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Commuters rejoice! Auckland’s first electric ferries to set sail in 2024

<p dir="ltr">Two electric ferries are expected to be in the waters of Auckland by 2024 after the New Zealand government announced it would contribute $27 million in funding for the project.</p> <p dir="ltr">Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods made the announcement outside Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal, confirming that the funds would come from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, as reported by <em><a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/128452777/government-commits-27m-for-electric-ferries-in-auckland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stuff</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The funds will also cover the majority of the project’s costs and will account for approximately 75 percent of the cost to build the two ferries.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This project will be a major boost to the rapidly developing maritime clean technology sector in New Zealand and will further upskill the maritime transport sector in New Zealand,” Ms Woods said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This is a boost for our climate goals and our economy, which is especially vital as we continue our economic recovery from COVID-19.”</p> <p dir="ltr">With the city’s current, ageing fleet of ferries accounting for nearly seven percent of public transport journeys and about 20 percent of public transport emissions, Climate Change Minister James Shaw said the new ferries were “another important step” in working towards a low emissions future.</p> <p dir="ltr">“As a harbour city, getting around by ferry is the norm for many thousands of Auckalnders,” Mr Shaw said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Today’s announcement means that instead of fossil fuels powering many of those journeys, people will be getting around in ways that help create a climate-friendly, prosperous future for New Zealand.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The ferries, developed by Auckland-based <a href="https://evmaritime.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EV Maritime</a>, will also contribute to Auckland City Council’s commitment to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, which requires transport emissions to be slashed by 64 percent.</p> <p dir="ltr">They have been developed with a range capable of covering several routes in Auckland’s inner and mid-harbour with a design similar to the electric ferry running in Wellington.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Woods announced the government would also be supporting 15 big businesses to move away from using fossil fuels in their production processes, providing $13 million in funding that will be matched by $32.66 million from private industry.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In partnering with the private sector through the third round of the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Fund we’re helping clean up production processes, and helping business stay ahead of the curve.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It comes just months after the first electric passenger ferry in the Southern Hemisphere <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington-top-stories/127908781/electric-ferry-makes-maiden-passenger-voyage-across-wellington-harbour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made its maiden journey</a> across Wellington’s harbour.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Ika Rere (“flying fish”) in Wellington can carry a maximum of 135 passengers - compared to the 99-person limit of its diesel predecessors - while its Auckland counterparts will seat up to 200 people.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-996c629c-7fff-77cd-49bf-fe52f45e6d96"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: EV Maritime (Facebook)</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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See the new Ferris wheel in Times Square

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pandemic has seen New York City’s Times Square go quiet, but a new attraction has launched to bring the people back and turn the economy around.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Times Square Wheel gives riders a bird’s eye view of the ‘Crossroads of the World’ in midtown Manhattan over a 12 minute ride.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTeKIW3D4fH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTeKIW3D4fH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Eric's New York (@visitnewyork)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I don’t remember the last time I’ve been on a Ferris wheel. That was so much fun,” said Deborah Johnson after having a go.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It was special to be able to go that high in a Ferris wheel in Times Square. How often do you get that opportunity? Never,” said Penelope Bustamante.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843925/gettyimages-1336385436.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/91fb7961d60e42bf89651a2af5649abb" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vito Bruno, the man behind the concept, said the idea was to bring back the joy of childhood. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s a feel-good thing. It’s just the right time. You see people come alive again. New York and this country needs happy right now,” he said.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTAAsMdHDf0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTAAsMdHDf0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by NYC's CULTURE CURATOR (@fomofeed)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, some riders were less enthused about the experience.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It wasn’t as exciting as I thought it would be. This was </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">eh</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">,” said Arlene Shchulman.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I thought I could go up to the elevator at one of the hotels and get a better view. Or maybe I’m just a jaded New Yorker.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

International Travel

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Deckhand photographs monster waves crashing into Manly ferry

<p>A deckhand on board a Manly ferry has captured incredible photos of massive waves crashing against the ferry.</p> <p>The photos were captured over the weekend as Sydney experienced turbulent weather.</p> <p>Haig Gilchrist took the opportunity to capture the impressive water conditions and has been praised online for his photography skills.</p> <p>He captioned one of his photos on Instagram, “East Coast Low intensifying.” He later commented, “Great day to be working.”</p> <p>One picture that Haig took showed the bow of the ferry nearly fully submerged under water as the ferry travelled through Sydney Heads.</p> <p>The intense waves were due to a developing weather system rolling through the state.</p> <p>Sydney ferries may experience further dangerous conditions and surfers are expecting huge offshore waves on ‘Big Wednesday’.</p> <p>The swell is expected to reach three to four metres in some areas, with even stronger conditions further offshore.</p> <p>Surf Life Saving NSW operations manager Andy Kent said, “The best advice we can give people is to be aware of their environment and the changing conditions.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Haig Gilchrist via Instagram</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2017/03/grandma-ingenious-alarm-system/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Grandma has the most ingenious alarm system ever</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2017/03/neglect-dogs-own-fur-killing-him/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Neglected dog’s own fur killing him</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2017/03/nurse-pulls-over-to-save-pregnant-woman-in-crash/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Nurse en-route to work saves pregnant woman in car crash</strong></em></span></a></p>

News

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9 of the world’s most picturesque ferry rides

<p>While some commutes can be an absolute chore, stepping aboard one of these ferries is an experience that you will savour for the results of your life.</p> <p>As you can see in the gallery above, they’re quite incredible.</p> <p>From New York’s Staten Island Ferry to Hong Kong’s Star, Venice’s Vaporetto and everything in between, these are the world’s most picturesque ferry rides.</p> <p>Of course we’re a little partial to the Sydney Ferry, but we’re sure you’ll agree any of these spectacular boat ride provides an experience to savour.</p> <p>To see all the ferries, scroll through the gallery above.</p> <p>Have you ever journeyed to any of these countries and experienced the incredible ferries that you can take there? How did you find the experience?</p> <p>Share your story in the comments! </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/things-not-to-pack-on-a-cruise/"><strong><em>5 things NOT to pack on a cruise</em></strong></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/this-man-has-been-living-on-cruise-ships-for-20-years/"><em><strong>This man has been living on cruise ships for 20 years</strong></em></a></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/travel/cruising/2016/06/family-band-together-to-give-grandmother-trip-of-a-lifetime/">Family band together to give grandmother trip of a lifetime</a></strong></em></span></p>

Cruising

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Terrifying footage of Sydney ferry lashed by giant waves

<p>Terrifying footage has emerged of a perilous trip on Manly Ferry in Sydney’s harbour, where giant waves knocked the boat around like a small toy.</p> <p>Haig Gilchrist, a Sydney Ferries deckhand, captured the heart-stopping video on Wednesday night. The clip shows the ferry pitching and diving as unstoppable huge swells roll in.</p> <p>"It’s been fairly big, and we’ve had some freak waves. It was spectacular," Mr Gilchrist told Manly Daily, adding, "Weather does everything for the shots. A clear, blue sky day is nothing."</p> <p>"The regular commuters are calm and cool but the tourists panic a little bit," Mr Gilchrist said.</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/how-to-save-when-booking-a-hotel/">10 ways to save when booking a hotel</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/how-to-stretch-your-travel-budget/">6 simple steps to make your travel budget go further</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/worst-airline-for-2016-announced/">The world’s worst airline for 2016 announced</a></em></strong></span></p>

News

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Heroic teens rescue 93-year-old who fell from ferry

<p>A group of heroic Australian teenagers who saved the life of a 93-year-old man who fell from a ferry in the northern Sydney suburb of Manly, are set to be formally thanked by Manly Council for their courageous act.</p> <p>The incident occurred around 12:30pm last Sunday, when the four teenagers noticed the man floating face down in the water about 10 metres from the ferry. While the four teenagers, aged 15 to 17, admitted the experience was terrifying, they didn’t hesitate to act.</p> <p>William Zuber, a 16-year-old who goes to St Paul’s Catholic College in Manly, was first to dive in and described the incident to the Manly Daily: “I thought I heard a slap and a lot of commotion. I took my shirt and shoes off and dived straight off. It was the fastest I’d ever swum. I wish people had jumped in before – by the time we go there it had been ages. It was terrifying.”</p> <p><img width="422" height="238" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9954/brave-teens-save-man-from-ferry_422x238.jpg" alt="Brave Teens Save Man From Ferry" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><em>Image credit: Bam Srisombun</em></p> <p>Greg Hiotis, a 17-year-old from Balgowlah Boys, followed his friend in: “I flipped him over. He was frothing at the mouth I think. I tried to pump his heart and William gave him mouth to mouth.”</p> <p>Kieran Thor from Davidson High and Mitchell Lockie from Balgowlah Boys followed their friends in, and were eventually assisted by a manager from the nearby Hugos restaurant Adam Polly, a diner named Chris and a local worker Brendan Riley who all lauded the boy’s bravery.</p> <p>Manly Mayor Jean Hay said talks on how to reward the boys were taking place: “We are looking at putting on a reception to thank them and I will be recommending them for a bravery award.”</p> <p>The 93-year-old man remains in hospital, but surely owes his life to these brave boys.</p>

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