The National Party is proposing to fine cyclists who do not use separated cycleways; and a minute of silence will be observed throughout the country today for those who lost their lives in the Whakaari/ White Island eruption.
1. A minute of silence will be observed throughout the country today for those who lost their lives in the Whakaari/ White Island eruption. 16 people were killed, 2 are still missing and 26 remain in hospital in New Zealand and Australia.
2. GNS Science says aerial inspections of the island show the volcano is still very steamy and highly volatile. Volcanologist Graham Leonard told Morning Report there’s a high rate of very hot gas coming out of one vent.
3. Ultra-fast mobile telecommunications networks are coming sooner than expected after the government’s decision to make unused radio spectrum available for a short term.Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Kris Faafoi said spare capacity in the 3.5GHz band would be offered to mobile network operators and Māori by the middle of next year.
4.Newly released documents show major ructions at the country’s most high-powered building products quality approval scheme.The CodeMark scheme’s rules were flouted, its records a mess and officials were often at a loss as to what was going on.The scheme provides an ironclad guarantee that products conform to the Building Code, the only scheme that has such legal power over council building consent officers.
5.Jeremy Corbyn has apologised to Labour supporters over his party’s heavy defeat in the general election.Writing in the Sunday Mirror and the Observer, he acknowledged the party’s failings in the poll and said he accepted his responsibility for it.
6.The Palestinian group Hamas is condemning Israels decision to prevent Christians living in Gaza, travelling to holy cities in the West Bank to celebrate Chrsitmas.
7.The National Party is proposing to fine cyclists who do not use separated cycleways.Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop wants to make it mandatory for cyclists to use dedicated lanes if they are there.
