Fears for Methven creek as council moves to quit stockwater

SummaryJohn Schofield, a 74-year-old man, was rescued after being knocked out by unexpected waves while fishing at Ōtaki Beach. A nearby woman and a kite surfer found him face-down in the water and assisted in his rescue. Schofield was flown to the hospital in serious condition but is now recovering at home, although he remains quite tired and zoned-out, according to one of his daughters. Full Article

Auckland FC had an impressive debut season as an expansion club in Australasian sport, marked by pivotal moments on and off the field. American billionaire Bill Foley entered the A-League licence race late but secured ownership after a rival consortium faltered, bringing with him high standards and valuable connections, including those to AFC Bournemouth. Additionally, the Warriors revitalized Mt Smart Stadium, creating a popular venue that positively influenced local perceptions, setting the stage for Auckland...

Watesoni Nacagilevu's Sentencing Watesoni Nacagilevu was sentenced to prison for drug smuggling and money laundering, having participated in approximately $3 million in cash drops. Judge Kirsten Lummis granted a substantial sentence reduction due to his cooperation with police. Initially portrayed as a virtuous bank employee and church-goer, Nacagilevu was later revealed to be a “functional addict” using cocaine daily, ultimately leading to his involvement in a major undercover police operation. Full Article

Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern's memoir, A Different Kind of Power, is set to be released soon, providing a personal and public account of her five years in office. The book reflects on significant events such as the 2019 mosque terrorist attacks, the Whakaari White Island eruption, and the Covid-19 pandemic, while also detailing her rise to power, her experience as a first-time mother during her tenure, and her decision to resign. Ardern shares...

An aurora is set to illuminate New Zealand's skies overnight, with residents of the South Island already witnessing stunning displays of pink, purple, and green hues. This natural phenomenon is triggered by solar activity interacting with Earth's magnetic field, leading to geomagnetic storms. The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's space weather prediction center indicated that the aurora would likely be visible tonight, captivating onlookers with its vibrant colors. Full Article

A crash on State Highway 5 between Taupō and Napier has turned fatal, with one victim succumbing to injuries in the hospital after the incident near Tarawera. The collision, which occurred around 8:50 am last Wednesday, involved a car and a truck, leading to the road's closure for approximately seven hours. Police are conducting ongoing inquiries and have expressed their sympathies to the victim's family and loved ones. Full Article