Dairy product prices fell by 3.9 per cent at this morning’s Global Dairy Trade auction the fourth decline in a row; and a Dunedin student yesterday tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the New Zealand total to 12.
* The New Zealand Herald
In the New Zealand Herald, benefits will be raised and health spending will get a $500 million boost as the Government promises more during May’s Budget. It came as four new cases of coronavirus were announced of a Wellington father and son who had travelled to the US, a Dunedin man who had travelled to Germany and his high school-aged son.
In other news, deportations from Australia have been put on hold due to the travel restrictions imposed either side of the Tasman during the Covid-19 pandemic. New Zealand will continue to deport individuals “where possible” but it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, police say. But any deportee from New Zealand who requires a police escort has also been paused until police can “secure the return” of its staff.
In business news, dairy product prices fell by 3.9 per cent at this morning’s Global Dairy Trade auction the fourth decline in a row. The price of wholemilk powder which has the greatest bearing on Fonterra’s milk price fell by 4.2 per cent to US$2797 a tonne its lowest point in more than a year.
* The Dominion Post
In the Dominion Post, a Dunedin student yesterday tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the New Zealand total to 12. The Logan Park High School student’s father recently returned from Germany. The Ministry of Health said the father began to develop symptoms five days after returning, so there was no risk to others on the plane. He is now in self-isolation.
In other news, a looming financial crisis, and a massive rates bill hike. That’s the reality facing Wellington property owners, unless a city council proposal to lift rates by up to 9.2 percent is pared back in light of the global coronavirus pandemic.
In business news, sustainability and classic Kiwi snacks are at the forefront of Vic Books’ newest cafe. Located across from The Hub at Victoria University of Wellington’s Kelburn campus, Short Story is the latest cafe to join the Vic Books lineup, opening just in time for the start of the academic year.
* The Press
In The Press, coronavirus concerns and months of regulatory changes are compounding issues for drought-stricken farmers in North Canterbury. The region’s drought was classified last week as a large-scale adverse event, and while farmers are used to the weather, they can’t forecast the impacts of the pandemic.
In other news, low-income families and pensioners will receive a major boost in weekly payments as the Government tries to soften the blow of coronavirus, and keep people spending. Finance Minister Grant Robertson on Tuesday announced main benefits will rise by $25 a week, the Winter Energy Payment will double, and in-work tax credits will be expanded to cover families who lose work as Covid-19 crushes the economy.
In business news, some Queenstown businesses are hailing the Government’s “wonderful” $12.1 billion coronavirus support package, but others are “gutted” it doesn’t go far enough. The Queenstown Lakes District is among the hardest hit in the country by the dramatic drop in tourism following worldwide travel restrictions.
