A video depicting an alleged drink-driver’s car stranded on the median barrier of a highway in Taranaki has gained significant attention on social media. The clip, recorded by witness Chris Cooper, captured the incident that occurred early on Saturday morning, specifically around 2:10 AM, on State Highway 3 near the Waitara River. Since being shared on Facebook, the video has amassed over one million views.

The footage shows an SUV stuck on the barrier, with the driver seemingly attempting to accelerate in a bid to free the vehicle. Cooper, who was driving by at the time, described the scene as both unusual and concerning. The moment was dramatic, highlighting the potential dangers of impaired driving.

Following the incident, local authorities were alerted to the scene. Officers from the Taranaki Police responded to reports of a vehicle on the barrier, which is located between Mamaku and Main North roads. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the crash.

As a consequence of the incident, a 28-year-old man has been summonsed to appear in the New Plymouth District Court on July 23, 2024. He faces a charge of drink-driving, underscoring the ongoing issue of impaired driving on New Zealand roads.

The viral nature of the video has sparked discussions about road safety and the consequences of driving under the influence. As more viewers engage with the clip, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with alcohol consumption and vehicle operation.

New Zealand shearers Toa Henderson and Jack Fagan celebrated significant victories in the French Open international final on Sunday, a major highlight of the French shearing and wool handling championships held in Boussac. Henderson’s win marked his first Open final victory in the Northern Hemisphere, boosting his confidence as he prepares for upcoming competitions against Welsh shearers.

Henderson, who previously secured wins at the Golden Shears and New Zealand Championships earlier this year, now boasts over 40 wins in Open finals, with 35 of those victories occurring since the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “I can’t wait to take on the Welsh, it will be good experience, but everything is still new for me over here.”

The New Zealand team faced tough competition from their French counterparts, Jeremy Leygonie and Pierre Grancher. In the final, Henderson qualified first from the semi-finals, finishing the initial shear of 20 blackface lambs in a time of 13 minutes and 50 seconds. Fagan followed closely, finishing just 26 seconds later. Henderson’s performance earned him a score of 56.55 points, while Fagan scored 58.1 points, placing him second. Leygonie and Grancher finished third and fourth, respectively.

Henderson’s success in Boussac comes after a challenging start to the tour, where he finished fourth in the Scottish blackface shearing championships at the Lochearnhead Shears on June 28. He also placed third at the Great Yorkshire Show, where he faced Fagan and found himself outperformed by Welsh shearer Lewis.

The competition against Wales is anticipated to be intense. While New Zealand has historically dominated home matches in the annual series, victories in Wales are less common. The Welsh team, particularly Lewis, recently set a two-stand British eight-hour ewe record by shearing 696 sheep alongside fellow Welsh shearer Llyr Evans. With Lewis having spent considerable time competing in New Zealand, the upcoming matches promise to be challenging.

The next test against Wales will take place at the Royal Welsh Show on July 7, 2025, followed by the final event of the tour at the Corwen Shears on July 26, 2025. The New Zealand team aims to maintain their momentum, building on their recent performances and learning from every challenge along the way.

International competition results from Boussac illustrate New Zealand’s overall strength, with the team winning by 11 points against France. As the tour progresses, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling showcase of shearers’ skills on the international stage.

The annual State of the City report for Auckland reveals a mixed picture, prompting a positive response from Minister for Auckland, Simeon Brown. The report highlights strong performance in sustainability, resilience, and culture, but indicates a decline in prosperity, skills, and innovation development. Minister Brown expressed optimism during an interview with Heather du Plessis-Allan, stating that Auckland is poised for significant growth in 2023.

Brown pointed to the upcoming opening of the City Rail Link and the anticipated benefits from the international convention centre as key factors that will drive opportunities for the city. He believes these developments will mark a turning point for Auckland’s future and contribute to its overall revitalization.

In addressing the challenges that the city faces, Brown noted that crime rates are decreasing, which he views as a positive development. Additionally, he acknowledged ongoing issues within the healthcare system, particularly in relation to emergency services. Reports from RNZ indicated that some ambulances were redirected from emergency departments at Auckland City Hospital and Middlemore Hospitals due to capacity constraints.

During the interview, Brown reassured the public that health workers are collaborating with the government to alleviate pressure on hospitals. He highlighted that patients experiencing less severe symptoms are occasionally referred to after-hours urgent care clinics. “The reality is that winter presents challenges for our healthcare system,” he stated, emphasizing the focus on allocating frontline resources to ensure timely and quality care for patients.

As Auckland navigates these complex issues, the Minister remains committed to addressing the inherited challenges while fostering a positive outlook for the city’s future.

The Commerce Commission is set to initiate legal proceedings against both Foodstuffs North Island Ltd and Gilmours Wholesale Ltd for alleged cartel conduct that breaches competition rules in the grocery sector. This move reflects significant regulatory scrutiny aimed at maintaining fair competition within New Zealand’s food supply industry.

The commission’s allegations focus on potential collusion between the two companies, suggesting they may have engaged in practices that hinder competition and manipulate market conditions. If proven, such actions could have serious implications for both companies and the broader market, potentially leading to penalties and enforced changes in their business practices.

Details of the Allegations

The specific nature of the alleged cartel conduct has not been publicly detailed, but the Commerce Commission has indicated that the actions of Foodstuffs and Gilmours could harm consumers and other businesses by creating an uneven playing field. The commission aims to ensure compliance with the Commerce Act, which is designed to promote fair and effective competition in the marketplace.

These legal proceedings represent a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to regulate the grocery sector in New Zealand, an area that has seen increased attention due to rising food prices and concerns about market fairness. The commission emphasizes its commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining a competitive market environment.

Implications for the Grocery Sector

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future. With grocery prices under scrutiny and consumer trust hanging in the balance, the implications extend beyond just the involved parties. Should the Commerce Commission succeed in its case, it could lead to stricter enforcement of competition laws across the industry.

Both Foodstuffs and Gilmours have yet to publicly comment on the allegations. Industry observers will be watching closely as the case unfolds, considering its potential impact on the operational strategies of grocery retailers in New Zealand.

As the commission prepares to file these civil proceedings, it highlights the importance of maintaining a competitive landscape for the benefit of all consumers. The legal actions aim to deter similar conduct in the future and reinforce the necessity of adherence to competition laws within the grocery sector.