Razor names his first All Blacks squad, the Housing Minister announces major changes to housing and planning and a man is charged after trying to steal 241 blocks of chocolate.
1 Scott 'Razor' Robertson reveals first squad for England test
Damian McKenzie has been handed the responsibility of leading the All Blacks’ attack in the first Test against England. He was widely assumed to be named at No.10, but the next assumption was that Beauden Barrett, recently returned from a Japan sabbatical, would take the No.15 jersey.
Not so. Stephen Perofeta has the honour of starting there in Dunedin in his first Test since 2022, with Barrett on the reserves bench.
Robertson said Barrett took the news "like a true pro".
"Whatever is required for this team… he’s covering a couple of positions and can slot in at any time."
2 Man with 35 convictions against women to be deported from Australia to New Zealand
Glenn Taylor was born in New Zealand but has lived in Australia since he was four years old. He has a history of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and assaulting at least two police officers.
He had his visa cancelled by Australian immigration authorities under a new policy which gives greater weight to community safety when appeals tribunals make decisions on visa cancellations.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said Taylor was an "unacceptable risk" to the community and would likely reoffend.
3 'No words can express our sadness' – family of Kiwi woman killed in US attempted robbery
Patricia McKay, 68, was killed after being struck by a vehicle after a robbery at the Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach, California yesterday.
In a statement this morning, McKay's family said: "No words can express our sadness as we try to come to terms with the loss of our mother, wife, and friend Patricia."
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his thoughts were "with the McKay family after the devastating loss of Trish".
"They’re great people and my heart goes out to Doug, their family and all those who knew Trish."
4 Housing Minister announces major changes to planning and zoning
Smashing urban boundaries and "flooding" the market with new houses is the stated aim of reforms by Housing Minister Chris Bishop.
This morning, the minister revealed six changes he hopes will “free up land for development”.
“Solving our housing crisis will mean a more productive, wealthier and better New Zealand and today’s announcements are a step on the journey.”
Labour said the strategy "may look good on paper, but...hasn't been thought through," while the Green Party said it will "not be enough to turn the tide on a status quo of urban sprawl".
5 $7m-winning Lotto ticket sat in handbag for two weeks before being checked
An Auckland couple were the last of seven winners to claim their $7.18m prize after the husband checked it on the MyLotto app nearly two weeks after the draw.
The ticket had been kept in his wife's handbag for safekeeping.
The couple then called a family meeting to tell their children the news. “There were lots of tears for sure. They’ve worked incredibly hard all their lives for us, they really deserve this," one of their children said.
ONE STADIUM NAME REVEAL
Currently under construction in central Christchurch, the $683m roofed stadium formerly dubbed Te Kaha will hold up to 36,000 people at concert capacity.
Telecommunications company One New Zealand was announced the naming rights partner this morning. Chief executive Jason Paris said the One New Zealand Stadium would "bring the best music, live entertainment and sports" to the region.
ONE SWEET-TOOTHED THIEF
A man will appear in court on multiple burglary and shoplifting charges after a spate of thefts across south Auckland supermarkets, including a thwarted attempt to steal nearly 250 bars of Whittaker's chocolate.
"On-site security staff were able to lock the trolley, which the offender has then tried to drag before it has tipped over and all items were recovered before he got too far," police said.
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