Reserve Bank signals possible further rate cut | How to keep rats out of your home | Euthanasia bill passes second reading

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand yesterday signalled that it might cut interest rates further.

 

At its monetary policy meeting on the 26th, the Reserve Bank kept the Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 1.50%, as expected. However, it made clear that “a lower OCR may be needed over time”.

 

The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sees a weak outlook for global economic growth and the possibility of further slowing in domestic growth, with increasing downside risks to both its inflation and employment objectives.

 

ANZ, ASB, Westpac and Kiwibank now all predict that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will cut rates for a second time this year in August!

 

How to prevent rat infestations at home in New Zealand

 

Plentiful sunshine over the summer just gone produced abundant fruit in the wild, leading to a rat infestation in Auckland. So how can you prevent rats from infesting your home?

 

Rodent control expert Doug Morris

 

Doug Morris, head of Direct Pest Control, shared his advice during an appearance on the AM Show.

 

First, keep your garden tidy. “Prune and trim your garden regularly. Do not let plants grow unchecked and become a habitat for rats.”

 

“If branches grow too long and close to the roof, rats can climb the tree, get onto the roof and enter the house. So make sure you prune them regularly.”

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Also, keep rubbish from accumulating around your home. Morris said discarded building materials could become rat nests. Wheelie bins should also be prevented from becoming a haven for rats. “I suggest putting a few bricks on the lid to stop rats getting in.”

 

YIJU also reminds readers with compost bins at home that composting scraps such as vegetable leaves and fruit peel is fine, but leftover rice could attract rats.

 

 

Euthanasia bill passes its second reading in Parliament

 

Last night, the End of Life Choice Bill had its second reading in New Zealand’s Parliament. After heated debate, it passed with 70 votes in favour and 50 against! MPs were allowed a conscience vote, without having to follow their party’s position.

Under the bill as passed at its second reading, patients over 18 who have only 6 months to live, are enduring extreme suffering and have an incurable illness may receive a lethal injection with a doctor’s assistance.

After passing its second reading, the bill moves into the third-reading process. Supporters and opponents can still propose amendments, and it will formally become law after passing its third reading.

 

National MP Judith Collins was moved to tears as she spoke about the pain her father experienced while dying 25 years ago. She said she had previously opposed euthanasia but now believed people in such circumstances should have the right to choose to die.

 

ACT leader David Seymour

 

All Green and New Zealand First MPs reportedly supported euthanasia at the second reading. 33 Labour MPs and 18 National MPs voted in favour. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Justice Minister Andrew Little and Parliament’s only two Chinese MPs, Raymond Huo and Jian Yang, also voted in favour.

 

ACT leader David Seymour, who introduced the euthanasia bill, thanked its supporters.