News in brief, April 12, 2024

Lotto win

A lucky Carterton punter shared Wednesday’s $1 million lotto win. Six players from Auckland, Hāwera, Carterton, Wellington and Picton shared that prize, each winning $166,667. The $26 million Lotto Powerball jackpot has not been struck and will roll over to $30m for this Saturday’s draw – the winning Carterton ticket was sold on MyLotto.

Police busy

Police were kept busy yesterday after calls came through to the station for various incidents. Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Queen St, reported at 2.44pm. There were no injuries, and the road was not blocked. Police also responded to reports of someone consuming a substance on Park Ave just after 1.30pm; they were moved on. Police also went to assist someone who was intoxicated, and they were moved on from the area. Police responded to a report of a person driving erratically, which was followed up with determining there were no further issues. Police responded to a report of some wilful damage on Jackson St, but no further inquiries were needed..

Marae fund

Every year Masterton District Council allocates $20,000 to the Marae Development Fund to support Marae with protecting, maintaining, restoring and/or developing Marae structures. Applications for the 2023-24 funding round are open now, closing 31 May. More information, including how to apply is at https://www.mstn.govt.nz/community/community-grants/marae-development-fund

Road user charges

NZTA is reminding owners of electric vehicles [EV] and plug-in hybrids they now have to pay road user charges [RUC], a levy that contributes to road maintenance. Most people with a vehicle pay their share towards road upkeep. Petrol users pay through a fuel tax and diesel users pay in advance. People with EVs and plug-in hybrids now also must pay in advance by buying RUC. For example, EV owners will pay $76 per 1000 kilometres [and an administration fee]. Plug-in hybrid owners will pay $38 per 1000 kilometres [and administration fees]. Plug-in hybrid owners pay less because they also pay fuel tax at the pump. More information is at https://www.nzta.govt.nz/about-ruc