Prolific New Zealand artist Mark Braunias dies

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is considering legal action after District Court judge Ema Aitken and doctor David Galler verbally attacked him and party members at a Christmas function, with Aitken trying to interrupt Peters' speech and Galler criticizing his government performance. Peters is exploring legal options and expressed shock at the behavior, with Galler apologizing for his remarks. Chief Judge Heemi Taumaunu apologized for Aitken's actions, while barrister Michael Reed KC also caused...

The iconic 'No left turn except access to KFC' road sign in Queenstown has disappeared due to a road construction project, replaced with a KFC-branded banner directing motorists to take a different route. The sign, which drew tourists from around the world, was a symbol of New Zealand's love for KFC. The sign's removal was confirmed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, citing safety and traffic flow reasons, with Waka Kotahi confirming its legality as...

Fifteen new Kāinga Ora homes have been completed in Ashburton, with families moving in before Christmas. The development in Dobson Street, opened by Mayor Neil Brown, features 12 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom homes, along with a communal outdoor area. This project is the largest Kāinga Ora has completed in Ashburton so far, with a total of over 60 homes finished since 2023 and 32 more under construction or contracted. Full Article

GroupM New Zealand recently hosted an event in Auckland with TikTok to explore the future of influencer marketing, featuring insights from Goat and agencies like EssenceMediacom and Mindshare. The event delved into the growing creator landscape, showcasing strategies for advertisers to leverage influencer content across platforms to drive business outcomes. GroupM also introduced Goat Extend, a solution for extending influencer content reach omnichannel, and discussed the evolving nature of influencer marketing with industry experts and...

Tributes are pouring in for mid-Canterbury farming leader Chris Allen, who tragically died in a farm accident near Ashburton. Known for his role on the Federated Farmers board, particularly in water and biodiversity, Allen was praised for his collaborative nature and practical approach to finding solutions. His sudden passing has deeply affected those who knew him, with many highlighting his respected reputation and ability to work across different groups and parties. Full Article

Pierre John Parsons, now known as PJ, a transgender woman and convicted child rapist, has gone to the Supreme Court to have an extended supervision order lifted, arguing her predilection is now "latent and might only emerge in certain circumstances". Parsons was jailed for abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl in 1995, and has been on parole or under an ESO since. Despite previous breaches and more offending, the courts have upheld the ESO, citing...