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20 Jun 2025

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Stars, soil and whakapapa - 'We're just caretakers, really'
This Matariki, the stars align for Mark and Susannah Guscott - an award-winning couple bringing together whakapapa and astronomy on their sixth-generation Wairarapa farm.

Defence heads face scrutiny week hearing, promise to be fiscally responsible
The increased budget means troops can now move past being only partly equipped, says defence secretary Brook Barrington.

Instead of spending $450 on a Nintendo Switch 2, try this upgrade for your original Switch for $17
TL;DR: The HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2 is an easier way to charge 4 Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, and it’s only $17. The Nintendo Switch 2 was already an expensive console before the cost of games went up to $80. Instead of dropping a rent payment on a console with virtually no new games out, it might be more fun to refresh the console you already have. The HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2 is a simple, reliable way to charge up to four Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, and it’s only $16.99 (reg. $29.99) right now. This compact dock is great if you’ve got a full set of Joy-Cons and want to keep them charged between gaming sessions. Just slide them into the easy-glide slots, and the weighted base holds them in place while the Quad 2 does its job. It works with both original and OLED Switch controllers, and it’s especially handy if you swap controllers often during multiplayer games. You can fully charge four Joy-Cons in under four hours, and the built-in LED lights show each controller’s charging status. That means no guessing if you’ve got enough battery to dive into Mario Kart or another round of Smash. It’s a small upgrade that takes the guesswork out of managing your gear and lets you spend more time playing. It’s only $16.99 to get a HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2 Charging Station. HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2: Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controller Charging StationSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

Woman assaulted during daylight attack on popular Porirua track
The woman was halfway up the track stairs when she was assaulted on June 18.

'Really scary' - player in dugout hit by 105mph ball
Tampa Bay Rays player Hunter Bigge is taken to hospital after being hit by a 105mph foul ball while in the dugout at a Major League Baseball game.

Assault on popular Porirua walking track prompts re-assurance patrols
Police are appealing for information, after a female was assaulted on the Rangituhi/Colonial Knob walking track.

Chris Brown arrives in court to answer assault charge
The US singer is on Ł5m bail after being charged over an alleged assault in a nightclub in 2023.

This ASUS Chromebook doubles as a tablet, and it’s on sale for $180 (reg. $329.99)
TL;DR: If you need a reliable computer for casual work, school, or travel, get an ASUS Chromebook CM30 while they’re only $180. Finding the right device for casual work, travel, or everyday browsing doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. If you’re looking for a lightweight, affordable laptop that doubles as a tablet, the ASUS Chromebook CM30 is a smart, flexible option for only $179.99 (reg. $329.99). This 2-in-1 Chromebook has a sharp 10.5-inch WUXGA touchscreen and includes a garaged push-pop stylus that fast-charges while stored, so it’s always ready when you are. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, it’s built for cloud-based apps, multitasking, and all your day-to-day needs. The MediaTek Kompanio 520 processor keeps things smooth whether you’re working, streaming, or browsing. Its detachable keyboard and magnetic stand make it easy to switch between laptop and tablet modes, and the lightweight chassis is made from 30% recycled aluminum, so it’s both portable and sustainable. You’ll also get up to 12 hours of battery life, dual 5MP cameras, and support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, giving you the tools to stay connected anywhere. This is an open box item, meaning it’s been verified to be in brand-new condition after being returned to the warehouse. It comes with a full one-year warranty, and the packaging might show minor signs of handling or store exposure. If you need a Chromebook that’s fast, compact, and versatile without the full retail price, this is a solid option for $179.99. ASUS Chromebook CM30 (2024) Detachable Touchscreen 8GB RAM 128GB eMMC (Open Box)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.