Health New Zealand’s financial picture is not as dire as earlier signalled - but Health Minister Shane Reti said the cost cutting plan would last three years.
NIWA principal scientist Chris Brandolino said the warm weather may last, particularly for the North Island, right through the weekend and perhaps even into next week.
Over four nights, 27 drivers were found to be over the legal limit, with police reminding motorists that as Christmas approaches, they will be out in force.
All Blacks star winger Sevu Reece has avoided a conviction for wilful damage after he crashed someone’s car into a garage while intoxicated after being asked to leave their property.
Anthony Williamson drove off with the 70-year-old on his running board after a minor traffic accident. He opened the door and that’s when the 70-year-old woman fell.
A landslide case of murder against Tingjun Cao, who in turn claims all of the evidence is false, fake or otherwise fabricated, has been outlined as his trial approaches its end.
"Some of the significant changes made in recent months are having the desired effect, but it is clear further change is needed to live within budget," chief executive Margie Apa said today.
A team of front-line hospital workers who make beds, tidy wards and replenish supplies to ease the load on clinical staff have been told their jobs could be gone next year.
About 36,000 nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants are walking off the job for eight hours today over what they say are critical threats to patient safety.
In the main North Island centres, you could be looking at as much as $100 for a tidy, shaped, two-metre pine. Elsewhere, that same tree might cost just $40.