Ashen, 16, became seriously ill with meningitis while on a family holiday in Bali. A Givealittle page set up for the family says he has been intubated in ICU, with his parents Sheena and Ants staying by his side.

The trip was meant to be a special whānau holiday for Sheena’s 40th birthday, but the family is now facing what supporters have described as “every parent’s worst nightmare”.

Aotea College Sport said the whole sports community was thinking of Ashen and his family.

“Aotea College Sport is sending our love, strength, and best wishes to Ashen and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” the group said.

The Givealittle page says the family has travel insurance, but it will only cover one parent to stay in Bali with Ashen. Supporters are raising funds to help both parents remain with him and to reduce the financial burden on the family.

Funds will go towards travel-related and living costs in Bali, as well as support for the family’s other children in New Zealand.

In an update posted on 24 June, Ants and Sheena said doctors had stopped Ashen’s sedatives and attempted to wake him. They said Ashen had shown some positive signs, including awareness of what was happening around him, and was being allowed to rest.

“Ashen is continuing to show positive signs,” the update said.

The fundraising page was created by Jordyne Lyons, a friend and colleague of Sheena, on behalf of Sheena’s work family.

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/support-for-ashen-in-icu-in-bali

The 32-year-old loose forward was confirmed as captain in new coach Dave Rennie’s first squad announcement.

Savea, who has 106 Test caps, now leads the All Blacks into a major 16-month stretch that includes the Nations Championship and the build-up towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“I believe this role is about empowering everyone in the group to be the best that they can be, from the leadership, to the players and wider staff,” Savea said.

“A united All Blacks team has the power to unite a nation. And we are going to need all five million Kiwis to get in behind us as we walk towards the challenges that are waiting for us over the next 16 months.”

The announcement marks a major moment for Savea, who has long been one of New Zealand rugby’s most influential players.

Hurricanes wing Fehi Fineanganofo has also been named in the 34-player squad after a standout Super Rugby season.

The uncapped 23-year-old scored 17 tries during the campaign, including one in the Hurricanes’ final win over the Chiefs.

Fineanganofo’s selection comes as questions remain over his planned move to Newcastle Red Bulls next season. New Zealand generally selects domestic-based players for the All Blacks, unless they are on an approved overseas sabbatical.

Rennie said Fineanganofo was contracted in New Zealand until November and would work through his future in time.

“His form has been irresistible, and we’re keen to name him,” Rennie said.

Rieko Ioane is the highest-profile player left out of the squad after completing a sabbatical with Leinster, though Rennie has suggested he could return for the South Africa tour later this year.

The All Blacks begin their Nations Championship campaign against France in Christchurch on 4 July, before matches against Italy and Ireland on the following weekends.

The macrocarpa, known for its upside-down bucket shape, is one of six finalists competing for the national title.

While many notable trees are recognised for their size or age, the Bucket Tree has earned attention for a more unusual reason. It has been carefully trimmed by successive generations for almost 150 years to keep its iconic shape.

Tree of the Year Chair Brad Cadwallader said the tree was one of the most distinctive finalists in this year’s competition.

“You don’t see many trees that have been deliberately shaped and maintained by successive generations for almost 150 years. It’s part tree, part living sculpture, and entirely unique,” he said.

The tree was planted in the 1850s on Boscobel Farm in Tawa, the property of William Earp. Since about 1879, it has been regularly trimmed into the form of an upturned bucket, creating a silhouette familiar to generations of locals.

Brad said the tree represented an important piece of Wellington heritage.

“Many historic trees are valued because they are large or ancient. The Bucket Tree is special because of the continuity of care it represents. For generations people have maintained not just the tree itself, but the tradition behind it,” he said.

“The Bucket Tree has character. People remember it, they talk about it, and they smile when they see it. That’s exactly the sort of connection Tree of the Year is all about.”

The six finalists were selected from nominations from across New Zealand.

Voting is open now at www.treeoftheyear.co.nz.

The crash happened on Whitford Brown Avenue just before 7.40am on Thursday, 18 June.

Police said the person on the scooter suffered moderate injuries.

As part of their enquiries, Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, or anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage of the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Police on 105, either by phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz.

Please quote reference number P066738955.

Tags: Papakōwhai, Porirua, Whitford Brown Avenue, crash, scooter crash, Police, Wellington Police, dashcam, CCTV, traffic, appeal for information

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews were called to the Spur Grove fire at about 5.50pm.

Eight fire trucks attended the blaze, which spread to the exterior of a neighbouring home and to caravans on nearby properties.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters remained at the scene overnight to dampen down hotspots and monitor for flare-ups.

Fire investigators were at the property on Sunday working to determine the cause of the blaze. Police said they were also making enquiries.

Neighbour Paul Longworth told RNZ he and his partner fled their home after hearing popping noises and seeing the fire next door.

He said they alerted his son, grabbed essential documents, passports and pets, then left for safety.

Longworth said their caravan was destroyed and their home had been damaged after the fire got into the roof.

“We were lucky the wind changed and it blew the embers away from our house. Otherwise we could’ve lost it completely,” he told RNZ.

Another Spur Grove resident, Jamaine Tuhoe, said the fire appeared small at first before a loud explosion and rapid spread.

“It was a little fire first, just coming out the kitchen window, and then I came outside and it just blew up,” he told RNZ.

Resident Kate Collins said flames were leaping above the house and across towards other homes, while Juanita Leynes said firefighters warned nearby residents to be ready to evacuate if the fire spread further.

Fire and Emergency said the cause of the fire was not yet known.

Cannons Creek Pharmacy shared the news this week, saying Kas will retire in July after more than two decades of service.

“After 26 years of serving in the community I love, I am retiring in July,” Kas said.

“Thank you for all your loyalty and friendship.”

Kas has been a familiar and friendly face for generations of local residents who have visited the pharmacy over the years.

Community members say he has been known for his kindness, warm manner and commitment to helping people in Cannons Creek.

Barbara Edmonds MP also paid tribute, calling Kas “an absolute Porirua legend”.

“Thank you for all your decades of service and commitment to our community Kas,” she said.

“Wishing you all the best for the next chapter.”

Cannons Creek Pharmacy said Kas had made a positive impact on the community and wished him a happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement.

Kas will retire in July, leaving behind 26 years of service at the heart of the Cannons Creek community.

Police said the crash happened on the Johnsonville-Porirua Motorway, between the Tawa-Grenada North on-ramp and the Churton Park-Glenside off-ramp.

It was reported about 4.40pm yesterday.

The Serious Crash Unit examined the scene and the road reopened shortly before 11pm.

Police have confirmed one person died following the crash. A second person sustained critical injuries.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says the right northbound lane is blocked after the interchange.

Drivers are being asked to pass with extra care and allow extra time.

The crash was reported at 5.45pm on Friday 19 June.

Source: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

The crash was reported about 4.40pm in the southbound lanes of the Johnsonville-Porirua Motorway, between the Tawa-Grenada North on-ramp and the Churton Park-Glenside off-ramp.

One person is understood to have serious injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

Motorists heading south on State Highway 1 should expect delays and avoid travel if possible.

The community planting day will take place from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday, July 18, and forms part of the ongoing effort to protect and restore Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour.

The event supports Porirua City Council’s riparian streamside management programme, which began in 2022 and aims to establish more than six million plants along the 588 kilometres of streams that feed into the harbour by 2041.

Mayor Anita Baker said Matariki is a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and plan for the future.

“Harvesting, restoration and environmental stewardship are important tenets of Matariki,” she said.

Baker said planting around waterways improves freshwater quality and the health of local streams and the harbour while helping bring the community together.

“A planting day builds connections between neighbours, groups and the wider Porirua community.”

Community organisations including Mountains to Sea Wellington, Predator Free Porirua and Ngahere Korowai will be on site with information stalls. A free sausage sizzle will also be provided.

Members of the Te Awa Taiao Cadets programme will help care for the newly planted trees, replace any that fail to establish and remove pest species. The two-year programme helps young people develop environmental and conservation skills while acting as guardians of Bothamley Park.

People wanting to take part are asked to register by emailing streamside.planting@poriruacity.govt.nz. Participants should meet at the Champion Street entrance to Bothamley Park and wear gumboots and suitable outdoor clothing.

A postponement date of Sunday, July 19, has been scheduled if poor weather prevents the event from going ahead.

Other free Matariki events taking place across Porirua include:

• Matariki craft session at the City Centre Library, Thursday, July 9, from 4pm to 5.15pm.
• Ka kā te rama light walk along the Porirua harbourside, starting at Wi Neera Drive from 5pm on Thursday, July 9.
• Matariki light display along the harbourside between Pirate’s Cove and Pak’nSave, July 9-12 from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
• Honouring the remembrance star Pōhutukawa at Pātaka Art + Museum on Friday, July 10.
• Weaving Wall installation at Kai Tahi, 20 Parumoana Street, from July 4-19.