Armed police swarm Auckland’s Beach Haven after report of person with firearm, one arrested

A man, who claimed he was under "mind control" before fatally stabbing another man 31 times in South Taranaki last August, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the High Court at New Plymouth. Originally charged with murder, he was assessed under the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act due to concerns about his mental state during the incident. Want More Context? 🔎

One of New Zealand's most charming towns, Nightcaps, will lose its last coal mine next year, yet the local community remains optimistic about the future. With a population of just over 300, residents like Tony Philpott emphasize happiness over wealth, as they look forward to the potential growth from attracting newcomers to their peaceful village. Want More Context? 🔎

A Lower Hutt family relocated to Australia to access Trikafta, a groundbreaking cystic fibrosis medication for their 4-year-old daughter, to prevent irreversible damage to her health. While the drug is not yet funded in New Zealand, it significantly improves life expectancy by treating the condition's cause rather than just its symptoms. Want More Context? 🔎

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not participate in a British and French-led virtual meeting to support Ukraine due to the unfavorable time zone, as it occurred at 1am New Zealand time. While he skipped the call, which lasted two to three hours, New Zealand officials attended in his place. Want More Context? 🔎

A woman, Shirley Orchard, became alarmed when her partner, Neville Thomson, shouted at a pack of growling dogs during a phone call, after which the line went silent. Concerned for his safety, she texted him, expressing her fears about his well-being, but she never received a response. Want More Context? 🔎

When police discovered a woman dead in a West Auckland home on June 9, 2022, she was bleeding from the mouth with no clear injuries, and her intoxication and recent health issues led to initial assumptions of suicide. However, a subsequent examination revealed a brain bleed, prompting a murder trial for the man who called emergency services, with identity details pending a suppression hearing. Want More Context? 🔎