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.

The Blues rugby team is contemplating a shift from their traditional home at Eden Park to Mt Smart Stadium in an effort to address declining attendance figures for their Super Rugby matches. Amid concerns about dwindling fan engagement, the team is consulting with supporters to gauge whether the proposed move would influence their likelihood of attending games.

While the consultation seeks fan input, there is skepticism regarding whether relocating to Mt Smart will genuinely improve attendance. Critics argue that the logistical challenges remain largely unchanged. Public transport access to Mt Smart is comparable to that of Eden Park, and driving still necessitates finding parking, which can be a hassle. Fans will continue to face elements such as weather conditions while watching from the stands, and they will still incur costs for food and beverages at the venue.

One potential advantage of Mt Smart is its direct access off the motorway, which may simplify travel for some fans. Additionally, the presence of teams like the Auckland FC and the Warriors at Mt Smart could help establish a habitual fan base. However, many argue that these factors alone are insufficient to substantively increase attendance.

Attendance for Super Rugby matches has been lackluster nationwide, with only 6,000 fans attending games featuring Moana Pasifika and around 11,000 for the Blues, which is notably low given the 50,000 capacity of Eden Park. A smaller venue like Mt Smart, which accommodates 25,000 spectators, might mask the empty seats but does not address the underlying issue of fan engagement.

Addressing Fan Engagement Challenges

The challenge facing the Blues extends beyond venue choice. Observers believe that the root problem lies in the perceived lack of excitement surrounding Super Rugby itself. To reverse the trend of dwindling attendance, the organization must innovate and actively entice families and younger fans to attend games. Initiatives like Eden Park’s kids’ zone, which features attractions such as bouncy castles, represent the kind of thinking needed to enhance the game-day experience.

The sentiment is clear: the product of Super Rugby must evolve to capture the interest of the public. Without significant changes to make the sport more engaging, it may be inevitable that crowds will remain sparse, regardless of the stadium used. In light of this, while a move to Mt Smart may provide some logistical benefits, it might ultimately symbolize a retreat from the historical significance of Eden Park and an acceptance of a new norm in attendance figures.

The Blues face a critical crossroads. They can either adapt their approach to revive interest in Super Rugby or risk resigning themselves to an era of empty seats and lackluster crowds. It remains to be seen whether the team will take bold steps to reignite excitement around the sport, which is essential for drawing fans back to the stands, regardless of the venue.

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.