Caution, strippers protesting…

In the saddest news of the day, a protest involving 200 strippers has been called off.

A businessman who threatened protests by 200 strippers and prostitutes outside Rugby World Cup matches has settled a dispute with Auckland Council.

The threat came from John Chow, the owner of the Palace Hotel that was last year demolished by the council, amid fears it was collapsing during renovations.

The Chow Group said it should not have to pay the costs of the demolition, but has now agreed to do so.

In an email six months ago, Mr Chow told the council his company would assemble 200 strippers and prostitutes outside every Rugby World Cup match at Eden Park.

Read more here.