One dead, two critical after incidents in Rotorua police say are linked

Ariana Thompson-Bell was sentenced to jail after stealing nearly $500,000 from her employer, a local work skills programme, over two years, transferring funds into her personal accounts and her daughter's account. She admitted to spending most of the stolen money on takeaways and clothing. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A woman named Ariana took almost $500,000 from her job and spent it on food and clothes, and now she is going to jail...

A former Auckland teacher, now of retirement age, has denied nine charges related to alleged historical rape, sexual violence, and the creation of objectionable material involving three complainants assaulted between 1989 and 2005. He faces five counts of sexual violation, with potential sentences ranging from 14 to 20 years, and was granted interim suppression while leaving the Auckland District Court. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A retired teacher from Auckland is in trouble...

A group of six skiers in the Mt Ruapehu backcountry triggered an avalanche on Friday, burying four members of their party, one of whom was completely buried with only a hand visible. Rescue efforts were swift, with the buried individuals being excavated within 10 minutes, ensuring their safety after the incident. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A group of six skiers got caught in an avalanche, and rescuers quickly found and saved everyone,...

A 21-year-old man, Haami Hanara, who fatally stabbed a homeless man at 14, escaped custody while visiting a doctor in Hastings, New Zealand. Despite a cast on his arm, he fled the medical facility on Saturday afternoon, and as of Monday morning, he remains at large. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A young man who hurt someone when he was a kid ran away while visiting the doctor. Want More Context? 🔎

The Chiefs have appointed assistant coach Jono Gibbes as head coach for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, succeeding Clayton McMillan, who is moving to Leinster. Gibbes, who has extensive coaching experience and previously played for the Chiefs, aims to lead the team to a championship after McMillan's four finals losses in five years. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The Chiefs rugby team has a new coach named Jono Gibbes, who is excited...

Millie Elder-Holmes has paid a $5000 fine for promoting online gambling, following a warning from Internal Affairs after she continued to advertise offshore casinos. This comes as the launch of Pātea, a digital platform designed to support Māori and communities affected by gambling harm, marks a significant step in addressing the issue. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Millie Elder-Holmes had to pay a fine for telling people about online gambling, but now a...