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Google breaches Grace Millane suppression, detectives find key evidence

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.

Dec 13, 201818 min

Grace Millane: Relative of alleged killer speaks out

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.

Dec 12, 201817 min

Police search for shovel in connection with Grace Millane murder

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.

Dec 11, 201819 min

Grace Millane murder-accused fights to keep identity secret

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.

Dec 10, 201816 min

Father of missing tourist reveals heartache, strike threatens Christmas travel

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.

Dec 7, 201819 min

Climate change biggest security threat of our time, $9m for Parihaka

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.

Dec 6, 201816 min

Truth about Kiwi teens' porn habits, how much should a large soy decaf flat white cost?

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.

Dec 5, 201816 min

Country-wide mental health changes needed, more leaks for National Party

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.

Dec 4, 201817 min

Concerns NZ govt turning blind eye to China, lightning strike hits four people

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.

Dec 3, 201819 min

Sentencing for man who injured High Court judge, Kiwis' unique pot strains sought

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.

Nov 30, 201816 min

No charges over fatal ski bus crash, 'Mary Poppins' Santa challenges stereotypes

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.

Nov 29, 201816 min

U-turn on convicted drug smuggler, Crown considers appeal of sex offender's sentence

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.

Nov 28, 201816 min

Workplace harassment in the spotlight

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.

Nov 27, 201817 min

Action on deadly new meningitis strain, possibility of mortgage changes

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.

Nov 26, 201818 min

14yo guilty of murder, vaping ban proposed

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.

Nov 23, 201819 min

Family fears murder of Sonam Shelar, stabbing in Auckland CBD

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.

Nov 22, 201818 min

Inquiry into controversial SAS raid, WoF licence suspended after fatal crash

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.

Nov 21, 201819 min

Fake NZ doctor causes panic, wild weather hits Otago

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.

Nov 20, 201818 min

String of road deaths now includes murder, NZ caught between U.S. and China

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.

Nov 19, 201818 min

NZ's record drug bust, schoolboys injured in fire

Police and Customs have found more than 190kg of cocaine in a container of bananas. The discovery in a shipment from Panama is biggest bust of the drug in New Zealand history.The cocaine would have had a street value of $28-36 million. A Sydney man has been arrested and is facing charges relating to trying to facilitate the importation of part of the consignment into Australia.Also, two Year 8 schoolboys are being treated for burns after a small fire broke out in a school classroom on Auckland's North Shore. The fire happened in a classroom at Pinehurst School in Albany.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 16, 201815 min

Health checks worsen inequality, calls to ban all boxing

One of the country's biggest health initiatives isn't picking up serious problems and could actually widen the rich-poor divide. A Herald investigation has revealed serious concerns about the "before school check", including the perverse possibility it could actually worsen inequality. Auckland, Counties Manukau, and Waitemata DHBs have jointly written to the Ministry's chief advisor on child health, urging a review.And two NZ medical organisations are calling for an immediate ban on the sport of boxing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 15, 201819 min

Critically-ill father's heartwarming reunion, sausage sizzles hit a snag

A touching reunion as a critically ill Napier father was reunited with his daughter at Auckland Hospital. 27-year-old Jarred Thompson was medically evacuated from Fiji to Auckland last night, after falling ill on his one-month holiday to the islands. Thompson had been celebrating the news that he was in remission after going through cancer treatment for the past year when his health took a turn. He was admitted to Lautoka Hospital last Thursday after what started as a headache quickly turned into a "potentially life-threatening condition" as pressure built on his brain.Also, how the humble sausage sizzle has been deemed a threat to shoppers at Bunnings stores - all because of slippery fried onions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14, 201817 min

Hope for Pike River families, tax warning for sugar babies

As the decision looms over what will happen with the Pike River Mine, family members are hoping they'll get re-entry into the drift. Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-Entry Andrew Little has announced the Government has made its decision, and will announce it at Parliament at 7.15 tomorrow morning. The wait means a sleepless night for those who lost their loved ones in the disaster.And sugar babies are warned their 'gifts' are subject to tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 13, 201818 min

Teachers strike, church child abuse investigated

The first day of primary and intermediate teacher strikes went ahead today, with tens of thousands of teachers taking industrial action, and nearly half a million students impacted. The majority of primary and intermediate schools will be closed for one day this week, as part of rolling strikes around the country. The union's standing its ground over pay, class sizes, and the sector's ability to recruit new teachers. And churches are being rolled into the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the abuse of children in state care. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says, of the 400 submissions received on the draft Terms of Reference, including churches in the inquiry was one of the strongest issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 12, 201817 min

Knife-wielding attacker in Auckland, voting rights for prisoners

A man has been charged with kidnapping after holding a knife to a woman's throat in Auckland's Westfield Manukau mall for 1.5 hours. Counties Manukau Area Commander Inspector Adam Pyne says the victim wasn't known to the offender. The knife being held to the woman's throat had a five inch blade. And the Supreme Court rules denying prisoners the right to vote is inconsistent with the Bill of Rights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 9, 201816 min

Shock Sroubek admission, flooding forces road closures

A shock admission from the Immigration Minister over Karel Sroubek's case. Iain Lees-Galloway has confirmed he took about an hour to decide on the convicted drug smuggler's residency, but he didn't read the whole file. Sroubek has also released his own statement today, in response to the Deputy National Leader telling Parliament yesterday, Sroubek was questioned in prison about the burglary of his ex-wife's home. Also today: flooding, slips and wind gusts have forced road closures in the North and South Islands. Over 800 lightning strikes were recorded in Hokitika in a 20-minute period this morning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 8, 201817 min

Boxer dies after charity match, unemployment rate lowest since 2008

A project manager critically injured in a charity boxing match has died. 37-year-old Kain Parsons passed away in hospital today. He was not wearing headgear.Inspector Darryl Sweeney said police were previously aware of the boxing match and are liaising with the event organisers and officials to fully understand the circumstancessurrounding his death.Also today, unemployment levels are the lowest since the global financial crisis in 2008. But will that mean you get a pay rise? The rate is now at 3.9% percent - falling from 4.4% in the previous quarter. But wage growth is subdued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 7, 201816 min

Midwives strike, family 'forced into witness protection'

DHB-employed midwives have voted overwhelmingly to strike, in the most drastic industrial action ever taken by New Zealand hospital midwives. More than 1,100 will walk off the job for two hours, every 12-hour period, across all different shifts, for two-weeks from November 22nd.And new bombshell claims that Czech man Karel Sroubek forced an entire family into witness protection, as a result of criminal behaviour. National Leader Simon Bridges made the claims in Parliament this afternoon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 6, 201815 min

NZ banks "on notice", baby rescued from the sea

NZ banks are in hot water for pressure over sales targets, and not policing their staff's behaviour. Poor outcomes for customers were increased by sales incentives for bank staff, with concerns some staff are pushed into selling products like personal loans, credit cards and insurance.And a fisherman spotted what he thought was a doll in the sea, until it started to cry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 5, 201816 min

Czech extradition request, and surviving an avalanche

The Czech Republic wants convicted drug dealer Karel Sroubek extradited from New Zealand. The Republic's Justice Ministry says an international search for Sroubek was launched in 2013, over outstanding criminal matters. PM Jacinda Ardern has openly criticised the case for the first time. Jo Morgan has described the terrifying moment a deadly avalanche struck her and two climbing guides, saying it was like a "big fluffy wave" silently coming towards her.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 2, 201816 min

Minister orders Sroubek inquiry, and fake news in Northland

Immigration Iain Lees-Galloway today ordered an investigation of new information, which he says contradicted the information he relied on while deciding Sroubek's case. The investigation could take up to three weeks. He won't say what the information is, but NewstalkZB political editor Barry Soper understands it relates to Sroubek's ex-wife. An early Christmas present for NZ renters, as letting fees are banned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 1, 201816 min

New information on Karel Sroubek, avalanche tragedy at Mt Cook

New information's been revealed on the Karel Sroubek residency case. It's prompted Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway to seek urgent advice. Sroubek is believed to have returned to the Czech Republic since arriving in New Zealand in 2003, which would challenge any notion that his life might be at risk if he were deported.And the story of the deadly avalanche at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Police say there's little that could have been done to prevent the tragedy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 31, 201816 min

6.2 earthquake rattles NZ, claims of bullying by National

A 6.2 quake has shaken much of the central part of New Zealand. The epicentre was 25 kilometres southwest of Taumaranui at a depth of 207 kms. It was felt from South Canterbury to Hawkes Bay, even prompting temporary suspension of the sitting of Parliament. And the story of Karel Sroubek, the man granted permanent residency while serving a jail sentence for smuggling drugs, continues to develop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 30, 201815 min

Teacher shortage worsens and royals come into town.

Early childhood centres are joining schools in highlighting a major teacher shortage. Early-childhood centres say it's their worst-ever shortage, creating a market where qualified teachers can get "whatever they want". The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are also in New Zealand, taking the opportunity to raise mental health issues, and boost NZ fashion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 29, 201815 min

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Oct 22, 20181 min