Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern’s Auckland property in Sandringham sold at a closed auction evening. The 1930s bungalow, which served as the family home for Dame Jacinda and her partner Clarke Gayford during her time in office, went under the hammer at 6 p.m. While the final sale price remains undisclosed, the property carried … Read more
New Zealand Sommelier Emma Denney Named UK’s Best Emma Denney, the Head of Wine at London’s Claridge’s Hotel, has been named the UK’s Sommelier of the Year. The Auckland-born professional secured the title—considered the premier accolade in British wine service—following a multi-day live competition in London that tested candidates on their technical expertise, front-of-house service … Read more
The year-long regeneration of Manu-kau Noa Iho Hayman Park in Manukau has transformed a former dumping site into a functional wetland, providing locals and office workers with new space for exercise and recreation. Following its reopening in late April, the project now features 20,000 native plants, 50 native trees, and upgraded pedestrian pathways. Why the … Read more
Auckland Police are conducting an independent review after an Armed Offenders Squad training exercise at Go Media Stadium resulted in the accidental encounter of an Ovation Hospitality contractor. The incident, which involved simulated gunfire, led to a staff member being challenged by officers during a training session on Wednesday, June 24. What happened during the … Read more
Auckland’s new rates bills are scheduled to arrive in letterboxes starting early next month following the formal passage of the council’s annual plan. The decision was finalized yesterday without the significant debate or public walkouts that have characterized recent council meetings. Mayor Wayne Brown stated the plan successfully avoids a potential 15% rates spike by … Read more
Fifteen New Zealand restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars in the inaugural release of the Michelin Guide New Zealand, marking a significant milestone for the country’s culinary sector. The awards, which also recognized over 30 establishments with Bib Gourmand status, highlight top-tier dining across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Which New Zealand restaurants received Michelin … Read more
Auckland father Billy Samountry has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 astrocytoma just weeks before the birth of his twin daughters, Lyra Mae and Juniper Mira. Despite undergoing neurological symptoms including seizures and foot drop, Samountry says his focus remains on his family, stating he has “never had more to live for.” How a Medical … Read more
Qantas passengers were left stranded on an aircraft at Auckland Airport for several hours without clear communication or adequate food, according to passenger reports. Passenger Sondra Bacharach stated that while the airline provided accommodation, travelers remained in the dark regarding flight schedules and the reasons for being unable to disembark. Why are passengers restricted from … Read more
Auckland family seeks answers after unidentified truck sheds tyre on Southern Motorway An unidentified truck driver has yet to be found after a tyre shed from a vehicle and struck Roimata Ironui’s car on Auckland’s Southern Motorway on June 17. The crash injured Ironui’s children and caused significant damage to the family vehicle near the … Read more
A 21-year-old man faces multiple charges after allegedly ramming a police vehicle in Auckland during a high-speed pursuit. According to Senior Sergeant Jesse Mowat, the incident began around 1:30 a.m. when officers spotted a Mazda Axela traveling on Victoria Street West with its lights turned off. How did the police pursuit unfold? The pursuit began … Read more