Everything you need to know this morning curated by 95bFMand VICE NZ.Bugs!
There has been an explosion in insect numbers following the hot summer weather. Pest-control services in Wellington and Auckland have reported a high increase in calls compared to last summer. Simon Turnbull of Rentokil says when the temperature is at 20 degrees and humidity is at 70 percent "they go gangbusters". University of Auckland Ecology Professor Jacqueline Beggs says unlike warm-blooded animals insects do not regulate their own temperature. "They respond to the ambient conditions therefore can speed up their cycle when the weather is warmer."Criticism Levelled at Labour’s State Care Abuse InquiryThe Labour coalition government hascome under firefor launching an investigation into the sexual abuse of children within the state care system. Critics say the inquiry doesn't go far enough, after it was announced that it would not be investigating religious or sporting institutions. Bill Kilgallon, who handles complaints for the Catholic Church in New Zealand, called the decision a missed opportunity. The inquiry comes as part of Ardern's 100-day action plan.No Longer Vulnerable
The Ministry for Vulnerable Children is set to change its name to Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children. Announced in December, the change takes effect as of today. Children's Minister Tracy Martin said that the name change is a symbolic step, believing it helps to communicate a clear direction for the Ministry. In addition to changing the name, Oranga Tamariki has renewed efforts to recruit social workers. Spokesperson Jo Harrison said that, although the Ministry has hired 200 people in the last nine months, it still faces issues in trying to recruit more Māori and rural social workers. Oranga Tamariki was created only nine months ago, and focuses primarily on improving the quality and range of care provided to children and youth.Kaiaua Struggles Following Flooding
The Kaiaua community is struggling to get back on its feet says John Tregidga, Hauraki District Council mayor.This comes after the small Coromandel coastal town was flooded early this month. Tregidga claims that around 240 homes have been left in serious need of repairs and many homeowners are without insurance. "People are still living in their severely damaged homes because they have nowhere to go" he says. A fund has been set up to help victims with no home or contents insurance.River in the Sky
"A river of subtropical air" is set to hit the country, causing heavy rainfall in the west half of the North Island until Friday. WeatherWatch meteorologist, Philip Duncan, says the rain could cause flooding and high river flows. Duncan also stated that "You get weird weather from tropical rain". While Taranaki is expected to be affected, the unpredictable weather pattern makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly where will be hit the worst.Steve Bannon to Cooperate with Russia/Trump Investigations
Steve Bannon has announced he will be cooperating with Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into links between Russia and the Trump administration. This comes after Mueller, in his role as special prosecutor, served Bannon with a subpoena to appear before a grand jury. Bannon had been unwilling to cooperate until now, and it is believed that the subpoena was used as a means of negotiating one-on-one talks behind closed doors. It is likely that the talks will focus around quotes attributed to Bannon by the book ' Fire and Fury', in which he alleges he had knowledge of connections between senior administration staff and Russian officials.Britain Set to Battle Loneliness
Theresa May has announced the creation of a Ministry of Loneliness. The focus addresses empirical data suggesting loneliness is an issue affecting millions of Britons.The Ministry is also an ode to slain Labour MP Jo Cox, who was an advocate for help against loneliness. Appointed MP Tracey Crouch says she will address the loneliness endured by the elderly, by carers and by those who have lost loved ones.Theresa May describes the issue as "a sad reality of modern life".Hong Kong Activist Held
Occupy Hong Kong student activist, Joshua Wong Chi Fung has been been denied bail. Wong Chi Fung was imprisoned in August last year with two other pro-democracy leaders, Nathan Law and Alex Chow. He was freed after three months. However, he was jailed again for being in contempt of court in relation to the 2014 Occupy Protests along with fellow activist, Raphael Wong. The judge ruled that he had no power to grant either of them bail. Last week, Hong Kong's chief prosecutor, David Leung Cheuk-Yin, announced he wasn't ruling out pursuing the other 700 protesters who participated in the protests, almost four years ago.Joint Korean Ice Hockey Team
North and South Korea have agreed to form a women's Olympic ice hockey team. The two countries will also march together under a unification flag at the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Pyeongchang. The decision follows a year of increasing tensions between the two countries, amid several missile launches and the claims of a hydrogen bomb test by the North. North Korea will also send a 150 athletes to the Paralympics in Pyeongchang in March.Reporting by Leah Garcia-Purves, Jennifer-Rose Tamati, and Daniel Meech.
LOCAL NEWS
There has been an explosion in insect numbers following the hot summer weather. Pest-control services in Wellington and Auckland have reported a high increase in calls compared to last summer. Simon Turnbull of Rentokil says when the temperature is at 20 degrees and humidity is at 70 percent "they go gangbusters". University of Auckland Ecology Professor Jacqueline Beggs says unlike warm-blooded animals insects do not regulate their own temperature. "They respond to the ambient conditions therefore can speed up their cycle when the weather is warmer."Criticism Levelled at Labour’s State Care Abuse Inquiry
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The Ministry for Vulnerable Children is set to change its name to Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children. Announced in December, the change takes effect as of today. Children's Minister Tracy Martin said that the name change is a symbolic step, believing it helps to communicate a clear direction for the Ministry. In addition to changing the name, Oranga Tamariki has renewed efforts to recruit social workers. Spokesperson Jo Harrison said that, although the Ministry has hired 200 people in the last nine months, it still faces issues in trying to recruit more Māori and rural social workers. Oranga Tamariki was created only nine months ago, and focuses primarily on improving the quality and range of care provided to children and youth.Kaiaua Struggles Following Flooding
The Kaiaua community is struggling to get back on its feet says John Tregidga, Hauraki District Council mayor.This comes after the small Coromandel coastal town was flooded early this month. Tregidga claims that around 240 homes have been left in serious need of repairs and many homeowners are without insurance. "People are still living in their severely damaged homes because they have nowhere to go" he says. A fund has been set up to help victims with no home or contents insurance.
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"A river of subtropical air" is set to hit the country, causing heavy rainfall in the west half of the North Island until Friday. WeatherWatch meteorologist, Philip Duncan, says the rain could cause flooding and high river flows. Duncan also stated that "You get weird weather from tropical rain". While Taranaki is expected to be affected, the unpredictable weather pattern makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly where will be hit the worst.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Steve Bannon has announced he will be cooperating with Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into links between Russia and the Trump administration. This comes after Mueller, in his role as special prosecutor, served Bannon with a subpoena to appear before a grand jury. Bannon had been unwilling to cooperate until now, and it is believed that the subpoena was used as a means of negotiating one-on-one talks behind closed doors. It is likely that the talks will focus around quotes attributed to Bannon by the book ' Fire and Fury', in which he alleges he had knowledge of connections between senior administration staff and Russian officials.Britain Set to Battle Loneliness
Theresa May has announced the creation of a Ministry of Loneliness. The focus addresses empirical data suggesting loneliness is an issue affecting millions of Britons.The Ministry is also an ode to slain Labour MP Jo Cox, who was an advocate for help against loneliness. Appointed MP Tracey Crouch says she will address the loneliness endured by the elderly, by carers and by those who have lost loved ones.Theresa May describes the issue as "a sad reality of modern life".Hong Kong Activist Held
Occupy Hong Kong student activist, Joshua Wong Chi Fung has been been denied bail. Wong Chi Fung was imprisoned in August last year with two other pro-democracy leaders, Nathan Law and Alex Chow. He was freed after three months. However, he was jailed again for being in contempt of court in relation to the 2014 Occupy Protests along with fellow activist, Raphael Wong. The judge ruled that he had no power to grant either of them bail. Last week, Hong Kong's chief prosecutor, David Leung Cheuk-Yin, announced he wasn't ruling out pursuing the other 700 protesters who participated in the protests, almost four years ago.Joint Korean Ice Hockey Team
North and South Korea have agreed to form a women's Olympic ice hockey team. The two countries will also march together under a unification flag at the opening ceremony of the Winter Games in Pyeongchang. The decision follows a year of increasing tensions between the two countries, amid several missile launches and the claims of a hydrogen bomb test by the North. North Korea will also send a 150 athletes to the Paralympics in Pyeongchang in March.Reporting by Leah Garcia-Purves, Jennifer-Rose Tamati, and Daniel Meech.