Live weather: Thunderstorms, heavy downpours tipped for Auckland and North Island during rush-hour commute

A Hastings woman, Heather Gregory, lost her home and dog, Tonic, in a fire that occurred while she was away on holiday. She received the distressing news from a neighbor while in Wellington, learning that fire engines were at her residence on Pakowhai Rd, where she had lived for 40 years. Despite the tragedy, she described one of the items found in the ruins as “the miracle piece,” as she copes with the loss of...

Ronan Apiti, a 24-year-old man from Lower Hutt, was sentenced for animal cruelty after severely beating his family dog, Buck, resulting in permanent disfigurement. In the Hutt Valley District Court, Judge Russell Collins sentenced Apiti to 12 months of supervision and 60 hours of community work, along with a five-year ban on owning or caring for dogs. Apiti expressed remorse for his actions, describing the dog as one of his children and attempting to justify...

SummaryThe final complainant in a trial has detailed the alleged abusive tactics employed by a 43-year-old man, who faces 33 charges of sexual and physical violence, including 11 counts of rape involving five women. She described enduring hours of beratement, sleep deprivation, and physical assault as the man demanded sex daily. The trial is ongoing in the High Court at Whangārei, highlighting a disturbing pattern of abuse perpetrated by the accused against multiple women. Full...

Peter Foote founded the Mt Dobson Ski Area following a falling out, showcasing remarkable determination and resourcefulness by constructing the ski field access road himself in 1976 using a $2000 bulldozer. At 82 years old, he is now selling the ski field, emphasizing its high altitude and dependable snow. Foote reflects on his journey, expressing amazement at his accomplishment of transforming a mountain into a ski resort, a feat characterized by relentless determination and classic...

An Auckland resident charged with murder in January can now be identified after a four-month court-ordered anonymity period. Hao Feng, 36, was arrested on January 11 following the death of his partner, Xiaoyan Wang, who had just moved into their Avondale home and recently acquired a puppy and a kitten. Feng's name suppression lapsed last week after his lawyer initially sought to delay its release to protect his elderly parents in China, but the request...

The contentious struggle for the NZME board has concluded with former National Party MP Steven Joyce set to become chair, alongside activist shareholder Jim Grenon, whose three other nominees were withdrawn. The new board, pending a shareholder vote on June 3, will initially include Joyce, Grenon, and existing members Carol Campbell, Sussan Turner, and Guy Horrocks, with technology expert Bowen Pan joining afterward. An editorial board will also be established as part of this restructuring....