A rollercoaster year: Will Gregory shares his thoughts on 2024

Sir Michael Hill, the founder of Michael Hill Jeweller, passed away at the age of 86 after stepping down from the board for cancer treatment. Known as a celebrated jeweller and philanthropist, he, along with his wife Lady Christine, transformed the business from its origins in Whangārei, New Zealand, into a prominent global retail brand. Want More Context? 🔎

Oranga Tamariki has been ordered to pay over $100,000 in legal costs due to its unsuccessful attempt to remove a Māori child, referred to as "Moana," from her Pākehā foster parents, which Justice Helen Cull criticized as an 'egregious' campaign to discredit the couple. The costs stem from a High Court ruling regarding the child's long-term care after being placed with the Smiths in 2018. Want More Context? 🔎

As Danny and Roberto Jaz appeal their jail sentences for raping and drugging women at the Mama Hooch bar, survivor Alice Lichtnecker has waived her name suppression to share her story. She recounts the trauma of encountering Danny Jaz after her assault in 2018, emphasizing the shock of seeing him free while she continues to seek healing and justice. Want More Context? 🔎

Auckland police seized a record 40,800 tabs of LSD worth over $1 million during Operation Spin, which targeted the importation and supply of Class A drugs from the U.S. Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Sirl noted that this is the largest LSD seizure in New Zealand from a single individual. Want More Context? 🔎

In her first week of life, baby Zita experienced a head injury and methamphetamine exposure while in the care of her birth parents. After being adopted by a non-blood relative who became her mother when she was just seven days old, Zita continues to face health challenges but now enjoys the security of lifelong support following the granting of her adoption order. Want More Context? 🔎

A couple, Michael John Heron and Hayley Lewis, have lost their fight against the Crown to keep their two properties valued at $1.7 million following a police raid in September 2020, which uncovered a large-scale hydroponic cannabis operation. Heron pleaded guilty to multiple cannabis-related charges and was sentenced to 12 months of home detention, leading to the confiscation of their properties and cash. Want More Context? 🔎