Bleisure trips and a big year ahead: Tim Alpe’s year in review

The ANZ property focus report indicates that the anticipated recovery in the housing market has stalled as both sales volumes and prices declined in June, with the REINZ house price index falling 0.3%. Additionally, increasing territorial authority rates are contributing to ongoing inflation concerns. Want More Context? 🔎

Police have charged an officer, identified as Officer A, with dangerous driving causing death following a pursuit that led to the fatal crash of 17-year-old Angel Riley in Whangārei on December 22, 2023. Riley's car collided with a tree after she turned around near a police checkpoint, resulting in her death at the scene. Want More Context? 🔎

A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in Christchurch, where emergency services found her unresponsive after reports of critical injuries on Lamorna Rd. It is believed the woman was stabbed, and the suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident. Want More Context? 🔎

Christopher Luxon expressed admiration for the "sheer energy, pace, and relentless drive for innovation" he observed during his recent visit to China. While he maintains a transactional approach typical of a former CEO, he also aims to build personal relationships with global leaders, including President Xi Jinping, whom he first met during a State visit in 2014. Want More Context? 🔎

Vincent Cornell-Cooke made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his lifejacket to his brother Bronson while they struggled to stay afloat after falling off a jetski in Lake Taupō. Despite efforts to keep Vincent above water, he disappeared and was later found deceased, highlighting the tragic heroism of his actions. Want More Context? 🔎

In New Zealand, the rising cost of dairy products, particularly butter, has become a significant concern, with prices nearly doubling in the past 14 months; a 500g block of butter now costs $8.60, up from $4.49 last year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is engaging with Fonterra's CEO to understand the factors contributing to these escalating prices amidst the country's substantial dairy industry. Want More Context? 🔎