22 of the best lifestyle and entertainment stories of the year so far

A snorkeling trip in Bali turned tragic for a married couple from Tauranga when a wave capsized their ferry, leading to chaos as passengers were thrown around inside the cabin. Dale and Jason Clark described the horrifying scene, with children and adults screaming as they struggled to hold on before being tossed against others by the violent wave. Want More Context? 🔎

The principal of Auckland Girls' Grammar, Ngaire Ashmore, condemned a violent brawl among students, describing the behavior as "totally unacceptable." An investigation by the school and police is underway following the release of footage showing girls fighting, with authorities taking the situation very seriously. Want More Context? 🔎

Coroner Mike Robb determined that Shargin Atarea Stephens, armed with a slasher and wrench, was not attempting to harm police when he was shot twice in the stomach by a probationary officer in Rotorua in 2016. Although he was trying to escape and made a move towards the officer, he did not charge or swing the weapon at anyone, indicating he was not seeking to engage physically. Want More Context? 🔎

A tragic incident occurred in Kaikohe when a people-mover filled with children was struck by a car, resulting in the death of 11-year-old Staci Walkley, who was discovered trapped beneath the vehicle. Three other children were hospitalized, and while police have identified the two teenage boys in the car that collided with the people-mover, no charges have been filed yet. Want More Context? 🔎

A teenager, now 18, violently attacked or threatened six individuals over 14 months, including kicking a boy in the head with such force that it echoed like a rugby ball through goal posts. During sentencing in a Nelson Youth Court, he was denied the opportunity for a “clean slate” due to the severity of his actions, which included pulling a girl's hair and instilling fear in neighbors. Want More Context? 🔎

A Palmerston North family sold their shop at a loss due to fear after an incident involving Kashayar Heshmat, who, while homeless and untreated for schizophrenia, kissed their 7-year-old daughter on the cheek. Heshmat was sentenced for this incident, along with a series of other indecency offenses and shoplifting charges, which occurred in mid-2024. Want More Context? 🔎