1. Luxon says Police Minister 'muddled his words' on pledge
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has confirmed the Government still hopes to recruit 500 new police officers in the next two years, contradicting Police Minister Mark Mitchell's suggestion it could take longer than that.
Labour earlier criticised Mitchell's apparent shift.
2. Work and Income case manager tells client to 'rob a bank'
A Work and Income case manager shouted at a client to shut up and asked him if he wanted to go back to prison when he sought housing support. The Social Development Ministry said a recording of the event was "totally unacceptable in any circumstances".
3. Total fire ban to come into effect in Canterbury
Canterbury is moving to a total fire ban tonight after a series of significant vegetation fires in the past several weeks.
It comes after a hot day for parts of New Zealand with MetService issuing a heat alert for Auckland.
4. Second alleged bird poisoning at Auckland park in under a week
More birds have been allegedly poisoned at an Auckland park for the second time in under a week, shocking local residents.
Click here for the full story.
5. Ex-MP Golriz Ghahraman charged with stealing nearly $10k in clothing
Ghahraman is accused of stealing nearly $10,000 worth of clothing across three separate incidents at two stores, court documents show.
The former Green Party justice spokesperson had also been due to appear in court tomorrow, but the date has now been pushed back to later this month.
ONE UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR A POLITICAL PARTY
Speculation continues to swirl over which Green MPs will put up their hand to replace outgoing co-leader James Shaw following his resignation yesterday.
Read John Campbell's analysis piece on what lies ahead here.
ONE WHITE LIE CAN SURE SPIRAL
A little white lie never hurt anyone, right? Well, not quite according to resident sage Maddy Phillips.
Read on to hear her advice on whether it's best to come clean to a colleague you've lied to or become tangled in a web of deceit.
SHARE ME