A Kiwi lawyer killed in Sydney, Auckland homes evacuated over 'hazardous substance', and women claims they were offloaded from an Air New Zealand flight because of their size.
1 Kiwi lawyer killed in suspected hit-and-run in Sydney
A Kiwi lawyer has died following a suspected hit-and-run in Sydney.
Mitch East, 28, was believed to be walking along Fletcher St in Tamarama, near Bondi, before he was found with critical injuries around 4am yesterday, Nine reports. He died of his injuries at the scene.
Police are investigating the circumstances around his death.
2 Auckland homes evacuated, road closed over 'hazardous substance'
Fire and Emergency New Zealand have been called to an Auckland suburb this afternoon, responding with seven crews and a hazmat unit.
Twenty-four firefighters are on the scene in Auckland's Kingsland after they were called shortly after 1pm.
Police say it was notified of the incident shortly after 1pm today, noting "concerns for a person's wellbeing".
3 Women say they were removed from Air NZ flight due to their size
Two women claim to have been traumatised after they say were offloaded from an Air New Zealand flight because of their size.
Angel Harding has complained about the way she was treated by a flight attendant after boarding for the flight from Napier to Auckland last Friday.
The plane turned back during taxiing and all the passengers were taken off. Harding said she and her friend were subsequently not allowed to reboard and they were told that in future they should book two seats each.
4 Wizard of Oz ruby slippers theft: Another man charged, sex tape link
A second man has been charged in connection with the 2005 theft of a pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz, according to an indictment newly unsealed.
Jerry Hal Saliterman, 76, of Crystal, was charged with theft of a major artwork and witness tampering. He did not enter a plea when he made his first court appearance Friday.
5 'Almost cried' — Dave Letele charity receives lifeline
The charity run by community leader Dave Letele has received a lifeline after being forced to cut its support for 500 families due to a lack of government funding.
The boxer turned community leader and his organisation, BBM Motivation, offer vital services for communities across the country – "helping people achieve their personal health, fitness, and life goals".
ONE INFORMATIVE READ
Is 65 still the magic number?
With an ageing population and questions over the sustainability of the current superannuation scheme, pension tension in New Zealand remains high. What to know about NZ's superannuation debate.
Anna Murray, Opinion and Explainers Editor explains.
ONE COMMUNITY-CENTRED STORY
Residents of a rural south Auckland community are devastated over a decision to sell a much-loved community hall, which residents donated to the council during World War II.
The hall, built in 1899 by locals and home to a war memorial, has been closed since a fire broke out in 2021 at the front part of the building.
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