Latest news with #SueWilson
1News
01-05-2025
- 1News
Wairoa residents uneasy after spate of gang crimes
There's a sense of unease in Wairoa after two private properties were shot at by gangs in the past 10 days. Wairoa Business Association chairperson Sue Wilson told RNZ there was a big police presence in town, which was welcomed by business owners. "It gives us a sense of security and outlines the fact crime won't be tolerated here in Wairoa. People have noticed dog handlers driving around town and other police cars, so that's great we are seeing them on the street," she said. The shootings have put people on edge. "It definitely does make people feel uneasy, especially when they're shooting in public area such as the Frasertown Hotel... but we just hope the police can catch these offenders and stomp it out," Wilson said. This was a feeling shared by Wairoa Mayor Craig Little. "There've been two properties with a couple of gunshots, and also a Molotov cocktail chucked at one house." Little said he had talked with police Monday morning, who reassured him there had not been any inter-gang conflicts since Thursday. "Here we are celebrating Anzac Day and where so many sacrificed their lives, and these clowns are out shooting at people - it's just not acceptable. "There's nothing brave about shooting someone's house," he said. Police have invoked the Gang Conflict Warrant 28 times since it was first issued on 24 April. The mayor told RNZ that since the Gangs Act came into force in November 2024, there has been less crime, which makes this latest spate of gang fights all the more frustrating. "It's just disappointing - we are trying to do so many good things in Wairoa and a few clowns really stuff it up for everyone else," said Little. Two men - aged 18 and 35 - were charged with aggravated burglary and possession of offensive weapons in relation to an incident on Tuesday night when shots were fired at houses in Wairoa. On Thursday night, a 21-year-old man was arrested on drug and driving-related charges. A 21-year-old woman was also arrested for disorderly behaviour, and a 50-year-old man was arrested for breaching bail. On Saturday, police said a 37-year-old man was arrested and charged with prohibited display of gang insignia and 42-year-old Wairoa man has been charged with possession of cannabis. On Sunday, police said a 44-year-old Napier man had been arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and a set of knuckle dusters was seized. By Alexa Cook of
RNZ News
28-04-2025
- RNZ News
Wairoa locals uneasy after spate of gang crimes
There is an increased police presence in Wairoa. Photo: There's a sense of unease in Wairoa after two private properties were shot at by gangs in the past 10 days. Wairoa Business Association Chair Sue Wilson told RNZ there was a big police presence in town, which was welcomed by business owners. "It gives us a sense of security and outlines the fact crime won't be tolerated here in Wairoa. "People have noticed dog handlers driving around town and other police cars, so that's great we are seeing them on the street," she said. The shootings have put people on edge. "It definitely does make people feel uneasy, especially when they're shooting in public area such as the Frasertown Hotel... but we just hope the police can catch these offenders and stomp it out," Wilson said. This was a feeling shared by Wairoa Mayor Craig Little. "There've been two properties with a couple of gunshots, and also a molotov cocktail chucked at one house." Little said he had talked with police Monday morning, who reassured him there had not been any inter-gang conflicts since Thursday. "Here we are celebrating Anzac Day and where so many sacrificed their lives, and these clowns are out shooting at people - it's just not acceptable. "There's nothing brave about shooting someone's house," he said. Police have invoked the Gang Conflict Warrant 28 times since it was first issued on 24 April. The mayor told RNZ that since the Gangs Act came into force in November 2024, there has been less crime, which makes this latest spate of gang fights all the more frustrating. "It's just disappointing - we are trying to do so many good things in Wairoa and a few clowns really stuff it up for everyone else," said Little. Two men - aged 18 and 35 - were charged with aggravated burglary and possession of offensive weapons in relation to an incident on Tuesday night when shots were fired at houses in Wairoa. On Thursday night, a 21-year-old man was arrested on drug and driving-related charges. A 21-year-old woman was also arrested for disorderly behaviour, and a 50-year-old man was arrested for breaching bail. On Saturday, police said a 37-year-old man was arrested and charged with prohibited display of gang insignia and 42-year-old Wairoa man has been charged with possession of cannabis. On Sunday, police said a 44-year-old Napier man had been arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine and a set of knuckle dusters were seized. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ask Jordan: Did Trump have to swear with his hand on a Bible at his inauguration?
'This has been bothering me since Inauguration Day. Why was Trump permitted to take the Oath without placing his hand on the Bible?' — Sue Wilson, Wallington, N.J. Hi Sue, Presidents don't have to swear with their hand on a Bible when they take office. To understand why, let's look at the Constitution. Article II, Section I says: 'Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:– I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.' Nothing about the Bible there. While religion is baked into much of American law, politics and tradition, the Constitution rejects religious tests for office. A couple of historical points are worth noting here, too. Perhaps contrary to the popular imagination, presidents haven't always used Bibles during inaugurations. That wouldn't make it a legal requirement if they had, but it hasn't even been the uniform practice. And consider that Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts didn't redo the oath with Trump's hand on the Bible. I mention this because Roberts and Barack Obama botched the oath at Obama's first inauguration in 2009, and they later redid it with the exact wording to be safe. It's unclear what the legal implications (if any) would've been had they not done a second take. But their motivation was to render the Constitution's words precisely. So, while Trump's second term has already been packed with provocations against the Constitution, this wasn't one of them. Have any questions or comments for me? I'd love to hear from you! Please email deadlinelegal@ for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter. This article was originally published on
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ask Jordan: Did Trump have to swear with his hand on a Bible at his inauguration?
'This has been bothering me since Inauguration Day. Why was Trump permitted to take the Oath without placing his hand on the Bible?' — Sue Wilson, Wallington, N.J. Hi Sue, Presidents don't have to swear with their hand on a Bible when they take office. To understand why, let's look at the Constitution. Article II, Section I says: 'Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:– I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.' Nothing about the Bible there. While religion is baked into much of American law, politics and tradition, the Constitution rejects religious tests for office. A couple of historical points are worth noting here, too. Perhaps contrary to the popular imagination, presidents haven't always used Bibles during inaugurations. That wouldn't make it a legal requirement if they had, but it hasn't even been the uniform practice. And consider that Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts didn't redo the oath with Trump's hand on the Bible. I mention this because Roberts and Barack Obama botched the oath at Obama's first inauguration in 2009, and they later redid it with the exact wording to be safe. It's unclear what the legal implications (if any) would've been had they not done a second take. But their motivation was to render the Constitution's words precisely. So, while Trump's second term has already been packed with provocations against the Constitution, this wasn't one of them. Have any questions or comments for me? I'd love to hear from you! Please email deadlinelegal@ for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter. This article was originally published on
