Latest fromManawatu

Teacher disguised himself, swapped drugs for oral sex with student
The girl didn't realise it was her teacher as his face was partially covered.

‘Peril to the public’: Lawyer allegedly falsified judge’s minute, court records
Ben Wong has been suspended while a tribunal investigates his conduct.

‘Like I’m guilty’: Supermarket sorry for questioning shopper’s $1k grocery bill
She paid her large grocery bill and then was stopped, with staff wanting personal details.

Meth-accused driver in triple-fatal crash named, survivor labels him a ‘scumbag’
Garth Temokina Thompson can now be identifed as the man charged over Taihape crash.

‘We’ve got a big problem': Meth use in NZ spikes to record high
Consumption doubled in the second half of 2024, according to wastewater testing.

‘I’m sad I survived, I led them into disaster': Biker loses limbs, three mates in crash
Jeremy Capper lost an arm and a leg in the crash and was in a coma for six weeks.

How a race weekend became a dream come true for Norm Stewart
‘Dream burst into reality’ when La Dulcin’ee recorded an emotionally charged win.

Mother-daughter showdown set for NZ Manu championship final
Defending champion Fa’atupuinati Berking will compete against her mother, Honani.

Constable who admits making 'disgusting comment' about colleague takes police to ERA
The officer only found out he was being investigated after being declined a new job.

'Desperate conditions': North Island farmers brace for drought
Farmers around the North Island are being warned to prepare for drought conditions.

Man with brain damage refused booze at Countdown supermarkets for looking drunk
Two Countdown stores refused Grant Pratt so he took them to the Human Rights Commission.

China’s Cook Islands deal could impact NZ security, expert warns
China and the Cook Islands signed a five-year deal for seabed exploration.

NZTA faces backlash over rubbish issues on Desert Rd detour
'It doesn't send a good message to tourists.'

Jockey forges signature to withdraw brother’s race winnings
Ashvin Mudhoo needed the money to help with a new visa application.

'They’ll soon get the message': Time for crackdown on pitch invaders, ex rugby boss says
Sports watchers are fed up with the antics of pitch invaders, ex rugby union boss says.

‘Extreme fluctuations’: What recruiters say as region’s job ads drop 22%
'The job market has become more competitive.'

‘Helpless screams’: Puppies beaten by owner with a fence paling
Crimson Toto beat his two puppies with a fence paling. One never recovered.

Dr Jacqueline Rowarth: Why farming needs R&D investment
OPINION: Government investment in R&D is low in comparison with other countries.

Irish jockey dies 10 days after fall
He had been placed in an induced coma at Cork University Hospital.

‘I’m disgusted at myself’: Teacher admits trying to buy ADHD meds from student
"I’ve been trying to get some black-market Ritalin or Concerta but haven’t had much luck."

Driver who gave a gang member a lift was repaid with 18 punches, robbed of $1900
The victim was also kicked as he cowered on the ground and his car was damaged.