https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/rss NZME Get the latest news from Newstalk ZB. From breaking news to the debate and opinion, we bring NZ the news from around the world as it happens.   Sat, 06 Jun 2026 16:18:56 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/friends-house-share-feud-ends-with-disputes-tribunal-ruling-neither-owes-the-other-a-cent/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/friends-house-share-feud-ends-with-disputes-tribunal-ruling-neither-owes-the-other-a-cent/ Friends who fell out after buying a house together ended up fighting over cleaning products, internet and power costs.  The friendship soured so badly that one moved his cooking equipment into his room to avoid sharing space with the other.  According to a recent Disputes Tribunal decision, he eventually moved out, but only after the money came through when his former friend and co-owner of the house agreed to buy him out.  Once he’d gone, the other then lodged a claim with the tribunal, saying he was owed rent, plus rates and shared house expenses.  The friend who’s moved out then counter-claimed for legal expenses he notched up defending his position.  The tribunal has decided that each owed the other $233, which left neither out of pocket.  Tribunal referee Krysia Cowie said it was the fairest outcome in a situation where each felt aggrieved by the other, and each considered they had suffered a loss.  Sign of the times  Increasingly, more people sought to enter the housing market by purchasing property with friends, two expert property lawyers in New Zealand told NZME.  While it might be a good way of getting on to the property ladder, it was not without its pitfalls, especially if there was no agreement or it was drafted without expert advice, Joanna Pidgeon said.  Adina Thorn said it was a sign of the times.  “Property is so inaccessible to the average income earner in this country that for a lot of people, it might seem better to do this than rent.”  The living situation became “very tense”, said Disputes Tribunal adjudicator Krysia Cowie. Photo / 123rf  Thorn said the concept might sound like a good idea, as long as the purchasers remained friends.  “What you really should be doing first is ask the ‘what ifs’: What if this doesn’t work out? What if we don’t get on? What if we don’t want to live with each other anymore?  “What if someone falls in love and wants to move on?”  Thorn said these were the first steps anyone should ask themselves before venturing into such property arrangements.  Friendship strained further by missed deadline  According to the decision, Colin* and Erik* were once good friends.  In July 2023, they decided to buy a house together.  Colin contributed 75% of the equity and Erik the rest.  However, in January 2025, their relationship broke down and Colin agreed to buy Erik’s share of the house.  In a written agreement, Colin agreed to pay $44,575 to Erik by an agreed date, and Erik would then have a month to move out.  He agreed to pay $200 a week in rent until then.  But Colin missed the payment deadline for the buyout when an investment failed to return what he needed.  The living situation became “very tense”, Cowie said in the decision.  Erik moved his cooking equipment into his room so he was self-contained and could avoid shared spaces.  Colin and his partner used the rest of the house, Cowie said.  Rent payments stopped  Erik stopped paying rent. Colin was worried he might have to sell the house, so he went to a lawyer.  Erik was sent a letter which required him to seek legal advice in order to understand it and to defend his position, Cowie said.  A couple of months later, he got his $44,575 and promptly moved out, after paying $1521 in unpaid rent and living expenses owed.  Colin then lodged a claim in the tribunal saying he was owed money as a claw back on a home loan, plus rates and for shared household expenses.  Cowie said the pair received about $3850 from a home loan provider on the basis that they would own the home for four years.  Erik counterclaimed for legal expenses incurred and for money he claimed he had overpaid.  The tribunal had to decide if the pair had agreed on how their property and costs would be divided after their friendship ended and, if so, whether Colin had breached the agreement.&n... Sat, 06 Jun 2026 04:19:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/muriwai-tragedy-person-found-dead-after-falling-from-rocks/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/muriwai-tragedy-person-found-dead-after-falling-from-rocks/ A person has died after reportedly falling from rocks at Muriwai.  Police, emergency services and Surf Life Saving responded to Ōtakamiro Point, near Muriwai’s popular gannet colony, about 1pm after reports of a person having fallen into the water.  The Westpac Rescue helicopter was deployed and located the deceased.  Police are now working to establish the circumstances of the incident after recovering the body from the water.  Phuong Van Dang had driven to the beach for a day trip with his wife when they noticed the significant recovery response.  Shortly after, he said three local fishermen told the couple they had watched the incident unfold.  “He was just on the edge of the rocks, just pulling in his line, and this freak wave came along and washed him off,” Dang said, relaying what he was told.  “He didn’t know how to swim, didn’t have a life jacket on.”  The fishermen attempted to rescue the man by throwing him a flotation device but were unable to bring him back to shore.  He said the would-be rescuers appeared to be deeply affected by the tragedy.  “After what happened, they just lost their appetite for fishing”, he said.  “They just watched him drown right in front of their eyes.”  The deceased person was recovered from the water at Ōtakamiro Point this afternoon. Photo / Google  Dang said the conditions on the coast were rough today, with “very big swells, and very dirty, muddy water”.  Having been swept off the rocks himself at another New Zealand beach, he believes stronger signage is needed to warn of the potentially fatal danger.  The death is the latest tragedy on Auckland’s west coast, where authorities have repeatedly warned of the dangers posed by unpredictable seas and powerful swells.  In 2018, a man and woman were swept off the rocks at Muriwai Beach.  Muriwai’s fire brigade chief at the time, Phelan Pirrie, told the Herald visitors “keep underestimating how dangerous it is out there”.  “There’s been signs about wearing life jackets ... if you’re on the rocks, being careful and treating it as being extremely dangerous.  “I don’t know, the message doesn’t seem to get through, unfortunately. It’s really tragic.”  Sat, 06 Jun 2026 04:09:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/prime-minister-in-australia-luxon-speaks-after-press-conference-with-anthony-albanese/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/prime-minister-in-australia-luxon-speaks-after-press-conference-with-anthony-albanese/ Prime ministers Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese are calling on their business leaders for reform proposals that will create “seamless economic integration” as the two countries grapple with more contested global affairs.  Luxon and Albanese are hosting their annual leadership forum roundtable in Noosa, Queensland, accompanied by high-powered business executives from both sides of the Tasman as the two prime ministers seek closer economic ties.  Luxon and Albanese held a joint press conference after another meeting between the pair this afternoon.  A media stand-up with Luxon will be available at the top of this article.  Australia and NZ PMs Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon chairing the annual leaders' meeting alongside high-powered business execs in Noosa. Photo / Adam Pearse  In opening this morning’s meeting, Albanese lamented the turmoil affecting global trade, namely the ramifications of the Middle East conflict on fuel supply.  “Economic integration is really what we’re looking for in a seamless way,” he said.  “We want to hear from the CEOs today about what more we can do as respective governments.  “Both of us want to make sure that we’re responsive, that you are in the best position, to put forward practical initiatives and reforms as well.  Australia PM Anthony Albanese opened the meeting. Photo / Adam Pearse  “That includes supply chain vulnerabilities, doing more technological research together, reinforcing ... our sovereign defence industries.”  Albanese noted both governments had agreed on “eight concrete actions” which originated from last year’s annual meeting in Queenstown. He did not elaborate on what those actions were.  New Zealand’s business representatives included engineering and consulting firm Beca strategic growth advisor Greg Lowe, infrastructure investment firm Infratil chief executive Jason Boyes, Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui and Spark chief executive Jolie Hodson.  Several high-powered Australian business leaders would also be involved, including from fuel supplier and retailer Ampol, cyber security company CyberCX and steel producer Bluescope.  NZ PM Christopher Luxon reiterated the need for economic resilience. Photo / Adam Pearse  Luxon, speaking after Albanese, echoed the need to build resilience.  “Ultimately, we can’t control everything in global affairs, but what we can control is a much stronger home in Australia and NZ.”  Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.  Sat, 06 Jun 2026 02:16:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/te-atat%C5%AB-rd-blocked-after-crash-involving-bus-and-cars-injuries-reported/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/te-atat%C5%AB-rd-blocked-after-crash-involving-bus-and-cars-injuries-reported/ Three people have been injured after a multi-vehicle crash that blocked a major West Auckland road this morning. Police said the crash on Te Atatū Rd in Te Atatū South involved two cars and a bus. The road has since reopened. Emergency services were called around 11.35am, with injuries reported. “Motorists are advised to avoid the area as emergency services work at the scene,” police said. Hato Hone St John said one patient in a serious condition was transported to Auckland City Hospital. Two people in a moderate condition were taken to Waitakere Hospital. An SUV and a hatchback were involved in the crash on Te Atatū Rd. Photo / Mia Angela Duindam A witness told the Herald traffic was backed up “all the way back to the main road of Te Atatū”. “I was driving past shortly afterwards and saw multiple police cars, fire trucks and ambulances at the scene. Firefighters were directing traffic away from the area,” the witness said. Photos sent to the Herald show significant damage to an SUV and a hatchback. An Auckland Transport (AT) bus can be seen parked on the side of the road, with emergency services cleaning up debris. A crash involving a bus and two cars has halted traffic on Te Atatū Rd. Photo / Mia Angela Duindam  An AT spokesperson told the Herald two passengers were on the bus when the incident occurred and they were not injured. “They were transferred to another bus and continued their journey. The bus driver was also not injured. “AT will be working closely with NZ Police, other emergency services, and the bus operator to understand [what happened].” Fire and Emergency New Zealand said three fire engines from Henderson and Te Atatū responded, with the Henderson truck departing at 12.10pm. Sat, 06 Jun 2026 01:02:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/multiple-myeloma-tauranga-woman-fundraising-for-treatment-in-china/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/multiple-myeloma-tauranga-woman-fundraising-for-treatment-in-china/ Twelve years ago, Tauranga dancer Maria Wortman-Dabrowska was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (blood cancer). For years, her treatments were successful. Now she has relapsed and is “out of options”. The 56-year-old is eyeing a $200,000 trip overseas for a clinical trial. Megan Wilson reports.  Maria Wortman-Dabrowska says she will never forget the day in 2014 when she received an “utterly devastating” multiple myeloma diagnosis.  After her GP broke the news, the Tauranga woman remembered getting blood tests and the phlebotomist asking if she was having a good day.  “I just looked at her, and I just burst into tears.”  Then aged 44, Wortman-Dabrowska had been experiencing back pain for two or three months. She thought a dance-related injury was behind it.  Wortman-Dabrowska saw her doctor. Blood tests revealed she had multiple myeloma, which was causing her bones to deteriorate, she said.  She had chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Doctors then found a “big hole” in her right femur bone, which required surgery.  “I went into complete remission, and I stayed in remission for a good nine years.”  She relapsed in 2023. A second stem cell transplant led her into a “good remission”.  She relapsed again and tried two cancer drugs, but neither worked.  Now, she was “out of options”.  “The next step is to try and get some treatment overseas.”  Wortman-Dabrowska said she was looking at clinical trials in Australia and China.  She was waiting to hear about being accepted for a free drug trial in Brisbane. If successful, she planned to go in July.  Wortman-Dabrowska had also been researching CAR T-cell therapy, which she said involved her stem cells being harvested and genetically modified to “recognise the cancer and fight it”.  She planned to go to Shanghai for the life-prolonging treatment, costing about $200,000. A Givealittle page has been set up for her.  Tauranga woman Maria Wortman-Dabrowska said she can still do daily tasks, such as walking her dog.  If she was accepted for the free trial in Australia, the money would go towards flights, accommodation, living costs, other unexpected medical needs “and potentially still CAR T”, she said.  Wortman-Dabrowska said her diagnosis had impacted her life “pretty dramatically”.  Her previous work included choreographing as well as running a small gardening business. Now, she did massage therapy part-time but was currently not working, to prioritise her health.  She could still walk her dog and do other daily tasks, “it’s just slower”.  “It’s a hard struggle at times and then at times it makes you really appreciate being alive.”  Wortman-Dabrowska said she believed New Zealand was “sort of trailing behind” other countries for multiple myeloma treatments.  She would “love to be able to access” the myeloma treatment drug daratumumab but “probably can’t” due to the cost. The Rotorua Daily Post has previously reported daratumumab costs $220,000 a year.  Sophie Lister, Wortman-Dabrowska‘s long-time friend, has organised a multiple myeloma awareness and fundraising event at Mount Maunganui’s Leisure Island (Moturiki) on June 20 at 11am.  Lister said attendees would hold hands and form a line or circle on the beach. The formation would be captured by drone footage.  She hoped to raise awareness about the need for drug funding for multiple myeloma patients.  All were welcome at the family-friendly event.  CAR T-cell clinical trials in New Zealand  The Malaghan Institute, a New Zealand biomedical research centre, has been running two CAR T-cell clinical trials for lymphoma patients.  Clinical director Professor Robert Weinkove said the institute had been doing laboratory research on a form of CAR T-cell therapy that could be effective for myeloma.  Although it aspired to open a myeloma trial in the future, this was uncertain as it de... Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:11:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/black-caps-v-england-nathan-smith-s-six-wickets-sets-new-zealand-254-for-victory/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/black-caps-v-england-nathan-smith-s-six-wickets-sets-new-zealand-254-for-victory/ The Black Caps need 218 runs on the final three days to secure a first test victory at Lord’s since 1999, and claim a 1-0 series lead over England.  Chasing 254 for victory, New Zealand reached 36-3 at stumps on day two, in a fast-forward test match in which bowlers dominated, and 33 wickets fell.  After the Black Caps were bowled out for 113 to begin the second day, the Kiwi attack routed England’s batting lineup for the second time in as many days, this time for 226 in 56 overs, to set themselves the biggest total of the match to take victory.  Devon Conway (12 not out) and Rachin Ravindra will take guard on day three, in the hope of scoring the runs needed to give the Black Caps victory, and end a 27-year wait for test success at the home of cricket.  Having taken a career-best six wicket haul against Ireland last week, Nathan Smith grabbed another 6-70, giving him eight for the match, and became the 23rd New Zealander to write his name onto the Lord’s honours board.  Smith was supported by Will O’Rourke (2-46) and Kyle Jamieson (1-41), while Matt Henry defied back spasms he suffered bowling on day one to take 1-43, as the first wicket to trigger England’s middle order collapse.  Regardless, the run chase will be no easy task after New Zealand’s top order were reduced to 29-6 less than 24 hours earlier. However, while the Lord’s pitch has shown variable bounce from the first over, there does appear to be fewer demons than what the Kiwi top order were undone by on day one.  Nathan Smith celebrates the wicket of Emilio Gay at Lord's. Photo / Photosport  New Zealand were still hit before the end of play, as captain Tom Latham (0) and Kane Williamson both failed to survive to stumps, as nightwatchman O’Rourke (0), was bowled by the final ball of the day.  Gus Atkinson (2-10) and Josh Tongue (1-10) have the wickets to fall so far in the second innings.  Kiwi fans can at the very least take heart from the World Test Championship final one year ago, where South Africa chased down 282 in the fourth innings to complete a five-wicket win over Australia.  Resuming on 61-6, 79 runs short of England’s first innings, New Zealand’s overnight pair Glenn Phillips (34) and Smith (15) both lost their off-stump to Tongue (3-40), leaving Jamieson as the last hope of getting close to parity.  He responded with an unbeaten 38 from 29 balls, including three sixes, but ran out of partners as Atkinson (2-9) and Ollie Robinson (5-39) took the final first innings wickets.  Behind by 27, the Black Caps missed the chance to strike early, as England reached 72-1 at lunch, after the openers added 52 in 76 balls.  Ben Duckett was dropped on 12 by Ravindra off Jamieson, only to be held at gully by Phillips for 33 off O’Rourke. Emilio Gay rode his luck at the other end, edging between first and second slip on 20, before the Black Caps failed to review an LBW shout off Henry that would have sent him off for 24.  At the other end, Jacob Bethell survived an LBW shout that remained umpire’s call, and was dropped by Conway at point, both on eight. But in worrying signs for the Black Caps, he fell for 14 when he was bowled by a Henry length ball that kept low.  But as clouds rolled in, the lights came on and the ball started to hoop, Smith led a Black Caps burst that reduced England from 126-2 to 127-6 in less than three overs.  After getting to a debut 50 in 84 balls, Gay feathered Smith behind to Tom Blundell for 58, while O’Rourke pinned Harry Brook LBW for a duck at the other end. Smith got Joe Root LBW for eight in his next over, and then hit the top of Ben Stokes’ off-stump to send England’s captain back for a three-ball duck.  The Black Caps celebrate the wicket of England's Ben Duckett at Lord's. Photo / Photosport  The pair of Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson added 57 runs together to stem the flow of wickets, and push England’s lead over 200, as Jamieson re... Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:59:59 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/new-zealand-to-buy-mh-60r-helicopters-mk-54-torpedoes-in-27b-us-deal/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/new-zealand-to-buy-mh-60r-helicopters-mk-54-torpedoes-in-27b-us-deal/ The United States has approved a US$1.5 billion sale of MH-60R helicopters and related equipment to New Zealand.  Former Defence Minister Judith Collins revealed New Zealand’s desire to buy the helicopters during a defence investment announcement in August last year.  She said five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters - equipped with MK 54 anti-submarine torpedo systems, Hellfire missiles, and machine guns - were the preferred option for replacing existing marine helicopters.  The Seahawks would increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates and be “interoperable” with ally Australia and partner defence forces, Collins said.  “The MH-60R Seahawk is a great aircraft for what New Zealand needs and fulfils our objective of having a more integrated Anzac force, and the new planes will give us reliable aircraft to deploy personnel and respond to international events.”  The US approval for the sale follows comments from US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth that amounted to accusing New Zealand of “freeloading” during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last month.  Collins’ announcement last August, which also included plans to lease-to-buy two new Airbus A321XLR planes to replace the current 757s, followed the Government’s Defence Capability Plan promise earlier in the year to increase defence spending to 2% of GDP over eight years and funding $12b over four years to rebuild and modernise the New Zealand Defence Force.  US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth criticised New Zealand and other countries for not spending enough on defence when he spoke at a summit in Singapore last month. Photo / Ezra Acayan/Getty Images  The US State Department said today the MH-60R helicopters’ sale would improve New Zealand’s “capability to meet current and future warfare threats by providing greater security for its critical infrastructure”.  “New Zealand will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defence,” it added.  The State Department said it had also approved a US$69m ($1.2b) sale of MK 54 torpedoes to New Zealand.  The State Department had notified Congress about the proposed sales, which still need to be approved by lawmakers.  Defence Minister Chris Penk was in Singapore last month to hear Hegseth’s public criticism of New Zealand’s military spend – and other nations that spend less than 3.5% of GDP on defence.  “For those who continue to free-ride on the generosity of the American taxpayer, hear us now: those days are over”, Hegseth said.  “Allies that refuse to stand up and carry their weight for our collective defence will face a clear shift in how we do business.”  - additional reporting by AFP  Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:45:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/coroner-finds-green-mp-efeso-collins-died-from-silent-heart-disease/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/coroner-finds-green-mp-efeso-collins-died-from-silent-heart-disease/ Efeso Collins was doing what he had always done – showing up for his community – when his life was suddenly cut short.  What the Green MP didn’t know was that he was experiencing “silent” coronary artery disease and the cardiac arrest that caused his death on February 21, 2024, “could have occurred at any time”, a coroner has found.  Collins, also known as Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, was 49 when he collapsed and died after competing in ChildFund’s Water Run event in Auckland’s Britomart precinct, where he was helping raise funds for local Pacific communities.  Collins was the loved husband of Vasa Fia Collins, the father of two young daughters, a highly respected Samoan matai and someone who worked tirelessly advocating for causes he was passionate about.  Vasa Fia Collins had numerous concerns around how the event was managed that day and unsuccessfully pushed for an inquest into her husband’s death.  In findings released today, Coroner Janet Anderson, who decided against holding an inquest, was not critical of the management of the event.  However, she made recommendations stressing the importance of rapid access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and early resuscitation efforts when cardiac arrest occurs in the community.  “Being aware of the exact location of nearby AEDs and identifying a specific person to obtain one in the event of an emergency may increase the ability to respond quickly to an unexpected cardiac event,” the coroner said.  Given that cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death in New Zealand, the coroner pushed for more education and public awareness campaigns, and to ensure the availability of AEDs in Pacific, Māori and socio-economically challenged communities where rates were higher.  She said Collins’ death was felt throughout Aotearoa.  “It is natural to feel robbed when someone so special is taken too soon, and there are many people in this country who share the sense of grief and shock that followed his passing.”  ‘Smiling and interacting’ before collapse  “Characteristically”, on the morning he died, Collins was helping others by taking part in the event organised by ChildFund and marketing agency, Campbell+Co, the findings said.  The event involved six high-profile participants, including Hilary Barry, who completed a 1km course carrying a 5-litre bucket of water in each hand.  Fa'anānā Efeso Collins pictured with his wife, Vasa Fia, and their daughters, Asalemo (in her father's arms), and Kaperiela.  The aim was to complete it quickly while spilling as little water as possible.  Participants were given an event handbook before the event, race kits and a training schedule outlining seven challenges they could do beforehand.  A health and safety plan was prepared by the WaterRun organisers, which included a “Medical Team and First Aid Procedure” section and pointed out the nearest AEDs.  A trained first aider, a competitive surf lifesaver of more than 10 years, was also on hand.  The event, which took about 10 minutes, garnered significant media interest and was broadcast live on TVNZ’s Breakfast show.  Video and CCTV footage showed Collins chatting and joking with other competitors, and he appeared to be “relaxed and happy before, during, and after completing the event”, the coroner found.  “There are no indications that he is experiencing any physical symptoms or health concerns.”  Shortly afterwards, during the prizegiving, Collins was standing to the side of the stage by himself.  “He was smiling and interacting with the event MC during this period.”  Collins suddenly collapsed, “without any warning, falling heavily to the ground on his right side”.  A number of people rushed to his aid, CPR was commenced, and 111 was called at 8.59am.  At 9.04am, the first AED shock was given, and CPR was carried out until an intensive care paramedic arrived... Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:14:27 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/pm-christopher-luxon-insists-inappropriate-china-sanction-a-nz-matter-as-australia-weighs-in/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/pm-christopher-luxon-insists-inappropriate-china-sanction-a-nz-matter-as-australia-weighs-in/ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon insists the response to China’s sanctioning of Taiwan-visiting MPs lies with New Zealand as Australia calls on its officials over the matter. It follows Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong saying she was concerned by China’s decision to ban several New Zealand MPs from travelling to China after they visited Taiwan, Wong also committing her officials would raise the matter with Chinese counterparts. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has since instructed officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to contact their Chinese counterparts to “express concern” at the sanctioning. Luxon, currently visiting Brisbane for the annual meeting with Australia PM Anthony Albanese, told travelling media he appreciated Wong’s statements but reiterated it was a matter for New Zealand. “We appreciate the support, but at the end of the day it’s an issue between New Zealand and China.” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon meets with a Pacific Policing unit member at a base in Brisbane. Photo / Adam Pearse The diplomatic spat relates to a visit made by Act’s Laura McClure, NZ First’s David Wilson, Labour’s Duncan Webb and National’s Maureen Pugh to Taiwan in May. On returning, they were told by Parliament’s clerk that the Chinese Embassy had been in touch to say they would be banned from entering China and the territories of Hong Kong and Macau for a year. The embassy also said the punishment could be reduced or waived if the MPs apologised for their visit. China claims Taiwan, a self-governing island, as its territory. Under its diplomatic relations with China, New Zealand recognises the “One China” policy position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. However, New Zealand does not explicitly hold that view itself. Luxon maintained New Zealand had a long tradition of MPs visiting Taiwan, noting Parliament MPs did not represent the Government. “They’re free to see who they want to see,” Luxon said of the MPs. “We think it’s entirely inappropriate, the reaction that we’ve seen from the Chinese, we’ll raise that with them ourselves.” A spokesman for Peters earlier said the minister had been surprised to learn that China had taken a decision, for the first time, to impose travel bans on New Zealand MPs as a result of travel to Taiwan, given the visits weren’t inconsistent with the One China policy. Peters had instructed MFAT officials in Beijing and Wellington to discuss the matter with the Chinese system, to express concern at the departure from past practice and to better understand it. Luxon was expected to meet with Albanese in Noosa yesterday evening ahead of the Australia-New Zealand leaders’ meeting this morning. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon meeting with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli in Brisbane. Photo / Adam Pearse ‘Wasn’t right’: Luxon weighs in on State of Origin red card with Queensland Premier Luxon capped off his brief visit to Brisbane meeting Queensland Premier David Crisafulli. In their opening remarks, the pair bantered about rugby league, specifically the three-game State of Origin series between Queensland (Maroons) and New South Wales (Blues). Luxon, who Crisafulli outed as a Maroons fan, expressed sympathy at Queensland’s 20-22 loss last week. The game turned on the referee’s controversial decision to send off Queensland’s Kayln Ponga for a high tackle on NSW’s Toluta’u Koula, allowing the Blues back into the game, which had been dominated by the Maroons. Luxon raised the decision in his remarks, declaring it “wasn’t right” and said to Crisafulli: “You were robbed!” He then jibed that he would be mentioning the Warriors’ recent good form with Albanese in his meetings. After touching down in Brisbane in the morning, Luxon met with organisers of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is greeted with a cultural performance at a Pacific Policing base in Brisbane. Photo / Adam Pearse Organising committee president Andrew Liveris... Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:23:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/aussie-influencer-and-comedian-christian-hull-praises-doc-staff-who-returned-lost-wallet/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/aussie-influencer-and-comedian-christian-hull-praises-doc-staff-who-returned-lost-wallet/ An Australian comedian and content creator has commended Department of Conservation staff who reunited him with his wallet, 100km north of where he left it. Christian Hull was a finalist for the Best Digital Content award at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts in 2021 and has amassed millions of followers across his social media channels. He is journeying through Aotearoa in a custom-fit van, named Patsy, and sharing footage of his experiences and anecdotes. In a recent video, Hull recounted the disappearance of his wallet on the day he drove 100km from Haast to Franz Josef. “It was like 27 degrees, the sun was out, it was beautiful, it was just the most stunning day,” he told followers. “I was stopping at every conceivable point to look and film and appreciate.” Australian comedian and content creator Christian Hull lost his wallet during a day of filming at several stops between Haast and Franz Josef on the West Coast. During the drive, Hull said he visited Ship Creek, Knights Point Lookout and Lake Paringa, then “high-tailed it” to Franz Josef ahead of a jade-carving class. “I get to Ship Creek and I’ve got the tripod, I’m doing all the s***, my wallet comes off the back of my phone. “I don’t know how and why, but it had fallen out of the door and on to the car park, and then I drove away.” Hull said he initially thought the wallet had been swallowed under things in his van, but realised it was missing after searching the next day. Speaking to the Herald, Hull said he was shocked he was able to get it back. “My initial thought was, ‘f*** I’ve dropped it somewhere’,” he said. He said he was panicking as it contained a business credit card with no limit and his driver’s licence. “I didn’t want to cancel my cards because I don’t have any other way to pay while I’m on holiday.” However, he admitted he was mostly upset about losing the actual wallet as it helps him take “really good selfies”. “The wallet was the thing that I really wanted back the most,” he said. “It was bound to happen because I’m pretty useless and I’m a bit of a disaster ... I knew this would happen and I didn’t think I’d get it back.” Robin Manera, a DoC ranger in Haast, told the Herald he was working at Ship Creek with his offsider Haley, “cutting the grass and tidying up the grounds and all the rest of it”, when Hull took off in his van. “Another one pulled up, and they picked up a wallet and brought it across the carpark and gave it to us. “It had some ID in it ... Hayley recognised him as being somebody who was on social media, so we had a look at that and saw he’d been in Haast overnight.” The DoC duo attempted to track Hull down, driving to the top of their run at Lake Paringa, but they just missed him. The pair phoned holiday parks and tracked Hull down at a Franz Josef facility. Manera left his contact details and, subsequently, the pair made plans over the phone to get the wallet back to its rightful owner. “I sent the wallet up with my wife the next day,” Manera said. “She works for DoC as well, she was going to the Franz office to work for the day and he went in and picked it up. “He was pretty happy, but to be fair, it’s a pretty common sort of thing down here ... things get handed into us all the time and then get returned.” While not previously aware of the influencer, Manera said Hull has been “doing a bloody good job of promoting the West Coast and, well, all of New Zealand” to his online audience. Hull said he gave Manera and the team “a huge thank you” for returning the wallet, gifting them a bottle of Bluff-distilled gin for their efforts. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:09:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/australia-seizes-100-000-cockroaches-in-bug-breeder-bust/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/australia-seizes-100-000-cockroaches-in-bug-breeder-bust/ Wildlife officers have busted an illegal cockroach-breeding operation in rural Australia, seizing a haul worth more than A$200,000 ($243,000) on the black market for exotic bugs. More than 100,000 contraband cockroaches were found in a raid on a commercial breeder in the town of Bathurst, west of Sydney, Australia’s environment department said on Friday. They found Madagascar “hissing” cockroaches, a bulky insect named for its noisy defence mechanism, and dubia cockroaches, an invasive critter bred as a snack for pet lizards. Photos showed one of the seized Madagascar cockroaches was almost big enough to completely cover the palm of an adult hand. “We take our job protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity and breaches of national environment law very seriously,” an environment department spokesman said. The illicit haul must now be euthanised. “We’re seeing illegal breeding and trading of exotic cockroaches and we’re putting pet businesses and pet owners on notice.” The department said the illicit insects had an estimated value of A$200,000. Officials now have the task of euthanising the creepy-crawlies, an insect so hardy it spawned an urban legend they could survive a nuclear blast. - AFP Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:36:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/myles-macduff-remembered-as-family-shares-mnd-journey-during-action-month/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/myles-macduff-remembered-as-family-shares-mnd-journey-during-action-month/ The first thing people noticed about Myles MacDuff was his presence. Not just the physical strength that made him a respected builder and rugby player, but the way he showed up for the people around him. He was the friend shouting the next round, the father on the sideline cheering on his children and the loyal mate who always made time for others. “He was a real Kiwi bloke,” said his wife, Helen Casey-MacDuff. Now, during Motor Neurone Disease Action Month, Casey-MacDuff is sharing her husband’s story. Every week in New Zealand, two people are diagnosed with motor neurone disease and two people die from it, Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand chief executive Mark Leggett said. MND NZ is a charity supporting people living with the disease. MND is a neurological condition that attacks the nerves controlling movement, meaning the muscles that help people to move, speak, breathe and swallow stop working, the charity said. The disease is progressive, which means it gets worse over time. There is no cure. Casey-MacDuff hopes sharing her family’s experience will help raise awareness of a condition many people still know little about. Friends knew Myles as generous to a fault. Full of banter and quick with a joke, he loved bringing people together. “He was loyal and protective of everyone that he loved,” Casey-MacDuff said. The MacDuff Family. Devoted dad, loyal mate Raised in Ngātea, Myles had a strong connection to the Hauraki Plains and wider Waikato community. Rugby was a major part of his life, both in New Zealand and overseas, where he played in England and Wales. Off the field, he built a career as a builder and took pride in his physical strength. “He was strong as an ox,” Casey-MacDuff said. The diagnosis that changed everything When that strength slowly started to fade, it was one of the first signs that something was wrong. Though at first, the changes seemed small. Myles’ grip strength began to weaken. He started having unexplained falls. Activities he once enjoyed, like taking the children swimming in the surf, became more difficult. “We’d go for walks, and he’d fall over and not be able to save himself,” Casey-MacDuff said. Myles MacDuff died of motor neurone disease in 2024. “At the time, none of it really made sense.” Looking back, she believes there had been warning signs for years. Myles had experienced numerous knocks and concussions during his rugby career, and some of the changes in his physical ability were initially easy to explain away. Like many men, he just kept going, Casey-MacDuff said. The moment that convinced him something was seriously wrong came while he was working. The builder who had spent decades lifting heavy materials found himself unable to carry a fence post down a driveway. “We knew he was in serious trouble then.” Robbed of physical strength Casey-MacDuff still remembers the shock after her husband received the MND diagnosis. “From that moment, nothing was ever the same again.” The diagnosis left the family reeling. “I thought I’d forgotten my car at work,” she said. “But when we got home, it was already in the driveway. That’s how much shock I was in.” The disease gradually robbed Myles of the physical strength that had defined much of his life. Yet Casey-MacDuff said he never lost his sense of humour. “He protected us, really. He didn’t complain much. He had a dark sense of humour and carried that all the way through.” Helen Casey-MacDuff hopes sharing her family’s experience will help raise awareness of a condition many people still know little about. Photo / Tom Eley He was home The family returned to Ngātea during the final years of his life, the place he had always considered home. In what Casey-MacDuff describes as a string of luck, the family found a house very close to two of Myles’ closest friends. “We found a house to buy in between Myles’ groomsmen, basically on the same street,” she said. At a time when life felt increasingly uncertain, the move provided something invalua... Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:52:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/trump-cancels-250th-anniversary-concerts-in-favour-of-rally-starring-himself/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/trump-cancels-250th-anniversary-concerts-in-favour-of-rally-starring-himself/ US President Donald Trump has announced a mass rally in Washington on June 24 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary - instead of planned concerts that had become the butt of jokes on social media. The President said that he’d cancelled the concerts in favour of the rally, but many artists actually pulled out of the events - leaving a line-up of artists who were past their prime. On his Truth Social network, Trump said: “In celebration of our country’s 250-year history, we will be bringing you, Live, the greatest rally, ever! It will be special at every level - A rally to end all rallies! “We don’t want singers with no talent but big fees to put you to sleep, we’ve told them all to stay home. “All we want is you, me, a few speakers, and the greatest music ever played, the same music you have listened to for years!” Trump said remaining artists would include Lee Greenwood, the singer of God Bless The USA, a staple of his political rallies. Trump said the rally would also feature US military bands and choruses, “all of your favourite Hits, plus a fine and highly dignified gentleman known as President Donald J Trump!” The Republican billionaire has tried to stamp his mark on America’s 250th birthday, most notably by staging a mixed martial arts fight in a specially constructed arena on the White House lawn on June 14 - his 80th birthday. But the celebrations have become increasingly troubled. Shortly after they were announced as performers in a Washington concert series around the July 4 holiday, multiple musical acts backed out, with some citing the event’s politicisation. They included country singer Martina McBride and glam rocker Bret Michaels, frontman of 1980s band Poison. The concerts were scheduled to kick off on June 25 as part of major events on the National Mall organised by Freedom 250, a Trump-backed public-private entity. The remaining line-up of musicians, whose heyday came and went decades ago - such as Vanilla Ice and C+C Music Factory - has sparked a flood of sarcastic comments in the media and online. - AFP Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:19:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/act-to-campaign-on-reducing-absolutely-ridiculous-cost-of-school-uniforms/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/act-to-campaign-on-reducing-absolutely-ridiculous-cost-of-school-uniforms/ By Lauren Crimp of RNZ The Act Party will campaign on bringing down the “absolutely ridiculous” cost of school uniforms. It would limit all state schools to three compulsory branded items and ensure generic items such as shorts, pants, skirts, skorts and socks were available from retailers like The Warehouse and Kmart. Act education spokeswoman Laura McClure predicted such a move would save families $250 per child each year. Some state schools required those uniform items to be bought from a single supplier at a higher cost than widely available alternatives, she said. “We fund state schools to deliver education, not to force parents to pay more than they need to for basic clothing. “There is no educational reason a pair of navy socks should cost three times as much simply because it has to be bought from one approved supplier.” She believed retailers would “come to the party” and ensure they had a good stock of options available, and some already provided the basics. “The market will decide ... there’s always still the school uniform providers as well that will be there, but having that bit of competition means that, I do believe, the cost will drop.” McClure ruled out scrapping uniforms altogether. “Uniforms are important, I think they instil a sense of pride ... they are part of your school’s identity and culture,” she said. “But I think paying $1000, or over $1000, for one set of school uniform is absolutely ridiculous.” McClure said she had not spoken with coalition partners National and New Zealand First about whether they would be on board with the policy, but she believed they would support it. “The cost of living is really hard, and it’s really high, and there are so many levers the government can pull.” McClure said Act’s cost-of-living solution was more competition and more choice. She said in Victoria, Australia, it was found some branded versions of everyday uniform items cost $56 more than generic alternatives, while similar reforms in Britain were tipped to save families tens of millions of pounds each year. British schools will be limited to three branded uniform items from September. - RNZ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:12:59 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/anthropic-calls-for-pause-of-global-ai-development-so-humans-can-catch-up/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/anthropic-calls-for-pause-of-global-ai-development-so-humans-can-catch-up/ Artificial intelligence giant Anthropic has called for a global pause on building AI systems after the latest models show signs that they could escape human control. The San Francisco-based company, which makes the Claude family of AI models, said in a report that a worldwide slowdown in cutting-edge AI development would “likely be a good thing” – but warned that if only one company stopped, rivals would simply race ahead. The report said: “We believe it would be good for the world to have the option to slow or temporarily pause frontier AI development to enable societal structures and alignment research to keep up with the advance of the technology.” Effecting a genuine pause would mean multiple major AI companies in multiple countries – most notably the US and China – all agreeing to stop at the same time, Anthropic said. The report added: “Without a global co-ordination mechanism, companies and governments will have to make difficult decisions about safety while under competitive and geopolitical pressures.” The company has faced pushback from others in the industry – and officials in the White House – who say its focus on worst-case scenarios overstates the risks and amounts to a strategy for slowing rivals under the cover of safety concerns. Still, the White House has acknowledged the power of the company’s Mythos model – which has not been made available to the general public due to its cybersecurity capabilities and is currently deployed only to a small number of vetted organisations. The proposal would face an uphill battle in Washington and Silicon Valley, where US officials and tech executives have repeatedly argued that any slowdown in AI development risked handing China a decisive strategic edge in what many see as the defining technology race of the century. US President Donald Trump, however, said he discussed the possibility of cooperating with China on AI safety issues during his recent visit to Beijing. Trump also signed an executive order this week that allows the government 30 days to conduct a preliminary review of the most powerful US AI models before their release. Anthropic compared the problem to nuclear arms control treaties – but said it would be even harder to get a handle on, since AI training was far easier to hide than a missile silo, and the temptation to quietly keep going would be enormous. The company said it planned to bring together government officials, scientists, advocacy groups and competing AI firms in coming months to figure out how such a system could work. The call for co-ordination comes alongside internal data showing that AI is already dramatically speeding up the development of AI itself, Anthropic said. That acceleration is creating a feedback loop that Anthropic warned could eventually lead to an AI system teaching itself to get smarter without human help. Anthropic said AI self-improvement was not inevitable but added that it could arrive sooner than most governments and institutions were ready for. It’s report concluded: “The evidence suggests that the human role is narrowing at each step in the AI development process.” - AFP Fri, 05 Jun 2026 03:22:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/meridian-energy-wins-draft-approval-to-take-more-water-from-lake-p%C5%ABkaki/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/meridian-energy-wins-draft-approval-to-take-more-water-from-lake-p%C5%ABkaki/ Meridian Energy may soon be allowed to take more water from Lake Pūkaki for power generation after receiving a draft decision from a fast-track panel. The company had sought approval under the Fast-track Approvals Act to allow access to water stored between 518m and 513m above sea level before the point where Transpower estimates there is a 4% risk of electricity shortage. The draft decision covered a three-year period. Chief executive Mike Roan said when the pressure is on the system, like it was in winter 2024, every extra metre makes a big difference. “Access to contingent storage will lower the price of electricity traded in the wholesale market by increasing the amount of renewable, lower-cost fuel available,” he said. “This will, in turn, put downward pressure on the fixed rates retailers offer to residential and business customers, which is our number one priority. “Access to contingent storage will lower the price of electricity traded in the wholesale market by increasing the amount of renewable, lower-cost fuel available.” Meridian Energy CEO Mike Roan says every extra metre of lake access makes a big difference. Photo / Meridian In addition to the contingent storage access, the fast-track panel’s draft decision also granted Meridian permission to permanently install rock armouring at Pūkaki Dam to ensure its resilience to wave erosion when operating the lake at lower levels. The panel is required to release its final decision by July 3. Pūkaki is part of the wider Waitaki Power Scheme (WPS), which plays a big part in the nation’s power supply infrastructure. WPS is New Zealand’s largest and most flexible hydroelectricity power scheme and therefore has a critical role to play in the electricity system and economy, Meridian said in its fast-track application. It consists of eight power stations (two owned by Genesis Energy and six by Meridian), commissioned between 1935 and 1985, with an installed capacity of 1761 megawatts, or about 32% of New Zealand’s installed hydro capacity. Lake Pūkaki itself is a modified natural lake and is managed as part of the WPS. Meridian said New Zealand has a long-standing reliance on hydro storage to provide flexible generation and security of energy supply. “However, in comparison to other hydro-dominant energy systems worldwide, New Zealand has relatively low amounts of hydro storage.” This has resulted in energy security issues in dry years, particularly in winter/spring seasons, the company said. Jamie Gray is an Auckland-based journalist, covering the financial markets, the primary sector and energy. He joined the Herald in 2011. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 03:03:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/ashburton-s-286m-lotto-powerball-winner-claims-prize-days-after-scoring-mega-windfall/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/ashburton-s-286m-lotto-powerball-winner-claims-prize-days-after-scoring-mega-windfall/ New Zealand has a new millionaire, with Lotto NZ confirming the winning ticket has been claimed.  The winner took home $28.6 million after winning Powerball and three shares of Lotto First Division in Wednesday night’s draw.  Lotto NZ said it had no further information to share about the winner at this stage, but expected to provide more details early next week.  After 11 consecutive rollovers, the Powerball jackpot was finally struck on Wednesday night.  The winning ticket was sold in the Mid Canterbury town of Ashburton, putting it at the centre of one of the country’s biggest lottery wins this year.  Four Square Netherby store owner Kim Woods told NZME radio station Hokonui’s Breakfast with Luke Howden yesterday that they were all “very excited”.  “It’s fair to say from about 8pm last night, the phone started ... and plenty of people were letting me know that Netherby was the place to win,” Woods said.  “Our staff chat got very busy last night.  “The team are really excited that hopefully it’s gone to one of our very lucky locals.”  Four Square Netherby owner Kim Woods. Photo / Jazlyn Whales  She said it was the store’s first big win. Lotto provides stores with training on how to deal with such enormous winnings, and Woods said confidentiality for the winner was crucial.  “It’s of the utmost importance that the team keep it private.  “It’s equally our win because we’re super excited that it’s our store, but it’s very much so for the individual who’s woken up this morning to a very new bank account.  “We’re really excited for the community.”  Woods said the store got a “nice little trophy” for having sold a First Division winning ticket, as well as the excitement of knowing it had been part of a life-changing event for someone.  What to do if you win  Ticket holders can immediately see if they have won if they bought a ticket through the MyLotto app. Prizes of $1000 or less are automatically credited to the winner’s account.  For prizes exceeding $1000, winners must complete an online prize claim form.  Winners with physical tickets must still visit a Lotto retailer to claim their prize.  For the Powerball jackpot to be claimed, a ticket holder must get all six Lotto numbers correct as well as the Powerball number.  Lotto Powerball wins in 2026  January 14 – $10.2m, MyLotto, Manawatū-Whanganui  January 21 – $5.3m, MyLotto, Otago  February 14 – $5.08m, Coastlands Lotto, Paraparaumu  February 14 – $5.08m, New World Greymouth, Greymouth  February 14 – $5.08m, MyLotto, Masterton  February 18 – $4.5m, Glen Innes Dairy and Lotto Outlet, Auckland  March 28 – $12.75m, MyLotto, Auckland  March 28 – $12.75m, MyLotto, Auckland  April 15 - $14.3m, MyLotto, New Plymouth  April 22 - $5.5m, Whitcoulls Glenfield, Auckland  June 3 - $28.2m, Four Square Netherby, Ashburton  Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:13:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/alerts-issued-as-thunderstorms-with-tornado-and-flood-threat-to-lash-north-island/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/alerts-issued-as-thunderstorms-with-tornado-and-flood-threat-to-lash-north-island/ A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the top half of the North Island as an electrical storm threat moves up the country.  Some 6200 lightning bolts have pelted the South Island with power cut to thousands of homes overnight.  Now the thunderstorms, embedded in a heavy band of rain, are set to move over the top half of the North Island this afternoon, bringing with it a risk of flash flooding and localised tornadoes.  A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Waikato from 3pm to 8pm today and in Coromandel from 5pm to 9pm.  From Thursday, 6pm to 6.30am today, 6200 lightning strikes had been recorded over the Wellington, Nelson and Tasman areas, MetService said.  Further severe weather is set to hit the North Island today, as forecasters warn of thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts and a risk of localised tornadoes.  Already in the two hours to 6am, 2500 lightning strikes had been recorded, MetService said.  RNZ reported thousands of homes between Stoke and Takakā lost power before 9pm, but it was gradually restored with lines company Network Tasman’s website showing no unplanned outages by 1am.  One Motueka resident reported “continuous flashes” of lightning last night, having lost power just after 8.30pm, with night turning to day.  Jenna Beaumont snapped lightning streaking across the sky in Blenheim late last night.  Commenters on social media reported huge rumbles of thunder as the sky lit up, with the storms lasting for hours.  The storm put on “quite the show” at Kaiteriteri Beach, north of Motueka, Lani Cammock told the Herald.  "Our holiday home was being lit up so much it was like being at a rave with the thunder being the drum and bass."  Lightning striking near Lani Cammock's holiday home at Kaiteriteri Beach near Motueka late on June 5.  Kerry Sorensen-Tyrer, who was in Picton for her father-in-law’s 80th birthday, stayed up for an hour to watch intense lightning strikes hit Waikawa Bay.  “The storm was incredible, so intense and we watched it for over an hour.  “It was so impressive.”  MetService meteorologist John Law told Ryan Bridge TODAY more unsettled weather was on its way.  “Last night there was a lot of activity on the western coast of the South Island and we can expect that to continue as we head through the rest of the day, more thunderstorms to come.  “Even for the likes of Auckland, Northland, the Coromandel could find one or two severe thunderstorms this afternoon … thunderstorms act like an extra volume switch giving an extra ‘oomph’ to the rainfall – some heavy bursts of rainfall and some strong gusty winds in the mix – and of course some flashes of thunder and lightning.”  🌩️⛈️🌦️Weather Update 🌥️⚠️ Thunderstorm watch issued for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Waikato, and the Coromandel Peninsula. The thunderstorms are expected to start between 3 PM and 8 PM but may linger until at least 9 PM in the Coromandel Peninsula. ⏰🌧️.The… pic.twitter.com/BwqljAoy0o— MetService NZ (@MetService) June 4, 2026 Meanwhile, Wellington was forecast to receive 26 hours of rain from about midnight, while orange heavy rain warnings remained in place for Taranaki, eastern Bay of Plenty and the Tararua Range.  Earlier, MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons said a rain band moving in from the west was expected to bring “prolonged periods of rain” as it tracked east across the country.  Small tornadoes are possible in the central and upper North Island from midday tomorrow. Image / MetService  Heavy rain watches were in place for western Bay of Plenty, central parts of the North Island including Waitomo, Taumaranui, and Horowhenua and top parts of the South Island.  A strong wind watch is in place for Taranaki.  🌧️💨Weathierest in the (north)West (yes not a word, but you get... Thu, 04 Jun 2026 23:08:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/resident-of-property-where-gurshabad-singh-drowned-says-neighbour-grandson-tried-to-save-his-life/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/resident-of-property-where-gurshabad-singh-drowned-says-neighbour-grandson-tried-to-save-his-life/ A grandmother at the house where an 8-year-old boy drowned is struggling with his death but hailing her neighbour and grandson as “absolute heroes” for trying to save his life.  Gurshabad Singh died last Monday after escaping from a Ritchies school van and drowning in the backyard pool of a property in Te Atatū South.  Gurshabad Singh was travelling in a Ritchies van when he escaped during school drop off and drowned at a nearby private property.  The woman, who did not want to be named, told the Herald that, as soon as Gurshabad’s body was seen in the fenced pool, her neighbour ran over and started compressions, while her grandson did pulse checks.  “They gave him a spark of hope.  “We are grieving the loss alongside the family. No parent should ever have to walk down the path of losing a child.  “He had everything going against him that day,” she said, holding back tears. She referred to Gurshabad as a “wee little man”.  She had since taken time off work as she grappled with the backyard tragedy.  Her property and pool were fully fenced and complied with Auckland Council regulations.  The woman, who is partially deaf, was working from home last Monday afternoon, unaware that Gurshabad had come onto her property.  “I thought I’d check on the washing and my granddaughter’s pants were wet, so I thought I’d hang them out on the balcony under the sun.”  At that point, she noticed someone was in her backyard pool.  “I saw his body submerged under the water and it took me a few seconds to take in what I’d seen ... I thought, ‘F**k, is that really what I think it is?’  “I nearly had a heart attack. I thought my grandson had died.”  She ran to her phone and dialled 111 just before 3.30pm. Gurshabad’s parents told the Herald they were notified he had gone missing just one hour beforehand.  The resident described “bursting” into her grandson’s room, while staying on the phone with police, and being relieved to see he was asleep.  “We didn’t hear anything. I’m deaf, and my grandson was asleep, and there was no shouting or anything.”  She then ran across to her neighbours’ fence, “banged loudly” and frantically screamed, “Does anyone have a missing child?”  “My neighbour came straight across, and he and my grandson ran to the pool and got the wee little man out,” she said tearfully.  The neighbour started chest compressions on Gurshabad, while her teenage grandson propped his head and checked for a pulse.  Despite their best efforts, Gurshabad had already died. The woman said emergency services told her he could have been in the water for anywhere between 10 and 15 minutes.  Within “minutes” of her 111 call, she said about 30 people, including police officers, St John staff, neighbours and people from Gurshabad’s school rushed down her driveway.  Gurshabad was non-verbal and on the autism spectrum. His parents earlier told the Herald he was a “very clever” boy who was very fast and would “escape” given the opportunity.  Police had searched for him further down the street and at a nearby creek. The woman said police mentioned he had been jumping fences and walking around nearby properties.  A police investigation has begun alongside the coroner, while WorkSafe and the Ministry of Education continue their inquiries.  Ritchies is contracted by the ministry to provide specialised transport for children with specific needs through its Specialised School Transport Assistance scheme.  Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:28:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/coroner-makes-findings-on-drowning-death-of-napier-man-howard-reese/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/coroner-makes-findings-on-drowning-death-of-napier-man-howard-reese/ After hours clinging to a capsized boat in a chilly sea, Howard Reese told his crayfishing buddy, “I can’t take any more of this. I’m too cold. I’ve had it.”  When a wave threw them both off the boat a short time later, his friend, the boat’s skipper, swam back to the overturned vessel.  But Reese, 78, remained in the water. He did not lift his arms. He floated on his back and drifted away.  The skipper was later rescued, still holding onto the 4.5m aluminium boat, incoherent but alive.  He had been in the cold water for about six hours.  Reese was found almost 90 minutes later by the crew of another boat, who had been searching for him.  A helicopter winched a medic down onto that boat, who verified that Reese had died.  A coroner’s report released today has found that Reese died from drowning at sea near Pania Reef, off Napier, last October.  The indicator marks where the boat capsized over Pania Reef last October. The red-bordered area marks a rahui placed over the area by iwi in the following days. Photo / NZ Police  After reviewing the evidence in Reese’s case, Coroner Ruth Thomas recommended that boaties should carry their communication devices on their persons, not just on the boat.  She had been told that, while the two men were holding onto the hull, they could hear their phones ringing while stored in waterproof bags on the boat, but could not reach them.  Friends had fished together for 45 years  According to the findings, Reese and his friend had been fishing and crayfishing together for about 45 years. On October 19 last year, they put out their cray pots on their first trip out for the summer season.  Early in the morning on October 21, they both checked the weather conditions from the shore and, despite strong winds being forecast all day, decided to take advantage of a lull to head out about 7.35am.  When they left the Napier Sailing Club ramp, the sea state was moderate, but the skipper said there was no wind.  However, weather data from Napier Port and the MetService said that, about the time the men left shore, the winds were averaging 17 knots (31km/h), gusting to 22 knots.  Around the time of the capsize, the wind had risen to an average of 20 knots, gusting to 27.  Wave heights were an average of 0.5m, peaking at 1.1m.  The sea temperature was 14C. Anything lower than 15C is defined as cold water, which can affect breathing and movement.  Both men were wearing lifejackets and had taken their cellphones, but they were without a personal locator beacon as the skipper had lent the one he usually carried to a family member.  They put their car keys and phones in waterproof bags in the bow of the boat.  The fishermen were in position over their cray pots about 2km from shore by 8.15am. They pulled up two pots, rebaited them and put them back.  As they tried to retrieve the third, a cray pot rope became entangled with the boat’s propeller and, while the pair were cutting it away, the sea swell was increasing.  Waves started coming into the stern, eventually filling it with water and flipping it over.  Both men held onto the upturned boat. They managed to drop an anchor, and the entangled cray pot rope also helped to hold them in position.  Reese was initially fully immersed. His friend, who was standing on the motor and in water from the waist down, helped him onto the top of the boat and held onto him by his belt.  “They remained in this position for hours,” Coroner Thomas said.  “At one point, Mr Reese said to his friend, ‘I can’t take any more of this. I’m too cold. I’ve had it.’”  After a wave washed them off the boat, the friend could see Reese drifting away but could not tell whether or not he was conscious.  Search organised for missing men  Reese’s wife, Anne, had become concerned when the men had not returned to shore.  She phoned her husban... Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:15:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/industry-observers-warn-nz-is-lagging-behind-amidst-gene-tech-indecision/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/industry-observers-warn-nz-is-lagging-behind-amidst-gene-tech-indecision/ Industry observers are warning New Zealand could fall behind many of its trading partners, as National’s plans to loosen gene technology rules and “harness biotechnology” continue to stall. The Government introduced a bill in 2024 seeking to end the 30-year hardline ban on the use of genetic technology outside of a laboratory environment, with the aim of passing the legislation by the end of 2025. But, while the select committee process wrapped up in October last year, it’s unclear if the controversial Bill will be passed before November’s election. Some proponents fear New Zealand’s indecision could stifle innovation, lower our competitiveness, and leave us falling behind other countries. Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Penny Simmonds said negotiations and subsequent policy changes are ongoing and there was nothing new to add. Bioeconomy Science Institute general manager for new cultivar innovation Zac Hanley said it feels like New Zealand is being left behind or that we will have to do a lot of work to catch up. He said primary sector industries around the world are looking at the potential products and opportunities arising from genetic technology when appropriate safeguards are in place. Hanley said the tech could reduce our reliance on chemical sprays, allow us to grow more resilient crops able to withstand a changing climate, and export more innovation to support our economy. But he said without the legislation in place, we are watching other countries move ahead while we can’t ourselves. Almost 15,000 submissions were received during the select committee process, with many opponents raising concerns about potential implications for the environment, trade and te Ao Māori. National’s coalition partners supported the law change at first reading but are opposing it in current form. Act has taken issue with the inclusion of a Māori Advisory Committee, while New Zealand First has cited concerns about health, protection and environmental safety, as well as the possibility of us trading away a market advantage. University of Otago Professor of Economics Murat Üngör said there are competing views on potential trade impacts. He said, on the one hand, New Zealand products have a good reputation due to our “clean and green” brand association, so some opponents fear reform would confuse or create distrust among consumers in premium markets. On the other hand, he said, lagging behind could equally paint us as a country stuck in the past, hurting our status as a high-value, innovative producer. Üngör said many of our trading partners are already moving toward less regulation so we need to be proactive. While New Zealand has some of the tightest gene editing regulations in the world, Australia, Canada and the US have close to no restrictions, and the European Union and the UK are moving to ease their rules. Üngör said scientists and businesses in those countries will find it a lot easier to carry out research and produce products. He said we could become a global outlier and potentially face technical barriers that impact our ability to trade. Üngör said there is also a risk that our agricultural exports will become less competitive, and we will go from developing our own products to importing them from somewhere else. He said if we are not the ones developing or field-testing new climate-resilient, pest-resistant or higher-yield crops, this innovation will simply happen elsewhere. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:00:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/education/schools-turn-to-record-number-of-overseas-trained-teachers-amid-shortages/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/education/schools-turn-to-record-number-of-overseas-trained-teachers-amid-shortages/ Schools are relying on overseas-trained teachers at record levels as workforce shortages continue to bite. Ministry of Education data shows teachers trained overseas accounted for 12.5% of the workforce last year, with 9,772 workers compared with 68,214 domestically trained. The proportion grew to 13.3% when considering fulltime teachers. The figures mark a dramatic long-term shift, with overseas-trained teachers making up just 4.9% of the workforce in 2005 and 8.9% in 2015. Each year since then, the percentage has grown. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie said the sector’s becoming increasingly reliant on overseas recruitment. “While successive governments have claimed that overseas teachers are just a stop gap, this data strongly indicates that the Government is relying more and more on overseas teachers instead of investing in a domestic teacher workforce for Aotearoa New Zealand.” Abercrombie said overseas teachers are a valuable resource - as there would be a lot more students having to be sent home if they weren’t filling the gaps in staff rooms. Secondary schools employ the largest share of overseas-trained teachers, with 5228 compared with 4544 in primary schools. NZ Principals’ Federation President Jason Miles said these teachers are often filling vacancies because there aren’t enough New Zealand-trained teachers available. He said they’re still trained teachers with lots of qualities - but they lack in some areas. “It’s the context of New Zealand’s environment, understanding Te Tiriti obligations, familiarity with New Zealand curriculum and assessment, cultural context and connections to local communities.” “So there are a lot of in-school training that are required, for schools who are already stretched.” Miles said schools are increasingly turning to overseas-trained teachers and those with a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) to keep classrooms staffed. Newstalk ZB also revealed the number of teachers with a LAT had increased 33% over the last two years. Secondary schools are under immense pressure for staffing, with the Ministry of Education forecasting a shortage of 710 teachers this year, 510 next year and 190 in 2028 - higher than last year’s estimate of 550 and 330 for this year and next. But Abercrombie said the secondary teacher supply situation was made worse, not better, by last week’s Budget. “For the first time in many years, there was no teacher supply package of initiatives – despite a recent Ministry of Education report which admitted that they had underestimated the size of the secondary teacher supply shortage.“ “In fact, the Budget put more pressure on secondary teacher numbers by doubling the number of trade academy places around the motu. The Government needs to urgently commit an urgent expansion of teacher supply initiatives rather than continuing to sit on its hands while schools and students suffer,” he said. Miles said the Government needs to increase the value of our New Zealand-trained teachers, by making sure that we have an education system that values the work that teachers bring. He said many Kiwi-trained teachers go overseas for an OE and do some teaching along the way. “But this is increasingly happening now because of the higher paid teachers’ salaries as well as the better conditions that some countries are supplying them,” Miles said. Jaime Cunningham is a Christchurch-based reporter with a focus on education, social issues and general news. She joined Newstalk ZB in 2023 after working as a sports reporter at the Christchurch Star. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:00:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/new-bar-matchbox-to-replace-deadshot-on-auckland-s-ponsonby-rd-strip/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/new-bar-matchbox-to-replace-deadshot-on-auckland-s-ponsonby-rd-strip/ While Auckland’s hospitality industry remains under pressure, it is still far from dead, with a new bar giving it a shot on Ponsonby Rd. A new venue called Matchbox will move into Deadshot’s premises after the cocktail bar in the city centre closes its doors next weekend. Owners Ali Walker and Heather Garland announced the sale of the late-night watering hole on Tuesday. The new owners are hospitality veterans Kamal Haggerty, who has run venues around Australasia, and Alejandro Vasquez, who is part-owner and head chef at Milenta in Victoria Park Market. Haggerty told the Herald that despite the negative economic narratives going around, hospitality is alive and kicking. “I feel there’s so much doom and gloom around hospitality, but we’ve actually got great people in the game. It’s a great time to do something. We’re only going to lift it up ourselves,” Haggerty said. Company liquidations rose 17% year on year in April and are tracking towards their highest levels since 2010, according to Centrix. Hospitality is the second-largest contributor and the fastest rising, with 414 liquidations recorded, up 49% year on year. Haggerty said Matchbox is going to be a new concept but will pay respect to the space Deadshot created. “We’re not going to do a lot to the interior of the building. We think it’s beautiful. It’s aged perfectly, and there’s a lot of beauty in that. We’ll respect that and love that,” he said. Part of the attraction to opening a venue at 45 Ponsonby Rd, while other businesses were closing, was the size and scope of the building. “It’s a space that I can be an owner-operator in. That we can inhabit ourselves, which really plays to a lot of things going on right now.” Haggerty said the venue’s size means it can run without too many staff, keeping costs down. “We’re doing this on the smell of an oily rag. It is blood, sweat and tears, and all hands on. We’re not operating with some giant team where everyone has one role.” Deadshot will have its last day on June 13 and Haggerty said they’ll start working on the project from there. “We’re looking [to open] probably around early next month... But how long is a piece of string? How long does the liquor licence take to come through?” Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Kristy Phillips said despite the challenges at the moment, new venues continue to open nationwide. “Passion remains for starting hospitality venues,” she said. “There are lots of factors that go into running a great hospo business, including location and cost management but the determining factor for most is creating a sense of community and sociability in a venue – be that a cafe, bar or restaurant.” Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/radio-and-podcast-awards-newstalk-zb-wins-station-of-the-year-for-sixth-straight-year-heather-du-plessis-allan-named-broadcaster-of-the-year/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/radio-and-podcast-awards-newstalk-zb-wins-station-of-the-year-for-sixth-straight-year-heather-du-plessis-allan-named-broadcaster-of-the-year/ Newstalk ZB has won Station of the Year for a record sixth straight year, while drive host Heather du Plessis-Allan was named the Sir Paul Holmes Broadcaster of the Year for a second straight year at the 2026 NZ Radio and Podcast Awards. ZB’s night host Marcus Lush, meanwhile, was named the Best Presenter (non-breakfast/drive) for the 10th straight year, and breakfast host Mike Hosking was named Best Talk Presenter (breakfast/drive) for the fourth straight year. MediaWorks stations and personalities were also big winners - More FM’s breakfast show (including Simon Barnett and Lana Cochrane-Searle) was named Best Breakfast Music Show and The Rock’s Wind of Change won the coveted Blackie Award. RNZ also had a strong night, winning Best Digital Content while senior reporter Sam Sherwood was named Best Journalist, backing up the similar prize he received at the New Zealand Media Awards last month. RNZ’s investigation into Jevon McSkimming was awarded Best News or Sport Story - Team Coverage. As well as ZB winning Network Station of the Year, More FM Northland was named Local Station of the Year and Sun FM was named Independent Station of the Year. An emotional du Plessis-Allan thanked her husband Barry Soper, mother, colleagues and listeners. Of her role, she said: “It is just such an honour. Isn’t it just a wonderful privilege? It is a privilege to turn a microphone on and people listen to you. I don’t even have that privilege with my four-year-old.” Newstalk ZB’s Raylene Ramsay was named Best News or Sports Reader, and Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy for Breakfast - with hosts Scotty Stevenson and Israel Dagg - were named Best Sports Presenter/Commentator. Independent podcast Between Two Beers was named the overall Podcast of the Year. It also won the Best Society and Culture Podcast. Members of the Newstalk ZB radio team, winners of Network Station of the Year for the sixth straight year. ZM’s Bree and Clint won Best Music Network Team. The Hits Dunedin Breakfast with Callum and P was named Best Local Music Breakfast Show. A range of radio specialists were presented with awards for Services to Broadcasting including Eti Fuimaono McCarthy, Ray Smith, Clare Sziranyi, Pawan Prasad, Matinee Idle hosts Phil O’Brien and Simon Morris, Angela Gordon and Jon Dunstan. Former Radio Broadcasters Association chair and chief executive Jana Rangooni was awarded for her Outstanding Contribution to Radio. NZME chief audio officer Jason Winstanley said: “I’m proud of our awesome team – these wins highlight the depth of talent we have right across our audio brands. From our Newstalk ZB newsroom to our iHeartRadio digital audio and podcast teams, our local stations to our breakfast shows, tonight is a reminder of just how many brilliant people who create content that New Zealanders continue to love.” NZME chief executive Michael Boggs said: “Tonight is a fantastic celebration of what NZME does best - connecting with Kiwis through great storytelling, entertaining content and trusted journalism. Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:07:35 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/huffer-accused-of-using-ai-to-recreate-models-in-new-campaign/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/huffer-accused-of-using-ai-to-recreate-models-in-new-campaign/ A model who previously worked for Huffer claims the New Zealand-owned fashion label has used AI to generate new campaign images of models. Elijah Timmins-Scanlon, a model with agency Red Eleven, uploaded a video to Instagram with his claims. He alleges Huffer is generating models with AI, using the likeness of models from previous Huffer campaigns, without disclosure. “I first came across the images when I was scrolling through Instagram ... and then I see an ad pop up of an image that looked like me,” he tells the Herald. Timmins-Scanlon says he thought the image could be him, or his brother, also a model. The model says he zoomed in, thought it was neither of them and then began to suspect it was AI-generated. “I kind of left it because it’s a big accusation to make off one ad.” Elijah Timmins-Scanlon, Red Eleven model. The model says after seeing more images that he suspected were AI-generated, he felt more confident in his position. Timmins-Scanlon left a comment on the photo he suspected was AI-generated, writing, “Yo that ai model actually goes hard.” “Which I truly believe,” Timmins-Scanlon says. “I was actually like, ‘wow, they’re getting good at this’.” He says his Instagram account was blocked by the Huffer page. “That was the final straw,” he tells the Herald. "I find that super disrespectful." Following this, Timmins-Scanlon uploaded his video to Instagram. Huffer managing director Kate Berry denies that the image, highlighted by Timmins-Scanlon, was generated using the model’s likeness. “No faces of our models have been changed other than in normal computer-assisted design. “No one is using models that have been paid by us and changing them.” When asked if the person in the image was a real human, Berry replied: “I am not commenting on specific images.” On whether Huffer is generating imagery of new models using AI programs for any of their content, Berry said, “Computer design support has been used in our industry for 30 years.” Berry confirms Elijah Timmins-Scanlon was blocked from the Instagram page. She says it was for breaking Huffer’s community standards. Earl Gray, intellectual property barrister at Sangro Chambers, says the basis for examining the legality of reproducing someone’s likeness falls under the Fair Trading Act. If a person could be mistaken for being in or consenting to an image that depicts their likeness, that image could be classified as misleading. This would be in breach of the Fair Trading Act. “You’d need to analyse the particular starting point – how well known the talent is and in what way and how close the context of the subsequent publication. Which, of course, doesn’t make it very easy for talent.” Red Eleven owner Mandy Jacobsen says she expects the communication for the use of AI for images depicting models to be clear. “We do understand things are changing, but they’ve got to have a conversation with us,” she says. Jacobsen says the model agency has been attempting to front-foot conversations about image manipulation. “We’ve also put on our invoices, and a few other things, that you cannot manipulate the image without permission from us.” Timmins-Scanlon also says he feels it should always be clear whether a label is using AI to reproduce a model’s likeness, or generating new images of AI models. “From a business perspective, I get it, trying to cut costs. I think for me it’s the transparency,” Timmins-Scanlon says. Last year, Guess featured an AI-generated model in a two-page advertisement for Vogue magazine. A small disclaimer was printed in the corner of the image explaining that the images were AI-generated. Similarly, in February, Gucci was criticised for releasing marked AI-generated imagery on X ahead of their Milan Fashion Week show. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:53:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/crime/north-shore-assault-teen-left-bloodied-and-traumatised-following-random-after-school-attack-at-glenfield-rd-bus-stop/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/crime/north-shore-assault-teen-left-bloodied-and-traumatised-following-random-after-school-attack-at-glenfield-rd-bus-stop/ A “frustrated” Auckland dad says his daughter is traumatised after she was attacked at a bus stop on her way home from school. Ryel Joseph Cantos’ daughter, Chloe Rose, 15, was allegedly assaulted “out of nowhere” at the Glenfield Rd bus stop on Auckland’s North Shore about 4pm yesterday. He said Chloe, who had moved to New Zealand from the Philippines three years ago, was left with a bloody nose after the “random” attack by another teenager. “She was waiting for a bus at the bus station going home after school. And then this young lady just attacked her,” Cantos told the Herald. “The girl was talking nasty things about my daughter. My daughter doesn’t know that girl and then she started to attack my daughter. “Her nose bled heaps yesterday and the doctor advised us that after the swelling of the nose [goes down], to do some X-rays because we don’t know if the nose is broken or something.” Cantos said the attack has been traumatic for Chloe, who is now afraid of going back to school. “She’s really sad and frustrated. She’s not talking any more. She’s mute, she’s silent. “My daughter doesn’t want to go to school now because she’s afraid. Even though the kid who attacked her is not attending the same school.” Cantos said his daughter attended Glenfield College and he was told by the dean that the attacker had previously attended the school but was “kicked out last year”. He has filed a police report and is hoping that the attacker is held accountable. “I heard so many things about the girl. She’s a troublemaker. “It should be stopped. Someone [needs to] do something about these things because it’s not really nice.” Police confirmed to the Herald that they received “a report about an assault at a bus stop on Glenfield Rd on Wednesday afternoon”. “The assault occurred at around 4pm, and was reported to police at around 4.30pm,” Waitematā East Police Inspector CJ Miles said. “The offender left the area soon after the assault occurred. Fortunately, the victim was not seriously injured in the assault. “Police is awaiting further information from the victim around what has occurred, and our inquiries will continue.” It’s not the first incident to occur at the same bus stop outside of the Glenfield McDonald’s, with another Filipino girl assaulted in 2023 and other parents coming forward about their children getting assaulted or threatened in the area. It has prompted calls from local parents for beefed-up security outside the restaurant. Cantos said he was “frustrated and f****** stressed” about the situation. “My daughter doesn’t want to go to school. It’s really hard for a parent to hear that. “It’s not fair. My daughter is a nice kid. She doesn’t do anything to harm others.” Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:15:01 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/billie-moore-leaves-nz-airports-association-to-join-aviation-tech-start-up-onereg/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/billie-moore-leaves-nz-airports-association-to-join-aviation-tech-start-up-onereg/ New Zealand Airports Association chief executive Billie Moore is moving to a new job at a start-up. Moore will go to OneReg, which former Air New Zealand staffers founded after Covid-era airline layoffs in 2020. OneReg is an aviation operating system enabling companies to use one platform instead of multiple ones. OneReg said it had a successful US$4.5 million ($7.7m) Series A round last month and was accelerating its international expansion. “Her appointment strengthens our work with regulators as we scale internationally and build on the momentum from our recent capital raise,” OneReg co-founder and chief executive Clinton Cardozo said. “Billie is one of the most respected voices in aviation and public policy in Asia-Pacific.” Moore, a former diplomat, has represented New Zealand’s airports since December 2022. The sector has faced challenges from rising jet fuel prices, tensions between some airports and airlines over charges, and a sluggish domestic economic rebound. “I have spent many years navigating government policy and working to support a thriving aviation sector,” Moore said. “What drew me to OneReg is the chance to make a more direct impact. The platform is driving momentum in regulation tech in a way the sector has talked about for years.” Moore will start her new role in August. OneReg went live with Air New Zealand’s engineering division last September. It said that moment marked its expansion from airport compliance into airline operations. OneReg said its platform allowed all critical information and regulatory requirements to be accessible in one place. Cardozo previously told the Herald the model helped reduce “operational drag”, which could cause long lines, lost luggage and delayed flights. OneReg was incorporated in June 2020 in New Zealand and launched in Australia in 2024. According to the Companies Office, investment company Ascendo Holdings is its biggest shareholder, at 30.69%. Air New Zealand owns 3.5%. OneReg, headquartered in Auckland, said it was expanding across Australia, Britain, the European Union and the Middle East. John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation. He previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:26:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/taranaki-cafe-owner-faces-threats-after-posting-photos-of-child-who-etched-words-into-4500-couch/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/taranaki-cafe-owner-faces-threats-after-posting-photos-of-child-who-etched-words-into-4500-couch/ A cafe is facing a public backlash, including threats of arson and ram raids, after posting images of a young child scratching her name into a leather couch. The owner of Hind Quarters Cafe & Bar in Waverley, South Taranaki, publicly shared details of the incident, hoping to identify two adults who were caring for a pair of children, arguing that they should have alerted staff to the damage before leaving. Instead, Kylie James has been left dealing with threats to her business. Sean Lyons, Netsafe’s chief online safety officer, told the Herald that the backlash exemplified the potential harm that could be inflicted on people through their online activity, and showed the “unintended consequences” of such acts. Security footage from the holiday weekend incident shows two adults sitting in the cafe corner as a young girl marks the couch – a brown leather Rembrandt valued at about $4500 – with her fingernails. When a second child returns with a takeaway box, the couple begin to stack their plates and collect their belongings. As they prepare to leave, the woman briefly leans over and attempts to wipe away the marks left by the girl, before continuing to depart as a staff member arrives to clear the table. James later took to Facebook for help in finding the family, sharing a photo of the etching and the couple’s faces. She soon became caught in a fiery debate around the importance of accountability and responsibility in parenting, as well as how such a post should be balanced against children’s privacy rights. Speaking to Newstalk ZB last night, James said her only intention behind the public post was to identify the family so they could resolve the issue privately. She was “gobsmacked at where it’s headed”. “This is a significant amount of damage. I just would have loved the opportunity to have the ownership of it and be done with it,” she told Nights host Marcus Lush. She said staff did not notice the damage until Tuesday, sending her a photo while she was in her studio across the road, where she works as an interior designer. “It’s two years old and it has worn exceptionally well ... it’s not really scratched or marked in any way, because my team there do a fabulous job of looking after it.” James said she initially avoided posting a photo of the couch as it revealed the girl’s name, and “tried to be really professional” in sharing only what was needed for someone to recognise the family. Instead, many commenters demanded that she explain why the couple were wanted or whether they had stolen anything. When the footage was later shared, some questioned whether the child was behind the damage. “I didn’t think I needed to justify or have a negative reason why I was wanting to track them down,” James said. “Something simple that was professional, wanting to get a hold of somebody, is turned into, ‘I’m going to ram raid your building’, ‘I’m going to burn it down’, ‘I’m going to graffiti it’. “You know, people just need to take a minute and think about what people have going on in their lives before they take to this keyboard.” Lyons said people “need to think really clearly” about how varied reactions to a social media post could be, and consider whether sharing information in a public forum had the potential to generate backlash, cause offence or prompt viewers to conduct their own “online vigilantism”. “We do have concerns that sometimes people who see this kind of conversation or discourse in public spaces don’t just think something should be done, but people start to think, ‘I’m going to do something’,” he said. “If we are putting that material out there in order to identify somebody’s role in a situation, we have to be really conscious of the fact that some people might take what they see without any of the other context, and may not try to understand the wider situation.” Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:48:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/erueti-wirihana-sentenced-to-seven-years-for-the-cold-case-manslaughter-of-hastings-man-eddie-peters/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/erueti-wirihana-sentenced-to-seven-years-for-the-cold-case-manslaughter-of-hastings-man-eddie-peters/ The daughter of the victim in a seven-year-old manslaughter case has told the heavily tattooed gang member who killed her father that he was “just a pathetic little boy”.  Today, Sky Peters-Prisk gave a victim impact statement to the Napier District Court about the death of her dad, Eddie Peters, in 2018.  Erueti Wirihana, 29, was appearing to be sentenced for manslaughter after admitting he was the person who punched Peters and stomped on his head, causing injuries which killed him several days later.  Peters-Prisk said that she both pitied Wirihana and felt anger towards him.  “For years I pitied you,” she told Wirihana from the floor of the courtroom.  ”Being Māori, I feel sadness for our people and our culture.  “Gangs, violence, drugs and alcohol are what you and a lot of our people turn to,” Peters-Prisk said.  “I never felt anger towards you until I first saw your face in court. You walked out with the facade of a tough guy,” she said  “I see you, though. You’re just a pathetic little boy.”  The court was told that Wirihana first punched Peters when Peters turned up at the tangi of his old friend Samson Wirihana, Erueti’s father, on November 15, 2018.  Peters then left the tangi but Wirihana followed him down the suburban Hastings street and attacked him again on the grass verge several hundred metres away.  Peters, 45, sometimes known to his friends as “Eddie Spaghetti”, died in Wellington Hospital surrounded by his whānau on November 24, from the injuries he received when Wirihana assaulted him the previous week.  Wirihana was sent to prison for seven years, with no parole for half that time, on the manslaughter charge.  He was originally charged with murder, and a trial had been scheduled on that charge before he pleaded guilty to manslaughter in April.  The court was told today that the manslaughter charge was laid after medical experts could not determine which of the blows had caused Peters’ fatal injuries.  It took seven years to bring Wirihana to justice because his partner falsely claimed for years that she was with him on the night Peters died, providing an alibi.  That deception came to an end when the partner talked about the alibi in a phone call with Wirihana when he was in prison in 2022, for unrelated reasons.  That phone call, recorded by prison authorities, was obtained by police under a court order.  It ended with Wirihana screaming at his partner in an expletive-laden rant that told her she would be the one who “sinks the ship” because of things she was saying on the call.  “You just f***** up. Quite a bit,” he told her.  Eddie Peters died in 2018. Photo / Supplied  Samson Wirihana, who died from a terminal illness, and his son were both patched members of the Hastings chapter of the Mongrel Mob.  Peters was not a mob member but attended the tangi to pay respects to Samson, because he was a friend who had known him for many years.  While there, he got into an altercation with Erueti Wirihana, who punched him on the jaw, knocking him to the ground.  Wirihana later chased Peters down the street when he tried to leave the tangi.  Wirihana caught up with Peters and assaulted him again, punching and stomping on him.  Residents at the property outside of which that attack took place discovered Peters with head injuries in a pool of blood on the grass verge beside their driveway, a few metres from their door.  Peters was taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital in Hastings and spent several days there, but was well enough to leave the hospital for brief periods to visit relatives and collect some clothes.  However, on November 19, his condition deteriorated and he suffered two seizures. A CT scan revealed bleeding around the brain, and he was airlifted to Wellington Hospital.  His condition deteriorated further and on November 22, Peters was declared brain dead. On t... Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:45:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/arson-charge-laid-over-blaze-at-prime-minister-christopher-luxon-s-northpark-office/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/arson-charge-laid-over-blaze-at-prime-minister-christopher-luxon-s-northpark-office/ A man has been charged with arson after a fire broke out at Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Auckland office.  Emergency services were called to Millhouse Dr shortly after 9.50am yesterday.  Detective Inspector Karen Bright said a 24-year-old man has been charged in relation to a small fire at a Northpark electoral office yesterday.  The man will appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with arson.  Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the fire, Bright said.  A cordon around the office was put in place yesterday as a scene examination took place.  Bright yesterday said the fire was being treated as suspicious.  A man has been charged with arson following a fire at Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Auckland office. Photo / Dean Purcell  A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s office said staff were safe and were not harmed.  “It is now a police matter, so we do not have further comment at this stage.”  A staff member at a neighbouring bakehouse told the Herald that five police cars were parked outside Luxon’s office.  The staff member said a fire truck was also in attendance, but had since left.  They did not know why the office had been cordoned off.  Fire and Emergency told the Herald it was called to a deck fire at 9.53am and sent one fire engine.  “On arrival, the fire was already out.”  1News said footage from the scene showed Fire and Emergency staff pulling apart a deck at the property.  Wed, 03 Jun 2026 23:40:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-release-image-of-bike-linked-to-alleged-murder-of-far-north-kuia-t%C4%81rati-buckley/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-release-image-of-bike-linked-to-alleged-murder-of-far-north-kuia-t%C4%81rati-buckley/ Police are searching for a mountain bike allegedly ridden by the man charged with the murder of a Far North kuia.  Tārati (Dorothy) Buckley, 76, of Ōpononi, was found dead at a Whirinaki property this week.  A 26-year-old man was charged with her murder, as well as arson, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, using a credit card to obtain a pecuniary advantage, and failure to assist police.  Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said the investigation team was still seeking information and had launched Operation Peony.  Police today released an image of a red mountain bike they say the man was seen riding between Maungatapere and Dargaville on June 1.  The image was captured at GAS Maungatapere at 8.04am that day.  “We have not located this mountain bike, and I’m asking anyone who might know where this bike is to contact us,” Johnston said.  Police attended Ounuwhao Rd, near Dargaville, at about 9.10am on Monday and found Buckley’s burnt-out SUV.  Police allege the man was seen by officers at 2.06pm walking along State Highway 14 near Dargaville.  Johnston said police wanted any information about the man’s movements on the morning and early afternoon of June 1.  Tārati Buckley, 76, of Ōpononi.  “He was wearing the same clothing as is seen in the CCTV image.”  Buckley’s family confirmed her death in a statement on Tuesday, describing their “deep shock and immense mamae [pain]” at her alleged murder.  “She was taken from us far too soon, in circumstances that we are struggling to comprehend and accept,” the statement said.  Police first found Buckley’s burned-out SUV about 100km south in Tangowahine, Kaipara. Efforts to locate the vehicle’s registered owner led them to her Ōpononi home, which police allege had been burgled.  Police said they became concerned when Buckley was not there. She was later found dead about 6km away in Whirinaki.  The man charged with Buckley’s murder appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday.  He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.  He was due to appear in the High Court at Whangārei on June 19, where he was expected to enter a plea.  Information can be provided to police via 105 using the reference number 260601/3972, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.  Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:27:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/lotto-powerball-28m-win-ashburton-four-square-celebrates-hopes-it-s-one-of-their-lucky-locals/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/lotto-powerball-28m-win-ashburton-four-square-celebrates-hopes-it-s-one-of-their-lucky-locals/ The Ashburton shop where last night’s eye-watering $28.2 million Lotto Powerball was sold is hoping it’s gone to one of their “very lucky locals”.  After 11 straight rollovers, Lotto Powerball was finally struck with a single ticket sold at Four Square Netherby in Ashburton.  Store owner Kim Wood told local NZME radio show Hokonui Breakfast with Luke Howden that they are all “very excited”.  “It’s fair to say from about 8pm last night, the phone started ... and plenty of people were letting me know that Netherby was the place to win,” Wood said.  “Our staff chat got very busy last night.  “The team are really excited that hopefully it’s gone to one of our very lucky locals.”  She said it is the store’s first big win. Lotto provides stores with training on how to deal with such enormous winnings and said confidentiality for the winner is huge.  “It’s of the utmost importance that the team keep it private,” she said.  “It’s equally our win because we’re super excited that it’s our store but it’s very much so for the individual who’s woken up this morning to a very new bank account.  “We’re really excited for the community.”  Wood said they get a “nice little trophy” for having sold a first division winning ticket - as well as the excitement of knowing that they have been part of a life-changing event for someone.  What to do if you win  Ticket holders can immediately see if they have won if they bought a ticket through the MyLotto app. Prizes of $1000 or less are automatically credited to the account.  For prizes exceeding $1000, winners must complete an online prize claim form.  Winners with physical tickets must still visit a Lotto retailer to claim their prize.  For the Powerball jackpot to be claimed, a ticket holder must get all six Lotto numbers correct as well as the Powerball number.  Lotto Powerball wins in 2026  January 14 – $10.2m, MyLotto, Manawatū-Whanganui  January 21 – $5.3m, MyLotto, Otago  February 14 – $5.08m, Coastlands Lotto, Paraparaumu  February 14 – $5.08m, New World Greymouth, Greymouth  February 14 – $5.08m, MyLotto, Masterton  February 18 – $4.5m, Glen Innes Dairy and Lotto Outlet, Auckland  March 28 – $12.75m, MyLotto, Auckland  March 28 – $12.75m, MyLotto, Auckland  April 15 - $14.3m, MyLotto, New Plymouth  April 22 - $5.5m, Auckland  June 3 - $28.2m, Ashburton  Top 5 Lotto individual wins of all time:  $44.06m – Auckland, 2016  $42.02m – Waikato, 2021  $37.12m – Wellington, 2023  $33.05m – Christchurch, 2023  $33.01m – Auckland, 2013  Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:45:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/one-dead-and-63-injured-in-iran-missile-attack-on-kuwait-airport/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/one-dead-and-63-injured-in-iran-missile-attack-on-kuwait-airport/ (function(n){function c(t,i){n[e](h,function(n){var r,u;if(n&&(r=n[n.message?"message":"data"]+"",r&&r.substr&&r.substr(0,3)==="nc:")&&(u=r.split(":"),u[1]===i))switch(u[2]){case"h":t.style.height=u[3]+"px";return;case"scrolltotop":t.scrollIntoView();return}},!1)}for(var t,u,f,i,s,e=n.addEventListener?"addEventListener":"attachEvent",h=e==="attachEvent"?"onmessage":"message",o=n.document.querySelectorAll(".live-center-embed"),r=0;r',c(t.firstChild,i)))})(window); An Iranian attack killed an Indian national and injured 63 people at Kuwait’s international airport, forcing it to close temporarily, in the first deadly strike on the Gulf since an April 8 ceasefire came into place. The attacks, which Kuwait says damaged unnamed diplomatic missions, test a ceasefire that has largely held despite sporadic strikes. It largely halted more than a month of war, sparked by US and Israeli attacks on Iran, during which Iran launched thousands of missiles and drones at Gulf nations. Iran accused Kuwait and Bahrain of allowing the United States to use their territory to launch attacks on an Iranian tanker and island. Tehran said it attacked the US Navy’s Middle East headquarters in Bahrain as well as the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, but did not mention the airport. Health ministry spokesman Abdullah al-Sanad said 25 ambulances were dispatched at Kuwait International Airport, adding that “63 injured individuals were received and distributed among hospitals ... This includes serious injuries ... including head wounds, cerebral haemorrhages, amputations and injuries resulting from explosions.” The injured included civilians, airport workers and travellers. The airport compound includes Cargo City, a base used by US forces but at a distance from the civilian terminals. The Indian foreign ministry said one of its citizens was killed at the airport and condemned the strike: “We again call on all parties to cease such attacks.” Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence spokesman Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan said 30 ballistic missiles and drones were launched as part of the “heinous Iranian aggression” that caused “significant material damage to the building”. Kuwait’s state news agency said civil aviation authorities had suspended traffic and transferred arriving flights to alternative airports after “Terminal One came under Iranian attacks causing casualties and damage”. Air traffic partially resumed later in the day, with all Kuwait Airways flights operating again. Kuwait’s international airport was targeted several times during the war, and had only fully resumed operations on June 1. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards blamed the US for targeting an Iranian oil tanker and communications tower on the country’s Qeshm Island. “In response to this aggression, the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which hosts helicopters, as well as the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, were targeted with missiles and drones by the Guards’ forces.” Earlier, the US military said that it had “successfully defeated” a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain and conducted strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island. “Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart en route, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by US and Bahrain air defence forces,” the US military command for the region, Centcom, said. “All Iranian attacks on American forces failed.” Bahrain authorities said they had intercepted three missiles and a number of drones launched by Iran. - AFP Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:42:48 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/whang%C4%81rei-judge-grants-discharge-to-young-driver-shiralee-collis-in-fatal-crash-case/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/whang%C4%81rei-judge-grants-discharge-to-young-driver-shiralee-collis-in-fatal-crash-case/ Crash victim Kerry McDonald was not a man who held grudges, and if he had survived, his family believe he would have had strong words for the motorist who hit him - but ultimately, he would have shown kindness.  It’s for that reason the 64-year-old’s family has now chosen to support a discharge without conviction for Shiralee Collis, the 21-year-old who was charged with careless driving causing the Northland man’s death.  The gesture not only moved Judge Greg Davis, but said the family’s choice to honour the kind of man McDonald was has restored his faith in human decency.  “Very, very, very rarely do I get to see in the court a display of human kindness the way that I saw in here,” he said while sentencing the 21-year-old in the Whangārei District Court.  She turned right into his path  At 6.40am on January 28, 2026, McDonald was riding his motorbike towards Marsden Point on Port Marsden Highway when Collis pulled out of McCathie Rd, turning right into his path.  Collis struck McDonald and he died en route to the hospital.  The court heard neither speed, drugs nor alcohol were a factor and Collis told police she looked both ways but did not see McDonald approaching.  Collis pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and at her sentencingmembers of both families filled the public gallery and the jury box.  McDonald had a large blended family, which included six children, 11 grandchildren, a great-grandchild, two dogs, and birds.  The former search and rescue member split his life between work in Whangārei and home in the Bay of Islands.  McDonald had spent nearly four decades at Marsden Point, first with the refinery before it closed in March 2022 and then working on the site redevelopment project for Channel Infrastructure.  ‘I will never get that time back’  Two of his daughters read victim impact statements detailing how his sudden death had left behind conversations they were never able to have.  “Like many daughters and fathers, we had disagreements and I believed there would be a time for us to work through them,” Sydney McDonald said.  “I thought we would have the chance to talk, to resolve things and to move forward. That chance was taken from me. Now I have to live with the reality that I will never get that time back.”  Kim McDonald also expressed her grief of unanswered questions and raising a granddaughter who will never get the chance to know her papa.  McDonald’s stepdaughter Tessa said McDonald was the heart of the family who brought stability, warmth and laughter to their lives.  “As a family, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren, we are all grieving in our own ways. There are moments filled with tears and moments where we hold on to the memories he gave us. We miss his voice, his laughter, his guidance, and the way he made each of us feel valued and loved. Our lives will never be the same without him”.  She said her family also wanted it known that McDonald was “not a man who held grudges”.  “He was someone who believed in understanding and compassion. We truly believe that if he were here, he would he may have been upset, he may have had strong words, but ultimately he would have shown kindness.”  At his service, Kerry McDonald was described as kind, respected, and generous with his time.  Judge Greg Davis said the charity shown by the McDonalds was unlike anything he had ever seen in his career of nearly 16 years.  “I’d like to blame my voice cracking up on having a bit of a flu. I don’t know that I can ... But when you read the generosity of human spirit that I saw in this report, my heart goes out to the McDonald family. When I see this, it fills your heart, well, it fills my heart, with hope.”  Collis applied for a discharge without conviction, which members of the McDonald family supported openly.  Kerry McDonald was a respected figure at Channel Infrastructure, havi... Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:18:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/spca-adoptions-fall-over-five-year-period/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/spca-adoptions-fall-over-five-year-period/ The number of pets adopted from the SPCA has fallen by almost 2400 in the last five years, as the cost-of-living crisis bites for pet owners. Figures released to Newstalk ZB showed 17,295 animals got a new home in the year to May 2022. In the year to this May, that number was 14,916, down 521 compared to the year prior. Auckland saw the biggest drop, slipping by 239 adoptions over the five-year period, tailed by Christchurch (238), Palmerston North (206) and Wellington (169). Thames had the largest increase, up 240 - followed by Hamilton (178), Masterton (166) and Kerikeri (141). Overall, incoming animals fell by 2548 in that time. The SPCA said it hoped that was a reflection of its desexing efforts. Head of Animal Care Selena Francisco said the cost-of-living crisis meant pet ownership was out of reach for some people. “When finances have pressure, things like animals fall outside of the absolute necessities for families, and so unfortunately it does have an impact on our adoption rates.” She said they were also noticing growing interest at free SPCA vaccination events across the country. About 200 dogs received a free parvovirus vaccine at an April event in Wellington. It was a record for the charity, with 68 owners and pets queued up waiting for a jab at the event’s peak. The same month, the organisation held its first ever feline drive in Palmerston North, with 64 cats receiving initial vaccinations – while bedding, food and desexing vouchers were handed out. Francisco said they were increasingly “hearing stories of people who are not only so thankful, but that they were feeling like they were really in a desperate situation”. “They have perhaps normally always kept on top of all of their vaccines and vet checks, but due to financial strain they can’t at the moment.” She said fostering an animal could be an opportunity for those who couldn’t afford a pet, with the charity covering everything from bedding to vaccine bills. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Veterinary Association said money had become a bigger talking point for pet-owners. Head of Veterinary Services Felicity Jefferies said vets were having more conversations with owners about prioritising treatment. “With targeted questioning, the veterinarian can help the caregiver explore different options and give a range of different options to be selected from.” “Once those really important things have been discussed, also discussing payment options as well. That there are different options there to best suit each individual situation.” December research from pet insurer PD showed one third of New Zealanders delayed essential services like vaccinations, dental cleaning and desexing because they couldn’t afford it. Almost half cut back spending and about 15% prioritised their pets over other expenses. Jefferies said they aren’t seeing a huge increase in people postponing routine checks – but also pointed out that might be more expensive, as little problems were generally quicker, easier and cheaper to treat, and had better outcomes. “We do have a responsibility to provide for the wellbeing of our pets. There are costs associated with pet ownership, but there are also many, many benefits.” Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:00:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/pharmac-chair-paula-bennett-gets-63-pay-increase-approved-by-david-seymour/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/pharmac-chair-paula-bennett-gets-63-pay-increase-approved-by-david-seymour/ David Seymour is standing by his decision to sign off a 63.2% pay rise for Pharmac chair Paula Bennett.Bennett, a former National Party cabinet minister and Deputy Prime Minister, is set to see her pay rise from $66,000 a year to $104,360 a year, backdated to September 2025. The Ministry of Health confirmed the decision was approved by Seymour, the Associate Health Minister, in his capacity as the minister in charge of the drug-buying agency. Seymour said he had compared the fees for the agency’s board with the boards of similar organisations in the private sector and found the Pharmac chair was paid only a third of what similar chairs in private firms were receiving. “With this increase the Pharmac chair will be paid half as much as a similar chair of a private company. It is important we get good people running critical organisations like Pharmac. I think we’ve struck a good balance here,” Seymour said. The Ministry of Health said Pharmac’s fees will be paid from Pharmac’s operating budget and backdated to 1 September 2025 in line with the Cabinet Fees Framework. A proactively-released Ministry of Health briefing to Seymour on the drug-buying agency’s fees review shows the ministry recommended the 63.2% rise for the chair and other members and a 66.3% increase for deputy chair Dr Peter Bramley. The briefing quoted a Public Service Commission review, which found a “substantial gap” between private and public sector board fees, with Crown entity board fees about 30-50% of comparable fees in the private sector. Officials said allowing increases were designed to “narrow the gap” while maintaining an “appropriate public sector discount”. “For Pharmac, the revised settings allow fees to better reflect the sustained scale, complexity, and risk profile of the organisation, while remaining materially below the fees paid for private sector governance roles.” The officials said they had looked into the scale, functions, and complexity of Pharmac - including the governance of $1.76 billion to purchase medicines. “The proposed Board fee increases reflect these sustained governance demands, Pharmac’s current operating budget and it’s financial and non-financial performance, and the need to attract and retain suitably qualified and experienced governors, while remaining below private sector organisations of comparable scale.” The fees increase for the deputy chair rose from $41,250 to $65,250 a year. Fees for a board member rose from $33,000 to $52,200 a year. The Ministry of Health proposed the fee increases were backdated to September 1, 2025 to reflect when Cabinet agreed to the framework to increase fees. Late last year, the Government supported changes to the Cabinet Fees Framework, allowing fees of governance boards to be raised by 80%. At the time, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said public service director fees had gotten “out of whack” with those in the private sector, and stressed the importance of attracting talent on boards. Prior modelling has suggested the changes allowing for fee increases could cost $11 million. Former MP Paula Bennett has been the Pharmac chair since May 2024. Azaria Howell is a multimedia reporter working from Parliament’s press gallery. She joined NZME in 2022 and became a Newstalk ZB political reporter in late 2024, with a keen interest in public service agency reform and government spending. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:00:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/wellington-airport-drug-bust-39kg-of-meth-found-disguised-as-tea/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/wellington-airport-drug-bust-39kg-of-meth-found-disguised-as-tea/ Two women have been charged after Customs officers allegedly seized 39kg of methamphetamine disguised as tea. The pair, aged 21 and 22, were flagged at Wellington Airport on Saturday after they arrived on a flight from Malaysia via Sydney. A search of their luggage uncovered 18 foil packets of branded tea, individually vacuum sealed and wrapped in towels. Tests returned a positive result for methamphetamine. Customs said the seizure had an estimated street value of $13 million. Central and Southern Airports manager Brittany Small said the case highlighted how young New Zealanders were being “lured and exploited into dangerous criminal activity”. Two women were charged with the importation of a Class A controlled drug after 39kg of methamphetamine was seized by Customs at Wellington Airport. Photo / Customs “This is not a shortcut to riches. This is a surefire way to change the trajectory of your life – risking your freedom, your future, and to end up spending your best years in jail,” she said. The women appeared in Wellington District Court yesterday, charged with the importation of a Class A controlled drug. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:50:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/trial-begins-for-laura-williams-accused-of-setting-fire-to-her-partner-s-man-cave/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/trial-begins-for-laura-williams-accused-of-setting-fire-to-her-partner-s-man-cave/ “All your s***’s already f***in’ burnt so don’t even bother trying to get it” a woman accused of arson allegedly told her partner just hours after he hit her, cut off his ankle bracelet and fled the property. The comment was made in a voice message that was played today to a jury in Manukau District Court, where Laura Katharina Williams, 30, is on trial. She is accused of setting fire to her then partner’s makeshift workshop or “man cave” in February of 2022. In a brief opening address, her lawyer Vernon Tava argued Williams was “nowhere near” the address at the time of the blaze and the “hazard-rich” man cave was a “fire waiting to happen”. An ‘orange flicker’ Crown lawyer Kim McCoy told the jury Williams’ former partner Anthony Buckton spent a lot of time in his “beloved” workshop. The workshop was at the back of Buckton’s mother’s home in Weymouth, South Auckland, and he spent hours in there working on cars with his friends. At the time, Buckton and Williams had been in a relationship for about six years and lived together in a caravan on the property. On the day of February 11, 2022, McCoy said the couple argued and Buckton punched Williams in the face, with the police then being called. Buckton cut off his ankle monitor and fled. Around midnight, Buckton’s mother Sharon Pawa was awoken to phone calls from her son, telling her to check that his belongings hadn’t been set alight. He had forwarded three voice messages to his mother that he claimed were from Williams. “All your s***’s already f***in’ burnt so don’t even bother trying to get it,” one of the messages said. Pawa looked outside and saw an “orange flicker” in the distance, before the workshop erupted in flames. The court was told she then saw Williams walking away from the fire and heard her saying something along the lines of “your son’s stuff is burning”. The pair allegedly got into a scuffle, before Williams was able to get away. McCoy claimed Williams had doused the workshop with petrol before setting it on fire with her own lighter. Police later found empty petrol cans and a lighter, the latter of which McCoy said had fallen out of Williams’ pocket. The mother The Crown’s first witness was Sharon Pawa, Buckton’s mother. She said she had begun the day of the fire by working on her “quite big” back yard, which often took all day. At first, she had heard the couple arguing but it started off as their normal day-to-day bickering. Later, in the afternoon, she heard them yelling and screaming and Williams came out to say Buckton had hit her. Pawa said she grabbed her son, who claimed Williams was trying to “cut herself”, and Williams went inside to call the police. Her “really angry” son cut off his ankle bracelet, which monitored his 24-hour curfew, and disappeared down the driveway, Pawa said. She carried on with the garden work until about 8.30pm, when she went inside for a cup of tea, to relax before bed. The explosion Pawa said her son was repeatedly calling her and asking her to check if his partner was okay, so she went out and saw Williams asleep in the caravan next to a bottle of vodka and her dog. Annoyed with her son’s constant calls and messages, Pawa ignored them and went to sleep, until she was awoken to a call from him around midnight. She said she went outside and saw a “little bit of orange light”, followed by her son’s partner walking by with her dog. “All of a sudden there was a great big explosion in the back yard,” Pawa said. She said she vaguely remembered Williams saying “it’s all on fire now” or “lit up” or something like that and yelling abuse about her son. “To me she seemed a bit like she was still intoxicated,” Pawa said. “... Slurring her words and screaming.” Pawa ‘lost it’ Disoriented by the explosion, Pawa said she “lost it” and lunged at the woman, grabbing her by her hair. In the scuffle, Pawa fell into the woodshed and when she got up, Williams was gone. The next day she found that a petrol can she used for the mower had... Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:35:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/christchurch-mother-calls-for-bereavement-leave-to-rise-from-three-to-10-days/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/christchurch-mother-calls-for-bereavement-leave-to-rise-from-three-to-10-days/ A grieving mother whose daughter died three years ago has launched a petition to extend New Zealand’s minimum bereavement leave from three days to 10. Sheena Hemens’ daughter Lauren Hemens died in a car accident in 2023. Grief and trauma kept the Christchurch mother from working for months, and she was forced to accept the financial burden as someone self-employed. Under the Holidays Act 2003, the death of an immediate family member entitles a worker to three days’ leave. Since then, Hemens has founded the Beyond Three Days campaign in memory of her daughter, aiming to extend the minimum bereavement entitlement from three days to 10. “Our family lost a child; our children lost a sibling,” Hemens said. “Any family in that situation needs more than just a long weekend to deal with the shock, organise the funeral and come to terms with their loss. “Three days is nowhere near long enough to take into account what grief costs a person, medically, financially or emotionally, or how long it takes before they can function safely at work again.” Lauren Hemens died in an accident in June 2023. The petition has been launched as Parliament rewrites the country’s leave framework through the Employment Leave Bill, introduced in March 2026, which would replace the Holidays Act 2003. “It modernises how leave is earned, paid and taken, yet leaves the three-day bereavement entitlement sitting exactly where it has been for more than 40 years,” Hemens said. As a businesswoman and former employer, Hemens also understands that some businesses may be resistant to her petition. “Many businesses already recognise that three days simply isn’t enough, and they support their staff for longer than the bare minimum because it’s the right thing to do,” she said. “The risks to staff morale and loyalty, culture, staff retention and risk management can be much higher if they don’t support them.” Hemens believes the current overhaul of existing leave laws creates an opportunity for the Government to match those overseas, such as in Britain, where parents who lose a child aged under 18 receive 10 days’ leave. Portugal offers 20 days, France 14, and many others are between seven and 10 days. “I’m not doing this for me,” Hemens said. “I’m asking for a law that tells grieving New Zealanders that what happened to them matters, that they’re allowed to fall apart, and that their job will still be there when they can stand up again. “All New Zealanders deserve better. Ten days sends the message, ‘you matter’.” Titled “Increase the minimum bereavement leave entitlement to ten days”, the petition is open for signatures and closes on August 10. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:28:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/otago-university-rejects-claims-grant-robertson-breached-neutrality-rules-over-definitions-of-woman-and-man-bill/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/otago-university-rejects-claims-grant-robertson-breached-neutrality-rules-over-definitions-of-woman-and-man-bill/ The University of Otago has rejected claims that Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson breached institutional neutrality requirements by criticising a controversial bill defining “woman” and “man” in law. The Free Speech Union accused Robertson of taking an institutional position on a contested political issue after he expressed personal opposition to the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill in an email to students. The Members’ Bill, introduced by NZ First MP Jenny Marcroft, passed its first reading in Parliament on May 20 and is now before a select committee. It seeks to define “women” in law as an “adult human biological female” and “man” defined as an “adult human biological male”. The bill has generated significant debate over its implications for transgender, intersex and non-binary New Zealanders. Otago University vice-chancellor Grant Robertson. In a recent email to the university community, Robertson addressed the legislation while discussing student wellbeing and support services ahead of exams. “I know this Bill will be upsetting for many in our Otago community - particularly those who identify as, and love and support our trans, intersex, takatāpui, gender diverse and non-binary whānau,” Robertson wrote. “At a personal level, I find this legislation to be unnecessary and disturbing.” He added that “as a university we remain resolute in upholding our commitments to respect and inclusion”, and directed students to support services including Student Health and Te Pou Whirinaki. The email also referenced Budget 2026, with Robertson writing that while there were some positives for universities, it was “overall a lean budget for our sector” and that “the Budget seeks to shift even more of the burden of the cost of education in the future on to you”. Responding to questions from the Herald, a University of Otago spokesperson said the email was one of Robertson’s regular messages to students and was intended to support their wellbeing during the examination period. “The topic was about student wellbeing with the intention of outlining the various support available to Otago students – including Te Pou Whirinaki (the Wellbeing Hub), Student Health, and Pūtea Tautoko (the Student Relief Fund) – as they navigate the upcoming exam period, along with political developments which may, or may not, impact them.” The Members Bill was introduced by NZ First MP Jenny Marcroft. The university rejected suggestions that the email amounted to an institutional position on the bill. “The text clearly states the view is a personal one. It is clearly separated from the position of the university in supporting the wellbeing of students.” The spokesperson said the university’s Statement on Free Speech encouraged tolerance of differing views and debate conducted in good faith. “It also encourages debate in good faith guided by the principles of manaakitaka (care and respect for others), enabling each of us to act as critics and conscience of society.” The university also pointed to its Statement on Institutional Neutrality, which states the university will not communicate institutional positions on controversial topics unless they directly affect the university’s role or functions. “Examples of such functions include the safety and wellbeing of students, financial and regulatory concerns, sustainability, equity, ethical investment and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. “The University is deeply committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff and students and upholding our commitments to respect and inclusion, our Equity and Diversity Framework, our responsibilities under human rights legislation, and for students, the statutory obligations under the Pastoral Care Code.” Asked whether any formal complaints had been received, the university said: “As far as we can ascertain, the University has received one email complaining about the Vice-Chancellor’s email.” The Free Speech Union said it was concerned about the comm... Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:08:47 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/fatbergs-wash-ashore-at-t%C4%81hunanui-back-beach-after-nelson-flooding/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/fatbergs-wash-ashore-at-t%C4%81hunanui-back-beach-after-nelson-flooding/ Pet owners in Nelson are being warned after reports of dogs eating solidified waste washing up on local beaches. In a post on Facebook, Nelson City Council said recent flooding in the region had caused fatbergs to wash ashore. Fatbergs are rock-like masses of waste that form in sewer systems, an accumulation of non-biodegradable materials such as solidified fats and wet wipes. “The combination of high flood flows and tidal conditions created the perfect scenario for material from the overflow to be washed ashore,“ the council said. “As a result, we have received reports of fatbergs washing up along Tāhunanui’s Back Beach.” The council said it had also been advised that some dogs have been eating the fatbergs. “While fatbergs are not considered dangerous to pets, it is not recommended that dogs consume them. “Dog owners are encouraged to keep their pets away from any fatbergs found on the beach.” Last month, a fatberg was blamed for a sewer leak that contaminated a Rotorua waterhole, forcing it to close for two days. Last month, a fatberg was blamed for a sewer leak that contaminated a Rotorua waterhole. This blockage caused an overflow from a sewer manhole. Rotorua Lakes Council told Local Democracy Reporting at the time the incident was a “timely reminder” of what should and should not be disposed of via household plumbing. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:03:13 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/well-and-truly-on-its-way-el-nino-likely-to-peak-over-new-zealand-summer/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/well-and-truly-on-its-way-el-nino-likely-to-peak-over-new-zealand-summer/ By Kate Newton of RNZ An El Nino that peaks over the New Zealand summer is now very likely, bringing with it the risks of drought, extremely hot days and wildfire. Earth Sciences New Zealand and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) are warning that an El Nino event is developing, fuelled by warmer-than-usual waters in the tropical Pacific. A WMO update issued overnight said there was an 80% chance of an official El Nino event emerging during winter, with a higher probability of that continuing until at least November. ESNZ’s latest seasonal climate outlook puts the prospect even higher, with a 95% chance of El Nino conditions forming over winter. “Peak El Nino conditions are expected to occur during the austral summer of 2026-27, with the potential for this event to have significant impacts,” the outlook summary said. El Nino forms when there are higher-than-usual temperatures in the eastern Pacific, causing trade winds to die down. That means clouds form and rain falls on that side of the ocean, rather than closer to Australia and New Zealand. The heavy rain events that brought flooding and landslides to many parts of the North Island at the start of the year would become less frequent over the next few months, ESNZ said. Instead, “areas hit by heavy rainfall are expected to shift to generally drier-than-usual conditions”. “The prospect of below normal winter rainfall in several regions is likely to translate to below-normal groundwater recharge, creating challenges for water-reliant sectors.” That could also be accompanied by “unusually windy conditions”. ESNZ principal forecasting scientist Chris Brandolino said El Nino was “well and truly on its way”. “All the makings for a rather profound and intense event are there as well.” While every El Nino was different, the general pattern was for wetter conditions in the southwest of the South Island, and drier, windier conditions in most other parts of the country, especially the east and northeast. That would not be welcome news for places such as Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay, which had already had an unusually dry past few months, Brandolino said. It would likely affect groundwater recharge over winter, which would have flow-on consequences for the growing season. “One [dry] month, two months, not great – but you can probably deal with it. But you start getting three months, five months, six months, when the rainfall is inadequate [and] then you really start to run into problems,” he said. “You’re coming off a dry winter and now you’re looking at the prospect of a dry spring or dry summer ... and then you throw in really warm temperatures as you get into spring.” That, together with higher winds and dry conditions, could also increase the risk of out-of-season fires or an early start to the fire season. Temperatures during El Nino could be “spiky”, he said, and that was set against a background of warming temperatures caused by climate change. “As we move through spring and summer there’s a distinct possibility we could see some pretty hot days.” He urged people who might be affected by dry conditions, such as farmers and horticulturists, and those reliant on tank water, to think back to previous El Nino conditions or droughts and start making a plan now. The outlook could still change for the better or worse. “It’s important for people to stay on top of the forecasts, particularly for those people in a water-reliant sector.” - RNZ Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:39:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/wh%C4%81nau-pay-tribute-to-hokianga-kuia-t%C4%81rati-buckley-allegedly-murdered-in-far-north/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/wh%C4%81nau-pay-tribute-to-hokianga-kuia-t%C4%81rati-buckley-allegedly-murdered-in-far-north/ The whānau of a kuia allegedly murdered in the Far North say she dedicated her life to helping others, especially tamariki and mokopuna. The whānau of Tārati Buckley, also known as Nanny and Nanny Dot, confirmed her death in a statement yesterday. The 76-year-old was found dead by police at a property in Whirinaki this week. Police first found Buckley’s burned-out SUV about 100km south in Tangowahine, Kaipara. Their efforts to locate the vehicle’s registered owner led them to her Ōpononi home, which police allege had been burgled. Police said they became concerned when Buckley was not there. She was later found dead about 6km away in Whirinaki. A 26-year-old man was charged with her murder, as well as arson, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, using a credit card to obtain a pecuniary advantage, and failure to assist police. Buckley’s whānau yesterday described in a post online their “deep shock and immense mamae [pain]” at her death. “She was taken from us far too soon, in circumstances that we are struggling to comprehend and accept,” the statement said. Buckley was a former principal at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hokianga. Current principal Michelle Sarich also paid tribute, saying they worked side by side for 23 years and she would always be thankful for the time they had. “Started out as acquaintances, then mates, now whānau, been beside each other through the best and the worst times of our lives,” she said. Sarich spoke of unanswered questions and a deep, aching pain. “Life has changed forever ... how to embrace this new normal when all you want to do is relive the past? “Your imprint is etched in my soul for this life, in the next I will look for you again. Nothing will be the same without you Dot, how can it be?” Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said Buckley’s family last heard from her on Sunday night. “What has taken place is simply a tragedy,” Johnston said. The man charged with Buckley’s murder appeared in the Whangārei District Court yesterday. He was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody. He was due to appear in the High Court at Whangārei on June 19, where he was expected to enter a plea. Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:58:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/all-whites-v-haiti-plenty-to-consider-as-new-zealand-fall-to-4-0-defeat/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/all-whites-v-haiti-plenty-to-consider-as-new-zealand-fall-to-4-0-defeat/ All Whites 0 Haiti 4 The All Whites will have their plans in place as they move forward to their opening match of the Football World Cup against Iran on June 16. And while the result of Wednesday’s warm-up clash against Haiti was not the most important thing for the New Zealand team to take out of it, a 4-0 loss to the Caribbean nation was not in the script. That score line did not reflect the All Whites’ overall performance in the contest but did present some questions to address in the defensive line. In a clash between the two lowest-ranked teams to qualify for the World Cup, the Haitians (No 83) gave the All Whites (85) a wake-up call in terms of what mistakes will lead to on the biggest stage in football, with three of their four goals being the result of defensive lapses. All Whites coach Darren Bazeley was able to get some game time into the legs of plenty of his squad, including a half each for goalkeepers Alex Paulsen and Max Crocombe who are vying for the No 1 spot come the start of the tournament. Haiti opened the scoring 12 minutes into the contest, which was delayed by 30 minutes due to the threat of lightning, when Ruben Providence snuck in behind Tim Payne and received a lovely ball to his feet from Wilson Isidor. A good turn left Payne behind him, Finn Surman couldn’t close him down, and he beat Paulsen from a tight angle. The New Zealand side had some good moments, and responded well in the first half after falling behind. Despite conceding early, the Kiwis dictated the majority of the half in terms of possession and had several opportunities. Payne had appeals for a penalty midway through the half after appearing to get clipped by Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide turned away, with no VAR in play for the match, Placide kept out shots on target from Chris Wood and Marko Stamenic, while Jesse Randall launched a couple off target from beyond the box. It wasn’t until the second half, and after the All Whites had made a host of changes, that Haiti struck again. Left on his own in a big gap between All Whites defenders Michael Boxall and Francis de Vries, Lenny Joseph was put through on goal and showed strength to fend off the covering challenges from the two beaten defenders to score. Not long after, Frantzdy Pierrot was gifted a free header in the middle of the box as Surman drifted away from his man towards the near post. The Haitian forward made no mistake to give his side a 3-0 lead with just under 30 minutes to play. While they looked good in the first half, the All Whites didn’t manage the same sort of impact in the second half until the game had gotten away from them. A fourth to Haiti in the 87th minute – a magnificent strike in broken play from Duke Lacroix curling around the outstretched arm of Crocombe – pushed the margin out further, with the New Zealand side having plenty to consider ahead of Sunday’s friendly against England. All Whites 0 Haiti 4 (Ruben Providence 12’, Lenny Joseph 51’, Frantzdy Pierrot 62’, Duke Lacroix 87’) HT: 0-1 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:52:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/auckland-transport-proposes-changes-to-tackle-notorious-devonport-bottleneck-on-lake-rd/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/auckland-transport-proposes-changes-to-tackle-notorious-devonport-bottleneck-on-lake-rd/ One of Auckland’s most notorious intersections is in line for a makeover to address morning gridlock. AT is proposing a series of changes to the Devonport chokepoint, with hopes of easing chronic traffic delays along Lake Rd. The plans target the busy Belmont shops intersection, where confusing lane layouts, pedestrian crossings and merging traffic regularly cause lengthy queues that frustrate locals, often adding more than an hour to their commute. Residents are being urged to have their say on the proposal, which local politicians say is a long-awaited step towards addressing one of the North Shore’s most persistent transport headaches. A Devonport local told the Herald the road is almost always busy, but is almost unbearable during peak hours. He said off-peak he can get into the city in about 20 minutes, but with traffic, it can take up to 90 minutes. The proposed improvements include a weekday morning clearway, extended merge lanes and upgraded pedestrian crossings aimed at easing traffic bottlenecks on Lake Rd. Photo / Auckland Transport “Even if you are travelling on it at 5am, there are still streams of navy guys travelling on it. “But you really have to avoid it anywhere from 2.30pm because of the school traffic caused by Belmont [Primary] and Takapuna Grammar. “Then there are the usual peak-hour times; you will not meet a local who would not complain about this traffic.” Lake Rd was one of the most frustrating issues facing residents, North Shore ward councillor John Gillon said, and the upgrade would address the congestion pinch-point. Auckland councillor Richard Hills said although residents were “disappointed” that funds for Lake Rd improvements were deprioritised through Government budgets, this was a step towards a solution. North Shore MP Simon Watts said he was on board with the improvements, which would make the community “more resilient”. A map of the proposed changes. Photo / Auckland Transport At the busy Belmont Shops intersection, cars heading north toward Takapuna struggled to merge from two lanes back to one lane after the intersection, Auckland Transport (AT) group manager for road network operations, Chris Martin, said. Confusing layouts, busy pedestrian crossings and cars moving in and out of parking spaces contributed to the congestion, he said, with the lack of merging space leaving cars stopping in the intersection. The proposed changes would see a short morning clearway added between Bayswater Ave and Egremont St, operating from 7am to 9am during the weekday morning rush. Martin said this would provide more space for vehicles travelling towards Takapuna to merge safely after the intersection. “It will help to reduce queues that can spill back through the lights and slow traffic further along Lake Rd,” Martin said. “We also need clearer lane layouts and road markings, and we’re proposing to improve lane layout and signal operations on Bayswater Ave and Williamson Ave to create clearer, more dedicated traffic lanes through the intersection.” He said the proposal includes an extension of the lanes before they merge back together on Lake Rd. The zebra crossing at Williamson Ave would also be removed, Martin said, and would be converted into a signal-operated crosswalk instead. Residents are being encouraged to have their say on Auckland Transport’s plans for the Belmont shops intersection, with feedback open until June 21. Photo / Auckland Transport “With so many pedestrians and school kids travelling through the area, these changes will make crossings easier to understand and use, shorten crossing distances, and improve visibility between pedestrians and vehicles,” Martin said. There are also changes proposed for public transport, moving the bus stop for the 814 route next to the Belmont shops playground to mitigate the “difficult” manoeuvre bus drivers have to make, Martin said. At the current stop near Elizabeth Dairy, buses must re-enter Williamson Ave by moving in front of waiting vehic... Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:34:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/portobello-remains-confirmed-as-missing-otago-man-murray-wakefield/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/portobello-remains-confirmed-as-missing-otago-man-murray-wakefield/ Human skeletal remains found on the Portobello coastline in March have been identified as those of a man reported missing from the area last year, Police say. Portobello is a small settlement on the Otago Peninsula, about 15km east of central Dunedin. A police spokesperson said officers were notified on March 23 after a member of the public discovered skeletal remains at low tide on the Portobello coastline. Enquiries subsequently confirmed the remains were human. Murray Allan Wakefield was reported missing near Port Chalmers last year. Photo / NZ Police Police carried out a scene examination and made a number of enquiries on behalf of the Coroner to establish the person’s identity. The remains have now been formally identified as those of Murray Allen Wakefield, who was 55 when he was reported missing from the nearby Deborah Bay area on May 13, 2025. Police have informed Wakefield’s family and are providing them with support. The death has been referred to the Coroner. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:00:26 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/entertainment/grammy-winning-singer-peabo-bryson-dies-aged-75/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/entertainment/grammy-winning-singer-peabo-bryson-dies-aged-75/ Grammy Award-winning singer Peabo Bryson, most famous for lending his vocals to the Disney song Beauty and the Beast, has died aged 75. The R&B star suffered a stroke on Sunday and a representative said he “transitioned peacefully” on Tuesday evening. “For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments," the representative said. “His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.” He was “surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him” as he died. His relatives said they were “tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world”. “In this deeply difficult moment, the family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage. “While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.” Bryson is survived by his wife Tanya Bonaface Bryson, and his two children. A memorial and a celebration of life will be arranged for a later date, his loved ones said. Bryson Peabo first launched his professional career straight after high school, and released his first album, Peabo, in 1976. He signed with Capitol Records a year later, and then moved to Elektra Records in 1984. As part of his deal with Elektra, Peabo recorded the theme song for soap opera One Life to Life in 1985. He later moved back to Capitol, and released more than 20 albums, including Can You Stop the Rain, Feel the Fire and Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, with Robert Flack. He was nominated for various Grammy awards over the span of his career, and won two of the gongs – the first with Celine Dion in 1993 for best pop performance by a duo or group for Beauty and the Beast. He won the same award the following year, alongside Regina Belle, for Aladdin. Bryson’s final album was released in 2018 – Stand for Love – through Perspective Records. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:45:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/tauranga-man-dies-after-police-taser-incident-investigation-launched/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/tauranga-man-dies-after-police-taser-incident-investigation-launched/ A man has died in police custody in Tauranga overnight. Police say the man had been tasered moments before his arrest after allegedly attempting to flee and ramming a police vehicle in Mount Manganui. In a statement today, Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Will Loughrin said police first observed a vehicle of interest at 12.32am, which was linked to a man they were looking for. The vehicle was monitored as it travelled through Mount Maunganui before stopping on Kaniere St. Police said the driver exited the vehicle and allegedly attempted to flee on foot before getting back into the car and ramming a police vehicle in an attempt to leave the scene. “A Taser and OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray were deployed during the arrest,” Loughrin said. The man was then transported to the Tauranga police station, where he became unresponsive during the journey. Loughrin said police requested medical assistance immediately, with an ambulance dispatched at about 12.42am. Officers began CPR before ambulance staff took over on arrival. Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Will Loughrin. Photo / Mike Scott Loughrin said the man was pronounced dead shortly before 1.45am. Police notified the man’s family. Loughrin said a critical incident investigation had been launched, and the Independent Police Conduct Authority had been notified, which was standard procedure in cases of this nature. WorkSafe had also been advised. Police said a number of inquiries were underway to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the man’s death, with scene examinations continuing. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:22:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-serious-crash-on-tairua-rd-whangamat%C4%81/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-serious-crash-on-tairua-rd-whangamat%C4%81/ Police investigating a crash that left two people injured are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage. On Sunday, May 31, about 3.50pm, police were called to a single vehicle crash, where a car hit a tree on Tairua Rd, Whangamatā. Two people were taken to hospital, one with serious injuries. Sergeant Scott Tyrrell said Tairua Rd was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination and it reopened about 11.10pm. Tyrrell said police wanted to speak to witnesses. “We would also like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the manner of driving of a black Toyota Aurion, or any concerning driving behaviour of another vehicle, in the Tairua Rd area between 3pm and 3.50pm on Sunday, May 31.” People with information about the crash, the manner of driving of the Toyota or another vehicle, or anyone who has dashcam footage of either, are asked to contact 105, either online or over the phone, and reference file number: 260602/7611. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:16:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/international-cricket-schedule-black-caps-host-india-and-sri-lanka-white-ferns-welcome-bangladesh/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/international-cricket-schedule-black-caps-host-india-and-sri-lanka-white-ferns-welcome-bangladesh/ All-format tours from India and Sri Lanka headline a packed summer schedule for the Black Caps, while the White Ferns will face only Bangladesh over the home season. However, the Black Caps’ second one-day international (ODI) against India will be played in Wellington on November 7, the same day as New Zealand’s general election. While the past two years have seen men’s international cricket limited over summer months, the lack of an international tournament at the start of 2027 has freed up space in the Black Caps’ calendar to welcome the new year. With the Black Caps’ run of 14 test matches in a 12-month span now underway, India’s tour of New Zealand bisects this month’s series against England, and the year-ending trip to Australia. That means, with a white ball tour of the West Indies also confirmed, the Black Caps will face all of cricket’s “big three”, one after the other. Starting at the end of October, India will visit for five Twenty20 Internationals, five ODIs and two tests. Kiwi fans face several late nights, though, with all T20s starting at 8pm, while the ODIs are all 3pm starts, meaning the 10 games will finish between 11pm and midnight. The two tests will be played in Wellington and Christchurch, finishing on December 1, before the Black Caps head across the Tasman to face Australia just over a week later. Those tests will also be the first meeting of the Black Caps and India since New Zealand’s 3-0 whitewash away from home in 2024. Once the tour of Australia concludes, with the final test in Sydney scheduled to finish on January 8, the Black Caps have another short turnaround before Sri Lanka arrive. While January 2025 and 2026 saw the Black Caps overseas for the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup respectively, next year will bring another all-format tour. The Black Caps celebrate the winning moment in Pune. Photo / Photosport Starting on January 16, the two sides will meet in another three ODIs and three T20s, while two tests will wrap the summer up by mid-February. All four of the home tests will count towards the World Test Championship, before the Black Caps conclude their 2025-27 cycle away to Pakistan in March. However, while the Black Caps have two marquee tours, the White Ferns are limited to just one, against Bangladesh. With the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy to be held in Sri Lanka in February, the White Ferns’ tour of Australia has been postponed, with the fixtures to be confirmed at a later date. As a result, the White Ferns’ home schedule will consist of just six matches – three T20s to be played in Nelson and Wellington, and three ODIs in Wellington and Tauranga. Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:10:41 Z