Coastal erosion at Port Waikato's Sunset Beach is causing more houses to become uninhabitable. Photo / Mike Scott
Coastal erosion at Port Waikato's Sunset Beach is causing more houses to become uninhabitable. Photo / Mike Scott
As the year draws to a close, Waikato Herald is taking stock of 2024. What moved readers most? As part of a 12-day series, Waikato Herald reporter Danielle Zollickhofer looks at the top stories each month. Welcome to day 7: July.
July 2024 was a busy month, nationally andregionally.
Nationally, the long-awaited report of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission was released, concluding that from 1950 to 2019, an estimated 200,000 children, young people and adults in state care were abused and even more were neglected.
The abuse included rape, sterilisation, use of weapons, electric shocks and the drug paraldehyde. The use of those as punishment met official definitions of torture, the report said.
Tahua Properties Ltd is seeking a resource consent from the South Waikato District Council for a Starbucks and a Burger King with drive-through facilities. The proposal is causing a commotion in the town, which is known for its quirky corrugated iron architecture, boutique cafes and shops.
Artist impression of what the proposed Starbucks and Burger King in Tīrau could look like.
