New Zealand’s economic growth figures for the September quarter may mark a low-tide mark in the current economic cycle, or show we are close to it, depending on the degree of optimism offered in a range of forecasts.
* The New Zealand Herald
In the New Zealand Herald, pictures and personal details of Department of Conservation staff are being shared online by 1080 opponents — and some workers have been put on one person’s “hit list”.A raft of chilling incidents disclosed by DoC showed abuse against its staff has continued in a year the Government was forced to spend millions of dollars more on security.
In other news,the National Party is proposing to fine cyclists who do not use separated cycleways.Transport spokesman Chris Bishop wants to make it mandatory for cyclists to use dedicated lanes if they are there.
In business news, New Zealand’s economic growth figures for the September quarter may mark a low-tide mark in the current economic cycle, or show we are close to it, depending on the degree of optimism offered in a range of forecasts.Bank economists are picking GDP for the third quarter to come in at between 0.5 per cent and 0.7 per cent when it is released on Thursday morning.
* The Dominion Post
In the Dominion Post,cruise ship passengers affected by the Whakaari/White Island eruption could be entitled to millions of dollars in damages under United States maritime law, a Miami-based lawyer says.Of the 47 people on or near Whakaari/White Island when it erupted last Monday, 38 were from the ocean liner Ovation of the Seas operated by global cruise ship company Royal Caribbean.
In other news, tourists are spending more money in Wellington but the capital’s ability to draw-in the major dollars is still limited.Figures from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) monthly regional tourism estimates for October showed estimated expenditure for international and domestic consumer tourism was up six per cent from last year.
In business news, Māori will get a slice of 5G spectrum as part of a Government decision to pave the way for the speedier deployment of the new generation of mobile technology.Communications Minister Kris Faafoi said 210 megahertz of “unused” radio spectrum in the 3.5GHz band that is currently best supported by 5G smartphone makers would be made available to mobile network operators and Māori by the middle of next year.
*The Press
In The Press, Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel is being accused by a rival of ‘‘skirting around the law’’ over her election expenses but she says she has nothing to hide.Dalziel accepted $46,600 in donations toward her re-election campaign. The bulk of that money ($40,100) was donated at a fundraising dinner and auction, hosted by her husband, lawyer Rob Davidson.
In other news, a giant “Gun City” sign is still up at a major Christchurch intersection, months after the store’s owner said it would change. David Tipple, who owns the biggest gun retailer in the country, blamed the designer for the lack of progress in developing new signage.
In business news,Cruise ship passengers affected by the White Island/Whakaari eruption could be entitled to millions of dollars in damages under United States maritime law, a Miami-based lawyer says.Of the 47 people that were on or near White Island/Whakaari when it erupted on December 9, 38 were from the ocean liner Ovation of the Seas operated by global cruise ship company Royal Caribbean.
