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.   Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:37:13 Z en 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-year-for-sixth-straight-year-heather-du-plessis-allan-named-broadcaster-of-year/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/radio-and-podcast-awards-newstalk-zb-wins-station-of-year-for-sixth-straight-year-heather-du-plessis-allan-named-broadcaster-of-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 https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/science/the-challenges-of-combatting-dementia-as-nz-faces-potential-tsunami-of-cases-brainstorming-with-clare-de-lore/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/science/the-challenges-of-combatting-dementia-as-nz-faces-potential-tsunami-of-cases-brainstorming-with-clare-de-lore/ New Zealand needs to do more to prepare for what some experts predict will be a tsunami of dementia by the middle of this century.  Professor Lynette Tippett told Clare de Lore of Newstalk ZB’s Brainstorming podcast that there are an estimated 84,000 New Zealanders living with dementia and that number will jump to 170,000 by 2050.  Professor Tippett leads dementia research at the Centre for Brain Research at Auckland University and says that while research continues, society needs to do its part to lessen the burden on the health care system, and to enable people with dementia and their families to live well.  She cites the success of the TV reality programme The Restaurant that Makes Mistakes. It featured people with dementia working in a restaurant, under supervision, preparing food and waiting on tables.  “They were preparing food, serving food in a restaurant with real customers under the supervision of (chef) Ben Bayley and his assistant, Professor Tippett said.  “But they just rose up, it was almost like a re-awakening and I believe it was because they were working as a group, with social interaction and they were doing something with support that was purposeful - it was incredible.  “To see the change in these people was remarkable but for me there was anxiety about what would happen at the end because the programme was a great opportunity but we don’t want that to end with the TV programme.”  “We want society to be .. willing to accept that maybe someone could start a cafe where the staff are people with dementia and the public would support that in an ongoing way. In Japan they have loads of cafes with people with dementia working but that involves society as a whole. They will likely have a better course of their dementia than someone who shuts down immediately after their diagnosis.”  There are a range of things that increase the risk of developing dementia. Collectively there are 14 factors that account for 45% of the risk. They include cardio-vascular, smoking, high blood pressure, elevated or bad cholesterol, physical inactivity as well as sensory changes - hearing loss in mid-life is a risk factor. Professor Tippett says that recently it has been found that certain types of visual loss are a risk factor and she says, perhaps more surprising, is that social isolation is a risk factor as well as depression.  “The good thing is we can do something about all of them, we can have aggressive management of cardiovascular risk. People don’t like wearing hearing aids ..evidence suggests that if you wear hearing aids, the elevated risk goes away and it probably is, in part, because they are able to interact socially, not avoiding social situations where they can’t hear,” Professor Tippett said.  Research is going on all over the world into dementia and Professor Tipper says recent developments have produced a blood test that may be reliable in detecting the damaging amyloid protein in the blood that is coming from the brain.  “This is probably going to be the future of being able to determine if those proteins are building up. Early diagnosis can help people plan for the future, putting in place what they need to have in order to have a meaningful life,” she said.  Graeme Newton has had memory problems since 2016 and six years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, the most prevalent of the range of conditions that come under the umbrella description of dementia.  “In the early stages, I probably hesitated to talk much about it, it was an embarrassment forgetting people’s names, I would forget an appointment or whatever. As a businessman I had lots of meetings and appointments, and I’d sometimes forget if I hadn’t written it down. (Now) everything is written down, shopping lists, when to do the laundry and we have somewhere to check have I done this or that. I still have fun. Life is to be enjoyed, and I want to make the most... Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:36:24 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/prime-minister-s-auckland-office-cordoned-off-by-police-after-fire/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/prime-minister-s-auckland-office-cordoned-off-by-police-after-fire/ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Auckland office has been cordoned off by police after a fire. A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s office staff were safe and were not harmed. “It is now a police matter so we do not have further comment at this stage.” Fire and Emergency told the Herald it was called to a deck fire at 9.53am. The spokesperson said they sent one fire engine. “On arrival, the fire was already out.” A staff member at a neighbouring bakehouse told the Herald five police cars were parked outside Luxon’s office, which is on Millhouse Dr in Botany. 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. Traffic appears to be building around the scene of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Auckland office after it was cordoned off. Photo / Google Maps 1News said footage from the scene showed Fire and Emergency staff pulling apart a deck at the property. The Herald is seeking comment from emergency services and the Prime Minister’s office. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Auckland office has been cordoned off by police after a fire. Photo / Dean Purcell Traffic appears to be building in the area. More to come... Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:39:30 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/kurt-mcnamara-missing-in-paris-family-of-kiwi-man-with-parkinson-s-pleads-for-help/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/world/kurt-mcnamara-missing-in-paris-family-of-kiwi-man-with-parkinson-s-pleads-for-help/ A New Zealand man with Parkinson’s disease, who went missing in Paris for three days, has been been found in a hospital. The family of Kurt McNamara sent out urgent appeals to the public over his disappearance in the French capital near Notre Dame around 4.30pm local time on Saturday (2.30am, Sunday NZ time) during the night of the Uefa Champions League football fan riots in Paris. The family confirmed to the Herald this morning that he was found in hospital in Paris overnight. Earlier, McNamara’s family released a plea to the public over his disappearance, saying he has “Parkinson’s disease and urgently needs medication and medical support”. “He has no phone, money, identification or bank cards with him and may be confused, distressed, unable to communicate clearly or disoriented,” the family said in a message shared with the Herald. “He also has a prosthetic leg, which affects his mobility and balance, making him a very high fall risk. “He was last seen with a wheelchair/walking aid in the Notre Dame area of Paris several days ago (night of the Paris riots) and has not been seen since.” New Zealander Kurt McNamara went missing on Saturday, May 30 (local time).  The message said French Police, New Zealand authorities and the NZ Embassy were involved, “but we are asking the public to please help share his photo and information as widely as possible”. The family said they are “exhausted and worried sick”. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) confirmed it is “providing assistance to a New Zealander and their family in Paris”. “For privacy reasons no further information will be provided,” an MFAT spokesperson said. About 219 people were reportedly injured in clashes between football fans and local police across France after Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal in the Champions League final on Saturday. The unrest was largest in Paris, where thousands of officers were deployed, with 57 injured. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:03:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/deadshot-bar-in-auckland-s-ponsonby-to-close-after-eight-years-owners-cite-family-changes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/deadshot-bar-in-auckland-s-ponsonby-to-close-after-eight-years-owners-cite-family-changes/ Deadshot, the well-loved cocktail bar on Ponsonby Rd, has announced it is to close down.  Owners Ali Walker and Heather Garland said the late-night watering hole, which once famously turned away popstar Pink, has been sold and will have its final night next weekend.  “After eight wonderful years, we have decided to sell Deadshot,” wrote Walker and Garland on social media.  “We have made this choice as our kids Eli and Otis will soon be both at school, so we want to ensure we are able to spend the family time together that we need.  “Cocktail bar hours and school hours are a tricky combination so we believe this is the right solution.”  The bar established itself as a base for hospitality workers and night owls, staying open till 2am every night.  The speakeasy cocktail bar has no menu, instead customers simply explain what kind of drink they want and the bartender will shake, stir or build a cocktail specific to the drinker’s taste.  More often than not customers would walk in and be greeted by Walker or Garland behind the bar or working the floor.  “For us, having our bars be owner-operator bars has always been non-negotiable,” the post continued.  “One of our favourite things about this industry is visiting venues and being served by the people who dreamed the place up, it’s part of the magic.  “Thank you so much for supporting our little bar for the last eight years.”  Ponsonby's cocktail bar Deadshot has announced its closing its doors. Photo / Deadshot  Neighbouring bar 39 Ponsonby said they had been “phenomenal neighbours, astounding collaborators and wonderful hosts”.  “Thank you for your guidance and support for everybody who has walked through your doors, thank you for helping us provide our hospitality and trusting us with your guests and allowing us to look after you when you were of shift. Much love and enjoy the time with your family, much deserved!”  “I will be missing it very much. Thank you for all the incredible nights, drinks and laughter!!” wrote Simon Benoit, the restaurant manager of Cazador.  While the couple are closing Deadshot, they will continue to run their bars Caretaker and Rocketman in Britomart.  Deadshot made headlines in 2018 after turning away the popstar Pink, who was on tour in New Zealand.  “Man, I’ve been to some cool bars around the world, and Deadshot on Ponsonby Rd is not one of them,” Pink wrote on Twitter.  Pop star Pink was famously turned away from Deadshot when she was on tour in New Zealand. Photo / Dia Dipasupil, Getty Images  However, staff at Deadshot said they lacked capacity to host Pink’s entourage.  “Someone from the crew came back in and asked if they could book a private space for 30 people,” a spokesperson for Deadshot told Newshub. “We couldn’t let them in due to being full already. We didn’t see Pink at all.”  The closure of Deadshot comes after a spate of hospitality venues shutting their doors.  Iconic Karangahape Rd cafe and bar Verona went into liquidation after 34 years in business and Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill announced it will close after operating since 1988.  Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:11:18 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/auckland-man-michael-walters-faces-500k-fight-for-car-t-cancer-treatment-overseas/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/auckland-man-michael-walters-faces-500k-fight-for-car-t-cancer-treatment-overseas/ An Auckland man with aggressive blood cancer was weeks away from receiving cutting-edge CAR-T cell therapy through a New Zealand clinical trial when the disease spread too quickly, ruling him out of treatment.  Now, with supporters having raised more than $264,000 towards the estimated $500,000 cost of accessing the therapy overseas, 24-year-old Michael Walters is preparing to travel to either Australia or China for the treatment.  The Cancer Society says no family should have to choose between financial security and medical care, describing the $500,000 to $1 million cost as an enormous burden on top of a cancer diagnosis.  Walters said his life was only beginning when he was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April 2025.  He had just started a new job as a property manager, had a wide circle of friends he enjoyed hanging out with, worked out four times a week and was close with his family.  Walters said he was happy and healthy, so when he started feeling a bit “overtired” and getting a tight feeling in his chest, he put it down to overworking himself and having the odd vape.  Michael Walters (centre) says he was healthy before he was diagnosed with the aggressive cancer.  He said he soon developed “really bad” pain in his chest and shoulder that he slept off, only for it to return a week later.  When it persisted for a week, he decided to visit his GP.  Walters said he was diagnosed with a “fairly routine” lung condition that he was told would go away with simple treatment.  But his gut told him the diagnosis was wrong. He asked his GP for a follow-up X-ray, which took place the same day.  “I had the X-ray, and he called me the next day. He started with, ‘Don’t panic’, which immediately made me panic.”  A shadow was found on the X-ray, so he was called in for a CT scan.  With supporters having raised more than $264,000 towards the estimated $500,000 cost of accessing therapy overseas, Michael Walters is preparing to travel abroad in a bid to possibly save his life.  The CT scan revealed a 10cm mass on his lung. Shortly after, he said, he was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  “Even then, cancer wasn’t really on my mind,” Walters said.  “Then [the doctors] were saying it was probably benign, so I still wasn’t fully grasping what was going on.  “I didn’t even cry because it didn’t feel real.”  Walters started chemotherapy a few weeks after his diagnosis, flipping his “normal” life upside down.  Michael Walters was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April 2025.  He said scans during the treatment showed “many positive signs”, including one scan that came back clear.  However, a month after completing six cycles of chemo, his cancer had grown into a 12cm tumour in his chest, he said.  Doctors enrolled him in a CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial – an innovative treatment that modifies a patient’s own immune cells to target and destroy cancer – describing it as his best chance of recovery.  He was days away from travelling to Wellington to begin the trial when the cancer spread to his liver and bones.  The rapid progression meant he needed immediate treatment in Auckland and was no longer eligible to participate in the trial.  Walters said he waited for the next available slot, this time for a trial in Auckland, but two days before that was due to begin his health took another turn.  Michael Walters says if there was anything he wanted people to take away from his story, it was not to get “so stuck in the grind of life”.  He said the only option to save his life was an alternative immunotherapy, but this treatment meant he was ineligible for the CAR T-cell therapy trial in New Zealand.  Since then, Walters and supporters have rallied around him to fund him travelling overseas for the treatment, whi... Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:21:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/parents-sentenced-in-whanganui-over-neglect-of-sick-teen-boy-who-later-died/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/parents-sentenced-in-whanganui-over-neglect-of-sick-teen-boy-who-later-died/ A teenage boy spent several days at home, unwell with a cough and growing steadily sicker.  It was not until the sixth day that his parents sought medical help. But by then, it was too late.  An ambulance took him to a hospital, where he was found to be suffering from a lung infection, and his condition continued to deteriorate.  The boy, from the Manawatū-Whanganui region, was significantly underweight and had sores on his body, indicating he had been lying down for a period of time.  Ultimately, the lung infection led to a cardiac arrest and stroke, and he later died.  His parents’ failure to seek medical help sooner has now led to their conviction for neglect of a child, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.  Last week in the Whanganui District Court, Judge Justin Marinovich described the case as one of the more difficult sentencings he has been involved in.  “There are a significant number of layers that all mould together to make a determination relatively difficult,” he said.  While information to the court suggested there were concerns raised in 2012 relating to the boy, and he had been underweight for much of his teenage life, the judge said his assessment was limited to the six days set out in the charge.  “I need to be careful that I assess your culpability for the charge and time period rather than guess or speculate as to what may have been between 2012 and the time of the charge,” Judge Marinovich told the couple, who can not be named.  ‘Can’t have it both ways’  The judge noted there had been “discussions” around the summary of facts and how it was to be presented for a sentencing indication and a plea.  While acknowledging the boy’s death “hung over all of this”, he pushed back against attempts to characterise the offending more seriously than the now “narrowed” scope in the summary allowed.  The couple were sentenced in the Whanganui District Court. Photo / Bevan Conley  “Can’t have it both ways... manslaughter – hold your guns, go through it. Charge wilful neglect through an extended period of time – hold your guns, go for it. Reduce it to a period of six days and a scope, then that’s what I need to sentence on,” Judge Marinovich said, speaking to Crown prosecutor Amber Kearny.  “And I need to sentence in the context of it occurring in awareness that the victim was sick, aware that he had a cough and was unwell, realising too late and calling the ambulance.”  Defence lawyer Jamie Waugh, who made submissions on behalf of both defendants, emphasised the summary was clear in that there was no causation by omission, nor did the couple accept anything beyond what they had pleaded guilty to.  He submitted that when sentencing the pair, the judge should take into account their remorse, loss of their son, previous good character and prospects of rehabilitation.  Waugh argued that following deductions, a sentence of community detention was the most appropriate outcome.  While Kearny did not seek an end sentence of imprisonment on behalf of the Crown, she submitted that community detention did not meet the purposes and principles of sentencing, a position accepted by Judge Marinovich.  ‘You both hold responsibility’  He adopted a starting point of 36 months’ imprisonment, accepted by the couple at an earlier sentencing indication, and found there were no personal aggravating factors.  The judge said he had received a significant amount of information on the case, including presentence reports, submissions and affidavits from the couple.  “It is clear to me that this has been distressing to you,” the judge said, addressing the couple.  He accepted that neither of the defendants had previously appeared in court, they supported one another and were focused on their remaining children, who appeared to be flourishing, and were both remorseful.  The judge said the r... Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:05:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/nz-s-luxury-tourism-boom-high-end-travel-spend-set-to-double-by-2033/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/nz-s-luxury-tourism-boom-high-end-travel-spend-set-to-double-by-2033/ New Zealand is carving out a position as a premium global tourism destination, as international travel trends shift towards higher-value experiences. Data from Grand View Research estimates our luxury travel market generated more than $8 billion (US$5 billion) in revenue last year, and this could more than double to roughly $18 billion (US$10.9b) by 2033. At the same time, hotel industry figures suggest high-end tourism is outperforming the rest of the accommodation market. Data from international hospitality consulting firm Horwath HTL shows the number of five-star rooms available in New Zealand grew by 17.6% last year, while demand for luxury accommodation rose 11%. Lower hotel categories experienced declines in demand over the same period. In Auckland, five-star and luxury hotels recorded a 3% increase in revenue per available room in the year to June 2025, while lower hotel categories experienced average declines of more than 10%. Queenstown remained the country’s standout premium market over the peak summer season, with hotels recording revenue per available room of about $370 a night across December and January. On New Year’s Eve, occupancy hit 91%, with average daily room rates reaching $733. Tourism New Zealand chief executive Rene de Monchy said New Zealand accounted for only 0.3% of global travel volume, but about 0.8% of global travel spending. “That tells us we definitely are a more premium destination,” De Monchy said. “We have amazing accommodation offerings around the country, which keep getting better, and there’s huge growth potential there.” Luxury travel and hospitality researcher Anita Manfreda said New Zealand was following a broader global shift toward experience-led luxury travel. “Luxury travellers tend to stay longer, and contribute beyond simple travel and accommodation - into experiences,” she said. Manfreda said travellers were increasingly prioritising wellness and personalised experiences, over more traditional forms of luxury tourism. “We’re now also seeing a huge increase in interest in food and wine - so the market’s now a bit of a combination of all of these.” She said New Zealand’s luxury offering differed from destinations such as Europe and Australia because it was centred around smaller-scale experiences, including boutique lodges and nature-based tourism. “We can bring a unique sense of exclusivity for travellers because of where we’re placed in the world.” Tourism operators say affluent international travellers are continuing to spend heavily despite wider geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Travel agency Luxury Escapes’ chief executive Adam Schwab said bookings to New Zealand were up nearly 40% year-on-year, driven largely by Australian travellers. The company had also recorded around a 20% increase in bookings for experiences, particularly winery tours and spa experiences. “There is absolutely a shift towards luxury experiences,” Schwab said. He said instability in parts of the world had pushed some travellers toward destinations viewed as safer and offering stronger value. “Even high-end luxury travellers want to make sure their dollar goes further,” he said.“New Zealand’s luxury accommodation ticks every box when it comes to bang for buck.” He said Queenstown remained especially strong. “Any supply we can get sells straight away.” Tourism New Zealand data also suggests international visitors are increasingly spending on premium experiences once they arrive. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment visitor survey data for the year to December 2025 showed 12% of holiday visitors stayed in luxury accommodation, 27% visited high-end restaurants and 5% used helicopters as transport during their trips. Tourism New Zealand also tracks “high spend” travellers through its “Active Considerer” research programme, which measures intended visitor behaviour in key overseas markets. In the United States - one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing tourism markets - about 30% of potentia... Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:00:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/companies-race-to-lodge-interest-in-the-government-s-200-million-gas-exploration-fund/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/companies-race-to-lodge-interest-in-the-government-s-200-million-gas-exploration-fund/ MBIE has received eleven expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Government’s $200-million fund to co-invest in gas exploration projects since January, according to figures released to Newstalk ZB under the Official Information Act. The Gas Security Fund was originally announced in Budget 2025 for co-investment in new gas field developments, but it was rescoped in November to include a more diverse range of gas related projects. Businesses weren’t formally invited to register their interest until January 12th 2026. There has been ongoing concern from the Government that the energy sector wouldn’t apply for oil and gas exploration permits in case a future Labour-led Government returned the exploration ban. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wrote to Labour leader Chris Hipkins in September urging him to commit his party to supporting offshore exploration for natural gas for at least the next 10 years. Luxon urged that the possibility of the ban on offshore gas exploration returning could “pose an insurmountable barrier for some investors”. Labour Leader Chris Hipkins refused Luxon’s request, “It’s clear this is a political stunt rather than a genuine attempt at building bipartisan consensus,” he said. Minister for Resources – “we have been able to attract not only domestic but international interest”  Resources Minister Shane Jones is “pleasantly surprised” by the strong level of interest the fund has received. “I have been to Singapore, I have travelled to other places, and we have been able to attract not only domestic but international interest,” he said. Jones said there is a particular interest in both Taranaki and the South Island. “I imagine that the applications, when they’re approved, will disproportionately pertain to Taranaki,” he said. Jones also provided some detail about the types of projects the private sector is proposing. “Interest is coming from people who are keen to expand the capacity of us to store gas because it’s not only about us accessing additional sources of gas for industry and power consumption, but in the event that we have more gas than we require, we’ve got to work our way out in New Zealand how we can store it,” he said. The Possible Return of the Oil and Gas Exploration Ban If a Labour led Government takes power after the election the offshore exploration ban would return, meaning the energy sector would no longer be able to obtain new permits. Labour’s Energy Spokesperson Megan Woods says “It’s nearly a quarter of a century since we had a significant commercial offshore Oil and gas find in New Zealand.” “We need to wake up. We need to face facts. It’s not there, and we need to be planning for a future that gives us energy security and allows New Zealand households and businesses to afford their power bills,” she said. Jones disagreed. “It’s ludicrous for my foe in the Greens and Labour to breathlessly assert that there’s no gas left in New Zealand. Gas is about geology, not ideology. “There’s always been potential in New Zealand, and the geologists confirm there is more gas,” he said. However, Jones wants to make sure any investment the Government makes from this fund won’t be easily rolled back if Labour was to return to power. “The private sector is fearful that should there, God forbid, be a change in government, that once again their rights will be indiscriminately eroded if not cancelled,” he said. “I have every intention of making announcements before the next election to cover the entirety of the $200 million,” Jones said. “Within the contracts between the Crown and the successful parties it is my intention to ensure that those contracts cannot be disfigured or summarily cancelled without significant damages clauses. That will be my advice to my Cabinet colleagues once decisions have been made,” he said.  Troy Matich is a political reporter with Newstalk ZB, working from Parliament’s press gallery. She joined NZME in 2025, previously working for RNZ as a producer for Mo... Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:00:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/biosecurity-confirms-auckland-scorpion-find-linked-to-overseas-travel/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/biosecurity-confirms-auckland-scorpion-find-linked-to-overseas-travel/ A hitchhiking critter found in an Auckland bathroom has been identified as a scorpion – most likely from Fiji – with similar incidents more common than some may think. Yesterday, the discovery of the arachnid was shared on the Instagram page Lazy Susan, run by food and travel writer Anna King Shahab. “Um ... we found a live scorpion in our bathroom in Auckland,” she wrote, alongside a video of the creature moving. The scorpion, whose species was unconfirmed at the time, later died. Shahab pondered if it had hitchhiked in luggage from warmer climates to “a much chillier Auckland”. She estimated the critter must have survived four or more weeks since she had returned from a recent international trip. Scorpion confirmed The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) sent an expert to collect a sample for testing. This afternoon, MPI Biosecurity New Zealand’s manager for plant health incursion investigation, Dr Carolyn Bleach, revealed that entomologists examined the sample and confirmed it was a juvenile scorpion. Bleach said the creature was about 1.5cm and in “very poor condition”, which indicated it would not have survived much longer. “Because it is still in the nymph stage, we need to carry out further testing to determine the exact species,” she said. “There have been no signs of any others and scorpions are typically lone hitchhikers. They could survive for many months while hidden away without food, Bleach said. “The person who found this specimen had travelled to Fiji and Bali earlier this year, and based on its characteristics, this juvenile is likely to be of Fijian origin,” she said. Recent scorpion sightings The Ministry for Primary Industries said that since 2018, there had been 10 scorpion detections on our shores. Five were live and five were dead. The findings were made across New Zealand, mostly in Auckland and Wellington. The ministry said that most were linked to overseas travel or imported goods, including luggage, clothing, produce and freight. A live find in Auckland in February last year was associated with imported electronics. “Exotic scorpions are not established in New Zealand and finds are rare, isolated hitchhikers,” the MPI said. “New Zealand has no native scorpion species. Native pseudoscorpions are often mistaken for true scorpions.” A scorpion-like creature was found by travel writer Anna King Shahab. Photo / @lazysusan.nz MPI manager biosecurity surveillance Nick Ward earlier told the Herald the “hitchhiker pests” were considered a low biosecurity risk. “Most scorpion species have very specific habitat and climate requirements, often consistently warm, dry environments, which means they can’t easily survive in cooler, wetter climates,” Ward said. “Scorpions are solitary, not colonial like ants or termites, meaning they usually arrive as individuals. Behavioural ecologist Dr Leilani Walker told the Herald that after watching the video of the scorpion, “it wasn’t looking very happy”. The Ministry for Primary Industries is investigating a scorpion like creature. Photo / @lazysusan.nz “This is not a climate that’s very friendly to scorpions by and large. Most of them, in general, are associated with deserts,” Walker said. It was not unusual for scorpions to catch a ride in someone’s bag, as well as spiders, beetles and foreign plant material. “If you throw enough things at the border, occasionally things will come through. Thankfully, in this case, it was a species that was never going to do particularly well here,” Walker said. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:50:52 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/crown-seeks-to-lift-name-suppression-for-wealthy-child-abuse-offender/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/crown-seeks-to-lift-name-suppression-for-wealthy-child-abuse-offender/ A member of a wealthy New Zealand family who was convicted of having “extreme” child abuse material should be publicly identified as he wants to date again once he leaves prison, and his future partner has a “right to know”, the Crown says. However, the man’s lawyer argued there was “no identified risk” of potential harm to a romantic partner or their children. “It simply doesn’t arise in terms of something that a future partner needs to have any concerns about in terms of [the partner’s] own physical safety.” The man was jailed in August by Auckland District Court Judge Maria Pecotic for knowingly possessing thousands of objectionable material files and knowingly importing the content. His name, his family’s name and their high-profile company were permanently suppressed. An appeal against his permanent suppression was then filed by the Crown. Today in the High Court at Auckland, Crown prosecutor Matthew Davie submitted that Judge Pecotic erred in not identifying and placing weight on the “family resources” which were “somewhat different” to what ordinary offenders had access to. “The family wealth means he will have somewhere pleasant to live [when he was released from prison] where he doesn’t have to engage with anyone he doesn’t want to engage with.” Davie said other offenders may have to engage with the rental market and strangers who know about their offending. While the Crown was not suggesting the man become a hermit, Davies said the defendant’s life would be made easier due to the family’s wealth. “Money often does make a big difference.” Davie raised concerns about the man’s stated desire to start dating again once he is out of prison. “His future romantic partners have a right to know about his offending.” Davie also referenced two wealthy Kiwis who had been wrongly labelled as the defendant on social media or by AI, saying innocent people shouldn’t have to pay the price for the man’s offending. Much of the Crown submission related to its assertion that the District Court judge had made a mistake when granting the man name suppression following mental health issues. By now, Davie said the shock of the charges, fall from grace and concern for how the man’s family would react would have long worn off. The man now knew his family “stands by him” and would “continue to do so” after he was released from prison. “If it’s the fear of prison that’s the stressor, then once you’re [in prison] the fear of going there and the uncertainty is dissipated.” The man’s lawyer, Emma Priest, said publication could result in “cancelling” of the man, and his family’s company. In her submission, while her client did have good family support, this did not negate the impacts he could face if he were named. Emma Priest. Photo / Supplied She said publication of his name would be a “complete barrier” to his rehabilitation and reintegration. She said neither a future partner nor that person’s children would be at risk physically by her client. Priest submitted that the earlier decision was “effectively faultless” and comprehensive. Julie-Anne Kincade, KC, who is representing the family company, also said the earlier suppression ruling was correct. She said not only did her client seek its own suppression, but in order to give rise to that, the defendant’s name also needed to be suppressed. She claimed that reporting, particularly by National Business Review (NBR), included “strong bias”. Kincade alleged that NBR had “set out deliberately” to repeatedly undermine the District Court name suppression decision. Julie-Anne Kincade KC. While Customs brought the appeal, she alleged it was driven by the views expressed in the NBR articles. She also alleged there had been a breach of suppression, after a lawyer allegedly said on an NBR podcast they knew who the defendant was. NBR senior journalist Simon Shepherd told the court the news company took exception to the criticisms of NBR reporting and some of the respondents’ submissions. Shepherd so... Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:22:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/diamante-kingi-s-trail-of-smash-and-grabs-across-the-waikato-businesses-12k-plus-out-of-pocket/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/diamante-kingi-s-trail-of-smash-and-grabs-across-the-waikato-businesses-12k-plus-out-of-pocket/ After helping to smash into a service station and stealing food and drinks, Diamante Kingi reversed a stolen car into a foodmart, causing the shop front to collapse. Kingi and his cohort stole cigarettes, tobacco, ice creams, energy drinks, lollies, and chips from the Huntly Foodmart that morning, which was still boarded up after a similar incident earlier. It wasn’t just Huntly the 19-year-old hit during a spree of smash and grabs around the Waikato in March last year. A shopkeeper at Hamilton’s Rifle Range Rd Dairy has been left counting the psychological cost after Kingi and three others allegedly stormed in, wearing disguises and armed with a screwdriver and hammer, to steal cigarettes. Police say “smash-and-grab” crimes are committed by groups of young people who target shops and petrol stations, and are “highly publicised and generate emotion with the community”. “This type of offending is causing havoc and creating a ripple effect within our community,” they wrote in documents to the court. A lot of the crime was being caused by more often “juvenile” offenders who repeatedly target the same premises. “There are numerous insurance claims as a result of this type of offending, which is driving up everyone’s insurance premiums.” Over several years, retailers had invested significant funding into crime prevention, including bollards and fog cannons, but that was having “little effect in deterring this type of behaviour”. Kingi appeared in the Hamilton District Court for sentencing on multiple charges, ranging from unlawfully getting into a vehicle, aggravated burglary, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, burglary, possession of a class C drug and a taser. ‘Morrinsville, Huntly, Ngāruawāhia, Hamilton’ Kingi’s offending began early on March 5, last year, when the glass electronic door of the Caltex in Morrinsville was wrenched open. The group wore disguises, hoods up, balaclavas or masks, and were armed with either a tyre iron, socket wrench, or hammer. Once inside, they targeted the two tills and vape products. While there was no cash in the tills, and the fog cannon was set off after they tried to open the cigarette cabinet, they found an entrance to an adjacent vape store and stole about $1000 worth of products. Later that same day, the group hit Rifle Range Rd Dairy in Hamilton, wearing similar disguises and armed with a hammer and screwdriver. They jumped the front counter and took cigarettes, tobacco pouches and $500 cash from the till. The shopkeeper was uninjured but the business owner was left with a $2000 insurance excess. The group caused $11,592.92 worth of damage in those two incidents alone. Diamante Kingi's co-offenders outside the Huntly Foodmart at 3.11am on Sunday, March 9, last year. Photo / Police Kingi and three others then allegedly stole a car from a Horotiu property on March 8 and used it early the following morning to head to Wills Automotive in Ngāruawāhia. They smashed their way inside and stole food and drinks. A short time later they drove to the Huntly Foodmart and Kingi reversed the stolen car into its front doors. They ran into the store, wearing masks – but no gloves – and stole items including cigarettes, tobacco, energy drinks, ice creams, lollies, and chips. The CCTV stopped working once the car smashed its way into the store. Diamante Kingi, and two co-offenders caught on CCTV inside Ngāruawāhia's Wills Automotive in Durham St. Photo / Police When police searched his house, they found a homemade taser, and 33.2g of cannabis individually packaged in 25 small bags. In March, Kingi accepted a sentence indication from Judge Glen Marshall with a five-and-a-half year starting point, along with a 20% discount for his guilty pleas. Crown solicitor James Lewis urged the judge to try to keep any additional discounts as low as possible, totalling no more than 25%. He supplied three victim impact statements to the court from Caltex, Rifle Range Rd Dairy, and the stolen car owner, about the fi... Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:15:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-respond-to-serious-assault-near-kingsland-station/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/police-respond-to-serious-assault-near-kingsland-station/ A person is in a serious condition after an assault near Kingsland Station. Police were called to New North Road at 2.10pm after reports of an assault. The victim was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition. An ambulance at the scene of an alleged assault at Kingsland Station on June 2, 2026. Photo / Dean Purcell Police said three suspects fled the scene and were located by police nearby. A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said: “Our ambulance staff treated one patient and transported them to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition”. One ambulance remained at the scene just after 3pm as school children headed home. A small pool of blood could be seen on the New North Rd side of the bridge. Auckland Transport said one single Western Line service was delayed due to the medical event. Service is now back to normal. More to come. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 03:24:11 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/black-ferns-kaipo-olsen-baker-commits-to-nz-rugby-ahead-of-lions-tour-and-2029-world-cup/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/sport/black-ferns-kaipo-olsen-baker-commits-to-nz-rugby-ahead-of-lions-tour-and-2029-world-cup/ Kaipo Olsen-Baker has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2029. This extension makes the 24-year-old loose forward available for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand next year and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. Olsen-Baker has played 19 tests for the Black Ferns since her debut in 2022, and impressive performances at the last Women’s Rugby World Cup in England saw her named in World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year. She was previously named as New Zealand Rugby’s women’s Player of the Year in 2024 and the Rugby Players Association Player of the Year in 2025. “I’m enjoying my rugby right now and really grateful to lock in the next three years doing what I love,” Olsen-Baker said. “Being in the Black Ferns environment has helped me grow massively, not just as a player but as a person too. Kaipo Olsen-Baker has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2029. Photo / Photosport “I want to continue learning, contributing and challenging myself every day.” She was also positive about the Black Ferns’ prospects over the next few years. “There’s something special building within this group. “To have a Lions series here at home in New Zealand next year, followed by a World Cup in Australia is exciting and something I’d love to be a part of.” Head coach Whitney Hansen said she was excited to see what the 24-year-old could achieve with the Black Ferns. “Kaipo is an explosive, powerful loose forward with an incredible presence on the field and has a genuine ability to change a game,” Hansen said. “She’s proven to have an ability to step up in the big moments as we saw at the World Cup in England and during our recent Pacific Four Series. “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Kaipo’s growth throughout the rugby pathway and am excited about what’s ahead of her, as this is just the beginning of what is already a special legacy.” Tue, 02 Jun 2026 03:15:52 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/man-accused-of-woman-s-murder-appears-in-whang%C4%81rei-district-court/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/man-accused-of-woman-s-murder-appears-in-whang%C4%81rei-district-court/ A Far North man has been accused of murder after a woman was found dead over the long weekend. The 26-year-old, who has interim name suppression, appeared before Judge Taryn Bayley at Whangārei District Court on Tuesday morning. He has been charged with murder, arson, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, using a credit card to obtain a pecuniary advantage, and failure to assist police. Police said inquiries started when an SUV was found on fire near Tangowahine about 9am yesterday. Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston said police began looking for the registered owner. “We attended the registered owner’s address in Ōpononi where a burglary had occurred, but the woman was not present, increasing our concerns.” A police patrol car found a man walking along State Highway 14, between Whangārei and Kaipara. Johnston said he was in possession of several items of interest, and taken into custody. Johnston said police made further inquiries at an address in Whirinaki overnight and found a woman dead. A homicide investigation was then launched. Johnston said a scene examination would continue at the address today, and police would carry out further inquiries in Ōpononi. Formal identification of the woman is underway. Johnston said the woman’s family last heard from her on Sunday night. “The woman had last been in contact with whānau on Sunday night, and what has taken place is simply a tragedy,” Johnston said. The man appeared in court this morning . He was remanded in custody and is 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. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 03:03:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/former-beehive-staffer-used-private-email-account-to-receive-document-from-fonterra/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/former-beehive-staffer-used-private-email-account-to-receive-document-from-fonterra/ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s office has admitted a former staffer received a digital copy of a document from Fonterra that lobbied to change climate change legislation. The document was sent to the private email account of the now-former staffer, a spokesman said. The staffer was Matt Burgess, who worked in the Prime Minister’s Office until October last year and was Luxon’s chief policy adviser. Burgess told the Herald on Tuesday: “I have no comment to make. There is a formal process underway”. The Prime Minister will shortly speak to reporters in Auckland. The Herald will livestream that press conference above when it begins. The Department of Internal Affairs has now launched a review of the former staffer’s IT account. “Using private email to share official information undermines transparency and public trust,” a spokesman for the Prime Minister said. The document relates to Fonterra and Z Energy lobbying for a law change in relation to pending litigation, Smith v Fonterra. The litigation was launched against a range of firms over their contribution to climate pollution. The documents were not released when requested after a request under the Official Information Act, despite the fact Fonterra and Z Energy both admitted to sending them to the Prime Minister’s Office – a fact revealed during a High Court disclosure. In a statement, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said, “it has been brought to our attention that the hard copy document relating to the Smith v Fonterra case was also sent from a Fonterra staff member to the former Beehive staff member’s private email account". “This does not meet the standards expected of staff in the Beehive and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves, with a number of reviews underway,” the spokesman said. “The Department of Internal Affairs is conducting a review of the former staff member’s IT account to ensure there are no further documents or meetings relating to the Smith v Fonterra case that should be released, and will work with the individual to identify whether there are any other work-related documents on their private email that should be on the public record. “The former staff member has given an assurance that there are no other emails relating to the Smith v Fonterra case on their private email. “Separately, the Ombudsman has initiated its own review into how this OIA release was handled,” he said. “Using private email to share official information undermines transparency and public trust. “It remains appropriate for interested parties to talk to ministers and their staff on policy matters, but it is imperative that information is appropriately recorded and transparent. That did not happen here. “The individual concerned has not worked in the Prime Minister’s Office since October last year and has not worked at Parliament since January,” the spokesman said in the statement. Labour leader Chris Hipkins on Tuesday said: “The more new information comes to light, the more this looks like a deliberate ploy by the Prime Minister’s Office to hide the extent of industry lobbying and influence.” “This stinks to high heaven.” Luxon confirmed to Parliament that the staffer was Luxon’s former chief policy adviser, though he did not name Burgess specifically. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 02:44:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/tyler-halliday-named-as-21-year-old-killed-in-howick-motorcycle-crash/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/tyler-halliday-named-as-21-year-old-killed-in-howick-motorcycle-crash/ Police have named the man who died in an East Auckland motorcycle crash last week. He was 21-year-old Aucklander, Tyler Halliday. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” said a police spokesperson. Halliday died at the scene of a collision between a car and a motorcycle on Pakūranga Rd in Howick around 2.25pm on May 26. Another person went to hospital with minor injuries following the crash. A witness told the Herald they were outside when the incident occurred near them. Emergency services responding to the serious crash last week. “I was sitting outside, then I heard a motorbike speeding up the highway until I heard a massive boom, followed by silence, then heard faint yells in the distance,” they said. A few minutes later, they said they heard sirens coming closer, so they then ran out to check what had happened. “I saw around four, five cops, a fire engine, ambulances and some resuscitation units and a flipped car,” the witness said. Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing, police said. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 02:13:05 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/motueka-gp-martin-hudson-dies-after-regular-sea-swim-at-kaiteriteri-beach/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/motueka-gp-martin-hudson-dies-after-regular-sea-swim-at-kaiteriteri-beach/ A long-serving Motueka doctor has died after collapsing during a regular sea swim at Kaiteriteri Beach last week. Greenwood Health announced Dr Martin Hudson’s death on social media, saying the respected GP died unexpectedly on May 28. “It is with immense sadness that Greenwood Health is sharing the news that Dr Martin Hudson died unexpectedly on May 28th,” the practice wrote. The medical centre said Hudson had been finishing one of his regular swims when he suddenly collapsed. “Martin was finishing his regular sea swim at Kaiteriteri Beach when he suddenly collapsed. Sadly, attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful,” it said. “It gives his family and close friends much solace that Martin was out there doing what he most loved when this occurred.” The practice described Hudson as “a very much loved and respected doctor, friend and colleague”. Tributes poured in from patients, colleagues and community members following the announcement, with many describing Hudson as a compassionate and dedicated doctor who cared for multiple generations of local families. One former patient wrote: “I doubt that there will ever be another GP like Dr Martin. He took the time to know his patients and treated them with respect and dignity. There were no time restrictions.” Another described him as “a lovely man” who had cared for their parents, while others remembered him as “the best family doctor”, “a great doctor” and “the most wonderful caring GP and man”. Several people recalled Hudson’s long medical career in the region. Others credited him with providing life-changing care, including one former patient who thanked him for saving a younger sibling’s life as a baby. Many messages highlighted his kindness and reassurance during difficult periods of illness. “He was so very kind when our mum was unwell, very reassuring and very caring,” one person wrote. Another said Hudson was “one of the finest doctors I had ever come across”. Greenwood Health said details of a commemoration event would be shared at the practice and on its website in the coming weeks. A memorial website is also being established for friends, family and patients to share memories and tributes. Hudson is survived by his wife Michelle, daughters and wider family. Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 02:05:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/unelected-people-to-be-banned-from-voting-on-council-committees-local-government-minister-simon-watts-announces/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/unelected-people-to-be-banned-from-voting-on-council-committees-local-government-minister-simon-watts-announces/ The Government will stop unelected individuals from voting on council committees, a move an Act MP has characterised as closing an “anti-democratic loophole”. The issue of unelected New Zealanders being appointed to council committees and then having voting rights has received attention across local and central Government recently. It includes a case in the Far North where hapū representatives were confirmed to be put on a committee tasked with shaping Māori strategic relationships and embedding Te Tiriti-based partnership in council decision-making. Once on the committee they would have full speaking and voting rights alongside elected representatives. They won’t make final decisions but will vote on issues to go to a full council. Act leader David Seymour said anyone voting on council decisions should be accountable, including facing elections. The party lodged a Member’s Bill to prohibit voting rights for unelected appointees. But now Local Government Minister Simon Watts says non-elected individuals can still be appointed to offer professional advice and represent communities, but they will not be able to vote or count towards a quorum. The Government confirmed statutory committees and appointments, including those agreed as part of a Treaty settlement, will be excluded and committee members appointed under acts that are not covered by the Local Government Act 2002 will retain voting rights. “Councillors are directly accountable to voters for their decisions. We are amending the Local Government Act 2002 so only elected members hold voting rights at council committee meetings,” Watts said. Local Government Minister Simon Watts made the announcement on Tuesday. Photo / Mark Mitchell “Councils and the public nationwide have raised concerns about individuals holding voting rights on council committees, undermining decision-making and diluting the influence of democratically elected members.” The minister mentioned examples in Far North, in Tauranga and in Hastings “where individuals, such as iwi representatives and young people aged under 18, have been appointed to council committees and given voting rights without being elected by the community”. “That’s not democratic, so we’re fixing it,” he said. “While it is useful and appropriate that councils are able to make appointments that bolster the skills, attributes and knowledge of elected members, those individuals are not elected by ratepayers and therefore have no democratic accountability.” The changes will be included in the Local Government (System Improvements) Bill, which is currently before Parliament. Once that legislation passes, councils will have six months to review appointments before the change comes into effect. Act’s Local Government spokesman Cameron Luxton said the change was a “massive win for ratepayers and local democracy”. He said the issue had been an “anti-democratic loophole”. “Councils remain free to seek advice and input from whoever they choose. Consultation is important. But when it comes to making decisions and casting votes, accountability matters,” he said. “The people making decisions on behalf of ratepayers should be the people ratepayers can vote out.” The Act Party has been prosecuting the issue. Photo / Mark Mitchell The case in the Far North received national attention after Act councillor Davina Smoulders made allegations about “co-governance on steroids”. She said it put influence in the hands of individuals who weren’t directly accountable to voters. However, Mayor Moko Tepania said it was distracting from other work. “We have too much mahi to do for the people of the Far North, to get us forward, to be having a debate over whether or not something is legal when it has been legislated already. “So I say to those that want to try and detract or to put focus on us on whether or not the instruments that we’re implementing in here to include Māori at the final district council are right or wrong, that argument and that debate need... Tue, 02 Jun 2026 02:02:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/serious-fraud-office-charges-former-sacred-hill-vineyards-director-richard-foddy-with-false-accounting/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/serious-fraud-office-charges-former-sacred-hill-vineyards-director-richard-foddy-with-false-accounting/ Former Sacred Hill Vineyards executive and director Richard Foddy is facing 18 charges of false accounting after allegedly overstating the value of the company’s inventory in order to secure funding. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) alleges Foddy artificially increased the value of Sacred Hill Vineyards’ wine inventory in quarterly stock valuation spreadsheets and on compliance certificates provided to lender Westpac. The alleged offending is charged as happening in the financial years ending June 2017 to June 2019. The case was referred to the SFO after Sacred Hill Vineyards and Sacred Hill Marlborough Vineyards went into receivership in May 2021. “Corporate fraud that undermines key sectors, such as viticulture, poses a direct risk to our economy, our productivity, and our international standing,” SFO director Karen Chang said. “The SFO will continue to treat these cases as a priority.” Foddy is next scheduled to appear in court on June 23. The Sacred Hill brand continues to trade in the wine industry under new ownership, after Sacred Hill’s Hawke’s Bay business interests were sold in November 2021. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:46:16 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/google-parent-alphabet-to-raise-134b-to-fuel-ai-expansion/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/google-parent-alphabet-to-raise-134b-to-fuel-ai-expansion/ Google parent Alphabet announced Monday it plans to raise up to US$80 billion in stock to fund a major expansion of its artificial intelligence infrastructure, with Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway committing US$10b as part of the deal. The US$80b ($134b) fundraising comes as Alphabet ramps up investment spending, with capital expenditures expected to reach US$180-$190b in 2026 and set to rise further in 2027. The move reflects a broader spending race gripping the technology industry. Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta are collectively on track to pour roughly US$700b into artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, chips and computing infrastructure this year as each scrambles to keep pace with soaring demand for AI services. Google chief executive Sundar Pichai told investors last month that the company is “compute-constrained in the near term”, meaning it cannot build the necessary infrastructure fast enough to meet demand. Microsoft has issued similar warnings about capacity shortfalls. To help close that gap, Alphabet said it plans to raise the new funds through a combination of a US$30b public stock offering, a US$10b private sale to Berkshire Hathaway and a further US$40b share sale programme to be launched in the third quarter. The bulk of the proceeds will go toward expanding its AI infrastructure, with around US$30b of the share sale programme earmarked to cover tax obligations linked to employee share grants. In the first quarter, the company reported a profit of US$62.6b on revenue of US$110b, beating analyst expectations and surpassing the same period a year earlier by a wide margin. Shares have risen 18% over the past six months. The AI investment frenzy is also driving a wave of landmark sharemarket listings. Elon Musk’s SpaceX is set to launch its initial public offering (IPO) roadshow this week targeting a valuation of around USD$1.75 trillion ($2.95t), while ChatGPT maker OpenAI and Claude developer Anthropic are both expected to go public later this year. Anthropic, the maker of the Claude chatbot, filed for its IPO on Monday (local time). Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley are managing the public offering for Alphabet. – AFP Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:23:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/two-taken-to-hospital-after-three-vehicle-crash-at-whang%C4%81rei-intersection/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/two-taken-to-hospital-after-three-vehicle-crash-at-whang%C4%81rei-intersection/ Two people were taken to hospital after a crash at a busy Whangārei intersection this morning. Emergency services were called at 10.21am to the Otaika Rd and Western Hills Drive intersection. A police spokesperson said three vehicles were involved, and the road was blocked for a short time. This vehicle could be seen smashed into a fence at the intersection. Photo / Sarah Curtis The intersection of Otaika Rd and Western Hills Drive was blocked for a short time while the scene was cleared. Photo / Sarah Curtis “Three people suffered minor injuries, with two being taken to hospital as a precaution.” A reporter at the scene said road workers from Fulton Hogan were helping pick up debris. 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. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:14:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/frustration-as-inland-revenue-s-myir-experiences-delays-amid-significant-demand/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/business/frustration-as-inland-revenue-s-myir-experiences-delays-amid-significant-demand/ A surge in people trying to check their annual tax review online has overwhelmed Inland Revenue’s myIR website, causing delays and frustration for customers.  Customers first reported issues logging into myIR as early as Friday, with issues continuing over the long weekend.  As of 9am this morning, the issue had not been resolved, according to a banner on Inland Revenue’s website.  In a social media post yesterday, Inland Revenue said its system was experiencing “significant demand”.  “There may be delays with two-step verification codes being sent and in some cases, codes may arrive late or expire before you can use them — we know this is frustrating and we’re working on a fix,” the post said.  “We’re sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. We’re working hard to resolve this as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience.”  Inland Revenue emailed customers before the long weekend saying they could now check their annual tax review online.  But people have reported not being able to do this, because of the two-step verification process not working.  One person described the situation as “extremely frustrating”.  “IRD have sent out an email saying you can check your tax review online ... However the site appears to be down and the authorisation codes are not being sent to emails.  “It’s a poor service from a government department.”  Another questioned how such a “critical service” could be left unfixed for days.  “No one working over long weekend so we all have to simply give up rather than catching up on admin over the weekend.”  The Herald has contacted Inland Revenue for comment.  Mon, 01 Jun 2026 23:54:47 Z