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Belgium and Iran ended in a tense, scoreless draw despite Belgium playing with ten men after Nathan Ngoy’s red card—highlighting Iran’s resilient defense and Belgium’s frustrating inability to convert possession into goals. A VAR disallowed Iran’s early goal attempt, while Belgium’s keeper made crucial saves, including a dramatic stop from Maxim De Cuyper. With both teams now on two points, the group tightens as Iran faces Egypt and Belgium takes on New Zealand—adding urgency to their next matches amid Iran’s unique logistical challenges.

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Marcus Armstrong nearly pulled off his first IndyCar win at Road America—leading with just four laps to go—before a catastrophic engine failure sent him into the pits as smoke billowed from his car, handing the victory to Christian Lundgaard. It’s the latest in a string of heartbreaks for the Kiwi driver, who also led with one lap to go at the Indy 500 only to be passed in the final moments. Armstrong, who credits his team for flawless execution, is now demanding answers from Honda about the engine failure. Despite these setbacks, he remains tenth in the standi...

Auckland and Fukuoka celebrate 40 years of sister-city ties, forged in 1986 to deepen cultural bonds and drive collaboration in education, arts, and innovation. Mayors continue to engage, with Fukuoka’s leader set to visit Auckland’s tech hub GridAKL next month. Personal stories like Councillor Bo Burns’ childhood trip to Fukuoka—later reconnecting with her host family—show how these ties create lifelong friendships and global opportunities. Fukuoka’s innovation offers Auckland valuable lessons, proving that city partnerships deliver lasting impact beyond diplomacy.

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Iran just shut down the Strait of Hormuz again, sending shockwaves through global oil markets and derailing delicate U.S.-Iran peace talks. The move, framed as retaliation for U.S. failure to curb fighting in Lebanon, has thrown a wrench into Vice President Vance’s diplomatic efforts — and reignited former President Trump’s fiery threats, who warned Iran it might not survive if it doesn’t stop its proxies. With shipping permits halted and oil prices at risk of surging, the fragile truce hangs in the balance as Lebanon’s violence calms but tensions simmer beneath the surface.

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Manufacturing’s bouncing back with surprising strength, led by nimble small and medium-sized players who’ve weathered cost spikes and global shocks—inventory buildup and easing tensions signal a powerful rebound is just around the corner.

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A brazen armed robbery in Weymouth, Auckland, ended with one suspect arrested after police pulled over a vehicle in Clendon Park—no firearms were used, but weapons were involved. The 26-year-old is set to appear in court today as authorities hunt for the rest of the crew.

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Serena Williams is making a seismic return to singles at Wimbledon—her first in four years—after hinting she’d “evolve away from tennis.” At 44, mother of two, and wielding a legacy of seven singles titles at the All England Club, she’s earned the last wildcard spot, igniting global hype ahead of the June 29th tournament. Her doubles run with Venus is still on, but this singles comeback? That’s pure legend.

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Trump’s latest social media jab claims Keir Starmer will step down over immigration and energy policy, even suggesting North Sea oil be opened — but with no confirmed intel and no recent contact between the two, it’s pure speculation. Starmer remains focused on governing, while UK media swirls with rumors he could announce his exit as early as Monday, with Andy Burnham emerging as a top potential successor. Political theater heats up as the world watches.

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Illegal cigarettes are flooding the market at rock-bottom prices, yet authorities haven’t prosecuted a single case in a year—despite packaging that screams counterfeit. RNZ uncovered shops in Auckland selling knockoff packs with missing health warnings, and while penalties could include jail time or fines up to $20,000, the Ministry prefers education over enforcement. Customs seizures have skyrocketed from 3 million in 2017 to 11.1 million in 2025, signaling a growing crisis. A new multi-agency task force is forming to crack down harder, targeting organized crime’s profits—but for now, cheap black-market smokes remain dangerously accessible, especially in vulnerable communities.

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The Warriors stunned the Cowboys in a historic home opener at the new One NZ Stadium, snapping a two-game losing streak and roaring back with a statement win. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad dazzled with four tries off the wing, while captain Mitch Barnett led with grit and heart, playing through the entire first half. Luke Martin and Wayde Egan anchored the defense and attack, delivering crucial stops and try assists. Despite fresh injury woes—including a potential long-term loss for Jackson Ford—the Warriors surged up the ladder, now eyeing a brutal clash against the Dolphins’ seven-game winning streak.

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India storms back to the top with a commanding 2-0 victory over New Zealand in the FIH Women’s Nations Cup final, securing both Olympic qualification for 2028 and a return to the Hockey Pro League for 2026-27. Goals from Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo in the first quarter set the tone, while India’s relentless penalty corner dominance—seven to New Zealand’s one—sealed the win. Captain Salima Tete hailed an undefeated week, and New Zealand’s Olivia Shannon praised India’s grit. The U.S. also claimed bronze over Chile, but India’s triumph marks a major leap forward for...

New Zealanders are sounding the alarm: a new poll reveals two-thirds oppose selling off public conservation land under a controversial bill that could open up to 60% of these areas to sale or trade. Despite the government’s claim that the bill merely clarifies when land exchanges might aid conservation, voters are clear — they want these wild spaces protected, not privatized. With nearly half saying they’d reconsider supporting parties backing the bill, and experts warning of potential development threats, the public’s message is loud and clear: nature’s treasures aren’t for sale — especially in an election year.

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Fifteen-year-old cricket phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi just shattered records with a blistering 50 off just 11 balls in a List A match, smashing 10 fours and 8 sixes en route to 94 off 29 balls as his team piled on 377 for 9. Already a force in the IPL with 776 runs and 65 sixes — more than Chris Gayle ever hit in a season — he’s now earned his India call-up for the T20I series against Ireland and England, potentially becoming the youngest ever to represent India in men’s cricket.

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Teachers are being traumatized by students using AI and deepfake tech to generate explicit, damaging videos of them—often showing them saying offensive things while superimposed on naked bodies. These attacks are causing severe anxiety, reputational harm, and even job loss, as educators fear judgment and avoid public spaces. Schools report a surge in these incidents, prompting government moves to ban social media for minors under 16. While current laws make such content illegal, enforcement remains weak, highlighting urgent needs for better digital safety protections.

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A Picasso painting seized in a drug bust sparks art-world chaos, while Iran’s Strait of Hormuz closure rattles global oil markets. Amid rising tensions, a New Zealand activist detained in Gaza calls for accountability, as an Italian woman dies in a hotel fire — reminding us of human cost amid global crises. Scientists sound alarms on a potentially catastrophic California quake, and the deadly H5 bird flu has now reached every continent, including Western Australia. Politically, UK leaders grapple with plummeting approval ratings, and Australia uncovers a major art find linked to a criminal probe — a world in constant, turbul...

Hawke’s Bay small businesses are smashing productivity records, averaging $87.80 per worker per hour — the highest in New Zealand — thanks largely to their thriving manufacturing sector. But while the region leads locally, the country still lags behind Australia and the UK in overall small business productivity. Experts warn that investing in the right tools and skills is crucial for nationwide growth, especially as manufacturing — fueled by innovation in aerospace and medical tech — drives the strongest economic gains in New Zealand.

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Michael Waikato was trapped in emergency housing and pressured into renting a subpar apartment at exorbitant rates. When accused of damaging the property and forced to pay thousands, he turned to the Rotorua Community Law Centre. A handwriting expert proved the “damage report” signature belonged to the landlord’s brother—not Michael. The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed the claims, awarded Michael over $5,000 in compensation for hidden mold, water damage, and false information, and issued a restraining order against the landlords. The landlord’s brother disrupted the hearing, leading to security intervention. Michael now lives in stable, affordable housing and urges others to...

KiwiSaver withdrawals aren’t as easy as they sound—people trying to tap into savings for job loss, relationship splits, or rent trouble are often denied or forced into costly legal battles. The system’s strict “hardship” rules require proof of genuine financial crisis, not just a cash crunch. Recent cases show delays causing eviction risks and legal fees topping $8K, while the real decision-maker is the scheme’s supervisor—not the provider. Hardship withdrawals are surging, signaling widespread financial strain, but approval remains rare and conditional. Don’t assume you can access your KiwiSaver anytime—only real emergencies qualify.

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The All Whites are firing on all cylinders ahead of their crucial World Cup clash against Egypt, fueled by hunger for their first-ever win and a spot in the next round. Coach Darren Bazeley demands more clinical creativity, while captain Chris Wood, back from injury and eager to break his World Cup duck, sees this as his moment to shine. Facing a potent Egyptian side led by Mohamed Salah, the Kiwis plan to stay compact and disrupt, turning defense into opportunity. With everything on the line, they’re ready to leave it all on the pitch and write history.

A new podcast series called Under the Influence dives deep into the digital pressures shaping young lives today—from toxic masculinity to unpredictable AI chatbots. It doesn’t just expose the problems; it equips teens and parents with real strategies to navigate online culture, build resilience, and foster critical thinking in an age where screens constantly redefine identity and expectations.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to step down as rival Andy Burnham secures a parliamentary seat, fueling whispers of a potential leadership challenge. Labour’s recent electoral setbacks and internal polls suggesting Burnham could win a contest have intensified the political tension. With the threshold for a leadership bid requiring support from 81 MPs, the path is steep—but sentiment within the party is shifting. Former minister Jess Phillips urges a graceful exit, while Starmer, who’s reportedly discussed his future with his wife at Chequers, hasn’t ruled out running. The political landscape is rapidly evolving, and all...

Shroom Room Fire in Lyttelton

Lyttelton Fire at The Shroom Room

Big wins are shaking up the Lotto scene—Canterbury’s lucky ticket holder just scooped $1 million, while a Gisborne player hit Strike Four for $400K, both via MyLotto. Powerball’s First Division jackpot rolls to $12 million after no one hit the top prize, but Ōtorohanga snagged $40K in Second Division. Just last month, an Ashburton family won $28 million—proof that fortune can strike anywhere. If you’ve got a winning ticket, remember: online buys under $1K auto-deposit, larger wins need a form, and physical tickets require a store visit. Keep those tickets safe—your big moment might be next.

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The Southern Steel are back in the grand final after an electric 60-54 win over the reigning champs, the Tactix — a rematch that saw them dominate from the start. With standout performances from Carys Stythe (player of the match) and Georgia Heffernan (22 goals), fueled by recent Silver Ferns call-ups, the Steel built a 12-goal lead. Though the Tactix rallied with clutch shots in the final minutes, they couldn’t overcome the Steel’s relentless defense. Now, the Steel head to Auckland for a showdown with the Northern Mystics on June 27th — chasing their first title since 2018, while the Mystics aim for...

A man who terrorized police and shattered lives with a string of crimes—from firing an air rifle at officers to sexually assaulting a woman and stealing identities—received a nine-year sentence. His violent standoff, escape attempts, and pattern of deceit left victims with permanent scars, both physical and psychological. The court recognized his troubled past but found his remorse lacking, delivering justice for the lasting trauma he inflicted.

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Waimarama Road Crash Causes Major Delays

A New Zealand company is turning humble pāua shells into global luxury—supplying Chanel, Cartier, and even Oman’s royal palaces. Started as a family side hustle in 1992, it’s now processing hundreds of tons annually, exporting shells worldwide for jewelry, furniture, and even medical uses. But tightening regulations and export bans are choking the supply. A potential fix? Expanding a Chatham Islands exemption to let locals sell washed-up shells, boosting local income and sustainability—worth half a million dollars annually.

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A wildfire tore through a Wellington suburb Saturday night, obliterating one home and severely damaging a neighbor’s property, fueled by ferocious winds that turned the blaze into a terrifying, fast-moving inferno. Residents described hearing popping sounds and explosions before flames engulfed their homes, forcing frantic evacuations and leaving behind only chimneys and charred ruins. Embers flew across properties, roofs caught fire, and pets and documents were saved at the last second. Eight fire trucks battled the blaze, which briefly threatened to spread further before wind shifts saved nearby homes. Emergency crews stayed overnight to monitor hotspots, while the ca...

A serious two-vehicle crash on State Highway One near Hunterville sent emergency crews rushing to the scene around 11 PM, treating three people—two in moderate condition, one in minor—and closing the highway with diversions. Fire and Emergency units from Hunterville, Mangaweka, and Marton responded, while Waka Kotahi urged drivers to avoid the area. The collision occurred at the intersection with State Highway 54, causing significant delays. A sobering reminder of road risks—hope everyone recovers.

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A major two-car crash shut down State Highway 1 near Hunterville Sunday night, sending multiple emergency crews rushing to the scene and forcing detours as serious injuries were reported. The intersection of State Highway 54 and Highway 1 is closed for now—drivers are urged to avoid the area and find alternate routes while crews clean up the aftermath.

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Eli Just’s two-goal thriller against Iran has turned him into a global sensation, briefly sharing headlines with Messi, but he’s keeping his feet on the ground—focused on the team, not the glory. The All Whites know they missed a chance to win, and that hunger is fueling their drive ahead of a massive showdown against Egypt, featuring Salah, where a win could be their ticket to the knockout rounds for the first time ever.

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A father’s world shattered in seconds when a dirt bike crash claimed his young son’s life—both unprotected, both gone too soon. Haunted by guilt and grief, he spiraled into violence, assaulting loved ones and property, leading to court charges. Though his troubled past shaped his choices, the judge recognized his remorse and cognitive struggles, sentencing him to five months home detention. To shield his grieving whānau from online cruelty, the court permanently suppressed his identity—weighing public interest against profound family pain.

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Danny Hakaraia, a Westport resident fed up with illegal dumping near North Beach, has become a one-man cleanup crew, hauling over eight tonnes of steel waste in just months. With council support—including waived dumping fees and now full cost coverage—he’s even turning trash into cash, making $280 from aluminum and boat motors to offset fuel. Hakaraia blames laziness for the fly-tipping epidemic, pushing for cameras, patrols, and free hard rubbish days to stop it. His mission? Clear the beach and get the community back on track—while the council and contractors stand behind him.

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A Northland woman named Aroha Chase turned her love of gardening into a conservation crusade, pulling over 11,000 invasive moth plant vines and 300 toxic pods in just three months—peaking at 736 vines in one day. These South American invaders threaten native flora, cause skin irritation, and can blind if their sap contacts eyes. Chase, who integrated weed-pulling into daily errands with her daughter, earned top honors in a regional competition organized by the Northland Regional Council, where her team “Chasing Kings” blew away rivals. Biosecurity lead Jack Craw called her efforts “astounding.” Chase walked away with $500, and the council plans to host th...

A 93-year-old woman, Olive, fought to reclaim her cherished King James Bible—a family heirloom passed down from her father—after her great-niece, Diane, refused to return it, claiming it was a gift. Diane’s mother was reportedly present when the alleged gift was made, but tribunal referee Krysia Cowie found no conclusive evidence to support that claim. The Bible had been loaned to family members before and always returned, and Olive’s prompt legal action suggested it was never truly gifted. The referee ordered Diane to return the Bible, reminding us how deeply sentimental items can bind us to our p...

The National Party’s bold KiwiSaver overhaul aims to make savings automatic for everyone — from newborns to retirees. Starting July 2028, all working Kiwis will be automatically enrolled, with employers and employees each contributing 6% by 2032. Newborns get a $1,500 government kickstart, parents on paid leave won’t miss out on matching contributions, and workers over 65 will still get employer top-ups. Party leader says this is essential for financial resilience in uncertain times — at a cost of over $1 billion over four years.

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A missing 26-year-old autistic man, Patrick Eager, vanished during a family hike on Conical Hill Track in Hanmer Springs—separated from his group, unable to speak, and unfamiliar with the terrain. Police and 30 volunteers are urgently searching the rugged area, looking for signs of him. He’s described as 6’ tall, medium build, with short dark brown hair, wearing black shoes, track pants, and a black shirt with a green stripe. If you saw anything or have any info, no matter how small, call 105—his safe return is everyone’s priority.

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Air New Zealand flight NZ582 slipped off the taxiway at Christchurch Airport during pushback, landing in the grass—but everyone on board is safe. The airline is arranging a replacement flight while crews work to recover the plane from the soft ground. A routine moment turned unexpected, but safety remains top priority.

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National’s campaign chair Simeon Brown is warning voters they can’t trust NZ First to stay out of a deal with Labour, despite Winston Peters’ public stance — using a household analogy to argue that votes for NZ First or Act don’t help National win, but instead strengthen those parties. Brown slammed Labour’s economic record, the Auckland light rail, and Chris Hipkins, while also taking aim at the Greens’ tax plan. As National prepares for the election with PM Christopher Luxon set to announce new policies, Brown’s aggressive messaging comes amid rising tensions between National and NZ First, who ar...