The public has sent a clear message to the Reserve Bank that people would not tolerate moves to make New Zealand a cashless society; and Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel has formally apologised for the city council’s failings in allowing dangerous buildings to go up or to remain standing.
* The New Zealand Herald
In the New Zealand Herald, desperate family and friends of a “kind and funny” teenager missing at sea have left a makeshift shrine of fruit, flowers and a fish and chip box as searchers scour the coast for his body. But a close friend is still holding out hope the young Hamilton man “comes home safe”.
In other news, Labour has again selected lawyer Helen White to stand in Auckland Central at the September 19 election. She stood for Labour in the electorate at the 2017 election as well. The seat is held by National MP and former Education Minister Nikki Kaye with a majority of 1581 votes. Kaye has held the seat since 2008.
In business news, new legislation to regulate vaping will be introduced to Parliament tomorrow in an effort to balance helping smokers quit while not encouraging new users. The move to regulate the industry has been welcomed but there are fears some rules are too restrictive and could result in “losing people back to cigarettes”.
* The Dominion Post
In the Dominion Post, a former Russell McVeagh partner under investigation for his role in the firm’s #Metoo controversy went to a birthday bash for the Law Society all while it is investigating him. A trusted source, who was at the event, said people there were ‘‘deeply uncomfortable’’, ‘‘upset’’, and ‘‘disappointed’’, especially when a speech was made at the event directly alluding to the sexual misconduct issues that had stained the profession.
In other news, a biplane nosedived into a Napier runway yesterday after being caught by a gust of wind. Emergency services were called to the plane crash at Hawke’s Bay Airport at midday. Two people were in the blue-and-yellow biplane, a Boeing Stearman, at the time and suffered minor injuries. Mike Gannaway witnessed the crash, and said the pilot seemed to have it under control until a gust of wind hit.
In business news, the public has sent a clear message to the Reserve Bank that people would not tolerate moves to make New Zealand a cashless society. “We’re certain it’s going to be less cash, but not cashless,” said Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr, in a speech at Auckland’s waterfront Hilton Hotel late last week.
* The Press
In The Press, Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel has formally apologised for the city council’s failings in allowing dangerous buildings to go up or to remain standing. She delivered the apology yesterday at a private reception for relatives of those killed and others who survived serious injuries in the February 22, 2011 earthquake. The reception, at Christchurch Arts Centre’s great hall, came 24 hours after a memorial service for the 185 people who lost their lives nine years ago.
In other news, after years of feeling forgotten, residents of the earthquake-damaged suburb of Brooklands say they have made progress with Christchurch City Council. On Thursday, staff from the council and planning agency Regenerate Christchurch met with about 40 residents at the local fire station.
In business news, beachfront land where a Christchurch apartment complex was wrecked in the earthquakes will be sold for luxury housing. The 1990s Cave Rock apartments facing the Sumner waterfront were demolished after the quakes. Others behind them from the same complex remain standing but damaged.
