The Front Page

Malcolm Rewa, after an almost unprecedented third trial, has been found guilty of murdering Susan Burdett in her South Auckland home in 1992.The jury took just under four hours to return their unanimous verdict today after hearing two weeks of evidence and arguments in the High Court at Auckland.Rewa will now be sentenced on March 26.Burdett was raped and bludgeoned to death in her Papatoetoe house.After some 27 years, 12 New Zealanders today said her killer was Rewa.Infamously, the Crown had also prosecuted Teina Pora for the accounts clerk's murder.When just 17 years old, Pora was arrested and later twice wrongly convicted for murdering Burdett.Also today, a rugby coach has been jailed on 95 charges of sexually abusing young boys. And, we remember the Christchurch earthquake, eight years on.Hosted by Juliette SivertsenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tax Working Group has recommended the Government implement a capital gains tax - and use the money gained to lower the personal tax rate.The suggested capital gains tax (CGT) would cover assets such as land, shares, investment properties, business assets and intellectual property.Any profit on the sale of these assets would be added to the seller's overall yearly income, and then be taxed under existing thresholds. Other personal assets – such as the family home, cars, boats and art – would be exempt from a CGT.And in other housing news, new figures show Auckland's first-home buyers need to fork out up to $950 in weekly mortgage repayments for the next 30 years, based on what they're paying to get a foothold in the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's announced a new builder for KiwiBuild - and another 100 homes in West Auckland and Christchurch Home builder and developer Mike Greer has been given the contract to build 104 homes, including the first in Canterbury, which are also the cheapest KiwiBuild announced so far. That will include 11 two-bedroom standalone homes in Kaiapoi, for $360,000 dollars each. Other homes will be built in Huapai, Whenuapai, Pukekohe, Kaiapoi, Rolleston, Pegasus, Woodend, Rangiora, Halswell, Marshland and Spreydon.They'll be completed between now and mid-2020 and will be a mix of two and three-bedroom, standalone and terraced homes, ranging from $360,000 to $650,000.Also today, David Bain is 'shocked to the core' on hearing his groomsman Paul Tainui has admitted murdering a woman - Tainui's second murder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An acknowledgement from the Prime Minister today that there are issues with China.The Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Madam Wu XI said in Wellington last night both countries needed to build a more resilient relationship and handle differences properly to avoid the rocks.Madam Wu Xi alluded to news headlines about strained relations while speaking at a reception hosted by the New Zealand – China Council at Te Papa.She says as our two countries differ in history, culture and social systems, it's only natural for us to have differences.Jacinda Ardern says the relationship's healthy, while recognising the challenges.At last night's reception, neither the Chinese ambassador nor Ardern raised issues that have strained relations most, a preliminary decision in late November by New Zealand's foreign intelligence agency the GCSB to ban Huawei from Spark's 5G plans.Also today, New Zealand's Miniature Horse Association is hoping the perpetrator of a vicious attack is brought to justice, after a horse died after being stabbed 41 times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Google and Facebook are among the internet giants facing a surprise tax.That's news that has just been broken by the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB, and confirmed by the Prime Minister. The issue is multinational companies selling good or services online, and then running profits through low-tax countries.It's been a looming issue in New Zealand for several years.The Herald tax gap investigation into corporate tax avoidance in 2016 found 20 of the most aggressive multinational companies recorded $10b in annual revenues but collectively paid less than $1.8m in corporate income taxes.And a report set to be released later this week could see the rest of us paying a capital gains tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's biggest seafood exporter Sanford is having issues getting salmon through Chinese ports.It comes as suspicions grow that China is turning up the heat on this country because of the Huawei saga.Sanford is not attributing its recent administrative issues getting shipments cleared to the deteriorating New Zealand-China relationship, but chief customer officer Andre Gargiulo says no reason has been given for the issues which have impacted several shipments of fresh salmon since the end of last month.China is the biggest export market for many New Zealand primary products, including dairy, seafood and kiwifruit.The tourism industry is also concerned. The English version of the People's Daily newspaper says New Zealand has fallen out of favour with some Chinese travellers.The paper is regarded as the mouthpiece of the Chinese government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr is warning the Government's flagship KiwiBuild policy could "crowd out" the private sector.But Finance Minister Grant Robertson disagrees, saying Orr's forecast was "certainly challengeable".This morning, the Reserve Bank published a discussion document. It says KiwiBuild could contribute 100,000 affordable houses over 10 years, but it's unlikely that will be achieved without crowding out a "significant amount of other residential construction activity". And Auckland house sale prices have hit their lowest levels in three years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's 16 polytechnics are set to become one, under a radical shake-up of the tertiary sector.Education Minister Chris Hipkins has released a wide-ranging plan, aimed at getting more school leavers into good jobs.It will see a single national body to take over all polytechnics, apprentices and industry trainees.The institutes will merge to form the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.That new body will take over all of New Zealand's 110-000 polytechnic students and 140,000 apprentices and industry trainees.The institute will also take over programme design and administration for all campuses of what are now 16 separate polytechnics, as well as enrolling and managing apprentices and trainees from the now 11 industry training organisations. Also today, a sterilisation botch-up in Hawke's Bay has left 55 surgical patients potentially being exposed to serious diseases including HIV and hepatitis, and the Salvation Army reveals its annual State of the National report, showing a huge gap between the wealthy and the poor.Hosted by Juliette Sivertsen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand-China relationship continues to come under the microscope as it's thought diplomatic links have plummeted to a new low. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was scheduled to visit China early this year, but the invitation has been put on hold. And this morning, the Herald revealed the 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism was meant to be launched with great fanfare at Wellington's Te Papa museum next week, but that has been postponed by China.That initiative was announced by the Key Government almost two years ago when Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was in Wellington.The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment says China has advised that this event has had to be postponed due to change of schedule on the Chinese side. Officials are now working with China to reschedule the opening.But it's thought that China sees New Zealand as taking sides with the United States, after the Government's chief spy agency, the GCSB, axed the Chinese telco giant Huawei from the Spark 5G broadband rollout. The Trump Administration publicly asked its Five Eyes partners not to do business with Huawei.Philip Burdon, a former National Government Trade Minister and recently chairman of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, says New Zealand can't afford to take sides.He believes China feels slighted by New Zealand over the decision to block Huawei.Also today, junior doctors go on strike, two men are charged over the December murder of Shannon Baker and Cocksy's last laugh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malcolm Rewa has gone on trial today - charged for the third time with killing Auckland woman Susan Burdett 27 years ago.Chief High Court judge, Justice Geoffrey Venning, acknowledged many in the jury would have heard parts of the case before, particularly because of the high-profile connection to Teina Pora. The case found infamy when Teina Pora was twice wrongly convicted for murdering Burdett.He spent 22 years in prison before the Privy Council quashed his conviction in 2015 and has since received an apology from the Government and $3.5 million in compensation.A stay of proceedings for a murder prosecution against Rewa was applied by the Solicitor-General in 1998, but in 2017 the Deputy Solicitor-General, on behalf of the Attorney-General, reversed the stay.A stay had never before been lifted in New Zealand's legal history.And new hope on day seven of the Nelson fires, as Wakefield residents are allowed back into their homes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's polytechnics are in for a shake-up. Jacinda Ardern gave her 'State of the Nation' speech to a business audience this morning, outlining the economic challenges facing New Zealand, and foreshadowing a major restructure of polytechnics and institutes of technology. The restructure is to be released next week. It's expected to recommend turning the vocational education sector into a flexible network, which focuses on greater cooperation between institutions to meet the needs of business. Polytechnics and institutes have cost the Government 100 million dollars in recent bailouts.Ardern told the business audience the reforms would be far reaching. She said the system was struggling, and had been left to drift and muddle through. She questioned why at a time when they're facing critical skill shortages, polytechs and institutes are going broke. Also today, more evacuations have taken place as the Tasman wildfire continues to rage out of control. The town of Wakefield has been evacuated, and now more families have been forced from their homes in Nelson City, after a new fire broke out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says as she flew into Nelson she could see the true scale of the massive Tasman bush fire. Jacinda Ardern has met emergency services battling the blaze in Pigeon Valley today.Ardern says trying to control the fire is a massive undertaking. Incident controller John Sutton says it's almost certain the fire was the result of agricultural machinery. He says it was a highly accidental event with a totally unintended consequence. While yesterday had been a good day, making progress in containing the fire, the firefighters had a lot of work ahead of them. Sutton said some firefighters were experiencing fatigue and they were trying to fly in more firefighters.Also today: unemployment figures have risen higher than expected, and the Grace Millane murder-accused continues to fight to keep his name secret.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A massive blaze in Tasman continues to ravage the district. And, authorities are scrambling after a second fire has broken out in the region, at Rabbit Island.The fire in Pigeon Valley started yesterday afternoon but doubled in size overnight, spreading to cover 1870 hectares within a perimeter of 20kms by 3am.A Civil Defence state of emergency has been declared. Sources have told the Herald the fire's thought to have been sparked by a farmer ploughing his field. The Nelson District Council says 170 homes have been evacuated near Pigeon Valley Further evacuations are now taking place near Rabbit Island. There have been no reports of injury.However, there have been some animal welfare issues and at least 13 animals have had to be euthanised.Also today, hundreds have gathered at Waitangi today to mark the 179th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians from all parties were greeted with a rousing powhiri as they were welcomed onto Waitangi's Upper Marae this morning.For the first time all MPs, including Jacinda Ardern and National's Simon Bridges, arrived in one group.Last year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told those gathered to hold her and the Government to account. Today she has acknowledged there’s still more work to do. She says she doubts anyone expected the Government to turn around decades of issues in 12 months.But she says they have made progress, as Maori unemployment, and prison numbers, and young people not in education, jobs or training - have all come down.And New Zealand First MP and Cabinet Minister Tracey Martin says she personally witnessed a National Party MP instructing online "trolls" to attack former Labour leader Andrew Little.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is ploughing more than $100 million into regional employment, focused on Māori and Pasifika people.It's one of a series of announcements made in the lead-up to Waitangi Day.The lion's share of the funding will go to five regions the Government says need extra help. They are Northland, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Hawke's Bay and Manawatū-Whanganui.Those regions face issues including high unemployment, low wages and lower productivity compared with the rest of New Zealand. And some Tauranga families are turning to foodbanks for school lunches, as back-to-school costs mount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wage and salary earners paid out $1.7bn in what's been called "stealth" tax last year. According to advice to the Tax Working Group, it was after inflation increases pushed workers and their pay packets into higher tax brackets. Officials have warned the public could see the money as having come through a stealth tax and Government may want to change it as a "value judgement".They've also said if the Government did change tax rates, it would increase transparency and account for inflation but money would need to be found to pay for public services.The extra tax was scooped up after the former government left tax brackets largely unchanged during its time in office, with the highest tax bracket fixed to kick in at $70,000.Since 2008, inflation combined with pay rises has doubled the number of workers paying the full 33 per cent tax rate on earnings over $70,000. Those in the highest tax bracket increased in 10 years from 335,000 people to 665,000 people. In some countries, tax brackets are automatically tied to inflation, but in New Zealand they are not.Also today, disappointment from the CTV families on learning the building designer Alan Reay is appealing a court ruling, and new data suggesting NZ might not need to build as many houses as we thought.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A report on how to address fair pay is out, but it's led to division; with Labour versus National, and employers versus unions. The working group was led by former National Prime Minister Jim Bolger, and has come back with 46 recommendations, including that fair pay agreements cover all employers and that workers should be able to initiate a Fair Pay Agreement if they have a minimum group of 1000 people, or 10 per cent of workers in the sector, whichever was lower. Bolger says it will be most useful in work where competition is driving a ‘race to the bottom’ in wages and conditions. He says the changes would not only tackle inequality, but also boost productivity. As much as $14 billion worth of council infrastructure is threatened by rising seas, thanks to climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's boss is vowing to be directly involved in looking at the airline's books. The national carrier has cut its pre-tax earnings guidance to a range of $340 million to $400 million for the June year, due to slower-than-expected revenue growth. The previously announced guidance was for underlying earnings before tax of $425m to $525m.Air New Zealand's share price took a tumble in the opening minutes of trade this morning. In an internal email to staff, Christopher Luxon said the revised guidance reflects updated revenue forecasts based on recent forward booking trends but that "difficult decisions" lay ahead. Luxon did not specifically mention job cuts. He said markets showing signs of slower growth include domestic leisure travel and softening inbound tourism traffic. Luxon says he's committed to turning things around. Also today: National's proposed tax plan is set to give the average worker an extra $430 a year, the Housing Minister plans to "re-calibrate" the KiwiBuild policy, and Hellers has been fined $40,000 after three children suffered allergic reactions due to mislabelled Sizzlers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is reassessing its targets for the troubled KiwiBuild scheme. It now looks like they could not only miss targets for this year, but the next ten. As well as targeting 1000 KiwiBuild homes by July 2019, Twyford had previously committed to building 10,000 in 2020/21 and 12,000 every year after that until 2028. Addressing media at the post-Cabinet press conference this afternoon, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern would not re-commit to those previous KiwiBuild goals.And the heatwave starts to bite, with farmers worried about the impact on their crops, and workers sweltering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former KiwiBuild boss Stephen Barclay says he is pursuing a case of constructive dismissal against Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. This comes after the Ministry revealed earlier today that Barclay resigned amid an employment investigation that revealed complaints from employees, contractors and stakeholders regarding his "leadership behaviour". In a statement, again through a private public relations company, Barclay said he was extremely disappointed that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD) had divulged details of an employment matter. He said he considered this a breach of privacy and felt he had no choice but to respond.Also today, New Zealanders are sweltering in a heatwave, with record temperatures breaking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are keeping quiet on the investigation into a text allegedly sent from the phone of National MP Sarah Dowie to Jami-Lee Ross. The investigation was apparently sparked by a call to the Crimestoppers hotline. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper says the text contains the words "you deserve to die". There was no immediate show of support for the Invercargill MP.Anne McCracken, who is regarded as one of Dowie's strongest organisers in the electorate, said: "There will be no comment today." Others who were involved in Dowie's 2017 campaign - lawyer Sean Woodward and businessman Jon Turnbull - said they were no longer involved in her party support network. The only current member of her electorate committee to be identified, Murray Halstead, refused to make any comment.Also today, a New Zealand university professor has been sentenced to home detention, for indecently assaulted an 82-year-old dementia patient in a rest home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Racism, sexism, and severe threats of violence have all been uncovered as part of a bullying culture in Fire and Emergency New Zealand. A new report into the organisation says bullying and harassment often came from the very highest levels of the service, including from fire chiefs who called people racial names. The report made 33 recommendations for change. And PM Jacinda Ardern continues making waves overseas, including talking to Google about the Grace Millane case, and pushing the case for the world-first wellbeing budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man jailed for the Ashburton Work and Income double-slaying is appealing his conviction and sentence. Russell John Tully's appeal will be heard at the Court of Appeal in Wellington in March. Tully was found guilty in 2016 of being the masked gunman who stormed the Ashburton centre in 2014 and shot dead 67-year-old receptionist Peggy Noble, from point-blank range and shot 55-year-old case manager Susan Leigh Cleveland three times as she pleaded for her life.The 52-year-old was also found guilty of attempting to murder case manager Kim Adams.He was found not guilty of attempting to murder case manager Lindy Curtis who was shot in the leg and badly injured while hiding under a desk.In 2016, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 27 years - the second highest non-parole period ever handed down in New Zealand history. Throughout the court process, Tully always indicated he would appeal its outcome.Also today, Tensions are rising as residents in a Takapuna townhouse complex grow accustomed to life next to a nine-level apartment block.They've raised a number of concerns including views of a naked man in "full visibility for young children", parking and vehicle issues, light pollution spilling into homes at night, bedrooms and bathrooms without blinds and altercations between the neighbours.Hosted by Juliette Sivertsen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could it be true? Members of the family of British tourists that have caused a storm up and down New Zealand were at Auckland International Airport with luggage this morning. A source has told the Herald that at least four of the group were expected on an international flight due to leave this afternoon. The true identities of the group also came to light today. And New Zealand and Britain have signed an agreement which gives certainty to New Zealand businesses, whatever happens with Brexit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga has been named the eighth most expensive housing market in the world, heading off cities like London and San Francisco. That's according to a global study out today, the 15th annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Study, which measures average house prices against average income. The world's most expensive city is Hong Kong, followed by Vancouver, Sydney, Melbourne, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Los Angeles - and then Tauranga.And a new report from Oxfam is warning wealth inequality is "out of control" and doing particular harm to women.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two English children will spend their Christmas stranded in New Zealand after a crash that killed one of their mothers and left the other with critical injuries. Six-year-old Ben Sargent and his nine-year-old sister Olivia were holidaying with their mothers Kerry and Jules Sargent in October, when the family were involved in a head-on collision. 42-year-old Kerry, from Gloucester in England, was killed in the crash when the family were travelling near Whangarei. She had been a front seat passenger in one of the two vehicles that rolled. Her partner Jules was rushed to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. While the children were not seriously injured in the crash, Jules' injuries were deemed too serious for her to travel - and faces a lengthy rehabilitation period here in New Zealand. Also today: New Zealand has joined an international chorus, condemning China for cyber intellectual property theft. The US has charged two Chinese nationals with conducting a massive state-sponsored cyber theft, targeting companies and government agencies in at least a dozen countries. The GCSB says some of the thefts target New Zealand organisations.And the Kiwi Christmas tradition, that's news to Kiwis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A damning IPCA report into police deputy commissioner Wally Haumaha has called his behaviour inappropriate and unprofessional. But it's not quite bullying. It's led to calls from National for Haumaha to be fired, but that looks unlikely to happen. And a new report finds increasing the price of tobacco works to reduce smoking, but it can result in low income families going without food, or not paying rent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman who sold her teenage daughter to strangers for sex will now serve more time in prison. In March, Kasmeer Lata was jailed for six years and 11 months for dealing in slaves, dealing in a person under 18 for sexual exploitation, and receiving earnings from commercial sexual services from an underage person. The 36-year-old had first forced her daughter to have sex for money with a man on her 15th birthday. She would go on to sell the girl at least 1000 times for sex.At Lata's sentencing - where she was described as "the most despised woman in New Zealand" - Crown prosecutor Natalie Walker called for the offending to be denounced in the most explicit terms. In October, her sentence was appealed by the Solicitor-General. Today, the Court of Appeal released its decision - the appeal was allowed and Lata will serve more time.Also today, former Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox has admitting drink driving, telling police she had 'only' had six glasses of wine earlier in the evening. And, details of the hilarious - and embarrassing - newspaper dating advertisement that's making headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A damning report confirms Government agencies used private investigators for spying on New Zealand citizens. It's being called an affront to democracy, and could lead to police action. The report comes from State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes, who details a list of breaches of the State Service Code of Conduct, including potentially illegal recordings of insurance claimants, public sector employees accessing the New Zealand Transport Agency database for private investigation firm Thompson and Clark, paying for informants, and spying on the Green Party and iwi.And voters are going to be asked to pick a side on recreational cannabis use at the 2020 election, in a binding referendum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration officials and police have arrested a man for what they're calling modern-day slavery. A 64-year-old Samoan New Zealander has been arrested and charged after allegedly bringing Samoans to New Zealand to work illegally in the horticultural industry since the 1990s. Allegations made by the victims include not being paid for work completed, having their passports taken, and being subjected to physical assaults and threats. The victims also allege that their movements were closely monitored and controlled by the man, and there were restrictions on both where they went and who they had contact with. Immigration NZ assistant general manager Peter Devoy says some of the victims were under the man's control for some years. And a review on sexual harassment and bullying in the legal profession has found female lawyers have been subjected to "sexual objectification" for decades and new rules are needed to address unacceptable behaviour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A close family friend of Grace Millane is so concerned ongoing suppression breaches could jeopardise a trial she's written to UK media asking them to stop naming the accused killer. And the papers have explained why they defied the Auckland judge's order. The Telegraph and the Daily Mail were two of several British media organisations to name the 26-year-old man charged with Millane's murder, days after she arrived in Auckland as part of a one-year solo OE.The Telegraph's editorial compliance executive Sian White responded to concerns about suppression breaches saying, "the law in New Zealand does not apply". The Justice Minister plans to tell Google breaching suppression orders is unacceptable.Top Google executives from the UK and US will meet Justice Minister Andrew Little in New Zealand next week after Google ran the murder accused's name in a mass hot topics email to subscribers.Also today: An Auckland teenager has been sentenced to home detention after killing a 15-year-old in a drunken hit-and-run - and later posting an insensitive social media post of herself in an orange prison jumpsuit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Internet giant Google has breached suppression on the identity of the 26-year-old man accused of murdering British backpacker Grace Millane. The company sent an email to certain subscribers, showing that New Zealanders had searched for the man's name 100,000 times. But the Google email itself put the man's name in its subject line, and linked his name explicitly to Grace Millane's death. It also included search terms that could lead users to more information about the man. While you may think that's natural justice, it actually jeopardises the chances of the Millane family having their day in court.Detectives have had a breakthrough on the case though, finding a shovel they've been seeking for several days. And the Government has announced an overhaul of our drugs laws.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The family of the man charged over the killing of British tourist Grace Millane has made an impassioned plea for people to reserve judgement. A relative of the accused, who can't be identified for legal reasons, has posted a lengthy statement online. They say they're sorry for the Millane family's loss and that she didn't deserve what happened to her. They add that the whole of New Zealand, and especially the accused's family, are broken-hearted. After learning of the arrest, they hardly slept - and bawled their eyes out. The relative says, if the allegations against the accused are proven to be true, they are despicable, atrocious and disgusting.Grace Millane's body was also formally identified today, and returned to her family. Vigils are being held throughout New Zealand tonight in her honour. Also today, key questions remain unanswered after a third inquest into the death of a diver in North Canterbury, and a Consumer NZ report into sunscreen reveals six out of 10 products did not meet their label claims.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police investigating the murder of Grace Millane are now looking for a shovel, believed to be related to her murder. They are looking for a red Atlas Trade hardwood long-handle, round-mouth shovel. It could be anywhere between Scenic Drive, where her body was discovered, and central Auckland. Detective Inspector Scott Beard says someone may have come across it and taken it home - and they'd like to speak to that person, or anyone who's seen it. The scene examination at Scenic Drive is now complete. Detective Beard says he's reluctant to give any details, but he has confirmed Grace’s body was intact when recovered.Also today, shocking family violence statistics have been revealed, showing police investigated one family harm case every four minutes last year. More than a third of women experience physical sexual partner violence, and one in 10 men have experienced childhood sexual abuse.WHERE TO GET HELP:If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7)• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 ,free text 234 or email [email protected] or online chat.• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757• SAMARITANS – 0800 726 666.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A judge has addressed the grieving family of slain British backpacker Grace Millane, saying "your grief must be desperate". A body was discovered in the Waitakere Ranges yesterday, and is believed to be Grace Millane. A 26-year-old man is charged with her murder. He appeared in Auckland District Court this morning, wearing a blue boiler suit. The Millane family was in court for this appearance. Judge Evangelos Thomas started the hearing by addressing the family, saying everyone hoped justice would be fair, swift, and bring them peace. And, candlelight vigils are being planned in both Auckland, and Wellington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The distraught father of missing British backpacker, Grace Millane, has spoken to media in Auckland. His 22-year-old daughter was last seen at Auckland's SkyCity Casino, on Saturday night.She hasn't spoken with her family in over a week - and didn't respond to birthday messages on Sunday. David Millane grappled with his emotions as he explained how concerned the family is for her welfare. He says she has never been out of contact for this amount of time - and usually checks in on social media daily. More than 25 police are investigating the disappearance.Also today, a proposal for the biggest shake-up to the education system in 30 years, and the aviation strike which could cause huge delays to tens of thousands of passengers just before Christmas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate change has been identified as one of the most significant security threats of our time. A Defence report released today says climate change can spark low-level and violent conflict, and the Defence Force needs to be able to respond to multiple events at the same time. Security risks include vulnerable populations losing their livelihoods, increased food and water scarcity, malnutrition, climate migration, health-related crises, competition for resources, land disputes and the potential for increased violence from mismanaged adaptation or migration. The report notes climate change is already having adverse impacts.And, a $9million reconciliation agreement has been settled for Parihaka.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report's revealed the difficulties some young people are having in cutting back on watching porn. The Office of Film and Literature Classification has released its findings after surveying more than 2000 teens. The NZ Youth and Porn report shows over two thirds of 14 to 17 year olds have been exposed to porn, with some struggling with it. Some teens reported feeling upset, sad, or unhappy while viewing porn. Violence and rape is also common, with almost three quarters of teens reporting they'd seen non-consensual activity in the porn they'd watched.Also today, National MPs staged a walk-out after Speaker Trevor Mallard ordered leader Simon Bridges to leave during Question Time. Shadow leader of the House Gerry Brownlee was also ordered to leave, after saying Bridges seemed to have struck a nerve. The furore began when the National leader quizzed the Prime Minister on the Karel Sroubek case - and was clearly frustrated at the answers he was getting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long-awaited results of the Government inquiry into mental health and addiction have been released, and they show a rising tide of mental distress and addiction that can't be fixed by the government or health system alone. Among its recommendations are urgently implementing a national suicide prevention strategy, reforming the Mental Health Act and establishing a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission to act as a watchdog. The report exposes links between social deprivation, trauma, exclusion and increasing levels of mental distress. It says our wellbeing is being further undermined by aspects of modern life, such as loss of community, isolation and loneliness.Also, an internal National Party email has been leaked to the Herald, showing instructions from the party's chief press secretary on how MPs should talk to media about fresh bullying allegations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A US report into China's influence in New Zealand has highlighted concerns, including the possibility political sensitivities are stopping our intelligence agencies from investigating. The Hoover Institution, a US think-tank, released its "Chinese Influence & American Interest" report today with New Zealand presented as a case study. New Zealand is said to be particularly vulnerable because of our smaller size and China being a dominant market for dairy and tourism exports. The report says China's influence operations in New Zealand have ramped up since Xi Jinping became general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in 2013.And wild weather hits much of the North Island, including a lightning strike which injured four at a Hamilton school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man who pushed a High Court judge over in a fit of road rage incident, has been sentenced to community work. James Lawrence Beaumont Gilliland was charged with injuring Justice Mary Peters "with reckless disregard for the safety of others" following an altercation in Auckland's Ponsonby in May.It resulted in Justice Peters breaking her wrist in four places. She sits in the High Court at Auckland.Gilliland, a 29-year-old computer programmer, initially pleaded not guilty to the charge.He then admitted the crime and sought a discharge without conviction.That application was rejected and he appeared in the Auckland District Court for sentencing this morning. Also today, a guilty plea by the man who broke Wellington's $300,000 Water Whirler sculpture, another mass pilot whale stranding on NZ shores, and the medicinal cannabis company calling for pot growers to bring in their unique strains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No criminal charges will be laid in relation to a Mt Ruapehu bus crash that killed a West Auckland schoolgirl. Police have completed their investigation into the crash near the Turoa Skifield in July that killed 11-year-old Hannah Francis. Eighteen others were injured, including the driver. Police say, as a result of their investigation, no criminal charges will be laid - and they're preparing for a coroner's hearing. Detective Inspector Ross McKay, crime manager for the central district CIB, says Police will continue to provide support for other agencies in their ongoing investigations.Also today: MP travel expenses revealed, reaction to Huawei decision, and the new Mary Poppins Santa statue challenging gender stereotypes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Czech drug dealer Karel Sroubek is liable to be deported after a firestorm of criticism that embarrassed the Government. Immigration Minister Ian Lees-Galloway has said today he had apologised to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern over his handling of the matter.The new information included that Sroubek was convicted in the Czech Republic, but Immigration NZ did not know this because Sroubek came to New Zealand under a different name.Sroubek, now liable for deportation, will have to be deported after finishing his NZ sentence for drug dealing and will not be allowed to return to this country.Also today, the Crown is considering an appeal against the sentence of home detention handed down to an Auckland youth worker who sexually groomed and abused a 12-year-old girl in his care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An independent review has been launched to into bullying and harassment in Parliament. The review had been talked about for a while, but has become more urgent after recent events, including the sexual assault scandal at Russel McVeigh, allegations of bullying behaviour by Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross, allegations of bullying by Meka Whaitiri, and Dame Laura Cox's report into bullying and harassment of the UK's House of Commons staff. Jami-Lee Ross and Meka Whaitiri both deny the claims. Speaker Trevor Mallard announced the review, and says bullying and harassment must be unacceptable in any workplace. The review comes as allegations bubble up of an 'inappropriate touching incident' at a Young National event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is launching an urgent immunisation programme to fight meningococcal disease in Northland, after increasing problems with a new deadly strain, MenW. There's been seven nationwide MenW-related deaths this year, with three in Northland. The number of MenW cases jumped from five in 2016 to 29 this year. Health Minister David Clark says clinical experts have declared MenW has reached outbreak levels in Northland, and an immunisation programme is urgently needed to prevent further spread of the disease.And, the tough lending rules that set deposit levels for home buyers could be relaxed this week in response to a flattening property market, although economists warn the Reserve Bank will move cautiously and keep a close eye on debt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A High Court jury has found a 14-year-old boy guilty of the murder of a 40-year-old Flaxmere man. Haami Hanara has been on trial since Monday in the High Court at Napier. Hanara is one of the youngest defendants ever to be charged with murder in New Zealand.And a ban on vaping in bars, restaurants, and workplaces is being proposed as part of the Government's plans to regulate the product.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The devastated family of Wellington woman Sonam Shelar believe she may have been murdered. Wellington police searching for the 26-year-old, who was five months pregnant and went missing on Saturday, recovered her body from the Wairarapa's White Rock Beach late yesterday. Family spokesperson Harshal Patkar told the Herald Sonam's mother collapsed when news of her death reached home in India.A woman has been stabbed in central Auckland this afternoon. Witnesses saw a tall man holding a kitchen knife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An inquiry is underway into the controversial SAS raid on an Afghan village, which is said to be one of the most complex inquiries in New Zealand history. The main topic today has been deciding what information is to be made public. Dozens of claims have been made in the controversial book Hit and Run, which brought the most serious allegations ever to be aimed at the elite NZSAS. The book, by authors Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson, was published 18 months ago. It alleges war crimes, the death of six civilians and wounding of 15 others during a "revenge" raid in Afghanistan on August 22 in 2010.But the Defence Force is disputing those claims, saying Hager and Stephenson made 105 errors.Also today, a Northland garage has had its licence for issuing warrants of fitness suspended indefinitely, after it passed a vehicle which was later involved in a fatal crash. The NZTA has written to all vehicle owners receiving WoFs from Dargaville Diesel Specialists, recommending they get their vehicles re-checked.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New Zealand woman has been jailed in the UK after she was found to have provided fake qualifications from the University of Auckland to work as a doctor for more than two decades. Zholia Alemi has been jailed for five years after eventually being found out when she was convicted of trying to fake the will of an elderly female patient. A judge described her as "despicable" when ordering her jail sentence. And sandbags are being offered to residents in Mosgiel and South Dunedin as torrential rain hits the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 21-year-old Whakatāne man has been charged with murder, after a man hit by a car in Taneatua died late last week. The charges come after a horror weekend on New Zealand roads, which has left at least six people dead in eight major crashes, and several others fighting for their lives. It has bumped the year's current road toll above last year's, and road safety experts say New Zealand may be on track to have its worst year in over a decade.Also, a meeting of world leaders in Papua New Guinea has highlighted divisions between global powers the U.S. and China, and left New Zealand caught in the middle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.