Mother allowed to change children's surname after 4 years without contact with 'inadequate' father
But the judge ruled 'the door should be left open' for the father.
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Latest fromPublic Interest - Open Justice
'I could see the veins in his eyes': Dispute over Covid opinions led to blows in Salvation Army store
The accused's self-recorded video following the incident was played to the Napier court.
Māori not convinced that land earmarked for return won't be sold prior
Supreme Court denies bid for moratorium on land sale ahead of reparations hearing.
Prisoner mistakenly kept behind bars for extra 33 days wins $11,000 compo
A prisoner mistakenly detained an extra 33 days has won $11,000 compensation.
Remuera rental a little too fully-furnished for tenant's liking
The landlord left their belongings, including food, linen and a vehicle, at the property.
Landlord calls tenant a 'bloody idiot with issues'
The landlord also collected mandarins from the tenant's property without asking.
'I just wanted to die': Meth user before drug court changed his life
The Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court only operates in Auckland and Hamilton.
Gang member behind bars after being found guilty of raping teen
Mongrel Mob member Maia Herewini will be sentenced in November for raping a teenager.
Starving animals suffer for months on Tangowahine farm
A Dargaville lifestyle farmer has been fined for failing to care for several animals.
'Justice hasn't been served': Rapist's victims speak out as hundreds protest in the streets
Protesters hit the street yesterday in support of the victims and tougher penalties.
You be the judge: Complaints leap 45 per cent since 2017
'Corrupt, biased, incompetent, or drunk' - the public have their say on judges.
'Shattered worlds': Victims of teenage rapist Jayden Meyer speak out
'This has been a challenge like no other and has taught us all a very valuable lesson.'
Landlord's attempt to evict tenant for having too many visitors dismissed
Tenant claims the complaints made are related to another neighbour on the street, not her.
'Regrettable and unfortunate': Lodge closure for 1080 drop explained
A bush camp took authorities to court to halt pest control and stay open.
Crowds gather to protest sentence given to Jayden Meyer
A crowd gathered in Mount Maunganui protesting the home detention sentence given to teenage rapist Jayden Meyer. Video / Ethan Griffiths
'It's a holiday' - Hundreds turn out to protest teen rapist's home detention sentence
Public backlash has been immense since details of the teen's sentence were revealed.
'It is what it is': Burglar caught crawling out of jewellery store with $11k in goods
The thief said he was "trying to keep up with boys up North".
Punk rock musician dies, man charged with murder
A 25-year-old man has been charged with murder and arson.
'Wanted to see more of her body': Father caught filming in pool changing rooms
The man was caught in the act by a woman who saw the phone on the floor recording her.
Young mum panicked, injuring her prem-baby as she tried to save his life
The six-month-old, born 10 weeks prematurely, had stopped breathing during a milk feed.
'The hazard was obvious': Judge orders Te Kuiti meat plant to pay $320K after worker's death
Jared Te Whare died after suffering a seizure while on a legging stand at UBP.
Woman says she became a sex worker to pay for grandmother's funeral
Woman faces deportation after working in the sex industry while on a student visa
Drug dealer says rehab changed his life as he escapes jail term
Court says addict drug-dealer, facing 77 charges, genuinely realised harm meth causes.
Man jailed for 30-years of 'monstrous and ongoing' sexual offending
Man's sexual abuse of relatives continued even after he was given a chance to stop.
'You're a monster': Elderly man jailed for sex crimes against a father and son
First he preyed on the man. Six years later he targeted the man's son.
Bus crash: Passenger says she felt a 'dreaded fear' of being 'engulfed in flames'
The accident is believed to have been caused by the bus driver's sleep apnea.
First potential miscarriage of justice to be referred back to court
The Criminal Cases Review Commission aims to refer its first case back to an appeal court.
Protests organised after teen rapist's home detention sentence
The protests have the support of social media influencer Jazz Thornton.
"No-one's coming to save you": Man jailed for violence against partner
A man smashed a woman's phone as she tried to call 111 during a violent domestic attack.
Banned: Drink-driver who fought arrest loses bid for clemency
Book thrown at repeat drink driver with 'certain attitude to court orders'.
'The verdicts were not unreasonable': Court dismisses Ports of Auckland fraudster's appeal
Despite admitting her guilt at sentencing, Litia Vuniduvu appealed the jury's verdict.
'Extreme hardship' prevents teen who shot girlfriend with BB gun from being named
"I will cut your throat if you ever ask me that again." - convicted teen.
'Was excited to see her': Man clocked at 184km/h during trip to see girlfriend
The 20-year-old was in a rush to see his Taranaki girlfriend.
Baby with critical injuries: Man charged with assault named
The baby was taken to hospital with critical injuries on Sunday morning.