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Latest FromMelissa Nightingale

Inspector Todd Southall with one of puppies bred at the NZ Police dog training centre at Trentham. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Fiercest of the fierce: What happens to failed Police dogs?

19 Aug, 2019 5:44pm
3 minutes to read

Up to 45 per cent of police puppies don't make the cut to join the ranks.

Irina Scantee was found dead in Kapiti last week. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Alleged murder victim identified as Irina Scantee

19 Aug, 2019 4:43pm
Quick Read

Irina Scantee is understood to have moved to New Zealand from Romania.

Irina Scantee was found dead on Saturday night. Photo / Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

Man charged with murder after woman dies in Paraparaumu

19 Aug, 2019 10:18am
2 minutes to read

Irina Scantee was killed in Paraparaumu on Saturday night.

Toetoe and pampas are popular to include in floral arrangements - but one of them is forbidden under the Biosecurity Act. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE

Popular wedding trend banned under NZ biosecurity laws

16 Aug, 2019 3:45pm
3 minutes to read

It is actually against biosecurity laws to use this plant in wedding bouquets.

Former bride Becca used both pampas and toetoe in her wedding, but prepared the pampas carefully to reduce malting. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE

Kiwi wedding trend spreading a noxious weed

16 Aug, 2019 5:49am
4 minutes to read

Many people don't know the difference between the invasive pampas and native toetoe.

The bach at Tutukaka in which three people are accused of manufacturing a large quantity of methamphetamine. Photo / John Stone

NEW ZEALAND

Police 'trespassed' in holiday home meth lab

15 Aug, 2019 3:57pm
3 minutes to read

Police had no right to go onto the property where the meth lab was hidden, a lawyer says.

Dune du Pilat, in France. Photo / Yu Wang

TRAVEL

Sunrise hiking up the Dune du Pilat

15 Aug, 2019 3:04pm
3 minutes to read

Melissa Nightingale catches the sunrise from the tallest sand dune in Europe.

The alleged attack happened at Rimutaka Prison on July 31. Photo / NZPA / Ross Setford

NEW ZEALAND

Prisoner in court on attempted murder charge against inmate

13 Aug, 2019 9:51am
Quick Read

The 45-year-old appeared in the Hutt Valley District Court this morning on the charge.

Joseph William Borton came across as intelligent and posh, said the woman. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

He killed a 52yo woman so he could sexually violate her daughter

12 Aug, 2019 3:09pm
4 minutes to read

Nobody saw it coming, said a woman who knew both Joseph Borton and his victims.

Joseph William Borton pleaded guilty this morning to murder and sexual violation, among other charges. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

He murdered mother to sexually abuse daughter

12 Aug, 2019 10:20am
3 minutes to read

Joseph William Borton has admitted murdering a woman and violating a 12-year-old girl.

Sean Mallon and Rachel Yates with the Pasifika-inspired dress Parris Goebel wore to the MTV VMAs in 2016. Photo / Mark Tantrum

NEW ZEALAND

A sneak peek in Te Papa's archives - what the public don't see

11 Aug, 2019 5:00am
10 minutes to read

There are 2.2 million items in Te Papa's collection.

The man became aggressive during a conversation at the couple's home in Blenheim. Photo / John Borren

NEW ZEALAND

Social worker hopeful appeals violence conviction

9 Aug, 2019 12:48pm
3 minutes to read

He beat her eight times in the cheat, but wants his conviction overturned.

Landlords must put ceiling and underfloor insulation into rentals if it's practicable to do so. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Students not worried about retaliation after Tribunal insulation case

8 Aug, 2019 3:20pm
3 minutes to read

The group are often so cold in their own living room they can see their breath.

NEW ZEALAND

Porirua's smiley face rebrand lost city's 'vibrancy'

8 Aug, 2019 9:09am
2 minutes to read

The wonky smiley face is not the problem here, a brand specialist says.

Lorraine Smith has received just 12 years maximum in prison for murdering her granddaughter. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Gran's 'rare' mercy: When murder doesn't merit life in prison

7 Aug, 2019 12:28pm
4 minutes to read

Lorraine Smith avoided a life sentence for murder - how common is it?

Lorraine Smith used a necktie to strangle 13-year-old Kalis Manaia Smith. Photo / NZME

NEW ZEALAND

Grandmother who strangled teen spared life sentence

7 Aug, 2019 11:30am
4 minutes to read

Lorraine Smith will not face the usual life imprisonment sentence for murder.

A photo of Mayor Ray Wallace's car parked partly over the footpath has drawn the ire of locals. Photo / Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

Mayor sorry, tickets himself after 'shocking' parking row with wheelchair user

7 Aug, 2019 8:24am
2 minutes to read

The photo shows Mayor Ray Wallace's branded car parked partly across the footpath.

Chris Parkin has donated $1 million to the fundraising project for the music centre. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Philanthropist's $1m gift to national music centre

6 Aug, 2019 3:41pm
3 minutes to read

Chris Parkin said Wellington had done so much for him, and he wants to give back.

Michael Dell stands by his winning artwork, Every Valley. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

NEW ZEALAND

Drawing prize takes more traditional route

5 Aug, 2019 7:00pm
3 minutes to read

The winning piece is an abstract artwork based on the Pigeon Valley.

Cheyenre San (left) and Anika Moses get into the spirit of the project at a community workshop. Photo / Andrew Turner

NEW ZEALAND

Interactive dance art aims to 'break barriers' in community

5 Aug, 2019 2:48pm
2 minutes to read

Daniel James said breaking barriers in the community was 'crucial' at the moment.

A road roller crushes one of the cars at the meet on August 2. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Road roller attack victims hold vigils

5 Aug, 2019 11:32am
2 minutes to read

People were still shaken at vigils over the weekend.

Chair of judges Jim Harré has been involved with the competition for 12 years. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Chardonnay overtakes sav at wine awards

1 Aug, 2019 4:29pm
3 minutes to read

Looking for something new? Why not try a wine you've never heard of?

Kathleen Valda Grey received a six-month community detention sentence for killing 25-year-old Samuel Jackson-Seligman-Lemaire. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

NEW ZEALAND

'She drove to kill time, she killed my son instead'

31 Jul, 2019 3:04pm
3 minutes to read

Samuel Jackson-Seligman-Lemaire was a "lovable rogue", his family says.

Kathleen Valda Grey stands in the dock at Wellington District Court for her sentencing. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

NEW ZEALAND

Toddler 'bonding with box of ashes' after father killed by wrong-way driver

31 Jul, 2019 12:10pm
4 minutes to read

Kathleen Grey was spotted driving the wrong way on the motorway before the crash.

Dylan's leg was broken in four places and had to be operated on. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Steamroller rampage: Man's leg broken in four places

30 Jul, 2019 5:23pm
3 minutes to read

Dylan was run over by a car that was trying to flee the rampaging road roller.

The Upper Hutt woman's car with damage caused by the Saturday night incident with the steam roller. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

'I've never been so scared': Steamroller rampage victim

30 Jul, 2019 1:41pm
4 minutes to read

Two victims say they believed their lives were in danger during the incident.

The roller was filmed running into cars at the scene of the meet up. Photo / Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

Police ramp up security to protect steamroller rampage accused

29 Jul, 2019 4:47pm
3 minutes to read

A witness says the scene was chaotic when a roller started ploughing into cars.

Upper Hutt mayor Wayne Guppy's Holden Commodore was taken from the parking lot after the thief broke the padlock on his gym locker and swiped his keys, wallet, and cellphone. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Mayor's car stolen from gym after keys swiped from locker

29 Jul, 2019 2:44pm
Quick Read

Mayor Wayne Guppy said the police found the car that same evening.

Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel can only be reached by boat or by a short hike. Photo / Supplied

TRAVEL

Orua Sea Cave a highlight of Coromandel sights

27 Jul, 2019 9:00am
5 minutes to read

The best parts of the Coromandel are the hard-to-reach sea caves.

Sam Fischer's death is being investigated in a coroner's inquest this week. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

'No signs' Wellington man who died in mental health unit was depressed

26 Jul, 2019 12:03pm
3 minutes to read

Nurses say they did the best they could for Wellington man Samuel Fischer.

All Blacks rugby legend Sir Colin Meads, with his wife Lady Verna Meads, at their Te Kuiti home before his death. File photo / Nick Reed

NEW ZEALAND

Sir Colin Meads said chlorine water 'not doing me any good'

24 Jul, 2019 1:10pm
4 minutes to read

Lady Verna believes the drink's creator was "a bit naive".

Dr Mitchell Dean Fuller, a director of PureCure, carried out clinical trials on about 500 people including Sir Colin Meads and John 'Cocksy' Cocks. Photo / Facebook

NEW ZEALAND

Doctor struck off for chlorine cancer 'cure' used by 'Cocksy', Colin Meads

24 Jul, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

PureCure made more than $300,000 selling chlorine water to cancer patients.

A guard escorts a prisoner at Auckland Women's Prison in South Auckland. Photo / Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

Female inmates describe 'degrading' internal searches

23 Jul, 2019 9:52am
4 minutes to read

Women say the searches brought back trauma from being raped.

They may be getting on in years, but Nick and Waititi still need a loving home and a warm bed. And, the SPCA wouldn't contemplate separating them for anything. Photo / Jo Moore Photographer

NEW ZEALAND

'Delightful characters': Why you should adopt an elderly pet

17 Jul, 2019 3:39pm
3 minutes to read

Nick and Waititi must be adopted out together, and will need a committed owner.

Prickly situation ... frisky hedgehogs sparked a hurried police response when the sounds of their nocturnal activities alarmed a nearby resident. Photo / John Borren

NEW ZEALAND

'Consenting hedgehogs' spark police call

16 Jul, 2019 3:27pm
4 minutes to read

Police rushed to respond to reports of a woman screaming in the bush.

It's not a sight anyone wants to see, but receiving a ticket has enraged some motorists to the point they pull a knife on the parking warden. Photo / Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

No knives pulled on Hutt parking wardens since cameras brought in

16 Jul, 2019 3:17pm
3 minutes to read

Angry motorists have even pulled knives on parking wardens for issuing tickets.

Colab's hot chocolate can be poured into an edible cup. Photo / Lilia Alexander

NEW ZEALAND

Edible hot chocolate cup designed for challenge

3 Jul, 2019 10:45am
3 minutes to read

There are 17 creative hot chocolates to choose from, including one made with beetroot.

General Manager of Mojo NZ Katy Ellis says their compostable cups are going straight the landfill. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

NEW ZEALAND

Compostable coffee cups still ending up in landfills

2 Jul, 2019 5:16pm
3 minutes to read

Eco-friendly compostable cups are actually just heading to the landfill.

Justice Simon France said Bessie Hanley's actions were plainly sexual assault. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Oranga Tamariki worker appeals indecent assault conviction

2 Jul, 2019 10:01am
2 minutes to read

Judge says a man who committed the same crime would probably have ended up in jail.

William Wakefield in the dock during day one of his murder trial in the High Court at Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Stepfather who murdered baby boy sentenced to life in prison

1 Jul, 2019 11:54am
3 minutes to read

William Wakefield admitted shaking the baby because he was upset the child wasn't his.

Eugene Daniel Baker has admitted the gruesome murder. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Petone murder: 'This is my nightmare - a stabbed and headless brother'

28 Jun, 2019 11:10am
3 minutes to read

Petone victim's sister tells killer: 'I see a headless man'.

David Scott sits in the dock at the Wellington District Court during his trial for indecent assault. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Councillor loses appeal on indecent assault

27 Jun, 2019 8:02am
3 minutes to read

David Scott says he can't afford to appeal the case any further.

Doctor Deane Drew is first accused of starting a relationship with a patient in the 1990s.

NEW ZEALAND

Doctor's registration cancelled after he pursued sexual relationships with patients

25 Jun, 2019 5:25pm
3 minutes to read

Deane Drew appeared before a tribunal today to "face up to wrongdoings".

NEW ZEALAND

Doctor sorry for sexual relationships with vulnerable patients

25 Jun, 2019 12:30pm
3 minutes to read

Doctor Deane Drew is first accused of starting a relationship with a patient in the 90s.

Police say seizure of millions of dollars in assets over past decade drives home message that crime doesn't pay. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

$645m on ice: Property haul shows crime doesn't pay, cops say

25 Jun, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Rob and Llannys Burgess say the law is "abhorrent" after losing their home.

Daniel Jess Moore, now 42, has run afoul of the law again after he was caught spying on people in changing rooms and filming one woman. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Child porn convict filmed woman in Wellington changing room

24 Jun, 2019 4:37pm
3 minutes to read

Daniel Jess Moore kept peeking over changing room walls - until police arrived.

Herbivores team leader Bobby Stoop and vet Emily Kay feed acacia leaves to giraffe Zahara at Wellington Zoo. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Why Kiwi zoo staff are heading to Africa to help with giraffe research

21 Jun, 2019 7:00am
3 minutes to read

Giraffes are globally threatened thanks to deforestation and human expansion.

Nigel Edgecombe sits in the dock at Wellington District Court for sentencing. Photo / Pool

NEW ZEALAND

Teacher jailed for filming 90 women in bathroom

19 Jun, 2019 11:46am
4 minutes to read

Nigel Edgecombe said he knew he needed to be punished once he read the victim statements.

Thanking other drivers and being thanked set off a positive chemical release in the brain. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

How do you thank another driver?

18 Jun, 2019 2:45pm
3 minutes to read

Wellingtonians like to toot while Aucklanders prefer to flash their hazard lights.

The Megaupload accused in 2012 - Bram van der Kolk, Kim Dotcom, Mathias Ortmann and Finn Batato. Photo / Sarah Ivey

NEW ZEALAND

Dotcom extradition battle nearly over

17 Jun, 2019 8:28am
3 minutes to read

Can New Zealand extradite someone for something that is not a crime in this country?

NEW ZEALAND

Red flags for killer stepfather

12 Jun, 2019 1:15pm
5 minutes to read

The signs were there that William Wakefield could hurt his baby stepson.

NEW ZEALAND

Body of missing tramper found in Tararua Range

12 Jun, 2019 11:32am
3 minutes to read

Darren Myers had been missing for 11 days.

The plot is only 61sqm, about the size of four car parks. Image / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Tiny plot of land bought to preserve views

12 Jun, 2019 10:50am
2 minutes to read

The tiny plot of land was bought to maintain the view for the property behind it.

William Wakefield admitted killing his 5-month-old stepson Lincoln Wakefield. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Man who shook baby stepson guilty of murder

11 Jun, 2019 2:41pm
3 minutes to read

Upper Hutt man William Wakefield found guilty of murdering his stepson.

Vicki Bulmer suffered a severe concussion in the December 26 attack. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Nurse recounts 'traumatising' attack in ED

11 Jun, 2019 11:46am
4 minutes to read

Several staff were injured by the patient, who was on a "rampage".

William Wakefield sits in the dock at the High Court at Wellington, where he is on trial for the murder of his baby stepson, Lincoln Wakefield. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

No verdict yet on alleged baby murder

10 Jun, 2019 5:02pm
3 minutes to read

William Wakefield admits killing the baby, but says it was not murder.

Joseph William Borton can now be identified as the person charged with murdering a woman whose body was found in the Karori suburb of Wellington.

NEW ZEALAND

Revealed: Man accused of Karori murder, sex offence against child

7 Jun, 2019 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

The murder accused is Joseph William Borton.

Richard George Apperley in the dock at the High Court at Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Victim's relief at rapist's sentence

6 Jun, 2019 4:29pm
6 minutes to read

The victim realised now she was not to blame for the horrors Richard Apperley committed.

Richard George Apperley was sentenced in the High Court at Wellington today. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Indefinite jail for decades of 'dehumanising' rapes

6 Jun, 2019 12:34pm
6 minutes to read

The charges against Richard Apperley date back to offending beginning in the 1990s.

Some pensioners may be receiving a little more in their NZ super payments come July 2020. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'Evil' pension policy to be abolished

6 Jun, 2019 10:23am
4 minutes to read

Pensioners have been waiting a long time for the spousal deduction policy to be dropped.

William Wakefield in the dock in the High Court at Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Stepfather admits shaking baby but denies it was murder

4 Jun, 2019 3:30pm
3 minutes to read

William Wakefield told police he shook the baby three times to hurt him, the court heard.

Esha Verma sits in the dock at the Wellington District Court during her sentencing for laying a false rape complaint. Photo / Melissa Nightingale

NEW ZEALAND

Home detention for false rape complaint

31 May, 2019 1:40pm
4 minutes to read

When the victim refused to rekindle the relationship, she immediately laid the complaint.