Top Of The Morning News Digest

Monday, 22 June 2015, 8:53 am
Press Release: NewsRoom_Plus

Top Of The Morning News Digest

* RNZ 7am - Top 5 items

1. The clean-up of flood-stricken Whanganui is getting underway with hundreds of people still unable to return to their homes. This morning, building inspectors will begin assessing the worst-affected properties for damage and possible contamination.

2. The Whanganui-Manwatu Regional Council says a state of local emergency remains in place for the city. As of last night, just under 320 people were registered as evacuees in its area. About 800 people remain without power in Whanganui, Taranaki and Rangitikei.

3. Many roads in the region remain close or restricted due to slips, downed trees and flooding. State Highway 4 from Raetihi to Whanganui is closd. State Highway 3 through the Manawatu Gorge is also closed because of slips. The road is down to one lane at State Highway 3 from Whanganui to Maxwell because of slips. There is flooding from Bulls to Whanganui, and motorists are advised to take extreme care. State Highway 1 from Bulls to Mangaweka is reduced to one lane. State Highway 54 from Vinegar Hill to Cheltenham is also closed, and the Pahiatua Track is shut.

4. Meanwhile in the South Island, snow and ice have made some roads treacherous.

5. The Association of Scientists says scientists are continuing to come forward to say they have felt gagged or pressured. Late last year, the Association released a poll showing 40% of scientists surveyed felt they were not able to speak out on issues because of management policy or concern about losing funding.

* NewsRoom_Digest for 19 June 2015

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