Hamilton NZ Daily

18/12/2025

⚖️ Businesswoman Ordered to Repay Nearly $50k After Exploiting Workers

A Hamilton-based business owner has been ordered to repay almost $50,000 after exploiting vulnerable workers, including failing to pay wages and holiday entitlements over several months.

The court heard employees were made to work long hours without pay, one slept in the back of a van, and another was forced to repay wages after losing a pregnancy. The money was instead used to grow multiple businesses across Auckland and Waikato.

A judge described the explanations given as “nonsense” but ruled jail time would be disproportionately severe, ordering full reparations to the victims.

📰 Credit: NZ Herald

18/12/2025

⚠️ DANGER! AVOID THE AREA ⚠️
There are reports of a serious incident by the lake involving a shooting and a machete attack. Please stay away from the area for your own safety. Police and emergency services are on the scene.

18/12/2025

🚨 POLICE DENIED RESCUE HELICOPTER AFTER MISTAKENLY BELIEVING TEEN WAS DEAD

Firefighters repeatedly asked police to approve a rescue helicopter for a 13-year-old girl stranded on a Coromandel cliff, but the request was declined after police incorrectly believed she had already died.

The girl had watched her friend fall to his death at Hahei Beach and was left perched on the cliff in the dark for hours. With no helicopter approved, a Fire and Emergency specialist ropes team had to drive from Hamilton, eventually rescuing her just before midnight.

Internal call logs and emails later revealed police declined the helicopter in part due to cost concerns. Police have since admitted they failed to ask key questions and have formally apologised to the teen and her family.

Fire and Emergency staff described the situation as distressing and frustrating, warning delays like this could put lives at risk in future rescues.

📰 Credit: RNZ

18/12/2025

🎄🌦️ CHRISTMAS DAY WEATHER: HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT

Dreaming of a classic sunny Christmas? You might need a backup plan ☁️

Forecasters say Christmas Day weather across New Zealand is shaping up to be unsettled, with cloud, showers and even a risk of thunderstorms in some regions. The week leading up to Christmas has already been wet and windy, and that pattern may stick around.

🌬️ What’s driving it? Cool air aloft and low-pressure systems are expected to bring a westerly weather pattern, meaning more cloud and rain for western areas — especially in the South Island.

☀️ Good news: The east coast is currently looking like the best bet for drier conditions, and temperatures are still forecast to sit in the low to mid-20s for many places.

📍 Christmas Day highs (forecast): Auckland: 25°C Hamilton: 24°C Tauranga: 25°C Wellington: 20°C Christchurch: 23°C Dunedin: 19°C

⚠️ Keep in mind: forecasts can change, so it’s worth checking updates closer to the day and staying flexible with plans.

📰 Credit: RNZ

17/12/2025

🚨 HAMILTON HOME INVASION SENTENCING

Three years after a terrifying home invasion in Hamilton, the victims say they are still living with anxiety and sleepless nights.

In July 2022, four masked men forced their way into a Bader home, entering through both the front door and a sliding door at the back. The group stole personal items including a handbag, a PlayStation 4 and other belongings, leaving the occupants traumatised.

Two of those involved, Waitai Miru and Zephyer Chadwick, were sentenced last month in the Hamilton District Court after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery.

📰 Credit: NZ Herald

17/12/2025

🏉 MAJOR BLOW FOR ROTORUA EVENTS CALENDAR

Rotorua has lost five of the six major Māori rugby league tournaments it previously hosted after Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League withdrew the events from the city.

Organisers say they hope the tournaments can return in the future, but have called for Rotorua Lakes Council to be more welcoming and supportive of hosting the events.

The move marks a significant loss for Rotorua’s sporting and cultural calendar.

📰 Credit: NZ Herald

17/12/2025

🏉 NRL ALL STARS HIT HAMILTON AHEAD OF 2025 DOUBLE-HEADER 🏉

Some of the biggest names in rugby league were in Hamilton last week, getting a feel for the city ahead of the NRL All Stars double-header set for February 15.

The blockbuster event will see the Australian Indigenous Women’s All Stars face off against the New Zealand Māori Ferns, followed by the Australian Indigenous Men’s All Stars taking on the New Zealand Māori.

With excitement already building, the visit gave players a chance to connect with the city before one of next year’s most anticipated league events.

📰 Credit: NZ Herald

15/12/2025

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15/12/2025

🚨 CHILD AIRLIFTED AFTER NEAR-DROWNING AT RAGLAN 🚨

A four-year-old child has been airlifted to hospital after a near-drowning incident at Raglan campground.

Emergency services were alerted yesterday afternoon after the child was pulled from the water. A member of the public immediately began CPR, before Surf Life Saving NZ and Hato Hone St John responded.

The child was transported to hospital for further treatment.

Authorities are reminding families to stay vigilant around water, especially during busy summer periods.

📰 Credit: NZ Herald

15/12/2025

🚨 DO NOT APPROACH 🚨
Police are searching for a man in connection with a double homicide in Ruatiti, in the central North Island.

Police have named 29-year-old Mitchell Cole as a person of interest. He is believed to be in the Ruatiti area and should not be approached.

👮 Police say two victims were found at a rural property on Saturday afternoon. A large-scale scene examination is ongoing, with the Eagle helicopter assisting officers on the ground.

“If you see Mitchell Cole, call 111 immediately,” police say.

Additional police remain in the area, with reassurance patrols underway as the investigation continues.

📰 Credit: NZ Police

15/12/2025

🏏 What Is New Zealand’s Best Cricket Ground? Cricket writer Glenn Dwight weighs in on one of the great Kiwi debates — which ground truly deserves the top spot.

Cricket in New Zealand is more than a game; it’s the soundtrack of summer. From sunblock and cicadas to the unmistakable crack of bat on ball and the inevitable cry of “that’s plumb!”, every ground holds its own memories, magic, and loyal supporters.

But when tradition, atmosphere, and pure cricketing feel are all considered… which venue really stands above the rest?

📰 Credit: NZ Herald

15/12/2025

⚖️ High Court Imposes Five-Year Supervision Order on Convicted S*x Offender
The High Court has ordered convicted s*x offender Nathaniel James Mahoney to remain under strict supervision for a further five years.

The decision follows a hearing in Wellington assessing whether Mahoney posed an ongoing risk to the community. The court heard details of his past offending, including that he met one of his victims at a comic book convention.

Extended supervision orders are designed to manage risk and protect the public once an offender has completed their prison sentence.

📸 / 📰: NZ Herald