‘The tide is turning’

Russian and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Istanbul to discuss plans for ending the ongoing war, following Ukraine's recent successful strike on Russian strategic bombers. This marks the first direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv since early in the invasion, prompted by US President Donald Trump, though significant progress remains elusive. The talks, taking place at the Ciragan Palace, follow an initial round that resulted in a prisoner exchange agreement and discussions on...

A youth worker named Ioana Hill, who was initially awarded nearly $30,000 for unfair dismissal after pushing a teenager who used a derogatory term, has lost her case on appeal. The Employment Court ruled that her dismissal was justified, stating that she used excessive force and therefore should receive no compensation. Hill worked at the Oranga Tamariki youth residence, Korowai Manaaki, in South Auckland from 2017 to 2021, and the incident occurred in March 2021...

SummaryJohn Schofield, a 74-year-old man, was rescued after being knocked out by unexpected waves while fishing at Ōtaki Beach. A nearby woman and a kite surfer found him face-down in the water and assisted in his rescue. Schofield was flown to the hospital in serious condition but is now recovering at home, although he remains quite tired and zoned-out, according to one of his daughters. Full Article

Auckland FC had an impressive debut season as an expansion club in Australasian sport, marked by pivotal moments on and off the field. American billionaire Bill Foley entered the A-League licence race late but secured ownership after a rival consortium faltered, bringing with him high standards and valuable connections, including those to AFC Bournemouth. Additionally, the Warriors revitalized Mt Smart Stadium, creating a popular venue that positively influenced local perceptions, setting the stage for Auckland...

Watesoni Nacagilevu's Sentencing Watesoni Nacagilevu was sentenced to prison for drug smuggling and money laundering, having participated in approximately $3 million in cash drops. Judge Kirsten Lummis granted a substantial sentence reduction due to his cooperation with police. Initially portrayed as a virtuous bank employee and church-goer, Nacagilevu was later revealed to be a “functional addict” using cocaine daily, ultimately leading to his involvement in a major undercover police operation. Full Article

Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern's memoir, A Different Kind of Power, is set to be released soon, providing a personal and public account of her five years in office. The book reflects on significant events such as the 2019 mosque terrorist attacks, the Whakaari White Island eruption, and the Covid-19 pandemic, while also detailing her rise to power, her experience as a first-time mother during her tenure, and her decision to resign. Ardern shares...