Blood Moon: Lunar eclipse to grace New Zealand skies overnight and early Monday

The search for runaway father Tom Phillips and his three children ended tragically in rural Waikato, where he was killed in a shootout with police after being tracked following a ram raid. Phillips had been on the run since late 2021, and concerns remain for his two missing children, Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, aged 12, 10, and 9. Want More Context? 🔎

A 43-year-old man died after severely cutting his arm at a building site when a plate glass window shattered. Despite his son and another person calling 111 for help, an ambulance was delayed due to a dispatcher putting the first available unit on a break, and the second was sent to a less serious incident, according to a report by the Health and Disability Commissioner. Want More Context? 🔎

A scenic train trip from Christchurch to Greymouth on the TranzAlpine costs nearly $2000 for a family of four, comparable to flights to Australia, making it unaffordable for many New Zealanders despite its popularity. The train, one of New Zealand's Great Journeys, covered over 220 kilometers each way and carried 190,000 passengers last year, generating $34.5 million in revenue. Want More Context? 🔎

A judge expressed a "glimmer of hope" for a gang member with a history of crime, who is reportedly trying to reform, during his sentencing hearing. However, his motivation came at the cost of his family's dog, which had to be euthanized after suffering severe injuries when it was dragged behind his vehicle during a police chase. Want More Context? 🔎

A Christchurch resident, Prince, is urging immigration officials to permit her son with Down syndrome to join her in New Zealand, as she fears for his safety and stability in India. The teenager has been barred from entering New Zealand for eight years, while Prince, a chef with New Zealand residency for over a decade, continues to advocate for his entry. Want More Context? 🔎

A beloved old tree at Hokitika Primary School in South Island was uprooted during strong winds, along with a significant portion of the swimming pool building's roof, on Saturday night. Deputy principal Tiff Stewart urged parents to inform their children about the incident before returning to school on Monday, noting that the tree had been a play area for generations of students. Want More Context? 🔎