Defence Minister Ron Mark is happy to put New Zealand Defence personnel and their people skills up against the big bucks from China in terms of winning favour among Pacific Island nations; and South Island’s movie industry, exporters and tourism businesses are expecting a major boost from news that American Airlines will fly between Los Angeles and Christchurch from next year.
* The New Zealand Herald
In the New Zealand Herald, every time Max Tagaloa looks at the sleeping baby girl in his arms, his eyes fill with tears. The much-wanted second child, 8-week-old Zemirah, was born on August 30 — the same day her mother, Angela, died during labour.
In other news, Defence Minister Ron Mark is happy to put New Zealand Defence personnel and their people skills up against the big bucks from China in terms of winning favour among Pacific Island nations. New Zealand’s recent treatment of the Pacific region – which Mark described as “paternalistic” and “condescending” – has been partly blamed for creating space for China to move in.
In business news, New Zealand’s largest retail redevelopment will be finished next month, ahead of rival mega-projects the $1 billion Commercial Bay and the $703m NZ International Convention Centre which started well before the shopping centre. ASX-listed Scentre Group has announced that construction of the $790 million Westfield Newmarket is on track to end in less than a month.
* The Dominion Post
In the Dominion Post,Wellington’s newly elected deputy mayor is resigned to relinquishing her role should an election recount put her position up for grabs.Sarah Free was appointed deputy to mayor-elect Andy Foster only a few days ago but is already coming to grips with having to give up the role should a recount see ousted mayor Justin Lester reinstated.
In other news, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford has said repeatedly that the former board of the New Zealand Transport Agency – with which he had a fractious relationship – did not wish to be reappointed and that the replacement of all but one of the board members last month was due to the board’s term ending.
In business news, South Island’s exporters and film industry expect a major boost from a new direct air link with the United States on top of the forecast $40 million extra visitor spending.Next year American Airlines will launch flights between Christchurch and Los Angeles, the first since Air New Zealand cancelled a short-lived service between the cities 15 years ago.
*The Press
In The Press, a fleeing driver allegedly ran at least three red lights during a police pursuit in Christchurch before a fatal collision with an innocent motorist, The Press understands. Kenneth McCaul, 64, was killed last Tuesday when his car was T-boned by a driver who allegedly ran a red light while fleeing police at the intersection of Idris and Glandovey roads, Fendalton.
In other news, South Island’s movie industry, exporters and tourism businesses are expecting a major boost from news that American Airlines will fly between Los Angeles and Christchurch from next year. South Island’s exporters and film industry expect a major boost from a new direct air link with the United States on top of the forecast $40 million extra visitor spending.
In business news, Air New Zealand’s former chief executive Christopher Luxon has been awarded shares in the airline potentially worth $2 million.In an announcement to the New Zealand stock exchange (NZX) on Tuesday the airline disclosed Luxon was issued 692,368 Air New Zealand “rights” on October 21.
