5 months ago (edited) • Stuff

It was shaping up to be a normal workday for air traffic controller Kate Lindsey, when she took a distressed call from a trainee pilot flying solo about 20 nautical miles northwest of Dunedin Airport in June.⁠
⁠
The pilot said "something is wrong" before her panic escalated and she couldn’t breathe. In the end, with gentle guidance, the landing was amazing.⁠
⁠
Lindsey, who had been an air traffic controller for 14 years, said while she had training in types of emergencies “this was an extremely distressed pilot beyond anything I had experienced”.⁠
⁠
“I have certainly had my fair share of emergencies over the years, almost all of them coming without warning, from smoke in the cockpit to runway excursions. This is one that won't be forgotten in a hurry.”⁠
⁠
Her work was recently recognised by Airways NZ, with Lindsey nominated for an Airways Values Award and won the 'Safety First' category, “which I am very grateful for and proud of”.⁠
⁠
🔗  Read more:  https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360488708/cant-do-anything-pilot-who-panicked-her-first-solo-flight-talked-down-controller 

1 year ago • Stuff

Should there be tougher penalties for pitch invaders?

Napier could lose out on future NRL games due to the pitch invaders ruining the spectacle at McLean Park on Saturday night.



Warriors CEO Cameron George blasted the spectators that ran onto the field in the second half, calling it an “embarrassment” and said these individuals may stop the club from returning to Napier.



Twelve spectators were arrested for running onto the field over the final 10 minutes of the Warriors’ 26-22 loss to the Broncos, with the Red Badge security staff unable to contain them. 

Yes - it puts players in danger an ruins the momentum of the game

No - it's all in good fun

Don't care, I don't watch sport anyway

294 votes

2 years ago • Stuff

Yeah, Nah: Do we really need snacks on a domestic flight? 

Air New Zealand has revealed its plans to overhaul its in-flight snack offering, and is calling for Kiwi snack providers to pitch their products for consideration. 
However, some Stuff readers have questioned whether the snacks are needed on short domestic flights. 
What do you think? Are the snacks an unnecessary extra on domestic flights – or do you love having a cookie and a cuppa? Vote in the Yeah, Nah poll above 🔗  https://bit.ly/3L6ru51 

Yeah, I love the snack

Nah, I could go without it

623 votes

2 years ago • Stuff

Are you excited for the Fifa 2023 Women's World Cup? 
Today marks 100 days until kick off in the first match! Read more:  https://bit.ly/40Y2sKP 

Can't wait!

I won't be watching

Indifferent

263 votes

2 years ago • Stuff

Should Auckland have light rail? 

After years of delays and debate, the Government last week announced a proposal for an enormous Auckland light rail system would now come “in stages”.



The full scheme was expected to cost as much as $15 billion, although it’s not clear how much of it will still go ahead under the re-scoped plan – the full details still haven’t been announced.

Under the earlier, full proposal, the 24km light rail system would have run from the city centre to Auckland Airport with 18 stations on the route.

According to ALR’s earlier plans, commuters using the rapid transit system would have been able to travel from the CBD to Māngere in 32 minutes and from the town centre to the airport in just seven minutes.

But some have argued light rail is too expensive, will take too long to build, and is not the right option for Auckland. 

Yeah, it's a great option for Auckland

Nah, it's not needed

862 votes

2 years ago • Stuff

Does New Zealand need an inquiry into the banking sector?

The National Party wants a “short, sharp” inquiry into competition instead of an extensive market study from the Commerce Commission. The Green Party and ACT have supported the calls to put extra scrutiny on banks, which have reported major profits as people struggle with the high cost of living and mortgages rate hikes.



The Reserve Bank’s chief economist, and governor, have joined the chorus, questioning the returns banks are making.

Banks generated a record $7.15 billion in after-tax profits last year. 

Yeah, it's important that this happens

Nah, there's no need for it.

965 votes

2 years ago • Stuff

Do you trust AI to do a better job than a human?

AI tool ChatGPT, an app which interacts in a conversational way and can answer questions in great detail, at a moment’s notice, has been used by students to cheat.

Some are worried AI may be able to do certain jobs better than humans, which could lead to job losses across some industries.

But it can be extremely helpful for everyday tasks like writing, finding information, and problem-solving. 

Yeah, the technology is smarter and more reliable than a human

Nah, human brains and skills lead to better results

553 votes

2 years ago • Stuff

Does Auckland offer a good work-life balance? 

Forget the horrendous daily traffic and million-dollar house prices – Auckland has been ranked fifth in the world for work-life balance.

Forbes Advisor’s Worldwide Work-Life Balance Index ranks major cities based on a number of factors including happiness, gender equality and average working hours.

Auckland scored 62.7 out of 100, which was only 7.8 points behind top-ranked Copenhagen, Denmark.

Auckland received its high score due to the city having a “relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it a comfortable and enjoyable place to live and work”. 

Yeah, it's great!

Nah, too hectic.

605 votes

2 years ago • Stuff

Should childcare be free in New Zealand?  The cost of childcare is back in the political spotlight after National’s Christopher Luxon used his State of the Nation speech to promise childcare rebates for any family earning less than $180,000. 

Yeah, families are struggling and free childcare would help a lo

Nah, the country can't afford to subsidise this

730 votes

2 years ago • Stuff

Aotearoa, you’re incredible. Together we raised more than $1.5 million in less than a day to support those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle – and we’re not done yet. If you want to contribute, visit www.stuff.co.nz/cyclonehelp ❤️