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A Bay of Plenty police sergeant has been acquitted after a jury heard he punched a woman five times while she was being held in a police cell. The verdict resolves the criminal charge, but the case raises a separate public-interest question about how force used against people in custody is authorised, recorded and independently scrutinised Report by eLocal · A Tauranga jury has found a police sergeant not guilty of injuring with intent to…

The latest 1News Verian poll has National and Labour level on 28 percent, while the Greens have risen to 16 percent. The numbers could leave Opportunity holding the balance of power, but the seat projections depend on electorate results and post-election negotiations that no poll can settle Report by eLocal · New Zealand's election contest has become increasingly fragmented, with the latest 1News Verian poll showing neither major party close to…

Sir John Key has urged National supporters to give both votes to National, warning that strategic voting could cost the party experienced ministers. Winston Peters has rejected that argument, using the dispute to make a wider case for New Zealand First’s economic programme and its leverage in post-election negotiations Report by eLocal · Former Prime Minister Sir John Key and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters have opened a revealing…

Russia reports overnight strikes on Ukrainian military and logistics targets, including in Kyiv. Moscow's foreign minister says Russia seeks no further confrontation but warns that Europe's militarisation risks escalating the conflict. In Munich, protesters, including students, oppose German resources being directed towards Ukraine rather than domestic needs. Meanwhile, Saudi airstrikes reportedly hit civilian areas in Yemen's Taiz province as…

Who checks the figures when councils and banks demand payment or enforce debts against people's homes? In this opinion, Tracy Lynch examines mortgage balances, council rates, development contributions and the records underpinning enforcement decisions. Her central question is straightforward: can institutions demonstrate the authority, calculations and financial records supporting their demands? The question is no longer simply: “Do you owe…

n this opinion, Andy Loader examines New Zealand election promises, the cost of living, resource policy, Treaty and co-governance debates, and the records of successive governments. He questions whether political commitments are grounded in complete evidence and whether voters can hold parties accountable for delivery. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that in the current economic climate there are many people who are hurting financially and…

Vladimir Putin says Russia has no intention of initiating hostilities against European countries, accusing European leaders of exaggerating the threat to sustain support for Ukraine. His statement comes amid competing assessments of Russian intentions, European security risks and the prospects for renewed negotiations INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 25 September 2026. · Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalists at the United…

Italy has approved restrictions on face-covering garments in schools and new limits intended to prevent concentrations of pupils needing Italian-language support. The measures raise questions about religious freedom, educational opportunity and how governments balance integration with individual rights INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, 25 September 2026, with verification from Italian news agency ANSA and additional New Zealand context. · …

Britain’s calls for greater national war readiness have prompted a dispute over the difference between credible defence planning and public alarm. As European intelligence officials debate the immediacy of Russian threats, the controversy raises questions about how New Zealand assesses international risks and determines its own defence commitments INR Report: Based on commentary by Tarik Cyril Amar for RT HERE, published 24 September 2026.…

An RT historical essay argues that Stalin's September 1939 advance into eastern Poland was driven by Soviet security concerns as Nazi Germany overwhelmed Polish defences. The diplomatic agreements, continuing Polish resistance and consequences of Soviet occupation reveal a more complicated history with continuing relevance to debates about sovereignty and security. INR Report: Based on reporting by Evgeny Norin for RT HERE, 21 September 2026,…