Media Insider: Unauthorised Jacinda Ardern book – the journalists behind it and the prominent broadcasters who have been interviewed

Aucklanders should prepare for fierce thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail as they face a chilly weekend ahead, with MetService warning of potential electrical storms in the early morning. Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane indicated that the risk of lightning will decrease later in the day, but the pre-dawn period may be particularly active. More Context

Negotiations between Sky and New Zealand Rugby for a renewed broadcast contract are progressing, with TVNZ expected to partner as a free-to-air channel, showcasing live National Provincial Championship games on TVNZ+ starting in 2026. Sky will retain rights to the All Blacks and Super Rugby, collaborating with TVNZ for a shared broadcast package, similar to the existing arrangement for netball. More Context

SummaryTransport crash experts are advocating for stricter drone registration rules following a near-miss incident involving an Air New Zealand Airbus and a drone at Auckland Airport last April. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) reported that neither the drone nor its operator could be identified, highlighting concerns over compliance with civil aviation rules among some drone users. TAIC manager Jim Burtenshaw emphasized the responsibility of drone operators to avoid aircraft and the importance of understanding...

The Marlborough Boys’ College rugby team, which recently garnered attention for a controversial try, is now facing allegations of questionable tactics, as it features five "year 14" students in its first XV. This situation has raised concerns about the integrity of the Miles Toyota Premiership, the premier schoolboy rugby competition, and highlights ongoing issues regarding the intense nature of school sports. The phenomenon of year 14 students returning for an additional year of high school...

Three Auckland club rugby players have been suspended following an incident during a match on May 24 between Pakūranga United Rugby Club and Manukau Rovers Rugby Club, where one player was allegedly coward-punched in the jaw, resulting in a seizure on the field. The incident, reported to the police, involved a Manukau player elbowing the victim before another Manukau player allegedly punched him while he was on the ground. One player received an eight-week suspension,...

This evening’s $17 million Lotto Powerball draw did not produce a winner, resulting in a rollover to $20 million for Saturday's draw. The drawn numbers were 5, 18, 32, 9, 11, and 16, with a bonus ball of 3 and Powerball 1. Although the jackpot was not won, three individuals each won $333,333 in a shared First Division pool, with tickets purchased from Paper Power Thames, New World Blenheim, and MyLotto by a player from...