Ben Morgan: Ukraine holds on, the situation on land is stabilising

SummaryGovernment minister Chris Bishop faced backlash for labeling Stan Walker's performance at the Aotearoa Music Awards a “load of crap.” In contrast, Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau acknowledged her drinking problem in 2023 following two incidents at a bar. Some have attempted to equate the treatment of both politicians, suggesting double standards, but the author argues that Bishop's comments made at a public event with a beer do not parallel Whanau's serious admission regarding her alcohol...

Te Pāti Māori has strongly criticized a contentious debate resulting in unprecedented penalties for three of its MPs, including co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, who received 21-day suspensions, while Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke was suspended for seven days. The debate was marked by disruptions, including heckling and derogatory comments, with Waititi notably brandishing a noose, prompting concerns from the Opposition about setting a dangerous precedent. Previously, the longest parliamentary suspension was three sitting days, making this...

An Auckland entertainer in his 20s, whose name is suppressed, faces serious accusations of raping and grooming a girl he met in a drama group over four years. The alleged offenses occurred in Auckland between January 2017 and January 2021, with police beginning their investigation following a report in September 2024. The man, who has worked internationally and taught child performers, made his first court appearance at the North Shore District Court. Full Article

An investigation is underway following a school trip from Ōpōtiki College that proceeded to a backcountry hut despite a weather warning, leading to a helicopter evacuation due to compromised walking tracks from heavy rain. The Year 12 group, consisting of 11 students, a teacher, and an adult helper, was based at the six-bunk Pakihi Hut in the Urutawa Conservation Area, which offers camping space and is situated along the Pakihi Track. The severe weather caused...

Kaea Karauria, who would have turned 16 five days ago, was tragically killed in a stabbing incident in Onekawa on May 11, leaving his family heartbroken. Despite nearly four weeks passing, police have yet to make any arrests, and Kaea's father suspects that potential witnesses have been threatened to remain silent. In response to the tragedy, a fundraiser has been initiated to support Kaea's family, alongside a social media campaign advocating for "Justice for Kaea,"...

US President Donald Trump has signed a new travel ban affecting 12 countries, prompted by a recent attack on a Jewish protest in Colorado, attributed to an undocumented individual. The ban targets nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, and is set to take effect on June 9. Additionally, a partial ban has been instituted for travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone,...