The Government has rejected all of the Climate Change Commission’s recommendations to strengthen New Zealand’s emissions targets. The move comes despite the commission warning the effects of climate change are hitting New Zealand sooner and more severely than expected, and that New Zealand can and should be doing more. The Government had already indicated it would reject recommendations to strengthen the 2050 targets for methane and carbon emissions. Former Green co-leader, Russel Norman reacts

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The Elephant is a new online video series that tackles the conversations New Zealanders often avoid. It dives into big, uncomfortable questions, looking beyond the echo chambers in search of a fearless and honest debate. This week in episode 11, hosts Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell ask how we feel about the word “Pākehā”. | nzherald.co.nz

Ikea is set to finally open the doors to its Sylvia Park store today, seven years after announcing plans to enter the New Zealand market, Herald reporter Katie Oliver sees what the fuss is about. The 34,000sq m retail hub, located at 10 Clemow Drive, Mt Wellington, officially opens at 11am. With high visitor numbers expected on opening day and motorists being warned to expect 40-minute queues throughout the opening period, plans are in place to control crowds and help minimise traffic disruption

The Elephant is a new online video series that tackles the conversations New Zealanders often avoid. It dives into big, uncomfortable questions, looking beyond the echo chambers in search of a fearless and honest debate. This week in episode 10, hosts Miriama Kamo and Mark Crysell ask ‘When does free speech become hate speech?’ | nzherald.co.nz

The Auckland Sky Tower has taken a direct hit from a lightning bolt this lunchtime. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for several areas in northern Auckland, including Rodney, Gulf and Albany. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in force for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. The storms are expected to include torrential downpours, with up to 40mm of rain falling in an hour, which can lead to slips and flash flooding. Wind gust