Court
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 26th September 2025
In today's episode, the man who lit the fatal Loafers Lodge blaze has been found guilty of five counts of murder, and guilty of one count of arson. A former minister says bold action is needed to… Audio
Loafers Lodge arsonist guilty of five murders
The man who lit the fatal Loafers Lodge blaze has been found guilty of five counts of murder, and guilty of one count of arson. Our reporter Lauren Crimp spoke to Charlotte Cook from outside the High… Audio
'I could see a very terrified girl': Friend's mother recalls night child fled from caregivers
The Oranga Tamariki caregivers are facing 35 violence and cruelty charges.
'Unrelenting offending': Serial shoplifter's crime spree while on bail
Between last October and July Heta stole $5086 worth of items from supermarkets and retail stores, plus petrol from various service stations.
Man accused of approaching schoolgirls to remain behind bars
Leo Darin Goodwin is subject to a preventive detention order for recidivist sexual violence.
The legalities of using the insanity defence in NZ courts
The insanity defence has been in the headlines recently, but for many of us it's not entirely clear what it means in practice. Audio
Former All White avoids conviction over spot fixing scheme
Clayton Lewis has avoided a formal conviction for his role in an A-League spot-fixing scheme.
Loafers Lodge trial jury does not reach verdict today
The jury deciding the fate of the man who lit the fatal Loafers Lodge blaze has been deliberating for eight hours so far.
Woman sentenced to home detention for $1.4m tax evasion
Haitelenisia Kaumavae ran a business supplying workers to fruit and vegetable growers for harvesting.
A race to change laws sees a sprint to the courts
A spate of legal cases have put the government up against industries and unions who say fast-tracked laws have been undemocratic.
A race to change laws sees a sprint to the courts
A spate of legal cases have put the Government up against industries and unions who say fast-tracked laws have been undemocratic. Audio
Hit-and-run driver swerved into relative, sending him flying, then drove off
The victim's sister said that for 1071 days the family had lived under the weight of trauma, grief and injustice.
Jury begins deliberations in suitcase murders trial
The defence argues Hakyung Lee suffered mental illness, when she killed her children four years ago.
'Bizarre and unusual': Fake Henderson dentist sentenced
One man's fillings fell out, while others endured poor root canals and misdiagnoses after years of deception from Narayan Prasad.
Defence have 'not even come close' to proving Loafers Lodge accused was insane - Crown
There is no dispute the accused lit the fire, but his lawyers say he is not guilty by reason of insanity.
Suitcase murders: Accused's lies all point to her guilt, says Crown
The jury heard the closing arguments today in the trial of Hakyung "Jasmine" Lee, who admitted causing her children's deaths in 2018.
'You will regret this' - Father and daughter in legal battle over overseas trip
A man took his daughter to court over $5000. He said it was a loan but she insisted it was a gift.
Court appoints mokopuna as guardian of kaumātua after whānau battle
The man's children and grandchildren undoubtedly have his best interests at heart, the judge says.
Real Estate agents fined after selling house couple 'can't even live in'
Waikato buyers are living in a caravan after agents failed to disclose asbestos risks and fake driveway access, leaving them with an uninsurable house.
Recidivist thief jailed for $25,000 crime spree
Cole Jenkins' most recent "indiscriminate" offending involved power tools, sunglasses and a $1500 e-scooter.