Govt prioritising potholes over patients, cancer battler says

A passenger, Jovahna Samuels, 38, has been sentenced to jail after attempting to drive off with a $200,000 public bus during a dispute with the driver in Auckland. The bus only moved a short distance before stopping, and while her defense argued it was more of a tantrum than a serious crime, it was still deemed a significant offense. Want More Context? 🔎

Auckland councillors have initiated efforts to tighten regulations on helipads, potentially rendering them "non-compliant" in urban areas, following an independent panel's approval for residents Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray to operate a helipad at their Westmere home. Councillor Mike Lee proposed making private helipads a "prohibited" activity in residential zones, although some officials cautioned against this approach. Want More Context? 🔎

An intoxicated passenger, Swalyn Malaice Jackson Barton-Cookes, 23, disrupted a flight from Perth to Auckland on October 23, 2024, by swearing aggressively and attempting to headbutt a flight attendant, leading to the plane being diverted. He was ordered to pay $10,000 in compensation and received a six-month jail term but was released immediately due to time served in custody. Want More Context? 🔎

Reggae music legend George “Fiji” Veikoso has passed away at the age of 55, as announced by Polynesian Music on social media, describing him as a “beautiful soul.” The organization emphasized that Fiji was more than just an artist, highlighting the unique impact he had during his meaningful life. Want More Context? 🔎

The ANZ property focus report indicates that the anticipated recovery in the housing market has stalled as both sales volumes and prices declined in June, with the REINZ house price index falling 0.3%. Additionally, increasing territorial authority rates are contributing to ongoing inflation concerns. Want More Context? 🔎

Police have charged an officer, identified as Officer A, with dangerous driving causing death following a pursuit that led to the fatal crash of 17-year-old Angel Riley in Whangārei on December 22, 2023. Riley's car collided with a tree after she turned around near a police checkpoint, resulting in her death at the scene. Want More Context? 🔎