Ōtaki to north of Levin highway cost doubles to $2.1b, construction yet to start

This evening’s Lotto Powerball worth $17 million was not won and will roll over to $20 million for Saturday’s draw, with winning numbers being 10, 14, 12, 20, 1, and 11, and the Powerball being 10. An Auckland MyLotto player won $1 million in the First Division, while a Strike player won $400,000 in the Strike Four draw. Want More Context? 🔎

The coalition Government is midway through its term, with polls indicating equal support for both the centre-right and centre-left. The National Party's re-election strategy may hinge on Labour's proposed capital gains tax and concerns about Te Pāti Māori, while Labour seems to rely on criticizing National's leader, Christopher Luxon, rather than presenting its own agenda. Want More Context? 🔎

The mother of a 15-year-old boy attacked and robbed by a gang near Avondale train station in Auckland is urging for the assailants to be identified. The boy was hospitalized after the unprovoked assault, during which his new Nike sneakers were stolen, and he sustained injuries including a cut above his eye. Want More Context? 🔎

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a 3-month-old baby girl was hospitalized with multiple broken bones, including an unusual broken arm. The Wellington Police’s Child Protection Team initiated the investigation after the baby's injuries were discovered upon her hospital admission on June 14. Want More Context? 🔎

The National Youth Theatre has clarified that grooming and sexual abuse charges against former worker Cole Thomas Johnston, 28, do not pertain to his time with the organization. Johnston faces 12 charges involving one alleged victim, and the theatre's chief executive emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students and staff. Want More Context? 🔎

A recent analysis by the Herald revealed significant errors in Auckland Council's new rates bills, with some residential rates incorrectly calculated at up to 11.4% of property values. Notably, a multi-unit property in Ōtāhuhu was billed $444,766 instead of the correct amount of $14,578, prompting the council to advise ratepayers to report any discrepancies. Want More Context? 🔎