Cyclone Tam: Kiwis react to torn off roofs, downed trees, smashed coastline

The budget for the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway has surged to $2.1 billion, more than doubling since its initial estimate of $800 million in 2020, despite construction not yet commencing. Transport Minister Chris Bishop criticized the previous Government for the inflated costs, attributing them to rushed budgeting under the NZ Upgrade Programme before the election. Want More Context? 🔎

Brittany Hockley, host of KIIS FM’s Pick Up and the Life Uncut podcast, is currently competing on Dancing With the Stars Australia, recently married Swiss soccer star Ben Siegrist, and has bought a house. Despite her busy schedule, she finds joy in her work and describes the wedding planning process as “stressful.” Want More Context? 🔎

Lower Hutt police have recovered the body of a diver who went missing in Lowry Bay after failing to surface as expected. The police were alerted at 11am, and the body was located by the Police National Dive Squad around 5pm; support is being offered to the next of kin. Want More Context? 🔎

An Auckland entertainer, 28-year-old Cole Thomas Johnston, has been charged with 12 offenses, including rape and grooming, related to a girl he met in a drama group. Johnston, an actor and musician with international experience, has denied the allegations, expressing that he is "devastated, deeply shaken and utterly shocked." Want More Context? 🔎

The Government is advancing the Marine and Coastal Area (Maca) bill, which impacts Māori customary rights to the foreshore and seabed, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling questioning its necessity. Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed plans to pass the bill by the end of October, following a 2023 Court of Appeal decision that criticized the stringent requirements for Māori to obtain customary marine title. Want More Context? 🔎

The New Zealand wine industry is set to face significant challenges due to US President Donald Trump's recent decision to increase tariffs on exports from New Zealand to 15%, impacting the sector worth approximately $750 million annually. NZ Winegrowers' advocacy general manager, Sarah Wilson, expressed concerns about the substantial adverse effects this will have on local wine growers. Want More Context? 🔎