Oscar Francis

May 21, 2024 | thespinoff.co.nz | Oscar Francis

Societyabout 12 hours agoNew Zealand police have a lot of guns, and every year one or two are briefly misplaced. Oscar Francis reports on an official investigation into a singularly striking case, that of a helicopter-borne constable who dropped their pistol into an illegal cannabis plantation. You know how sometimes you find yourself down a YouTube rabbit hole and all of a sudden it’s 3am and you’re thinking way too much about UFOs?

Dec 18, 2023 | odt.co.nz | Oscar Francis

You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. Life & StyleTravelAn idle fortnight in one of Cambodia’s most relaxed towns punctuated by a day spent exploring nearby Bokor Mountain by motorcycle: what could be better?

Dec 14, 2023 | newsroom.co.nz | Oscar Francis

Staff shortages will confine the Navy's flagship multi-role vessel to port during this year’s cyclone season, limiting the military’s ability to respond to natural disasters. That means the Navy won't be able to get helicopters where they're needed, and will even struggle to deploy personnel. It may have to ask Australia for support from its C-17 air transport, or ask armed forces to "self-deploy". Already have an account?

Nov 20, 2023 | stuff.co.nz | Oscar Francis

Maybe things are better now summer is around the corner, but New Zealand sure felt bone-chillingly miserable when I left in late May. I paid $250 for a one-way ticket with unpleasant layovers. Eighteen hours after I left Auckland Airport, I stepped excitedly out of Changi into the overwhelming humidity of Singapore. For the six hours until I could check in to my hostel, I staggered around the CBD without cash or internet, sweat-soaked, sleep-deprived and wide-eyed.

May 19, 2023 | odt.co.nz | Oscar Francis |Rob Kidd