Whistleblowing Queenstown councillor stripped of roles, Auckland flags bidding for the 2027 America's Cup, and two found dead in a Wellington home.
1 Queenstown councillor stripped of committee roles after leaking river plan
The Queenstown Lakes District Council held an extraordinary meeting today over Niki Gladding’s positions in council and whether her leaking information was a breach of the organisation’s code of conduct.
Gladding blew the whistle on plans to discharge 12 million litres of treated effluent each day into the Shotover River.
She has now been removed as the deputy chair and member of the infrastructure committee, and member of the audit, finance and risk committee.
2 Auckland's chances of hosting 2027 America's Cup dead in the water
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill confirmed there'll be no bid to host the Cup with "great disappointment" this morning.
"Auckland's bid was contingent on a three-way funding partnership between Auckland Council, central government and the private sector.
He said the situation illustrates the need for "a long-term sustainable funding model in New Zealand to support major events".
3 Two people found dead in Wellington home - police
Police received a request from a concerned family member to carry out a welfare check at the Roseneath address at around 10pm on Monday and discovered the bodies.
A scene examination was underway today and inquiries into the circumstances of their deaths were ongoing.
4 Auckland's most wanted? Man with 20 arrest warrants in custody after chase
A vehicle fled police at Auckland Airport "at high speed" during the morning rush hour, continuing on to Auckland's North Shore where it went into an underground car park and reportedly dropped passengers off.
A 38-year-old man was arrested after crashing into a member of the public's vehicle.
He'll appear in the North Shore District Court tomorrow, facing several charges, including aggravated failing to stop, dangerous driving, assault with a blunt instrument, and possession of methamphetamine.
5 Willie Apiata entrusts Minister with Victoria Cross in support of fellow veterans
Warrant Officer Willie Apiata has gifted Minister for Veterans Chris Penk his medal in hope of changing the definition of a veteran in legislation.
He has campaigned for more than five years to change the Veterans Support Act 2014, which sets out which service people qualify for entitlements such as pensions and compensation for injuries or illness incurred through service.
"I cannot carry this until we are all under the same umbrella," he said of the medal.
ONE TIP FOR FALLING KIWISAVER FUNDS
If you checked your KiwiSaver balance recently and your stomach dropped – you’re not alone.
It's tempting to withdraw your cash or jump to a different fund, it generally pays to sit tight. Frances Cook explains.
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