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A Wellington man has been convicted of murder and arson after setting a fire at Loafers Lodge in May 2023, killing five residents. The jury rejected his insanity defense, and he will be sentenced in November. The fire exposed unsafe conditions in many boarding houses across New Zealand.
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During a July visit to New Zealand, Kash Patel, a senior US government official, presented inoperable 3D-printed replica pistols to three top security officials. The gifts, which could have been made operable, were destroyed following advice from New Zealand authorities to ensure compliance with gun laws. The incident highlights New Zealand's strict firearm regulations post-Christchurch attack.
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A severe storm with winds up to 230 km/h hit New Zealand, causing widespread damage, power outages, and flight cancellations. The storm also coincided with a major industrial strike involving over 100,000 workers, disrupting public services amid ongoing weather warnings. Authorities warn more severe weather is expected.
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Multiple legal cases involving sexual misconduct have surfaced recently. A UK ex-BBC DJ faces historic charges, a former police deputy in New Zealand admits to possessing illegal images, and a Nigerian actress alleges family arrest orchestrated by her estranged husband. These cases highlight ongoing issues of misconduct and abuse.
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In July, US FBI Director Patel gifted plastic 3D-printed revolvers to New Zealand officials. The weapons, modeled on toy guns, met legal definitions as firearms under NZ law. The officials surrendered the guns, which experts say could be easily made operable, raising concerns over security and safety.
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New Zealand's Attorney-General announced an independent investigation into the disappearance of Tom Phillips and his children, scrutinising government agency actions. Phillips vanished in 2021, was killed in a police shootout in September 2025, and the inquiry aims to assess if authorities did all they could to protect the children.