From the monthly New Zealand News post on the website of the national radio station, Radio New Zealand, we bring you a look back at the second half of 2020 in New Zealand!
The first half of the year is here!
RNZ's articles from June to September can be found here
October to December
July News
July was a month of many events in the political world. First, the Health Minister resigned. He was demoted after it was revealed that he had broken the rules by going to the beach and mountain biking during the lockdown, but now he has officially resigned. He also drew public backlash for making comments that seemed to shift the blame for the inadequacy of immigration control at the border onto Director of Health Bloomfield. Director of Health Bloomfield reports the COVID-19 infection situation to the public on television every day, and has earned the public's overwhelming trust, becoming something of a face of New Zealand this year.
There was also an issue with the personal information of 18 people who tested positive for COVID-19 being leaked, and the involvement of lawmakers in this.
The National Party, which is aiming to regain power in this year's general election, has had its second leader change this year, with Judas Collins appointed as its third leader in a year. This means that whether the Labour Party led by the current prime minister wins or the National Party wins, there will again be a female prime minister.
August News
Although the COVID-19 had been recorded as having zero community infections for 100 days, the words of Health Commissioner Bloomfield, "Community infections could occur at any time, so we must not become complacent," came true two days later, and the record was broken at 102 days. On August 11, four cases were confirmed in Auckland, and the alert level was raised to Level 3 in Auckland and Level 2 in the rest of the country the following day.
It's amazing that they made this decision so quickly after only four infected people...
Due to new community infections, the general election, which was scheduled for September 19th, has been postponed to October 17th.
At the end of August, Auckland's alert level was lowered from 3 to 2.5, despite experts expressing concern that this was premature.
Also in the same month, the Australian gunman in the Christchurch mosque shootings last March was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release.
September News
According to UNICEF, New Zealand ranked 35th out of 38 countries in the ranking of children's happiness (Japan was 20th). Child suicide is the second highest among developed countries, and only 64% of 15-year-olds have basic literacy and math skills.
On the other hand, during the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand was ranked the second safest country in the world (at this point, Germany was first, South Korea third, and Japan was fifth after Switzerland). However, even within New Zealand, there are groups that claim that COVID-19 is not real and is a conspiracy. Fake news has spread, leading the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare to warn, "Looking at cases overseas, it is a terrible virus that is causing an increase in deaths. Please be very careful of fake news." Level 2.5 in Auckland and Level 2 in other areas have been extended until September 21st.
With the general election approaching, Prime Minister Ardern's Labour Party has a significant lead over the National Party in support ratings.
October News
A fire broke out in the South Island, forcing the evacuation of over 200 people and killing and injuring 300 sheep. In the midst of all this, a pet cat and lamb were reunited after being separated from each other several days ago.
The general election on October 17th was the biggest news of the year in New Zealand after the news related to the coronavirus. The Labour Party won a historic victory, and Prime Minister Ardern was re-elected. For the first time, the party alone won more than half of the seats, not in a coalition. In addition, the number of female ministers increased by 42%, and a highly diverse cabinet was formed.
A referendum on whether to allow euthanasia (death with dignity), held at the same time as the general election, was voted in by a majority in favor. Also, a majority voted against legalizing recreational marijuana.
November News
The " Bird of the Year " awards, organized by Allbirds with the aim of deepening understanding of New Zealand's wild birds, were announced on the 16th, and Kakapo won for the second time.
If you're wondering what Allbirds is, check out the Sommelier Blog!
Arielle Keil was crowned Miss International New Zealand, New Zealand's first transgender woman, and attended the first transgender awareness event.
December News
Prime Minister Ardern declared a climate emergency on December 1st, and New Zealand aims to be carbon neutral by 2025.
In Australia, the Tri-Nations, an international rugby match involving New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, was held, with the three countries playing two matches against each other. It was the first international sporting event in the world to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the All Blacks won the Tri-Nations, they suffered two consecutive losses, one to Australia and one to Argentina. Furthermore, the match against Argentina was their first ever loss, making it a disappointing result for fans.
New Zealand is still keeping the COVID-19 virus under control, and people can go about their lives without needing to wear masks or social distance. However, the borders remain closed.
And New Zealand entered 2021 earlier than anywhere else in the world!
We look forward to your continued support of Bokumo Wine in 2021!
