PM goes to war on council waste – and on councils

Seth John Forde, a 46-year-old former member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, has returned to prison after reoffending on parole, having bought guns for protection and using methamphetamine. He was previously sentenced to six years for supplying meth and unlawful firearm possession, and was released in March last year. Need More Context? 🔎

A senior police officer, Assistant Commissioner Jill Rogers, permitted at least two recruits who failed the physical appraisal test (PAT) to enter police college, a move that has raised concerns about fitness standards. This discretion, which deviates from established requirements including running and strength assessments, has been acknowledged by police authorities. Need More Context? 🔎

Senior members of the Greazy Dogs gang were arrested for allegedly controlling the methamphetamine trade in the western Bay of Plenty following police raids on their headquarters and 34 other properties. The operation uncovered significant quantities of drugs, firearms, and cash, leading to charges against five men, including high-ranking gang officials, and the restraint of over $1.5 million in assets. Need More Context? 🔎

The Government plans to reclaim authority from local councils if their decisions hinder economic growth, development, or employment, as announced by Housing and RMA reform Minister Chris Bishop. A new regulatory power will be added to the Resource Management Act, requiring ministerial investigation and council engagement before use, aimed at preventing council actions that impede growth until a new planning system is established. Need More Context? 🔎

Ten-year-old Ryder Ferregel, who was initially wearing a lifejacket on a scalloping trip, was allowed to remove it due to its ill fit. Tragically, after the boat capsized in Auckland’s Manukau Harbour, both Ryder and his mother, Gemma Ferregel, drowned despite clinging to the overturned hull and reaching a sandbar. Need More Context? 🔎

New data from Strategic Pay reveals that women in New Zealand's private sector boardrooms are earning more than men, with female non-executive chairs making 3.7% more and non-executive directors earning 17.2% higher fees. However, women remain underrepresented, comprising only 21% of non-executive chairs and 36% of non-executive directors, compared to 28% and 39% in the public sector, respectively. Need More Context? 🔎