National’s education spokesperson tries to find out if Act leader covets same job as her
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Russia-Ukraine War: inside a respite house for New Zealand soldiers in Ukraine
New Zealand pastor Owen Pomana has been running the Dnipro house for around three months.
Mongrel Mob gang members involved in brutal attack outside Palmerston North cafe
One diner fled with a child in her arms as two people were punched, kicked and stomped on.
Police seize carload of alcohol headed to remote NT community
Police have seized 200 litres of alcohol from the boot of a car in the Northern Territory, under suspicions that it would be delivered to a "dry" remote Indigenous community.
Police found 40 five-litre casks of wine in the back of a Holden Statesman, which was intercepted yesterday on the Stuart Highway, south of Alice Springs.
"There was sufficient grounds to suggest the wine was destined for supply into remote communities and was subsequently seized for destruction," police said in a statement.
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According to police, each five-litre cask can sell on the black market for upwards of $100.
Under alcohol restrictions introduced by the Northern Territory government earlier this year in an attempt to address spiralling crime rates in Alice Springs, remote communities are dry.
This means it is against the law to bring in, possess, consume, sell or supply alcohol in these areas, although it is possible for the community to opt out of the restrictions.
"The secondary supply of alcohol into our vulnerable communities was also a focus and I commend the officers involved in the seizure from yesterday," Superintendent Peter Malley said.
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"Alcohol remains a catalyst for the high rates of domestic violence-related harm and antisocial behaviour we have been seeing across the NT."
The alcohol was seized and destroyed by NT Police.
The driver has not been charged yet, but police say they expect he will be issued an NTA (notice to appear in court) for liquor offences.
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‘Right place, right time’ as yachtie rescued in Whangārei Harbour
Solo sailor got into difficulties off McLeod Bay around noon on Saturday.
Tiny homes: Living small not so easy
When Pete started building his tiny home he had no idea he was doing anything illegal.
Oranga Tamariki investigating toddler vaping incident after footage shared online
A video is circulating online showing a toddler using a vape.
Car giants settle $300m class action after TikTok trend thefts
Hyundai Motor America and Kia America said on Friday they have reached a settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit prompted by a surge in vehicle thefts that was sparked in part due to videos on social media platforms including TikTok.
The settlement could be valued at $300 million ($USD200 million) and covers about 9 million 2011-2022 model-year Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the US, the companies said.
The cars are not equipped with push-button ignitions and immobilising anti-theft devices.
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That has allowed thieves to easily steal them using just a screwdriver and a USB cord, creating a recent rash of auto thefts across the country.
The settlement will provide cash compensation to customers who suffered theft-related losses or damage not covered by insurance — as well as reimbursement for insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums and other losses, Kia and Hyundai said.
A software upgrade will also be provided to eligible owners.
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For customers with vehicles that cannot accommodate the software upgrade, the agreement will provide a reimbursement of up to $450 for anti-theft devices.
Kia and Hyundai have also given impacted customers tens of thousands of free steering wheel locks through local law enforcement and direct shipments, the companies said.
The total settlement amount will depend on how many customers participate.
"Hyundai and Kia failed to sell cars equipped with fundamental anti-theft features, and that was not a victimless act," attorney Elizabeth A. Fegan of Fegan Scott, one of the law firms representing the plaintiffs, said in a statement.
"We are pleased with the settlement reached and its immediate ability to hinder thieves, as well as compensate victims of thefts that have already occurred."
The proposed settlement is expected to be reviewed in court for preliminary approval in July.
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The wave of Hyundai and Kia thefts began in 2021 and spread nationally, with a spike last summer, fueled by instructional videos posted on TikTok and other social media sites.
Some police departments report continued thefts despite the automakers' unveiling of anti-theft software nearly three months ago.
Both Jason Erb, Hyundai Motor North America's chief legal officer, and John Yoon, Kia America's chief legal officer, stressed that the companies are committed to customer safety.
"We appreciate the opportunity to provide additional support for our owners who have been impacted by increasing and persistent criminal activity targeting our vehicles," Erb said.
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Fire Service advised against Loafers Lodge building consent
Meanwhile, police have confirmed a fifth body has been recovered from the scene.
Pacific leaders arrive in Port Moresby ahead of Modi and Blinken Papua New Guinea visit
Pacific leaders are tricking into Papua New Guinea for two high-level meetings.