NZ pauses funding to Cook Islands, Luxon leaves Shanghai for Beijing to meet Chinese Premier, and how to look after your car in winter.
1 NZ pauses nearly $20m in funding to Cook Islands after China dealings
A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said $18.2 million in developmental funding would not continue “until the Cook Islands Government takes concrete steps to repair the relationship and restore trust”.
New Zealand raised concerns in February after the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown travelled to China and signed an agreement with the global powerhouse.
2 Luxon wraps up Shanghai visit, heads to Beijing to meet Xi Jinping
Christopher Luxon said $871 million of commercial agreements were signed today between New Zealand businesses and their Chinese counterparts.
"We also announced we would be making it easier for Chinese nationals to transit via New Zealand by removing the need to get a transit visa, instead being able to get a New Zealanders Electronic Travel Authority, significantly cutting costs and time for visitors."
3 Husband sentenced for role in defrauding $2m from Oranga Tamariki
Amandeep Sharma worked with his public servant wife Neha to fraudulently obtain $2.1 million from the government agency.
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) filed charges of obtaining by deception and money laundering against Neha and Amandeep in June 2023, while Neha also faced charges of using a forged document.
The money was obtained through Amandeep's company, Divine Connection, without Oranga Tamariki knowing.
4 Iranian leader says US intervention would cause 'irreparable damage'
A second public appearance by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei since the Israeli strikes began six days ago came as Israel lifted some restrictions on daily life, suggesting that the missile threat from Iran was easing.
He rejected US calls for surrender and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause "irreparable damage to them".
5 Man dies of injuries after Rotorua motorbike hit-and-run
A motorcyclist allegedly overtook a stationary vehicle and struck a 24-year-old pedestrian as he was crossing Edmund Rd in Mangakakahi at around 2.15pm on Sunday.
Detective Sergeant Phil Wilkinson today said the man died in hospital yesterday surrounded by his family.
Additional images of the motorcyclist were released by police today in the hopes community members would recognise them and contact police.
Watch: Thieves smash pharmacy door in brazen perfume raid
One region is tackling a surge in smash-and-grab crime, with a pharmacy hit for a third time in 10 weeks.
Retailers are calling for more support to deter burglars.
ONE HOW-TO GUIDE FOR COLD MORNING MOTORING
Kiwi drivers are being asked to make sure their cars are winter-ready as temperatures drop across the country.
Frozen windscreens, dead batteries and broken lights are all everyday experiences on frosty mornings and can lead to delayed commutes.
1News digital reporter Jack Horsnell spoke with the AA who offered some tips on making winter car care easy.
SHARE ME