2024 was New Zealand's 10th warmest year on record
NIWA's annual climate summary reveals 2024 was New Zealand's 10th warmest year on record. Despite two months of below-average temperatures, eight months of the year recorded above-average temperatures.
+15 outlets · Police appeal after man brings child's body to Auckland police station
A 37-year-old man has appeared in Manukau District Court charged with the murder of a child. The deceased was discovered in a vehicle at the Manukau Police Station early Monday morning. Police are seeking information regarding suspicious activity or sightings of a blue Nissan Bluebird in East Tāmaki on Sunday night.
+15 outlets · Calls for extension after Treaty Principles Bill submission website crashes
Political parties and members of the public are calling for an extension to the Treaty Principles Bill submission deadline following technical failures on the Parliamentary website. The Justice Committee is set to meet on Thursday to discuss the issue after reports that many people could not upload feedback before the Tuesday deadline.
+37 outlets · Five people seriously injured in South Waikato vehicle crash
Five people sustained serious injuries following a two-vehicle crash at Piarere in South Waikato around 5.30am. State Highway 1 was closed near Tirau as emergency services responded to the scene. Hato Hone St John dispatched several vehicles to treat those involved.
+15 outlets · Noah and Isla named New Zealand's most popular baby names for 2024
The Department of Internal Affairs has released the most popular baby names for 2024. Noah was the top name for boys for the second year running, with 250 babies sharing it. Isla returned to the number one spot for girls, being given to 190 babies.
4 outlets · Man faces potential charges after driving through Waikato crash scene cordons
A 53-year-old Auckland man is under investigation after driving a truck and trailer through police cordons at a crash scene in Piarere. The incident occurred on State Highway 1 following a two-vehicle collision that left five people injured. A police officer was forced to jump out of the way to avoid the vehicle.
4 outlets · Ten pilot whales stranded at Farewell Spit in Golden Bay
Ten pilot whales became stranded at Farewell Spit on Tuesday, with two of the whales having died. Volunteers and the Department of Conservation have been working to keep the remaining eight whales hydrated and comfortable. Rescuers aimed to refloat the surviving whales during Wednesday afternoon's high tide.
+15 outlets · Thousands without internet after digger damages Northland fibre cable
A digger damaged a main fibre cable between Whangārei and Dargaville, leaving over 2,070 customers in the Kaipara District without internet. The outage affects Dargaville, Ruawai, Paparoa, and Maungaturoto. Northpower crews are currently on site working on repairs.
4 outlets · Search for missing Christchurch man who left cryptic note
Stewart Willis, 63, has been missing from his St Albans home since approximately 24 July 2023. He left all his belongings behind and a note with the word "farm" on his front door. Police are not actively searching but will investigate any new information.
4 outlets · Dolphin freed from net in Auckland's Waitematā Harbour
A Department of Conservation team has successfully freed a juvenile bottlenose dolphin from a fishing net in western Waitematā Harbour. The animal was reported entangled on 29 December and was freed using specialist knives. Officials say the dolphin is now swimming strongly.
3 outlets · Wellington player wins $7 million in first Powerball draw of 2025
A Wellington resident has won $7 million in Wednesday night's Lotto draw after being gifted a ticket by a family member. The MyLotto winning ticket included $6 million from the Powerball First Division and $1 million from the Lotto First Division.
3 outlets · Twenty-two dogs and puppies uplifted from Ōpōtiki property
Ōpōtiki District Council staff have removed 22 dogs and puppies from a Ford Street property following several incidents. The animals were uplifted after dogs from the household were involved in attacks on women in September and December. The owner has been fined and agreed to surrender the animals, which have since been put down.
4 outlets · Sinkhole in St Marys Bay has been filled in
A sinkhole opened at the corner of Dunedin and New Streets in St Marys Bay on Wednesday midday. Firefighters and council contractors attended the scene to secure the area, and the crater has since been covered with a metal plate and filled in.
3 outlets · Hastings District Council removes rope swing at Maraetotara Falls
The Hastings District Council has removed tree branches and a rope swing at Maraetotara Falls in Hawke's Bay. Officials cited health and safety concerns regarding the risk of swinging into the pool below. Local visitors have expressed disappointment over the removal of the popular summer activity.
3 outlets · Rotorua to introduce new kerbside organic waste collection in 2026
Rotorua Lakes Council will begin weekly food and green waste collection from July 2026, while general rubbish pick-ups will reduce to fortnightly. The new service, provided by Smart Environmental, is expected to increase annual rates by just under $25.
+15 outlets · Black Caps clinch series victory over Sri Lanka in Hamilton
New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 113 runs in a rain-shortened one-day international at Seddon Park. The win gives the Black Caps an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman contributed significantly to the New Zealand total.
2 outlets · Hidden elder abuse affects New Zealand's Chinese community
One in ten New Zealanders aged 65 and older experience elder abuse. Researchers highlight 'cold violence' as a difficult to detect form of abuse within the Chinese community. Currently, only one in 14 reported cases reach service agencies capable of intervening.
2 outlets · New Zealand considers sharing criminal offending data with Five Eyes partners
Discussions are ongoing between New Zealand and its Five Eyes partners regarding the potential sharing of citizens' criminal offending details. While the group currently shares migrant travel records, the UK has confirmed it shares data on citizens applying for visas.
2 outlets · Iwi representatives lose confidence in Taranaki Regional Council
Iwi representatives have formally lost confidence in the Taranaki Regional Council as an impartial governing body. This follows a decision by councillors to block debate regarding the Government's Treaty Principles Bill. The six representatives stated they remain committed to working for the regional community despite the loss of trust.
3 outlets · Jai Opetaia retains cruiserweight titles after knocking out David Nyika
Australian boxer Jai Opetaia retained his IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world titles by knocking out New Zealand's David Nyika. The match took place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia. Before the fight, promoter Eddie Hearn described the bout as the best cruiserweight contest in the world.
2 outlets · Investigation launched into dead and injured whales in Kaikōura
The Department of Conservation is investigating the death of a sperm whale and injuries to another whale near Kaikōura. The animals were spotted by a fishing vessel and a tourist operator over the New Year period. Officials believe the injuries to the second whale are not life-threatening.
2 outlets · Wellington bakery introduces new pie flavours almost daily
Bakers Joe and Carey Player moved Salut Pies from Ōtaki to Wellington several months ago. The bakery creates new flavours nearly every day, with options ranging from red Thai curry to eggs Benedict.
2 outlets · First New Zealander convicted of sabotage released from prison
Graham Philip has been released from prison after serving a three-year and one-month sentence for attempting to disable the North Island power grid. The former saboteur will remain under electronic monitoring for the next six months.
4 outlets · Woman arrested over alleged $10,000 shoplifting spree
A 30-year-old woman was arrested in Huntly on Sunday for alleged prolific shoplifting. She faces 15 charges relating to approximately $10,000 worth of goods stolen from stores across the Waikato and Counties Manukau regions. Police recognised the woman as she was crossing Harris Street.
2 outlets · Man in critical condition after shooting in Mangōnui
A man is fighting for his life after being shot on Mary Hassett Street in Mangōnui. Police were called to the scene around 3.40am and have launched an inquiry to find the offender. Kaitāia police are investigating the incident.
2 outlets · Greenleaf Fresh enters administration after failing to reach profitability
New Zealand's first large-scale vertical farming business, Greenleaf Fresh, has entered voluntary administration. The company, which produced goods under the Green Grower brand, was unable to achieve sufficient scale to become profitable. Liquidators were appointed on 30 December.
2 outlets · Police investigate suspicious death of Pukekohe man
Police are investigating the death of a 48-year-old man found at a Times Place address in Pukekohe on 30 December. The investigation is now being treated as suspicious following the results of a postmortem examination.
2 outlets · Fire extinguished at Takanini scrap metal recycling facility
Firefighters have extinguished a large blaze at a scrap metal yard on Rangi Road in Takanini. The fire, which reached approximately 25 square metres at its largest, broke out on Tuesday morning. Emergency services are currently dampening down hotspots at the South Auckland site.
2 outlets · Auckland west coast beach dog warden role explained
Fletcher Munsterman served as the dog warden for Whatipu, Karekare, Piha and Te Henga beaches between December 2023 and July 2024. The role involved educating owners and fining offenders to protect wildlife and children. Munsterman will return as a backup warden this summer.
2 outlets · Christchurch mother warns of sexual comments on toy walkie-talkies
A Christchurch mother is warning parents to monitor toy walkie-talkies after hearing an unknown man making sexual innuendos on her sons' Christmas presents. The toys, purchased from Kmart, reportedly allowed the man to broadcast inappropriate comments and moaning sounds into the home.
2 outlets · Serene bathroom heaters linked to two Christchurch house fires
Two recent house fires in Christchurch have been connected to recalled Serene bathroom heaters. Consequently, the sale, use, and installation of Serene S2068, S207T, and S2069 wall-mount models have been banned. Fire and Emergency New Zealand noted these incidents could have been life-threatening.
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