Stories from New Zealand

Two people were hospitalized following a reported stabbing on Kiwi Street in Hastings. One victim is in critical condition and the other is in moderate condition. Police confirmed that one person has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Speaker of the House Jerry Brownlee has suspended TVNZ political editor Mikey Sherman from Parliament for five days. The suspension runs from May 1 to May 6. Brownlee stated the suspension follows attempts by Sherman to secure an interview that went beyond the prescription and spirit of parliamentary rules. The decision was announced in a statement released on Thursday. The editor informed the Speaker that it was not her intention to violate the rules but accepts the decision. Brownlee stated that all protocols between the Parliament Speaker's Office and the Press Gallery have been satisfied. Speaker Gerry Brownlee announced the five-day suspension of the TVNZ political editor. Sherman was reportedly pursuing National Party whip Stuart Smith concerning reports of caucus dissatisfaction with Christopher Luxon's leadership.

New Zealand rugby league player Chanel Harris-Tavita is facing speculation regarding a move to the Cowboys next year. Harris-Tavita has played 100 games for the Warriors since his 2019 debut but is currently off contract.

Tally Seafood confirmed it will close its West Port fish processing factory next month. The decision follows a period of consultation and will affect 92 jobs. The company stated that staff will be offered work in other parts of the business.

Hundreds of shopping trolleys are being dumped around Hamilton, according to a council report. Reports indicate hundreds of abandoned trolleys are being left on streets. The exact volume of trolleys depends on the collation of various reports.

Councillor Benedict Ong has been accused of breaching the council's code of conduct. The accusation follows Ong leaking a confidential email regarding a fresh code of conduct complaint against him. Council Chief Executive Sandy Graham filed the complaint on Wednesday afternoon.

Mahe Drysdale stated the council is working to reopen Moawe as soon as safety concerns are addressed. Drysdale said that safety must remain the council's top priority during the process.

Talle Seafood confirmed it will stop processing operations in Westport by mid next month. The company stated the decision follows a strategic review of operations. Staff will be offered employment in other parts of the business, including Westport.

New Zealand's Court of Appeal dismissed claims by 35-year-old Tarrant that mental illness and harsh jail conditions led to his guilty pleas for terrorism and murder. The court ruled the claims were not supported by prison staff. The individual claimed the pleas were not supported by prison staff and were intended to secure a corridor. An appeal court panel of three judges dismissed a claim by Brenton Terrence Tarrant to abandon his guilty pleas. Tarrant is the white supremacist who shot and killed 51 Muslims at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Christchurch attacker is awaiting trial for murder and terrorism offenses. His father, Sadji Dakhram, was shot dead by police at Bondi Beach at the scene. Fleming on New Year's Day last year during a jury trial at the Christchurch High Court. Crown Prosecutor Mark O'Donoghue alleged the 33-year-old intentionally drove at officers. Defense lawyer Josh Lucas stated Tasca was drunk, homeless, unemployed, and suffering from depression at the time of the crash and was attempting to take his own life. More than 40 witnesses are expected to be called during the trial.