A proposed ban on paywave surcharges; Tragic wrong dosage from a pharmacy; Worse weather on the way.
1 Government proposes ban on in-store payment surcharges
The Government is proposing a ban on surcharges by May 2026 at the latest, aiming to save Kiwis $150 million annually.
Businesses' fees to accept Visa and Mastercard payments are often passed on to customers, and the ban will ensure "shoppers will no longer be penalised for their choice of payment method".
"That pesky note or sticker on the payment machine will become a thing of the past."
2 'Awful error': Baby dies after pharmacy allegedly gives wrong dose
A two-month-old baby died of an overdose after her parents were given an adult dosage of phosphate by a pharmacy while trying to acquire Vitamin D.
When she stopped breathing her parent's administered CPR before she was rushed to hospital, where she tragically died on July 19, around two weeks after her first dosage.
Her parents want changes to the system for giving out medication, and the pharmacy has said it will be looking into what has happened with "external reviews".
3 Weather warnings could be upgraded for some as bad weather looms
A large part of the country is being warned of heavy rain and strong winds as “unsettled weather” is forecasted all week.
Weather warnings may potentially be upgraded to red as meteorologists warn of "very large, long, active fronts" that could cause surface flooding, slips, and dangerous driving conditions.
4 Health NZ's South Island boss to step down
Martin Keogh said in an email that it was a tough call to step down as Health NZ’s regional deputy chief executive for the South Island, “but the right one for me and my family”.
The announcement comes as he was set to lead a team that would oversee changes at Nelson Hospital following a scathing review released last week.
In an interview with 1News on Wednesday, Keogh said he and Nelson Hospital’s boss raised concerns about patient care at Nelson Hospital before doctors went public earlier this year.
5 Luxon defends voting changes after Attorney-General raises problems
Luxon is defending his decision to close enrolment before advance voting begins, meaning people need to update their details 13 days before election day.
However, Judith Collins said these changes would affect 100,000 or more people, and the proposed law changes clashed with constitutional rights.
Luxon responded by saying, "We want everyone to participate, but it's just done two weeks before election day. It's not uncommon, it gives people plenty of time to get enrolled and get sorted".
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ONE DALLAS CHEERLEADER
Wellington-born Faith Ward will be the first Kiwi to make the well-known NFL cheer squad based in Texas, which gained international attention last year after featuring in a Netflix docuseries.
Ward said her team has been "so welcoming" as they train for their first game on August 10 against the Los Angeles Rams.
"Everything that I worked towards has finally paid off and honestly I'm still pinching myself to this day, it's a dream."
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