Wednesday 13 November 2024
21 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Crown issues formal apology to survivors of abuse in care
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and government agency chiefs delivered a formal apology on Tuesday to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based institutions. While some survivors described the apology as a start, others expressed a need for clear timeframes for redress and meaningful action to prevent further abuse.
3 outlets · Thousands cross Auckland Harbour Bridge during Toitū te Tiriti hīkoi
An estimated 5,000 people crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Wednesday as part of the national hīkoi opposing the Treaty Principles Bill. After the bridge crossing, marchers visited Bastion Point and Ihumātao. The group is now travelling towards Waikato.
3 outlets · Burnside High School administration block to close due to seismic issues
Burnside High School in Christchurch will close its administration block from Thursday after a seismic assessment rated the building at 15% NBS. The Ministry of Education discovered the block falls below the minimum earthquake rating. The school stated the closure will not affect student classrooms or timetables.
3 outlets · Orana Wildlife Park chief executive resigns after 28 years
Lynn Anderson has announced her resignation as chief executive of Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park. Her departure comes as the zoo undergoes investigations regarding animal welfare, health, and safety. Anderson stated she will finish her role in December to focus on her work-life balance.
3 outlets · More property sellers facing losses as house prices fall
A rise in loss-making property resales has been reported following falling house prices and increased listing volumes. CoreLogic New Zealand's Q3 2024 report shows the national proportion of profitable resales fell to 90.2%. In Wellington, nearly 10% of properties sold last quarter resulted in a loss, with a median deficit of $93,575.
2 outlets · DOC to trial paid parking at three South Island sites
The Department of Conservation will trial paid parking at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Franz Josef Glacier, and White Horse Hill starting next summer. Funded by a $3.8 million international visitor levy, the project includes car park improvements to help manage visitor pressure and support conservation efforts.
2 outlets · Crews work to reopen State Highway 6 after heavy rain slips
State Highway 6 remains closed between Haast and Lake Moeraki following heavy rain and flooding. Crews are working to remove rockfall and stabilise the road, but further wet weather could extend the closure.
2 outlets · Wellington cafe to close due to Civic Square construction
Nikau Cafe will close its central Wellington location on 16 December 2024. The business has operated for over 25 years but says ongoing construction in Civic Square has made it difficult to continue at its current site. Owners are currently searching for a new location.
2 outlets · Council staff recommend cutting Golden Mile upgrades to reduce budget
Wellington City Council staff have recommended reducing or deferring the $139.4 million Golden Mile makeover to address budget pressures. The proposal suggests limiting upgrades to Courtenay Place, a move Mayor Tory Whanau warns could risk $70 million in government funding.
2 outlets · Asian elephant Burma arrives at new home in Australia
Burma, an Asian elephant from Auckland Zoo, has arrived at Monarto Safari Park in Australia. She is the first of five elephants expected to inhabit the park's new 12-hectare habitat as part of a regional conservation programme.
2 outlets · Auckland to Bali flight cancelled due to volcanic ash
Air New Zealand has cancelled flight NZ62 from Auckland to Denpasar because of volcanic ash from Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. The volcano erupted on Sunday, creating a 9km-high ash column that has made flight conditions unsafe. The eruption occurred in East Nusa Tenggara province, approximately 500km from Bali.
2 outlets · Two arrested after Waikato crime spree involving ramraid and arson
Police have arrested two people following a series of incidents across Hamilton and Te Awamutu early Monday morning. The alleged crime spree included a ramraid, multiple business break-ins, and a vehicle being set on fire. Authorities are currently searching for additional individuals involved in the incidents.
2 outlets · Investigation launched after human remains found near Tokoroa
Police have opened an investigation after human remains were discovered in a rural area near Tokoroa. Specialist search teams are assisting with an examination of the scene. Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Yardley said efforts are currently focused on identifying the remains and determining the circumstances of the discovery.
2 outlets · Crown observer appointed to Wellington City Council to cost ratepayers $1000 daily
Lindsay McKenzie has been appointed as the Crown observer for the Wellington City Council at a cost of $1000 per day. Due to travel disruptions from Nelson, McKenzie was unable to attend the council meeting in person on his first official day.
2 outlets · Woman charged with murder after Pukekohe hit and run death
A 31-year-old woman has been charged with murder following an alleged hit-and-run in Pukekohe last month. Teri Rhind, 37, sustained critical injuries on Wellington Street on 18 October and died in hospital a few days later. The woman was due to appear in court on Wednesday.
2 outlets · Lydia Ko wins 2024 LPGA Heather Farr Perseverance Award
Lydia Ko has been voted by her peers to receive the 2024 LPGA Heather Farr Perseverance Award. The award recognises a player's dedication to the sport. Ko will accept the honour at the Rolex LPGA Awards next Wednesday.
2 outlets · Three people die in Hamilton train and car collision
Three people died following a collision between a car and a train at a Peachgrove Road level crossing in Hamilton. The incident occurred around 4.30am on Wednesday. Two other individuals were taken to Waikato Hospital and remain in serious condition.
2 outlets · Gang funeral expected to cause traffic disruption in Porirua
A gang-related funeral procession is expected to cause traffic disruptions across Porirua on Wednesday morning. The procession will travel through Waitangirua, Tītahi Bay, and Plimmerton, reaching Whenua Tapu around midday. Police will be visible throughout the area to provide reassurance and respond to any unlawful activity.
2 outlets · Shihad to embark on final tour after disbandment announcement
Wellington rock band Shihad has announced they are disbanding after nearly 40 years. Their final tour, Loud Forever, will begin at the Rock the Bowl festival in New Plymouth on 29 December, with the group's final performances scheduled for Wellington in March 2025.
2 outlets · Wellington start-up achieves first plasma milestone in fusion energy quest
Wellington-based tech start-up OpenStar has successfully created and confined super-heated plasma. The plasma reached temperatures between 300,000 and 500,000 degrees Celsius last week. This milestone marks the first time such a cloud of ionised gas has been produced and contained in New Zealand.
2 outlets · Emma Raducanu confirmed for ASB Classic this summer
British tennis player Emma Raducanu will make her third appearance at the ASB Classic in Auckland as a wildcard. She joins Lulu Sun and Naomi Osaka in the women's tournament. New Zealander Erin Routliffe will also compete alongside partner Gaby Dabrowski.
2 outlets ·
