A well-known former athlete got off scot-free after a drink-driving bust with a blood alcohol level nearly triple the legal limit—despite having taken an Uber home the night before. The court granted him a discharge without conviction, citing his extensive efforts since the incident: counseling, community service, and charity donations. The judge deemed a conviction too harsh given his remorse and actions, noting he’d already been disqualified from driving for 28 days. The court also ordered permanent name suppression due to potential severe harm to his and his partner’s health, and he paid just over $400 for the blood test. It’s a rare outcome that highlights how courts weigh personal rehabilitation over punishment.

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Customs just revealed a smoking-hot haul: over eight million illegal cigarettes seized in the first four months of the year—70,000 a day—and it’s skyrocketing. Prices as low as $12 are tempting smokers, while seizures also include 7,000kg of illegal tobacco worth $17 million. Minister Casey Costello blames soaring excise taxes and dangerous myths—like vaping being safer—fueling the surge. Customs is ramping up with international partners, nabbing a million smokes and arresting five in May alone. A new government task force is forming with police and health officials to crack down on sellers, and laws may soon tighten to stop the flow.

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Gas prices are falling, and the Commerce Commission is making sure stations pass those savings on — no more hidden surcharges or profit-padding. Commissioner Bryan Chapple warns that any extra fees added during high-price times must now reflect actual cost drops, thanks to Middle East stability. The Commission’s past “rocket and feather” study revealed slow price drops — but new market reforms since 2021 have boosted competition, especially for smaller players, making the market fairer. While they can’t set prices, they’re using the Fair Trading Act to crack down on misleading tactics — keeping consumers in the loop and wallets lighter.

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