Critical medical supplies and drugs stolen from Otago rescue helicopter
Thieves stole a bag containing drugs and critical medical equipment from a Queenstown rescue helicopter at Taieri Airfield over the weekend. Police warned the theft could endanger patients and be fatal if the drugs are used recreationally. The chief executive of Helicopters Otago has offered a $10,000 reward for information.
+37 outlets · Firefighters continue battling vegetation fire on Coromandel Peninsula
Multiple crews and helicopters returned to Black Jack Road near Kūaotunu on Monday to target hotspots. Although the blaze was brought under control, officials say fully extinguishing the fire may take several days. Specialist drones will use thermal imaging to identify deep-seated pockets of fire.
+15 outlets · Man charged after alleged attempted kidnapping in Sydenham
A man has been charged following an alleged attempted kidnapping on Tennyson Street in Sydenham on 2 January. Police say the man allegedly tried to pull a young person into a vehicle around 3pm. The accused is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on 16 January.
+15 outlets · Police hunt man who escaped transport vehicle in Taupō
Samir Derek Belhajjam, 30, escaped from a police transport van near the Taupō District Court on Monday evening. He was last seen wearing green prison-issue clothing and an orange hi-vis vest. Police are searching for him and urge the public not to approach him, but to call 111 immediately.
+26 outlets · Canterbury resident wins world's ugliest lawn competition
Leisa Elliott from Birdlings Flat has been named the winner of the 2024 World's Ugliest Lawn award. The competition rewards water conservation by celebrating lawns that are not watered. Her property near Christchurch received the international title for letting nature take control of the grass and flowerbeds.
+26 outlets · Bach destroyed by fire on Nelson's Boulder Bank
A fire destroyed a bach on the Boulder Bank near Nelson on Monday afternoon. Fire and Emergency crews were ferried to the site by the Nelson Harbourmaster due to the lack of road access. While dark smoke was visible, authorities stated there was no immediate risk to moored vessels.
4 outlets · Partial remains of waka discovered on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island
A local family discovered the partial remains of a waka buried in sand dunes on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island. Manatū Taonga is working with landowners and local iwi to manage the recovery. Some pieces have been recovered, while archaeologists have been called in to assist with conservation efforts.
+15 outlets · Ecostore worker suffers permanent eye damage in chemical accident
An Auckland Ecostore worker suffered permanent eye damage after hazardous chemicals sprayed into his eyes while making dishwasher powder in March 2023. Following a WorkSafe investigation, the company has committed to a safety overhaul and will invest approximately $323,000 in health and safety measures.
4 outlets · Investigations continue into fatal Clarkville crash that killed two
Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash in Clarkville, Canterbury, where a vehicle hit a power pole. The accident resulted in the deaths of 20-year-old Joey Young and a 17-year-old female. Authorities believe high speed may have been a factor in the incident.
4 outlets · Wellington Phoenix and David Ball mutually agree to part ways
The Wellington Phoenix and English forward David Ball have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with six months remaining. The decision ends Ball's nearly six-year tenure at the club. He plans to take a break with his family before deciding on his next steps.
3 outlets · New Zealanders stranded in Dallas after flight delays and cancellations
Kiwi travellers were left stranded at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for several days after American Airlines flight AA35 was delayed. Passengers reported being left without food, medication or baggage following cancellations linked to storms and a possible mechanical issue. Some travellers described the experience as a nightmare with little communication or compensation.
3 outlets · American tourist identified as victim in fatal Orongo crash
Police have named 58-year-old Marcia Diana Shattuck as the woman who died in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 25 near Orongo. Ms Shattuck, a US citizen on holiday, died following the accident on 19 December. Two other people were seriously injured in the collision.
3 outlets · Buses replace Auckland trains during critical rail network upgrades
Auckland Transport has replaced trains with buses this month to allow KiwiRail to upgrade over 110 sites for the City Rail Link. Commuters faced delays and overcrowded replacement buses on Monday morning as many returned to work following the Christmas break.
3 outlets · Critics raise concerns over proposed Regulatory Standards Bill
Critics have described the government's proposed Regulatory Standards Bill as dangerous, with some fearing it could entrench ACT party ideology. While Regulation Minister David Seymour says the bill aims to increase transparency, opponents suggest it focuses on protecting private property and wealth. Feedback on the proposals was due to close on Monday night.
+37 outlets · Desert Road closed for two months for maintenance work
State Highway 1 between Tūrangi and Waiouru is closed for two months for road reconstruction and bridge repairs. The Ruapehu District mayor expressed concerns that accidents on the detour could disrupt transport networks across the central North Island.
+26 outlets · Young boy dies after falling from cliff near Hāhei Beach
A 13-year-old boy died at the scene after falling from a cliff near Hāhei Beach on Saturday evening. Police reported that two people under the age of 18 fell, but the second person was rescued uninjured. An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway.
2 outlets · Lulu Sun aims to end losing streak at Australian Open
New Zealand tennis player Lulu Sun is seeking a strong performance at the Australian Open. The world number 43 has not won a match since withdrawing from the US Open last August, following recent first-round losses at the ASB Classic and the Hobart WTA tournament.
2 outlets · Consent granted for 13 sections off flood-damaged Marlborough Sounds road
Thirteen new sections on Kenepuru Road near Portage Resort have been granted consent. The development proceeds despite concerns regarding vegetation removal and sediment runoff. An original consent for 27 lots was granted in 2008 but did not proceed due to an economic downturn.
+15 outlets · Thirteen-year-old boy dies after falling from Coromandel cliff
A 13-year-old boy died at the scene after falling from a cliff near Hahei Beach on Saturday evening. Emergency services rescued a second person under the age of 18 from the top of the cliff uninjured. An investigation into the circumstances of the incident will be conducted.
4 outlets · Aviation code raised for Whakaari/White Island due to volcanic ash
The aviation colour code for Whakaari/White Island has been upgraded to orange. GNS Science reported that the island is passively emitting a weak-to-moderate steam and gas plume containing minor amounts of volcanic ash. The volcanic alert level remains at 2.
2 outlets · New evidence in Gabriel Yad-Elohim murder case
New evidence has emerged regarding Gabriel Yad-Elohim, who was convicted of murdering 69-year-old Michael Mulholland. During his trial, it was heard that Yad-Elohim may have been acting out a scene from a Japanese anime series when he inflicted approximately 90 blows on the victim. Yad-Elohim has unsuccessfully challenged his conviction in the Court of Appeal.
2 outlets · Drones deployed to assist with Coromandel Peninsula fireground survey
Drones equipped with thermal imaging will survey the Black Jack fireground on Monday night to locate remaining pockets of fire. Firefighters have been working in steep terrain and strong winds to manage the Kūaotunu blaze, which began on Saturday and was under control by Sunday.
2 outlets · New Zealander loses Malibu home in Los Angeles fires
Julie Booth Haberfeld saw her seaside Malibu home burn to the ground on a news broadcast. She and her husband purchased the property in August. She is one of at least two New Zealanders who have lost homes in the recent Los Angeles fires.
2 outlets · Cook Strait ferry passengers warned of more rough crossings
Passengers crossing the Cook Strait have been warned of difficult journeys due to rough seas. Recent southerly winds have caused delays and cancellations for ferry services, though some trips proceeded on Monday.
3 outlets · Most of New Zealand expects a cool but drier week
MetService forecasts cooler than usual temperatures across much of New Zealand this week. While conditions are expected to be dry initially, humid air and rain may arrive towards the end of the week.
2 outlets · Auckland man charged with murder in Avondale
A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a woman's body in an Avondale home. The man has been granted interim name suppression and is due to appear in the High Court later this month.
2 outlets · Pacific Edge shares fall after US Medicare coverage decision
Dunedin-based cancer diagnostics firm Pacific Edge saw its share price plunge following a decision by US Medicare contractor Novitas to revoke coverage for its flagship test. The company described the analysis as flawed and stated it may appeal the decision or pursue legal action.
2 outlets · Researcher suggests simplifying school uniforms to lower costs
An Otago University researcher suggests that school uniforms should be less complex to reduce expenses for families. With some kits costing over $1000, the researcher notes that the current economy makes these high prices particularly difficult for many.
2 outlets · New Plymouth cyclist identified following fatal Matamata crash
Police have named 69-year-old John Michael Hickey as the cyclist killed in a crash on Hopkins Road, Matamata, on 2 January. Mr Hickey, a former dairy farmer from New Plymouth, was honoured with a funeral service in his home city on Thursday.
2 outlets · Man remembered after fatal snorkelling accident in Northland
Daniel Allen, 46, died after being found unresponsive while snorkelling at Bland Bay in Whangaruru on New Year's Eve. Family members have described the deceased as having an adventurous spirit and a passion for life.
2 outlets · Crews repair burst water main on Auckland's Queen Street
A water main burst on the corner of Queen and Wakefield streets just before 5pm on Sunday. Crews worked through the night to repair the fault near the Civic Centre. The rupture caused road damage and required significant repair work.
2 outlets · Waka ama sprint nationals begin at Lake Karāpiro
The 2025 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals have commenced at Lake Karāpiro. Organisers expect nearly 4,000 paddlers and 8,000 supporters at the seven-day event, which marks the largest turnout for the competition to date.
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