Canterbury & South Island news
‘Absurd and dangerous’: Otago drink driver nearly 10 times over legal limit
The driver blew more than 2000mcg of alcohol per litre of breath.
Under-fire zoo responds to animal welfare claims; MPI officials visit animals today
Orana Wildlife Trust Board says a ‘thorough review’ is underway.
'Sick, dirty, dehumanised': Man jailed for ‘stealthing’ rape of sex worker
Peter Stevens was jailed for almost 6 years for raping a sex worker by stealth.
Anaru Moana homicide: Charges laid against third man
A third man has been charged in relation to the alleged 2021 South Canterbury murder.
Focus: One year on from Yanfei Bao's disappearance
The real estate agent’s body is still missing as her murder trial proceeds. Video / NZ Herald
Yanfei Bao one year on and SkyCity closure | Focus Morning Bulletin July 19, 2024
In today’s headlines with Chereè Kinnear, it’s one year since Yanfei Bao’s disappearance, SkyCity casino to close for five days and tough news for those on the job hunt.
Inside the weekend when Biden decided to withdraw
New York Times: Biden didn't tell most of his staff until a minute before announcement.
A marvellous team-up: Inside the making of a Hollywood hit with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman
NYT: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman on the perks and pitfalls of playing superheroes.
Market close: Takeover news sparks surge in Arvida, The Warehouse share prices
After firing up in the morning the local index fell sharply in the afternoon.
‘Too scared to go outside’: Mayors and councillors facing the rising tide of online abuse
The abuse aimed at councils is on the rise, recent poll data suggest.
'Lacerated by glass': Tourist bus crash victims were in NZ for World Choir Games
Australian traveller says poor conditions made for a scary drive.
Road rage rumble: Driver assaults mother in front of daughters
A woman has been charged with dangerous driving, assault, and making threatening remarks.
International tourists involved in Tekapo bus crashes, 15 in hospital
A black ice warning was in place and conditions have been described as 'treacherous'.
Could this be New Zealand’s next dark sky reserve?
The area could join six other communities in New Zealand with dark sky accreditation.
Christchurch news
Giraffe dies at Christchurch zoo, body dragged out of enclosure before opening
Orana Wildlife Park said the giraffe died from an 'unsurvivable condition'.
Have you seen Natasha? Police, family fear for 12-year-old girl missing for 10 days
The 12-year-old was last seen on July 11.
Drug importer's house seizure linked to Bitcoin, the dark web and $268k of US meth
The owner only had $25,000 left to pay on his mortgage.
Dunedin news
Who is Marla Kavanaugh? The musical credentials of the LA-based Kiwi soprano
The singer's performance at the All Blacks-Fiji match over the weekend turned many heads.
'Merchant of death': Four Kiwis who took their own lives linked to Canadian murder-accused
Kenneth Law has been charged with 14 counts of first-degree murder in Canada.
Kiwi family stranded in US after IT outage 'chaos' pleads for Air NZ to ‘get us home’
“All the communication is, ‘Go to the app, give them a call’, but it leads nowhere”.
Sports News
Hamilton's family's sporting dynasty grows with All Blacks halfback call-up
Noah Hotham could become the third sibling to represent New Zealand.
Highlanders reappoint Jamie Joseph as head coach from 2025
The 54-year-old returns to his former position after a year as head of rugby.
The conversation that convinced Sevu Reece to stay in NZ
Scott Robertson's influence as All Blacks coach is already being felt.
Car news & advice
Next-gen tech gives Kia EV3 enhanced range, faster charging
Kia's upcoming small electric SUV gets clever new battery tech.
Ferrari's first EV confirmed for 2025
Testing is well underway for the Italian company's first EV that will debut next year.
Street Smart young driver training back thanks to Subaru and Tony Quinn
NZ's only truly hands-on young drive training programme has some big support behind it.
OneRoof property news
Phone bidders drive up the price of lifestyle block at mortgagee auction
"As is where is" property attracted more than 50 bids over 40 minutes.
Interest rate speculation ramps up: What are the chances of an August cut?
The five things you need to know about the housing market this week.
Eight interest rate cuts in a row: Market turnaround on the cards, say experts
The week New Zealand got its mojo back.
More South Island news
Christchurch icon ‘Radio Ron’ has died
John Truman, affectionately known as 'Radio Ron', was a well-known city identity.
Frank Film: How Tusiata Avia becomes voice of NZ Pasifika
'I was writing about race and justice – and why wouldn’t I be?'
Man loses name suppression bid over Snapchat of sex with underage girl
His father was worried about the humiliation that would follow his son being named.
Fatal housefire: Ex-wife describes elderly victim as ‘an incredible man’
Henry Matawai-Russel died tragically in his Hokitika home after a fire broke out.
Family kidnapped over $200k of missing meth, one tortured with pliers
The victim's toes were squeezed so hard with pliers, he feared they would 'pop off'.
Sydneysiders’ 140-year-old mansion in Timaru for sale with $2m RV
Couple looking for buyer who can restore manor to its former glory.
Former Olympian cheats death after falling through ice while skating on frozen dam
Nicholson is urging people to be aware of risks when skating outdoors.
Nelson teen sentenced after 14-year-old humiliated in social media livestream
The judge told Harrison Oliver he should be “thoroughly ashamed” of his behaviour.
'I'll never forgive you': Mum's powerful words to baby killer Michael Topp
Christchurch man who abused, murdered his 3-month-old daughter jailed for life.
Woman faces shoplifting charges after four-month crime spree spanning length of NZ
Stores from Auckland to Dunedin were allegedly targeted.
Property Insider: How to still get $10k off a new house; apartment prices cut by 25%
One company is offering eligible buyers money for deposits so they can afford a house.
Bus carrying 15 passengers rolls in Central Otago, one injured
One person was taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
AT boss under fire and Catholic order stripped of authority | Focus Morning Bulletin July 16, 2024
In today's headlines with Chereè Kinnear, criticism for AT boss, exorcism abuse claims and another legal win for Donald Trump.
Grand National in sight for promising chaser
“He kept coming really strongly at the finish, so it was pretty exciting."