Council hears submissions on proposed Wānaka McDonald’s restaurant
The Queenstown Lakes District Council is holding a three-day hearing regarding a proposed 455sq metre McDonald’s on the Wānaka-Luggate Highway. Of 366 submissions, 339 were opposed to the development. While locals have raised environmental and local concerns, the company argues that moral and health-related objections are not relevant considerations.
3 outlets · New Zealander returns home after suspected methanol poisoning in Laos
A New Zealander believed to have been poisoned by methanol in Laos has returned home. The individual was one of several tourists who fell ill in a mass poisoning incident in Vang Vieng, which has resulted in six deaths.
3 outlets · New Auckland CBD police station announced for Federal Street
A new police base is being established at 210 Federal Street in central Auckland. Police will gradually occupy the four-storey building starting in January 2025, with a public counter expected to open by mid-2025.
3 outlets · Lydia Ko finishes third at LPGA Tour season finale
Lydia Ko secured third place at the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida, after carding a nine-under par 63 in the final round. Despite her strong finish, she trailed winner Jeeno Thitikul and runner-up Angel Yin. Ko's performance followed her recent induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame.
3 outlets · Detectives travel to Australia to reinvestigate Arthur Easton murder
Police detectives have travelled to Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland to gather information regarding the 1985 murder of Arthur Easton. The investigation follows a $100,000 reward offered last month for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Easton was killed in his Papakura home after confronting an intruder.
3 outlets · Christopher Luxon reflects on first year as prime minister
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has marked one year of the National-led coalition government. While admitting to making mistakes, Luxon expressed satisfaction with the progress of government reforms. The three-party coalition, consisting of National, Act, and New Zealand First, was formed following the 2023 election.
3 outlets · New Zealand cricketers secure million-dollar IPL auction deals
Trent Boult, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra have all secured contracts at the Indian Premier League auction in Saudi Arabia. Boult was purchased by the Mumbai Indians for NZ$2.55 million, while both Conway and Ravindra were retained by the Chennai Super Kings.
2 outlets · Kiwi Ferns and Warriors star Kath Wharton dies aged 41
Former rugby league player Kath Wharton has died at the age of 41. The Kiwi Ferns and Warriors NRLW star is being remembered by family and friends in the Far North for her impact on the community and sport.
2 outlets · Tall Blacks qualify for FIBA Asia Cup with win over Chinese Taipei
New Zealand has secured a spot in next year's FIBA Asia Cup after defeating Chinese Taipei 81-64 in Christchurch. The victory marks the first successful assignment for new coach Judd Flavell following a previous defeat to the Philippines.
2 outlets · American YouTuber IShowSpeed swarmed by fans during Auckland visit
American internet personality Darren Jason Watkins Jr, known as IShowSpeed, was surrounded by hundreds of fans while touring Auckland. During his visit, the YouTuber attended a Warriors training session at Mt Smart Stadium and visited the Sky Tower.
2 outlets · Pedestrian critically injured in Moutere Highway crash
A student was critically injured after being struck by a car on the Moutere Highway in Tasman on Monday afternoon. The victim was airlifted to Nelson Hospital following the collision. Police closed the highway between Sunrise Valley Road and Supplejack Valley Road to manage the scene.
2 outlets · Liam Lawson finishes 16th at Las Vegas Grand Prix
New Zealander Liam Lawson finished in 16th place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix after struggling with his car throughout the weekend. A late race gamble by his team failed to improve his position. Lawson is scheduled to compete next in the Qatar Grand Prix.
2 outlets · Porirua councillor calls on other councils to oppose Treaty Principles Bill
Porirua City councillor Kathleen Filo has challenged local government bodies nationwide to oppose the ACT Party’s Treaty Principles Bill. The Porirua Council unanimously passed a motion declaring its opposition to the legislation following the arrival of Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti in Wellington.
2 outlets · Man charged with murder after fatal Whangārei house fire
A 48-year-old man has been charged with murder following a homicide investigation into a fatal fire in Tikipunga. The blaze occurred on Thomas Street in late April, resulting in the death of 61-year-old Hoani Reuben. The accused is due to appear in the Whangārei District Court on Tuesday.
2 outlets · Kiwi Property Group reports profit turnaround for half-year period
Kiwi Property Group has reported a $43.2 million after-tax profit for the six months to 30 September. This represents a turnaround from a $36.5 million loss during the same period last year. The company attributed the results to rising rental income and property revaluations.
2 outlets · Vern Cotter extends Blues contract until 2026
Blues coach Vern Cotter has signed a contract extension following a Super Rugby Pacific title win. The former Fiji and Scotland coach will now lead the Auckland-based team through the end of the 2026 season.
2 outlets · Police seek witnesses after pedestrian critically injured in West Coast crash
A man remains in critical condition in hospital following a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on State Highway 6. The incident occurred near the McLeans Pit turnoff at Coal Creek, east of Greymouth, around 11pm on Saturday.
2 outlets · Kiwis warned of locksmith scam involving fake low call-out fees
The Master Locksmiths Association is warning New Zealanders about overseas criminals posing as emergency locksmiths. Scammers lure people locked out of their homes with cheap call-out fees before issuing bills exceeding $1,000. These bogus workers may also leave behind costly repairs.
2 outlets · Air New Zealand expects first-half pre-tax profit of $120m to $160m
The airline expects its first-half earnings for the 2025 financial year to fall within a range of $120 million to $160 million. This is a decrease from $185 million in the previous comparable period, driven in part by issues with aircraft availability.
2 outlets · Wallace Sititi named World Rugby breakthrough player of the year
All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi has won the men’s 15s breakthrough player of the year award. He received the honour at the annual World Rugby Awards, beating several international nominees. Sititi is the fifth All Black to win this specific award.
2 outlets · All Blacks secure 29-11 victory against Italy in Turin
The All Blacks concluded their season with a win over Italy in Turin. Coach Scott Robertson's record now stands at 10 wins and four defeats in his first year. Analysis suggests the team's attacking performance and the decision to field a full-strength side remain areas for improvement.
2 outlets · Fletcher Building signs $45m deal for new Marsden Point bitumen terminal
Fletcher Building has signed a 15-year contract with Channel Infrastructure to build a bitumen import terminal at the Marsden Point site. The project, expected to operate from mid-2026, aims to allow Higgins to bring bitumen directly into Northland. Channel Infrastructure is currently seeking $50 million to fund the redevelopment.
2 outlets · Police admit security breach after Prime Minister's itinerary left in car
Police have admitted to breaching security protocols after a copy of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s Queenstown schedule was left visible on a patrol car dashboard. Inspector Paula Enoka stated that information security procedures were not followed during the Prime Minister's visit on Sunday.
2 outlets · International student numbers at SIT remain below pre-pandemic levels
International student enrolments at the Southern Institute of Technology have reached 42% of their pre-Covid figures. While 1,697 overseas students attended before the pandemic, there were 705 enrolled in 2024. Operations lead Daryl Haggerty noted that numbers are currently increasing.
1 outlet · Letters to the editor discuss Treaty Principles Bill and hīkoi
Recent letters to the editor address the Treaty Principles Bill and the hīkoi held in Wellington. One writer claims the bill poses no threat to the original Treaty, while another argues that the voices of the 50,000 protesters must be respected.
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