'Heartbreaking': Elderly couple devastated after orchard plum trees stripped bare
The couple say the trees were “all that kept them going”.
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Latest fromRural crime
Historic trip, Piha vanishings and Auckland development boom | Focus Morning Bulletin January 31, 2024
Winston Peters and Judith Collins jet to Australia, new documentary a wake-up call for Piha and a bright prediction for Auckland’s CBD in the latest NZ Herald headlines. Video / Getty Images / Parliament TV / NZHerald
'Private property': Maize border keeps out sunflower selfie-seekers
'We had people jumping the fence, picking them, taking photos, flying drones over them.'
'Good Samaritan' steals e-scooter
A 'good Samaritan' has stolen an e-scooter after the rider fell off in Stokes Valley Video / Supplied
Two years on the run: The search for Marokopa fugitive father Tom Phillips
Despite the ongoing efforts of the police in their search, two years have passed, and Tom Phillips, the fugitive father, remains at large. Video / Neil Reid
Thief jailed for 'impulsive and directionless' offending
A Southland man is responsible for a spike in burglaries from August 2021 to June 2022.
Harm on the farm: What's behind cruelty to animals?
Safe believes the problem is worse than the figures show.
Say cheese! Rural cameras catch poaching and drug dealing
“That’s my biggest thing - using them for prevention rather than evidence."
'Shouldn't have been there': Lifestyle block owner shoots down drone
Canterbury police said late last year drone activity was increasing in rural areas.
Focus: Retailers say fog cannons, bollards no match for thieves
Retailers across NZ are criticising government-funded security measures as ‘just a deterrent, not a solution’ to tackling the surge in retail crime. Video / NZ Herald
Woman trapped in shearers’ quarters during lockdown suffered weekly beatings
'It's all right my darling, I'll clean you', assailant tells victim.
Murder trial: 'I couldn’t work out who anyone was in the dark, then boom'
The witness hid behind a shed because he didn’t want to be 'blasted'.
Life in cut-off Tūtira: A month on, choppers are still a lifeline
Daily life has taken on a new look after Cyclone Gabrielle in the cut-off community.
'Gut-wrenching': Out of pocket and patience with illegal hunting
Landowners, police & legitimate hunters say poaching seems to be on the rise in the South.
The mystery disappearance of Glen Ufton
26 years ago Glen Ufton stepped into the Okuku forest to tend to his hidden cannabis plot. What followed has remained a mystery. Video / George Heard
'Mindless act': Kiwifruit vine vandalism sets back harvest three years, police say
Police are asking for any information leading to who is responsible.
Hidden Drugs: Cannabis found growing in secret room behind false wall
"He did it well – perhaps he should go into horticulture," lawyer on cannabis grower.
'Hideous violence': Man who stabbed partner to death in front of children finally named
Cory Purutanga can finally be named as the man who stabbed his partner to death.
Police car shot at in Moerewa, one person in custody
A man surrendered himself to police after the shooting.
Starving animals suffer for months on Tangowahine farm
A Dargaville lifestyle farmer has been fined for failing to care for several animals.
'Beyond gutted': Hundreds of sheep stolen from North Canterbury farm
Federated Farmers said the theft would have required a lot of planning.
Bucket of toheroa proves expensive takeaway for man
People caught unlawfully in possession of toheroa can face fines of up to $20,000.
Pair avoid jail after illegal crayfish sales on Facebook
About 500 crayfish were identified as being involved in the pair's scheme.
'Could not have been more blatant': Woman forges script for sleeping pills
The Morrinsville woman was in 'bad place' at the time, her lawyer said.
'Delinquent behaviour': Businesses seek council cash for show of force in CBD
Crime in Whangārei centre "destroying our wonderful city centre", says business lobby.
Mount Maunganui crash: Tractor driver seriously injured, police search for stolen ute driver
Police need the public's help to locate the driver of a stolen ute involved in a crash.
Hopes rural crime phone app will counter 'extensive under reporting'
A police survey revealed rural crime was largely unreported nationally.
Headstone in Dannevirke Settlers Cemetery damaged
A Headstone at Settlers Cemetery in Dannevirke was badly damaged. Video / Leanne Warr
Home invasion trial: 'I was lying in his blood', teen burglar tells court
The 17-year-old got upset at recalling the grisly details of that day.
'Give me your keys or I will f*****g kill you,' teen burglar's threat
The teen admitted going into the bedroom armed with a knife, bottle, broom and torch.
'I was targeted because I'm a cop' - policeman's drink spiked at pub
Nicholas Townsend spiked the cop's drink because he was 'annoying' him.
Alleged milk tanker attack; Boy racer facing multiple charges appears in court
The 18-year-old man made a brief appearance in the Hamilton District Court.
'A boy battling his past': Waikato methamphetamine manufacturer pens poem to judge
Alan McQuade had a traumatic childhood, which led him down a destructive path.
Cows, children 'petrified' by boy racers in rural Waikato
Locals say hundreds of boy racers are converging on rural roads every weekend.