Author: Press Room

Kiwi allegedly tried to smuggle 21kg of heroin through Sydney Airport

A New Zealand national has been charged after allegedly attempting to smuggle 21kg of heroin hidden in his luggage through Sydney Airport. The 21-year-old man arrived at Sydney Airport on board an international flight from Thailand on December 7 when he was selected by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers for a baggage examination. Officers searched two suitcases belonging to the man and allegedly found 21 floral-patterned, vacuum sealed bags containing a white powdery substance. Presumptive testing of the substance returned a positive result for heroin, with an estimated weight of 21kg. ABF officers searched two suitcases belonging to the man…

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Vaginal swab left in woman for six weeks after giving birth

A woman was left feeling “scared to death” after vaginal packing was mistakenly left in her body for six weeks before being found at a post-natal GP check. The woman’s ordeal was detailed in a Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) report released today after an investigation into what happened at the public hospital operated under Te Whatu Ora Health NZ Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley in 2021. The woman – known as Mrs A – underwent an episiotomy following the birth of her daughter, and vaginal packing in the form of a swab and tampon was inserted to apply pressure…

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Man accused of swallowing k pendant appears in court

A man accused of swallowing a Fabergé locket worth more than $33,500 during an alleged theft at an Auckland jewellery store has appeared in the Auckland District Court.He was remanded in custody without a plea until next Monday.Police had been called at 3.30pm on November 28 to the store in Auckland city where a man was accused of picking up a Fabergé James Bond Octopussy Egg pendant and swallowing it.Court documents reveal the pendant was worth $33,585.The recovered Fabergé egg. (Source: Supplied)Inspector Grae Anderson told RNZ the man underwent a medical assessment at the time of his arrest and an…

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Oranga Tamariki aims to use new design for young offenders’ boot camp

Oranga Tamariki aims to run its second boot camp for serious youth offenders in March next year using a new design.The Children’s Minister, earlier this week, in a scrutiny hearing said no date had been set.The ministry told the same hearing it was “giving some thought” to running a second one prior to the law being changed.In response to RNZ inquiries, Oranga Tamariki sketched out its plans and preparation which it said were well advanced.”Oranga Tamariki is planning to run a further voluntary programme, under existing legislative settings, with the intent to deliver in March 2026,” it said.”This is an…

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Lotto Powerball rolls over to m as two players win 0,000

Two lucky players from Auckland have each won $500,000 in last night’s Lotto draw as Powerball rolls over to $15 million.The winning tickets were sold at Woolworths Lynn Mall and on MyLotto to a player from Auckland. “Anyone who bought their ticket from Woolworths Lynn Mall or on MyLotto should check their ticket as soon as possible instore, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App,” a Lotto spokesperson said. Powerball was not struck on Saturday and has now rolled over to Wednesday night with a jackpot of $15 million.Lotto First Division will be $1 million on Wednesday night.The Lotto draw is…

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Tramper dies, another rescued from remote West Coast track

A tramper has died and another has been rescued from a remote track on the West Coast.Police said they were notified of a personal locator beacon being activated close to the Klondyke Rahu saddle in Victoria Forest Park at around 6.30pm on Friday.”Police Search and Rescue attended and located a tramper and a deceased person,” a spokesperson said.”The body was recovered once weather conditions allowed helicopter flight on Saturday.”The matter had been referred to the Coroner, with support being provided to the other member of the tramping party and next of kin.

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George St demolition granted, plans for use uncertain

A pair of heritage buildings in Dunedin’s main street have been given the green light for demolition, but plans to develop them into new apartments are up in the air. Oakwood Properties Ltd has been granted a two-year extension by the Dunedin City Council for resource consent to partially demolish and redevelop two heritage buildings at 250 and 252 George St. The buildings, a street-facing shop constructed in the 1870s and a two-storey factory building behind it from 1918, were proposed in late 2020 to be redeveloped into a ground floor retail space and seven apartments. Oakwood Properties commercial property…

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Murder charge laid after motorcyclist fatally stabbed in Auckland

Police have charged a 21-year-old man with murder after a motorbike rider was fatally stabbed following a collision in Auckland’s Mount Wellington on Friday.Detective Inspector Scott Beard told 1News the incident began just after just after midday on Friday when a collision occurred between a motorbike and a blue Nissan March on Harris Rd. During the altercation that followed, the motorbike rider was stabbed.The injured man left the scene and sought medical treatment at a Lunn Ave medical centre around 12.15pm. He was taken to Auckland Hospital in critical condition but later died.Beard said the investigation team had worked long…

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Outlook brighter for next year, ASB believes

By Gyles Beckford of RNZ ASB Bank has raised a flag of confidence over the economic outlook for next year, driven by a mix of lower interest rates, solid exports and consumer spending. Chief economist Nick Tuffley said the economy has turned the corner after recession. “We’re seeing clear signs that the recovery is gathering pace. Consumer spending is up, especially on big-ticket items like cars and electronics, and rural incomes are holding strong despite global uncertainty.” The benefit of falling interest rates would continue to be felt as households refix their mortgages, which would likely support consumer spending, he…

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Two injured in ‘massive rollover’ at Wairarapa jetsprint champs

Two people have been injured after a jet boat crashed during the opening round of the New Zealand Jetsprint Championship in the Wairarapa this morning.Emergency services were called to the Tauherenikau Racecourse near Featherston at about 10.45am on Sunday.Wellington Free Ambulance confirmed both occupants of the boat were taken to Wairarapa Hospital in a moderate condition.Footage provided to 1News shows the boat catching air on a sharp turn, leaving the water and rolling multiple times before coming to rest on top of a fence. Crews armed with fire extinguishers can then be seen rushing to the scene.The crash was described…

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