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Wild weather puts Taupo residents on edge
Wild weather puts Taupo residents on edge

RNZ News

time6 days ago

  • Climate
  • RNZ News

Wild weather puts Taupo residents on edge

Wild weather swept across the nation and had one small settlement next to Lake Taupo on edge this morning. Homes next to the Taupo-Tauranga River were preparing to evacuate as the waters rose after heavy overnight rain. The weather caused chaos elsewhere too, leading to power outages, road closures and snow. Jimmy Ellingham reports. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.

Cold case mystery of missing Russian stuntman finally resolved, thanks to his gold teeth
Cold case mystery of missing Russian stuntman finally resolved, thanks to his gold teeth

RNZ News

time19-05-2025

  • RNZ News

Cold case mystery of missing Russian stuntman finally resolved, thanks to his gold teeth

Police had issued an appeal to anyone who had pictures of Artour Melikov Photo: Supplied / NZ Police The remains of a Russian stuntman who went missing in New Zealand more than 20 years ago have been formally identified thanks to photos of his gold teeth. Artour Melikov was 36 when he was reported missing on 10 September 2002. Police found his vehicle at Jellicoe Reserve near Bulli Point at Lake Taupō, and the car key, his throwing knives, clothing, passport and other documentation were inside. An extensive search for Melikov was unsuccessful. In January, several bones were found near a walking track at Motutere and police were called. They believed the bones were Melikov's but could not identify him or contact his next of kin , so they asked the public for any photos of him to help with identification. Melikov was a stuntman, appearing in Xena: Warrior Princess during his time in New Zealand, and police hoped someone who worked with him may have had good photos - especially of his gold teeth. Two people contacted police with photos which helped police formally identify him, Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said. "The two photos sent in have shown clear evidence of his gold teeth and clothing he was wearing when he was found. I want to thank these people for coming forward to allow us to formally identify Artour and provide some closure." The case has been referred to the coroner. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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