Latest news with #ReporteroftheYear
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Engineering firm Obelisk Industrial goes bust, BNZ and Kiwibank among creditors owed $11m
Ecovis' report said the company was in trouble for several months prior to the liquidators' appointment, 'caused by the current economic environment, high levels of debt, and exacerbated by a complete lack of governance on the part of the director'. Ecovis said attempts to restructure the business failed, 'culminating with an alleged misappropriation of a significant amount of funds by the director'. Secured creditors, including Kiwibank and BNZ, were owed $6.7m while more than was $1m was due to preferential creditor Inland Revenue. Unsecured creditors were owed $2.5m. The largest asset quantified as available to be realised was $2.2m in related-party receivables. A day after it entered liquidation, United Steel appointed receivers KhovJones under the terms of a general security agreement to try to recover the $240,007 it was owed. The administrators' reports said the liquidators and receivers were working together to try to sell the business and assets of the company as a going concern. Obelisk's website said it offered crane hire and performed welding, seismic strengthening and fabricated structural steel and provided an explanation for its name. 'An Obelisk represents the enormous power that hides behind the daily decisions made by everyone involved in a team. It also signifies the need for every person to dedicate their efforts to the advancement of a single goal – to ultimately leave behind an achievement that will continue to stand in both metaphorical and literal terms,' the company said. A request for comment to the Culham family, sent through a representative, was not responded to by publication. Matt Nippert is an Auckland-based investigations reporter covering white-collar and transnational crimes and the intersection of politics and business. He has won more than a dozen awards for his journalism – including twice being named Reporter of the Year – and joined the Herald in 2014 after having spent the decade prior reporting from business newspapers and national magazines.
NZ Herald
18-07-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Waipareira Trust wins legal point against Charities Board but fails to quash deregistration notice
'The intended decision notified the intention to remove Waipareira from the register on grounds which it is not necessary for present purposes to record, save as to note I am told Waipareira strongly disputes the basis for the intended decision,' Preston said. There were three members of the CRB at the time the notice was issued, but the court heard Parliament had amended the Charities Act in July 2023 and increased its membership from three to five. By December 2024 voluntary sector minister Louise Upston announced Roger Miller and Tarita Hutchison had joined the CRB's three existing members, finally making a legal quorum. Jonathan Orpin-Dowell, acting for Waipareira, said there was no reason to look beyond the plain meaning of the Charities Act amendments which required the board to have five members and did not specify the Minister of Internal Affairs was allowed discretion in having fewer. Andrew Butler KC, acting for the CRB, argued the 2023 general election had delayed adding to the board to preserve the rights of an incoming government to make appointments, and in any event the issuing of the notice of intent would be followed by an upcoming hearing by the CRB where Waipareira could further argue its case. Justice Preston agreed decisions made by a three-person CRB after the law changes were illegal: 'I conclude the intended decision is invalid as ultra vires the act.' But Justice Preston declined Waipareira's application to quash the notice. 'I conclude there will be a sufficient opportunity for Waipareira to challenge the intended decision on the merits, before a properly constituted board.' Even if the CRB decided to deregister following its own hearing, Waipareira could then also appeal to the Taxation and Charities Review Authority. Requests for comment on the ruling sent to the CRB and Tamihere were not immediately answered. Charities lawyer Sue Barker said reading the ruling was a real 'wow' moment. The short-staffed CRB had drawn some comment among charity law practitioners when new legislation was passed. 'I wondered at the time, what does this mean? If the law says you've got to have five members, you've got to have five,' she said. Barker said despite winning on this narrow point of law, Waipareira appeared to have gained little from the exercise. 'Ultimately, it's a pyrrhic victory. All it really does is delay and cause a lot of cost to charitable and taxpayer funds.' Matt Nippert is an Auckland-based investigations reporter covering white-collar and transnational crimes and the intersection of politics and business. He has won more than a dozen awards for his journalism – including twice being named Reporter of the Year – and joined the Herald in 2014 after having spent the decade prior reporting from business newspapers and national magazines.
NZ Herald
14-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Jevon McSkimming investigation: Former top cop selling properties
The nature of the original allegations against McSkimming, which led to his suspension, cannot be reported for legal reasons. Now it has been revealed multiple properties McSkimming is listed as owning have been sold or are for sale. A property listing for a Waikanae property he owns with his wife is priced at $595,000, having earlier been bought for $605,000 in 2023. The listing states 'with a motivated vendor, we need to sell!' Another listing for a different Waikanae property of his, which asked for buyer enquiries over $715,000, is now updated as sold. In January, McSkimming's lawyers said he was cooperating with the police and expected to 'resume his duties' after being cleared by the investigation into the original complaint. However he resigned suddenly after being confronted with allegations of a 'very serious nature'. 'I instructed the Public Service Commission to commence the process to remove Mr McSkimming from office after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended,' Police Minister Mark Mitchell said. 'The Policing Act is very clear: A Deputy Commissioner of Police must be a 'fit and proper' person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming's fitness for office. 'When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming's resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable.' Mitchell did not reveal the nature of the new allegations. However the Herald earlier revealed that detectives investigating the original complaint against McSkimming allegedly discovered pornographic material on one of his electronic work devices. It is understood that the material is being assessed as to whether or not it could be classified as objectionable, which could lead to criminal charges. The alleged pornographic material was not relevant to the original complaint, but was evidence to start a new investigation. McSkimming then resigned after the existence of the alleged pornographic material was disclosed to him. - With reporting by Jared Savage Jared Savage covers crime and justice issues, with a particular interest in organised crime. He joined the Herald in 2006 and has won a dozen journalism awards in that time, including twice being named Reporter of the Year. He is also the author of Gangland, Gangster's Paradise and Underworld.
NZ Herald
08-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Charged: Du Val property developer Kenyon Clarke called to court over phone fracas
At the time, police said there was a 'disorder' incident. A spokesperson said: 'There were no injuries. One person was taken into custody at the time, however, they have been released without charge'. The lack of a charge led to Murphy filing a private prosecution against Clarke with the Auckland District Court, telling the Herald he believed police would take no action. In the court papers accompanying the private prosecution, Murphy alleged Clarke approached him after he shouted out the developer's name while taking photographs. The papers claim Clarke then 'reached in through my wound-down driver-side window and snatched my iPhone 15 out of my hands' before walking to his home. 'The act of snatching the phone out of my hands was recorded in a short video to be included as evidence. Prior to the proposed defendant snatching the phone out of my hands, it was fully operable with no water damage.' Murphy said one of the police officers called to the incident returned the phone to him, saying it had been recovered from the bottom of the Clarkes' swimming pool. In an interview with the Herald, Murphy said the repairs to his phone cost about $1000 and he wanted compensation for the damage and costs. Clarke told the Herald at the time: 'The guy's a total [expletive]. A total weirdo. He tried to run me over.' Murphy denies this. Asked if the phone wound up in the pool, Clarke said: 'Who knows where the phone is? I don't give a [expletive].' Murphy's private prosecution is now likely on the skids with police laying a charge and the courts generally unwilling to hear two cases against a single defendant over the same issue. A spokesperson said: 'Police can now advise a 47-year-old man has been summoned to appear in Auckland District Court on 26 May charged with wilful damage.' Clarke has been approached for comment and has referred the Herald to his lawyer, Ron Mansfield KC. A statement will be issued later today, Mansfield said. According to emails copied to the Herald, Murphy has continued to send Clarke emailed demands for the repair costs to the phone. In those emails, he also claims to have organised people to collect the alleged debt from Clarke at his home. Kenyon and Charlotte Clarke's high-profile property empire was taken into government management in August and then placed in receivership with claims of mounting debts which the couple reject. David Fisher is based in Northland and has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years, winning multiple journalism awards including being twice named Reporter of the Year and being selected as one of a small number of Wolfson Press Fellows to Wolfson College, Cambridge. He joined the Herald in 2004.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Idaho Statesman newsroom wins 68 awards for 2024. Here are the winners
The Idaho Statesman won 68 awards Saturday night at the Idaho Press Club Awards, taking home more honors than any other newsroom at the annual competition that recognizes excellence in journalism across the state. The Statesman's reporters and staff won first place in 25 categories, including Reporter of Year (Kevin Fixler), Sports Reporter of the Year (Shaun Goodwin) and Rookie of the Year (Sarah Cutler). Darin Oswald and Sarah Miller, who make up the photo and video team, took home a combined 15 awards. See all winning photos and visuals here. Read some of the Statesman's award-winning articles below, including coverage of a Greenbelt vigilante's quest, prisoners using drones to obtain contraband cellphones, how the Bryan Kohberger trial could shape DNA case law and more. A full list of the state's 2024 winners can be found on the Idaho Press Club's website. General News Story Ian Max Stevenson, Becca Savransky, first place, Idaho trans teens cope without gender-affirming care Spot News Coverage Ian Max Stevenson, first place, 'We got lucky': Valley Fire burned right up to Boise houses Nicole Blanchard, second place, Labrador questions doctors' accounts of abortion emergencies Watchdog/Investigative Report Sarah Cutler, Sally Krutzig, first place, Idaho Labor Department fails to recoup stolen wages Kevin Fixler, second place, Check fraud charmer: Idaho veteran left trail of lies Data-Driven Journalism Nicole Blanchard, third place, Idaho hunter killed weeks-old wolf pups and reaped rewards, records show Serious Feature Report Ian Max Stevenson, Becca Savransky, Sarah A. Miller, second place, Laws target gender-nonconforming Idahoans. What they want you to know Light Feature Report Sarah Cutler, first place, One Boise man's vigilante effort to stop speeding on the Greenbelt Series Nicole Blanchard, Sarah Cutler, first place, Trash Troubles Outdoor Feature Sally Krutzig, third place, The world found the Owyhees. Advocates say it's time to protect the land Sports News Coverage Shaun Goodwin, third place, Boise State forfeits volleyball game against team with transgender athlete Sports Feature Story Rachel Roberts, third place, 'I don't want to regret anything.' Boise native gets unusual opportunity Sports Prep News Story Michael Lycklama, second place, Coach hits student during match. His punishment? A lifetime ban Sports Prep Feature Story Rachel Roberts, second place, Timberline senior will be college athlete in sport that's 'nonexistent' in Boise area Michael Lycklama, third place, She's 16 and just made her international soccer debut General Column Scott McIntosh, first place, Columns Michael Deeds, second place, Words & Deeds Specialty Column Bryan Clark, third place Politics columns Editorial Bryan Clark, third place, The forces of hate will be at Pride in Nampa Arts / Entertainment Report Michael Deeds, second place, As restaurants close, owners 'barely hanging on' wonder: Where's the Boise 'love'? Rachel Roberts, third place, Boise still loves The Flicks 40 years later Political Report Becca Savransky, first place, This influential lobbying group is making it harder to fix Idaho schools Elections Report Nick Rosenberger, first place, Developers' money flows into ACHD race Sarah Cutler, Ian Max Stevenson, third place, After Ada County GOP upheaval, former leaders aim to reshape Republican politics Education Report Sarah Cutler, first place, Parents Decry Racism- and denial -in Boise-area schools Business Report Sarah Cutler, first place, Eagle real estate agent offers free listings to liberals leaving Idaho Angela Palermo, David Staats, second place, Trump said at debate that 'we hardly make chips anymore.' What about Micron? Nick Rosenberger, third place, Fears mount for construction industry as mega-projects move forward Agriculture Report Angela Palermo, first place, Ex-workers say ostriches die in huge numbers at farm south of Boise Rose Evans, second place, Rancid: Neighbors want a Meridian composting site closed Crime Report Rachel Spacek, Sally Krutzig, first place, Canyon County law enforcement decries gang problem. How big is the issue? Samuel O'Neal, Kevin Fixler, second place, Prisoners gain more access to banned phones, drugs. Drone drops may be to blame Alex Brizee, third place, Records shed light on man suspected of killing sheriff's deputy Courts Report Kevin Fixler, first place, How a DNA technique to pin Bryan Kohberger as suspect could shape case law Kevin Fixler, second place, Bryan Kohberger case soars into millions in public costs Religion Report Sarah Cutler, first place, Boise-area houses of worship arm volunteers as threats rise Carolyn Komatsoulis, second place, The LDS Church is growing even more in Idaho. This group is one reason why Environment Report Carolyn Komatsoulis, second place, Drugs in our water 'can cause issues.' Is it a pressing problem? Nicole Blanchard, third place, Bench Lake wildfire cost millions. Who will pay the bill? Health/Medical Report Angela Palermo, first place, Boisean who urges tongue-tie fix on babies is investigated. What 4 families experienced Angela Palermo, third place, A doctor 'botched' her hernia repair. Idaho's Supreme Court must decide what to do Rookie of the Year Sarah Cutler, first place Rose Evans, second place Feature Photography Sarah Miller, first place, Miss Idaho Teen Darin Oswald, third place, Northern Lights Boise Feature Photography – Serious Darin Oswald, second place, Idaho Abortion Law General News Photography Darin Oswald, first place, Election Night Darin Oswald, second place, Landfill Reclamation Sports News Photography Darin Oswald, first place, Yellow Card Two Darin Oswald, second place, Superman Save Photo Essay Darin Oswald, first place, Deputy Bolter Tribute Sarah Miller, Darin Oswald, second place, Mountain West Championship Celebration Sarah Miller, third place, VIP Prom News Portrait Photography Darin Oswald, second place, Baseball Player of the Year Reporter of the Year Kevin Fixler, first place, Idaho Statesman Ian Max Stevenson, third place, Idaho Statesman Photographer the Year Darin Oswald, third place, Idaho Statesman Sports Reporter of the Year Shaun Goodwin, first place, Boise State Athletics Michael Lycklama, second place, Varsity Extra Best Graphics Nick Rosenberger, Sarah Cutler, second place, Ada County is getting redder and redder. See how your neighborhood has changed Best Newsletter Scott McIntosh, third place, The Idaho Way Best Use of Drone Sarah Miller, second place, There's a push for this Boise area landscape to become national monument Special Coverage Kevin Fixler, first place, Kohberger case coverage Staff, third place, Hospital ambush Best Online-Only Video News Story Sarah Miller, first place, I'm Still a Person': Get to Know These Transgender Idahoans Best Online-Only Video Feature Story Darin Oswald, third place, Falconers Police Pesky Flock of Seagulls at Ada Co. Landfill Best Audience Engagement Nicole Blanchard, Dana Oland, first place, Recycling event Scott McIntosh, Dana Oland, third place, Prop 1 debate
