A person has been hospitalised after a serious incident in Auckland’s Blockhouse Bay Police said inquiries were ongoing after an assault at an address on Bolton Street Police were notified of the incident at about 9am “One person was transported to hospital in a serious condition,” police said A scene guard was in place while inquiries were carried out at the address Bolton St is in a residential area near the Titirangi Golf Club There are two schools and three bus stops on the street A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said an ambulance and rapid response unit attended the incident “Our crews assessed and treated one patient who was transported to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.” Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times The only high-reach ladder truck in Auckland broke down last night RockAccessibility: Limited mobility parking Blues at Blockhouse Bay is our annual ode to all things rhythm & blues will rock the stage along with a support list of Aotearoa's top session players The Dirty Tones get the party started with a deliciously gritty blend of blues You’ll be swept away by high-energy solos and a stage presence that could make a statue dance Chet O’Connell is a guitar master who will take you on a journey through the classic guitar era of The Shadows and Ventures to the acoustic mastery of Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel on to contemporary artists and rock heroes Show headliner Midge Marsden is the ultimate act when it comes to a dynamic night of rhythm & blues and rock & roll He has been thrilling audiences in Aotearoa and the world for four decades Got a question? 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Auckland CityPrice by negotiation322116m²A Winning Location!!When it comes to buying in Blockhouse Bay you can't get a better location than this If you're a first home buyer or investor and convenience is on your priority list Enjoy three generous bedrooms and two bathrooms designed for comfort and easy modern living Internal garaging and off-street parking add to the appeal • Convenient to public transport and shopping Blockhouse Bay Intermediate and Blockhouse Bay Primary School This home is ready for you to move in to today VISIT one of the advertised Open Homes or CALL PAUL 021 94 00 22 to arrange a private view Watercare completed the Huia 1 watermain this morning when crews lowered the final section of pipe into place in Blockhouse Bay. It marked the end of the project traversing seven suburbs. The new pipeline, 91cm in diameter, runs from Titirangi reservoirs to Gillies Ave in Epsom, replacing an old pipe, dating back to the 1940s, that was nearing the end of its operational life. The water main was expected to accommodate population growth and more housing, said the agency's water head, Sharon Danks. "To start with, it will carry on average 30 million litres of water a day – water that originated in the western dams and we've treated at our Huia Water Treatment Plant. But we've future-proofed the Huia 1 pipeline to accommodate population growth," Danks said. Capital delivery general manager Suzanne Lucas said the project would cost approximately $115 million – nearly $30 million less than the approved budget. “We found efficiencies by involving our contractor in the planning and design of the later stages of the project, and by working closely with Auckland Transport to optimise our traffic management arrangements," she said. The installation was conducted in stages throughout the suburbs, with sections already in service before today's completion. "We recognise this project was disruptive to communities and commuters along the route, and we'd really like to thank everyone for their patience while we built this critical watermain," Lucas said. The Huia 1 project is part of Watercare's recently announced 10-year plan, which allocates about half of the $13.8 billion investment planned for the next decade on projects that replace or upgrade existing infrastructure. A final section of the Huia 1 replacement pipeline is lowered in. (Source: Supplied) The final section of a new 15km watermain serving hundreds of thousands in Auckland has been installed today, with the $115m project finished after six years. Installation of one of the final sections of pipeline (Source: Supplied) Bystanders prevent attempted abduction of Auckland primary student Police said they were investigating the incident which occurred outside Rowandale School in the suburb of Manurewa at around 3pm on Monday Crime and Justice Homicide investigation after man dies in Auckland's Manurewa Emergency services were called to the property on Mahia Rd just before 10am to a report of a man "seriously injured" Blaze at McDonald's in east Auckland treated as suspected arson Counties Manukau CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Michele Gillespie said a scene guard has been in place at the restaurant overnight Person dies following morning crash on Auckland motorway A person has died following a crash on Auckland's south-western motorway this morning New Zealand 'Wake up call': Businesses warned over lithium battery fires Authorities urge the public to avoid putting lithium batteries in the rubbish or recycling but have also told merchants to "take responsibility for disposal" Explosions heard in 'suspicious' blaze at east Auckland McDonald's Pakuranga Rd was closed in both directions and buildings were being evacuated around the immediate area as a precaution Film industry anxiously awaits details on Trump's 100% movie tariff 7:17pm Search underway for Masterton man, 74, missing since Sunday 7:07pm Crooks, culture first order of business for Mike Bush in Victoria 7:05pm Charges filed against Woolworths over pricing, misleading specials 6:45pm Police, experts warn 'emerging risk' of 3D-printed firearms rising 6:33pm Trade war: Sir John Key's 'optimism' on Trump's next tariff moves 7:28pm 1US woman who disappeared for more than six decades found safe Sole survivor of poisoned beef Wellington takes the stand Iwi misses out on bid to buy back ancestral mountain US prisons bureau has challenges — reopening Alcatraz is now another Photos: Lorde among stars at 2025 Met Gala A$AP Rocky and Rihanna also revealed they are expecting their third child. Two arrested over alleged plot targeting Lady Gaga concert in RioBrazilian police said they thwarted an alleged bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga's concert on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. Lady Gaga rocks Copacabana Beach with free concert for over 2 million fansSun, May 4 Lorde announces new album name, dateThu, May 1 Kim Kardashian to testify in Paris trial over 2016 armed robberyMon, Apr 28 Chubby Checker, Outkast, Cyndi Lauper join Rock & Roll Hall of FameMon, Apr 28 Kim Kardashian to testify in Paris trial over 2016 armed robberyMon The final section of a new 15km watermain serving hundreds of thousands in Auckland has been installed today with the $115m project finished after six years Watercare completed the Huia 1 watermain this morning when crews lowered the final section of pipe into place in Blockhouse Bay It marked the end of the project traversing seven suburbs runs from Titirangi reservoirs to Gillies Ave in Epsom that was nearing the end of its operational life The water main was expected to accommodate population growth and more housing it will carry on average 30 million litres of water a day – water that originated in the western dams and we've treated at our Huia Water Treatment Plant But we've future-proofed the Huia 1 pipeline to accommodate population growth," Danks said Capital delivery general manager Suzanne Lucas said the project would cost approximately $115 million – nearly $30 million less than the approved budget “We found efficiencies by involving our contractor in the planning and design of the later stages of the project and by working closely with Auckland Transport to optimise our traffic management arrangements," she said The installation was conducted in stages throughout the suburbs with sections already in service before today's completion "We recognise this project was disruptive to communities and commuters along the route and we'd really like to thank everyone for their patience while we built this critical watermain," Lucas said The Huia 1 project is part of Watercare's recently announced 10-year plan which allocates about half of the $13.8 billion investment planned for the next decade on projects that replace or upgrade existing infrastructure A stranger allegedly tried to force an 8-year-old boy into a car outside an Auckland primary school yesterday before bystanders intervened and the man drove off Police confirmed they were investigating an incident from around 3pm on Monday outside Rowandale School in the suburb of Manurewa "Police are still working to understand exactly what was occurring at the time and our enquiries are ongoing," a spokesperson said "We have spoken with the boy and will continue to work through a careful process Rowandale School principal Karl Vasau said in a statement to social media that other parents had intervened "The student then made his way home and told his parents who then came into school to let us know and then they rung the police." Vasau told 1News the pupil was "doing fine" following the incident and was surrounded by a "supportive "Our student is safe now and his family are thankful that nothing further happened to their boy but are wanting us all to be aware and stay safe It's about working with that child to make them feel safe again but also looking forward to returning back to school with a little bit of normality." Police had reacted "pretty quickly" to the reports "They've been in this morning to touch base and connect the community police constables are going to come back to tomorrow to address the whole school in relation to what had happened and around keeping themselves safe before and after school." Increased police patrols would remain in the area after school from Wednesday Anyone with relevant information should contact police on 105 Police say a fire at a McDonald's restaurant in Pakuranga is being investigated as a suspected arson Emergency services attended the fire on Pakuranga Rd just before 3pm yesterday Large plumes of smoke could be seen and explosions heard at the fast food restaurant which has "sustained significant fire damage as a result" "At this point in time we are treating this fire as a suspected arson "A scene examination is being conducted this morning and police will work alongside a fire investigator," she said Gillespie said part of these inquiries would be working to understand how the fire began She said police would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity prior to the fire Anyone with information was urged to contact police online or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 A person has died following a crash on Auckland's south-western motorway this morning The single vehicle crash was reported to police shortly before 5am the sole occupant of this vehicle died at the scene," a police spokesperson said "Earlier closures of northbound lanes have now lifted and police advise motorists to continue to expect delays as earlier backlogs clear "We appreciate motorists' understanding this morning while emergency services carried out their work." Police said the serious crash unit examined the scene this morning and an investigation was underway into this morning's crash on behalf of the Coroner This is in addition to an earlier crash on Auckland's northern motorway near the Auckland Harbour Bridge Emergency services responded to a two-truck collision on the northern motorway near the Auckland Harbour Bridge shortly after 5am New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said all lanes south on State Highway 1 were open again following this earlier crash with five lanes available on the Harbour Bridge "Allow extra time for delays on the Northern Motorway to slowly ease this morning three lanes going south were now open again between Onewa Rd and the Harbour Bridge," NZTA said A string of fires linked to highly combustible lithium-ion batteries has been deemed a "wake-up call" for waste businesses by Auckland officials with the public facing exposure to toxic smoke from repeat blazes Auckland Council is urging "industry vigilance" around the problem after a scrap metal company was fined $30,000 over a 2023 fire that released toxic smoke near Ōtāhuhu A fire at a recycling plant near Glenfield last month was also initially linked to lithium batteries although investigators were continuing to probe the blaze Auckland Council compliance field operations manager David Pawson emphasised "the importance of remaining vigilant despite the novelty of the issue" Authorities urged the public to avoid putting lithium batteries in the rubbish or recycling The batteries were inside most portable electronic devices Pawson said in a statement: "We recognise this is a new issue and we’re all finding our way with lithium-ion batteries and those handling them "But businesses still need to take responsibility for their disposal — this is their business Emergency alerts were issued to tens of thousands on Auckland's North Shore last month after the largest fire "for a few years" broke out at an Abilities Group recycling plant Residents were urged to close windows to avoid fumes and some beaches were closed due to chemicals released into waterways Takapuna fire station officer Steven Callagher said there were reports that flames broke out in the area of the facility where batteries were recycled and an official cause had not been determined Other recent battery-linked fires have broken out in rubbish trucks in Auckland caused by the ignition of a lithium-ion battery within a large scrap metal stockpile highlighted a "growing national and international issue surrounding battery disposal and fire risk," according to Auckland Council recognised the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries He noted: "There has been considerable difficulty in finding a technical solution to the problems with batteries catching on fire "This is not only a national problem but an international one; these orders form a workaround solution until more technical solutions The judge described the situation as “a new and emerging issue" While acknowledging Sims Metal’s cooperation and the absence of intentional wrongdoing reduced from an initial starting point of $50,000 The enforcement orders issued require Sims Metal to implement several improvements at the James Fletcher Drive site in Favona "The orders are registered with the Environment Court and will remain in place unless superseded by conditions with a new resource consent," the council said Pawson said the council viewed the 2023 case as an "important precedent in balancing empathy for emerging challenges with the necessity of regulatory compliance "It also highlights the importance of proactive risk management and industry-wide collaboration to adapt to evolving environmental risks." A Sims Metal spokesperson said: "Following the May 2023 fire at our Favona facility we have implemented more stringent control measures to support the ongoing management of potentially concealed materials like lithium-ion batteries "We are grateful to the communities and businesses in and around Ōtāhuhu We want to reiterate our appreciation to FENZ and all those who acted diligently to extinguish the May 2023 fire safely and continue to refine and improve our processes." A large fire which caused "significant damage" to a McDonald's restaurant in east Auckland this afternoon is now being treated as suspicious Emergency services were notified of the fire at around 3pm on Monday Fire and Emergency NZ said the building was "totally involved" in flames by the time crews arrived and Papatoetoe were in attendance at the blaze "Everyone was out at the time and there are no reports of injuries." FENZ said the fire was being treated as suspicious "A fire investigator is attending to determine cause and origin." Pakuranga Rd was closed for nearly two hours in both directions with road users advised to avoid the area "Investigations into the cause of the fire at the McDonalds are underway," police said told 1News he heard a couple of explosions coming from the restaurant as the blaze began He said he heard "one or two" explosions The restaurant was adjacent to a Z petrol station and 250 metres along the same road from Pakuranga College A staff member at the service station said they had closed their fuel pumps and there was "huge fire and huge smoke" coming from the fire The Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre Courts were also closed this evening due to the blaze Auckland Transport said several bus routes Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown thanked emergency services who had been responding to the incident "Please follow the advice of emergency services A McDonald's spokesperson said the McDonald's restaurant in Pakuranga had "suffered significant damage" in the fire "Procedures were followed to raise the alarm and safely evacuate staff and customers McDonald’s is assisting emergency services as they begin the investigation into the cause of the fire." A search and rescue operation is underway for a Masterton man in his 70s missing since Sunday John Rafferty was last seen at Masterton Railway Station about midday on May 4 The 74-year-old did not board a train and left on foot about 20 minutes later Matheson said it was possible Rafferty was staying with a friend but police and loved ones "want to know he’s safe" and John doesn’t have his cell phone or wallet," he said A search team and a helicopter has been out looking for the missing man "We are really keen to know that he’s safe." Police have released an image from CCTV showing Rafferty on a station platform on the day of his disappearance He was wearing a blue jacket with 'NASA' written on the back Anyone who saw him was asked to contact police on 111 or online at 105 if there was Information after the fact The next top cop of the troubled Victoria police force embraces his "outsider" status to curb its leadership malaise and has a stern warning for crooks Former New Zealand Police commissioner Mike Bush won the race to become Victoria's chief commissioner after months of top-level staffing woes The 40-year police veteran steps into the role on June 27 with a five-year contract The Kiwi conceded the job will be no picnic with Victoria's crime rate hitting an almost decade-high in 2024 everyone knows that," he told reporters today "These crime issues are actually global they are quite similar wherever you go but it's not good enough just to turn up after the act Rising youth crime and high-profile cases of alleged offenders committing crimes while on bail spurred the Victorian government to strengthen laws in March Bush said he was familiar with the crackdown but bail laws were just one part of the solution to tackling youth crime along with a "prevention mindset" He retired from the NZ police force in 2020 after joining in 1978 and spending his final six years in the top job Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption and Covid-19 pandemic were among the biggest crises Bush confronted during his tenure Bush also made headlines in 2022 after it emerged he had a past drink-driving conviction when unsuccessfully applying to become head of the UK's Metropolitan Police Former New Zealand police minister Stuart Nash describedr Bush as hard but fair He said Bush regularly met with police forces across the Tasman in his previous role and recalled travelling with him to every district across New Zealand once a year to chew the fat with communities and then we all had biscuits and a cup of tea," Nash told AAP "Mike is someone who had deep credibility in policing." The state government has not handed the reins of Victoria Police to an outsider since former NSW Police assistant commissioner Christine Nixon in 2001 The Kiwi was happy to wear the "outsider" tag and is already hatching plans to hit the ground running "I've got a lot to do to come up to speed," Bush said "Culture is a consequence of leadership." establishing relationships with community groups amid rising tensions and increasing police visibility on the beat were among his other top initial priorities Victoria Police was thrust into leadership turmoil in February with a no-confidence vote from officers costing chief commissioner Shane Patton his job Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent became acting chief and expressed an interest in making the move permanent before throwing in the towel in April Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill will serve in an acting capacity until Bush takes over Bush intends to speak with Patton before starting and said he wouldn't shy away from pushing back if he disagreed with the government Premier Jacinta Allan said a recruitment agency was hired and instructed to find a leader capable of addressing the "challenges" plaguing the force "Mike Bush is the best person for the job," she said whose union led the no-confidence vote against Patton following a bitter pay dispute admitted there was a disconnect between members and leaders The state police union secretary welcomed Mr Bush's appointment and pledge to listen to the mounting workforce concerns "We have a police force that is currently under-resourced that needs fresh officers," he said The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against Woolworths NZ for alleged inaccurate pricing and misleading specials that may have breached the Fair Trading Act The commission filed the charges against Woolworths in the Auckland District Court It indicated in December last year that it would be filing separate criminal charges against Woolworths and two Pak'nSave supermarkets the commission said there were ongoing issues with pricing in the supermarket sector and the operators may have breached the Fair Trading Act deputy chair Anne Callinan said operators should know what the expectations were "Supermarkets have long been on notice about the importance of accurate and clear pricing and specials and we're not satisfied with the continuing issues we're seeing across the industry "Pricing accuracy is a consumer right and an expectation of a competitive market well-resourced businesses that should invest the time and effort to get pricing and promotions right." She said the charges were filed to remind all supermarkets that they are expected to fix the pricing accuracy issues and implement better processes In a statement when the charges were announced Woolworths managing director Spencer Sonn said it was important customers could trust prices advertised at their supermarkets Woolworths said it has cooperated with the Commerce Commission's pricing investigation for some time rnz.co.nz Former prime minister Sir John Key says he remains optimistic about Donald Trump's domestic economic policy despite opposing the tariff strategy that has sent global markets into turmoil in recent months who served as prime minister for eight years was the keynote speaker at an Auckland business summit earlier today Sir John told 1News he believed Trump would ultimately take a more moderate approach to tariffs than initially proposed "I'm not a fan of tariff policies I don't think they really work," he said as I think the stock market is telling you at the moment that actually there will be a more sensible landing place for the tariffs that he's wanting to impose." Sir John said he "wasn't entirely surprised" at Trump's call to go ahead with the policy "They're just a negotiating point I think he simply put on widespread and high rates of tariffs on every country to give himself a leverage point and a negotiating point "What I think he actually grossly underestimated was the stock market reaction You can actually make the case that his own strategy hasn't worked The reason the markets have recovered is because he's taken those tariffs off the most part 'I'm going to negotiate case by case'." Sir John suggested Trump's economic policies could still generally be positive for the US but the tariffs could be trickier for the global economy Asked whether he stood by his October comments that Trump would be good for the economy he said: "Do I think he's going to reduce regulatory burden in the United States It depends on where things shake down in terms of tariffs." Sir John acknowledged that for certain industries Trump's policies could be "a really negative thing" particularly if the president's proposed 100% tariff on the film industry were to be implemented "I can't see how it would be cost-competitive to make a movie in New Zealand with a 100% tariff on it," he said noting that films such as The Hobbit would not have been made in New Zealand without government subsidies who now served as a director of US tech company Palo Alto Networks said he had "always been opposed" to Trump's tariff policies but believes they won't be the "dominant part of his economic solutions" "I don't think it's perfect from New Zealand's point of view but I don't think we should panic either and America will still be a very big market for us to sell things to," he said "There are growing markets around the world It's not a great thing from New Zealand's point of view We've got a very sound economy with lots of options in front of us." Sir John suggested a belief that the Republican Trump was was better "on balance" for the US economy than Democratic opponent Kamala Harris he expressed concerns about Trump's tariff approach: "China doesn't pay those tariffs middle-income consumers or consumers in America do because when a tariff goes on a good that you bring into a country He added: "I don't agree with the massive tariffs and I don't think you'll follow through with all of that and I certainly don't agree with this view on trade." Audrey Backeberg disappeared from a small city in south-central Wisconsin after reportedly hitchhiking with her family’s babysitter and catching a bus to Indianapolis Nobody ever knew where she went or what happened to her All that changed last week when she was found alive and safe in another state thanks to the fresh eyes from a deputy who took over the case in February Detective Isaac Hanson discovered an out-of-state arrest record that matched Backeberg which triggered a series of investigative moves that led to finding her alive and safe in another state Turns out Backeberg chose to leave the town of Reedsburg on her own accord – likely due to an abusive husband safe and secure; And just kind of lived under the radar for that long,” he said Hanson was assigned the case in late February and he and other officials met with Backeberg’s family to see if they had a connection with that region They also started digging through Backeberg's sister's Ancestry.com account obituaries and marriage licenses from that region they found an address where a woman was living that Hanson said shared a lot of similarities with Backeberg including date of birth and social security number Hanson was able to get a deputy from that jurisdiction to go to the address "I was expecting the deputy to call me back and say ‘Oh nobody answered the door.’ And I thought it was the deputy calling me I could sense that she obviously had her reasons for leaving.” Most of the information he learned during that call he declined to share saying that it was still important to Backeberg that she not be found “I think it overwhelmed her of course with the emotions that she had having a deputy show up at her house and then kind of call her out and talk with her about what happened and kind of relive 62 years in 45 minutes,” he said Hanson described discovering her safe after more than six decades practically unheard of And while he doesn't know what will happen next in terms of her family reconnecting he said he was happy that she can reach out if she wants to so she has my contact number if she ever wants to reach out or needs anything any phone numbers of family members back here," he said "Ultimately she kind of holds the cards for that.” Hawke's Bay iwi Ngāti Kahungunu has been unsuccessful in its bid to buy back the mountain Kahurānaki but the iwi says its connection to the land will always remain Kahurānaki Station - a 1156 hectare sheep and beef farm south of Havelock North which includes the peak of the mountain - came up for sale earlier this year and the iwi launched a fundraising campaign to buy it The campaign to bring the Kahurānaki back into Māori ownership was called He Maunga Ka Taea and included a 10-day hīkoi from Māhia to Kahurānaki It raised more than $95,000 on crowd funding platform koha.kiwi Hastings-based post-settlement governance entity Tamatea Pōkai Whenua Trust submitted a tender on behalf of the iwi Chairman Pōhatu Paku said the trust was the only local entity to tender for the Station and they were saddened and disappointed by the outcome The trust had approached the tender on the basis it was presented Paku acknowledged the young and emerging iwi members who had generated the groundswell of support for the tender and for the longer term status of the mountain ki tēnā o tātau e titikaha nei ki tēnei kaupapa I just want to acknowledge and mihi to everybody that has connected with this kaupapa Paku said the trust would be engaging with the station's new owners at an appropriate time to convey the iwi's history and also set out their aspirations "The continuation of the protection of our wāhi tapu (sacred sites) is significantly important to us Continued access to the mountain would also be a high priority "The previous owners were quite open for Kura for people running kaupapa and also those that wished to ascend the maunga they allowed that they identified that it was culturally significant to us all." Paku said Tamatea Pōkai Whenua will need to foster the groundswell of support and leadership that the He Maunga Ka Taea campaign had generated "The whakapapa connections and taonga that is Kahurānaki maunga remain our greatest advantage is that we live in perpetuity and our maunga and our tīpuna live with us and they continue to be ours "And like all of our tūtohu whenua (landmarks) our maunga carries our traditions and our identity and our histories and we remain uncompromising to act in the best interests of our tūtohu whenua both for this generation and for future generations." Paku said the trust may look at legal personhood as another avenue to protect the mountain but ultimately he said the maunga remains an ancestor and retains its own mana which no one can ever own rnz.co.nz Eleven inmate deaths in less than two months A US$3 billion (NZ$5 billion) repair backlog a stunning directive from President Donald Trump for the crisis-plagued federal Bureau of Prisons to “REBUILD AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” — the notorious penitentiary on an island in San Francisco Bay that last held inmates more than 60 years ago Even as the Bureau of Prisons struggles with short staffing chronic violence and crumbling infrastructure at its current facilities Trump is counting on the agency to fulfill his vision of rebooting the infamously inescapable prison known in movies and pop culture as The Rock Trump declared in a social media post that a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” Alcatraz will house the nation’s “most ruthless and violent Offenders” Newly appointed Bureau of Prisons Director William K Marshall III said that the agency “will vigorously pursue all avenues to support and implement the President’s agenda” and that he has ordered “an immediate assessment to determine our needs and the next steps” We look forward to restoring this powerful symbol of law and justice,” Marshall said in a statement “We will be actively working with our law enforcement and other federal partners to reinstate this very important mission.” an 8.9-hectare spit of land with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline was once the crown jewel of the federal prison system and home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals including gangsters Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly But skyrocketing repair and supply costs compelled the Justice Department to close the prison in 1963 and the Bureau of Prisons has long since replaced Alcatraz with modern penitentiaries including a maximum-security prison in Florence The former and perhaps future penitentiary is now a popular tourist attraction and a national historic landmark It’s controlled by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area meaning the Bureau of Prisons could be in for an interagency tug of war if it tries to wrest away control of the island Trump’s Alcatraz directive is yet another challenge for the Bureau of Prisons as it struggles to fix lingering problems while responding to the president’s priorities on incarceration and immigrant detention includes taking in thousands of immigration detainees under an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security The problems at the Bureau of Prisons transcend administrations and facilities An ongoing Associated Press investigation has uncovered deep previously unreported flaws within the Bureau of Prisons over the last few years including widespread criminal activity by employees and severe understaffing that has hampered responses to emergencies then-President Joe Biden signed a law strengthening oversight of the agency It remains the Justice Department’s largest agency 155,000 inmates and an annual budget of about US$8 billion (NZ$13.4 billion) but the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures have eliminated some pay bonuses that were credited with retaining and attracting new staff That has resulted in long overtime shifts for some workers and the continued use of a policy known as augmentation teachers and other workers are pressed into duty to guard inmates A Bureau of Prisons official told Congress at a hearing in February that more than 4000 beds within the system — the equivalent of at least two full prisons — are unusable because of dangerous conditions like leaking or failing roofs a 37-year-old Florida businessman who was found dead April 28 in a suspected suicide at a federal jail in Miami He was awaiting trial on charges that he kidnapped and killed his estranged wife in Spain inmate Ramadhan Jaabir Justice was killed in a fight at the federal penitentiary in Pollock where he was serving a nearly 11-year sentence for a conviction related to an armed robbery As Trump was ordering Alcatraz’s reopening correctional officers at the same Miami jail were fighting to curb the spread of tuberculosis and Covid-19 isolating inmates after they tested positive for the diseases immigration detainees at the facility ripped out a fire sprinkler and flooded a holding cell during a lengthy intake process the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin has sat idle for more than a year after the Bureau of Prisons cleared it of inmates in the wake of rampant sexual abuse by employees the agency made the closure permanent and idled six prison camps across the country to address “significant challenges crumbling infrastructure and limited budgetary resources” While Trump hails Alcatraz as a paragon of the federal prison system’s cherished past other facilities stand as reminders of its recent troubles They include the federal jail in Manhattan which remains idle after Jeffrey Epstein’s suicide there in 2019 exposed deep flaws in its operations where 23 inmates have been charged in recent months with crimes ranging from smuggling weapons in a Doritos bag to the stabbing last month of a man convicted in the killing of hip-hop legend Jam Master Jay Lady Gaga gave a free concert Saturday night in front of 2 million fans who poured onto Copacabana Beach for the biggest show of her career (...) Thank you for making history with me,” Lady Gaga told a screaming crowd kicked off the show at around 22.10pm local time with her 2011 song Bloody Mary Cries of joy rose from the tightly-packed fans who sang and danced shoulder-to-shoulder on the vast stretch of sand Concert organisers said 2.1 million people attended the show switching between an array of dresses including one with the colours of the Brazilian flag Some fans – many of them young – arrived on the beach at the crack of dawn to secure a good spot “Today is the best day of my life,” said Manoela Dobes a 27-year-old designer who was wearing a dress plastered with a photograph from when she met Lady Gaga in the United States in 2019 Madonna also turned Copacabana Beach into a massive dance floor last year The large-scale performances are part of an effort led by City Hall to boost economic activity after Carnival and New Years’ Eve festivities and the upcoming month-long Saint John’s Day celebrations in June “It brings activity to the city during what was previously considered the low season – filling hotels and increasing spending in bars generating jobs and income for the population,” said Osmar Lima the city’s secretary of economic development in a statement released by Rio City Hall’s tourism department last month Rio’s City Hall said in a recent report that around 1.6 million people were expected to attend Lady Gaga's concert and that the show should inject at least 600 million reais (NZ$178.3 million) into Rio’s economy Similar concerts are scheduled to take place every year in May at least until 2028 Lady Gaga arrived in Rio in the early hours of Tuesday The city has been alive with Gaga-mania since as it geared up to welcome the pop star for her first show in the country since 2012 Rio’s metro employees danced to Lady Gaga’s 2008 hit song LoveGame and gave instructions for today in a video A free exhibition celebrating her career sold out While the vast majority of attendees were from Rio the event also attracted Brazilians from across the country and international visitors More than 500,000 tourists poured into the city in the days leading up to the show according to data from the local bus station and Tom Jobim airport Rio’s City Hall said in a statement yesterday made a cross-continent trip from Colombia to Brazil to attend the show “I’ve been a 100% fan of Lady Gaga my whole life,” said Serrano who was wearing a T-shirt featuring Lady Gaga’s outlandish costumes over the years the mega-star represents “total freedom of expression – being who one wants without shame” Rio officials have a history of organising huge concerts on Copacabana Beach Madonna’s show drew an estimated 1.6 million fans last year while 4 million people flooded onto the beach for a 1994 New Year’s Eve show by Rod Stewart in 1994 that was the biggest free rock concert in history sixteen sound towers were spread along the beach Rio state’s security plan included the presence of 3300 military and 1500 police officers Among those present were Lady Gaga admirers who remember their disappointment in 2017 when the artist cancelled a performance scheduled in Rio at the last minute due to health issues “She's the best artist in the world,” the 25-year-old said I love you” in Portuguese rose from the crowd behind him whose real name is Ella Yelich O'Connor which also displayed what appears to be the album cover art — an X-ray of a pelvis "100% written in blood," the website read The new album's announcement came a week after she released her latest single What Was That The song's music video was filmed at a mysterious pop-up event in New York City's Washington Square Park that was initially shut down by police. The event ended up going ahead after all, and fans who stayed got to hear the new song for the first time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lorde (@lorde) It was the first sign of a follow-up to Lorde's previous album Her other albums were 2013's Pure Heroine and 2017's Melodrama she collaborated with British singer Charli XCX on a remix of Girl so confusing — on a re-release of the Grammy award-winning Brat Kim Kardashian thought she was going to be raped and killed when criminals broke into her bedroom in central Paris tied her up and stole more than US$6 million in jewellery 10 people will go on trial in Paris over the robbery abduction and kidnapping of the media personality and the concierge of the residence where she was staying during Paris Fashion Week the night of October 2 Kardashian’s lawyers said she will testify in person at the trial starting Monday and scheduled to run through May 23 "Ms Kardashian is reserving her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further at this time," they said "She has great respect and admiration for the French justice system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities "She wishes the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case." In interviews and on her family’s reality TV show Kardashian has described being terrified as robbers pointed a gun at her In a 2020 appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix show she tearfully recalled thinking: "This is the time I’m going to get raped Twelve people were originally expected in the defendants’ box and another is seriously ill and can't be tried five of the 10 defendants were present at the scene of the robbery The French press has dubbed them The Granddad Robbers because the main defendants are elderly and have careers as bank robbers with long criminal records Kardashian told investigators she was taken to a bathroom next to her bedroom and placed in the bathtub Her attackers fled on bicycles or on foot and she managed to free herself by removing the tape from her hands and mouth She had also removed the tape from her feet and rushed to her stylist’s room She called her sister Kourtney to tell her about the theft Kardashian told investigators that she had not been injured adding that she wanted to leave France as soon as possible to be reunited with her children According to her testimony and that of the concierge at least one of the suspects had a handgun The gangsters stole many pieces of jewellery estimated to be worth more than US$6 million (NZ$10 million) Only one piece of jewellery — a diamond cross on platinum that was lost during the suspects' escape — has been recovered Two of the accused have partially confessed to the crime is one of two suspected robbers who allegedly entered the apartment his genetic profile was found on the tape used to gag Kardashian who was waiting for him in a parked car at a nearby train station The second robber said he tied up the concierge with cables but did not go up to Kardashian’s apartment said he acted as a lookout in the ground-floor reception area He said he was unarmed and did not personally threaten Kardashian but admitted he shared responsibility for the crime Abbas was arrested in January 2017 and spent 21 months in prison before being released under judicial supervision he co-authored a French-language book titled I Sequestered Kim Kardashian is the second alleged robber suspected of entering the flat although he was filmed by CCTV cameras and numerous telephone contacts with the other co-defendants show his involvement The other defendants are suspected of providing information about Kardashian’s presence in the apartment Others are accused of playing a role in the resale of the jewellery in Antwerp Joe Cocker and Bad Company will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — in a class that also includes pop star Cyndi Lauper the rock duo the White Stripes and grunge masters Soundgarden the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will get the Musical Influence Award pianist Nicky Hopkins and bassist Carol Kaye will each get the Musical Excellence Award who sang at Woodstock and was best known for his cover of The Beatles’ With a Little Help From My Friends a member of Elvis Costello & The Attractions who argued that Cocker is "about as rock and roll as it gets" Soundgarden — with the late Chris Cornell as singer — get into the Hall on their third nomination They follow two other grunge acts in the Hall — Nirvana and Pearl Jam Bad Company get in having become radio fixtures with such arena-rock staples as Feel Like Makin’ Love Can’t Get Enough and Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy The Ahmet Ertegun Award — given to nonperforming industry professionals who had a major influence on music — will go to Lenny Waronker Some nominees that didn't get in this year included Mariah Carey and subsequent Let’s Twist Again are considered among the most popular songs in the history of rock 'n' roll The 83-year-old has expressed frustration that he hadn't been granted entry before including telling the AP in 2014: "I don’t want to get in there when I’m 85 years old so you better do it quick while I’m still smiling." Lauper rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as Time After Time and Girls Just Want To Have Fun and went on to win a Tony Award for Kinky Boots have six Grammys and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop The White Stripes — made up of Jack White and Meg White — were indie darlings in the early 2000s with such songs as Seven Nation Army Artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before they’re eligible for induction The induction ceremony will take place in Los Angeles this fall Nominees were voted on by more than 1200 artists historians and music industry professionals The selection criteria include "an artist’s impact on other musicians the scope and longevity of their career and body of work as well as their innovation and excellence in style and technique" Dave Matthews Band and singer-guitarist Peter Frampton were inducted My Vaccine Pass requirements have not been set for this event We’re excited to welcome Kora (CA) for a special Silk Listening Session—an intimate evening designed for deep listening and community connection.Set by the water at the beautiful Blockhouse Bay Boat Club and immerse yourself in a two-hour live hybrid set by Kora blending electronic grooves with organic textures and live improvisation.Evening Flow:7:30 PM – Doors open + light snacks8:00 PM – Kora live set begins10:00 PM – Artist Q&A with KoraThis isn’t a party—it’s a space to listen with intention to gather mid-week and connect through sound Whether you’re new to Silk or a long-time friend of the collective Robillard (Kora) is known for weaving emotional depth and technical mastery into his music From his roots as a resident at Stereo Montréal to his ambient-leaning debut album Azimuth Kora’s work explores music as a tool for introspection and connection he's now focused on sonic storytelling that bridges inner and outer worlds A passionate educator and deeply intuitive artist Kora believes music is a shared gift—one that connects us beyond words Tickets via Humanitix or on Door - limited capacity Woolworths has confirmed a restructure that will see some senior staff roles changed as well as the closure of two Auckland supermarkets The supermarket chain had been consulting on changes to its operating model across the country It said the key difference under the new model was that staff would "collaborate together on tasks" rather than working separately in departments It said this should mean more people on the shop floor to help customers said it would mean the loss of income for thousands of workers said it would mean the loss of all department management and duty supervisor roles People currently in those roles could have pay cuts and lose hours "A bakery or butchery manager will potentially face a decrease of about $15,000 to $17,300 per year while other department managers will face average pay decreases ranging from nearly $10,000 to $11,700 per year under this proposal," he said "While some people in those roles will opt for redundancy it's not a viable option in smaller or more remote regions without comparable jobs on offer Imagine you've worked for your local Woolworths in a specialist role and reached a senior pay band after 20 years on the shop floor - now many will be back to square one and facing significant financial hardship as a result of the restructure." One Woolworths worker whose role was being disestablished said some experienced butchers and bakers would leave rather than take a pay cut "We're losing tons of experience in these positions and I think customers will inevitably notice the difference in our products." The union wanted Woolworths to protect the pay and conditions for staff in roles being disestablished Woolworths said the new model would mean clearer leadership pathways "We have heard a lot of useful and considered feedback from our team and Workers First Union and we've taken this on board - making changes like the introduction of a new tier of store leadership ensuring we have the right number of leaders in our stores supporting our team and customers at peak times and ensuring leadership cover for leave and absences "We'll continue to learn and adjust as we pilot the new operating model and we'll include those findings in our consultation approach." A spokesperson said from May the new model would be piloted in the upper North Island supermarkets "Our priority now is working with our team to support them to transition into the new roles that will be created we'll be investing $6.6 million in training and upskilling team members." He said Woolworths had also told staff that Blockhouse Bay and Māngere Mall stores would not be included because they were to close "The leases for both of these stores end later this year and we've made the difficult decision not to renew our leases in these locations This is driven by declining customer demand locally and considering the ongoing tough economic environment we believe the most responsible path forward is to consolidate in these areas "We're sharing this news with our Blockhouse Bay and Māngere Mall teams well ahead of the stores closing to make sure our teams understand all of their options for continuing their careers with us through redeployment in nearby stores "We know this will be disappointing news for our local customers and team Our Blockhouse Bay store will be open until November and our Māngere Mall store will be open until September Over the coming months we'll be working closely with each of our team members to find suitable new roles wherever we can and ensure a smooth transition." The supermarket chain said there was a technical problem with its electronic shelf labels the prime minister said he would "worry about that down the road" Woolworths is consulting with staff on proposed changes to its store operating model The local head of the supermarket giant is leaving the company after four years Business RSS Follow RNZ News Auckland CityPrice By Negotiation321111m²134m²Ready to Sell - Vendor Says Bring All Offers!If you're searching for contemporary comfort and a location that ticks all the boxes look no further than this stunning near new home in the heart of Blockhouse Bay Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 beautifully appointed bathrooms this home offers the ultimate in modern family living The open-plan living area flows into a sleek • 3 Bedrooms - Light-filled and generous in size • 2.5 Bathrooms - Including a convenient guest powder room on the ground floor • Internal Access Garage - Secure parking and storage with ease • Zoned for Blockhouse Bay Intermediate and Lynfield College - Top school zones for growing families this is your chance to secure a near-new home in a prime location Don't miss this incredible opportunity - contact us today to book a viewing Download property documents here; https://vltre.co/RJiRL5 based on a borrower’s individual credit assessment.Canstar's Most Awarded Personal LoanGet a renovation loan up to $70K and bring your vision to life we can approve your home improvement loan quickly and get your renovation started Necessary work at Blockhouse Bay Library to repair the roof and increase the usable space will begin in October The work will take around nine months to complete and the library will be temporarily closed while it takes place Services will be available at libraries in surrounding areas – Avondale and New Lynn libraries Staff from Blockhouse Bay Library will be relocated to Avondale and New Lynn libraries while the work is completed to support an increase in visitors Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas says that the works will be temporary pain for the long-term gain of a more resilient building “While it’s unfortunate the library will be temporarily closed it is important that we go ahead with the repair of the roof “Doing these works now will protect the building against any further extreme weather events.”  the building has served the community well damage sustained during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary weekend floods has affected the use and weather tightness of the building rainwater is entering the building through the internal courtyard during heavy rainfall The project will install a new wide gutter between the two main roofs which will include changes to the internal courtyard and library entrance the internal courtyard will be included as part of the internal building creating more space for library users and other facilities in the building The locations of all West Auckland libraries can be found here Sign up for the Whau Local Board E-news to get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month, and follow us on Facebook. For more information on what data is contained in the cookies please click the 'Find out more on the Auckland Council website' button Sign up for our e-newsletter and be the first to know about exciting events and news The Free Family Fun Day Mash Up Event is back This is a free multi genre family event which aims to celebrate difference and diversity within family and community Vaudeville musical comedy from Captain Festus McBoyle's Travellin' Variety Show juggling magician extraordinaire Le Cirque de JP live band The Mutes from Mars PLUS The BFM Kids Show will be there with a Kids Disco Finn banging out the Kiwi family tunes for all to enjoy Bring canned or dry food donations for The Encounter Hope Foundation and this food can then be given back to those in need within community We'll have face painting at $5 a face and there'll be plenty of food and drink on sale thanks to The Blockhouse Bay Lions Club We'll also have Cake and Sweet Stalls to check out thanks to some of the local Schools fun filled event in which to check out many different forms of entertainment This event is totally free thanks to the kind support from The Whau Local Board This event is brought to you by Pea-Knuckle Productions Aotearoa.All enquiries to rich@manic.co.nz The man accused of killing scientist Stephen Thorpe has appeared in the Auckland District Court this afternoon Judge Hana Ellis remanded the 26-year-old in custody and transferred the matter to the High Court He was granted interim name suppression and did not enter a plea was found critically injured near the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club last Saturday police announced they had arrested a 26-year-old man and charged him with Thorpe’s murder who is overseeing the team of investigators “Our investigation progressed rapidly yesterday afternoon with a person of interest taken into custody near the homicide scene “We have since charged this man with Stephen’s murder.” “This is a positive development in the investigation but our work here is not done,” Baldwin said “I know there will be questions about why this happened to Stephen and our team have the important task now of piecing together all the information so the judicial process can be carried out.” This work will involve collecting and analysing further CCTV footage and speaking with witnesses “Police staff will still be working in the community as part of the ongoing area canvas and we still need anyone with information or CCTV to contact us.” Contact 105 or go online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 , using “Update My Report”. Reference Operation Elba, with the file number 240824/4136. Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers social issues including sexual assault, workplace misconduct, crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2020. The only high-reach ladder truck in Auckland broke down last night. Auckland CityEnquiry Over $930,000212Affordable First HomePerched in an elevated position set well back from the road this light-filled 1990's gem offers a spacious open-plan layout with captivating city views Featuring two generously sized double bedrooms including a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe A large deck provides ample space for outdoor dining and double garaging with future potential add to its appeal With additional off-street parking and a prime location just a short stroll from Avondale train station this home perfectly blends ease of living with city convenience the floor & section sizes) has been sourced from organisations such as RPNZ Property Guru & Auckland Council; these are broad guides for general information only They are solely intended to provide a general understanding of the subject matter & to help you assess whether you need more detailed information We recommend you seek your own independent advice on everything material to your purchasing decision A child was rushed to hospital from an Auckland primary school after they “got into distress” in the swimming pool Blockhouse Bay principal Neil Robinson said the school is supporting the children who witnessed the incident yesterday and is confident they followed all appropriate guidelines Robinson said staff immediately called emergency services after the incident “First responders arrived promptly and the child has been taken to the hospital where we know he will be receiving the best possible care “Our thoughts are with the child and his family at this time.” He said children who witnessed the scene were taken away to the classrooms and were “cared for” by staff “We are working with the Ministry of Education and other agencies to help us support the child “Tomorrow we will have experts to guide us to support everyone.” He said two trained teachers were stationed on either side of the pool which was “within their ratio” and met their guidelines The Ministry of Education has been approached for comment two boys were “found motionless” at the bottom of a commercial Newmarket swimming pool The pair were resuscitated poolside at Newmarket Olympic Pools and Fitness Centre before being taken to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition The boys were pulled from the water by champion swimmer Joel Crampton The family of one of the boys released a statement at the time that said their son was “not practising free-diving and he was not deliberately holding his breath underwater” Two-year-old Ranger Hetaraka was found floating face down at the Napier Aquatic Centre pool on December 5 He was taken from the pool to Hawkes Bay Hospital in Hastings where he was treated before being flown to Auckland’s Starship in critical condition Ranger did not recover and died in Starship Hospital four days after the incident when the decision was made to withdraw breathing support Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. Auckland CityAsking $1,329,000524194m²621m²Finish The Project | Professionals**Your Local Professionals** This beautiful and spacious villa offers timeless charm with all its original character features intact this home is ready to enjoy now while still offering scope to add value later Step inside and fall in love with the perfect blend of heritage elegance and modern convenience Whether you're entertaining in the multiple living spaces or soaking up the sun on the brand new deck * Villa charm - all character features retained * Spacious layout - two separate living areas for entertaining or privacy * Work-from-home ready - currently set up with four bedrooms & three studies * Prime location - a short walk to the Blockhouse Bay village * Cafe culture - enjoy top coffee spots like Hare and Turtle & Mt Atkinson nearby * Sun-soaked outdoor living - brand-new deck with morning & afternoon sun * City convenience - frequent bus links to the CBD right across the road * Flat and Freehold - elevated position on 621sqm (more or less) This is a rare opportunity to own a spacious character-filled home in a fantastic location **There may be some flexibility if you need to sell your home to buy this one Enjoy easy access to great local amenities and fantastic recreational spots-including a top-notch tennis club within walking distance **Professionals CPRE was born out of the desire to do real estate differently and perform at the highest levels within the industry Auckland City$949,000311Present All OffersNestled in the heart of Blockhouse Bay this charming 1950s brick and tile home offers a perfect blend of classic character and modern comfort the refreshed interior boasts three spacious bedrooms and a bright open-plan lounge and dining area With the added convenience of garaging and off-street parking this home is just moments from Blockhouse Bay's vibrant shopping centre and excellent transport links-making it an ideal choice for families floor & section sizes) has been sourced from organisations such as Property Guru & Auckland Council; these are broad guides for general information only Auckland CityBy negotiation425326m²Spacious & Stylish B&T – Dual Lounges!Located in a prestigious well established neighborhood surrounded by luxury homes this thoughtfully designed brick & tile residence offers the perfect blend of comfort • Solid brick and tile construction on a freehold 325m² section with a generous 202m² floor area and a premium granite benchtop—a chef’s delight • Two spacious lounges providing flexibility for formal and casual living • Seamless indoor-outdoor flow through French doors leading to an expansive sun-drenched deck • Double internal-access garage plus three off-street parking spaces—ideal for multiple vehicles or a small boat • The master bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe and private balcony with great Western Ranges views • A spacious full family bathroom with a shower and bathtub for added comfort • Zoned for popular schools: Blockhouse Bay Intermediate & Lynfield College a few-minute drive to New Lynn train station & shopping mall • Walking distance to Blockhouse Bay village This beautiful brick & tile home offers low maintenance outdoor living and a prime location making it the perfect place to call home Don’t miss this opportunity-contact us today to arrange a viewing See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson Auckland CityPrice by Negotiation31189m²Perfect First Home - Move in and Enjoy!This solid 1960s home is an excellent opportunity for first-time buyers looking to enter the property market this three-bedroom gem has been refreshed with new carpets The spacious lounge opens onto a front deck creating a relaxed and inviting space for the whole family The open-plan dining area flows seamlessly into a generously sized living room while the kitchen offers ample storage to make everyday life easy There is also a rumpus room in the basement Situated near Blockhouse Bay Road and Whitney Street you can conveniently access local reserves New Lynn Train Station and LynnMall Shopping Centre are just minutes away Enjoy plenty of space for a veggie garden and fruit trees while your children and pets can play safely away from the road This home is move-in ready - don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity Call us today to arrange a private viewing or visit our open home Auckland CityBy negotiation312373m²Urgent Sale – Rental Property Must Go!Discover this delightful 3-bedroom weatherboard home perfectly positioned on a freehold 373m² section in the highly sought-after Blockhouse Bay subdivision this North-East facing residence offers a warm and inviting atmosphere and an open-plan modern kitchen—ideal for family living and entertaining all three double bedrooms are thoughtfully separated from the main living area The home also boasts two toilets and a well-appointed bathroom ensuring convenience for the entire family This home is in excellent condition and ready for you to move in Whether you’re a first-time home buyer looking to step onto the property ladder or an investor keen to secure a solid property before market prices rise Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity Contact us today to arrange private viewing See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson Auckland CityDeadline sale closes 07 May 2025 15:00321Affordable Luxury Living Next To SchoolDeadline sale: Closes on Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 3:00PM (unless sold prior) affordable luxurious specs in central Auckland There are 4 new freehold fee simple properties Perfectly located in a quiet environment at the cul de sac street this newly developed site provides easy access to work New Lynn shopping and is opposite Olympic Park modern kitchen and single internal access garage providing convenience and ease of access offers 3 bedrooms 2 lounges completed with 1.5 bathrooms and single garage with modern kitchen offers 3 bedrooms 2 lounges completed with 2.5 bathrooms including an ensuite and single garage with modern kitchen - Luxurious bathroom with elegant floor-to-ceiling tiling complete with bathtub and shower box - Walk to school from home has never been easier It is zoned for prestigious schools such as Lynfield College ensuring your family's educational needs are well taken care of - Super quick highway access through Southwestern Motorway 20 Want to secure this precious new home for your family and you Feel free to book the private viewing or come through our open home See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson Auckland CityPrice By Negotiation531177m²227m²Unbeatable Luxury in Blockhouse Bay!Stunning brand-new standalone home featuring double kitchens Featuring 5 spacious bedrooms (2 with ensuites) seamless indoor-outdoor flow - perfect for all your entertainment needs As well as a 10-year Master Build Guarantee for your peace of mind Premium location with easy access to motorways In zone for the popular Blockhouse Bay Intermediate and Lynfield College Auckland CityPrice by Negotiation421190m²358m²The Enchanted Home: A Lifetime Opportunity Awaits!This stunning brick and weatherboard home offer four generously sized double bedrooms and two cozy lounges-perfect for relaxation and entertaining A beautifully designed kitchen with modern fixtures flows seamlessly into the dining area making family meals and gatherings effortless and enjoyable The dining area is spacious enough to accommodate a large dining table making it ideal for both intimate dinners and large family gatherings The separate laundry keeps everything organized and clutter-free Step into a private backyard retreat featuring a spacious deck and additional space-ideal for summer BBQs This outdoor retreat is designed to be a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life offering a serene environment where you can unwind and recharge Blockhouse Bay is known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings and this house is situated in the heart of Blockhouse Bay and this beautiful home is ready for immediate possession Don't miss this rare opportunity-Deadline Treaty closes on 9th April at 4:00 PM (unless sold prior) Disclaimer: The floor and land area sizes provided have been sourced from Relab These measurements have not been independently verified by the Salesperson or South Realty Ltd the property may have been filtered into a specific price range All prospective purchasers are advised to conduct their own due diligence obtain independent legal and expert advice and verify all details provided during the property's marketing campaign 15 May 2025 14:0018182,279m²2,279sqm corner site with 18 unitsExtraordinary opportunity to secure three blocks totalling 18 small one-bedroom units on a 2,279sqm corner site split over three titles Located on the corner of Exminster Street and Whitney Street this location is north-facing with services onsite offering incredible rebuild or development scope The 18 units on site have been vandalised and boarded up or look to utilise the favourable Mixed Urban zoning allowing up to 11 meters height with 45% site coverage The property is to be sold ‘as is where is’ and all offers will be presented Contact me to receive an information pack and to register your interest Get a renovation loan up to $70K and bring your vision to life. With no need for quotes from tradies, we can approve your home improvement loan quickly and get your renovation started. Auckland CityAsking Price $785,000215Motivated Owner - Features that Impress!Nestled in the heart of Blockhouse Bay this beautifully presented 2-bedroom unit offers a perfect blend of comfort this low-maintenance property is a fantastic opportunity to secure a home in a sought-after neighborhood Modern Kitchen & Living Area - Open-plan design with seamless flow to the dining and lounge area Private Outdoor Space - Perfect for relaxing Tidy Bathroom & Laundry - Functional and well-maintained for everyday convenience Single Garage/Parking Space - Secure off-street parking with extra storage options Enjoy the peaceful suburban lifestyle while being just a short drive from Auckland's CBD This property won't last long-contact us today for a viewing Auckland Council is maintaining its stance on allowing Kāinga Ora to use pensioner-donated land for social housing Part of the Blockhouse Bay land, now owned by Kāinga Ora, was donated to Auckland Council in the 1970s by former resident Roy Benjafield Thompson, on the condition that it provided housing for older citizens Residents have started pursuing legal action against Auckland Council over the dispute and the council should not have sold the land to the estate landlord said the money from the sale of the land in Blockhouse Bay was being used to upgrade Haumaru Housing a partnership programme between Auckland Council and The Selwyn Foundation - which provided homes for senior citizens Auckland Council budgeted an additional $2,052,211 to seniors housing provider Haumaru Housing .. this funding is noted as being from the sale of 24 Marlowe Road "The additional funding from the sale of 24 Marlowe Road will enable upgrades to several Haumaru Housing residential villages improving accessibility and the overall quality of life for residents." Hickling noted that these upgrades would not have been possible without Thompson's donation "Auckland Council and Haumaru Housing are grateful to Mr R B Thompson and the legacy he and his wife have left for older people in Auckland." Property lawyer Joanna Pidgeon told RNZ the land could only have been sold if the proceeds were used for pensioner housing "It's the council's responsibility to follow the terms of the trust and they can't change that without a court order or the attorney-general's approval of the change in purpose the funds can be traced to ensure they have been applied as per the donor's original intention for the land." The money from Thompson's donated land to Haumaru Housing's residential villages could not have come at a better time Auckland councillor Richard Hills said the project recently faced a funding cut of about $6m per year Haumaru Housing is now unable to take on additional tenants when legacy units become available." Hills said the cut was done for any particular reason "This will mean more empty senior housing units as there will be extremely limited budget to refit and upgrade existing ones as tenants leave He claimed Haumaru Housing received only three days' notice of the cuts the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) said Hills' comments did not accurately reflect the ministry's recent policy change "HUD has not 'cut' subsidies to Haumaru Housing or other Community Housing Providers (CHPs)," a spokesperson said "We have capped the number of redirects at current levels so the income flow from Income-Related Rent Subsidies (IRRS) for CHPs like Haumaru Housing remains the same as it currently is." The IRRS is paid by HUD to social housing landlords to cover the gap between what tenants pay and the market rent a housing provider may turn a private rental into a social house and receive the subsidy HUD only allowed new redirects in exceptional cases to focus on building more new social houses "CHPs can replace tenants as needed but cannot increase the overall number of redirects," the HUD spokesperson said "There will be no displacement of existing social housing tenants due to this change." The spokesperson added that Haumaru Housing could replace IRRS tenancies with new tenants as they become available but it could not add more IRRS tenancies using its existing housing stock Auckland Council principal advisor Rachel Wilson said the cuts came without warning "The central government funding change came without notice and after decision-making on the council's Long-Term Plan 2024-2034 "Central government has advised that the change in funding criteria is to prioritise moving people out of emergency accommodation," Wilson said Manager of Auckland Council's CCO and external partnerships team said the council is advocating to central government in liaison with Haumaru Housing and The Selwyn Foundation to support the reinstatement of the funding Haumaru Housing will be able to safely house existing tenants but may be unable to take on additional tenants when units become available." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday Residents in the Auckland suburb of Blockhouse Bay say a new Kāinga Ora complex is taking away a piece of land that was promised to pensioners Kāinga Ora is is reapplying to build a 68-unit complex in Auckland's Blockhouse Bay Residents of the Auckland suburb of Blockhouse Bay say they feel defeated by Kāinga Ora's decision not to reserve any of a new development for retired people Politics RSS 07 May 2025 13:00421152m²New Beginnings Start Here!Auction: 62 Highbrook Drive East Tamaki on Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 1:00PM (unless sold prior) Discover this beautifully designed standalone newly built property located in the heart of Blockhouse Bay—set on the highly sought-after and elegant Endeavour Street -4 well-appointed bedrooms including 1 Master bedroom 2 bathrooms with an ensuite and a separate toilet this home is perfectly suited for comfortable family living and living area offers a seamless space for both relaxing and entertaining perfect for relaxing or entertaining in your own private oasis you'll enjoy the perfect blend of convenience and coastal living Zoned for the ever-popular Blockhouse Bay Primary and Intermediate making it an ideal spot for families wanting quality education close to home This is your opportunity to own a brand-new home where every detail has been thoughtfully crafted for comfort and style Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity Contact us today to arrange a private viewing or visit our open homes and see for yourself what makes this property so special See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson Auckland CityNegotiation425197m²1,062m²Home & Granny Flat in Prime LocationWelcome to your dream home 2-bathroom house offers everything you need for a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle." With three bedrooms one bathroom two toilets upstairs and one bedroom one bathroom toilet downstairs this property includes a fantastic potential for a granny flat Whether you need extra space for extended family this versatile addition provides endless possibilities."As you approach the property you'll be captivated by the expansive land of 1062 sqm (more or less) next to the house providing ample space for outdoor activities or even future potential development (subject to council approval) Step inside to discover a spacious and inviting interior The large living area features large windows that flood the space with natural light covered terrace and is perfect for family gatherings and entertaining guests.Located in a sought-after neighborhood this home offers easy access to top-rated schools It's a perfect place to raise a family or enjoy a peaceful retirement."Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity See you at the open homes or schedule your private tour today and see for yourself why this house is the perfect place to call home." Auckland CityBy negotiation423874m²Renovator Delight 2 Legal Units In Blockhouse BayAre you looking for your investment assets or home with potentials Check out this well positioned family home consist by 2 Legal Units On one title 874m2 Section with potentials renovators or first home buyers with renovation skills Handy location to highway 20 and NewLynn commercial centre Zoned for Well sought school : Lynfield College feel free to come over to check by yourself through the open home or book the private viewing session See this listing on Barfoot & Thompson 11 May 2025 15:00421128m²126m²Stunning Family Home in Blockhouse BayNestled in the heart of Blockhouse Bay freestanding north facing home offering a prefect blend of modern living and comfort comes with 4-bedroom With a generous land area of 126 sqm and a spacious building area of 128 sqm this property is designed for families seeking both space and convenience * Spacious Bedrooms: Four well-appointed bedrooms provide ample space for family and guests * Modern Bathrooms: Enjoy the luxury of two stylish bathrooms complemented by an additional separate toilet for added convenience * Open-Plan Living: The heart of the home features a light-filled open-plan living and dining area * Functional Kitchen: The well-equipped kitchen is designed for culinary enthusiasts * Single Garage: A secure garage space ensures your vehicle is protected with plenty of off-street parking available for guests * Prime Location: Located on Endeavour Street you'll enjoy the convenience of nearby amenities making this the perfect family-friendly neighborhood Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity Contact us today to arrange a viewing and experience the charm and comfort of this exceptional home The man accused of murdering a 54-year-old entomologist in Auckland at the weekend has appeared in court Stephen Thorpe was allegedly killed at the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club on Saturday morning He suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds A 26-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday afternoon appeared in Auckland District Court in front of Judge Hana Ellis The man appeared apprehensive as he entered the courtroom and had to be coaxed in by security staff He will next appear in the High Court at Auckland on 18 September Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said questions remain around Thorpe's alleged murder "This is a positive development in the investigation but our work here is not done," Baldwin said He said police would continue collecting and analysing further CCTV footage "I know there will be questions about why this happened to Stephen and our team have the important task now of piecing together all the information so the judicial process can be carried out," he said "Police staff will still be working in the community as part of the ongoing area canvas and we still need anyone with information or CCTV to contact us." Entomologist Stephen Thorpe was seen in a struggle outside a tennis club before being found with stab wounds New Zealand RSS An Auckland school is running a blitz on children who are late for class because they've slept in An Auckland intermediate is cracking down on tardy students launching a “blitz” on families whose children are regularly late for school Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School says it marked nearly 10% of its students - or 85 children - late to school on a single day last week In a post on the school’s public Facebook page parents and students were warned there would be a crackdown on lateness and the families of those who were regularly late would be contacted by school leaders “The most concerning reason is ‘slept in’,” the school wrote “We will be running a blitz on this over the next few weeks and working with those students and families who are consistently late for this reason.” Lateness impacted not only the student but also the class and teachers “Being just 10 minutes late every day adds up to an hour a week of lost learning Over a year this adds up to one week of school missed in a year!” The post warned that being late for class meant important instructions could be missed and children may feel uncomfortable and on the outer with peers Students were reminded to arrive on time - at least five minutes before the 8.30am bell The school told the Herald it was too early to tell if the message - posted Monday - had had a positive effect and declined to comment further on the planned crackdown Ministry of Education spokesman Sean Teddy said schools develop their own policies on what constitutes lateness and ministry guidance suggests marking students who are more than 10 minutes late with an L code Teddy said the code would help the school monitor and respond to patterns of lateness Registered psychologist Dan Ford told the Herald the best way for parents to help young people get to school on time was to make sure they got up at the same time every morning - even on the weekend Ford - clinical director of The Better Sleep Clinic in Auckland - said young people needed consistency to get into good sleep habits “Shifts in the body clock happen in puberty so we often see .. difficulties falling asleep from 10-11 years of age,” Ford said it’s recommended young people need nine-11 hours of sleep each night Even if a young person had a late night it was still important to get up at the same time the next day - even if getting through the day was a bit tougher “Waking time is a lot more important than what time they go to sleep.” Ford said if an intermediate school student needed to get up at 7am to be at school on time Older teens might go to bed later but it was still important to wake up at the same time each morning Getting out into daylight as soon as possible in the morning and getting around 16 hours of daytime activity was also important Ford compared sleep to hunger and said just like working up an appetite through being active during daylight hours physical activity and waking at the same time each day prepared the body for sleep He also recommended giving a bedtime - even for older teens “There might be some resistance to this but the emotional upset from being given a bedtime is not as bad in the long term as the upset from having poor sleep.” Avoiding screens when in bed was also important “Teen eyes are very sensitive and the messages they get sent through their phones means they are constantly being alerted to something “It’s addictive and has an alerting effect on the brain which affects sleep.” Having a central charging port in the home that couldn’t be accessed after bedtime was also a good strategy OPINION: If our best and brightest aren’t staying, our international reputation suffers. Police have revealed a “violent struggle” took place between a scientist and his attacker in a tennis club car park stabbing They said this morning they are hunting Stephen Thorpe’s attacker who could have been stained with blood after the struggle Friends, students and colleagues are paying tribute to Thorpe, who was killed on Saturday morning at the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said there was a “large amount of blood” at the scene and some of that would have transferred to the killer likely in an agitated state and likely with some blood on him ”Someone will know who this person is and I challenge them to do the right thing and come forward.” Baldwin said a club member saw the victim earlier in the morning when the scientist had passed his laptop to him for safekeeping before he walked into the bush about 11.30am to look for insects Thorpe was a highly regarded entomologist in his early 50s with a passion for seeking out and identifying bugs and plants He worked seven days a week out of the Whau River Catchment Trust’s offices at the club Baldwin said after the victim went outside ”The staff member witnessed the victim in a violent struggle and went to get a phone to call for help.” and when he returned outside the victim was alone on the steps and his attacker had fled Thorpe had been stabbed multiple times before dying outside the club on Rathlin St the victim had succumbed to his injuries which are consistent with stab wounds,” Baldwin said He said the offender fled towards the car park on Rathlin St and it was not clear if he left on foot or in a vehicle Police have been hunting for the offender Police are also stepping up reassurance patrolling in the area “I know this event has rocked the local community and membership at the tennis club,” Baldwin said ”Our investigation team is highly motivated and are working hard to bring some answers and to hold the person responsible to account.” Baldwin said they wanted to speak to anyone on Rathlin St Exminster Stand and Terry St who saw “anything suspicious” from 11.30am onwards He urged the community to be vigilant and to “pay attention” while the man was still at large Baldwin acknowledges the public who have made contact with police so far ”One piece of information could be crucial in advancing this investigation so no matter how small it might be our team needs to hear from you.” Thorpe was single and had no children – his only known family was an elderly father in Queensland Meanwhile, those who have benefitted from his knowledge have paid tribute to his generosity and his work ethic – clearly visible in his more than 28,000 entries in iNaturalist an online app where people share biodiversity observations The scientist had at least nine new species of bugs named after him Thorpe also contributed some 12,000 insect specimens to Auckland Museum where he worked mainly as a volunteer throughout the 2000s “He had a prodigious memory particularly for all the scientific literature about New Zealand beetles,” said John Early not just for its horrific circumstances but also that his valuable contribution to New Zealand entomology is now ended.” president of the Auckland branch of the Entomological Society of New Zealand said he was shocked to hear of Thorpe’s death ”The main thing for the entomological community now and in the future is that we’ve lost a person who was able to identify so many different species of insects and other arthropods as well.” His contribution to the iNaturalist website was “massive” Seldon said word of the tragedy had spread among the entomology community quickly over the weekend and he expected it would be discussed at the society’s national conference in Christchurch this week Entomological Society of New Zealand president Tara Murray said her thoughts went out to Thorpe’s family “I have sent out many messages over the years when members of our community have passed away but there are simply no words to describe such a senseless tragedy.” University of Auckland entomologist professor Jacqueline Beggs said she was still processing the news it’s just hard to comprehend that he’s gone.” Thorpe worked in her laboratory at the university’s School of Biological Sciences for around a decade and she remembered him as a “walking encyclopedia” who was generous in sharing his knowledge with students “He was phenomenal in his ability to identify species – but more than that to ping the really cool and interesting things about them,” she said “Many of the techniques we use for collecting insects will bring up a vast array of different individuals – and within those hundreds he had an uncanny ability to spot the most unusual and important ones.” Prominent citizen scientist and Wikimedian Siobhan Leachman was similarly devastated at the news “I think our community has lost a really important member,” she said noting Thorpe was a highly regarded entomologist here and abroad “He had this depth of knowledge – and he was so generous with sharing that knowledge in the iNaturalist community in particular.” and also had a species named after himself Gary Andrew from the Whau River Catchment Trust sat every day next to Thorpe, who worked out of the trust’s offices though he was not employed there. Andrew described the scientist as a “small, slightly built, well-spoken, educated, gentle guy who would just never hurt a fly. It just felt incredibly sad that something has happened like this. It’s so pointless”. Tributes posted online to his account on the app remember his kind, helpful nature, “incredible wisdom” and passion for entomology. “He was so dedicated and knowledgeable. iNat has certainly lost one of its greats! Rest in Peace mate.“ Thorpe’s death was “incredibly sad”, another said, adding that Thorpe had made an “immeasurable contribution to entomology and natural science in NZ. Grateful for the help he gave me as a masters student”. Another said Thorpe had shared his wisdom with many “iNaturalist youngsters”. “You were someone we looked up to, hoping that one day we would know as much about the natural world as you. You will be missed.” ”Always happy and always able to help with identifications, always pointing towards the relevant literature. Never leaving a specimen behind! Now you are leaving us behind…I will miss you.” One devastated friend said on social media she became concerned for Thorpe after he didn’t post his usual “countless” daily observations on iNaturalist. After a sleepless night, she had called police, who confirmed her friend was the victim. Ken Lau, who lives opposite the tennis club, said the incident happened in front of other club members. “The court was busy – it’s a vibrant, busy place on a Saturday. People are playing tennis, bowling, biking. There would have been lots of witnesses.” The Herald asked police this morning for any updates including whether there were any concerns about public safety. Police said they had no updates to share, but yesterday said they were formally identifying the man and would be going door to door looking for more information. (If the viewing time doesn't suit please click the email button and let us know a time that suits you) Simply breath taking, located on a sought-after street! Houses like these very rarely come up for rent! Get in quick. Ample off-street parking and a big double garage internal access that leads to a family room and large bedroom with walk in wardrobe on the ground floor. On the middle floor you will find two large lounges (or fifth bedroom), one that flows to the front deck with views to the sea. The other lounge has a heat pump and access to the sunny back deck area which will be perfect for relaxing and entertaining on. There is your own private path way that leads to the main road from here which is a real highlight! Also on this level is the kitchen with butler's pantry, dining room, main bathroom, separate laundry room and bedroom. Top floor, has two large bedrooms one with a balcony and another master bathroom that acts as a double ensuite for both bedrooms. • Sea views from the deck, bedrooms and lounge • Walking distance to Eleanor Place park playground and Shipton Reserve Move in costs four weeks bond and first weeks rent *Need a dedicated and experienced property manager to take care of your investment? Call Nick on 0272951090 today for a free rental appraisal and discover why JK Realty Harcourts is the No.1 choice for property owners!* Auckland CityPrice By Negotiation415145m²637m²Discover the Hidden Potential of this Gem!Nestled on the highly sought-after Lynbrooke Street this 1970s bungalow offers a rare opportunity for families and developers alike With solid bones and an excellent structure this home is a canvas waiting for someone with vision to bring it back to life The home features three generous double bedrooms and a single providing ample space for a growing family The newly refurbished kitchen flows seamlessly into a bright dining area which opens onto a sun-drenched deck with breathtaking water views It's a perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee or sunsets The cozy living area and formal dining room offer a warm retreat during the cooler months making it ideal for family gatherings and quiet evenings at home you'll find an internal-access garage and generous storage space which could easily transform into a teenage retreat This layout is perfect for families needing extra room or those who enjoy creative projects Located within the prestigious Lynfield College zone this home sits in a family-friendly suburb known for its excellent schools and peaceful community This property offers more than just a house-it's a peaceful escape where you can relax whether you're searching for your forever home or exploring a development opportunity (subject to council approval) this property is brimming with possibilities Don't miss your chance to secure a slice of paradise in one of Blockhouse Bay's most esteemed streets Visit today and prepare to fall in love with the charm and potential of this extraordinary home A man killed on the grounds of an Auckland tennis club was a “beautiful soul” taken in a “dreadful event” Police launched a homicide investigation yesterday after the man died at Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club on Rathlin St “It is with a very heavy heart that we can confirm that we lost a beautiful soul at our club yesterday morning,” the club said in a letter to members today It is understood the victim worked in an office on the club grounds “This person was present at the club almost every day “He was truly a sincere person who was always happy to talk to everyone.” The club said it was unable to provide further details and the facility remained closed while police investigated “We know that your thoughts are with the person’s whānau and all our members and team who were present at the time of this dreadful event.” Police were today hunting an offender who they believed left the area on foot and investigators are working hard to establish the circumstances leading to and following the murder,” Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said said the incident occurred in front of club members and people using the neighbouring reserve Lau did not witness the incident but went to the scene soon afterwards The victim was still alive when ambulance officers arrived but could not be saved ”We have lived here for 30 years and we’ve never seen anything like it,” Lau said you know - it is happening in our own yard.” Police were going door-to-door on the street seeking footage from residents’ security cameras Lau said they had asked for footage between 11am and midday yesterday to check for people walking past the club Baldwin said police were gathering any CCTV dashcam or security footage from the Blockhouse Bay area around 11.30am yesterday ”Police would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the Rathlin St area police believe the offender may have left the scene on foot following the incident ”We are providing support to those who witnessed what occurred and we would like to speak to anyone who has not yet contacted us ”There will be a visible police presence in the area as the scene examination continues today ”We understand how unsettling this event will be for our community and we are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area around the clock ”Formal identification of the victim is expected to be completed today and a post-mortem examination is under way.” A member who was playing tennis in an indoor court at the club at the time the incident happened said they were asked to evacuate suddenly “I was playing tennis indoors at that time when it happened and we were told to evacuate halfway through,” the member said Police officers were guarding the scene this morning and officers were stationed on walkways on either side of the park A tent had been set up where the incident took place yesterday Officers could be seen scouring the grass nearby a man was located with critical injuries,” police said in a statement yesterday Police are still seeking a person involved in the incident “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and we are providing them with support at this difficult time “Police are now making inquiries to understand what has occurred.” blood was visible just outside the tennis courts next to a disposable vape A man working near the club told the Herald police had come to his work to investigate an alleged assault Officers told him they were “looking for someone” Police asked anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact police as soon as possible Information can be provided through 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 , using ‘Update Report’ with the reference “Operation Elba”, file number 240824/4136. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. A person at the centre of a manhunt after the sudden death of a man at a sports ground in Blockhouse Bay likely left the scene on foot It is believed the victim is linked to the local tennis club Officers at the scene today are using metal detectors to comb a reserve A homicide investigation was opened after officers say a man died from critical injuries inflicted by another person late on Saturday morning in Rathlin Street A spokesperson said they were in the early stages of the investigation but want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious happening in the area "We urgently need information from the public that could assist police dashcam or security footage from the Blockhouse Bay area A scene guard was in place at the park and extra officers were patrolling the suburb while investigators will continue to go door-to-door to speak to people in the area some police were digging through nearby piles of mulch "We understand how unsettling this event will be for our community and we are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area around the clock," the spokesperson said "We are providing support to those who witnessed what occurred and we would like to speak to anyone who has not yet contacted us." Formal identification of the victim was expected to be completed on Sunday with a post-mortem examination also being carried out Information could be provided through the police 105 line or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 Police say that a man was found with critical injuries in the suburb Saturday It’s a hugely interesting weekend ahead for fans of the Music in Parks programme of concerts with three gigs south of the Harbour Bridge being staged The ratepayer-funded concerts in Auckland’s parks and reserves from January to April are free entry This weekend’s live music action starts at Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve with Music in Parks’ longest-running traditional Rhythm n’ blues music patriarch in this country headline the show bill that includes the Dirty Tones He’s Midge’s long-time guitarist and collaborator, as well as being a highly respected player and producer for others and released his seventh solo album last year, Wires and Wood (chetoconnell.co.nz) The past two years’ scheduled Blockhouse Bay concerts for Music and Parks were cancelled because of torrential rain and storms and Midge and band ended up playing at Pakuranga which was fully appreciated by eastside music folks They’ve played the Blockhouse Bay annual Friday night show for at least two decades Music in Parks organisers say: “Blues at Blockhouse Bay is our annual ode to all things rhythm n’ blues will rock the stage along with a support list of Aotearoa’s top session players “The Dirty Tones get the party started with a deliciously gritty blend of blues “You’ll be swept away by high-energy solos and a stage presence that could make a statue dance,” say organisers “Chet O’Connell is a guitar master who will take you on a journey through the classic guitar era of The Shadows and Ventures to the acoustic mastery of Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel “Show headliner Midge Marsden is the ultimate act when it comes to a dynamic night of rhythm n’ blues and rock n’ roll “He’s been thrilling audiences in Aotearoa and the world for five decades.” Blues at Blockhouse Bay: Blockhouse Bay Beach Reserve idyllic venue of the Auckland Botanic Gardens is where NZ Opera Soloists flourishes on Saturday evening “NZ Opera creates a Best of Opera concert amidst the flowers and foliage,” says Music in Parks organisers with pianist David Kelly and MC Kawiti Waetford Parking: Entrance for the free event’s parking is at 177 Everglade Drive NZ Opera Soloists: Auckland Botanic Gardens Totara Heights; Everglade Drive entrance; Saturday Sunday’s Music in Parks line-up contains a fine selection of folk-pop artists: South for Winter this musical event is set in a delightful park beside the historic Pah Homestead and Arts Trust,” says organisers we’re offering an acoustic afternoon for your auditory enjoyment “South for Winter kicks off the entertainment with a blend of dreamy duets foot-stomping folk and bluesy murder ballads a multi-award nominated duo sharing their passion for language music and telling stories that celebrate our cultural identity “Rounding up this fantastic line-up are soul-filled electric and beautiful Albi and the Wolves “This well-known Auckland trio pride themselves on pushing the limits of what three musicians can do within the string band format.” Music in Parks Monte Cecilia: Monte Cecilia Park an independently-owned publishing company based in East Auckland Keep informed with the latest breaking news Our digital papers are emailed twice month on a Thursday You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/ Police are "urgently" seeking public help to catch the person who killed Auckland entomologist Stephen Thorpe while the victim's friends are mourning the "tragic" loss of a "tolerant and knowledgeable" man Thorpe was a keen entomologist who had been working at an office beneath the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club for a number of years He died from critical injuries late on Saturday morning Police said the person responsible left the scene on foot from the Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust said she had known Thorpe for about 10 years as the trust had a butterfly habitat very close to the tennis club Knight described him as being "very tolerant and knowledgeable" of anything to do with insects He would go on daily walks through the reserve by the club "He spent seven days a week at the office - he just loved it He was a loner who kept to himself most of the time and wouldn't hurt a fly said she had been at the supermarket when she heard a helicopter circling near the tennis club "I got a phone call telling me not to go to the butterfly habitat because there'd been an incident nearby so I stayed away until that afternoon when I decided to check on a new plant I'd recently planted." she was surprised to see the area was still cordoned off by police and she was not allowed to go through "I started worrying then because I knew my friend was there every day and I didn't know where he was." Knight said she was becoming more and more stressed as she could not get in touch with her friend and no one else had heard from him either "I didn't sleep much that night so in the morning I went down there again and that's when police confirmed to me he had been killed." Thorpe had no close relatives living in New Zealand as far as Knight knew "He was so well-spoken and just loved the nature here he was very successful at what he did too and had quite a few insects named after him I believe." Knight said she last saw her friend a week or so before his death as she had asked him to help her with her page on the website iNaturalist "He loved that site - he had about 900,000 specimens listed on there." A police spokesperson said they wanted to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious happening in the area a scene guard remained in place at the park and extra officers were patrolling the suburb while investigators went door-to-door to speak to residents Police were using metal detectors and could be seen digging through nearby piles of mulch A post-mortem examination and formal identification are being carried out The victim of the suspected stabbing was aged in his early 50s and was a keen entomologist who worked in an office underneath the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club seven days a week The person thought to be connected to the sudden death of a man at a sports ground likely left the scene on foot Police have launched a homicide investigation in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland An officer at the scene confirmed to the Herald the “incident” at the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club was an apparent homicide Police were called to Rathlin St at 11.37am “where a man was injured by another person” a man was located with critical injuries,” a police statement said this afternoon Police cordoned off the area around the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club and recreational reserve A scene examination will be carried out over the following days An apparent pool of blood was visible just outside the tennis courts next to a disposable vape Armed police arrived at the scene just before 3pm At least four police dog units arrived by 1pm and there were “heaps” of officers More officers arrived when the Herald was at the scene “More information will be issued proactively when [police are] in a position to do so,” she said A man working near the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club told the Herald police had come to his work to investigate an alleged assault police said the investigation is “in its early stages” but members of the public “can expect to see an increased police presence in the Blockhouse Bay area while these enquiries continue” “We will be speaking to those who witnessed what has occurred and we encourage anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact police as soon as possible,” a police spokesperson said Information can be provided through 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 using “Update My Report” and reference file number 240824/4136 information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to the incident saying staff were helping St John Ambulance Stephen Thorpe, 54, died at the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club on August 24. His alleged killer, a 26-year-old local man was arrested less than a week later and had his first appearance in court on Thursday The former flatmate recounted his first meeting with the accused when he moved into the house saying the man immediately alleged he had been stalking him “He had some thoughts I was like some crazy person that was stalking him I was just an acquaintance of his – I had never met him before “We were just having a chit chat and then he started to think I was working against him and he started getting very paranoid.” He said the man threatened him on a messaging platform He said the accused got upset the landlord had been contacted after which the accused stopped living at the flat “The thing that terrifies me is that you know now he has allegedly done something so bad Other residents of the “quiet and safe” suburb were terrified after learning the man alleged to have stabbed and killed Thorpe had lived locally Police were at a house belonging to people known to the man on Thursday afternoon last week Neighbours told the Herald they had seen investigators trawling the property for evidence since his arrest on Wednesday Another former flatmate of the accused told the Herald the man rarely engaged with his housemates He wouldn’t say hello to anybody and all that Neighbours said they were not familiar with the occupants They felt uneasy seeing police in the neighbourhood had been left scared after the stabbing at their local park But when I heard about that incident on Saturday .. I was just so concerned about what’s happening,” she said Another neighbour said “it was really sad that Stephen died and really scary” his alleged killer could have been nearby and the kids walk around here all the time It’s just really scary to think that it might not be safe.” Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022 Police say they are keeping an "open mind" about how the person who killed Auckland entomologist Stephen Thorpe left the Blockhouse Bay area Thorpe was a keen entomologist, described as someone who "wouldn't hurt a fly" and had been working at an office beneath the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club for a number of years Police previously said the person responsible left the scene on foot detective inspector Glenn Baldwin said the investigation team was "keeping an open mind at this point about how the offender left the area" on an e-scooter or leaving in a vehicle we need to hear from you." Officers were going door-to door in Blockhouse Bay as part of their ongoing homicide investigation called Operation Elba Baldwin said officers were maintaining an ongoing presence in the area "Our scene examination concluded yesterday afternoon and cordons have since been removed around the tennis club," he said "The Mobile Police Base has been set up in the area and we have a number of staff working as part of an area canvass knocking on doors." Police were still wanting to hear from anyone who has CCTV footage or who saw anything untoward leading up to "We still want to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity." A karakia has been held at the scene where Thorpe lost his life and it was attended by dozens of community members "Investigators remain determined in their work to identify and hold this offender to account." Police were asking anyone with information to contact 105 or go online Information could be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 Entomologist Stephen Thorpe has been named as the victim of a fatal attack in Auckland Stephen Thorpe was very successful in his field to the point of having bugs named after him Police have shut down a social media operation selling restricted weapons and drugs from Blockhouse Bay in Auckland said police searched a residential address on Wednesday “Our investigation staff have been looking into tasers and OC spray being sold on Facebook,” she said “The investigation led us to the address where we located a person of interest in this case.” The search uncovered 29 canisters of pepper spray 27 stun guns and more than 1.6kg of cannabis a large number of these were all set up and ready for sale,” Robertson said A 28-year-old woman arrested at the address faces a representative charge of possessing a restricted weapon as well as possession for supply of cannabis The woman is appearing in the Auckland District Court today and police are opposing her bail Inspector Robertson said it was a good result for the community “Dozens of these dangerous weapons [are] out of circulation and another supply line [has been] shut down.,” she said “I’d like to acknowledge the range of staff who worked on this on Wednesday from our front-line staff through to Tactical Crime Unit with support from colleagues further afield in Auckland.” Sign up to The Daily H a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday A man who died at an Auckland tennis club was a gentle quiet scientist who was killed on his daily walk to search for insects and plants said he sat next to the man - whom the Herald has chosen not to name - every day at work Andrew said the victim left the trust’s office yesterday morning around 11.30am for his daily exploration of the neighbourhood and at this stage we don’t know why,” he told the Herald I just assume that it was with a knife because he died fairly quickly He went back inside [the tennis club] and there was lots of blood The victim was single with no children and his only known family was an elderly father in Queensland with a dishevelled appearance which led some to assume he lived on the street he had told colleagues he suspected he was on the autism spectrum gentle guy who would just never hurt a fly It just felt incredibly sad that something has happened like this The victim was based in the trust’s office but was not employed by them He was previously at the University of Auckland and then did contract work for Landcare Research and other organisations but his main passion was always insects and flora “He spends his whole life looking for them,” Andrew said “He has nine new species named after him.” “Every day he arrives here at our office underneath the tennis club looks at the latest postings on insects and plants then he puts his laptop behind the bar and goes out .. to various places in Auckland and looks for insects and plants He walked out of work as he does seven days of the week The Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club paid tribute to the man in an email to members today “It is with a very heavy heart that we can confirm that we lost a beautiful soul at our club yesterday morning,” the club said Police were today hunting an offender they believed left the area on foot Residents in the area said the attack happened in the middle of a busy Saturday at the club Emergency services were called at 11.37am and up to 10 police cars rushed to the tennis club The police Eagle helicopter hovered over the scene for an hour Emergency services found the man with critical injuries and despite the efforts of ambulance officers he died at the scene the club grounds and a section of the Blockhouse Bay Recreational Reserve remained cordoned off Police officers could be seen scouring the grass said the attack occurred in front of club members and people using the neighbouring reserve “We have lived here for 30 years and we’ve never seen anything like it,” Lau said Police were going to door-to-door on the street seeking footage from residents’ security cameras “Police would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the Rathlin Street area “We are providing support to those who witnessed what occurred and we would like to speak to anyone who has not yet contacted us.” A homicide investigation has been launched after a man was found critically injured in the West Auckland suburb of Blockhouse Bay on Saturday Police said they were called to the scene after a man was injured by another person on Rathlin Street at 11.37am "Our thoughts are with the victim's family and we are providing them support at this difficult time," police said in a statement Cordons have been put in place while police launch their investigation Police said the public could expect to see an increased police presence in Blockhouse Bay for the next few days Armed police have been seen at the scene of the Blockhouse Bay Tennis Club where they appeared to be inspecting the building Witnesses speaking to police could be heard giving them instructions on the layout of the building and where things were More than 20 police officers and eight police vehicles were seen Police were eager to speak to any witnesses or anyone with information Information can be provided through 105 or online using 'Update My Report' information could also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111