MARCH
2
Former rugby league star Manu Vatuvei receives prison sentence for importing methamphetamine
Former rugby league star Manu Vatuvei has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for importing methamphetamine.
The former NZ Warriors wing and Dancing with the Stars winner was sentenced alongside brother Lopini Mafi at the Manukau District Court Wednesday morning.
Lopini Mafi was sentenced to seven years and two months' imprisonment for his part in the operation, which was described as a leading role.
Nicknamed 'The Beast', Vautvei played 226 games for the Warriors, scoring a record 152 tries. He represented New Zealand in 29 tests and played two for Mate Ma'a Tonga, before persistent injuries saw him retire in 2017.
2
Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker parts ways with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing, eyes shift to US
Joseph Parker has ditched promoters Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn - for now - with his camp confident he's in a "wonderful position" to negotiate fights more freely, with ambitions to tackle blockbuster bouts in the United States.
Newshub understands Parker's relationship with Matchroom has been put on ice, with the 30-year-old now a free agent, making it easier to negotiate with other promoters and fighters outside Hearn's stable of boxers.
The move follows back-to-back wins over Brit Derek Chisora, also under Matchroom, which have put Parker back in a strong position in the heavyweight ranks.
Last week, Parker threw down the gauntlet to Mexican Andy Ruiz, whom he beat to claim the WBO heavyweight title in 2016.
5
Blackcaps legend Chris Cairns announces 'shock' bowel cancer diagnosis
NZ cricket legend Chris Cairns, recovering from a near-fatal heart attack suffered last year, has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Cairns, 51, made the announcement on his Instagram account after a routine check-up.
"As far as weeks go, I thought that Tom Brady retiring was going to be the low point this week… but as it turned out, TB12’s retirement comes a distant second," Cairns posts.
"I was told yesterday I have bowel cancer… big shock and not what I was expecting, after what was supposed to be a routine check-up."
6
Cricket legend Shane Warne had chest pains, health issues before death, say Thai Police
Australian cricket great Shane Warne had experienced chest pains before his death in Thailand, and had asthma and some heart issues, say Thai police, citing information from Warne's family.
One of the finest bowlers of all time, whose talent and personality transcended cricket, Warne has died aged 52 - a day after arriving on the island of Koh Samui for a vacation.
"He had asthma and had seen a doctor about his heart," said Yuttana Sirisombat, superintendent at the Bo Phut police station on Koh Samui.
Asked about any illnesses before his death, he said: "We learned from his family that he had experienced chest pains when he was back home in his country."
6
All Blacks legend Richie McCaw, team heli-evacuated from GODZone race at Fiordland National Park
Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and his team have been heli-evacuated from the GODZone multisport race at Fiordland National Park.
Along with teammates Rob Nichol, Jo Williams and Tim Sikma, McCaw was evacuated from CP4 at the Olivine Hut, with a team member suffering from poor health.
So far, four teams have been heli-evacuated from this year's event - the world's largest expedition-length race, staged over 710km.
"Days two and three have been particularly arduous for some teams," says race director Warren Bates.
21
Ex-White Ferns hit out at former side after premature Cricket World Cup exit
Two former White Ferns have hit out at the side, after their loss to England all but ended their World Cup semi-final hopes, describing it as a low point in the team's history.
A wounded New Zealand side have touched down at Christchurch, where they'll take the week to prepare for their likely tournament closer against Pakistan.
The White Ferns hoped their tournament would end at Hagley Oval next month, but now it's more than likely to be in just five days' time.
The results against the West Indies, South Africa and England have come as no surprise to former players Maia Lewis and Katrina Keenan.
"I think it's time to own that performance and I think accepting that we aren't the world's best," she tells Newshub. "We aren't actually world-class."
25
Wellington Saints legend, Steven Adams' mentor Kenny McFadden dies, aged 61
Kenny McFadden, one of NZ basketball's most iconic figures, has died aged 61.
Born in the US, McFadden made his name playing in the American college system, before relocating to New Zealand in 1982.
As a player and coach with Wellington Saints, McFadden won four national titles, before retiring from the game in 1996.
He helped Saints to New Zealand NBL titles in 1984, 1985, 1987 and 1988, as well as finishing runners-up in 1983 and 1986.
Such was McFadden's influence in the New Zealand game, he became the first player to have his jersey number retired, with no player to ever take the Saints No.5 singlet again in his honour.
30
Barcelona officially confirmed as venue for Team New Zealand's 2024 America's Cup defence
Spain's Barcelona has been officially confirmed as venue for Team New Zealand's next America's Cup defence.
Barcelona and the Catalonia region will host the next challenge for the 'Auld Mug', scheduled for September to October 2024, beating off competition from fellow Spanish city Malaga, Ireland's Cork and Saudi Arabia's Jeddah.
Auckland was effectively ruled out of the running as early as last June, when the Government's hosting offer was rejected by Emirates Team NZ, who searched offshore for a better deal.
"Barcelona really is one of the most recognised cities in the world, so to have the ability to host the most recognised sailing event in the world is hugely exciting," says Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton.
