‘If a village has children, it has a future’: The Ukrainians returning home during war

Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be out for up to two months due to a hamstring strain sustained in a recent game against the Roosters. Rocco Berry returns to the team as Tuivasa-Sheck's replacement, with Adam Pompey moving to the wing. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged for the upcoming match against the Tigers, with two additional players added to the extended bench. Full Article

Mayor Wayne Brown is seeking feedback on Auckland Council's draft Annual Plan for 2025/2026, which includes a proposed 'bed tax' to fund tourism and changes to targeted rates for refuse collection. The plan prioritizes investment in transport and water, fairer funding for local communities, and raising a bed night visitor levy to support tourism activities. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback before the consultation closes on March 28. Full Article

Police in Counties Manukau East are prioritizing 'Safer Town Centres' due to a rise in retail crime and anti-social behavior. Efforts include increased foot patrols, arrests of offenders, and collaboration with the National Retail Crime Unit to target shoplifters. Community feedback has been instrumental in shaping their response, with ongoing surveys to ensure the safety and security of local town centres. Full Article

Ngāi Tahu is in a High Court case against the Attorney-General to gain recognition of their authority over freshwater within their territory, with Federated Farmers expressing concern over potential implications for farming and rural communities. The new freshwater management regime's unclear structure and potential economic impact raise worries about community buy-in and property rights, with Federated Farmers questioning the transfer of rights to Ngāi Tahu as part of the overhaul. The case also involves discussions...

out of the summary. Pro-Palestinian and human rights protesters disrupted New Zealand deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters' speech at the Christchurch Town Hall, condemning his complicity in genocide and failure to support Palestinians in Gaza. Nine protesters were removed after speaking out against the ongoing genocide, with Peters mocking and deriding them while also attacking the media. Police arrested one protester, claiming he touched a car, but he was released without charges, as PSNA co-chair...

Winter is the ideal time to service your vehicles to avoid breakdowns, according to Ashburton Contracting Limited's maintenance experts Willie Jacobs and Craig Tutty. They emphasize the importance of post-harvest maintenance for trucks, trailers, and utes to prevent costly issues later on. ACL offers quick and efficient maintenance services to ensure vehicles are ready for the next busy season, urging customers to schedule maintenance now to avoid future problems. Full Article