Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expects New Zealand’s border restrictions will become even tighter today, as Covid-19 continues its spread around the globe; and Wellington ratepayers are forking out $20,000 for the mayor’s leadership programme at a luxury resort.
* The New Zealand Herald
In the New Zealand Herald, New Zealand’s border restrictions are expected to be tightened today, after the world yesterday experienced one of the most dramatic days since the coronavirus outbreak began. The World Health Organisation declared it a global pandemic, with more than 120,000 cases worldwide, including five in New Zealand. Just over 4630 people have died.
In other news, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expects New Zealand’s border restrictions will become even tighter today, as Covid-19 continues its spread around the globe. “I expect that we will see further border restrictions in New Zealand because that is what we have been doing to date,” she said yesterday. Her comments come as the world faced one of the most pivotal days since the Covid-19 outbreak began earlier this year.
In business news, Trevor Mallard has canned the annual Speaker’s Tour amid the growing uncertainty about the Covid-19 pandemic. The Speaker of the House was set to take at least three MPs on a trip to Japan, Malaysia and Thailand for various engagements with top officials, businesses and organisations.
* The Dominion Post
In the Dominion Post, New Zealand’s travel industry has been sent into a tailspin after United States President Donald Trump abruptly announced suspension of all travel between Europe and the US. Yesterday, Trump said the suspension would be in place for one month to contain the spread of Covid-19. The United Kingdom was exempt.
In other news, Wellington ratepayers are forking out $20,000 for the mayor’s leadership programme at a luxury resort. Multiple sources have confirmed to Stuff that Wellington Mayor Andy Foster was away on a six-day leadership retreat at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown, north of Queenstown.
In business news, special clauses in contracts protecting people and companies from events beyond their control like a pandemic may help constructors now facing delays to materials from China, a legal property specialist says, but that protection may be limited.
* The Press
In The Press, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand is likely to impose new travel restrictions after the United States banned all travellers from Europe. US President Donald Trump shocked the world and stock markets with his announcement yesterday afternoon (NZ time) that all non-resident travellers from Europe would be banned for 30 days in an attempt to stop the growth of coronavirus cases.
In other news, a collective of Canterbury residents has anonymously created a ‘‘simple, respectful and beautiful temporary memorial’’ ahead of the first anniversary of the March 15 terror attack. A spokesperson said: ‘‘It’s a gesture of love and compassion. We, as a collective of Christchurch individuals and businesses, wanted to create a way to pay respect to the loss and hurt suffered by us all, but most especially by our Muslim brothers and sisters.’’
In business news, a top New Zealand lawyer has died in a motorcycle crash while testing out his new Harley Davidson in Australia. Hamilton-born Andrew Hooker, 55, a “preeminent” civil and insurance litigator, who was involved in bank fee lawsuits and a test case against the Earthquake Commission (EQC), died in New South Wales on Wednesday afternoon.
