Abuse in Care: Low prosecution rate
Police have prosecuted fewer than one in 10 of the cases referred from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. However, 93 were closed without prosecution with 47 (42.7%) not meeting the test for prosecution under Solicitor-General's prosecution guidelines. Photo: RNZCooper Legal principal partner Sonja Cooper, whose firm had acted for hundreds of abuse survivors and victims, said she was not surprised by the statistic. The prosecution guidelines should be reviewed, Clearwater said. "Decisions to prosecute should be made in accordance with agency's prosecution policies and the test for prosecution as set out in the guidelines.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 18, 2026 19:23 UTC
Weather: Subtropical low to bring heavy rain and severe gales to upper North Island
According to MetService’s severe weather outlook, heavy rain is likely in Northland, with a low confidence that a heavy rainfall warning will be required. However, there is a moderate chance of MetService issuing a heavy rain warning for the north and east of Northland. “The chances for heavy rain warnings increase, including those for severe gales,” he said. According to MetService’s severe weather outlook, there is a moderate chance for severe north easterly gales for Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel. There is also a moderate chance of heavy rain for Northland.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 19:02 UTC
Unpacking the details of New Zealand’s free trade deal with India
Indeed, both sides have described the free trade agreement (FTA) as a shot in the arm for their respective economies. What's the current status of the New Zealand-India free trade agreement? New Zealand Herald business commentator Fran O'Sullivan said the free trade agreement "could reshape our exports - and our politics". According to the Indian government, the free trade agreement boosts India's pharmaceuticals and medical devices sector by making provision for faster regulatory access. Photo: 123rf.comOn immigration, what has been included in the free trade agreement?
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 19:00 UTC
Black Caps secure historic series win
Glenn Phillips scored a century in the win over India. Kohli reached a record-extending 54th ODI century and Rana hit a whirlwind 52 off 43 balls, before a decisive over from Zak Foulkes broke India's resistance. The way we built partnerships, with (Will) Young and GP (Phillips)," said Mitchell, who was named Player of the Series. New Zealand had lost their seven previous ODI series in India. First time a NZ team has won an ODI series here, that's special," New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell said.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 18, 2026 18:59 UTC
Socks & Jandals: How To Nail Fashion’s ‘Wrong Shoe Theory’ Trend
In Copenhagen, design-savant Danes pedal bicycles wearing socks and Mary Janes. In November, the Skims founder was photographed in Rio de Janeiro wearing a sporty red, white and black Balenciaga outfit finished with white Havaianas and black socks. Shock-jock Kim went the whole hog with toe socks. A few years ago, joyful designer Stine Goya sent models down the runway at Copenhagen Fashion Week wearing patterned pantyhose and platform flip flops. Try theseMckinlays x Commonplace Boundary Sandal, $189The Row Ginza Flip Flops, $2628Havaianas x Zara sandals, $30 (on sale)Bronwyn heeled jandals, $309H&H jandal, $4, from The WarehouseMaggie Marilyn cashmere socks, $95Tabi socks, $20, from KimonoMoLaceflower hiking socks, $95Injinji toe socks, $25Zambesi merino socks, $60Tabi socks, $25, from Karen WalkerElle & Riley cashmere socks, $100More on styleBecause what we wear is personal.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 18:56 UTC
Monster lily steals the show
Otago lily judges (from left) Celia Joyce, Margaret Laughton and Liz Bremer get pointers on the art of judging lilies from New Zealand Lily Society president Rex Lyes, of Christchurch. On Saturday, the sweet scent of hundreds of lilies permeated the air in the St Kilda Bowling Club rooms as the Otago Lily Society held its annual show. North East Valley resident and beginner gardener Laura Hudson’s prize-winning lily, which took first place in the novice oriental lily category and second overall. While flicking though the drenched pages, she found out the Otago Lily Society was holding its annual show the next day. Otago Lily Society show organiser Karen Judge said she was really pleased for Ms Hudson getting such a great placing as a first-time entrant.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 18, 2026 18:49 UTC
Three charged over unprovoked attacks at party in Churton Park, Wellington
Police investigating an assault in Churton Park, Wellington, are seeking help to identify three men seen at a Mobil gas station. Three charged over unprovoked attacks at party in Churton Park, WellingtonPolice investigating an assault in Churton Park, Wellington, are seeking help to identify three men seen at a Mobil gas station. Photo / NZ PoliceThree people have been charged and police are hunting a fourth after a group of masked men allegedly stormed a party and assaulted young people in a violent, unprovoked attack. Seven people were injured in the serious assaults that happened in the Wellington suburb of Churton Park last month. Acting Detective Sergeant Laura Murdoch said about 90 young people were there at the supervised, invitation-only party.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 18:36 UTC
Christopher Luxon signals Cabinet reshuffle as election year kicks off, polling date out ‘shortly’
Hours out from today’s keynote speech, Luxon said he wouldn’t be announcing any new policy or an election date, but the latter was coming “very shortly”. Luxon had till today stayed silent on recent global events, including Trump’s plan to take over Greenland and the arrest of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. Fixing basics, building futureThe National Party has been focused on “fixing the basics and building the future” since late last year. Luxon is not expected to reveal this year’s election date this morning; it’s likely to be unveiled on Wednesday at National’s annual caucus retreat in Christchurch. While events in New Zealand have been relatively quiet over the holiday period, Luxon is likely to address global events, which have been ramping up.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 18:36 UTC
Black Caps v India: Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips centuries seal ODI series win in India
The Black Caps then bowled out India for 296 in 46 overs despite Kohli’s 54th ODI century and clinched the three-match series 2-1. New Zealand had lost all seven of their previous ODI series in India, a run dating back to 1988. New Zealand left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox returned figures of 2-42 from his 10 overs after Bracewell left the field with a calf injury and did not return. Mitchell reached his ninth ODI ton with a single off Ravindra Jadeja before Phillips also brought up his hundred. The teams next play five T20 matches in a final tune-up for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka between February 7 and March 8.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 18:14 UTC
$2500 a day: Dunedin hospital Crown manager’s fee more than doubles from previous roles
Evan Davies is group chief executive at Todd Corporation, a role he will juggle with being Crown manager of the Dunedin hospital new build. The framework does not anticipate the specific role of Crown manager but the highest daily fee it recommends is $1645. He said the previous Government failed to secure a construction contract, despite repeated promises, and since appointing Davies as Crown manager one has now been signed. Health Minister Simeon Brown has appointed a Crown manager of the New Dunedin Hospital build and a Crown observer on the Health NZ board to strengthen his grip on health services and infrastructure delivery. “Ironically they have now returned to the same site, plan and Crown manager as appointed by Labour in Government,” she said.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 18:12 UTC
Student 'will be killed' if he returns to Iran
About 25 protesters gathered in the Octagon yesterday to stand in solidarity with civilians in Iran. PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIENAn Iranian expat living in Dunedin on a temporary visa says he would be killed if he returned to his country. Chanting included "down with Islamic Republic in Iran", "stop genocide in Iran" and "regime change for Iran". Mr Zaheri said, because they had shared photos and videos protesting on social media, he would be killed if he went back to Iran. "If Islamic regime is still there, and I go to Iran, they’re going to kill me.
Source:Otago Daily Times
January 18, 2026 18:04 UTC
Kiwi soldier loses leg, but stays on Ukraine battlefield for five days
New Zealander Khol Gillies – who hails from Hawke’s Bay - lost his left leg while fighting for the Ukraine International Legion, and has since been awarded a medal for valour after his battlefield heroics. “During a fierce attack in Ukraine, Khol lost his left leg while holding his position and protecting his team,” the page said. He remained at his post for five days until evacuation was possible.”An online fundraiser has been created to provide further support to Khol Gillies. The fundraiser for Khol Gillies talks of his courage on the battlefield, even after being seriously injured. Photo / Supplied“This campaign aims to support Khol through recovery, rehabilitation, and rebuilding his life.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 17:59 UTC
Street price of meth dropped to new low in 2025, cocaine ‘easy’ to get according to new research by Massey University
The average price of a “point” of meth - or 0.1g, which is the usual quantity consumed - was $74 in 2025. Wilkins described the ongoing drop in the price of meth as “dramatic and persistent”, which had reached a new low with unwelcome ramifications for the wider public. Research shows how cocaine becoming easier to accessThe drug survey also revealed that cocaine supply and use continue to grow. Chaired by Steve Symon, a veteran prosecutor in Auckland, the advisory group produced monthly reports with detailed recommendations on topics such as money laundering, corruption, and information-sharing. Now it’s about working out how to make it happen.”Jared Savage covers crime and justice issues, with a particular interest in organised crime.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 17:32 UTC
Christopher Luxon’s election-year opener: Prime Minister to remind New Zealanders of steady progress as Donald Trump causes turbulence overseas
Keeping a low-profile has been this Government’s modus operandi when it comes to Donald Trump’s administration. The Prime Minister hasn’t commented on that or on the potential global implications if the US central bank’s independence is damaged. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will seek to remind New Zealanders of areas where the Government believes it's making solid progress. Concern over crime has dropped significantly in that survey since it was a high point prior to the 2023 election. But as the Herald reported last week, crime data can be cherry-picked to fit certain narratives.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 17:30 UTC
Europe hits back at Trump tariff threat over Greenland
Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to seize Greenland since returning to the White House for a second term. They would rise to 25% from June 1 “until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland”, Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel, meanwhile, called Trump’s threat an “inexplicable” form of “blackmail”. “In this escalation of tariffs, [Trump] has a lot to lose as well, as do his own farmers and industrialists,” she told broadcasters Europe 1 and CNews. Norway, targeted by Trump’s tariffs threat but, like Britain, not an EU member, said it was not currently looking at retaliation against US goods.
Source:New Zealand Herald
January 18, 2026 16:57 UTC