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The crew of HMNZS Taupo have assisted in a stormy night rescue of two yachties forced to abandon ship near Rangitoto Island in Auckland this morning
on a training exercise and crew evaluation in the Hauraki Gulf
picked up a mayday call relayed from Auckland Maritime Radio regarding a yacht running aground on the western side of the island
was called to the bridge shortly before 5am and quickly made the decision to respond
"Conditions from the west were pretty rough
But we were within our limits to put our seaboat in the water."
the two crewmembers abandoned their vessel into their dinghy
They were taken aboard the pilot vessel and the dinghy taken under tow."
With the pilot vessel required for commercial shipping duties
the crewmembers and towed dinghy were transferred to Taupo's seaboat
"There was no moonlight to assist as it was raining and there was full cloud cover
A lot of this was done using the heat signature sensor on our cameras and the seaboat's spotlight."
The crew were dry but understandably shaken up after what had happened
"Then the North Shore Rescue Coast Guard vessel came on station
and they were happy to take the crew and their dinghy to shore."
He says it was a 'no-brainer' to respond to the call
"We were within our safety limits and everyone was well trained
the Tineli Huka Hundy will return to the start line this year
Organisers opened entries for the 2025 Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge
unveiling a new 100km event to excite road cyclists
Cyclists across New Zealand and beyond can mark their calendars for Saturday
as entries officially open for the 47th Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge
The iconic event returns with a fresh twist for its thousands of loyal participants
Organisers have introduced a brand new road cycling category – the Great Lake 100 – a scenic 100km route around Lake Taupō that aims to offer a middle-distance option packed with energy and excitement
Event Director Hayden Dickason said the addition came in response to strong rider demand
“Riders have been asking for it and we are super pleased to be able to deliver the inaugural Great Lake 100,” said Dickason
“It’s perfectly positioned between the Independent Traffic Control Length of the Lake and the Shimano Round The Lake
We are confident it will become a crowd favourite and hold a distinguished place among our event categories.”
added that with fewer formal road cycling events on the calendar
the Great Lake 100 provides an important new option
“So far we’ve had very positive feedback,” he said
The event also welcomes back the Tineli Huka Hundy
a 100km mountain biking challenge that debuted in 2024
The off-road adventure has already earned a reputation for its demanding course and spectacular scenery
Mountain bikers have more choices with three distinct off-road categories
Road cyclists can choose from several classic rides
including the Shimano Round The Lake (160km)
the Independent Traffic Control Length Of The Lake (55km)
the Gravel Grind covers approximately 83km and has become a fan favourite
experienced in hosting large-scale sporting events
once again looks forward to welcoming the thousands of riders and supporters who will descend on the region for a weekend of cycling
How do you feel about Tauranga’s rapid population growth
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Chris Symon has etched his name further into New Zealand Motorsport history by claiming his fifth consecutive NZ Formula First Championship
The final round at Taupo provided a fitting end to a thrilling season
Mixed conditions and close racing kept spectators on the edge of their seats
winning all four races despite the challenging weather
tops off another great season,” Symon said
“To be racing at the front consistently and competitively for so many years
Dad has been the driving force behind this year’s championship
and I can’t thank him enough for supporting me to break his record
The season saw five different race winners
highlighting the competitive nature of the series
“That’s why Formula First is so much fun: competitively close
Liam Foster finished second in the championship
acknowledging the season’s competitiveness
but we didn’t quite have the horsepower to challenge for number 1,” Foster stated
He also praised his team’s consistency and reliability
expressing strong motivation for next season
“I think one big positive was our consistency
with both reliability and getting the most that we could from the car
which is a huge testament to all the work that Dad and John put into the car
“Next year will be my last season racing in Formula First for the foreseeable future
and I have never been more motivated to win the championship and look forward to achieving this next season.”
moving from fifth to third in the standings after a strong performance
demonstrating consistent pace with four podium finishes across the Taupo races
“After a strong weekend at Taupo Motorsport Park with all the hard work from the team
we managed to collect valuable points for the championship,” said Scott
“It was a weekend of pure NZ Formula First racing
We managed to gather enough points to claim third place in the championship
“Dad (Blair Scott) and I were very stoked to get this championship position after not having a great start to the season
and Dad for all the work they have put in behind the scenes to make these opportunities possible for me.”
Edward Meyer was another stand-out performer
taking his first national podium over the weekend
He put pressure on the front drivers all weekend and has made great progress throughout the season
Yoshi Comeskey was crowned Sabre Motorsport’s 20th Rookie of the Year Champion
joining an impressive lineup of drivers who have previously won the title
“I had a mega weekend up in Taupo for the championship’s final round
We continued our season-long finishing streak and finished all four races with no contact
We wrapped up the rookie title by the penultimate race
which really took the pressure off and resulted in a great battle with Ben Williams in the final race
“Huge thanks to Dennis and Jono from Sabre Motorsport for the reliable and quick car all season long
I’m really happy to take the rookie title; it means a lot to have my name on the same trophy as all the past rookie champions and some of the drivers I look up to.”
The Formula Vee Association of NZ has its annual One-Hour Enduro on Saturday
This will be followed by the AGM and Prize Giving in the Manawatū
a chance for the class to celebrate a fantastic motorsport season
and website in this browser for the next time I comment
© 2022 VelocityNews - Independent New Zealand and International Motorsport news
© 2022 VelocityNews - Independent New Zealand and International Motorsport news
Police are seeking photos of a Russian stuntman who went missing in 2002 in the hope of being able to identify human remains located near Lake Taupō earlier this year
They were especially interested in photographs showing his golden teeth in his upper jaw
Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002
Turangi police located his vehicle at the Jellicoe Reserve near Lake Taupō and the car key
passport and other documentation were inside
but there was no sign of Melikov and police established he had not been seen since he left Auckland two days prior
several bones were found near a walking track at Motutere and police were called
Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said police believed the remains were those of Melikov
but they had not been able to confirm that
"We've been unable to contact his next of kin
so hope there is a colleague or friend who may be able to help us," he said in a statement
"Artour was a stuntman for the likes of Xena: Warrior Princess during his time in New Zealand
and we hope there is someone who worked with him who may have high-quality photos of his face
Melikov had gold teeth in his upper jaw which would have been distinctive
Police would like anyone with information that could assist the investigation to get in touch via 105 and cite reference number 250110/2158
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An obstacle course athlete said she was “lucky” to escape with a fractured wrist after plummeting 50m down a cliff face at Taupō’s Spa Thermal Park
“I think I’ll get a Lotto ticket this week.”
Redward’s fall was captured on video and the footage has been posted to her Instagram account
and messaging to see if I’m okay,” Redward said
“It feels like I’ve broken a couple of ribs
and I’ve got plenty of bruising and swelling but it could have been way worse.”
Redward has since seen the doctor and discovered her wrist was fractured
it looks bad but I’m lucky I’ve come out relatively unscathed
It was probably a bit of a jackass moment.”
Redward was on a “recovery bike ride” on April 13 after taking part in the Ultimate Athlete obstacle course race in Mt Maunganui the day before
when they decided to give the rope swing a go
Redward said her hand slipped off the rope
Emergency services were alerted by a 111 call at 6.49pm that a person had fallen down a bank at the Spa Thermal Park
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said three crews from Taupo attended the rescue
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one patient in a moderate condition was transported
Police search and rescue coordinator Senior Constable Barry Shepherd was also on the scene
“All the first responders were great,” Redward said
“They made sure I was warm and comfortable.”
Redward said while she has been in some “sketchy situations” in the past related to her sport
she has never had a broken bone or major injury
“I was so thankful for the Hato Hone St John paramedics and not to mention the green whistle,” she said
Fire and Emergency station officer Sean McAvinue said fire crews used lines to get down the cliff to Redward
They then assisted St John crews in stabilising her in a rescue basket
McAvinue said all three emergency services worked together to get her to the top of the bank
before carrying her 700m to the road for further medical attention
“We’ve got a great working relationship with the other emergency services,” he said
so we understand each other’s systems and capabilities and we always have a common objective in supporting our patients.”
After being transported by ambulance to Taupō Hospital
The mum of 10-year-old twins was glad she was wearing her bike helmet
“I have a bruise on my head so 100% it would have been way worse if I wasn’t wearing one.”
Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato
She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times
'The team have nailed it – it’s a strategy that everyone can understand.'
A free fishing licence will set you up for the new season which kicks off 1 July 2025
Winning photographs will be used to illustrate the various licence categories
which means there could be up to seven winners - improving your chances
The range of licence categories makes it easy for anglers to find an option that suits. Licences are easy to buy online
all you need is a smartphone or access to a computer
Judges will be looking for photographs that reflect the various categories
In addition to the traditional trout trophy shots
we’d like to see more creative images that capture the spirit of fishing in the Taupō region - families enjoying trout fishing
anglers within the landscape or images that celebrate the brilliant colours of Taupō trout
Feel free to submit multiple photographs – up to 5 per entry
To enter the competition simply email your photographs to fishlicence@doc.govt.nz along with your name
Ideally images will be between 2MB and 5MB – small enough to email yet large enough for us to use
Remember all photos must have been taken in the Taupō Fishing District
Closing date for entries is midnight Sunday 18 May 2025
Winners will be selected by a judging panel and notified within five working days of the closing date
All photos must be free of copyright restrictions
Terms and conditions
THE legitimacy of the progress shown by Grove Racing and Dick Johnson Racing in New Zealand will be under the microscope this weekend
Last month’s Taupō Super440 proved a breakthrough event for both teams as Matt Payne won two races and the overall round
while DJR enjoyed a double podium and two pole positions
Neither Grove nor DJR had registered a pole or podium across the opening two events at Sydney Motorsport Park and Albert Park
Will Davison denied the form of the Jet Couriers Mustangs was track-specific – Taupō remains the only venue where DJR has secured silverware in the past 18 months – but the true test of that will now come at Symmons Plains
Grove and DJR both were merely also-rans last year in Tasmania
Unlike the parity-marred 2023 Symmons round
Ford was competitive in the 2024 edition via Tickford Racing and Walkinshaw Andretti United – but not others
Interestingly at Grove, it was perhaps the event where Payne was most outdone by then-teammate Richie Stanaway
Payne is mindful of the need to show more consistent form before being able to consider himself an out-and-out title contender
“It has definitely helped our championship progress
but I probably wouldn’t get too far ahead of myself,” the #19 Penrite Mustang driver said of Taupō
it’s really important to make sure we really store this in the bank and learn from what we did this weekend
so we can build on some of the weekends ahead
“I know there’s a couple of tough tracks coming up for us
so we just need to really knuckle down and make sure that we’re on the front foot for both of those tracks to make sure it wasn’t like the past years where we have been a little bit inconsistent
“So I think that’s going to be our focus.”
died in a farm vehicle accident near Taupō last week
A woman who died after a farm vehicle accident near Taupō at the weekend has been described as an “absolute gem” by a long-time friend
She was Melanie Gaw, 52, from the Reporoa, Taupō area
Emergency services were called to an address on State Highway 5 in Wairakei about 3.30pm on Saturday
Police confirmed first responders found Gaw dead
WorkSafe was notified and the death has been referred to the coroner
Gaw’s long-time friend Ange Vomangisi Ruff told the Herald she was “extremely broken to lose such a beautiful pou (pillar)”
“She seemed to have an endless supply of nurturing
and I think her superpower was her ability to slow the sun to make enough time in the day.”
She said there were no words to properly describe Gaw
“There [weren’t] many schools around that Melanie hadn’t had a hand in creating or repairing
“She was an avid scout leader and a massive supporter of her communities and play centre.”
said they were “devastated” to hear of her death
She had been a Kea leader for children aged 5 to 9 at the Taupō group
and was coming up to 15 years service with Scouts Aotearoa
Comber told the Herald her passion and care for youth “was second to none”
When asked what the group might miss most about Gaw
“She was famous for her steamed puddings at camps
and camps are just not going to be the same without Banty’s steamed pudding.”
what they would miss the most was her “huge heart and huge smile”
the Taupō scout group will attend her funeral in full uniform to pay their respect to a former leader
They will also honour her life in their own way, by holding a “special campfire” between Rotorua and Taupō
we gather around and tell stories and have little skits and songs ..
it’s an important time of gathering and unity within scouting
“We are going to hold a special campfire to celebrate Banty’s life with us.”
Malisha Kumar is a multimedia journalist based in Hamilton
She joined the Waikato Herald in 2023 after working for Radio 1XX in Whakatāne
New Zealand fans flock to Taupō for thrilling Supercars weekendSupercars14 AprNew Zealand’s passionate motorsport community once again turned out in force for the second-ever running of the event3 mins by Supercars.comTaupōNew Zealand fans flock to Taupō for thrilling Supercars weekend
Supercars confirms strong crowd of 51,454 fans for 2025 event
Matt Payne was a popular homegrown winner of Jason Richards Trophy
Supercars has confirmed a strong crowd of 51,454 fans attended this weekend’s ITM Taupō Super440
as New Zealand’s passionate motorsport community once again turned out in force for the second-ever running of the event
the Taupō International Motorsport Park provided the ultimate backdrop for the first-ever Super440 format — which delivered some of the best door-to-door racing ever seen on New Zealand soil
the roar of the crowd echoed through the circuit as Kiwi drivers delivered standout performances
including Matt Payne’s pole position and race victories along with Ryan Wood’s first ever career podium finish
In a moment that will go down in Supercars history
rising New Zealand star Payne etched his name into the record books by claiming the coveted Jason Richards Memorial Trophy
Payne became just the seventh driver in history — and the third New Zealander — to lift the trophy
Since Supercars’ first visit to New Zealand in 2001
more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country
New Zealand’s Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston was on the grid prior to the final race of the 2025 ITM Taupō Super 440
the second of a three-year deal for Supercars to race at Taupō International Motorsport Park
“It’s great to welcome the Supercars championship back to Taupō and see so many passionate fans
“It’s clear that this is an incredibly popular event for Kiwi and Australian race fans and those from farther afield
“The New Zealand Government is keen to support major events happening outside of our main centres
They provide an incredible experience and a significant tourism and economic boost to our regions.”
Supercars CEO Shane Howard said: “This weekend has been another incredible showcase of New Zealand’s love for motorsport
The passion and knowledge of the fans here is second to none
and it was on full display from the moment the gates opened on Friday
“The new Super440 format delivered some of the closest racing we’ve ever seen in New Zealand
especially the reaction when Matt Payne claimed the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy
made for an electric and emotional atmosphere
and volunteers — thank you for your support in making the ITM Taupō Super 440 another world-class event
“We are proud to continue our partnership with New Zealand’s motorsport community and we look forward to returning in 2026 for another unforgettable chapter.”
Ford drivers Matt Payne and Chaz Mostert have grabbed a win apiece in the two sprint races at the Taupō round of the Supercars Championship
New Zealander Payne led from pole in the first of two 37-lap races
capitalising on a clever strategy from his Grove Racing team to stop one lap later than his rivals during an early safety car penalty
Payne remained on top to finish ahead of Cam Waters
who is second in the championship standings behind Will Brown
New Zealander Ryan Wood and Anton De Pasquale
Australians Mostert and Kostecki duelled hard for victory in race two
regularly swapping position amid a feisty battle until Mostert pulled clear late in his Mobil1 Optus Racing car
It was a flat day for the Red Bull Ampol Racing team
who dominated the first three rounds of the championship
Both Brown and Broc Feeney struggled in Friday's practice
and neither Chevrolet challenged for the podium in the sprint races
Brown placed fifth and seventh to see his overall lead over Waters reduced to just 12 points
and will hope to improve further in Sunday afternoon's 61-lap race
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New Zealand could have a second Australian Supercars race as soon as 2026
Will Brown overhauled Broc Feeney in a tense battle to win the second race of the Australian Supercars championship round in Taupō
We have regular online commentary of local and international sport
A person has died after a farm vehicle accident near Taupō yesterday
Emergency services were called to the address on State Highway 5 in Wairakei shortly after 3.30pm yesterday
Police said that on arrival first responders “sadly located one person deceased”
WorkSafe has been notified and the death will be referred to the Coroner
'This is not something we’ve seen before.'
Speed limits along State Highway 5 are about to go up to a 100km/h speed limit
Drivers who wanted all of State Highway 5 from Napier to Taupō to return to 100km/h have got their way
But one local from a small community on the road says he’s worried drivers will treat the speed limit as a “target” rather than a “limit”, with disastrous results
Public consultation around increasing the speed limits nationwide has concluded
with an average of 60% of submitters saying they want the speed limit on the Napier-Taupō Rd returned to 100km/h from the current 80km/h
with a further 49 sections open to community consultation to confirm whether there was public support to retain current lower speed limits
The three sections of SH5 open for consultation were at Tarawera
The rule specifically required NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to measure levels of public support through consultation
in order to demonstrate “public acceptance”
SH5 Tarawera saw 60% strongly opposed to retaining the current 80km/h speed limit out of 1060 responses
Turangakumu to Te Hāroto saw 61% strongly opposed to the current speed limit out of 1049 responses
and Te Pōhue had 58% strongly opposed to the current speed limit in the area out of 1075 responses
SH51 from Napier to Clive will also revert to 100km/h
The speed limit in these areas will go to 100km/h on July 1
Napier MP Katie Nimon said she was happy to see public consultation has resulted in the speed limit on SH5 being reinstated to 100km/h
“National campaigned on reversing blanket speed limit reductions and we are delivering on that promise,” she said
“Our speed limit reduction reversals stand to boost economic growth and productivity – allowing people and products to get to where they need to
“Instead of solely relying on reduced speed limits to improve road safety
our Government is committed to enhancing road conditions
promoting safer driving and vehicles and focusing on drug and alcohol awareness.”
Te Pōhue resident Norm Brown isn’t opposed to the blanket return to 100km/h
but he is concerned about small communities having a 100km/h “target” on their backs
the white circle with the black slash through it
which meant you can travel up to 100km/h if you want to
but you drive to the conditions or you’re hammered
Now they’ve set a target which is a little bit crazy,” Brown said
Brown would prefer to see the speed reduced through the communities on SH5 down to 70km/h – but above all
he wants to see more Kiwis using common sense when travelling
If people are going to have trouble with that then you’re not going to change those people,” he said
Brown would like to see the police’s “Stay Alive on 5″ campaign continue
as he said it brought the death toll on the road down to zero and helped minimise accidents
Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and spent the last 15 years working in radio and media in Auckland
He reports on all stories relevant to residents of the region
The Saturday closure comes amid a proposal to shut Napier Library for at least two years
SH32 WAIHAHA - ROAD CLOSED - 1:15PMDue to a crash, SH32 is temporarily closed to allow vehicle recovery. Expect delays or allow extra time for detour. ^ND pic.twitter.com/dKVL86TdMk
State Highway 32 on the western side of Lake Taupō
State Highway 32 was reported shortly before midday
It has blocked the road at Waihaha on the western side of Lake Taupō
A diversion is expected at Whangamata Rd but motorists are asked to expect delays
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one ambulance
one rapid response unit and one operations manager went to the crash
was transported by ambulance to Rotorua Hospital.”
He piko he tuna is about resilience and love the despite challenges of life
A beauty therapist’s joy and excitement at discovering she was pregnant were soon replaced by stress and humiliation when her job security came under threat due to her news
Zelinda Doria’s former employers forced her to go on maternity leave while she was only a few weeks pregnant
Doria has been awarded almost $100,000 in recognition of the way they treated her
“I couldn’t enjoy being pregnant or being a mum
All I could focus on was how I could afford things,” Doria told NZME
so I didn’t have any transport for most of my pregnancy
“I wasn’t able to focus on anything except finding an income.”
In 2017, at the peak of the employment issue, Doria had lodged a claim with the Human Rights Commissioner
But after the failure of mediation between Doria and her then-employers
Doria then turned to the Human Rights Review Tribunal (HRRT)
Flowers and Blakeney-Williams no longer own Diamond Laser Medispa
The new owners told NZME they were not aware of the case before the tribunal
Doria said she felt vindicated by the ruling
“The main thing is I didn’t realise how much it had crushed my self-esteem
Doria had been working at Diamond Laser Medispa for 11 months when
Flowers scheduled a meeting with Doria to discuss her “parental leave and employment situation”
matters weren’t discussed as the meeting soured and Doria and her support person were asked to leave the premises
Doria received an email stating she was to start her primary carer leave the following day
is Government-funded leave for up to six months and can begin up to six weeks before the baby’s due date
It can only begin earlier if the employer and employee agree
or if the employee is unable to perform their workplace duties
The email said the business required Doria to start her leave early because of “the overwhelming information regarding the risk of harm to you and/or baby
together with the non-work related activities that you have said are having a detrimental effect on your health and putting your baby at risk”
It stated Doria had taken time off in the previous three weeks
which she said was due to morning sickness
It also stated the workplace involved many chemicals
and that Doria could not perform the hours required “even at this early stage of your pregnancy”
A request to cancel the nominated early carer leave and for a work-related risk assessment to be conducted by an independent professional to find a temporary solution was rejected
Doria had also provided a letter from her midwife stating she was “fit and healthy and completely capable of performing her duties”
which the midwife described as a common symptom of pregnancy
The beauty therapist did not apply immediately for paid primary carer leave
as she intended to use it for the period closest to her due date
As she was still a Diamond Laser Medispa employee
she struggled to obtain help from Work and Income and was limited in what other employment she could pick up
Doria was told she would not be paid it unless her employment was terminated or she resigned
she was told she did not meet the criteria due to not having worked enough hours at that point
Doria then made a complaint to the Human Rights Commissioner
alleging she had been discriminated against by Flowers
and she resigned and was paid out her holiday pay
Flowers and Blakeney-Williams applied to strike out the claim on the basis that the tribunal had no jurisdiction to deal with it
a decision that was later upheld by the High Court and the Court of Appeal
Its decision stated that counsel for Flowers and Blakeney-Williams had claimed Doria was told to go on early parental leave because she was unable to do her job as she was suffering morning sickness
They claimed it was not due to the pregnancy itself; rather
“The submission that the symptoms of pregnancy can and were
separated out from a pregnancy to justify detrimental treatment overlooks the entire rationale for the protection from discrimination of pregnant women …” the decision stated
“Ms Doria lost her source of income immediately
despite intending to have worked for the remaining seven months of her pregnancy.”
The tribunal said a decision to ban Doria from the spa’s premises for health reasons was not supported by any medical evidence
It also said the decision to place her on early leave with “no notice
no medical information and no risk report” and to then contact her and remind her of her obligations as an employee and the possibility of being disciplined
“We accept that Ms Doria experienced the humiliation of being unable to financially provide for herself during her pregnancy and to prepare for her baby’s arrival; the injury to feelings she experienced
including the stress and distress when she found herself without a job and an inability to experience the joy of pregnancy as she was consumed by trying to obtain sufficient income and challenging her employer’s actions,” the tribunal said
“We also accept the discrimination she faced as a result of her pregnancy impacted upon her dignity during this vulnerable period of her life
She was treated with ongoing hostility and contempt by the defendants …”
The decision stated that Flowers and Blakeney-Williams had tried to justify their actions at the hearing
entitle her employer to unlawfully discriminate against her
Blakeney-Williams and their company were ordered to pay Doria $75,000 in damages for humiliation
A declaration was also made stating they had discriminated against Doria “on the basis of the prohibited ground of sex
told NZME the whole situation was “bizarre” and that Flowers had been a close friend until she became pregnant
“I feel like I will never know the real reason why me
“There were countless times they could have apologised or made things right
Doria told NZME she wanted to thank her former employers for “lighting a fire inside me that can never be dimmed
this situation forced me to prove to myself that I can overcome anything”
“I hope Olivia and Richard can come to terms with the reality that you cannot treat people the way that you do.”
Flowers and Blakeney-Williams declined to comment on the ruling
their lawyer said they were considering their options in terms of an appeal
Jeremy Wilkinson is an Open Justice reporter based in Manawatū
covering courts and justice issues with an interest in tribunals
He has been a journalist for nearly a decade and has worked for NZME since 2022
The Supercars are descending on Taupō again
Taupō has caught Supercars fever ahead of this weekend’s championship round: the town centre has been decorated
community events are organised and the famous #LoveTaupo sign has received a super spruce-up
It looks like everything is good to go as drivers have touched down in New Zealand this week – about 240 tonnes of equipment worth $40 million has already arrived
To set the mood for the third round of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship, the ITM Taupō Super440, drivers will descend on the CBD as part of the Track to Town event tomorrow
The convoy will leave Taupō International Motorsport Park at 3.45pm
drive into town for a free autograph session for fans and head back to the race track at 5pm
Some roads around Te Ātea-Tapuaeharuru on Roberts St will be closed for this so everyone can safely view the cars and enjoy the event
Opening practice starts at 12.10pm on Friday
followed by two 120km sprint races on Saturday and a full 200km race on Sunday
The driver who scores the most points across this weekend will be awarded the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy
named after the late New Zealand Supercars racer who died of cancer in 2011
Richie Stanaway and Ryan Wood will be the sole Kiwis on the grid eyeing the trophy
which went to Australian driver Anton De Pasquale last year
Heimgartner won the inaugural Taupō race in 2024
the Brad Jones Racing driver becoming just the fourth New Zealander to win a Supercars race on home soil
he ended up finishing second on the podium that weekend
Now he hopes “natural progression” will see him atop the points tally this year
Winning the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy would be special to him
as Richards used to drive the No 8 Supercar for Brad Jones Racing – the same number Heimgartner races with today
Payne and 19-year old teammate Kai Allen make up the youngest pairing in Supercars since 2007
Payne scored his maiden Supercars pole position 12 months ago in Taupō – but narrowly missed out on the podium
who was the overall race winner at Taupō in 2024
leads the points heading into this weekend
New Zealand-based racers in the Central Muscle Cars
Toyota 86 and Super V8s classes are also set to take to the track
The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sport
Tickets are available online via Supercars.com and Ticketek
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said visitors should be prepared for heavy traffic on the roads
as the event is expected to draw a crowd of over 67,000 over the three days
NZTA Waikato journey manager Andrew Brosnan said all non-essential maintenance activity would be paused on SH1 and SH5 in the central North Island over this period
however there may be some active work sites with temporary speed limits in place
parking for the event at the Motorsport Park is only available using the SH1 Interchange with Centennial Drive
There is no access from SH1 on to Broadlands Rd
Traffic management will be in place to manage traffic flows
A park-and-ride service for ticket holders is available at Kaimanawa Reserve on Rifle Range Rd
Parking is limited so Taharepa Reserve will be used as an overflow car park
Buses will run continuously and are free for ticket holders
There will be face-painting and free family-friendly movie screenings of Cars (Friday) and Turbo (Saturday) at Te Ātea-Tapuaeharuru at 5.30pm
along with Australian teammates Macauley Jones and Bryce Fullwood
spent Wednesday morning speaking to local students about their careers and what it takes to be a Supercars driver
Researchers are digging into the earth in Taupō to assess the likelihood of a "dramatic" loop of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions hitting the region
is looking at how "twin threats" - earthquakes and eruptions - could set each other off in the Taupō Fault Belt
sending matter more than 25 kilometres into the stratosphere and releasing more than 1000 cubic kilometres of volcanic ash that can be carried across the planet by wind
It is still considered active and while the probability for a future eruption is low
it could still happen - causing significant unrest
Lead researcher Dr James Muirhead of the University of Auckland, said the supervolcano sat in the heart of faultlines where land was stretching and pulling apart, sparking earthquakes
"These earthquakes can shake up molten rock deep underground
making it more mobile and explosive," he said
it can also unlock and trigger fault lines
It could be a dramatic feedback loop of seismic and volcanic activity."
There was already some evidence suggesting earthquakes had preceded some eruptions at Taupō
His team had been digging a five-metre deep trench at a site on Poihipi Road
which was long enough to cross multiple fault lines in the area
"Our study is the first to really investigate this in great detail
by carefully examining these layers to see if an earthquake
Understanding the potential recurrence and magnitude of earthquakes near the Taupō volcano would help inform things like city planning and seismic strengthening of buildings
fault or earthquake processes and volcanism
it can help us better understand and respond to unrest that could happen at Taupō volcano
which is the largest volcano that we have in the country."
Muirhead said an eruption 1800 years ago left much of the area's geological history buried under thick volcanic deposits
so researchers had not attempted to uncover the soil layers until now
"This massive eruption blanketed the land with metres of ash and pumice
making it nearly impossible to track earlier earthquakes in the soil."
Natural Hazards Commission chief research and resilience officer Dr Jo Horrocks said the findings would help safeguard communities and critical infrastructure from earthquake damage
"If [scientists] can recognise some earthquake activity as precursors of a volcanic eruption or vice versa
then they can provide that on the spot advice
we might like to take a closer look at the volcano."
The research was being carried out in collaboration with GNS Science and Victoria University
Muirhead expected the findings to be ready mid-2026
The latest unrest started in May last year and just over 1800 earthquakes under Taupō volcano have been recorded in the past year
A volcano seismologist says the raising of the alert level for the Lake Taupō volcano from zero to one is more a sign of improved monitoring rather than unusual activity
30 landslides and a beach that vanished into the depths are among notes from scientists analysing the 5.7-magnitude quake that hit Lake Taupō late last month
A person has died following a two-vehicle crash in Mangakino, northwest of Taupō, this afternoon.
The crash on Waipapa Rd, between Scott Rd and Moncarch Rd, was reported to police just after 4pm.
One person died at the scene, while two others were seriously injured, police said.
Two people were taken to Waikato Hospital, a St John spokesperson told 1News.
The road is closed and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
It brings the Easter holiday road toll to four.
Person dies following morning crash on Auckland motorway
A person has died following a crash on Auckland's south-western motorway this morning
New Zealand
Homegrown music festival's new location revealed
Sheep killed
more euthanised after stock truck rolls in Southland
Police were called to the single-vehicle crash on Tokanui Gorge Rd Highway near Fortrose at around 7.45am on Monday
Four injured
State Highway 2 at the intersection of Wi Duncan Rd is currently blocked
Warning of poisonous shellfish in Western Firth of Thames
New Zealand Food Safety said routine tests on shellfish from Waimangu Point have shown levels of the toxins over the safe limit
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A person has died following a crash on Auckland's south-western motorway this morning
The single vehicle crash was reported to police shortly before 5am
the sole occupant of this vehicle died at the scene," a police spokesperson said
"Earlier closures of northbound lanes have now lifted
and police advise motorists to continue to expect delays as earlier backlogs clear
"We appreciate motorists' understanding this morning while emergency services carried out their work."
Police said the serious crash unit examined the scene this morning
and an investigation was underway into this morning's crash on behalf of the Coroner
This is in addition to an earlier crash on Auckland's northern motorway near the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Emergency services responded to a two-truck collision on the northern motorway
near the Auckland Harbour Bridge shortly after 5am
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said all lanes south on State Highway 1 were open again following this earlier crash
with five lanes available on the Harbour Bridge
"Allow extra time for delays on the Northern Motorway to slowly ease this morning three lanes going south were now open again between Onewa Rd and the Harbour Bridge," NZTA said
Hamilton has been announced as the new home for the Homegrown music festival
In January the festival, which features New Zealand music, confirmed it would be leaving Wellington's waterfront after being there for 18 years
From next year it will be held at Hamilton's Claudelands Oval
Festival director Andrew Tuck said the move is "about creating something that celebrates our roots and gives back to the region that inspires us"
Organisers said that Hamilton offers potential for the festival to expand and evolve as New Zealand's fastest-growing city
"Its central location — just a short journey from the Bay of Plenty
and the King Country — makes it accessible for a wide range of attendees eager to enjoy Aotearoa's finest musical acts."
Tuck said accessibility for as many people as possible is key for the festival
and "being close to such a large population makes this dream even more achievable"
Hamilton City Council deputy chief executive Sean Murray said the festival returning to the Waikato is "a win for the whole upper North Island"
Next year's event will be held on March 14
Sheep have been killed and others have had to be euthanised after a stock truck rolled in Southland this morning
The road was completely blocked and expected to be closed for sometime while the scene was cleared
however the road is completely blocked," a police spokesperson said
Southland District Council confirmed some animals were killed in the crash while others had to be euthanised due to injuries
Fire and Emergency responded with crews from Waimahaka
It's the second incident of sheep being killed after a stock truck rolled in Southland in a little over a week
A small number of lambs had to be euthanised after a stock truck rolled near Balclutha on April 27
Four people have been injured following a two-vehicle crash south of Dannevirke this evening
Police said they were called to State Highway 2 at the intersection of Wi Duncan Rd around 7.10pm
One person sustained serious injuries following the crash
Motorists have been asked to take alternate routes
People are being warned not to collect or consume shellfish gathered in the Western Firth of Thames region due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins
The warning extends from the mouth of the Waitakaruru River up to Pakatoa Island and across to the mid-point of the Firth
"Affected shellfish include bivalve shellfish such as mussels
as well as pūpū (cat's eyes) and Cook's turban," New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said
"It's also important to know that cooking the shellfish does not remove the toxin."
crab and crayfish if the gut was removed before cooking
"New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation," Arbuckle said
New Zealand Food Safety said there had been no reported associated illness
Commercially harvested shellfish are still safe to eat
Symptoms of poisoning appear between 10 minutes and three hours after ingestion and may include:
rnz.co.nz
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
The Government halts all current pay equity claims
Stanford concedes use of personal email 'untidy'
and a Kiwi motorcyclist has been killed in a crash in England
Workplace Minister Brooke van Velden said the proposed changes would "significantly reduce costs to the Crown" and would discontinue current claims
There have been massive pay equity claims in recent years for nurses and rest home workers
The PSA union said the changes were a "dark day for New Zealand women"
while the nurse's union described it as a "blatant and shameful attack"
Read More
Erica Stanford has spoken after 1News revealed she sent pre-Budget announcements to her personal email last year and had used her Gmail for ministerial business over the course of her time as a minister
who holds the education and immigration portfolios
said today she was "not a perfect human"
she put the practice down to printing issues
But Stanford said she had "taken lots of steps" to avoid the issue from arising further
Read More
A stranger allegedly tried to force an 8-year-old boy into a car outside an Auckland primary school yesterday before bystanders intervened and the man drove off
Rowandale School principal Karl Vasau told 1News the pupil was "doing fine" following the incident and was surrounded by a "supportive
Police confirmed they were investigating an incident from around 3pm on Monday outside Rowandale School in the suburb of Manurewa
Read More
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
The duo’s shared name and age has sometimes been a handy loophole for one Shane but
it has caused problems for 36 years and he's approached Gill Higgins for help
Read More
was fatally injured alongside Englishman Owen Jenner
on the first corner of the race at Oulton Park
who was a previous New Zealand rider of the year
Cemetery Circuit in Whanganui posted to its social media in tribute to Richardson
a fantastic and talented racer and a genuine human"
Read More
Homegrown will be held at Hamilton's Claudelands Oval
confirmed it would be leaving Wellington's waterfront after being there for 18 years
Organisers said Hamilton offers potential for the festival to expand and evolve as New Zealand's fastest-growing city
Read More
A Brazilian judge today ordered the arrest of a man suspected of being involved in an alleged plot to place explosives at a concert by singer Lady Gaga in Rio de Janeiro
Judge Fabiana Pagel of the Rio Grande do Sul state court did not name the suspect in her ruling
but said he is a man investigated by Rio de Janeiro police as the alleged mastermind of the plot
said yesterday they had released a man under investigation for the alleged plot after he paid his bail
Brazilian media reported that is the same man jailed today by Judge Pagel
Rio police did not reveal names of either of its two suspects or show images of the explosives that the alleged plotters intended to use
said authorities believed the suspects sought to target Brazil’s LGBTQ community
The Rio event on Sunday was the biggest show of the pop star’s career
attracting an estimated 2.5 million fans to Copacabana Beach
with 5200 military and police officers deployed to the beach where fans were revelling
The European Union launched a drive to attract scientists and researchers to Europe with offers of grants and new policy plans
after the Trump administration froze US government funding linked to diversity
no one would have imagined that one of the biggest democracies in the world would cancel research programs under the pretext that the word diversity was in this programme," French President Emmanuel Macron said at the Choose Europe for Science event in Paris
"No one would have thought that one of the biggest democracies in the world would delete
the ability of one researcher or another to obtain visas," Macron said
Taking the same stage at the Sorbonne University
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU’s executive branch would set up a "super grant" programme aimed at offering "a longer-term perspective to the very best" in the field
She said that €500 million (NZ$948 million) would be put forward in 2025-2027 "to make Europe a magnet for researchers"
It would be injected into the European Research Council
which already has a budget of more than €16 billion (NZ$30 billion) for 2021-2027
Von der Leyen said the 27-nation EU intended "to enshrine freedom of scientific research into law" with a new legal act
As "the threats rise across the world
Europe will not compromise on its principles"
The White House responded by describing DEI as "an inherently discriminatory policy"
"If the European Union wants to embrace policies that divide
rather than focus on real scientific discovery
they should not be surprised when US innovation continues to outpace Europe," said spokesperson Anna Kelly
"America will continue to attract and cultivate the best talent in science
Macron said that the French government would also soon make new proposals to beef up investment in science and research
hundreds of university researchers in the United States had National Science Foundation funding cancelled to comply with US President Donald Trump’s order to end support for research on diversity
More than 380 grant projects have been cut so far
including work to combat internet censorship in China and Iran and a project consulting with Indigenous communities to understand environmental changes in Alaska’s Arctic region
Some terminated grants that sought to broaden the diversity of people studying science
researchers and doctors have taken to the streets in protest
While not mentioning the Trump administration by name
von der Leyen said that it was "a gigantic miscalculation" to undermine free and open research
"We can all agree that science has no passport
"We believe that diversity is an asset of humanity and the lifeblood of science
It is one of the most valuable global assets and it must be protected."
Von der Leyen's drive to promote opportunities in Europe in the field of science and take advantage of US policy shifts dovetails with the way that she has played up the potential for trade deals with other countries since Trump took office in January and sparked a tariff war last month
vowed that the EU would also address some of the roadblocks that scientists and researchers faced
notably excessive red tape and access to businesses
Macron said science and research must not "be based on the diktats of the few"
Macron said Europe "must become a refuge" for scientists and researchers
and he said to those who feel under threat elsewhere: "The message is simple
The Auditor-General's office has announced plans for an inquiry into the school lunch programme that has drawn criticism since a revamp
It will cover Ministry of Education planning
procurement and contract implementation under David Seymour's alternative model
Terms of reference for the inquiry set out its scope:
The Auditor-General's office said it decided to investigate because of concerns raised
about aspects of the revised lunch programme
and what the Ministry communicated with previous providers," it said
"Because of the importance of these services
we have decided to carry out an inquiry."
the Office noted the ministry had in October last year awarded a two-year contract to the School Lunch Collective
under which lunches would be provided for $3 each
The ministry was also reported to have paid a further $8.9m to the collective for Year 9 and older students
which had been part of the School Lunch Collective
A further $4m grant was provided to KidsCan for a food programme in Early Childhood Education services
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
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
"Police are still working to understand exactly what was occurring at the time and our enquiries are ongoing," a spokesperson said
"We have spoken with the boy and will continue to work through a careful process
Rowandale School principal Karl Vasau said in a statement to social media that other parents had intervened
"The student then made his way home and told his parents who then came into school to let us know and then they rung the police."
Vasau told 1News the pupil was "doing fine" following the incident and was surrounded by a "supportive
"Our student is safe now and his family are thankful that nothing further happened to their boy but are wanting us all to be aware and stay safe
It's about working with that child to make them feel safe again
but also looking forward to returning back to school with a little bit of normality."
Police had reacted "pretty quickly" to the reports
"They've been in this morning to touch base and connect
the community police constables are going to come back to tomorrow to address the whole school in relation to what had happened and around keeping themselves safe before and after school."
Increased police patrols would remain in the area after school from Wednesday
Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105
Kiwi motorcyclist Shane Richardson is one of two riders who died in an 11-bike crash at a British Supersport Championship event
A statement from British Superbikes said the race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed
"Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention
the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled," a spokesperson said
"This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured
and another sustaining significant injuries."
Richardson was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit's medical centre before he was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with "severe chest injuries"
Jenner was also initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre
where he died from a "catastrophic head injury"
British rider Tom Tunstall suffered back and abdominal injuries and a further five riders
including New Zealander Morgan McLaren-Wood
were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries
which did not require transfer to hospital
Three more riders were also involved but were uninjured
"Devastated to hear we have lost another of our racing family
Our thoughts are with Hannah and the family
along with our condolences to Owen’s family too."
Richardson's sponsor Whites Powersports said the team was "extremely saddened" by the news of his death
"Shane will be remembered by many as a great racer
Our thoughts go out to Shane’s young family and friends during this tough time
The New Zealand Superbike Championship said its "deepest sympathies" went out to Richardson's family and friends
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
There is concern at the dire level of vacancies among full-time permanent senior doctor positions at Taupō Hospital
where gaps remain in the roster for the coming two months
Fixed-term and locum senior doctors there are relied on to fill such gaps
a situation the senior doctors' union says is unsustainable
Figures obtained by RNZ show just 3.3 out of nine full-time equivalent senior doctor positions in the town are filled
show just 28 percent of all shifts are filled by permanent senior doctors
And 22 shifts over that period remain unfilled
where only one senior doctor is rostered on to cover the entire hospital - its emergency department and wards
Ralston D'Souza has worked for almost two years in Taupō as a rural hospital medicine specialist
He said the permanent doctors had little choice but to take on the arduous hours of weekend and night-time work
"We kind of know what the consequences are if those shifts aren't being filled - essentially
and we know that our community wouldn't have that after-hours care
at the core of it we care about our community
but we want to as well make sure we're looking after ourselves to have a long career."
No GP practices in Taupō offer after-hours care
If the hospital were to close due to a lack of staff
the only options for people needing medical care were telehealth or a one-hour drive to Rotorua Hospital
"Because the night shifts aren't popular for locum doctors to pick up
the burden of those night shifts falls on the permanent doctors to pick up," D'Souza said
"The only way to reduce the amount of night shifts that you do is to drop your over-all
That's what senior doctors have done - the 3.3 full-time equivalents are made up of six people
D'Souza said senior doctors could see 15 to 20 people on a night shift
compared with an average of eight to 12 around the country
"Most emergency departments that have this level of presentations will probably be having at least two-three doctors per shift
That more higher volume of patients makes it not a very attractive job for senior medical officers."
"You could be dealing with an emergency resuscitation where you have to give all your full attention to that patients and there might be 12 other patients waiting in the department
Although many senior doctors had left in recent years
and could see some light at the end of the tunnel with the hope of supervising Australian junior doctors in rural medicine
The hospital recently received accreditation for that
but would need appropriate numbers of permanent senior doctors to do it
Education and training were not a focus in hospitals with short-term and locum staff
Patient Voice Aotearoa's Malcolm Mulholland recently held a public meeting in the town
he was approached by a hospital worker concerned about staffing
who told him about contingencies if shifts were not filled
due to the shortage when it comes to doctors
they've had to draw up plans multiple times to shut the hospital down
"If that was to happen those patients who were in the hospital at the time would have to be transferred to Rotorua Hospital."
but Mulholland said they would be a concern given the pressure Rotorua was under too
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton said the constant rostering squeeze was exhausting for the senior doctors the union represented
"We think we've got it sorted and then another gaps opens up
That's the problem when you're so under-staffed - one person leaving can tip you right over
"It's just a continually vulnerable service."
From next year junior doctors would join the night shift roster
and Dalton said the union was working with Health NZ on easing the situation for overworked staff
"It's a bit like running instead of walking
You may be really tired when you're trying to make clinical decisions
It's bad for relationships if all of the staff are stretched and stressed."
Health NZ group director of operations for the Lakes district Alan Wilson said it had increased staffing at Taupō Hospital in the past five years
there were two full-time junior doctors there
Outpatient numbers had increased 70 percent in recent years
"We have been growing Taupō Hospital's capacity to provide care to more local patients with the introduction of a new CT scanner
which is also available for patients from the South Waikato and Taumarunui; echocardiography services; and the development of a dedicated unit for chemotherapy and medical day-stay services."
Wilson said Taupō Hospital was continuing to provide important health services to its communities
and there was no intention to close or downsize it
Simeon Brown has accused the senior doctors' union of using patients as "bargaining chips"
Up to 5500 senior doctors will strike for 24 hours over pay and working conditions
run down buildings and lack of bed space is now the worst she's ever seen it
An SOS from doctors to the Health Minister did not draw the response they hoped for
New Zealand's Matt Payne has capped an incredible weekend after winning the final race and taking overall honours at the Taupo 440 Supercars Championship on home soil
The 22-year-old Aucklander claimed the Jason Richards Trophy after speeding to victory in an assured performance at the Taupo Motorsport Park
The Penrite Racing driver took the lead from Cameron Hill on lap eight of the 61-lap race after starting sixth on the grid
Payne emerged behind Hill in second position after a frantic first lap
after pole-sitter Brodie Kostecki was pushed wide by Ryan Wood
joining Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin as Kiwi winners of the Jason Richards Trophy
Following in the footsteps of McLaughlin and van Gisbergen
an ecstatic Payne said the win was a dream come true
"I think it's the best moment I've had in my career so far," Payne said
He credited a strong start behind the wheel and some opening lap chaos from his rivals for setting up the superb victory
His team has been fine tuning the car and the performance of the tyres in the build-up to the race
"All of a sudden I was in second and I thought
this is a real opportunity for us," he said
Payne moves into third in overall series standings
After the race he thanked his family and mentor Garry Pederson for their ongoing support
The next Supercars round will be held in Tasmania
Matt Payne won Sunday's race in Taupō to claim the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy
The fight for the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy went down to the last race of the Supercars weekend – with New Zealander Mathew Payne reigning supreme in Taupō
After a short hiatus across the Ditch in the hands of last year’s winner Anton De Pasquale
the Jason Richards Trophy is now back in the hands of a Kiwi
“That’s the one I probably want the most,” Payne said straight after the final race
but I knew I had to park that thought and run my own race
“To be standing here and getting our hands on the trophy is super special for myself
being a New Zealander and what Jason achieved and his legacy and who he was as a person
really awesome to be standing here and I’m very grateful for the guys [team] who helped make it happen
and it couldn’t have been a better weekend really
Payne emulated his win in Saturday’s opening race with a consummate display of race craft by keeping the chasing pack at bay once he grabbed the lead from Cameron Hill
consistently challenging at the front both in qualifying and racing and now has four Supercars race wins to his name
Payne is now only the fifth Kiwi to win on home soil
It’s incredible and I’m a bit lost for words
“I knew I had to get a good start as I knew we had good pace
I know Brody [Kostecki] and Woody [Ryan Wood] really wanted it
“The number 19 Penrite Racing Mustang was a rocket today and the guys did an awesome job and I can’t be more happy
worked really hard on the car for a couple of hours and got a bit lucky at the start
We did everything right during the race and got the win,” said Payne
Three Kiwi drivers made the pre-race Top 10 Shootout
qualifying third to sit on the second row alongside Hill and behind pole-sitter Kostecki and De Pasquale
Two more New Zealanders made the top 10 with Payne in sixth and Andre Heimgartner in eighth
The opening lap of the 61-lap race was as chaotic as expected with the leading drivers aggressively vying for track position
while Wood pushed Kostecki wide on to the grass mid-lap
dropping him to seventh and allowing Hill and Payne to grab the lead
the red mist dissipated and things settled into some sort of rhythm with Hill leading from Payne
he was hit with a five-second penalty due to a clash with Kostecki
Payne eventually snatched the lead from Hill on lap eight and stretched his legs to pull out a 1.2s lead shortly afterwards over Randle
Red Bull Racing duo Will Brown and Broc Feeney continued their weekend-long struggles
Race pace was much improved and after the first round of pit stops
Brown had climbed to fourth and Feeney to 15th
the race had settled into a rhythm with Payne still in control
eking his lead out to 2s with Kostecki making inroads
Yesterday’s race-two winner Chaz Mostert was starting to make his presence felt too
having stealthily moved up to fifth with Heimgartner lurking just behind
A slick second pit stop saw Payne keep his lead after the rest of the field had completed theirs
The running order behind the Kiwi was now Hill
Mostert had hauled himself up to into third behind Hill with Payne still out front
Fellow Kiwis Heimgartner and Wood had also improved
As the Supercars head to the next round in Tasmania on May 9-11
Brown leads the championship on 651 points followed by Cameron Waters (617 points) and Payne (605pts)
The rest of the Kiwis are Heimgartner (10th
died after an 11-bike crash at Oulton Park
views and opinions on NZ and International Motorsport
Supercars racing gets underway today in Taupō
following a strong Friday for Kiwis in practice at the ITM Taupō Super440
Supercars will hold two 120-kilometre races on Saturday afternoon
the first race will see cars race only on the Dunlop Soft tyre
while the second race will feature the Dunlop Super Soft tyre only
Many are expecting the alternating compounds to shake up the results
as teams will not use the Super Soft tyre until Boost Mobile Qualifying Saturday morning
The different compounds have different performance features that suit car set ups differently
meaning drivers who are fast on the Soft tyre may not necessarily be fast on the Super Soft
There is promise for Kiwi race fans heading into today
Aucklander Andre Heimgartner and Wellington native Ryan Wood topped the respective Friday practice sessions at Taupō International Motorsport Park
NZST with back-to-back Boost Mobile Qualifying
which will set the grid for both Saturday races
The first race of the weekend – Race 8 of the 2025 season – begins at 12:50 p.m.
with the second 37-lap race of the day to begin at 4:05 p.m
Tickets and corporate hospitality for this weekend’s ITM Taupō Super440 can be purchased via Supercars.com and Ticketek NZ
Supercars’ return to New Zealand will be broadcast live on Sky Sport
ITM TAUPO SUPER440 TRACK SCHEDULESaturday April 12
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All 24 Supercars will once again take to the streets of Taupō for the pre-event Track to Town journey
an experience that in 2024 delivered spectacular scenes as thousands of enthusiastic fans lined the streets to welcome the drivers
the full lineup of the Repco Supercars Championship will make their way from Taupō International Motorsport Park to the city’s riverside precinct
offering fans a unique opportunity to meet their favourite drivers ahead of this highly anticipated New Zealand event
The Track to Town will see competitors drive their Chevrolet Camaros and Ford Mustangs along a 12km route to the Roberts Street live site
just one day before the ITM Taupō Super440 kicks off with its first practice session
The convoy will depart at 3:45 pm and arrive on the lakefront at 4:00 pm
near the #LoveTaupō sign in the town centre
all 24 Supercars will be on display for a free autograph session from 4-5 pm before drivers return to the Circuit in preparation for Friday’s opening practice session
Supercars General Manager of Motorsport Tim Edwards expressed his gratitude for the Taupō District Council’s ongoing support in bringing this unique event to life
“The Track to Town journey is a fantastic initiative that brings Supercars directly to the heart of Taupō
allowing fans to experience the thrill of the sport up close,” Edwards said
“We’re excited to be part of such a vibrant community and can’t wait to showcase these incredible machines.”
Spectators are encouraged to gather at the live site or along the route to witness Supercars cruising through the stunning Taupō landscape.After Thursday night’s autograph session
where the 2024 event kicked off with a memorable victory for proud Kiwi racer Andre Heimgartner
The ITM Taupō Super440 will feature Supercars alongside various support categories
Racing will occur on the 3.32km International Circuit configuration throughout the three-day event
Drivers will once again compete for the prestigious Jason Richards Memorial Trophy
honoring the late Kiwi Supercars Hall of Fame inductee
he made 113 round appearances and contested 284 races
The ITM Taupō Super440 will run from April 11 to 13 at Taupō International Motorsport Park
Tickets are available through Supercars.com
Fifteen North Island tourism groups have formed an alliance to attract key markets
The hautapu ceremony will be hosted by Ngāti Rangi at the base of Mt Ruapehu
The woman said the employment issues robbed her of the joy of being pregnant
wanted to thank the emergency services staff who rescued her
The 60% of submitters who wanted all of the Napier-Taupō Rd back to 100km/h will get it
Leslie Harris has no intention of hanging up his leathers
A long-time friend said they are 'extremely broken'
roofs ripped from buildings and ferries and flights cancelled
Night shifts often have just one senior doctor for the entire hospital
Forecasters warn of 120km/h gusts that may close the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Northerlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening
Taupō District Council estimates the December event earned $50m for New Zealand
The New Zealander was the best driver across the three Supercars races in Taupō
The ministry has confirmed the leak came from water reservoirs stored on the court's roof
SkyCity says worsening market conditions will affect its June year 2025 result
Ballance Agri-Nutrients worker says there a lot of anxiety over potential loss of jobs
Rare plot of land is home to ancient kauri trees
But passionate Reefton advocates won’t sell former bank to just anyone
Wood his first third in the afternoon’s opening sprint race
The foundation supports 80 homes and helps 1500 people reintegrate annually
Ruapehu's mayor says the community is being ignored over the Raetihi centre
Matthew Payne won race 8 of the V8 Supercar series in Taupō
Matthew Payne and Ryan Wood provided the Kiwi highlights on the first day of Supercars racing in Taupō on Saturday
Ryan scored his third first and Wood his first third in the afternoon’s opening sprint race
The crowd was appreciative of the double podium for the New Zealanders but didn’t see the feat replicated in race two
Payne steadily climbed through the field from seventh on the grid but had a five-second penalty hanging over him all race long after jumping the start
The added time resulted in him finishing fourth behind Chaz Mostert
Wood started from 12th but struggled to move through the pack before finishing a creditable ninth
“It’s really special to get a win in New Zealand,” said Payne
“[I’m] just really annoyed I got that five-second penalty at the start of [the second] race
You’ve got to take advantage of the days when you have a fast car
But the positive thing is we have a really fast car
so hopefully we can go and win [on Sunday].”
Race two winner Mostert was pleased with his win
He and the team had struggled to get his car to work around the Taupō track described by some as a jigsaw puzzle on a patchwork quilt
“It was a super tough tussle out there but we had good car pace,” said Mostert
“I ran out of tyres a little bit in the first stint but managed things better after the pit stop
Payne won the first of the 37-lap sprint races in a lights-to-wire masterclass
with Cam Waters sandwiched between the two
after Adelaide in 2023 and Townsville in 2024
and he was delighted to claim it on home soil
who grew up on the same street as Liam Lawson
“We had a pretty good qualifying and I knew we had really good pace for the race
Seeing the crowd on the in-lap was pretty special
It’s super special to share the podium with Ryan [Wood] and really cool for the two of us.”
Wood was equally pleased with the first podium of his burgeoning Supercars career and he wasn’t daunted by the more experienced drivers around him
who recorded the fastest practice time on Friday
finished less than a second behind Payne after starting fourth on the grid and passed Anton De Pasquale with two laps to go
“I felt like I drove a really great race,” said Wood
“I was aggressive when I needed to be and the car was so fast
It was amazing to get a podium and it’s a bit of a monkey off my back
I thought if we can get two Kiwis on the podium
“I’m so stoked and it’s a pretty special moment
Matty [Payne] and I are good mates and to see him out front was special
“I was trying really hard and it felt a bit like our karting days racing together but there was a Monster car [Waters] between us
I just hope the two of us can do more of this podium stuff as the year goes on.”
which will be more familiar to the drivers and teams
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Construction has begun on the Taupō commercial vehicle safety centre which is expected to be complete in 2026
and variable message signage will be installed around the intersection of SH1
SH5 and Napier Road and on nearby Crown Road
This technology will screen passing traffic 24/7 and direct any non-compliant heavy vehicles into the CVSC
Police officers on site will check on vehicle weight
The Taupo CVSC will be located on the southeast corner of the SH1/5 roundabout near Taupō
View larger image [PDF, 346 KB]
Screening vehicles in this area will allow us to identify and target non-compliant operators
reduce road maintenance by reducing overloading on the network
and keep freight moving on this high-volume route
This site will also include a stock effluent tank disposal facility help stock carriers minimise spills on the highway
Overflows from full tanks can lead to health
There is a network of disposal sites around the country
both in-transit and at destinations like meatworks and saleyards
A stock truck effluent disposal site allows stock trucks to empty tanks in a safe and environmentally sound way
The effluent is contained on site and transported away for disposal
The network is managed and controlled by regional councils
A former Taupō District Councillor has been fined nearly $500 for being caught driving three times over the legal alcohol limit
Anna Park was caught drink driving after failing a compulsory breath test in Taupō in November last year
and soon after resigned from her roles as a councillor
Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group chair and as a Crown Appointee to the Taupō-nui-a-Tia Management Board
Park appeared in the Auckland District Court on Friday for her sentencing
Judge Claire Ryan said considering Park's early guilty plea
a fine without supervision was appropriate
You have lost your position on the council because of this
You have not held back from letting the public know
a lot of which is unnecessary and devastating for you and your whānau
so you have certainly been punished in a way that goes beyond reasonable."
Judge Ryan said she began with a high fine of $850 to reflect the concerning level of alcohol in Park's blood
and made deductions for Park's early guilty plea
with another $143 in court costs to be added
The Judge also imposed a four years of strict no-alcohol driving conditions
staring with a 28-day stand down starting from her guilty plea on the 28 February
followed by an alcohol interlocking system for one year - where Park will be unable to drive a car without testing for zero breath alcohol on a breathalyser
and then a zero alcohol licence for three years
Judge Ryan said Park was at low-risk of re-offending
and had made "significant changes" towards a zero-tolerance approach to drink driving through counselling
She also noted Parks "unwavering commitment for public service"
when you drink alcohol the night before and think you're okay the following morning
Park was breathalysed on the Control Gate Bridge in November the morning after a night of drinking
telling police she was on her way to pick up a hedge trimmer
Her breath initially tested for over 400 micrograms
and subsequent testing gave her a reading of over 800 milligrams - more than three times the legal limit
She had been convicted of drink driving three previous times
and after the third offence was disqualified from driving for a year
told the judge Park had already been through the "court of public opinion"
and said it was sometimes the harshest court
Park's fall from grace had been well-documented
and she and her family had suffered social media harassment and false rumours about the drink driving incident
"She's endured profound shame and humiliation
in a way that others coming to this court and experiencing shame and humiliation have not done
because she is a public figure," Judge Ryan said
"Miss Pickering has suffered a professional set-back
purpose and public trust she's spent years building
She's had to endure the comments made to her children
her children are innocent - there's no need for them to be caught up in this
In a statement sent by her lawyer in February
Park said she takes full responsibility for her lapse in judgement
"I am deeply sorry for the disappointment and hurt my actions have caused to my family
"I am committed to learning from this mistake and earning back the trust I have lost."
Park said she did not seek name suppression because she believes in being fully accountable and taking responsibility for her actions
she said she sought to protect her family from undue public attention by having the case heard out of town
Park was first elected to Taupō District Council in 2010
and is also the daughter of the former National Party President Judy Kirk
Anna Park failed a compulsory breath test on the Control Gate Bridge in Taupō in November
A Taupō District Councillor who admitted driving drunk a fourth time has resigned her seat
Anna Park appeared in the Auckland District Court last Friday and pleaded guilty to a charge of driving with excess breath alcohol a third or subsequent time
The charge is punishable by two years' imprisonment
a $6000 fine and disqualification from driving for one year
Under the Local Government Act 2002 a councillor convicted of a crime punishable by two years' imprisonment or more must vacate office
"It is no longer tenable under the Local Government Act for me to continue as a councillor," Park said in a statement to RNZ
"I have therefore tendered my resignation effective immediately."
Park was convicted of drink driving three times previously with the last offence in 2006
Park has also lost her roles as chairperson of the Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group which she has held since December 2022
and as a Crown Appointee to the Taupō-nui-a-Tia Management Board which she has been a member of since June 2017
Park was first elected to Taupō District Council in 2010 and said it was important to her to uphold its integrity and "avoid any further distraction from its important work"
"I accept this legal consequence following my regrettable lack of judgement last November."
the 50-year-old mother was stopped at a police alcohol checkpoint at 8am on 9 November in her Audi car on Wairakei Dr in Taupō
She failed an initial breath test and an Evidential Breath Test showed a reading of 804 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath
In explanation she told police: "I was just on my way to pick up a hedge trimmer
In a statement last week through her lawyer
Park said she took full responsibility for "this serious lapse in judgement" and that she deeply regretted her actions
"My decision could have endangered others and
Park said she did not seek name suppression because she believed in being fully accountable
she was charged under the name of Anna Mary Pickering and had the case moved to Auckland from Taupō to try to protect her family from undue public attention
"This does not diminish my accountability in any way - this mistake was mine alone
and I did not want those closest to me to suffer because of it
She asked that her family's privacy now be respected
"While public scrutiny comes with public service
it would be extremely unfair for my loved ones to have to endure the consequences of my actions."
When RNZ contacted Taupō mayor David Trewavas about the case on Wednesday he said it was a private matter and he would not be commenting
When it was pointed out it was a public matter if a councillor was convicted of a crime punishable by two years in jail
he eventually replied saying the council was now in a process and would follow the law accordingly
On Friday a spokesperson said as soon as the council was made aware of the situation the mayor and chief executive Julie Gardyne sought legal advice and identified the legislative process while trying to confirm the relevant information
"This process has now been pre-empted by the resignation of Councillor Park."
The spokesperson said the council was awaiting formal confirmation that Park had been convicted over the offence
which Park herself did not confirm to RNZ when asked
Meanwhile her resignation did not trigger a by-election because it was within 12 months of local government elections
our chief executive will inform council and a paper will go to the next council meeting outlining the options
which are the appointment of an interim councillor or to the have the position remain vacant until local elections in October," the spokesperson said
The mayor acknowledged Park's resignation and thanked her for her work of more than four terms at council
"Anna is a long-serving councillor and we acknowledge the significant contribution she has made to our community," he said
Park said it had been an honour to serve the "beautiful
energetic and resilient district" of Taupō and she was "incredibly proud" of the many legacy projects she had been part of
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to residents and ratepayers
colleagues and the wider community for their trust and support over the years
"It has been a privilege to serve in a role I have dearly loved."
A Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) spokesperson said a conviction of an elected member that carried the higher penalty was extremely serious and the law was rigourously enforced
"The former councillor loses their right to be part of the governing body
and their remuneration on the day of the conviction."
There was nothing in the Local Government Act that stated whether or not a councillor who had to vacate their seat because of such a conviction
could stand again at the next election or whether there was a stand down period
Park did not answer questions about whether she would stand again
In the case of Kāpiti councillor David Scott, who was convicted of indecent assault while in office, his attempt to regain a position on the council was legal but attracted sharp criticism from his former colleagues
Anticipation ramps up as Supercars arrive in TaupōSupercars03 AprThe full fleet of 24 Supercars is arriving at Taupō International Motorsport Park2 mins by James PaveyTaupōNew Zealand2025 Supercars CalendarFull fleet of Supercars arrives at Taupō International Motorsport Park
All 24 race cars and equipment set sail for New Zealand after Grand Prix
The full fleet of 24 Supercars is arriving at Taupō International Motorsport Park ahead of next weekend's ITM Taupō Super 440
Like the Supercars competing at the Taupō circuit
the logistics supporting this year’s New Zealand required careful planning and faultless execution
the field was sea freighted to New Zealand
with the voyage taking place across the Tasman Sea
The shift required extensive planning and logistics
with two-car teams packing all essential equipment into a single 40-foot container
The main container includes both race cars
transaxles and wheels are housed in the shared space
Pack-up didn’t commence until late Sunday night, and all cars and equipment were cleaned to meet strict New Zealand biosecurity regulations.
All told, the 21 containers carried 240 tonnes of equipment worth $40 million. The containers arrived in New Zealand overnight, and were bumped in at the circuit on Thursday.
Supercars Logistics Manager Jason Routley hailed the efforts of logistics partner Sealab, which has linked up with the championship for the next two years.
"We're always proud to race in New Zealand, and it's been a big undertaking to get the cars to Taupo," Routley told Supercars.com.
"We must say well done to the teams for turning around their cars and equipment quickly after the Grand Prix to prepare for the journey.
"It's always exciting when the cars arrive in New Zealand, and we're proud to have worked with Sealab to make this happen.
"Many thanks to Adam Frank and Simonne Taylor, who have worked tirelessly with Supercars teams from an administrative and operational perspective to make this all happen, and are onsite now bumping the cars and equipment in."
The ITM Taupō Super 440 will get underway with practice on Friday April 11. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
The work required on the East Taupō Arterial road includes rebuilding 2.5km of the road
repairing signs and adding in new line marking.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations for Waikato and Bay of Plenty
says this change in scheduling has a range of benefits for road users and the wider Taupō community.
“There are a number of large events planned in November and December in Taupō, including the Cycle Challenge and Ironman 70.3 World Championship(external link)
Changing the sequence of our work on SH1 means we avoid causing considerable disruption to competitors and spectators during the lead up and at the events. “We had originally planned on a second SH1 closure between Ātiamuri to Wairakei to happen before this Christmas
but the work on that section will now take place in spring 2025
As a result we can fit in the work on the East Taupō Arterial section of SH1 before Christmas.
we would only need to come back for the final surfacing early next year
minimising the overall impact of motorists.
“We’ve worked closely with Taupō District Council (TDC) to understand the best timing for closing the various sections and believe together we have come up with a solution that is best for the wider Taupō community
TDC are able to incorporate road works they need to do into our closure
and they have helped to shape our traffic management to minimise disruption as much as possible
We’d like to extend our thanks to TDC for working so collaboratively with us.
“We’d also like to thank the Taupō community and businesses for their understanding and patience
We know that we haven’t been able to provide much notice
but this short-term disruption will be worth it in the long run.”
Taupō will be very busy during December and there will be pressure on the highways and local roads in the area due to the various events as well as the road works
Motorists are encouraged to use the official detour via Broadlands Road and Ohaaki Road to SH5
The recommended detour adds an extra 45.5 km and approx
Those travelling to north or south destinations either side of Taupō may prefer to utilise other state highway routes such as SH3
SH1 between Tokoroa and upper Ātiamuri is currently closed
with the road rebuilding work progressing well. Subject to this work being completed as planned by the end of November
the crews will then start work on the Putāruru to Tokoroa section in the last week of November
SH1 will be closed for approximately 4 weeks until Friday 20 December with all north and south bound vehicles being detoured 24/7.
“Crews are working hard to finish work on the Tokoroa to upper Ātiamuri
they will be moving north to the next section
We’re unable to work on both sections as it’s too disruptive to have both sections closed to the public at once.”
Specific work sites and final dates are expected to be confirmed in the coming week
Keep an eye on nzta.govt.nz/t2w for the latest updates.
This work forms part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund.
Construction work on SH1 between Tokoroa and upper Ātiamuri
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
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That’s according to last year’s winner Patrick Clement
whose photo featured three generations of family enjoying Taupō Fishery
He says his family all ended up with a licence featuring the photo to keep as mementos
and I’m pleased to report they caught fish not just at the Trout Centre
but also in the ‘big river’!”
Patrick also received a free full season licence for the 2024-2025 season
“My mates were out on the river bragging that they were fishing with someone famous,” he says
seven Taupō fishing licences are up for grabs to kick off the new trout fishing season beginning 1 July 2025
While the overall winning photo makes it onto printed season licences
other winning photos are used for categories on the website and paper licences
DOC Senior Community Ranger James Barnett says the judges are looking for photos celebrating the uniqueness of the world-famous Taupō Fishery
but equally important are those moments with family
or even landscape shots with a fishing theme
“We’re looking for photos for seven licence categories
“For many of us getting out into nature with a fishing rod is our happy place
and a photo of your fishing experience could be just the thing we’re looking for to celebrate the joy of fishing in Taupō.”
Up to five photographs can be submitted per person. To enter, email photographs to fishlicence@doc.govt.nz along with your name
All photos must have been taken in the Taupō Fishing District
including a list of the licence categories and full terms and conditions for the competition
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Have you taken a photo that captures the spirit of the Taupō trout fishery
enter our photo competition and be in to win a free Taupō fishing licence
A Canadian woman has been sentenced for her role in a central North Island crash which saw members of a hockey team injured
emergency services were called to the scene of a two vehicle crash on the Napier-Taupō Road
A van was carrying a group of Canadian hockey players who had been playing at under-16 and under-18 competitions in Hawke's Bay and were on their way to Tauranga
In a statement released by police on Thursday
it said Renee Kelly Vanry from West Vancouver was attempting to overtake a slower vehicle near a left-hand bend
The van was still on the opposite side of the road when a Jeep rounded the corner and collided with it
The force of the impact caused the van to become airborne
landing backwards in a ditch across the road
but four passengers in the van suffered a range of serious injuries and another seven were assessed and discharged that day
while two remained in hospital in New Zealand
The police said all face many months of recovery
appeared in Tauranga District Court on Thursday and was sentenced on four charges of careless driving causing injury - relating to the serious injuries four of her passengers sustained - and another charge of careless driving - relating to the overtaking manoeuvre that caused the crash
She was disqualified from driving for six months and ordered to pay $1000 for emotional harm to each of the four victims
and $1500 for emotional harm to the other driver
A 57-year-old driver has been charged with careless driving causing injury
Two vehicles crashed on the Napier-Taupō Road near Rangitaiki School Road
From consulting you with your first break-up
and Mother Your Mother this Mother's Day
where you'll both indulge in the geothermal mud and sulphur waters
experiencing the healing properties local Māori have been using for centuries
and Andrew could be surprising her on Friday with a bunch of flowers
Keep an eye out as they'll be relaunching their popular Twilight Spa experience from Matariki weekend
You could be missing out on exclusive news
video and podcasts from our Teams in Black
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Super Rugby Under 20s sees the best young male players in New Zealand
providing a great development experience for players
and Moana Pasifika Under 20 sides take part alongside the New Zealand Barbarians Under 21 team
with over 200 players in Taupō for a week for the tournament
All matches will be live on Sky Sport - Day 1 on Sky Sport 5
Day 2 on Sky Sport 1 and Day 3 on Sky Sport Select
New Zealand Barbarians Under 21: Moana Takataka
Each Super Rugby Under 20 team is ranked based on their performance in 2024
the tournament will see teams play quarterfinals on match day one
semi-finals and 5/6 on match day two and play-offs / finals on match day three
Super Rugby Under 20s team rankings are as follows:
The week also includes development sessions for players and coaches
Match Day 1 | Saturday 15 March 11.05am Hurricanes vs Fiji (Quarter Final)1.05pm Chiefs vs NZ Barbarians (Quarter Final)3.05pm Crusaders vs Moana Pasifika (Quarter Final)5.05pm Blues vs Highlanders (Quarter Final)
Match Day 2 | Tuesday 18 March 1.05pm 2nd Highest Rank Quarterfinal Loser v 3rd Highest Rank Quarterfinal Loser3.05pm Highest Rank Quarterfinal Loser v Lowest Rank Quarterfinal Loser5.05pm 2nd Highest Rank Quarterfinal Winner v 3rd Highest Rank Quarterfinal Loser (Semi-Final 1)7.05pm Highest Rank Quarterfinal Winner 2 v Lowest Rank Quarterfinal Winner (Semi-Final 2)
Match Day 3 | Saturday 22 March 11.05am 7th/8th Playoff1.05pm 5th/6th Playoff3.05pm 3rd/4th Playoff5.05pm Super Rugby Under 20 Final
Q Theatre, Rangatira, Auckland
Papa Hou Theatre at the YMCA, 12 Hereford Street, Christchurch
Te Papa: Soundings, Wellington
Chamber Music New Zealand in partnership with The New Zealand Dance Company and the New Zealand String Quartet
“100 Winds aims to foster a deeper conversation about our collective past and present
encouraging audiences to reflect on how we navigate the winds of change while honouring our shared heritage
I hope to inspire a renewed awareness and connection among all New Zealanders
embracing both our differences and commonalities.”
Bookings here – https://www.chambermusic.co.nz/100-winds
Review by Dr Ian Lochhead 05th Apr 2025
something one immediately recognises on returning home after living in another country for an extended period
Our artists have explored this phenomenon for many years; the wind rustles through the pages of Katherine Mansfield’s stories
it bends the tussocks in Bill Sutton’s Nor’wester in the Cemetery and activates Marilyn Webb’s cloudscapes; it breathes through the music of Douglas Lilburn
Twenty years or so ago Fleur de Thier explored the physical and psychological impact of Canterbury’s winds in a dance work that pitted her performers against huge fans that brought the wind into the performance space. Moss Patterson’s 100 Winds now adds to this ongoing exploration of this pervasive phenomenon
refresh our spirits as cool breezes herald coming rain after oppressive heat
or strike terror as they cause havoc across the landscape.
Patterson’s focus is on the wind as metaphor for the uncertainty of changing times and he draws on his connection to Maori traditions that reach back to the distant past and the wind’s source in the depths of Lake Taupo
His decision to set his choreography to works by American minimalist composers
at variance with his stated desire to explore notions of identity and belonging but
subtly oscillating and evolving sound world… has provided the perfect musical metaphor for the changing winds of Lake Taupō.’
100 Winds opens with a performance of Glass’s String Quartet No 2
the New Zealand String Quartet positioned at the back of a darkened stage
the very opposite of what Chamber Music New Zealand audiences have come to expect in concerts of acoustic music
the sound often harsh and almost too big for the size of the Papa Hou’s black box theatre
This becomes less noticeable as the performance evolves
perhaps because the players have adjusted to the acoustic
or possibly because our ears have become accustomed to a fuller
The dancers enter to the music of Glass’s String Quartet No 3
but almost immediately a new note is sounded
its effect combining the aural with the kinetic as it is swung through the air
The pūrerehua returns as a repeated motif throughout the course of the work
handled by each of the four dancers in turn
Patterson explores a wide range of the wind’s effects on the human body
There is even a passage when the wind seems to breathe life into a prone figure
for the wind is a bringer of life as well as a threat to life itself
But are we watching the effect of the wind on individual humans or
observing human personifications of the wind
just as the motifs of Glass’s music repeat with the same hypnotic insistence of a relentless wind
The one musical sequence not by Glass is Steve Reich’s Clapping Music
a now celebrated percussive piece that encapsulates the very essence of Minimalism
face the four members of the New Zealand String Quartet
cello until all eight performers are breathing as one
apparently in a simple pattern but becoming increasingly complex as cross rhythms are woven into the existing pattern
As the dancers leave the clapping group a new dance pattern emerges with the wide apart stance
bent elbows and closed fists that we immediately recognise as references to the haka
a recurring theme in Patterson’s choreography
It is one of the most effective sequences in the entire performance
and as string players rather than percussionists
the NZ String Quartet acquits itself with aplomb in a work well outside its normal metier
100 Winds was received with great enthusiasm by a large audience made up of both Chamber Music New Zealand’s regular subscribers and followers of modern dance
This was adventurous programming from Chamber Music New Zealand
building on the success of the previous collaboration between Ballet Collective Aotearoa and the NZ String Quartet with Transfigured Night in 2021
Such collaborations expose audiences to art forms they might not usually embrace
whether from the perspective of dance or of chamber music
but judging by the audience’s response to 100 Winds more such collaborations will be enthusiastically supported
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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Review by Felicity Molloy 31st Mar 2025
100 Winds Taupō Hau Rau carries the weight of myth and society through the imaginary into creative choreography by Artistic Director Moss Te Ururangi Patterson (Ngāti Tūwharetoa)
Premiering a new quartet of dancers from the New Zealand Dance Company in collaboration with Chamber Music New Zealand and the New Zealand String Quartet
Q Theatre is filled with an audience eager for an evening of live music
It begins with the New Zealand String Quartet
their chairs bathed in thin beams of light
Barefoot and elegant sets the tone of the performance for this marvellous evening
Violinists Peter Clark and guest artist Monique Lapins
along with extraordinary viola player Gillian Ansell and cellist Matthias Balzat
subtly drawing us into the intimate world of chamber music
The movements of the musicians themselves become a dance
The second musical work is equally breathtaking
Light designed by Ella Madsen Brough changes gently throughout the evening
The musicians perform Philip Glass’s String Quartet No
serve as a symbol for the shifting currents within the community
The performance draws from the historical significance of this ancient volcano’s explosive eruption
and social turbulence that distressingly shifts the stability of life
It highlights the instability experienced once again for Māori and also Pākehā in Aotearoa New Zealand
creating a moment of connection to the evening’s purpose
This is followed by a second Karakia in Te reo Māori
Isope ‘Akau’ola begins by drawing on those ancient voices through the Pùrerehua
a traditional Māori wind-powered instrument
sets the stage for the myriad forms the dancers will take
and even the simplicity of their occasioned hand gestures
The dancers’ costumes are silvery grey like clouds of ash recently fallen
Every detail and each seamless collaboration highlights just how thoughtfully this evening has been crafted
In a stunning synchronisation with Steve Reich’s Clapping Music
evokes not only the wind in its capricious gesture but the volatility of everything connected to the forces of nature
deeply rooted in the landscape and winds of Lake Taupō
becomes a visceral expression of that caldera environment
The stunning movements one after another extends the concept of Hau
The music serves as a backdrop to the dancers’ corollary of movement that becomes a crescendo of extended brilliance
100 Winds explores how individuals and societies remain supported amidst currents of change
and artistic whānau embody the value of expression during times of unlikely useful transformation
It is not the change itself that holds significance
but the way this work upholds value with resilience in the face of daunting imposition
It is a journey of connection and endurance through music and movement
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Taupō has made CNN's prestigious '25 Best places to visit' list for 2025
A city in Aotearoa has made CNN’s global list of the “25 best places to visit in 2025″; a placement Tourism New Zealand estimates to be equivalent to $518,000 of advertising
Each year CNN Travel releases a highly anticipated list of 25 destinations discerning travellers should visit
2021 or 2020 but this year one city caught the eye of CNN Travel staff
Alongside Chemnitz in Germany and Japan’s Kansai, the country of Bolivia, and Gdansk in Poland, is the idyllic lakeside town of Taupō
While the South Island has a reputation for being naturally beautiful
travellers can find stunning scenery in Taupō
staff mention the lake’s Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings and Huka Falls
while foodies are encouraged to visit “the world’s most unusual McDonald’s”; a decommissioned World War II-era Douglas DC-3 aeroplane
is noted as a stunning place to stay when it reopens in March 2025
Destination Great Lake Taupō general manager Patrick Dault says he was “mighty chuffed” to hear Taupō made the exclusive list
especially due to the attention it would get
“It’s a golden start to the year for Taupō,” he said
adding that the media exposure was something they could “never afford to pay for”
Tourism New Zealand estimated the equivalent ad value for the Taupō placement in CNN (which has 123 million unique monthly visitors) as $518,000
This was the equivalent of a Super Bowl ad for the Taupō region
Getting featured in a North American media outlet was especially beneficial given it’s Taupō's largest international market
representing almost 35% of international visitors
Dault said the feature was a “fabulous” way to start 2025 after the district hit 100% of pre-pandemic international spending in 2024
The title comes hot on the heels of another “win for the region”
the Vinfast Ironman 70.3 World Championship last December
which was the most-attended world championship on record
“It also comes hard on the heels of another massive win for the region
The Vinfast Ironman 70.3 World Championship in December was an outstanding event – the best and most-attended world champs ever according to the organisers.”
Dault shared some of the best activities to enjoy when visiting the city
Kiwis can book seats on the newly announced flights from today
A flight between Wellington and Taupō has been restored after a new airline picked up the scrapped route
Nelson-based company Originair will run its 18-seat passenger plane three days a week on Monday
Sounds Air previously offered flights between Wellington and Taupō
Originair managing director Robert Inglis said he was excited about the new connections
"We've had extensive discussions with the mayor and council chief executive," he said
"They very much want the service to continue."
Inglis said Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas put on an extensive welcome for their first flight
The airline can't pass on massive fare increases or have shareholders subside services indefinitely
Sounds Air says all regional airlines are "increasingly desperate" and need backing from the government - and Shane Jones has floated the idea of a dedicated fund
The airline was operating the service at a loss which was not uncommon for regional services
The Buller District Council has reached an agreement with Nelson-based Originair
Queenstown Lakes District's mayor is disappointed that Air NZ is making cuts to regional routes
A man has been summoned to court after a crash in Taupō today left multiple people seriously injured
Two vehicles crashed on the Napier-Taupō Road
State Highway 5 near Rangitaiki School Road
"Our crews have assessed and treated 12 patients
with their conditions ranging from minor to serious," Hato Hone St John said
Nine patients were airlifted to Waikato hospital; four in a serious condition
Police said Sunday afternoon that their initial inquiries suggest that the van driver allegedly attempted to overtake a vehicle
The 57-year-old driver has been summonsed to appear in the Tauranga District Court next week on a charge of careless driving causing injury
Originally 13 people were reported injured but Hato Hone St John has said only 12 were injured
and four helicopters were sent to the scene
The vehicles involved were a van and an SUV
two patients in serious condition have been airlifted to Waikato hospital
and one patient in a serious condition has been airlifted to Hawke's Bay hospital."
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
Faulty landing gear has forced a Hawaiian Airlines flight to turn back to Auckland Airport
Police say the Strathmore Park theft is believed to be related to a separate incident in the central city
A driver has died after a crash between two cars
which shut down part of Wellington's motorway overnight
Taupō Hospital has become the first hospital in the North Island to receive accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) training
Simeon Brown said a strong rural workforce was a key part of the Government plan to grow and strengthen New Zealand’s health workforce.“In rural settings where access to specialist health services can be limited
generalist doctors – who can work flexibly across multiple disciplines and service areas – play a vital role,” said Mr Brown.“This accreditation is a significant step towards building a stronger rural health workforce in Taupō
It will help increase the number of doctors trained with the broad skills needed to support the surrounding rural communities.“Rural generalists can sustainably manage a broad range of patient needs and work within clinical networks to ensure patients get access to specialist teams when required.”The ACRRM programme will enable registrars to train to work in Taupō Hospital while also developing advanced skills in fields such as obstetrics
Matt Doocey says being an accredited ACRRM training location means Taupō can attract both New Zealand and Australian registrars and graduates and provides an opportunity for some New Zealand doctors working overseas to return home during their training.“One of the five priorities of the National Rural Health Strategy is to create a valued and flexible rural health workforce
and training young doctors as rural generalists directly supports this goal,” Mr Doocey says.“Taupō Hospital’s new accreditation complements the existing pathway for New Zealand doctors through the New Zealand Rural Hospital Medicine Training Programme
“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality healthcare
and the Government is committed to improving health outcomes
particularly for the one in five Kiwis living in rural areas.“To improve access and rural health outcomes
we must invest in growing and supporting the rural health workforce
Taupō Hospital’s accreditation is an important step towards that,” he said
Information and Events for the New Zealand Public Service
Contact us: newsdesk@insidegovernment.co.nz
Today marks the 3rd Taupō Parkrun of 2025 and the 377th overall
For the 2nd run report in a row I’m pleased to announce another attendance record
joggers and walkers (plus a few dogs) taking on our course in perfect run conditions
Each of the last 5 events have all beaten our previous record of 242 from last summer which is great to see
Across the North Island today there were several Parkruns that were attendees by 300+ people
I wonder how many people have “run more” as their New Year’s resolution for 2025
According to a statistic (the first one I found on Google)
88% of people who set a New Years Resolution fail by the end of January
so baring this in mind I do expect a steady decline in the number of people attending Parkrun in the next few weeks
In saying this I would be absolutely delighted to see this volume of people continuing to attend across the country
114 were first timers at Taupō Parkrun and 39 of them were running their first ever Parkrun
we hope you enjoyed your time with us this morning
We look forward to seeing you all again throughout 2025
Only 2 people called out this morning before the run however we had several more milestones today
A special mention for Richard Drake for running his 250th
Richard’s Parkruns have been split almost equally between Taupō and Cromwell Park in Auckland
Will the Green 250 T shirt be making an appearance on your next run Richard
The ‘Summer’ holidays as always are great for bringing people in from all corners of the world and this week was no different
The perfect conditions of no hot sun and no wind this morning helped 47 people achieve new Personal Bests
Rebecca STONE & Xanthia ELLIS for recording a PB on two consecutive Parkruns
With a few big events on in the Taupō area next weekend we expect another big turn out next week so be sure to head on down nice and early
Have a great week between now and then and we’ll see you at 2 Mile Bay next week
This event was made possible because of our sponsors and volunteers
As always a big thanks to those who got out of bed to volunteer their time this morning;
Michael LINTOTT • Andrew MILNE • Wendy MILNE • Kathryn BOND • Laura HILTON • Clare PASCOE • Owen SATCHWILL • Louie PRIMEAU • Jill HOWARD • Susan HARPUR • Chris KIRK-BURNNAND • Helen KIRK-BURNNAND • Jessica SHAND • Emmett BOND • Scotty HUPPERT
Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Taupō parkrun Results Page
of whom 69 were first timers and 44 recorded new Personal Bests
Representatives of 14 different clubs took part
as it looked like there would be a reasonable chance of rain (probably soon)
Today was still the third busiest parkrun ever for Taupo
Lots of photos taken today of the runners and volunteers and travelers
some below - more on the parkrun Facebook page later
And before I get in to the specifics of Todays event
I wanted to thank everyone for diligently returning the barcodes today
none missing - and we had some returned from last weeks missing lot
You can see the crowds above thanks to Sharon taking photos
and in the middle photo you can see Louie demonstrating how to not have your photograph taken with an X for the arms..
which means this photo will not be posted in social media or reports
Unfortunately Beth and Jeremy and Andrew did want their photo taken..
Everyone's favorite part of a report - the Health and Safety section (I usually skip it) but today we did have an incident
there was a medical incident today at the finish
the parkrunner feeling unwell returned to the finish and spoke with the volunteers there
the response was prompt and an ambulance was called for
the team looking after them until they arrived (very quickly)
a huge thank you to the volunteers who quickly sprung into action to assist
The Event and Run directors are in touch with the family
This is simply a reminder than Parkrun is a community event and its most important we look out for each other on the course
It is great to see runners stopping and checking with anyone that pulls off to the side
Also a good general reminder to always run with your Barcode on you
FYI - All the volunteers/marshals have the Run Directors number
and we have a Defibrillator and First Aid kit at the start/finish line
If they are needed please call ahead and let us know - pretty early on we have some very quick runners at the finish who can run anything back (if required)
Health and Safety aside - lets get onto the fun part of the report
Today we had visitors from Hobsonville point & Cornwall park
as well as overseas visitors from the UK-London
Those in Bold above are first time EVER parkrunners - a big Hurrah to you for doing it
I also had it pointed out to me that Brendon HARTLEY was in attendance today
and he was annoyingly quick for an ex racecar driver
There were also three Turtles and 1 Kiwi today
Today we had Two milestones that I am aware of
Young Georgia BROWN joined the Junior 10 club
Helen-Maree FORDE gained her 25th parkrun and a new PB too
First across the line today was Oliver JONES in a super quick 17:41
With an Unknown 2nd place and Mathew JEARY in 18:13
maybe the tailwind on the way back did help a few on that last km
We are always looking for more volunteers every week, and we actually need more this time of year than normal. Everyone is travelling and visiting family, which means more numbers for parkrun Taupo - and also less of our regular volunteers. So please put your hand up every once and a while to help out. Did we mention it comes with Coffee at our great local sponsor https://www.2miletaupo.com
The event was made possible by 17 volunteers:
Colin LITTLE • Michael LINTOTT • Andrew MILNE • Helen BOSTON • Sharon DRINNAN • Murray DRINNAN • Louie PRIMEAU • Jill HOWARD • Sue MONCRIEFF-DRISCOLL • Susan HARPUR • Ken MCLAREN • Yolanda VAN VUGT • Jessica SHAND • Chris FIDOE • Fenella GREENWOOD • Lary HABERSHON • Cushla HABERSHON
Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Taupō parkrun Results Page
Taupō parkrun started on 21st January 2017
Since then 7,003 participants have completed 29,026 parkruns covering a total distance of 145,130 km
A total of 401 individuals have volunteered 3,374 times
too many people are accessing this website at the same time
The 2025 ITM Taupō Super440 is set to deliver an exhilarating motorsport spectacle from April 11-13 at Taupō International Motorsport Park
Among the highlights is the inclusion of the Super V8 class as a support category
promising fans a weekend brimming with high-octane action.
The Super V8 class unites various V8 racing categories
This amalgamation not only enhances the racing experience but also showcases the rich tapestry of V8 machinery
The decision to feature the Super V8s comes after the TCR Australia Series withdrew from its slot
with Supercars opting to replace it with this local powerhouse category
The Super V8 class boasts an impressive roster of drivers
each bringing unique skills and backgrounds to the track:
In the lead-up to the 2025 ITM Taupō Super440
Supercars drivers Nick Percat and Cameron Hill participated in Super V8 testing sessions at Taupō International Motorsport Park
Both drivers showcased impressive adaptability
recording lap times in the low 1:31 range while piloting a TA2 Ford Mustang.
known for his consistent performances in the Supercars Championship
demonstrated his versatility by quickly adapting to the TA2 machinery and the nuances of the Taupō circuit
who has been making notable strides in his Supercars career
leveraged his experience to extract competitive lap times during the testing sessions.
These testing sessions provided both drivers with valuable seat time ahead of the upcoming event
allowing them to familiarize themselves with the track’s characteristics and the performance dynamics of the TA2 vehicles
Their participation not only underscores the significance of the Super V8 class but also highlights the collaborative efforts between Supercars and support categories to elevate the overall competitiveness and appeal of the event
The Super V8 class will have a robust presence throughout the Super440 weekend
These sessions promise to deliver high-octane action
with drivers pushing their V8 machines to the limits on the fast and flowing Taupō circuit
The extended weather forecast shows fine weather for Friday
with some rain forecast to hit Taupō after midday Sunday
The forecast could easily change leading up to the event
so keep an eye on it and prepare for rain on Sunday afternoon for the final races
The 2025 ITM Taupō Super440 marks Supercars’ return to New Zealand
It features the new Super440 format: two 120-km races on Saturday followed by a 200-km feature race on Sunday
Including the Super V8 class as a support category enriches the event’s appeal
offering fans a diverse and thrilling motorsport experience
Attendees can look forward to witnessing a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents battling it out in powerful V8 machines
ensuring an unforgettable weekend of racing action
Header Image: Jessica Barnes / Blissful Photography
"ODF is much more than a technical specification: it is a symbol of freedom of choice
support for interoperability and protection of users from the commercial strategies of Big Tech," said Eliane Domingos
The Union says the loss of the rail-enabled Aratere
a crucial link between the North and South Islands
significantly weakens the resilience of New Zealand's national supply chain
The construction of temporary port infrastructure for the Aratere is not part of the Ferry Holdings work programme
We will continue working closely with both ports to finalise the specifications of the infrastructure required
The Authority found an item on “antisemitic violence” surrounding the match
and another on heightened security in Paris the following week
on top of last year’s mean spirited Budget
which overwhelmingly favoured the wealthiest New Zealanders
including the $2.9b tax break for landlords,” says Glenn Barclay
spokesperson for the Better Taxes Campaign
With the establishment of the Transport Well Charitable Trust
the transport and logistics sector now has a powerful mechanism to drive meaningful
the Trust aims to address critical issues such as safety and well-being while fostering professionalism through improved compliance
More than 50 earthquakes were recorded by GNS Science overnight in the Taupō area
The world's most recent "super-eruption"
was gigantic enough to form Lake Taupo and spread ash as far as Antarctica
Taupō residents were feeling nervous today after a “swarm” of more than 50 earthquakes were recorded in the area overnight
GNS Science duty volcanologist Ery Hughes said the earthquakes were not continuous
with most occurring before 11pm and another burst around 3am today
“Swarms of earthquakes are common in geothermal areas like this,” Hughes said
“Most geothermal areas near Taupō are areas of concentrated activity.”
the earthquakes recorded in the last 24 hours peaked at 3.4 in magnitude
The most recent earthquake was recorded within 5km of Turangi at about 8am and had a magnitude of 2.1
Earthquakes reported in Taupō overnight
Hughes said although the GeoNet website and app reported the earthquakes as “unnoticeable” or “weak” shaking
this did not account for how shallow the earthquakes are or how close people live to them
“Our team based in Taupō have definitely been feeling them,” Hughes said
“The rate of earthquakes is higher than we normally observe in the area
“We’ll provide updates if activity changes or increases.”
Taupō residents reported feeling the earthquakes increase in intensity over time
“That was a big one,” one person said in a post
Another resident said there was “a good size one” at 3am
while another person reported the quakes “seem to be getting bigger”
“My heart is in my throat,” the person said
Another resident said the number of earthquakes left her feeling “a bit nervous”
Posted on 31-01-2025 18:55 | By Let's get real
We're at greater risk from natural phenomena than climate change in NZ
So why are so many sheeple buying into the moneymaking nonsense that is being promoted so egregiously throughout the various media sites
volcanic activity and Tsunami threats should be explored in our classrooms rather than the guesswork surrounding the changeable weather
Maybe it's actually tectonics that are responsible for changing ocean currents
The Bridgestone GR86 Championship title – as it has been for seemingly every year that the Toyota 86 car has been in existence – once more goes down to the wire this weekend at the Supercars round at Taupo International Motorsport Park
This season – with a new sponsor in Bridgestone and a new model in the GR86 – has been one of the best ever
The five rounds so far have seen big fields
It’s a tough championship to win a race in
The margins are narrow and there is precisely no room for error
The championship has long been a mainstay of the supporting cast for Supercars in Australia
are graduates of their respective domestic championships
in front of the top racing teams from Australia
Six drivers have a mathematical chance of championship success this weekend
but it’s three outstanding young talents who have the best opportunity to lift the inaugural Bridgestone GR86 Championship title
could open the door to three other talented drivers just behind in the points
Hugo Allan sits at the top of the points table with a 23-point advantage
It’s certainly not enough for the young racer to approach the Supercars weekend in anything other than full attack mode
because that’s how competitive this weekend will be
By his own admission it’s his qualifying performances which have let Hugo down this season
but he has overcome that with some stunning race drives
moving forward through the pack in impressive style on more than one occasion
In a field often covered by tenths of a second
but he’ll have to bring his A Game once again this weekend
Hayden Bakkerus sits second in the standings having led the championship for a good portion of the season like Allan
Hayden has speed around Taupo having taken his debut win there in the season opener in November
Josh Bethune has pace at Taupo too but on his first visit lost two great results due to a jumped start and then incurring the wrath of the governing body by not wearing the right fireproof clothing
Important for him is the form he has shown in the second half of the championship aboard his Right Karts by M2 Competition entry
with some blistering drives that have left the opposition in his dust
He’s got work to do this weekend but expect him to be at or near the front throughout
Each of the three protagonists have had highs and lows this season and each can still drop their worst result but if that was a retirement
there will be no material gain to their points tally
especially with 75 points up for grabs for each of the three massive races this weekend
Good outside bets – especially for race wins and podiums – this weekend at Taupo include Justin Allen particularly
who has three wins and numerous podiums in what has been one of his strongest seasons
Had it not been for a nightmare round at Highlands
but he still has an outside chance and will no doubt be charging at Taupo
Top rookie Chris White has also had a phenomenal season and looks very accomplished and mature in the intense battles at the front and in mid-field this season and could be another to shine
Australian Cooper Barnes has also been a class act this season and has done very well around tracks he has had to learn
The big weekend begins with two practice sessions on Friday followed by qualifying later on Friday afternoon
Saturday brings the first race at midday before the final two races on Sunday morning
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Supercars teams and drivers will today board flights to head across the ditch for the 2025 ITM Taupō Super440
the third round of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship season
This week’s event marks Supercars’ second visit to Taupō International Motorsport Park
where Kiwi Matt Payne will race on home soil as one of five New Zealanders on the Supercars grid
The two-time race winner is joined by countrymen Andre Heimgartner and Jaxon Evans from Brad Jones Racing
and sophomore hot shot Ryan Wood flying the NZ flag
Payne and 19-year old Grove Racing teammate Kai Allen make up the youngest teammate pairing in Supercars since 2007
with both speedy youngsters eager to make an impression this weekend
Hailing from Pukekohe and a childhood friend of Kiwi Formula One driver Liam Lawson
Payne scored his maiden Supercars pole 12 months ago in Taupō
but narrowly missed out on the podium on Sunday
South Australian prodigy Allen is embarking on his first full Supercars season with plenty of hype
The 2023 Super2 Series champion has impressed with his speed in the first two rounds of the season
Allen visited New Zealand for the first time last month
cutting laps in a Toyota 86 at Taupō to familiarise himself with the 3.2-kilometre circuit ahead of this weekend’s event
This year’s event will feature three Supercars races: two 120-kilometre races on Saturday and one 200-kilometre contest on Sunday
Fans in Taupō can get up close and personal with the full fleet of Supercars this Thursday as Track to Town returns to the event
Supercars held its first ever full-field Track to Town in Taupō
where all 24 entered cars drove from the circuit into Taupō CBD
where drivers took part in a full-field signing session on the shores of Lake Taupō
This year’s Track to Town will leave the circuit at 3:45 p.m
with the full-field signing scheduled to run from 4:00 p.m
when cars will be driven back to the circuit
The driver who scores the most points across this weekend will be awarded the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy
named for the late Kiwi Supercars racer who drove for Brad Jones Racing before succumbing to cancer in 2011
On-track action at the ITM Taupō Super440 begins Friday
tickets and corporate hospitality for the April 11-13 event can be purchased via Supercars.com and Ticketek NZ
Supercars’ return to New Zealand will be broadcast live on Foxtel in Australia and Sky Sport in New Zealand
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