NZ Herald, Viva and Listener Premium subscription special offer: Don’t miss the best journalism from here and abroad

An Auckland entertainer has denied allegations of raping and grooming a girl, expressing he is "devastated, deeply shaken and utterly shocked." The police have charged him with multiple counts of rape, unlawful sexual connection, and related offenses, while his lawyer has requested name suppression due to significant personal consequences. Want More Context? 🔎

Man about town Ricardo Simich explores the Mowbray family's influential network in his latest Society Insider column, focusing on the key individuals who support Mat, Nick, and Andrew Mowbray in their business ventures and personal lives. The Mowbray brothers, co-founders of Zuru Group, are New Zealand's wealthiest siblings, with a net worth exceeding $20 billion, while their sister Anna, a former co-founder, is valued at over $500 million. Want More Context? 🔎

Former National MP Christine Fletcher has criticized Minister Chris Bishop’s housing proposals for Auckland, deeming his targets "bully-boyish" and his RMA reforms "blunt and disproportionate," warning they threaten the city's heritage and unique landscape. Bishop dismissed her remarks as "hyperbole," but Fletcher, alongside Ōrākei Local Board member Troy Churton, expressed concern over the potential collapse of Auckland's suburban and cultural diversity. Want More Context? 🔎

As New Zealand households face rising electricity costs, the New Zealand Herald's Power to the People campaign suggests reforms like best-price promises and abolishing disconnection fees, though critics argue that deeper market changes are needed. Former energy minister Simon Bridges highlights the dominance of four companies—Mercury, Contact, Genesis, and Meridian—that control 85% of the market and made daily profits of $7.8 million last year. Want More Context? 🔎

Armed police responded to an aggravated robbery at an Auckland bus station where a watch was reportedly stolen. After suspects were seen boarding a bus, police apprehended three men at the Akoranga Bus Station on the North Shore without incident. Want More Context? 🔎

The lawyer for Black Power member Royden Haenga, accused of murdering Hori Gage, claims the intent was to intimidate, not kill. Haenga and co-defendant Robert Richards are on trial for Gage's death, which the Crown alleges was retaliation for a previous attack on a gang president, despite Gage being uninvolved in that incident. Want More Context? 🔎