Latest news with #AucklandAirport
NZ Herald
17 hours ago
- NZ Herald
NZ's dangerous underworld: Gangs, drugs and a lot of money
His latest book, Underworld: The new era of gangs in New Zealand, is the third in a series he's released since 2020 – and the latest instalment delves deeper into our country's dark underbelly of gangs, guns, drugs and money – lots and lots of money. He told The Front Page that New Zealand is seeing unprecedented volumes of methamphetamine and other drugs turn up on our shores. 'When I first started reporting, one kilo of meth was a big deal, and it was a front-page story. These days, even the smallest of drug dealers would have far more than one kilo in the back of the car. Now we are talking imports of 400 to 700 kilograms,' he said. Despite some record-breaking busts, like the 613kg of meth intercepted at Auckland Airport in 2022, New Zealand's appetite for drugs remains high. 'Those big busts [are] having quite a negligible impact on how much drugs are actually being consumed,' Savage said. 'We can see through wastewater testing that for a long time we were consuming about 15 kilos of meth per week. Then last year, it was more than double every single week.' Organised crime groups have spent decades solidifying their presence in New Zealand. Drug importation and sales now rely on a global network, which includes Asian syndicates and Mexican cartels collaborating with local gangs. While homegrown gangs have been instrumental in distributing drugs throughout the country, it's the Australian imports that have come with an international contact book. 'What has really changed in the last 10 years, in particular, is members of Australian motorcycle gangs being deported here and establishing truly international crime groups. 'They had genuine connections to supply lines overseas, not just in Asia, but to the South Americas, Mexico and the US. 'It's no coincidence that [large drug imports] happened around the same time that we started seeing deportees come here. They've also brought more of a brazen, arrogant approach to the underworld. 'It's not just the Aussie gangs now that are doing these big imports, but they were certainly the ones that kicked things off. Savage said while police are doing the best they can, the only way the supply of drugs is going to dry up is if the demand for drugs dries up. 'We certainly need to be looking more into investment in rehabilitation, counselling opportunities for people who are tied up in addiction ... 'The answers lie within each community ... There are always people in there that are doing amazing work with young people; they just need some support,' he said. Listen to the full episode to hear more about New Zealand's dark underbelly, and what could be done to fix it. The Front Page is a daily news podcast from the New Zealand Herald, available to listen to every weekday from 5am. The podcast is presented by Chelsea Daniels, an Auckland-based journalist with a background in world news and crime/justice reporting who joined NZME in 2016. You can follow the podcast at iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- NZ Herald
Friends, family remember Arvind Kummar who was killed in crash near Auckland Airport
Arvind Kummar was killed in a car accident on George Bolt Memorial Drive near Auckland Airport on Wednesday. The man who was killed in a three-car crash near Auckland Airport yesterday has been described as 'charming and loving'. Arvind Kummar, 45, died in an accident on George Bolt Memorial Drive, the main road leading to the airport, which resulted in a temporary closure. Tributes in Fijian Community
1News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- 1News
Person dies in three-car crash near Auckland Airport
One person has died and another was seriously injured following a three-vehicle crash near Auckland Airport this morning. Police said the crash on George Bolt Memorial Drive, near the intersection with Tom Pearce Drive, was reported about 4am. Shortly after 8am, police confirmed one person died in the crash. "A second occupant of the same vehicle has sustained serious injuries and has been transported to hospital," a police spokesperson said. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including UK set to recognise Palestine, fire closes another Auckland supermarket, and Australia's plan to clamp down on YouTube access. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Auckland Airport said Northbound and southbound lanes which had been impacted on George Bolt Memorial Drive had since reopened. It said traffic was flowing normally again on the main road in and out of the precinct. Meanwhile, breakdowns and nose-to-tail crashes caused delays for traffic heading north, west of the Victoria Rd on-ramp, on the Waikato Expressway. "Emergency services began receiving reports at around 6:50am."
Scoop
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
YourRide Launches Fixed Fares In Auckland
Auckland, NZ - July 30 2025 YourRide, New Zealand's No.1 taxi app, has introduced Fixed Fares to and from Auckland Airport - a simple, reliable way to book a taxi without worrying about unpredictable pricing. YourRide displays your fare upfront before your ride begins. No More Guesswork. Just the Price, Upfront. For New Zealanders juggling work, whānau, and everything in between, the last thing anyone wants is a mystery fare. With fixed pricing now available through the YourRide app, customers can: See the total cost before confirming a ride Book in advance or on the spot — no hidden fees Travel with confidence knowing the fare won't change, even if there's traffic or roadworks. This move reinforces YourRide's focus on delivering predictable, honest, and stress-free transport experiences for everyday travellers and businesses alike. YourRide is constantly working with its taxi partners to bring value to Kiwis. Keep an eye on their Fixed Fares and Promotions page. Safety, Simplicity, and a Bit of Sanity YourRide isn't just another app. It's backed by more than 2,000 registered, full-time taxi drivers from trusted local fleets across the country: Professional, police-vetted drivers Security cameras in all taxis Local knowledge and real-time ride tracking TaxiCharge integration, making work travel easy to reconcile Pre-booking options for early flights, after-hours pickups, or anything in between This isn't gig work. It's a professional, fully regulated service built for people who want more than just 'a ride,' says Conrad Heaven, CMO. Why It Matters for Kiwis New Zealanders care about fairness, transparency, and supporting local, and YourRide delivers on all three: We're 100% Kiwi-owned and operated. We pay our fair share of tax. No surge pricing, no funny business Local drivers, paid fairly. Our drivers receive over 90% of the fare. Nationwide reach with regional insights (we know when the school holidays hit) 90% of our fleet is late-model hybrid vehicles, and our EV fleet is growing! YourRide's growth story also reflects a broader trend: a growing preference for ethical, community-minded services that reinvest in the local economy. Every YourRide trip helps support New Zealand jobs and local operators instead of sending a cut offshore. With full nationwide coverage, Kiwis from Invercargill to Whangarei can now access safe, reliable rides with just a tap. About YourRide YourRide is New Zealand's No.1 taxi app, offering full nationwide coverage and a better alternative to global rideshare platforms. With a network of 2,000 registered taxis, real-time tracking, transparent pricing, and a commitment to local values, YourRide is how New Zealanders move - safely, reliably, and responsibly.
NZ Herald
24-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Life coach arrested at Auckland International Airport allegedly hid 20kg of meth in tea bags
A Customs spokesperson said the passenger was identified for a baggage search during processing. 'An examination of tea packets inside the bag revealed a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. 'This intercept has prevented up to NZ$21 million in social harm and cost to New Zealand. If sold in retail amounts, this amount of methamphetamine would be worth around NZ$6 million.' An airport spokesperson said Auckland Airport fully supported the work of police and Customs NZ to detect and prevent international drug trafficking. 'The collective vigilance of all stakeholders in the airport ecosystem plays a critical role in disrupting illicit activities at the New Zealand end of the global drug supply,' the spokesperson said. This arrest comes just days after a real estate broker was accused of smuggling drugs into NZ. The 25-year-old woman was arrested at Auckland Airport on Sunday and charged with importing 4kg cocaine. Customs said the cocaine was concealed in two suitcases, including this one. Photo / Supplied Customs said she arrived on a flight from Santiago, Chile, and was referred for a baggage search during processing. She had allegedly tried concealing cocaine in two suitcases. 'After a detailed examination of the suitcases, officers found the drugs concealed inside the panelling,' a Customs spokesperson said. Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers issues including sexual assault, workplace misconduct, media, crime and justice. She joined theHeraldin 2020. Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
