the opportunity to adopt one.
So, what do you need to know about the breed before welcoming one into your home?
Dr Arnja Dale, chief scientific officer at the SPCA, offered some advice.
SHOULD I LET MY TEENAGER TRY ALCOHOL?
Andrew Galloway's first experience with alcohol occurred when an adult family member supplied him with a box of beer.
"It was consumed irresponsibly and I was horribly sick. I went on to have a bad relationship with alcohol."
His experience mirrors what a large body of research-based evidence indicates. When parents introduce alcohol to their teenagers, it increases their child's chances of having an unhealthy relationship with drinking.
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