New Zealand enters early stages of whooping cough epidemic
Health officials have declared an epidemic as whooping cough cases have consistently increased. There were 263 cases reported in the last four weeks, with Wellington and Canterbury seeing the highest impact. Total cases this year are approaching 1,000.
3 outlets · All Blacks select full-strength lineup for tour finale against Italy
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has selected a top-tier squad for the final match of the northern tour against Italy in Turin. The match will take place at Allianz Stadium on Sunday morning. The team aims to finish their challenging first year under Robertson with a strong performance.
2 outlets · Former Kiwi Fern and Warriors player Kath Wharton has died
Kath Wharton, a 41-year-old former Warriors NRLW player and World Cup winning Kiwi Fern, has passed away. The former athlete was a mother of three and was described by Rugby League Northland as a kind person devoted to her community.
2 outlets · Eleven people charged after new gang insignia ban takes effect
Police have charged 11 people in the first 24 hours of the Gangs Act 2024. The arrests and summonses occurred after individuals were seen wearing patched clothing in public places, including at the Henderson Night Markets. In West Auckland, a motorcycle and patch were also seized following a gang pad search.
2 outlets · Court ruling allows former Gloriavale members to seek compensation
The Employment Court has ruled that Gloriavale’s overseeing shepherd was the employer of three former male residents. This decision allows Hosea Courage, Daniel Pilgrim, and Levi Courage to proceed with a $5.2 million compensation claim following their successful 2022 legal challenge.
2 outlets · Man arrested for allegedly scamming elderly victims of $200,000
A 20-year-old man has been arrested following a month-long investigation into a banking scam in Auckland. Police say the man allegedly targeted vulnerable elderly people for more than $200,000. He faces multiple charges and is due to appear in Waitākere District Court on Friday.
2 outlets · Prisoner arrested after hospital escape and carjacking
A prisoner is back in custody after allegedly assaulting two Corrections officers and carjacking a vehicle during a medical appointment at Waikato Hospital. Police were notified of the incident around 12.30pm on Friday, and the individual was arrested at approximately 3.45pm.
2 outlets · Police seek information on whereabouts of Black Power member
Whangārei Police are searching for 42-year-old Toa Pitman following a violent family harm incident on 19 November. Pitman is wanted in connection with several family harm offences and was last seen in a vehicle in Kamo on Wednesday evening. Police warn that he is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
2 outlets · Childish Gambino cancels upcoming New Zealand tour date
American rapper Childish Gambino has cancelled his January performance at Auckland's Spark Arena. The cancellation is due to a longer than expected recovery from recent surgery. The musician was scheduled to play his first New Zealand show since 2018.
2 outlets · Police seek red Toyota Hilux after firearm threat to road worker
Police are searching for a red Toyota Hilux following an incident on State Highway 1 near Ātiamuri. A road worker was reportedly threatened with a firearm during a confrontation on Sunday. The vehicle is described as a double cab with a red cab and a black deck.
2 outlets · Homicide investigation launched into woman's death in Lake Hawea
Police have opened a homicide investigation following the death of 60-year-old Karen Gaylene White in Lake Hawea. The Invercargill woman died at a property in March, eight months ago. Investigators are currently working to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
2 outlets · Man found dead at Levin park died from gunshot wound
Police have confirmed that 56-year-old Robert Nattie Albert died from gunshot wounds sustained at Muaūpoko Park. His body was discovered inside a building near Lake Horowhenua on 17 October. A homicide investigation is ongoing, but no arrests have been made a month after the incident.
2 outlets · Man accused of triple Rotorua murders enters not guilty pleas
Justin Jeffries has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder in Rotorua. His lawyer has requested an additional psychological report regarding his sanity. A trial date has been set for February 2027.
2 outlets · Tall Blacks lose to Philippines in FIBA Asia Cup qualifier
New Zealand's Tall Blacks lost 93-89 to the Philippines in Manila on Friday. Despite a fourth-quarter comeback, a five-minute period late in the third quarter proved decisive. The result marks the first time the Philippines has defeated the Tall Blacks, securing their place in next year's FIBA Asia Cup.
2 outlets · Wellington Airport reveals $500m plan for long-haul flights
Wellington Airport has unveiled a $500 million proposal to enable non-stop flights to international destinations. The plan involves installing an engineered materials arresting system to extend the usable runway length. This technology could allow larger aircraft to take off with full passenger and fuel loads without physical runway extensions.
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