Latest from Public Interest - Open Justice

'Conditioned to it': Murder-accused 'disrespectful' to partner on night of fatal fire
The 21-year-old was alive but likely unconscious when her bedroom was engulfed in flames.

'He's a hero': Stabbing victim was just days from graduating as chef
Bailey Ecclestone, 22, said he never wanted to hurt anyone that fateful night.

Terrorised, battered woman was tied up and left on a bed - then she smelled smoke
Recidivist offender's chilling words: 'I can't let you go because you'll nark.'

‘Sleazy: Rest home manager censured for 'sex robot' comments to student nurses
Michael Sobrevilla asked one for a picture of her face to use on a sex robot.

Tākaka builder $12k out of pocket after planned gold dig in national park
He reported his mining equipment as stolen and was then arrested.

Gang boss with fake motorbike licence unhappy he must now do the time
Albert Epere argued community work was unfair.

'Get the f*** off me': Woman allegedly woke to find man sexually assaulting her after work event
The group had gone to a colleague's home after a day at the races.

'Degrading': Man drags naked partner outside, pours boiling water over her
Simon Kereopa then told his partner 'you deserve it, and that’s what you get'.

'Dad's gone': Roadworker killed after being struck by speeding truck
Brian Barnes' heartbroken family say their lives have been destroyed by his death.

Woman steals from laundromat after trying out Tiktok trick
Tira Tipene will now pay back the $390 she stole at $20 per week.

'Ripped off': Kebab staff worked without pay before dinner shifts
Workers only paid for lunch and dinner service, not the hours worked in between.

'Left her to burn to death': Murder-accused allegedly torched sleeping partner's bed
The 21yo was alive but likely unconscious when her bedroom was engulfed in flames.

'You can't tame the ocean': Lawyers close their case for Enchanter tragedy
Judge Philip Rzepecky will decide whether the skipper risked his customers' lives.

Man dragged 30m by car after woman dupes him in Facebook Marketplace deal
Lian Hunia had no intention of handing over any money for the iPhone the man was selling.

Father claims son died in prison after guards told him to kill himself
The man was remanded in custody for the alleged murder of his partner's child.

Sobs as man found guilty of sexually abusing partner's nieces and nephews
The Crown told the jury the five cousins were “genuine, believable witnesses”.

Police officers assaulted, wounded after stopping speeding driver
Speeding motorist loses appeal against convictions for assault and wounding.

'Incompetent': Draftsman charged $100k for ‘illegible’ consent plans
The Auckland District Council found 108 errors in one set of drawings submitted to them.

Restaurant owners who extorted staff, paid them less than $8 an hour, to pay $99K
The staff were told they had to give their employers $30,000 or risk deportation.

'Extreme weather': Neighbour to pay up after scoria, foliage blocks drains amid 2023 storms
The affected neighbour took time off work to clean up and had to get in a drainlayer.

'Govt sanctioned cultivation of cannabis': Judge's concern about legal scheme
Licensed cannabis growers can currently legally obtain illicit seeds and plants.

'I can still hear the alarms going off': Workers' terrifying ordeal in Michael Hill robbery
A remorseful 19-year-old is now behind bars for his role in the aggravated robbery.

'I did not do that, sir': Five cousins say man sexually abused them, including after church
One aunty said when she was told of the alleged abuse, she read Bible verses to the man.

Anti-fluoride group loses High Court bid to stop Hastings council adding fluoride to water
Fluoridation in Hastings water recommenced on April 8, 2024.

Retailer Crackerjack fined for selling children’s nightware that breached fire safety label rules
Prosecution followed inspection which found non-compliant sleepware in Napier store.

Russian women to get full NZ pension after overseas ones stopped by invasion
One of the women said the pension reduction was having an acute effect on her household.

Police claim security worker is a Tribesmen, he says 'he surrendered his patch'
Verner Saimasi argued he cut ties with the gang and turned his life around.

Phone data, text message seal meth-making man's fate
Cellphone data put accused man at property where methamphetamine was being made.

'Facebook scam': Man uses Marketplace to sell fake PlayStation, Xbox
Daniel Johnstone has been sentenced to home detention and ordered to pay reparations.