‘Blume’ sentencing: Auckland graffiti tagger Sean Oddy imprisoned after over $1m in damages

The coalition Government is midway through its term, with polls indicating equal support for both the centre-right and centre-left. The National Party's re-election strategy may hinge on Labour's proposed capital gains tax and concerns about Te Pāti Māori, while Labour seems to rely on criticizing National's leader, Christopher Luxon, rather than presenting its own agenda. Want More Context? 🔎

The mother of a 15-year-old boy attacked and robbed by a gang near Avondale train station in Auckland is urging for the assailants to be identified. The boy was hospitalized after the unprovoked assault, during which his new Nike sneakers were stolen, and he sustained injuries including a cut above his eye. Want More Context? 🔎

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a 3-month-old baby girl was hospitalized with multiple broken bones, including an unusual broken arm. The Wellington Police’s Child Protection Team initiated the investigation after the baby's injuries were discovered upon her hospital admission on June 14. Want More Context? 🔎

The National Youth Theatre has clarified that grooming and sexual abuse charges against former worker Cole Thomas Johnston, 28, do not pertain to his time with the organization. Johnston faces 12 charges involving one alleged victim, and the theatre's chief executive emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students and staff. Want More Context? 🔎

A recent analysis by the Herald revealed significant errors in Auckland Council's new rates bills, with some residential rates incorrectly calculated at up to 11.4% of property values. Notably, a multi-unit property in Ōtāhuhu was billed $444,766 instead of the correct amount of $14,578, prompting the council to advise ratepayers to report any discrepancies. Want More Context? 🔎

A tragic murder-suicide involving 46-year-old Nicholas Myles McIlraith and his 79-year-old mother, Beverley Joan McIlraith, occurred in Christchurch after family members were unable to contact them for over a month. Nicholas fatally attacked his mother, who suffered from dementia and other ailments, with a sword before taking his own life, following years of isolation and control over her. Want More Context? 🔎