The Weekend: Paralympics appreciation vs everyday apathy

SummaryJudy Atkins, the grieving grandmother of 28-year-old Jessica Moser, addressed Daniel Christopher Powell, the man responsible for her granddaughter's death in a June 2022 truck incident at a Hamilton intersection. She expressed her devastation and described the profound impact of his actions, stating, “You not only killed Jessica, but you destroyed my family,” and revealed that she began taking anxiety medication due to the trauma. Atkins emphasized her indifference to Powell's fate, highlighting the careless...

A woman testified in court about enduring severe abuse at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, including being held underwater, describing the experience as dreamlike and relaxing despite the trauma. The accused, a 43-year-old man, faces 33 charges related to violent assaults and sexual violations involving five alleged victims from 2000 to 2015. The trial is expected to include 17 witnesses over the next three weeks, shedding light on the harrowing experiences of the victims. Full...

A 19-year-old Tauranga man, Patrick Paul Moloney, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to a series of assaults and the online posting of videos documenting these incidents. Initially entering a not guilty plea in December, he now faces one charge of common assault, two charges of injuring with intent, and one charge of posting harmful communication during a recent hearing at Tauranga District Court. The assault charges could result in a maximum of three...

A new collision sport, set to debut in New Zealand next month via the Runit Championship League, has raised significant safety concerns due to its high risk of head injuries. This sport, which involves two players running at each other full speed in a manner reminiscent of rugby league and AFL, has been condemned by a leading neuroscientist after footage surfaced of a participant being knocked unconscious and experiencing a seizure during an Australian event....

A trip to Vietnam in March marked Rebecca Ronald’s recovery and renewed zest for life after a challenging year battling breast cancer. She faced multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and numerous medical appointments, feeling at times as if she would never return to normalcy. Despite the hardships, including losing her ability to enjoy her comfort drink, tea, due to altered taste, support from family and a work-from-home job helped her navigate this difficult journey. Full Article

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has decided not to seek a second term and will instead run for the Greens in the city’s Māori ward, a shift from her previous intention to serve three terms. Her change of heart was influenced by the commencement of the Golden Mile project and the entry of former Labour leader Andrew Little into the mayoral race. Whanau aims to focus on collaborating with mana whenua and advocating for her beliefs...