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Cambelle Cook Wairarapa Times-Age 4 June, 2025 Martinborough resident, retired GP, and author Rosy Fenwicke. Martinborough is best known for its colonial charm and exceptional pinot noir — but for Rosy Fenwicke, it’s also the ideal place for solving a possible double homicide. On the page, that is. Fenwicke, a retired doctor turned full-time novelist, will release her newest murder mystery, The Secret of the Angel Who Died at Midnight, on June 9. The police procedural novel is set in the heart of Wairarapa wine country and follows detective sergeant Kate Sutton as she investigates the shocking death of a popular local physician. Piecing the puzzle together, Kate finds connections to a cold case that has haunted her for some time — and discovers more secrets hidden beneath her town’s picturesque exterior. Fenwicke, a former GP with a background in women’s health, first ventured into self-publishing in 2017. Since then, she had released a five-volume urban fantasy series, a Queenstown-based romance, and a thriller set in the treacherous world of digital finance. Among her enthusiastic Amazon following, Fenwicke was well-known for her tenacious and well-rounded female protagonists — including Kate, named for one of Fenwicke’s “most influential teachers”, Cathleen Sutton. Her latest novel was the first novel set in her home town of Martinborough, which she found was the perfect backdrop for a gripping whodunnit — with its off-the-beaten-track location adding to the intrigue. “Martinborough has got that mix of town and country, it’s small enough to centre an action-packed plot, and it’s a more remote setting, making it a contained environment,” Fenwicke said. “There are all the challenges of crossing the Remutaka Hill, and the infrastructure issues which keep the town quite isolated. So, it’s easier for secrets to stay buried. “Plus, the community has quite an optimistic feel. The people want to look ahead and don’t want to be held back by the crime — which gives the protagonist the impetus to solve it quickly.” Fenwicke said she had “always had a passion for writing”, and had been an avid reader most of her life. She cited John Steinbeck and Don DeLillo as major inspirations, particularly for how they explored the weight of individual choice and the entanglement of the “personal and the political”. She also admired British crime writer Ann Cleeves for her compelling characters. While still working as a GP, Fenwicke began work on her first novel, Hot Flush, featuring middle-aged super-heroine Euphemia Sage. “Euphemia finds she has new superpowers with each hot flush. So, she goes and sorts out the world, while still getting her housework done and running her own business.” Fenwicke’s latest novel is set in Martinborough, its isolated location adding to the intrigue. Four more Euphemia Sage novels followed, before Fenwicke delved into romantic fiction. Her novel Death Actually centred around a newly-separated funeral director, and explores “grief, redemption, and the ways we cope with death”. She took a darker turn with Cold Wallet, about a woman who inherited her late husband’s cryptocurrency exchange — which came with dangerous embroilments. Across genres, Fenwicke was clear on one thing: she didn’t write “powerless female victims”, which were still a ubiquitous trope in crime writing. “Women are avid consumers of crime fiction, including where women are the helpless victims. So, I wonder if women are still seeing themselves as filling that role,” she said. “It’s important to me to write women who look after their own destiny. In my books, they’re brave, stand up for what’s right, raise their own children, and if something doesn’t sit right, they do something about it.” Fenwicke said her experiences working as a doctor with sexual assault victims influenced her writing. However, she avoided going “full crime” in her novels, choosing not to include graphic violence or exploitation. “When you write, you live with your characters. I don’t want to live with the horror of underground New Zealand society. “But I do want to show women pushing through and achieving justice. What I love about crime writing is that justice wins always. “Crime writing is the ultimate redemption and vindication. It champions decency.” On staying motivated to complete her stories, Fenwicke said: “I just sit down in the morning, and write until I’m finished. “Once you are hooked on writing, you can’t stop until the idea has run its course. My house is filthy and my garden needs doing,” she said. “Writing is biggest challenge I’ve ever had. You’re constantly striving to be better. I’ve been known to throw out 70,000-word drafts because they just didn’t work. “When it does work, you feel like you’ve climbed Mt Kilimanjaro — a champion.”

Bruce Mackay / Japanese school lunches served in Wellington The Japanese Embassy recently held an event showcasing the ritual of Japanese school lunches, which offer lessons in nutrition, community and responsibility. Participants first learnt about the practices, values and beliefs around school lunches in Japan, before trying a traditional school lunch. In Japan, school lunch is a ritual. Elementary school students wear hats and aprons, serve each other, and eat together in their classroom with their teacher. “It’s a window into society,” explained Takako Taguchi, the head of the embassy's Japan Information and Cultural Centre, who led the event. “Kids learn responsibility, teamwork, and gratitude. Even the youngest students take turns serving and cleaning up.” The school lunch menu in Japan changes daily, but generally consists of a main dish, vegetable soup, milk, and often fruit or dessert. It provides 33% of a child’s daily nutritional needs, with a balance of protein, carbohydrates and minerals. Mark Potter, principal at Berhampore School, said his main takeaway from the event was learning about the positive outcomes of the Japanese school lunch programme. “I think what New Zealand could learn from the Japanese experience is that the brilliant outcomes, socially, health-wise and educationally, of a good school lunch programme is there,” Potter said. In New Zealand, school lunches provide only 13%-18% of daily needs. Kiwi students are delivered meals by an outside supplier and often sit outside or on stairs while eating their foil-packaged lunch. In 2024, the allocated budget for New Zealand school lunches was reduced from $7-$9 down to $3-$4. However, the issue might not be price-related. In Japan, each school lunch costs around 268 yen, or NZ$3 per meal. The main difference, Taguchi said, is that in most cities, the parents or guardians pay for the school lunch. However, the low cost is accepted, as it is part of a wider food education programme where students learn about nutrition, the origin of food, and the value of working together. “It’s about more than eating,” said Taguchi. “It forms the base for a whole range of teaching activities.” Additionally, the ministries of agriculture, health and education work together to ensure that Japanese students have a healthy and filling lunch. “I have no doubt that we could implement it here. What we need is enough political buy-in to make sure it’s put in and it’s kept in,” Potter said.

Cambelle Cook Self-Published 15 June, 2025 Parliament chambers, where Willis raised national supermarket concerns During Parliament Question Time last week, National party’s minister of finance Nicola Willis, emphasized the need for greater competition within the grocery sector, drawing parallels between Australia and New Zealand.   This call for action follows the recent release of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report (ACCC). The ACCC report highlighted the supermarket duopoly, which is dominated by Coles and Woolworths.   Willis compares these findings to the monopolization of Foodstuffs and Woolworths in New Zealand, telling parliament that “Kiwi shoppers are being poorly served” by the lack of price competition which leads to high grocery prices and a limited product range.   To address this issue Willis calls for a new national-scale supermarket to introduce competition and deliver more affordable choices for customers. The ACCC report suggests stricter merger laws, zoning reforms, and supplier protections to address this issue.  While the New Zealand government is addressing these concerns, its current initiatives mainly focus on removing regulatory hurdles.   On Sunday, Willis announced concrete steps the government will take to address the supermarket competition. This includes the launch of a Request for Information (FRI), and the commission of specialize advice.   Willis says that potential legislation will be introduced before the end of 2025.

Cambelle Cook Wairarapa Times-Age May 7, 2025 Piers Fuller / Police and MSD confirmed a firearm incident occured at the Work and Income office in Masterton on Monday afternoon. A neighbour heard yelling around the time a shot was fired inside a Work and Income office in Masterton on Monday.   “We did hear some yelling, some guy shouting,” the neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said yesterday.   A man appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday after discharging a firearm in the Ministry of Social Development office in Lincoln Rd.   The 25-year-old was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and conducting a dangerous act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.   Police were called to the ministry’s office at 12.40pm after a report of a firearm being discharged at another person.   Workers at a nearby business said they heard nothing, due to the noise of the factory, but of the staff saw several police cars. Employees at another office saw officers with guns outside.   Police said they took one person into custody soon after. There were no reports of injuries in relation to the incident.   Cordons were put in place around the Lincoln Rd area. “Some police staff were armed as a precaution”.   Wairarapa area commander Inspector Nick Thom said he believed it was an isolated incident and there was no further risk to the public.   He commended MSD staff for their prompt actions in following their lockdown procedures, as this enabled police to provide a swift response.   Police were continuing their inquiries and would like to hear from anyone who may have information – either online at 105.police.govt.nz after clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105. Use the reference number 250505/1299.

Cambelle Cook Self-Published 25 May, 2025 Castlepoint, the same evening a woman’s body was found. The family of Gabrielle Young are urging others to continue her passion for altruism.   Young, 30, was reported missing from Lower Hutt early last month. Her disappearance prompted an urgent search by family and friends.   Her body was found at Castlepoint on May 7. Her Suzuki Jimny was found parked in the beach car park.   A family spokesperson, who did not want to be named, said in a statement they appreciated the interest in honouring Young’s memory.   “She was a passionate and committed member of the Effective Altruism community, and her work reflected her unwavering dedication to doing good in the most impactful ways possible.”   “If others would like to continue her legacy, I encourage them to consider supporting the causes she cared about through the Effective Altruism New Zealand donation platform:  https://effectivealtruism.nz/donate .”   Effective Altruism is a philosophical and social movement that uses reasoning and evidence to find the most effective ways to help others.   A police spokesperson said that initial inquiries suggested the body found at Castlepoint was Gabrielle Young.   “Police extend our condolences to the woman’s family and friends during this difficult time and continue to offer them support.”

Cambelle Cook Self-Published 27 May, 2025 A quiet afternoon at Quinns Post Bar in Upper Hutt took a distressing turn earlier this month when 87-year-old Kev, a regular patron and resident of the neighbouring Bupa Rest Home, became the victim of a wallet theft. The incident, in which nearly $700 was stolen, has sparked outrage in Wellington’s online community Vic deals.   Kev, described by his family as a “soft-spoken, gentle man”, had been enjoying a few bets on the pokies before his wallet slipped out of his pocket. Security footage later revealed another patron seizing the opportunity to rifle through the wallet and take the cash.   The theft was particularly painful for the family, as due to health issues, Kev was unable to attend his grandson’s wedding in Australia. The money was a wedding gift, and his way of participating in the celebration from home - a tradition he’s maintained for his other grandchildren.   “At first he didn’t say a word – he didn’t want to make a fuss,” said Kev’s grandson, Daniel Bramwell. “But eventually he opened up to my father, who then managed to get hold of the security footage. I only found out about it myself just before boarding the flight to the wedding, when my dad sent me the video and asked me to post it on Vic Deals.”   The post quickly gained traction, with Daniel’s comments identifying the alleged thief as Shaun “Thuga”. In a follow-up comment, Daniel wrote, “Everyone meeting Shan ‘Thuga’ a top G real gangster, known for robbing 87-year-old great grandfathers. He’s keeping it real for Upper Hutt.”   Daniels frustration was clear in the comments, offering, “$100 per wing mirror and $250 for a photo of brick through his windscreen.” The man identified as Shan “Thuga” reportedly returned $200 to Kev after the post went viral, but the family says this does little to repair the damage. “To be honest, we don’t expect much from the police. Petty theft rarely gets the attention it deserves unless you push the issue yourself,” Daniel said. “Sometimes, a bit of old-fashioned naming and shaming is the only way to hold someone accountable.”   Staff at Quinns Post bar confirmed that the incident is under active police investigation. “I can’t say too much as it is under investigation by the police. They were in today speaking with us and looking at our CCTV footage,” a spokesperson said.

Cambelle Cook Wairarapa Times-Age June 7, 2025 LUCY COOPER / A man was shot in Featherston and proceeded to drive to Carterton where he later died on March 22. Serious firearms incidents in Wairarapa this year have community leaders and justice figures concerned about the availability of illegal weapons. It follows the  fatal shooting of Doreion Hard  in Featherston on March 22, a firearm that was  discharged at the Ministry of Social Development office  in Masterton on May 5, and an incident on Masterton’s Queen St, also last month. South Wairarapa mayor Martin Connelly believed many of the recent shootings were linked to gang activity. The availability of illegal and homemade firearms, including some made from nail guns or with 3D printers, was on the rise, he said. “There are more gun incidents than most people appreciate. I’ve had conversations with local police commanders who comment about how concerned they are. “The capacity to build and construct weapons using things like 3D printers is something that is very new.” Ministry of Justice figures showed the number of firearms offences processed through the Masterton District Court had climbed slightly over the past decade. There were 15 cases in 2015 and 25 last year. However, the number peaked in 2021, when 35 cases went through the local court. Connelly said community reactions in Wairarapa varied depending on how disruptive the shootings were. “After the shooting in Featherston, where someone died, the community was really shaken. People laid flowers, and there was even a service held by a local vicar the next day.” Two men were arrested and charged with murder  in the wake of the shooting, which resulted in the victim dying in a Carterton supermarket car park. Despite the fear and unease these events generated, Connelly worried that New Zealanders were becoming desensitised. “It’s sobering. We used to think this stuff only happened overseas or in south Auckland. Now it’s on our doorstep.” Connelly expressed particular concern about the lack of political action on gun control in New Zealand. “Yes, I think there has been a failure of gun control in New Zealand over a very long time. I don’t think you can necessarily even point to one particular decision or date, but it’s ended up where we are now, where guns are far too readily available to people who want to cause mischief with them.” DAVID UNWIN / South Wairarapa mayor Martin Connelly believes many of the recent shootings are linked to gang activity. Masterton lawyer Tom Andrews, a former police prosecutor who has lobbied for stricter gun laws regarding sawn-off shotguns, was also concerned about the increase in guns in Wairarapa. “The current situation is that there’s an awful lot of guns in circulation, and the firearms laws are very lax. For the right people, it’s very easy to get hold of a firearm in New Zealand and in the Wairarapa at the moment. It’s shocking.” Andrews said that while he fully supported the prohibition of automatic weapons after the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, he wanted to see more done. “The sentencing is weak compared to other jurisdictions. So unlawful use of a firearm in New Zealand carries a penalty of four years’ imprisonment, whereas in Britain it carries 10. So it’s very weak by comparison.” Andrews also said home-made and illegally modified firearms were increasingly causing concern. “I am concerned, because there are a number of those and it’s being made easier by the advent of 3D printers.” SIMON O'CONNOR / A sign directs gun owners to a buy-back event in 2019. The scheme, implemented in response to the Christchurch mosque shootings, compensated licensed owners for the return of newly prohibited firearms and parts. A sign directs gun owners to a buy-back event in 2019. The scheme, implemented in response to the Christchurch mosque shootings, compensated licensed owners for the return of newly prohibited firearms and parts. Masterton mother Olivia Tempson said that following the two most recent shootings, she no longer felt safe in her community. “It’s pretty shocking. Stuff like this just keeps popping up all over the place. It makes you wonder why.” Maisie Arnold-Barron grew up in Martinborough but now lives in Wellington. She said that while she didn’t know anyone personally affected by gun violence in the region, she acknowledged a wider community unease in recent years. “When regulations were tightened after the 2019 mosque attacks, I know a lot of farmers were annoyed about giving up their guns. But I do feel like New Zealand has good firearm laws, and it’s really hard to get one.” She added that while many Martinborough residents did own guns, it had always felt safe to her. “A lot of people do own guns, but it’s usually older people with licences, and just for hunting.” A spokesperson for the New Zealand Police media team declined to comment.

Cambelle Cook The Post June 13, 2025 BRUCE MACKAY / Owner of The Cellar Room in Brooklyn, Derek Bealing, bought the store when he retired - and has since been the victim of one ramraid and multiple burglaries. It’s a quiet and dreary day in Wellington, something that liquor store owner Derek Bealing says is a welcome occurrence. In 2022 and 2023, Cellar Room liquor store in Brooklyn was targeted by ramraiders, causing weeks of disruption. “I received a call and arrived to find that basically the whole front of the store had been pushed in.” The perpetrators had smashed through the front doors, taking out two wall-length shelves which had stocked thousands of dollars worth of alcohol. They took more alcohol before abandoning the stolen car on the street. “The police arrived, and the fire brigade to help, because there was a lot of broken glass hanging down … It was a heck of a mess,” Bealing said. The ramraid caused tens of thousands of dollars of damage. Despite having insurance, Bealing’s premiums and excess increased significantly. “It cost us quite a bit of money. It was very, very disruptive for several days, if not weeks.” MONIQUE FORD / The 2022 ramraid on The Cellar Door took less than a minute. However, Bealing says his store hasn’t been targeted by a ramraid in more than three years. “There was a rush of them, and most suburbs seemed to be getting hit in the same sort of period that we were. It [ramraids] seem to have definitely reduced.” Police Commissioner Richard Chambers told  The Post  that for the retail community, ramraids could be “devastating for their livelihoods”. The sudden frenzy of ramraids in 2022 had been a worldwide “epidemic”. “It was a bit of a problem around the world actually; it wasn’t necessarily just New Zealand. There were other countries that experienced similar behaviour, young people in particular.” In New Zealand, ramraids peaked in 2022, with 714 incidents nationwide. Most perpetrators were young people aged between 14 and 17. Chambers said a combination of social media attention, absenteeism in schools, and “idle hands” following the Covid-19 pandemic helped explain the trend. MONIQUE FORD / Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the police approach to tackling ramraids has been three-fold. “Bear in mind, this period is off the back of our Covid period, so we had a lot of people who were disconnected from their own wellbeing and future. That was a pretty tough period globally.” Since 2022, there has been a dramatic decline in ramraids. And between January and April this year, just 38 nationwide. According to Chambers, this was the result of a three-fold approach. First up was bolstering frontline police work investigating, apprehending, and charging offenders. “We’ve taken quite a hard line on that, because of the very visible and destructive nature of that type of offending.” The problem soon became too prolific for the police to deal with on their own. “I knew how hard the police were working to address ramraids; I saw it right across the country … they were working incredibly hard, but it almost felt like we were on our own at times.” Secondly, the implementation of a multi-agency initiative was key, Chambers said.   Chart: Katie Ham, Sapeer Mayron - Source: New Zealand Police “The Fast-Track” initiative works to address serious and persistent offending among children aged 10 to 13, and young people aged 14 to 17. Chambers said that since the initiative began in 2022, 841 children and young people had been referred to the Fast-Track programme. Of these, 68% of children and 83% of young people had not been referred back. “The Fast-Track initiative required agencies to sit around the table within 24 hours of offending … it’s a coordination that’s been really effective.” Chambers said the third element to mitigate ramraids was to encourage young people to make better decisions. This was part of an appeal Chambers made to parents, caregivers and other guardians. “[Young people] aren’t often thinking about the impact the offending is having on their futures, and all they’re doing by offending is closing the door on opportunities for their future. “As a parent myself, that can be quite devastating … that’s why I reference parents, guardians, and caregivers. They’ve also got a role to try and help young people that have gone off the rails.” But it’s not over yet: “We always aspire to zero…our focus will remain relentless because of the type of harm that’s caused by this offending.” Dairy and Business Owners Group chairperson, Sunny Kaushal, agreed the “back-to-basics” police approach has been crucial in minimising ramraids. “Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers have taken a firm stance on retail crime. Credit is due to both frontline officers and a coalition Government that is backing them unequivocally.” Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young echoed this sentiment. She said the tough-on-crime police approach, alongside the preventative mechanisms implemented by retailers, had worked. “[Retailers] have put blockades, barriers, and bollards in front of their stores. There are more cameras and all sorts of things to help deter people.” Additionally, “the police have cracked down a lot and caught a number of people who were doing ramraids back in the day, and there have been repercussions for those people,” Young said. “Together, with the additional security measures that retailers have put in place, it means it’s just less beneficial for someone trying to do that.”

Cambelle Cook The Post June 11, 2025 BRUCE MACKAY / Laura Reinisch is the owner of Vonuts, a plant-based doughnut shop. Laura Reinisch is on a mission to prove sweet vegan food is also delicious. She is the owner and founder of  Vonuts , a bakery specialising in plant-based doughnuts, which celebrated the opening of a new store on Willis St on the weekend. Reinisch was amazed at the turnout for the “big and overwhelming” grand opening event at Willis St Village, which featured new flavours, spot prizes and a DJ. “It was chaotic on our side, but I think it was fine for the customers. It’s hard to gauge when you’re behind the counter, but there was a line reaching out to the front of the shop next door, so that was pretty awesome.” Her motivation for opening the new store is family. “All of this is based on my great aunt and my grandma, who have just passed away recently, so that has been a huge motivator for me to get this running.” Reinisch is originally from a small town in Germany, but moved to New Zealand with her partner in 2019. BRUCE MACKAY / Vonuts is situated in the Willis St Village. While opening the Willis St, she also threw her daughter’s 4th birthday party. “I’ve got an extremely supportive partner. We both don’t have any whānau here in Wellington, so that’s been an extra challenge on top of it … but we make it work, we’re supporting each other.” Although the menu is vegan, Reinisch is conscious of the misconceptions surrounding plant-based food. “We just did a rebrand with our old logo. It had a leaf on it and said ‘plant-based donuts’ ... and I had a considerable amount of people who wanted to try a doughnut. But then they saw it was vegan and were like ‘oh no, never mind, I’m good’.” But she is on a mission to prove them wrong. “I just want people to give it a try. If you don’t like it, all good. I’m not offended. But don’t be scared off by the word ‘vegan’ or plant-based’. That’s the whole goal of my business, changing people’s minds that vegan food can be delicious.” The café was previously located at Press Hall, also on Willis St, but Reinisch decided to move as the no competition rules were too restrictive. “We couldn’t have all the offerings we would have liked, so we couldn’t do barista coffee. For us, serving excellent coffee with excellent doughnuts was always our vision.” She also wanted a location with more visibility and accessibility. “Everyone’s welcome, no matter what walk of life, what age, or whatever … we just want to have a space where people can relax.”

Cambelle Cook Self-Published May 9, 2025 Michael Busch (far left) is seen with detectives Rangi Nichols (middle) and Greg O'Connor (far right) entering court Greg O’Connor recalled one of the most complex and fascinating cases of his career, the 1989 murder of 14-year-old Ian Silby in Martinborough.   Ian Silby moved to Martinborough in 1988, after sexual misconduct allegations had emerged against his school’s principal. Concerned about her son, Silby’s mother decided to send the 14-year-old to permanently live with his aunt and uncle, Mel and Michael Busch, in the picturesque town near the bottom of the North Island.   Ian had visited the Busches before, during the school holidays with his older brother Bevan. This time, Silby began working as a labourer at the local vineyard managed by Michael Busch.   While O’Connor said Silby was described as “a bit of a smartass,” he was reportedly a hard worker. However, his attitude created ongoing tensions within the Busch household.   “Initially Michael and Ian had been great mates,” O’Connor noted, “but the relationship had grown increasingly strained.”   By June 1989, the domestic situation had deteriorated significantly. During a heated argument, Mel Busch accused her husband Michael of having an inappropriate relationship with Silby.   The argument led to both Michael and Silby temporarily moving out and sharing a room at the Martinborough Hotel for a week. It was during this period that a crucial incident occurred. While drinking with friends, they decided to “make Ian a man” by arranging for him to sleep with a woman. When Silby passed out drunk afterwards, Michael played what he called a prank, rubbing toothpaste on the teenager’s genitals. When Silby woke up, he was humiliated and angry. According to O’Connor, he called Michael a “homo.”   By August, Silby was asked to leave the Busch home and moved in with Noel Hayes, a young father and acquaintance of Michael’s. However, Michael continued visiting the Hayes property, leading to frequent arguments between the two men. Hayes accused Michael of mistreating Silby, which resulted in physical fights. Hayes alleged that on one occasion, Michael pulled clumps of hair out of his head.   According to police records, in late 1989, Silby disclosed to Hayes that he had been sexually abused by both his former Auckland school principal and Michael. Hayes contacted the Social Welfare Department to report the allegations.   However, O’Connor maintained a different view of the relationship.   “All the other detectives at the time thought he had been abusing Ian, but after spending time with Michael, that wasn’t my gut feeling.”   He believed that the allegations might have stemmed from the toothpaste incident earlier that year.   The following day, Silby told two Martinborough locals to expect “disturbing news.” When word reached Michael, he confronted Silby at the vineyard. According to Michael, Silby responded,   “I’m going to social welfare about guys like you.”   On the evening of the shooting, Michael Busch armed himself with a double-barrelled shotgun and 18 rounds of ammunition. He later told police he had intended to talk to Silby and had only brought the weapon as he was “bad at fighting.”   Arriving at the Hayes property on his motorcycle, Michael entered the house and confronted Hayes. “Hayes, you’re a shit stirrer,” He said, before opening fire. Hayes was wounded in the shoulder while attempting to escape through a bedroom window, then shot again in the thigh. Despite his injuries, Hayes managed to reach safety under the house.   It was then that Michael saw Silby on the veranda. He fired at the teenager, who ran inside and barricaded himself in the bathroom. Michael shot through the door, then entered to find Ian on the floor.   According to Michael’s later confession, Silby pleaded for his life. Michael responded, “It’s too fucking late now,” and fired three more shots, killing the 14-year-old.   The shooting was witnessed by an Australian woman living across the road, and police quickly identified Michael Busch as the suspect. He had been driving around town on his motorcycle in the aftermath of the shooting.   After two days of searching, during which helicopters scoured the area, Michael abandoned his motorcycle by a river and hid in an empty house. He eventually contacted his father and arranged to surrender, requesting that Detective Greg O’Connor handle his arrest.   Michael Busch walked into the Martinborough police station carrying his shotgun, which he immediately surrendered. When O’Connor asked why he decided to turn himself in, Michael said,   “I saw the helicopters flying overhead, and I thought ‘This country can’t afford to have helicopters flying around looking for me.’”   Without requesting legal representation, he provided a full confession to O’Connor.   “Take me out back and hang me,” he told the detective after detailing his crimes.   Michael Busch pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Ian Silby, and a further ten years for the attempted murder of Noel Hayes. In December 2013, Michael Busch, 56, was granted parole, but he was banned from entering the Wairarapa district. O’Connor supported Busch’s parole application, believing that sufficient time had been served. However, Michael was later recalled to prison for breaching parole conditions.

Cambelle Cook Self-Published April 21, 2025 Iesha Warren, 41, appears in front of Judge Jan Kelley, pleading guilty to obtaining by deception and failure to appear in court. During her three-year employment, Warren has allegedly stolen over $1,000,000 from her employer, Te Roopu Awhina Ki Porirua Trust. Warrens Lawyers, Marty Robinson and Rufus Hancock, propse that eight of the nine charges relating to bail breaches, should be withdrawn. In return, Warren would plead guilty to one charge of obtaining by deception, and one charge of failing to appear in court, meaning that the three-week trial schedule for March, would not be needed. Judge Jan Kelley approves this request, on the condition that Warren engages in rehabilitation and undergoes a comprehensive Alcohol and drug report. Warren is scheduled to appear for sentencing on July 18 this year.

Cambelle Cook Self-Published March 15, 2025   A crowd of attendees at the Christchurch Unity walk in memory of the lives lost in the 2019 Mosque shootings A crowd of attendees at the Christchurch Unity walk in memory of the lives lost in the 2019 Mosque shootings Attendees gathered at the bridge of remembrance today to commemorate the fifty-one lives lost in the March 15, 2019, mosque attacks, launching the start of Unity week. The annual initiative, developed in the wake of the tragedy, aims to celebrate the city’s diversity and strengthen community connections.   The Sakinah Community trust, organizers of the Unity Walk, write that the event is designed to rekindle the sense of solidarity witnessed in the aftermath of the attack, with the walk symbolizing a steadfast rejection of hate and division.   Tasman, a Christchurch resident who was at school near Al Noor Mosque, reflects on the days following the attack, “It was definitely very gloomy…is weighted the right word?” she asks. “It kind of felt like there was a dark cloud over the city, a lot of mourning”.   In the days following the attack, Hagley Community College opened its doors to victims and their families. Rowan Milburn, the Colleges principle, noted the shift in Christchurch’s culture   “The Christchurch of once, was very white and kind of old-fashioned.” Milburn said. “I think that’s what [the attacks] did, it’s opened people’s eyes and hearts to a different culture, and particularly a different religion. I think before, people probably made judgements that weren’t based on the right things”   Unity week continues with various events across Christchurch, including a book launch, arts showcase, and a stitching & stories event.