Five Big Things That Happened Today: Wednesday, July 31

FBI Director Kash Patel at the law enforcement attaché office opening ceremony at the US Embassy in Wellington .

FBI opens Wellington office; Major warrant of fitness change soon; What's going on with the mobile emergency alerts.

1 FBI opens standalone office in Wellington

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has set up a base in New Zealand to "strengthen and enhance" its cooperation with a "key Five Eyes partner in the southwestern Pacific region".

The director of the US domestic intelligence and security service, Kash Patel, travelled to Wellington yesterday. He met with key officials — including Defence Minister Judith Collins, Police Minster Mark Mitchell and Foreign Minister Winston Peters — this morning.

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2 What's going on with the emergency mobile phone alerts?

Many New Zealanders were woken up by an emergency mobile alert sent out today at 6.30am but, for some, the alerts have either come repeatedly or not at all.

Officials say the risk of strong currents and unpredictable surges is still very high following Wednesday's big earthquake in Russia.

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3 Major warrant of fitness, CoF change for some vehicles from September

From the start of September, vintage light vehicles and private heavy motorhomes will only need to get a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) or Certificate of Fitness (CoF) once a year, instead of every six months.

The updated rules were proposed by the Government in February.

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4 Young person assaulted and robbed in Christchurch

The owner of a vehicle is being sought by police after a young person was assaulted and robbed in Christchurch earlier this month.

The incident took place near the corner of Kendal Ave and Whitby St around 3pm on Friday, July 18.

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5 Concern Howard Temple will remain Gloriavale leader, despite guilty pleas

There’s concern that Howard Temple will stay on as Gloriavale’s leader, despite admitting to abuse against girls and young women.

On Wednesday, the 85-year-old grandfather pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault, five of doing an indecent act, and two of common assault.

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Watch: Alleged drunk driver swerves across Waikato road, narrowly avoids head-on smashes

Police were alerted to the driver by a member of the public and swooped in to pull them over.

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ONE FIBRE WARNING

Upping your daily fibre intake can boost your health, but the online push to consume eye-watering amounts in the name of "wellness" is misguided and could lead to bloating, cramping, constipation and gas.

UK lecturer Lewis Mattin explores the topic.

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