Disputes Tribunal orders wedding venue to refund couple’s $23k deposit that was stolen within 30 minutes

A man permanently lost the use of his legs after being attacked by five gang associates in his Rotorua home in May 2022, who stole his wallet and cellphone. The details emerged in a Court of Appeal judgment when one of the attackers, Raymond Heta, sought to reduce his lengthy prison sentence. Want More Context? 🔎

The bomb squad was deployed and an evacuation center established in Nelson South following a report of a suspicious item left at a Waimea Rd property, accompanied by an alleged threat. Police responded around 5:20 PM, clearing several nearby houses and setting up a cordon as a precaution while an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was confirmed to be on-site. Want More Context? 🔎

Two individuals are in serious condition following an incident in South Auckland, reported around 6:10 PM near Te Irirangi Dr and Great South Rd. Police are on-site and actively searching for other parties involved who left the scene in a vehicle. Want More Context? 🔎

KMD Brands, the outdoor goods retailer behind Kathmandu, Rip Curl, and Oboz, is initiating a significant business overhaul to address declining sales, which includes a minimum of $25 million in cost savings and an organizational restructure. The company plans to close 21 of its over 300 global stores as part of its strategy, according to new CEO Brent Scrimshaw. Want More Context? 🔎

Te Pāti Māori MP Takuta Ferris faced backlash for a social media post criticizing the ethnic diversity of Labour supporters campaigning for the Tāmaki Makaurau byelection, expressing surprise at non-Māori individuals vying for a Māori seat. The party condemned his language, instructed him to remove the post, and emphasized that it does not reflect their views. Want More Context? 🔎

Ikea is set to open its first store in New Zealand on December 4, just three weeks before Christmas, marking a significant milestone after Kiwi Property sold 3.2 hectares of land to the retailer in Auckland two years ago. Fabian Winterbine, Ikea's expansion manager for Australia and New Zealand, expressed excitement about finally bringing Ikea to New Zealand after announcing plans in 2019. Want More Context? 🔎