Northland Expressway preferred routes: Government eyes new road over Brynderwyns, rather than bypass

SummaryJamie Richard Pope, who was on police curfew serving community detention for firearms charges, has been placed under home detention after Customs intercepted multiple packages containing methamphetamine and cocaine destined for his Christchurch address. Initially, Customs alerted police to two drug shipments, followed by the seizure of three additional packages. Pope now faces charges for importing methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as supplying ecstasy, due to his illegal activities while under supervision. Full Article

SummaryPolice have closed half of Bowen Street in Wellington following a chemical-related incident involving a reaction of two hazardous epoxy chemicals. Multiple fire trucks, including a Hazmat unit, are stationed outside the Ministry of Education building, and fire crews are managing traffic; however, it remains unclear if buildings have been evacuated. Witnesses report a significant emergency response near Parliament, with police restricting access to one side of the street as authorities work to contain the...

A makeshift memorial has been established at a Meadowbank bus stop in Auckland where 33-year-old PhD student Kyle Whorrall was fatally attacked. Whorrall, who was studying at the University of Auckland and Landcare Research, was assaulted by two individuals from a black SUV while waiting at the bus shelter. In tribute, fellow students plan to name a new insect species after him, as mourners gather at the site, leaving flowers and lighting to honor his...

Auckland Council has reached a settlement with cafe owner Dilip Kumar Rupa regarding nearly $1 million in overdue rates, leading to the abandonment of plans for a forced sale of Rupa’s Cafe and two Grey Lynn homes. The council's chief financial officer, Ross Tucker, confirmed the settlement, although the specifics remain confidential. This resolution comes after a lengthy dispute, with Rupa having refused to pay rates on the family-owned properties for several years, culminating in...

An artwork was damaged during The Curious Ball at Auckland Art Gallery, resulting in a criminal charge against a 29-year-old woman for wilful damage. The damaged piece, a hanging sculpture by Olafur Eliasson, is currently being repaired and has sustained no lasting damage. The event featured exclusive after-hours access to Eliasson's exhibition, where guests enjoyed alcohol while viewing his art, which is valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Full Article

Zacharius Rakena faced up to seven years in prison due to dangerous encounters with a theft victim and police following a car theft incident on February 19 last year. Despite his lengthy criminal history, his lawyer proposed a new approach to sentencing, emphasizing Rakena's rehabilitation efforts through the Grace Foundation. Judge Yelena Yelavich acknowledged these efforts, noting that Rakena had previously been incarcerated multiple times without significant change, highlighting the importance of addressing his rehabilitation....