A large fire in Northland’s Kaimaumau has spread again after being almost fully contained this morning.The 350ha blaze near Houhora in the Far North has been burning for more than 24 hours, and crews had hoped to have it fully contained…
Category Archives: headline
Police checkpoints in North to become mobile with spot checks
Police checkpoints will be replaced by mobile checks from tomorrowfor those travelling into Northland from Auckland, with a focus on at-risk communities and popular tourist hotspots.Only about half a dozen vehicles have been turned…
Auckland no-vax gym seeing new members, say owners
An Auckland gym that is staying open to the unvaccinated says it is getting an “influx” of children and new members, despite facing hefty fines from authorities for flouting Covid rules. “We’re getting kids who have been kicked…
Woman dead as storm smashes Sydney
A woman has been killed and two others are critically injured after a tree and other debris fell on them as a storm swept across Sydney.
The tree fell in a car park at Ocean Street, Narrabeen, at 3.30pm, killing the woman in her 70s, NSW Ambulance said.
Two other women, one in her 70s and another in her late teens, were rushed to Northern Beaches Hospital in a critical condition, as the ferocious storm swept the area after a record day of heat.
READ MORE: Sixth child dead after jumping castle tragedy
https://twitter.com/nswpolice/status/1472439231008030723
Inspector Christie Marks from NSW Ambulance said the accident was "tragic".
"These women were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when this storm hit," she said.
"As you can imagine the patients had multiple injuries after being hit by falling branches and other debris.
"We worked to treat them at the scene and get them to hospital for further care."
"The strength of the storm is evident in the destruction it caused.
"Given the size of this tree it's remarkable that there weren't more people injured."
https://twitter.com/Ausgrid/status/1472429033338122241
Numerous powerlines and other trees were downed or uprooted in the storm, and people are being told not to travel.
Apartment roofs have also been ripped off, with cars damaged and debris littering streets.
A trampoline ended up in the ocean at Narrabeen.
More than 140 emergency calls were made to NSW Fire and Rescue, and more than 250 to the State Emergency Service.
Businesses damaged included shops from Forestville to Narrabeen.
Just before 6.30pm, Ausgrid reported power was out in a vast swathe of the Northern Beaches, with more than 25,000 homes affected in the Dee Why and Cromer areas alone.
It's understood a tree fell on a substation, with power expected to be out until around 10pm.
Parts of Sydney's North Shore have also lost power, including in St Ives and North Turramurra.
https://twitter.com/FRNSW/status/1472436692657205248https://twitter.com/NSWAmbulance/status/1472437359459270658
Telecommunication company Optus said there was an" issue" with one of its mobile towers on the city's north shore, with reports of no coverage.
NSW Police said they received "multiple" calls for assistance.
Earlier, Weatherzone said Sydney had experienced its warmest day since January and its hottest December day since 2019.
The temperature reached 35C in the City and Bankstown and 36C at the airport.
Storms were forecast from the late afternoon.
Sixth child dies after Tasmania tragedy
A sixth child has died following a horror accident involving a jumping castle at a Tasmanian primary school.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine has announced an 11-year-old boy, Chace Harrison, died in hospital this afternoon.
"Our thoughts continue to be with his family and all other families and loved ones of the children involved," the Commissioner said.
READ MORE: Four dead after light aircraft crashes in water at Redcliffe, Queensland
Two children remain in a critical condition in the Royal Hobart Hospital, while a third is recovering from injuries at home.
Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Peter Dodt, all aged 12, and 11-year-old Addison Stewart died in the accident in Devonport on Thursday.
They were among nine children who fell an estimated 10 metres after the jumping castle they were on, along with several inflatable "zorb" balls, were picked up by a powerful gust of wind about 10am.
Around 40 grade five and six students taking part in the end-of-term activities when the jumping castle accident happened at Hillcrest Primary School.
Commissioner Hine said Tasmania Police had accepted an offer from NSW police to help interview the many child witnesses as they investigate the tragedy.
"We are working tirelessly with all parties concerned to ensure the extensive investigation is completed as a matter of priority for the Coroner," he said.
He said officers were gathering forensic evidence plus checking environmental details, including weather and conditions at the time of the incident.
READ MORE: Family of jumping castle victim pay tribute to 'fun-loving' boy
A regional support committee has been established to provide assistance to everyone affected.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said he spoke for all Tasmanians when he said the community would stand with the children's families.
"My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this tragic event," he said.
"We will continue to provide whatever support we can to all of those directly impacted, the students, staff, broader community."
He thanked everyone providing support to those close to the tragedy.
"From Devonport to our Tasmania, across Australia and indeed right across the world, thank you all for your support and is very sad time," he said.
A fundraising page created to support the families of the victims has raised more than $1.2 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited the area over the weekend, laying flowers with wife Jenny and pledging $800,000 to support the community.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.
Kids Helpline offers free, confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25. You can reach them at 1800 55 1800.
Covid 19 Omicron outbreak: Everything you need to know about the new variant
As New Zealanders prepare for their bach getaways and Aucklanders start to leave the region, a new Covid-19 variant is spreading across the world. Here is everything you need to know about Omicron. What is the Omicron variant…
Police investigating hit-and-run collision after elderly man was 'deliberately hit'
A 67-year-old male has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car on Sunday afternoon.Palmerston North police are investigating a hit-and-run collision after the man was hit on Grey St, just before 12.30pm.Police…
Covid 19 Omicron: Expert advises 'keeping it out for as long as possible'
By RNZ We’re only just beginning to learn more about Omicron, but how sure are we of what we do know so far? People are certainly being hospitalised, and some are dying, though thankfully in low numbers.Dr Angelique Coetzee…
Four dead after plane crash off Queensland coast
Four people have died after a light plane crashed off the end of the runway at Redcliffe in Queensland's Moreton Bay.
Police said the plane went down at about 9.10am (AEST) this morning.
The crash sparked a massive emergency response, with the Coast Guard and police are working to gain access to the plane.
READ MORE: Incredible moment diver is brought back from brink of death
Multiple ambulances mustered at Redcliffe Airport.
Police have since revealed that the crash claimed four lives.
Details of the victims are not yet known.
A multi-agency operation is underway to investigate the crash, including Queensland Water Police officers and divers, the Forensic Crash Unit and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
Teacher reaches finish line after seven marathons in seven days
An Auckland teacher who planned to run seven marathons in seven days has crossed the finish line – and smashed his fundraising goal.Hobsonville School’s Harry Sanders ran 295.4km this week, aiming to raise $5000 for kids who are…