Wednesday 20 November 2024
24 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Oji Fibre Solutions proposes ending paper production at Kinleith Mill
Oji Fibre Solutions has presented a change proposal to staff at the Kinleith Mill near Tokoroa. The plan to discontinue paper production after June 2025 could impact up to 230 jobs. The company aims to simplify operations by focusing on pulp production.
4 outlets · Richard Chambers appointed as new Police Commissioner
Richard Chambers has been named the new Police Commissioner, replacing Andrew Coster. The veteran officer intends to focus on core policing and has stated that staff are prepared to enforce new laws banning gang patches in public.
3 outlets · Search underway for missing boat off Northland's east coast
Police and the Royal New Zealand Air Force are searching for a 3.5m skiff with two people on board near Kerikeri. The vessel is believed to be carrying 700kg of methamphetamine as part of an organised crime group's importation attempt.
3 outlets · Teen charged after alleged violent assault in Auckland
A 17-year-old boy has been charged following an alleged violent assault at a Mt Eden home early this morning. Police say an argument occurred at a Balmoral Road property around 2am, leading to the incident. The female victim is reported to be in serious condition.
3 outlets · Shaun Johnson to play cricket as wildcard in Black Clash
Recently retired rugby league star Shaun Johnson will join Team Cricket as a wildcard for the T20 Black Clash. The event is scheduled for 18 January in Christchurch. Johnson has admitted to having limited experience in the sport.
3 outlets · Tens of thousands march in Wellington against Treaty Principles Bill
Up to 50,000 people participated in the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti in Wellington to protest the Treaty Principles Bill. Police reported the march was peaceful, noting one arrest and 20 medical incidents. Act leader David Seymour briefly appeared at the event, while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not attend.
3 outlets · Harry Plummer to join French club Clermont on three-year deal
All Blacks and Blues playmaker Harry Plummer has signed a three-year contract with French club ASM Clermont Auvergne. The 26-year-old will join the Top 14 side after completing his final season with the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific.
2 outlets · MFAT issues travel advice for Laos following suspected methanol poisonings
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated its advice for travellers to Laos after suspected methanol poisoning caused several illnesses and three deaths. Two Australian teenagers remain in critical condition, and officials have confirmed a New Zealander may also be a victim.
2 outlets · Residents return home after vegetation fire in Te Puna is contained
Fire crews responded to a large vegetation fire near Snodgrass Road in Te Puna on Wednesday afternoon. The blaze burned approximately 3.5 kilometres of shelter belt and led to the evacuation of ten properties. Residents are now returning home after the fire was contained.
2 outlets · Parliament unanimously passes bill to restore Samoan citizenship
New Zealand Parliament has passed the Citizenship (Western Samoa) (Restoration) Amendment Bill with unanimous support. The legislation will restore New Zealand citizenship to thousands of Samoans who had their status removed four decades ago.
2 outlets · Hezbollah and Houthi groups designated as terrorist organisations
The New Zealand Government has designated the political wing of Hezbollah and the Houthi militant group as terrorist entities. This legal designation under the Terrorism Suppression Act means providing tangible support to these organisations could be a criminal offence. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also re-designated Al-Shabaab as a terror group.
2 outlets · Christopher Luxon explains why he did not meet hīkoi protesters
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has addressed why he did not meet with protesters during the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti in Wellington. An estimated 42,000 people marched to Parliament to oppose the Government's Treaty Principles Bill. The Deputy Prime Minister has described the movement as an orchestrated effort by the Māori Party.
2 outlets · High Court appeal for Mama Hooch rapist brothers delayed until 2025
The High Court will not hear the appeals of Danny and Roberto Jaz until July 2025. The brothers were convicted of nearly 70 charges involving the drugging and sexual violation of more than 20 women at Christchurch venues between 2015 and 2018. They are appealing against their sentences and some convictions.
2 outlets · Surfing for Farmers receives $15,000 grant from NZCT
The Surfing for Farmers organisation has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the New Zealand Community Trust to assist with operating costs. The funds will cover equipment hire and surf lessons at five regional locations, including Gisborne, Ōhope, Foxton, Kaka Point, and Riverton.
2 outlets · South Korean tourist drowned in Lake Wānaka after possible heart issue
Coroner Andrew Schirnack found that 21-year-old Jinwoo Park likely developed an abnormal heart rhythm while swimming in Lake Wānaka. Park was a fit former navy member who was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. His body was recovered from the lake floor the day after he was found.
2 outlets · Power bills expected to rise by $10 a month from April
The Commerce Commission has decided to loosen revenue caps for Transpower and lines companies to fund infrastructure upgrades and rising costs. This regulatory decision is expected to increase average electricity bills by approximately $10 a month starting in April, with further increases projected over the following four years.
2 outlets · Woman who died at Piha Beach identified by police
Police have identified 33-year-old Swe Swe Htet as the swimmer who died at Piha Beach last Tuesday. Htet, of Takapuna, was caught in a rip and pulled from the water. Despite medical attention and CPR attempts, she passed away.
2 outlets · Councils disagree over flood-prone land suitability for housing
Napier City Council has voted to keep a flood-prone site on its development strategy despite warnings of extreme risk. Meanwhile, Hastings District Council has removed two proposed residential sites on productive land in Havelock North from the regional strategy plan.
2 outlets · New laws targeting gang activity to take effect at midnight
New legislation, including a ban on displaying gang insignia in public, comes into force at midnight. The Gangs Act 2024 provides police with increased powers to disrupt gang activity and issue dispersal orders. While police say they are prepared, the Labour Party has criticised the changes as unprincipled lawmaking.
2 outlets · Gangs may use substitute insignia to bypass new ban
A gang expert warns that groups may wear substitute patches to circumvent the new nationwide ban on displaying gang insignia in public. The legislation, which takes effect this week, is expected to be tested in Hawke’s Bay as police prepare for strict enforcement.
2 outlets · Letters respond to Treaty Principles Bill and haka in Parliament
Public letters have been published regarding the Treaty Principles Bill and a recent haka performed in the House. Commentators have expressed views on the bill's impact and the appropriateness of cultural expressions during protests.
2 outlets · Māori hīkoi aims to build unity beyond the Treaty Principles Bill
A hīkoi has reached Parliament as Māori leaders seek to forge national unity. While the Treaty Principles Bill sparked the movement, leaders state the protest is about broader resistance and political engagement rather than the bill alone.
2 outlets · New book documents history of New Zealand woolsheds
A new book titled Woolsheds: The Historic Shearing Sheds of Aotearoa New Zealand has been published by Massey University. Written by design historian Dr Annette O’Sullivan, the work features three historic Wairarapa woolsheds and includes photography by Jane Ussher MNZM.
2 outlets · Nelson workers lose jobs as AG1 shifts production to USA
Staff at Nelson contract manufacturer Alaron have lost their jobs after the Nevada-based company AG1 moved production to a factory in Utah. Although the supplement was marketed online as being made in New Zealand, an investigation found it is mostly produced in the United States.
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