Thursday 21 November 2024
18 stories first reported this day, covered by two or more outlets
Sam Cane and TJ Perenara to play final tests against Italy
Sam Cane and TJ Perenara are set to make their final appearances for the All Blacks during the tour finale against Italy in Turin. Coach Scott Robertson has also named loosehead prop Ethan de Groot to start the match on Sunday morning.
3 outlets · New laws banning gang insignia in public come into effect
The Gangs Act 2024 officially came into force at midnight. The new legislation, a coalition Government policy, makes wearing gang insignia in public places illegal. Police have stated they intend to actively enforce the ban from the first day.
3 outlets · Upcoming events in Taranaki, Manawatū and Wellington
Various activities are scheduled across the regions, including 7 Days Live at TSB Showplace in Taranaki. Manawatū features the MegaFun Carnival at Railway Land Reserve and comedy at the Globe Theatre, while Wellington hosts Christmas in the Quarters and Sleeping Beauty at Circa Theatre.
1 outlet · Christchurch house prices rise while Wellington values continue to drop
Christchurch house prices have continued to grow despite declines in North Island cities. In Wellington, median house prices fell by 3% in the last quarter, marking the largest drop of any main centre. Meanwhile, first home buyer activity remains strong with record purchases recorded in October.
3 outlets · Gang associate arrested after dangerous driving and rifle theft in Auckland
A 31-year-old Head Hunters gang associate faces multiple charges following a dangerous driving incident in Auckland. After being seen speeding on the Southern Motorway, the man allegedly pointed a rifle at police before a bystander grabbed the weapon and threw it into bushes.
2 outlets · First arrests made following new gang patch ban
Police have made at least three arrests following the implementation of new legislation banning gang insignia in public. Incidents reported include a person wearing a patch at a supermarket in Wairoa, an individual in a Papakura street, and an arrest in Hastings involving insignia on a vehicle.
2 outlets · Model for Pania of the Reef statue dies aged 86
Mei Whaitiri, who served as the model for Napier’s Pania of the Reef statue, has died at age 86. She was a student at Hukarere Māori Girls when her likeness was used for the bronze statue. She was the mother of former MP Meka Whaitiri.
2 outlets · Man charged with aggravated wounding after stabbing security guard in Newmarket
A 24-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated wounding following an alleged stabbing in Auckland's Newmarket. Police say the incident occurred on Broadway when security guards approached the man, who then produced a knife. The man is due to appear in the Auckland District Court.
2 outlets · Education Minister apologises for alleged unparliamentary remark in Parliament
Education Minister Erica Stanford apologised in the House after allegedly mouthing a derogatory term towards Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti. The incident occurred during question time regarding rural bus routes. Labour claims this is not the first time the Minister has used such language towards female Opposition MPs.
2 outlets · Porirua City Council opposes Treaty Principles Bill
Porirua City Council has voted unanimously to oppose the Government's Treaty Principles Bill. Meanwhile, a petition launched by ActionStation to stop the bill has gathered more than 281,000 signatures. The proposed legislation is currently before Parliament's Justice Committee.
2 outlets · Dame Jacinda Ardern to receive United Nations leadership award
Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern will be honoured with the Champion for Global Change award by the United Nations Foundation. The award recognises her leadership and resilience. The presentation is scheduled to take place at a ceremony in New York City this Friday.
2 outlets · Tauranga woman allegedly speeding and four times over alcohol limit
A Tauranga woman was allegedly caught driving 30km/h over the limit on State Highway 2 near Bethlehem. Police spotted the vehicle on Tuesday afternoon as schools were finishing for the day. A roadside breath test reportedly found the driver to be more than four times over the legal alcohol limit.
2 outlets · IPCA finds fatal police shooting of Kaoss Price unjustified
The Independent Police Conduct Authority has ruled that the 2022 fatal shooting of 22-year-old Kaoss Price in Taranaki was unjustified. While the authority found the officer could have used a taser instead of a firearm, it did not recommend criminal charges. The victim's grandmother has since questioned the lack of accountability.
2 outlets · Former Christchurch school staffer faces additional historical sexual abuse charges
A 68-year-old former staff member of St Bede’s College faces 11 charges following four new allegations of historical sexual offending. The charges relate to incidents involving students who boarded at the Christchurch school approximately two decades ago. The man remains under name suppression.
2 outlets · Opinions clash over the impact of the Treaty Principles Bill
Commentators have expressed conflicting views regarding the Treaty Principles Bill. One perspective suggests the bill could create winners and losers, while another argues the legislation undermines Māori rights and social cohesion. This follows a large hīkoi to Parliament in opposition to the bill.
2 outlets · Soldier's body found in Manawatū River after dog rescue attempt
The body of Linton-based Gunner Nikau Minhinnick Gill was recovered from the Manawatū River on Wednesday evening. He fell into the water at Ahimate Park in Palmerston North on Saturday while attempting to rescue his dog. The Chief of Army described the deceased soldier as an outstanding and talented young man.
2 outlets · Proposed paper production shutdown at Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill threatens 230 jobs
Oji Fibre Solutions has proposed ceasing paper production at the Kinleith Mill by June next year to focus on pulp manufacturing. The move, driven by rising production costs and falling paper prices, has left workers feeling upset and angry. Affected employees have until January to respond to the proposal.
2 outlets · Police to use educational approach for new gang patch ban
Eastern Southland police intend to use an educational approach when enforcing the new gang insignia ban starting Thursday. While the legislation makes displaying gang patches in public an offence, some officers have expressed concerns regarding the impact on an already stretched workforce.
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