Everything you need to know about the world this morning, curated by bFM and VICE NZ.
LOCAL NEWS
New Report Highlights Issues of Student Sexual Violence
A new report has been released by student association Thursdays in Black, highlighting tertiary students’ experiences of sexual harassment. The survey of more than 1400 students found that one-quarter had witnessed what they believed to be a non-consensual sexual encounter, and that 48 percent had seen or heard someone acting in a sexually violent way. The research also found 24 percent of participants’ secondary-school sex education did not include the topic of consent. Thursdays in Black coordinator Izzy O’Neil told 95bFM the respondents who had some form of consent education in secondary school were significantly less likely to have experienced sexual violence. “We made a recommendation for there to be universal access to consistent best-practice sexuality education for all secondary school students… this is because we see this as prevention of sexual violence for current secondary school students, who will be our tertiary students of the future.” The survey also covered institutional reporting and support services, experiences of ableism, and LGBTQIA+ discrimination.
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No Money Mo Problems
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman has admitted that the country’s district health boards face a combined deficit of nearly $120 million for the year. Two weeks ago on Radio New Zealand’s Checkpoint, Coleman said the forecast was for a combined deficit of less than $100 million, but has now said the figures have been updated. This comes as the chief executive of Northland’s DHB Nick Chamberlain said he will not release the board’s annual plan until more funding is received. Canterbury DHB has also complained of funding problems and Southern DHB has been experiencing serious issues in its urology department.
Auckland Retail Workers to Keep Easter Holiday
Auckland retail union workers are celebrating the Auckland Council’s decision not to allow Easter Sunday trading. On Thursday morning, the Auckland Council voted conclusively to maintain the current trading laws, with a vote of 20 for and one against. This followed a government decision last year gave local council the power to restrict or open holiday trading hours. FIRST Union retail and finance secretary Maxine Gay told 95bFM the vote sent a clear message to those seeking change: “I think it’s saying there is no appetite in Auckland for commerce to trump family time at Easter. So I would hope that this means that this issue is really well and truly off the table for a really long time to come.” However, not all are pleased with the decision. Retail NZ spokesperson Greg Harford told 95bFM that they were disappointed to see the Auckland council “deny choice” to Aucklanders, especially when other regions had embraced change.
Some Speed Limits to Increase
Seven major roads are expected to have their speed limits increased to 110km/h before the end of the year, with the Tauranga Eastern Link confirmed for the increase. Other roads in Kapiti and Christchurch are also being considered for the change. Associate Transport Minister Tim Macindoe said only roads of a high standard, with double lanes, no significant corners, and a median barrier would be eligible for the increase. Macindoe was not concerned about people taking advantage of the change and said “ultimately everyone is responsible for themselves and must obey the road rules”.
Migrating Mumps
Dunedin has experienced a surge in the mumps, sparking concerns Auckland’s outbreak has spread. Twelve cases have been reported in the past month, with 10 in the past 10 days. University and polytechnic students appear to be the most affected by the outbreak. Through social media campaigns, the Southern DHB is increasing vaccine awareness, and has administered 150 doses in the past three weeks. Auckland has been experiencing an ongoing mumps outbreak since the beginning of the year, with more than 260 reported cases in the region.
Emergency Staff Shake-Up
The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office has downplayed concerns that it’s understaffed. Wellington is at a risk of being struck by an earthquake, and in the event of one, the city would be cut off from the rest of the region. The regional management office based in Wellington central has an optimum staffing level of 100, but it currently only has 76, many of whom who live outside the city. In the event of an earthquake, these staff member would be responsible for directing accurate instructions and taking charge.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
White House Moves to Impose Transgender Military Ban
The White House is apparently ready to order the Pentagon to stop allowing transgender people to join the US Armed Forces. According to unnamed officials, the new Trump administration guidelines will give Defense Secretary Jim Mattis the power to remove current transgender personnel from the military if they do not meet “deployability” standards, and also halt their medical treatment.
Dutch Police Prevent Possible Attack on Music Venue
Dutch police arrested a man Thursday morning in connection with a suspected plot to attack a music venue in Rotterdam. Cops had been given information by police in Spain regarding a credible threat to the space, forcing the American band Allah-Las to cancel their concert.
At Least 16 Killed as Typhoon Hato Hits China
Some 16 people have been killed after Typhoon Hato assaulted several provinces in South China Wednesday. AP is reporting nearly 27,000 people had to be evacuated from their homes, according to state media. Fierce storms and floods also hit Hong Kong, where authorities issued a maximum hurricane warning.
Iran and Saudi Diplomats Set to Exchange Embassy Visits
Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, said this week that Iran and Saudi Arabia are taking steps to re-establish diplomatic ties, according to a state news agency. Zarif told Al Jazeera initial arrangements had been made to ensure “diplomats from the two countries can inspect their embassies and consulates” in September. At odds over a range of disputes, the two nations cut diplomatic ties last year.
Brazil Drops Environment Protections to Allow Mining in the Amazon
The Brazilian government has removed nature reserve protections covering 17,800 square miles of the Amazon to allow mining to take place. The government said nine smaller zones within the vast tract of land across the Amapa and Para states would be preserved. Opposition politician Randolfe Rodrigues called it “the biggest attack on the Amazon of the last 50 years.”
Reporting by Reuben McLaren, Ollie Powell, Conor Mercer.
