Charging for returns: Is online shopping in for a shake-up?

A father of three, Luke Daniel Rivers, has admitted to 29 charges related to a significant wage subsidy fraud and money laundering scheme, utilizing a fake passport. In June 2023, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) accused him of defrauding taxpayers of nearly $1 million and attempting to claim an additional $738,000 in Covid wage subsidies. The Auckland District Court revealed that the total value of Rivers' fraudulent activities amounted to approximately $982,000. Full Article

Ruth Yanid Ramirez-Alfonso, a Colombian national, has lost her appeal to avoid a conviction for importing cocaine, which stems from her involvement in a group accused of bringing 50kg of cocaine from Colombia to New Zealand. The Supreme Court upheld her conviction, following her arrest in 2021 during one of the country's largest drug busts. Although she initially pleaded not guilty, she later admitted to a representative charge of importing cocaine, leading to potential deportation....

SummaryFamily and friends gathered in South Auckland to bid farewell to 12-year-old Misiafa Nathaniel Fealofa’i Lene, who tragically died from dengue fever after being evacuated from Samoa to Auckland’s Starship hospital. His parents, Taito Louis Lene and Taunese, were visibly emotional as they laid their son to rest, urging others to take precautions against the mosquito-borne virus that took his life. Misiafa fell ill earlier this month and passed away just a day after arriving...

SummaryIn Rotorua's CBD, over 10 vehicles had their tyres slashed in a random act of vandalism, causing distress among locals. Residents discovered that at least eight vehicles on Pukuatua St had all four tyres damaged overnight, with additional incidents reported near the lakefront on Tūtānekai St and on Fenton St. Police are investigating the matter, having received multiple complaints and confirming that CCTV captured two individuals involved in the vandalism, urging residents to report any...

SummaryThe article highlights three key facts about exercise: interval training should be personalized, individuals without medical issues can begin light-to-moderate exercise with a doctor's approval, and regular physical activity can reduce heart disease risk by a third, regardless of age. The author recounts waking up early in Shanghai and, unable to sleep, decided to go to the hotel gym, reflecting on his past fitness. Despite feeling fit, he realized he was unprepared for the workout,...

Police are investigating a fire at Just Funerals in Māngere Bridge, Auckland, which occurred around 11:50 PM. Following the blaze, four individuals were spotted fleeing the scene, prompting authorities to seek their identification and location. Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward confirmed that inquiries are ongoing regarding the incident. Full Article