West Auckland police raid results in firearms, ammunition seizure

https://www.effectiveratecpm.com/xdvtd6yxqb?key=9554404018c26e6f076623874c1aa864 The haul was discovered during a search for a stolen motorbike. Photo: NZ Police Auckland police have uncovered a cache of firearms and ammunition, while investigating a stolen motorbike. The Waitematā Gang Disruption Unit searched a Glendene property on Wednesday, and found three pistols, three rifles, a modified firearm and parts, and dozens of … Read more

Experts urge drug testing following spate of hospitalisations linked to mystery powder

https://www.effectiveratecpm.com/xdvtd6yxqb?key=9554404018c26e6f076623874c1aa864 Photo: Dmitry Volochek / 123rf Experts are urging people to get their drugs checked after four people were hospitalised in Wairarapa after consuming unknown substances. On Saturday three people were hospitalised after taking an unknown white powder they believed was cocaine, and on Wednesday night, police were called to a Masterton home where a … Read more

Wellington Cable Car website hacked, scam emails sent

https://www.effectiveratecpm.com/xdvtd6yxqb?key=9554404018c26e6f076623874c1aa864 Photo: LDR / Supplied Wellingtonians are being warned of a scam email coming from the Wellington Cable Car after its website domain was hacked. The email pretends to be from NZ Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi (NZTA), telling people who receive the email their vehicle registration is due, and links to a fake website … Read more

Whangārei District Council locked in a battle of wills with Ministry of Health over fluoridation

https://www.effectiveratecpm.com/xdvtd6yxqb?key=9554404018c26e6f076623874c1aa864 Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf The agenda for next week’s fluoride-themed Whangārei District Council meeting reveals councillors will be asked to revoke an earlier decision not to fluoridate the city’s water supply. The advice says they should be ready to fluoridate by the end of the month, but also to be on standby … Read more

Former tax agent sentenced to home detention for sustained fraud

https://www.effectiveratecpm.com/xdvtd6yxqb?key=9554404018c26e6f076623874c1aa864 Chafic Georges was sentenced at the Manukau District Court. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly A former tax agent has been sentenced to the maximum length of home detention for sustained tax fraud. Chafic Georges was been sentenced to 12 months’ home detention, after appearing in the Manukau District Court on 19 tax fraud charges. … Read more

Echo Chamber: Who’s in charge? And what country is this?

With several key players away, parliament’s B team put on a confusing and unorganised performance at yesterday’s question time. Prime minister Chris Luxon missed Wednesday’s question time because he was in Auckland preparing for his big international investment summit. Several other senior ministers were also absent, practising their speeches and reviewing their game plans for … Read more

Help Me Hera: How do I relax after an ugly divorce?

I’ve met someone new, but I’m haunted by the ghost of my last relationship. This week’s question comes from Instagram. We accept questions of all shapes and sizes, emailed to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Dear Hera  How to calm tf down and feel safe/relaxed in your first relationship after a very not nice divorce? Sincerely, Haunted https://www.effectiveratecpm.com/xdvtd6yxqb?key=9554404018c26e6f076623874c1aa864 Dear … Read more