Police seize multi-million dollar properties, cash and luxury cars following significant money laundering investigation

Six people have been charged with money laundering, and firearms and drugs offences.

In all, about nine-million-dollars worth of assets are involved.

Detective Senior Sergeant Wayne Gray says the investigation is focused on an organised criminal group's money laundering, but there are others mixed up in it.



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Westpower says West Coasters' ambitions have been shattered by the Government's decision not to allow a hydro scheme.

Environment Minister David Parker has turned down the company's application for a scheme on the Waitaha River - near Hokitika.

It would have diverted water through a tunnel and powerhouse, then return it 2.6 kilometres further down the river.

Westpower chairman Mike Newcombe says the decision sweeps aside West Coast interests and long-term benefits.

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Ariah Roberts' mother says her then-partner playfully threw and swung her daughter around more than once.

30-year-old Aaron Archer is on trial, charged with murdering the two-year-old in August last year.

The court's head Ariah died from major blunt force injuries.

The Crown alleges Archer killed the toddler - but his defence says she died after being accidentally swung into a wall when they were playing.

Ariah's mother, who cannot be named, told the court she'd seen him do it.

Her voice is disguised.



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An Otago University analysis of Oranga Tamariki figures shows babies being uplifted from their parents are overwhelmingly Maori.

Rachel Das reports.



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Luke Jacobson is the surprise inclusion in the All Blacks' 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.

The Chiefs blindside has beaten out Jackson Hemopo, Vaea Fifita and Shannon Frizell for one of the five loose forward positions.

Captain Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane and Matt Todd have also been included.

Jacobson has played just one test, but coach Steve Hansen is confident that won't be an issue.



Brodie Retallick has been picked, but Hansen has confirmed he won't feature before the knockout rounds.

Ngani Laumape is the unlucky midfielder, and Brayden Ennor has missed out among the outside backs.