Live: The $12b spend on defence – when will we hit 2% of GDP?

The family of 11-year-old Emma-Jane Kupa, who was fatally struck by drunk driver Terina Pineaha, is calling for a longer sentence than the four years and five months handed down for manslaughter. Emma-Jane's mother, Shannon Davis, expressed that the sentence feels like a "slap in the face" and does not deliver true justice. Want More Context? 🔎

Invercargill businessman Rick Murrell has died following a fishing trip at Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park. Police were alerted when he and another fisherman failed to return and check in by radio; a helicopter later located their boat at Safe Cove around 12:30 am, revealing the unfortunate outcome. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Invercargill businessman Rick Murrell has sadly passed away after going fishing on Lake Manapouri. Want More Context? 🔎

The grandmother of a 20-year-old, who was killed in a violent incident in central Hamilton, expressed her deep grief and commitment to seeking justice for her grandson, who was celebrating his upcoming 21st birthday. In heartfelt social media tributes, she lamented the unfairness of his death and urged him to watch over his parents. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A grandmother is very sad because her grandchild, who was going to celebrate his...

Ariana Thompson-Bell was sentenced to jail after stealing nearly $500,000 from her employer, a local work skills programme, over two years, transferring funds into her personal accounts and her daughter's account. She admitted to spending most of the stolen money on takeaways and clothing. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A woman named Ariana took almost $500,000 from her job and spent it on food and clothes, and now she is going to jail...

A former Auckland teacher, now of retirement age, has denied nine charges related to alleged historical rape, sexual violence, and the creation of objectionable material involving three complainants assaulted between 1989 and 2005. He faces five counts of sexual violation, with potential sentences ranging from 14 to 20 years, and was granted interim suppression while leaving the Auckland District Court. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A retired teacher from Auckland is in trouble...

A group of six skiers in the Mt Ruapehu backcountry triggered an avalanche on Friday, burying four members of their party, one of whom was completely buried with only a hand visible. Rescue efforts were swift, with the buried individuals being excavated within 10 minutes, ensuring their safety after the incident. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A group of six skiers got caught in an avalanche, and rescuers quickly found and saved everyone,...