Gill Bonnett Wellington, December 26, 2019 The New Zealand government has banned visits from people involved in the killing of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It will also not grant visas to the wife of former President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe. The restrictions came into place at the start of December. The instructions sent to Immigration New Zealand staff…
Read MoreDay: December 26, 2019
Highfalutin and tongue twisters are man’s best friend
Kate Newton RNZ Auckland, December 26, 2019 Somewhere in Auckland – maybe galumphing down a beach, maybe lazing on a porch, maybe gnawing on a chew toy – is a Choppy McChopsalot Choppalopagus. RNZ has been provided the full list of dog names registered with Auckland Council in 2019 – and while Internal Affairs exercises some control over what people…
Read MoreRussia tests alternative to global internet
RNZ, Wellington, December 26, 2019 Russia has successfully tested a country-wide alternative to the global internet, its government has announced. Details of what the test involved were vague but, according to the Ministry of Communications, ordinary users did not notice any changes. The results will now be presented to President Vladimir Putin. Dismantling the net Experts remain concerned about the…
Read MoreIncrease in family harm worries Police, St John
Wellington, December 26, 2019 Police are asking everyone to have a stress-free low-key Christmas Day, without the spike in family harm that they usually witness during this season. Inspector Fiona Roberts said that the Christmas season was an extremely busy time of year for police attending assaults and family violence incidents. “When families get together, children and our Tamariki are…
Read MoreChristmas has become commercial, not a bad thing
Nelson Blackley Nottingham, UK, December 26, 2019 The “commercialisation” of Christmas has long been a feature of the season. Although there have been significant changes in seasonal shopping habits over the past decade (such as online stores and the introduction to the UK of “Black Friday) the practice of buying gifts, bringing a commercial element to festivities, is a well established tradition.…
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