News

Court rejects sentence appeal of Tīrau mother, Southern Thompson, who murdered her daughter

Southern Thompson said her difficult background and remorse warranted a greater discount.

Serious injuries after cyclist hit by car in Napier

A cyclist has been seriously injured in a crash on Marine Parade.

You won't believe these bizarre prison rules and regulations

Serving time can be a very different experience depending on where you are in the world and which prison you end up in. Of course, being incarcerated is by no means a pleasant experience. Some institutions can make it a little bit more bearable for inmates, while others can make the experience not only unpleasant but dangerous. In this gallery, we explore some of the most bizarre prison rules and regulations from around the world, both past and present. Click on and prepare to be surprised.

Fears Channel Ten could be axed in TWO Australian states - after shutdown in major city caused outrage

Ten stopped airing live in Mildura, Victoria, at midnight on Sunday in a huge blow to its media network Network 10, with the move prompting outrage from locals.

How former Conservative voters could smash Keir Starmer's lead

Labour's lead over the Tories could dip into 'single figures' if enough disaffected voters return to the Conservative fold, a new Lord Ashcroft poll finds today.

Father and son rescued in Ruahine Forest Park helped by survival skills, quick thinking

Duo were off the track and facing huge waterfalls: 'Fall over them and die kind of stuff'.

Pastor dies in house fire that killed six family members after running back inside to save grandchildren

Pastor dies in house fire that killed six family members after running back inside to save grandchildren - Six family members died when their vacation rental became engulfed in flames

'It just looks bad': AM hosts react to Seymour Snapchats with school kids

A concerned mum is calling for guidelines around how politicians communicate directly with young people online.

'We bought a rusty cargo ship and turned it into our dream home'

Struggling to get on the property ladder, Christina Miles and her partner Rohan Tully took on a major boat renovation and transformed it into a floating home.

Leaders of Russia and China to meet in Central Asian summit in a show of deepening cooperation

Leaders of Russia and China to meet in Central Asian summit in a show of deepening cooperation - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet Thursday for the second time in as many months as they travel to Kazakhstan for a session of an international group founded to counter Western alliances

SNP manifesto 2024: John Swinney’s election policies at a glance

The SNP will face its first national election tomorrow since Nicola Sturgeon stood down as SNP leader in March 2023. The Scottish Nationalists won 48 of Scotland’s Westminster seats in the 2019 election but polls suggest they are on course to lose at least half at the general election thanks to a combination of a resurgent Labour Party, the Scottis...

Notable People who died in 2024

Rent increase: Hauraki mayor and councillors to visit tenants amid new proposal

Mayor Toby Adams and his councillors will visit tenants to discuss rent increases.

Vote to give SNP 'historic hammering', urges Ruth Davidson

Scots voters should seize their chance to give the SNP a 'historic hammering' in tomorrow's General Election , Ruth Davidson has said.

Police swarm remote Auckland settlement

They say there is "no ongoing risk to the public".

Satellite images reveal four Chinese spy stations stationed in Cuba

The 'electronic eavesdropping' facilities, located just 100 miles off the coast of Florida, could allow China to scoop up a 'treasure trove of data' from U.S. military bases.

Sir Ed Davey surfs in North Cornwall in latest election stunt

Sir Ed Davey gets ready to go surfing in North Cornwall, as he continues his General Election campaign ahead of the General Election on Thursday, July 4.

Armed police cordon off Queenstown waterfront after possible sighting of firearm

Police confirmed it was, in fact, an umbrella, not a firearm.

Lone wolf terrorist found guilty of terror offence over hospital bomb plot

Lone wolf terrorist found guilty of terror offence over hospital bomb plot - Mohammad Farooq, 28, was arrested outside St James’s Hospital in Leeds with a pressure cooker bomb in the early hours of January 20 last year

Why NZ needs to invest properly in rail and ferry infrastructure, for the public good - Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup

OPINION: The rail and ferry infrastructure debate has been dominated by one view.

Lucy Letby murdered seven babies. Now she's been found guilty of trying to kill another one.

Former nurse Lucy Letby has been found guilty of trying to murder another newborn baby, adding to convictions from last year that made her the United Kingdom's most prolific serial child killer of modern times.The newborn in question, referred to in court as Baby K, was a premature baby girl.34-year-old Letby was found guilty last August of murdering seven babies and trying ... Continued

What was the fake disease that saved dozens of Jews during WWII?

It was one of the most audacious ploys of the Second World War: a fake disease with no cure that saved dozens of Jews from the Nazis in occupied Rome. The fictitious disorder was known as Syndrome K, and was 'treated' in a hospital right under the noses of the Germans. Fearing infection, the Gestapo and SS refrained from investigating the hospital. But soon clues began to unravel about the mysterious malady. If the ruse was discovered, the repercussions would be swift and deadly. So, what was Syndrome K, and what were the reasons behind its invention? Click through and find out more about the lethal wartime contagion that never was.

Transport Minister wants probe after boy's teeth knocked out on Auckland bus

Minister Brown met with the boy and his family on Wednesday.

Waipā District Council ‘back-to-basics’ plan still costs almost 15% more

Waipā District Council said it cut its cloth to reduce proposed rate increase.

Students found after going missing in West Auckland bush

The teenagers were on a school tramping trip in heavy rain.

What the politicians' favourite restaurants say about them

What the politicians' favourite restaurants say about them - Starmer’s pub, Sunak’s passion for Nando’s... David Ellis deciphers the party leaders’ favourite spots

Countries with the highest (and lowest) concentration of immigrants

Global migration and immigration are felt and experienced everywhere and by each of us. There are countries out there that boast high immigrant populations, while others have next to nothing. By understanding the patterns of migration, we can better understand the lives of immigrants and nonimmigrants alike. Whether it's the lure of a promising job market, or discouraging and restrictive immigration policies, the things that invite (or deter) immigrants are important to consider. This gallery will not only list the nations with the highest and lowest immigration populations, but also explain the 'why' behind both realities. Click through to discover more.

Climate changed: Why our scientists are having to redefine ‘normal’ in 2024

Global warming is forcing scientists to redefine what New Zealand’s 'normal' climate is.

Sydney University stabbing: Online radicalisation in focus after campus stabbing by 14-year-old

Online radicalisation of young people is under scrutiny once more.

Angel Baby Doe breakthrough as mother is arrested

Shelby Stotts, 48, left, has been arrested for allegedly leaving the baby girl to die on the side of the road in November 2001.

Surge of support for far right on eve of UK elections

Boris Johnson returns to the trail as General Election campaigns come to an end

Boris Johnson has lent his support to Rishi Sunak on the campaign trail as pollsters forecast their party could "win a lower share of the vote than at any past general election". At a rally on Tuesday, Mr Sunak hailed the "Conservative family united" after an appearance by his predecessor Mr Johnson and claimed just 130,000 voters could help stem his party's predicted losses.

Boomer couple divide Aussies with question after winning $1million

An elderly couple has kicked off a fierce debate after posing a question that incensed younger Australians

Keir Starmer's immigration plans are dubbed a 'con job,' says Cleverly

James Cleverly has branded Labour's immigration plans a 'con job' which will make the UK 'the destination of choice for illegal migrants in Europe'.

ECMO machine that keeps cardiac arrest patients alive trialled in Sydney by Ambulance NSW

The 53-year-old from Padstow remembers getting cold and collapsing. Over the next hour, a machine worked to keep his brain and vital organs functioning.

Over 200 French election candidates quit o block hard-Right party

Opponents of RN have tactically banded together, pulling out candidates in 218 constituencies where uniting anti-Right voters could deny the RN victory

Hastings Tōmoana Showgrounds grandstand demolition underway

Grandstand demolition is estimated to be completed at the end of August.

Revealing the CIA's controversial history

Previously known as the Office of Strategic Services, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played a crucial role in covert operations during and after World War II. Today, the CIA is infamous for its alleged disregard for federal and international laws, with rumors suggesting that it undertakes projects not even privy to the President of the United States. Indeed, the secretive organization has been involved in various shady activities, including overthrowing governments, orchestrating false flag operations, and introducing highly addictive drugs into the US. And as declassified covert CIA operations come to light, they make for riveting dissemination. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover more about these clandestine endeavors.

Yacht sinks on its mooring in Christchurch’s Lyttelton Harbour

Salvage attempts were made but had to be abandoned due to dangerous conditions.

Name supression lapses for Elizabeth Smith, accused of murdering Dean Fifield in West Auckland

She is accused of having used a car as a deadly weapon.

MBIE sees 81% lift in power demand by 2050

By 2035, it is expected 92.1% of NZ's electricity will be from renewable sources.

First Ladies who dabbled in the occult

Many famous people engage with the world of the occult, and the First Ladies of the United States are no exception. From the years of Spiritualism and séances to palm reading, astrology, and everything in between, there were several women who brought esoteric practices and the supernatural into the White House. In this gallery, you'll get to know which First Ladies dabbled in the occult and their fascinating stories. Click on.

Georgia firefighters fought at Olive Garden while one was on a date days before being found dead in Tennessee

Georgia firefighters fought at Olive Garden while one was on a date days before being found dead in Tennessee - The bodies of Chandler Kuhbander and Reaegan Anderson were discovered on Sunday in a car in Cocke County, Tennessee

Michael Gove calls Keir Starmer the 'Jellyfish of British Politics'

Michael Gove shows unwavering support for Conservative Party Leader Rishi Sunak at his late night campaign in London. Labelling Labour leader Keir as the 'Jellyfish of British Politics!'

Rishi Sunak recruits Boris Johnson's help in last-ditch attempt to stop 'Starmergeddon'

Where have you been all campaign, Boris?

Gang member Dylan James Anderson appealing sentence for fracas outside Wellington High Court

Dylan Anderson was jailed for 12 months in May for his part in a fracas outside court.

Vet praised for incredible response after owners bring in 7-week-old puppy to be euthanised

Without disclosing the family's reasons for wanting the puppy euthanised, Dr Reeve shared some more details on Toby's story - which has a much happier ending than beginning.

Tennessee woman awarded $700K after being fired for refusing vaccine

Tanja Benton, 52, won her lawsuit against the health giant after a jury found that her refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine was based on 'sincerely held religious beliefs.'

Teenager accused of strangling college administrator mother to death

A 19-year-old Indiana man now faces decades in prison and questions about his mental health after strangling his mother to death for extremely petty reasons.

Listen to The Country online: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Primary Industries Summit speech

Christopher Luxon, Mike Cronin, Rob Hewett, Hamish Marr.