Everything you need to know about the world today, curated by 95bFM and VICE NZ .
LOCAL NEWS
Cannabis Users Submitting to Parliament Could Be Incriminated
Those making submissions on a medicinal cannabis bill have been asked if they would like to alter their statements, after some disclosed personal health issues or admitted to breaking the law. The bill lays the ground for a regulated medicinal cannabis industry. Submissions are public, and there is nothing to stop the police or employers accessing the information. But the submissions cannot be used by police in court as evidence because they are protected by parliamentary privilege. Options available to submitters include leaving it as is, making it anonymous, removing parts of it or withdrawing it entirely.
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New Zealand Justice System Found to Violate Prisoner’s Rights
The United Nations Human Rights Committee has found New Zealand breaching the rights of long-term prisoners. By not providing Allan Miller and Michael John Carroll—both of whom have been convicted of rape—with sufficient rehabilitation, New Zealand has violated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The finding could result in long-term prisoners released back into communities. The UN’s finding will require “major legislative change”, human rights lawyer Tony Ellis said. New Zealand has 180 days to make measures and report back to the UN.
Fight Against Mega-Prison Taken to United Nations by Māori Youth
Plans to build a $1 billion mega-prison are being contested by young Māori leaders at the United Nations. Currently, New Zealand’s prison is population is increasing and more than half consists of Māori. JustSpeak is a New Zealand criminal justice advocacy group. Spokesperson and lead delegate Julia Amua Whaipooti said the plan was a breach of the Treaty of Waitangi and multiple recommendations made by the UN. A decision will be made in a few weeks, according to Justice Minister Andrew Little.
Freedom Campers Double in Two Years
The number of freedom campers in New Zealand has doubled in two years. Figures released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment show an increase to 110,000 freedom campers in the country in 2017. These visitors tend to stay longer in the country and to visit more regions than other tourists according to MBIE. Australians represent the biggest number of freedom campers, but Germans are more likely to freedom camp. As many people take issue with freedom camping around the country, the government announced a new working group will make recommendations to update freedom camping policies.
Pike River Families Enter the Mine
Justice minister Andrew Little and family members of those killed in the Pike River disaster have entered the mine. The 2010 explosion killed 29 men, whose bodies have not been recovered. Andrew Little said the recovery is feasible and further re-entry will be considered next summer. The minister and the family members traveled 30m into the 2.4km drift tunnel. Anna Osborne, whose husband was killed in the explosion, said this would not have happened without the help of the Labour Government and Andrew Little.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
North Korea Ready for Denuclearisation – South Korea
North Korea has given up on a major demand as talks with the South and the US go further. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the North is ready to accept ‘complete’ denuclearisation of the peninsula even if US troops stay in the South. North Korea previously demanded the withdrawal of tens of thousands of US soldiers stationed in South Korea in return for denuclearisation. The meeting between President Trump and Kim Jong-un will probably happen at the end of May or in early June. Donald Trump said he is ready to end the summit if nothing will come out of it. “If I think that if it’s a meeting that is not going to be fruitful we’re not going to go. If the meeting when I’m there is not fruitful I will respectfully leave the meeting” said Trump. The US and South Korean are working on a peace deal that would officially end the Korean war, 65 years after the end of the conflict.
30 Percent of Great Barrier Reef Coral Died, Study Shows
A new study indicates that 30 percent of the Australian Great Barrier reef coral died after a heatwave two years ago. The study led by scientists at James Cook University in Australia proved the link between the 2016 marine heatwave and the coral die-off. That year, the water temperatures rose 1 degree above average because of climate change and the El Nino phenomenon, prompting the death of 30 percent of the coral. The director of the study Terry Hughes said that although the remaining coral is stronger, urgent focus is required to protect it.
Queen to Quit Commonwealth Leadership
The Queen says she wishes to see Prince Charles succeed her at the head of the Commonwealth. She made the announcement before what will probably be her last Commonwealth heads of government meeting, taking place in London. Leaders from 51 countries are meeting up for two days to talk about a whole range of issue, including climate change, trade and security. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had a short private meeting with the Queen. On Friday, the leaders will decide the Queen’s successor and Jacinda Ardern said she will support the Queen’s view of appointing Prince Charles as head of the Commonwealth.
Swaziland King Renames Country in Celebration
The African nation of Swaziland has been renamed in celebration of 50 years of independence. King Mswati III announced that Swaziland is now to be called ‘The Kingdom of eSwatini’, meaning ‘land of the Swazis’. The move “has angered some in the country, who believe the king should focus more on the nation’s sluggish economy”, Nomsa Maseko of the BBC reports.
Additional reporting by Reuben McLaren, Ulysse Bellier, Lillian Hanly and Angus Grant
