Concern for missing US student last seen in Palmerston North

The National Youth Theatre has clarified that grooming and sexual abuse charges against former worker Cole Thomas Johnston, 28, do not pertain to his time with the organization. Johnston faces 12 charges involving one alleged victim, and the theatre's chief executive emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students and staff. Want More Context? 🔎

A recent analysis by the Herald revealed significant errors in Auckland Council's new rates bills, with some residential rates incorrectly calculated at up to 11.4% of property values. Notably, a multi-unit property in Ōtāhuhu was billed $444,766 instead of the correct amount of $14,578, prompting the council to advise ratepayers to report any discrepancies. Want More Context? 🔎

A tragic murder-suicide involving 46-year-old Nicholas Myles McIlraith and his 79-year-old mother, Beverley Joan McIlraith, occurred in Christchurch after family members were unable to contact them for over a month. Nicholas fatally attacked his mother, who suffered from dementia and other ailments, with a sword before taking his own life, following years of isolation and control over her. Want More Context? 🔎

The budget for the Ōtaki to north of Levin highway has surged to $2.1 billion, more than doubling since its initial estimate of $800 million in 2020, despite construction not yet commencing. Transport Minister Chris Bishop criticized the previous Government for the inflated costs, attributing them to rushed budgeting under the NZ Upgrade Programme before the election. Want More Context? 🔎

Brittany Hockley, host of KIIS FM’s Pick Up and the Life Uncut podcast, is currently competing on Dancing With the Stars Australia, recently married Swiss soccer star Ben Siegrist, and has bought a house. Despite her busy schedule, she finds joy in her work and describes the wedding planning process as “stressful.” Want More Context? 🔎

Lower Hutt police have recovered the body of a diver who went missing in Lowry Bay after failing to surface as expected. The police were alerted at 11am, and the body was located by the Police National Dive Squad around 5pm; support is being offered to the next of kin. Want More Context? 🔎