Parliament resumes for the new year with a busy schedule ahead as the new coalition Government gets down to business. The Waka Jumping bill from New Zealand First, Jacinda Ardern’s speech regarding child poverty, The Pike River agency will be launched, the details of the inquiry into abuse in state care will be revealed and currently MP’s are voting on the Green Party’s Medicinal Cannabis Bill which is proving to be contentious in its wording. Talisa Kupenga reports live from Parliament: Kiri Allen (MP Reipa), Nanaia Mahuta (Minita Whanaketanga Māori), Peeni Henare (Minita Whānau Ora), Tākuta Johnathan Coleman (Māngi Take Hauora),
A medicinal cannabis advocate says the proposed legislation is too conservative and those on low incomes will not be able to access the treatment. A multiple sclerosis sufferer says the main issues are pain, cost and quality of life. She is the first user of Tilray medicinal cannabis oil in Aotearoa at a cost of $1,000 each month and says a holistic view is needed on the use of cannabis. Te Kuru Dewes reports: Tākuta Huhana Hickey (Kaitautoko rongoā tarukino).
A 30 year old man from Bulls has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following the death of a teenager. Eli Francis Holtz was assaulted in Central Auckland while he sat in a car waiting at traffic lights. Police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident.
The CEO of a South Auckland budgeting service is asking for schools to consider removing branding from back to school supplies as a way of reducing their price. Some families are using high interest loans ad taking on debt in order to cover the cost of uniforms, books and other educational supplies. Many schools are working with whanau as the price of returning to school continues to increase. Leah Te Whata reports from the Auckland newsroom: Darryl Evans (Kaimahi Tahua).
Governments will be required to set 10 year targets for the reduction of child poverty, adopt a well-being strategy and report on progress every year. This new legislation is part of the coalition Government’s 100 day plan as the Labour Party announces it will invest $2 billion over four years to address child poverty. Government departments will need to meet targets in reducing child poverty and Treasury will report back on their success or failure.
Hawkes Bay water quality continues to be a problem as the Maraetotara Falls Maraetotara Lagoon suffer from high E. coli levels. Dogs and children are also asked to stay away from the Tukituki river. Warm weather has led to the cyanobacteria reaching high levels in the waterways, but locals continue to swim there due to the high temperatures. Aroha Treacher reports : Anna Madarasz-Smith (Kaiputaiao, Kaunihera a Rohe), Doctor Nicholas Jones (Hawkes Bay District Health Board), Jason Middleton (Kainoho, Te Matua a Māui).
Mike King is a finalist for 2018 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year. The mental health advocate has also campaigned for awareness on alcohol and drug abuse amongst Māori and youth. The Chief Judge Cameron Bennett says his courageous stance on these issues inspires hope and optimism amongst those who need it most.
Harawira Pearless is writing the first book on the Delta Company of the 28th Māori Battalion. He says the tribal and geographical background of the soldiers in that company were vastly difference from those in the rest of the Battalion. With many of the soldiers having Ngāi Tahu ancestry, they were courageous and resourceful and received many medals and decorations for bravery. Soldiers such as Ihaia Weepu from Te Arahura, Haki Tainui from Te Wairewa and Wiremu McCray from Te Wairewa fought in Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy. D Company was comprised of men who came from across over 80% of New Zealand’s land area and was notable for including non-Māori soldiers who came from Samoa, Tāhiti, Tonga, Rarotonga, Niue. There were also Moriori and a Pikau-Shawnee American Indian. Mānia Clarke reports: Harawira Pearless (Kaituhi),
New Zealand Police are saddened by the death of Doctor Hashem Slaimankhel at the weekend. Doctor Slaimankhel was amongst over 100 people killed in Afghanistan by a Talban bombing in Kabul. Slaimankhel worked with the Police Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Liaison services for over 15 years. He was also as strong advocate for refugees and ethnic communities resettling in Aotearoa.
The Australian Diamonds defeated the Silver Ferns 67 – 48 in the Netball Quad Series. The Diamonds maintained possession of the ball and the Silver Ferns made too many errors to tame the Australian side. Australia were the winner of the series as the only unbeaten team.
A Rotorua arm wrestler is looking to claim another gold medal at the Arnold Classic competition in Melbourne. The champion is hoping to defend his title and move into the international spotlight. Many elite athletes are expected at the event as Morris attempts to defeat the world’s best. Maateiwarangi Heta Morris (Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa, Mai i Rotorua),
The Waikato Stadium is expecting large crowds for the New Zealand 7’s debut in Hamilton. Over 24,000 people will attend each day of the tournament and tickets are already sold out and costume remaining a must have item for fans. The New Zealand team will be fielding Regan Ware, Kurt Baker and Teddy Stanaway against France, Scotland and Argentina. Eru Paranahi reports live from Kirikiriroa.