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

Three Auckland club rugby players have been suspended following an incident during a match on May 24 between Pakūranga United Rugby Club and Manukau Rovers Rugby Club, where one player was allegedly coward-punched in the jaw, resulting in a seizure on the field. The incident, reported to the police, involved a Manukau player elbowing the victim before another Manukau player allegedly punched him while he was on the ground. One player received an eight-week suspension,...

This evening’s $17 million Lotto Powerball draw did not produce a winner, resulting in a rollover to $20 million for Saturday's draw. The drawn numbers were 5, 18, 32, 9, 11, and 16, with a bonus ball of 3 and Powerball 1. Although the jackpot was not won, three individuals each won $333,333 in a shared First Division pool, with tickets purchased from Paper Power Thames, New World Blenheim, and MyLotto by a player from...

Emergency services responded to a collision between a freight train and a truck in the Favona suburb of South Auckland around 7:45 pm. Police are on the scene conducting enquiries, while the train driver has been taken to Middlemore Hospital with minor injuries. Authorities continue to manage the situation as investigations proceed. Full Article

WARNING: This story is about family violence and may be distressing. A mother was in tears as she listened to the court reveal a man's six-month campaign of terror against her family, which included ongoing violence before he targeted her daughter. The emotional impact of his actions was further highlighted as the daughter described how they affected her as well. The courtroom atmosphere was charged with distress as both mother and daughter confronted the painful...

Smith & Caughey’s has announced its closure will occur on June 15, 2025, six weeks earlier than the previously scheduled date of July 31. The company expressed its regret in a social media post, inviting customers to visit the store for one last shopping experience and to share memories. Additionally, they plan to unveil a final window display on Queen St that will celebrate the business’s rich history and its people. Full Article

Economic ScorecardThe upcoming GDP figures for the first quarter of the year will provide clarity on the state of the economy, addressing concerns about potential growth stagnation. Preliminary indications suggest that growth may not be as negative as initially feared, with BNZ economists forecasting a GDP increase of 0.7%, matching the previous quarter's performance. A comprehensive preview of these figures will be published on Monday, further illuminating the economic landscape. Full Article