News you need today: PM apologizes for mental health case
Today’s briefing covers a formal apology from the Prime Minister regarding a mental health case and updates on serious safety incidents in Canterbury. We also look at a major commercial bid for Lyttelton Port and a legal update for a high-profile murder case.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has issued a public apology following reports of a young girl being sedated in a mental health ward. Luxon described the situation as an "absolutely horrific set of circumstances," stating that he was sorry for the events both as a leader and as a father.
In Canterbury, two men have been charged after an assault at a military camp left one person in critical condition. Separately, police are investigating a fatal electric scooter crash in central Christchurch that occurred early Sunday morning; the rider was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
An appeal date has been set for Lauren Dickason, who was convicted of murdering her three daughters. The hearing is scheduled for February, where her legal team intends to argue that a miscarriage of justice took place during her original trial.
Three Ngāi Tahu rūnanga—local Māori tribal councils—have announced a partnership with the global logistics company DP World. The group has confirmed they are behind a bid to lease the operations of Lyttelton Port, which is a major shipping hub in the South Island.
A cancer survivor, Cheryl Horrell, has expressed her frustration after her private medical details were used to target her and others with advertising. The breach involved sensitive information being used for commercial marketing purposes without her consent.
For more on these stories and other news, visit the app’s News section. Read about the newly announced Māori All Blacks squad, the All Whites' recent loss to Egypt in the Football World Cup, and why a teenage running sensation has withdrawn from the World Athletics Under 20 Championships.