The controversial Reading Cinemas deal is off.

Wellington City Council announced this afternoon that it's ended negotiations because they couldn't get the best possible outcome for Wellingtonians.

Under the proposed deal, Wellington Council was set to buy the Reading Cinemas land for $32 million, then sell it back to Reading after a decade as a way to finance a future refurbishment.



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The controversial Reading Cinemas deal is off.
Wellington City Council announced this afternoon that it's ended negotiations because they couldn't get the best possible outcome for Wellingtonians.
Under the proposed deal, Wellington Council was set to buy the Reading Cinemas land for $32 million, then sell it back to Reading after a decade as a way to finance a future refurbishment.
 
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With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Nicola Young: Wgtn Councillor on the end of Reading Cinemas negotiations

It's being reported the UK Government considered using Iraq to process asylum seekers - similar to the Rwanda scheme.

This move could have seen people sent from the UK to a country the Government advises against travel to.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Iraq was willing to move forward without a formal or public agreement, according to leaked documents.

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It's being reported the UK Government considered using Iraq to process asylum seekers - similar to the Rwanda scheme.
This move could have seen people sent from the UK to a country the Government advises against travel to.
UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Iraq was willing to move forward without a formal or public agreement, according to leaked documents.
LISTEN ABOVE

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the UK Government considering using Iraq to process asylum seekers

New Zealand universities are urging Immigration to figure out a quick solution to approving student visas.

18 percent of student visas remained unconfirmed by the time universities started for the 2024 year.

Immigration NZ visa director Celia Coombes says a number of student visa applications were sent in too late to process.

"We provided advice recommending people apply 3 or 4 months ahead of travel, but we were quite clear over the summer period to please allow for at least 8 weeks."

LISTEN ABOVE

New Zealand universities are urging Immigration to figure out a quick solution to approving student visas.
18 percent of student visas remained unconfirmed by the time universities started for the 2024 year.
Immigration NZ visa director Celia Coombes says a number of student visa applications were sent in too late to process.
"We provided advice recommending people apply 3 or 4 months ahead of travel, but we were quite clear over the summer period to please allow for at least 8 weeks."
LISTEN ABOVE

Celia Coombes: Immigration NZ visa director on the backlog of unapproved student visa for 2024

There's hopes Auckland's water deal with the Government can be replicated in the Wellington region.

The Government and Auckland Council yesterday announced an agreement to help Aucklanders avoid a previously-signalled 25.8 percent water rates hike.

Carterton mayor Ron Mark says they've agreed to working collaboratively to producing a regional water plan.

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There's hopes Auckland's water deal with the Government can be replicated in the Wellington region.
The Government and Auckland Council yesterday announced an agreement to help Aucklanders avoid a previously-signalled 25.8 percent water rates hike.
Carterton mayor Ron Mark says they've agreed to working collaboratively to producing a regional water plan.
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Nicola Young: Wgtn Councillor on the end of Reading Cinemas negotiations

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