Te Pāti Māori co-founder Dame Tariana Turia dies aged 80
Dame Tariana Turia, a co-founder of Te Pāti Māori and former minister, has died at Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui. She passed away in the early hours of Friday morning after suffering a stroke earlier in the week.
+59 outlets · Thousands gather at Nelson vigil for slain police officer
Thousands of people gathered in central Nelson to honour Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming at a candlelight vigil. Fleming was killed on New Year's Day after being struck by a vehicle in Buxton Square. A Tasman man has been granted interim name suppression after being charged with her murder.
+15 outlets · Oriental fruit fly found in Papatoetoe backyard trap
A single male Oriental fruit fly has been discovered in a surveillance trap in a South Auckland backyard. Biosecurity New Zealand has launched an operation including increased testing and trapping. Restrictions on the movement of fruit and vegetables will be enforced to protect the horticulture industry.
+26 outlets · Customs seizes $10 million worth of methamphetamine at Auckland Airport
Customs officers arrested three people following two separate smuggling attempts at Auckland International Airport in the first two days of 2025. Authorities seized an estimated 20 to 27 kilograms of methamphetamine, including drugs allegedly soaked into clothing.
+15 outlets · Dunedin-bound Air New Zealand flight cancelled due to security concerns
An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Dunedin was cancelled following a security incident at Auckland Airport. Passengers on flight NZ677 were required to disembark the aircraft, and police stated there is no believed risk to public safety.
+15 outlets · Man accused of murdering Nelson police officer remanded in custody
A 32-year-old man facing murder and attempted murder charges appeared in Nelson District Court on Friday. He was remanded in custody without plea following the New Year's Day death of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Interim name suppression for the accused is set to lapse on 10 January.
4 outlets · Firefighters contain large scrub fire near Whangārei
Emergency crews have contained a fire that burned through three hectares of bush and pine tree slash in Pataua South. The blaze, which started on Friday afternoon near Hutchinson Road, threatened a property and required assistance from two helicopters. Firefighters worked to manage the flames after receiving multiple calls shortly after 2pm.
4 outlets · One person dies in single-vehicle crash in Māngere
A driver was found dead following a single-vehicle crash on Ihumātao Road in Māngere on Thursday evening. Emergency services arrived at the scene around 5.36pm, but the sole occupant had already passed away. Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.
4 outlets · New Zealand property values fell for ninth month in December
National property values dropped by 0.2% in December, marking the ninth decline in ten months. While Hamilton saw house prices rise by 1%, Wellington experienced a 0.8% decrease. CoreLogic reports suggest property values may be approaching a floor as the national decline slows.
3 outlets · Severe thunderstorm and heavy rain watches issued for parts of New Zealand
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for Marlborough, Nelson and the Canterbury High Country on Friday. Additionally, a heavy rain watch has been issued for the Wairoa District for Saturday. Much of the country is expected to experience wet and cool weather through the weekend.
3 outlets · One person dead and two injured in Havelock North car crash
One person has died and two others were seriously injured after a car went down a bank on Foster Lane in Havelock North. Police were called to the single-vehicle crash around 10pm on Thursday night.
3 outlets · Names released for four people killed in December vehicle crashes
Police have identified four people who died in separate crashes across Auckland, Waikato and Otago last month. The victims include Anthony Nelson Botica, Susanti Halim, and Derek Te Iwi Kau Studd. Investigations into the circumstances of these incidents are continuing.
3 outlets · Naomi Osaka reaches ASB Classic semifinals after three-set victory
Naomi Osaka defeated Hailey Baptiste 6-7, 6-1, 6-2 at the Manuka Doctor Arena to reach the ASB Classic semifinals. This marks Osaka's first semifinal appearance at the tournament in three years. In the same quarterfinal, Robin Montgomery defeated Bernarda Pera.
2 outlets · Perth Glory striker fined for bringing apple into New Zealand
Perth Glory striker Gabby Hollar has been fined $400 after travelling to the capital for a match against Wellington Phoenix. The American player was caught with an apple in her luggage, which violated biosecurity rules during the women's A-League trip across the Tasman.
2 outlets · Police appeal for sightings of missing Tauranga man
Police are seeking help to find 45-year-old Jarrad Ormsby, who has been missing since 19 December. Originally from Welcome Bay, he was last reported missing in Hamilton. Officers believe he is now clean-shaven and have issued a fresh appeal for information.
2 outlets · Banned Serene bathroom heaters linked to Christchurch house fires
Two separate house fires occurred in Christchurch within a 24-hour period involving prohibited Serene bathroom heaters. Fire and Emergency NZ warned that the S2068 model was previously recalled in May 2024 due to a manufacturing defect. WorkSafe has banned the heaters following a series of similar incidents last year.
2 outlets · Oranga Tamariki was not working with Hamilton whānau during baby's death
Oranga Tamariki states it was not involved with the family at the time of a violent attack in Hamilton. The incident resulted in the death of a baby and left a woman and another child seriously injured. The agency has not confirmed if it has worked with the family previously.
2 outlets · Ikea receives 800 applications per role for Auckland store opening
Ikea is receiving approximately 800 applications for each senior management role ahead of its first New Zealand store opening. The $407 million Sylvia Park location is expected to open towards the end of this year.
2 outlets · Man killed in Canterbury workplace accident identified
Police have named 51-year-old Craig Leslie Monk, who died following a workplace incident in Southbridge, Canterbury. The accident occurred on Glasseys Road on 21 December.
2 outlets · Thunderstorms and hail possible for parts of New Zealand on Friday
A low pressure system moving eastwards is expected to bring unsettled weather to much of the country on Friday. MetService warns that central and northern regions may experience rain, with a moderate risk of hail and severe thunderstorms in some areas.
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