Ben Morgan’s Pacific Update: Northern Australia’s militarisation

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? 🔎

A 43-year-old man died after severely cutting his arm at a building site when a plate glass window shattered. Despite his son and another person calling 111 for help, an ambulance was delayed due to a dispatcher putting the first available unit on a break, and the second was sent to a less serious incident, according to a report by the Health and Disability Commissioner. Want More Context? 🔎

A scenic train trip from Christchurch to Greymouth on the TranzAlpine costs nearly $2000 for a family of four, comparable to flights to Australia, making it unaffordable for many New Zealanders despite its popularity. The train, one of New Zealand's Great Journeys, covered over 220 kilometers each way and carried 190,000 passengers last year, generating $34.5 million in revenue. Want More Context? 🔎