Protest at the entry to Pike River mine. Image via Shutterstock.
Everything you need to know about the world today, curated by 95bFM and VICE NZ.Nurses To Make Strike Decision Today
Nurses will decide today whether they will accept the new pay offer from the DHB or go ahead with the proposed strike. Last month the DHB offered nurses a nine percent pay rise over the next 15 months, with some eligible for a 15 percent increase. The strikes are scheduled for July 5 and July 13. If the strikes do go ahead the DHB will have contingency plans put in place and life-preserving services will continue.Government Announces Tourist Tax
International holidaymakers will be charged a tourist tax from next year. Foreigners visiting New Zealand for less than 12 months will be charged $25 to $35 through visa applications and a new Electronic Travel Authority. Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Chris Roberts told 95bFM that he believes the levy will not reduce the number of tourists visiting New Zealand. He says, “because they are exempting Australia and the Pacific Islands. So for anyone coming on a short haul trip to New Zealand, it’s not going to apply to them. And that’s where it could have had quite an impact”.NZ Scientists Discover Leading Cause of Bowel Cancer
New Zealand scientists have identified a toxic bug that is believed to be a leading cause of bowel cancer. Otago University Scientists have discovered a bacteria found in almost 80 percent of patients is potentially a precursor for the disease. The bacteria is commonly found in the gut and helps with digestion but in some people it produces a toxin that alters cells. Bowel cancer kills up to 13,000 New Zealanders a year, with the disease becoming more common in those under 50 years of age.Auckland Lawyer Subject to Guernsey Ban
A RNZ investigation into money laundering has revealed that an Auckland lawyer was previously banned from operating as a fiduciary in Guernsey. British born lawyer Matt Butterfield was banned for five years before working as a trust and company lawyer here. New Zealand Company Law only asks about people being banned in Australia and New Zealand. In a Colorado hearing earlier this year Butterfield said, "historically I would suggest, New Zealand has first world legislation with third world enforcement". Butterfield is alleged to hold ownership of Azerbaijan-linked companies.Mine Re-Entry Could Trigger New Investigation
Re-entry to Pike River Mine later this year is likely to also reopen an investigation into the incident say police. No charges were laid during the investigation that concluded in 2013, three years after the collapse of the mine. A statement by police says any new evidence brought to light by the re-entry would be accessed on relevance to the initial investigation. Police officials met with families of victims earlier last week to show their commitment to the investigation.Urgent Need for Housing in Wellington
Wellington City Council says there is an urgent need for more housing in the city in order to meet demand. The Council has committed to 750 new homes over the next ten years for affordable and social housing. However it is projected that 30,000 homes are needed for an adequate supply by 2043. Wellington City Council wants more medium and high density housing in already developed areas to keep the city from developing too far out.Afghanistan Explosion Kills 18
An explosion in Eastern Afghanistan has killed 18 people and injured many others. The blast on Sunday came one day after a suicide bomber killed 36 people in the same province. The attacks coincide with the Muslim holiday of Eid. Both the Taliban and the Afghanistan Government had agreed to stop operations during this holiday period. Neither group have claimed responsibility for Sunday's explosion but the local affiliate of ISIS claimed the suicide bomber attack.French Telecom Face Trial Over Staff Suicides
The former chief executive of France Telecom and six other managers are to face trial over staff suicides. Prosecutors believe the harsh corporate culture involving harassment was the reasoning behind the nineteen staff suicides since 2006. Tough restructuring measures were put in place in 2006 after privatisation which cut 22,000 jobs and retained 10,000. Former chief executive Dideir Lombard accepts restructuring upset employees but doesn't believe it is responsible for staff taking their lives.Shooting at US Arts Festival
At least 22 people have been injured after a shooting that took place at an arts festival in Trenton, New Jersey. Four of the injured including a 13 year old boy are in critical condition. The motive for the attack is unclear, several weapons were found at the scene.The 12th annual Trenton all night arts festival has now been canceled as investigations continue.Indian Ceasefire Has Ended
The Indian Government is resuming military operations against rebels in Indian administered Kashmir. This marks the end of a 30 day ceasefire over the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, although rebel attacks on civilians still continued. The youth president of the Peoples Democratic Party Waheed Ur Raman Para said "the efforts of the government to give peace a chance were sabotaged.” The Himalayan valley continues to be one of the most enduring conflicts in the world with 50,000 Indian troops stationed there.Additional reporting by: Jemima Huston, Damian Rowe and Bailley Verry.
LOCAL NEWS
Nurses will decide today whether they will accept the new pay offer from the DHB or go ahead with the proposed strike. Last month the DHB offered nurses a nine percent pay rise over the next 15 months, with some eligible for a 15 percent increase. The strikes are scheduled for July 5 and July 13. If the strikes do go ahead the DHB will have contingency plans put in place and life-preserving services will continue.Government Announces Tourist Tax
International holidaymakers will be charged a tourist tax from next year. Foreigners visiting New Zealand for less than 12 months will be charged $25 to $35 through visa applications and a new Electronic Travel Authority. Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Chris Roberts told 95bFM that he believes the levy will not reduce the number of tourists visiting New Zealand. He says, “because they are exempting Australia and the Pacific Islands. So for anyone coming on a short haul trip to New Zealand, it’s not going to apply to them. And that’s where it could have had quite an impact”.
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New Zealand scientists have identified a toxic bug that is believed to be a leading cause of bowel cancer. Otago University Scientists have discovered a bacteria found in almost 80 percent of patients is potentially a precursor for the disease. The bacteria is commonly found in the gut and helps with digestion but in some people it produces a toxin that alters cells. Bowel cancer kills up to 13,000 New Zealanders a year, with the disease becoming more common in those under 50 years of age.Auckland Lawyer Subject to Guernsey Ban
A RNZ investigation into money laundering has revealed that an Auckland lawyer was previously banned from operating as a fiduciary in Guernsey. British born lawyer Matt Butterfield was banned for five years before working as a trust and company lawyer here. New Zealand Company Law only asks about people being banned in Australia and New Zealand. In a Colorado hearing earlier this year Butterfield said, "historically I would suggest, New Zealand has first world legislation with third world enforcement". Butterfield is alleged to hold ownership of Azerbaijan-linked companies.Mine Re-Entry Could Trigger New Investigation
Re-entry to Pike River Mine later this year is likely to also reopen an investigation into the incident say police. No charges were laid during the investigation that concluded in 2013, three years after the collapse of the mine. A statement by police says any new evidence brought to light by the re-entry would be accessed on relevance to the initial investigation. Police officials met with families of victims earlier last week to show their commitment to the investigation.
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Wellington City Council says there is an urgent need for more housing in the city in order to meet demand. The Council has committed to 750 new homes over the next ten years for affordable and social housing. However it is projected that 30,000 homes are needed for an adequate supply by 2043. Wellington City Council wants more medium and high density housing in already developed areas to keep the city from developing too far out.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
An explosion in Eastern Afghanistan has killed 18 people and injured many others. The blast on Sunday came one day after a suicide bomber killed 36 people in the same province. The attacks coincide with the Muslim holiday of Eid. Both the Taliban and the Afghanistan Government had agreed to stop operations during this holiday period. Neither group have claimed responsibility for Sunday's explosion but the local affiliate of ISIS claimed the suicide bomber attack.French Telecom Face Trial Over Staff Suicides
The former chief executive of France Telecom and six other managers are to face trial over staff suicides. Prosecutors believe the harsh corporate culture involving harassment was the reasoning behind the nineteen staff suicides since 2006. Tough restructuring measures were put in place in 2006 after privatisation which cut 22,000 jobs and retained 10,000. Former chief executive Dideir Lombard accepts restructuring upset employees but doesn't believe it is responsible for staff taking their lives.Shooting at US Arts Festival
At least 22 people have been injured after a shooting that took place at an arts festival in Trenton, New Jersey. Four of the injured including a 13 year old boy are in critical condition. The motive for the attack is unclear, several weapons were found at the scene.The 12th annual Trenton all night arts festival has now been canceled as investigations continue.Indian Ceasefire Has Ended
The Indian Government is resuming military operations against rebels in Indian administered Kashmir. This marks the end of a 30 day ceasefire over the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, although rebel attacks on civilians still continued. The youth president of the Peoples Democratic Party Waheed Ur Raman Para said "the efforts of the government to give peace a chance were sabotaged.” The Himalayan valley continues to be one of the most enduring conflicts in the world with 50,000 Indian troops stationed there.Additional reporting by: Jemima Huston, Damian Rowe and Bailley Verry.