Five Pacific region geopolitical ‘betrayals’ in 2024

Controversial Wellington mayoral candidate Graham Bloxham has abruptly withdrawn from the race before submitting his nomination, having previously announced his intention to run in January. His campaign faced scrutiny due to allegations of unpaid taxes exceeding $5000 and a recent arrest related to a driving offense. Want More Context? 🔎

A man, Michael Brendon Buck, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for indecently assaulting a 10-year-old girl and later committed similar offenses against a 4-year-old girl a decade later. The latter victim described her trauma as incomprehensible, revealing that she had carried the burden for many years until disclosing the abuse to her family. Want More Context? 🔎

A New World supermarket in Browns Bay, Auckland, was evacuated after its sign caught fire at approximately 7:45 PM. Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded with three fire engines and a high ladder, quickly extinguishing the fire and working to ventilate the smoke-logged building. Want More Context? 🔎

A seasoned forestry worker lost four fingers in an accident that ended his 45-year career, which he had no intention of retiring from. Kohurau Contracting has been ordered to pay $150,000 and to publish an educational article on the dangers of untangling cable snarls following the incident that occurred while the worker was clearing a miswound cable at a site near Waipu. Want More Context? 🔎

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's chief of staff, Jazz Singh, resigned after failing to declare his property company's liquidation, which left $560,000 owed to Inland Revenue. Although leaving the mayoral office, Singh will continue to work on projects for the council's chief executive, Phil Wilson, with Brown expressing disappointment yet acknowledging the necessity of Singh's departure. Want More Context? 🔎

Sir Michael Hill, the founder of Michael Hill Jeweller, passed away at the age of 86 after stepping down from the board for cancer treatment. Known as a celebrated jeweller and philanthropist, he, along with his wife Lady Christine, transformed the business from its origins in Whangārei, New Zealand, into a prominent global retail brand. Want More Context? 🔎