Alien Weaponry release debut album
Waipū teen thrash-metal band Alien Weaponry's debut album, Tū, will be released worldwide tomorrow, with New Zealand fans being the first able to buy it in stores and through digital channels from midnight tonight. Tū can be pre-ordered online through Napalm Records. CDs and vinyl will also be available in New Zealand through JB Hi-Fi, Marbecks, Real Groovy, Mighty Ape, The Warehouse and other record outlets. For more information visit: www.alienweaponry.com; www.facebook.com/alienweaponry; www.napalmrecords.com; www.facebook.com/napalmrecords.
Gregory fills U20 spot
After being blighted by injuries himself, an injury has seen promising Northland rugby player Scott Gregory earn a spot on the bench for this morning's New Zealand Under 20s World Cup game against Japan in France.
Under-20 head coach Craig Philpott has named his side to open their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign in France, with Gregory on the bench. The match was to kick off at 7am, NZ time, today. Gregory wasn't originally in line but an injury opened the door for the former Whangārei Boys' High School student to press his claims.
Man Tasered
A 29-year-old Mangonui man was Tasered by police on Tuesday after he allegedly brandished a knife and a length of wood at members of the public at Mangonui on Tuesday. He was charged with two counts of maintaining a sustained loss of traction and one each of driving under the influence of drugs, dangerous driving, wilful damage and common assault.
Māori roll reminder
Electoral Commission teams will be at Matariki events around the country over the next few weeks, talking to people about the Māori Electoral Option, which ends on August 2.
"We've reached the halfway point, and it's a good reminder to Māori voters to stop and check if they have thought about which roll they want to be on," Mandy Bohté said. As of yesterday more than 16,000 people had either changed roll types or enrolled for the first time, with a gain on the general roll of 3352 and a decrease of 1426 on the Māori roll. For more information go to www.maorioption.org.nz or call 0800 36 76 56.
Town beauty awards
Entries for the title of New Zealand's most beautiful town 2018 have opened, with a new, simplified entry process, closing on July 13. Go to www.knzb.org.nz/beautiful-awards-2018/ for details.