Media Insider: Should reality TV shows such as The Block NZ and Married at First Sight NZ receive Government rebate support? Media executive shake-ups at Stuff, TVNZ, NZME and Sky TV; TV star’s new podcast

SummaryJohn Tekuru, a 19-year-old, appeared in the Rotorua District Court charged with abducting a 3-year-old girl from a local early childhood center for sexual purposes. He did not enter a plea to the charge of unlawfully taking the girl on March 10 and has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on May 14. Judge Joanne Wickliffe granted permanent name suppression for the daycare center to protect the identity of the victim. Full...

SummaryA 16-year-old has been charged with the murder of Kyle Whorrall, a 33-year-old PhD student, who was fatally attacked at an Auckland bus stop on St Johns Rd. Whorrall's father described him as a kind soul with no enemies, and a vigil is scheduled to be held at the bus shelter where the incident occurred. Police executed a search warrant at a Beach Haven address, leading to the arrest of the teenager on charges of...

SummaryA coronial inquest in Christchurch has concluded regarding the suspected suicide of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore on August 9, 2021, shortly after the Tokyo Olympics. The inquest revealed significant misconduct at Cycling NZ, including pressure on Podmore to lie during a 2018 investigation, and a 2022 report highlighted cultural and structural deficiencies within the organization. Podmore’s parents expressed their grief and frustration during their final statements, as they received insights into their daughter’s treatment and...

Rain is forecasted for the upper North Island this weekend, with the potential for heavy showers. As temperatures drop due to southerly winds, frost conditions may arise in some areas of both islands, prompting attendees of Anzac Day dawn services to dress warmly. Following recent flooding from Cyclone Tam, MetService indicated that the warm air from the north could bring additional rain to Northland and Auckland as holidaymakers return home. Full Article

One New Zealander has become $23.3 million richer after winning tonight's Powerball draw, making them the eighth multi-millionaire of the year. The total prize of $23,333,333 includes $23 million from Powerball and $333,333 from a split First Division prize. The winning numbers for the draw are 10, 31, 24, 19, 22, and 40, with the Bonus Ball being 37 and the Powerball number as 1. Full Article

SummaryJamie Richard Pope, who was on police curfew serving community detention for firearms charges, has been placed under home detention after Customs intercepted multiple packages containing methamphetamine and cocaine destined for his Christchurch address. Initially, Customs alerted police to two drug shipments, followed by the seizure of three additional packages. Pope now faces charges for importing methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as supplying ecstasy, due to his illegal activities while under supervision. Full Article