Four injured in jet boat incident at Skippers Canyon, Queenstown

SummaryThe Government introduced new directives on targeted funding last year, emphasizing need over race, a stance that Labour argues often overlaps. On Budget day, Act leader David Seymour expressed frustration, particularly regarding questions about the decline in Māori funding, asserting that “there’s no such thing as Māori funding” and insisting there is only funding for New Zealanders. This reflects ongoing tensions around funding allocation and the intersection of race and need in policy discussions. Full...

New Zealand Weather UpdateNew Zealand is bracing for another freezing night as an icy-cold front moves across the country. MetService meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo reports that Wānaka and Queenstown will experience the lowest temperatures at -1C, while Blenheim and Milford will see 0C, and Christchurch is expected to remain at 3C. In the North Island, Taupō will also face chilly conditions with a forecasted low of 0C. Full Article

A meth-dealing Comancheros gang member, Jason Leota, 37, received a sentence reduction after being attacked by rival gang members while in Mt Eden Correctional Facility. He was already facing multiple drug supply charges and had fled from a rehabilitation facility with a stash of 3D-printed military-style rifles. Due to the severe consequences of the assault, including memory loss and a likely brain injury, the judge reduced his sentence by 10%, acknowledging the impact of the...

Two brothers, The Hai Phan and Khanh Hoi Phan, were convicted for cultivating cannabis in a rented Auckland property, where police discovered a growing operation with 115 plants and a hydroponic system during a raid on September 9, 2022. Despite the brothers' convictions, their landlord, who owned four other suspected “grow houses,” has not been prosecuted. The operation included measures to bypass the electricity meter, indicating an attempt to conceal excessive power usage. Full Article

The partner of Blues forward Cameron Suafoa shared an emotional video of him celebrating from his hospital bed after his team’s dramatic 20-19 comeback victory over the Chiefs, which secured their spot in the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals. Josh Beehre scored the decisive try in the 84th minute, leading to Suafoa's enthusiastic cheers as he watched the game. His partner, Britt Hastings-Kutty, captured the moment on Instagram, showcasing Suafoa's joy despite being unable to join...

SummaryLabour’s Willie Jackson has urged Te Pāti Māori to compromise and prioritize key issues like health and housing after three of its MPs faced sanctions in Parliament. In response to Kiri Tamihere-Waititi's criticism of Jackson and MP Adrian Rurawhe for suggesting an apology from Te Pāti Māori, Jackson acknowledged her as an inspiring figure. Tamihere-Waititi accused them of trying to appease Pākehā and perpetuating colonization through their calls for apology, highlighting tensions within the political...