‘Huge’ armed police operation in Bay of Plenty town of Maketū

An ongoing police operation in Maketū is connected to the investigation into the death of 20-year-old Zain Matenga Taikato-Fox, who died in Rotorua Hospital after being dropped off by four men who claimed to have found him critically injured on a roadside. Police are seeking witnesses related to a vehicle incident on State Highway 33, though no charges have been filed regarding his death. Want More Context? 🔎

A teen father has admitted to physically assaulting his newborn son, breaking the baby's ribs and bruising his face, due to feeling "tired and overwhelmed" from night feeds, while the mother struggled with post-natal depression. Reports indicate that the mother occasionally heard the father telling the baby to "shut up" during these difficult nights. Want More Context? 🔎

A 32-year-old man, Adam Busby, was sentenced to three years in prison for having unprotected sex with a 12-year-old girl, who is now 13 and visibly pregnant. The incident occurred after Busby approached her in the street and invited her to his house in Stratford, Taranaki, on January 11 of this year. Want More Context? 🔎

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? 🔎