Julie King admits it's an interesting twist of fate that something as harmful as legal-high addiction could inspire a soup-kitchen service. It all began, she said, when the problems legal highs were causing in her South Waikato town became too clear to ignore. "We even had three youths go by ambulance to hospital. Meanwhile, people using it were becoming scary, angry and paranoid - and it was breaking up families." In May this year she also ran ‘Blankets Galore’ a donation drive for warm blankets, hats, scarves and gloves – which were collected in Rotorua and redistributed to people in need, just in time for winter.
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Polkinghorne case: The not guilty verdict
Philip Polkinghorne has been found not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna in 2021. Video / NZ Herald
Not guilty: Reaction outside court as Polkinghorne walks away a free man
Reaction from both sides outside court after not guilty verdict in Polkinghorne murder trial. Video / NZ Herald
Polkinghorne and his sister return home after acquittal
Philip Polkinghorne and his sister return home after murder acquittal.
Bruce Hanna reflects on Polkinghorne not guilty verdict
Bruce Hanna speaks to reporters outside court after not guilty verdict returned in Polkinghorne murder trial. Video / Katie Harris
Not guilty: Crown Solicitor Alysha McClintock speaks outside court
Crown Solicitor Alysha McClintock speaks outside court after not-guilty verdict. Video / NZ Herald
Philip Polkinghorne found not guilty of murder and manslaughter
The jury has found Philip Polkinghorne not guilty of the murder of his wife Pauline Hanna.
Polkinghorne speaks outside court after not guilty verdict
Polkinghorne speaks outside court after not guilty verdict
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PM orders public servants back to office
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Child poverty statistics and Phillip Mehrtens released | Focus Morning Bulletin September 23, 2024
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Mehrtens released, fires in South Auckland | Focus Morning Bulletin 22 September, 2024
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MetService National Weather: September 20th - September 22nd
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Israeli airstrike kills innocents, UN calls for peace | Focus Morning Bulletin September 21, 2024
Israel claims to have killed a military leader in an airstrike in Beirut killing innocent civilians. The High Court has ruled that Darleen Tana was not under pressure to resign.
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Inside the burnt property allegedly connected to Breanna Muriwai's disappearance
Sinister warning messages have been left outside the burnt-down property linked to missing woman Breanna Muriwai. Video / Mark Mitchell
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Husband of billionaire Russian CEO charged with murder
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Jobseeker benefits and gang patch ban | Focus Morning Bulletin September 20, 2024
New jobseeker benefit forecasts revealed, bill to ban gang patches passes its third reading and air strikes in Lebanon after deadly device attacks.
Markets with Madison: Air NZ hangar
Our national airline is making less money on its long-haul routes and aircraft engine issues are keeping a lid on growth. Should it remain an international airline?
'It's not about the frickin targets': Luxon gets heated over gang list questions
PM Christopher Luxon appeared to get visibly frustrated over a line of questioning about the national gang list during a press conference today. Video / Mark Mitchell
Chocolate heaven! Inside New Zealand's first Lindt store
The country's first Lindt store has officially opened in Mānawa Bay. Video / Ben Dickens
No verdict reached as jury retire until Monday
No verdict Friday as the jury in the Philip Polkinghorne murder trial retire until Monday morning.