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Archives for 18 December 2023

Daily News Quiz: Monday, December 18

Test your knowledge with today's news quiz.

Freshwater experts urge Luxon to avoid 'terrible mistake'

An open letter calls on the PM to "listen to the wider community – not just the minority of voices" on freshwater policies.

Environment •

What is a mini-budget anyway? National's big 'mini' reveal explained

While the rest of the country spends this week quietly panicking over last-minute Christmas preparations, Nicola Willis is concentrating on delivering a mini-budget, her first big hit-out as the country's new Finance Minister.

Politics •

Iconic boat owner told to build new jetty, gift it to iwi, lease it back

The lakebed owner has concerns the jetty's construction will impact the environment, water quality, taonga species and particularly regarding dredging or lakebed disturbance.

Tauranga And Bay Of Plenty •

Alex Batty: French couple reveal more details in missing teen's case

Frederic Hambye and Ingrid Beauve say they knew Alex as "Zach" and only learned his real name through the media.

UK And Europe •

Watch: Will Young on stellar catch - 'Somehow it stuck in my hand'

Will Young has quite the highlights reel from yesterday's ODI with Bangladesh - a century and what will go down as one of the catches of the season.

Black Caps •

Police refer Great Barrier Island explosion death to coroner

Emergency services were alerted to the Motairehe Rd gas explosion early on Friday morning.

Auckland •

Waikato farmer must pay $70k after dumping effluent into paddock

The man had also been served an abatement notice in 2017 for an earlier effluent-related offence.

Farming •

'Think of Ariki' - Police face wall of silence in murder probe

Eighteen-year-old Ariki Rigby of Napier was found dead in a burnt-out car in September last year.

Crime And Justice •

Trade Minister Todd McClay heads to India, Singapore

On the campaign trail PM Christopher Luxon promised a free trade deal with India within three years.

Politics •

'I'm speechless' - Demi Lovato engaged to musician Jordan Lutes

After the proposal, the pair celebrated with family members at a restaurant in Los Angeles.

Music •

World's 'humblest' Xmas tree sells for thousands at auction

The auction house said a bidding war was sparked by the heartwarming backstory of the tree and its longtime owner.

UK And Europe •

Christmas mince and chocolate brownies - a match made in heaven

Recipe: Christmas mince brownie bites

Recipes •

Vase bought for $4 at charity shop sells for over $100,000

The vase turned out to be a rare piece of Italian glassware, much to the delight of the woman who bought it for pennies at a US thrift store.

North America •

Man charged with murder after death in Auckland park

A police guard was in place at Massey's Royal Reserve after the incident early this morning.

Crime And Justice •

Expect sticky, humid days to continue into Christmas - MetService

Napier, Mahia and Tolaga Bay recorded temperatures above 20C at 7am today.

Weather News •

Head Hunters: Arrests, infringements after North Shore event

Police targeted the gang as it sets up a new chapter in Wairau on Auckland's North Shore.

Auckland •

Blue bottle jellyfish stings keep Raglan lifeguards busy

Surf Life Saving New Zealand says hazards such as hot sand and blue bottles are common over the summer months.

Hamilton And Waikato •

Older man dies, week on from East Auckland collision

A 22-year-old man is facing numerous charges over the Half Moon Bay incident, which saw four other people injured.

Auckland •

US customs make spicy find of $16m worth of drugs hidden in jalapeño paste

Officials were hot on the trail of a man driving a tractor with a shipment written down as “jalapeño paste” after it failed the sniff test by a customs dog .

North America •

Blenheim gymnastics coach Gregory Pask pleads guilty to sex offences

Guilty pleas entered on 29 charges of sexual offending against several girls, and "producing objectionable material".

Marlborough •

Man accused of dishonestly accessing Covid vax data pleads not guilty

Cheers and clapping accompanied Barry Young as he entered and left the courtroom.

Health •

Repeat-shooting of brumbies in NSW during trial cull called 'humane'

Some horses were shot up to 15 times, while it took an average of more than seven shots to kill the animals.

Australia •

Lower Hutt named in NZ's top 'trending' destinations for 2024 by Airbnb

Some eyebrows may be raised but Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry said it would be no surprise to locals.

21.5 hours in Fiji with Cyclone Winston

Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver went on a whirlwind tour to Fiji with new Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

Politics •

Kiwi living in Cairns describes 'heavy deluge' of Cyclone Jasper

A New Zealander who has lived in far north Queensland for 30 years has never seen floodwaters so high.

Australia •

Probe into Kāinga Ora's finances, asset management - Bishop

The Housing Minister said an independent review is the "right course of action" and he is "deeply concerned" about the organisation's operating deficit.

Politics •

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to visit Aussie PM

The pair will meet up in Sydney on Wednesday.

Politics •

Man allegedly sexual violated person in rideshare car - police

The man in his 40s allegedly indecently assaulted another person, according to Palmerston North police.

Manawatu Wanganui •

Court appearance for man charged over fatal Northland dog mauling

Outside the court, Abel Wira was seen getting into his vehicle with at least four dogs inside, prompting angry reactions from the victim's family.

Crime And Justice •

Police frustrated by 'preventable' deaths as road toll climbs

Many crashes involved motorists choosing to speed, drink-drive, or let their impatience get the better of them.

Crime And Justice •

Five Big Things: Monday, December 18

Humid summer days, te reo lessons, and Christmas mince and chocolate brownies.

Betty breakdown: PM's first overseas visit fettered by aging plane

The Prime Minister may have to fly commercial.

Politics •

PM denies his taxpayer-funded te reo Māori lessons are hypocritical

Christopher Luxon says the Māori language lessons were justified "professional development".

Christopher Luxon •

Heatwave forces early water restrictions in Hastings

Originally scheduled for Wednesday this week, the restrictions are brought forward due to increased use over the weekend.

Hawkes Bay •

Prosecutors want ritalin-prescriber Tony Hanne to never work again

GP and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder expert Tony Hanne is waiting to hear his fate for prescribing without approval.

Health •

Under the boardwalk in Auckland's historic Myers Park

Take a look at a much-anticipated upgrade, with 24 new native trees, wetland garden, flood mitigation and a new stairway to Queen St.

Auckland •

Cyclone Gabrielle: Eskdale church 'stands firm' and open for Xmas

The centuries-old building has survived an earthquake and several extreme weather events, including this year's cyclone.

Hawkes Bay •

Where to next to tackle Wellington's chronic traffic problems?

The Government has axed the 'Let's Get Wellington Moving project' but all hope is not lost for frustrated capital commuters.

Wellington •

Big rates rises predicted as councils hit funding ‘tipping point’

Local Government New Zealand sounds a warning to ratepayers over the need to pay for essential infrastructure.

Politics •

Warning Covid wave could continue into next year

Modelling suggests hospitalisations for the current Covid wave will peak this week — just days before Christmas Day.

Covid 19 •

Rotorua crash: Two killed, three others seriously injured on SH30

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Tauranga And Bay Of Plenty •

Pakistan claim final bragging rights after dramatic Super Over win

Tied in reply to New Zealand's 251 off their 50 overs, Pakistan prove too good over their extra six balls to finish their tour on high note.

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