Tom Phillips fatally shot by police, mushroom murderer Erin Patterson sentenced, and a breathtaking total lunar eclipse.
1 Tom Phillips fatally shot by police, officer critically injured
Tom Phillips was fatally shot by police this morning after firing at and critically injuring an officer during a burglary response this morning.
One of Phillips' three missing children was found at the scene and was now in police custody receiving "wraparound" support.
"Urgent inquiries" to locate the remaining two children were underway, acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jill Rogers said.
2 Mushroom killer Erin Patterson jailed for life, 33-year non-parole period
Australian killer cook Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum non-parole period of 33 years, at the Victoria Supreme Court.
The 50-year-old looked straight ahead as Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale handed down the sentence. She sat in court with her eyes closed for most of the sentencing as Justice Beale set out how she committed the crimes.
3 John Campbell: The growing rage and extremity of Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church
What exactly is the message of Brian Tamaki's Destiny Church?
TVNZ chief correspondent John Campbell highlighted some consistent themes: far-right prejudices, manifest anger and hatred. Meanwhile, for some former members, the church leaves a lasting taste of sadness and fear.
4 Pair sentenced over severe neglect of two dogs in Auckland
Two Auckland dog owners were sentenced after severe neglect left one dog so emaciated he had to be euthanised.
Both pleaded guilty to ill-treatment, receiving 12 months’ supervision, a five-year animal ownership ban, and $4867.50 in reparations.
The SPCA said the case was a heartbreaking example of prolonged suffering that could have been easily prevented.
5 Driver sought after burnouts outside New Plymouth police station
Footage circulating online showed a vehicle revving and skidding on Powerham St around 5pm on Saturday, with tyres screeching and thick smoke billowing into the air.
Police impounded the vehicle, but efforts are still ongoing to locate the driver.
Watch: Inside the four year-long case of the missing father and kids
The disappearance and the resulting investigation captivated the nation with twists and turns.
ONE BLOOD MOON
The total lunar eclipse was visible across New Zealand as the moon passed through Earth's shadow. Otago Museum director Ian Griffin described the breathtaking scene.
"It's been a fantastic eclipse, and what's special about this is the moon is fading as the sun rises, so you're getting these amazing colours – the blue sky and the red colour of the moon all over the hills."
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