BREAKING NEWS: In shock announcement, Todd Muller resigns as leader of Opposition, National Party
In a statement today, he says the decision is "effective immediately". "It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be leader of the Opposition and leader of the New Zealand National Party at this critical time for New Zealand," he says. "The role has taken a heavy toll on me personally, and on my family, and this has become untenable from a health perspective." He says he plans to spend some time out of the spotlight with his family to "restore my energy before reconnecting with my community". "I look forward to continuing to serve as a loyal member of the National Party team and Member of Parliament for Bay of Plenty." It comes after the party was rocked by scandal over the last week. National MP Hamish Walker announced he wouldn't stand for re-election after leaking private information of Covid-19 patients, while health spokesperson Michael Woodhouse later admitted he too received the confidential information - although he says he didn't leak it. Mr Muller initially suggested Mr Woodhouse hadn't received the information, before backtracking just one day later and admitting he knew he had. Mr Muller has only been the National Party leader role since May 22, when he rolled then-leader Simon Bridges in a coup. At the time, he told MPs he deserved to take over the leadership as the party wouldn't be able to win with Mr Bridges in charge.
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Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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27.9% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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20.5% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.7% Keep it as is
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32.7% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.8% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
Solve This Riddle or Be Left Scratching Your Head!
With pointed fangs, I sit and wait;
with piercing force, I crunch out fate.
I grab victims, proclaiming might,
and physically join with a single bite.
What am I?
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Fire at New Lynn mosque
Firefighters were called to a blaze at an Auckland mosque this afternoon.
What you need to know:
- Fire crews were notified of a blaze in the New Lynn Imam Reza Mosque on Tuesday at 9.43am.
- The blaze was said to be on the ground floor of the two-storey building.
- A back window of the mosque was also found smashed this morning.
- The fire was said to be so intense that plastic chairs had melted in the blaze.
Three fire crews were at the address and have since left the scene. A fire investigator remains at the address
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