Wild weather rips roof off primary school building, brings down beloved tree

Eighty-five employees at Auckland's Absolute Traffic Solutions lost their jobs after the company faced liquidation due to $1.1 million in debts to the Inland Revenue, including $937,000 in GST and $192,000 in PAYE tax. Following the liquidation, about 60 staff have been re-employed on short-term contracts as the liquidator intends to sell the business. Want More Context? 🔎

TVNZ has apologized and been ordered to pay $500 after the Broadcasting Standards Authority identified a "serious mistake" in revealing the identity of a domestic abuse victim and former Destiny Church member during a news story. Following this incident, the broadcaster announced it would change its filming practices to prevent similar privacy breaches in the future. Want More Context? 🔎

Sharon Spooner tragically found her husband, Raymond, lifeless on State Highway 39 after he was struck by Wiremu Prime, who was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, failing to adhere to the speed limit. Prime was sentenced to jail for causing Spooner's death on September 5, highlighting the devastating impact of impaired driving. Want More Context? 🔎

The Marokopa children, Jayda (12), Maverick (10), and Ember (9), are grappling with the trauma of their past and the recent loss of their father, Tom Phillips, who died in an armed standoff with police after a burglary. Child psychologist Sara Chatwin described the incident as a "triple tragedy," highlighting the profound impact on the children's lives. Want More Context? 🔎

Experts are increasingly questioning the value of homework for primary school children, with some advocating for its elimination entirely, as studies suggest its impact is negligible. In New Zealand, there are no specific regulations on homework, leading to varying workloads for students, which some parents find overwhelming, particularly for younger children who struggle to focus after a long day at school. Want More Context? 🔎

The search for runaway father Tom Phillips and his three children ended tragically in rural Waikato, where he was killed in a shootout with police after being tracked following a ram raid. Phillips had been on the run since late 2021, and concerns remain for his two missing children, Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, aged 12, 10, and 9. Want More Context? 🔎