Weekly Quiz 9/11/22

At which Canterbury beach did a 200 hectare fire break out last week?

• Pegasus Beach

• Pixie Beach

• Centaur Beach

Answer explanation

Pegasus beach - Around 130 people were evacuated as a massive fire at Pegasus Beach, north of Christchurch, quickly moved south towards Woodend Beach. Police are investigating but believe that fireworks were likely involved.

Why was a “code one” alert declared at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo last week?

• Animals and visitors had to be evacuated due to a fire

• Five lions escaped their enclosure

• Three staff were injured after an elephant became upset

Answer explanation

Five lions escaped their enclosure - Five lions managed a short escape from their enclosure at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo before the zoo opened. The zoo sounded a “code one” alert and rushed guests of its “Roar and Snore” overnight stay program, to safety.

True or false, Jacinda Ardern announced last week that she would be retiring from politics after the next election?

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

False - Despite recent rumours, Jacinda Ardern has clarified that she is “not going anywhere”. She recently admitted that the next election will be neck and neck.

This character claimed the coveted 2022 Bird of the Year title.What type of bird is it?

• Pīwakawaka | Fantail  

• Riroriro | Grey warbler

• Pīwauwau | Rock wren

Answer explanation

The rare alpine species captured narrow win over the kororā penguin after campaign marked by controversy. The mountainous species captured a narrow win over the kororā penguin, which received more No 1 votes but lost out on the transferable vote system.

Up to 1600 fans will receive an all expenses paid trip, to sing at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup. Where is the FIFA World Cup being held?

• London

• Florida

• Qatar

Answer explanation

Qatar - Fans from each of the 32 teams will perform a chant or song specific to each country. The fans are being offered flights, accommodation and a daily allowance of 250 Qatari riyals (NZ$116). There is a catch - the fans need to be social influencers or those with a strong following on social media.

The Starship Foundation faced a backlash after it rejected a donation by a Waikato horse breeder. How much was the donation?

• $28,000

• $570,000

• 1.2 million

Answer explanation

$570,000 - The foundation originally gave a statement saying they rejected the donation due to Starship's partnership obligations. They later said the rejection was due to a lack of time to do the necessary checks that are required.

Government officials in the Netherlands have announced they will use paintballs to …?

• Discourage wolves from approaching people

• Stop environmental protesters from gathering in public squares

• Stop birds from landing on statues in Amsterdam

Answer explanation

Discourage wolves from approaching people - Wolves are becoming so unafraid of humans that they could become a danger. There are only around 20 adult wolves living in the Netherlands as wolves were hunted out of many European countries over a century ago.

What is the last name of the man on the left?

Answer explanation

Putin - The global community continues to be concerned about the actions and comments made the Russian president about the conflict in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin marked his 70th birthday recently.

Which New Zealand ski fields are in danger of closing due to financial problems?

• Coronet Peak and the Remarkables

• Whakapapa and Tūroa

• Mt Hutt and Porters

Answer explanation

Whakapapa and Tūroa - Ruapehu Alpine Lifts has received a $4 million rescue package from ANZ and the Government to try to make it to the next ski season. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts is about $40 million in debt.

Harry Potter fans have been asked to stop leaving socks on a fake grave at a beach in Wales. Which character died in a scene filmed on a beach?

• Hagrid

• Dumbledore

• Dobby

Answer explanation

Dobby the elf is killed in the first Deathly Hallows film and is buried on Freshwater West beach. Harry Potter fans trek to the beach to lay tributes to the fictional character. The socks are a reference to when Harry tricks Dobby's master Lucius Malfoy, into handing the house elf a sock — which frees him from servitude.