Luxon 'shocked' by media advisor revelations, three charged with manslaughter over Loafers Lodge fire, and a fake doctor to pay close to $1 million to UK health.
1 PM 'shocked' at revelations about former staffer, top cop also unaware
Luxon said it was an "absolute shock" to learn a press secretary working in his office was reported to police for allegedly recording audio of sex workers without their consent before joining his staff.
His acting deputy chief press secretary, Michael Forbes, resigned yesterday morning after allegations emerged that he had recorded audio without the consent of Wellington sex workers.
2 Loafers Lodge fire: Three charged with manslaughter
The charges follow a two-year investigation into whether the state of the building and the management and compliance of its fire safety systems contributed to the fatal outcome.
Michael Wahrlich, Melvin Parun, Peter O'Sullivan, Kenneth Barnard and Liam Hockings died in the blaze that began shortly after midnight in Wellington on May 16, 2023.
3 Men smuggled card skimming gear into NZ in air fryers and laptops
A 21-year-old and another man hid scamming equipment in low-value electronics like air fryers, used laptops, and TV antennas.
The duo then targeted ATMs and parking machines, including at a hospital carpark.
The pair were sentenced in Auckland District Court on June 4.
4 Fake doctor who forged NZ degree ordered to pay close to $1m in UK
Zholia Alemi, 63, forged a medical degree from the University of Auckland and posed as a psychiatrist while she worked for the UK's National Health Service.
She was paid around NZ$2 million over the course of her more than 20-year employment.
"She cheated the public purse and £406,624 (NZ$913,657) will be paid in compensation" said the Crown prosecution.
5 Desley Simpson rules out Auckland mayoral bid
At a midday media conference at the Auckland Town Hall, Desley Simpson said she would not be challenging Wayne Brown for the mayoralty and would serve as his deputy mayor if both were re-elected.
"I am here to support the Mayor's vision," she said.
ONE HUNGRY ELEPHANT
Here's a tale of a peckish pachyderm.
Videos show the huge male elephant, known as Plai Biang Lek, briefly stopping in front of a shop next to a main road near the Khao Yai National Park in northeastern Thailand, before ducking his whole body inside.
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