Crime

A transnational crime expert says New Zealand and Australia's status as the "cash cows" of the Pacific methamphetamine market is a driving factor in the drug crisis facing the region.

Zayne Gordon attempted to set the Kaikohe Police station on fire with a Molotov cocktail.

Peter Holmes lured Jamie Ellis away from a party, then helped beat him to death.

The aggravated robbery was reported on Kensington Ave in Whangārei on July 7.

A joint investigation unravelled a transnational organised crime syndicate working with local gangs to import significant quantities drugs into New Zealand.

The family of Tyreece Te Pairi, who died while celebrating his upcoming 21st birthday said they had laid their son to rest.

After RNZ revelations the Police Commissioner canned a directive on "value thresholds", which he called "confusing and unhelpful".

Police found the body of a newborn baby in a wheelie bin outside a house on Renall St in Freemans Bay.

Between March and May, retailers reported almost 5500 incidents but because the value was below $500, they were never followed up. Audio

The agency said the breach was suspected to have resulted in at least 13 vehicles being targeted for theft. Audio

Controversial police directive told staff they would no longer be investigating allegations of retail crime below certain financial thresholds.

A man was taken into custody for disorderly behaviour, police said.

The associate immigration minister says people were becoming desensitised to exploitation, trafficking and slavery.

The defendant faces eight charges, including aggravated robbery and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Daniel Nganeko was hit in what police say was an unprovoked attack.