Prices for electricity have risen sharply this winter. The Electricity Authority (EA) is facing criticism for rising wholesale power prices. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones called the EA ineffective in regulating power companies, known as gentailers. He compared the EA to a “chocolate teapot,” saying it can’t manage the gentailers’ high prices. Energy Minister Simeon […]

The jury in the murder trial of retired Auckland eye doctor Philip Polkinghorne has visited the house where his wife, Pauline Hanna, was found dead. This is the 10th day of the trial, where Polkinghorne is accused of murdering Hanna on Easter Monday 2021 and making it look like a suicide. The defense claims that […]

A former teacher from Gloriavale, Just Standfast, 73, has been sentenced to four years in prison for abusing at least 20 children over 40 years. He faced 18 charges, including sexual offenses against young girls, with the youngest victim only 5 years old. Standfast used a wheelchair in court and expressed regret when asked by […]

Fulton Hogan is working on sewerage construction on Tarawera Road, near Lake Rotokākahi. The Rotorua Lakes Council wanted a legal order to keep protesters at least one metre away from the site but was unsuccessful for now. A judge decided not to grant the request but warned that any destruction or disruption would prompt legal […]

The government will not give $60 million to help rebuild Christ Church Cathedral. This means the project may stop for now. The cathedral project needed this money to cover an $85 million shortfall. Last week, Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the central government needed to help to finish the rebuild. Earlier this year, the Anglican […]

New Zealand first competed in the Olympics as its own team in 1908, and people often wonder how many medals they would have if counted by population. Many Kiwis are currently searching for “per capita medal tally” online to see how New Zealand could rank higher, especially compared to Australia. In the official medal count […]

Former Prime Minister Sir John Key made a strong impression at the National Party’s annual conference in Auckland. His achievements during his three terms in office highlighted how the party’s current support is lower than during his leadership. National Party’s current leader, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has struggled to raise poll numbers above 40%. Key […]

New Zealand’s coffee prices are rising due to several factors. Coffee beans cost more because of a weak New Zealand dollar, higher shipping costs, and increased business costs. One coffee roaster believes that if coffee prices had kept pace with cafe costs, a flat white would now cost $7 instead of the usual $5. Over […]

Police in Auckland are investigating after a 12-year-old student was seriously injured at Somerville Intermediate School on August 8, 2024. The boy’s father, Patrick Choo, said his son was attacked during lunch by another student. His son got cuts on his cheek and was bleeding. Choo explained that his son wears glasses, which might have […]

Philip Polkinghorne is on trial in the High Court in Auckland, accused of murdering Pauline Hanna. His defense claims Hanna’s death was a suicide, but the Crown says it was staged. Clare Thompson, Hanna’s friend and colleague, testified that Hanna confided about Polkinghorne’s controlling behavior. She said he was sexually demanding and wanted her to […]