News you need: Heavy rain and flooding warnings for South Island
MetService has issued weather warnings for much of the lower South Island as heavy rain is expected to cause flooding and slips. In Parliament, ministers faced scrutiny over environmental reforms and international relations, while new details emerged regarding Australia's Pacific visa program.
MetService has placed the lower South Island under orange heavy rain warnings and watches heading into the weekend. Officials warn that the sustained rainfall could lead to surface flooding and landslides, known locally as slips, in affected areas. Residents are advised to monitor local conditions as the weather system moves through.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters clashed with protesters at Parliament during a hearing about the government’s position on the conflict in Palestine. In a separate hearing, RMA (Resource Management Act) Reform Minister Chris Bishop defended a new government ministry against criticism, arguing it would amplify environmental concerns rather than ignore them.
The Australian government has announced that registration for its new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) will open on July 1. The program allows people from Pacific Island nations to apply for permanent residency in Australia through a ballot system. However, Vanuatu has been excluded from the initial registration, sparking discussions regarding regional diplomatic relations.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones revealed that two orcas were recently killed after being caught accidentally by commercial fishing operators. Jones stated that the reporting of these "bycatch" incidents—where non-target species are caught in nets—proves that government monitoring and enforcement systems are working.
In business news, the owner of Lyttelton Port is reviewing a proposal from a consortium of investors seeking to lease the port’s operations. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence informed MPs that while it is funding drone technology, the money is not being used to purchase offensive "killer drones."
For more on these stories, including updates on a medical emergency at Marsden Point and a look at the Green Party’s latest agriculture policies, visit the News section in our app.