Author: Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com
One year after the Coalition Government launched its Fast‑track Approvals system, ministers say the pathway is speeding decisions, cutting costs and getting infrastructure built — but last week’s draft rejection of a major seabed mining bid shows the process faces a stern environmental test. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones point to early wins: nine projects approved by expert panels, dozens more in the pipeline, and headline examples such as the Ports of Auckland wharf extension being decided in months rather than years. Those proponents say faster approvals mean jobs and homes arrive sooner and…
Story by Barbara Miller/ABC News and Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com The Australian man who shot dead 51 people at two Christchurch mosques in March 2019 has appeared in a Wellington court as he seeks to vacate his guilty pleas. In a hearing set down for five days, the court is examining his claims that when he pleaded guilty in March 2020 to charges of murder, attempted murder and terrorism, he was incapable of making rational decisions because of the harsh conditions of his confinement. He has filed two applications, including one asking for more time to appeal his sentence and conviction, and…
The appeal hearing for Australian national Brenton Harrison Tarrant, who murdered 51 people at two Christchurch mosques in 2019, begins today in Wellington under heightened security arrangements. Tarrant is seeking to vacate his 2020 guilty pleas, arguing he was not capable of making rational decisions at the time. If that bid is rejected, he is asking for leave to appeal his sentence of life imprisonment without parole. He will address the court via video link from a specialised high‑security unit inside Auckland Prison. His lawyers, whose identities are suppressed for safety reasons, will argue that the conditions of his confinement…
In a corner of the internet that feels like a sci-fi experiment, artificial intelligence (AI) bots have begun talking to each other — without any human oversight. The bots swap tips on how to fix their own glitches, debate existential questions like the end of “the age of humans”, and have even created their own belief system known as “Crustafarianism: the Church of Molt”. This is Moltbook, a new social media platform launched last week by tech entrepreneur Matt Schlicht. At first glance, Moltbook looks familiar. Its interface resembles online forums such as Reddit, with posts and comments stacked in…
Story by Colin Ambler/cvnznews.com Wellington’s Metlink passengers are being warned to expect delays over Waitangi weekend, with major rail lines replaced by buses while KiwiRail carries out a fresh round of infrastructure upgrades. Metlink rail services will be replaced by buses from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 February, as KiwiRail continues its programme of network improvements following work completed over the New Year period. The Kāpiti Line, Hutt Valley Line and Wairarapa Line will all be affected, with full bus‑replacement services running throughout the long weekend. The Johnsonville Line is the only route that will operate as normal. KiwiRail says…