Sam Smith

2 days ago | stuff.co.nz | Ava Whitworth |Steve Kilgallon |Sanda Arambepola |Sam Smith

A man who went on an 18-month crime spree targeting commercial and retail premises is in no position to repay the debt they incurred as result of his relentless offending, a court has heard. Tan Ropitini, 36, committed the first offence in December 2023 when he stole a pair of shoes from Rebel Sports in Hastings, and continued his offending until January 2025 when he was arrested in Foxton while in possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

3 days ago | stuff.co.nz | Michael Daly |Sam Smith |Hamish McNeilly

A number of people have appeared in court facing charges in relation to large street racing meetings which caused disruption in Levin and Manawatū. Levin was inundated with cars on Friday night as about 1000 people attended a street racer invasion, with people doing burnouts, and police in riot gear responded. The gathering later moved to Palmerston North. Seven people were injured and 10 people were arrested.

3 days ago | stuff.co.nz | Hamish McNeilly |Sam Smith |Lisette Reymer |Jennifer Sinco Kelleher

After initially declining funding, South Wairarapa District Council has now locked in support for establishing a district-wide sports and recreation service. A majority vote secured funding of $80,000 to the cause per year over two years. At a meeting on Wednesday, councillor Rebecca Gray moved to revoke the earlier funding rejection which was decided during Long-Term Plan deliberations.

2 weeks ago | stuff.co.nz | Sam Smith |Joel Maxwell

3 weeks ago | stuff.co.nz | Sam Smith |Bridie Witton