Filling the phone ‘void’ with play

Easter Weekend Trading Restrictions in New ZealandEaster weekend in New Zealand will see most stores closed due to the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990, with Good Friday and Easter Sunday designated as restricted trading days. Only essential services and specific areas may have exemptions, and public holiday surcharges apply on Good Friday and Easter Monday, with separate regulations for alcohol sales. Following amendments in 2016, local councils can set their own trading policies for Easter...

SummaryPolice have initiated multiple investigations into allegations of sexual abuse within the Two by Twos church, following reports from twenty-seven individuals in New Zealand. Some individuals are still being interviewed, and additional investigations may be forthcoming. The Two by Twos church is characterized as a controversial, home-based fundamentalist Christian organization. Full Article

Auckland faced significant disruptions as Cyclone Tam brought strong winds and heavy rain, resulting in power cuts and falling trees. A mother and daughter narrowly avoided injury when a tree fell on their car, while an elderly couple was trapped in their Mairangi Bay home due to a fallen tree. MetService has issued warnings for continued adverse weather conditions across the North Island. Full Article

Herald writer Steve Braunias spent a summer with Mark Lundy ahead of his retrial in 2015, during which Lundy was again found guilty of murdering his wife and daughter after seven weeks of evidence. Recently, a Parole Board agreed to release Lundy from prison. Braunias recounts his visits with Lundy and Geoff Levick at Levick's Kumeu property, highlighting Lundy's anger and suspicion, as well as the intense camaraderie between Lundy and Levick in their shared...

Double murderer Mark Lundy, who has maintained his innocence regarding the killings of his wife Christine and daughter Amber 25 years ago, is set to be released from prison next month after over 23 years behind bars. Found guilty initially, Lundy's conviction was quashed by the Privy Council in 2013, but he was retried and found guilty again in 2015. Following his third appearance before the New Zealand Parole Board, he will soon be released...

Power Outage and Traffic Disruptions in SilverdaleOn Thursday around 2 PM, Silverdale experienced a power outage affecting traffic lights and the Z gas station's fuel supply. As New Zealanders embark on the long Easter weekend, strong winds from ex-cyclone Tam have led to fallen trees on roads, particularly State Highway 29 in Te Poi, resulting in hazardous driving conditions and multiple crashes on the Kaimai Range. Travelers are reporting frightening conditions due to the high...