Thursday, February 5

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Locals fear damage, report smell after HMNZS Manawanui sinking
World News

Locals fear damage, report smell after HMNZS Manawanui sinking

The HMNZS Manawanui, aground in Samoa. Photo: Profile Boats / supplied Residents on the south coast of Upolu in Samoa fear potential oil or chemical spillage from HMNZS Manawanui could be disastarous for the local environment and businesses. Local authorities are conducting environmental assessments after the $100 million specialist survey ship hit a reef on Saturday night and sank Sunday morning. Manager at Coconuts Beach Club at Maninoa, Brian Rose, says they are concerned about the potential impacts of the disaster on their lagoon, which has a sizeable turtle population - a major tourist attraction. "So far it looks like the impact directly on our shores has been minimal, but we know that with tides and currents things change and so we're going to keep an eye out to make sure if ther...
TVNZ staff called into meeting amid search for $30m
Business

TVNZ staff called into meeting amid search for $30m

TVNZ in Auckland. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi A whole staff meeting has been called at TVNZ as the broadcaster tries to find $30 million, RNZ understands. The broadcaster earlier this year cut a number of news and current affairs shows as it tries to reduce costs and increase revenues. Sources at TVNZ have confirmed an invite was sent to all staff to a meeting on the proposed structure changes, for between 1pm and 3pm on Monday. "This consultation is focused on how we might achieve our $30m target and deliver our Digital+ strategy. Proposals relating to individual roles are not part of this consultation." "Our priority is to share proposals with our people first. We will not be commenting further at this stage." In a statement, TVNZ says it is entering into consultation on the proposed "s...
World Cerebral Palsy Day: Awareness is key to build an inclusive society
Health

World Cerebral Palsy Day: Awareness is key to build an inclusive society

The government on Sunday observed the World Cerebral Palsy Day, with nation-wide awareness campaigns to foster an inclusive world for everyone. Under the leadership of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), the government marked the day with awareness campaigns across the nation. Various national institutes and regional centres under the Department hosted programmes to spread awareness about cerebral palsy and empower those affected by it. The World Cerebral Palsy Day serves as a platform to amplify the voices of individuals living with cerebral palsy (CP). This year`s theme, ‘#UniquelyCP’, celebrates the uniqueness of the cerebral palsy community - their interests, passions, and identities - showing that they are not solely defined by their disability. Th...
Another major storm, Milton, due to hit Florida on heels of Helene
World News

Another major storm, Milton, due to hit Florida on heels of Helene

By Daniel Trotta and Bo Erickson, Reuters Pinellas County residents fill sandbags at John Chestnut Park in Palm Harbor, Florida. Photo: AFP / Bryan R. Smith Florida is preparing for the state's largest evacuation since 2017 as Tropical Storm Milton intensified in the Gulf of Mexico on its path toward Florida's western coast, coming on the heels of the devastating Hurricane Helene. Milton was expected to reach hurricane strength by the time of its projected landfall on Wednesday morning (local time), most likely hitting near the heavily populated Tampa Bay area, the US National Hurricane Center said. It had the potential to affect areas already wrecked by Helene, which made landfall further north on 26 September. Tropical storm-force winds could hit Florida's Gulf Coast by Tuesday nig...
Two ceremonies show Israel’s conflicting narratives over 7 October
World News

Two ceremonies show Israel’s conflicting narratives over 7 October

A woman reacts while visiting a memorial for the victims killed at or kidnapped from the Supernova music festival during the October 7 attacks by Palestinian militants, at the festival site near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel, on the eve of the attacks' first anniversary on 6 October, 2024. Photo: MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP By Rami Amichay and Ari Rabinovitch, Reuters One commemoration of the 7 October assault on southern Israel will be a live, public ceremony to be held at a large venue in Tel Aviv. The other will be a pre-recorded televised tribute that leaves little to chance. The first is organised by bereaved families who lost loved ones. It plans to dive deep into the failures as well as the heroism on display that day. The other is set up by the government, which says its recorded cer...
Four Seasons Resort Launches ‘Family Fun-cierge’ in Sharm El Sheikh
Life Style

Four Seasons Resort Launches ‘Family Fun-cierge’ in Sharm El Sheikh

Ahmed Nazmy, a resort Family Funcierge, said: "We understand how stressful it can be planning a family holiday. From researching all the options on offer, to making decisions on destination/s, dates, flights, accommodation and activities right through to the booking itself. That's why it's our job at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh to make it easier for when you arrive, helping ensure no matter the children's age we're providing those extra-special touches to make the holiday with us unforgettable for all." Source link
Super-sized OCR cut increasingly likely – economists
Business

Super-sized OCR cut increasingly likely – economists

Photo: RNZ Reserve Bank super-sized official cash rate (OCR) cut favoured Majority in economists' poll favour bigger cut RBNZ usually favours quarter percentage point moves (25 basis points) At height of Covid pandemic in 2022, RBNZ made eight consecutive outsized OCR rises Retail interest rates have fallen with cuts in mortgage rates A super-sized interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank looks increasingly certain this week as economists and financial markets push for a quicker reduction in borrowing costs. The Reserve Bank started the easing cycle in August with a 25 basis point cut to 5.25 percent, first rate cut in four years, with a signal of further cuts over the next two years. A Reuters poll of 28 economists shows 60 percent expect a 50 basis point cut, while financial markets ar...
Timeline: One year since the Hamas-led attack on Israel
World News

Timeline: One year since the Hamas-led attack on Israel

A plume of smoke rises in the sky of Gaza City during an Israeli airstrike on 9 October 2023. Photo: AFP Today marks one year since Hamas militants crossed into Israel and launched a large-scale terror attack, killing more than 1000 people and kidnapping more than 200 others. Days later, Israel announced it was at war, and began a brutal, long-term retaliation on the militant group in Gaza. Tens of thousands of people have died in Israeli strikes in Gaza in the past year. More than 1000 people have also died in Lebanon in recent weeks, as Israel pivots its attacks towards Hamas ally Hezbollah. Some of the Israeli hostages taken in the initial Hamas attack are still believed to be held in Gaza. Millions of people have been displaced and face severe shortages of water, food, medical care ...
Super-sized OCR cut looks increasingly certain – economists
Business

Super-sized OCR cut looks increasingly certain – economists

Photo: RNZ Reserve Bank super-sized official cash rate (OCR) cut favoured Majority in economists' poll favour bigger cut RBNZ usually favours quarter percentage point moves (25 basis points) At height of Covid pandemic in 2022, RBNZ made eight consecutive outsized OCR rises Retail interest rates have fallen with cuts in mortgage rates A super-sized interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank looks increasingly certain this week as economists and financial markets push for a quicker reduction in borrowing costs. The Reserve Bank started the easing cycle in August with a 25 basis point cut to 5.25 percent, first rate cut in four years, with a signal of further cuts over the next two years. A Reuters poll of 28 economists shows 60 percent expect a 50 basis point cut, while financial markets ar...
Bhuvan Bam on working with Jaaved Jaaferi in Taaza Khabar 2: `Has upped my game`
Entertainment, Movies

Bhuvan Bam on working with Jaaved Jaaferi in Taaza Khabar 2: `Has upped my game`

Vasya aur uske vardaan ke beech ayegi uski kismat ya koi dushman? A tale of miracle and magic that led Vasya to a journey of greed and arrogance but was it all a facade? The much-awaited Hotstar Specials’ Taaza Khabar is back with its season 2 streaming on 27th September 2024 on Disney+ Hotstar. Produced by Rohit Raj and Bhuvan Bam under the banner of BB Ki Vines Productions and Directed by Himank Gaur, the series also stars the veteran actor Jaaved Jaaferi along with Shriya Pilgaonkar, Prathamesh Parab, Deven Bhojani and Shilpa Shukla in prominent roles among others. Vasya vs Yusuf in Taaza Khabar season 2 Vasya’s destiny and his vardaan will be challenged by the powerful Yusuf Akhtar (Jaaferi) leading to risking his life yet again along with his loved ones. Will Vasya be able to fight ...