Stories from New Zealand

Jana Dale-Peterson, who is in charge of custody units nationally, announced that New Zealand police are developing a new bespoke restraint chair. This chair will include a cushion at the back top end to minimize movement when a person is strapped in.

Authorities have stated that people in the camping area of Inangahu River are not safe.

A university is investigating whether private communications and information, including names, student IDs, and messages between students and lecturers on its site, have been accessed.

Mikey Sherman announced her resignation on social media this afternoon, stating her role had become untenable. She acknowledged using offensive and inexcusable language last year. Sherman claimed her language was a response to deeply personal and inappropriate remarks.

An Auckland coroner heard testimony regarding the death of Jay Tuwali, who died while restrained in a chair inside police cells. The deceased reportedly forcefully thrashed his head back and forth repeatedly while tied down.

The Commerce Commission has approved the merger of fuel companies NPD and Gull. Commission chair John Small stated the regulator is satisfied the proposed merger is unlikely to cause problems. The decision was announced following a review of the transaction.

New Zealand has entered discussions with Australia and the United Kingdom regarding the replacement of its naval frigates.

Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident in Far North that occurred just after 11 o'clock. One rider died at the scene, while a second rider sustained serious injuries nearby. Authorities believe the riders were knocked from their bikes.

New Zealand Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed today that the media regulatory authority will be scrapped following an assessment of its fitness for purpose. Goldsmith stated that news and entertainment consumption patterns have changed dramatically while the regulatory structure has not. A suggestion exists for the council to transition into a self-regulatory body for handling complaints. Goldsmith also noted that consumers can choose to avoid offensive content by switching stations. A proposal is being discussed to remove New Zealand's only statutory regulator of broadcasting media. Concerns were raised that without this regulator, broadcast media might not maintain standards, potentially distorting public debate and enhancing polarization.

A former member of the Broadcasting Standards Authority announced today that the regulator is being axed. The announcement was made by a former member of the organization.