Current Events Term 2 Week 9

What happened to the Aratere Interislander ferry during a late-night voyage at the weekend?

• It collided with another ship

• It ran aground

• It lost power in the middle of Cook Strait

Answer explanation

c. It ran aground - The Aratere was carrying freight, 38 crew, and 9 truck drivers when it ran aground shortly after leaving Picton at 9.45pm. The ship had suffered a steering failure. Fortunately, everyone involved was safe, but officials had to develop a plan to use high tides to refloat the ship around 24 hours later.

Many Kiwis have taken the opportunity to create memes on the subject!

Which country has recorded over 200 bear attacks in the last year?

• Italy

• Japan

• Canada

Answer explanation

b. Japan - There has been a recent boom in bear numbers, with one estimate putting Japan's black bear population at 44,000, three times what it was in 2012. The brown bear population has doubled since 1990 to around 11,700.

Which team won the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific final?

• Blues

• Chiefs

• Hurricanes

Answer explanation

a. Blues - The Blues won the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific final, defeating the Chiefs 41-10 at Eden Park. This victory marks their first major title since 2003, with Caleb Clarke scoring a hattrick in the one-sided final.

Why was Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delayed on his way to Japan recently?

• The defence force plane he was using broke down

• He came down with COVID for a third time

• Hurricane damage at the airport prevented his plane from taking off from Vanuatu

Answer explanation

a. The defence force plane he was using broke down - The New Zealand defence force plane flying New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Japan broke down in Papua New Guinea, forcing the Prime Minister to take a commercial flight. Luxon spent four days in Japan, meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and promoting New Zealand business.

Schools in the US state of Louisiana have been ordered to ...?

• Install metal detectors in the entrance of all classrooms

• Include one hour of military training drills every school day

• Display a poster of the 10 commandments in every classroom

Answer explanation

c. Display a poster of the 10 commandments in every classroom - The measure is the first of its kind in the US, and governs all classrooms up to university level. Christians see the Ten Commandments as key rules from God on how to live. Opponents say the law breaks America's separation of church and state.

The theme for Matariki 2024 is "Matariki Heri Kai".

What does "Matariki Heri Kai" mean?

• a. The feast of Matariki

• b. Matariki time to remember

• c. Matariki food for thought

Answer explanation

a. The feast of Matariki - Matariki Heri Kai comes from the Māori proverb ‘Matariki whetū heri kai’ meaning ‘Matariki, the bringer of food’. “Matariki Heri Kai..." is a proverb that speaks to the association between the appearance of Matariki and the bounty of the impending season,” said Chief Advisor Mātauranga Matariki, Professor Rangi Mātāmua.

The Department of Conservation has warned that juvenile seals might be popping up in unusual locations from June through to September. What are juvenile seals known as?

• Pups

• Cubs

• Kits

Answer explanation

a. Pups - Young seals tend to venture further afield during this period. It's common to find them on roads, in backyards, or even on living room sofas. People should keep a distance from the animals, and contact DOC only if the animal is in immediate danger.

Hundreds of people have lost their lives during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, amid extremely high temperatures. How many people were involved in this year's Muslim pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca?

• 500,000

• 1.8 million

• 33.2 million

Answer explanation

b. 1.8 million - Saudi Arabia has spent billions of dollars on crowd control and safety measures for those attending the annual five-day pilgrimage, but the sheer number of participants makes ensuring their safety difficult. Heat brought on by climate change could make the risk even greater.

Which is the highest-ranking New Zealand city in the 2024 Global Happy City Index?

• Auckland

• Tauranga

• Christchurch

Answer explanation

c. Christchurch - Education, inclusive policies, the economy, mobility, environmental protection, access to green areas and innovation were all taken into account. Christchurch placed 32nd, Wellington came in at number 50, and Auckland at 72.

Investigations are being launched into allegations that a political party misused private data during the 2023 election. Which party is being investigated?

• ACT

• NZ First

• Te Pati Māori

Answer explanation

c. Te Pati Māori - Te Pati Māori is facing investigations into whether it has misused census data and information collected from people who had COVID vaccinations, for electioneering. Investigations are underway by the Public Service Commission, the Police, Stats NZ, the Privacy Commissioner and the Electoral Commission.