Whale Watch Kaikōura fined $245k for safety breaches after crew injuries

A former NRLW Warriors player, Kath Wharton (nee Keremete), was found unresponsive in her vehicle after taking a nap in an Auckland McDonald's carpark following a long-haul flight from Japan. The coroner confirmed her death on November 21 was due to sudden cardiac arrest, and she had contracted Covid-19 at the time, though it was not a significant factor in her death. Want More Context? 🔎

Tonight's Lotto Powerball jackpot has reached $8 million, with winning numbers being 13, 16, 25, 17, 31, 24, and a bonus ball of 38, while the Powerball is 8. Additionally, a Lotto First Division prize of $1 million is available, following a recent $1 million win from a player in Auckland with Strike Four. Want More Context? 🔎

The retired Interislander ferry Aratere, notorious for its troubled 26-year history, made its final voyage across Cook Strait as KiwiRail faces potential difficulties in selling the vessel, as no buyers are currently interested. With Aratere's withdrawal, only two ferries remain to serve Interislander's needs until the arrival of larger, rail-enabled replacements in 2029. Want More Context? 🔎

An elderly woman drove her 4WD vehicle through a bike shelter and into the water at Waiheke Island's Matiatia Ferry Terminal after consuming alcohol. Fortunately, she managed to escape the submerged vehicle and was assisted to safety by bystanders, despite the incident damaging a bike rack and railing. Want More Context? 🔎

A resident reported ongoing vandalism and dangerous driving at a Hawke’s Bay intersection for over six months before a crash killed Canadian tourist Helen Poon. Survivor Margareta Dovgal expressed that if police were aware of the prior issues, it reflects a significant systems failure that led to the preventable tragedy. Want More Context? 🔎

A tour bus returning from Niagara Falls to New York City crashed in New York state, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The passengers, primarily of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, were traveling when the bus lost control, veered into the median, and ended up in a ditch, but did not collide with any other vehicles. Want More Context? 🔎