News you need today: Heavy rain warnings for South Island
Heavy rain warnings are in place for the lower South Island, with authorities warning of potential flooding and slips. Meanwhile, the government is moving forward with a restructure of its domestic violence agency, and police have launched an investigation into a teacher's behavior at a Levin high school.
MetService has issued orange heavy rain warnings and watches for much of the lower South Island as the weekend approaches. Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for possible surface flooding and landslides. The weather system is expected to bring significant rainfall to regions already damp from previous storms.
The government's domestic violence prevention center is undergoing a restructure aimed at addressing what officials call inefficiency. The plan includes several layoffs. While the government maintains the changes are necessary, some abuse prevention advocates argue the overhaul should be more extensive to better support victims of sexual and domestic violence.
In Levin, police are making inquiries into reports of inappropriate behavior by a teacher at Horowhenua College. The school is currently conducting an employment investigation alongside the police probe. Separately, in Auckland, one person was seriously injured on Thursday following a three-vehicle crash in the suburb of Flat Bush. Emergency services were called to the scene to treat the victim and clear the wreckage.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has revealed that two orca were recently killed after being accidentally caught by commercial fishing operators, a situation known as bycatch. The Minister stated that the reporting of these deaths is evidence that government monitoring and enforcement of the fishing industry are functioning correctly.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says the government is focused on returning international visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels. However, he emphasized that this push for growth would not be done "at any cost," suggesting a focus on sustainable tourism rather than just high volume.
For more details on these stories and others, visit the News section in the app. Read about the Prime Minister’s recent comments on bank ownership, the ambitious tech expo planned for Auckland in 2026, and the search for a stowaway gecko found at a power station.