in 2008. (stuff.co.nz) 21 June – A polar blast moving north over the South Island causes major disruptions and claims at least one life. (One News) July 1 July – Introduction of several government reforms, including 20 hours funded childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds and the Kiwisaver retirement savings scheme. (TVNZ) 2 July – Corporal Willie Apiata of the SAS is awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery under fire in Afghanistan. This is the first time the VC has been awarded to a New Zealander since World War II. (NZ Herald) 4 July – The first of a swarm of tornadoes hits New Plymouth. No injuries are reported, but the tornadoes have inflicted major structural damage to buildings in a 140 km radius, and on 6 July, a seven-day state of emergency is declared in Taranaki. (stuff.co.nz) 11 July – Major storms cause flooding and cut off communities, leaving up to 50,000 people without power in Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula. (TV3) 11 July – The Government greenlights oil and gas exploration worth over a billion dollars off in four areas off the Southland coast (stuff.co.nz) 12 July – Two New Zealand oil workers kidnapped at gunpoint on 4 July in Nigeria's Niger Delta are released unharmed. (stuff.co.nz) 12 July – Spotless dispute – an industrial dispute between contracting company Spotless and 800 of their employees July – Medtral medical travel company is opened. August 25 August – 69 people are arrested following Undie 500 student riots in Dunedin. October 13 October – Elections were held for all of New Zealand's city, district and regional councils, and all District Health Boards. 15 October – Police conduct a series of raids across the country, charging 17 people with various firearms offences. They state that they are acting in response to an alleged paramilitary-style training camp in Te Urewera. 31 October – Cabinet reshuffle prepares Helen Clark's Labour government for the coming election year. November December 2 December – 96 medals, including 9 Victoria Crosses, are stolen from the Army Museum New Zealand. 20 December – A 6.8 magnitude earthquake causes significant damage and one death when it strikes the town of Gisborne.(NZ Herald) Holidays and observances 6 February – Waitangi Day 25 April – ANZAC Day 4 June – Queen's Birthday 16 June – Matariki 22 October – Labour Day Media, arts and literature Music April = NZ Radio Awards 26–29