Modern problems, indigenous solutions: Jacob McGregor’s year in review

Ye “Cathay” Hua laundered at least $18 million for Xavier Valent’s drug syndicate and is currently serving a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence. An investor, Min Hu, who unknowingly invested over $61,000 in Hua's company, is engaged in a complicated court battle to recover her money, which is crucial for her house deposit. This amount, part of which was a wedding gift from her parents, is small compared to the hundreds of millions handled by Hua's enterprise...

Wendy Petrie, a broadcaster, is embracing newfound freedom as her daughters study abroad on sporting scholarships, leaving her with more time alongside her husband, Ross Peebles, and their teenage son, Zach. At 53, Wendy is exploring travel writing and preparing for her first ocean swim, while reflecting on the importance of rekindling her relationship with Ross amid their busy lives. She notes that many friends share similar experiences, emphasizing the need to invest time in...

Tonight's Lotto Powerball draw with a $12m jackpot was not won, but one lucky Kiwi will still receive $1 million. The winning numbers were 23, 10, 15, 22, 32, and 13, with the bonus ball 35 and Powerball 2. While the jackpot went unclaimed, a player did secure the $1m first division prize. Full Article

Pascal Atiga-Bridger and his daughter received community service sentences for smuggling cannabis resin into an Auckland prison, using a baby as a decoy during the attempt. Initially facing charges of supplying and distributing cannabis, which could result in 14 years' imprisonment, the more serious charges were dropped. Despite seeking a discharge without conviction, Atiga-Bridger's daughter was convicted and given 40 hours of community service. Full Article

A tenant fled a Manawatu property after a family harm incident, leaving behind half a tonne of rubbish and a melted knife in the oven. The landlord sought $10,340.41 in rent arrears and compensation at the tribunal. The tenant admitted to leaving the property untidy but disputed the amount being claimed. Full Article

This year, two new curriculums are being implemented in New Zealand schools, causing concerns among teachers about the rapid changes and lack of training and resources for structured literacy and maths. The ageing teacher population and better opportunities in Australia are leading to teacher shortages, with one teacher expressing stress due to the lack of planning and resources in the classroom. Full Article