All prepped for Polyfest

Banned driver Isaac Alexander Ginty, 24, has added new driving convictions to his already extensive record of 11 offences, despite being banned until 2029. Judge Peter Hobbs described Ginty’s history as “appallingly bad” and sentenced him to community detention and community work. Ginty acknowledged his mistakes and expressed a desire to improve, receiving support from his father and employer, while he faced eight charges of driving while disqualified in the Nelson District Court. Full Article

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has identified “billions” in savings to be redirected towards new spending in the 2025 Budget. In an interview, she indicated that these savings might include a potential means-testing of the KiwiSaver subsidy, although she ruled out changes to the Winter Energy Payment and the Emissions Trading Scheme. While also considering means-testing for the Best Start payment for new parents, Willis did not confirm any specific changes, leaving the possibility open for...

A Hamilton woman witnessed a tragic accident where a logging truck crushed a 17-year-old female cyclist at an intersection. The cyclist was trapped for 10 minutes before firefighters freed her and was subsequently hospitalized in serious condition with multiple fractures, facing a long recovery and several surgeries. The police serious crash unit is currently investigating the incident. Full Article

SummaryA 51-year-old woman was arrested and charged with throwing nitric acid at a man in Johnsonville late last night. During her court appearance, she was granted interim name suppression due to “complex mental health issues.” The victim sustained acid burns to an arm and clothing and received treatment from an ambulance crew at the scene after police responded to the incident around 11:10 PM. Full Article

The Crown will not pursue a retrial for Stephen Ralph Stone, whose convictions were quashed in October. It’s been over 25 years since the “Gone Fishing” double-murder trial, which had already been considered a cold case. Stone was released from prison after the Court of Appeal found a miscarriage of justice, but he remained on bail as the Crown mulled a retrial. The Crown has decided against pursuing a retrial for Stephen Ralph Stone, following...

A man, previously ruled insane after a high-profile killing over 20 years ago, has committed another murder while released under a Community Treatment Order. Justice Karen Grau noted significant failures in the mental health system in relation to this case, which remains largely secretive. The individual was recently found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity for the second time after killing someone he believed was possessed, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding mental health management....