Heavy rain has caused serious flooding and slips in Northland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. A severe weather warning has been issued as heavy rain is expected to continue overnight. Ōpōtiki received a month’s worth of rain in a day causing the Ōtara river to overflow and parts of the town to flood as drains were overloaded. Mere Mclean reports: Aileen Lawrie (Kaunihera o Ōpōtiki), Rongo Wikitoria (Te Whānau-a-Apanui).
A state of emergency has been declared in Tonga are heavy rain and strong winds. Many buildings in Nuku’alofa have been damaged and there has been flooding in the city. The people were well prepared and many churches offered shelter from the cyclone. The New Zealand Government will deploy an aircraft carrying relief supplies and has announced a $750,000 aid fund for the Pacific nation. The Cyclone is now headed towards Fiji and thought to be intensifying. Rukuwai Tipene-Allen reports: Andrew McKie (International and National Disaster Management Officer).
Bill English has resigned as leader of the National Party after nearly 30 years in politics. He did so at a press conference with his whanau and National Party MP’s alongside him after informing his caucus earlier today. At one point English fought back tears while making the announcement. English says that leaving the job now gives the party plenty of time to prepare for the 2020 General Election. Opposition politicians are predicting that the new national Party leader won’t last long though. Talisa Kupenga reports live from Parliament: Bill English (Kaiārahi, Nāhinara), Winston Peters (Pirimia Tuarua), Shane Jones (Minita Take Ngahere).
The Chairman of Tūhoronuku says their Crown recognised mandate for the Ngāpuhi Treaty claim remains secure. This comes after weeks of negotiations between the Government and both sides of the claim. Te Kotahitanga o Ngā Hapū disagree and say the message presented to Andrew Little was that Ngāpuhi do not agree that Tūhoronuku is the correct way to settle Treaty claims. Tipene says that with a new Government comes a new outlook, but Sadler says that the Government still recognise the mandate of Tūhoronuku to negoatiate on behalf of all Ngāpuhi. A Waitangi Tribunal report found that Tūhoronuku undermined hapū autonomy. Raniera Harrison reports: Hōne Sadler (Heamana, Tūhoronuku), Pita Tipene (Heamana Takirua, Te Kotahitanga o Ngā Hapū).
Over 70,000 children are living in severe material deprivation according to a new Salvation Army State of the Nation report. The report also says that New Zealand has reached a record high prison population. The report also examined unemployment and housing affordability. The report is seen as an examination of public policy and not as a criticism of the Government. Te Kuru Dewes reports live from Auckland Newsroom: Alan Johnson (Salvation Army).
Health officials are asking Canterbury residents to get vaccinated after a third case of measles was confirmed. The virus spreads easily from person to person through breathing coughing and sneezing.
An elderly woman caring for her 9 grandchildren by herself has been recognised by a charity. Mel Emery took in her grandchildren so they would not be split up across different households by Child, Youth and Family. The Waterboy charity is giving her financial support to assist with a child suffering from Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Mel Emery (Kuia).
A Historian is asking for the whanau of D Company, 28th Māori Battalion veterans to come forward with their photos, stories and memories. Pearless is currently searching the area from Te Mahia to Wairarapa as so many of the veterans came from that area. His many interviews include the last surviving officer of D company, Lieutenant Bunty Priest, who currently lives in the Chatham Islands. Aroha Treacher reports: Harawira Craig Pearless (Ngāti Huia).
The Auckland Council is funding an initiative to clean up the streets of Tāmaki Makaurau. A crack down on illegal dumping of rubbish will see the Council establish a free phoneline to reports dumpers and more cameras in dumping hotspots. The Council will also recruit extra enforcement staff and work to improve communication about recycling inorganic collections. The Council is hoping that communities will get behind the initiative. Rukuwai Tipene-Allen reports.
New Zealand Basketball has appointed Guy Molloy as the Tall Ferns coach. Molloy now needs to prepare the team for the Commonwealth Games in just 2 months. The Tall Ferns will face India and Malaysia in their opening matches. Molloy believes that Charlisse Leger Walker is a future star ad should be a real asset for the team. Eru Paranahi reports: Guy Molloy (Kaiako Tall Ferns, Mai i Poipiripiri, Ahitereiria).
Tiarn Collins (Ngāi Tahu) has withdrawn from the Winter Olympics ts Pyeongchang after a shoulder injury. The injury he received in training has ruled him out of the slopestyle competition.
Sir Tāmati Reedy is mourning the death of Matemauroa Mose Harvey of Ngāti Porou at the age of 82. Called the Māori Federer by his peers and fans, Harvey will be remembered for his love of tennis and his guidance of young talent. Harvey spent most of his life perfecting his craft in tennis and rugby, winning 3 Gallaher shields with his Auckland team and 6 New Zealand senior singles titles. He also won the 2008 ITF World Super Seniors Tennis Championship in Christchurch. Moana Makapelu Lee reports: Tā Tamati Reedy (Whanaunga a Mose, Mai i Pōneke).