Archives for 9 March 2021

Cannabis decriminalisation favoured by majority of National, ACT, Labour and Greens supporters, poll finds

The Helen Clark Foundation says the results indicate the Government has nothing to lose politically from lifting the burden of criminalisation.

Politics •March 9, 2021

Fair Go: Change in fire safety rules around doors could affect tens of thousands of businesses

Padlocks and deadbolts are now considered non-compliant with current building codes.

March 9, 2021

Morning Briefing March 9: Government reveals one vaccine for all

The Govt opts to make Pfizer its primary Covid vaccine provider, poll reveals support for cannabis reform.

Morning Briefing •March 9, 2021

More Kiwis voted for cannabis legalisation than for National, MP Chlöe Swarbrick says in renewed push for reform

We're "not no longer hearing from them", the Greens MP said of National, adding that, likewise, cannabis law reform shouldn't be a forbidden topic.

Politics •March 9, 2021

New photo shows pregnant Meghan Markle with husband and young son

Yesterday, the couple announced they are having a baby girl.

Royalty •March 9, 2021

Glacier country struggling to stay afloat as international tourism dries up

From Hokitika to Haast, businesses are feeling the heat, TVNZ presenter John Campbell reports.

West Coast •March 9, 2021

Ardern joins Kamala Harris, virtually, at EU Parliament to mark International Women's Day

Both leaders touched on the pivotal role women have played in the pandemic.

UK And Europe •March 9, 2021

Police name man found dead in burning car in Auckland

The death is still being treated as unexplained.

Auckland •March 9, 2021

Kiwi fashion icon Karen Walker to be immortalised as a Barbie for 'role model' series

She joins the likes of Olympian Dame Valerie Adams and former Black Fern Melodie Robinson.

Social Issues •March 9, 2021

Report notes frustration, but also progress, with Government's mental health system reforms

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission's Hayden Wano says there's some good work, but also tension.

Health •March 9, 2021

Australian woman narrowly escapes after crocodile attack

The 23-year-old was taken to hospital with cuts and puncture wounds on her leg.

Animals •March 9, 2021

Independent panel to review Government's response to Covid-19

Chris Hipkins says the group is to ensure the nation's response to the deadly virus continues to improve.

Politics •March 9, 2021

Piers Morgan combusts with rage over Meghan's Oprah interview - 'They're effectively branding Her Majesty a racist'

The controversial British media personality has once again taken aim at the Duchess of Sussex.

Royalty •March 9, 2021

Complaints about Te Reo Māori use in broadcasts won't be considered by BSA

The BSA had received 27 inquiries about the use of the language since June last year.

Maori Issues •March 9, 2021

Police drag protestors from fence as tempers flare at site of West Auckland native tree felling

One woman who had tied herself to a tree was removed from police.

Environment •March 9, 2021

Luna Rossa skipper 'embarrassed' for Kiwi media following Prada Cup lockdown backlash

Max Sirena said negative reports on his team's desire to keep racing during Auckland's lockdown left him "pretty upset".

Americas Cup •March 9, 2021

Car crushing machine catches fire at South Auckland scrap pile, site of large January blaze

The two-storey machine is alight at the same location of a blaze in January.

Auckland •March 9, 2021

Sean Marks' Nets eye NBA title after addition of All Star Blake Griffin

The Kiwi executive has built a formidable squad that are favourites to win it all this season.

March 9, 2021

Quarantine rule change considered to help Kiwi seafarers get home

Nathan Schumacher is one of many who finds it almost impossible to book MIQ spots in advance.

Coronavirus Pandemic •March 9, 2021

No new community cases of Covid-19 today; Air NZ worker not infected with 'a variant of concern'

Today's update by the Ministry of Health was given via a written statement.

Coronavirus Pandemic •March 9, 2021

Cyclist dies in Auckland after crash with truck

"A truck and cyclist have collided. Sadly, the cyclist has died at the scene," police said.

Accidents •March 9, 2021

Search underway near Tekapo for fisherman missing since Saturday

The police dive squad is involved in the search.

Christchurch And Canterbury •March 9, 2021

Black Caps v India Test Championship final moved from Lord's to Southampton

Sourav Ganguly cited Covid-19 concerns were behind the move.

Black Caps •March 9, 2021

'I've never seen anything like this' - Wellingtonians treated to frolicking dolphin pod

The spectacle played out at Houghton Bay.

Wellington •March 9, 2021

Watch: Bridges booted from the House after getting involved in spat between Speaker and Seymour

Bridges recently staged a walkout after another run-in with Trevor Mallard.

Politics •March 9, 2021

Kane Williamson ruled out of Black Caps v Bangladesh series with elbow injury

The Black Caps will be without their captain when they take on Bangladesh later this month.

Black Caps •March 9, 2021

Pascall Eskimos sweets renamed Explorers

Pascall said last year it would rename the Kiwi favourite in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests.

Food And Drink •March 9, 2021

National's election review will find party ran 'ugly, arrogant' campaign, says Willie Jackson

National president Peter Goodfellow confirmed the party’s MPs had discussed the review in caucus, but it was not given to MPs.

Politics •March 9, 2021

Protestor arrested after jumping fence at 'volatile' West Auckland tree protest

Arborist Zane Wedding says today's protest wouldn't have gotten so bad had police only communicated with the community.

Environment •March 9, 2021

Black Caps stars may miss England Test due to IPL commitments

Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson could missing the first Test.

Black Caps •March 9, 2021

Housing Minister Megan Woods under fire for failing to answer questions on time

National's housing spokesperson Nicola Willis says more than 100 written questions were long overdue.

Politics •March 9, 2021

Dozens of Chromebooks stolen in early morning break-ins at separate Auckland schools

The devices can be remotely disabled, but there are concerns they'll be dumped when the thieves realise they're useless.

Auckland •March 9, 2021

'Unusual occurrence' - Three generations from same family studying together at Otago University

First-year law student Madeleine O’Malley is joining her mum and grandad on campus.

Dunedin And Otago •March 9, 2021

Nurses strikes during vaccine rollout possible, says union

The NZ Nurses Organisation will not rule out strike action if it is unable to reach an agreement on satisfactory pay agreements.

Coronavirus Pandemic •March 9, 2021

Snake found in drain at Auckland construction site sparks biosecurity scare

The dead snake, which authorities believe is a juvenile non-venomous carpet python, was 115cm long.

Auckland •March 9, 2021

Two debutants to start for Warriors in season opener against Titans

Meanwhile Ken Maumalo and David Fusitu’a are reunited with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as a formidable back three.

Warriors •March 9, 2021

Bribes and body bags discussed on secret recording in trial of rich lister accused of indecent assault

He and his manager are also accused of attempting to stop a witness from giving testimony.

Crime And Justice •March 9, 2021

New info-sharing scheme could make it easier to compare phone plans

Vodafone, Spark and 2 Degrees have agreed to develop tools to make it easier for people to compare plans.

Technology •March 9, 2021

Christchurch councillors propose free bus rides for two years in bid to raise patronage

The trial is expected to cost the public millions, but councillor Megan Hands says it's worth a try to get emissions down.

Transport •March 9, 2021

David Hartnell says Meghan and Harry should have 'named, names' when accusing royal family of racism

The Kiwi commentator didn't hold back in his critique of the couple's Oprah interview.

Royalty •March 9, 2021

More than half of NZ schools sign up to receive free period products

“No one should miss out on school just because of their period," Women's Minister Jan Tinetti says.

Health •March 9, 2021

Catching up with comedy legend Bill Bailey as he heads off to tour New Zealand

Bailey's just wrapped filming on panel show Patriot Brains for TVNZ.

Television •March 9, 2021

Kiwi teenage surf lifesaver making waves across the Tasman

Joe Collins has had an unforgettable rookie season on the All-Star Nutri-grain Ironman Series in Australia.

March 9, 2021

Joseph Parker confirms new trainer as he seeks pathway back to the top

Parker will link up with Irishman Andy Lee on a trial basis as he prepares for his next bout.

Joseph Parker •March 9, 2021

Bachelor NZ: Moses Mackay opens up about 'rough upbringing', drive by shootings

The 30-year-old Sol3 Mio singer says he grew up without a lot of money and craving a safe space.

TVNZ •March 9, 2021