Treasured rings back with fire victim

A Palmerston North family sold their shop at a loss due to fear after an incident involving Kashayar Heshmat, who, while homeless and untreated for schizophrenia, kissed their 7-year-old daughter on the cheek. Heshmat was sentenced for this incident, along with a series of other indecency offenses and shoplifting charges, which occurred in mid-2024. Want More Context? 🔎

Former National Youth Theatre performers and parents allege that entertainer Cole Thomas Johnston, 28, charged with grooming and raping a girl, worked for the organization during the years of his alleged offenses, although there is no indication of abuse occurring within the group or its awareness of the activities. The organization maintains that it has strict policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students. Want More Context? 🔎

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford will hold a press conference today at an Auckland school to discuss significant changes to New Zealand's secondary school assessments. Stanford recently announced the abolition of NCEA, which will be replaced by two new qualifications for Years 12 and 13, marking the most substantial update to the assessment system in over 20 years.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nus_Yn8uLgs Want More Context? 🔎

A 5-year-old girl from Christchurch, Tilly, is in critical condition at a Singapore hospital after developing gastrointestinal symptoms during a family holiday in Bintan, Indonesia, following their trip to Ireland. Her mother, Bridget Hendley, initially believed Tilly had a viral illness from traveling but grew concerned as her condition worsened. Want More Context? 🔎

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster described the criminal case against ex-Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming as "a really disturbing situation" during an interview, emphasizing the need to let legal processes unfold without discussing the specifics due to the ongoing court case. Coster, who worked closely with McSkimming, was pressed about any suspicions of wrongdoing but maintained he could not comment further. Want More Context? 🔎

The tragic death of 19-year-old cyclist Fyfa Dawson, who was killed in October 2019 after a collision with a concrete truck at a construction site on Springs Rd in Christchurch, has led Coroner Ruth Thomas to call for reforms in temporary traffic management and heavy vehicle operations to prevent future incidents. Dawson's family has also joined the push for change following the coroner's findings. Want More Context? 🔎