Stories from Auckland · New Zealand

A 61-year-old Auckland man has admitted to spray painting anti-Indian graffiti near a school in Manukau. Detective Superintendent Ross McKay stated police believe the individual was assisted by a small group at various stages. The graffiti, which appeared last month, incited violence against the Indian community. Charges may be filed at a later date if further information is uncovered. The man's name is currently under permanent suppression. According to a summary of facts, the man told police he was intoxicated and could not remember the incident.

ANZ reported a profit of $1.26 billion for the six months ended March. ANZ utilizes economic hedges to manage foreign exchange and interest rate risks. Total revenue rose 5% to just under $2.7 billion. Chief Executive Antonio Watson attributed a five basis point margin fall to increased competition. Watson noted that competition intensifies when transaction volumes slow down compared to the post-COVID surge. The bank also released a consumer confidence survey today which showed steady results. The report follows a period of high demand and intense banking competition post-COVID. This figure represents the profit for the country's largest bank. Centric reported that consumer and mortgage arrears have dropped to their lowest levels since 2023. However, Centric managing director Keith McLaughlin noted that 95,000 people are more than 90 days behind on payments.

A new residential complex consisting of 297 apartments has been completed in Auckland. Tenants can leave at any time provided they give eight weeks' notice. Rent for these units is reviewed and increased annually to match market rates.

Sky City Entertainment Group issued an update regarding its profit guidance for the full year 2026. The company is monitoring economic impacts and consumer spending trends influenced by ongoing war. The group has downgraded its earnings range for the 2026 fiscal year.

The decision follows a February hearing where the judge dismissed his lawyers. The ruling comes amid reports of harsh conditions and solitary confinement at the Auckland prison where he is held.

A 21-year-old member of the Roman Jewish community has admitted responsibility for a shooting incident. Investigators identified the suspect through surveillance footage showing the ambush and a subsequent escape on a scooter.

New Zealand rugby league player Chanel Harris-Tavita is facing speculation regarding a move to the Cowboys next year. Harris-Tavita has played 100 games for the Warriors since his 2019 debut but is currently off contract.

An all-female crew set sail from Auckland this morning to investigate the ocean plastic crisis. The expedition has observed negative effects including microplastics found in shellfish. One crew member, a recipient of the Ex Expedition bursary for Oahuine Maori, noted the personal significance of the area for fishing and diving. The project aims to document environmental changes in the region. The amount of plastic in the ocean rose from 2014 levels to an estimated 171 trillion pieces by 2023. Taylor Madeline, Science and Research Lead for the Ex Expedition Crew from the University of Georgia, stated that a dump truck worth of plastic enters the ocean every minute. This pollution is having major impacts on human health and the environment. UK marine scientist Rowan Henforn is leading the South Pacific Expedition to study ocean plastic pollution.

The initiative focuses on directing water into overland flow paths and natural drains through widening streams and wetlands. The program also includes property buyouts and fast-tracked upgrades to bridges and culverts.

The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board decided that Barry's Point Reserve is not an appropriate location for a proposed bronze sculpture and plaque.