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Three arrested after $1000 haul of shoplifted meat found in car

Three arrested after $1000 haul of shoplifted meat found in car

Three people have been arrested in Wellington after being stopped by police with a car full of allegedly shoplifted meat. About $1000 of meat was found in the vehicle and the three occupants, an 18-year-old man from Lower Hutt and two young people, were arrested. All three were charged with shoplifting offences and are due to appear in Wellington Youth Court today. Police had been notified at the weekend of separate instances at supermarkets in Island Bay and Crofton Downs where premium cuts of meat were taken. A vehicle of interest was spotted travelling north from Wellington and was stopped without issue in Lower Hutt. Prime cuts of beef, pork and lamb appear to have been recovered, including at least eight T-bone steaks, two pork shoulder roasts, three pork leg roasts and five legs of lamb. The meat was discovered when a vehicle was stopped in Lower Hutt. Photos supplied by police show more than 35 packs of beef, including T-bone steaks starting from $25. The highest priced beef items appear to be more than $50. One of the legs of lamb was more than $70. “These were targeted thefts of high-value items, no doubt destined to be on-sold,” said Wellington area prevention manager Inspector Jason McCarthy. “We won’t tolerate this type of offending and are working hard to hold those committing retail crime to account.” Police have made several arrests related to meat thefts in recent years, including one woman who was charged with stealing $14,500 worth from a catering company in 2022. Elyse Elizabeth Wilson was found to have stolen the meat from her previous employer in Otago and sentenced to six months’ home detention. Police also arrested a man in December 2024 for stealing more than $1000 worth of meat from a single supermarket in Auckland.

Shane Christie funeral: Hundreds of mourners farewell ex-Māori All Black in Nelson

Shane Christie funeral: Hundreds of mourners farewell ex-Māori All Black in Nelson

Hundreds of mourners gathered to farewell former-Māori All Black Shane Christie in Nelson this morning, with many tributes to a “leader with true mana” who has left a lasting impression. Christie, 39, died suddenly last Wednesday. More than 700 people, including family, friends, and former teammates, filled the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson for the funeral service. Friends of Christie told the Herald it was believed his death was self-inflicted and came after a period during which concern over his wellbeing had increased. Family, friends and fellow rugby players spoke at the service. “He made such an impact, he touched so many people from all different walks of life,” said close friend Paul Hampton. A huge crowd turned out to farewell Shane Christie in Nelson today. Photo / George Heard “A man who lived his life like he played rugby. “He went out of his way for so many. “Shane was so unassuming. He collected for Gumboot Friday and didn’t want any recognition; they didn’t know he was a rugby player.” Shane Christie is being laid to rest in Nelson today. Photo / George Heard Craig Moore, a close friend of more than 20 years, said Christie was a “truly kind man” who “gave so much to others”. “He always had a project on the go. After retiring in 2017, Shane became a passionate advocate for preventing brain injuries in rugby. A powerful haka was performed as the coffin was carried out today. Photo / George Heard “Shane’s life was one of passion; whatever he turned his hand to, he gave it passion. “‘Shayno’ was loyal and caring. He checked in on us and our whānau, even through his own battles. A leader with true mana. “He’s left his mark on all teams he represented.” Family, friends, and former teammates are among those who have gathered to pay their respects to Christie. Photo / George Heard The former Tasman Mako captain and Highlanders Super Rugby flanker retired from professional rugby in 2017 due to severe post-concussion symptoms. Christie suffered his first concussion during tackling practice at lunchtime at high school. Today, All Blacks and Crusaders star David Havili, who is also the Tasman Mako captain, said he was “very blessed” to speak on behalf of the Mako. “A trailblazer for young, inspiring players in this region, he fuelled kids like me to go out and chase their dreams,” he said of Christie. David Havili speaking today. “He could connect with anyone from all walks of life; he always found ways to know you as a person.” Havili described Christie as “the ultimate teammate” who was a big believer in putting culture first, and then “the rest would take care of itself”. “The impact you had on our lives was immense, Shane,” Havili said. “What made Shane so special and unique is the way he could connect with anyone from all walks of life; he always found ways to know you as a person.” Former All Black Ben Smith and other former Highlanders players were at the service. Photo / George Heard Christie’s lawyer and friend Craig Morice said he was a loyal mate. “We were taught at law school not to become emotionally attached to our clients. I’m glad I made an exception to that rule for Shane Christie, as my life has been richer for it,” Morice said. “If you demonstrated honesty and love, then you had Shane’s respect.” Christie suffered more than 10 head knocks during his career, including one in 2016 that he never fully recovered from. His last two came during training sessions after collisions he last year described to the Herald as “really light and I couldn’t handle them”. Craig Morice. Post-career, Christie became an advocate for raising greater awareness around the impacts of repeated head injuries and its links to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Morice said it was important to talk about Christie’s advocacy work around CTE. “In 2017, Shane had to see a neurological specialist in Melbourne, as the headaches were getting worse.” Hundreds have gathered to farewell Christie today. “In November of that year, Shane...

Sheriff Buford Pusser – who inspired Walking Tall films – killed his wife, authorities say

Sheriff Buford Pusser – who inspired Walking Tall films – killed his wife, authorities say

A sheriff whose crusade against corruption inspired a string of Hollywood films is now suspected by Tennessee authorities of killing his wife before 1973’s Walking Tall was released, in a dramatic fall for a small-town hero whose fabled deeds are honoured with an annual festival and museum in his name. Prosecutors said on Saturday that they had enough evidence to posthumously accuse Buford Pusser, who worked as McNairy County sheriff from 1964 to 1970, of killing his wife, 33-year-old Pauline Mullins Pusser, in 1967. Pusser died in a car crash in 1974 after ploughing his Corvette into an embankment. Hours earlier, he had signed a contract to star in a sequel to Walking Tall, which was inspired by his life story. A 2004 remake starred Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. In the 1973 film, Pusser, played by actor Joe Don Baker, suffers the ultimate sacrifice for his tough stance on crime when his wife is killed in an ambush on his police car. The plot recalls the story Pusser told police about a real-life incident in which his wife was fatally shot and he was critically injured on August 12, 1967. Contradicting his decades-old story of an ambush by an unidentified assailant, authorities now believe Pusser shot his wife, moved her body into his vehicle, then shot himself to make it appear as if the pair were both victims, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Friday. Pusser had multiple surgeries and spent nearly three weeks in the hospital following the incident, and later grew his hair long to cover up his scars. Tennessee authorities began reexamining the Pusser files in recent years after a broader push to review cold cases in the state. Pauline Pusser’s body was exhumed after officials received a tip about a suspected murder weapon. A post-mortem revealed that she had suffered a broken nose that healed before she died, and investigators uncovered other evidence of domestic violence. Authorities were able to use forensic science that was not available in the late 1960s. Investigators found inconsistencies between Pusser’s testimony and the scene: blood spatter was found on the exterior hood of the vehicle, suggesting that his wife had not been shot while in the car, and the nature of her head trauma did not match photos of the car’s interior. The gunshot wound to the sheriff’s cheek was fired at close range and “was likely self-inflicted,” District Attorney Mark Davidson of Tennessee’s 25th Judicial District said. Authorities say Sheriff Buford Pusser killed his wife in 1967 and staged it as an ambush. Photo / Getty Images “This case is not about tearing down a legend. It is about giving dignity and closure to Pauline and her family, and ensuring that the truth is not buried with time,” Davidson said at a Friday news conference. “The truth matters, justice matters. Even 58 years later, Pauline deserves both.” Pusser, a 1.98m (6ft 6) former wrestler, married Pauline Mullins in 1959. He became police chief of the tiny, rural town of Adamsville, Tennessee, in 1962 and was elected sheriff in Tennessee in 1964 while still in his 20s. “For many, the story of Buford Pusser is part of West Tennessee history,” said Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch. During his time as sheriff, Pusser launched crackdowns on the Dixie Mafia and the State Line Mob – a dangerous endeavour that led to Pusser being stabbed, beaten and thrown out a window in numerous assassination attempts, according to local media reports. Pauline Pusser’s younger brother, Griffon Mullins, said in a prerecorded message played at Saturday’s news conference that he is “not totally shocked” that Pusser is being accused of her murder and expressed regret for not trying to stop his sister from going to Tennessee with Pusser decades ago. “She was the leader of our family. She was the most caring, personable person that you would ever want to meet,” he said. “... I’ve missed her horribly.” Tennessee authorities appeared to anticipate that some locals who h...

Mould-tainted Bunjie Peek-A-Boo Probiotic Baby Eye Wipes recalled across NZ

Mould-tainted Bunjie Peek-A-Boo Probiotic Baby Eye Wipes recalled across NZ

Baby wipes being sold across New Zealand have been recalled after an audit found some of the product had been contaminated with mould. Product Safety NZ said several batches of the Bunjie Peek-A-Boo Probiotic Baby Eye Wipes were believed to have been improperly sealed during manufacture, here in New Zealand. This has resulted in airflow in and out of the packaging, which may result in internal or external mould growth. If used on a baby’s eyes or face, the mould contaminated wipes pose a risk of injury or illness. Bunjie informed the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and Product Safety NZ is now assisting with the recall. Advertised as “not your average baby wipe”, the prebiotic and probiotic wipes are sold at Chemist Warehouse nationwide, Baby Bunting New Zealand, and Bunjie’s online store. Customers are being urged to immediately stop using the product and to contact Bunjie directly for a refund. The following batches of the product are affected by the recall. Photo/Product Safety NZ In a statement, Bunjie said they had “identified sporadic instances of mould growth on the external packaging” of the wipes. The brand said only a small proportion of products are affected, but the recall covers all wipes sold between December 1, 2024 and August 30, 2025. “We know this is worrying and we sincerely apologise to anyone who’s been affected by this recall. Your little one’s health is our top priority, and we’re here to help in any way we can.” Chemist Warehouse and Baby Bunting have been approached for comment.

Lotto revolution: New ‘spend limit’, some games gone as Lotto bosses make ‘major’ tech changes

Lotto revolution: New ‘spend limit’, some games gone as Lotto bosses make ‘major’ tech changes

“Major” technology changes will see some punters buying online tickets for Lotto New Zealand’s raft of games – including multi-million Powerball draws – having reduced weekly spending limits. Lotto NZ has announced a myriad of changes that will impact on how those who play via online ticket purchases. That includes some games being scrapped, the introduction of 13 new online Instant Kiwi offerings and changes to how much online players can spend making online purchases. The latter changes – which come into force on September 29 - will see a “7-day rolling limit” of $150 spend on tickets for all of Lotto NZ’s games; including Lotto, Powerball, Keno, Strike!, Bullseye and Instant Kiwi. Previously, online punters could spend a maximum $150 – including a top spend of $50 on Instant Kiwi tickets - across a week. The changes are being introduced as Lotto NZ says it is “setting the wheels in motion for a major technology upgrade”. In terms of the spending limit changes, Lotto NZ said it was “committed to making sure our players have a range of tools to keep their play safe and fun”. Lotto NZ is encouraging people to think how much they can afford in their budget when considering their new spending limit. Photo / Michael Bradley When punters log into the new system when it goes live, they can set up their new seven-day spending limit of $150 or less. “We encourage you to consider how much you have in your budget to play Lotto NZ games to help you set this,“ Lotto said. “A spend limit is a tool to help you set a budget before you play.” Currently, the maximum online weekly spend covers a fixed period; meaning a maximum of $150 would be available for punters after a seven-day period has ended. The changes will see the rolling limit look back at what punters had spent every day in the past seven days. Out of the $150 limit, whatever money a player spent on a certain day would be missing from their available funds to purchase more tickets for a further seven days. “For example, if today was Wednesday and you spent $40, this would be removed from your available spend for the next seven days. Then on the following Wednesday, the $40 would be available again,” Lotto NZ said. The Lotto website will provide detailed day-by-day spend information – and the size of available funds – to subscribers. The changes come as Lotto NZ is also looking at changes to its “flagship” game, Powerball. Lotto NZ hopes to introduce changes to the Powerball matrix in 2027. Photo / NZME The Herald revealed in June that gaming bosses were keen to increase the number of balls in the Powerball draw – and are already seeking permission from the Government for what has been described as a “matrix” change for the game. The change would make winning Powerball harder – but on the flipside, it would ensure there were more regular top-dollar jackpots. Documents showed officials considering any changes to Lotto Powerball were also investigating ways to ensure the risk of “potential gambling harm” was minimised. Research from the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) shows around 12% of clients who received gambling harm treatment services said Lotto was their “primary mode of gambling harm”. That compared with 50% who listed playing pokies and 9% who were impacted by their gambling with the TAB. The PGF said big jackpots can “drive people to spend more money than they can afford to in the hope of winning big”. It urged prospective players to know the odds of winning as that helped “to keep things in perspective”. As well as the new spending limit, Lotto NZ bosses confirmed today that “we’re saying goodbye to some games”. They added there would be the introduction of 13 new online Instant Kiwi games that offered top prizes ranging from $100,000 to $20,000. Neil Reid is a Napier-based senior reporter who covers general news, features and sport. He joined the Herald in 2014 and has 33 years of newsroom experience.

US Open: Kamil Majchrzak tracks down kid after man snatches hat from child

US Open: Kamil Majchrzak tracks down kid after man snatches hat from child

A tennis fan at the US Open has sparked a huge backlash after appearing to steal a player’s cap from a devastated young boy at the side of the court.  Polish star Kamil Majchrzak was signing autographs for fans on court 11 after overcoming ninth seed Karen Khachanov in a five-set thriller when he took his cap off to give to a young fan.  But a man standing next to the boy reached out, snatched the cap and quickly shoved it into his bag. The boy looked devastated and could be heard saying, “What are you doing?”  Majchrzak was unaware of what had happened at the time, but after the clip went viral on social media he issued a plea to find the upset kid.  NEW: Tennis star Kamil Majchrzak is looking for a young boy who had a hat snatched from him by a grown man at the US Open.Majchrzak was seen trying to hand the boy his hat when a grown man took it and stashed it in a bag."After the match, I didn't record that my cap didn't… pic.twitter.com/JE5vGxjNxg— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 29, 2025 “After the match I didn’t record that my cap didn’t get to the boy,” Majchrzak wrote on Instagram, along with screenshots of the incident.  “Could you help me find the Kid from my match. If it’s you [or your parents see this], please send me a DM.”  An hour later, Majchrzack said the boy had been identified and was “impressed by the power of the internet”.  Fans on social media were quick to react to the clip with some speculating he is a rich businessman from Poland.  One person said: “What a man-child. Disgusting and so disrespectful” while another said it was “shameful behaviour” and urged US Open officials to ban him.  Majchrzak will face Leandro Riedi in the third round on Saturday morning.