A serious incident occurred in Hamilton on the evening of October 24, 2023, when a motorbike collided with a car at a busy intersection. As a result of the crash, the motorbike rider sustained significant injuries and was transported to a local hospital for urgent medical care.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, which led to the closure of the intersection while authorities conducted an investigation. Witnesses reported that the collision happened during peak traffic hours, contributing to the disruption in the area.

Details of the Incident

The accident took place at approximately 18:30 local time. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the motorbike was traveling at a high speed before it struck the car. The driver of the car, who remained unharmed, was cooperative with police as they evaluated the circumstances surrounding the collision.

According to local law enforcement, the investigation is ongoing. Officers are gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that speed may have played a role in the severity of the injuries sustained by the rider.

Impact on Traffic and Community Response

The closure of the intersection caused significant traffic delays, prompting detours and rerouting of vehicles. Commuters faced challenges as they navigated alternate routes, and local businesses in the vicinity reported a temporary decline in customer foot traffic.

Community members expressed concern about the safety of the intersection, noting that it has been the site of previous accidents. Local authorities are expected to review traffic patterns and consider implementing safety measures to prevent future incidents.

In the wake of this event, residents are urged to exercise caution when navigating busy intersections, particularly during peak traffic hours. As more information becomes available, local officials will provide updates regarding the ongoing investigation and the condition of the injured rider.

New Zealand’s advertising landscape is evolving, with artificial intelligence (AI) making a significant impact. According to the latest survey by the Television Research Agency (TRA), the AI-generated ad campaign by Skinny featuring a digitally cloned 64-year-old Liz Wright has emerged as one of the most popular advertisements among New Zealanders. The campaign secured a position in the top ten alongside well-known brands such as Tux, One NZ, KFC, and Turners.

In the survey conducted in June 2025, Kiwis expressed their enthusiasm for the innovative ad, demonstrating a clear shift towards embracing cutting-edge technology in marketing. The digitally cloned Liz Wright, selected from hundreds of entries in a nationwide search, has resonated with audiences, showcasing the creative possibilities that AI brings to advertising.

Matt Bain, Spark’s marketing and data director, highlighted the transformative power of AI in the advertising sector. He noted that AI has made digital effects more accessible, stating, “Brands like Skinny can actually do things like clone a customer and then create scenes that wouldn’t have been possible on Skinny’s budgets.” This democratization of technology allows smaller brands to compete with larger corporations by leveraging sophisticated tools previously reserved for bigger budgets.

The Skinny ad exemplifies how AI can enhance customer engagement by personalizing content and creating relatable narratives. As consumers become increasingly accustomed to personalized marketing experiences, the use of AI-generated content is likely to grow, allowing brands to connect with audiences on a more intimate level.

This trend reflects broader changes in the advertising industry, where creativity merges with technological advancements. As brands strive to capture the attention of consumers in a crowded marketplace, the integration of AI tools will continue to play a crucial role.

The success of Skinny’s AI-driven campaign signifies a turning point in how advertisements are created and perceived in New Zealand. With audiences responding positively to innovative approaches, it is clear that the future of advertising will heavily rely on the fusion of creativity and technology. As companies like Skinny pioneer this movement, the potential for AI to reshape the marketing landscape remains vast and promising.

Former Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Adrian Orr has been appointed to the board of the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund. This development follows Orr’s unexpected departure from the Reserve Bank in March 2023. The fund, which currently manages approximately $300 million in assets, announced Orr’s appointment in a media release, highlighting his connection to the Cook Islands through his grandfather, No’oroa George, a native of the islands.

Orr has been a strong advocate for the establishment of the superannuation fund, supporting his uncle, former Member of Parliament Norman George, during the legislative process. According to the fund’s statement, Orr provided “strategic and operational support” to the board and its executive team prior to his appointment.

In addition to his role with the superannuation fund, Orr collaborated with the fund’s chief executive, Damien Beddoes, to create the Pacific Islands Investment Forum, which engages 20 funds from 12 countries. This initiative reflects Orr’s commitment to enhancing investment opportunities within the region.

Fund chair Heinz Matysik emphasized Orr’s extensive industry experience, stating, “Adrian brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership that will strengthen our board. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as the fund enters its next phase of growth and development.”

Orr has not publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding his resignation from the Reserve Bank. His departure raised questions due to its unexpected nature, with the bank only confirming that his reasons were “personal.” In June, a release of documents indicated that Orr had been negotiating a Five Year Funding Agreement with bank officials and the Minister of Finance when he chose to resign. He reportedly believed that the bank required additional funding beyond what the board was prepared to authorize.

As Orr begins his new role, his experience and connections within the financial sector are expected to play a significant part in the future success of the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund.

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.