Justice Issues – Sensible Sentencing Trust calls for minimum non-parole sentences for Coward’s Punches

August 15, 2025

Source: Sensible Sentencing Trust

15 August 2025 – The Sensible Sentencing Trust has today called on the Government to refresh its recent Cowards Punch law announcement with meaningful reform as had been achieved in multiple Australian States – rather than a tough-sounding headline with no actual teeth.

SST National Spokesperson, Louise Parsons today said: “While we welcome the Government’s willingness to address the broad issue, the proposal to introduce a new Cowards Punch law is little more than a name change from ‘Manslaughter’ to ‘Coward’s Punch’ with no change to sentencing requirements. The maximum sentence for both is ‘Life’ which is of course never imposed. It is the sentence that matters, not what it’s called – and not what the irrelevant maximum sentence is.”

“The glaring omission in the recent announcement, is the failure to propose a robust minimum non-parole sentence – which Sensible Sentencing Trust recomm

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Environment – ECAN study confirms Canterbury nitrate issue escalating – Greenpeace

LiveNews Publisher

August 15, 2025

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling on Environment Canterbury (ECan) to put an end to dairy expansion on the plains, following new data that shows nitrate contamination worsening in the region.

ECan’s latest Annual Ground Water Quality Survey released this week shows that nitrate-nitrogen contamination is worsening across 62% of groundwater wells, while 18% show no change in contamination and 20% show a decrease, in sites where a ten-year trend can be established

“This data confirms what’s been clear for years: nitrate contamination is a worsening crisis for Canterbury. Everybody should have access to clean, safe drinking water, but for many Cantabrians, turning on the kitchen tap means worrying about getting sick,” says Greenpeace freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe.

“The ECan study directly acknowledges that the main source of nitrate contamination is intensive dairying and the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. It points out that most affected communities are those ‘in areas around and downstream of intensive farming’.

“Despite the worsening freshwater crisis, ECan has given approval for a wave of dairy expansions across the region, which will devastate freshwater ecosystems and increase nitrate contamination of drinking water.”

Since the start of the year, Environment Canterbury has approved over a dozen resource consents for dairy expansions, enabling nearly 16,000 cattle to be added to the region’s dairy herd.

“Town supplies in Hinds, Darfield and Oxford have already exceeded 5 mg/L, levels of nitrate associated with an increased risk of cancer and pre-term birth. As nitrate levels increase, it’s only a matter of time before a baby in Canterbury is seriously harmed by Blue Baby Syndrome as a result of nitrate-contaminated drinking water,” says Appelbe. “This is a serious health issue that Environment Canterbury should be deeply concerned by.”

“It’s not too late to turn things around. If we reduce the number of dairy cows and phase out the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, we can restore water quality and ensure that everyone, no matter where they live, has access to clean, safe drinking water.

“Environment Canterbury is utterly failing in its responsibility to protect sources of drinking water. People across the region expect better, and are willing to stand up for safe drinking water. Candidates standing for the Canterbury Regional Council in the upcoming local elections must commit to clean drinking water for all, and to end the intensive dairy industry’s contamination of groundwater.”

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Police and DOC working together to find sea lion killers

LiveNews Publisher

August 15, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Ōamaru Police and the Department of Conservation (DOC) are executing a joint investigation into the cruel shooting of three endangered sea lions at Waitaki River on Saturday 9 August.

Two of the sea lions died, and a third wounded sea lion sadly had to be euthanised. Local iwi were notified of the situation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nik Leigh says the incident has upset the community, DOC, and Police.

“This is a senseless act against a protected species and we’re eager to find those responsible and hold them to account,” he says.

The investigation is ongoing and both organisations are assessing evidence and following lines of enquiry.

DOC Operations Director for Southern South Island, Aaron Fleming, says the response to the call for information has been heartening.

“Thousands of New Zealanders are sharing in our shock and disgust.

“Everyone who sees and shares the news could bring us another step closer to finding who is responsible,” he says.

If you know anything about the killings of the sea lions, please get in touch:

Contact Police on 105 quoting event number P063434540 or visit the Ōamaru Police Station.
Call 0800 DOCHOT to speak to DOC.

ENDS

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Arrest made, bikes seized in ongoing operation cracking down on illegal trail bike usage

LiveNews Publisher

August 15, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Senior Sergeant John Stapleford:

Rotorua Police arrested a man in Glenhome yesterday morning, after he failed to stop for Police when signalled for dangerous driving in the Mangakakahi area.

The man was seen by Police driving a trail bike recklessly on Biak Street and has fled when signalled by Police.

Due to the nature of driving staff did not pursue. Enquiries were then made at the registered address of the bike.

The 29-year-old man was located at the address and arrested. Police have also seized the mans bike.

The man appeared in Rotorua District Court today and has been remanded in custody to reappear on 21 August, charged with failing to stop when signalled and operating a motor vehicle recklessly.

Another bike (pictured), unrelated to this incident, was also seized on Monday from a park in the Fordlands area.

These seizures and the arrest come after an operation launched on Monday 11 August to disrupt the illegal use of trail bikes in the Rotorua area.

Police have seen an increase in fleeing driver incidents and dangerous driving involving dirt bikes in recent months and remain committed to holding these people to account.

Often, riders are seen without helmets on, which puts their safety at risk as well as the safety of other road users, due to the speeds these bikes are travelling.

Police are committed to ensuring the community is safe, especially on our roads and at this stage this operation remains ongoing and has no end date.

We ask anybody who witnesses antisocial road behaviour to contact Police, on 111 if it is happening currently, or 105 if it is after the fact.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Sick leopard seal sadly put to sleep

LiveNews Publisher

August 15, 2025

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 15 August 2025

The uncommon Antarctic visitor was first seen last Thursday on Taylors Mistake beach and spent most of this week resting on Sumner Beach.

Department of Conservation Senior Biodiversity Ranger Mailee Stanbury says the young female leopard seal was unwell and in declining condition.

“It’s unusual for a leopard seal to spend more than a few days on one beach at this time of year and this animal was clearly unwell. She had been getting weaker and more lethargic over the week.

“Yesterday, we had a wildlife vet from the South Island Wildlife Hospital assess the seal, who determined she likely had pneumonia and was dying.

“To avoid the seal suffering from continued disturbance from people and dogs on such a busy beach we moved it to a location where it could be safely euthanised.

“DOC generally takes a hands-off approach in these situations and lets nature take its course. But sadly, in this case, we’ve had to intervene to avoid her continuing to suffer.

“We’d like to thank the local volunteers in the Sumner and Taylors Mistake Seal/Penguin Group, who have been on the beach every day this week and done an amazing job informing the public and keeping people and dogs from disturbing the seal,” says Mailee.

The leopard seal will be taken to the University of Canterbury where a necropsy will be carried out to determine why it died.

DOC is working Ngai Tuāhuriri and Ngāti Wheke Rūnanga to determine an appropriate burial site for the seal following the postmortem.

Leopard seals mostly live in Antarctica but during autumn and winter they disperse through the Southern Ocean and sometimes visit New Zealand. In recent years, we have seen two or three leopard seals visit the Canterbury coast each year.

Unusually, DOC staff saw another leopard seal swimming in Akaroa Harbour on Thursday this week when they were out taking water samples in Akaroa Marine Reserve. The healthy-looking seal swam up to the boat to check it out before swimming away.

If you are lucky enough to see a seal on the beach, remember to keep yourself and your dogs at least 20 metres away from it. This is to avoid causing stress for the seal, and to keep you and your pet safe.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Name release – Fatal Police shooting, Bryndwr, Christchurch

LiveNews Publisher

August 15, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander:

Police can now release the name of the woman who died after she was shot by Police at a Christchurch address on Wednesday night.

She was 53-year-old Te Arohanui Pohio, who resided at the address in Bryndwr.

Our thoughts remain with her loved ones at this extremely difficult time, and we continue to offer them the necessary support.

A post-mortem examination was completed today, and her death will be referred to the Coroner.

As of this morning, a 47-year-old man remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital, following surgery yesterday.

Cordons and a scene guard remain in place at the address this morning as Police continue the ongoing scene examination. These cordons will remain in place until the scene examination is completed in the coming days.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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New offence for demonstrations outside homes

LiveNews Publisher

August 15, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is introducing a new offence for engaging in disruptive demonstrations outside private homes, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“The public’s ability to demonstrate is a cornerstone of our free and democratic society. It is a key way for citizens to express themselves and engage in political activity.

“However, in recent times, we have seen increased reports of demonstrations targeting private residences, especially of public persons, such as MPs, judges, and other public officials.

“Everyone in New Zealand, and their families, should be able to expect peace and privacy in their own home, no matter what their daytime job is.

“We intend to stop this intrusive behaviour, while protecting the public’s right to demonstrate in a reasonable manner.

“The ability to protest is protected under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and that will not change. All rights are subject to reasonable limitations. This new offence is such a reasonable limitation and provides a good balance of the interests involved.

“The new law will be tightly targeted. It will only apply to demonstrations directed at a person in their home. It will prohibit unreasonable disruptions for residents, and will consider factors like the time of day, duration, the actions of demonstrators, noise levels and distance to the premises.

“Just as we value the right to protest, privacy is also a key value of our society. Unreasonable intrusions into people’s privacy are simply unacceptable.”

The legislation will contain a new offence for engaging in a targeted and disruptive demonstration outside residential premises.

The Bill includes a maximum penalty of three months in jail or a fine of up to $2,000.

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ASMALLWORLD Launches New Membership Tier and New Global Strategic Airline Partner

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August 15, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – EQS Newswire – 15 August 2025 – ASMALLWORLD AG announces the arrival of its Advantage Membership, an exclusive new tier within its membership portfolio, together with the launch of its newest global airline partner, Cathay Pacific.

Designed for travellers looking for premium travel benefits, while earning air miles to fly with some of the world’s most iconic airlines, the Advantage Membership provides an attractive entry point into ASMALLWORLD’s world of elevated travel experiences.

Among other benefits, Advantage members can choose between 35,000 miles in the form of Cathay’s Asia Miles or Miles & More from Lufthansa Group, allowing members to access two of world’s largest airline alliance networks.

Alongside other travel benefits, Advantage members will also receive D$250 (GHA Discovery Dollars), which can be spent at over 850 hotels and 45+ brands around the world participating in the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA).

“ASMALLWORLD Advantage is the next step in our mission to make luxury travel more rewarding and offer valuable benefits to our community members. In addition to expanding our longstanding partnership with Lufthansa Group we have also chosen to launch a new strategic airline partnership with Cathay Pacific, with whom we are excited to grow further in Asia and beyond” said Zain Richardson, CEO of ASMALLWORLD.

Welcoming Cathay Pacific as a New Strategic Partner
As part of the Advantage Membership launch, ASMALLWORLD is pleased to announce a new partnership with Cathay Pacific, one of Asia’s leading premium airlines. Founded in 1946 and based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific has established a global reputation for excellence, with a strong focus on service, comfort, and innovation.

Advantage members selecting Cathay Pacific as their airline partner will receive 35,000 Asia Miles, which can be used towards redeeming award flights or upgrades across the airline’s extensive network. Cathay Pacific is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which offers access to a global network of 15 member airlines, including British Airways, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines, unlocking additional opportunities for international travel.

Expanding the Miles & More Partnership
The launch of the Advantage Membership also marks an expanded collaboration with Miles & More, part of Lufthansa Group, and one of Europe’s leading frequent flyer programmes. A longstanding partner for the Prestige membership tier, ASMALLWORLD members can now access Miles & More packages of 35,000 miles via the new Advantage tier – perfect for award flights or upgrades.

This evolution of the partnership reflects ASMALLWORLD’s commitment to offering valuable membership benefits at different price points to service different member needs, while continuing to deepen its collaboration with key loyalty partners in the travel sector.

Hotel Benefits Powered by GHA DISCOVERY
Expanding the partnership with Global Hotel Alliance, ASMALLWORLD is now including GHA DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) as a permanent membership benefit for the first time. Advantage members will receive D$250, which can be used for hotel stays, dining, or even spa treatments. Advantage members will also be granted GHA DISCOVERY Platinum Status, offering room upgrades, late check-out, and additional in-stay privileges at over 850 hotels across 45+ brands in the GHA alliance.

Additional Membership Benefits
In addition to airline miles and hotel perks, the Advantage Membership includes a wide range of travel and lifestyle benefits. Members receive:

Priority Pass with 4 complimentary airport lounge visits
SIXT Platinum Status for enhanced rental car benefits
ASMALLWORLD Premium Membership, which includes:
- VIP hotel benefits and complimentary nights at 1,700+ luxury hotels worldwide
- Exclusive travel offers and product discounts
- Access to 800+ global social and cultural events
- Enhanced features within the ASMALLWORLD platform

With this new tier, ASMALLWORLD continues to develop its global suite of membership offerings, delivering exclusive travel benefits and services, while also deepening and expanding its portfolio of prestigious travel partnerships.

This press release can be found at www.asmallworldag.com.

Disclaimer
The statements contained in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements”. Such can be identified, for example, by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “target,” “seek,” or “aim,” or the negative of these words or comparable expressions.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Issuer or its industry to be materially different from any future results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

The issuer undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Hashtag: #ASMALLWORLD

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Advocacy – National Day of Action for Palestine – Tomorrow – Saturday 16 August – PSNA

LiveNews Publisher

August 15, 2025

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

In more than 25 centres around the country, New Zealanders will be rallying and marching tomorrow in a National Day of Action for Palestine.

(See event details below)

“We will be marching to demand our government sanction Israel and hold it to account for the mass starvation and ethnic cleansing in Gaza” says PSNA Co-Chair Maher Nazzal.

In the last 24 hours stories from Gaza have been headlined:

Gaza hunger “catastrophic” says UN

The day Israeli settlers lynched two young men in the West Bank

“These horrific headlines are a direct result of western government failure – our government included”

“Prime Minister Luxon has just talked for 22 months while Palestinians have faced mass killing and mass starvation”

“Israel doesn’t take any notice of words – only action counts for this genocidal state”

“Without sanctions on Israel now, Luxon’s legacy will be complicity with genocide.”

All out for Gaza tomorrow!

Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair PSNA

North Island
Rawene – Winter Films for Palestine
Forth Saturdays of the month
Rawene Hall
5:30 pm
August 23 – No Other Land

Kerikeri – Rally
First Saturday of the Month

Whangarei – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
10:00 am
Gather at the Hatea Carpark

Auckland – Stand for Palestine
Monday – Friday
3:00 – 4:00 pm at the US Consulate – 23 Customs Street East
4:00 – 5:00 pm at Te Komititanga Britomart Square

Auckland – Leafletting for the Nationwide Rally
Wednesday August 13
Any time of the day
Email AK-Leafletts@PSNA.nz to join in

Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!
Every Saturday
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ostend Market, Waiheke Island

Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau
Every Saturday
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join the team – text John on 021 899 659

Auckland –Rally and March
Saturday August 16
2:00 pm
Te Komititanga / Britomart Square

Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
(Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)
Saturday 16
9:00 – 11:00 am – Then Hikoi to Auckland
Cnr Pollen and Pahau Street

Tauranga – Hikoi to Auckland for Nationwide Rally
Saturday August 16
Contact your local organiser for details – Tauranga@PSNA.nz

Tauranga – Flag Waving
Sunday August 17
11:00 am
Coronation Park, corner Nikau & Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui

Hamilton – Flag Waving for Palestine
Every Saturday
1:00 pm
Flynn Park, Cnr Wairere Drive & Naylor, Hamilton

Raglan – Rally
Hosted by Whaingaroa Palestine Solidarity
Saturday 16 August
2:00 pm
Outside Raglan Library

Cambridge – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:00 am
Cambridge Town Hall

Rotorua – Rally for Palestine
Every Thursday
4:30 pm
National MP Todd McClay’s Office – Cnr Amohau and Ranolf St lights, Rotorua

Gisborne
Saturday August 16
9:30 am
Hikoi around the bridges of Gisborne from Heipipi Park

Napier – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:30 am
Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout

Hastings – Rally for Palestine
No Rally this Sunday.
This has been changed to focused on the Rally in Napier on Saturday

Palmerston North – Rally
Every Sunday
2:00 pm
The Square, Palmerston North

Ngāmotu-New Plymouth
(Hosted by Palestinian Solidarity Taranaki)
Saturday August 16
1:00 pm
The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth

Whanganui – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:00 am
Riverside Market, Whanganui

Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine
Every Wednesday
11:00 am
Memorial gate – Martinborough Square, at the end of SH53

Masterton – Gathering for Gaza
Every Sunday
9:30 am
Town Hall Lawn, Masterton

Wellington – Flags on the Bridge
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Every Friday
7:15 – 8:15 am
Hill Street bridge Overbridge, Wellington

Wellington – Rally at Wellington Hospital
(hosted by Aotearoa Healthcare workers for Palestine)
First Friday of the month

Wellington – Rally
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Saturday August 16
1:00 pm
Hikoī for Palestine meeting at Te Aro Park at 1:00 pm with a Hikoī on the streets to Midland Park
See https://www.instagram.com/falastin_tea_collective for further details

South Island

Nelson – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
10:30 am
Hikoi along Whakatū Drive
Check out the PSNA Facebook page later in the week – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064134091562

Blenheim – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:00 am
Blenheim Railway Station

Picton – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Picton Foreshore

Greymouth – Te Tai Poutini – West Coast
Saturday 16
11:00 am
Grey District Council lawn, (in front of fountain), High Street, Greymouth,

Christchurch – Flags for Palestine
Every Friday
4:00 pm
Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

Christchurch – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
12:30 pm – Flag Waving before the rally – Durham Street side of the bridge
1:00 pm
Bridge of Remembrance

Timaru – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
10:30 am
Statue for Tranquillity, Sophia Street, Timaru

Dunedin – Let Gaza Live – Sanction Israel
Saturday August 16
1:00 pm
Meeting at the Octagon for Flags Waving and making noise – Bring pots to bang

Invercargill – Rally
(hosted by Invercargill Stands With Palestine)
Sunday August 17
1:00 pm
Wachner place, Invercargill

Invercargill – Council meeting at Environment Southland (delayed to)
Wednesday 20 August
10:00
Meet outside Environment Southland Price St at 9.45 am for 10:30 meeting

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National War Memorial awarded status of National Historic Landmark

LiveNews Publisher

August 15, 2025

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“I am delighted to announce that the National War Memorial at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park has been made a National Historic Landmark of Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.

“Receiving this recognition for our country’s National War Memorial is incredibly significant, and it is only the second place in New Zealand to receive Landmark status.

“The National War Memorial is central to Pukeahu and the story of Aotearoa New Zealand. It speaks to the service and sacrifice made by New Zealanders in efforts to create peace for the future.

“The Carillon Tower is currently being seismically strengthened so that it is preserved and protected for present and future generations of New Zealanders to enjoy,” says Leauanae.

The National Historic Landmark status is awarded by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage with support from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. The programme celebrates and safeguards our key national sites so everyone can appreciate their stories and significance for generations to come.

National Historic Landmarks are places of outstanding national heritage value that tell the stories of who we are as New Zealanders. “As the agency that administers the programme, we are proud to formally recognise the National War Memorial in this way. This status reflects the memorial’s profound significance to our national heritage, speaking to the sacrifice, resilience and evolving identity of our nation” says Chief Executive Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Andrew Coleman.

“This recognition is the result of a comprehensive and inclusive process, with strong stakeholder and public support from across the motu.

“We thank all those who took part in shaping this important decision – it’s a landmark moment, not just for the National War Memorial, but for the people of New Zealand,” says Coleman.

A formal dedication at the National War Memorial will be made when the building reopens after its seismic strengthening work is complete.

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