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From breaking news to the debate and opinion, we bring NZ the news from around the world as it happens.   Sat, 23 Aug 2025 06:22:22 Z en /news/national/billionaire-mowbray-brothers-buy-malibu-land-for-factory-built-homes/ /news/national/billionaire-mowbray-brothers-buy-malibu-land-for-factory-built-homes/ Billionaire Kiwi brothers Nick and Mat Mowbray are buying plots of burned beachfront land in Malibu as the Zuru Group founders push ahead with plans to manufacture cut-price factory-built houses on a global scale.  US media reported this week the brothers’ company, Zuru Tech US LLC, was on the deeds and state registration statements tied to nine Malibu land sales since March.  The plots on La Costa and Carbon beaches in Malibu sold for a total of US$65 million ($110.7m), The Real Deal real estate news website reported.  The “prime ocean-front real estate” located among swathes of Los Angeles devastated by wildfires in January, could make good case studies for Zuru Tech’s “digital solution for construction” of homes and buildings, The Real Deal reported.  Nick Mowbray declined to comment when contacted by the Herald today, but a source close to Zuru Tech said the brothers had increased their initial purchase of nine plots to 14 and “plan to redevelop them with like-for-like houses to help the rebuild in LA”.  Mowbray has previously told Bloomberg Zuru’s housing business was set to “dwarf everything we’ve ever done”.  The toy and consumer goods entrepreneur also spoke about the construction venture at the China Business Summit in Auckland last month.  Massive wildfires in southern California in January destroyed more than 18,000 structures, including homes in the beachfront area of Malibu in Los Angeles. Photo / AFP  Building 12 properties to redevelop the wildfire-destroyed Malibu beachfront would be one of the first projects, Mowbray told those at the summit.  He also said the company hoped to have its cut-price, factory-built houses ready to take to customers within two to three years.  The concept was formed more than a decade ago, but few announcements have been made public on how the company was progressing its aim of developing factory-style house-component manufacturing on a global scale.  Covid and other factors had pushed back its market launch, Mowbray said.  “We’ve been working on this for a long time, but I would say hopefully in the next two or three years, we think we can start working with customers.”  Zuru co-founder and CEO Nick Mowbray said the company had invested heavily in the new construction venture, more than it had into the company's consumer packaged goods division.  The venture was revolutionising how houses were built, Mowbray said.  “We’re optimising everything from design, compliance, manufacturing, all the way through to assembly. And we’re building the world’s first factory that has a fully customised input in terms of design and a fully automated output.”  Zuru had invested heavily in the new venture – more than it had into its consumer packaged goods division – although Mowbray wouldn’t give specific figures.  The company was developing full-scale test houses using its in-house building information modelling software, named Dreamcatcher, every week or two out of its full-scale Chinese test factory, which was roughly 3ha in size.  It had also purchased a 10ha factory in China, which Mowbray confirmed would be the first commercial factory for the construction business and aimed to produce the equivalent of 10,000sq m of buildings a day.  Six hundred hardware and software engineers were working fulltime on the development of the factory, he said.  The two Mowbray brothers were last year named the country’s wealthiest people on the NBR Rich List, knocking packaging, property and investment magnate Graeme Hart off the spot he’d held for more than 20 years.  Zuru is wholly owned by brothers Mat and Nick, who the NBR estimated were worth $20 billion.  The company was started more than 20 years ago and spans three divisions – toys, consumer goods and construction. It employs more than 5000 staff across more than 30 locations worldwide.  Zuru co-founders brothers Mat Mowbray (left)... Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:55:02 Z /news/world/prime-minister-mark-carney-says-canada-lifts-us-tariffs-aims-for-stronger-trade-ties/ /news/world/prime-minister-mark-carney-says-canada-lifts-us-tariffs-aims-for-stronger-trade-ties/ Canada will remove all tariffs on US goods that are compliant with the existing North American free trade agreement, Prime Minister Mark Carney has said, matching exemptions affirmed earlier this month by Washington.  President Donald Trump called the move “nice”.  Speaking to reporters a day after a lengthy call with Trump, Carney said Canada has “the best deal of any country with the United States right now”.  Following a series of agreements the United States has signed with major partners including the European Union, Carney said it was clear the Trump administration is compelling countries “to buy access to the world’s largest economy”.  He said the average tariff rate on goods entering the United States from around the world was now at 16%, up from 2% before Trump took office.  The US tariff rate on Canadian goods was 5.6%, the Prime Minister said, adding “85% of our trade is tariff-free”.  Carney has said it was crucial the United States decided earlier this month to maintain its tariff exemption on all goods compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).  Effective on September 1, Canada will match that exemption as a goodwill gesture, as it aims to “intensify” discussions with the Trump administration on a broader trading relationship, the Prime Minister said.  Carney, a former competitive hockey player, said the decision to remove some counter-tariffs reflected the evolving stages of those negotiations.  “There is a time in the game ... [when] we dropped the gloves in the first period to send a message,” he said, using hockey terminology for punching an opponent.  “There’s also a time in the game ... [when] you want to put the puck in the net,” he said, stressing Ottawa was now focused on clinching a deal that could offer long-term benefits for the Canadian economy.  Asked if he had received assurances from Trump on Thursday (local time) that the tariff announcement would help kickstart talks on a broader trade deal, Carney said “yes”.  Trump said he “had a very good talk” with Carney.  “I like Carney a lot. I think he’s a good, good person,” the President said.  Carney also stressed his Government was focused on preparing for USMCA revision talks set for next year, a timeline agreed by all sides when the deal was signed during Trump’s first term.  Trump’s global sector-specific tariffs – namely those targeting all auto, steel and aluminium imports – have done the most damage in Canada.  “Canada will retain our tariffs on steel, aluminium and autos as we work intensively with the US to resolve the issues there,” Carney said.  “Our focus now is squarely on these strategic sectors and the future.”  –Dave Chan with Ben Simon, Agence France-Presse  Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:52:01 Z /news/national/waiheke-ferry-terminal-crash-4wd-submerged-elderly-driver-fined-for-drink-driving/ /news/national/waiheke-ferry-terminal-crash-4wd-submerged-elderly-driver-fined-for-drink-driving/ An elderly woman had been drinking when she drove through a bike shelter and into the water at the main passenger ferry terminal on Waiheke Island, police say.  Photos sent to the Herald showed the 4WD vehicle submerged just below the surface off Matiatia Ferry Terminal, as well as bikes and a railing left mangled after the incident just before 6pm on Wednesday.  The pensioner collided with a bike rack outside the ferry terminal on Ocean View Rd before crashing into the water, said Sergeant Ray Matthews, of Waiheke.  “The vehicle entered the water and became submerged. Fortunately, the sole occupant of the vehicle was able to climb out of the vehicle and was helped by the public to safety.  “Police have issued the 73-year-old woman an infringement notice for excess breath alcohol, allegedly returning a result of 290mcg/L (micrograms per litre of breath).”  The woman's submerged 4WD vehicle pictured below the surface after she crashed into the water off Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke Island.  Further charges were being considered, Matthews said.  Drivers aged 20 and over who drive with an alcohol level between 251mcg/L and 400mcg/L can be fined and given 50 demerit points. Those who drive with higher levels can be disqualified from driving and either fined or jailed.  A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman said one person was treated at the scene, but they didn’t have details of any injuries.  The sunken vehicle was pulled from the water on Thursday and returned to its owner, an Auckland Transport spokesman said.  The crash was bad news for the owners of several bikes, with a railing also damaged when an elderly woman crashed through a bike parking area and into the water off Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke Island.  They were now looking at what repairs were needed to the bike shelter area.  “A portion of the shelter has been damaged - glass and structural. If we want to replace like for like we need a full shelter replacement so we are going to work through with the relevant stakeholders what the replacement or retro fit options may be … the replacement of shelter and railings will be done at a later stage following the area being made safe.”  A damaged railing behind the bike shelter had already been removed by AT’s maintenance team and would be replaced.  Part of the shelter was still able to be used, the spokesman said.  “Our maintenance teams are on standby for AT to decide the replacement option before either removing the shelter or replacing damaged parts.”  Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:11:02 Z /news/national/resident-complained-of-damage-to-hawke-s-bay-intersection-months-before-fatal-crash/ /news/national/resident-complained-of-damage-to-hawke-s-bay-intersection-months-before-fatal-crash/ A resident complained to police about vandalism at a Hawke’s Bay intersection more than six months before it contributed to a crash that killed a Canadian tourist.  The man said he had regularly called police to report hoons doing burnouts and causing damage in the area around Bridge Pā, near Hastings, for years, but nothing seemed to be done.  Meanwhile, a survivor of the 2023 crash, which killed Helen Poon, said if police were notified of and aware of the damage before the crash, “then that is a colossal systems failure that directly resulted in the death of my friend”.  “The trauma of what happened stays with me and it’s devastating to know this crash was preventable,” said Margareta Dovgal, who was travelling with Poon and injured in the collision.  The man who took photographs of damage to the intersection does not want his name published, because of possible retaliation from the hoons, whom he said were “a law unto themselves”.  Helen Poon was a local government politician in Port Alberni, British Columbia. Photo / City of Port Alberni Facebook  “Some of these little f* are just nutters,” he told 九一星空无限.  “They are left to run rampant, which they do most weekends.”  Died five days after crash  Poon, a 34-year-old local government politician from British Columbia, drove a borrowed Audi coupe through the intersection of State Highway 50 with Maraekakaho Rd near Hastings, on December 30, 2023, without realising she was supposed to give way.  She collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser and died from her injuries in Wellington Hospital five days later.  A coroner found the heavily vandalised state of the intersection, with the road markings almost obliterated by drivers doing burnouts, was a contributing factor to the fatal crash.  One of the give way signs at the intersection was missing and the other one had been turned to face the other way. A chevron signboard opposite the junction had been removed.  Signage from the intersection of State Highway 50 and Maraekakaho Rd, near Hastings, was burned on the side of the road, which is heavily marked with burnout damage. Photo / Supplied  “There was no clear indication, by way of signage or road markings from Ms Poon’s point of view, that she was required to give way,” Coroner Mark Wilton found.  The description of damage to the intersection in the coroner’s report and a photograph taken on the day of the crash, are consistent with images the resident sent to police more than six months earlier, on June 5, 2023.  Road signs found burned and blackened  When he emailed police, he attached a photograph of the chevron sign, which the coroner later mentioned was missing. It was found blackened and burned on the side of the road.  A triangular sign, which appears to be the missing give way sign, is also in the image.  “Road safety is a joke to these people and they are operating on our roads with impunity,” the man said in his email to police, which reported an “escalating issue” with hoon activity and property damage most weekends.  The intersection of Maraekakaho Rd and State Highway 50, near Hastings, photographed on December 30, 2023, the day of the collision that claimed the life of Helen Poon. Photo / Coroners Court  “This morning … I drove to the site and was stunned by the level of destruction,” the man wrote.  “Not only was the road surface completely blackened, but signage had also been knocked/ripped down and was sitting in a burnt pile on the side of the road, along with shredded tyres, steel, broken glass and rubbish.”  Names and regos found online  He said he had found material that the hoons were posting online, which revealed names, registration numbers and photos of vehicles.  九一星空无限 asked police if anyone could be held to account for the damage, especially given someone had died and the hoons’ unlawful actions had contributed to the crash.... Sat, 23 Aug 2025 00:29:50 Z /news/national/91-year-old-mother-caring-for-her-carer-daughter-clare-tupuola-who-has-terminal-cancer/ /news/national/91-year-old-mother-caring-for-her-carer-daughter-clare-tupuola-who-has-terminal-cancer/ Clare Tupuola is a carer for her 91-year-old mum Maresa Tupuola – and her mum is equally her carer: because Clare Tupuola has terminal cancer.  It was the hardest thing in the world to tell her elderly mother the news, she said. “It’s hard to comprehend that I could go before her.”  The 58-year-old Aucklander said she knew something was wrong when she was sleeping after doing simple tasks around the house, like washing the dishes.  She has since been diagnosed with cancer in her ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. It has also spread to her liver.  Other than a slight pain in her left side shortly before being diagnosed, she did not get any symptoms, she said.  “I’d sleep for four or five hours during the day, then I’d get back up and go do something else, like the washing, and need to sleep again.  Clare Tupuola says the support of her family has helped her get through her cancer journey. Photo / Dean Purcell  “I had a blood test and the results showed that both my kidney and liver functions were under 30%. I got sent to A&E. It was a real shock.”  An appointment with an oncologist in December 2023 revealed exactly how sick she was.  “I was told it was incurable and that chemo was my only option due to the aggressiveness and spread of my cancer. It was devastating,” she said.  “I had all my sisters with me and a niece ... and we were all like: ‘Yeah! We’ve got this’! Then we came out of there going: ‘Okay, where’s the nearest pub’?”  Tupuola started her first round of chemotherapy in January last year and her latest round this March.  Clare Tupuola and her mother Maresa Tupuola. Photo / Dean Purcell  Telling her 91-year-old mother the news was one of the hardest things she’d ever done, she said.  Tupuola and a younger sister are the main carers for their elderly mum.  “My mother is very strong in her faith, so she said: ‘Leave it up to God. You’re in God’s hands’. She’s been a real strong support and always prays for me.”  When Tupuola started losing her hair, the family including siblings, nieces and nephews came together for a special hair-shaving ceremony.  “I said: ‘Right, champagne and pizza ... let’s shave my hair’.  “My mum was the last one. It was a really good way to grieve and [accept] what was happening.”  Other than a slight pain in her left side shortly before being diagnosed, she did not get any symptoms, she said.  Tupuola said one thing she has learned, and wanted to share with women, was to prioritise themselves.  “To be quite honest, I never made myself a priority. I always thought about everyone else ... but I’ve had to make myself a priority.”  Vaimoana Mase is the Pasifika editor for the Herald’s Talanoa section, sharing stories from the Pacific community. She won junior reporter of the year at the then Qantas Media Awards in 2010 and won the best opinion writing award at the 2023 Voyager Media Awards.  Fri, 22 Aug 2025 22:59:47 Z /news/national/black-cap-blair-tickner-and-wife-sarah-on-cancer-journey-grateful-to-still-be-alive/ /news/national/black-cap-blair-tickner-and-wife-sarah-on-cancer-journey-grateful-to-still-be-alive/ Black Cap Blair Tickner and wife, Sarah, speak to Hawke’s Bay Today about their cancer journey, ahead of the inaugural Kaweka Hospital Daffodil Day Colour Run.  The event at Mitre 10 Sports Park on Sunday will raise funds for the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society, and organisers hope to attract about 1000 people.  Christmas Day 2024 was a special one for the Tickner family.  New mum, Sarah Tickner, had been discharged from hospital a day prior and returned to Hawke’s Bay after the fight of her life - eight months of heavy chemotherapy treatment following a shock leukaemia (blood cancer) diagnosis.  Sarah says her cancer journey has changed her perspective on life and made her a more grateful person.  She has been in full remission for about a year but still has another year of treatment ahead - including regular chemotherapy - to reduce the risk of relapse.  Her health battle began last April, on the other side of the globe.  Husband Blair was about to start a season of county cricket in England, and the couple arrived in Derby with their 8-month-old daughter, Florence.  “A week after we got there, I was very, very fatigued and had night sweats,” she said, putting it down to jet lag and having a new bub.  However, she started getting bruises on her legs and knew she needed to get some tests.  “The day I went in to receive my blood test results, my gums started bleeding.”  A check of “doctor Google” suggested it could be leukaemia, which was confirmed by the team doctor. She was sent to Derby Hospital ED for further checks.  “In Derby Hospital, they identified it as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia,” she said, commonly referred to as ALL.  From there, Sarah was transferred to another hospital nearby, Nottingham, which specialised in ALL treatment.  “They pretty much from day one in Nottingham said they are going to cure me.”  Four heavy rounds of chemotherapy over the next eight months followed, the first of which was in Nottingham and the remainder in Palmerston North.  Her first round of chemo meant she could not see much of her daughter for four weeks, due to the risk of infection, which was particularly difficult.  “The problem with leukaemia treatment is it makes you neutropenic, which means no white blood cells and no immunity to fight off things.”  In Palmerston North, she continued to receive world-class treatment and entered full remission last August.  That was “a pretty good moment” - although the family knew there was still a long journey ahead with plenty more chemo to reduce the risk of relapse.  She was eventually discharged on Christmas Eve having endured a huge toll on her body, and the loss of her hair twice.  Fortunately, her strong progress with chemo meant she did not have to undergo a stem cell transplant.  “You can’t have more children if you have a stem cell transplant.  “The amount of chemo I have had may still make that impossible for me, but I have hope.”  Sarah still has ongoing “maintenance” treatment, including chemotherapy, which will continue until August 2026.  The couple own and run 13th Stag Cafe at Mitre 10 Sports Park and are back living in Hastings.  “I’m back working four days a week, and at the gym four days a week and feeling strong and probably in the best shape of my life.”  She said her journey had changed her perspective on life, and she tried to concentrate more on the positives now.  “My advice for anyone about to go through a cancer journey is to be positive. Positivity and mindset is key.  “Sometimes, that might seem impossible, but focusing on what you’re grateful for worked for me.  “I’m grateful to still be alive, I’m grateful to still move my body, I’m grateful for my family, my friends and community.  “That’s the only reason I’m still here ... is because of my family and friends, and our community fighting for me.”  Her... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 21:34:25 Z /news/national/predator-teacher-timothy-fisher-worked-as-santa-at-3-auckland-westfield-malls-after-vetting-failure/ /news/national/predator-teacher-timothy-fisher-worked-as-santa-at-3-auckland-westfield-malls-after-vetting-failure/ A man with historical indecency convictions who later became a teacher and abused young girls also moonlighted as a Christmas Santa at three of Auckland’s biggest malls.  The Herald can reveal that Timothy Fisher, who is now serving a lengthy jail sentence, wasn’t vetted by police before being hired to pose for photos in a Santa costume with young children.  Scentre Group, which operates the international Westfield shopping mall chain, says it takes safety obligations seriously and has launched a review after learning of the vetting failure.  “We recognise this is a very distressing time for the victims and we extend our support to them,” a statement from Scentre’s corporate affairs department said.  “We take safety and the duty of care to our customers and community extremely seriously.”  Fisher, 57, has three convictions for doing indecent acts from 2002.  Timothy Fisher worked as a Santa at three Westfield malls in 2022 and 2023. He has historical indecency convictions and was jailed last week for abusing nine girls while employed as a teacher.  It has emerged he worked at at least five state secondary schools and underwent four police vets between 2011 and 2017, but was able to conceal his previous convictions under the Clean Slate Act.  Scentre said Fisher was contracted by a “third-party Santa photography supplier” for the 2022 Christmas period at Westfield St Lukes.  He was contracted again the following year at Westfield St Lukes, Westfield Manukau and Westfield Newmarket.  Scentre was reviewing Fisher’s work history with the third-party supplier, which the spokeswoman refused to name.  The Santa photography took place in a public space and the supplier was required to provide supervision at all times.  “To date, we are not aware of any direct customer feedback or complaints during the person’s work history at our destinations.  “If customers hold any concerns about the conduct of this individual during this period, we strongly encourage them to contact police.”  Pushed on whether Fisher had been police vetted before he was hired, a spokeswoman indicated he wasn’t.  Timothy Fisher in the dock at Manukau District Court for sentencing on 14 charges, including committing indecent acts on children. Photo / Sylvie Whinray  “Our provider was contacted by police in 2024 to inform them that Timothy Fisher was being investigated on matters that occurred after his employment with us. The supplier did not rehire him.  “We are reviewing our supplier’s employment screening processes.  “We would support any regulatory measures to strengthen vetting processes that involve working with children.”  The Herald asked Scentre what internal reviews were under way to ensure its own safety policies were robust, and whether it would offer apologies or refunds to families.  “We have reviewed this matter directly with our supplier. Changes continue to be made to strengthen employment screening processes,” a final statement said.  Company was urged to vet Fisher ahead of 2024 Christmas  A police spokesman said a review of police records showed Fisher had been subject to four vetting requests over the years, all from the Teaching Council.  “There’s no record of any other agency or prospective employer that we’re aware of.”  Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Bienvenu, Counties Manukau CIB, said police phoned the company that hired Fisher in October last year after learning the English teacher had been hired as a Santa at Westfield malls the previous two years.  Timothy Fisher, who has historical indecency convictions and was jailed last week for abusing girls while a teacher, also moonlighted as a Santa at three Auckland Westfield malls. Main photo / Sylvie Whinray  “In this phone call, police recommended that the company vet Fisher before they hired him again.”  Bienvenu said that at the time of the call, F... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:37:06 Z /news/national/rotorua-crash-beloved-bay-of-plenty-fuel-truck-driver-peter-moss-died-doing-what-he-loved/ /news/national/rotorua-crash-beloved-bay-of-plenty-fuel-truck-driver-peter-moss-died-doing-what-he-loved/ To Lisa Cozens, her dad was in every sense a “gentle giant”.  Tall, broad-shouldered and strong, he naturally stood out. But it was the enormity of his “quiet kindness” that truly defined him, she said.  Peter Moss, 63, suffered a medical event while driving a fuel tanker on August 15, causing a fatal rollover that closed State Highway 5 south of Rotorua just after 2am.  Cozens said her father died doing what he “absolutely loved” – driving tankers. He relished the open road, sharing every trip and adventure with his daughter.  “Dad was always happy,” Cozens said, and the last two years were the “happiest” she had seen him in a long time.  He had a supportive employer and loved the variety of the job. But it was family that was always at the centre of Moss’s world.  “All he liked to do was spend time with his family,” Cozens said. The “highlight” of his weeks was hanging out with his 11 grandkids.  Driving gave him the chance to visit loved ones who lived far from his Pāpāmoa home.  Growing up in Whakatāne, Moss was one of five brothers, so he knew the bustle of a big family household.  The family moved to England when Moss was in his early 20s. While the rest of his family eventually returned to New Zealand, Moss decided to stay behind.  He landed a job as a groundskeeper with Southend Council, unknowingly working for his future father-in-law, Rob Everest.  As luck would have it, he ended up moving in with Everest. Moss had nowhere to stay, and Everest, with his six-bedroom farmhouse, offered him a spare room.  Sharing the same roof, it wasn’t long before Moss met Everest’s daughter, Corrina.  Cozens recalled the story her mum told of how her parents first got together. At the beginning, “Mum did not like him,” she said. The fact her dad had brought Peter home was enough for her to think, there’s “no way I’m dating him”.  But fate had other ideas. When a 15-year-old Corrina was “desperate” for a ride to a friend’s birthday party, she reluctantly asked Moss for a lift. From that night on, the two were inseparable.  They were each other’s “best friends” and went on to share more than 40 years of marriage, Cozens said.  Peter Moss with his grandson Jace. Photo / Supplied  After nine years living in the UK, Moss returned to New Zealand in 1986 with his new bride, ready to start the next chapter of their lives together.  The couple settled in Edgecumbe, raising two boys and a girl. Moss worked with Bay Milk Distributors, but that quickly changed in 1991 when disaster struck.  “Our house burnt down, essentially,” Cozens said.  Moss had been at home with his three young children when the fire broke out. He managed to get everyone to safety. “He saved us,” Cozens said.  That moment proved life-changing. From then on, Moss committed to serving as a volunteer firefighter, a role he would proudly hold for the next 16 years.  For his children, the fire station became a second home, with countless hours spent cleaning trucks and re-rolling hoses.  “Whenever Dad’s pager beeped, whoever was closest to the door was grabbing his slides and opening it for him to run out. Anytime, day or night, that’s just what we did,” Cozens said.  She said her dad’s service and presence in the small Edgecumbe community left a mark on many.  Peter Moss is remembered after a tanker crash on State Highway 5 claimed his life. Photo / Supplied  At home Moss was known for his easy-going nature, often saying, “it is what it is”.  He was “very much a go-with-the-flow kind of guy”, especially alongside his wife, who loved to plan, Cozens said.  “At Christmas, Mum would put up all the lights and all the decorations and my dad would just go along with it.  “As long as his wife is smiling, he was happy,” Cozens said.  The couple moved to Tauranga, where Moss worked several small jobs before joining Specialised Cont... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:12:44 Z /news/auckland/road-wrecked-by-cyclone-gabrielle-reopened-after-25-years/ /news/auckland/road-wrecked-by-cyclone-gabrielle-reopened-after-25-years/ The popular West Auckland Road that was severely damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and other extreme weather more than two years ago has finally reopened to the public. Scenic Drive, the road between Titirangi and Piha, took millions of dollars and many workers to fully repair. An Auckland Transport (AT) spokesperson said the road officially reopened at 12pm today. “Traffic has been flowing freely across Scenic Drive since. I spoke with some very happy and relieved locals this afternoon,” the spokesperson said. Two and a half years ago, a wall of water, mud, trees and rocks smashed its way down onto the roadway, demolishing the road and carving a path 60m down the hill. Before the road reopened, anyone wanting to get to Piha, Karekare and other small communities was forced to take long detours. AT said there were nearly 800 land slips to fix in West Auckland alone. AT director of infrastructure, Murray Burt, told RNZ that after the 2023 storms, more than 2,000 slips on local roads were reported. Parts of Scenic Drive had to be built back up again by several metres after the slips. Photo / Auckland Transport “We’ve only got about 70 left to fix,” Burt told RNZ. “Given the scale of the event, the complexity of some of the work, I think the team’s done amazingly - and if you look across the country, Auckland is well ahead of many parts of the country that were impacted by the storms at this time.” West Auckland was hit particularly hard due to the steep topography of the area. According to RNZ and Auckland Transport, the section of road between the Titirangi roundabout and Woodlands Park Drive was initially restricted to stop-go traffic before being fully closed. Retaining walls were constructed to restore parts of the road that had slipped. Seen from above, one of the slips on Scenic Drive before a repair. Photo / Auckland Transport AT said the goal now is to have the very last of the Auckland cyclone repairs done by April 2026. Documents AT provided to RNZ show the Scenic Drive repairs at eight sites have cost $15.8 million. Some drainage work still remains. The AT Flood Recovery Programme is estimated to cost $390 million, jointly funded by the Crown and Auckland Council: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi ($199m), Auckland Council ($81m) and Crown Infrastructure Partners, now National Infrastructure Funding and Financing ($110m), RNZ reported. Giant metal piles - some up to 20m long - are inserted into the ground to stabilise a slip on Scenic Drive. Photo / Auckland Transport In 2023, owners of a badly slip-damaged property on Scenic Drive watched as their family home was violently pulled to the ground by a digger. Tonnes of earth and foliage had pushed the house off its foundations, and it had been at risk of collapse for months before it was destroyed in a dramatic controlled demolition. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:09:44 Z /news/crime/how-police-caught-a-runaway-driver-wedged-by-a-tree/ /news/crime/how-police-caught-a-runaway-driver-wedged-by-a-tree/ A man desperate to escape police managed to flee, even after getting his car wedged by a tree. However, the next day, he phoned police to report his car as stolen, and was arrested soon after. “This is your final warning, with prison to follow, if you go out and do something dumb like this again,” Judge Tony Snell told recidivist offender Zac Gillbanks in Nelson District Court this week. “You are becoming a menace and the community doesn’t need people like you.” The 32-year-old - with a catalogue of 45 convictions since 2011 for violence, dishonesty, drugs and driving offences - was told by Judge Snell that his latest involved “idiotic driving” that ran the risk of harming others. Zac Gillbanks is no stranger to prison and told the judge during sentencing in the Nelson District Court that he didn’t plan to return there. Photo / Tracy Neal One of two parked cars Gillbanks hit while fleeing police was written off, the court heard. Late at night on March 22 this year, Gillbanks was driving down a suburban Nelson street when police started to follow him. According to the summary of facts, he turned off his headlights and sped off, Judge Snell said. Gillbanks turned into a nearby street, and crashed into a parked car which he then bounced off and hit a parked courier van. His car then mounted the pavement curb and became wedged by a tree. Police activated their lights, and as they pulled up behind the wedged car, which Gillbanks was revving heavily, it broke free. He then drove off down the footpath and sped away. As he drove down a nearby street, he was captured on CCTV stopping and running away from the vehicle. The next day, Gillbanks phoned the police and reported the vehicle as stolen. He said he had parked it in his driveway with the keys under the seat, and someone had stolen it. Judge Snell said that in Gillbanks’ desperation to escape the police, he gave a false report in an attempt to “weasel his way out” of what he had done. “It was a separate, silly decision to file a false report.” Then, on April 10, during a search of Gillbanks’ home, police found several cannabis plants and a bong. In court, defence lawyer Wayne Jones was cut short when providing background to the offending. Judge Snell said Gillbanks was serving a sentence for previous similar offending when the latest occurred, and he didn’t want to hear how he might do “this or that” to help his position. “This was silly offending on the back of similar and I don’t want to see it again,” Judge Snell said. Gillbanks, who was no stranger to prison, said he didn’t plan to return there. “This was a close call for you,” Judge Snell said. Gillbanks was sentenced to three months’ home detention for reckless driving, failing to stop for police, making a false statement, plus the cannabis charges. He was ordered to pay $400 reparation to cover the insurance excess on one of the vehicles, and disqualified from driving for a further 12 months, on top of a nine-month disqualification already in place, which meant he was banned from driving for the next 21 months. Tracy Neal is a Nelson-based Open Justice reporter at 九一星空无限. She was previously RNZ’s regional reporter in Nelson-Marlborough and has covered general news, including court and local government for the Nelson Mail. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:36:19 Z /news/sport/three-kids-rugby-teams-blocked-from-semis-after-botched-registrations/ /news/sport/three-kids-rugby-teams-blocked-from-semis-after-botched-registrations/ Three children’s rugby teams have been disqualified from competing in their semifinal matches tomorrow over an error with player registrations. Days before their semifinals on Saturday, the Central Bay of Plenty Junior Rugby Committee sent a letter to parents saying three under-11 grade sides would be disqualified because of unregistered players competing throughout the season. The decision has caused outrage in the local community, with one parent saying their child was in tears on the eve of their big game this weekend. One parent has placed the blame on a new registration platform rolled out by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) for the 2025 club rugby season. NZR denied there was a problem with the system. The Bay of Plenty Rugby sub-union told the Herald it’s been left with no choice but to follow the rules to ensure the integrity of the competition and the onus lay with parents, club delegates and managers to ensure players were fully registered. “During the recent review of player registrations, it has come to our attention that three teams, despite demonstrating potential and enthusiasm, did not fully adhere to the registration rules outlined for our competition,” the letter sent on Tuesday night read. After an emergency meeting on Tuesday, the Central Bay of Plenty Junior Rugby Committee sent a letter to parents, saying three under-11 grade sides would be blocked from competing in their semifinals on Saturday. “Regrettably, this means these teams are not eligible to compete in the semifinals this coming weekend. We understand how disappointing and upsetting this news is, especially when children’s passion and effort are involved, and it is never our wish to make such difficult decisions.” The three affected teams, Reporoa, Ngongotahā and Eastern Pirates, were all due to play their semifinal games tomorrow but had their competition points stripped when the registration error was noticed. Celeste Wills, the mother of a young Reporoa player, told the Herald the kids were “all really gutted” after being told their season was over. She claimed the issue stemmed from a new player registration platform introduced by NZR this season, called Rugby Xplorer, which is also used across Australia, the Pacific and the United States. Wills said one Reporoa player’s registration failed to link to the club, despite him being registered in the Rugby Xplorer system. “This technical glitch made him appear as an ‘unregistered player’.” The error went undetected, allowing the boy to play unregistered the entire season. It was only picked up when the sub-union requested team lists from all clubs in the U11 competition on Monday while undertaking an eligibility check for minimum matches played – as players must have played four games to be eligible for semifinal games. NZR told the Herald it was unaware of any instances of system issues that had negatively impacted players in competitions this year. An emergency meeting was called by the Central Bay of Plenty Junior Rugby Committee, with delegates from every club taking a vote on the matter and moving to strip three teams of their season points, blocking them from the semifinals. “The whole point of bloody junior rugby is to get kids to play rugby ... They’ve gotten in a position where they’ve got to the semifinal and you’re ending their season on a technicality on a crap registration platform,” Wills said. “You’ve now got two teams that were bottom of the table in the semis for third and fourth position.” Wills said it was “nonsense” to have administration issues and politics stopping kids from playing rugby. “We’re all disgusted, we’re all appalled, but what can we do? Because they’ve also left it to the very last minute to make a decision we can’t even appeal. “It was a glitch in the system, which should have been picked up sooner. It’s gone undetected. But it was an honest glitch. We weren’t playing an unregistered player knowingly. He’s not a star player from an under-13s team that’s playin... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:27:07 Z /news/world/parole-denied-erik-menendezs-bid-rejected-after-lengthy-hearing/ /news/world/parole-denied-erik-menendezs-bid-rejected-after-lengthy-hearing/ Erik Menendez has been denied parole more than three decades after he and his brother Lyle were convicted of slaughtering their parents in the family’s luxury Beverly Hills home. A California panel ordered the 54-year-old to stay in prison, defying a lengthy campaign waged by his family, friends and celebrities such as Kim Kardashian. “Erik Menendez was denied parole for three years at his initial suitability hearing today,” said a brief statement from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The result will be a huge blow to a movement that has swelled in recent years, nourished by documentaries and TV dramas, including the Netflix hit Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Lyle Menendez, 57, is due to appear before a parole panel tomorrow. The brothers are among America’s most celebrated prisoners after starring in one of the first televised murder trials. The Menendez brothers remain two of the most well-known inmates in American criminal history. Photo / Getty Images Hearings in the 1990s were told how they killed Jose and Kitty Menendez in August 1989 in what prosecutors said was a cynical attempt to get their hands on a large family fortune. After setting up alibis and trying to cover their tracks, Erik and Lyle shot Jose Menendez five times with shotguns, including in the kneecaps. Kitty Menendez died from a shotgun blast as she tried to crawl away. The brothers initially blamed the deaths on a mafia hit, but changed their story several times in the ensuing months. Erik, then 18, confessed to the murders in a session with his therapist. The pair ultimately claimed they had acted in self-defence after years of emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of a tyrannical father. During their decades in prison, changing social mores and greater awareness of sexual abuse helped elevate them to something approaching cultural icons. Today’s hearing, which was closed to the public, was expected to last two to three hours. Instead, it went on all day. Erik Menendez appeared by video link from prison in San Diego, where he and his brother are being held. Two or three panel members, whose identities were not given by CDCR, questioned him on his behaviour and attitude towards the murders. The hearing became possible when a judge resentenced the brothers earlier this year, reducing their full-life tariff to one of 50 years with the possibility of release. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Photo / Getty Images Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed resentencing and said he would oppose parole. He has insisted that the men’s shifting explanations for the double deaths – they gave five different accounts in the course of the murder investigation – means they have not truly admitted their guilt. “The Menendez brothers have never fully accepted responsibility for the horrific murders of their parents,” he said this week. Lyle’s hearing today is independent of his brother’s. - Agence France-Presse Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:12:13 Z /news/national/chinese-warships-conduct-unprecedented-manoeuvres-in-south-pacific/ /news/national/chinese-warships-conduct-unprecedented-manoeuvres-in-south-pacific/ China set off alarm bells in New Zealand when it dispatched powerful warships on unprecedented missions in the South Pacific without explanation, according to military documents obtained by AFP. Beijing has spent years expanding its reach in the southern Pacific Ocean, courting island nations with new hospitals, freshly paved roads and generous offers of climate aid. But these diplomatic efforts have increasingly been accompanied by more overt displays of military power. Three Chinese warships sailed the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand in February this year, the first time such a task group had been sighted in those waters. “We have never seen vessels with this capability so close to our shores – ships equipped for air, land and sea warfare,” New Zealand Defence Force officials wrote in briefings released under freedom of information laws. The flotilla included a Renhai-class destroyer, one of the most advanced warships in the world and China’s “most capable surface combatant”, according to the documents. It was only the second time a Renhai-class destroyer – first commissioned in 2020 – had been seen in the South Pacific, New Zealand defence officials noted. The first foray came just months earlier, in October 2024, when a Renhai-class ship docked in Pacific island nation Vanuatu. “We have not been informed by the Chinese Government why this task group has been deployed into our region,” read a New Zealand Defence Force briefing from February. “And we have not been informed what its future plans are.” ‘Didn’t come to see the penguins’ Escorted by a supply tanker and a smaller naval frigate, the Renhai-class destroyer Zunyi was spotted off the eastern coast of Australia in mid-February. “We have, in an unprecedented way, put in place assets to shadow the task group so that we know exactly what’s happening,” Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said at the time. Australia and New Zealand were caught off guard when the Zunyi started live-fire drills underneath a busy flight path in the Tasman Sea, forcing dozens of commercial planes to change course. While both Canberra and Wellington stressed the task group was within the bounds of international law, they were unhappy about its conduct. “We have concerns about the manner in which the task group notified its intention to conduct live fire exercises, which we do not consider meets best practice,” New Zealand officials wrote. At several points during its voyage, the Chinese task group entered Australia’s exclusive economic zone, according to a separate batch of documents released by Canberra. Australia’s Office of National Intelligence said this year it was the “furthest south a People’s Liberation Army-Navy task group has operated”. Foreign policy expert David Capie said the presence of the Chinese naval task group was “unprecedented” – and clearly designed to send a message. “The idea they could hold a military exercise, even a fairly routine one, was startling to a lot of New Zealanders,” said Capie, the director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at Wellington’s Victoria University. “They didn’t come this far south to see the penguins.” China not sorry Capie said it also served as a pointed rebuke to Australia and New Zealand, which regularly join patrols in contested parts of the South China Sea that Beijing has tried to claim. “This is a reminder that two can play at that game.” China sent shivers through the South Pacific in September 2024, when it test-fired a nuclear-capable missile into the high seas near French Polynesia. It was China’s first long-range missile launch over international waters in more than 40 years. Beijing has shrugged off both the naval exercises and the missile test as nothing more than routine military manoeuvres. “I don’t see there’s any reason why the Chinese side should feel sorry about that, or even to think about apologising for that,” China’s ambassador to Australia said in February, speaking about the ships. “As a... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:34:19 Z /news/national/magnitude-75-earthquake-hits-in-drake-passage-south-of-chile-no-tsunami-risk-for-nz/ /news/national/magnitude-75-earthquake-hits-in-drake-passage-south-of-chile-no-tsunami-risk-for-nz/ A magnitude-7.5 earthquake has struck just south of Chile, in the Drake Passage. The quake struck at 2.16pm at a depth of 10.8km, the United States Geological Survey said. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Honolulu, Hawaii, said, “hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within the next three hours along some coasts of Chile”. A tsunami warning was issued for the Chilean Antarctic territory by the Chilean Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service, Reuters said. New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) said it was assessing whether the earthquake “has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand”. In a later update, Nema said there was no tsunami threat to New Zealand. Ring of fire activity comes less than month after monster 8.8 quake Today’s earthquake, which has struck near the Pacific “ring of fire” of tectonic plate boundaries, comes less than a month after a magnitude 8.8 quake on the other side of the Pacific off the Russian coast. The 8.8 monster quake hit off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia, on July 30 and created unusual tidal activity in New Zealand and around the Pacific Ocean. Mass evacuations were ordered in Japan, where tsunami threats were identified. Parts of Hawaii and the United States West Coast were also put under alert. Waves over a metre ended up hitting parts of Japan and Hawaii. New Zealanders, meanwhile, were told to stay away from coastlines and waterways while the threat of strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges lingered. Multiple emergency mobile alerts were issued – some of which Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell had to defend. “We don’t have the luxury of playing Russian roulette with people’s lives,” Mitchell said at the time. “I can tell you right now that if we hadn’t done that, and there’d been half a dozen people swept off the beach this morning when they were walking their dogs at 6.30 and had been drowned, then I’d be standing here being asked why we didn’t use our national alert system. “I don’t have the luxury of complacency at all as minister, neither does Nema,” Mitchell said. “I don’t have the luxury of operating on an optimism bias. That is how people die,” he said. “I apologise that people have been woken up through the alert, but I make no apology for the fact that we’re taking the responsibility seriously.” Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:23:49 Z /news/sport/olympian-eileen-gu-injured-while-ski-training-in-new-zealand/ /news/sport/olympian-eileen-gu-injured-while-ski-training-in-new-zealand/ Olympic skier Elieen Gu has had a setback in her return from injury after being involved in an accident while training in New Zealand. The two-time Winter Olympics gold medallist was reportedly taken to hospital in Christchurch at the weekend after training at the Cardrona Alpine Resort near Wānaka. Posting on social media platform Weibo, the 21-year-old said she had been involved in a “very terrible accident due to human error”. “I hope I can return to the snow soon, but I’m still waiting for confirmation from the expert team.” The South China Morning Post reported Gu appeared to be seriously injured and was taken to hospital on a stretcher, according to witnesses. The Chinese representative had not long been back on the slopes after an injury suffered during the X Games in Aspen in January. That setback forced her to withdraw from the big air and halfpipe competitions during the event. Born in the United States, Gu switched her allegiance in order to represent China in the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. There, she won gold medals in the big air and halfpipe competitions, and was second behind Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud in the slopestyle event. There has been speculation a fan was involved in the latest injury, but little detail has been shared about what happened. Gu was the second-highest-paid female athlete in 2024, according to sports industry news site Sportico, making US$22 million ($37.8m) – the vast majority of that coming from endorsements. She has also featured on the Time 100 and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:17:48 Z /news/hamilton/hamilton-slim-st-stabbing-leaves-youth-in-critical-condition-police-seek-information/ /news/hamilton/hamilton-slim-st-stabbing-leaves-youth-in-critical-condition-police-seek-information/ A youth has been left critically injured after a stabbing in Hamilton. A 17-year-old male was stabbed during an altercation outside an address on Slim St, Melville, around 5pm yesterday, Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson said. “Approximately seven people are thought to have been involved, and inquiries are ongoing to identify and locate them. “A scene examination is being conducted today.” The youth was taken to Waikato Hospital. As part of the inquiries, police are asking anyone with information to contact 105, referencing file number 250821/2944. Police especially want to hear from anyone in the area who has CCTV footage from around the time of the incident. Alternatively, people can provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Police received reports of the assault around 6pm yesterday. Hato Hone St John said they did not attend the incident. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:10:55 Z /news/national/minister-confirms-nz-s-concerns-over-us-tariffs-fall-on-deaf-ears/ /news/national/minister-confirms-nz-s-concerns-over-us-tariffs-fall-on-deaf-ears/ The United States is not budging on its tariff rate for New Zealand even after New Zealand’s trade minister and top trade diplomat flew to the US to express concerns. However, Trade Minister Todd McClay says “product-specific trade investigations” relating to steel, aluminium, pharmaceuticals and timber were discussed and both countries agreed to explore how consequences for their respective dairy industries could be mitigated. Earlier this month, while attending the National Party conference, McClay announced he would be travelling to the US after President Donald Trump revealed an updated tariff regime that included 15% tariffs on New Zealand goods. That was higher than the expected 10%. At the time, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the move as “blunt” and made late in the piece. McClay then explained the tariff hike was due to New Zealand’s trade surplus with the US, meaning NZ sold more than it bought from the US. Over the past week, McClay met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in Washington to “discuss concerns” over the tariffs, which McClay argued would disadvantage Kiwi exporters. Trade Minister Todd McClay (right) met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Photo / SuppliedTrade Minister Todd McClay (right) met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Photo / Supplied New Zealand’s top trade diplomat Vangelis Vitalis flew ahead of McClay to meet with US trade officials. In a statement released this afternoon, McClay said Greer confirmed the reason for the tariff hike but appreciated New Zealand’s typically low tariffs against US goods. “Two-way trade is well balanced and complementary, with New Zealand applying an average tariff rate of just 0.3% on US goods imports,” McClay said. “At different times, each side has enjoyed a trade surplus, reflecting the dynamic nature of the trade relationship.” McClay said trade investigations into specific products including steel and aluminium, pharmaceuticals and timber were also discussed, but he did not state whether any investigations would occur. Also discussed was the “harm that heavily subsidised, trade-distorting practices of some countries are causing to the New Zealand and US dairy industries”. McClay’s statement did not mention specific countries. He said the trio had agreed to “explore ways to jointly combat these harmful practices and support our dairy farmers”. McClay and Greer would likely continue discussions next month while attending the ASEAN Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia and in October at the APEC Leaders’ Summit in Korea. Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for 九一星空无限 since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:04:43 Z /news/business/dairy-co-operative-fonterra-selling-anchor-mainland-k%C4%81piti-what-does-it-mean-for-consumers/ /news/business/dairy-co-operative-fonterra-selling-anchor-mainland-k%C4%81piti-what-does-it-mean-for-consumers/ Dairy co-op Fonterra has agreed to sell its global consumer and associated businesses, raising questions over what impact the sale will have on Kiwis at the checkout.  Staple New Zealand dairy brands Anchor, Mainland and Kāpiti are among those impacted by the $3.845 billion sale to French food group Lactalis.  Given that butter and cheese prices have soared recently, concerns have been raised. Butter prices have almost doubled in the past 14 months.  The average 500g block jumped from $4.49 in April last year to $8.60 last month. In January 2015, the same block cost $2.97.  Asked about the impact Fonterra’s divestment will have on prices for consumers, the dairy co-operative’s chief executive, Miles Hurrell, said there would be none.  “The competitive environment of New Zealand will remain unchanged. Business as usual on day one,” Hurrell said.  Fonterra chairman Peter McBride and chief executive Miles Hurrell. The dairy co-op is selling its consumer brands to a French company. Photo / Jason Dorday  New Zealand’s retail prices are affected by international markets because the country exports wholesale dairy products.  Brad Olsen, the chief executive of economic consultant Infometrics, said dairy prices for consumer goods had increased because international prices have risen.  “That’s going to be the exact same under the sort of proposed agreement with Fonterra and Lactalis,” he said.  “You’ll have Fonterra, which is getting the milk out of farmers, and then selling it through to Lactalis, and they’re effectively going to have to pay that going rate for dairy as well.  “I don’t think it will do very much by way of prices or anything else, certainly not in the short term.”  He said Lactalis could see different product innovations in the longer term.  “The question is, what will Lactalis want to do? It’ll be wanting to make sure that it’s looking across the wider product lines that it has.  “And for a lot of this, it’s also about thinking about what happens overseas a lot more in that consumer brand space.  “We’ve only got five million consumers. The other markets across the world, most places, have got far more consumers, sometimes in just one city, than we were able to provide in the entire country.  “There’s a global question around the sort of various product offerings that could come. That might be anything from nutraceuticals, healthier protein yoghurts, different flavoured cheese slices.”  Olsen said Fonterra’s consumer brands were already strong and viable businesses.  Fonterra’s brands include Anchor, Mainland, Kāpiti, Fresh‘n Fruity, Primo, along with Perfect Italiano, De Winkel and Mammoth.  “So from that point of view, when buying its consumer brands, you don’t have to do anything in the short term to get pretty reasonable returns, but they will want to lift them over time.”  Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers business, breaking news and local stories from Tāmaki Makaurau. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.  Fri, 22 Aug 2025 01:38:52 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-v-argentina-live-commentary-of-the-second-test-on-newstalk-zb/ /news/sport/all-blacks-v-argentina-live-commentary-of-the-second-test-on-newstalk-zb/ The All Blacks are looking to make it two for two after opening their Rugby Championship campaign with a dominant win over Argentina.  With one change to the run-on side, they’ll be aiming to match their success in Cordoba as they meet Los Pumas for a rematch in Buenos Aires.  Elliott Smith and former All Black Ant Strachan are back to bring you all the action, providing live commentary of the clash on 九一星空无限talk ZB.   And after the match Jason Pine will be running the cool down, taking calls and reviewing the action live on Weekend Sport.   LISTEN LIVE FROM SUNDAY 9AM  All you need to know All Blacks v Argentina history  Played – 40  All Blacks won – 36  Argentina won – 3  Draws – 1  All Blacks points scored – 1547  Argentina points scored – 578  All Blacks’ record in Argentina  1985 – All Blacks 33 Argentina 20, Buenos Aires  1985 – All Blacks 21 Argentina 21, Buenos Aires  1991 – All Blacks 28 Argentina 14, Buenos Aires  1991 – All Blacks 36 Argentina 6, Buenos Aires  2001 – All Blacks 24 Argentina 20, Buenos Aires  2006 – All Blacks 25 Argentina 19, Buenos Aires  2012 – All Blacks 54 Argentina 15, La Plata  2013 – All Blacks 33 Argentina 15, La Plata  2014 – All Blacks 34 Argentina 13, La Plata  2016 – All Blacks 36 Argentina 17, Buenos Aires  2017 – All Blacks 36 Argentina 10, Buenos Aires  2018 – All Blacks 35 Argentina 17, Buenos Aires  2019 – All Blacks 20 Argentina 16, Buenos Aires  2023 – All Blacks 41 Argentina 12, Mendoza  2025 – All Blacks 41 Argentina 24, Cordoba  All Blacks v Argentina line-ups  All Blacks side:  1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, (Captain) 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa’i, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Simon Parker, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan.  16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Damian McKenzie.  Argentina side:  1.Mayco Vivas, 2. Julian Montoya (Captain), 3. Pedro Delgado, 4. Franco Molina, 5. Pedro Rubiolo, 6. Pablo Matera, 7. Juan Martin Gonzalez, 8. Joaquin Oviedo, 9. Gonzalo Garcia, 10. Tomás Albornoz, 11. Mateo Carreras, 12. Santiago Chocobares, 13. Lucio Cinti, 14. Bautista Delguy, 15. Juan Cruz Mallia.  Reserves: 16. Ignacio Ruiz, 17. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 18. Joel Sclavi, 19. Guido Petti, 20. Marcos Kremer, 21, Simon Benitez Cruz, 22. Santiago Carreras, 23. Justo Piccardo.  Form guide (past five tests)  All Blacks: W, W, W, W, W  Argentina: L, W, L, L, W  All Blacks v Argentina – last time they met in Buenos Aires  All Blacks 20 Argentina 16, 2019  The All Blacks survived their first test of the year with a victory which could easily have been a defeat and perhaps should have been.  At the end they were clinging on at Estadio Jose Amalfitani and greeted referee Angus Gardner’s final whistle with huge relief after escaping two attacking lineouts in the final seconds. The Pumas were left to rue their missed opportunity for, at the time, they had never beaten the All Blacks.  The lack of quality and experience in an All Blacks side missing Crusaders players, showed in the second half as the visitors were held scoreless.  Luke Jacobson, Atu Moli, and Braydon Ennor all made their test debuts.  All Blacks 20 (Ngani Laumape, Brodie Retallick tries; Beauden Barrett 2 cons, 2 pens)  Argentina 16 (Emiliano Boffelli try; Nicolas Sanchez 2 pens, con, Boffelli pen)  Halftime: 20-9  All Blacks v Argentina referee  Aussie Nic Berry is the referee for the second Rugby Championship test between Argentina and New Zealand. The All Blacks have a 6-1-1 record under Berry, the one defeat being to Australia during the... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 01:31:47 Z /news/national/person-dies-second-serious-incident-on-auckland-s-northwestern-motorway-brings-traffic-to-standstill/ /news/national/person-dies-second-serious-incident-on-auckland-s-northwestern-motorway-brings-traffic-to-standstill/ Motorists are being asked to avoid using the city-bound link of Auckland’s Northwestern and Northern Motorways after a person died.  Police say the port link is currently closed heading into central Auckland.  The NZ Transport Agency said motorists travelling to the port from the Northwestern and Northern Motorways needed to detour.  Emergency services were at the scene.  “A person has died and the link to the port has been closed,” police said.  “The Serious Crash Unit is at the scene, and diversions may be in place for some time.”  Traffic has been stalled on Auckland's Northwestern Motorway after a death. Photo / Dean Purcell  City-bound traffic on the Northwestern Motorway backed up about 7km from Western Springs to Spaghetti Junction. Traffic was also starting to bank up at Spaghetti Junction from the Northern Motorway.  Police on Upper Queen St motorway overbridge. Photo / Dean Purcell  Motorists face slow journeys in the central city after a section of SH16 was closed city-bound to the port after a person died. This screengrab shows the traffic situation at 11.55am. Image / Screengrab via Google Maps  NZTA asked motorists to delay their journeys.  A detour was now in place.  Motorists heading to the waterfront from the Northwestern Motorway were asked to use the Southern Motorway, exit at Newmarket and head north to get back to the port area.  Those travelling on SH1 towards the port should exit at Fanshawe St or continue southbound and exit at Gillies Ave, then take the on-ramp immediately to head north.  UPDATE 12:05PMDue to a serious incident SH16 is currently CLOSED to eastbound road users from St Lukes to the Port. SH1 is CLOSED to eastbound road users from Southbound Link to SH16 Port Eastbound. Road users should use an alternate route. ^JP https://t.co/WXBOZYcJYr pic.twitter.com/S2f2eNYw7r— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) August 22, 2025 The incident is the second to snarl up the Northwestern Motorway this morning, after a truck crash at the western end of the same highway.  Fri, 22 Aug 2025 01:00:20 Z /news/national/rotorua-kapa-haka-performer-temutu-ehau-named-as-man-who-died-at-trigg-ave/ /news/national/rotorua-kapa-haka-performer-temutu-ehau-named-as-man-who-died-at-trigg-ave/ A man who died at a Trigg Ave house in Rotorua this week is being remembered as a loved kapa haka performer who entertained thousands of tourists at Whakarewarewa.  Temutu Ehau, 41, died on Wednesday in an incident that has shocked his family and friends. Police have launched a homicide inquiry.  Ehau was a father and full-time performer at the Whakarewarewa Māori Village.  He was a former member of champion kapa haka group Te Mātārae-i-Ōrehu, alongside other whānau members.  Fellow performer Turanga Merito said he had known him since they were children and they performed regularly together at the Whakarewarewa concerts.  He said he was a taiaha expert and an exceptional guitarist who entertained thousands of visitors.  “He was so loved ... he was a ray of sunshine that could light up any room.”  Temutu Ehau. Photo / Supplied  Ehau was returned to his whānau for his tangi this morning.  His immediate whānau and his employer were approached for comment but were not ready to talk publicly yet.  Temutu Ehau, 41, died in Rotorua on Wednesday.  Hundreds of online tributes have been posted, including one that said the reality of his death had hit home to those who performed at Te Pakira Marae concerts in the Whakarewarewa Village.  “You were everything to us, our tuakana, our brother and well loved friend of many, most importantly our safe haven for all of us ... you have left nothing but great memories and endless love for the last moments we got to share with you.“  The tribute said Ehau would finish every show with the words “love us”.  Another tribute said he had a smile that warmed everyone’s hearts.  Fenton Park incident  Police said they were called to an assault incident at a Fenton Park house on Wednesday.  Police said the man at the house suffered critical injuries and died at the scene.  Four people have been charged with assaulting Ehau and possession of baseball bats and knives.  Those charged are aged 16, 19, 20 and 64. The three adults have interim name suppression until their next Rotorua District Court appearance on Friday next week and the youth cannot be named for legal reasons.  All are in custody until their next court appearances.  Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.  Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:07:33 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-broadcast-deal-why-some-tests-might-not-be-on-sky-as-part-of-contract-with-nz-rugby/ /news/sport/all-blacks-broadcast-deal-why-some-tests-might-not-be-on-sky-as-part-of-contract-with-nz-rugby/ Diehard rugby fans could need multiple paid subscriptions to watch every All Blacks and Black Ferns test following the latest broadcasting deal announced between New Zealand Rugby and Sky TV.  It was announced today Sky TV have locked in All Blacks, Black Ferns and Super Rugby rights until 2030 in a new deal worth believed to be $75 million to $80m annually.  The deal includes every All Blacks match played in SANZAAR countries (including the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship, new tours between the Springboks and All Blacks, and the new “Nations Cup” tournament, when finalised). As well as every Black Ferns match played in the SANZAAR countries.  It also includes the British and Irish Lions women’s tour in 2027 and the 2029 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.  However, not every test is part of the deal, meaning fans will likely need to subscribe to another broadcaster to watch every All Blacks and Black Ferns test. Sky could bid for the rights to those matches along with other broadcasters.  New Zealand Rugby said up to five offshore All Blacks and Black Ferns test matches respectively across the 2026 to 2030 period are not included in the domestic broadcast agreement.  Sky has negotiated a new broadcast deal with NZ Rugby. Photosport  “These matches provide NZR with the flexibility to generate significant additional income if confirmed. Rights to broadcast these matches will be negotiated on a match-by-match basis at the time,” a press release said.  These could be one-off tests on neutral territory over that period, the 2023 World Cup warm-up against South Africa at Twickenham, for example. Or additional Bledisloe Cup matches in Asia. These matches have previously been aired on Sky.  One option for NZR would be to put these games on NZR+ for a fee, or to sell the rights to another broadcaster such as DAZN or Amazon Prime.  The last time Sky didn’t have the rights to an All Blacks test was when Spark Sport won the broadcasting rights to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.  New free-to-air partner  Meanwhile, TVNZ has secured the free-to-air broadcast rights for provincial rugby – including all NPC matches and select Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship games.  NZ Rugby is a strong advocate for more rugby to be shown on free-to-air channels. Photo / Photosport  It’s a surprise partnership after Sky last month purchased TV3.  The agreement with TVNZ will see 93 provincial matches available free-to-view on TVNZ+, with three games a week in appointment viewing slots on TVNZ 1.  These matches will also be shown live on Sky.  “We are pleased to partner with TVNZ to provide expanded free-to-air coverage of provincial rugby. New Zealanders will have more ways to watch rugby than ever before, over the next five years,” NZR chair David Kirk said.  “We see this as a win-win-win outcome – a secure revenue stream to support NZR in investing in rugby; Sky remaining our partner and the home of rugby; and a win for our fans as they will have more options and channels for viewing rugby."  Black Ferns winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scores against the USA.  Kirk said NZR was focused on improving access to rugby for fans through this broadcast agreement and NZR’s wider content strategy, supported by exciting domestic and cross-border competitions and a blockbuster international calendar.  “The Black Ferns will take part in a new international women’s calendar from next year that will see them play more test matches against the best teams in the world.  “We also have some exciting announcements to make in the coming months to confirm the All Blacks calendar, including new competitions and tours.”  Thu, 21 Aug 2025 23:23:47 Z /news/business/fonterra-agrees-to-sell-consumer-arm-to-french-company-lactalis-for-38b/ /news/business/fonterra-agrees-to-sell-consumer-arm-to-french-company-lactalis-for-38b/ Dairy co-op Fonterra has agreed to sell its consumer and associated businesses to French food group Lactalis for $3.845 billion - well above market expectations. The sale, which has been over a year in the making, is subject to regulatory approvals. Fonterra confirmed the agreement in an announcement this morning posted to the NZX. A farmer shareholder vote will be held in late October or early November with a notice of meeting to be issued in October. The co-op said it is targeting a tax-free capital return of $2.00 per share from the sale. The sale would include a long-term agreement for Fonterra to sell milk and ingredients to Lactalis. Subject to the satisfaction of conditions, the sale is expected to complete in the first half of 2026. Fonterra’s FY25 earnings guidance of 65-75 cents per share remains unchanged. The consumer business was estimated by market analysts to be worth $2-$3b. Fonterra said it had also looked at an initial public offering and sharemarket listing for the business. Forsyth Barr senior analyst Matt Montgomerie said Fonterra had achieved a good price. “We view this as a very good outcome - our trade sale expectations were around $3b,” he said. “We view this as a very good outcome for what has been a perennial under performing business for many years,” Montgomerie said. As part of the sale agreement, Fonterra will continue to supply milk and other products to the divested businesses, meaning New Zealand farmers’ milk will still be found in iconic dairy brands including Anchor and Mainland. Fonterra chairman Peter McBride said over the past 15 months, the board had thoroughly tested the terms and value of both a trade sale and initial public offering (IPO) as divestment options. “Following a highly competitive sale process with multiple interested bidders, the Fonterra board is confident a sale to Lactalis is the highest value option for the co-op, including over the long term,” he said. Alongside a strong valuation for the businesses being divested, the sale allowed for a full divestment of the assets by Fonterra, and a faster return of capital to the co-op’s owners, when compared with an IPO. “This, coupled with the firm belief we have in Fonterra’s long-term strategy, gives the board the confidence to unanimously recommend this divestment to shareholders for approval.” Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell said the sale was a great outcome for the co-op. “As the world’s largest dairy company, Lactalis has the scale required to take these brands and businesses to the next level. Fonterra farmers will continue to benefit from their success, with Lactalis to become one of our most significant Ingredients customers. “At the same time, a divestment of these businesses will allow Fonterra to deliver further value for farmer shareholders and New Zealand by focusing on our world leading Ingredients and Foodservice businesses, through which we sell innovative products to more than 100 countries around the world, from our home base here in New Zealand,” Hurrell said. Lactalis CEO Emmanuel Besnier said the sale would significantly strengthen the company’s strategy across Oceania, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. “Combining the Fonterra consumer business operations and market leading brands with our existing footprint in Australia and Asia will allow Lactalis to further grow its position in key markets,” Besnier said. The divestment comprises the sale of shares in Mainland Group Holdings Limited, a New Zealand incorporated holding company that is currently owned by Fonterra. Australia’s Bega Cheese - a key customer of Fonterra’s - had been interested in the Australian assets and had challenged the sale process in court. Fonterra said inclusion of the Bega licences held by Fonterra’s Australian business would be confirmed once a dispute with Bega was resolved. “If for some reason the Bega licences are not included in the sale, Fonterra expects to receive a fair value payment from Bega for the licences which woul... Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:12:01 Z /news/sport/sky-buys-all-blacks-super-rugby-tv-rights-until-2030-tvnz-scoops-npc-games/ /news/sport/sky-buys-all-blacks-super-rugby-tv-rights-until-2030-tvnz-scoops-npc-games/ Sky TV has locked in All Blacks, Black Ferns and Super Rugby rights until 2030 in a new deal announced this morning.  Meanwhile, TVNZ has secured the broadcast rights for provincial rugby - including all NPC matches and select Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship games.  Sky’s newly-inked partnership with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) will see the pay-TV provider broadcast live:  Every All Blacks match played in SANZAAR countries (including the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship, new tours between the Springboks and All Blacks, and the new “Nations Cup” tournament, when finalised).  Black Ferns matches played in the SANZAAR countries  The 2029 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.  The British and Irish Lions Women’s tour in 2027.  NZ Rugby is known to be a strong advocate for more rugby to be shown on free-to-air channels. Photo / Photosport  Meanwhile, TVNZ will become NZR’s free-to-air provincial rugby partner, which includes all NPC matches and select Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship games.  The agreement with TVNZ will see 93 provincial matches available free-to-view on TVNZ+, with three games a week in appointment viewing slots on TVNZ 1.  These matches will also be shown live on Sky.  “We are pleased to partner with TVNZ to provide expanded free-to-air coverage of provincial rugby. New Zealanders will have more ways to watch rugby than ever before over the next five years,” NZR chair David Kirk said.  “We see this as a win-win-win outcome – a secure revenue stream to support NZR in investing in rugby; Sky remaining our partner and the home of rugby; and a win for our fans as they will have more options and channels for viewing rugby."  Black Ferns winger Portia Woodman-Wickliffe scores against the USA.  Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:07:11 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-v-argentina-scott-robertson-names-his-second-test-squad-to-face-the-pumas/ /news/sport/all-blacks-v-argentina-scott-robertson-names-his-second-test-squad-to-face-the-pumas/ All Blacks coach Scott Robertson names his squad for the Rugby Championship test against Argentina in Buenos Aires. (function(n){function c(t,i){n[e](h,function(n){var r,u;if(n&&(r=n[n.message?"message":"data"]+"",r&&r.substr&&r.substr(0,3)==="nc:")&&(u=r.split(":"),u[1]===i))switch(u[2]){case"h":t.style.height=u[3]+"px";return;case"scrolltotop":t.scrollIntoView();return}},!1)}for(var t,u,f,i,s,e=n.addEventListener?"addEventListener":"attachEvent",h=e==="attachEvent"?"onmessage":"message",o=n.document.querySelectorAll(".live-center-embed"),r=0;r',c(t.firstChild,i)))})(window); Scott Robertson has made five changes to the squad from the opening Rugby Championship win over the Pumas. There is one change to the starting side with Simon Parker making his debut at No 8 with Ardie Savea moving back to seven. Tamaiti Williams (in for Ollie Norris) and Wallace Sititi (Samipeni Finau) return from injury but from the bench. Other changes on the bench sees Josh Lord in for Patrick Tuipulotu and Quinn Tupaea for Anton Lienert-Brown. All Blacks v Argentina history  Played – 40  All Blacks won – 36  Argentina won – 3  Draws – 1  All Blacks points scored – 1547  Argentina points scored – 578  All Blacks’ record in Argentina  1985 – All Blacks 33 Argentina 20, Buenos Aires  1985 – All Blacks 21 Argentina 21, Buenos Aires  1991 – All Blacks 28 Argentina 14, Buenos Aires  1991 – All Blacks 36 Argentina 6, Buenos Aires  2001 – All Blacks 24 Argentina 20, Buenos Aires  2006 – All Blacks 25 Argentina 19, Buenos Aires  2012 – All Blacks 54 Argentina 15, La Plata  2013 – All Blacks 33 Argentina 15, La Plata  2014 – All Blacks 34 Argentina 13, La Plata  2016 – All Blacks 36 Argentina 17, Buenos Aires  2017 – All Blacks 36 Argentina 10, Buenos Aires  2018 – All Blacks 35 Argentina 17, Buenos Aires  2019 – All Blacks 20 Argentina 16, Buenos Aires  2023 – All Blacks 41 Argentina 12, Mendoza  2025 – All Blacks 41 Argentina 24, Cordoba  All Blacks v Argentina line-ups  All Blacks side:  Named Friday, 7.30am  Argentina side:  Named Friday morning  Form guide (past five tests)  All Blacks: W, W, W, W, W  Argentina: L, W, L, L, W  All Blacks v Argentina – last time they met in Buenos Aires  All Blacks 20 Argentina 16, 2019  The All Blacks survived their first test of the year with a victory which could easily have been a defeat and perhaps should have been.  At the end they were clinging on at Estadio Jose Amalfitani and greeted referee Angus Gardner’s final whistle with huge relief after escaping two attacking lineouts in the final seconds. The Pumas were left to rue their missed opportunity for, at the time, they had never beaten the All Blacks.  The lack of quality and experience in an All Blacks side missing Crusaders players, showed in the second half as the visitors were held scoreless.  Luke Jacobson, Atu Moli, and Braydon Ennor all made their test debuts.  All Blacks 20 (Ngani Laumape, Brodie Retallick tries; Beauden Barrett 2 cons, 2 pens)  Argentina 16 (Emiliano Boffelli try; Nicolas Sanchez 2 pens, con, Boffelli pen)  Halftime: 20-9  All Blacks v Argentina referee  Aussie Nic Berry is the referee for the second Rugby Championship test between Argentina and New Zealand. The All Blacks have a 6-1-1 record under Berry, the one defeat being to Australia during the 2020 Tri Nations. He was last in charge for the season-opener against France in Dunedin. Berry has been the referee for three clashes between New Zealand and Argentina, all heavy wins for the All Blacks (53-3, 39-0, 38-0).  All Blacks v Argentina TAB odds  All Blacks: $1.25 Draw: $26 Argentina: $3.80  All Blacks Rugby Championship schedule  August 16, 9.10am – All Blacks 41 Argentina 24, Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, Cordoba  August 23, 9.10am... Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:13:41 Z /news/national/kayaker-mike-beavon-rescued-after-five-hours-lost-on-tongariro-river/ /news/national/kayaker-mike-beavon-rescued-after-five-hours-lost-on-tongariro-river/ “Alive or dead?”  That was the terrifying question Michela Beavon faced when search teams said they had found her missing husband along the Tongariro River.  For five hours, she had waited for word from searchers after he failed to return from a kayaking trip.  She felt “absolutely helpless”.  At the same time, Mike Beavon was shivering on a riverbank.  But he was alive.  The Beavons, from Taupō, have spoken out about their ordeal after Mike was reported overdue on Saturday, August 9, during what was supposed to be a simple afternoon paddle.  Mike knew the outdoors well. Four decades of kayaking and extensive bush experience had made him a seasoned adventurer.  It had been a long time since he had tackled the Tongariro River. So when his grandson had a soccer game in Tūrangi, Mike saw it as a great opportunity.  The paddle that didn’t go to plan  He set off from access 10 on Kaimanawa Rd, expecting a three-hour trip down the grade 3 white-water river to Blue Pool, then on to Red Hut Pool, where his family was to meet him.  As he reached the Rangipo Prison Road Bridge more than two hours in, a “silly little thing” on a minor rapid set off a cascade of events.  Mike missed the river split and lost his line through a rapid. He tried to manoeuvre across jets of water and slippery rocks but became stuck on a rock.  He got out and grabbed his paddle, but his kayak slipped away.  With the riverbanks thick with scrub, Mike realised it was too dangerous to swim or walk back up towards the Rangipo Prison Road Bridge.  “If I go around there and get stuck, I might never be found... until some pig dog sniffs me out,” he said afterwards.  Mike’s phone, drifting away with his kayak, was of no use.  He moved to a small beach along the riverbank where he hoped to be visible to passing rafts or rescuers.  Mike Beavon was rescued from the Tongariro River after missing for five hours and failing to arrive at his destination point. This photo shows him heading off on the paddle.  Mike said he was reasonably well dressed and had spare clothes, but as temperatures dropped, he became chilly. Taupo hit a low of 2.7C that night.  He built a small shelter to block the wind and clung to hope.  “When darkness descended, I thought, ‘Oh hell, this is going to be a long night’”.  Mike pictured his family’s grief and the responsibilities he left behind.  “All these things go through your head ... All the things people depend on you for would have to be done by someone else.”  In the dark: The agony of waiting five hours for a missing husband  Michela dropped off her husband at 10.30am, expecting to meet him at Red Hut Pool about three hours later.  By 2.30pm, there was no sign of him.  She called Mike, who didn’t answer. She kept waiting.  By 4pm, dread set in. Their daughter Amelia, waiting with her, phoned the police. Michela said the response was: “He’s not quite missing yet, but we’ll keep you on the books.”  At 5pm, still nothing.  Michela then called the police, and officers met her at Red Hut Pool and alerted Land Search and Rescue.  Michela showed Land Search and Rescue a photo she had taken of Mike setting off. She said it was a “Godsend” giving rescuers a picture of Mike’s kayak, clothing and helmet.  Mike Beavon is used to outdoor adventures.  Land Search and Rescue told Michela it was too late to launch rafts or kayaks. The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was called in.  The helicopter crew saw Mike’s kayak and informed Michela. That meant “there’s a human body somewhere”, she said.  About 7.30pm, she watched the chopper sweep overhead while still waiting at Red Hut Pool.  Michela called the experience a “disaster, emotionally”.  About 8pm, Greenlea Rescue Helicopter crews found Mike. Their search had begun upriver from Motuoapa and had covered most of the Tongar... Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:07:14 Z /news/sport/former-all-black-turned-dentist-dr-keith-nelson-dies-aged-86/ /news/sport/former-all-black-turned-dentist-dr-keith-nelson-dies-aged-86/ Former All Blacks loose forward Dr Keith Nelson has died, aged 86. Nelson played 18 matches for the All Blacks between 1962–64, including two tests against Australia, becoming All Black No 631. After retiring from rugby, he founded a dental practice, Keith Nelson & Associates, in Glen Eden where he worked for over 40 years. For over two decades, he was the official Eden Park dentist, on hand at every first-class match - even hand-making mouthguards for Auckland and All Blacks players. A post to social media from Keith Nelson & Associates confirmed Nelson’s passing on Thursday, with Auckland Rugby putting out a statement. “Keith’s legacy lives on through his family and his enduring impact on the rugby community,” said Auckland Rugby. “He will be remembered with respect, gratitude, and love.” Nelson began his rugby career playing for Ponsonby before relocating to Dunedin for his dentistry studies. In 1959, he played for Otago, scoring a try in a famous 26-8 win over the touring British & Irish Lions. He took a brief break to focus on his studies before returning to play in 1962 and later that year he made his test debut. He went on the 1963-64 All Blacks tour of Britain, Ireland, France and North America where he played 16 games, but not a test. In 1965 he moved back to Auckland when he opened his dental practice and he went on to captain the province until he retired, playing 87 games. He also played for Ponsonby in the Auckland competition and was captain of the Ponies when future All Blacks great Bryan (BG) Williams burst on to the scene. After hanging up the boots, he was heavily involved in Ponsonby and Auckland Rugby along with his dental work. He was also involved in coaching and committee work. He is one of a handful of All Blacks to be honoured with life membership at Ponsonby. Several former All Blacks have died recently, including Don McIntosh, who was the oldest living All Black, aged 97. Stu Wilson, a former All Blacks captain, died in June, aged 70. The current oldest living All Black is Brian Steele, born on January 19, 1929, making him 96 years old. Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:54:15 Z /news/national/bay-of-plenty-s-napoleon-eketone-sentenced-for-indecently-assaulting-teen-exchange-student/ /news/national/bay-of-plenty-s-napoleon-eketone-sentenced-for-indecently-assaulting-teen-exchange-student/ Warning: This story deals with details of sexual assault and may be distressing. When a teen overseas exchange student came to New Zealand, she was “full of hope and fun-filled excitement”. But while staying with a host family in the Bay of Plenty, the man who should have been offering her safety and hospitality in a foreign country, betrayed her trust, and that of her parents, by indecently assaulting her. Napoleon Eketone had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of indecent assault and, today, was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court. According to the police summary of facts, Eketone and the teen had been at the family home, along with Eketone’s children. The pair were in the kitchen, where the teen was washing dishes, and Eketone was drying them. Eketone moved closer and placed his hand on her waist, and then on her bottom over her clothes. He then left the kitchen to check on his children, before returning. Eketone asked the teen if she needed help, again placing his hand on her waist and bottom. After they finished the dishes, he asked her if she “liked massages and would like one later”. Napoleon Eketone was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court. Photo / 九一星空无限 He then asked for a hug, placing his arms around her, before moving his hands up the front of her body and touching her breasts over her clothing. The summary of facts said the girl felt uncomfortable and left the kitchen, later struggling to fall asleep for fear he would come into her room. At 4am, that fear was realised when Eketone opened her door, went in, and locked the door behind him. He led the teen out an exterior sliding door, taking her into the garage where he had already laid out a blanket on the floor. The teen used the light on her phone to see in the dark garage, and spied the blanket. Eketone asked her if “she’d like a massage”, and she replied, “No, I want to leave”. Eketone opened the door and let her out, and she went back to her room, where she immediately rang her mother. The mother’s victim impact statement, provided to the court, said the call caused her to have a panic attack. She had been “hyperventilating” as she heard her daughter in distress, crying and clearly frightened. The woman got on a flight to New Zealand “as soon as possible”, while her husband was back home and struggling to work as he was worried about what was happening. “This incident made our life upside down,” the mother wrote. “It made us all exhausted physically and mentally. I was not able to sleep for a while. Even if I did, I woke up suddenly, and my heart started racing.” She questioned why the incident had happened, and said she still felt angry. Her daughter had come to New Zealand “full of hope and fun-filled excitement”. Judge Paul Geoghegan said the teen’s experience should have been a “great adventure for a young person”. Her family had relied on a host family to provide her with security, protection, care, and hospitality. Eketone had failed to do that, the judge said. In sentencing him, he said it had been a “gross breach of trust”, and the victim had been “highly vulnerable” given her age, the fact she was from a different culture and a long way from home. Eketone, at 34 years old, had no previous convictions and was generally “well regarded”. The judge said it was “most unfortunate” that Eketone had ended up before the court, having offended in this way. However, he wasn’t given any discounts for personal factors but did get a 25% discount for his early guilty plea. The judge adopted a starting point of 16 months’ imprisonment and, after applying the discount, arrived at an end sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment. The judge commuted it to one of six months’ home detention, with six months post-detention conditions. Lawyer Michael Douglas had sought a lesser sentence of community detention, arguing that Eketone’s employer might be more inclined to keep him on if that were the outcome. The judge agreed it was desirable for Eketone to keep his jo... Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:44:44 Z /news/national/weather-heavy-showers-forecast-for-top-half-of-north-island-clear-skies-for-south-island/ /news/national/weather-heavy-showers-forecast-for-top-half-of-north-island-clear-skies-for-south-island/ The top half of the North Island is in the firing line for possible heavy rain this weekend. MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told the Herald sunny conditions would continue for the top half of the North Island tomorrow. “It feels really interesting in the middle of winter,” Makgabutlane said. “Tomorrow is looking like a nice, sunny day for the bulk of the area, but maybe a bit frosty to start off with in some areas.” However, she said, a few showers could make their way across Northland, the Coromandel region and parts of the Bay of Plenty in the afternoon. “The daytime temperatures could be in the mid-teens for most places but the early morning temperatures could be a little bit frosty for some areas.” Makgabutlane said the top half of the North Island was looking wetter this weekend, with showers forecasted for most areas. “Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and even in ... Waikato should expect some showers.” Makgabutlane said Western Bay of Plenty and Coromandel were forecast to be in the firing line of most of the rain. “There is a weather system that sits up and we’re expecting more showers, but there is a small chance of heavy rain,” she said. Makgabutlane said weekend temperatures were forecast to remain the same as during the week, “in the mid-teens during the day and [with] early morning frosts predicted”. According to MetService, clear and sunny skies are forecast for the South Island. “Most of the weather is over the top half of the North Island this weekend,” Makgabutlane said. “With those clear skies, early morning temperatures will be really chilly.” David Williams is an Auckland-based multimedia journalist who joined the Herald in 2023. He covers breaking news and general topics. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:31:21 Z /news/national/former-dilworth-housemaster-ian-wilson-remains-an-undue-risk-declined-parole-for-the-6th-time/ /news/national/former-dilworth-housemaster-ian-wilson-remains-an-undue-risk-declined-parole-for-the-6th-time/ WARNING: This story discusses sexual assault and may be distressing for some readers. Former Dilworth housemaster Ian Wilson, who is currently serving jail time for sexually abusing several students, has been grilled on whether he has other victims he has yet to disclose. “Not to my knowledge. I would be very surprised if any other people come forward,” Wilson told the Parole Board today. But panel convenor Judge Arthur Tompkins rejected Wilson’s response, stating it was “not an answer”. “What does that mean - ‘not to your knowledge’?” he asked. Wilson repeated his response, claiming he was not aware of anyone else whom he had sexually abused, who had not already laid a complaint against him. Ian Wilson will next appear before the Parole Board in July 2026. Photo / Michael Craig Judge Tompkins reminded Wilson that previously, he had only admitted his offending in sequential stages, when confronted with credible accounts by victims as they spoke up. Wilson claimed he had repressed memories of his previous actions. He said he “didn’t dwell” on the abuse he inflicted, and it was only on hearing accounts from his victims that he thought, “yes, there’s truth to that”. “I had put them [memories] away, I tried to move on.” The panel pressed him on whether it was a possibility that Wilson had repressed memories of there being further victims. He said there was always that possibility, but repeated he would be “very surprised”. One of Wilson’s supporters spoke to the board about how Wilson had been reading the Bible and praying to God to reveal any abuse that he may be holding back. “And nothing has been revealed,” the man, who cannot be named, said. Dilworth School in Auckland has been linked to a number of historic sexual offending cases. Photo / Dean Purcell Wilson, who worked at Dilworth from February 1971 until his resignation in December 1996, was arrested in 2020 as part of Operation Beverly, a long-running investigation into historical sexual abuse by several staff at the Auckland-based boys-only boarding school. He was jailed in March 2021 for three years and seven months for indecently assaulting five students between 1975 and 1992 - some of them more than once and over a period of several years. Wilson was still in jail when he had one year and 11 months added to his sentence in August last year after belatedly admitting to having abused five others. At today’s hearing, Wilson was denied parole for the sixth time, leaving him to serve most, if not all, of his prison sentence. The board determined he remained an undue risk and scheduled his next hearing for July 2026. His statutory release date is September 22, 2026. If granted parole in July, he would be released with parole conditions. However, if he were again declined, he would serve the remaining two months of his sentence and then be served with release conditions. The outcome was welcomed by one of Wilson’s victims, Neil Harding, who has fought to keep him behind bars for the duration of his sentence. Neil Harding made submissions to the Parole Board, arguing that Ian Wilson should serve his entire sentence. Photo / NZ Herald “It’s really, really good. I’m really comfortable with that. I’m grateful to the Parole Board that they listened,” Harding told 九一星空无限. Harding made submissions to the board ahead of the hearing, in which he had implored them to ask Wilson if there were other victims. He said he believed there were at least two other people who had yet to come forward. “Of course, if he were truly remorseful, he would tell the truth,” Harding said. In his submissions, he pointed out that Wilson was part of the school’s senior management and claimed he played a significant role in covering up abuse by other parties, as well as his own offending. “The Royal Commission into Abuse in Care named Dilworth School first in institutions that had the highest prevalence of sexual abuse in New Zealand between 1950-1999. “Ian Wilson was responsible, along with others, f... Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:18:43 Z /news/crime/zain-taikato-fox-rotorua-homicide-case-twelve-charged-with-murder/ /news/crime/zain-taikato-fox-rotorua-homicide-case-twelve-charged-with-murder/ Police have today charged 12 people for the murder of a Rotorua man last month – seven of those charged are from the small Bay of Plenty town of Maketu. Zain Taikato Fox, aged 20, died in Rotorua Hospital of critical injuries on July 28. Officers have conducted numerous inquiries since then, culminating in search warrants being executed in Maketu, Rotorua, and Whanganui this morning. Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson said it was a big day for the small town of Maketū. “Most of those arrested are from Maketu and these arrests will have a significant positive impact on the township,” he said. “It’s great to have progressed this investigation to this point. Our thoughts are with Zain’s family, and we hope this will help reassure the greater Bay of Plenty community.” Police iwi liaison officers, who have been in Maketu today, will remain to help ensure those affected by the arrests get any support they need. The 12 people are all appearing in Tauranga Youth Court later today. Those arrested included four men from Rotorua aged 23, 25, 29, and 54. The seven men arrested from Maketu were aged 37, 38 and 63, two were aged 22, and two were aged 40. A male youth was arrested in Whanganui and will appear in the Tauranga Youth Court via audio-visual link. Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:44:48 Z /news/national/napier-city-council-offers-incentive-for-compost-and-recycling-savvy-residents/ /news/national/napier-city-council-offers-incentive-for-compost-and-recycling-savvy-residents/ Napier residents who cut down their wheelie bin use by composting and recycling could see their rates bill cut down too. The Less Waste Incentive is open to all Napier property owners who receive the council wheelie bin service. It allows a rates discount for households that put their bins out for collection 26 times or fewer each year. The Less Waste Incentive is open to all Napier property owners who receive the council wheelie bin service. Photo / Florence Charvin Stefni Wilson, Napier City Council’s waste minimisation lead, said the incentive was designed to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. “It’s amazing what a big difference small steps can make in reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Activities like composting, buying from bulk bins, and recycling make it much easier to put wheelie bins out less often.” The RFID tag on a wheelie bin records how many times it is put out between June 1 one year and May 31 the next. Households that record 26 times or fewer over that period will receive a 25% discount on the refuse collection portion of their rates bill. The discount will be applied to the following year’s rates bill, from July 1. “We’re aiming to make this as easy as possible. Once signed up, that’s it. Every year, the discount will be applied if the household achieves this target and if it’s the same ratepayer who owns the property,” Wilson said. In Napier, plastic types 1, 2 and 5 can be recycled. These are high-value plastics, such as milk bottles and soft drink bottles, which can be easily recycled and turned into other useful products. Plastic types 3, 4, 6 and 7 are low-value plastics that are often contaminated and are more difficult to recycle and make new products. These plastics should be reused or put into the rubbish bin. Napier residents must sign up for the next financial year by September 30 at napier.govt.nz using the keyword search #lesswasteincentive. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:39:50 Z /news/sport/women-s-rugby-world-cup-black-ferns-hooker-georgia-ponsonby-on-what-it-will-take-to-defend-title/ /news/sport/women-s-rugby-world-cup-black-ferns-hooker-georgia-ponsonby-on-what-it-will-take-to-defend-title/ Things have changed for Georgia Ponsonby. As the Black Ferns hooker goes into her second World Cup campaign, the difference between the two is stark. In Auckland in 2022, the World Cup delayed a year by Covid-19, Ponsonby was a relative newcomer to the squad. It was her first year on contract, with the Black Ferns going fully professional that same year, and just her second in the national team environment. “I had barely been in the Black Ferns mix leading up to that, so everything was just still really new to me,” she recalled. “Let alone there being a World Cup last time, I was still just learning the ropes and learning the game. I felt like I was just such a small fish in the ocean back then. Then obviously having it at home was incredible and probably something that someone like myself, who was so new, probably took for granted a little bit because that’s a once-in-a lifetime-opportunity and that experience was just something that I will never ever forget.” Ponsonby established herself as the first-choice hooker during that campaign, starting in the 34-31 win over England in the final. Now, the 25-year-old is one of the most-capped players in the squad in England tasked with defending that title; her 31 caps making her as the fourth most-experienced player in the squad behind first five-eighths Ruahei Demant (45) and Kelly Brazier (43), and lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos (33). As an established member for the squad, this cycle has also been a three-year preparation for this month’s tournament in England, which for the Black Ferns begins on Monday morning against Spain. “It’s a completely different feeling. I’ve had this set in my sights for the last three years versus last time when, you know, I was just little Georgia, just starting off, and the World Cup was never a dream that I’d even imagined,” she said. “It’s been a huge build-up, and heading overseas adds to the excitement. It’s definitely not going to be as easy; having a home crowd, being in familiar places, having your family easily accessible obviously makes things so much easier, so going over to England is going to be huge.” For Ponsonby, the World Cup will be her last Black Ferns action at least for the foreseeable future as she takes her talents to the English Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) competition. Georgia Ponsonby will join the Ealing Trailfinders in the UK after the Rugby World Cup. Photo / Photosport She and fellow Black Fern Alana Bremner have signed on with the Ealing Trailfinders for the 2025-26 season, while Amy Rule has signed with Exeter. With the PWR campaign being 18 rounds running through into June, it’s unclear when, or if, they would be available for the Black Ferns in 2026, given they would have to be back contracted and playing in New Zealand beforehand. Ponsonby said, for her, that was a conversation to be had further down the road. “It’s a good time to be going overseas and doing something like that post-World Cup. I’m really excited to be playing in England after them hosting the World Cup,” Ponsonby said. “I think women’s rugby over there is just going to be, you know, it’ll be incredible and it’ll just be a nice change of scenery. I’ve been in Christchurch for seven years, so it’s great timing to go do something a little bit different, immerse myself in a different rugby culture, meet new people, new coaches, new environment, which I’m just really excited to challenge myself in something a little different. “In terms of coming back to New Zealand rugby, obviously that’s something I want to do, so, yeah, just cross that bridge when we get there. .. I’m just going to see what happens from there, but I’m leaving on good terms and hopefully I’ll be back.” While she had that exciting new chapter on the horizon, Ponsonby wasn’t getting too far ahead of herself as the Black Ferns looked to defend their World Cup title on enemy soil. With the team being far from home, she said connection would be a big factor in the success of their ca... Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:35:13 Z /news/sport/anz-premiership-silver-fern-amelia-walmsley-signs-with-stars-another-blow-to-central-pulse/ /news/sport/anz-premiership-silver-fern-amelia-walmsley-signs-with-stars-another-blow-to-central-pulse/ Silver Fern Amelia Walmsley has signed with the Stars in netball’s ANZ Premiership. The 1.92-metre shooter is departing the Central Pulse after four seasons and one title. Walmsley is the fifth frontline Pulse player to depart following Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon, Whitney Souness and Tiana Metuarau. 九一星空无限 can exclusively reveal the 21-year-old will work under Stars coach Temepara Bailey, whom she played for in the National League’s Comets in 2021. Walmsley – a former Howick College student – can also be closer to family, having grown up in East Auckland. The six-test Silver Fern said she will leave the Pulse with incredible memories. Amelia Walmsley in training with the Silver Ferns, in 2024. Photo / Photosport “I always stay places for the people. Being able to work alongside Maddy, Tiana and Whitney over the past few years in the attacking end has been something that I’ve absolutely loved. “I’ll always be super grateful for everything that Pulse was able to give me.” Walmsley’s addition to the Stars roster likely means an exit at the shooting end for either veteran Maia Wilson or Australian import Charlie Bell. It is the latest move in what is expected to be a major reshuffle of the ANZ Premiership sides, with the Mainland Tactix also decimated. The 2025 champions have lost Karin Burger, Jane Watson, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Ellie Bird, Paris Lokotui and Charli Fidler. Pulse chief executive Ann Hay earlier this week warned of the dwindling talent pool available for ANZ Premiership sides to rebuild their teams. Hay said the exodus is worse than what is seen after World Cups. The player movement is generally linked to two major factors – the adjusted eligibility criteria and the competition’s uncertain future. Netball New Zealand updated their Silver Ferns eligibility exemption process, which has allowed Grace Nweke, Jackson, Gordon and Kate Heffernan to play in Australia’s Super Netball while remaining available for test selection. Netball New Zealand has updated its eligibility rules. Photo / Photosport A long wait for NNZ’s one-year broadcast deal with TVNZ for 2026 has caused frustration within the player base. Athletes will likely take a pay cut next year, with chief executive Jennie Wyllie admitting they will need to use cash reserves next year to make ends meet. With the ANZ Premiership’s future in 2027 unconfirmed, players are taking other opportunities more seriously. Former Silver Ferns Souness and Watson opted to sign with the Giants in Sydney despite not having an eligibility exemption. Earlier this month, Walmsley was named in Dame Noeline Taurua’s 18-strong Silver Ferns squad for the next 12 months. However, the 21-year-old will be unavailable for the Taini Jamison series against South Africa due to competing for New Zealand at the Youth World Cup in Gibraltar. Nathan Limm has been a journalist with 九一星空无限talk ZB and the New Zealand Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:22:59 Z /news/politics/labour-s-peeni-henare-mistaken-to-claim-party-would-repeal-gang-patch-ban-says-deputy-leader/ /news/politics/labour-s-peeni-henare-mistaken-to-claim-party-would-repeal-gang-patch-ban-says-deputy-leader/ Labour MP Peeni Henare, the party’s candidate in the Tāmaki Makaurau byelection, was “mistaken” to claim Labour would repeal the gang patch ban, according to the party’s deputy leader. Henare appeared to confirm Labour would repeal the ban, which removed the ability to legally wear gang patches in public, during a candidate debate this week with Te Pāti Māori candidate Orini Kaipara. The commitment came as a surprise, given Labour leader Chris Hipkins had previously indicated he didn’t support a repeal and had long said he would assess its value if Labour returned to Government. Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni today affirmed to reporters at Parliament that her party would not repeal the ban and wondered whether Labour’s initial opposition to the ban before it became law could have influenced Henare’s comments. “Certainly no need for a telling off. I think he’s mistaken and, you know, these things happen.” She maintained the caucus was not confused over its position on the ban and denied the caucus was split over whether to retain it. Labour deputy Carmel Sepuloni and leader Chris Hipkins have said they would not repeal the patch ban. Photo / Mark Mitchell Henare has been approached for comment. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, who led the ban becoming law, initially reacted with disbelief when told Labour would not repeal the ban. “It shows what [Henare] really thinks, and I wouldn’t trust him for a moment. I think they probably will [repeal it].” Goldsmith then said Sepuloni should inform Henare of the party’s position and Labour’s justice spokesperson: “I don’t know who that is. Roger somebody, I think his name is.” Labour’s justice spokesperson is Duncan Webb. Labour has no MPs named Roger. Asked what Labour MP he was referring to, Goldsmith said: “I can’t remember.” Adam Pearse is the deputy political editor and part of the NZ Herald’s press gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for 九一星空无限 since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 03:13:19 Z /news/business/hatch-attacked-online-investment-platform-targeted-in-cyberattack-safety-move-stops-log-in/ /news/business/hatch-attacked-online-investment-platform-targeted-in-cyberattack-safety-move-stops-log-in/ Online investment platform Hatch has been targeted in a cyberattack. The platform’s website says New Zealanders have invested $2.1 billion through it since 2018. There were more than 130,000 users as of 2022. Yesterday morning, Hatch identified a “credential stuffing attack”, managing director Waimarie Marks told the Herald. Website-building service Cloudflare said a credential stuffing attack was when “collections of stolen login credentials from one service are used to break into accounts on various other services”. Marks said existing security measures and extra preventive measures after the attack had protected the platform and users. “We can confirm that Hatch systems have not been compromised,” she said. “Hatch has security measures baked into the platform, which means we continuously monitor and take appropriate actions to ensure our customers remain safe. “The extra preventative measures we implemented may have impacted some customers being able to access their accounts online.” The attack was not exclusive to Hatch, she said. “It is a reminder of the importance of using unique, long, and strong passwords in combination with two-factor authentication on all of your important online accounts.” Htach investment platofrm was targeted in a cyberattack on Wednesday 20 August 2025. Photo / Supplied In 2024, New Zealanders suffered $1.6 billion in financial losses from online threats, according to research from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The centre’s annual survey found 54% of adult New Zealanders had experienced an online threat in the last six months of the year, with 830,000 suffering some financial loss. The average amount lost per attack was $1260. “If these numbers are extrapolated across the adult population, it indicates that around $1.6b was lost last year,” said NCSC’s director of mission enablement, Mike Jagusch. He said the numbers are much higher than what is reported to the NCSC through its reporting channels. According to the survey, 44% of people who experience cyber attacks don’t report them. Under-reporting often occurs because victims can feel embarrassed, feel it’s not significant enough to report or aren’t aware of the channels they can report to. As a result, figures around losses can vary too. The second annual State of Scams in NZ report last year, compiled by Netsafe and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, estimated New Zealanders lost $2.3b to online scams in the 12 months to August 30. Of those who lost money, 88% described the impact as moderate, significant or severe. Email (59%) was the most common way Kiwis encountered threats, but traditional means such as phone call (46%) and text message (35%) are still prevalent. Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers business, breaking news and local stories from Tāmaki Makaurau. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:42:55 Z /news/national/safe-heist-duo-face-burglary-and-money-laundering-charges-after-4m-theft/ /news/national/safe-heist-duo-face-burglary-and-money-laundering-charges-after-4m-theft/ The private investigator who worked on the case into the stolen safe containing $4m of cryptocurrency, money, jewellery and family heirlooms is pleased charges have been laid against two people. Police confirmed the charges today relating to the 2021 heist targeting the home of Mark and Clare Geor in the upmarket Auckland suburb of Westmere. Mike Campbell was praised by Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton for supplying “a raft of information” to the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. Campbell, who is also a friend of the Geor family, told the Herald he was glad to see the arrests. “We appreciate the effort the police have put into this investigation and thank the NZ Herald for their involvement,“ Campbell said. “These cases are never easy. It took old fashioned detective work and forensic expertise for this result.” Mark and Clare Geor had $4 million worth of Bitcoin and another valuables stolen from a safe.Two people have been charged of money laundering after a four-year investigation. Photo / Supplied Mark Geor, who manages Rock and Rubble, a quarry transporting service declined to comment. In his only interview with Weekend Herald in 2021, Geor said his family home was burgled while it was being renovated. A month before the raiders stole the safe, the Geor family had moved to Takapuna. “We have lived there since 2017 and never had an issue. This burglary was executed with surgical precision,” he said. On September 9, 2021, when Geor went to the Westmere house to collect the mail. He said he had a “hunch” when he noticed a pillow in a wheelbarrow. The house had been broken into after burglars entered through a side door, where there were no security cameras. Geor noticed the front and side doors were unlocked, the alarm was disarmed and the safe was gone. “When I realised the front door and side doors were unlocked, I thought, ‘S***, this isn’t good,’” Geor said. “They turned off the power and disarmed my alarm and back-up battery. The electrical switchboard, control box for the alarm was in the same room as the safe. If you set the alarm there is a wee delay before it goes off, it looks like they were able to shut it off pretty quickly, so they knew what they were doing.” All that was left behind was a small crowbar, an electrician’s screwdriver and glove prints. Forensic experts were unable to obtain fingerprints or footprints because of the concrete floors. Four years ago, Geor said he was a “realist” and wasn’t hopeful about getting the safe back. In November 2021, he offered a $50,000 reward in exchange for its return with the cryptocurrency - on a USB - and other valuables, including $10,000 in cash, Rolex and Tag Hauer watches, diamond jewellery and family heirlooms.  Mark Geor offered a $50,000 reward in 2021 in exchange for the stolen safe which contained $4million of cryptocurrency. Photo / Supplied. Photos supplied by Clare Geor. Campbell previously told the Herald the substantial reward was an appeal to the culprits to return all the contents from the safe. “We’ve been down a couple of paths but they’ve fizzled out,” he said. “One of the dangers of this, you get people ringing up who are economical with the truth which is all part of the process. Someone out there knows something,” Campbell said. Earlier this week police swarmed a rural property in Wellsford North of Auckland. Bolton today said the victims engaged a private investigator who collected a raft of information to hand over to the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. That gave investigating officers a good starting point about what had happened with the cryptocurrency, and a line of inquiry. “Detective Oliver Moss chipped away at the case over many months, and this soon identified the person we will allege is responsible for the crime.” The team, led by Detective Sergeant Ali Ramsay, with support from tactical Police staff and the Auckland Cyber Crime Unit, arrested a 31-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman. The man has been charged w... Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:16:12 Z /news/national/police-name-71yo-who-died-in-hospital-after-crash-near-nelson/ /news/national/police-name-71yo-who-died-in-hospital-after-crash-near-nelson/ Police have named the man who died at Nelson Hospital yesterday after a crash on the Coastal Highway in Mahana, near Nelson, on August 13. He was Richard Marris, 71, from Nelson. Emergency services were alerted to the two-vehicle crash about 2.30pm near Apple Valley Rd on Wednesday last week. Police said they “extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time”. Inquiries into the crash continue. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:09:33 Z /news/business/newstalk-zb-and-mike-hosking-reign-supreme-in-latest-gfk-commercial-radio-survey/ /news/business/newstalk-zb-and-mike-hosking-reign-supreme-in-latest-gfk-commercial-radio-survey/ 九一星空无限talk ZB continues its reign at the top of the country’s commercial radio rankings with the king of the breakfast airwaves Mike Hosking also retaining his crown. ZB has a larger share of the market than any other station and lifted its stake of listeners to 14.9% in the latest GfK radio survey. That’s up from 14.5% in May’s survey. ZB, according to GfK’s results released today, reaches a cumulative 620,000 listeners each week – the only station in the survey with an audience over 600,000. The Mike Hosking Breakfast show has grown its share to 21% of listeners, with 433,359 weekly listeners. Heather du Plessis-Allan. Photo / Michael Craig Heather du Plessis-Allan leads the drive show rankings with 13.9% of that market. ZM retained its top place across the 25-54 demographic and the station’s Fletch, Vaughan & Hayley have the most listeners of any music show at breakfast. ZM and 九一星空无限talk ZB are owned by Herald publisher 九一星空无限, whose chief executive Michael Boggs said: “We are pleased to see the strength of radio audiences from both the latest GfK survey and the Infinite Dial NZ 2025 research recently completed. That research shows 94% of Kiwis listen to audio on a weekly basis and highlights the strong, stable radio audiences. In addition there was 20% growth in podcast listening and continued adoption of listening on alternative devices.” In a statement, the Radio Broadcasters Association said, “Total commercial radio cumulative audience reached 3.4 million versus 3.425 million for the same survey period in 2024, with all key commercial demographic audiences reporting similar stability year on year”. “Resilience of our engaged listening audiences has been a consistent theme over the last few years, with our cumulative (all 10+) weekly audience consistently sitting around 3.4 million people. This stability shows that, as an advertiser, you can use radio knowing it provides consistent and reliable reach to audiences,” Radio Bureau chief executive Alistair Jamison said. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 01:59:12 Z /news/national/rich-lister-wrongly-linked-by-ai-to-child-abuse-case-demands-real-culprit-be-identified/ /news/national/rich-lister-wrongly-linked-by-ai-to-child-abuse-case-demands-real-culprit-be-identified/ Warning: This article discusses child abuse material A rich-lister who a chatbot wrongly claimed was a wealthy Kiwi family member convicted of having “extreme” child abuse material says the real culprit should name himself. “The public have a right to know people have done such things and these folks should not have permanent name suppression,” falsely identified businessman Wayne Wright jnr told the Herald. The defendant was sentenced on Friday by Auckland District Court Judge Maria Pecotic for knowingly possessing thousands of objectionable material files and knowingly importing the content. The man’s name, his family’s name and their high-profile company were permanently suppressed, the NBR reported. Customs, which prosecuted the individual, told the Herald it was discussing a possible appeal with the Crown. The man has been placed on the child sex offender register. Customs said in 2023, a New Zealand-based man was discovered to be distributing objectionable publications, using peer-to-peer file-sharing software. Customs child exploitation operations chief Simon Peterson said the agency executed a search warrant in June last year at the man’s home and seized six electronic devices. “Further forensic analysis uncovered 11,775 objectionable files, including extreme child sexual abuse involving bestiality, pre-pubescent children and toddlers. One device contained over 240 hours of video of child sexual exploitation and abuse.” Peterson said importing and possessing child sexual abuse material was never passive or harmless. Simon Peterson is in charge of the Child Exploitation and Operations Team at Customs. Photo / Greenstone TV “It fuels a dark industry, which carries devastating, life-long consequences for the victims, whose abuse is reproduced and consumed by offenders all over the world.” Yesterday, X’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Grok wrongly stated that Wright, who funded The Platform media company, appeared to be the person at the centre of the case. Wayne Wright jnr. It said this was based on social media speculation in its wrongful claim. The Herald can confirm this accusation is false. Wright said the defendant should come clean with their identity, no matter the consequences. He urged the man to have his suppression lifted. Wright believed name suppression should not be available if someone was jailed, with an exception if any children involved could be impacted by publication. The false claim on Grok. Wright told the Herald he had written to X’s owner, Elon Musk, saying the Grok software might need some work and requesting it be fixed. The NBR reported the man was jailed for two years and five months. A Customs spokesman said an appeal against name suppression required consent from the Solicitor-General, or her delegate. Where to get help:If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:• Call 0800 044 334• Text 4334• Email support@safetotalk.nz• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nzAlternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault. Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers issues such as sexual assault, workplace misconduct, media, crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2020. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 01:47:51 Z /news/crime/newmarket-text-scammer-caught-trying-to-spend-6000-chinese-national-to-appear-in-court/ /news/crime/newmarket-text-scammer-caught-trying-to-spend-6000-chinese-national-to-appear-in-court/ An alleged text scammer attempting to splash out on luxury goods worth $6000 is facing fraud charges after an unsuccessful designer shopping spree. Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton said police were called to Auckland’s Newmarket on August 10 after a woman tried to make a hefty purchase during a high-end shopping trip. The woman involved is allegedly part of a text scam ring that has recently made a resurgence. “A woman had tried unsuccessfully using multiple phones to make a payWave purchase in excess of $6000. “Police were called after the woman then left the shop and attempted to enter another high-end retailer. “Police were contacted by security at the time and the woman was arrested,” Bolton said. An alleged text scammer attempting to splash out on luxury goods worth $6000 is facing several fraud charges. Photo / File “It will be alleged that unsuspecting Kiwis’ credit card details were used by ghost tapping with several smart phones,” Bolton said. A Chinese national, 25, appeared in the Auckland District Court and was remanded in custody until her next appearance on August 25. Bolton said police have laid seven charges of obtaining by deception, and further charges are likely. Police urge extreme caution Police are urging extreme caution after reports of alarming messages circulating in New Zealand. Police said many have reported receiving reminders from “NZ Police” or “NZTA” reminding them to pay their unpaid fines or tolls. “I know these texts can catch some people off guard and leaving you feeling flustered,” Bolton said. “Pause, and think, ‘do I know where this message is coming from?’ “It’s almost certainly scammers trying to steal your credit card or banking details.” Police said several red flags will suggest a scam, including an unknown international number, an unusual weblink and often poor grammar and spelling mistakes. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 01:25:13 Z /news/politics/new-planes-helicopters-with-hellfire-missiles-precision-kill-weapon-system-on-investment-list/ /news/politics/new-planes-helicopters-with-hellfire-missiles-precision-kill-weapon-system-on-investment-list/ The Government’s breakdown-prone 757 fleet will be replaced with two extra-long range Airbus planes as part of a $2.7 billion defence investment. Five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters with weapon systems for anti-submarine torpedoes, hellfire missiles, and machine guns are also the preferred option to replace existing marine helicopters. Following on from the release of the Defence Capability Plan (DCP) earlier this year, Defence Minister Judith Collins has today announced investment decisions valued at $2.7 billion that she expects will ensure New Zealand has a “critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet”. A livestream of the announcement can be found at the top of this article. The two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be acquired on a six-year lease to buy arrangement, Collins said, with capital costs of $620 million and four-year operating costs of nearly $81 million. These will replace the current 757s. “New Zealand needs reliable aircraft to deploy our personnel, deliver military equipment and humanitarian aid, support the evacuation of civilians, and transport government trade and diplomatic delegations quickly, over long distances, and often at short notice.” She said acquiring extra range aircraft reflects the importance of having plans capable of undertaking operations like “returning safely from Antarctica if it is unable to land due to conditions on the ice”. The planes are more than 44 metres in length, have a range of 8,700km, and can accommodate 122 passengers. The Government’s also indicated its preferred option for replacing the current maritime helicopters is the MH-60R Seahawks. This is a $2 billion plus investment. “The MH-60R Seahawk is a great aircraft for what New Zealand needs and fulfils our objective of having a more integrated Anzac force, and the new planes will give us reliable aircraft to deploy personnel and respond to international events,” said Collins. She said five Seahawks will “increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates and ensure we are interoperable with our ally Australia and other partner defence forces”. These are expected to be procured directly through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales programme, instead of going to a wider tender. A final business case will likely be considered by Cabinet next year. According to specifications provided by the Defence Minister’s office, these helicopters have weapon systems including Mk 54 anti-submarine torpedo, AGM-114 Hellfire air-surface missiles, crew-served machine guns; and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said the investment decisions show how the Government is responding to what he described as a sharply deteriorating security environment. “Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity,” he said. “The DCP provides the foundation for our uplift in defence spending, and two-yearly reviews of the plan will allow us to adapt to an ever-changing security environment.” Defence officials told a parliamentary select committee a few hours ago a stronger focus had been placed on progressing major projects at a faster pace, referencing efforts to replace the two Boeing 757s used by the Prime Minister for international trips as well as transporting Defence Force personnel. The 757s had become renowned for breaking down and causing delays during trips abroad for several Prime Ministers, including Christopher Luxon. The Government confirmed the two planes would be replaced as part of its $12 billion Defence Capability Plan, announced before Budget 2025, which would eventually push New Zealand’s defence spending to above 2% of GDP. Replacing the 757s had an expected cost of between $600 million and $1b. Also in the plan was a spend of between $100m and $300m for enhanced strike capabilities and $300m to $600m for a new fleet of maritime helicopters. Mini... Thu, 21 Aug 2025 01:11:33 Z /news/national/vicious-pitbull-attack-in-michael-hill-store-ends-20-year-jewellery-career/ /news/national/vicious-pitbull-attack-in-michael-hill-store-ends-20-year-jewellery-career/ A rampaging pitbull launched itself from a moving vehicle and stormed into an Auckland jewellery store while attempting to savage a lap dog, injuring an employee during the ordeal.  The worker has claimed the pitbull’s owner is yet to face any significant consequences, despite the attack causing a career-ending injury.  Auckland Council confirmed the owner was given an infringement notice and education on dog control.  Stacey Penn told the Herald her career and shoulder were in tatters after the unprovoked dog attack at the Michael Hill Jewellers in Pukekohe last August.  “I grabbed it by the scruff of the neck ... and pulled it back, and because it was attacking the little dog, pulled it back, and then it lunged again and took the tendons from my shoulder,” she said.  Penn had her rotator cuff torn during the incident, which is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, enabling a wide range of arm movements.  She said she was off work for eight months due to the severity of her injury.  She claimed her employer required her to be able to lift, and when that wasn’t possible, she was unable to continue in her role.  Penn worked at Michael Hill for nearly 20 years and was recognised as one of New Zealand’s top sellers.  “They [Michael Hill] even gave an award to me for resilience because I had a bit of an accident a couple of years ago and continued to work.  “I loved the job, had a really good client base, thoroughly enjoyed it ... It was the world to me,” Penn said.  Michael Hill has been approached for comment.  Stacey Penn had her rotator cuff torn during the incident. Photo / Supplied  The day of the attack  On the day of the attack, a good client of Penn’s came into the Pukekohe branch with her small lap-sized Cavoodle, which was not abnormal because dogs were allowed in the store if they were leashed.  “I hopped over to the customer side and was giving the dog a big love. A lady came around the roundabout, which is perpendicular to the shop.  “Her dog must have seen this little dog walking in, and it jumped out of the moving vehicle,” Penn said.  The dog was an “extremely muscular pitbull” that bolted in and stood over the little dog.  “The dog kind of flopped on its side. And I was like, ‘here we go.’”  The owner of the Cavoodle told the Herald she had just had surgery, so she was in a sling at the time of the attack.  “I kind of moved to the side and then realised that, oh no, it’s actually going for my little dog,” the owner said.  Stacey Penn came to the rescue of a Cavoodle but suffered injuries as a result. Photo / Supplied  Penn said she grabbed the pitbull by the scruff of the neck and pulled it back from the Cavoodle, but that is when it suddenly lunged at her shoulder.  “It wasn’t giving up. I didn’t feel anything at the time ... adrenaline.  “I’m on CCTV pretty much trying to wrestle with a pitbull, saving this dog and the owner because the pitbull had kind of got them into a corner.  “I’m admittedly kicking the dog and throwing a few punches, and then I managed to pick up the Poodley dog.”  Penn called for one of her workmates who was out the back and gave them the Cavoodle to take to safety.  “I yelled out, ‘usher the owner of the dog out the back’ and then managed to subdue the pitbull,” Penn said.  The owner said her Cavoodle did not suffer serious injuries and was only nipped at during the attack.  Stacey Penn enjoyed working at Michael Hill. Photo / Supplied  Auckland Council team leader for animal management in the south, James Faulkner, said they issued the owner an infringement for failing to keep their dog under control and provided education on how to prevent it from happening in the future.  “The dog was classified as menacing by deed and required to be neutered and to wear a muzzle when in public.  “No injuries... Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:02:49 Z /news/business/skycity-entertainment-group-annual-profit-drops-42-seeks-240m-selling-200m-assets/ /news/business/skycity-entertainment-group-annual-profit-drops-42-seeks-240m-selling-200m-assets/ Casino and hotel operator SkyCity Entertainment Group’s annual profit dropped 42% to $71.5 million and it today confirmed an expected equity raise of $240m.  CEO Jason Walbridge said: “Our financial results reflect the difficult operating environment we’ve navigated in FY25.  “The delayed economic recovery in New Zealand has led to lower discretionary spend impacting our business and that has come through the same time as a period of elevated investment”.  After Tuesday’s trading halt, Walbridge today announced the company going to the market to get money.  “In light of current trading conditions, historical calls on capital from a number of extraneous matters and the ongoing investment requirements of the business, SkyCity has today announced a $240m equity raising,” it said.  That is to provide balance sheet resilience to navigate this period of continued economic weakness; and execute on near-term priorities, it said.  Jason Walbridge started as SkyCity CEO in July, 2024. Photo / Jason Oxenham  SkyCity will issue 343m new shares and Macquarie has been appointed to the job along with Jarden and UBS.  Full-year results to June 30, 2025 showed revenue fell 5% to $825.2m.  Reported group net profit of $29.2m included a $27.3m impact from the South Australian casino duty settlement, and compared with a loss of $143.3m in the prior period.  Horizon by SkyCity is between TVNZ and the NZICC. Photo / Michael Craig  Underlying group net profit of $71.5m excluded the impact of the South Australian casino duty settlement and the B3 costs, compared with $123.3m in the prior period  Gaming revenue in Auckland was hit by the challenging market conditions and customer churn in the premium and VIP customer segments.  The reduction was partially offset by the contributions from the Horizon by SkyCity Hotel since last August, and the carpark income due to the buyback of the carpark concession.  SkyCity carparking is to be sold, in a second attempt. Photo / Janna Dixon  SkyCity will also sell $200m of assets in the next year to 18 months, with key assets identified for divestment.  That includes a second attempt to sell the Auckland carparks, as well as selling its own offices at 99 Albert St.  The giant property owner would then rent its HQs.  In 2023, SkyCity paid $204m compensation to finance giant Macquarie over a failed deal to offload its carparks in Auckland.  Television cameras caught a loan shark working out of a SkyCity carpark. File picture  That was a “mutually beneficial commercial resolution to the outstanding disputes with MPF Parking NZ in relation to a long-term concession agreement.  In April 2019, SkyCity struck a long-term concession agreement with the Macquarie business, getting $220m but the October 2019 fire damaged the carparks which then could not be delivered on time.  On Tuesday, the company declared a trading halt pending an announcement on a possible capital raise.  Footage shows drone flying close to Auckland's Sky Tower during New Years Eve fireworks display, 2024/25. Photo / Supplied  The dual-listed casino operator said on August 19 it expects to make a “material announcement” regarding a capital raise, together with its financial results.  The Australian newspaper said there had been talk in the investment community that the Auckland-based casino operator could make a cash call to fund managers this week.  The paper said the capital raise could potentially secure a sum in the ballpark of A$200m ($337m) to replenish its balance sheet.  In May, SkyCity said it expected June year earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation to fall to about 4% below the bottom of the guidance range of $225m to $245m.  Andy Bowley and Paul Laxton Koraua, Forsyth Barr analysts, noted in June that SkyCity’s “other regulatory challenges persist”.  Their analysis, head... Wed, 20 Aug 2025 21:56:13 Z /news/crime/auckland-teacher-myah-adams-loses-suppression-bid-after-student-sex-acts-conviction/ /news/crime/auckland-teacher-myah-adams-loses-suppression-bid-after-student-sex-acts-conviction/ A former Auckland teacher who was ordered to serve a term of imprisonment after admitting to performing sex acts on a 15-year-old student has had her sentence reduced to home detention on appeal.  But the same High Court justice said permanent suppression would be a step too far for Myah Leanie Adams, who can now be identified for the first time.  “The public interest in knowing the identity of the teacher who committed the offending considerably outweighs the impacts of publication on Ms Adams,” Justice Gerard van Bohemen wrote in a newly released 28-page decision.  “That public interest is not diminished by Ms Adams leaving the teaching profession, which is a likely outcome, even if Ms Adams had not taken that decision herself.”  Court documents state the now-27-year-old began exchanging messages with the boy via Snapchat in July 2023, about one month after she started at an Auckland school.  “From that point forward, Ms Adams groomed [him],” the agreed summary of facts for the case state. “Ms Adams repeatedly flirted with [the student], commenting on his smile and appearance, buying him vapes and allowing him to use her credit card.”  Myah Adams leaves North Shore District Court in August 2024. Photo / Michael Craig  In September that year, she drove the student to the car park at Parakai Pools, where she performed sex acts on him. She then dropped him off at his home.  “After this incident, Ms Adams asked [the student] to keep the incident ‘on the lowdown’,” court documents state. “She then began sending nude photographs of her body to him on Snapchat.”  The photos were accompanied by sexually explicit messages.  Two and a half weeks after the first incident, the teacher took the student and a friend of his to the movies, giving the victim two cans of alcohol. She behaved inappropriately during the movie, then dropped off the boy’s friend and took the victim again to the Parakai Pools car park, where more sexual acts occurred.  Both the victim and his mother were strongly opposed to Adams receiving permanent name suppression.  “The complainant refers to his emotional and mental health having been severely impacted,” Auckland District Court Judge Brooke Gibson said at her sentencing in May, noting that the victim also reported having lost interest in school since the incidents.  Defence lawyer Emma Priest had pointed out during the sentencing that on the last of the two incidents, the boy was five days short of his 16th birthday.  Defence lawyer Emma Priest. Photo / Supplied  The woman pleaded guilty to a representative charge of sexual conduct with a young person under 16, which is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Had the boy been 16, she could not have been charged under that law.  During an appeal hearing earlier this month, Priest tried to persuade Justice van Bohemen that Judge Gibson’s sentence of two years and one month had been manifestly excessive.  Had the sentence been two years or less, the judge could have considered an alternate non-custodial sentence. But he was not willing to do that, he said, because of the deterrence needed for such an abuse of trust by a teacher. He also noted that the Court of Appeal had indicated in previous cases that imprisonment had to be the norm for such offending.  Priest suggested numerous ways in which the court could have allowed a slightly higher discount to allow the sentence to pass the two-year threshold.  But the argument that appeared to most resonate with the High Court justice was that the 5% reduction allowed for the impact imprisonment would have on Adams’ young child was inadequate. She sought a discount of 10 to 15%.  Former teacher Myah Adams appears in Auckland District Court for sentencing in May 2025 after admitting to inappropriate sexual behaviour with a student. Photo / Alex Burton  Crown prosecutor Pearl Philpott acknowledged that Judge... Wed, 20 Aug 2025 20:07:52 Z /news/national/auckland-beachfront-homes-in-wealthy-suburbs-hit-hard-by-new-rules-for-coastal-erosion-risk/ /news/national/auckland-beachfront-homes-in-wealthy-suburbs-hit-hard-by-new-rules-for-coastal-erosion-risk/ Beachfront properties in several of Auckland’s most expensive suburbs are being slapped with new rules restricting development because of the risk of coastal erosion.  The Eastern Bays suburbs of Kohimarama, Mission Bay and St Heliers, plus Browns Bay on the North Shore, are the areas most impacted, senior council manager Phill Reid said.  Auckland Council’s new plan is predominantly focused on accommodating two million new homes over the coming decades, but it also introduces stricter regulations for areas prone to natural hazards such as flooding and coastal erosion.  About 12,000 properties most at risk from natural hazards are being “downzoned”, making new developments on them harder or not permitted at all. Of the properties, 2000 are in flood plans and 10,000 are subject to coastal erosion.  Coastal erosion threatened properties in Auckland after the 2023 floods. Photo / Brett Phibbs  Reid said he did not expect the new rules to significantly affect the value of beachfront properties, noting residents would still be able to live in their homes, though with greater limitations on what could be done with the land.  He said many properties would be downzoned from mixed housing urban to single-house zoning, but in areas where this has already occurred, land values have not declined sharply.  Using Remuera as an example, Reid said while zoning varies across the suburb, it is not a major driver of property valuation. Zoning is just one factor, but not dominant, he said.  Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, councillor for Ōrākei, which includes the Eastern Bay, said the council had worked on downzoning properties subject to hazards but it has been legally impossible to introduce changes until now.  “Many members of my community have shared concerns with me when they see more development in areas they know regularly flood. These controls will try to prevent that,” she said.  Reid said under the new plan, anyone seeking resource consent to build on flood-prone or erosion-prone land must first complete a risk assessment. This assessment categorises the site’s risk level as significant, potentially tolerable, or acceptable.  “The goal is to encourage people to adjust their designs before submitting their resource consent applications,” he said.  “They make those choices, revise their plans, and lower the risk from significant to something like potentially tolerable, which increases their chances of approval.”  Kohimarama is one of the suburbs most at risk from coastal erosion. Photo / Michael Craig  Reid gave the example of a homeowner planning a large extension on a flood plain. If the risk assessment identified the project as having a “significant” level of risk and the homeowner was unwilling to modify the design, the proposal would be classified as a non-complying activity.  In that case, the resource consent application would likely be declined, he said.  Reid said the new consenting process would target the “worst of the worst” 12,000 high-risk properties, along with other sites located in natural hazard zones across Auckland.  He said the council was confident many properties outside that core group could be made safer through reasonable design changes, reducing risk to an “acceptable” level.  The aim is to build greater resilience and reduce exposure to hazards, he said.  Lyall Carter says there needs to be proper consultation with homeowners. Photo / Alex Burton  Lyall Carter, chairman of West Auckland is Flooding (WAIF), a group formed to support residents in finding fair and sustainable solutions after the 2023 floods, said careful consultation with property owners was important before implementing any changes.  “I’d hate to see a homeowner’s property value significantly impacted without proper consultation or clear communication from the council,” he said. “People deserve to have their voices heard, while also ensur... Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:17:55 Z /news/national/terror-threat-level-nz-security-intelligence-service-spy-agency-warns-kiwis-need-to-step-up-to-combat-terror/ /news/national/terror-threat-level-nz-security-intelligence-service-spy-agency-warns-kiwis-need-to-step-up-to-combat-terror/ Another terrorist attack in New Zealand remains a realistic possibility and the country’s intelligence service is concerned Kiwis underestimate how wide-ranging an attack’s impact can be.  These are among the main findings from the Security Intelligence Service’s annual threat assessment report that details how global instability, persistent military conflict, geopolitical competition and increasing polarisation are contributing to “one of the most challenging national security environments in recent times”.  A chief metric in the report is New Zealand’s terrorism threat level. It continues to be “low”, meaning a terrorist attack is assessed as a realistic possibility. The threat level has been considered low since 2022.  Similar to last year’s report, it described the most plausible extremist attack to come from a “lone actor who has radicalised online and prepares for violence without any intelligence forewarning”, using weapons such as knives or vehicles.  However, today’s report has outlined a “further deterioration” of the threat environment due to a range of factors.  New Zealand had suffered several high-profile cyberattacks in recent years. Photo / 123rf  Among them is competition between global powers, namely the United States and China. The report also highlighted Russia’s influence in Europe, “conflict and humanitarian crises in the Middle East”, and ongoing tension in Asia and Africa.  “Some states, including China, Russia and Iran, are willing to engage in covert or deceptive activity in order to influence discussions and decisions, or gain access to technology and information that can help them meet these goals.”  The report described China as a “particularly assertive and powerful actor” in the Pacific region.  “It has demonstrated both a willingness and capability to undertake intelligence activity that targets New Zealand’s national interests.”  It named China’s United Front Work Department, which the report described as performing actions that were “regularly deceptive, coercive and corruptive and come with risks for New Zealand organisations”.  An increasingly polarised online environment, including a “global resurgence of the Islamic State’s propaganda”, had the potential to lead vulnerable people astray or fuel violent ideology.  “At the extreme edges, well outside of what would be considered normal social and political discourse, there is a notable degree of misplaced agitation and blame for perceived societal ills.  “Much of this rhetoric exists solely online, and its spread is aided by algorithms that push controversial content because it generates the most engagement.”  Technological innovation such as artificial intelligence (AI), while considered a tool used to find potential threats, was having a “particularly outsized impact on our threat environment”.  “AI is making harmful propaganda appear more authentic and allows it to be spread at scale and speed.”  SIS Director-General Andrew Hampton speaking at a Parliament select committee. Photo / Mark Mitchell  In an SIS press release, director-general Andrew Hampton said there was a “lot more people and organisations could be doing in the prevention space by looking out for early warning signs of violent extremism”.  “It is a mistake to assume the NZSIS will automatically pick up on concerning activities,” he said, noting his agency was not “all-seeing or all-knowing”.  Speaking to the Herald, Hampton said he believed Kiwis were more aware of terror threats, given the country’s two recent terror attacks and an array of cyberattacks.  “That said, I still think many individuals and organisations don’t appreciate that these threats could impact on them directly.”  Among several anonymous case studies in the report was an example of how some “influential New Zealanders” were making decisions based on misleading information from people working on... Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:05:38 Z /news/business/anz-westpac-kiwibank-drop-home-loan-lending-rates-after-reserve-bank-cash-rate-cut/ /news/business/anz-westpac-kiwibank-drop-home-loan-lending-rates-after-reserve-bank-cash-rate-cut/ Banks have started dropping their mortgage rates after the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate from 3.25% to 3%. Westpac cut both its fixed-term and floating mortgage lending rates after today’s announcement. It trimmed four basis points (bps) off its one-year, 18-month and three-year fixed-term special rates and 20bps off its two-year rate. Its one-year, 18-month and two-year special rates are now 4.75% – a new low for the mortgage rate market, while its three-year rate dropped 30bps to 5.09%. Westpac NZ’s managing director of product, sustainability and marketing, Sarah Hearn, said: “We know cost pressures continue to weigh on many households and businesses, and we’re acting swiftly to pass on lower rates for borrowers. “Our consistent offer of 4.75% per annum across the one-year, 18-month and two-year home loan terms will appeal to customers looking to split their loans across different terms, given the changing outlook for the OCR [Official Cash Rate].” Before the OCR cut, major banks had dropped their one-year mortgage rates to 4.79%. Westpac, ANZ and Kiwibank also dropped their flexible and floating lending rates, but only by 20bps. ANZ cut its floating mortgage rate and business flexible loan rate to 6.29%. It also cut 25bps off its standard rate serious saver account, dropping it to 0.40%, and shaved 10bps off its online savings account and Pie (portfolio investment entity) fund. “When reviewing interest rates, ANZ considers a range of factors, including the OCR, changes in wholesale interest rates and the need to balance the needs of borrowers and savers,” ANZ said. Meanwhile, Kiwibank dropped its variable home loan rates by 20 bps to 6.15% and its revolving loan to 6.30%. The bank also cut its 90-day notice saver rate by 25bps to 2.85% and its 32-day notice saver rate to 2.3%. Westpac’s 60-day term deposit was cut to 2.25%, down 15bps. Its 90-day rate is down to 3.40%, a drop of 5bps, and its four-month rate is 3.35%, down 10bps. The eight-month term rate is 3.80%, down 10bps. These will be effective on Friday. Hearn said it also knew savers were watching falling rates closely. “By not passing on any of today’s 0.25% rate cut on our Notice Saver product, we’re keeping the rate at 3.00% pa, which we believe offers great value for customers who don’t need on-call access to their savings. “While we know families and businesses are still feeling the effects of high living costs and economic uncertainty, we expect cost pressures to ease over the rest of the year.” Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers business, breaking news and local stories from Tāmaki Makaurau. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022. Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:54:02 Z /news/world/israeli-defence-minister-approves-plan-to-conquer-gaza-city-call-up-of-60-000-reservists/ /news/world/israeli-defence-minister-approves-plan-to-conquer-gaza-city-call-up-of-60-000-reservists/ Israel’s Defence Minister has approved a plan for the conquest of Gaza City and authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists to carry it out, his ministry confirmed on Wednesday. Defence Minister Israel Katz’s move, confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson, piled pressure on Hamas as mediators pushing for a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war in Gaza awaited an official Israeli response to their latest proposal. While mediator Qatar had expressed guarded optimism over the latest proposal, a senior Israeli official said the Government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any agreement. The framework that Hamas had approved proposes an initial 60-day truce, a staggered hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners and provisions allowing for the entry of aid into Gaza. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz (centre) has approved a plan to call-up 60,000 reservists and conquer Gaza City. Photo / Getty Images Israel and Hamas have held on-and-off indirect negotiations throughout the war, resulting in two short truces during which Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The latest truce proposal came after Israel’s security cabinet approved plans to conquer Gaza City, despite fears it would worsen the catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have mediated the frequent rounds of shuttle diplomacy. Qatar said the latest proposal was “almost identical” to an earlier version agreed by Israel, while Egypt said Monday that “the ball is now in its [Israel’s] court”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly comment on the plan but said last week his country would accept “an agreement in which all the hostages are released at once and according to our conditions for ending the war”. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said on social media his group had “opened the door wide to the possibility of reaching an agreement, but the question remains whether Netanyahu will once again close it, as he has done in the past”. The latest truce proposal came as Netanyahu faces increasing pressure at home and abroad. In Gaza, the civil defence agency reported Israeli strikes and fire killed 48 people across the territory on Tuesday. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP the situation was “very dangerous and unbearable” in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods of Gaza City, where he said “shelling continues intermittently”. The Israeli military declined to comment on specific troop movements, saying only that it was “operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities” and took “feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm”. The military later said a strike in Khan Yunis overnight targeted a Hamas militant. A proposed truce includes prisoner exchanges and aid entry into Gaza. Photo / Getty Images Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swathes of the Palestinian territory mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military. In the Zikim area of northern Gaza on Tuesday, an AFP journalist saw Palestinians hauling sacks of food aid along dusty roads lined with rubble and damaged buildings. Gazan Shawg Al-Badri said it took “three to four hours” to carry flour, what she called “white gold”, back to her family’s tent. “This bag is worth the whole world,” she said. Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel’s offensive has killed at least 62,064 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which the United Nations considers reliable. – Agence France-Presse Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:42:34 Z /news/crime/why-was-a-nz-soldier-guilty-of-attempted-espionage-trying-to-defect-to-foreign-country/ /news/crime/why-was-a-nz-soldier-guilty-of-attempted-espionage-trying-to-defect-to-foreign-country/ A soldier with links to two white supremacist groups says he became desperate in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings after becoming the focus of a police investigation. The man, whose name is suppressed, was pulled in for questioning several times by police and allegedly asked about what targets the groups had and what their endgame was. “The investigators were incredibly aggressive towards me, often getting in my face and shouting. To me, their approach was actually violent,” the soldier said in an affidavit presented at a court martial hearing this week. “There was no ‘end game’, ‘targets’, or anything like that. When I said that, I was obviously not believed.” The soldier said he was terrified he had become a target of his own country and all he wanted was to be able to leave New Zealand and get to another country where he thought would be safe. This week's court martial was five years in the making after the soldier was first arrested in 2019. Photo / Jeremy Wilkinson Becoming increasingly desperate, the soldier made contact with a third party, indicating that he wanted to defect. “That was my only motivation. I was not thinking about anything else,” he said. That’s when the New Zealand Government stepped in. An undercover officer, pretending to be a foreign agent, made contact with the soldier and they met on multiple occasions. The solider then provided documents, including maps and aerial photographs of various NZDF bases around the country, as well as passcodes, login details to its IT system, telephone directories and handwritten assessments of the vulnerabilities of the Linton Military Camp where he was stationed. He also offered to install a covert device at Army headquarters and supplied the undercover officer with his own NZDF identification card and IT login details. “As people [the undercover officer] contacted me, that was still my motivation. As their demands grew greater and greater, I felt that I was in further and further above my head.” ‘Espionage is one thing; this is espionage by a serving soldier’ The soldier pleaded guilty to attempted espionage this week at the start of the court martial hearing. Crown prosecutor Grant Burston said the man had tried to “ingratiate himself in the eyes of the foreign country concerned”. “He not only obtained the information, but he also provided it to an undercover officer.” Burston said the soldier had placed his own self-interests above those of the NZDF and of his country. Parts of this week's court martial were heard behind closed doors. Photo / Jeremy Wilkinson While he conceded no actual harm resulted from the soldier’s actions, there could have been serious repercussions if the information had ended up in the hands of a foreign country as intended. “He believed he was interacting with a foreign agent,” Burston said. While the soldier’s lawyers claimed the information was not of a high value, Burston disagreed and said it had the potential to cause real harm. Burston said the punishment should be more severe because the man was a serving soldier at the time. “Espionage is one thing; this is espionage by a serving soldier,” Burston said. “[His] offending is the antithesis of his oath and the trust placed in him.” ‘The actions of this individual were deplorable’ It was the violation of his oath that Chief of Army Major General Rose King focused on in a statement after the soldier was sentenced to two years in military detention and dismissal from the armed forces on Wednesday afternoon. “The offending strikes at the core of the oath of allegiance all members of the NZDF take when joining the Armed Forces, which commits our personnel to faithfully and loyally serve in the defence of New Zealand,” Major General King said. “In this case, the offender sought to disclose official, including classified information, to a foreign entity. The soldier pleaded guilty to charges of attempted espionage by attempting to give military information to what he thou... Wed, 20 Aug 2025 08:35:24 Z