Auckland

ASB Polyfest has had a challenging few years. The 2019 festival had its final day cancelled after the Christchurch mosque shootings, the 2020 festival was cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions and last year's festival took place without any crowds.

PMN News reports this year’s festival theme is “Mana Motuhake” which means creating one’s own destiny.  

Event Director Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu says: “This can encompass many meanings so each stage will incorporate what Mana Motuhake means to them.  

RNZ reports Cyclone Gabrielle is likely to hit Northland on Sunday before heading towards Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula - which could both get a month's worth of rain in a day.

Auckland's state of emergency has been extended ahead of the forecast extreme weather.

At least four people have died and a state of emergency order continues in Auckland, which on Friday experienced its worst downpour on record.

BBC reports about 350 people needed emergency accommodation, New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said.

He added there had been significant damage across Auckland and the North Island.

The newly-appointed PM also highlighted climate change's role in the extreme weather event.

Further downpours overnight led to five more rescues of people trapped by floodwaters and landslips, and a significant landslip in Titirangi.

Chris Hipkins said Auckland has a big clean-up ahead from the torrential rain that began on Friday causing unprecedented flooding around the city.

"And then of course we've got the uncertainty of what the weather's going to do over the next few days still ahead of us ... so it's still a very challenging time for Auckland."

The National Organised Crime Group Investigation named Operation Samson investigated a number of residential and commercial properties across Auckland linked to the New Zealand chapter of the Hells Angels.

A 30-year-old Hells Angel member was charged with money laundering and has appeared in the Auckland District Court.

Detective inspector Albie Alexander said this type of offending undermines the well-being of communities.

He said the investigation would continue to target those who accumulated assets and wealth through illegal means.

The centre is Tonga's main public service for women and children needing refuge from domestic violence.

Organiser, Reverend Asora Amosa said January's volcanic eruption has inspired people to help.

"It's in our human DNA to help. Part of our makeup is to help. That is primarily the reason for our team to reach out in this fashion, it's the passion and spirit of giving, to help out someone in need."

The donation drive ends Saturday.

This was what his son Salesio Moeakiola shared with his friends following Tevita’s death on Sunday morning.

Salesio said there was enough food on the table for the Moeakiola family but his father enjoyed fishing as a hobby.

Tevita was out fishing at Bucklands Beach, Auckland with two others when “a big wave hit their boat” before it capsized, reported the NZ Herald.

It appeared that Tevita was struggling after having an injury immediately after the accident.

In January 2020, Meliame Fisi'ihoi was watching TV in the sitting room in the early hours of the morning, when she got up to check a noise she heard outside her Favona home, a court has heard.

The mother of six went to the window, raised her right hand and opened the curtain.

As she looked out, a gunshot was fired from close range, killing Fisi'ihoi instantly.

The court heard the 57-year-old woman's husband and younger children were home in bed at the time.

The Crown says the bullet was meant for Fisi'ihoi's eldest son after a botched gun deal.

They face a variety of charges relating to firearms, drugs and bail offences.

Police said 10 warrants had also been executed and four firearms and 250 rounds of ammunition had been recovered.

Counties Manukau district commander superintendent Jill Rogers said Operation Dairylands led to police disruption and enforcement activities across the city.

"The gang members involved in this violence continue to show a blatant disregard for the safety of people going about their lawful business.

There have been 12 reported drive-by shootings in Auckland since Sunday.

This afternoon, police revealed there have likely been more.

But so far zero arrests have been made.

Meanwhile, innocent neighbours say they are terrified of being shot as they sleep, with bullets flying far from their intended targets.

Manakau Ward councilor Alf Filipaina, who was in the police force for 38 years, admitted: "Never ever have I seen the prevalence of the firearm incidents that we had last night. Never."