Corruption alleged at Upper Hutt prison
A major police investigation is looking into suspected staff corruption at Rimutaka Prison.
It’s alleged numerous staff smuggled contraband, including drugs, to inmates, laundered money through their bank accounts and forged official documents.
Much of the suspected illicit activity is thought to have been for Mongrel Mob gang members, but there may also be links to organised crime groups offshore. The staff involved were allegedly given money as payment.
National Organised Crime Group manager, Detective Inspector Stuart Mills, confirmed the inquiry had been going since July.
”A large number of interviews have been completed with staff from Rimutaka Prison and the vast majority of these staff members have been co-operative," he said.
“The investigation remains ongoing and no charges have been laid at this stage.” He said an earlier police investigation prompted the inquiry, which also involved Wellington police and Corrections were involved.
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis said he was aware of the investigation, which related to “alleged offending that began some years ago".
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.1% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below