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Three in custody following security guard stabbing

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Three in custody following security guard stabbing
New Lynn crime news
Stock photo.

Three youths have been taken into custody following an assault on a security guard at a New Lynn supermarket last night.

At about 6.30pm, Police were called following a report of three youths taking items from a supermarket on Totara Avenue.

Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB, says a female security guard confronted one of the offenders, who then assaulted her with what is believed to be a knife.

“The injury has penetrated the security guard’s vest and into her torso.

“She was transported to hospital and thankfully hasn’t suffered any serious injuries, however this would have been an extremely frightening incident for the victim and we are providing her with support.

“The violent behaviour on display last night was totally unacceptable, directed toward someone who was just doing their job.”

This morning, Police identified and located three people, aged 13, 14 and 15, believed to be responsible.

Charges are now being considered and enquiries remain ongoing.

Image credit: Kindel Media

RNZ host slammed for lack of impartiality over Treaty Principles Bill protest

Daily Telegraph NZ
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RNZ host slammed for lack of impartiality over Treaty Principles Bill protest
Mininirangi Forbes news
PHOTO SUPPLIED.

An RNZ host is exploiting her taxpayer-funded platform to support protests against ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill, says ACT Public Service spokesman Todd Stephenson.

“Mihingarangi Forbes is a co-host of RNZ’s Saturday Mornings and hosts the RNZ podcast Mata. She has joined the hīkoi, posing for photos with protest leaders and using official RNZ social media channels to post in support,” says Mr Stephenson.

“Much of the media has already dropped any pretence of impartiality when it comes to reporting on the Treaty Principles Bill and the hīkoi. TVNZ chief content officer Nevak Rogers has also joined and supported the hīkoi.

“The difference with RNZ is that it’s funded by the taxpayer, and Forbes’s show Mata has received close to a million dollars in additional funding from NZ on Air.

“As a public sector agency, RNZ is subject to integrity and conduct standards, including those of impartiality.

“It’s time these standards were enforced. RNZ bosses should give Forbes an ultimatum: stop your political campaigning, or face the same sanctions anyone else would.”

RNZ news
PHOTO SUPPLIED.

‘This idiot may have started WW3’: Biden slammed for Ukraine long-range missile decision

Daily Telegraph NZ
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‘This idiot may have started WW3’: Biden slammed for Ukraine long-range missile decision

President Joe Biden’s controversial decision to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US-supplied long-range missiles has been met with widespread backlash, with critics warning that the move edges the world closer to a catastrophic global conflict.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky hinted that these weapons could now be used to strike targets deep inside Russia, a shift that Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned would “significantly change the nature of the conflict.”

Zelensky’s comments came in a video address on Sunday evening, where he made a veiled reference to the potential use of ATACMS missiles. “Missiles will speak for themselves. They certainly will,” he said, without detailing the intended targets.

Reports suggest that the Biden administration’s reversal on the long-standing policy against such strikes marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing war, with the potential to provoke direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.

Critics from across the political spectrum took to social media to condemn the move, pointing to its potential for sparking a larger war.

Prominent commentator Andrew Tate criticised Biden’s decision, suggesting it was orchestrated by hidden forces: “Why are people pretending Biden authorised strikes into Russian territory? Biden hasn’t got a clue what’s going on. The Matrix did. War allows them to retain control. It’s a final act of desperation before the cleansing fire. Pray they fail.”

Former Marine intelligence officer Scott Ritter accused the Biden administration of effectively declaring war on Russia: “The Biden administration just gave Ukraine the green light to use US-made and provided ATACMS missiles against Russian targets inside Russian territory… The decision reflects a growing sense of desperation… Russia will not accept this escalation by doing nothing. Russia’s response will be decisive and possibly include hitting targets outside Ukraine.”

Ritter added that the Biden administration’s decision could backfire, leaving President-elect Donald Trump to inherit a volatile situation. “Trump does not want a war with Russia, inherited or otherwise,” he warned, suggesting that Biden’s move was a strategic miscalculation.

Donald Trump Jr. lambasted the decision as a profit-driven ploy by defense contractors, tweeting: “The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives. Gotta lock in those $Trillions. Life be damned!!! Imbeciles!”

Journalist Chay Bowes didn’t mince words in his condemnation, branding Biden’s decision reckless: “This idiot may have just started WW3.”

Putin has previously warned that NATO’s involvement in strikes on Russian soil would signify direct participation in the conflict, potentially forcing Russia to retaliate beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Australian broadcaster Alan Jones arrested over sexual assault allegations

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Australian broadcaster Alan Jones arrested over sexual assault allegations

Alan Jones arrest news

Veteran Australian broadcaster Alan Jones has been arrested at his luxury Sydney Harbour apartment following a nine-month investigation into allegations of indecent assault against several young men.

The 83-year-old was taken into custody by detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad at his Circular Quay residence early Monday morning.

According to NSW Police, the arrest is part of an investigation launched in March 2024 under Strike Force Bonnefin, which has been examining alleged incidents of indecent assault and sexual touching spanning nearly two decades, from 2001 to 2019.

“Child Abuse Squad detectives have arrested a man following an investigation into alleged indecent assault and sexual touching offences spanning two decades,” a police statement confirmed.

Police executed a search warrant at Jones’s residence around 7:45 am before taking him to Day Street police station in central Sydney. Authorities are expected to address the media later today.

Allegations against Jones first came to light in December 2023, when he publicly denied accusations of indecently assaulting young men during his decades-long career. The claims were detailed in an investigative report by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, which included accounts from a former 2GB employee, a former waiter, and an aspiring musician.

Jones, a former talkback radio host at Sydney’s 2GB, and coach of the Wallabies, was one of Australia’s most influential and controversial commentators, known for his significant sway in media and politics. Police inquiries into the allegations are ongoing.

Wales suffer record defeat against Wallabies

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Wales suffer record defeat against Wallabies

Wales suffered a humiliating record-breaking loss to Australia in Cardiff, marking their 11th consecutive defeat and the worst result in their 143-year rugby history.

Despite a spirited response that saw Aaron Wainwright’s try and Gareth Anscombe’s kicks narrow the gap, Australia’s eight-try blitz, including hat-tricks from Matt Faessler and Tom Wright, sealed a comprehensive victory.

Even a 20-minute red card for Samu Kerevi failed to halt Australia’s momentum, as the Wallabies piled on points despite being a man down. The crushing defeat intensifies scrutiny on head coach Warren Gatland, with Wales facing world champions South Africa next week in a bid to avoid a winless calendar year for the first time since 1937.

Nationwide strike looms as nurses demand fair pay and safe staffing levels

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Nationwide strike looms as nurses demand fair pay and safe staffing levels

Nurses strike news

The Nurses Organisation has announced a nationwide strike on December 3, with further rolling strikes planned in the following weeks, in protest against inadequate pay offers and staffing concerns.

Representing over 56,000 nurses and health workers, the union has criticised Health NZ’s proposed pay rise of just 0.5% in the first year and up to 1% in the second year, which falls far below inflation. Nurses feel undervalued and warn that the pay offer equates to a real-term pay cut. Chief executive Paul Goulter told state media the strain on nurses, saying promises of support are not backed by tangible action, leaving them frustrated and overworked.

Adding to the tension is Health NZ’s decision to pause a crucial digital staffing system that helps manage safe staffing levels in hospitals. The union argues this will exacerbate staffing shortages, jeopardising patient safety.

Image credit: Ahmed

DOGE probing funding of Lindsey Graham-linked study on male prostitutes in Vietnam

Daily Telegraph NZ
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DOGE probing funding of Lindsey Graham-linked study on male prostitutes in Vietnam

As part of its crackdown on wasteful government spending, the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is investigating how the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) was allocated $442,340 for a study on the behavioural patterns of male prostitutes in Vietnam.

This expenditure has sparked a significant debate over the allocation of public funds, particularly when the study’s broader implications and outcomes remain ambiguous.

The study, which aimed to understand the social milieu and impact of male sex work on the HIV epidemics in major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, was funded over several fiscal years, drawing approximately $500,000 annually since 2008.

According to the department’s tweet, not only was the funding deemed questionable, but Senator Lindsey Graham, who was involved in some capacity with the study, reportedly never reported back with findings. This lack of feedback has raised eyebrows and questions about accountability and the effectiveness of such research endeavours.

Auckland Transport’s fare-dodging policy sparks violence and calls for reform

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Auckland Transport’s fare-dodging policy sparks violence and calls for reform

Auckland Transport news

Auckland Transport (AT) is under fire for its lax approach to fare dodging, with critics claiming it has fostered an environment of antisocial behaviour and violence on public buses.

ACT MP Dr. Parmjeet Parmar has called on AT to urgently address the issue, warning that the current policy is endangering both drivers and passengers while costing taxpayers.

“Antisocial fare dodgers discourage Aucklanders from using public transport. They deprive AT of revenue and load costs onto rule-abiding ratepayers. They are threatening, stealing from, and assaulting bus drivers and passengers,” said Parmar.

The criticism follows a meeting between Parmar and a bus driver who was seriously assaulted by fare dodgers. According to Parmar, a bus contractor has repeatedly warned AT that its lenient stance on fare enforcement is contributing to the problem.

In 2020, AT implemented a policy allowing passengers without sufficient funds on their HOP cards to travel without paying. This “travel for free” approach was intended to simplify operations after cash fares were removed but has reportedly led to unintended consequences.

The contractor told Parmar that some individuals now feel entitled to free rides, leading to disputes with bus drivers. The buses have also become a haven for intoxicated or unstable individuals seeking shelter, increasing the risk of violent incidents.

Parmar criticised AT for creating a “culture” that encourages fare dodging. “When we turn a blind eye to repeated fare-dodging, we send a message that rules – and basic respect – don’t matter. Is it any wonder this then leads to violence?”

She outlined several potential solutions, including:

  • Reinstating a strict “no fare, no ride” policy
  • Introducing clearer signage to deter fare dodging
  • Deploying mobile teams of enforcement officers
  • Increasing collaboration with police and private security

Parmar has requested a meeting with AT to discuss the issue and is prepared to facilitate discussions with bus contractors, drivers, and law enforcement to implement firm measures.

“Bus drivers shouldn’t bear the responsibility of dealing with fare dodgers. AT must take ownership of the situation and work toward making public transport safe and reliable for everyone,” she said.

Auckland Transport has yet to respond to the calls for stronger enforcement and security measures.

Kim Jong-un orders mass production of kamikaze drones

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Kim Jong-un orders mass production of kamikaze drones
North Korea Kamikaze drones news
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un leads a kamikaze drone test on November 14, 2024. © KCNA.

North Korean engineers are developing new types of loitering munitions, as Pyongyang pushes for their adoption by the army.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a field trial of domestically produced kamikaze drones, state media reported on Friday.

Kim stressed that the country needs to soon move from prototyping to full-scale production to be able to incorporate large-scale use of unmanned aircraft into its military doctrine, the news agency KCNA added.

The agency published photos showing Kim and two other senior officials observing what it claimed was the deployment of several unmanned aircraft, images of which were blurred. The prototypes tested on Thursday were developed by a research facility associated with North Korea’s Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex (UATC), the report said.

Boosters are used for the launch of the weapons, while engineers are exploring various types of air frames, with one model apparently designed with four wings in a cross configuration, according to the report.

North Korean drones are designed for both ground and naval warfare, have different ranges, and employ some form of homing after reaching the end of their programmable path, the KCNA claimed.

Iran denies envoy met with Musk

Daily Telegraph NZ
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Iran denies envoy met with Musk
Iran - Elon Musk news
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. © Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Earlier this week, the New York Times reported that the US-based billionaire had held secret talks with Amir Saeid Iravani.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has dismissed media claims that the country’s ambassador to the UN held a secret meeting with US-based billionaire Elon Musk earlier this week. During his first term in office, President-elect Donald Trump pursued a ‘maximum pressure’ policy toward Tehran, taking multiple hostile steps against the Islamic Republic.

Positioning himself as politically neutral prior to the 2024 US presidential race, Musk declared his support for Trump this July and emerged as one of the Republican’s top donors. Since the election on November 5, the tech tycoon has often been seen together with the president-elect, including during phone calls with foreign leaders at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.

Speaking to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency on Saturday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei categorically denied the “false reports” from US media outlets regarding a meeting between Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani and Musk. According to the article, the diplomat “expressed surprise” at how readily the media ran with the story.

On Thursday, the New York Times, citing two unnamed Iranian officials, reported that Iravani and Musk held secret talks on Monday in New York. According to the newspaper, the meeting was an attempt to “defuse tensions” between the US and Iran and was described as “positive” by the anonymous sources.

Neither the tech mogul nor the Iranian mission to the UN has commented on the matter. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung told the NYT that the president-elect would not speak to “reports of private meetings that did or did not occur.”

As Trump prepares to take over from President Joe Biden, he has picked several Iran hardliners for top government positions, including Senator Marco Rubio for secretary of state and Congressman Mike Waltz for national security adviser.

During his first term in office, Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and placed numerous sanctions on Tehran. In January 2020, he ordered a drone strike in Iraq that killed Iran’s top military commander, Qassem Soleimani, who the US accused of orchestrating attacks on American military personnel in the Middle East. The Islamic Republic denied the allegations and called the assassination an “act of terrorism.”

In September, the Trump campaign claimed that US intelligence officials had warned it of “specific threats from Iran to assassinate” the Republican presidential nominee. Iran has dismissed the allegations as a “third-rate comedy.”

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