Herald on Sunday

Probe launched into school exorcism claims

An investigation is under way into claims “deliverance and exorcism” rituals to rid students of “demonic serpents” were performed by staff at an embattled Auckland school. Two staff members at Wesley College have been suspended amid concerns the...

CELEBRITY HOT SPOTS

The Herald’s annual search for New Zealand’s Best Beach is now open. To inspire your nominations, we asked some well-known New Zealanders to share their favourites. Do you agree with their picks? Go online to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach to submit your...

CRAYFISH CRACKDOWN

After gathering crayfish and pāua with his mates during a dive trip at a remote South Island beach, Joshua Spooner took to social media with a picture of a seafood in a chiller bag and the words “30 each, big ones 50”. The page was called Cray Cray...

‘The right place for me to be’

The first hours of a new year are meant to hold promise — a fresh start, a clean slate. But in Nelson last summer, celebration turned to tragedy. This holiday season, our top cop has vowed to return to where a routine patrol left a community shattered....

‘Business model may have collapsed’

“I’m a big proponent of all this stuff, and I’m happy to work with the Government, with the film commission, with everybody that’s involved in this – especially now I have a little more free time than I did while I was trying to get this film done,” he...

‘NEARLY BROKE ME’

The Kiwi cricket legend has been through it all – from the highs of international stardom as one of the game’s great all-rounders to the lows of match-fixing allegations, a series of life-changing illnesses which left him in a wheelchair and, more...

‘BITCOIN JESUS’

The home in which Kim Dotcom lives cannot be sold without the blessing of a cryptocurrency evangelist and investor known as “Bitcoin Jesus” who has just cut an $89 million deal with the United States’ Department of Justice to stay out of...

SWIPE FOR DRUGS

Drug dealers are using dating apps to sell their illegal substances, the Herald on Sunday can reveal. Class A drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as other drugs like ketamine, ecstasy, GHB and cannabis can be found online. Tinder and...

‘I heard my boys scream’

Amother made a desperate bid with a garden hose to save her Island Bay house from going up in flames before the inferno destroyed her family of four’s “dream home”. Schamet Horsfield, together with her husband, Gray, and two sons, escaped mostly...

FIELD OF DREAMS

Twin teenagers Adrian and Douw O’Kelly love their rugby, a potent combination at halfback and first fiveeighths for the Illinois state champion club, New Trier. But before they can carve it up each week, they have to build their field of dreams from...

Cop leaked intel to gang member lover

Arookie constable leaked police intelligence to her gang member boyfriend shortly after starting her new career, the Herald can reveal. The case raises serious questions about the vetting of police recruits and highlights the growing threat of...

Tattoo injuries cost Kiwis dear

Tattoo-related injuries are behind hundreds of ACC claims every year, costing the country hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. One woman told the Herald that her tattooist husband last month repaired the tattoos of a man who nearly had both legs...

‘FINISH THE JOB’

Three years ago, I received your voting support as Mayor to implement my five policies to lift the financial and service delivery of Auckland Council. These were to stop wasting money, finish the big projects, take back control of the...

GIVEALITTLE BATTLE

The pregnant partner of a young dad killed in a beach tragedy has gone to the High Court after a family feud led to her being cut from receiving any funds donated to Givealittle after his death. Devoted dad Kane Hanna Watson died in hospital on August...

NZ SAYS NO

“This is an independent decision of New Zealand” — Prime Minister Christopher Luxon “New Zealanders will feel let down by Christopher Luxon and his Government today” — Labour foreign affairs spokesman Peeni Henare “A stain on Aotearoa’s reputation...

Schoolboy bushman to fugitive father

Slain fugitive dad Tom Phillips spent several months outdoors learning bushcraft and survival skills while attending one of New Zealand’s most prestigious private schools, the Herald can reveal. The award-winning outdoors programme included “firearms...

OUR HOUSE

All Blacks 24 Springboks 17 Fortress Eden Park preserved. Ardie Savea’s century celebrated. Job done, with some serious jitters, for Scott Robertson’s All Blacks. Fuelled by their first loss in Argentina and resuming the game’s greatest rivalry, the...

Teacher used ‘two-way mirror’

Former students of a predator teacher believe he used a “two-way classroom mirror” to film sex abuse material involving students. Now in their late 20s, they say there were clear warning signs about Fisher’s behaviour more than a decade before he was...

‘If they could buy property, they’d invest’

Expected changes to the foreign buyer ban are unlikely to trouble the vast majority of Kiwi homeowners, property experts claim, but questions remain about the mechanics of a scheme designed to encourage the ultra-rich to invest their money and business...

New hope in murder case Genetic tool may help identify who killed 6-year-old Alicia O’Reilly 45 years ago

Anew genetic investigative tool could help police catch the person who raped and killed 6-year-old Alicia O’Reilly 45 years ago. Alicia was raped and murdered in her bed as her 8-year-old sister Juliet slept metres away in the same room inside their...

WHICH AUCKLANDER’S RATES TOP $200K?

Auckland’s wealthiest residents are digging deeper into their pockets to pay their share of Auckland Council’s $3.49 billion rates take, up nearly $300 million from last year. Some will be paying between $100,000 and more than $200,000 in annual rates...

TRAPPED BY THE FEED

During the past decade, the number of people with eating disorders in New Zealand has been steadily increasing. The causes behind the illness are complex but specialists agree social media is contributing. Reporter Eva de Jong talks to experts, those...

‘CARELESS IMMIGRATION’

Winston Peters is concerned with the number of migrants entering New Zealand and is observing an “alarming development” overseas where “careless immigration policies” are “transforming cities” and “changing centuries of development and social...

NCEA FUTURE IN DOUBT?

A damning Government briefing has mentioned significant concerns about the credibility of New Zealand’s main secondary school qualification. The document, obtained exclusively by the Herald on Sunday, was presented by officials to Education Minister...

FRENCH TOAST

That’s more like it. The All Blacks banished last week’s shaky first-test victory to expose an inexperienced French side with a largely clinical performance to lock away their first silverware of the season, the Dave Gallaher Trophy, in...

‘CROP SITTERS’

More than 200 people were able to enter New Zealand on work visas for defunct businesses later exposed as fronts for a vast network of cannabis ‘grow houses’ in Auckland, the Herald on Sunday can reveal. Vietnamese organised crime groups are renowned...

‘A HUGE RELIEF’

A pensioner allegedly attacked by a businessman in a road rage incident involving a $430,000 supercar says he feels intense relief after police dropped their prosecution against him. However, he can’t understand why he was ever charged and says the...

NORTH IN THE FAST LANE

Three groups of construction and infrastructure companies will bid to build the next section of the Northland Expressway. Transport Minister Chris Bishop today revealed the three consortia, selected by the NZ Transport Agency, would move on to the next...

A DIM PROGNOSIS

Hospital bullies, mismanaged priorities, disparities between public and private health care — Auckland-based Dr Ivor Popovich is not holding back. Every second day, he saw media interviews with people complaining about hospital wait times – patients...

‘THE LOST BOYS’

A 13-strong band of boys’ schools are pulling their collective resources together in a bid to improve the outcomes of young men in New Zealand. It comes after a UK report highlighted a demographic it says was “genuinely and increasingly disadvantaged”...

‘The Polkinghorne rule’

A pair of King’s Counsel have expressed their support for a new membership clause at the Northern Club after Remuera eye doctor Philip Polkinghorne’s trial. Known among some patrons of the ivy-covered private establishment as the Polkinghorne rule, it...

'MĀORI HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR'

David Seymour says he is ready to fill the big shoes of Winston Peters. “I’ll have to comb my hair but I’m not blow-waving,” Seymour laughed, alluding to the NZ First leader's immaculate dress sense and appearance. Seymour will take the role as part of...

‘SCARED TO DEATH’

A Herald on Sunday investigation has uncovered allegations of unsafe practices against a Rarotongan operator, who takes people on snorkelling and paddleboard trips. One woman says she found herself drifting towards the open sea in a notorious passage...

‘SHOCKINGLY INADEQUATE’

It has been a year since an elderly couple were found dead on their lifestyle property after a rogue ram entered their paddock and killed them. But despite an investigation into the deaths of Alfred Hansen, 82, and his wife Gaye, 81, there are still...

MY BRILLIANT, GENTLE BOY

American student Kyle Whorrall has been remembered by his mother as a deeply caring person who loved the natural world. The 33-year-old died after being attacked while sitting in a Meadowbank bus stop last month. Speaking publicly for the first time...

PEOPLE’S POPE FAREWELLED

Some had waited overnight to farewell the champion of the poor and the Catholic Church’s first Latin American leader. The Vatican City ceremony was attended by world leaders including US President Donald Trump and New Zealand’s Prime Minister...

CONFUSION REIGNS

•Dozens of Aucklanders were hit by flooding as emergency services scrambled to respond to 175 call-outs during “intense” thunderstorms. •Residents say the storm hit before any warning was issued, while MetService said thunderstorms are “notoriously...

Lorde: ‘Call me’. . . maybe

Fans can now text Lorde. The pop star’s latest cryptic message to fans included a US phone number inviting them to join her community, fuelling speculation that a new album is on the way. Yesterday, subscribers to the Auckland native’s newsletters...

1250-HOME ‘URBAN VILLAGE’ FAST-TRACKED

A huge plot of pastoral land north of Auckland appears set to be fast-tracked into the city’s next major urban village. The development claims it will build 1250 homes near Ōrewa and provide a $250 million boost to the economy. It is also linked to a...

‘PREDATOR PLAYGROUND’

Alerts from social media platform Snapchat about predatory grooming and child sex abuse material shared by users in New Zealand has more than doubled in a 12-month period, according to figures obtained exclusively by the Herald on Sunday. A recent...

COP KILLER’S ‘QUACKERY’

A man who was jailed over the death of a police officer appears to have reinvented himself as a health guru. Iain Clegg was found guilty of manslaughter in 2011 over the death of undercover police officer Don Wilkinson. But Clegg, who was released on...

MARAMA DAVIDSON

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson has opened up about her breast cancer battle and revealed former National Party politician Nikki Kaye was told before her own family. “She knew before my husband, she knew before any of my children. She knew before...

COACH SUSPENDED OVER ABUSE CLAIMS

A Christchurch gymnastics coach, who has coached athletes at the Commonwealth Games, has been suspended for six weeks after an investigation triggered by multiple complaints. In a letter addressed to New Zealand’s rhythmic gymnastics community,...

‘I LED THEM INTO DISASTER’

Jeremy Capper is the sole survivor of a group of friends after a horrific crash caused by an allegedly meth-impaired driver. Capper lost an arm and a leg from the crash while his three mates, Lesley Brooks, 46, Luke Shaw and Jacob “Pudding” Coady,...

WAR GAMES

● Crew members on HMNZS Te Kaha, shadowing the Chinese ships with the help of a P-8A Poseidon, reported behaviour consistent with live-fire activity. ● Defence Minister Judith Collins said the Chinese assets, including a cruiser and frigate, had...

‘NO PLACE FOR THUGGERY’

Auckland’s mayor has spoken out strongly after a weekend of rainbow community events in the city was disrupted by Destiny church members. Wayne Brown said the actions of Destiny church members yesterday were totally unacceptable after they forced...

SEYMOUR’S LETTER SUPPORTING POLKINGHORNE

Senior Government minister David Seymour wrote a letter to police supporting Philip Polkinghorne during the investigation into his wife’s death. Seymour’s letter to Auckland District Commander Karyn Malthus accused police of inappropriate practices and...

‘EMOTIONAL CARNAGE’

A woman whose Mother’s Day celebration resulted in death when she hit another motorist head-on at 156km/h in an Auckland neighbourhood has been sentenced to prison. Arohanui Ahimoka Siakifilo, 30, unintentionally killed her 25-year-old sister in the...

BIRTHDAY PARTY TRAGEDY

The family of a woman who died after inhaling helium from a canister at her child’s birthday party have described their desperate efforts to save her. Faith Waterman Batistich’s loved ones also say helium sales should be restricted after a moment of...

Govt in neutral on REPLACING CROWN CARS

Despite being an “immediate priority” when the Government came into office, replacing the Crown car fleet used to chauffeur ministers won’t occur until later this year. The Department of Internal Affairs confirmed to the Herald on Sunday it anticipates...

‘PATHETIC CALL’

The widow of All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu says the couple’s sons were prevented from using tennis courts after a dispute over her father’s lack of coaching credentials. Mervyn Quirk, Nadene Lomu’s dad, took his grandsons, Brayley and Dhyreille Lomu, to...

COURTROOM CHAOS

The pressure faced by Kiwis during court cases has turned many justice buildings across New Zealand into volatile spaces with nearly 450 assaults occurring in just five years. The escalating violence appears to be linked to rising tensions at court...

‘WE CAN UNDERSTAND THE RISK’

Former Māori All Black and NZ sevens player Shane Christie fears head trauma suffered on the field has left him with CTE. The 39-year-old will donate his brain to medical science upon his death so we can learn more about the neurodegenerative disease....

CRIMS NEAR SCHOOLS PLAN SCRAPPED

A plan to house child sex offenders in a building near multiple Auckland schools and daycares has been dropped after a community outcry. Corrections dumped the proposal after receiving “feedback” on the transitional house, which was due to be leased...

Several arrests as Mob mourners flout patch ban

‘TRYING TO MAKE MEMORIES’

Paige Suisted has less than 18 months to live, but no one would be able to tell from her smile and energy. The 26-year-old was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer this year. “I can’t be fixed. I’m never going to be okay,” she said. “So everything I...

GANG WARFARE

Police are already seeking to expand the list of gangs covered by the new patch ban legislation. Specialist police staff are working on a broadened list of gangs they will ask the Government to add to the Gangs Act 2024 so those groups and their...

TIKTOK HORROR

Documentary maker Nadia Maxwell posed as a 13-year-old girl on TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat as part of an experiment to better understand how the apps worked. What she discovered was “disturbing, discombobulating and gross”. TikTok’s algorithm...

‘They didn’t need to treat him like this’

A military veteran whose driver’s licence was suspended after a minor traffic accident died in a suspected suicide after writing an email in which he said: “I just cannot imagine life unable to drive.” Doug Domigan, 86, was found dead in his home by...

‘I JUST WENT INTO SHOCK’

A female football coach has been left with a traumatic brain injury after being struck from behind on the sideline at a kid’s tournament by an opposing parent in Auckland. Six weeks later, the mother of two has spoken for the first time about the...

‘PREDATORY’

Single cigarettes are being sold in some of Auckland’s poorest communities, which community leaders and academics have called “disgusting”. During a sting, the Herald used a hidden camera while buying single cigarettes at two dairies in Manurewa where...

‘A MIRACLE’

In the two months Lapi Toilolo Fanuasā has been fighting for his life in hospital, he has had lifesaving brain surgery, marked his 21st birthday and discovered his older brother was among three men killed in a crash that left him with critical...

LUXON TANGLED IN $220K AI DEEPFAKE SCAM

A grandmother lost more than $220,000 to scammers after being duped by an AI-generated deepfake video of Christopher Luxon encouraging investment in cryptocurrency. Experts believe a largescale international criminal network is behind the operation —...

‘NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT’

A new housing complex in Auckland has seen a top developer call the public agency’s record of running up billions in debt a national scandal. Kāinga Ora yesterday allowed neighbours to view its newly built Meadowbank homes, saying it spent $11m on nine...

THE PUPPETEER

Thirteen years ago, Natalia Burgess was exposed as “the Facebook predator” who was targeting teenage boys. She was jailed – but when she was released she returned to her bizarre ways. David Fisher goes inside the fantasy world of a woman who has...