this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read The Carterton New World is one of four retail businesses whose property is now owned by Ngāti Kahungunu New Zealand’s third-largest iwi has confirmed the purchase of the Irwin family company which owns property in Carterton tenanted by New World is another investment by the iwi following its historic Treaty settlement signed with the Government back in 2021 for $115 million said relationships and community are at the heart of the Wairarapa “Several of our trustees and whānau members have long-standing connections with the Irwin whānau who have contributed so much to Carterton over the years,” Ammunson said “The family’s property developments have supported and enhanced our local retail environment and we are honoured they have trusted us to take over as kaitiaki for these properties.” Ammunson also expressed his sympathy to the family of Doreion Hard who recently died near New World Carterton and said his thoughts and aroha are with Hard’s whānau and friends Irwin family representative Finlay Irwin said the sale of the company was not an easy decision but he expressed confidence in the iwi’s ability to take over “The iwi is embedded in the Wairarapa community for the long term and we know that they will be a responsible “We share a passion for Carterton and we want to see it thrive well into the future.” The family have been key stakeholders in the town for generations with the local supermarket originally named Knutson’s New World before the family eventually sold the supermarket to Foodstuffs back in 1997 After purchasing the neighbouring site owned by Foodstuffs which had been planned to turn into a petrol station home to the other retail businesses now under Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua ownership Irwin’s passion was shared by Carterton Mayor Ron Mark who said he was pleased to see ownership of the retail development remaining in local hands “The Knutson name is well-known by many,” Mark said “I’m delighted that Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua has chosen to invest in Carterton’s business community and that the Knutson and Irwin family’s legacy will continue with new vibrancy.” the chair of the Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Investment Trust said the facilities are relatively modern and fit for purpose we have a long-term interest in working with our tenants to develop the site to meet their needs we will fund development where it is supported by a strong business case.” Watters confirmed the sale has been in process for over a year with the decision made because the property is in the heart of the iwi’s rohe (tribal area) and met its investment hurdles relating to returns and risk management He said the iwi’s families were the very first traders in the Wairarapa and buying the key retail hub is symbolic of the iwi’s return to and reconnection with its whenua and trading heritage “The trust wanted these properties because they are good commercial assets and we were able to purchase them at a fair price “The Knutsons Ltd purchase is our first major commercial purchase and aligns with our strategy to establish a strong economic foundation diversify our assets and grow our tribal presence across our mana whenua rohe.” Tom Raynel is a multimedia business journalist for the Herald Rare plot of land is home to ancient kauri trees Scam alerts: we’ve seen an increase in scam texts and emails claiming to be from us, asking for payments.Check our example scams or report a scam to us NZTA App: our mobile app provides a simple and secure way to access your driver licence and vehicle information.Learn more and download the NZTA app Dates have also been confirmed for resurfacing works next month on this section of highway STOP PRESS: The schedule outlined in December is now being revised due to cold road temperatures in January 7 January 2025 traffic bulletin: Postponement of SH2 Masterton to Carterton resurfacing due to cold temperatures It will require night-time road closures from Sunday 12 January to Thursday 16 January Drivers can expect delays during this time To ensure the public and road crews are kept safe there will be a full closure of State Highway 2 in both directions and traffic will need to detour via detour via Cornwall Road and Hughes Line residents in the works areas will retain access to their properties A 50 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place on the detour route As these are local roads and will be carrying extra traffic The highway will be open in both directions during the day a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will be in place for up to five days after the resurfacing works It is essential drivers follow this speed limit as it helps prevent damage to the road and to vehicles Resurfacing this road ensures a more resilient state highway between Masterton and Carterton Road users are encouraged to check for updates on the highway’s status on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website Highway conditions - Wellington(external link) SH2 Masterton to Carterton resurfacing – detour route Essential road repairs mean there will be a week of closures on State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton from mid-December The highway will be closed to southbound traffic between the East Taratahi Rd roundabout and Hughes Line from Sunday 15 December for up to one week with a detour via East Taratahi Road and Hughes Line The highway will remain open for northbound vehicles These works weather-dependent and may be rescheduled at short notice says  a rebuild is the most effective way fix the short section of road “It is deteriorating and has significant cracking that needs urgent repairs A pavement rebuild will make the road safer for drivers and reduce the risk of further damage.” “This is best done while the weather is warm and dry and before the holiday season and expected busier traffic around Christmas and the New Year,” Ms Hilliard says “Road crews need to excavate to a depth of at least 700 millimetres They need to make sure the new road has a proper and solid foundation for the new surface.” “A full closure means we can complete the repairs quickly and have the highway back to two lanes in time for peak holiday traffic,’ Ms Hilliard says She says the work will affect about 130 metres of the highway’s southbound lane near Ravensdown and will create disruption and travel delays A local road detour will be available via East Taratahi Road and Hughes Line Further work is also planned for this section of State Highway 2 in early in the New Year Road resurfacing will be done mid-January and the community can expect to see an improved road surface once it is finished As well as improving sections of the road between Masterton and Carterton The Wellington Transport Alliance are making a huge investment in rebuilding sections of State Highway in Wairarapa that most need repair View larger image [PNG, 188 KB] NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport Police say there will be people who know more about what led to a shooting and three sections of SH2 being closed down in the Wellington Region A homicide investigation was launched following the death of a man in South Wairarapa on Saturday and police say anyone who knows more about what happened needs to make contact with them a firearm was discharged at a vehicle exiting the carpark of a FreshChoice supermarket on State Highway 2 in the small South Wairarapa community of Featherston A man was then found in a vehicle in Carterton A second vehicle fled the Featherston scene but was later intercepted by police in the Upper Hutt suburb of Kaitoke and two people from that vehicle are in custody Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel said: "We know a number of people would have seen elements of what happened yesterday and we are keen to talk to you if you have not already spoken to Police Police are considering possible charges for the two men who were arrested after the second vehicle was found on Saturday and the focus of the investigation now is on the the full extent of the involvement of the occupants of that vehicle Work was continuing on Sunday at several South Wairarapa scenes connected to the events "The Featherston scene examination is expected to be completed this morning," Van De Heuvel said "The Kaitoke and Carterton scenes [are] cleared and a blessing of the Carterton scene will take place later today." A post-mortem of the dead man was expected to be carried out on Monday The Featherston FreshChoice supermarket and New World Carterton both shut on Saturday following the events "We acknowledge this was a distressing incident for those who witnessed it and the wider community," Van De Heuvel said "Police will have an increased presence in the community as we work to determine what led to the altercation Carterton Mayor Ron Mark confirmed to RNZ that police and ambulances were called to the town's Main Street to attend to a person in a vehicle with a gunshot wound who has subsequently died The incident was reported in Carterton near Pembroke Street as well as in Featherston near Daniell Street about 4pm Saturday Mark said that it seemed that the incident was targeted and did not pose a threat to the wider community "I'm very confident that the police will resolve this quite quickly." He said the community wanted to know what was going on which he believed was understandable helicopters tend to cause a little bit of concern." Mark told RNZ it would appear that the injured person was brought into Carterton in a vehicle "in the state that they were in" Anyone with information about what happened, or who witnessed the event, was asked to contact police by calling 105 or on their Update Report page online at 105.police.govt.nz and to quote the reference 250322/8281 and 'Operation Ascot' Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday Police say the Strathmore Park theft is believed to be related to a separate incident in the central city Faulty landing gear has forced a Hawaiian Airlines flight to turn back to Auckland Airport A driver has died after a crash between two cars which shut down part of Wellington's motorway overnight Hikers in the area are being asked to use alternative tracks Officers were called to Ranfurly Street at around 6.30am after reports of a gunshot New Zealand RSS Follow RNZ News Witnesses said they were forced to cower behind cars at FreshChoice Featherston when shots were fired at a vehicle leaving the carpark at around 4pm on Saturday. Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel earlier said a man was located near the Carterton New World with a gunshot wound a short time later. The man died and a homicide investigation was launched. A second vehicle fled the Featherston scene and was intercepted by police "without incident" at Kaitoke on Remutaka Hill, van den Heuvel said. The charged men, aged 23 and 25, were due to appear in Wellington District Court tomorrow and further charges against the pair were being considered, van den Heuvel said in a statement on Sunday evening. "Our investigation continues, with one focus being to establish what other parties may have been involved in the incident. "We can however say that police believe it involved parties known to each other, with no ongoing risk to the public," he said. Van den Heuvel said the community's continued support was appreciated as officers continued to make enquiries in the Wairarapa "People will continue to notice an increased police presence." Carterton New World was closed following the incident but reopened on Sunday morning. The Featherston location examination was expected to be completed cleared this morning and scenes in Kaitoke and Carterton had been cleared, he added. A post-mortem of the dead man was also expected to take place in Wellington tomorrow. On Sunday, 1News captured footage of police investigating what appear to be bullet holes in a bakery sign across the road from FreshChoice Featherston, where the shooting reportedly took place. Police continued to appeal for information from the public regarding the ongoing homicide investigation. "We know a number of people would have seen elements of what happened yesterday, and we are keen to talk to you if you have not already spoken to police." Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105. Police at Carterton New World. (Source: 1News) Two people have been jointly charged with murder after a man was killed in a drive-by shooting in Wairarapa yesterday. Police say the man was shot at a supermarket in Featherston before dying in his car about 20km away.  (Source: 1News) Police investigating what appear to be bullet holes in a bakery's sign in Featherston. (Source: 1News) Man with gunshot wound dies outside Carterton New World Ron Mark told 1News a person arrived in Carterton’s main street in a vehicle with a gunshot wound and the person has subsequently died New Zealand Search underway for Masterton man John Rafferty was last seen at Masterton Railway Station at about midday on May 4 Crooks culture first order of business for Mike Bush in Victoria Bush picked to take over as Victoria's chief commissioner after months of top-level staffing woes Crime and Justice Police experts warn 'emerging risk' of 3D-printed firearms rising Technology has outpaced a currently underway review of the Arms Act and criminals are already taking advantage US prisons bureau has challenges — reopening Alcatraz is now another Juliana Herrera's family tell inquest: 'Stop repeating avoidable mistakes' was murdered in January 2022 by her neighbour Health Arrest after person assaulted A nurse leaving her shift last month was held up at gunpoint outside the grounds of the hospital Film industry anxiously awaits details on Trump's 100% movie tariff 7:17pm Search underway for Masterton man, 74, missing since Sunday 7:07pm Crooks, culture first order of business for Mike Bush in Victoria 7:05pm Charges filed against Woolworths over pricing, misleading specials 6:45pm Police, experts warn 'emerging risk' of 3D-printed firearms rising 6:33pm Trade war: Sir John Key's 'optimism' on Trump's next tariff moves 7:28pm 1US woman who disappeared for more than six decades found safe Sole survivor of poisoned beef Wellington takes the stand Two men's shared name brings years of trouble and a hefty bill to one Govt halts all current pay equity claims, makes it harder to lodge new ones Photos: Lorde among stars at 2025 Met Gala A$AP Rocky and Rihanna also revealed they are expecting their third child. Two arrested over alleged plot targeting Lady Gaga concert in RioBrazilian police said they thwarted an alleged bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga's concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. Lady Gaga rocks Copacabana Beach with free concert for over 2 million fansSun, May 4 Lorde announces new album name, dateThu, May 1 Kim Kardashian to testify in Paris trial over 2016 armed robberyMon, Apr 28 Chubby Checker, Outkast, Cyndi Lauper join Rock & Roll Hall of FameMon, Apr 28 Kim Kardashian to testify in Paris trial over 2016 armed robberyMon Two people have been jointly charged with murder after a man was killed in a drive-by shooting in Wairarapa yesterday Witnesses said they were forced to cower behind cars at FreshChoice Featherston when shots were fired at a vehicle leaving the carpark at around 4pm on Saturday Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel earlier said a man was located near the Carterton New World with a gunshot wound a short time later The man died and a homicide investigation was launched A second vehicle fled the Featherston scene and was intercepted by police "without incident" at Kaitoke on Remutaka Hill were due to appear in Wellington District Court tomorrow and further charges against the pair were being considered van den Heuvel said in a statement on Sunday evening with one focus being to establish what other parties may have been involved in the incident "We can however say that police believe it involved parties known to each other with no ongoing risk to the public," he said Carterton New World was closed following the incident but reopened on Sunday morning The Featherston location examination was expected to be completed cleared this morning and scenes in Kaitoke and Carterton had been cleared A post-mortem of the dead man was also expected to take place in Wellington tomorrow 1News captured footage of police investigating what appear to be bullet holes in a bakery sign across the road from FreshChoice Featherston Police continued to appeal for information from the public regarding the ongoing homicide investigation "We know a number of people would have seen elements of what happened yesterday and we are keen to talk to you if you have not already spoken to police." Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105 Emergency services are responding to a serious incident at a New World supermarket in the Wairarapa town of Carterton Carterton Mayor Ron Mark told 1News a person arrived in Carterton’s main street in a vehicle with a gunshot wound and the person has subsequently died He said police have the incident under control Detective Inspector John Van De Heuvel said two people have been taken into custody and a homicide investigation launched police responded to reports of a firearms incident where a firearm was discharged at a vehicle exiting the supermarket carpark on State Highway 2 "A short time later a man has been located in Carterton with an apparent gunshot wound Van De Heuvel said a second vehicle fled the scene and was intercepted by police "without incident" at Kaitoke on Remutaka Hill "The full extent of the two occupants’ involvement is a focus of our investigation," he said The mayor said residents of Carterton should remain calm He said it was an incident that "has come from outside into the community" Cordons were set up by police at locations in Featherston Carterton and Kaitoke but all road closures were lifted by 7.30pm Carterton New World advised customers via social media that it was shut for an unspecified time "The store is closed until further notice Our apologies for any inconvenience caused "We will keep you updated as to when we can re-open." SH2 KAITOKE - POLICE INCIDENT - 4:50PMDue to a police incident the road is now CLOSED near Kaitoke Loop Rd. Follow directions of emergency services on-site or delay your journey. ^EH pic.twitter.com/GakIzUZ5nm said police had cordoned off the road with patrol cars ambulance and a fire truck also in attendance She said police had set up a "gazebo" on the grounds of the New World car park told 1News she was shopping at New World when the customers were advised over a speaker system that they would need to leave New World staff were ushering everyone out." ambulance and fire and emergency staff were in the carpark Detective Inspector Van De Heuvel added: "We acknowledge this was a distressing incident for those who witnessed it and the wider community Police will have an increased presence in the community as we work to determine what led to the altercation A search and rescue operation is underway for a Masterton man in his 70s missing since Sunday John Rafferty was last seen at Masterton Railway Station about midday on May 4 The 74-year-old did not board a train and left on foot about 20 minutes later Matheson said it was possible Rafferty was staying with a friend but police and loved ones "want to know he’s safe" and John doesn’t have his cell phone or wallet," he said A search team and a helicopter has been out looking for the missing man "We are really keen to know that he’s safe." Police have released an image from CCTV showing Rafferty on a station platform on the day of his disappearance He was wearing a blue jacket with 'NASA' written on the back Anyone who saw him was asked to contact police on 111 or online at 105 if there was Information after the fact The next top cop of the troubled Victoria police force embraces his "outsider" status to curb its leadership malaise and has a stern warning for crooks Former New Zealand Police commissioner Mike Bush won the race to become Victoria's chief commissioner after months of top-level staffing woes The 40-year police veteran steps into the role on June 27 with a five-year contract The Kiwi conceded the job will be no picnic with Victoria's crime rate hitting an almost decade-high in 2024 everyone knows that," he told reporters today "These crime issues are actually global they are quite similar wherever you go but it's not good enough just to turn up after the act Rising youth crime and high-profile cases of alleged offenders committing crimes while on bail spurred the Victorian government to strengthen laws in March Bush said he was familiar with the crackdown but bail laws were just one part of the solution to tackling youth crime along with a "prevention mindset" He retired from the NZ police force in 2020 after joining in 1978 and spending his final six years in the top job Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption and Covid-19 pandemic were among the biggest crises Bush confronted during his tenure Bush also made headlines in 2022 after it emerged he had a past drink-driving conviction when unsuccessfully applying to become head of the UK's Metropolitan Police Former New Zealand police minister Stuart Nash describedr Bush as hard but fair He said Bush regularly met with police forces across the Tasman in his previous role and recalled travelling with him to every district across New Zealand once a year to chew the fat with communities and then we all had biscuits and a cup of tea," Nash told AAP "Mike is someone who had deep credibility in policing." The state government has not handed the reins of Victoria Police to an outsider since former NSW Police assistant commissioner Christine Nixon in 2001 The Kiwi was happy to wear the "outsider" tag and is already hatching plans to hit the ground running "I've got a lot to do to come up to speed," Bush said "Culture is a consequence of leadership." establishing relationships with community groups amid rising tensions and increasing police visibility on the beat were among his other top initial priorities Victoria Police was thrust into leadership turmoil in February with a no-confidence vote from officers costing chief commissioner Shane Patton his job Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent became acting chief and expressed an interest in making the move permanent before throwing in the towel in April Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill will serve in an acting capacity until Bush takes over Bush intends to speak with Patton before starting and said he wouldn't shy away from pushing back if he disagreed with the government Premier Jacinta Allan said a recruitment agency was hired and instructed to find a leader capable of addressing the "challenges" plaguing the force "Mike Bush is the best person for the job," she said whose union led the no-confidence vote against Patton following a bitter pay dispute admitted there was a disconnect between members and leaders The state police union secretary welcomed Mr Bush's appointment and pledge to listen to the mounting workforce concerns "We have a police force that is currently under-resourced that needs fresh officers," he said Eleven inmate deaths in less than two months A US$3 billion (NZ$5 billion) repair backlog a stunning directive from President Donald Trump for the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons to “REBUILD AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” — the notorious penitentiary on an island in San Francisco Bay that last held inmates more than 60 years ago Even as the Bureau of Prisons struggles with short staffing chronic violence and crumbling infrastructure at its current facilities Trump is counting on the agency to fulfill his vision of rebooting the infamously inescapable prison known in movies and pop culture as The Rock Trump declared in a social media post that a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” Alcatraz will house the nation’s “most ruthless and violent Offenders” Newly appointed Bureau of Prisons Director William K Marshall III said that the agency “will vigorously pursue all avenues to support and implement the President’s agenda” and that he has ordered “an immediate assessment to determine our needs and the next steps” We look forward to restoring this powerful symbol of law and justice,” Marshall said in a statement “We will be actively working with our law enforcement and other federal partners to reinstate this very important mission.” an 8.9-hectare spit of land with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline was once the crown jewel of the federal prison system and home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals including gangsters Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly But skyrocketing repair and supply costs compelled the Justice Department to close the prison in 1963 and the Bureau of Prisons has long since replaced Alcatraz with modern penitentiaries including a maximum-security prison in Florence The former and perhaps future penitentiary is now a popular tourist attraction and a national historic landmark It’s controlled by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area meaning the Bureau of Prisons could be in for an interagency tug of war if it tries to wrest away control of the island Trump’s Alcatraz directive is yet another challenge for the Bureau of Prisons as it struggles to fix lingering problems while responding to the president’s priorities on incarceration and immigrant detention includes taking in thousands of immigration detainees under an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security The problems at the Bureau of Prisons transcend administrations and facilities An ongoing Associated Press investigation has uncovered deep previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons over the last few years including widespread criminal activity by employees and severe understaffing that has hampered responses to emergencies then-President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency It remains the Justice Department’s largest agency 155,000 inmates and an annual budget of about US$8 billion (NZ$13.4 billion) but the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures have eliminated some pay bonuses that were credited with retaining and attracting new staff That has resulted in long overtime shifts for some workers and the continued use of a policy known as augmentation teachers and other workers are pressed into duty to guard inmates A Bureau of Prisons official told Congress at a hearing in February that more than 4000 beds within the system — the equivalent of at least two full prisons — are unusable because of dangerous conditions like leaking or failing roofs a 37-year-old Florida businessman who was found dead April 28 in a suspected suicide at a federal jail in Miami He was awaiting trial on charges that he kidnapped and killed his estranged wife in Spain inmate Ramadhan Jaabir Justice was killed in a fight at the federal penitentiary in Pollock where he was serving a nearly 11-year sentence for a conviction related to an armed robbery As Trump was ordering Alcatraz’s reopening correctional officers at the same Miami jail were fighting to curb the spread of tuberculosis and Covid-19 isolating inmates after they tested positive for the diseases immigration detainees at the facility ripped out a fire sprinkler and flooded a holding cell during a lengthy intake process the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin has sat idle for more than a year after the Bureau of Prisons cleared it of inmates in the wake of rampant sexual abuse by employees the agency made the closure permanent and idled six prison camps across the country to address “significant challenges crumbling infrastructure and limited budgetary resources” While Trump hails Alcatraz as a paragon of the federal prison system’s cherished past other facilities stand as reminders of its recent troubles They include the federal jail in Manhattan which remains idle after Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide there in 2019 exposed deep flaws in its operations where 23 inmates have been charged in recent months with crimes ranging from smuggling weapons in a Doritos bag to the stabbing last month of a man convicted in the killing of hip-hop legend Jam Master Jay A person is in custody after an alleged theft which left a person injured on the grounds of Palmerston North Hospital Police said officers were called to a Ruahine St carpark about 1.30pm on Tuesday Police said the alleged offender left the scene and was found a short time later "Police would like to thank the members of the public who witnessed the incident and intervened to assist the victim," a police spokesperson said That same night a staff member was knocked unconscious Staff have been calling for security improvements Health NZ MidCentral operations group director Sarah Fenwick previously told RNZ it was committed to making staff feel safer She said these included a security escort to vehicles increasing security services on hospital grounds and "opening up" access to the staff carpark for people working afternoon and night shifts "Lighting has been audited in all outside carparking areas to ensure it is well maintained," she said "Interim access to well-lit parking onsite with dedicated security for staff working afternoon and night shifts while a more permanent solution for out-of-hours carparking is developed." rnz.co.nz The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against Woolworths NZ for alleged inaccurate pricing and misleading specials that may have breached the Fair Trading Act The commission filed the charges against Woolworths in the Auckland District Court It indicated in December last year that it would be filing separate criminal charges against Woolworths and two Pak'nSave supermarkets the commission said there were ongoing issues with pricing in the supermarket sector and the operators may have breached the Fair Trading Act deputy chair Anne Callinan said operators should know what the expectations were "Supermarkets have long been on notice about the importance of accurate and clear pricing and specials and we're not satisfied with the continuing issues we're seeing across the industry "Pricing accuracy is a consumer right and an expectation of a competitive market well-resourced businesses that should invest the time and effort to get pricing and promotions right." She said the charges were filed to remind all supermarkets that they are expected to fix the pricing accuracy issues and implement better processes In a statement when the charges were announced Woolworths managing director Spencer Sonn said it was important customers could trust prices advertised at their supermarkets Woolworths said it has cooperated with the Commerce Commission's pricing investigation for some time rnz.co.nz Former prime minister Sir John Key says he remains optimistic about Donald Trump's domestic economic policy despite opposing the tariff strategy that has sent global markets into turmoil in recent months who served as prime minister for eight years was the keynote speaker at an Auckland business summit earlier today Sir John told 1News he believed Trump would ultimately take a more moderate approach to tariffs than initially proposed "I'm not a fan of tariff policies I don't think they really work," he said as I think the stock market is telling you at the moment that actually there will be a more sensible landing place for the tariffs that he's wanting to impose." Sir John said he "wasn't entirely surprised" at Trump's call to go ahead with the policy "They're just a negotiating point I think he simply put on widespread and high rates of tariffs on every country to give himself a leverage point and a negotiating point "What I think he actually grossly underestimated was the stock market reaction You can actually make the case that his own strategy hasn't worked The reason the markets have recovered is because he's taken those tariffs off the most part 'I'm going to negotiate case by case'." Sir John suggested Trump's economic policies could still generally be positive for the US but the tariffs could be trickier for the global economy Asked whether he stood by his October comments that Trump would be good for the economy he said: "Do I think he's going to reduce regulatory burden in the United States It depends on where things shake down in terms of tariffs." Sir John acknowledged that for certain industries Trump's policies could be "a really negative thing" particularly if the president's proposed 100% tariff on the film industry were to be implemented "I can't see how it would be cost-competitive to make a movie in New Zealand with a 100% tariff on it," he said noting that films such as The Hobbit would not have been made in New Zealand without government subsidies who now served as a director of US tech company Palo Alto Networks said he had "always been opposed" to Trump's tariff policies but believes they won't be the "dominant part of his economic solutions" "I don't think it's perfect from New Zealand's point of view but I don't think we should panic either and America will still be a very big market for us to sell things to," he said "There are growing markets around the world It's not a great thing from New Zealand's point of view We've got a very sound economy with lots of options in front of us." Sir John suggested a belief that the Republican Trump was was better "on balance" for the US economy than Democratic opponent Kamala Harris he expressed concerns about Trump's tariff approach: "China doesn't pay those tariffs middle-income consumers or consumers in America do because when a tariff goes on a good that you bring into a country He added: "I don't agree with the massive tariffs and I don't think you'll follow through with all of that and I certainly don't agree with this view on trade." Audrey Backeberg disappeared from a small city in south-central Wisconsin after reportedly hitchhiking with her family’s babysitter and catching a bus to Indianapolis Nobody ever knew where she went or what happened to her All that changed last week when she was found alive and safe in another state thanks to the fresh eyes from a deputy who took over the case in February Detective Isaac Hanson discovered an out-of-state arrest record that matched Backeberg which triggered a series of investigative moves that led to finding her alive and safe in another state Turns out Backeberg chose to leave the town of Reedsburg on her own accord – likely due to an abusive husband safe and secure; And just kind of lived under the radar for that long,” he said Hanson was assigned the case in late February and he and other officials met with Backeberg’s family to see if they had a connection with that region They also started digging through Backeberg's sister's Ancestry.com account obituaries and marriage licenses from that region they found an address where a woman was living that Hanson said shared a lot of similarities with Backeberg including date of birth and social security number Hanson was able to get a deputy from that jurisdiction to go to the address "I was expecting the deputy to call me back and say ‘Oh nobody answered the door.’ And I thought it was the deputy calling me I could sense that she obviously had her reasons for leaving.” Most of the information he learned during that call he declined to share saying that it was still important to Backeberg that she not be found “I think it overwhelmed her of course with the emotions that she had having a deputy show up at her house and then kind of call her out and talk with her about what happened and kind of relive 62 years in 45 minutes,” he said Hanson described discovering her safe after more than six decades practically unheard of And while he doesn't know what will happen next in terms of her family reconnecting he said he was happy that she can reach out if she wants to so she has my contact number if she ever wants to reach out or needs anything any phone numbers of family members back here," he said "Ultimately she kind of holds the cards for that.” Shane William Pritchard has been charged with crimes he didn’t commit and chased for debts he doesn’t owe That’s because the Dunedin man is not the only Shane William Pritchard in town While the duo’s shared name and age has sometimes been a handy loophole for one Shane for the other it has caused problems for 36 years It’s been years of fearing every knock on the door Years of wondering if he’ll be hand-cuffed and taken to jail to be honest,” says Shane William Pritchard a scout and a member of the Air Training Corp remembers getting quite a shock when her friend called one evening She'd been acting as a referee for a gun licence for Shane whose friend informed her that the police had a long list of offences against Shane’s name Not long after that the police turned up to where Shane was working at the local tannery to arrest him “You're scrambling in your head to think of ways that you can prove it's not you.” Another Shane William Pritchard had been born in Otago They were separated by just two weeks and about 50 miles – one growing up in Mosgiel the other in Milton – but also by the lives they’d been leading To watch the full video story go to TVNZ+ Shane from Milton had huge problems focusing at school He was raised in foster care and then boys’ homes I just wanted to look cool and get in trouble,” he tells Fair Go Milton Shane was used to run-ins with police he got pulled over in his car and asked about his driving licence one’s got a licence and the other hasn’t.’ And I’m like ‘obviously it must be the one with a licence’.” he went to his bank to draw out an ACC payment and was asked which bank account was his He says that at that point he was trying to figure out what was going on “I thought it was just an error.” But he took advantage of the situation and withdrew a large sum of cash Mosgiel Shane became aware of the withdrawal when a scheduled car payment was declined and when Milton Shane turned up at the bank to withdraw more money Identity fraud was considered but Milton Shane was legitimately expecting an ACC payment so the withdrawal appeared to be a genuine mistake and the police couldn’t take any action 'Anything I could get away with Mosgiel Shane thought the bank incident would have alerted police to the problem But his nemesis had cottoned on to the advantages of having a second identity to use Milton Shane acquired a suite of furniture on hire-purchase Milton-Shane clocked up more driving offences Mosgiel Shane thought about changing his name but realised he’d have to provide his previous name in the process the courts and debt collectors such as Baycorp should be able to distinguish between himself and Milton Shane The police first addressed the issue in the 1990s after Mosgiel Shane went to the media He was given a letter to carry with him should he be apprehended He and his parents felt his situation wasn’t being taken seriously Mosgiel Shane went to the media a second time in the mid-2000s the police gave their word that a record in their system would stop the misidentification from happening again This does appear to have worked as far as police action goes But while Mosgiel Shane was given the same reassurance by the Ministry of Justice he continued to receive demands from the courts for unpaid fines He’d also get stopped and questioned whenever he left the country for work trips or holidays It took a huge toll on Mosgiel Shane’s mental health not realising the constant stress it placed on his life John Pritchard says that at times his son felt his life wasn’t worth living worrying about what he was going to do to himself and that really ate me up.” he and his son were in tears as Shane admitted he was at breaking point He described going for days at a time unable to eat or sleep wondering what might happen next "Am I going to be in a position where they've got me in handcuffs or I've got debt collectors coming to the door?" ...You're spiralling into this black hole." He started taking anti-anxiety medication which helped And events regarding Milton Shane seemed to settle Milton Shane was charged for fishing without a licence in Twizel and failing to comply with fisheries officers But a court registrar incorrectly entered the birth date of Mosgiel Shane in the system both Shanes were being chased to pay the $1530 fine It was Mosgiel Shane who spotted the error and rang the court He also sent a statement from his manager saying he’d not been fishing in Twizel that day The reply he got was to say he’d been given the wrong form and that they wouldn’t accept his proof They just wanted to know how I was going to pay the fine.” The first Milton Shane knew about this was when Fair Go told him Mosgiel Shane had been chased for the fine He was told to pay up or face the consequences feeling he shouldn’t have to pay good money to correct someone else’s mistake But it cost Mosgiel Shane over $5000 in legal fees and took months of back and forth between him “Why should anybody have to pay their own money to right somebody else's wrongs and prove who they are I’m sick and tired of proving who I am all the time.” He wanted the Ministry of Justice to take responsibility and reimburse him for his legal costs saying court staff such as the registrar in this case have immunity if they make mistakes such as the one made here and if I make a mistake and it's affecting my client that it's going to cost them money to rectify a mistake that I've made.” he deserves a million apologies from those guys,” she says Milton Shane told Fair Go he still gets in trouble but wants the other Shane to know he doesn’t use his birth date anymore And he had a message for him: “We’ve got to get it sorted for you so you can have a good life with you and your family because I’m trying to get my life together with my son and my grandson” He offers to meet to see if they can sort it out together but I’m not interested in meeting him,.” says Mosgiel Shane He says he doesn’t hold any grudges and accepts Milton Shane’s apology And he believes the only way for that to happen is for the courts and the Ministry of Justice to give him a guarantee that mix-ups won’t occur in the future Fair Go asked the Ministry of Justice to appear in person to apologise and provide reassurance to Shane of its plans to guard against these mistakes The Ministry declined our request to be on camera saying any comment on an individual case would compromise the independence of the courts as the Ministry operates separately But it did send a written apology directly to Mosgiel Shane It also admitted mistakes can occur in clerical records but said instructions were clear and the importance of getting things right had been emphasised to staff Mosgiel Shane isn’t totally convinced that’s the end of it “All I want is for the Ministry of Justice and the courts to do their job I'd like to live without this hanging over me all the time his criminal check has come back showing a clean slate The government is making it harder to make a claim for pay equity that will cut costs There have been massive pay equity claims in recent years for nurses and resthome workers Workplace Minister Brooke van Velden announced the moves to raise the threshold for proving work has been historically undervalued to support a claim on Tuesday saying changes back in 2020 had created problems "Claims have been able to progress without strong evidence of undervaluation and there have been very broad claims where it is difficult to tell whether differences in pay are due to sex-based discrimination or other factors." Claims were concentrated in the public sector with costs to the Crown of all settlements so far totalling $1.78 billion a year "The changes I am proposing will significantly reduce costs to the Crown," she said "The changes will discontinue current pay equity claims." Van Velden told Midday Report she believes in pay equity but the current thresholds were "a bit too loose" Asked how she ensure women were not hurt by this the minister said "I'm a woman and I support women who work" "I also support removing gender based discriminations from our workforces but what I don't support are muddied laws and unclear laws," she said "So these changes are better for all women who are working where we can genuinely say hand on heart that what they are finding with their claims is genuine gender based discrimination." Van Velden told reporters at Parliament any current claims would be stopped and need to restart under the new threshold to show "genuine" gender discrimination and make sure the comparators were right She gave a figure of 33 current claims that would be stopped as the legislation was put through under urgency "You have librarians who've been comparing themselves to transport engineers We have admin and clerical staff at Health New Zealand comparing themselves to mechanical engineers." Social workers had compared themselves to air traffic controllers "We don't believe we have that setting right." Any comparison would now be between female employees and male employees at the same employer "But you cannot go fishing for discrimination across the New Zealand workforce." All current settled claims would continue but the government was drawing "a line in the sand" "We're not stopping claims." The nurse's union has this year had at least 10 pay equity claims in play The PSA union has said pay equity claims and settlements had resulted in significant improvements in pay and working conditions for many workers The union said the changes would make it "impossible for people in female-dominated professions to be paid fairly" "Women across the country will pay the price for this," PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said "The government's changes today are a dark day for New Zealand women as the government says it will repeal the pay equity law and extinguish 33 existing claims in a constitutional overreach "The PSA is exploring all possible avenues to oppose these unconstitutional amendments and stop this attack on women We will not be deterred in our fight to achieve pay equity for all." "This is a blatant and shameful attack on women," New Zealand Nurses organisation chief executive Paul Goulter said "Women in workforces predominantly performed by female employees have been underpaid and undervalued for generations That is what pay equity claims seek to rectify," he said "This move by the government will widen the pay gap between men and women." The union had at least 10 pay current pay claims across Aged Care These cover many nurses and support workers The E tū union also called the changes an attack on women and a green light to pay them less for work of equal value The government was pulling the rug out from under a 13-year-long fight in aged care "These changes are not about evidence — they are about saving money by keeping women underpaid," national secretary Rachel Mackintosh said in a statement A number of unions have called a snap rally at Parliament at 1pm today in light of the announcement the Council of Trade Unions and representatives of other unions say they will be "protesting the government's attack on women and the destruction of progress on pay equity..." rnz.co.nz Lady Gaga gave a free concert Saturday night in front of 2 million fans who poured onto Copacabana Beach for the biggest show of her career (...) Thank you for making history with me,” Lady Gaga told a screaming crowd kicked off the show at around 22.10pm local time with her 2011 song Bloody Mary Cries of joy rose from the tightly-packed fans who sang and danced shoulder-to-shoulder on the vast stretch of sand Concert organisers said 2.1 million people attended the show switching between an array of dresses including one with the colours of the Brazilian flag Some fans – many of them young – arrived on the beach at the crack of dawn to secure a good spot “Today is the best day of my life,” said Manoela Dobes a 27-year-old designer who was wearing a dress plastered with a photograph from when she met Lady Gaga in the United States in 2019 Madonna also turned Copacabana Beach into a massive dance floor last year The large-scale performances are part of an effort led by City Hall to boost economic activity after Carnival and New Years’ Eve festivities and the upcoming month-long Saint John’s Day celebrations in June “It brings activity to the city during what was previously considered the low season – filling hotels and increasing spending in bars generating jobs and income for the population,” said Osmar Lima the city’s secretary of economic development in a statement released by Rio City Hall’s tourism department last month Rio’s City Hall said in a recent report that around 1.6 million people were expected to attend Lady Gaga's concert and that the show should inject at least 600 million reais (NZ$178.3 million) into Rio’s economy Similar concerts are scheduled to take place every year in May at least until 2028 Lady Gaga arrived in Rio in the early hours of Tuesday The city has been alive with Gaga-mania since as it geared up to welcome the pop star for her first show in the country since 2012 Rio’s metro employees danced to Lady Gaga’s 2008 hit song LoveGame and gave instructions for today in a video A free exhibition celebrating her career sold out While the vast majority of attendees were from Rio the event also attracted Brazilians from across the country and international visitors More than 500,000 tourists poured into the city in the days leading up to the show according to data from the local bus station and Tom Jobim airport Rio’s City Hall said in a statement yesterday made a cross-continent trip from Colombia to Brazil to attend the show “I’ve been a 100% fan of Lady Gaga my whole life,” said Serrano who was wearing a T-shirt featuring Lady Gaga’s outlandish costumes over the years the mega-star represents “total freedom of expression – being who one wants without shame” Rio officials have a history of organising huge concerts on Copacabana Beach Madonna’s show drew an estimated 1.6 million fans last year while 4 million people flooded onto the beach for a 1994 New Year’s Eve show by Rod Stewart in 1994 that was the biggest free rock concert in history sixteen sound towers were spread along the beach Rio state’s security plan included the presence of 3300 military and 1500 police officers Among those present were Lady Gaga admirers who remember their disappointment in 2017 when the artist cancelled a performance scheduled in Rio at the last minute due to health issues “She's the best artist in the world,” the 25-year-old said I love you” in Portuguese rose from the crowd behind him whose real name is Ella Yelich O'Connor which also displayed what appears to be the album cover art — an X-ray of a pelvis "100% written in blood," the website read The new album's announcement came a week after she released her latest single What Was That The song's music video was filmed at a mysterious pop-up event in New York City's Washington Square Park that was initially shut down by police. The event ended up going ahead after all, and fans who stayed got to hear the new song for the first time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorde (@lorde) It was the first sign of a follow-up to Lorde's previous album Her other albums were 2013's Pure Heroine and 2017's Melodrama she collaborated with British singer Charli XCX on a remix of Girl so confusing — on a re-release of the Grammy award-winning Brat Kim Kardashian thought she was going to be raped and killed when criminals broke into her bedroom in central Paris tied her up and stole more than US$6 million in jewellery 10 people will go on trial in Paris over the robbery abduction and kidnapping of the media personality and the concierge of the residence where she was staying during Paris Fashion Week the night of October 2 Kardashian’s lawyers said she will testify in person at the trial starting Monday and scheduled to run through May 23 "Ms Kardashian is reserving her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further at this time," they said "She has great respect and admiration for the French justice system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities "She wishes the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case." In interviews and on her family’s reality TV show Kardashian has described being terrified as robbers pointed a gun at her In a 2020 appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix show she tearfully recalled thinking: "This is the time I’m going to get raped Twelve people were originally expected in the defendants’ box and another is seriously ill and can't be tried five of the 10 defendants were present at the scene of the robbery The French press has dubbed them The Granddad Robbers because the main defendants are elderly and have careers as bank robbers with long criminal records Kardashian told investigators she was taken to a bathroom next to her bedroom and placed in the bathtub Her attackers fled on bicycles or on foot and she managed to free herself by removing the tape from her hands and mouth She had also removed the tape from her feet and rushed to her stylist’s room She called her sister Kourtney to tell her about the theft Kardashian told investigators that she had not been injured adding that she wanted to leave France as soon as possible to be reunited with her children According to her testimony and that of the concierge at least one of the suspects had a handgun The gangsters stole many pieces of jewellery estimated to be worth more than US$6 million (NZ$10 million) Only one piece of jewellery — a diamond cross on platinum that was lost during the suspects' escape — has been recovered Two of the accused have partially confessed to the crime is one of two suspected robbers who allegedly entered the apartment his genetic profile was found on the tape used to gag Kardashian who was waiting for him in a parked car at a nearby train station The second robber said he tied up the concierge with cables but did not go up to Kardashian’s apartment said he acted as a lookout in the ground-floor reception area He said he was unarmed and did not personally threaten Kardashian but admitted he shared responsibility for the crime Abbas was arrested in January 2017 and spent 21 months in prison before being released under judicial supervision he co-authored a French-language book titled I Sequestered Kim Kardashian is the second alleged robber suspected of entering the flat although he was filmed by CCTV cameras and numerous telephone contacts with the other co-defendants show his involvement The other defendants are suspected of providing information about Kardashian’s presence in the apartment Others are accused of playing a role in the resale of the jewellery in Antwerp Joe Cocker and Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — in a class that also includes pop star Cyndi Lauper the rock duo the White Stripes and grunge masters Soundgarden the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will get the Musical Influence Award pianist Nicky Hopkins and bassist Carol Kaye will each get the Musical Excellence Award who sang at Woodstock and was best known for his cover of The Beatles’ With a Little Help From My Friends a member of Elvis Costello & The Attractions who argued that Cocker is "about as rock and roll as it gets" Soundgarden — with the late Chris Cornell as singer — get into the Hall on their third nomination They follow two other grunge acts in the Hall — Nirvana and Pearl Jam Bad Company get in having become radio fixtures with such arena-rock staples as Feel Like Makin’ Love Can’t Get Enough and Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy The Ahmet Ertegun Award — given to nonperforming industry professionals who had a major influence on music — will go to Lenny Waronker Some nominees that didn't get in this year included Mariah Carey and subsequent Let’s Twist Again are considered among the most popular songs in the history of rock 'n' roll The 83-year-old has expressed frustration that he hadn't been granted entry before including telling the AP in 2014: "I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85 years old so you better do it quick while I’m still smiling." Lauper rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as Time After Time and Girls Just Want To Have Fun and went on to win a Tony Award for Kinky Boots have six Grammys and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop The White Stripes — made up of Jack White and Meg White — were indie darlings in the early 2000s with such songs as Seven Nation Army Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they’re eligible for induction The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall Nominees were voted on by more than 1200 artists historians and music industry professionals The selection criteria include "an artist’s impact on other musicians the scope and longevity of their career and body of work as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique" Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton were inducted Delays caused by recent bad weather means two further night closures are required to complete resurfacing work on State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton The highway will be closed on Sunday (2 February) and Monday (3 February) nights Road users can expect delays on the route from 6 pm when traffic management is put in place Road crews are working hard to get this job finished dry weather is needed to create a durable and long-lasting road surface so resurfacing cannot be completed effectively during wet Highway maintenance frequently asked questions A temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will be in place on the highway for up to five days after the resurfacing works New dates have been confirmed for these resurfacing works planned for State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton Five nights of road closures will now take place on Wednesday 28 January.  The road will be closed between 8 pm and 4:30 am on these nights Road users can expect delays on the route from 7 pm when traffic management is put in place Road users travelling between Masterton and Carterton must detour via Cornwall Road and Hughes Line Residents in the works areas will retain access to their properties A temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will be in place for up to five days after the resurfacing works Recent poor weather has meant that this road resurfacing has been rescheduled a few times Further updates will be provided if bad weather is expected to affect these works Forecast bad weather means night closures due to begin on State Highway 2 Masterton to Carterton Sunday (19 January) will no longer proceed as planned Road resurfacing work requires warm dry weather to be effective and cannot be done during wet and cold conditions Warm temperatures and dry air help new seal stick to the road surface They also help ensure the new seal becomes strong and long lasting New dates confirmed for State Highway 2 Masterton to Carterton resurfacing Resurfacing work for State Highway 2 Masterton to Carterton will begin this Sunday It will require night-time closures from Sunday 23 January between   9 pm and 4:30 am These works have been previously delayed due to cold ground temperatures If ground temperatures go below 15 degrees State Highway 2 traffic will need to detour via detour via Cornwall Road and Hughes Line Earlier release: Postponement of SH2 Masterton to Carterton resurfacing due to cold temperatures(external link) Boy racers churning up rural roads are costing Carterton ratepayers thousands of dollars each month Mayor Ron Mark said eventually "these idiot racers are going to get it wrong and someone is going to get killed" infrastructure manager Johannes Ferreira said incidents of unauthorised street racing was increasing "significantly" throughout Carterton's roading network "It is a frustration when we have just resealed or remarked an area to turn up to go out every Monday and clean up tyres tyre marks and damaged signs," Ferreira said "It's taking a lot of attention away from areas we should be focusing our attention to." He said the bill to repair the damage was "getting up to a few thousand dollars a month" who met with the Wairarapa police area commander this week said it was not an easy issue to deal with He said the boy racing incidents often happened "in the wee hours of the morning" but residents were too intimidated to get involved and take down information "There are a number of elderly residents [at one boy racing hotspot] and there is no way in Hades that an elderly couple are going to walk out there and photograph boy racers' number plates or ask them to stop "The intimidation factor is just too high and it's not worth the risk." Mark said he sympathised with the police and acknowledged officers could only be in certain places if they knew things were happening "It comes down to intelligence and local residents getting on the phone and reporting things to the police while this stuff is happening when they see or hear it." Ferreira said council officers were reporting each boy racing incident they were aware of to create a record for police In October last year, a boy racer incident at Carterton's industrial area captured national attention when police were pelted by bottles, rocks and fireworks Wairarapa police senior sergeant Gill Flower said it was "probably the worst" incident she had ever seen Because of the closed road network in the industrial area police were able to trap more than 100 cars involved in the incident and dish out 100-plus tickets Police Minister Mark Mitchell said current legislation could be strengthened At the moment, vehicles cannot be destroyed - crushed - until a third offence has been committed Mitchell had previously told media he would introduce legislation in 2024 that would give police new powers to seize vehicles from boy racers he said there was still complexity to work through but that the new legislation was at the front of the queue for 2025 LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air Mark Mitchell asks officials to look at changing illegal street-racing legislation to allow cars to be crushed on a first offence Police responded to reports of two cars racing down Henderson Valley Road soon after midnight on Monday and found a car with three teenagers inside An "evil" criminal element combined with the social media "sensationalism factor" are contributing to increasing violence Local Democracy Reporting RSS NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while emergency services and contractors responded to the crash The highway’s northbound lane has reopened a closure remains in place for southbound traffic Southbound traffic must continue to detour via East Taratahi Road and Hughes Line Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website: State Highway 2 is currently closed between Masterton and Carterton following a crash early this afternoon The two-vehicle crash occurred north of Clareville and was reported shortly after midday State Highway 2 is closed between the Wiltons Road roundabout and the Hughes Line intersection Local road detours are available via East Taratahi Road and Hughes Line Drivers can expect  traffic delays until the crash scene is cleared Please take extra care when travelling through the area follow all instructions of emergency services Carterton District Council hope they can pull their speed review out of limbo with a request to the Transport Minister which consulted on reducing speeds across the district in 2023 has been unable to implement the proposed changes because of a new transport rule brought in by the coalition government The rule required six weeks of consultation and a business case for each speed reduction which was not previously a requirement at the time the council consulted on its speed review Changes in limbo for Carterton included a blanket speed reduction to 80km/h on gravel roads and speed reductions on about 50 other roads which had a shared roading programme with Carterton Infrastructure services manager Johannes Ferreira said council officers had asked the New Zealand Transport Agency to accept the already-consulted on speed plan but were told they could not because the council had no business cases for the reductions and had only consulted for four weeks instead of six "The only piece we can implement is around schools and marae which requires adjustment to our plan but not re-consultation," Ferreira said We put a lot of effort into that [consultation] but the rules are the rules and the feedback is what is it is at the moment." Councillor Dale Williams said the community was frustrated by the delay Although the government had made funding available for councils to re-consult there was no guarantee Carterton District Council would be successful in its bid and the brunt of the cost of another speed consultation would be borne by ratepayers He said some councils in New Zealand were in "a worse" position and would be required to reverse speed reductions they had already implemented Carterton Mayor Ron Mark said the situation was "bureaucracy gone mad" and the only way the council could implement its already consulted-on plan was to ask the Transport Minister Councillor Steve Laurence said the council's proposed reductions needed to be implemented urgently to prevent potential tragedy Carterton councillors were unanimously in favour of writing to the Transport Minister requesting they be allowed to implement their consulted-on speed reductions One died and three others were injured on a stretch of road earmarked for speed reduction Featherston and Greytown will have to comply with level 2 water restrictions which will mean a ban on sprinklers and irrigation systems for residential households A mayoral hopeful says the speed limit on a road that was the site of a serious crash should be halved immediately The new minister of transport has opened the door for public consultation on at least some of the speed limit changes the government said would be automatic Masterton and Rotorua mayors are backing the government's move as other community leaders say it's a reckless move Night works are planned from Sunday 17 November until Thursday 21 November The highway will be closed between Hughes Line and the Norfolk Road/Cornwall Road roundabout from 9pm to 4:30am They will also repair the wire rope median barriers along the route Local road detours will be in place while the work is underway It allows work crews to complete tasks faster meaning less overall disruption for drivers so drivers are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys Emergency services are attending a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 2 in West Taratahi near Carterton One lane of a major highway in Wairarapa has reopened following a two-vehicle crash on Sunday Emergency services were called to the scene on SH2 in West Taratahi near Carterton around 12pm Police said one person received serious injuries Works will be planned as soon as ground temperatures allow us to complete the surface work without compromising quality,” says Roxanne Hilliard Wellington Alliance Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Night-time road closures will detour onto Cornwall Road and the Hughes Line. (See map below) A further update will be provided once the weather has improved These particular works cannot be carried out in colder ground temperatures as it would affect the quality of the surfacing NZTA requires overnight ground temperatures to be at or above 15 degrees for this work Road users are encouraged to check for updates on the highway’s status on the NZTA website once this work gets underway: SH2 Masterton to Carterton detour route once resurfacing work gets underway Earlier media release: State Highway 2 Masterton to Carterton - urgent road repairs planned before Christmas A medical clinic in the Wairarapa town of Carterton will have no GP for the rest of the week as it grapples with the challenges of a GP shortage But it is far from the only rural clinic to face trouble "An ongoing GP shortage across New Zealand means many practices like ours are starting to face challenges like this more often," said a spokesperson for the clinic The clinic was quick to reassure that they would still be able to provide care for patients "While one of our GPs had to begin their planned leave earlier than expected we've secured a telehealth GP to assist with any immediate concerns "Comprehensive care is still available at the practice Our skilled team is here to support you and can handle many health needs including prescriptions where appropriate." Carterton Mayor Ron Mark said the "dire situation" Carterton Medical Clinic faced was first addressed during a public meeting back in May He said the clinic was down to two doctors while servicing a region of more than 10,000 people that were widely dispersed across a large area The region also had an increasing population population of both elderly and children for the clinic to look after "Everybody loves to come here to play and to visit and to drink our wine but trying to get doctors to come here and live here permanently and look after our people has been an ongoing challenge." Mark said rural New Zealand needed more support than some other districts because the distance in widespread communities made them more difficult to service than big towns and cities Medical Director for the College of General Practitioners Dr Luke Bradford said for a number of years rural clinics had struggled to find people to work in them regularly "We are hearing incidences where clinics are struggling to get GPs or they're having days when they'll be nurse led." He said some patients were also being seen by GPs working remotely through telehealth Telehealth has faced significant criticism from those in the rural community recently, with about 1000 people marching in Westport last weekend to protest against the closure of Buller district's only after-hours GP Bradford said while telehealth had some advantages "We know that a significant proportion of cases actually need examination" Clinicians are breaking down in tears daily over pressures they are facing from staff shortages The dean of Auckland's Medical School says both Otago and Auckland are "ready to step up" if the government will fund extra places New Zealand has some unique building challenges experts say - but should a new hospital be one of them A leading surgeon is calling on politicians to stop using the health system for "point-scoring" and work together to treat health inequities in rural regions Doctors say their rural patients die from preventable causes more often completing drainage works at the Wilton’s Rd roundabout and carrying out general maintenance The work will require one-way night closures for northbound traffic only These will occur between 9 pm and 4 am when traffic volumes are at their lowest It means disruption for the drivers is minimised and allows the work to be completed faster The highway will remain open for southbound traffic residents will retain access to their properties  and emergency services will have access through work sites NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks the community for their patience and cooperation while this essential State Highway maintenance is completed View larger/downloadable map [PNG, 201 KB] NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while both of today’s incidents were resolved Update: 3:05pm - The crash site at Andersons Line has been cleared and the highway has been reopened at this location a closure remains in place for both northbound and southbound traffic at the second crash site near Chester Road State Highway 2 is closed between Somerset Rd and Hughes Line and  Police SCU investigation is ongoing Southbound traffic must detour via Hughes Line Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the Journey Planner website: People travelling on State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton can expect the highway to remain closed for several hours following a second crash on the route this afternoon The Police Serious Crash Unit (SCU) is to investigate the two-car crash that occurred near the intersection of Chester Road around 1:30 pm The highway is expected to remain closed while the SCU investigation is underway Road users can expect ongoing delays while detours remain in place Further updates will be provided when the highway’s status changes There is a further road closure on State Highway 2 north of Carterton following an additional crash this afternoon Emergency services are attending a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of State Highway 2 and Chester Road – just north of this morning’s power pole collision State Highway 2 is now closed in both directions between Hughes Line and Park Road Drivers can expect ongoing delays while both incidents are resolved They should avoid the area and use alternative routes Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the Journey Planner: State Highway 2 is currently closed between Carterton and Clareville due to a crash earlier this morning The crash involving a car and a power pole near the intersection of Andersons Line was reported shortly after 9am this morning Lines company contractors are on site and local road detours are available Southbound traffic should use Somerset Road The reverse applies for northbound traffic Drivers should follow the directions of emergency services and contractors at the scene and can expect travel delays until the site is cleared later today State Highway 2 has reopened in both Featherston and Carterton a local road closure remains in place in Carterton Access to Pembroke Street from State Highway 2 is closed to traffic State Highway 2 is now fully open in both directions at Kaitoke Closures remain in place on State Highway 2 in Featherston and Carterton while a Police homicide investigation into this afternoon’s incident remains ongoing Local road detours are available at both locations but drivers can expect travel delays and should allow extra time for their journeys There is a further closure of State Highway 2 in relation to today’s police incident in Wairarapa and Kaitoke State Highway is now closed in Featherston between Revans and Lyon Streets due to a police investigation Drivers must follow instructions of police an emergency service on site A road closures also remain in place on State Highway 2 in Carterton between Holloway Street and Victoria Street State Highway 2 at Kaitoke near Kaitoke Loop Road is now open under stop/go traffic management Drivers can expect ongoing delays and closures while Police investigations continue Road users must factor this into their travel plans Updates will be provided as the situation changes and the highway’s status can be checked on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website State Highway 2 is also now closed in Carterton between Holloway Street and Victoria Street due to an incident being managed by Police A local road detour is available via Park Road Drivers must follow all instructions from Police and emergency services at the scene Further update will be provided when the highway’s status changes State Highway 2 is currently closed in both directions north of Upper Hutt The highway is closed to traffic near Kaitoke Loop Road Drivers should avoid the area and delay their journey All road users must follow the directions of emergency services on site have appeared in the Wellington District Court today charged with murder Yesterday, witnesses told 1News they were forced to cower behind cars at FreshChoice Featherston when shots were fired at a vehicle leaving the carpark at around 4pm on Saturday Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel said a man was found near the Carterton New World with a gunshot wound a short time later The New World was closed on Saturday but opened the following morning Police said the pair will next appear High Court at Wellington on April 11 "Further charges are being considered against the pair "Police are still appealing for anyone with information to please speak to us." Anyone with information has been asked to contact police on 105 A man who was killed after an alleged drive-by shooting in Featherston on Saturday has today been named by police Yesterday, witnesses told 1News they were forced to cower behind cars at FreshChoice Featherston when shots were fired at a vehicle leaving the carpark at around 4pm on Saturday. Shortly after the incident, Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel said a man was found near the Carterton New World with a gunshot wound a short time later. The New World was closed on Saturday but opened the following morning. Police said the pair will next appear High Court at Wellington on April 11. "Further charges are being considered against the pair. Two men charged with murder after fatal shooting in WairarapaPolice launched a homicide investigation after a man was shot leaving a supermarket in Featherston and then died near a Carterton supermarket Anyone with information has been asked to contact police on 105. Two men have been charged with murder after a man was shot and died in South Wairarapa yesterday afternoon Police were first called out about 4pm after a vehicle was shot at in Featherston The car stopped shortly afterwards near the Carterton New World and a man was found with a gunshot wound A second vehicle was stopped by police in Kaitoke are due to appear in Wellington District Court tomorrow Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel said further charges against them are being considered with one focus being to establish what other parties may have been involved in the incident,” Heuvel said “We can however say that police believe it involved parties known to each other Heuvel said people will continue to notice an increased police presence in the Wairarapa as they continue to make inquiries “We want to thank those people who have already come forward and shared valuable information which has assisted with our inquiries to date “Police are still appealing to anyone who has information to please come and speak with us.” please contact police on 105 either online or over the phone Please reference Operation Ascot – reference number: 250322/8281 Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick says a recent shooting was not acceptable “It doesn’t define who we are as a community,” he told NZME we all look after each other and I’m sure people will wrap their support around those who have been impacted.” In a social media post on Saturday night Carterton Mayor Ron Mark said he was in regular contact with police “This was a targeted incident involving persons I have reason to believe are known to police.” The mayor said the incident posed no threat to the safety of Carterton residents and assured locals there was “no reason for alarm” “What matters now is that we do what we always do best - look out for one another.” Mayor of South Wairarapa Martin Connelly blasted the perpetrators as “stupid damn thugs” and once you’re on one of those two ways you cannot get out.” He told NZME that police were easily able to set up blockades and capture the suspects because of this It wasn’t going to be that hard to track you down.” Connelly said the community was left stunned by the homicide but also the realisation that at pretty delightful small towns He encouraged residents to seek help if they were traumatised by the events and shared a link to victim support on social media Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. No one knew he'd fallen after a guard rail gave way while he was loading containers. Carterton Mayor Ron Mark told 1News a person arrived in Carterton’s main street in a vehicle with a gunshot wound and the person has subsequently died. He said police have the incident under control. Detective Inspector John Van De Heuvel said two people have been taken into custody and a homicide investigation launched. "Around 4pm, police responded to reports of a firearms incident, where a firearm was discharged at a vehicle exiting the supermarket carpark on State Highway 2, Featherston. "A short time later a man has been located in Carterton with an apparent gunshot wound, he has since died." Van De Heuvel said a second vehicle fled the scene and was intercepted by police "without incident" at Kaitoke on Remutaka Hill. "The full extent of the two occupants’ involvement is a focus of our investigation," he said. The mayor said residents of Carterton should remain calm. He said it was an incident that "has come from outside into the community". Cordons were set up by police at locations in Featherston, Carterton and Kaitoke but all road closures were lifted by 7.30pm. Carterton New World advised customers via social media that it was shut for an unspecified time. "The store is closed until further notice. Our apologies for any inconvenience caused. Erna Erasmus, owner of Little Africa NZ in Carterton, said police had cordoned off the road with patrol cars, ambulance and a fire truck also in attendance. She said police had set up a "gazebo" on the grounds of the New World car park. A woman, who didn't want to be identified, told 1News she was shopping at New World when the customers were advised over a speaker system that they would need to leave. "As we exited, New World staff were ushering everyone out." She said police, ambulance and fire and emergency staff were in the carpark. Detective Inspector Van De Heuvel added: "We acknowledge this was a distressing incident for those who witnessed it and the wider community.  Police will have an increased presence in the community as we work to determine what led to the altercation, and who was involved." Emergency services are responding to a serious incident at a New World supermarket in the Wairarapa town of Carterton. Police at the scene of an incident in Featherston. (Source: 1News) Victoria Uni law students to sit handwritten exams due to AI fears Professor Geoff McLay said he had become "increasingly worried that the embedding of artificial intelligence in many students' laptops" Man charged after gun allegedly fired in Masterton MSD office Police said it was believed to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public Man's cigarette smuggling attempt stubbed out Customs said the body-packing of the more than 1600 cigarettes was "an attempt to defraud Customs revenue" Wellington Airport's giant eagles to depart terminal "They have been a huge success and travellers from around the world have loved admiring them." Wellington residents 'left in limbo' as power outages continue Thousands of homes lost power during the storm which battered the region this week A law student at Victoria University of Wellington said students had been "left in the lurch" after an announcement on Monday that said next month's exams for two law subjects would have to be handwritten also said a timetable had still not been provided he said he had become "increasingly worried that the embedding of artificial intelligence (AI) in many students' laptops makes ensuring that students' work is their own very difficult" He had hoped the university would have a technical solution although he hoped one would be available at the end of the year "This means that we will not be able to allow students to use laptops for exams next month," McLay wrote "I want to make this announcement as soon as possible so students have time to prepare for handwritten examinations." McLay added that there would be an exception for students with a disability that required them to use a keyboard The situation affected the LAWS 312 Equity and LAWS 334 Ethics exams The student said the announcement was stressful during an already stressful time a representative of the Victoria University of Wellington Law Students' Society said the Council of Legal Education had to be certain that everyone who passed the exams in Equity and Ethics deserved a pass (and did not cheat) "Previously in person invigilation has been sufficient to manage these concerns due to the increasing ability and sophistication of AI the faculty were concerned about the reliability of the exams leading to their decision to make the Equity and Ethics exams handwritten." The representative said the law students' society had expressed that students' preference was for typed exams — "reflecting how our professional lives will look" once it became clear that the faculty felt they needed to proceed with handwritten exams we emphasised that students should be informed as early as possible accessibility options should be made clear and exam content and timing should reflect the fact that many students have not done handwritten exams since high school and are not used to writing for extended periods of time." The representative added it was separate from the delay to the exam timetable Victoria University Provost Professor Bryony James said students' handwriting their exams meant the university could be confident that the results truly reflected the students' own knowledge and effort — free of any suggestion of the influence of AI James said she would ensure that no student was disadvantaged and was committed to working with students — including those with disabilities — who might need further support to participate in exams and final assessments as a result "As part of this undertaking the Faculty of Law will review this Trimester's exam results to ensure this cohort's performance is in line with previous years and confirm that students are not significantly impacted by this decision." President of Victoria University's Students' Association Liban Ali told Morning Report he was aware that this could happen as early as last year "It has been on the card as of last year I feel like there was something that was going to happen." Ali said the announcement had come at the wrong time and that the Students' Association were very concerned for students He said the Students' Association had engaged the Law Society and the faculty to determine the best way to support students He added that he would make sure that any changes were communicated early in the future rnz.co.nz A 25-year-old man has appeared in court after he allegedly fired a gun at another person inside a Ministry of Social Development office in Masterton yesterday Police were called to the incident on Lincoln Rd at around 12.40pm on Monday Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom said there were no reports of injuries from the incident "Following police's initial enquiries one person was taken into custody a short time later nearby." Cordons were put in place around the area and some staff were armed as a precaution Thom said it was believed to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public "Police would like to commend Ministry of Social Development staff for their prompt actions in following their lockdown procedures as this enabled police to provide a swift response to resolve this incident quickly." A 25-year-old man appeared in Masterton District Court today charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and conducting a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm Wellington's famous eagles will take flight from the airport this week after 12 years in the terminal They will be replaced by a new display that is currently being kept under wraps Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said that the departure of the birds (and their passenger Gandalf) will be emotional for staff "They have been a huge success and travellers from around the world have loved admiring them After 12 years it's the right time for them to fly the nest “We’re working with Wētā Workshop on some exciting plans for a unique locally themed replacement to take their place." The eagles were created by Wētā Workshop as a tie-in with the Hobbit movies and unveiled in December 2013 Each bird weighs 1.2 tonnes and has a 15-metre wingspan Wētā Workshop co-founder and chief creative officer Richard Taylor said it's a "bittersweet moment" saying goodbye to them "There are many more stories to be told and we're looking forward to working with Wellington Airport on bringing a new chapter to life."  The eagles will be taken down and disassembled on Friday May 9 and placed into storage with long-term plans for them still yet to be decided "We’ll unveil what’s next later this year so keep watching the skies," Clarke said Tolkien fans will be relieved to know that Smaug the Magnificent will remain in the check-in area Frustration is mounting among residents in Wellington who have been without power since early Thursday but Wellington Electricity says some repairs will continue until the middle of next week Natasha Eagle and her two children have been coping without electricity at their Island Bay home for four days She said communication had been muddled and sparse and it was difficult having no idea whether restoration was hours or days away That view was backed up by Brooklyn resident Sean Keaney He said he and his family of five had been without electricity since midnight Thursday He said they were the only house in the street affected and an electrician had confirmed the problem was at the pole Keaney said communication from Wellington Electricity had been appalling "However there is absolutely no information for us and others like us I've called multiple times to be told 'we have no ETA' we don't have any information on when someone will be there' and when I pushed and asked to talk to someone to escalate this was told they 'don't want to talk to you and you can make a complaint when it's all resolved' "This is appalling communication from Wellington Electricity - they will have a schedule of work and an idea of when they could be out to fix but refusing to share it as our family of five approach 60 hours without electricity not knowing how long it will be and unable to plan." venting frustration about the lack of communication and updates from Wellington Electricity Wellington Electricity said it was progressively restoring power to single-premise outages - with faults being prioritised by how long they had been out "After the strongest winds in a decade lashed the Wellington region on Thursday Wellington Electricity has restored power to the bulk of affected customers," it said in a statement to RNZ on Sunday afternoon adding that 8000 customers had been impacted "Crews have worked 14-hour days since Thursday managing safety with regular check-ins and roster rotations to manage fatigue." "Wellington Electricity anticipates restoring the bulk of its remaining customers without power by Monday evening however further repairs will be necessary including streetlight circuit restoration." Anyone without power who has not been contacted should call their electricity retailer directly so repair crews can be dispatched to restore supply "Wellington Electricity acknowledges the extended disruption these outages have caused and thanks customers for their continued patience while final restoration work is completed." rnz.co.nz Jamie Gill died on a Carterton property on 25 June Photo supplied by family on 1 October 2024 Wire Manuel Reddington has been found guilty of murdering his friend Jamie Gill at a property in Wairarapa last year After just over three hours of deliberations a jury of eight women and four men delivered their verdict this afternoon put her hands on the glass of the dock and sobbed His mother Lyn Saunders-Redpath said she was pleased with the outcome and thanked prosecutors Masterton police and victim support for their hard work and support over the last year She also hugged Reddington’s mother as she left the court They’ve lost their son for a period of time but he was a kind-hearted individual who would give the shirt off his back this ends a chapter and we’re glad this process is over so we can move forward,” she said Reddington was charged with murder after Gill’s cold and lifeless body was discovered face down in a ditch, partially clothed with extensive injuries at a rural property in Carterton in June 2023. The 32-year-old had been strangled, before suffocating in the mud and grass and had bits of his ears missing Gill had spent the previous night with two men – Reddington and his older brother Tipene – and their mother who’d gone off to bed when the combined effects of alcohol and her strong medication took hold What happened on the night of June 24 after the trio had consumed a potent cocktail of methamphetamine, cannabis and alcohol in a sleepout, and then later on the driveway at the property, has been the subject of more than three weeks of intense scrutiny in the High Court at Wellington The Crown said Reddington – who’d been on a two-day bender – lashed out and attacked Gill in a drug and alcohol-fuelled rage biting off bits of his ears before strangling him and dragging his friend’s body down the drive through the gate and into the paddock where he flipped him on to his stomach “Mr Reddington knew what he was doing was wrong and he did it anyway,” she said. But Reddington’s defence said it wasn’t their client who lashed out, but his older brother Tipene. The court heard a month after Gill’s death, Tipene was in a car with several people, including his mother and sister, when he launched an unprovoked attack on the pair, strangling his sister so hard her lips turned black and striking both women in the face with a wheel brace. He’d held a knife to his sister’s throat and threatened to kill her. Defence lawyer Ian Hard told the jury on the night of the murder Reddington and Gill had scuffled in Tipene’s room in the sleepout. Bottles were broken, a table was overturned, chairs were out of place and paper was strewn across the floor. The defence said the act of trashing his room caused Tipene to lash out. “He took it into his own hands and did something much worse later on. That’s something you can’t discount from someone who had an explosive temper when he drinks,” Hard said. Hard also told the jury they couldn’t discount the possibility that having been in a fight, Gill had got away and collapsed in the ditch. Unconscious and unable to move, he’d inhaled the mud and grass and died without anyone holding him down. If that was the case, Hard invited the jury to consider a verdict of manslaughter. Bishop said there were four reasons Reddington, not Tipene, was responsible for Gill’s death. The lack of Tipene’s DNA at the scene, the absence of GPS data from Tipene’s electronic bracelet near where Gill’s body was found, his continued denials and the fact he wasn’t the aggressor that night. She said the drag marks in the driveway also suggested Gill hadn’t walked or run into the paddock by himself. Hard said the forensic evidence was limited and could be explained by the earlier fight. He also said there were possible gaps in the GPS data and no one could corroborate Tipene’s evidence that he’d been in the main house or on his phone in the sleepout at the time of Gill’s death. The Crown said this was a methamphetamine murder and Reddington knew his actions were wrong. But Reddington’s defence said if the jury thought Reddington was responsible for Gill’s death, they asked them to consider a possible defence of insanity, citing Reddington’s mental illness. Three psychiatrists gave evidence: two for the Crown, one for the defence. They agreed Reddington was adversely affected by a traumatic childhood, but couldn’t agree on a formal diagnosis. The Crown said despite more than a decade under the care of mental health services, Reddington had no formal diagnosis of schizophrenia, and this was a drug-induced psychosis. The defence said there had been no diagnosis of a drug-induced psychosis and Reddington was likely suffering from schizophrenia. Summing up the case, Justice Jason McHerron told the jury to succeed with the insanity defence, Reddington’s lawyers had to show he was insane at the time of the incident. Justice McHerron said a defendant was presumed to be sane, but if a defendant established that they were insane at the time they committed the act they are charged with, they are not criminally responsible because of their insanity. He said the jury had to be satisfied that when Reddington killed Gill, he was more likely than not, suffering from schizophrenia, adding it wasn’t enough to say Reddington had an underlying condition of schizophrenia, he had to be suffering from it at the time of the killing. If they were satisfied Reddington was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the killing, the jury also had to be satisfied that at the time he didn’t understand the nature of what he was doing, or he didn’t know what he was doing was morally wrong. After the verdict was delivered, Justice McHerron convicted Reddington and remanded him in custody until December for sentencing. He also thanked Gill’s family, who have sat in the public gallery over the course of the trial, for their quiet dignity, saying it had moved him greatly. Catherine Hutton is an Open Justice reporter, based in Wellington. She has worked as a journalist for 20 years, including at the Waikato Times and RNZ. Most recently she was working as a media advisor at the Ministry of Justice. Police attended the scene on High St South in Carterton at 3.40pm. A pedestrian has been taken to hospital with moderate injuries after being hit by a car in Wairarapa. It’s understood the pedestrian is a young person. Police attended the scene on High St South in Carterton at 3.40pm after receiving reports of an incident involving a car and a pedestrian. “The road was blocked while emergency services were at the scene,” police said in a statement. Wellington Free Ambulance confirmed one person was taken to Wairarapa Hospital in a moderate condition. The only high-reach ladder truck in Auckland broke down last night. It was the first sign of a follow-up to Lorde's previous album, 2021's Solar Power. Her other albums were 2013's Pure Heroine and 2017's Melodrama. Last year, she collaborated with British singer Charli XCX on a remix of Girl, so confusing — on a re-release of the Grammy award-winning Brat. Virgin is Lorde's fourth studio album. Kim Kardashian thought she was going to be raped and killed when criminals broke into her bedroom in central Paris, tied her up and stole more than US$6 million in jewellery. More than eight years later, 10 people will go on trial in Paris over the robbery, abduction and kidnapping of the media personality and the concierge of the residence where she was staying during Paris Fashion Week the night of October 2, 2016. Kardashian’s lawyers said she will testify in person at the trial starting Monday and scheduled to run through May 23. "Ms Kardashian is reserving her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further at this time," they said. "She has great respect and admiration for the French justice system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities. "She wishes the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion, in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case." In interviews and on her family’s reality TV show, Kardashian has described being terrified as robbers pointed a gun at her. In a 2020 appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix show, she tearfully recalled thinking: "This is the time I’m going to get raped. I’m like, ‘What is happening? Are we gonna die? Just tell them I have children. I have babies, I have a husband, I have a family.'" Twelve people were originally expected in the defendants’ box. One of them has died, and another is seriously ill and can't be tried. According to the investigation, five of the 10 defendants were present at the scene of the robbery. The French press has dubbed them The Granddad Robbers because the main defendants are elderly and have careers as bank robbers with long criminal records. Kardashian told investigators she was taken to a bathroom next to her bedroom and placed in the bathtub. Her attackers fled on bicycles or on foot and she managed to free herself by removing the tape from her hands and mouth. She had also removed the tape from her feet and rushed to her stylist’s room. She called her sister Kourtney to tell her about the theft. Shortly afterwards, Kardashian told investigators that she had not been injured. She filed a complaint, adding that she wanted to leave France as soon as possible to be reunited with her children. According to her testimony and that of the concierge, at least one of the suspects had a handgun, with which he threatened the victims. The gangsters stole many pieces of jewellery, including a ring of great value, estimated to be worth more than US$6 million (NZ$10 million). Only one piece of jewellery — a diamond cross on platinum that was lost during the suspects' escape — has been recovered. Two of the accused have partially confessed to the crime, as their DNA was found at the crime scene. The alleged ringleader, 68-year-old Aomar Aït Khedache, is one of two suspected robbers who allegedly entered the apartment. Nicknamed "Old Omar", his genetic profile was found on the tape used to gag Kardashian. He left the hotel on a bicycle, as did two other robbers, then met his son, who was waiting for him in a parked car at a nearby train station. The second robber said he tied up the concierge with cables but did not go up to Kardashian’s apartment. Yunice Abbas, 71, said he acted as a lookout in the ground-floor reception area, making sure the escape route was clear. He said he was unarmed and did not personally threaten Kardashian, but admitted he shared responsibility for the crime. Abbas was arrested in January 2017 and spent 21 months in prison before being released under judicial supervision. In 2021, he co-authored a French-language book titled I Sequestered Kim Kardashian. Didier Dubreucq, 69, known as "Blue Eyes", is the second alleged robber suspected of entering the flat. He denies any involvement, although he was filmed by CCTV cameras and numerous telephone contacts with the other co-defendants show his involvement, according to the investigation. The other defendants are suspected of providing information about Kardashian’s presence in the apartment. Others are accused of playing a role in the resale of the jewellery in Antwerp, Belgium. First-time nominees Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker and Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — in a class that also includes pop star Cyndi Lauper, the hip-hop pioneers Outkast, the rock duo the White Stripes and grunge masters Soundgarden. Salt-N-Pepa, the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status, and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will get the Musical Influence Award. The late record producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins and bassist Carol Kaye will each get the Musical Excellence Award. The late Cocker, who sang at Woodstock and was best known for his cover of The Beatles’ With a Little Help From My Friends, had the backing of Billy Joel, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Pete Thomas, a member of Elvis Costello & The Attractions, who argued that Cocker is "about as rock and roll as it gets". Soundgarden — with the late Chris Cornell as singer — get into the Hall on their third nomination. They follow two other grunge acts in the Hall — Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Bad Company get in having become radio fixtures with such arena-rock staples as Feel Like Makin’ Love, Can’t Get Enough and Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy. The Ahmet Ertegun Award — given to nonperforming industry professionals who had a major influence on music — will go to Lenny Waronker, a former head of Warner Bros. Records who signed Prince and R.E.M., and had a part in records from Madonna, Randy Newman, the Doobie Brothers, Rickie Lee Jones, Paul Simon and Gary Clark Jr. Some nominees that didn't get in this year included Mariah Carey, Phish, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, the Black Crowes and Oasis. Checker’s recording of The Twist, and subsequent Let’s Twist Again are considered among the most popular songs in the history of rock 'n' roll. The 83-year-old has expressed frustration that he hadn't been granted entry before, including telling the AP in 2014: "I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85 years old. I’ll tell them to drop dead, so you better do it quick while I’m still smiling." Lauper rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as Time After Time and Girls Just Want To Have Fun and went on to win a Tony Award for Kinky Boots. OutKast, made up of André 3000 and Big Boi, have six Grammys and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. The White Stripes — made up of Jack White and Meg White — were indie darlings in the early 2000s with such songs as Seven Nation Army. Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they’re eligible for induction. The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall. Nominees were voted on by more than 1200 artists, historians and music industry professionals. The selection criteria include "an artist’s impact on other musicians, the scope and longevity of their career and body of work, as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique". Last year, Mary J. Blige, Cher, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton were inducted. It means residents who live on the highway between Hilton Rd and Portland Rd will go about five days without vehicle access to their properties. Parking along SH2 would also not be an option in the area, while southbound traffic would need to take a five minute detour during the rebuild work. Carterton councillors were briefed on the upcoming road rebuild at a workshop on Wednesday. NZTA director of regional relationships Emma Speight said the works couldn't be done without causing disruptions. “Unfortunately, one of the absolutes of this is that it will be disruptive." Wellington Transport Alliance projects portfolio lead Kieran Head said the works were scheduled to start on May 11 and would take about two weeks to complete, weather permitting. The current condition of the road was very poor, he told councillors. “It has some significant cracking and rutting, and the plan is to get it back up to a nice smoother road for the residents. “This will be highly disruptive but our plan is to get in and out as quickly as possible.” He said finer details were still being worked through around vehicle access for residents. “We’re trying to find a way to give them access as much as possible but there will be a few days there where they will not be able to get vehicle access. “Pedestrian access will always be accessible.” Northbound traffic would be able to travel through SH2 at all times, but with a reduced speed near the work site. Southbound traffic would be detoured down Moreton Rd to Para Rd and out Waihakeke Rd, adding five minutes to travel time. The road rebuild was being done in this section of SH2 because Wairarapa’s ground conditions were soft and caused the road to deteriorate quickly, Head said. “With this road rebuild, we excavate 305mm deep and rebuild three layers to protect the road from the ground conditions.” The road base was designed to last 25 years, and the road surface was designed to last 10-12 years. Carterton District Council’s infrastructure manager Johannes Ferreira asked Head and Speight to ensure emergency services knew they would not need to use the detour. Head confirmed they would stop work for any emergency and "get them through". The concern was raised after emergency service volunteers were detoured almost 10km last year while work were being done at the north end of Carterton. Drainage works would need to be completed before the rebuild began. This would run concurrently with the Greytown road rebuild and would have a "minimal impact on residents", Head said. Speight said the road rebuild would be "disruptive", with work happening during the day and night, but this was the best way to ensure the length of disruption to residents was minimal. Similar road rebuild work was done on Chapel St in Masterton last April. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) A “disruptive” rebuild of a cracked section of State Highway 2 in Carterton is scheduled for this May. A “disruptive” rebuild of a cracked section of State Highway 2 in Carterton is scheduled for this May It means residents who live on the highway between Hilton Rd and Portland Rd will go about five days without vehicle access to their properties Parking along SH2 would also not be an option in the area while southbound traffic would need to take a five minute detour during the rebuild work Carterton councillors were briefed on the upcoming road rebuild at a workshop on Wednesday NZTA director of regional relationships Emma Speight said the works couldn't be done without causing disruptions one of the absolutes of this is that it will be disruptive." Wellington Transport Alliance projects portfolio lead Kieran Head said the works were scheduled to start on May 11 and would take about two weeks to complete The current condition of the road was very poor “It has some significant cracking and rutting and the plan is to get it back up to a nice smoother road for the residents He said finer details were still being worked through around vehicle access for residents “We’re trying to find a way to give them access as much as possible but there will be a few days there where they will not be able to get vehicle access Northbound traffic would be able to travel through SH2 at all times but with a reduced speed near the work site Southbound traffic would be detoured down Moreton Rd to Para Rd and out Waihakeke Rd The road rebuild was being done in this section of SH2 because Wairarapa’s ground conditions were soft and caused the road to deteriorate quickly we excavate 305mm deep and rebuild three layers to protect the road from the ground conditions.” The road base was designed to last 25 years and the road surface was designed to last 10-12 years Carterton District Council’s infrastructure manager Johannes Ferreira asked Head and Speight to ensure emergency services knew they would not need to use the detour Head confirmed they would stop work for any emergency and "get them through" The concern was raised after emergency service volunteers were detoured almost 10km last year while work were being done at the north end of Carterton Drainage works would need to be completed before the rebuild began This would run concurrently with the Greytown road rebuild and would have a "minimal impact on residents" Speight said the road rebuild would be "disruptive" with work happening during the day and night but this was the best way to ensure the length of disruption to residents was minimal SH2 CARTERTON - POLICE INCIDENT - 5:20PMDue to a police incident the road is now CLOSED between Holloway St and Victoria St. Southbound traffic detour via Park Rd, Rutland Rd and Richmond Rd. Reverse for northbound. ^EH pic.twitter.com/DcrBrEhqjd One man is dead and two people are in custody after a car was shot at in the Wairarapa this afternoon Emergency services rushed to a scene near Carterton’s New World supermarket late this afternoon; one of several areas in the town and nearby that have since been cordoned off a vehicle had been shot at in nearby Featherston the Herald understands it was followed to Carterton before fleeing the scene Police said they did not believe there was any risk to the general public after the incident and two people have since been taken into custody Video is circulating on social media tonight of a man being taken into custody by police near Kaitoki walking backwards towards armed police officers who are sheltered behind police cars Carterton Mayor Ron Mark told NZME late this afternoon that one person was dead from a gunshot wound “The ambulance was called to attend a vehicle which had a person in it who had a gunshot wound,” Mark said “I can confirm that that person has subsequently died I’m told that person has subsequently died.” Detective Inspector John Van De Heuvel confirmed tonight that two people were in custody and a homicide inquiry had been launched “Around 4pm police responded to reports of a firearms incident where a firearm was discharged at a vehicle exiting the supermarket carpark on SH 2 “A short time later a man has been located in Carterton with an apparent gunshot wound A second vehicle fled the scene and was intercepted by Police without incident at Kaitoke “The full extent of the two occupants’ involvement is a focus of our investigation.” “A scene examination will continue in Featherston over the coming days “Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this event or has any information for the people involved “We acknowledge this was a distressing incident for those who witnessed it and the wider community Police will have an increased presence in the community as we work to determine what led to the altercation Mark said there was a “little bit of concern” in the area after the incident “I am absolutely confident that there is no threat to the wider community,” he said And you can only speculate as to what corner of the community that has come from complying with whatever the police are requiring us to do in terms of complying with roadblocks and that sort of thing and just letting them get on and do their job very confident that the police will have a resolution very quickly.” Police said in a statement that they were responding to an incident near Pembroke St around 4pm “Police are speaking with two people in relation to the incident there is not believed to be any ongoing risk to the wider community SH2 KAITOKE - POLICE INCIDENT - 4:50PMDue to a police incident the road is now CLOSED near Kaitoke Loop Rd. Follow directions of emergency services on-site or delay your journey. ^EH pic.twitter.com/GakIzUZ5nm State Highway 2 through Featherston and Carterton is closed and SH2 at Kaitoke is down to one lane “Police are at three scenes in relation to the incident conducting scene examinations as we work to determine what occurred Further information will be released when we are in a position to do so.” Mark said his “concern is for the people of Carterton and and I just want them to know that we’re fine.” Mark said the incident reinforced “once again in my mind” why it was so important the community supported its police and ambulance first responders “It’s them who we rely on for the protection of our children and our wider community.” A Wairarapa local told the Herald they believed the death in Carterton was linked to an earlier incident involving a car in nearby Featherston A police cordon is in place on the route between the two Wairarapa towns New World Carterton said the store was closed until further notice “Our apologies for any inconvenience caused We will keep you updated as to when we can reopen.” SH2 CARTERTON - POLICE INCIDENT - 5:20PMDue to a police incident the road is now CLOSED between Holloway St and Victoria St. Southbound traffic detour via Park Rd, Rutland Rd and Richmond Rd. Reverse for northbound. ^EH pic.twitter.com/DcrBrEhqjd Another Carterton resident has said that a tent has been set up by police around the cordoned-off area >> If you have any information that has not been reported to Police please contact officers on 105 either online or over the phone Please reference Operation Ascot – File number: 250322/8281 Sign up to The Daily H a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday The only high-reach ladder truck in Auckland broke down last night Final phase for Daleton Nursery construction in progress Contractors are invited to an information day on Tuesday 18 February in Carterton regarding the construction of facilities and compound development at Daleton Nursery before Greater Wellington will be taking bids for the project on an open tender Established in 2024 to meet the region’s growing demand for erosion control and riparian management trees Daleton Nursery is a Greater Wellington project with support and endorsement from both Carterton District Council and local hapū Ngāti Kahukuraawhitia The nursery is irrigated with treated wastewater from Carterton's municipal system providing a reliable water supply for the nursery and minimising discharge into the environment welcomes local construction businesses to the information day to learn more about the project plans and apply to be involved “This project is about stabilising the region’s soils and protecting waterways Having local contractors who know and are invested in the region complete the development makes perfect sense,” says Scott “We are looking for contractors who can complete the compound and facilities Ngāti Kahukuraawhitia member Joel Ngātuere looks forward to the career opportunities that the project can create for local hapū “The open tender provides opportunities for the growth of skills and experience for our immediate and wider whānau I hope this will be another platform which will support the local taiao (environment) industry to continue to develop across the region,” says Joel “This is the first stage of a greater employment plan from the wastewater treatment plant which we are trying to create for our people and community “The increase in local skills-based jobs like this means that hapū and uri (descendants) can remain in Wairarapa rather than having to find work further away and be a part of mahi that is focused on protecting the future of our kāinga (home).”   To attend the information day or ask any questions about the project, contact Lynn Liu at Greater Wellington Firefighters rushed to help paramedics free the patient from the machinery A man has been flown to hospital in a serious condition after becoming trapped in a piece of farm machinery in Wairarapa. Masterton fire station officer Richard King said crews from the area received an alert about a person trapped in machinery on Te Kopi Rd shortly before 11am. Fire and Emergency sent a rescue crew from Masterton, one from Carterton and two support appliances, arriving at the rural Carterton property at 11.05am. “We assisted paramedics to remove the patient from the farm machinery,” King said. He would not comment on the type of machinery or any details about the patient. King said the person was freed from the machinery by 11.23am and transported to hospital. A Wellington Free Ambulance spokesperson said they attended the incident, which had “one patient in a serious condition transported to Wellington Hospital via helicopter". A shooting which led to the death of a person in the Wairarapa was a targeted attack, Carterton Mayor Ron Mark says. Two people were taken into custody after a car was shot at in Featherston yesterday afternoon. The car later stopped near the Carterton New World and a man was found with a gunshot wound. He later died. A second vehicle fled the scene and was stopped by police in Kaitoke, where two men were taken into custody. In a social media post on Sunday night, Mark said he was in regular contact with police and confirmed arrests were made. The mayor said the incident posted no threat to the safety of Carterton residents, and assured locals there was “no reason for alarm”. A car was shot at in Featherston before stopping near Carterton's New World. Photo / Google Maps, screenshot Mayor of South Wairarapa Martin Connelly blasted the perpetrators as “stupid damn thugs”. “If you know the geography of Featherston, there’s only really two ways out of it, and once you’re on one of those two ways you cannot get out.” He told NZME that police were easily able to set up blockades and capture the suspects because of this. “Ten out of 10 for stupidity, guys. It wasn’t going to be that hard to track you down.” Connelly said the community was left stunned by the homicide. “[There’s] shock, obviously, if you were anywhere near it, but also the realisation that at pretty delightful small towns, events like this can also happen.” He encouraged residents to seek help if they were traumatised by the events, and shared a link to victim support on social media. Police said charges for the two men taken into custody were being considered. A post-mortem of the victim is expected to be done in Wellington tomorrow, Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel said. Police were completing a scene examination in Featherston, while the Kaitoke and Carterton scenes were cleared. The Carterton scene will be blessed later today. “Police maintain a presence in Wairarapa for community reassurance – however, we also reiterate our appeal to the public,” van den Heuvel said. “We know a number of people would have seen elements of what happened yesterday, and we are keen to talk to you if you have not already spoken to police.” Video circulated on social media last night of a man being taken into custody by police near Kaitoki. He could be seen with his arms in the air, walking backwards towards armed police officers who were sheltered behind police cars, including a mufti car. Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you The safety improvement project included three new roundabouts, and side and median barriers along SH2 between Carterton and Masterton. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) The battle to return Wairarapa’s highway to 100km/h has been won but a new one is brewing. Wairarapa leaders have called for an independent review of safety improvements previously made to State Highway 2. “We’ve corrected one stupid decision. Now we have to focus on the other stupid decisions that have been made,” Carterton Mayor Ron Mark said. The Government recently increased the speed limit from 80km/h to 100km/h on State Highway 2 between Masterton to Featherston — a move that many in the community had been pushing for. Mark and Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell have asked Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick to "get the Minister of Transport to initiate an independent review of the safety improvements on SH2 between Carterton and Masterton". After years of planning and consultation, work began in 2022 on three new roundabouts and flexible safety barriers in various locations on the highway between Carterton and Masterton. The work was part of a safety improvement programme delivering on the previous government’s Road to Zero directive. The top speed on the stretch of road was also reduced to 80km/h but this was returned to 100km/h, driven by the coalition Government’s policy shift towards enforcement and road maintenance over speed reductions and safety infrastructure. While the roundabouts have proved popular for road users, the median barriers and turn-around bays have drawn criticism. Carterton Mayor Ron Mark said, because of the barriers, the Carterton-Masterton corridor was now too narrow, with limited ability for emergency services to pass other motorists safely. It had created "choke points" that prevented first responders from passing slow moving vehicles such as tractors and harvesters, he said. "That adds journey time for fire, ambulance, and police and jeopardises lives," he said. He said money would have been better spent acquiring land to widen the highway. "The whole debacle smacks of academics and overzealous road safety engineers who do not live in Wairarapa making decisions and putting the local knowledge and lived experience of our folk to one side, to push an unrealistic, altruistic, and over the top safety agenda." Caffell supported the call for an independent review. "Such a review should assess whether the modifications were warranted, if they represent value for money, and whether alternative solutions could have delivered better safety and accessibility outcomes," he said. "The narrowing of the carriageway and the installation of median barriers have, in some cases, introduced new risks that impact both public safety and emergency response capabilities. "First responders being unable to overtake slow-moving vehicles is a significant issue, as is the increased risk posed to cyclists and motorists navigating these confined sections." Butterick said he had heard a range of opinions from experts, road users and individuals about what is safe and sensible for Wairarapa’s SH2 and that he would “continue to advocate for good community outcomes”. "I have had some recent conversations about the median barrier and have asked NZTA for an update on any further works on this stretch of highway." A spokesperson for NZTA said it had not received a formal request from the councils or mayors on the matter, "however, the local mayors have previously raised concerns in informal discussions with us". The spokesperson said the installation of safety features on SH2 between Masterton and Carterton was extensively consulted on with the community, including emergency service providers. More than 1300 individual pieces of feedback was received on its final proposal. There was a mixed response to median barriers, with some people supportive, as they stopped head-on crashes, while others raised concerns about passing opportunities and travel times. The NZTA spokesperson said research showed median barriers reduced the number of people killed or seriously injured in crashes by 75%. "Our most recent data shows the barriers have been struck 17 times since April last year. "That is 17 potential head on crashes that have been prevented." Local Democracy Reporting is local-body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. How this city is bucking the national trend for new home builds More than 500 homes were built in the city last year about half of them social housing or affordable rentals Rotorua has hit its highest number of new build homes in 14 years It comes as a new assessment finds the city has more than enough future housing capacity Rotorua Lakes Council destination development group manager Jean-Paul Gaston told an April meeting many of the 522 houses were built in the central and western areas Net new homes reached 483 after accounting for homes removed to make way for developments It was the third year in a row that new home numbers peaked since 2011 and another 600 homes were in the pipeline for the next couple of years Data provided to Local Democracy Reporting showed 304 of the new houses were built in Rotorua's western and central areas: The council had a goal of building 3000 new homes in those areas by 2032 Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell said improving housing options for the city remained a top priority for the council as it would have "huge benefits for our community" "These housing developments are not just public homes including affordable rentals and retirement options for our older residents "I know the economy has been uncertain but despite slower markets elsewhere we've got a strong number of building consents coming through in Rotorua." Tapsell said the council would continue to work to unlock land and opportunities for new homes Local Democracy Reporting wrote that $259 million worth of new residential and commercial buildings were consented in Rotorua in the year to September — more than double the $112.2m of consents issued in 2023 new dwelling consents nationwide in 2024 were down 9.8% on 2023 Gaston wrote in the meeting’s agenda the city avoided the national decline in building numbers because of multi-year investment by Kāinga Ora and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development support for Māori affordable rental development and significant staged developments such as Freedom Village The recent fast-track consenting of a new Summerset lifestyle village in Fairy Springs provided additional future certainty of 260 housing units within the short/medium-term Other projects included the first 16 homes in the Ōwhata Kōhanga Rākau iwi-led housing development on the east side of Rotorua which opened in November and will eventually have 93 homes including 38 affordable rentals and kaumātua housing A council spokesperson said it knew of 262 among last year's 522 new builds that were social housing or affordable rentals Among these were 17 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom homes on Lake Rd A Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga — Ministry of Housing and Urban Development spokesman said 101 homes were built as part of MHUD housing programmes including 80 iwi-led Māori affordable rentals Kāinga Ora added 104 new social housing places to its stock in Rotorua The spokesman said Rotorua's housing shortage resulted from a rapid increase in the resident population from 2013 and too few houses being built to meet the demand The rental market tightened and rents rose relative to incomes leading to more households on the Housing Register and large numbers in temporary or emergency accommodation This peaked at 699 households in December 2021 The ministry partnered with others including iwi and the council to make a plan for Rotorua including short-term and more permanent housing solutions The number of households in temporary and emergency housing had dropped to 96 as of March "This is a result of the Government's significant investment in Rotorua." The city remained a priority for the Ministry with a "strong pipeline" of additional housing places to be delivered — 170 state homes by mid-2025 and another 72 by July 2026 The Government was criticised for using Rotorua's motels as a "dumping ground" for the country's homeless during peak pandemic years but consistently denied actively bringing in out-of-towners The last Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessment in 2021 projected the city was heading for a 10,000-home shortage in the long-term An updated assessment from 2024 presented to a council meeting on Wednesday found an overall surplus of 300 — 1600 dwellings short-term This turnaround was broadly credited to work identifying and preparing new greenfield (undeveloped) land for housing "This puts the district in a good position to respond to what the community needs as it grows and to make adjustments if needed," Gaston said in a statement Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton were inducted.