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Mother searched how to cause child drug overdose before killing daughters

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Adam Burns, Reporter of RNZ and is republished with permission

Warning: This story contains distressing content that may upset some readers.

Lauren Dickason made online searches on how to cause child drug overdoses in the weeks leading up to the deaths of her three young daughters.

Lauren Anne Dickason in the High Court at Christchurch on 17 July 2023. Photo: Pool / NZME/ George Heard

Dickason, originally from South Africa, is on trial in Christchurch for the murder of her children, Maya, Karla and Liané, in September 2021.

She denies the charges, arguing insanity and infanticide.

It was Dickason’s internet searches that were under the microscope in court on Monday.

“Search one is ‘alprazolam dose for children’, search term two is ‘ambien lethal dose’, ‘carbon monoxide death’ is search three, search four ‘children who bite’, search five ‘drugs to overdose kids’,” Detective Joshua Locke told the court.

Locke, from the police’s digital forensics team, was among the team who took the data from Dickason’s phone the day after her daughters died.

Those were among multiple web searches done around the time the three girls were killed, he said.

Most of the 12 searches happened in South Africa during July and August 2021, but some had been deleted by Dickason, limiting the data, said Locke.

“It cannot be determined what date and time the following searches were made: ‘Children who bite’, ‘fatal levels of ativan’, ‘how to deal with anxiety due to Covid’, ‘I hate what lockdown is making me’, ‘the worst pet as a child’,” he said.

But the defence said it was not clear what Dickason was thinking when these searches were made and some, such as ‘immigration stress’, were omitted entirely.

The defence entered their chosen messages from more than 135,000 present on Dickason’s phone into evidence on Monday. They mostly painted a picture of a hands-on mother, who enjoyed finding activities to do with her daughters, like arts and crafts, gymnastics and swimming.

She often messaged friends and family about what the girls were up to.

Detective Edward Mitchell read some to the court, including this one describing two-year-old twins, Maya and Karla: “Maya is the little mother, always helpful and peaceful and obedient. Karla is the firecracker. She can throw an amazing tantrum but is also loveable and talks a dog out of a bush.

“She and Liané are best friends. It’s so pretty. This is such a nice age – I wish they could stay this big forever.”

Woman charged with murder of three daughters. Graham & Lauren Dickason and kids Liane 6 and twins Maya and Karla 2 Dickason

Lauren Dickason consistently updated family back in South Africa about her daughters. Photo: Supplied

Many messages had accompanying images or videos of the girls – including one which reads ‘my kids are crazy’, with a picture of all three in an outdoor pool in winter.

Dickason’s lawyer, Anne Toohey, said the pictures provide crucial context to the Crown’s sample of messages.

“There are literally hundreds of photos and videos that Dickason shares to WhatsApp groups of the twins and her daughter, Liané, playing and doing fun things. And you haven’t noted that anywhere in your evidence.”

As the family isolated and then flew to New Zealand, Dickason’s friends and family began to be concerned by the few messages they received.

Mitchell told the court Dickason replied reassuringly.

“Thank you friends. I promise when my inability to speak has passed and the absolute shock of everything that has happened has settled, we’ll FaceTime. I love you all so much,” Dickason wrote in August 2021.

Her communication faded rapidly in the final months the girls were alive, Toohey said.

“In July 2021, 2885 messages were sent from Lauren’s phone. In August 2021, the next month, it drops to 965,” she said.

“In September, acknowledging of course that this only encompasses the first 16 days in September, it drops again to 330 messages.”

The case continues on Tuesday.

Where to get help:

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If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Kiri Allan charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest, resigns as Justice Minister, PM says

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says Kiri Allan has been charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest.

File photo. Justice Minister Kiri Allan. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Allan was taken into police custody on Sunday night after a car crash in Wellington and “is assisting with inquiries”.

She also returned a breath test over the legal limit, Hipkins said.

He said Kiri Allan has resigned as a minister.

Allan did not respond to RNZ’s request for comment this morning.

In a statement, the police said they received a report of a crash involving two vehicles on Evans Bay Parade in Roseneath shortly after 9pm.

“One person was taken in to custody and is assisting police with inquiries into the circumstances of the crash.

“The road was blocked for a short time, no injuries are reported.”

RNZ has been provided photos taken last night of a Hyundai Kona – a electric car available to ministers – blocking one lane of a road.

Allan returned to her full ministerial duties on Monday last week after taking some time away from Parliament due in part to a relationship break-up.

While she was taking a few days of mental health leave, separate allegations were reported regarding her treatment of staff, which she strongly denied.

She then took another two weeks off over Parliament’s recess.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins spoke to Allan on 14 July after returning from his trip to Europe and confirmed then she would return to work.

“I’m pleased she is in a much better space after taking some time off and getting some professional support,” he said.

“Mental wellbeing should never be a source of shame or embarrassment. I commend Kiri for speaking publicly about her recent struggles and I’ve been resolutely committed to supporting her through that.”

Allan also issued a blanket apology to “anyone who has found my behaviour towards them unacceptable” and Hipkins said she would receive workplace coaching.

Last Monday, Hipkins told reporters he considered the matter closed.

“Kiri gave me some assurances that she feels well, she’s in a good space to come back to work, and certainly the conversations I’ve had with her over the last week or so, the last few days, give me confidence in that.”

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Allan acknowledged she had gone through “a bit of a rough time”.

“I’ve struggled with my mental health for a good part of my adult life. That’s something I try not to shy away from.”

Petrol station blaze closes part of Auckland’s Great South Road

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz

About 50 firefighters have battled a petrol station blaze on Auckland’s Great South Road.

Firefighters at Z in Takanini following a fire on Monday morning. Photo: RNZ / Rayssa Almeida

Fire and Emergency received an alarm activation for the fire at the Z petrol station at Takanini at 3.45am on Monday.

The petrol station is connected to a fast food restaurant.

Part of the building’s roof was dismantled to help with damping down hot spots.

By 6am the fire was almost out, and no one was injured.

In a statement, police said Great South Road, near the intersection of Taka Street and Walter Stevens Drive, was closed in both directions.

It would remain closed until the scene was cleared.

“Diversions are in place, however motorists are advised to expect delays and to avoid the area where possible.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Newshub.co.nz

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tonga, New Zealand and Australia next week to discuss regional security and cooperation and attend the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the State Department said on Thursday.

Blinken plans to dedicate a new U.S. Embassy in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, a Pacific island the United States considers strategically important amid efforts by China to expand its influence across the Pacific.

The United States has stepped up engagements with countries in the Pacific region as geostrategic competition with China intensifies.

President Joe Biden hosted a first ever summit in Washington with Pacific island leaders last September and reached an agreement this year with Britain and Australia to supply the latter with nuclear-powered submarines.

Biden has invited Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a state visit later this year and will also host a second summit with leaders of Pacific island nations in September.

At last year’s summit, the U.S. pledged to help Pacific island leaders stave off China’s “economic coercion,” and to work harder with allies and partners to address islanders’ needs.

Blinken will travel to Wellington, New Zealand on July 27 to meet with senior government partners and attend the Women’s World Cup when the U.S. women’s team plays, the department said.

His trip will conclude on July 28-29 with a stop in Brisbane, Australia, where he will attend the annual meeting of U.S. and Australian defense and foreign ministers, known as AUSMIN.

The Tonga stop will be Blinken’s first there as secretary of state and his third to a Pacific island country, a State Department official told a briefing on the trip. It will be his 12th to the Indo-Pacific region as a whole since he became America’s top diplomat in January 2021, while he will be the first U.S. secretary of state to visit New Zealand since 2017.

The official said temporary U.S. duty officers were already in Tonga and a first directly assigned officer would be there “in a few short weeks,” with the intention being to have an ambassador resident there.

Mele Ilafau Lenati Tupou sentenced to community work for assaulting Timaru woman

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan woman who assaulted a woman outside a Timaru dairy, New Zealand has been ordered to carry 80 hours community work and pay the victim $600 for emotional harm.

Mele Ilafau Lenati Tupou, of Pareora, assaulted the woman over an unintentional queue-jump.

The victim, who was in line to pay for food at Night ’n Day in Timaru, called Tupou “rude” after she unintentionally cut in front of her. A further argument ensued as they left the shop and went to their vehicles, Stuff reported.

Tupou then threw an ice block into the victim’s windscreen, which started another verbal argument. Tupou then approached the victim aggressively and threw several punches at her head, hitting her in the left shoulder and right cheek.

The victim suffered a sore left shoulder and numerous bruises to her face and legs.

Tupou’s lawyer said the assault was out of character and that she had offered an apology to the victim.

Judge Dravitzki said he accepted that Tupou had not eaten during the day and tended to become irritable without food, but that her behaviour was “a lot more than irritable” and “an unacceptable and nasty assault on another person.”

Tupou was sentenced to 80 hours community work and ordered to pay the victim $600 for emotional harm.

Notorious teen thief who stole $15000 from a Tongatapu vendor is jailed  

By
Kaniva Staff
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A teenage girl with several previous theft convictions has been sent to jail for six months with the last two months being suspended.

‘Ilaisaane Kolo

She pleaded guilty and said she did not want a pre-sentence report. She requested she be sentenced as soon as possible.

‘Ilaisaane Kolo, 19, went to a fea (“vendor”) at Ma’ofanga and while being there she spotted a handbag, that contained $15,000.

The handbag was left unattended so she stole it.

That same day Kolo used $6,000 of the money to buy a car.

The owner of the hand bag, Roslyn Vaka, immediately announced her hand bag and the amount of money missing on Facebook.

The couple who had sold the defendant the car contacted Vaka and the police became involved and arrested Kolo.

They recovered $5,155 of the stolen money and Kolo admitted stealing it.

Kolo is no stranger to the court.

She has a number of previous convictions, all dealt with in the Magistrate court including an offence of theft in 2020. A further offence of theft in 2021, both led to community penalties being imposed. Also there was a matter of escaping lawful custody.

In October 2022 she was sentenced to nine month’s imprisonment in which the last three months were suspended for one year, for another theft of $500.

For her latest conviction Justice Cooper had suspended part of her imprisonment term on the following conditions:

  • not to commit any offence punishable by imprisonment;
  • report to Probation within 48 hours of her release, and
  • to satisfactorily complete an alcohol awareness course.

“Any breach of those conditions will lead her to be sentenced to the suspended portion of that term. Any breach is reserved to myself”.

Lulutai cancels flights after aircraft hit by aircraft tug

By
Kaniva Staff
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Lulutai’s Y12  plane collides with an aircraft tug after the tow-bar snapped during towing at Fua’amotu hangar on Wednesday.

Poasi Tei

Passengers from Ha’apai to Tongatapu told Kaniva News their flight was delayed before it was cancelled on Wednesday.

They were told the aircraft was undergoing mechanical maintenance.

The collision triggered cancellation to the aircraft’s flights until yesterday, Thursday 20, the Lulutai chief executive Poasi Tei has confirmed to Kaniva News this morning.

He said the damage was fixed and the aircraft returned to services the following day.

In Tongan Tei said: “Ko e mo’oni ne tau e tow he vakapuna Y12 ‘i hono toho kitu’a mei he hangar ‘o uesia ai e konga ‘o e vakapuna.

Ne ngaahi ‘e he kau ‘enisinia he ‘aho ko ia pea puna he ‘aho hoko’ pe”.

The news comes after the airlines’ flight on July 4 from ‘Eua to Tongatapu was cancelled after the same passenger aircraft veered off the runway during its take-off run.

As Kaniva News reported at the time, the Chinese-built Harbin Y12 aircraft spent 20 minutes trying to take off before it returned to the terminal at Kaufana airport.

The aircraft stuttered repeatedly when it touched down before making it to the terminal.

Eyewitnesses said at the time  the aircraft appeared to have engine problems when it arrived at the airport.

Tongan returned seasonal worker killed in crash few days after arriving in Australia

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan community and kāinga in Mildura, Victoria are mourning the loss of a “lovely and gentle” Tongan worker who was killed in a horrific road crash last week.

Lata ‘I Hahake Pahu Tukulā

Lata-‘I-Hahake-Pahu Tukulā was in a car when the fatal incident happened.

The details of the incident were still unknown.

A video clip which showed part of the crash scene, seen by Kaniva News, showed another Tongan man attempting desperately to provide first aid after the crash.

Another Tongan man can be heard on the clip calling Tukulā’s name.

The family are orgainsing for his body’s return to Tonga.

It is understood Tukulā recently arrived in Mildura from Tonga as a returned seasonal worker.

It was his first week at work when the tragedy struck.    

He was a “gentle man”. That’s just one of the tributes paid to Tukulā on social media.

His family said they were devastated.

“Everyone is really upset, especially those who have worked with him in his workplace.

“He was really lovely, everyone really enjoyed working with him”.

Tongan scammer accused of sharing fake car importation videos to con victims in new twist

By
Kalino Latu
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The public is concerned about a new version of a vehicle scam which appears to have hit the Tongan community.

A Tongan woman has been accused of setting up fake overseas vehicle importation videos to convince her victims to expect their vehicle shipments were underway from overseas.

However, the vehicles did not exist and the victims never received their vehicles or got their money back.

Lepeka Moala or Lepeka Fanua, of Tonga’s Vava’u islands has been accused of falsely recording herself making announcements over real video clips taken in car dealerships in Japan.

Police are reported to have charged Lepeka Moala or Lepeka Fanua, 27, and her associate ‘Ahake Tāufa, also known as ‘Ahake Tulahe, 42, of Ma’ofanga for allegedly scamming their victims out of TP$38,300 in June.

Lepeka and the authorities could not be reached for comment.

Kaniva News had been provided with some of the videos in question.

In one of the videos, a blue Honda Fit Hybrid was seen being showcased around in what appeared to be a dealership. During the display a voice-over spoken by a Tongan woman could be heard telling a customer by the name of Kalo and her partner to see that this was their vehicle.

In another video, a red Toyota Hilux ute was displayed being driven around in another dealership. During the showcase the same Tongan voice-over could be heard, but this time she told a customer that she was videoing from Japan and she wanted them to see that this was their vehicle ready to be shipped to Tonga.

One video appeared to show the woman riding in a car driven to a wharf where a large vessel was being loaded. The car ran inside the ship while the woman could be heard saying they were in the process of shipping the vehicles, but that particular shipment was for another country in the Pacific not Tonga.

Of all these video clips, which have been widely shared on Facebook this week, the Tongan woman who recorded the voice over never physically shows herself in the videos.

Some complainants, who appeared to be among the victims have taken to Facebook to vent their frustrations.

Some said they have found out that Lepeka was allegedly creating the false video pretending she was in Japan while at the same time she was still in Vava’u.

Some even posted their mobile phone numbers on social media and called on anybody who met Lepeka to call them.

The claims come after Police previously warned people to be wary of online car dealerships and to only deal with reputable businesses.

In 2021, a car dealer who took more than $59,950 in deposits for cars she never delivered was jailed for three years.

Malia Selupe was charged with five counts of obtaining money by false pretences and taking large deposits for cars she had advertised for sale, but never delivered.

She held the business out as being able to import motor vehicles from Japan through online bidding and sales.

A notorious car trader, Filimone To’aho, was given a two-year suspended jail sentence in 2021 after he failed to deliver 20 vehicles he had promised would be imported from Japan under the ownership of the owner of a finance company.

Similar scams have been reported in New Zealand, with stories in the new Zealand Herald reporting on people who had laid hefty deposits to online dealers to import cars from Japan that never turned up.

The Automobile Association of New Zealand said there were several early warning signs to watch out for with buyers or sellers, such as lack of personal contact details, an overseas location, unconventional payment methods and the urgency of the sale.

“Our advice is to avoid rushing into anything – these things can (and should) take time. Do your homework and ensure you carry out all the relevant history checks before buying a car – spending a little extra money short term can potentially save you a small fortune in the long run,” the AA said.

Kaniva News says:

If you have been scammed, you should contact the police immediately.

Here are some tips to avoid being scammed when buying a car online:

Only deal with reputable dealerships.

Do your research before you buy a car.

Be wary of any dealership that asks for money upfront.

Never wire money to someone you don’t know.

If you think you have been scammed, report it to the police.

For more information

Car dealer ‘scams’ at least 16 Trade Me customers

Keep an eye out for car buying scams

Former OMC rapper Ermehn dies

By
Kalino Latu
-

By RNZ.co.nz

New Zealand hip hop legend Ermehn has died.

Herman Joseph Loto Sakaria. (Source: AudioCulture / Adrian Malloch)

Herman Joseph Loto Sakaria was an Auckland-based rapper who performed and recorded under the stage name of Ermehn.

Ermehn was a former member of Otara Millionaires Club and Radio Backstab, and was often referred to as the Godfather of South Auckland hip hop.

During his solo career he could be seen on stage wielding a machete and wearing a lava lava, and he sourced inspiration in his second album ‘The Path of Blood’ through first-hand experience with gang-life.

In 2012, he spoke to RNZ about going clean and living a different kind of life.

Many Kiwis took to social media to share memories of Ermehn and express shock over his death.

rnz.co.nz

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