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A deadly wildfire in southern Spain has killed twelve people from various nationalities, including British nationals found in a car and a cyclist, as flames surged through rugged Andalusian terrain fueled by extreme heat and wind. With twenty-three still unaccounted for and identification requiring DNA testing, authorities warn the toll could rise. Evacuation orders were issued, but some residents...

New Zealand’s defense force is crumbling under years of neglect, with outdated gear, shrinking land and sea capabilities, and an air force stripped of combat power—now more like a civil defense unit than a fighting force. Experts propose reorganizing roles to cut waste and boost readiness, while troops continue serving with grit despite lacking support. Meanwhile, energy policy is failing too: as...

Napier City Council pulls the Aurora boat from its harbor mooring, citing safety and consistency standards — a move that upends a young man’s sanctuary. Despite repeated outreach and expired notices, the council insists they’re following legal protocols to verify ownership, denying the occupant a license because they couldn’t confirm his claim. A neighbor defends the young man, calling him safe an...

Wairoa’s much-needed mobile dental clinic, the Mene Mai Ano, is finally rolling — but it’s stuck without a permanent dentist, despite offering a furnished home to lure talent to this rural hotspot. With applications for a dental kaiarahi closing soon and only two days a week of service, the clinic’s potential is being held back by a nationwide shortage and the tough reality that even sweet deals c...

Fatal crashes linked to sudden medical events are hitting a decade-high, with 39 deaths last year—up from just 19 in 2018 and 33 in 2022. Experts caution that aging populations and rising chronic conditions are driving this trend, as more drivers over 75 (up 53% in a decade) and even those over 90 (up 40%) remain on the road. While data may be incomplete before 2023, the upward trajectory undersco...

The NZ Warriors are on a critical mission to bounce back after a shaky run, with a chance to lock down a top-four spot before the playoffs. Facing weaker opponents in a friendlier schedule, they’re primed for a momentum shift — especially in their big showdown against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium. With talent on hand, consistency is the key, and this stretch is their chance to reset, r...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Auckland for the first Indian PM visit in 40 years, kicking off a high-stakes diplomatic tour amid a landmark trade deal slashing tariffs on nearly all New Zealand exports. Welcomed with a guard of honor and a warm hug from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Modi’s agenda is packed—deep talks on trade, security, education, and a centennial celebration of sporti...

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Auckland for the first time in four decades, signaling a major diplomatic reset as he meets New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and addresses a crowd of over ten thousand — all amid a new trade deal slashing tariffs on 95% of goods, underscoring a rapidly deepening Indo-NZ partnership. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http...

Former rugby star Sakaria Taulafo’s bid to erase a drink-driving conviction has hit another legal hurdle, leaving him facing a tougher immigration road ahead. Caught driving after consuming six to eight beers in July last year, Taulafo initially sought a discharge without conviction, but a community magistrate opted for a conviction, fine, and driving ban — triggering a deportation notice later ca...

Christchurch is exploding with new apartment and townhouse construction, fueling a downtown transformation as the city races toward its goal of 20,000 new residents—with half already on track. Driven by the buzz around the new Te Kaha stadium, strong economic vibes, and unbeatable affordability, building consents hit a five-year high last year. Williams Corporation, selling a home nearly every day...

Ardie Savea balances elite rugby with family life, bringing his daughter to a press conference to remind himself why he plays—to inspire his kids. His mental strength fuels his physical game, and being a dad and husband keeps him grounded and sharp. As the All Blacks prepare for a tough showdown against Italy—despite their recent struggles—he’s focused on defense, dominance, and execution. With po...

Australia’s Big Bash League is set to make cricket history this December with its first-ever match played on Indian soil in Chennai — a landmark event co-announced by Aussie PM Albanese and Indian PM Modi during Modi’s visit. The Melbourne Renegades face off against the Perth Scorchers in a high-energy opener that kicks off a week-long celebration of Australian culture in India, blending global cr...

Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight champion, has officially parted ways with City Kickboxing after 14 years — the gym where he became a two-time titleholder. In a candid sit-down with his longtime trainer Eugene Bareman, Adesanya revealed the decision was long in the making, driven by his recent four-fight losing streak and a need for a fresh start. He acknowledged CKB’s pivotal role in...

Sakaria Taulafo’s bid to clear a drink-driving conviction was denied, leaving the mark on his record and complicating his visa renewal in New Zealand. Caught driving after six to eight beers last July, the former international rugby star—renowned in the Pasifika community for his career with Samoa and NZ—now faces a character waiver hurdle. Though the court acknowledged his remorse, community ties...

Shotover Jet Boat Crash in Queenstown | Auckland News

Tragedy struck Northland this morning as a two-vehicle crash on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road claimed two lives, marking the first fatality of the Matariki holiday weekend. Emergency crews, including ambulances and a helicopter, rushed to the scene, treating three others—ranging from critical to minor injuries—and transporting them to Northland Base Hospital. The road was closed for hours as police and fire...

Typhoon Bavi is barreling toward Japan’s southwestern islands, bringing 100 mph winds and torrential rain that could trigger deadly landslides and floods. Islanders like those in Ishigaki are scrambling to stock up on essentials as businesses brace with windproof nets and shut down ferry terminals. Taiwan’s markets closed and residents in the north and east were told to stay home, while officials...

This weekend’s rugby calendar is electric, with Pasifika nations firing on all cylinders across the globe. Fiji, seeking redemption after a brutal loss to Wales, rolls into Liverpool to take on England, armed with a revamped forward pack and a six-two bench strategy to match England’s power. Samoa heads to Chile to face Georgia, with captain Miracle Faiilagi demanding consistency against a tougher...

Wally Funk, the fearless trailblazer who finally soared into space at 82—becoming the oldest person to do so—passed away at 87, leaving behind a legacy of courage and relentless pursuit of dreams. Once denied astronaut status in the 1960s despite outperforming her male peers, she shattered barriers as the first female flight instructor and FAA inspector, logging 19,000+ flight hours and training 3...

Virginie Ruffenach has become New Caledonia’s new Congress president, narrowly defeating her opponent with 28 votes to 26 after recent provincial elections. Backed by a pro-France coalition and the Eveil Océanien party, she vows to foster respectful dialogue and focus on economic recovery, social healing, and reducing inequality. As the first woman to hold the role since Veylma Falaeo, Ruffenach e...

We analyzed four hundred million Lotto New Zealand tickets and found people love predictable patterns—straight lines, diagonals, and odd-number sequences. While every combo has equal odds, how you space your numbers can affect your payout: spreading them out might boost your chances of matching more, but you’ll likely win less. The real surprise? Popular combos mean you’ll split jackpots with doze...

Shellfish alert in Tennyson Inlet and Fitzroy Bay—don’t eat or collect any mussels, oysters, tuatua, pipi, toheroa, cockles, scallops, pūpū, or Cook’s turban. Toxins are dangerously high and cooking won’t help. Pāua, crab, and crayfish are safe if you gut them properly; kina and finfish are unaffected but still gut and remove liver. If you feel numbness, dizziness, or nausea after eating local she...

Chef Al Brown just survived two back-to-back surgeries — one on his hand for Dupuytren’s contracture, the other on his ear for surfer’s ear — and he’s not just surviving, he’s laughing about it. Joking that 2026 is his “panel beating” year, he’s already got lightning bolt scars to prove it. Despite the pain and the drama, he’s healing fast, full of gratitude for the incredible medical team who kep...

A serious two-car crash erupted this morning near Ahipara, sending emergency crews rushing to the scene with multiple injuries and one person trapped inside a vehicle. Fire and Emergency teams from Kaitaia and Ahipara joined police in a high-stakes rescue operation, while traffic was shut down and drivers warned to avoid the area. Medical details remain pending, but everyone’s thoughts are with th...

Andy Burnham is poised to become the next UK Prime Minister after securing overwhelming support from 322 out of 403 Labour MPs—making a challenge nearly impossible. With leadership votes closing mid-July, he’s set to be officially crowned leader, positioning him to lead the country with a bold “No 10 North” vision, fiscal discipline, and a focus on everyday growth. While facing tough economic head...