Weather: South Island in the firing line as front sweeps in from Tasman Sea

ASB has announced significant reductions in its fixed mortgage rates, aligning with other major banks; the six-month fixed rate drops by 16 basis points to 5.29%, while the one-year fixed rate decreases by 6 basis points to 4.89%. ASB's executive noted that borrowers now pay 2.5% less interest compared to 18 months ago, potentially saving $12,500 annually on a $500,000 loan. Need More Context? 🔎

Auckland is experiencing a significant rise in dog attacks, with nearly 3000 reported incidents last year, an increase of over 1000 from 2020. Experts attribute this surge to a growing dog population post-Covid, fewer desexed pets, and a lack of owner education, while the Auckland Council notes that actual attack numbers may be under-reported. Need More Context? 🔎

A buyer, Ningfei Du, successfully canceled a $10 million purchase of an Auckland mansion due to safety concerns after a landslide caused by January 2023 storms, which also resulted in a fatality nearby. The High Court ruled in March that he could recover his $1 million deposit and awarded him over $175,000 in costs. Need More Context? 🔎

Kingirangi Johnson Karanga, a recent parolee, was sentenced to an additional 18 months in prison after holding a gun to his ex-partner in West Auckland, while her toddler walked into the room, urging him to leave. Judge Rebecca Guthrie highlighted the victim's vulnerability during the incident, which influenced the decision to stack the new sentence on top of his existing one for violating parole. Need More Context? 🔎

A 23-year-old man surrendered to police following a stabbing incident at Auckland’s Pakūranga Night Markets, where two individuals were critically injured. As of Sunday morning, both victims are reported to be in stable condition in the hospital. Need More Context? 🔎

A New Zealander has been arrested in France and charged with the attempted murder of Laotian political activist Joseph Akaravong following a knife attack in Pau. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed awareness of the situation, noting that two others were also arrested but later released. Need More Context? 🔎