28,000 banned heaters still in New Zealand homes pose ‘significant risk to lives and property’

A man is in critical condition following an assault in South Auckland, where he was attacked by three individuals who then fled the scene in a vehicle. The incident occurred in Favona just before 9:30 PM, prompting police to conduct a scene examination at Opawa Crescent. Ongoing inquiries are focused on locating the offenders involved in this serious assault. Full Article

SummaryFinance Minister Nicola Willis announced that the Government is forecast to make its first withdrawal from the NZ Super Fund in 2028, a modest $32 million, marking the fund's first payout since its establishment in 2001. The fund was created to help cover future superannuation costs and is colloquially known as the “Cullen Fund” after its founder, Michael Cullen. Importantly, this withdrawal is mandated by a funding formula in the fund’s founding legislation and is...

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Health Minister Simeon Brown announced a significant investment in urgent care services across New Zealand, with a Budget allocation of $164 million over four years. This funding aims to enhance urgent and after-hours care, introducing new 24/7 services in Counties Manukau, Tauranga, Whangārei, Palmerston North, and Dunedin, along with daytime services in Lower Hutt, Invercargill, and Timaru. Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey highlighted that this initiative will particularly benefit rural...

A Herald investigation has revealed serious allegations of unsafe practices against a Rarotongan turtle tour operator, with claims that the Cook Islands lacks effective regulations to hold such operators accountable. Emily Yu, a tourist, recounted a frightening experience where, after purchasing coconut water and a turtle tour package from Tuhe Piho, she was assured of her safety despite not being able to swim. During the tour in the dangerous Avaavaroa Passage, she found herself drifting...

Red flags hindered Liam Lawson's progress during the first qualifying session of the Formula One Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, resulting in a 16th-fastest time at Imola. A crash by Alpine's Franco Colapinto at turn three triggered the red flag, preventing Lawson from improving his time on his second lap and missing advancement by just 0.123 seconds. Lawson expressed disappointment, noting the performance of their fast car and the missed opportunity, particularly after recent races. Full...

MetService has issued rain and wind warnings for severe conditions expected across New Zealand, particularly between Westland and Wellington, with gale-force winds and heavy rain, including potential thunderstorms, forecasted for the weekend. Temperatures are predicted to drop significantly, with possible snow down to 800m around Tekapo in the South Island's Mackenzie Country. Exposed areas in Marlborough, the Canterbury High Country, and the capital may experience wind gusts up to 120km/h, posing risks to trees, powerlines,...