Wellington and Palmerston North District Courts evacuated over bomb threats

NZME's future direction hinges on the vote of its largest shareholder, with one vocal shareholder withdrawing support for Jim Grenon due to a lack of necessary media skills. Australian investment fund Spheria Asset Management, holding just under 20%, has responded with its position. Australian media analyst and shareholder Roger Colman criticizes Grenon's team for lacking relevant media and digital classifieds experience, advocating against voting for them to avoid endangering NZME's future. Full Article

Former Labour leader Andrew Little, who had previously ruled out running for Wellington mayor, is now considering a bid, citing the need for change in the city. Confirmed candidates for the mayoral race include Tory Whanau, Ray Chung, Karl Tiefenbacher, Kelvin Hastie, Graham Bloxham, and Rob Goulden. Little, who retired from politics in 2023, has expressed interest in the mayoralty following Labour's struggle to find a candidate for the position. Full Article

Solicitor General Una Jagose expressed concern to Secretary for Justice Andrew Kibblewhite about a District Court judge allegedly interrupting NZ First leader Winston Peters' speech at an event at Auckland's Northern Club. Jagose asked Kibblewhite if he knew about the incident, to which he responded with surprise and questioned if harmony was not maintained between the two parties. Full Article

Sergio Frederico Williams was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Herbert Bradley after fatally stabbing him in Bradley's Auckland Central apartment. Despite claiming self-defence, Justice Jane Anderson emphasized Williams' aggression and Bradley's vulnerability. Williams, who had a promising start in life with a multilingual upbringing and educated parents, took a dark turn leading to the tragic murder of Bradley, a stranger who had offered him temporary shelter. Full Article

The 6-year-old son of Sonandi and Ruan Geldenhuys is facing deportation from New Zealand due to having Down syndrome, with Immigration Minister Erica Stanford implementing new rules to address strain on the education system from children with learning difficulties. The Geldenhuys family intends to appeal for ministerial intervention, arguing that the policy is discriminatory as Luandre's younger brother was granted a visa despite not having the genetic condition. Ruan Geldenhuys expressed disappointment in the decision,...

Hawke’s Bay development company Hikanui Capital, owned by Shannon John Tawhiti, is in liquidation with debts exceeding $4 million. The company, along with three others, was placed into receivership and liquidation in February. Despite facing charges in the Environment Court, Tawhiti claims most debts will be repaid using three property assets, and disputes the reported debt amount. Full Article